Each year I create my Annual Christmas Movie Challenge and this year I am ready more than ever! This year I am just creating a family version, but at the bottom of the list, I will list my Mum recommendations as well.

(please check the ratings and the cultural practices that are important to your family.)

FAMILY CHRISTMAS MOVIE LIST

1. Polar Express
2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
3. The Littlest Reindeer
4. Fred Claus
5. A Christmas Prince
6. Arthur Christmas
7. Angela’s Christmas Wish/ Trolls Holiday
8. Christmas Break-in
9. Holiday Home Makeover
10. Klaus
11. 48 Christmas Wishes
12. Alien Xmas
13. Broken Sleigh
14. I’ll Be Home for Christmas
15. Unaccompanied Minors
16. Holiday Classics
17. The Grinch (2018)
18. The Knight Before Christmas
19. Shrek the Halls
20. Spirit Riding Free
21. Christmas Chronicles
22. Christmas Chronicles 2
23. Jingle Jangle
24. The Star

THE GROWN UPS NETFLIX CHRISTMAS MOVIE BINGE

1. Dash and Lily
2. Holidate
3. A Christmas Prince
4. A Christmas Prince The Royal Wedding
5. A Christmas Prince The Royal Baby
6. Hometown Holiday
7. The Holiday Calendar
8. A Very Country Christmas
9. The Holiday
10. My Christmas Inn
11. Holiday Rush
12. Operation Christmas Drop
13. A Cinderella Story Christmas Wish
14. Christmas Inheritance
15. Four Christmas’
16. Christmas Catch
17. Santa Girl
18. Holiday in the Wild
19. Let it Snow
20. The Princess Switch
21. The Princess Switched Again
22. New Years Eve
23. The Star
24. Jingle Jangle

RANDOM FAVOURITES

1. Last Christmas ( Prime Video)
2. Elf
3. The Santa Clause 1, 2, 3 (Prime Video)
4. The Nutcracker and the four realms (Disney)
5. Love Actually
6. Lethal Weapon
7. National Lampoons Vacation
8. Mariah Carey All I Want for Christmas (Prime Video)
9. While You Were Sleeping
10. Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (Disney)
11. Home Alone
12. Die Hard
13. Muppets Christmas Carol
14. Christmas Eve
15. Christmas with the Kranks
16. Deck The Halls

“What you say goes God and stays as permanent as the heavens.”

Psalm 119: 89 (the message)

The recent days have shaken me a little. If I was really honest I would admit they have me questioning a lot.

What is true?

Who can I trust?

What voices am I listening too?

I’ve heard God’s name used many times in recent days, with many polarising comparisons.

“God said this…”

“God has declared that…”

However, the God I read about and have come to intimately know doesn’t change His mind and also doesn’t propel or project his beliefs onto another. His truth never goes out of fashion.

Somedays, in those wobbly moments, I wonder “maybe he does change his mind”. Those days when I double guess what I have sensed and heard. Those are the times when I wonder whether I have misrepresented his truth and character.

Politics and platforms shouting at me, saying He supports this, He is that. And I have to come away and remind myself of what the gospel actually embodies. Truth, character, honesty, accountability and the list goes on.

You see I have come to learn, the way we represent the character of God in our writings, prophecy’s and declarations, needs weight and measure. We live in a moment in history, with many platforms, influence and undertakings with many ways to express our views.

As I wander through the late-night aisles, of Instagram and Facebook, I am reminded of the strength of our own projections. Those moments, when we all have an agenda and that becomes the strength of the voice of our advocacy.

Accountability and feedback, bring the weight and measure, to quick proclamations that have become in vogue of late. There is always another side to a story, there is another way and I believe when we represent the voice of someone else, we must take the time, to truly reckon with the consequence.

MEASURES OF ACCOUNTABILITY

1. Give friends permission to speak freely into our lives and beliefs. Lately, I wrote on the whiteboard in my office, in big black texta, “FEEDBACK IS NOT PERSONAL”. I think sometimes the walls we put up to protect us from feedback, is the greatest set back to true freedom. Being able to listen and apply the wisdom that surrounds you, gives great context to the things we cannot see in our own lives.
2. Listen to voices that you disagree with. Are you surrounding yourself with all the same voices, people and belief systems? That could be a big problem in truly sitting with empathy to learn from others.
3. Read widely. As you read thoughts and inspirations that are counter to your own worldview, your muscle for understanding grows.
4. Reference your beliefs by scripture. The anchor that holds us taut lasts way beyond our own generation and its musing.

I have been writing each week across 2020, from the one Psalm 119, recently I haven’t been publishing those writings here, because I was a little hesitant from all the shouting going on online.

The greatest lesson I have learnt from this Psalm written so long ago is the enduring nature of God’s word. I have been reminded that His word is permanent. His word is faithful. His word is unfailing. And even though it feels like across this year, that everything has changed, one thing I know that is true, is that

His word, His character and His truth will always endure. Beyond campaigns, beyond failure and beyond the circumstances of the year of so much challenge. His word is firm!

“What you say goes God and it stays as permanent as the heavens.”

Psalm 119: 89

At the end of every year, I publish a personal retreat booklet and this year’s offering is ready to launch really soon on December 1st.

Click here to find out more: Reflect; End of Year Journaling Questions.

What are you doing to reflect on 2020 this year? Join me in setting time to reflect for more insight this December.

What does the word intimacy mean to you?

This weeks devotional is all about intimacy. Watch the video above to talk through how to seek intimacy with Christ in your everyday.  Our world has changed significantly this week. And the timing of this video is not lost on me. God is very kind and gracious.

In today’s video, I chat about my friend Jodie McCarthy who is publishing a short podcast each day across Easter, starting Holy Thursday and Finishing Easter Monday. To get an audio message filled with poetry and life each day sign up here: EASTER PODCAST

Even in seasons, when the road does not look clear. Moments where we see dimly and we don’t understand what is happening.

Reply to this blog in the comments to let me know how you are going?

One way I have been serving my community here online is by showing up each weekday on zoom to hold space and encourage anyone who needs connection. Tomorrow I launch a free online retreat for 5 days and you are invited.

NOW: 5-day creative online retreat on zoom starts tomorrow at 9.30 am Perth time.

Each day this week I have been hosting a zoom call to encourage, pray and support anyone in the community. This week we are working through Dear Creative Self come and join the free mentoring group here.

What is the role of wisdom this week for you?

This weeks devotional is all about wisdom. Watch the video below to talk through how to seek clarity in your everyday.  Our world has changed significantly this week. And the timing of this video is not lost on me. God is very kind and gracious.

Even in seasons, when the road does not look clear. Moments where we see dimly and we don’t understand what is happening.

Reply to this email to let me know how you are going?

Fear is rampant and Amanda chats about this present reality.

I have included some social media images for you below if you want to share them and each day this coming week, I am hosting live mentoring calls with women of influence here.