A very Powerful Movie

Last night I watched a movie that I was very curious about, the movie is titled "MILK" and it is about the life of County Supervisor Harvey Milk, who was a Gay activist and member of the San Francisco City Council.  He and Mayor George Moscone were assassinated on November 27th, 1978 in the San Francisco City Hall.

Sean Penn was cast as Harvey Milk and did a stellar job portraying this man, he is unrecognizable as Sean Penn and becomes Harvey Milk so believably you forget you are watching a movie.

The movie begins in New York in 1970 with Milk turning 40 years old, he realizes that in his forty years he has accomplished nothing that he was proud of, that he has been simply going through the motions.

It is then he decides to move to San Francisco and start his life over again.  

He finds himself in a district in San Francisco, where the Police harass, beat and brutalize anyone who is Gay without reason, just because of who they are.

The fuse is lit and Harvey Milk finds himself becoming involved in politics.  Soon he realizes that although the Gay community is being singled out, this is just part of a larger problem; senior citizens are not receiving fair representation, they are struggling to pay for meds and meals, and the American Worker is being abandoned by having his and her job exported out of the country.

He begins to fight the Machine for all, but in 1977 the fight does become personal, because of how laws that had been passed to give Gay citizens fair representation in housing and work, were overturned.

The movie is relevant for today because so many aspects touched in this film are still current issues now.

You may choose to avoid this film, because of your spiritual path, or personal belief, but do take a chance it is well worth the time, just from the historic perspective.

*****

Something for the whole family

Although this movie came out nearly two years ago, I just had the opportunity to see this movie this past Friday, May 19th.

I have followed Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang since I was six years old, and for the better part of my life, I felt I really was Charlie Brown.  I mean 'Kite eating trees, and never having the courage to approach and talk with the little red haired girl.'

 Always have I watched "It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown" and "It's Christmas Charlie Brown"  Not once have I ever missed seeing these specials.

The one thing I kept waiting for in every strip in the newspaper, in every special aired, was for Charlie Brown to win, just once.  Every time he came close to victory it would be pulled away, like Lucy with the football.

"The Peanut's Movie", provides all of us die hard fans with several victories, for both Charlie Brown and Snoopy.  You have to see the movie to find out what they are.

So if you have not seen this movie, or even if you have, rent it, or better still buy it and enjoy it.  You will be doing the Snoopy dance several times and will be smiling and laughing, two things we need to do more often.

****

A to Z Challenge, My favorite Christian music starting with O.

Well I am back, after taking a day off with some great music.  So let's get started.

This first piece was a contemporary song when I first began my spiritual journey in 1982.  The song is"On Eagles Wings"  This version of this song is sung by Michael Crawford, who was The Phantom of the Opera in Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical pf The Phantom of the Opera.

This next piece is a traditional hymn that is still sung today, it is "Old Rugged Cross" Sung by Johnny and June Carter Cash.

This next song is not a Christian song but carries a very strong theme, it was composed and originally appeared on Pink Floyd's most recent album, The Division Bell, the song is "On the turning away and should be sung in every Christian Church,"  This version is sung by scattered people.\

A to Z Challenge My favorite Christian Music N

Hello again, well it is Monday and I hope that you all had a wonderful weekend.

Today we are at Christian Music that begins with N, this first piece is a new piece I have only recently discovered, but it is one that is very uplifting.  I hope you will enjoy this song, it is titled Name above all Names and is sung by The Newsboys, please note that there are several songs with this title.

This next song is by Tommy Walker and it simply titled Nearer.

This next song is an older hymn which still touches the heart and is sung in many churches.  The song is Nearer my God to thee, 

This next song is another classic that we all know and have sung many times.  The song is "Nothing but the Blood, and is sung by School of worship.

This next to last song is one that is remarkable and keeps us focused on how God can bring anything about.  The song is  "Nothing is impossible" and sung by Life Way Mission.

My final song is similar in its message and over all theme, yet this is something we should always remember when times see hard in our life, this song is "Nothing shakes the Hope." by Utica Baptist Church.

A to Z Challenge My favorite Christian Music beginning with M

Hello, well we start today with a new song to me, but it is one that I have come to love in just the first hearing of the song.  It is titled Magnificat and no it has nothing to do with kitties.

This next song by Matthew West is one that always helps me see past the moment I am in and makes me aware that God is always with me and working to make things better.  The song, "Mended"

Now another song that is a great song that every time I hear it, I just feel so positive as if nothing can or will stop me from achieving things.  The song  is "More than I can imagine."

The last song is one many of heard in the 1960's but some of us were unaware that it was a classic hymn.  The song, "Morning has Broken." and is sung by Cat Stevens.

A to Z Challenge My favorite Christian Music L

Well I missed a day. So this is ketchup with no mustard and relish.  So let's begin with one of my all time favorite Christian songs, titled "The Lion and the Lamb"

This is a new version of the song, I have heard Big Daddy Weave' s version exclusively.  This is Bryan Johnson singing this powerful song.

This next song is called Lamb of God the traditional song we have come to know in service.

Lazarus Come Forth performed by the Bishops a song about rising from the dead, spiritually and beyond.  Great song.

This is another classic Hymn we have all heard and sung many time, Let My People Go.

This is a great song that I have heard many times and is very uplifting and joyful, it is performed by Hawk Nelson and is titled  "Live like you're Loved."

No better song to end on than this great song simply titled, "Lord I Lift your name on High,  

A to Z Challenge. My favorite Christian Music. K

Let's get started.  I hope you enjoyed my surprise yesterday of including Joyce Meyer.  I have become a huge fan and follower of this amazing woman.
So now onto K.

This first song is actually a favorites of my wife's,and is new to me.

Next up is another new song, this one is titled "Keep on prayin."

Beautiful song with a simple thought that can change us and another person's day.  "Kindness"

p

This next one is an older song we all know, King of Kings

 

Last song is another that was made popular back in the 1980s "Kyrie Eleysom"

A to Z Challenge My favourite Christian music. J

So I am a day behind and I apologize about that.  So let's get started. 

This first piece is from a musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, it is the ending theme from "Jesus Christ Superstar."

Another Jesus song, this being a much older hymn that we have all sung "Jesus loves me"

Now another JESUS song we all know by heart,  "Jesus loves the little children."

And now for something completely different.   An old hymn originally Composed by Ludwig Von Beethoven, "Joyful, joyful we adore thee

Finally closing off with another classic hymn, "Just a closer walk with me."

 

Okay this is not music,  but this lady really can encourage.  This is Joyce Meyer.

A to Z Challenge My Favorite Christian Music I

This is a contemporary song that raises the spirit with just two words,  "I am"

One of my favorite Contemporary groups Mercy Me with another great song.  "I can only Imagine."

Closing with an older hymn that I have sung many times.  "I love to tell the Story."

A to Z Challenge My favorite Christian Music

Today I am starting off with one of my favorite Hymns of all time, George Frederich Handel's Hallelujah Chorus from the Messiah.

This is a favorite songs from when I used to attend Catholic Church.  "Here I am Lord."

This is a favorite of mine, that I was reintroduced to when I was living at Victory Square.  "His eye is on the Sparrow,"

Closing off with another blast of the past.  

A to Z Challenge My favorite Christian Music

It is Saturday and the weekend has arrived,  

Today I start off with a favorite that is about how faith can really be the center of one's life and help us in times of need.  The song is "Give me Faith."

This next song is based on the struggle Jesus faced near the time of his crucifiction and is "Getheseminie Hymn"
 
                     

The last song for today is another traditional hymn. "Glory to the Father."

A to Z Challenge My favorite Christian Music F

Hello again, it is Friday, and today I start this musical journey with a song I grew up hearing much of the time in service, you still may hear this hymn on occasion.  Our first song is "Faith of our Fathers.

This is a new song to me, but it is one that is quickly becoming a favorite, the song is "Faithful God"

A beautiful song about following Jesus.

A to Z Challenge My Favorite Christian Songs E

Hello, it is another day and my sharing of My Favorite Christian Music.  Today I am sharing Music that starts with E,

The first song is one by Jeremy Camp titled Empty Me.

An uplifting song about how God is part of our lives everyday.

 The last song is Eye of the Storm, this song is one that I have come to love for I have heard this so many times on a local Christian radio station that it is now an anthem for me.

A to Z Challenge My favorite Christian Music D

It is Wednesday and time for more music.

This first one is a classic from the 1960's from the Musical "Godspell" The powerful and memorable "Day by Day"

This next one is a new song to me, but is one I have come to like.  It is Redtie Music "Defender"

This song I have been hearing a lot during this last three weeks on a local Christian Music station here in Cottonwood, Arizona.  The song is one I identify with tremendously titled  "Dear Young Me" by the group Mercy Me.

This next song is an older hymn titled "Do not be afraid."

And closing with another classic hymn that we all grew up with, "Down by the Riverside."

A to Z Challenge My Favorite Christian Music Letter C

Another day, more wonderful uplifting music of God.

Today let's start with a song that I have been hearing a lot of, it is called "Clean."

This next one is by Hillsong Live 

Closing off with a classic that I grew up hearing, what better way to finish C, than to "Count your Blessings"

A to Z Challenger My favorite Christian Music B

It is Monday, and this is my second posting in my A to Z Challenge.  Today is the letter B.  

One of my favorite Christian artists is Michael W. Smith, this is one of his uplifting songs titled Breathe.  I hope you enjoy.

Next up is a piece that is new to me, but one that is uplifting titled Because we Believe.

Next up is a great Christian group, The Newsboys, they are one of one of the most amazing groups on the scene today and their music is very joyous always.  This one is titled  "We Believe."

A to Z Challenge. Some of my favorite Christian Music.

Hello, it has been a while since I last posted and I decided that this year for the A to Z Challenge I would do something a little different.

So I am sharing some of my favorite Christian Music.  This is going to be a combination of both current music and some classic music we grew up with.

To start off with A  I have a song a song many of us grew up hearing in Church.  The song is Blessed Assurance,  This is an old Gospel song that has been recorded and is still sung in many churches today.  This version is sung by third day.

 Next is a song by Michael W Smith, a very diverse Contemporary Christian artist with a song titled "Open Arms"  This song is pretty straight forward in what many of search for in this confusing world.

Closing with this song titled "I give myself away."  Very simple song.

Monday's Music Moves Me. The Magical Melodies of Tony Bennett

This is a tribute to a gentleman who just recently celebrated his 90th Birthday.  Tony Bennett set the standard for balladeers and even rock singers for several generations now.  

Unlike other singers, Tony Bennett stands out, no matter what he sings he is unique and in many ways comforting in his singing.
Without any further ado here are some of my favorite selections of Mr. Tony Bennett.