Theo

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Faith, obedience, forgiveness…these are all qualities that we want to instill in our children.  The earlier we teach these things the better chance we will have that they take hold.  Cartoons can be a wonderful tool for teaching, which is why I am excited to share with you a new animated series called Theo: God’s Love.   Theo, an animated student of Godʼs Word, lives in a cozy corner of a quaint English village, in the heart of the Cotswolds, and entertains two mice, Belfry and Luther.  After 33 years in the making, the first DVD in the series Saving Faith releases on DVD September 13, 2011.

I sat down yesterday and watched the first episode.  In a way it reminded me of a shorter version of Adventures in Odyssey.  The episode is only 9 minutes long.  I thought it was an unusual length of time.  However, after watching it I could see the benefits of the shorter time.  Episode One taught about Saving Faith in a simple and entertaining way.  It was long enough to teach but short enough to keep little ones attention, making it perfect for Sunday school teachers who have just a few minutes at the end of class or who want to kick off a lesson on faith.  It is also a great resource for parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts who want to introduce a child to the great things of God.

You can visit the website and download the bonus episode called Good News for free.  Parents and those who work with children need to do this.  It is 5 minutes long and clearly presents the truth of the gospel.  You can also download each episode for only $4.99 on the website.  Saving Faith releases in September with Loving Obedience, Forgiveness, and Armor of God to follow.

If you are worker in a church you might be interested to know that Whitestone Media has partnered with Lifeway Christian resources in creating curriculum to compliment the Theo series.  Volume One – Foundations of Faith contains one DVD with 4 Theo episodes, teaching plans, worksheets, and parent pages to send home.  It also includes the bonus Good News episode and teaching plan on the gospel.  There is a link on the website where you can order it for $39.99.

Regardless of the way you teach your children about God, just make sure that you do.  There is nothing greater that you can give them in this life.  “From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus, 2 Timothy 3:15.

***  I have two copies of Theo – Saving Faith to give away to my readers.  All you have to do is leave a comment and tell me who first taught you about God.  I will draw two numbers on Friday, September 16th and have the DVD’s shipped to them.  Blessings!

Disclaimer:  I received this DVD in exchange for an honest product review.   I do not receive any other form of compensation for the reviews posted on this blog.

Just What Kind of Wife Am I?

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Last Sunday we began a new small group study from the book of Job.  I am sure most of you are familiar with the tests, trials, and temptations Job faced.  As you read in the first chapter you see the dialogue between God and Satan that initiates his afflictions. 

 “And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?” Job 1:8.  

 Satan accuses God of creating a hedge of protection around Job.  In response, God allows Satan to take all he has (except Job’s life, Job 2:6).  Satan takes the lives of his 10 sons and daughters, takes all of his wealth, and eventually his health.  Job is left with nothing but accusatory friends and his wife.

 I have always found it interesting that Satan did not take the life of Job’s wife.  It would seem to me that would be the quickest way to destroy a man.  But as the story unfolds we see one potential reason for leaving her behind. In the midst of affliction, the advice Job’s wife gives her husband is rather dreadful.  “Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die, But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips,” Job 2:9-10.

 However, before we are too hard on Job’s wife, we should remember that these troubles came to her as well.  Imagine losing all your children, in addition to your wealth and security.  Job’s tragedy was her tragedy.  So I do not want to be too judgmental.  But what I do want to look at is how she was used as an instrument of Satan.  Satan’s intent was to destroy Job, his life, and his faith.  In his attempt, he took all Job had.  Satan had the authority to take the life of Job’s wife, yet he left her behind.  Could it be that Satan knew she would be more of a hindrance to him alive than dead?

The influence of a wife is great.  A wife can make a good man greater or bring a good man down. The Bible explains it this way. “Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands,” Proverbs 14:1.  One of the easiest ways to destroy your husband, your marriage, or your home is with your words.  Proverbs 18:21 says that, “death and life are in the power of the tongue.”  What power the words of Job’s wife must have held.  There is much we can learn from the example of Job’s wife.  I must ask myself, if Satan were to set out to destroy my husband, am I the kind of wife that could be used in his devilish plot? In the midst of tests, trials, and temptations am I a wife that is a help or a hindrance to my husband.  Am I building him up or tearing him down? 

 Job was under spiritual attack, just as all Christian men are under attack.  As spiritual leaders, Satan wishes to destroy their life, testimony, and family.  It is during these spiritual attacks in a man’s life that he needs the loving support from his wife the most.  Often times, Satan will use the troubles of this world to divide husband and wife.  Our eyes become fixed on our problems; words get spoken in haste and fighting begins.  Sometimes it may even seem that our husband is the enemy.  But it is important to remember that believers do not fight against flesh and blood but against “principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places,” Ephesians 6:12.  Recognizing this, when we face those hard times husbands and wives need to come together in unity and not fight each other but together fight the Evil One.  

 So, just what kind of wife am I?  Well, you would probably have to ask my husband to get the truest answer.  But I can tell you what kind of wife I desire to be.  My greatest desire is to be a true help meet (Genesis 2:18) that is as a fruitful vine by the sides of his house (Psalms 128:3) and a virtuous woman (Proverbs 31:10) that is a crown to her husband (Proverbs 12:4) whose words are edifying and only minister grace (Ephesians 4:29).

Aaron

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Happy 15th Birthday Son!  This is a significant age.  A lot of decisions will be made in the next few years that will affect your whole life.  I know we tease you about how we do not believe in “teenagers”.  We’ve always said that you will be considered a boy until you prove to be a man.  However, you are well on your way to becoming a man.  My prayer is that you continue on the path you are already on to becoming a strong man of God.  The Lord has gifted you in many areas.  God has given you a creative mind.  Use it for His glory.  He has given you a tender and compassionate heart.  Serve others and you will be like Jesus.  You are a natural leader.  I pray you use this gift to point others to God.  “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity”1Timothy 4:12. 

It blesses your father’s and my heart to see God molding and shaping you.  It thrills our hearts when we catch you reading your Bible to your brother or showing affection to your sister when you think no one is looking.  And it thrills our hearts to be able to call you our first born.  We love you, son!  Keep looking to the Lord.  Trust Him with all your heart.  Serve Him all the days of your life.  He will never fail you.

 “Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment,”  Ecclesiastes 11:9.

Should Christians Vote for a Woman President?

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As the 2012 election approaches there is a lot of talk about potential candidates.  Who will be the next United States president?   Will a woman make history by being elected?  Perhaps it is too early to decide.  However, it is not too early to discuss the possibility.  And more importantly, what biblical stand should Christian people take on the matter.  Does God’s Word address such issues?

God ordained three institutions upon this earth.  He ordained the family, the church, and government.   The Scriptures are clear about the hierarchy within the family.  The husband is the head of the family; the wife is to submit to him as unto the Lord; and the children are to honor and obey their parents. (Ephesians 5:33-6:3)  The Scriptures are clear about the hierarchy within the church.  I Timothy 2: 9-15 and I Corinthians 14:33-35 explains this clearly.  Men are to be the spiritual leaders not only within their home but also within the church.  I realize that even within Christian circles today that this is not taught.  However, the authority of the Scriptures still stands.  We can accept the truth or deny the truth, but we cannot change it.  So if God has established men to lead in the institution of the home and within the church.  Why then, would we think that God would not have a hierarchy within the institution of government? 

When tackling the subject of women in political leadership, often Christian’s will point to two particular passages in the Bible – Esther and Deborah.  Esther is the heroine of the Old Testament book named after her.  She was the young Jewish Queen of the Persian King Ahasuerus.  She was responsible for saving her people from mass slaughter.  Esther was placed in her position, “for such a time as this.” (Esther 4:14)  The account of Deborah is found in the book of Judges Chapter 4.  She was a prophetess who judged her people.  She was the only female judge of Israel.  Deborah led a successful attack against Jabin, the King of Canaan.

Those that contend that God is pleased with women in leadership often use these examples from history.  In looking at the story of Esther it is important to remember that she did not have a choice in the matter.  She was not seeking a position of political leadership.  She did not purposely forsake her family in order to become Queen.  She was not given an option.  Look at Deborah from Judges Chapter 4, many others will say.  God used her to lead the nation of Israel to great victory.  This is a convincing argument other than the fact that people forget to take the story in context.  When you look at the whole passage contextually the children of Israel “did evil in the sight of the Lord,” (Judges 4:1).  God was not pleased with them and put them in bondage.  It was a shame to the men of Israel for a woman to judge over them.  Isaiah 3:11-12 says, “Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him. As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.”   There is a lot to this passage.  But simply put, God gave the wicked people what they wanted.  It could be that God, in His sovereignty, will allow a woman President.  Romans Chapter 13 tells us that there is no power but of God.  God Himself will place our next President.  But Christians must remember that sometimes God gives His people what they want, not what is best for them, (I Samuel Chapter 8).

 When sharing this view with a young lady, the other day, I was asked, “What if the vote comes down between an unrighteous man for President and a Christian woman?”  Wouldn’t we have to vote for a woman in this case?  Many believe that we must often choose the “lesser of two evils.”  The assumption is that God will not give His people the right option.  However, I believe that God always gives His people a way to make the right choice, (I Corinthians 10:13).  It was John Quincy Adams that said, “Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.”  

 Whether we are speaking about the home, the church, or government, the issue has never been if women were capable of leading.  Of course women are capable of leading.  There are many talented women who have a great gift of administration.  The issue has never been if they were smart enough.  There are many women who are well educated and skilled above even men.   The issue has never been if they could lead.  It is true that there are women that could lead very well.  But these are not the issues.  The biblical issue is whether women should lead.  Christian people can rationalize woman leading in the home, in the churches and within our government.  However, they cannot from the Scriptures establish that this is God will.  He did not design women to lead in any of the institutions He has ordained.  The fictitious principle is just not there.  The modern feminist movement has caused many Christian’s to err.  I pray that we will lay aside this fallacy and come back to Scripture.  May the pure Words of God be our standard for our beliefs.

RAZORBACKS

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It is a lot easier being a Razorback fan living in NW Arkansas.  Truth be told, I’m not really a fan.  There are too many other things that occupy my time like my family, teaching, church ministry, and writing.  You can see that there is not a lot of time left for team devotion.  However, on occasions I make the time.  Why?  You may ask.  It is because it is important to my husband.  He enjoys watching football games, especially the Razorbacks.  Therefore, what is important to him becomes important to me.

I know what the feminist would say.  She is losing her identity within her husband.  If “losing my identity” is equivalent to being one flesh, I am okay with that.  “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh,” Genesis 2:24.  A wise wife will delight in the things her husband delights in.  It sure makes for a joyful marriage!  So the next time he wants to watch a Razorback game with friends, I’ll encourage it.  I can guarantee that I will not understand the game myself, but I can be hospitable, fix some fine food, and serve it in love.

 

(The boys enjoyed attending their first Razorback scrimmage this year.)

Top 10 Reasons to NOT Homeschool

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 It takes too much time!  Homeschooling is a lifestyle.  It doesn’t end at 3 p.m.  And you don’t stop learning over the weekends.   

No one pays you for doing it.  That’s pretty self explanatory.  Homeschooling mothers do not collect a check each Friday.

People think you are weird.  Who wants their family, friends, and neighbors thinking you are weird?   

You can never stop learning.  Homeschooling mothers have to keep their minds sharp.  Numbers and equations will float around in your head.  Your dreams will be filled with war dates and biology lessons.

It’s hard to advance a career. There are no promotions for the homeschooling mother.

Keeping a clean house is nearly impossible.  It is a lot easier to keep your house clean when no one is at home, running in and out, dirtying up dishes, etc.

Your home will look like a library. Just where will you put all those books?

You are always with your children.  With the exception of running back and forth between each child, you pretty much spend all day in their presence. 

Your children will not know how to deal with the “real” world.  How will they learn to associate with only people their age, raise their hand to ask a question, and stand in line?

You have to take full responsibility for the education of your children.  You can’t play the blame game when it comes to homeschooling.  You are completely accountable. 

*  Making my list of reasons to NOT homeschool has completely energized me for the coming up year.  I’ve realized that a quality education for my children is well worth investing in.  Paychecks are fleeting but this pay has eternal rewards.  Being weird (or peculiar) is normal for a child of God.  There is no greater career than my family.  A clean house is overrated.  I’m glad we are a family that loves to read.  I like my children and enjoy spending every day with them.  I don’t want my children dealing with the “real” world.  Christians don’t deal….they overcome.  And regardless, every parent is accountable to God for the education, training, and upbringing of their children.  With all of that said, I consider it a huge privilege to be able to teach my children at home.  And I thank the Lord for the opportunity. 

The Grace Card

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The Grace Card releases today (August 16) on DVD.  I have wanted to see this movie since it came out in theaters.  Friends had told me it was very good.  Last night I watched it with great expectations.   In a powerful way, the film dealt with sin on many levels such as race, pride, and anger. But in contrast, the film showed the prevailing love of God through grace, mercy, and forgiveness.

The message of grace flows throughout this movie.  It is a beautiful picture of the ultimate grace that was given to mankind.  “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God,” Ephesians 2:8.

The movie is rated PG 13 for violence. Parents will need to use discretion in allowing younger children to watch the movie.  However, it can be used as a great teaching tool for older children in that it shows the reality of this sin laden world and consequences that follow. 

*I am giving away a DVD of The Grace Card to one of my readers on Monday, August 22nd.  To enter, just leave a comment on this blog about what God’s grace means to you and I will draw one winner.

  Movie Synopsis:

 Everything can change in an instant … and take a lifetime to unravel.

When Mac McDonald loses his son in an accident, the ensuing 17 years of bitterness and pain erodes his love for his family and leaves him angry with God … and just about everyone else.

Mac’s rage stonewalls his career in the police department and makes for a combustible situation when he’s partnered with Sam Wright, a rising star on the force who happens to be a part-time pastor and a loving family man.

Mac’s home life is as frightening as anything he encounters on the streets of Memphis. Money is tight and emotions run high as he constantly argues with his wife and his surviving son Blake, who is hanging with the wrong crowd and in danger of flunking out of school.

Sam Wright also never expected to be a police officer. He has a calling—to be a minister like his Grandpa George. But leading a small, start-up church doesn’t always put enough food on the table for a young family, so Sam doubles as a police officer. With his new promotion to Sergeant, Sam starts questioning if his real calling might actually be police work rather than the pastorate.

Can Mac and Sam somehow join forces to help one another when it’s impossible for either of them to look past their differences—especially the most obvious one?

Every day, we have the opportunity to rebuild relationships and heal deep wounds by extending and receiving God’s grace. Offer THE GRACE CARD … and never underestimate the power of God’s love

 

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you,” Ephesians 4:32.

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15.

The Root of the Problem

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 Have you ever let something go? You knew that it needed attention but due to lack of time and priorities it just got ignored. That’s what happened to the landscaping at our house. These past 5 weeks, since we’ve moved in, have been busy. And pulling weeds were at the bottom of the list of things to do. Frankly, even if it had taken precedence it has been just too hot outside to spend hours working in the yard.

But like everything else that gets ignored, eventually you have to deal with the problem. So yesterday morning Abigail and I decided to attack our overgrown garden. An hour into pulling weeds we were both covered in dirt. The looks of our garden was beginning to improve and opportunity sprung up for a spiritual lesson.

“Abigail” I said, “You have to pull the roots up with the weeds so that they will not grow back.”

I explained to my daughter that while it was easier to just pull the tops off the weeds, that if she did not dig down deep in a few days they would pop back up. I continued to explain that the same principle applied to our spiritual life.

“Take for example the problem of jealousy. A person can say in their heart that it is wrong to be jealous and that they will try to stop their behavior. However, unless the root of the problem is dealt with – SIN – jealousy will return in a few days.”

Like ugly weeds, a Christian will have to deal with many thorns during their life – anger, bitterness, selfishness, covetousness, deception – just to name a few. Our flesh desires to cover up the problem by removing the outward part that shows. After all, our prideful nature does not want others to see us as we really are. But hiden in our heart there is an underlying root at each problem that must be dealt with. And because this root is SIN only God can uproot it. Only God can cleanse us from these sins. Only God has the power to forgive and cast them as far as the East is from the West. Only God can give us the ability to overcome our sins and properly deal with them.

“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness,” Romans 6:14-18.

I am thankful that my Lord is a better gardener than I am. If we allow Him, He will continually uproot the sins in our life that cause us to stumble. He will carefully plant into our hearts faith in that we can be rooted and grounded in love (Ephesians 3:17) and become a beautiful creation for His glory alone.

The Unbalanced Gospel

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It was an interesting conversation.  My husband and I were talking with a pastor who was sharing with us about the ministry of an evangelist he knew.  This man made the statement that the evangelist had claimed to win hundreds of thousands of people to the Lord during his ministry.  In defense of his ministry the evangelist said, “If only 50% of the conversions are true conversions, that’s still a lot of people.  And if only 25% are true conversions or even only 10% are true conversions that is still more people won to the Lord than most.”  I said to this pastor, “This may be true but my question is, What about the other 90% who live under a false sense of security?  That is a lot of people who believe that they are saved and unless they repent they will die and go to hell.” 

Judgment is a reality.  And as a child of God and a disciple of Christ who is commanded to “go into all the world…” I sure do not want to be responsible in leading people astray.  In talking with people about eternal life, I have found that it is easier to talk to ungodly people who do not claim any religion than to people who believe they are saved yet live unregenerate, unholy lives. These people are blinded because at one time they made a profession of faith, prayed a prayer, and joined a church.  Now they rest alone in that false security.

Studies show that 80% of Americans will say they are Christian.  Yet the same studies show that of those 80% only 20% believe that Jesus is the only true way to God.   What is the problem?   If we look deeper we would probably find that even less of those are living Christ-like.  Our churches are filled with people who claim salvation yet have never repented.  This fact plays out in their lives (Matthew 7:20).  Again I ask, what is the problem?  Jesus said, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity (or practice lawlessness),” Matthew 7:22-23.  Jesus is saying that you live as though I have never given you a law to obey.  A few statements before this one Jesus said that strait and narrow is the gate that leads to life and very few will find it (Matthew 7:14).

 It seems as though the modern evangelical movement is facing a crisis.  What makes it worse is that few are willing to acknowledge it.    Part of the problem can be attributed to the unbalanced gospel that is so often proclaimed.  What I mean by unbalanced is that only half the truth is taught.  The modern message is that God is love, Heaven is waiting, and Christ wants to bring you joy, fulfillment, and happiness in this life.  It appears as if fewer and fewer pastors, preachers, and evangelist will share the whole, unadulterated gospel anymore.  While God is love; He is also perfectly Holy and Just.  All sin must be accounted for.  And while Heaven is waiting for the redeemed; judgment is waiting for the unrepentant.  And while Christ does give peace and joy unspeakable to the saved; He also promises trials, troubles, and tribulation in this world.  The unbalanced gospel is at best a misrepresentation and thus becomes man-centered and not God-centered.

  The worse part of this out of balance gospel is that repentance is completely left out.  The gospel has been reduced down to ABC’s of accept, believe, and confess.  How many thousands have been told that if they would just believe in Jesus and repeat a sinner’s prayer that they would be saved?  The problem is that belief will not save anyone.  The devils believe (James 2:19) and they tremble before God.  In addition, you cannot find the “sinner’s prayer” in Scripture.  Interesting enough when the rich young ruler came to Christ (Luke 18) and asked, “What must I do to be saved?” Jesus did not give him the ABC’s of salvation.  Some would say, what about being sorry for your sins.  Isn’t that enough to save you?  Try that in a court of law.  “Judge, I know I robbed a bank 20 years ago but that was a very long time ago and I haven’t done it since.  Plus, I’m really, really sorry.  I believe that you are a good judge and I’m hoping you will let me go.”  God is the perfect Judge and just being sorry is not enough.  Listen to what the Apostle Paul said about being sorry.  “Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death,” 2 Corinthians 7:9-10.

 Sorrow brings repentance which leads to salvation.  A person cannot be saved without repentance.  Repentance involves a turning.  To repent of sin is to turn from it and to turn to God.  A truly repentant person will seek God, accept His grace, and strive to follow His will.  “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him,” 1John 2:3-4. 

Why is it then that so many leave repentance out of the gospel message?  John the Baptist’s sermon was, “REPENT.”  (“In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” Matthew 3:1-2.) Perhaps, we should not worry about the prophet’s message and focus on what Christ said.  But wait, His message was the same.  “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” Matthew 4:17.   When Jesus sent out his disciples he instructed them to preach repentance.  “And they went out, and preached that men should repent,” Mark 6:12.  And after His resurrection, one of the last messages Christ gave to His disciples was how they should preach repentance.  “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem,” Luke 24:47.

 Why is it that we think man’s plan of evangelizing the world is better than God’s?  I believe the Enemy is rather satisfied when the unbalanced gospel is preached and false professions of faith are made.  When our churches become filled with the unsaved they lose their effectiveness.   They become powerless organizations that have been relegated to the corner of society.  This gospel will produce numbers, but numbers can be very deceiving.  On Judgment Day, just ask those 90%, who think they are saved, how deceiving numbers are.

Exclusive Pre-screening Movie Opportunity!

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If you live within driving distance of Springfield, MO I have an opportunity for you! Next Thursday, August 11th, there will be a pre-screening of the upcoming movie, The Mighty Macs and I am giving away tickets to five of my local readers to this exclusive screening. The screening will be held at Wehrenberg Campbell 16 Cinema at 7 p.m.

The Mighty Macs Movie is coming to theaters October 21st. It is the true story of women’s basketball coach Cathy Rush. Coach Rush led her team, the Mighty Macs on an incredible journey in 1971. If you are looking for a great family movie night, this is the film for you! You can watch the trailer at www.themightymacs.com.

To win simply be one of the first five people to leave a comment and I will have an e-vite sent to you!

Movie synopsis: She Dared to Dream. They Dared to Believe. It’s 1971. Cathy Rush is a woman ahead of her time … and she’s about to embark on an adventure for the ages. A new era is dawning in the country and in collegiate athletics, where a national champion will be crowned for the first time in women’s basketball. In the lead up to this historical season, major universities are preparing their game plans to win that first title. Meanwhile a tiny all-women’s Catholic college in Philadelphia has a more modest goal: find a coach before the season begins. Providentially, Cathy Rush is about to find Immaculata College.

Recently married, Cathy is dealing with the aftermath of a truncated playing career. While cultural norms would have her staying at home, she’s willing to do the hard work necessary to help her new team reach their goals—or perhaps she’s just trying to achieve her unfulfilled dreams through them. From the beginning, her challenges are as imposing as the big-school teams Immaculata will face on the court. Cathy learns there is no gymnasium on campus, she receives little support from the school’s Mother Superior, and the school is in dire financial straits. To top it off, she may not even have enough players to field a team! While it appears the Macs don’t have a prayer, all hope is not lost. With the help of Sister Sunday—a spunky assistant coach—and the support of a booster club of elderly nuns, Coach Rush creates a new game plan that just might bring the team—and the school—together.

Will this pioneer buck cultural norms and spur her rag-tag team to unexpected heights? Or will her hard-driving ways create a wedge between the coach and everyone around her? One thing’s for certain: there’s never been anyone like Cathy Rush at Immaculata!

THE MIGHTY MACS is based on the incredible true story of the 1971-72 Immaculata College team that started in obscurity but became the original Cinderella story in women’s basketball. This team of pioneers went from barely making that inaugural tournament to the first dynasty in their game. And Cathy Rush, the woman that was ahead of her time, became immortalized when she was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

THE MIGHTY MACS stars Carla Gugino as Cathy Rush; David Boreanaz as her husband, NBA referee Ed Rush; Marley Shelton as Sister Sunday; and Academy Award and Tony Award winner Ellen Burstyn as Mother St. John. The film was written, directed, and produced by Tim Chambers. The film’s executive producers are Pat Croce, the former president of the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, and Vince Curran, a successful businessman and former basketball star at Penn. Curran and Chambers are founders and partners of Quaker Media. Get ready to cheer on a true Cinderella team when THE

MIGHTY MACS opens in theaters on October 21.