The Power of Film

I love film. I think it’s an amazing medium to get a message across. I’ve watched a couple different films the past few weeks that have really left an impression upon me.

The first is a film called Slumdog Millionaire ... It's an amazing story … of amazing triumph. It chronicles the life of a young man, who grew up in the slums of Mumbai. Without giving to much detail, he winds up on India’s version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire. He ends up winning big, but because of his status in society, he is thought to have cheated. From there, he is interrogated and reveals to authorities pivotal moments in his life, which then reveals why he knows each question asked of him on the show.

I’ve never seen a film so enthralling, so captivating … it makes you truly blessed with what you have right in front of you … but also, it will make you aware of the atrocities in other parts of the world. Despite this young man’s tragedy, heartache, and pain, he overcomes, and in the end, truly finds the happiness he deserves.

The second film is in a completely different genre. It’s called The Family that Preys. It’s a Tyler Perry film that I must say, I was truly mesmerized by. It follows two families from different walks of life …

The story tells how the families become intertwined by tragedy, infidelity, and lies. But it also reveals the amazing power of grace and forgiveness. It shows how our choices can affect our lives ... how they can make us the people we become, whether that is good or bad.

Amazing films, with amazing messages! Check em' out!

Slumdog Millionaire

One of the most amazing films I've ever seen ... check it out!

... "I Have Found My Strength In You" ...

How amazing it is that God knows us so well, He knows exactly what and who we need at exactly the right time. I’ve been recently amazed by some of the people that I’ve been fortunate enough to have encounters with. They make me realize the beauty of PEOPLE and the power of human contact.

With my job, I don’t have much of that. I miss that interaction with people, real people. It’s nice to actually have actual encounters with people and to learn more about their lives …

I’m so amazed at how strong people really are. To go through their struggles, hardships, pain … and in light of them, they find hope and comfort in knowing that it all happens for a reason. I’m astounded by their strength and perseverance.

To each of you … you know who you are … thank you for giving me a little part of yourself … and showing me what it truly means to be courageous. I am forever grateful and can only hope to be as strong some day.

Endless ...

I'm writing a little late tonight. As I can't sleep ... which, if I'm honest, is most nights in my existence. Although I wish I could sleep, I feel like I must be awake for some reason ... I'm wired in this way to think ... and think ... and think some more.

Nonetheless, is there ever a time that you're thinking and you really have no idea what it is you're thinking about? I mean, that probably sounds very strange, but I imagine, it's the endlessness of my thoughts themselves ...

Anyway, as we get further into this New Year, into 2009 ... I've made it a point to start 'living life more'. We live in such a beautiful place ... a place filled with freedom and hope ... a place where I truly believe, anything can happen. It's amazing what a little hard work and determination can do...

In this New Year, filled with endless possibilities, I'd like to think I'll try new things that I've never tried before ... visit places that I've never visited before ... but mostly, I want to do more for others ... give time and attention to those things that really matter ... because after all, we're not promised tomorrow ... so, this year, I want to live every minute, embrace every moment as if it were my last ... enjoy life and simply ... LOVE every second of it ...

Happy New Year ... from Chicago!

While it's been WAY to long ... I wanted to share a few photos with you all ... my husband and I, and a few friends celebrated the New Year in Chicago. I can't tell you how awesome it was! More writing to come ... but for now, please enjoy the photos! God Bless!

~Emily

So ... Why are You Here?

Have you ever thought about the reason why you’re here? I mean really, honestly, sat down and thought about what it is you were put on this earth for? And, with that … have you thought about why you’re still here? I know I talk about this a lot, but it’s something that I ALWAYS think about.

See, I’m a twin. When my sister Melissa and I were born, we were born two months premature. I was just under two pounds and my sister was 2.5 pounds when we were born. We were in an incubator for the first 6 months of our lives and I have to wonder what was so special about us that we made it? And then I realize … and remember … God knows so much more about why were here then we do. He knows what we are meant to do … He knows why He breathed life into us and He knows when we fail or succeed.

After overcoming that obstacle of existing, even after doctors saying we just might not make it, I realize that His plans are so much greater then my own. And why not use the time that He’s given me to make something and be something, even if failing first is the actual first step.

Granted … at times, I sit back and think about what could have been … but then I realize what already is … which I am certain … is exactly what should be.

Ten Honest Things ...

DM tagged me via the blog world to write 10 honest things about myself … so, here goes! (P.S. Thank you DM for including me!!!)

10. I pluck my eyebrows everyday, to keep them shapely and presentable. Hey, we woman have to practice pain for beauty!

9. I hate any type of scary movie. I have nightmares for days if I watch one.

8. I never carry cash. It’s almost a guarantee if I have cash, I spend it.

7. My favorite part of the day is when I wake up and realize I’m still here …

6. I don’t go to church because I don’t want to … not that I don’t ever want to go again, I just haven’t found one that’s worth the time … I know, that sounds really bad, but I’m just being honest here!

5. I really like to dance when no one is watching … whether it’s down the street or down my hallways at home, I love to jump and twirl … in secret!

4. I love Twilight!

3. I drove to California, Los Angeles to be exact, with my husband in 2003. We went through 11 states in the matter of eight days and it was the most exciting trip of my life.

2. I have the best times with my family … my three sisters are the funniest and most entertaining people I’ve ever known.

1. I am more in love with my husband today, then the day I married him.

Ok, so I'd like to tag Patricio, a.k.a. Stupid Boi.

Catching Up ...

It's been a long time ... I haven't been as frequent in my writing as I'd like. I think it might have a lot to do with my time. Sure, that's an easy excuse ... but it's true. I just don't use my time as wisely as I should. It's my own fault ... but, there is so much going on these days, it's hard to find time to just relax, let alone write something thoughtful and meaningful. And you know ... I think that's what I miss. Writing about those thoughts ... those feelings that are still there ... those ideas that somehow, brought meaning to not only those of you out there who happen to read my nonsense, but also to me ... I think they just might be bottled up a little more ... However, I'm learning ... I just wish time could simply stand still for a moment; just to catch up ... to slow down for just a second to breathe ...

Blessed

During this time of ‘Thanksgiving’, I’m reminded of how much I have; how much I have been blessed to receive ... how much I take for granted ...

I know this is so simple, but so many times we focus on the things we DON’T have, that we forget about the things that we’ve been incredibly blessed with ... the things that are staring right in front of us that we simply miss in passing ...

On this day of Thanksgiving, I'm reminded that life is not a series of events that make us ... but a series of moments that define our lives ...

So sit back, take a break from the chaos around you, and be thankful for LIFE ...

Twilight

I always thought that passion was something innate in all of us. Perhaps it's something we learn? Not sure, but I've been thinking about it quite often these past few days.

I read this book ... now don't laugh, but it's about vampires and forbidden love. Yes, sounds corny and unbelievable, but really ... there was so much depth to it, so much heart and passion within it … I couldn’t put it down … It was the kind of book that after you finish reading, you say to yourself, ‘wow, does that kind of passion really exist’?

I’m not entirely sure if it’s the romance inside the pages, which makes me want to be inside the reality the characters live in, but there is something to the story. The human girl who finds love with someone who could take her life because of the ‘creature’ he is. Yet, because of the connection they share, the passion they hold for each other, they both choose life and choose forever, together. Their love is intense and real … their hearts are intertwined and connected … it’s a beautiful display of self-sacrifice …

Now, I don’t really know how this ties into anything spiritual, anything really meaningful at this juncture, but I do find it interesting and consuming the passion and love that these two characters possess for each other. The story is rather mesmerizing, compelling, while the images and detail of the characters are almost too perfect to keep reading. Yet again, the story of these two ‘star-crossed’ lovers, keeps you turning the pages, hoping and pleading with the author to make them timeless … together forever.

It begs the question, if you could live forever, what would you live for?

Ah, this Crazy Thing Called Life ...

It’s been a long time … for that I’m sure. Life has been a series of twists and turns, but amazing nonetheless. My new nephew, Max John is a beauty and a blessing. I couldn’t be more ecstatic that I know him and that I get to watch him grow.

I am amazed by life in general these days. The people in it; the ups and downs … the daily struggle to just be the people we are. Life shouldn’t be about the things we don’t have, but about the things that are right in front of us. It’s a shame it takes us so long to figure that out. But, perhaps that’s why new beginnings and second chances are a part of it all.

I don’t have it all figured out just yet, but I’m learning … and learning to embrace life for what it is … where I go from here, that is still a mystery.

99 Balloons

It's amazing how precious life is ... how fast it goes and how fast it can be taken away ... it's learning to cherish the days and moments that we have that leave a lasting legacy and impression on those around us ... I'd ask that you watch the video below when you have time ... I hope it moves you as it has me. God Bless ...