S F T
See it. See God’s face.
Feel it. Feel His presence.
Trust it. Trust His love.
This is the powerful message interspersed within the movie Seven Days in Utopia. The title is deceiving as when I first heard it I thought it was probably either a slapstick comedy about some fools living in ‘bliss’ in Utopia or a historical head-nodder about a story that wouldn’t hold my interest. The irony is when I found out what it was about I STILL wasn’t too impressed and I was apprehensive to watch the movie! It is about a golfer (yes GOLF…the very sport that has an addictive grip on my husband) who has a melt down on the course and ends up in a small Texas town – Utopia.
I’m sure you are saying as I did – ‘not for me’ right? 😉 Who cares about a golfer that has a melt down breaking a club and stomping off the course? Shoot, Neal does that at least once a year, if not a quarter! I never can understand why he says golf is ‘relaxing’ and a ‘stress reliever’ but at the same time come home and be mad because he didn’t shoot well? Then he says he wants me to learn the craft of golf?! HA!!! No.
At any rate I had a friend tell me about the movie and said it was one to see with a great message. So I conceded and Neal and I watched it together Sunday night. I wish the boys were awake because it is a definite must see for the ENTIRE FAMILY. We will be watching it again for sure.
I don’t want to give the movie away but during the movie various ‘lessons’ were given that pierced my heart and I wrote them down:
KEYS TO STAYING WHERE GOD NEEDS YOU:
Know WHY you do what you do. – What a concept, right? 🙂 But in the context of the movie and within my own inner struggles this ‘lesson’ reached out and grabbed my spirit. Believe in what I do to stay convicted. This way if someone questions or tries to come against me I can hold strong. In the context of the movie I could also say if anyone tries to ask why I speak on the things I speak about or why do I choose to divulge so much of my own personal life I have my answer. It is because it is what God has called me to do and I am convicted to deliver the message He has given me and even though it might not be the same delivery as another that is OK… 🙂
Keep your emotions in check, stay calm and balanced. – This is a lesson for all aspects of life but a hard one to learn.
‘See’ ahead, picture what will happen first, then make it happen. – I know we all have a specific ‘plan’ from God for our life but I also know He puts within us a fire to make that plan happen because it won’t just appear miraculously. We have to use our gifts and talents to get there and follow that burning sense of drive and certainty within us to make it happen. I woke up the following morning after watching this movie and decided to do a follow – up to the opportunity that has been in the works for me for the past 6 months. I GOT A CALL BACK THAT VERY SAME DAY AND IT WAS POSITIVE. One step closer to coming to fruition. Once it is a ‘done deal’ I’ll give more specifics but that phone call was a bear hug from God. 🙂
Confidence comes with being prepared, being prepared helps you with the unexpected. – Need I say more? 😉
S F T – See it. Feel it. Trust it. – Believe in where God has brought you and allow Him to give you the strength. Later in the movie we learn to See Him, Feel His presence and Trust His love.
Know what to keep first. Know when to stop. – We must all learn to recognize our limits. Throughout this journey we will be called to serve in many ways but often those will not last forever. We must learn to hear His voice and recognize when He is calling us to move on.
What do you want people to say about you when you are gone? – I’ll tell you right now I want people to say that I was loving, giving and hopefully brought them hope and closer to God. I want my kids to say the very same and my husband to be gone before me. 🙂 HA! Just kidding (wanted to see if you were following).
Faith, relationships, character and integrity. This is our truth, the foundation of our life.
Can you believe I got all of the above from a MOVIE about golf? 😉 What is even more grand is the devotional I’ve been reading had this to add yesterday morning:
“Your best proof of sorrow for past mistakes or faults, and your best preparation for future difficulties and hardships is in this simple formula: Learn from your mistakes and apply what you learn to future situations. You will then be living each day as best you can with the help of God and whomever else you may need. God asks no more of you than that, and your fellowmen have no right to expect more.” ~ My Daily Life by Anthony J. Paone, S. J.
Praise be to GOD!
Blessings
Shannon
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