"Tired"

Last week was crazy, and we only have a week and a half left before we visit the family for Christmas. There is so much to get done, but more than that thinking about 2008 is crucially important as well. I had the privelage of spending time with the Boyd and Oneal family last week, and I was simply refreshed at the Joy and Peace that God can bring in times of chaos. In Sundays message we talked about giving "compassion for Christmas." I am thinking daily about ways I can make it happen in my life and my family. What I am learning is the more I think about it the more I realize how bad I am at it. I just thought I would take a minute and share with you my own struggles.

New Release

As you know this Friday a new movie is being released that is directed towards children in which the main character is a child who takes a journey in an amazing fantasy world. The movie, The Golden Compass, is due out this Friday, December 7th. Although this movie looks like another innocent portrayal of a fantasy world where great adventures take place, things become very deceiving. What is disturbing to me is that the movie is actually based on the first of a trilogy of books for children called His Dark Materials written by Philip Pullman of England.
Pullman is a proclaimed atheist who is bent on killing God in the minds of children. His materials and books are very anti-christian or anti-religion. British Columnist Peter Hitchens in 2002 labeled him “the most dangerous author in Britain”. He uses his stories to twist and distort familiar biblical accounts of creation, fall, and redemption, making heroes of those who rebel against religion, and having one of his "good" characters even say, "The Christian religion is a very powerful and convincing mistake."
At first glance, you or your children may have seen this preview and thought “Oh, here is another good looking movie” or "Oh man, that looks like an awesome flick". (At least thats what I say when I see a neat preview!) I write all of this to say think twice. Most things in the realm of media and literature have an underlying meaning or theme. Although the Hollywood version of this movie is very watered down, the attempt is to not only get you to see the movie, but to buy the books as well.

For some articles from a Christian perspective regarding this movie visit:
http://www.breakpoint.org/search.asp?keywords=the+golden+compass

For a quick overview of the book series through plot summaries visit:
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/hisdarkmaterials/summary.html

Sharon Boyd Funeral Arrangements

As most of you know, Sharon Boyd past away Monday afternoon following an extensive bout with cancer. Our prayers are with her family and we wanted to inform you of the upcoming arrangements. The viewing will be held from 6-9PM Thursday December 6th at Reiman's Funeral Home on Commission Road in Long Beach. There will also be a viewing at Gulf Coast Worship Center from 10AM-noon Friday December 7th. The funeral will be held at Gulf Coast Worship Center at noon on Friday. If you would like to assist with meals for the family, please contact Pastor Eddie at 228-868-9500.