‘LIGHT FOR THE JOURNEY’

MCLAUGHLIN

ANOTHER “WOMAN AT THE WELL!”

She approached the well in the heat of the day when the other village women would be in the cool shelter of their homes. The others made the long hike to the well early in the morning or late afternoon. Her reputation was shady, and she couldn’t bear the snickers and crushing comments of the other women, so she made the trek alone.

When she arrived at the well, to her astonishment, a man was resting on the edge of the well. She was tempted to turn and run back to her village of Sychar, but she needed the water and Jacob’s well was the only source of water near her village.

Carrying her water jug, she approached with caution. The man didn’t appear surprised at her arrival, in fact, looked up and spoke gently as if he was expecting her. That he spoke to her sent chills up her spine because she perceived the man to be a Jew and Jews didn’t like Samaritans. They had no dealings with them. “Please give me a drink.” he said.

Stunned by the stranger’s request she blurted, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a Samaritan?”

You know the story. Jesus proceeds to offer the woman living water which confuses her. He has nothing to draw with. And how could any water satisfy her so she would never thirst again? The conversation goes deeper when Jesus tells the woman things he knows about her that leave her stunned. “You say correctly, you have no husband. In fact, you have had five husbands and the one you are living with now is not your husband.”

You almost chuckle at her attempt to quickly change the subject. What she really wants and needs but would never think to ask for or even know about is the living water he offers her. The water that will forever fill her so she will never thirst again.

This amazing story is and has been lived out over and over again in myriads of ways throughout history. Jesus giving living water, and those who drink, never thirsting again. I am privileged to offer this living water to women at the Lavista Correctional Facility every Tuesday evening in a Bible study.

The Bible study is a blessing and a challenge. There are 12 seats which means only 12 students are allowed to attend. Occasionally, women are turned away because the seats are filled. This saddens me. We pray for a larger room but space is limited at the facility and we are told there is no other room for us to meet.

She shared what had happened with her friend, Crystal. The following Tuesday night, Haley walked into the room glowing, her eyes sparkling. She radiated the joy of Jesus and excitedly introduced us to her friend Crystal.

The study began and Haley called me over and whispered why Crystal had come to the study with her. She wanted what Haley had found the week before. She wanted salvation.

Spring Is Around The

CORNER!

Spring Is Around The

CORNER!

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Before each study, my husband and I pray the Lord will bring exactly the women He wants to be in the study. One evening seven new women attended and at the end of the study, four of them came forward and prayed to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Haley was one of them. She was hungry to know more about this One who could give living water. She was a sponge, soaking in every word. With tears of gratitude and relief, she left the study a new person.

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Two more women were saved that night. I am in awe at how Holy Spirit is moving in prisons. The movement is similar in the men’s prisons where we hold worship services. They are feeling the darkness closing in. Can you feel it? Society is decaying before our eyes. Not just in America but around the world. Evil is rising like a surging tide. These things are signaling satan’s defeat and he is trying everything he can to stop it. But we know he is already a defeated foe. Pointing these dear men and women in prison to Jesus and watching their transformation is a privilege and honor. If only there were more like Haley and the other “woman at the well” who would say, “Come! Meet the one who can change your life and give you hope. That’s what he did for me.”

“Jesus replied, 'Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life'” (John 4:13,14 NLT).

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Haley’s life was transformed, and she couldn’t keep this news to herself.

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Fun For All Ages

BETTY JO TUCKER Pueblo award winning film critic

who treat her mean. They don’t know she’s a genius child. Sometimes her behavior seems wild.

She’s not enrolled in any school But she reads books and is no fool She doesn’t need help in spelling and excels at storytelling.

Emma Thompson puts on disguise, playing this key role seems so wise. Matilda struggles with that thug, a woman who no one will hug.

During all kinds of action here the children sing, dance, jeer and cheer. A little too long – but what fun! You’ll feel exhausted once it’s done.

Without giving any spoilers to viewers who haven’t read the book, I urge them to wouldn’t be great if at least one tap dance had been added? watch closely when Matilda lists the books she has read even before going to school as well as a scene with a giant chocolate cake. I applaud choreographer Ellen Kane (Billy Elliot) for the fascinating dance numbers here. As a former dancer, I loved the precision and enthusiasm of the youngsters. But

It’s important to mention that the music by Tim Minchin helps set the moods needed for a whimsical story like this. And, of course, director Matthew Warchus worked carefully from Dennis Kelly’s magical screenplay adaptation.

ILOVE MOVIE

MUSICALS! And if there are children singing and dancing, I am hooked. Three of my favorites are Billy Elliot, Bugsy Malone and Oliver!

Now here comes a new MATILDA THE MUSICAL to join this list. Although based on a musical play adaptation of Roald Dahl’s popular children’s novel, this delightful offering is entertainment for all ages.

In this version, talented Ashley Weir portrays the extraordinary Matilda and lovely Lashana Lynch plays Miss Honey, a sympathetic teacher who helps this unusual child. Plus, the great Emma Thompson wins accolades for her new scary look and vile way of calling her charges “Revolting Children” -- which is also one of the film’s wonderful musical numbers.

Fortunately, the children dance exuberantly in their routines so it’s a pleasure watching them. You will wish you were young enough to join in!

But I digress. Time for a film poem about this welcome new motion picture about a youngster who can’t stand things that are unfair.

Matilda is a late pre-teen with two parents

Drama, comedy and music. Who could ask for anything more?

Somewhere inside all of us is the power to change the world. --- Matilda

(Retrieved 12/12/2104 from http://blogs.chieftain.com/social/kiplinger - pueblo- cheapest- place- to-live/848/)

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