Harry Potter: The Deathly Hallows, Part 2

This is no Stephanie Platter movie critique, but it'll do! The three of us, Alicia, Laurie, and myself, shared Alicia's birthday dinner, grabbed our sweats and headed for the theater. We arrived about two hours early which gave us a decent amount of time to find a good seat and take in all the people watching we'll need for the year. With great anticipation, we waited for the film to start and a good showing of crazy Potter fans came out for the end of the epic saga. The film was filled with one liners from favorite Potter characters and just about every memorable character from the books made an appearance, both on screen and off screen in homemade costumes. The battle scenes were gripping with phenomenal artistry and moments that tugged on your every emotion. Spoiler alert: the story came to completion with Voldemort's demise, but not before Harry could learn the truth about his past and the honesty of Snape's heart. It was a story that was not far from stories that have been told for thousands of years. A hero's life sacrificed for the greater good, yet is resurrected to be the commoners rescuer. Sound familiar? Harry brings hope, compassion, even for his enemies, and the tried and true adage, "good overcomes evil" marches on. And for those of us loving a sappy ending, just like in the novel, we fast forward 19 years at the end of the flick to see our favorite characters and the lives they are living.

Now for the really good part....I was able to get some not so incognito pics of some people, only one of which I knew. There were some seriously Harry Potter invested people at this flick, which did not disappoint. Some even sobbed through particularly emotional parts of the movie...I, however, did not find a tear. Here are some pics I managed to snap from the iPhone, please dismiss their quality:

Harry Potter....trust me, the lightening bolt is on his forehead...and he's about 25..

This gal made a pretty sweet spray-paint/puffy paint shirt...it claims she's a "Hogwartian"

Her friend had a "death eater" shirt on...I'm pretty sure she made both...bless her heart

These dudes are donning their best interpretation of Dumbledore and his wizard friend...I think

And last but not least, a friend Bobby, dressed as Snape. He claimed he wasn't into it and was nervous we thought he looked like a girl. Right....

Potter fan or not, you'll love the movie and the completion of a story that's been unfolding for over a decade. But do me a favor and go when it's normal for people to be awake. That was way too late for this girl....who goes to bed by 11pm!

The End of an Era

The title makes it seem like this is going to be a sad and sentimental post...in some ways that is true, and in most ways it couldn't be farther from the truth.

Tonight I will be donning my sweatpants (sweat "capri's" for this Florida resident...too hot for the full length) and grabbing two friends to head to the last installment of the Harry Potter saga. That's right, the nerd inside me is trilled that the "Hallows: Part 2" has finally arrived and the we get to watch the story unfold. Although I spent a summer a couple years ago reading through the whole series, and I know how it is all going to end, I couldn't be more excited about watching the story come to a close on the big screen.


We'll get to see these fine characters capture some more horcruxes (sp?...only J.K. Rowling would know) and come to a place of peace when all is said and done for "the one who shall not be named." Anybody else excited?! Don't be shy, we can be Potter nerds together.

I imagine we'll run into several Potter enthusiasts tonight at the midnight showing and I'm secretly just as excited to see what kind of characters show up at the theater tonight, (spoiler alerts) as I am for Voldemort's days to be over. I'll be sure to come back with a recap on my experience staying up way past my bedtime to join the masses waiting anxiously to watch the final addition come to life on the screen. Stayed tuned.....


P.S. This photo is way too intense for those classes.....can I get a witness?

Peeling away my Dragon skin

Over the past seven months I've been on a spiritual retreat of sorts. Although I've lived at home and visited family and friends in different places, I've been somewhat secluded in my days, seeking the Lord, and growing ever dependent on Him. His voice is the one I've been attempting to train my ear to hear and His presence has been more tangibly sought in my life over the past seven months. Leave it to the Lord to make it abundantly clear when He desires for you to sit still and deal with the matters of your heart that need to be changed by Him.

Last week I watched the newest flick that has come to DVD from the Narnia series, "Voyage of the Dawn Treader." I've have read the book several times but was struck by an image that was created from the words of the novel. Eustace, a boy turned into a dragon so that his outward appearance would match the condition of his heart, was being re-shaped and changed by the lion Aslan. Aslan had been changing his heart and as Eustace's soul changed, it became necessary for him to no longer be a dragon externally. The picture is of Aslan, with his paws, peeling away the scales of Eustace's dragon skin that he couldn't peel away for himself. It is obvious that this is a painful process for Eustace, but Aslan stands close, with great warm light, doing the work of peeling back his scales for him and presenting him with a refreshing bath and new clothes.


I love this picture because I think it's true of what our sanctification process ought to look like and I often need reminding how little of it I can do for myself. Like Eustace, I find the sinful places in me, and instead of simply offering them to the Lord, I try to fix them unfortunately growing for myself a covering of scaly skin on my heart. My pride sometimes thinks it's my responsibility to be make myself clean and new before the Lord. All along, Christ stands with the work already done on the cross and a new set of clothes for me to put on.

Matthew 11:28-30 says: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."


If you are weary and feel like a dragon in your own skin, you have nothing to do but to embrace Christ's "yoke" of love and be burden by His grace to find rest and new life. This has become such a helpful truth in sitting in a season that could reek with anxiety (and has in some respects), anger, and frustration. Sitting in Christ's love, receiving His grace has offered new life. I am His and that's enough. Who knew that would be so hard to learn?

Jury Just in...

I have been watching way too much of the Casey Anthony trial...hence the language used in the title. I swear I will recover and return to normal language in my communication...I swear I'm telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Anyway, the test results are in!! I get to have a NIECE!!!!! Looks like my sister's dreams are coming true with little pink ballet slippers, cute outfits, and fancy dresses to come (although she'd be happy with whatever sex the baby is as long as it's healthy). We're all excited that the baby is looking healthy and growing well in her Mama's belly! I wonder what I'll buy first for this little cutie:

OR

Ran for Her Life

This past weekend I had the privilege of participating in an awesome event for an incredible cause. I took it upon myself to train for a 5K, with the help of a spectacular correspondence trainer Angie Gooding. Check her out here...seriously, you'll be better for it! She's an awesome trainer and an even more awesome person. I'll tell you more about her later. So, I trained for this 5K because I've tried to sign up for races and complete them in the past and something has always stood in the way of me completing them...mostly my knees. However, this past weekend it all came together.



Samaritan Village, a transitional home for women with the desire to walk away from addiction and street life, hosted "Run for Her Life 5K"...catchy title, I know. This was an event to raise awareness of the many needs in our community, particularly that of women who need some support and help getting on their feet. Consequently, I ran for her life, the woman who cannot run for herself, or even speak for herself and the help she might need. I was reminded as I ran of the blazing Florida heat at 7:30am, but more importantly of the privileges I have been given throughout life. I was blessed with a good upbringing, parents who love me unconditionally, and resources that a majority of the world does not even see. Knowing what this race was all about made it so much easier to endure the humid Florida summer morning and run for the sake of someone else, not just my own physique. Check out their website here if you'd like to know more about Samaritan Village or how you can help in prayer and participation.

Hilton Head Island, SC

Last weekend I had the great pleasure of getting together with a dear friend from college. Lauren met me at her in-laws in Hilton Head Island, SC, totting her precious 1-year old son. It was such a gift to be able to spend such quality time together and share the beauty and fun of Hilton Head Island and Savannah, GA while Lauren's in-laws were gracious to watch the little cherub. Of course, the sweet little muffin boy was great fun and a delight to get to know. He'll be walking soon which was so exciting to watch. It's amazing to me how God can bring friends into our lives that remain life-long encouragers, blessings, and so much fun to be with no matter how far apart we now live...Lauren is one of those people. I'm blessed to have a few! :) If you'd like to hear more from her life, she's got a great blog over here...check it out! Thought you all might want to see some photos of the weekend. If you'd like to see more, head to my FB page.

Lauren and I sharing a wonderful dinner (I later got a little minor case of food poisoning from that lovely fish, but it didn't last long!)

The sweet boy....who could argue with that face!

South beach marina on Hilton Head Island

Pretty church, surrounded by big Oak trees and droopy Spanish moss...love the look of the South!

Lauren and her boy

Don't Mess With Texas

I started this blog in anticipation of journeying along with those of you who are interested in what goes on in my life, whether fascinating or not! :) I posted a few weeks ago about MY plan for what's next. Go to the University of Central Florida, get another Master's degree, and look for ministry positions as I went. However, MY plans are rarely God's plans until I let go and watch His mastery unfold. This season of my life is no exception. After posting about Tim Keller's Book, "The Prodigal Son" and it's impact on me being reminded to "let go" and get "off the throne" of my own life, God moved in a mighty way. Here's the update....I would apologize for it's length, but I'm wordy, so good luck!

A couple of weeks ago a good friend Angie, from seminary, contacted me about some ministry opportunities that might be available within the foundation where she serves as a director of the youth camp. The Foundation for Laity Renewal, offices located in Kerrville, Texas (about 45 min. from San Antonio) was founded by grocery store founder H.E. Butts (laughter welcome) :). He started the foundation in an effort to offer a place for all kinds of people to go to a beautiful location and experience spiritual renewal outside of the day to day chaos. He bought about 2000 acres of land along the River Frio with a great canyon. The foundation has several camps and elements of ministry that it offers. Angie works with the youth camps that host camp mainly in the summer months. However, there is a new 8 million dollar facility being built in the canyon for the family camp. That is where I come in. The family camp has been running for about 4 years now (if I remember correctly) and this new facility is going to expand it's growing potential. There will be two full time positions opening up there in the next year. In the meantime, there is a part time opportunity that I interviewed for last week to support the family camp, assisting the director, leading worship, teaching, and working with the college students that come out to work the family camps. I was offered the part time position last week and my friend Angie even has an affordable living option for me in Boerne, not far from the camp offices. I accepted the job and will be starting Labor Day weekend. Family camp runs select weekends throughout the year with a few week-long camps a couple times a year. I plan to do this part time and may even be used in a few other capacities in different parts of the foundation to fill in the gaps. What's really cool about the family camp is that they offer weekends/weeks at camp for low-income families, wounded military families, and a variety of folks from different walks of life. It's really incredible to me that a camp is able to do so much for all kinds of families.



I am still considering another master's program but I could do that easily part time at the University of Texas, San Antonio, 15 minutes from where I will be living. Time will tell as I'm taking one step at a time with the Lord. I am really excited about this opportunity and the potential that it offers. I won't be able to interview for the full time positions until next Spring but the more I'm connected to the camp in the meantime, the better. Plus, I'm really looking forward to being in the great outdoors more consistently and using the gifts God has given me in many different ways. It is going to be great to live close to my sister and Spencer (1.5 hrs. away), especially as they anticipate the birth of their first little one this fall...yay!! It does feel bittersweet to move again and have to transition once more, especially on my own. I have bounced around the country, mostly for education, and it is just getting tiresome to build relationships and then to leave again. It is with sadness that I leave friends in Florida, but I am looking forward to living closer to family once again.

God has taught me a great deal at each stop so far, maybe enough to write a book someday ;). Moving from place to place is beginning to get old but I know that I will not be truly Home until all is said and done on this earth. In meantime, isn't it an adventure to experience so many places and spaces of this world? That's how I feel today....ask me in a month when I'm packing boxes to move in August!