The Greatest Showman

We finally got to see "The Greatest Showman" this afternoon, and it was worth the wait.  We were interested in this movie back a month ago, but didn't get around to seeing it.  And then everyone started talking about it, and talking about the soundtrack, and some friends we know have seen it three times.  So we finally got to see it, and I think there is a big thumbs up from all three of us on this one.  Especially Madison.  She absolutely adored it.  Keep in mind it had Troy from "High School Musical" in it.  But she already has the soundtrack (thanks, Daddy), and is singing along with many of the songs later on here, just like some of the people in the theater were.  Seriously, they were singing along in the theater.  It's just that sort of movie, with a contagious soundtrack and an upbeat sort of vibe to it.  I'm not sure if this would have saved Barnum's actual circus last year, but it wouldn't hurt it, that's for sure.  It's somewhat of a love letter to the whole thing, but also a celebration of humanity, of course.  Even now, we're singing a few of the songs in our heads at home, despite the fact that we only heard them for the first time today.

We had ballet today, an extended day of ballet at that.  Madison was trying on some costumes this afternoon, so we went back home for a bit, straightening some things up, and eating one last fast-friendly meal together.  The weather is a bit rainy, but the bigger rains are supposed to be tonight and tomorrow.  It'll be good to be inside tonight.

Today's the last day of the fast.  Daddy was making a joke about staying up until midnight to eat a piece of chocolate, but it's not that much of a big deal.  There are some weird cravings, like a bowl of Fruit Loops, a Philly cheesesteak, and maybe some lobster bisque.  But otherwise, it's been an easier fast than usual.  The point as always is not about the food so much as the time spent reading the Bible, and praying.  To that end, we read this last devotional (below), and read from the Bible tonight.  We prayed for a few friends who have been going through some health issues, along with Ye-Ye for a fractured toe, and Ba-Ba, who had some skin surgery recently.  We've been blessed to not get the flu, but we prayed for those who did have it, for a quick recovery.

We also started a new book tonight, one that we're already much more into:  "When the Sea Turned to Silver."  We started this one because Chinese New Year is rapidly approaching.  We've also got an Asian-themed "Nancy Drew" book coming up too, but this one was a fantastic start to things.  It's a great book already.  We enjoyed the other longer book by this author, and this was a great Christmas present for Madison.  She couldn't wait to hear it, and remembers everything from the previous book.

It's been a good day today, a quiet one at least.  Daddy has been writing a tiny bit, still working on this new series.  It's starting to come together, despite the hazy beginnings we've had.  Daddy has been talking with the children's pastor in OC, California, and things are starting to come together on the writing.  Perhaps you'll see a few messages here on these pages soon enough, but we've got a few good ones about Rapunzel, Snow White, Robin Hood and Descendants.  More are on the way, but not this weekend.

Tonight we watched the latest from "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."  Forgot to mention that.  Because we're a week behind, we watch it all in the bed upstairs, under the covers upstairs watching this very computer here.  Apparently there are no friendly Kree aliens.  They are legit Blue Meanies.

Okay, it's bedtime.  Before we go, here is one last fasting devotional entry:

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord. He said, ‘Who will I send? Who will go for us?’ I said, ‘Here I am. Send me!’” Isaiah 6:8 NIRV

     The mountain peak is within sight, and you’ve almost made it to your goal. Just a few more steps, and then you can reach that place where only the dedicated can go. You’ll be at a higher place than you’ve ever been, and you’ll be able to look back on the path that got you here.

     But even more than just seeing farther, you’ll also be able to hear better up here on top of the world. You see, down at the base of the mountain, there are so many distractions. That’s why we climb. That’s why we fast. We set all that aside with the hope of getting closer with God. And yes, where you’re at now, it’s easier to hear from that one voice that truly matters: His voice.

     With fasting and prayer, you’re at a higher place, and have found the signal! Just like with a radio station, once you’ve got that signal located, you can keep listening wherever you go. It’s true: even after your fast, you’ll know how to hear His voice better.

     And if you lose the signal, don’t panic! You know what to do: just start climbing again. The truth is that a fast helps us all hear from Him so much better. This is why Jesus told us “when” and not “if” you fast. It’s an important part of our Christian life. Just ask Daniel, Moses, Paul, Cornelius, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Moses, David, and Elijah. They were climbers just like you! The Bible tells us how each of them fasted and prayed, all for many different reasons.

     If they were here with you today, they’d first of all congratulate you for making it to the top. But afterwards, they’d tell you this: fasting and prayer is a powerful way to see and hear from our Heavenly Father.