Best this month
By Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat Still Mine
Here is another splendid movie about the challenges and rewards of conscious aging. Craig and Irene have been mar- ried 61 years and live in a rundown farmhouse near the Canadian coastline. When his wife falls down the stairs and evidences signs of dementia, Craig decides to build them a smaller one- story house with views of the bay. At 88, this lifelong carpenter starts the project but soon finds himself embroiled with a by-the-book building inspector who orders him to purchase a permit and then submit plans for the house. More regula- tions threaten to stop him altogether.
James Cromwell (in photo) gives a tour de force per- formance as this incredibly energetic and loving man who is willing to do whatever it takes to ease his wife’s pain and suffering. Genevieve Bujold is impressive as his wife who struggles bravely with her mental and physical decline. Still Mine offers proof that long-lived individu-
My Neighbor Is a Dog
A little girl lives in an apartment building. A new neighbor moves in, and the girl’s parents are shocked when they find out he is a dog. He proves himself to
be a friendly fellow, bringing the newspaper to their apartment every day. Things get more complicated when two elephants move in, and her parents get upset that their sheets take up too much space on the clothesline. They really get mad when a crocodile takes an apartment in the building.
The Brussats pub- lish the website www. SpiritualityandPractice. com where you can find more information about the items reviewed in this column.
In this delightful children’s picture book by Iso- bel Minhós Martins, the girl espouses the spiritual practice of hospitality. She expresses respect for all the animals who become her neighbors and is a good listener as well. The clever and snappy illustrations are in sync with the story that is suitable for children from ages 3 to 7 (Owlkids Books,
www.owlkidsbooks.com).
42 The Lutheran •
www.thelutheran.org
als can find within themselves the strength, optimism and determination to triumph over whatever life throws their way (Samuel Goldwyn Films, PG-13—some the- matic elements, brief sensuality/partial nudity).
Discernment: Reading the Signs of Daily Life
This is the third book in Henri J.M. Nouwen’s post- humous spiritual trilogy after Spiritual Direction (2006) and Spiritual Formation (2010). It has been put together from his coursework, journals and previously unpublished writings. Nouwen defines discernment as “faithful living and listening to God’s love and direction so we can fulfill our individual calling and shared mis- sion.” Our spiritual growth is facilitated by the ongoing curriculum of the Spirit. Or as German theologian Meister Eckhart once put it: “Expect God evenly in all things.”
Nouwen sees Christian communities providing the sacred space and time for this process. He covers the
challenges of discerning guidance in books, nature, people and events. He asserts that one of the most exciting aspects of the Christian journey is read- ing the signs of the times. Finally, Nouwen hits the mark with his commentary on discerning vocation, presence, identity and time (HarperOne, www.
harpercollins.com).
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52