I love Whitney Houston.
I love The Preacher's Wife.
I love that it was Whitney's voice singing "I Believe in You and Me" at Rockefeller Center when we got engaged. (Shawn had chosen the song because it's one of my all-time favorites and as soon as I heard the intro, I cried.)
I'm so sad that she wasted away in front of a watching world.
I'm so sad that she's gone.

Whenever people ask, "Are you named after Whitney Houston?" (which is somewhat often... you other Whitney's probably know what I mean...) I say, "No. But my mom got to meet her!"

It was 1988, and my mom and her group were opening for Bebe and Cece Winans. Whitney was good friends with the Winans and loved their music, and would show up to concerts and sing backup for them. Can you even imagine?! Whitney Houston singing backup?? Often, until a few songs into the concert until she was introduced, no one even noticed her. Amazing.

So at this concert in LA, Mom was backstage with a big group of people and a little boy came up to her and started playing. A woman nearby approached her and asked, "Is he bothering you?" And they struck up a 5-minute conversation about kids. My mom was thinking, "She looks so much like Whitney Houston," but had no idea that Whitney would sometimes show up for concerts. Little did she know it WAS Whitney Houston. Pretty cool. :)

I really think Whitney is with the Lord. I think she really, really struggled (obviously). But I think her upbringing and affinity for the church, her love for Gospel music, the Christians in her life... I really believe she knows Jesus.

If you have 5 minutes, you have to watch this video. Whitney at her best... and the song. Oh, the song!

Another movie you should see... or two... or three...

So I guess I couldn't just stop with just one movie recommendation.

Shawn and I saw Courageous on Saturday night and were so impressed and inspired. Even though it revolves around the importance of fathers, it's something that I would recommend to any man who strives for godliness. I loved how the Gospel was so clearly portrayed, as it is in all of the movies that come from Sherwood Baptist. They are doing a great thing and I'm thankful the Lord is prospering it. And let me warn you... you better bring a whole box of kleenex. You'll need it.


Secondly, here's another movie that I cannot wait to see... just watch the trailer (with kleenex, again):


Last, this wedding highlights video is a must-see. Some friends of ours got married in July and Marianne did such a beautiful job capturing their story. There's nothing more beautiful than a wedding that reflects God's love story and this was the most worshipful wedding we've ever attended. I think you'll be able to capture a glimpse of it here:

Lt and Audra::Wedding Highlight from Marianne Bach on Vimeo.

Have you guys seen any good movies lately? 

Previewing.

This movie, based on one of my very favorite books, is coming out in December.
I love when I am able to read a book long before the movie comes out (it doesn't happen often!), and you still have time to read it, too! I don't think they could've found a better cast.
I. CANNOT. WAIT.