Mohler on The Golden Compass

Dr. Al Mohler writes:

The release of The Golden Compass as a major motion picture represents a new challenge for Christians -- especially parents. The release of a popular film with major actors that presents a message directly subversive of Christianity is something new. It is not likely to be the last.

He continues:

This is not just any fantasy trilogy or film project. Philip Pullman has an agenda -- an agenda about as subtle as an army tank. His agenda is nothing less than to expose what he believes is the tyranny of the Christian faith and the Christian church. His hatred of the biblical storyline is clear. He is an atheist whose most important literary project is intended to offer a moral narrative that will reverse the biblical account of the fall and provide a liberating mythology for a new secular age.

Read Mohler's complete comments on his blog.

Shopping Tip #2: Price Protection

So, let's say that after carefully researching a large (or small) purchase and shopping for the best price, you finally pull the trigger and buy it somewhere -- either online or in a brick and mortar store. Have you ever checked back a few days or weeks later to discover that the item is now on sale?

It's a little frustrating to realize you paid more than necessary for something, but the good news is that most retailers will give you a price adjustment for 30 days after your purchase date when the price goes down on the item you purchased. The only catch is you have to know to ask for the price adjustment, which means you have to know that the item is on sale.

There's a new little web site called Price Protectr that now makes this challenge much, much easier. After making a purchase at a participating retailer, you can simply plug the URL of the item into Price Protectr along with your e-mail address, and Price Protectr will notify you when the price drops on the item you purchased.

Participating retailers include Amazon, Babies "R" Us, Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, Circuit City, Costco, Gap, Lowes, Kohls, Office Depot, Office Max, Sears, Staples, and more.

I've already saved about $40 using Price Protectr on two purchases I made this year. Perhaps you'll save even more than me when you "price protect" your holiday purchases. Give it a try -- you might be surprised on how often you can get a few bucks back.

Christmas Shopping, Anyone?

UPDATE (10/09): We are no longer endorsing Capitol Ministries. Please see this post for details.

Consumer Reports:

If any of you would find it helpful to do a little research before making a major purchase, please let me know. I have access to some good reviews and ratings through an online subscription with Consumer Reports.

Support Capitol Ministries while you shop:

Additionally, if you plan to shop online this holiday season, please consider starting your shopping from www.capmin.org/Donate/Shop.aspx. At no extra cost to you, a portion of your purchase will benefit Capitol Ministries. Participating retailers include, but are not limited to, the following:

Amazon.com
Best Buy
Dell
eBay
Expedia
Gap
Home Depot
HP
Kohls
Macys
Nordstrom
Office Depot
Overstock.com
Sears
Staples
Target
Travelocity
Walmart

Four Thumbs Up for "Bella"

Looking for a good movie to see? We saw the movie Bella in a special screening earlier this year and highly commend it to you. Since it's only a limited release, you may have to look hard to find a theatre, but the extra effort will be well worth your while.

In the Sacramento area, Bella is currently showing only at the Century 14 Theatre in Roseville. (Due to some intense elements in the film, we recommend a sitter for the kids.)

Reformation Day Movie Night

It was just last year that I became aware that Reformation Day falls on October 31. It then occurred to me that this is a holiday worth celebrating far more than Halloween. The following are details regarding an event I'm helping put together at my local church. I hope to see you there!

(If you'd like permission to do your own public showing of this film, contact Filmtel@pacifier.com.)

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the church door at Whittenberg, challenging errant teachings and practices of the Roman Catholic Church and sparking what ultimately became known as the Reformation. Christians around the world celebrate this important day in history as “Reformation Day.”

You are invited to attend a special free showing of the movie Luther (2003) on Wednesday, October 31 at River City Grace Community Church in Sacramento. Learn more about how God used the Reformation to renew and revitalize His church. Dessert will be provided, and childcare is available for children ages three and below. RSVP online.

Reformation Day Movie Night
6:30 PM, Wednesday, October 31

River City Grace Community Church
4261 Whitney Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95821
916-972-1106
www.rivercitygrace.org

A Few More Birthday Pics...

Daniel's Birthday Pics

Happy Birthday, Danny!

Our little guy turned one today, and since mommy is taking a nap, the responsibility of sending him birthday greetings via this blog has fallen upon my shoulders.

While I've certainly been at the hospital each and every time, for some reason I don't seem to remember the birth of our children with the same, er, intensity as Christina. I do remember that during her delivery of Danny I made the mistake of letting her hold my left hand -- that's the one with my wedding ring on it. Folks, let me just tell you, that is a big mistake -- one I had consciously avoided making in the prior two deliveries.

Danny is our most "normal" child yet. We didn't show up at the hospital too early or too late. He weighed just about the normal size and has acted fairly normal as far as babies are concerned... Okay, enough rambling. Here's a photo from a year ago to bring back the memories:

We love you, Danny. Happy Birthday!!!

Today's birthday celebration photos to follow...

New Church Web Site & Blog

We'd like to take this moment to draw your attention to our new church web site. As proud parents, we can't help but point out that there's a nice photo of Eliana in the rotation on the top page.

We'd also like to take this moment to welcome Pastor Greg to the blogosophere. We've added a link to his new blog under our "Friends" links and would encourage you to check his blog out and leave a comment from time to time.

New Photos of Eliana and Michael

New Photos of Eliana and Michael courtesy of Rebekah Tennis (40)

Don't worry, we haven't lost Danny. We'll post some new photos of him as soon he turns one...

Win R.C. Sproul Books

Enter to win 40 copies of R.C. Sproul's most recent book, The Truth of the Cross.

New Giveaway: Grisham Novel

In light of Christina's jury duty today, it seems fitting to do a new giveaway in honor of those brave men and women across America who leave their homes and workplaces to serve on a jury.

Be the first to leave a comment claiming today's giveaway, and you win a free hardcover copy of The Runaway Jury by John Grisham.

According to the Amazon.com book review:

Millions of dollars are at stake in a huge tobacco-company case in Biloxi, and the jury's packed with people who have dirty little secrets. A mysterious young man takes subtle control of the jury as the defense watches helplessly, but they soon realize that he in turn is controlled by an even more mysterious young woman. Lives careen off course as they bend everyone in the case to their will.