The Movie of Our Lives
- pdjanz11
- Jan 13
- 5 min read
Writing propels me into my own imagination, but I can easily live in another’s mind from time to time. That’s why I love a good movie!
Right now, I’d like to ask Angel Studios, or any faith-filled production company, if they need someone to rate and review their shows. I’d probably do that for free.
Many of the faith-based production companies have proven their content at least as good, and often better, than main-stream movies. (Note: I’m not getting paid to write this. It's from personal experience.)
What makes a 22-minute show, or a three-hour movie, riveting? What holds our attention so hard that we might hold our bladders longer than is healthy or proven humbling? As with a good book, it’s when, at the end of each scene, we’re left hanging. We've bonded with the characters, and the drama is anxiety-producing enough that we hang onto hope until the very end. Then those people whom we've formed an attachment to not only survive, but arrive on the other side stronger, loved, more refined, and joyous!
I love it! I love it all!
Sometimes I wish I’d pursued the fine art of story writing for the purpose of placing something stellar on the big screen, but that hasn't been what God led me to.
He’s allowed me a blessed life, and He's brought me through many ups and downs. At the risk of sounding as if I’m simplifying our tremendous and one-and-only praise-worthy Saviour, I’ll admit this to you. Sometimes I imagine God looking down at His kids and, much like a good movie where the antagonist
(main character being cheered for) is experiencing bumps and messes in his or her life, He keeps watch. And patiently waits. And is actively helping—even when His child doesn’t see the tough stuff as good.
When I was young, I was whipped until I was literally bruised and beaten. I don’t talk about this much because it's not what defines, nor ever did define, me. However, even from very young, and as I grew older, I can sincerely say that in the midst of that searing pain, I remember consciously thinking and knowing that God hadn't left me and He wouldn’t let me die.
Through His grace and mercy, He loved me then and loves me now.
Our Heavenly Father loves us in our mess—all of it—no matter what we do or what someone else does to us. He is inside and around us in every second. He’s aware of what’s happening and provides a way for our pain to turn into joy—for us personally and often for others we can help because of what we’ve experienced.
The best part is: if we're believers in Jesus Christ, our ending--as in a beautiful movie--will be spectacular!
If you’re within a lull of not knowing which direction to take, or perhaps a decision you must make seems daunting, or if you’re sitting in what feels to be the blackest pit of despair—please know that there are others who’ve been, and might still be, in the same situation.
Be open about it. Share it with someone you trust—someone who will pray with you immediately—even in the middle of a restaurant, or a place that doesn’t feel quite as comfortable as a private room, or hallway. (Can you tell I’ve prayed in every one of those places?)
If it would help for me to pray alongside you, please feel free to reach out. I won’t share anything with anyone else, except the Lord.
A few things have happened in recent days that I’d like to request prayer for.
I recently resigned from writing my humour column, Laugh at Life. It's healthy to seek out the funny moments in this crazy world, so I ask that you pray I won't grieve this change too much. I do plan to share some of my more humorous thoughts here with you.
Also, it’s been proven again that scammers who pirate novels are alive and well. I suppose it’s good to know that my books are popular in these circles, but it’s not a clique I've ever dreamt they’d be a part of.
Please pray that whomever is trying to scam buyers by "selling" these books fraudulently at least reads one, and that I have wisdom moving forward.
Please remember--I’m praying for you too!
Here are some verses I find important and encouraging--taken from Psalm 34 (NASB1995 version):
Psalm 34: (vs. 1) “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (vs. 4) “I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.” (vs. 8) “O taste and see that the Lord is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” (vs. 18&19) “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” (italics mine)
Until next time: pray, read of God’s goodness, and remember where our true peace and joy
lies: in Jesus!
Pattie Janzen
For clarity reasons (not purchasing pressure), the following is a list of where you can find my novels:
Directly from me - Paperback - all novels I've written
Amazon sites (eg. .com, .ca, .uk, etc.) - Kindle & Paperback - the first two books in the Amadeus series
Kobo and other legitimate platforms such as libraries online - Kindle - the Amadeus series
E.K.K. Handmade Store & Gift Shop in Yorkton, SK - Paperback - all novels
The High Maintenance Hippie in Warman, SK - Paperback - all novels
Other Legitimate bookstore websites - the Amadeus series
NOTE: I do NOT sell my books on E-Bay. If a site looks suspicious, please side with caution, and contact me directly if you have any questions.
An uplifting song I've learned to appreciate is:
Christ Tomlin's How Good It Is
You can find it anywhere you listen to great songs, but you can check it out on YouTube right here:
Also: if you stream Angel Studios, I suggest watching A Week Away - the seven episode series. I haven't seen the movie, but the series stars David Koechner, Antonio Cipriano, and Cozi Zuehlsdorff. Stellar cast! Even if you don't love musicals, I'm guessing you'll change your mind while watching this. Great music and story-line involving the different kids and adults present during their one week away from home. It's thought-provoking, relatable, and stays with you.
May God bless you with an abundance of JOY in 2026!
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