Well, today was our last in Hollywood. What a hilariously fun and wild day it was. Dressed in my finest Target shoes, we went shopping on swanky Rodeo drive. Let’s just say their definition of the words, “on sale,” and my definition of those words are not the same. I picked up the ugliest pair of shoes I could find on the sale rack just to see how much they had been marked down. They were originally $1200 but on sale for a mere $950. I had to take a picture which I’ll try and post when I get home--- I never even knew that shoes existed that were that expensive. Then of course there was the handbag that would look so nice with these shoes for just an additional $3000.
I asked Jen, one of the producers showing us around, if people ever actually purchased these outrageously priced items. Sadly, she said, “everyday.” She called these high dollar items baby blankets for the super rich and famous or those that pose like they are super rich and famous. False security costs a lot on Rodeo (pronounced Row-day-oh.)Drive.
As we headed out of one of the stores, we saw the paparazzi clamoring for the attention of Mr. Jack Black. He looked the exact same in person as he does on the movie screen--- quirky but cute smile and silly but confident strut. I decided to play it cool in front of Jen and not act like it was a big deal. But inside I was like, “I am on Rodeo Drive watching movie stars strut by--- what in the world?”
Soon, it was time to head over to the set where we sat down with the executive producer for a final meeting. Genia and I expressed the desires of all the families for the story to be told the way that it happened. It is a God story plain and simple. It is a story of God moving in ordinary people’s hearts to make gut wrenching, life changing, comfort zone shattering decisions to say yes to a very scary invitation. And these decisions to obey God have rocked our world- in the best kind of way.
The producer listened so patiently to all of our concerns. Then he paused as a very thoughtful and sincere look crossed his face, “Did you ever see the movie Schindler’s List? In this movie there is one line that has stuck with me forever. One that still stirs the deepest part of my being. ‘ Whoever saves one life, saves the world entire.' That’s what your story reminds me of.”
In that moment a rush of amazement washed over me. Sometimes Hollywood gets it right--- and today they certainly did.
As I head to bed tonight I am reminded of the importance of living everyday with the expectation of experiencing God. I had no idea 4 ½ years ago as I loaded my three little girls into my mini-van and drove to a little church in the middle of nowhere to hear some kids from Liberia sing, that God was about to issue me an invitation to join Him in changing the world.
Me. Little ordinary, doing laundry, trying to scrape something together for dinner, feeling like I’d had a triumphant day if I did not yell at the kids, talking to my friends about the tragedies of my last failed dieting attempt, unaware of the cries of Liberian orphans- me. And then the God of the Universe paused and said, “Will you say yes? Oh sweetheart, please trust me and say yes. You have no idea what a ride I’m about to take you on.”
And I’m convinced He’s asking you that same question. Imagine the possibilities of living in expectation of truly experiencing God in the perfectly unique way He's designed for you today. Just imagine.
One Cool Christmas Give Away Updates:
If you have never posted a comment on a blog, you can do it easily by clicking on the red word, "comments" below. You then can either post under anonymous and include your name inside your post, or you can easily create a named account through following the google instructions within the comments box.
The winner of the $25 Bath and Body Works Certificate from Chris Hogan’s Sunday Give Away is--- Tasha Via! Congrats! Post your e-mail address below and we’ll get your certificate sent out right away.
Now for today’s giveaway---
There was such a HUGE response to Renee Swope’s Give Away (described in detail on yesterday's post) that we are letting it run one more day. And now she’s planning on picking TWO winners to each receive her gift pack! So click on comments below, leave a comment about today’s post and you’ll be entered to win. If you posted yesterday, please post again and double your chances to win. And if you haven’t clicked over to Renee’s site to watch the video she has posted, grab a tissue and head over there after you post your comment below.
Merry Christmas!
I asked Jen, one of the producers showing us around, if people ever actually purchased these outrageously priced items. Sadly, she said, “everyday.” She called these high dollar items baby blankets for the super rich and famous or those that pose like they are super rich and famous. False security costs a lot on Rodeo (pronounced Row-day-oh.)Drive.
As we headed out of one of the stores, we saw the paparazzi clamoring for the attention of Mr. Jack Black. He looked the exact same in person as he does on the movie screen--- quirky but cute smile and silly but confident strut. I decided to play it cool in front of Jen and not act like it was a big deal. But inside I was like, “I am on Rodeo Drive watching movie stars strut by--- what in the world?”
Soon, it was time to head over to the set where we sat down with the executive producer for a final meeting. Genia and I expressed the desires of all the families for the story to be told the way that it happened. It is a God story plain and simple. It is a story of God moving in ordinary people’s hearts to make gut wrenching, life changing, comfort zone shattering decisions to say yes to a very scary invitation. And these decisions to obey God have rocked our world- in the best kind of way.
The producer listened so patiently to all of our concerns. Then he paused as a very thoughtful and sincere look crossed his face, “Did you ever see the movie Schindler’s List? In this movie there is one line that has stuck with me forever. One that still stirs the deepest part of my being. ‘ Whoever saves one life, saves the world entire.' That’s what your story reminds me of.”
In that moment a rush of amazement washed over me. Sometimes Hollywood gets it right--- and today they certainly did.
As I head to bed tonight I am reminded of the importance of living everyday with the expectation of experiencing God. I had no idea 4 ½ years ago as I loaded my three little girls into my mini-van and drove to a little church in the middle of nowhere to hear some kids from Liberia sing, that God was about to issue me an invitation to join Him in changing the world.
Me. Little ordinary, doing laundry, trying to scrape something together for dinner, feeling like I’d had a triumphant day if I did not yell at the kids, talking to my friends about the tragedies of my last failed dieting attempt, unaware of the cries of Liberian orphans- me. And then the God of the Universe paused and said, “Will you say yes? Oh sweetheart, please trust me and say yes. You have no idea what a ride I’m about to take you on.”
And I’m convinced He’s asking you that same question. Imagine the possibilities of living in expectation of truly experiencing God in the perfectly unique way He's designed for you today. Just imagine.
One Cool Christmas Give Away Updates:
If you have never posted a comment on a blog, you can do it easily by clicking on the red word, "comments" below. You then can either post under anonymous and include your name inside your post, or you can easily create a named account through following the google instructions within the comments box.
The winner of the $25 Bath and Body Works Certificate from Chris Hogan’s Sunday Give Away is--- Tasha Via! Congrats! Post your e-mail address below and we’ll get your certificate sent out right away.
Now for today’s giveaway---
There was such a HUGE response to Renee Swope’s Give Away (described in detail on yesterday's post) that we are letting it run one more day. And now she’s planning on picking TWO winners to each receive her gift pack! So click on comments below, leave a comment about today’s post and you’ll be entered to win. If you posted yesterday, please post again and double your chances to win. And if you haven’t clicked over to Renee’s site to watch the video she has posted, grab a tissue and head over there after you post your comment below.
Merry Christmas!
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