Meteorologists are calling for snow tomorrow (yes, again), and the opportunities to get outside may be limited. Understanding how challenging this can be for the family, we have compiled a small list of family-friendly movies that are perfect for a cozy day indoors! 

1.)    The Parent Trap
This story of twins separated at birth is a classic. Starring Lindsay Lohan (or Hayley Mills, if you prefer), it details twin daughters that accidentally meet at summer camp and scheme to reunite their parents. The girls’ antics will keep you laughing and the ending will warm your heart. If your children haven’t seen it, you will be introducing them to an instant favorite; and if they have, they will love re-watching! (Rating: PG)

2.)    The Sandlot
This movie will make you feel all kinds of nostalgia. Remembering the time when kids would spend all day playing outside and your best friends were families from your neighborhood, the Sandlot is the story of the ultimate pickle. Telling the story of neighborhood boys who spend all day on the local baseball field, one of them gets them in trouble when he sends his step-father’s baseball, signed by Babe Ruth, over the fence of a beast. The plot they devise to retrieve the ball results in hilarity and an unlikely friendship. This movie will teach lessons in friendship, honesty, and dreaming big. Plus, it will have you dreaming of summer! (Rating: PG)

3.)    Zootopia
This cute movie follows Judy Hopps, a rabbit who is trying to make it big as a police officer. She takes on a missing person case and enlists help from an unusual ally, a fox named Nick Wilde. Throughout the film, the pair works to solve the mystery and prove they are capable. While seemingly lighthearted and fun, this movie has a deeper meaning and will provide the perfect opportunity to start a conversation with your kids! (Rating: PG)

4.)    Matilda
Sometimes you just need a little magic! Matilda details the story of a young girl who is misunderstood by her family. Matilda discovers that she has a secret set of powers, and while she mostly uses these to benefit others, she doesn’t fail to have fun herself! She is the ultimate heroine and you will find yourself cheering for her as she searches for love and understanding! (Rating: PG)

5.)    Rookie of the Year
Henry Rowengartner goes from being an unskilled little leaguer to a superstar major leaguer in Rookie of the Year. After breaking his arm, Henry’s tendons have healed too tightly, enabling him to pitch at an unremarkable speed. This is discovered when Henry throws back a ball at a Chicago Cubs game. Blowing everyone in the crowd away, the struggling Cubs recruit him and he earns a spot on the team. Through the unlikely plotline, this movie teaches the importance of staying grounded and putting family first! (Rating: PG)

6.)    The Wizard of Oz
The ultimate classic, the Wizard of Oz is a must-see for every family. Following four strangers who become friends and embark on a journey to the Emerald City. Filled with enthralling adventures and vibrant imagery, this is one story that has spanned generations. Though the friends overcome the obstacles and reach their destination, they come to realize that there really is no place like home. (Rated: G)

7.)    The Princess Bride
This movie has something for everyone! Featuring exciting adventures, witty lines, and a romantic tale—this one is a fan favorite! The Princess Bride features a grandpa telling his grandson the story of a woman named Buttercup and her two suitors. One of whom is her true love and the other to whom she reluctantly married. Throughout the movie, her true love, Westley must overcome a series of obstacles to rescue her. Appealing to both adults and kids, this one is sure to please everyone in the room! (Rated: PG)

Monday brought news of devastation from Paris, France. The Notre Dame Cathedral, a historical icon, was engulfed in flames. Destroyed spires and ravaged roof, the beloved cathedral stood in an unprecedented state of destruction. Still, among the ashes and through the billows of smoke, there was a glimmer of hope. The cross on the altar remained unscathed, a beaming symbol amidst tragedy.

Standing in the rubble, staring at the ruins of our sin feels like being in the Notre Dame Cathedral. There is damage in every direction. Our relationships tarnished; our reputations tainted by sin. Permanently stained by ashes and polluted with smoke, our lives are much like the demolished cathedral.

We recall our eagerness to shout, “Crucify him!” with the crowd; our enthusiasm to place the crown of thorns on Christ’s innocent head; and our encouragement to pierce his side. Reliving these events, we are painfully aware of the cost of our sins. Created to be perfect, we were once the beautiful crown of God’s masterpiece. Now, we are charred by sin and it’s hard to imagine that beauty ever existed within us.

Among the debris of our lives, however, lies a promise of hope. Through the devastation of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, the cross stands. When the flames overwhelm us and darkness envelops us, the cross stands. When tragedy strikes and smoke suffocates us, the cross stands. When fear overcomes us and we are completely brokenhearted, the cross stands. We know Easter is coming.
​
The plan for rescue has long been in place. Jesus—the one we sentenced to death—has saved us. The empty cross stands, reminding us that Jesus rose victoriously.

​

For many of us, the gospel message was shared within the confines of our own homes. Reciting a dinner prayer was a daily ritual, and singing “Jesus Loves Me” at the top of our lungs was not abnormal. From little on, we were taught about the Father’s love for us and we always understood the symbolism of the cross. Our relationship with God was formed through baptism and our parents continued to faithfully instruct us, ensuring that the next generation would know their Savior.
​
These experiences, however, are not included in everyone’s story. Many were raised to believe that Jesus was an inspirational leader, and that God is nothing more than an elaborate myth. They were brought up by parents that prioritized sleep over worship and insisted that the Big Bang Theory was a viable claim. There was not a focus on Christ and now they find themselves spiritually lost.

Understanding the juxtaposition of these experiences helps us understand our role in spreading the gospel. God has commanded us to make disciples and we strive to accomplish this through our ministry. Our theme this year is “Generation to Generation.” Focusing on those who have not been given a foundation with Christ as cornerstone, we work to ensure that our clients hear the gospel message and know their Savior. Our advocates embrace the opportunity and spread   Our advocates are embracing the opportunity and spreading the gospel from generation to generation.

And the impact from these conversations does not stop there. The powerful gospel message permeates through our clients as they build the foundation for the children they are raising. Through the Holy Spirit, the people we serve are brought to faith and are able to equip the next generation.

The work we do, though physically impactful, extends far beyond pregnancy tests and packages of diapers. Through this ministry, we are changing and saving lives. We are supporting families and standing alongside of them as they make life-affirming decisions. By encouraging our clients through the words of the gospel, we are ensuring this message is being spread from generation to generation.