Tag Archives: action

Capturing Kids in Action

When I look at photos that were taken of me when I was a child I notice that there were not many action shots. While I realize that it wasn’t as easy to take action photos with dated film cameras, I still wonder why there were not more candid photos taken. My old photos seem to always feature me holding something or standing beside something, and it’s obvious they were all posed. It’s too bad because some of the best photos are ones taken when the subject isn’t aware the camera is shooting him or her. I wish my family … Continue reading →

Patterns of Prayer

My reservations regarding the 5 finger prayer pattern are it doesn’t incorporate two aspects that I consider essential. They are praise and confession. So I’d like to suggest another pattern for prayer – an ACTION prayer. This is: Adoration Confession Thanksgiving Intercession Outpouring Needs Adoration The first, and what to me should always be our starting point, is praise or adoration of God. We should praise God for who He is and for His unique qualities. Take time to really dwell on the fact that you are in the presence of Almighty God. Adore Him. We have only to think … Continue reading →

Learning is What we Think, Know, Do and Say

As parents, most of us think of ourselves also as teachers and we are concerned with what sort of lessons our children are learning. I think it is good to remind ourselves that learning is more than just being able to recite the alphabet or writing symbols on paper and turning in our homework. Real learning involves everything—it is what we think, what we know, what we do and what we say… While we may understand that learning is a process, it is important to remember that it is often not a linear process. I know in watching my own … Continue reading →

Ladyhawke (1985)

Even though this movie is over twenty years old, I count “Ladyhawke” as one of the best films I’ve ever seen. It truly is incredible. Matthew Broderick stars as Philippe Gaston, a young man who has been imprisoned in the dungeons of Aquila for theft. He manages to squeeze his way out through the sewage system and escape, but he is nearly recaptured. He meets up with Navarre, the former captain of the guard (Rutger Hauer) and begins to follow him, intrigued by the man himself but also by the beautiful hawk he has with him. Navarre agrees to let … Continue reading →

7 Ways to Make a Difference This Christmas

Christmas is almost upon us and, sadly, too many people see it just as a holiday and time of work rather than the celebration that it is. Those of us who know the significance and importance of this event need to be active and creative at this time of year. But what can I do you might be wondering. Let me give you some suggestions. 1. At this time of year many people who don’t normally come along to church will turn up at church or at carols. Pray for the message as it goes out whether through the spoken … Continue reading →

Be Clear Before Taking Action

We single parents don’t usually have someone to bounce parenting ideas and suggestions off of, or someone handy to help us work through things to make sure we are seeing things clearly. I think this is one of the main reasons that single parents can sometimes seem inconsistent. We feel like we have to take some sort of action, and we do that before we are completely clear that we are looking at things from a reasonable perspective. This is why I think it is sometimes necessary for us to take a little extra time and make sure that we … Continue reading →

Antz (1998)

Gather every star in Hollywood and put their voices together in one film, and you’ve got “Antz.” Woody Allen stars as Z, a neurotic and insecure ant who’s in therapy, trying to understand his place in the colony. He feels uncomfortable with the lack of individuality he’s been taught his entire life, and wonders if there isn’t more out there. While drinking aphid beer at the bar one night, an old-timer tells him of a wonderful place called “Insectopia,” where the bugs don’t have a boss and there’s food enough for everyone. A dream is planted in Z’s heart. Meanwhile, … Continue reading →

Inspector Gadget (1999)

I grew up watching the cartoon, so when I saw that the adventures of the lovable cyber-sleuth had been made into a movie, I was excited to see it. The jury’s still out on what I thought of it – perhaps writing this review will help crystallize my opinion. Matthew Broderick stars as John Brown, a security guard who longs to be a real policeman. He is the guardian of Penny, a pre-teen girl with a puppy named Brain, and he lives a simple, uncomplicated life, watching over the laboratory owned by Dr. Brenda Bradford (Joely Fisher) and her father, … Continue reading →

The Brave Little Toaster (1987)

Do appliances think? And if so, what do they think about you as their owner? Apparently, it’s pretty easy for those lovable hunks of metal to get attached. Such is certainly the case with a toaster, radio, electric blanket, lamp and vacuum cleaner that live in a summer vacation cabin. Their master, a little red-haired boy named Rob, hasn’t been back to the cabin for a while, and the appliances are beginning to wonder if they’ll ever see him again. When they hear that the cabin and all the contents are to be sold, these five friends decide to set … Continue reading →

The Cursing of the Fig Tree

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When I was a child, I always wondered why Christ would curse the fig tree that bore Him no fruit. (Matthew 21:19-20) It did Him no harm, and was a simple plant. Only later, as I learned more of the scriptures (and made it through Jacob in the Book of Mormon) did I understand that He was teaching a parable not with words, but with actions. Here we are, in the last week of the Savior’s ministry. He is approaching Jerusalem; the atonement and the crucifixion loom in His near future. For the last three years, He has taught all … Continue reading →