I've been looking forward to the new "OZ" movie that opened this weekend, soon. On a recent trip to Walt Disney World (who owns the film), promos for the movie were EVERYWHERE. Print ads, commercials, you name it. There's even an Oz section that's been added to EPCOT, as part of this year's Flower & Garden show. It includes a playground, glass flowers, places for picture taking, you name it.
Yep, I grew up watching the classic "Wizard of Oz" movie annual airings on CBS. This was back when there was such a thing as "appointment TV". Have to admit, the winged monkeys always scared the pants off me, but I still loved the movie. My favorite bit of OZ trivia: Buddy Ebsen was the original Tin Woodman, but had to drop out after an allergic reaction to the makeup cause an almost-fatal allergic reaction.
I later read the "Wizard of Oz" book in elementary school and loved it...but have to admit at the time, I was slightly confused. The book had LOTS more details and scenes not in the movie. By my way of thinking it must have been there in the original (1930s) theater showing, and then cut out to make room for the commercials:-). The new movie looks to have some of those plot elements and characters. What it has done..is also made me want to go back and re-read "the Wonderful Wizard of Oz". Before Harry Potter...there was another wizard whose story charmed readers (and who also had a smart girl to help him out of a jam - even if the "jam" was getting back to Omaha.
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Reminders of Grace
Last month, my childhood pediatrician (is that an oxymoron?) passed away. Dr. Sizemore was one of those "old-school" doctors, who practiced medicne and was so much more than today's "health care provider". Our families were members of the same church when I was growing up, so we got to know the Dr and his family as outside the confines of the office, as good, caring people with a love of family, faith and a calling to serve the children of our community.
Ironically, I found out about his death, on the same day I learned two co-workers were facing the imminent loss of a child, both due to illnesses. Almost 40 years ago, it was my parents who were in the same place as my CW's. You see, I had to go through a serious illness, where the outcome wasn't a given. And yes, it was Dr. Sizemore, who played a big role in my recovery and being a friend and comfort to Moms & Dad.
Just like its easy to ask "why me?" when we face tough times, we sometimes ask the same thing when we've been given a blessing. When we've done nothing to deserve that blessing, it's a reminder of grace. The word "grace" has several definitions, but for believers, it's often thought of as 'unmerited favor'' aka something that God gives us or does for us that we didn't earn by our actions.
There are times when good things happen because of something we've done: the promotion that's long overdue, the dream vacation we've long saved for. Other times, theres no rhyme or reason for the good that comes our way. In those times, we should simply just be thankful and not feel guilty for appreciating the blessings. "Grace" is also synonymous for Thanks (as in saying grace/blessings before a meal - even if it is the old standard "God is good, God is great, let us thank Him for this food")
In Ephesians 3, Paul says "I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me...His intent was that now...the manifold wisdom of God should be made known...In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Ironically, I found out about his death, on the same day I learned two co-workers were facing the imminent loss of a child, both due to illnesses. Almost 40 years ago, it was my parents who were in the same place as my CW's. You see, I had to go through a serious illness, where the outcome wasn't a given. And yes, it was Dr. Sizemore, who played a big role in my recovery and being a friend and comfort to Moms & Dad.
Just like its easy to ask "why me?" when we face tough times, we sometimes ask the same thing when we've been given a blessing. When we've done nothing to deserve that blessing, it's a reminder of grace. The word "grace" has several definitions, but for believers, it's often thought of as 'unmerited favor'' aka something that God gives us or does for us that we didn't earn by our actions.
There are times when good things happen because of something we've done: the promotion that's long overdue, the dream vacation we've long saved for. Other times, theres no rhyme or reason for the good that comes our way. In those times, we should simply just be thankful and not feel guilty for appreciating the blessings. "Grace" is also synonymous for Thanks (as in saying grace/blessings before a meal - even if it is the old standard "God is good, God is great, let us thank Him for this food")
In Ephesians 3, Paul says "I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me...His intent was that now...the manifold wisdom of God should be made known...In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
I Know Whom I Have Believed (Daniel W. Whittle/Public Domain)
- I know not why God’s wondrous grace To me He hath made known, Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love Redeemed me for His own.
- Refrain:
- But “I know Whom I have believed, And am persuaded that He is able; To keep that which I’ve committed, Unto Him against that day.”
- I know not how this saving faith To me He did impart, Nor how believing in His Word, Wrought peace within my heart.
- I know not what of good or ill May be reserved for me, Of weary ways or golden days, Before His face I see.
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