A Call to Anguish

As you may have noticed from some of my recent blog posts there is a lot of news these days that can be very frightening. Many people are worried about what could happen and might be in our nation. While it is important to consider future implications of current events, it is also easy to fall into the trap of prophesying a "soon doom" that in actuality may or may not happen. My goal for mentioning public occurances on this blog is not to be an alarmist (creating needless worry or panic), instead, I try to highlight events that do happen and/or are scheduled to happen, but probably from a different perspective than the leftist media. I hope the information and resources you find here will help you be more informed and therefore a better influence to those around you.

"One basic technique [to control people] is to keep them ignorant. Educated people are not as easy to manipulate. Abolishing public education or restricting access to education would be the direct approach. That would spill the beans. The indirect approach is to control the education they receive." ~Charley Reese ("How to Control People")

Another goal I have is to challenge you to strengthen your walk with God and from time to time I try to suggest resources that will help you do that. We know from the Bible that persecution of the church is coming. We as Christians need to be prepared...MUST be prepared. It was in prison that Bonhoeffer began to question his faith and the relevance of Jesus Christ, but his faith and commitment to God held firm...and he died for what he believed. It is so easy for me to want to be comfortable, to relax, to enjoy life, I want to believe that we are safe in America and dismiss the idea that our faith could be tested. Is that all I'm living for? Am I merely concerned with what is happening? Or does the state of our nation and our world drive me to anguish, sorrow, grief and heartache?

"The bravest are those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, both the glory and danger alike, and yet nevertheless, go out to meet it." -Thucydides

Listen to the following excerpts from David Wilkerson’s soul-stirring sermon on anguish and after seven minutes your passion for true revival may never be the same. This is very powerful!

This video originated from http://braveheartedgospel.com

Share

Not a Fan - Director's Journal 3

This a great video that talks about breaking down a script into shot lists and how to plan what to shoot each day! Great info, check it out!

Share

Obama Signs Hate Crimes Bill

The First Amendment states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Wiki - Hate Speech: "The United States federal government and state governments are broadly forbidden by the First Amendment of the Constitution from restricting speech. See, e.g., Gitlow v. New York (1925), incorporating the free speech clause.

Generally speaking, the First Amendment prohibits governments from regulating the content of speech, subject to a few recognized exceptions such as defamation^[27] and incitement to riot.^[28] Even in cases where speech encourages illegal violence, instances of incitement qualify as criminal only if the threat of violence is imminent.^[29]

This strict standard prevents prosecution of many cases of incitement, including prosecution of those advocating violent opposition to the government, and those exhorting violence against racial, ethnic, or gender minorities. See, e.g., Yates v. United States (1957), Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969)."

Washington (CNN) -- President Obama on Wednesday signed a law that makes it a federal crime to assault an individual because of his or her sexual orientation or gender identity.

The expanded federal hate crimes law, hailed by supporters as the first major federal gay rights legislation, was added to a $680 billion defense authorization bill that Obama signed at a packed White House ceremony.

He cited the work of the late Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts and others "to make this day possible."

Earlier this month, Obama told the Human Rights Campaign, the country's largest gay rights group, that the nation still needs to make significant changes to ensure equal rights for gays and lesbians. "Despite the progress we've made, there are still laws to change and hearts to open," he said in an address at the group's annual dinner. "This fight continues now and I'm here with the simple message: I'm here with you in that fight."

Among other things, Obama has called for the repeal of the ban on gays serving openly in the military -- the "don't ask, don't tell" policy. He also has urged Congress to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and pass the Domestic Partners Benefit and Obligations Act.

However, some advocates for stronger rights for the lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender community have complained that Obama's administration is moving too slowly on his legislative promises.

The full news article has quotes from Obama about where he hoping to go from here. I highly recommend reading this news article.

Jewish Telegraphic Agency -- "We must stand against crimes that are meant not only to break bones, but to break spirits -- not only to inflict harm, but to instill fear," Obama said at a White House reception Wednesday commemorating the signing of the bill. "Because no one in America should ever be afraid to walk down the street holding the hands of the person they love," he said. "No one in America should be forced to look over their shoulder because of who they are or because they live with a disability."

The Huffington Post -- "I'm also honored to have the family of the late Senator Ted Kennedy, who fought so hard for this legislation."

Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/28/hate-crimes-bill-to-be-si_n_336883.html

More info can be found here JTA, CNN, The Huffington Post and One News Now.

Share

Homeschool Dropouts

A new documentary by the Botkin family! "As many readers know, the Botkin family is extremely pro-home-education, and has been since the early ‘80s, and so when we began work on Homeschool Dropouts in August, we were already familiar with the history and current state of home-education movement."

They shot the documentary on the 5D and did post production completely with CS4. You can read all about the making of the film on Isaac Botkin's blog, Outside-Hollywood! Click Here to watch the trailer.
Share

Pendragon: Journey Behind the Scenes COMING SOON!

“Two and a half years ago my sister Sara and cousin Shannon came to me with the idea of taking the pictures and blog posts they were writing and turning them into a book chronicling the making of Pendragon. A book that would capture the essence of this project and convey the passions, hopes, fears and victories of the people who poured their lives into the work…” ~Chad Burns
This new release was authored by home-school graduates Sara and Shannon Burns, the photographers on the Pendragon set. With dozens of cast and crew interviews, along with illustrations and behind-the-scenes photos, this book richly details the inspiring journey to complete the first historic Christian adventure film of our time. Full color, 128 pagesThe book will be exclusively available from the Pendragon Website. It goes on sale and begins shipping November 15. You can read the full article about the book here.
Share

Obama's Media Control Strategy

There is a new article out by Cliff Kincaid who is the Editor of Accuracy in Media.

"A new national broadband plan, combined with the just-announced FCC plan for a "net neutrality," or regulating the access to the Internet, provides the opportunity for the federal government to define a "new public square" with a "common space with shared facts" as Ornstein put it at the August 6 FCC event. He explained, "It's something that was easier when we had three broadcast channels and virtually everybody in the society tuned into them."

While the Internet is apparently confusing people with too much information, Ornstein said that the Internet also offers "multiple opportunities" to "develop a public square." He made these remarks at an event presided over by Obama's FCC chairman Julius Genachowski. The assumption of the exercise was that the federal government, under the cover of a national broadband plan, should not only regulate the Internet but provide new media for the public."

You can read the full article at Worldview Times, Right Side News, or just Google "Obama Media Control" and check out the many many other options....while you still can.

Share

NEW! Clancy

I just ran across this film today and noticed that it has a lot of high reviews from people who have watched it. If you have seen the film, I would be very interested to hear your comments!

Clancy, a new film by Kelly's Filmworks, is a new addition to the "Christian film genre" and came out on DVD Oct 12. You can visit the movie website for a full movie synopsis, movie trailer, pictures and more!

Here is what Christian Cinema has to say about the film, "Now available on DVD is the heartwarming Christian movie Clancy. This film is a touching story of a girl overcoming horrible situations in her young life with unmovable faith. Very entertaining and keeps you on the edge of your seat. It has comedy, suspense, and drama. So grab the tissues, popcorn, and Clancy for your next movie night." Read full review.

Dove awarded the film their "Family Approved" Seal: "This film is very inspirational but also portrays some rather harsh realities commonly seen in urban areas. However, Clancy never looses her connection with God and prays often for His guidance and protection. Dove is pleased to award Clancy our Dove "Family-Approved" Seal for ages 12 and over." View full Dove review and chart here.

Share

The NEXT Sherwood Movie!

"From their first movie, Sherwood Pictures has been focused on more than entertaining moviegoers. Theirs is a true ministry endeavor. And each step along the way, they have seen the audiences grow and the impact enlarged.

After much prayer, creative brainstorming, more prayer, wise counsel, and still more prayer, Sherwood Pictures is ready to move ahead with their fourth motion picture.

On November 15, 2009 we will find out the movie’s title and its story line. Until then, let's see if their first three films have any clues about ... The Next Sherwood Movie!"

Visit the website for more information!
Share

Pendragon UPDATE

"Pendragon has garnered media attention all across America. It’s for sale in most U.S. Christian books store, and will be selling in Australia and South Africa this Christmas as well!

It has been so encouraging to talk to talk to people who have been inspired by Pendragon. Comments like “I cannot tell you how much I appreciate all that you are doing to make uplifting Christian films” or “The Lord used [Pendragon] to help me realize my need to stand up as a man of God, and to see His plan in my life” make the struggles and trials of last year all seem so worth it!"

Visit the Pendragon Movie Blog to read the full article!

Letters to God TRAILER

Letters To God now has their first teaser trailer for the movie available on the website!