Sally Loftis

Esther Bible Study by Beth Moore: Viewer Guide Answers - Session Six

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Loftis) — Wed, 07 May 2014 10:00:00 +0000

(This is part of a 12-week series on Esther: It's Tough Being A Woman by Beth Moore. Answers to the blanks are underlined.)

The sixth chapter is "the hinge of the story of Esther." God appoints or allows circumstances (often crises) in our lives to redirect our paths. Today we explore the unexpected pivot point of Esther by giving a name to an important concept in the book: the reversal of destiny also called the reversal of fortunes. Review Esther 6:6-11.

These reversals are part of a literary tapestry that will open our eyes to see...

1. The beauty of the book's construction.

Am I willing to do the work to see the wonder?
Two literary devices are employed magnificently in the Book of Esther. The first is called "chiastic structure."

What in the world is it? In its tightest form, chiastic structure is inverted parallelism. In other words, it is a reversal of structures to emphasize an overarching point.

What's the best way to picture it?

The "chi" that begins the word chiastic is the 22nd letter of the Greek alphabet.

It is written like this: x.The letter itself represents the criss-cross literary structure of a chiasm (literally in Greek, a crossing).

What's the best example of it in the Book of Esther? Chiastic structure is deliciously illustrated in the repeated occurrences of feasts or banquets.

2. The beauty of the book's subtlety.

Esther's best theology is in its subtlety. To offer a perfect example, we'll consider a second literary device called "peripety."

What in the world is it?

"Peripety: a sudden turn of events that reverses the expected or intended outcome" particularly in a literary work.

SCENARIO #7
It's tough being a woman who feels responsible for the "how."

"A peripeteia swiftly turns a routine sequence of events into a story worth telling."

Esther Bible Study by Beth Moore: Viewer Guide Answers - Session Five

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Loftis) — Thu, 01 May 2014 10:00:00 +0000

(This is part of a 12-week series on Esther: It's Tough Being A Woman by Beth Moore. Answers to the blanks are underlined.)

Sometimes God forces the issue of time. Amazingly, other times He seems to entrust it.

Reflect on the importance of knowing...

1. When it's time.

See verse 1. Compare Hosea 6:2.

2. When it's time to wait.

Ecclesiastes 3:1,7 say, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven...a time to be silent and a time to speak."

Sometimes we need to be silent even when man invites us to speak.

Consider the idiom, "Even up to half the kingdom." (Compare Mark 6:17-28.)

Sometimes the words sound right but they don't taste right. See Job 34:2-4. (Compare 2 Cor. 6:1-2.)

3. When it's time to wait for someone else's time.

The time wasn't right for Xerxes. (Recall Mark 6:23.)
The time wasn't right for Haman.

Commentator Adele Berlin suggests the delay is "a clever move on Esther's part to disarm Haman and make him think he was the center of attention. This plays to Haman's personal weakness." Similarly, J. Gordon McConville explains that the delay allowed time "for Haman's misguided self-confidence to mature."

4. When the time is God's. (See Is. 40:31, KJV.)

Scenario #6

It's tough being a woman who can balance passion with patience.

SPOILER ALERT: Returning May 1

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Loftis) — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 13:23:00 +0000

Life in the Spirit brings freedom. That is true. But, life in the Spirit also means changing plans with little notice. When the Spirit tells you to do something, you just do it. That's where I am right now.

Within this season of Lent, I have struggled with a clear vision of what to give up for 40 days. Every year something clearly presents itself as the option, but this year has been different. Oddly, it became very clear last night. I feel led by stop blogging for 40 days. It feels weird to start something on a different date than Ash Wednesday, but I cannot deny the Spirit.

I'm coming back on May 1, which is more than 40 days, but that date has been placed on my heart. I look forward to seeing you back here soon!

Downton Abbey Review: Season 4 Recap

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Loftis) — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 11:00:00 +0000

(This is a part of an ongoing series that reviews new episodes of the PBS series, Downton Abbey. New reviews are posted on Mondays.)

Downton Abbey seems like an ocean away, but the season finale just aired last week. What did Season 4 bring to us fans? More often than not, this season brought tears and frustration. From the unexpected pregnancy of Edith to the brutal rape of Anna, the women of Downton Abbey did not fair too well. Cora was practically a fixture on the wall. Edith stumbled through a sticky and unresolved situation with her married lover. Rose continued down the primrose path by starting a romance with a jazz singer and making her debut in London. Mary stood her ground in her grief and her resolve to be the person Matthew pushed her to be. The Dowager Countess and Cousin Isobel deepened their friendship through sickness and travel.

The female servants also had their troubles in Downton Abbey, Season 4. Daisy butted heads with Ivy on more than one occasion, yet she won in the end by offering an American opportunity to her nemesis. Mrs. Patmore had the patience of Job with the teenage drama in her midst. Mrs. O'Brien left, and so did Edna. This left us with Baxter, who seems to be good addition to the team. Mrs. Hughes sprouted her wings a bit by protecting Anna and even starting a romance with Carson. And Anna, sweet Anna. She endured an unsolicited attack by an evil man and the shame of the experience in her marriage. Anna's story was so powerful that it is the story that everyone will remember from this season of Downton Abbey.

While the men had their own happenings (especially Tom), the women really owned season 4 of Downton Abbey. It is ironic to me that a show paced so differently from other dramas is fueled by women. So many in society associate drama with women, yet the women of Downton Abbey exhibit muted emotions with dignity and grace. Watching this show is a little bit like watching a long chess game. The moves in between don't seem that significant until the very end, and that's how I feel about this season. The individual episodes didn't leave much impact, but the season as a whole was well worth my time.

However, season 4 of Downton Abbey also left many unanswered questions. Did Bates kill Mr. Green? Will Thomas ever stop skulking around like Gollum? How will Edith handle life with her baby just down the road? And what happened to her beau? I mean, seriously! What's up with that? I can only imagine that his story will be a huge part of season 5. Well, I would love to hear your thoughts. Will you keep watching next season? What was your favorite moment of the season? Use the comments section below.

Episode 1 & 2 (Season Premiere)

Episode 3

Episode 4

Episode 5

Episode 6

Episode 7

Episode 8

The Christmas Special

Esther Bible Study by Beth Moore: Viewer Guide Answers - Session Four

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Loftis) — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 11:00:00 +0000

(This is part of a 12-week series on Esther: It's Tough Being A Woman by Beth Moore. Answers to the blanks are underlined.)

VIEWER GUIDE - SESSION FOUR

Part One
Our protagonist made three shifts that moved her from self-preservation to brave determination.

1. Esther had a choice.
"She (Esther) had to overcome herself in order to do what God had created her and positioned her to do."

2. Esther faced the fear.
Consider general fears, then our context's specific fear:

Facing any fear.

And if _____________, then __________________.

Scenario #5

It's tough being a woman in the tight fist of fear.

Facing fear of death.

Hebrews 2:14-15 from The Message: "By embracing death, taking it into himself, he destroyed the Devil's hold on death and freed all who cower through life, scared to death of death."

Recall a quote we discussed in week 3 of our homework:

"Living perpetually in the shadow of immanent catastrophe, the Jew was threatened not only physically but psychologically. Walking in the shadow of death was as perilous as dying."

3. Esther took the courage she was offered.

On the blog this week...

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Loftis) — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 11:00:00 +0000

Monday - Downton Abbey review: Season 4 recap

Wednesday - Esther by Beth Moore, Session Four Answers

Friday - DVD Recommendations for Kids

A Girl's Movie Review (Oscar Edition): Philomena

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Loftis) — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 22:05:00 +0000

(The Oscars will be awarded on Sunday, March 2. For the next several weeks, I will review movies with the most Oscar "buzz.")

Starring Judi Dench and Steve Coogan
Rated PG-13 on appeal for some strong language, thematic elements and sexual references

I'm not really a fan of aging. I don't like the thought of my neck changing from smooth skin to wrinkles. I don't like the image of my perkiness changing to droopiness. And I certainly don't like the thought of people dismissing me as a "less than" contributor once I move past 50 years of age. As a girl in my thirties, I am far away from this stage of aging, but I still admire the women who are doing it well. These women embrace the stage and even play older women to show a different look on life. From a Hollywood perspective, one of those women is Judi Dench, and Philomena is just another opportunity for this older woman to shine.

Philomena tells the story of Philomena Lee, a teenage girl who becomes pregnant. Her father sends her to live with some nuns. While working off her debt to the nuns, the women secretly place Philomena's son for adoption. At the last moment, Philomena sees her child being taken away by his new parents. (P.S. I was sobbing so hard here that people were staring at me.) Fifty years later, Philomena continues her quest to find her lost child and encounters a journalist named Martin Sixsmith. The two of them embark on a journey of discovery, loss and forgiveness.

Like so many films these days, Philomena is based on a true story. The surface story of a woman losing her son in an unexpected adoption is strong, yet the greater story of dealing with betrayal by religious people is what stands out here. The journalist Martin doesn't believe in God, so his outrage over the nuns' actions only confirms his lack of belief. Philomena, a devout Catholic, has a very different outlook, which challenges Martin in his own faith journey. It is a movie that provides more questions than answers.

Also, everyone involved in the film is delightful. The performances are gut-wrenching at times and hilarious at other spots. Dame Judi Dench shows great reserve in her portrayal of an older woman navigating new territory. And Steve Coogan, as journalist Martin Sixsmith, brings a normalcy to an incredible story. Philomena is also one of the shorter films nominated for Best Picture, so enjoy some saved time! But...bring your tissues. Tearjerker doesn't even cover it for me.

Discussion thoughts:

If you were Philomena Lee, how would you feel about the nuns and their cover-up? What would be the steps to offering forgiveness to these women?
Read Romans 8:1-17. Who adopted us? Because of this adoptions, what rights do we have?

Esther Bible Study by Beth Moore: Viewer Guide Answers - Session Three

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Loftis) — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 11:00:00 +0000

(This is part of a 12-week series on Esther: It's Tough Being A Woman by Beth Moore. Answers to the blanks are underlined.)

VIEWER GUIDE - SESSION THREE

The Human Dilemma of Destiny
Many of the biblical figures who fulfilled their God-appointed destinies shared some of Esther's basic inner conflicts.

Consider the dilemma of destiny from a human perspective.

1. The poor timing. Reflect on Esther 4:11b.

2. The unreasonable expectation.

Scenario #4
It's tough being a woman thrown a giant-sized weight.

3. The risky identification.

Remember, destiny appoints one but affects many.
The revelation of a person's destiny always demands a revelation of the person. Consider the wording "if you remain silent at this time." The Hebrew word translated silent in this verse can also be translated concealed.

4. The unanswered question. (See verse 14.)

"The sentence contains a figure of speech known as aposiopesis - a sudden breaking off of what was being said or written so that the mind is more impressed by what is left unsaid, it being too wonderful, solemn or awful to verbalize. In English this figure is sometimes called the 'sudden silence.'"

Downton Abbey Review: Season 4, The Christmas Special (or Episode 9)

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Loftis) — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 21:56:00 +0000

(This is a part of an ongoing series that reviews new episodes of the PBS series, Downton Abbey. New reviews are posted on Mondays.)

A viewer in the United States might have a much different view of last night's episode of Downton Abbey than a British viewer. Why? In Great Britain, Downton Abbey is shown in the fall with 7 episodes. Two months later, a Christmas special is aired that bridges the gap between seasons. Downton Abbey is shown differently in the United States. First, the USA receives Downton Abbey almost six months later than the Brits, so some viewers can even purchase the entire season before it is aired in the USA. Also, the USA viewing is completed together, so the Christmas special becomes the season finale for USA viewers.

This difference is important when understanding the positioning of last night's episode. Episode 8 starts 8 months later than the previous episode, which is a big time leap for a normal season. When you understand the British timing of the series, then the time leap doesn't seem so drastic. I go to this great length of explanation because so many USA viewers have panned last night's episode. As viewers on this side of the big pond, we are used to closure of season story lines and major cliff-hangers in season finales that tide us over with questions until the next season. Downton Abbey is different, and I have been saying this all season. It is more like a mini-series than a regular television show.

That's why I really enjoyed last night's episode. It felt more like a continuation of a good story versus a television show. Honestly, the pace of Downton Abbey is more like a soap opera without the overly dramatic characters and sex. Mary and Edith both made big decisions about their futures. Robert and Cora made progress with the British monarchy. Rose made her debut and a friend in Dudley Ward. (For more good background on this historical figure, click HERE.) And the Dowager Countess just rolled with the punches. Lord have mercy, I love her character.

Downton Abbey also mixed up the downstairs crew with this episode. Baxter solidified her relationship with Moseley by inviting Thomas' threats of secrecy. Daisy sent her nemesis off to the United States, while Mrs. Patmore saw her protege gain some maturity. Anna and Bates avoided a major crisis in the discovered train ticket. And finally, Mrs. Hughes and Carson started a romance. Overall, it was a fantastic episode that moves along an ongoing stoic and subtle story of British wealth in the 1920s.

What did you think? Were you disappointed or pleased with this episode? Check back next week for a season 4 recap.

On the blog this week...

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Loftis) — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 11:00:00 +0000

Monday: Downton Abbey review, Season 4 - Episode 8 (Christmas special & season finale!)

Wednesday: Esther Bible Study by Beth Moore: Viewer Guide Answers - Session Three

Friday: A Girl's Movie Review (Oscar Edition) - Philomena

A Girl's Movie Review (Oscar Edition): Blue Jasmine

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Loftis) — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 19:18:00 +0000

(The Oscars will be awarded on Sunday, March 2. For the next several weeks, I will review movies with the most Oscar "buzz.")

Starring Cate Blanchett and Alec Baldwin
Rated PG-13 for mature thematic material, language and sexual content

Do you know those wealthy women who just live in denial about everything? They act like everything is wonderful in their lives, even though the signs of trouble are glaringly obvious to everyone else. These women just sip their martinis and stroke their pearls while their husbands bang the secretaries and steal money from people. Do you know this woman? No, then watch Blue Jasmine for an insider look into these women.

Blue Jasmine is the latest release by the infamous writer and director Woody Allen. While I will not comment on his current family woes, I will say that I am not usually a fan of his work. I usually find his work as dry and emotionally unmoving as a can of paint. That's why I don't usually watch his films, but Blue Jasmine is an exception. With all the buzz about Cate Blanchett's leading actress role, I wanted to see this amazing actress myself in this oft-talked about film.

The movie follows a woman named Jasmine, who has moved to San Francisco to live with her sister. Jasmine is broken, financially, mentally and emotionally from the death of her husband. In comical yet dark flashbacks, we see that Jasmine lived the privileged life with her husband who dealt in real estate. The couple had houses in multiple places, "hosted the best dinner parties in New York," and enjoyed every delicacy known to the elite. When her husband goes to prison and eventually dies, Jasmine becomes overwhelmed by the truth of her husband's deception and experiences a nervous breakdown.

This is where Cate Blanchett shines. Beyond her ability to capture an incredible American accent, Blanchett beautifully and delicately shows the unraveling of a woman's soul. In Blue Jasmine, she juxtaposes her wealthy lifestyle with the normal and seemingly boring life of her adopted sister. Quickly, one understands that Jasmine isn't just struggling with the effects of a nervous breakdown. No, Jasmine is a narcissist through and through. Her narcissism impacts every single person in her path, including her sister.

Blue Jasmine also provides cameos by lots of interesting people. Andrew "Dice" Clay of the late 1980s fame plays a serious role, as does Bobby Cannavale of Nurse Jackie. The writing is strong and well worthy of its Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay. Also, it is one of the few good movies in the past year that doesn't stretch beyond 2 hours. That is a rarity these days. Overall, I enjoyed Blue Jasmine as a movie and loved seeing Cate Blanchett unload another Oscar worthy performance as an actress.

Discussion Thoughts:

Narcissism is defined as "an inordinate fascination with oneself." The main character in Blue Jasmine battles with narcissism. Where do you draw the line between simple selfishness and narcissism?
Read I Timothy 6:6-10. What happens when our love for money grows to unhealthy levels?

Esther Bible Study by Beth Moore: Viewer Guide Answers - Session Two

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Loftis) — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 11:00:00 +0000

(This is part of a 12-week series on Esther: It's Tough Being A Woman by Beth Moore. Answers to the blanks are underlined.)

VIEWER GUIDE - SESSION TWO

Scenario #3
It's tough being a woman in a mean world.

1. Meanness always has a history.

Consider the history of these two rivals.

Mordecai, a Jew from the tribe of Benjamin and a descendant of King Saul -->

Haman, a presumed Amalekite and descendant of Agag, their king during Saul's reign -->

The disobeyed instruction: I Samuel 15:10-23, 30 -->

The revealed explanation. Deuteronomy 25:17-19 (Referring to Ex. 17:8-16)

Exodus 17:16 - "The LORD will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation."

2. Meanness perceives a threat (2 Cor. 10:12).

3. Meanness catches like a virus.

The word Agag is believed to be related to an Assyrian term (agagu) that means "to be powerful, vehement, angry"
The name "Haman" sounds similar to the Hebrew word for wrath (Hebrew, heman). (Compare Prov. 22:24-25)

Consider the following quote

"Surely as Christians we must recognize the 'spirit of Haman ' not only in our world but within ourselves."

4. Meanness is curable (Rom. 12:17-21).

Downton Abbey Review: Season 4, Episode 8

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Loftis) — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 03:23:00 +0000

(This is a part of an ongoing series that reviews new episodes of the PBS series, Downton Abbey. New reviews are posted on Mondays.)

I feel like I am about to jinx myself, but here we go. I have made it through seven episodes of Season 4 for Downton Abbey without running into any spoilers online or elsewhere. Last year, I was stunned to find out about the deaths of Sybil and Matthew before they aired. The spoilers happened by accident, but it was still disappointing. I learned my lesson at that time, and it seems to be working this year.

We are down to one more episode of Downton Abbey this year. It has gone by so fast, hasn't it? After season 3, I wasn't too keen on the return of Downton Abbey in 2014. After a slow start, Season 4 has reignited my passion for the British history and humor. Plus, I just love a good show about women. You aren't surprised by that statement, are you?

Yet again, the Crawleys were preparing for a big event at Downton. This episode included planning a church bazaar for the local community. Lady Cora was overwhelmed with the task, so she enlisted the help of everyone at home. Fortunately, those at home were able to handle extra duties and personal distractions. Tom encountered his political friend again and again. And the women were busy with hiding secrets and solving problems.

Lady Mary vacillated between her trio of men, the sudden engagement of Rose and the real back story to Anna's rape. Mary just can't get away from the men who want her hand. Rose certainly shocked Tom and Mary with her quick engagement to Mr. Ross, and Mary took it upon herself as a self-appointed matriarch to handle the situation with an ominous trip to London. Then, Mary also found out the truth about Lord Gillingham's valet. She killed two birds with one stone in London, although the real killing happened elsewhere. His death was a real House of Cards moment.

I am troubled by the story line for Edith's pregnancy. Would she really have been able to explore so many options with such a pregnancy? Also, wouldn't the prevailing religious beliefs of the day drive her to more penance? I just struggle with the liberal religious views of the family and their very conservative views in other areas. It doesn't line up to me, although I appreciate the support by her aunt and grandmother. Speaking of the Dowager Countess, she just brightens any scene with her wit. And I love her friendship with Cousin Isobel. They are just jewels in the crown of Downton Abbey.

The stories of the servants were found in the nucleus of love. Daisy and Ivy finally - finally! - resolved their feud over Alfred. Thank goodness! Thomas returned from America with Lord Grantham, and he found that his new buddy Baxter had a new friend herself - Moseley. In the end, it all came back to Anna and Bates with the news of Mr. Green's unfortunate death. What will happen in the final episode? What intrigue will Rose's party bring to the Downton Abbey universe? Stay tuned, my friends. Only one more week to go.

On the blog this week...

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Loftis) — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 11:00:00 +0000

Monday - Downton Abbey review, Season 4 - Episode 7

Wednesday - Esther Bible Study by Beth Moore: Viewer Guide Answers - Session Two

Friday - A Girl's Movie Review (Oscar Edition): Blue Jasmine

A Girl's Movie Review (Oscar Edition): Captain Phillips

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Loftis) — Sat, 15 Feb 2014 15:15:00 +0000

(The Oscars will be awarded on Sunday, March 2. For the next several weeks, I will review movies with the most Oscar "buzz.")

Starring Tom Hanks and Barkhad Abdi
Rated PG-13 for sustained intense sequences of menace, some violence with bloody images, and for substance use

"True stories" are all the rage in movies these days. It is one of the many side effects from our unbelievable access to information in this age. We are now able to locate stories and facts that were only previous known by word of mouth or geographic space. With our instant ability to reach across the world in a matter of seconds and publish a story in a span of minutes, writers have a plethora of data to mine for ideas. Yet, some issues come with every "true story" we find. Such is the case with Captain Phillips.

In this Oscar-nominated film, Captain Richard Phillips leads a crew of men through a dangerous part of African waters as part of an everyday mission to move cargo around the world. When Somali pirates attack the ship, Captain Phillips makes daring choices along the way to save his crew and his own life. He is taken captive by the pirates and finds himself in the middle of an international crisis.

Captain Phillips is a true suspense film. Director Paul Greengrass, known for his work on The Bourne Supremacy and The Bourne Ultimatum, builds the situation with gradual intensity and concise storytelling. We quickly understand the mission of the ship, the dangers of the territory and the purpose of the pirates. With every attempt and every sign of danger, the pirates pursue the ship like Jaws. When the pirates take over the ship, every moment is filled with tension, even though many of us already know the end of the story. This is why Captain Phillips is a Best Picture nominee.

Like many films based on "true stories," Captain Phillips is one depiction of this tale. It is interesting to read the back story to this international crisis. In fact, the other men on the ship with Captain Richard Phillips are still pursuing legal repercussions for the trip and actually refute some of Richard Phillips' story. These facts do not change that Captain Phillips is a solid movie. That's what good movie making is all about - taking a basic story and couching it in context of a greater narrative. And who doesn't love a story where Seal Team Six arrives? Captain Phillips certainly deserves its Oscar nominations.

Discussion Thoughts:

When you see a "true story" depicted in a film, do you go back to find more details? How does that process of investigation change your view of the film?
Read I Samuel 24. Over many chapters, we learn of King Saul's pursuit of David. He hunts David like the Somali pirates hunt the ship in Captain Phillips. How did David show mercy to his hunter?

Esther Bible Study by Beth Moore: Viewer Guide Answers - Session One

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Loftis) — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 17:00:00 +0000

(This is part of a 12-week series on Esther: It's Tough Being A Woman by Beth Moore. Answers to the blanks are underlined.)

VIEWER GUIDE - SESSION ONE

Today's session introduces our protagonist and most vital supporting actor. We will use the important "first mentions" to help us draw character sketches of each based on what we know and what we also might imagine.

Part One - A Character Sketch of Mordecai.

He was a Jew.

"Its significance is indicated by the fact that this is the only time in the whole Old Testament that a native member of the community of Israel is named and identified by a gentilic."

He was an exile.

Esther 2:6 "employs the root of the word exile (glh) in four distinct constructions, lest the full measure of the Jewish plight be overlooked."

View the repetition in the King James Version: "Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away."

He was a sudden parent to his cousin.

Part Two - A Character Sketch of Esther

She was named Hadassah.

This Jewish name comes from the word for "myrtle" and means "fragrance."

She was orphaned.
She was brought up by her male cousin.
She was lovely.

Scenario #2

It's tough being a woman in a world where beauty is a treatment.

She was also known as Esther.

The Persian name means "star."

Perhaps even more significantly, "the name Esther comes from the verbal root in Hebrew str, meaning "to conceal.

Downton Abbey Review - Season 4, Episode 7

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Loftis) — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 11:00:00 +0000

(This is a part of an ongoing series that reviews new episodes of the PBS series, Downton Abbey. New reviews are posted on Mondays.)

Things are getting really good in Season 4 of Downton Abbey. After a slow start to the season, this week's episode felt like a reward for patient and loyal viewers. Major decisions were made, and thank the Lord, Robert is gone for awhile. Happy sailing, Lord Grantham!

While the cat is away, the mice will certainly play at Downton. Robert was barely out the door before Cousin Rose was plotting her next trip to London and her next rendezvous with a certain jazz singer. Unfortunately, Edith was already going to London for you know what. I've got to hand it to Lady Rosamund here. She really pulled through as an aunt. I don't know if I agree with every decision that Lady Rosamund made, but I pray that I would be the kind of aunt to stand beside any of my nieces like that. And where in the world is Edith's beau? Please tell me that some resolution will happen with this story line before the season ends. PLEASE.

Can we just talk about friendship for a minute? Downton Abbey has soared in its slow build of the friendship between Cousin Isobel and the Dowager Countess. This week's episode felt like an epic yet stoic moment among these two strong women. I appreciate that their friendship hasn't been built in fighting over a man. Instead, it is a friendship forged in motherhood, age and history. Cousin Isobel proudly flew above tradition and society with her constant care for the Dowager Countess. God bless her.

While Mary kept herself busy with suitors at every turn, the servants had their own happenings and intrigue. Mrs. Hughes, Carson and Mrs. Patmore became co-conspirators when Alfred attempted a return visit. Of course, that conspiracy didn't work out as planned, but it was still funny to watch. And Mrs. Hughes continued her campaign as favorite character of season 4 with her advocacy for Anna with Bates and Mr. Green. Mrs. Hughes is on fire!

As we look at the final two episodes of this season, I am reminded of what makes Downton Abbey different from other television shows. Its pace is slower but with great cadence. It is a show to be savored and enjoyed with great ease and enjoyment. Downton Abbey doesn't need a big game changer in the plot every week to keep its viewers. No, it just simply needs to keep its style, grace and roots as the reward to patient and loyal viewers.

On the blog this week...

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Loftis) — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 11:00:00 +0000

Monday - Downton Abbey review, Season 4 - Episode 6

Wednesday - Esther Bible Study by Beth Moore: Viewer Guide Answers - Session One

Friday - A Girl's Movie Review (Oscar Edition): Captain Phillips

A Girl's Movie Review (Oscar Edition): Saving Mr. Banks

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Loftis) — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 11:00:00 +0000

(The Oscars will be awarded on Sunday, March 2. For the next several weeks, I will review movies with the most Oscar "buzz.")

Starring Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks
Rated PG-13 for thematic elements including some unsettling images.

What is your enchantment with Walt Disney? Is it the man who took imagination to a new level? Is it the theme park that makes dreams come true? Or is it the movies that delight a child's heart and reduce adult to tears? Whatever your fancy, each of us has a story about Walt Disney and his lasting impact on our culture, our childhood and even our current family situations.

With this in mind, Saving Mr. Banks is a magical story about the fight to bring the stories of Mary Poppins to the big screen. Emma Thompson stars as P. L. Travers, the author of the Mary Poppins book series. Tom Hanks stars as Walt Disney himself, the man who promises his own girls that Mary Poppins will become a movie. These two strong characters unravel a story for us about forgiveness, trust and hope.

Saving Mr. Banks doesn't just tell the story about Mary Poppins the movie. Saving Mr. Banks shows the struggles to even bring Mary Poppins to film. Travers withheld signing over her rights to the stories until she was pleased with the film product. Therefore, the producers and writers were at her mercy. While this dynamic brings frustration and laughter to the creative process, Walt Disney's business pursuit of Travers offers the most touching moments.

As one might guess, the Mary Poppins series is based on events in Travers' life, and she is not yet ready to hand over those stories. We learn that the pears, the penguins, the mustache and every other detail behind Mary Poppins holds great significance to Travers. Saving Mr. Banks interweaves the actual stories behind the Mary Poppins series into Travers' interaction with Walt Disney and team. The result is a subtle yet moving masterpiece about a masterpiece.

The real buzz around Saving Mr. Banks is its lack of love by the Oscars, and I am not sure why this film was so overlooked. The cast is just incredible but in a unique way. Most of the actors are known for more dramatic scenes in film, but their abilities to hold back and play these roles with subtlety in Saving Mr. Banks take great skill and craft. And one can only assume that such a talented cast took on these roles because they were impacted by P. L. Travers and Walt Disney. Mary Poppins the movie and Walt Disney dared us to dream again and hope for better days. Saving Mr. Banks will do just the same.

Discussion Thoughts:

Walt Disney once said, "Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever." What would motivate someone to say something so bold? Do you believe that this quote has validity for life?
P. L. Travers pondered and treasured the stories from her childhood. Read Luke 2:1-19. What do you think that the mother of Jesus treasured and pondered in her heart?

Esther Bible Study by Beth Moore: Viewer Guide Answers - Introduction

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Loftis) — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 11:00:00 +0000

(This is part of a 12-week series on Esther: It's Tough Being A Woman by Beth Moore. Answers to the blanks are underlined.)

VIEWER GUIDE - INTRODUCTION

The Background of Esther in the Hebrew Bible and Tradition.

The Book of Esther is also known as Megillah.

Historical Background

Like the Book of Daniel, Esther is a diaspora story.

The Uniqueness of the Book of Esther

1. The total absence of any reference to God.

Why study the book of Esther?

It's part of God's Word.
Based on Psalm 138:2b God's name may not be in it, but it's all over it.
It offers tremendous hope.
It extends a vital perspective on the providence of God.

Merriam Webster's definition of providence: "God conceived as the power sustaining and guiding human destiny." Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary adds, "In so doing [in His providence] God attends not only to apparently momentous events and people but also to those that seem both mundane and trivial...Indeed, so all encompassing is God's attention to events within creation that nothing....happens by chance."

Ephesians 1:11 - Even when we're blind to the evidence, God "works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will."

Philippians 2:13 - God "works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose."

2. The title bears a woman's name.

Throughout the next nine weeks we'll consider different scenarios to underscore the concept capture in our study's title.

Scenario #1

It's tough being a woman in another woman's shadow.

3. The God-ordained emphasis on human responsibility.

According to Word Biblical Commentary, the inspired author of Esther "lays all the stress on the human contribution to the divine-human synergism" [combined or shared energy].

#Esther #WomensBibleStudy

Downton Abbey Review: Season 4 - Episode 6

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Loftis) — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 21:41:00 +0000

(This is a part of an ongoing series that reviews new episodes of the PBS series, Downton Abbey. New reviews are posted on Mondays.)

Wait, the Super Bowl was this week? Who knew that big event was happening when we had a new Downton Abbey episode to absorb?! In typical British fashion, Downton Abbey strolled onto the scene with a stoic yet humorous entry into its ongoing tale of British society. Can we talk about the Dowager Countess for a moment? She was just rolling with one-liners like a comedian on stand-up night. She really makes the show.

What will the Dowager Countess say about Edith's news? Edith found out this week that she was pregnant. I can only assume the great amount of shame this news will bring. I kept thinking that this might be a lead-in for Edith and Tom to set sail to America for a new life, yet it seems like Tom is staying for now. Edith's sister, Mary, found new suitors and people to hate in this week's episode. Similar to her courting days with Matthew, Mary found another man, Mr. Blake, to be her verbal sparring partner. And we finally saw the result of Rose's planning for Robert's birthday party. The surprised faces of the patrons when seeing the jazz band was priceless!

While the parties were happening upstairs, the staff below were become more divided. Alfred received news that he was accepted into the cooking program, which deeply saddened Daisy. In the meantime, Jimmy tried some inappropriate touching with Ivy, who resolutely refused. While Ivy spoke with Mrs. Patmore and Mrs. Hughes about the situation, Daisy exploded about her feelings for Ivy and Alfred. What a teenage mess!

Anna and Bates enjoyed a night out, thanks to Lady Grantham. They are trying to forget the rape, but we all know that's not happening. Thomas is still trying to track down secrets with Baxter, yet I really like Baxter. She seems like a good lady's maid. Oh well, all is fair in love and war. This episode definitely set up the stories for the final part of the season. And, God love her, the Dowager Countess provided the laughter for a whole other week. Below is my favorite line of the night:

Isobel: How you hate to be wrong.
Violet: I wouldn't know. I'm not familiar with the sensation.

On the blog this week...

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Loftis) — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 11:00:00 +0000

Monday - Downton Abbey: Season 4, Part 5 review

Wednesday - Esther Bible Study by Beth Moore: Viewer Guide Answers - Introduction

Friday - A Girl's Movie Review (Oscar Edition): Saving Mr. Banks

A Girl's Movie Review (Oscar Edition): The Wolf of Wall Street

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Loftis) — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 11:00:00 +0000

(The Oscars will be awarded on Sunday, March 2. For the next several weeks, I will review movies with the most Oscar "buzz.")

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill and Margot Robbie
Rated R for sequences of strong sexual content, graphic nudity, drug use and language throughout, and for some violence

Lasciviousness and debauchery. I remember those two words with great humor and awe. Lasciviousness and debauchery were always listed among the "worst" sins in the Bible. As a student at an evangelical Christian school from kindergarten through college, I used to ask about what these bad things like lasciviousness and debauchery were. The answer? People who only live for themselves with great sexual fervor. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is a summary of The Wolf of Wall Street.

Director Martin Scorsese offers up another Best Picture nominee with The Wolf of Wall Street, based on the somewhat true story of a former Wall Street executive named Jordan Belfort. I stress "somewhat true" because you will learn one thing very quickly in this movie - Jordan Belfort is a conniving salesman. So, who knows how much of his story is true when he is the storyteller?

The Wolf of Wall Street highlights Belfort's rise from a mediocre stockbroker to a lavishly, rich Wall Street executive. How does he do it? By selling penny stocks to unsuspecting people. This is an act also known as fraud. While his ways are unethical, Belfort thrives in the unregulated environment of the stock market life. Before long, he builds an empire worth of national fame. Unfortunately, the fame also brings FBI suspicion of unlawful conduct within Belfort's firm. It takes awhile, but Jordan Belfort eventually faces a court for his crimes.

What distinguishes this film is its unabated reflection of hedonism. Director Martin Scorsese holds nothing back when displaying the debauchery of Belfort and his followers. I mean, NOTHING. The Wolf of Wall Street has already won the honor as one of the highest uses of the F-bomb in movie history. And I can testify personally that I have never heard worse language in any other movie. Yet, that's not the only distinguishing aspect of the film.

The sex. Holy cow, the sex. I mean, really? It is like watching Tony Soprano on steroids - I mean, quaaludes. This is the drug of choice for Belfort and company, and the drug trips only fuel the sex-capades for hours. From a critical standpoint, I appreciate that Scorsese is going for a story that shows the absurdity on Wall Street. Yet, he is unsuccessful in highlighting absurdity and greed as the lasting impression. Instead, a viewer can't help but think of the endless scenes of sex & drugs and more sex & drugs and even more sex & drugs.

With the over indulgence of Belfort's lasciviousness in plain view, audiences miss the bigger point - Belfort's story is not alone. Wall Street cons the American people every day, and we just don't care. Or we feel helpless in the matter. In my humble opinion, some of the drug and sex scenes could have been deleted and replaced with scenes that focused on Belfort's victims. The message of greed and absurdity might not have been so omitted with more focus on the victims.

In the end, The Wolf of Wall Street will go down in the history books. It is by far the strongest performance of Leonardo DiCaprio's incredible career. He deserves every bit of Best Actor love that he gets. Director Martin Scorsese blows the doors off the rating system with this movie. I still don't understand how it got away with a R rating. And other players, like Jonah Hill, show us that one charismatic person can take a whole community down with a little bit of loyalty and a whole lot of passion. Watch out, folks. The Wolf of Wall Street might just bite back and win Best Picture after all.

Discussion Questions:

Read Galatians 5:16-25 in the King James Version of the Bible. What words are used to describe who are not filled with the Spirit?

How do you feel when you hear stories about the greed of Wall Street? What is one thing that you can do today to change that environment?

Why Study Esther?

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Loftis) — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 03:38:00 +0000

Veggie Tales has shaped parts of my theology. Let's be real here. When Veggie Tales came onto the VCR scene many years ago, I used to watch endless episodes with my little nephew. At that point, Veggie Tales showed me that creative, funny people could still use their creative talents and humor for God. As my life changed and moved into ministry, Veggie Tales provided unique ideas for Bible lessons with children and adults. Now, as a mother, Veggie Tales still hits home with its parable-like format for my boys and relevant skits like the classic, "Oh, Where Is My Hairbrush?"

One of the more memorable Veggie Tales videos for me was Esther: The Girl Who Became Queen. Maybe it was because a female was the star. Maybe it was because I could laugh while learning another Bible story. Or maybe I was just excited about the story of Esther. So often, we turn the characters of the Bible into cartoon characters and miss the real impact of the story. I am guilty of this, especially with Esther.

That's why I was intrigued by the Beth Moore Bible study of Esther. This Hebrew woman from the past felt disconnected to my present reality. I've always enjoyed Bible studies by Beth Moore, but I've taught so many of them in the past decade that I had forgotten what it felt like to just be the student. So, I began to listen to the mp3 audio sessions as I drove back and forth to Charlotte in the beginning of our move to the mountains. Slowly, this ancient story started to take hold of my heart in new ways. Then, the workbook study began as a personal discipline of morning quiet time.

Esther: It's Tough Being A Woman by Beth Moore is similar to other studies by this author. The study covers ten weeks with five days of homework and video sessions in between. The pace is slower than a typical Beth Moore Bible study. One chapter is covered each week, so a student is fully engrossed in the narrative and context of the book. A different activity for this study includes a pull-out section in the back of the workbook where you can record various events within the study that align with the acronym PURIM.

The part that I have enjoyed the most has been the connection to women. In preparation for the study, author Beth Moore surveyed many people on her blog about life as a woman, and she shares highlights in each video session. I can especially identify with Esther in this season of life now, as Esther was called to something very distinct and separate from her people. In fact, Beth Moore points out that many of Esther's decisions were determined in solitude. And I get that. When God called us to leave our comfortable existence in an urban place, it was very apparent that God was only calling our family to this specific task. That felt lonely much of the time, as many people just didn't understand why we wanted a change. It wasn't easy to explain beyond a simple answer like, "We just know this is what God wants."

So, the same is true with the story of Esther. She was distinctly called to a very specific task, and she couldn't explain it. That's why Esther appealed to me now. And that's why I desire to study Esther. Over the next several weeks, I will be posting the answers for the video sessions of this study by Beth Moore. Follow along to be changed by another woman's life.

Downton Abbey: Season 4 - Episode 5

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Loftis) — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 14:38:00 +0000

(This is a part of an ongoing series that reviews new episodes of the PBS series, Downton Abbey. New reviews are posted on Mondays.)

Are you feeling like the story about Anna's rape is going forever and forever and forever? Like I've said before, I appreciate that the writers of Downton Abbey have gone down this road, but my goodness. It seemed like the "will she tell, or won't she?" charade with Bates was never going to end. Mrs. Hughes stepped into the gap and told the story to Bates. Yet, she withheld a very specific piece of information. What did you think of her actions? Did Mrs. Hughes do the right thing by telling Bates? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Now that we have gotten that big elephant in the room out of our way, let's talk about this week's episode of Downton Abbey. This was one of those episodes that I call a "filler." It's an episode where not too much happens, but it is also the calm before the storm in a television series. As we enter into the last few episodes of Season 4, I can only imagine what will happen next!

The Crawleys continued their wealthy ways by planning more parties and governing more properties. Robert went behind the backs of Tom and Mary to settle a debt in his own way. Tom wondered if he should move to America in the best interest of his daughter. Mary found another suitor in Evelyn Napier while she mourned the engagement of Lord Gillingham. Cora worked to plan a birthday party for Robert with some input from Rose. And Edith. Poor Edith. Is she being jilted again? This poor girl just can't catch a break. And that visit to the doctor's office in London? That can't be good news.

Downton Abbey is known for its ability to weave the stories of multiple groups into one theme. While the upstairs family dealt with secrets, the downstairs group had some secrets of their own. Of course, the main focus was Anna's secret. Finally, Bates got the news out of Mrs. Hughes. He certainly reassured Anna of his love for her, but he is also secretly planning his revenge. I am kind of tired of Bates. How about you?

Mrs. Patmore has really embraced her role as the mother figure for the younger servants, and I have to say that this development has only helped her character. Most of the group was focused on Alfred's tryout with the Ritz in London. He didn't get the gig, but it is nice to see the servants with opportunities for other types of work. And the introduction of an electric sewing machine was just hilarious. One would have thought that the new lady's maid had brought the devil into the servants' quarters.

If I remember correctly, then Downton Abbey began its life as a mini-series. With its slower pace, it makes me wonder if it shouldn't be run as an annual mini-series versus a weekly television show. What do you think? Maybe it is just a reminder that life can be lived with a slower pace. Either way, I can't wait for the next installment.