Success of Fireproof

From and e-mail update I get form Fireproof:

Thank You ... Thank You ... Thank GOD!
Throughout 2008, you have followed the behind-the-scenes story of FIREPROOF, an action-packed love story about a fireman, his wife ... and a marriage worth rescuing.

Friday, on opening day, you experienced the movie firsthand. With friends and family, with small groups and entire churches, you went. And laughter, tears, and cheers filled 839 theaters across the country.

Today, as movie-industry insiders look at all of the statistical data from yesterday, they are trying to figure out how in the world a movie they didn't even know about was one of the most popular movies in the country on Friday.

That's right: FIREPROOF was the No. 3 movie in America yesterday (Friday)! You have thoroughly confounded Hollywood.

Will FIREPROOF stay No. 3 the rest of Opening Weekend? By industry standards, it seems extremely unlikely. The next five movies that finished behind FIREPROOF are playing on approximately 2,500 screens each.

So the key is that people like us keep showing up at movie theaters, both today and tomorrow. Let's show Hollywood that FIREPROOF is the kind of movie you will support. Let them know that this is more than a movie ... it's a movement.

As we found out with Facing the Giants two years ago and FIREPROOF last night, with God, all things are possible ... even in the movie industry. Make that especially in the movie industry.

Thank you! And thanks for continuing to support FIREPROOF on this all-important weekend.

Read This Review on Fireproof

Fireproof marries God and Filmmaking





from USA Today

My First Number

Last Saturday our church held the 6th annual 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Run. I decided to give it a try and walk the 5 miles. Jacob ran the 1 mile. I have to say it was a lot of fun! I'm totally addicted now and will be finding more to participate in and take the whole family. I came in #252 out of 289-wow! I finished in 43minutes and 28 seconds. I learned very quickly that these events take on a personality of their own. It'a all about the clock. We'll see if I stay motivated to actually run next year! However, I will not let that 60 year old man beat me again! What was his name-I believe it was Tony Hewatt (our Minister of Evangelism)! Ha Ha His time was 24 minutes. Somehow, I don't think I will beat him.

Back to ScreamFree Training

A couple of weeks ago the training director of ScreamFree Living asked me to come back to facilitator training and speak about what I am doing with my class on Wednesday night. I was totally shocked and honored that they would ask me. So tomorrow I'm heading to Duluth to speak to a new group they are training and having lunch with Jenny Runkel and Brandi (from the April training group). I am so excited about this and can't wait to share. I'm also sad that my group only has 3 weeks left! I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store next for me! I'm ready to lead another class or do a weekend class.

ONE MORE WEEK!

FIREPROOF the movie opens in just one week. It's going to be amazing to see what God is going to do through this movie! You need to get your tickets for opening weekend because many shows have already sold out. Here is some neat stuff I got from an e-mail update that I receive from Fireproof:

September 26 ... and Beyond!
A week from Friday, FIREPROOF will be playing in more than 800 theaters across the country. When Facing the Giants opened on the same weekend two years ago, it played in 441 theaters. Looking back, we saw what happens when you "prepare for rain."

Next weekend, the forecast indicates there could be some amazing precipitation in the form of further impact on the movie industry. But it will take your support of FIREPROOF when it opens in theaters nationwide. How this movie does on its first three days (September 26-28) will determine how long it will play in theaters.

Is your umbrella ready?

Upcoming Programs
You will be hearing and seeing a lot about FIREPROOF in these final days before the film opens. Here is a quick list of some wonderful FIREPROOF media opportunities in the coming days:

TBN: The Making of FIREPROOF (Behind the Scenes), Sunday, September 21 9 p.m. PDT/Midnight EDT (following a special showing of Facing the Giants at 7 p.m. PDT/10 p.m. EDT)
Focus on the Family: Monday-Tuesday, September 22-23 (featuring Kirk Cameron, Alex Kendrick, Stephen Kendrick, and Jim McBride)
NBC's Today Show: Tuesday, September 23 (8 a.m. and 10 a.m. hours, featuring Kirk Cameron)
FamilyLife Today: Wednesday-Friday, September 24-26 (featuring Alex and Stephen Kendrick)

FIREPROOF T-Shirts and Hats
Kerusso has created a line of T-shirts and baseball caps that help you let others know how you feel about FIREPROOF ... and your marriage. There are specific shirt designs for both men and women.

The women's shirt, which comes in hot pink, says "With all my Heart" on it. The shirt references Mark 10:9, "Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." The men's shirt has a logo similar to a fire department's shield, including the axes and the firemen's cross. This navy shirt features a reference to Ephesians 4:25, which begins "Husbands, love your wives. ..." The baseball cap has a similar look and feel.

The shirts and hats are available at Christian stores and online.

Learn more about FIREPROOF T-shirts from Kerusso

DAWG-gone Good Weekend

This weekend we went to my aunt and Uncle's in Sumter, SC. David, Jacob, and Uncle Don planned some time ago to go to the GA/SC game and me, Jenna, Jared, and Aunt Jonnie hung out at the house and watched (most of) the game on TV. We also enjoyed swimming while they were at the game and the kids loved swimming at night and getting in the hot tub after they got back. It really was a great time, especially since Georgia won 14-7. Sorry Uncle Don, but thanks for such a great weekend!

In Jacob's exact words: "This was the best weekend ever!"

Please Remember

David was scheduled for work today but could not go in becasue he is sick. I wonder how many people that happened to on Sept. 11th? How many wives can still kiss their husband (or vice versa) each morning because something kept them away from those buildings? So many people lost a loved one on that day and we must never forget what our country went through on Sept. 11th. It's so easy to forget. My husband is a fireman and I forget. I know I take for granted all that they do for us for very little pay. And our troops. Let's remember them as well. Thank you so much men and women for all that you do for us!

She's Engaged!

We are so excited because last Sunday my sister-in-law Debbie got engaged! About a year ago she met a great guy named Jay. Jay was a friend of ours from way back in our "Rehoboth" (Baptist Church) days. Jay and Debbie met at LCA. We never would have dreamed that one day this wonderful guy would be our brother-in-law. They are such a great couple and we are so happy for them. Added bonus: Jay's son Johnny is in the 7th grade with Jacob. They are great buddies! The wedding will be December 27th and we can't wait (and I'm sure they can't either).

Yours

When I was in Myrtle Beach I heard this song. It sounded like he wrote it after Maria died so I checked into it. He had already written the song then added the last line. Praise God we are His! Hit stop on my playlist.

Myrtle Beach

After checking out the weather Mom and I decided to go ahead and go to Myrtle Beach. We stopped Monday at my aunt and uncle's and had such a great time visiting, talking, drinking coffee, and just hanging out. Tuesday we went to Myrtle Beach. It's just 2 hours from my aunt's. The weather was beautiful. We ate great food and had a good time being together and watching the convention (yeah, I know, kinda boring). The best part was sleeping in and being on NO SCHEDULE! On the way home we stopped and had a 2 hour lunch at Chili's with Aunt Jonnie. It was so great to have uninterrupted time with the girls. Thanks so much Mom! I will never take this time for granted!

Special thanks to my dear huband and NaNa for "holding down the fort" while I was gone!