Psalms 103:1

We got hit by a pretty nasty snow storm over this past weekend (ll inches) and just before I drifted off to sleep I was thanking the Lord for his protection and for the blessing of our home, which is primarily being heated by wood this winter. It's true that not every room is a warm as I've been accustomed to in winters past, but I definitely can't complain. An extra blanket thrown around my shoulders in the evening, as well as on the bed at night is enough to keep me comfortable.

As I laid there in bed, another cold related thought came to mind. I marveled at how amazing it was that the Native American's were able to endure such frigid winter temperatures. Especially since they didn't have the kind of shelter's that we enjoy today. And... have you ever thought about the animals in nature that survive such varied and extreme weather situations throughout their lifetime? Those were just passing thoughts I had. You may think they're a bit silly and elementary, but having thought them made me especially grateful for the provisions the Lord has given to me and my family at this time in our lives.

A Thanksgiving Wish

Thanksgiving
(Lizelia Augusta Jenkins Moorer)

Let us give thanks to God above,
Thanks for expressions of His love,
Seen in the book of nature, grand
Taught by His love on every hand.

Let us be thankful in our hearts,
Thankful for all the truth imparts,
For the religion of our Lord,
All that is taught us in His word.

Let us be thankful for a land,
That will for such religion stand;
One that protects it by the law,
One that before it stands in awe.

Thankful for all things let us be,
Though there be woes and misery;
Lessons they bring us for our good-
Later 'twill all be understood.

Thankful for peace o'er land and sea,
Thankful for signs of liberty,
Thankful for homes, for life and health,
Pleasure and plenty, fame and wealth.

Thankful for friends and loved ones, too,
Thankful for all things, good and true,
Thankful for harvest in the fall,
Thankful to Him who gave it all.

From my family to yours-- May you all have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving.

As you gather round with those you love, remember to give thanks to the Creator above. For blessings large and small; for the protection and freedoms He still grants to us all. For His soon return where we will spend eternity enjoying a grand fellowship around His table; the table He's so lovingly prepared for you and for me.

Until that day-- God bless you, each and every one!
~Debbie Ann

A Warning for Christians

There have been a couple of emails floating around from unknown authors trying to warn Christian families about the movie "The Golden Compass". A movie targeted at children, scheduled to be released on December 7th of this year. I had heard about the movie a couple of months ago and visited the official website to see what all the fuss was about. Let me just say, if you are a Christian and are moviegoers, I strongly suggest you steer clear; REALLY CLEAR! You may be thinking-- "Just who do you think you are"! That's OK if you feel this way and I actually can't blame you if you do, but may I just suggest this: If you're even considering this movie, please do lots of research before you say yes to your kids should they ever ask if they can see it. This way you can't say later, "I had no idea!"

Here is just a small snip-it of something I read regarding the movie. "This movie is based on a the first book of a trilogy by atheist Philip Pullman. In the final book a boy and girl kill God so they can do as they please. Pullman left little doubt about his intentions when he said in a 2003 interview that "My books are about killing God."

Personally speaking, I wouldn't never allow my kids to watch it! I have included below, the mentioned emails for your consideration.

FIRST EMAIL: "There will be a new Children's movie out in December called THE GOLDEN COMPASS. Phillip Pullman, a proud atheist who belongs to secular humanist societies, writes it. He hates C. S. Lewis's Chronicle’s of Narnia and has written a trilogy to show the other side. The movie has been dumbed down to fool kids and their parents in the hope that they will buy his trilogy where in the end the children kill God and everyone can do as they please. Nicole Kidman stars in the movie so it will probably be advertised a lot. This is just a friendly warning that you sure won't hear on the regular TV."

SECOND EMAIL: "I just wanted to inform you what I just learned about a movie that is coming out December 7, during the Christmas season, which is entitled THE GOLDEN COMPASS. It stars Nicole Kidman and it is directed toward children. What is disturbing to me is that this movie is based on the first of a trilogy of books for children called HIS DARK MATERIALS written by Philip Pullman of England.

He's an atheist and his objective is to bash Christianity and promote atheism. I heard that he has made remarks that he wants to kill God in the minds of children, and that's what his books are all about. He despises C.S. Lewis and Narnia, etc. An article written about him said "this is the most dangerous author in Britain" and that Pullman would be the writer "the atheists would be praying for, if atheists prayed." Pullman said he doesn't think it is possible that there is a God and he has great difficulty understanding the words "spiritual" and "spirituality." What I thought was important to communicate is what part of the agenda is for making this picture. This movie is a watered down version of the first book, which is the least offensive of the three books. The second book of the trilogy is THE SUBTLE KNIFE and the third book is THE AMBER SPYGLASS. Each book gets worse and worse regarding Pullman's hatred of God. In the trilogy, a young girl becomes enmeshed in an epic struggle against a nefarious Church known as the Magisterium. Another character, an ex-nun, describes Christianity as "a very powerful and convincing mistake." As I understand it, in the last book, a boy and girl are depicted representing Adam and Eve and they kill God, who at times is called YAHWEH (which is definitely not Allah). Since the movie would seem mild if you viewed it, that's been done on purpose.

They are hoping that unsuspecting parents will take their children to see the movie, that they will enjoy the movie and then the children will want the books for Christmas. That's the hook. Pullman says he wants the children to read the books and decide against God and the kingdom of heaven.

If you decide that you do not want to support something like this, I suggest that you boycott the movie and the books. I googled a synopsis of THE GOLDEN COMPASS. As I skimmed it, I couldn't believe that in a children's book part of the story is about castration and female circumcision."

And now, read what Snopes has to say about the movie.

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8