QUESTION OF THE WEEK

TV, Movies, and There 

Affect On our Lives

By

Thomas Brooke

Movies As Literature Student Writer

 

In the past few months, I have been struck by the amount of references my siblings and I make to the movies and TV shows we watched while growing up. It seems inconceivable to be with my family and not reference the Princess Bride, Monty Python, or The Simpson's.  My family has been molded to a degree by these shows in their entertainment and their educational value as well as their practical value in our daily lives.

 

You may think it’s not creative to copy and insert someone else’s lines into your own family conversation but the creativity is found in the timing and the repetition.  Even while thinking about my dad, who has been in Tampa for the past ten days, I felt connected to Inigo in the Princess Bride when his famous line flashed through my mind, “I want my father back you….”  Well, you know the line.   Although the Princess Bride is not a book based on sports, its thrilling fights, wit and escapes encompassed many hours of my family’s time.  But perhaps more time was spent in quoting and reminiscing then in the actual watching of the film. 

 

While these movies were entertaining to our family, they were very educational too.  From Monty Python, we learned that some systems of government are favored above others. 

 

“Listen strange women, lyin' in ponds distributin' swords is no basis for a system of government. Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony.”

 

We learned it was possible to free climb a rope up a sheer cliff, have that rope cut and still manage to hang on and complete the climb.  You can be “some dead” but not “all dead” and miracles can be bought.  While you may have been taught to revere the legend of the Knights of the Round Table, for choosing right rather than might, you should know that Camelot is a silly place. 

 

But it’s not only about the educational and entertaining value, it also provided ideas for staple meals.  One of my favorite family dinners is fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob and salad.  This is  Bob’s dinner from What about Bob?.  We know the whole conversation during the meal and after when Leo is saved by Bob’s quick reaction, and the family’s encouragement, “higher, with your knee more!”  (He lives; you looked worried.)

 

  As you can see there are a few movies and shows that have affected my family, from what we eat to our views on proper authority, to simple entertainment.  So the question I pose to you is this: name three movies/TV shows that have affected you growing up and how they still affect you today?

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

S'MORE FUN, PLEASE!

Last night, I hosted an outing for the Youth Group at my church, Oakleaf Christian Fellowship. Mom's and dad's, along with their teenagers, journeyed to Connor's Amazing Acres, which is a corn maze, out in the middle of nowhere, Florida. Under the sliver of a moon hanging low in the night sky, we found our way through a corn maze in the dark, gazed at the stars on a hayride, and huddled around a bonfire roasting marshmallows; the perfect way to spend an Autumn evening.
(Pictured left: Mom's in the corn bin!)

What could be more fun than trudging through a dark corn maze full of thrill-hungry folks, earnestly trying not to get lost? Our only hope to ever make it out was to answer various clues that either left us lost or sent us right on our way. Every now and then, something or somebody popped out of the dark, sending ear-piercing shrikes into our quiet, rural surroundings. With the help of a flashlight and a good attitude, our team made to the exit in one piece.

After the maze, our entire group boarded two trailers filled with fresh hay and set out for the "back 40," where we enjoyed a star-gazer's delight. The sky was filled with sparkling illumination, set in the sky by His Majesty, Himself. City folks like us sat amazed as we are not usually able to see such a stellar display. The tractor's engine, along with the rise and fall of excited voices, were the only sounds we heard on our lazy hayride.

Last but not least, the highlight of the evening... S'mores! I'll never forget where I was the very first time I ever ate this delectably sweet combination of three very simple ingredients. The marshmallows must be roasted to perfection and then slipped between two crisp graham crackers, along with the addition of a small slab of chocolate. The key is patience... patience to wait for the chocolate to melt BEFORE you take your first bite. And then the inevitable happens - you want s'more S'mores!

With just the right amount of chill in the air, the S'mores, hayride, and corn maze were a perfect Fall fit. Everything from the long and winding drive to our destination, to the last roasted marshmallow, it was a fabulous evening. I'm a glutton for fun and already I'm ready for S'more!

If you could name one thing you can't get enough of, what would it be?
Cyberpsalmist

YOU ASK, WHERE HAVE I BEEN?

Well, if you have a minute or two, I'll tell you. I've been packing, unpacking, and doing laundry!

After my last blog entry, I left for Orlando and attended the FPEA Homeschool Convention with my two youngest kids, Garrett and Lily. The seminars were fabulous and every type of book, curriculum, kit, and computer product was at my fingertips; each vendor ready to swipe my credit card.

When the convention ended, we were off to the University of Central Florida, Orlando, where the three of us attended an incredible science camp, hosted by Aurora Lipper of Supercharged Science. There Garrett and Lily worked on making robots, lasers, roller coasters and various chemical mixtures, including the combination of diet cola and Mentos. The rest is messy history. (See the photos in a previous post.)

Three days after we came home, I was on a plane for Kansas City. Not only did I get to hang out with my daughter who lives there as a prayer missionary with the International House of Prayer, I attended a very hands-on Worship Symposium. Our class had about 35 participants with 11 nations of the world represented. God truly unifies His people through worship.

The next week, after I arrived home, my summer taxi service began. Lily started Apron's Cooking School (in the chefs hat on far right) with Publix, where she created full meals from Monday through Friday. It included Italian, Asian, Mexican, and American cuisine. The doggy bags were fantastic. (Read the article and watch the video in the recent post.)

The next week we went back and forth from the Cummer Art Museum, where Lily had a very enriching experience with everything from clay and painting to paper mache. I think I finally satisfied her creative hunger as she showed no signs of boredom.

In the meantime, Garrett started getting involved with Boy Scout Troop 252. This has been the best thing for him, being the outdoorsman that he is. They camp on a regular basis, and are constantly working on merit badges, which is now consuming his time instead of other mindless activities. One of the things his troop did to raise money for camp this year was pick hundreds of gallons of fresh blueberries in Georgia. I've never seen this active child so tired!

It was all worth it though. The following week, the troop headed to North Carolina for one week of Boy Scout Camp fun. The adventure spirit in him was (temporarily) satisfied and he came home dirty and tired.

Just before he left, Lily and my husband took off for Wisconsin where they went on an "Old Home Tour." She had been asking her dad about his upbringing, her deceased as well as living relatives, and the old homestead in Wisconsin. Instead of telling her the details, he decided that showing her would be more meaningful. The trip was intricately put together by the Lord as their steps were perfectly ordered. On the plane ride home, she leaned over to her daddy and said, "This is a trip I'll never forget. Thanks, Dad."

If you haven't figured it out by now, I had exactly one week to myself. I slept in, watched movies, read until I couldn't, cleaned, did laundry and hurt my knee. That reduced my activity to more self-pampering, which included a pedicure before they all came home.

Lily was home for one night and left for 4-H camp the next week. Garrett left for a youth camp in Kansas City four days later. 18 days away from home is a long time, but I know the Lord will encounter him as he attends the Awakening Teen Camp, designed especially for this age group. (Plus the fact that he will get to chill with his sister, who is a counselor there.)

Lily is home for now but starts Sewing Camp on Tuesday. There she will learn the basics as well as make a pair of pajama pants. Garrett comes home in August, just in time for Boy Scouts to resume.

I look forward to having everyone together again but have to say, while taking a huge breath, I am forever grateful to the Lord for the opportunities He has given us. Compared to others, this has truly been the most enriching summer of all. We have enjoyed meeting new friends along with going to different places. Our hearts are full and our memories are forever.

I just wish I could keep up the laundry all of this has created!

How about you? Tell me about your summer . . .

Look up the meanings of your first and middle names in either a book of names or on the Internet. Are you surprised?Let me know what you find and then explain the significance.

THE PERFECT MEAL

It's getting closer. The anticipation is building. Soon, the smell of turkey roasting in the oven, along with dressing and pies, will fill millions of homes all over the United States.

As far back as I can remember, I woke up with these same distinctive aromas wafting past my nose, as well as the sound of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade coming from the family room TV. No one was necessarily watching it, but it was on all the same. Sleeping late meant no school, and if we were lucky, it would snow hard enough over the weekend to justify the school board calling for a snow day, giving us a few extra days off.

One of my favorite things to do was look through the Sears Christmas Wish Book and circle everything on my list. This would not be complete without holiday music in the background. Dad had a reel-to reel tape deck in which he had recorded Christmas songs from the radio. These same tapes were played year after year and each time, the familiar renditions would add another layer of memories. If we begged Dad long enough, he might even get the decorations out of the garage. When the ornaments were unpacked, I would gaze at my favorites, as if I were looking at them for the very first time.

Mom always planned to eat around 2:00 Pm, but Tom Turkey didn't make his golden debut until he was ready. The table was set by my sisters and I, everything in its place. Often times, I was given the job of making place cards . . . home made, of course. As the family grew larger and larger, this task took longer and longer. On occasion, we had a special guest join us for dinner . . . someone who needed a home for the holiday.

Then came the long-awaited two words, "Dinner's ready!" Just when we thought it was time to eat, my parents would gather us in a circle and while holding hands, we would take a minute to go around, one at a time, telling what we were thankful for. Although my stomach was empty, my heart was full of the many blessings God gave us as a family. I was overflowing with gratitude.

But that wasn't all that overflowed. When the prayer was over, the abundance of blessings on the table overflowed my plate. Here is what my plate looked like: a few slices of Mom's perfect turkey next to her AMAZING giblet stuffing (a double portion at least,) then corn, green bean casserole, home made mashed potato's and gravy, along with two cranberry sauces and possibly a roll. Since my son married, the North finally met the South and we now have the addition of Sweet Potato Casserole, courtesy of my daughter-in-law, Angela.

All's well that ends well and I am proud to say that I am the official pie maker in this family. I always bake at least four pies: Dutch Apple, Chocolate Pecan, Pumpkin and French Silk Chocolate Pie. (Don't forget the whipped Cream.)

After the last dish is washed, the women folk take their traditional walk in the neighborhood to ease the pain of overeating or maybe just get out of the kitchen. Yet, there is one last important ingredient left to mention.

When I was a child, we went as a family to view the Christmas window display at a popular department store in the town where I grew up. To carry on this tradition, we now go to Kuhn Flowers on Thanksgiving night, to see their widows. Although someone in my family always feels the need to express disapproval to this long standing ritual, they graciously appease me by honoring my request.

As the years go by, family dynamics have shifted and changed. This year, a nucleus of us will be trying Thanksgiving around the campfire. I am looking forward to creative variations of the traditions I hold so dear, adding another layer of memories. But I have learned something about this perfect meal . . . it's not where you are or what you put on your plate, its who you are with and what you have in your heart that counts.

What's your idea of the perfect meal?

THAT'S NOT THE WAY IT WAS IN MY DAY!

I heard this growing up and continue to hear it today.

I am very blessed to have my parents still living. My father was born in 1923 and my mother in 1930. When I look at those numbers, my brain freezes. What was it like to live back then? The only thing this generation can wrap it's mind around is the here and the now.

Listening to my parents speak of a simpler life makes me long for more innocent days of old. When my mother craved peaches, she didn't go to the grocery store; she went down to the cellar and grabbed a quart-size Mason jar which her mother canned. Her mothers washing machine was a wringer washer and all the laundry was dried outside on clothes lines. Telephone numbers were shared by neighbors who could interrupt your call at any time.

My dad didn't wear a back pack to school but carried his books in a stack, tied together with string or an old shoelace. When my dad's generation needed money, they got on a bike and delivered the daily paper. Because there was no television or video games, kids actually gathered on safe streets to play tag, capture the stick, marbles or jacks. If Dad could get enough friends together, they would play a neighborhood game of ball that lasted until dusk. Then the family would gather around the radio for evening entertainment.

Don't think that a simpler life was an easier one. The Great Depression took it's toll and many fathers lost their jobs, filing into breadlines to keep their families from starving. If you managed to have a job, you worked hard to keep it. Money was scarce and the economy suffered a very devastating blow. Just as our nation was recovering from the crash, WWII became the focus.

My folks survived the Depression as well as the war and still live to tell about days such as these. They are now enjoying so many modern conveniences that help make their lives easier. On occasion, my dad will even say, "If my mother could see this, she would roll over in her grave!"

But from then to now, everything is different; nothing is the same. We get more done in a minute than they could have gotten done in several hours or even days. One thing that frustrates my parents is the speed at which things change. Just when my mom learned how to navigate her present operating system, Windows came out with a new one. My dad loves his iPod but hasn't figured out how to update his play list. Replacing an old cell phone with a newer version is completely mind-boggling. They feel as though they can't keep up. Technology is in absolute hyperspace! While my brain is accustomed to processing at the speed of light; they are dizzy from breathing my fumes.

Have you ever stopped to consider what our existence will look like in 25 years? Will we be able to keep up with the information age? Life as we know it is going to be completely different. When someone says, "That's not the way it was in my day," they'll actually be referring to yesterday!

Speculate, for a minute, how things might change from this generation to the next.

Let me hear your thoughts.

What Do Clairol and State Farm Have in Common?

THEY BOTH HAVE ME COVERED!

Anyone learning to drive can give a new meaning to the word "stress." From rules to road signs, it's not exactly what you bargain for. 

I remember taking on the responsibility of getting behind the wheel. Drivers Ed was by far the favorite class amongst teenagers. In my day, the simulator lab was the closest thing we had to playing video games. The teacher set us up behind a monitor and left us alone until our designated time was up. 

But the most fun included three teenagers plus an instructor safety-belted into the seats of a Student Driver Vehicle. We thought we were so smart driving  around a school parking lot full of cones. When it was our turn to get street-smart, everyone in town shared a clear and present danger. The Drivers Ed vehicles were marked from front to back with flashing lights and signs; black and yellow caution stripes let the world know we were on the road. It wasn't as cool as I thought it would be. I felt like George McFly with a "Kick Me" sign on my back!

I survived and eventually got my drivers license. It was a proud moment. But if you ask my mom about her side of the story, she would tell it a bit differently. I had never seen facial expressions like that before (or since.) Her right foot was constantly riding an artificial break on the passenger side and she looked like a deer caught in the headlights. 

After teaching two of my own children how to drive, I can honestly say I know how she felt. Back then, there weren't near as many distractions for the student driver . . . cell phones, text messages, GPS's, and siblings, none of which were allowed in any of my learner's vehicle. 

I, just like my mother, lived through it. Two of my children are now road savvy; my other two children are being peacefully  chauffeured from here to there. This experience has contributed to the number of grey hairs on my head, but it's nothing Clairol won't cover. 

How about you? Do you have an interesting story to tell or comment to make on this subject? Should there be a few rules added to the handbook for the parents? I'll give you a penny for your thoughts.

IMAGINE WHAT LIFE WOULD BE LIKE IF TEENS RULED THE WORLD!

Brainstorm a list of instructions and give at least three rules teens would make for adults.

I've grown up a little bit but realize I still have a long way to go. Until I arrive, I have some advice to pass along to all the adults reading this.

#1. Proverbs warns parents not to provoke their kids to anger. Man, that is such good advice because parents come unglued, especially when they are stressed out. You can almost watch their blood boil and then
bang . . . they implode! My rule? Parents are required to say they are sorry too. I feel so much more respect for them when they ask me to forgive them.

#2. Teens should practice making plenty of adult decisions before leaving home. That way when we fail or screw something up, our parents can bail us out. It's more convenient messing up under our parents authority than out on our own.

#3. Teens should have maid service, especially for their rooms. All laundry should be done by this domestic helper, as well as keep personal items organized. Also, bedrooms should have a continually stocked mini-fridge, full of favorites.

As far as instructions, the best ones are found in the Bible concerning raising teens. I don't think parents give them enough credit.

Cyber Psalmist

What ONE Embarrassing Little Truth Can You Tell About Yourself?

"But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part,

which will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:22

It's almost hard to recall but there once was a time in my life when I was able to watch bits and pieces of morning television shows . At 9:00 Am, I had coffee with Regis and Kathy Lee. They jested and jeered about their lives and let me guess, along with the rest of America, the answer to the daily trivia question. Then at 10:00 Am, Martha Stewart showed me how to grow my own herbs, bake my own bread and weave a basket to serve it in. Everything was easy and perfect in her TV world and I too, dreamed of Living just like Martha. It appeared to come so natural for her, except for one thing. . . an entire staff of employees did the work behind the scenes. The image she portrayed was just a facade.

It reminds me of those old western towns seen on a film set. Many of the buildings are only facades, which are far cheaper than actual buildings. If we could go behind the scenes, we would be surprised by the fact that they are merely held up with supports. Such is the case in Martha's world.

Jesus used the story of Mary and Martha to prove a similar point. Martha appeared to have it together on the outside, but in her heart, she missed the mark. Martha felt like her purpose was to busy herself with household duties. One of her biggest downfalls was expecting everyone else to be as passionate about housework as she was. She began to despise Mary for her lack of concern but not even Jesus felt Martha's tasks were as important as Mary's.

I am truly a Mary stuck in Martha's world. I would much rather worship than wash the dishes; I prefer to fast than to feast; I'd rather press in and hear from the Lord than press shirts and have starched creases. The worship webstream runs more in my house than the carpet steam cleaner. The biggest reason I get on my knees is NOT to wax my floors. Existing in this realm requires I loose some of my Martha dignity.

You see, I love to do those things and I was trained by the best (my mother) to do them well. But I can't quite get myself to prioritize any differently. I get up early, yet stay up late. My accomplishments? They add up to a few new songs written for an audience of One; words of encouragement penned for one that needed His touch; or precious time spent with my kids who will one day be gone from my immediate reach.

What is my embarrasing truth? My house is pretty much a wreck. But one thing is needed, and hopefully I have chosen the good part.

Cyber Psalmist

Question of the Week

If you were given a million dollars,
what would you do with it?
- Kyle O.

Funny you should ask, Kyle, because I mentioned this to the Lord just the other day.

Recently, I went to an out-of-town wedding and was able to renew friendships with nieces and nephews that I had not seen in a few years. One of my nephews is struggling with circumstances in his life that categorize his present condition as "dysfunctional."

As I considered my position as his Aunt, I knew my family, along with the Lord's help, was capable of making a difference in his life. Next summer, we plan on arranging for him to spend a bit of his summer with us.

Then it hit me... wouldn't it be cool if I could personally take my nephew, along with my son (who is close in age) on a missions trip? As quick as the idea came up, I let it go, due to my constant lack of funding. With numerous missions trips behind me, I knew the routine... fundraisers, passport applications, medical exams, not to mention the physical and spiritual preparation. All of this was worth the effort, yielding a greater spiritual return than I could ever fathom. But my biggest hurtle would no doubt be finances.

So, the last thing I whispered in God's ear only a few days ago regarding this far-fetched idea was, "If someone gave me a million dollars, I know just what I would do with it."

I'll leave it right there and remind you as well as myself, "with God, all things are possible," even a million dollars. (Matt. 19:26)

Cyber Psalmist

Question of the Week

What happened on the best day of your summer vacation?

On the best day of my summer vacation, I woke up and there were no kids in my house.

My oldest son has been married over three years now but sometimes when I go into his old room, I still imagine he is in there (sleeping). I used to sit down on his bed and annoy him by slurping coffee in his ear until he woke up.

My first daughter is now at IHOP Kansas City for an internship but her room is still high voltage. Even though she is not around to order my day and eat sushi with me, her sister, who still occupies the room, is. The evidence is unfolding as to who was the cause of the continuous mess in the room.

Both girls have vacated the premises... one in KC, the other is at camp for one solid week.

That leaves the youngest son home (although I tried my best to talk him into going to camp, knowing secretly, I’d have one week to myself. But no chance. He was looking for some solitude as well but never admitted it.

Until -- the phone call came! He was invited to spend a couple of nights at a friends and I was looking at getting a little over 48 hours to myself. I cheerfully released him to his friends house and as I was walking up my front steps, let out a “yea-high” that I’m sure my neighbors heard.

So you might wonder what I did with my 48 hrs? I meticulously scrubbed the guest bathroom. Not even the ants liked the bleachy smell. It sparkled so much that I needed sunglasses. After I was through, I walked past it on purpose, just to get extra glimpses of my hard efforts.

Shortly after that, I began packing my bags for a well-earned trip to Savannah, which included a self-guided walking tour of the river front and some historical stops as well as a reservation at “Lady & Sons” restaurant with new friends that God has recently put in my life.

The fellowship was fantastic, the food was fabulous, the walking was wonderful, and the shopping was just too short.

When I returned home, the first thing I wanted to do was see my kids (hubby too.) It's true, I missed them the whole time. But I sure did have some guilt-free fun while they were gone!

I Feel the Urge

My labor was coming to an end, with its normal twists and turns. This baby was an answer to numerous private prayers to the Lord, asking Him to somehow bless me with another child to love. After many hours of concentrated breathing efforts, I began to feel a new sensation. It was strong and with it I experienced a fresh “wind in my sails.” I felt the urge to push.

My years as a home schooling Mom are far from over as I still have several in the nest that need training. I never could have imagined when I was young that I would be taking on the role of being my children’s educator. When that idea was first presented to me (unusually by my first child), I laughed thinking surely, I am entirely too inadequate. But my children have defied that reasoning, assuring me almost daily with a 100% approval rating saying, “I am the best teacher ever!”

It all started one morning parked outside the private school I had my son enrolled in. He and I were trying to let go of the hold we had on each other when we both heard the bell ring from my parked car next to the building. That meant another trip to the office for me and another tardy slip for him. Our excuse? We didn’t want to say goodbye. We felt that same way the night before he got married.

While some have enjoyed teaching their children to read, I can think of one child in particular who I could compare it to pulling eye teeth. She refused to sit still, much less show any kind of enjoyment over “couch time.” This one would rather be climbing a tree than sit with me for a few moments of cuddle time and a book. Somehow we got through those years and she is not illiterate. Her favorite book is by far the Song of Solomon. She reads it with incredible insight and her comprehension level is over the top.

I pray for tons of stamina and creativity as I continue on my journey. My 11 year old student takes me by surprise with his long, tender hugs. That’s not something every middle school teacher can brag about. Just when I feel like giving up, he seems to know exactly what I need. When others are counting the days to get away from their students on a “break,” I can honestly say, this child helps me appreciate my role as his teacher.

God knew what He was doing when I was told in my forties that I was pregnant. He knew that this little one would keep my life full and add to it daily with interest. She is the expression of joy and has a very keen sense of observation. I know I am suppose to be watching out for her but expect that she will in fact, be watching out for me. I didn’t understand the spacing between my children for years, but as the nest begins to empty, I see God’s grace and mercy through her toward me as a mother. I was never meant to be without one to teach.

My second child has now graduated and it's time for her to fly. She leaves in a week to a place that is halfway between my heart and the Pacific Ocean. I look back on our years together as child/parent, student/teacher, mother/daughter, and I can truly say I have no regrets. Together, we have finished the race. I am excited for all that God has planned for her. That’s not to say I won’t cry when she is 1,200 miles away. But we have a true friendship that’s stood the test of time and God has rewarded me with the ability to set her free. So now, once again, I feel the urge to push. It comes after a long, but good labor of love.