GOD'S BOXES

I have in my hands two boxes, Which God gave me to hold. He said, "Put all your sorrows in the black box, And all your joys in the gold."

I heeded His words, and in the two boxes, Both my joys and sorrows I stored, But though the gold became heavier each day, The black was as light as before.

With curiosity, I opened the black, I wanted to find out why, And I saw, in the base of the box, a hole, Which my sorrows had fallen out by.

I showed the hole to God, and mused, "I wonder where my sorrows could be!" He smiled a gentle smile and said, "My child, they're all here with me."

I asked God, why He gave me the boxes, Why the gold and the black with the hole? "My child, the gold is for you to count your blessings, The black is for you to let go."

Phyllis D. Jolliff

Fireproof is a 2008 American drama film from Samuel Goldwyn Films and Sherwood Pictures. Stephen Kendrick co-wrote the film with his brother, while serving as a producer. The supporting cast is made up of volunteers from Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia, where the Kendrick brothers serve as associate pastors. The film features Kirk Cameron as the film's lead actor, portraying Caleb Holt. It was the highest grossing independent film of 2008.^[3]

On May 21, 2008, Sherwood Pictures announced that the film would open in theaters on September 26, 2008.^[4] It was given an MPAA rating of PG for "thematic material and some peril."^[5] The Making of Fireproof special aired on the Trinity Broadcasting Network prior to the movie's release, following a special airing of Sherwood Pictures' second theatrical release, Facing the Giants.^[6]

Plot

Fireproof is the story of firefighter Captain Caleb Holt (Kirk Cameron) who lives by the old firefighter's adage: Never leave your partner behind. But, after seven years of marriage to his wife, Catherine (Erin Bethea), their own relationship is failing. Neither one understands the pressures the other faces.^[7] Caleb claims that Catherine is too sensitive and, "doesn't show me respect," whereas she tells her hospital co-workers that he is, "so insensitive," and that, "he doesn't listen to me," and, "doesn't understand my needs." Caleb's addiction to Internet pornography is what sets the marriage over the edge, however, as well as his plan to use his investments for buying a fishing boat rather than a common goal with his wife.^[8] As they prepare to file for divorce, Caleb's father challenges his son to commit to a 40-day test called, "The Love Dare." Caleb starts it, but more for his father's sake than for his marriage.

When Caleb discovers the book’s daily challenges are tied into his parents' newfound faith, his already limited interest is further dampened.

Even though he wants to stay true to his promise, Caleb becomes frustrated time and time again. He finally asks his father, "How am I supposed to show love to somebody who constantly rejects me?" When his father tells him that this is the love God shows to people, Caleb makes a life-changing commitment to love God. And, with God's help, Caleb begins to understand what it means to truly love his wife. But, he is unsure if it's too late to "fireproof" his marriage.^[7]

Marriage views

See also: Fireproof My Marriage and The Love Dare

Fireproof is partnered with Fireproof My Marriage, a Christian organization created to strengthen and heal marriages.^[12] The Love Dare, a book written by Alex and Stephen Kendrick, is a major topic in the film, being one of the main points of the plot. Alex Kendrick said in an interview that this film would be "a drama/romance about marriage. Our goal is to reinforce God's intention for marriage."^[13]

Fireproof has been endorsed by many Christian marriage-oriented organizations, including FamilyLife,^[14] The Marriage CoMission, The Association of Marriage and Family Ministries,^[15] Marriage Alive Communications and MarriageToday.

Christian groups

The movie has received extremely positive reviews from Christian groups. Mitch Temple of Focus on the Family said that, "This brilliantly produced film radiates messages of authentic determination, faith and hope, even for those of us who have felt like giving up on our marriages." Michael Foust of the Baptist Press said: "I walked into the theater without any expectations, but walked out after the closing credits believing I had just seen perhaps the most convicting and inspiring film I had ever viewed. Fireproof isn't just a great Christian movie. It's a great movie. Period."

Pro Life....Fight FOCA

"If men strive, and hurt a women with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life" (Ex.21:22-23).

Freedom of Choice Act

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The Freedom of Choice Act (H.R. 1964/S. 1173) was a bill in the 110th United States Congress which "declares that it is the policy of the United States that every woman has the fundamental right to choose to bear a child; terminate a pregnancy prior to fetal viability; or terminate a pregnancy after viability when necessary to protect her life or her health."

It prohibits a federal, state, or local governmental entity from denying or interfering with a woman's right to exercise such choices; or discriminating against the exercise of those rights in the regulation or provision of benefits, facilities, services, or information. Provides that such prohibition shall apply retroactively.

It also authorizes an individual aggrieved by a violation of this Act to obtain appropriate relief, including relief against a governmental entity, in a civil action."

Debate

Two days after Barack Obama's inauguration, a protester in the March for Life holds a "No FOCA" sign.

Then-senator Barack Obama became a co-sponsor of the 2007 Senate version of the bill (S. 1173). Responding to a question regarding how he would preserve reproductive rights in a speech given to the Planned Parenthood Action Fund on July 17, 2007, he declared "The first thing I'd do, as president, is sign the Freedom of Choice Act. That's the first thing that I'd do."^[6] Those who oppose the Act have interpreted it as an attempt to obligate religious hospitals to either "do abortions or close",^[7] supporters point to conscience clause laws^[8] that would protect religious hospitals.^[9] Opponents counter that such conscience clauses are weak and easily reinterpreted, and do not explicitly allow religious hospitals to ban the abortion procedure within the hospital.^[10]

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has been strongly opposed to the Freedom of Choice Act. According to the USCCB's Secretariat for Pro-Life Activites, FOCA would not only "codify the Supreme Court's 1973 decision in Roe v. Wade" but "in allowing and promoting abortion, FOCA goes far beyond even Roe."^[11]

The pro-life organization Americans United for Life (AUL) began a petition called Fight FOCA which it plans to send to Congress when the act is reintroduced to the 111th Congress.^[12]

FightFOCA.com is a project of AUL Action , the legislative arm of Americans United for Life (AUL) . The first national pro-life organization in America, AUL has been committed to defending human life through vigorous judicial, legislative, and educational efforts at both the federal and state levels since 1971. In addition, AUL has been involved in every pro-life case before the Supreme Court since Roe v. Wade.

Fight FOCA Petition

I oppose the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA), because:

--FOCA is a radical attempt to enshrine abortion-on-demand into American law;

--FOCA seeks to sweep aside existing, protective laws that I and the majority of Americans support;

--FOCA will prevent states from enacting protective measures in the future.

“It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish.” Mother Teresa

Jacob is 2!

Jacob turned 2 on Monday the 26th, I can’t believe my baby boy has turned 2 it seems impossible! This last weekend my parents and sister came over from EA WA , and we took Jacob to Chuck E’ Cheese to celebrate his 2nd Birthday. We all had a great time, and Jacob was amazed by all the games, lights and kids running everywhere!

Just wanted to share a few Bible verses that I read when I need encouragement. Thank you Lord for your grace!


Romans 8: 31-39

31. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

32. He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

33. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.

34. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

35. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

36. As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39. Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I needed a laugh!

A young woman teacher with obvious liberal tendencies explains to her class of small children that she is an atheist. She asks her class if they are atheists too. Not really knowing what atheism is but wanting to be like their teacher, their hands explode into the air like fleshy fireworks.

There is, however, one exception. A beautiful girl named Lucy has not gone along with the crowd. The teacher asks her why she has decided to be different.

"Because, I'm not an atheist."

Then, asks the teacher, "What are you?"
"I'm a Christian."

The teacher is a little perturbed now, her face slightly red. She asks Lucy why she is a Christian.

"Well, I was brought up knowing and loving Jesus. My mom is a Christian, and my dad is a Christian, so I am a Christian."

The teacher is now angry. "That's no reason," she says loudly.

"What if your mom was an idiot and your dad was an idiot. What would you be then?"

Lucy paused, smiled and said, "Then, I'd be an atheist!"


At Sunday school they were teaching how God created everything, including human beings. Little Johnny seemed especially intent when they told him how Eve was created out of one of Adam's ribs.

Later in the week his mother noticed him lying down as though he were ill, and said, Johnny what is the matter? Little Johnny responded, "I have a pain in my side. I think I'm going to have a wife."