Where They Went To See A Movie, 17 Years Blogging and a Giveaway

“It’s in giving that we receive.”
— Prayer of St. Francis

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So Sunday marked my 17th year of blogging, but unlike other years, I didn't feel like writing about it that day. (Hmm.)

Instead, Tom and I drove to our local theater to see Black Widow. Enjoyable, the entire experience; the getting out of the house, the not needing masks, the young, willing-to-work staff, the comfy seats, and the new 'Screen X' which gave us a 270 degree view of this fun new film.

And oh, the wonder of the whole excursion feeling so deliciously normal.

Sheesh, nearly 3 years had passed since visiting our theater(!) Now, technically we'd planned to, last year, watch A Quiet Place 2 there, but we all know what 2020 did to movie theaters.

Why on Earth would ol' Tom and Debra wish to see a scary film like A Quiet Place 2?! It was filmed super-locally. That's why.  シ

You can imagine all the local news chatter back then about who-spied-whom, who saw the film crew in a diner, etc. Then the movie trailers got Tom and me excited: "That's the bridge we've crossed tons of times!" "There's Main Street in Akron!", etc.

Finally, after a year of waiting, we watched A Quiet Place 2 free at home (via a trial sign-up). Holding my iPad, this site explained where each scene was filmed (we'd visited many), but I squealed when I discovered the baseball field was in the town where we'd lived 15 years.

Wow. So cool, right? (Well, hopefully some of you won't think me too overly groupie-like.)

Anyway, back to the theater. Why even drive to movie theaters these days when we all have big screen tv's and comfortable couch's? 

For me, it's because I'd truly hate to be, like, 80-years-old and with a shaky voice telling young folks, "In the old days, we'd go out on dates to places called 'theaters'. We'd sit all cozy-close in a large dark room and watch movies on a huge screen and feel like we were there! Up on the screen, you know, there amongst the action. But, sadly, theaters disappeared long ago."

With our senior discount (aging does have its advantages), we spent only $18, total, which to us, seemed cheap. And you know? We were happy to pay it, to sow that money as a seed. A sustaining one. To do our part in keeping a good thing going awhile longer.

After all, it is in giving that we receive and you know? Ever since Tom and I began viewing all money-spending (yes, all) as opportunities to help other people, we've noticed a huge difference in our finances.

We now always have enough for what truly matters.

"Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”   ---Luke 6:38

"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."   ---2 Corinthians 9:7

Movie theaters aren't your thing? Then I would ask, what is your thing and are you supporting it so that it will continue?

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Seventeen years of blogging!

And as always, how kind of God to custom-make a way for me to 'share my letter to the world' (to steal a line from Emily D.). No more perfect way to minister, connect and encourage could there exist for me, on this scale, anyway.

Well, not that I currently know of.

And also as always, an extremely-huge thank-you to each of you who read here year after year after year. Oh my! Your faithfulness blows my mind and I appreciate each of you.

And to reward that consistency? I'll be giving away three $25 online gift cards from Amazon. Just leave a comment here or at Facebook or email me at GladOne4@protonmail.com to be entered.

I'll hold the drawing on Thursday, July 29th, 2021 then I'll contact you if you've won (if I know how to reach you) or will contact you via another blog post that day. 

Thanks again so much, Everyone!

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And just for fun...   Here are some lovely old bookplates. It's always a surprise to receive a book in the mail with one of these on the inside!

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Please remember: My posts are always about more than they appear to be. 

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 "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15