Tag Archives: Finding Nemo

Inside Out

Posted on February 19, 2019 by expressyourself4him

I’m usually not a big fan of animation movies. Yet, it seems like every Pixar film appeals to kids and adults. Whether you’re talking about Cars, Toy Story or Finding Nemo, there is something for everyone in the audience. When I first put Inside Out into my DVD player, my initial thought was “this is going to be lame.” The more I watched, I became glued to the screen.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer, Romans 12:12.

This 2015 animation illustrates how emotions affect the life of a newborn baby called Riley. Inside this little girl, characters compete to influence Riley’s life through a control panel. Joy, sadness, fear, disgust and anger take turns helping Riley understand these emotions. Until her family moves to San Francisco, Joy is the dominate emotion, maintaining a positive mindset despite what happens each day.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope, Romans 15:13.

As joy and sadness get sucked out of the control center during an accident, Riley’s life takes a drastic turn for the worse. This portion of the film pierced my heart, taking me back to my years in junior high when I was lost, lonely and searching for the meaning to life. Like Riley, I tried to find alternates, substitutes to fill the void in my heart. Nothing satisfied me until a friend introduced me to Jesus. The only way to truly change is to open your heart to Jesus who has the power to transform you from the inside out.

by Jay Mankus

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More Than Just A Ditch

Posted on February 21, 2018 by expressyourself4him

If you have ever visited Palm Springs, California, you will see a series of concrete channels.  While this desert region only receives between 2-5 inches of rainfall annually, these man made ditches serve a purpose.  When the rare storm hits this area, water quickly runs off of the surrounding San Jacinto mountains into the Coachella Valley.  Without these flood canals, portions of the city would be washed away.  Although an eye sore to residents and visitors at times, the construction of these ditches collect and restore water levels to this oasis in southern California.

But now bring me a harpist.” While the harpist was playing, the hand of the Lord came on Elisha 16 and he said, “This is what the Lord says: I will fill this valley with pools of water. 17 For this is what the Lord says: You will see neither wind nor rain, yet this valley will be filled with water, and you, your cattle and your other animals will drink, 2 Kings 3:15-17.

During the reign of  Jehoshaphat, the prophet Elisha visits the king of Judea.  Asking for a musician, the melody of a harpist inspires a prophecy from the Lord.  Unusual at first, God commands Judea to dig at ditch in the middle of a desert.  Void of air conditioning and state of the art construction equipment, citizens began this project by hand and whatever tools available.  Similar to the springs underneath the desert in California, water began to fill each ditch dug.  When God asks you to do something that doesn’t make sense, sometimes you have to exercise your faith until you see the benefits of your hard labor.

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable, Romans 11:29.

Unfortunately, many people don’t receive special gifts or unique callings.  Rather, you have to grind your way through life, often blindly trusting God through confusing and dark periods.  Like Dory’s character in the Finding Nemo film, instead of following her just keep swimming command, God wants his followers to keep digging.  This may get boring from time to time, but you never know when you are going to hit gold.  Therefore, keep the faith as what God is doing through you is more than just digging a ditch.  As long as you remain faithful, springs of joy are bound to rise up at any moment.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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Not To Us O Lord

Posted on June 6, 2013 by expressyourself4him

 

The seagulls in Finding Nemo illustrate the problem with most individuals today.  Cries for mine, mine, mine take our eyes off of to whom and for whom this life on earth is meant.  Thus, instead of praying not to us O Lord, each soul appears to be seeking credit, fame and glory due their name.

After spending the last 100 plus days reading one Psalm a day, it is clear from these chapters why God created man and woman.  Words like ordained in Psalm 8:2 suggest human beings were established to praise the Lord.  Psalm 33:1 uses the expression “it is fitting,” confirming mankind’s purpose to acknowledge God as the giver of life.  While I haven’t reached this passage on my current journey, Psalm 150:6 insures believers that they are on the right track by praising the Lord.


On Monday, June 3rd, 2013, the Golf Channel held their second ever Golf’s Longest Day.  Programming included hourly updates of United States Open Sectional Qualifying, held at several different locations throughout the country.  Several hundred amateur and professional golfers were fighting for 57 spots at 10 locations, hoping to earn the right to play at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pennsylvania.  As this 36 hole tournament drew to a close, highlights of play as well as interviews of the qualifiers aired.

 Since I am a former assistant golf professional, played in a few mini-tour player events and tried to qualify for the Canadian P.G.A. Tour at Q-School on Vancouver  Island in British Columbia, this coverage intrigued me.  While rooting for Sam Saunders, Scott Stallings and Ryan Palmer, all losing in sudden death playoffs, a relatively unknown got my attention.  Josh Teater, a member of the PGA tour placed second in the Columbus, Ohio sectional.  Instead of stealing the spotlight, Teater gave God the glory for his success.  Well done Josh, thanks for reminding the world,” Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name be the glory,” Psalm 115:1.

by Jay Mankus

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