There’s Just Nothing Like a Good Hallmark Movie

Okay! I love seeing one of the latest action movies at the theater with my kids, but, for the most part give me a good Hallmark-type movie any day! .

When I’m in Austin, and when I’m not doing laundry or another household chore, I’ll sit down with my grandsons and watch TV with them. It’s usually something from one of the Disney or Nicklelodeon channels. But when they are off doing something else, from time to time, I'll watch one of the Hallmark movies that I’ve recorded. Sometimes the boys will watch them along with me. Hallmark movies are romance, family or comedy and the endings are always good and predictable – and they’re all G-rated. Sometimes they get a little “mushy” which makes the boys “ugh and yuk”, but it’s never in questionable taste.
I left Austin on Monday to return home to Frisco and I got this text message from Shawntel: “I just cracked up! I am bringing Bryson back home from math and he says to me “I have been watching too many Hallmark movies! But I really like them!” LOL!

I’m in this season of life when I don’t want to watch negative news reports, shows that use poor language or have any questionable scenes. That’s why I like a Hallmark movie now and then, as well as reality competition shows. At this mature age, I do my best to pass along some insights that I've learned from my own mistakes along the way. This scripture from Philippians 4:8 speaks volumes to those of us who care about what we see and hear, and what we put into our minds and hearts: "Whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of a good report, if there is any virtue and if there be any praise, THINK on THESE THINGS!!!"

I know that I must sound like a “goody two shoes”. I looked up what that means. The definition of a goody two shoes is a person who always does everything right and always follows the rules, so much so that it becomes annoying. Well I’d like to think that I always do everything right and follow all the rules, but that is so not the case. I sure do make an effort to get better at my choices today than I did in the past. I know that I've found the sweetest, purest thoughts and attitudes are what bring me the most peace. I remember when our kids were "PG" ages and we took them to see "Jaws". Ugh! We love the ocean, so why in the world would we take our family to see a movie about sharks that would create fear and concern when we went to the ocean? We lived and learned.
There are people in my world that have the tendency to speak negatively and even use profanity in their conversations. I don't want to be rude, so I tolerate it when I can. But, when I have a choice, I choose to walk away. I was pleased to hear my son say they took the boys to see a movie recently and had to walk out because of so much profanity. I thought, “Way to lead those boys by example!”

I sincerely pray that God keeps my heart so pliable that situations, movies, and conversations that don’t measure up to God’s “whatever things are lovely and a good report”, that I’ll walk out or walk away. My measuring stick is God's Word.....so this "Whatever things are lovely" scripture.....pretty well states my case.....and my position on living in a sweet place of peace that passes understanding!

It’s Not Always the Way It Looks or Sounds

Have you ever been trying on clothes at a store and that outfit looked great in those amazing, magical store’s mirrors? You even might have thought “You’re looking 10 pounds thinner”! But at home and when trying that outfit on, it was like “What was I thinking? What was I seeing?”

And, what about those mirrors at church or other public places? A few weeks ago, I went with the family to the kid’s Speech and Debate Tournament being held at a school in Lewisville, TX. I went to the restroom and my twin, looking back at me….looked pretty good! I promptly told my daughter, “You’ve got to go check yourself out in the mirror in the restroom! It’s great lighting in there!” Of course, great in the sense that the imperfections I saw in the mirror at home, weren’t seen in those mirrors.

Here’s the official word: Store mirrors may be designed or placed to make us look thinner. Some stores play tricks to convince us to buy clothes while we’re in the dressing room. The lighting may be one factor, but more likely, it’s the angle of the mirror. Just like a fun house mirror, dressing room mirrors are sometimes angled to change the way we look. Stores will often tilt the mirror so the bottom is farther forward than the top which creates the illusion that you are taller and thinner. The best advice I read was to have someone take a picture of you so you can judge if the outfit or piece of clothing is really flattering or not. It's not always what we see!

When we were at the theme parks of Disney World a few weeks ago, Payton commented “Notice the music we’re hearing. It’s programmed to make us happy and keep us moving quickly.” Here’s the official word from Disney. Most people pay very little attention to the music being played in the background while visiting a Disney theme park. Our eyes are much too busy taking in all of the sights to consciously pay any attention to the melodies filling the air. Disney puts a lot of thought into the music they select for each land or area of their parks. It's usually somewhat upbeat. Disney wants their guests to be happy and a jaunty melody can affect our mood. Disney also wants the music to be recognizable when possible. If we can hum along with a tune, we'll feel at home and comfortable. Maybe we should put on some of that HAPPY music in our homes!

Just think about the ways the world around us is playing mind and body games with us. Sounds like "smoke and mirrors" (distorting the truth) to me. Notice how those who are constantly listening to negative news tend to take on the side of that news -- however it's delivered? Notice how the negativity in our homes oftentimes changes a positive mood to a negative one. Notice how a simple sneeze can make us think "I must be catching a cold!" I would suggest that the enemy of our souls is at work to bring us F.E.A.R.-- False Evidence Appearing Real. Those sights and sounds are examples of how we are affected by what we see and hear in our lives. The way a mirror might make us look better or worse; the way music can cause us to be happy enough to move to a beat. That’s the subtleties that the enemy of our souls uses to deceive us.

The same enemy who tried to convince Jesus' followers that he had died to never live again, is the same enemy that tries to convince us that there is no hope for tomorrow, that we will never recover from this financial setback or illness; that our marriage will never be whole again, that our country is going to hell in a handbasket. That same enemy tries to convince us that we should give up. But here's the real true MIRROR and the very authentic SOUNDS from God's Word:
-- We are not going under, we’re going over!
-- We’re not the tail, we’re the head!
-- We’re not going to die, we’re going to live!
-- And, best new of all….go ahead and read the last chapter of our BOOK….WE WIN!!!

Whatever the situation is in our lives this day, whatever fear we're facing, whatever false evidence has been placed in front of us, we must remember that God is faithful, and the promise He made us has not died. It's alive! It may appear to be dead, but in reality it’s in process, and we’re going to see the fulfillment of that promise, because God cannot lie!
IT’S NOT WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE!

“THE END -- And They Lived Happily Ever After”

That’s the big finale of most Disney movies and so it was for us. Our Disney journey came to an end last night, and of course we will live happily ever after….well, once we cross over to heaven, that is. But for now, we’ll carry so many precious memories from 10 years ago (yesterday morning we watched those photos and “remembered” together).

Then we made our way to the water park for a relaxing, fun, and “wet” morning. Then off to our final Disney adventure at Hollywood Studios again. It was my favorite day because we were able to get to do “do-overs” or our favorite rides with Fast Passes, watched several shows -- Indiana Jones movie set and stunt actors performing, Beauty and the Beast and the grand finale was Fantasmic. Waiting for Fantasmic to begin, I had just said to Staci “I need inspiration for my post for tomorrow”, and then the show began. My inspiration came immediately. A mountain-set surrounded by a water lagoon was a great backdrop for Mickey Mouse and his magical laser light show where the forces of good and evil were battling it out in Mickey’s dream. We saw Disney heroes, princesses and lots of villains from many of Disney’s best: Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, The Lion King, 101 Dalmatians and many others. But when the Evil Queen from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs with Cruella de Vil, and a larger-than-life Maleficent turned Mickey's dreams into a nightmare, Mickey and his ability to overcome evil with his good saved the day again. The add on of pyrotechnics, laser lights and lots of dancing water made the dream come to life. Lots of Disney tunes were heard.

While Disney has taken a lot of hits because of what people see as underlying hidden messages and controversial storylines in their films, we still can see their efforts to make us become better people who believe that good always wins over evil. Kids today still love watching the Disney movies that we all loved when we were kids. I even found myself getting goosebumps when the Beast turned back into the prince as we watched the show yesterday. The Beast learned to love instead of being the conceited, hateful monster that he once was. How's that for a love story?

Here’s my take-aways from our Disney adventures:
~ Family time equals special and intentional “I love you so much that I want to spend time with you and celebrate you.”
~ Always remember that you are absolutely unique.
~ Never lose that childlike spirit, no matter what age you are, or what your circumstances might be.
~ Always learn and discover new things, new horizons, be open and ready for new adventures and new experiences.
~ Never let others’ negative thoughts affect your life.
~ Never give up on your goals. Do your best and work hard to achieve your dreams and potentials.
~ Life can be hard sometimes. We all know that. However, the message Disney sends us is not about despair, it’s that there’s a light at the end of every tunnel. It often appears when we least expect it. And, in those of us who believe in THE LIGHT -- we can ALWAYS expect Him to show up for us!
~ Never stop dreaming and give your best to everything you set your heart and mind to do!

In the “Mickey/Disney” world it’s “Never stop believing in magic.” But, I like to say it this way “Never stop believing in a God in Whom ALL things are possible. And in His grand scheme of things…. “Good not only overcomes evil, but it is so good, that we will get to live happily ever after with the Prince of Peace who was willing to give His ALL for you and me.” That's a true LOVE story that never says THE END!

Low Profile, Low Pressure, High Impact

Those were my husband's life statement words that were full of wisdom. He realized the pressure that can come from those high profile individuals who expose themselves to public opinion and scrutiny. Though he spoke publicly to many various audiences in business and ministry, he was most pleased to nudge others to the places of prominence and limelight.

As you can see from the comments and photos we've made over the last few days about our family trip to Disney World, it seems we lean toward the "high profile" mentality. In reality, we do desire to have a high impact on this generation, their families and the lives they live. That's why I continually post so much about the joys of making memories, living in the moments, celebrating family and friends' victories and living life with gusto.

I realize there are those who prefer a low profile, who run from the idea of being on social media at all, and they stay quite comfortable in their quiet, untouchable world. And if that is their bent, then I say "different strokes for different folks". But, sharing a zest for life and all that comes with it -- the lessons we learn from the ups and downs and those we learn from the tough times and the triumphant times -- and still realize the blessings of God in the midst of it all, shows others that this life is worth living and celebrating. It's about the abundant life Christ came to give us -- not that we have to go anywhere other than our back yard, or to our children's sports games or events.....it is embracing them and their lives the best we can.

Yesterday, we hung out at Hollywood Studios, and there is no doubt, it was the favorite so far because Payton and Alexia's fondness for anything "Star Wars" was richly fed. No sooner than we walked through the gates that the Storm Troopers led by Captain Phasma marched down the street. Getting photos with Chewbacca and so many other Star Wars and other Disney characters made their day. In fact, we're going back there tomorrow -- they just didn't get enough!

It was a day packed with thrills, chills and literal ups and downs in the Rockin' Roller Coaster, Star Tours - The Adventure Continues and when the family headed back to trade more items with the Jawas, collect more pins and take it all in again, I found my sweet spot on a park bench. There's something to be said for being a "people watcher". As I sat there enjoying this gorgeous day (the weather has been fabulous), the Storm Troopers were headed down the street again and the crowds gathered for their look-see at those Star Wars favorites. I was amazed at the varieties of people there -- every shape and size, every nationality and cultural background and every age -- big and small. Everyone seemed to be in their own zone. I watched families having their pictures taken as they celebrated their moments. I saw physically challenged people being pushed in wheel chairs while others rode their electronic scooters and children being pushed in strollers -- each, in their own way -- embracing life and giving it their best shot!

Will those little ones remember this day? Probably not. Ten years passed since Alexia and Payton were here and they remembered very little, but it didn't matter because we remembered. It's really not about Disney or any other park -- it's taking time to give quality time to those we love and make memories and share time together like this could be the last time together. With Papa, it was, but I assure you he was with us throughout this trip. More times than I can count, we said, "I'm thinking about Papa!" I'm so thankful my husband and I made a big deal about celebrations. Our two children never saw Disney until they took their kids there. But, we sure spent a lot of time at Six Flags Over Texas -- back in the day. In fact, we're already talking about making some new memories there very soon. And you better believe, we'll be talking there about that man who really was HIGH profile and HIGH impact to us.

The Happiest Place on Earth

Disney World -- it's supposed to be the happiest place on earth -- but I guess it depends on who's saying it and feeling it. That's where the Wallace's and I are heading today. I know it's a stretch to think I would be interrupting my Lenten "desert" and solemnity for going to that fantasy/magical/wonder/pixie dust world, but, in reality, I like to think that this long-planned adventure is no surprise to God and He might even have orchestrated it because He wants us to put into perspective the ability we have to dream and believe in miracles.

In reality, we're heading there because Payton and Alexia were given Disney World as their big incentive for achieving "nationals" in their Debate and Speech competitions last year, and to make matters even more special, it's the 10th anniversary of Papa and Alexia's birthday celebration when he turned 60 and she turned 6. This year, Papa would be 70 and Alexia turns 16. I love that we get to still include that sweet man on our adventures. After all, he is still so present in our hearts and lives.

I commented to the kids "Well, you're probably not wanting to re-enact riding in the tea-cups and the "It's a small world after all" ride, are you?" To which, both said, "Oh yes we are -- we're not missing a thing!" Which immediately caused us all to break into song "It's a small world after all!"

While Disney is such a sweet adventure with little kids in tow, I'm looking forward to this trip because it represents nostalgia for me as a young girl, when times were simpler and sweeter. Some folks enjoy the artistry and the detail (I know that to be so for Payton, as he has friends who work at Disney and, who knows, maybe with his musical talents, a door may open for him there one day). And some folks have discovered that they can be "kids" without even being a child and they can let that kid come out and play! COUNT ME IN!

Since I'm a romantic at heart, I still embrace the "Dreams come true" likes of Cinderella, Belle, Peter Pan, Little Mermaid and all the other Disney memories from my childhood that initiated my love for Hallmark movies where, though the ending is always expected to be happy, it still brings sweetness and joy.

I know there are those of you who are reading this today and are thinking "Get a life, Donna. In fact, get back in your prayer closet, Donna! Face up to the real nasty and dirty world we live in. Forget the imagery of "And they lived happy ever after" because it's just not so!" And with that thought, I say, "I beg to differ!" This life may have it's disappointments and tribulations....but the greatest BELIEVE-IT-WILL-COME-TRUE-STORY is a true story. John 10:10 "Jesus came to give us abundant life!" It's THE ONE about a Prince and a shoe and a girl who believed in the impossible. Though the Cinderella story, itself isn't true, we CAN believe that there is a Prince of Peace who gave each of us specific shoes that only we can walk in, and He promises that He will dance with us for ALL ETERNITY if we truly BELIEVE IN HIM". John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that WHOEVER (that's you and me) believes in Him, will not perish but have everlasting life!" That's a FOR SURE promise of "And they will live happy ever after!"

I started this post with "The Happiest Place on Earth". It really isn't Disney....it's that place of inner peace that comes with knowing the Prince of Peace, and abiding in Him 24/7. That, my friends.....is truly "The Happiest Place on Earth"!!!