Lumen Entertainment

Guadalupe Box

2012-02-17T13:40:00.000-08:00

This week has been incredibly eventful. We have officially kicked off our Spiritual Adoption Campaign and have unveiled our Fruit Basket Project. On Tuesday, St. Valentine's Day, we went to WQOP to launch our Spiritual Adoption Campaign. Terry, Brian, and Nicol enjoyed doing a live radio show promoting Lumen's new campaign. Please help spread the word about Spiritually Adopting a baby.

Our biggest blessing that came this week was our new super computer arriving yesterday( February 16). Brian was actually quite surprised, because the new computer was not supposed to arrive till February 29th. So this puts us 2 weeks ahead of schedule! Praise the Lord! Our super computer will help us to render Skiff and AJ's Fantastic Voyage. We are pleased to introduce to you "Guadalupe"... Why Guadalupe? This is a quote from Brian..."If Our Lady can render an image on a tilma, then she can help to render our film."


Meet Guadalupe

This afternoon we did another interview for our Fruit Basket. We interviewed Nicol and have Ally's interview ready! Check out our Vimeo page to meet Ally!
Below are some pictures from the weeks events. We hope you have some Cuban Coffee and have a blessed weekend! Don't forget to help spread the word about our Spiritual Adoption Campaign. ~Lumen Crew

Fruit Basket Project

2012-02-15T13:30:00.000-08:00

For the last week we have been talking about a Fruit Basket Project we have been working on. We were sitting around conversing one day and thought we should put together video testimonies of people who have been involved with Lumen Entertainment over the years. Below is our intro video to our project, come back tomorrow for our 1st Fruit Basket testimony. Enjoy! ~Lumen Crew

Don't forget we have officially launched our Spiritual Adoption Campaign.

Spiritual Adoption Campaign

2012-02-14T07:46:00.000-08:00

Happy Feast of St. Valentine! In last Friday's blog we had mentioned there was a lot of exciting things transpiring here at the office. Starting today at 12pm we will be kicking off our Spiritual Adoption Campaign.

What is a Spiritual Adoption?

Spiritual Adoption is when we commit to pray daily for a baby that is in danger of being aborted. The prayer we will send you is short and sweet. You'll have it memorized the first week!

What's this particular Spiritual adoption all about?

First, there is no cost involved. This campaign is about the power of prayer.
It is estimated that 1.37 million babies will be aborted in the United States in 2012. Our goal with this campaign is to have a minimum of 1.37 million babies being prayed for from March- December.This campaign We will be praying also for the baby's parents and for a safe delivery. The beauty of spiritually adopting a baby is it could potentially save the life of the baby!

We invite you to join us in the this 9 month Spiritual Adoption of a baby that is in danger of being aborted this year.
Your prayers united with thousands of others is going to be powerful! The Spiritual Campaign kick off is February 14, 2012(today!) and our official starting date is March 26th, 2012. From March 26th ( The Annunciation) to December 25th(Jesus' birthday) we will all be praying together for the baby we have adopted. We have some amazing resources to share with you over the next nine months that will enrich your life.

TODAY from 12pm-1pm Brian, Terry, and Nicol will be live on WQOP talking about the Spiritual Adoption Campaign and also updates on Skiff and AJ's Fantastic Voyage. We invite you to call in and spiritually adopt a baby, we would also love to hear from you!

May the love of our Lord Jesus fill your heart and cause you to spread His love to those who are in need of love today! Pictures later today! ~Lumen Crew

Congratulations

2012-02-13T12:16:00.000-08:00

We are very excited to announce David and Michael Oliveros have won Best Editing and Best Story at Campus Film Fest at University of North Florida. They won 2/3 categories at the film festival this past weekend. Their movie is called Back. Back is about a man who travels back in time to save his brother from imminent death.

David and Michael have been part of Lumen Crew for the last 4 years by partaking in the Film Camps and volunteering their time on a weekly basis. Michael and David are great men of God and are extremely talented. Please take time to view their video. Once again CONGRATULATIONS DAVID & MICHAEL! ~ Brian, Carlos, and Nicol

Click on the following link to view their video. Enjoy!

Back by David and Michael

Fantastic Friday

2012-02-10T14:16:00.000-08:00

Today has been nothing but busy and entertaining. We have had a full office with much going on, but we have thoroughly enjoyed everyone's presence. This week we have been very busy getting ready for our Spiritual Adoption campaign that is kicking off on St. Valentine's Day, February 14, 2012. Starting next week we will have more blogs posted letting you know what Lumen Entertainment is up to. Till then to keep you in suspense of the new and exciting events that are occurring we have pictures of what we have been working on.
We hope you have a blessed and wonderful weekend. Have some Cuban coffee while you at it! See you on Monday with updates. ~ Lumen Crew


Our Newest Volunteer!

Happy February

2012-02-03T14:29:00.000-08:00

We play "Kill the Ant" game to pass the time as we wait on scenes to be finished...

February has arrived with a bang! It's only February 3rd and much has happened here at the office and in the states. At Lumen we were a little excited to hear that the Komen foundation defunded Planned Parenthood, but then our joy was turned to sorrow when the news came they reversed their decision. So now it's back to praying for the Susan G. Komen foundation and that their eyes and hearts will be opened to the truth behind Planned Parenthood.

In other news, today we began to film for a side project "The Fruit Basket." Tune back in on Wednesday February 8th(next week) for all the details. Until then we have pictures to share with you below. You can also visit our Facebook page to view all the pictures. As you begin your weekend, don't forget to have some Cuban Coffee. We pray you have a blessed and joy filled weekend. Don't forget to laugh and share a smile with a stranger. ~Lumen Crew

Add caption

Carlos decided to play a trick and trap Brian

David Brian Setting up to film "The Fruit Basket"

Filming Ally's interview

Brian scolding David...

Brian doesn't like when Nicol looks down at him

Careful David the baby is watching & listening

Brian making the Spumita for Cuban Coffee

Update on Skiff and AJ's Fantastic Voyage

2012-01-30T13:16:00.000-08:00

A message from Brian:

Thegraph above is to keep you up to speed. Please pray for the Lighting area. This is a highly specialized area and thetalent pool is sparse. But I'm stilllooking, in hopes to speed things up. Weare pushing the best we know how and constantly trying to find ways to betterthe process. But I heard a priest say itbest, “Man proposes and God disposes.” So as much as I want to have this done two years ago, God seems to haveother plans. I humbly ask for your patience until God “Disposes” itscompletion.

Song of the Week: Heaven's Before Me by Marian Grace. The beautiful and angelic voice is Colleen Nixon. Colleen sings in one of our music montage's for Skiff and AJ's Fantastic Voyage. The Nixon family are very dear to our hearts here at Lumen. Colleen's husband Titus came and spoke to the film camp students last year. Titus and Colleen are now traveling the country spreading the Gospel to youth and young adult. Visit the Nixon-Nation

Quote of the Week:

"Nothing is more practical, that finding God, that is, than falling in love in a quiet absolute, final way. What are you in love with? What seizes you imagination, will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning, what you will do with your evenings, how you spend your weekends, what you read, who you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude. Fall in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything." Fr. Pedro Arrupe

Scripture of the Week:

"As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love." John 15:9

Prayers for the Week:

1. For Skiff and AJ's Fantastic Voyage

2. All who are working on Skiff and AJ's Fantastic Voyage

3. Continue financial and spiritual support of Lumen Entertainment

4. All of our benefactors

5. For the lighting part of our Skiff and AJ's Fantastic Voyage

Have a blessed and wonderful week, we will see you on Friday! ~Lumen Crew

Stand for Life

2012-01-27T10:51:00.000-08:00

We hope you had a wonderful and blessed week! We were able to recover the pictures from the March for Life around the Courthouse in Jacksonville, FL. Over 500 people came out for an hour to March and/or stand for the Sanctity of Life. It has been a productive week and we are looking forward to Cuban Coffee this afternoon as a reward. We will see you on Monday and make sure you drink your Cuban Coffee. May God Bless your weekend with much joy and peace. Enjoy the pictures. ~Lumen Crew

Nicol, Carlos, Brian, Carol, and Terry

Brian at the table

Nicol at the Table

Some of the 500 + people that came out

Our Table

Tom Masters helps to put this all together.

Morning Joy

2012-01-26T06:46:00.000-08:00

Sunrise in Jacksonville Beach.

Good Morning from the Lumen Crew to you! The above picture was taken as the sun was rising this morning(2/26/12). We realize we have said we would share pictures form the march around the Jacksonville Courthouse, but we have had some computer issues and lost our pictures. We are in the process of fixing our computer and retrieving our pictures. Please pray for that!

This morning we want to share with you Christ's Joy! We pray the Holy Spirit will fill you with His peace, joy, and love. May His love radiate from you to those around you, just like the picture above. You all are always in our prayers! Have a wonderful day and we will see you tomorrow for a full blog filled with all the pictures and an update on Skiff and AJ's Fantastic Voyage. Joyfully through Christ~ Lumen Crew.

Sunrises and Coffee

2012-01-20T13:58:00.000-08:00

Bird's flying!

Today at the office, it has been nothing but exciting! It started with a productive board meeting and Cuban coffee in the morning and afternoon! Lot's of exciting news to share, BUT not today! :D We ask that you continue to pray for Lumen Entertainment and for Skiff and AJ's Fantastic Voyage. Don't worry, you will know sooner rather than later what Lumen Entertainment has in store for everyone.

As I (Nicol) was watching the sunrise this morning I was blown away by the beautiful colors the Lord was painting the sky with. As the sky turned the beautiful shades of yellow and orange, I was being filled with light and wished that all babies in the womb would have the opportunity to see such a sun rise. Lumen Entertainment is asking that you join us in prayer for every one who is attending the March For Life in Washington, DC. this weekend

We pray you have a safe and blessed filled weekend! ~Lumen Crew


Sunrise this Morning

Oh Poop and Bubbles

2012-01-13T13:14:00.000-08:00

From Nicol:
So you might be wondering why the title of today's blog is about Poop and what the heck is the picture above... Yesterday(Thursday) Benoit( the owner of the Magnificat Cafe, the restaurant we work above) wanted to trick Brian into thinking there was a rat in the office. When I arrived to work Benoit informed me of the plan and how he was going to place "rat poop" on Brian's desk. Don't worry, there was no rat and it wasn't poop at all! It actually was burnt crust off of a quiche he made that morning. Hearing Brian's disgust and frustration was a great start to the morning! He truly believed our fabricated story and fell into our trap. muhahahahaha! This prank provided great laughter and a joyful start to the day, at least for us maybe not for Brian!

Where did all the bubbles go? As I started to make the Cuban Coffee I realized we didn't have much white sugar. I tried to make it with brown sugar and I was completely unsuccessful. All we had left was sugar packets and it was ok. Note to self, if you have sugar packets, open all of the packets first before making the coffee. As you can see there are no bubbles and the spumita is non-existent in the picture above. :( BUT the good news is it still turned out delicious. So... 2 lessons from this blog.... 1. Brown sugar is not the sugar to use to make the perfect spumita. 2. Make sure all sugar packets are pre-opened before beginning to make the most epic Cuban Coffee!

Please continue to keep Lumen in your prayers and Skiff and AJ's Fantastic Voyage. We pray you have a wonderful and joyful weekend! Don't forget to laugh a lot and have some Cuban Coffee. Cheers ~Lumen Crew

Happy Baptism of our Lord

2012-01-09T14:27:00.000-08:00

Happy Baptism of Jesus

What a wonderful feast day in our Church. We pray that you have had a great weekend and our enjoying your Monday. It's been a quiet day in the office for the most part. Brian and Carlos are working extremely hard on editing Skiff and AJ's Fantastic Voyage. Nicol is busy updating our data base and working on the final amount that was raised during the month of December. We realize we said we would have the total last week, but more checks are still coming in. PRAISE GOD! We know we have met our goal for the fundraiser. We are truly grateful for all of your financial donations!

Song of the Week: Marvelous Light Sung by Thomas and Timothy

Challenge of the Week: Now that Christmas has officially ended on the Church calendar, are you still radiating Christ's peace and joy from Christmas? Remember Christmas peace and joy isn't found just in one season, but it is meant to be spread year around.

Quote of the Week: "Give me grace, O Lord, to do as you command, and command me to do what you will!" St. Augustine

Scripture of the Week: "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."~1Corinthians 10:31

Prayer Requests for the Week:

1. For Skiff and AJ's Fantastic Voyage

2. All who are working on Skiff and AJ's Fantastic Voyage

3. Continue financial and spiritual support of Lumen Entertainment

4. All of our benefactors

5. Lord will bring people to us to help complete Skiff and AJ's Fantastic Voyage

We pray you have a wonderful and an abundantly blessed week. ~Lumen Crew

Happy Belated Epiphany

2012-01-09T13:49:00.000-08:00

HAPPY EPIPHANY

We realize we are little late wishing everyone a Happy Epiphany. With it being an important feast day, we left early to be able to go to Epiphany parties that were scheduled for early evening. We had a wonderful day, filled with cleaning, 3 generations in the office, Cuban coffee, and a packed office! We pray you had a great Epiphany and remembered our Lord!

Brian's Grandmother-Mimi came to visit

3 Generations: Mimi(Brian's Grandmother, Suzie Shields(Brian's Mom0 & Brian

Cuban Coffee to Celebrate the Epiphany

Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-03T14:16:00.001-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012

Nicol Took this picture right when the ball dropped in Time Square

We pray you had a wonderful New Year with your family and friends! The Lumen Crew all had a great New Year with their family and friends. We are truly excited to see what God has in store for Lumen Entertainment in 2012. We know and have faith the movie will completed in Spring of 2012, so we have much to be excited about!

THANK YOU for all you donated during our Advent Match, we met our goal and we will have the official total amount for you tomorrow! Praise God, we could not have met our goal without your financial and/or spiritual support.

Don't forget we are still in the Christmas Season. Today is the 10th Day of Christmas, which stands for the 10 Commandments.

Song of the Week: Since it is still Christmas here, is a great rendition of this song. We pray that you are filled with the Christmas Joy of our Savior's birth and are Adoring Him!

Challenge of the Week: Are you still consumed with Christ's Joy and Peace since Christmas Day?

Quote of the Week: "When we form good resolutions, God gives us every opportunity of carrying them out" - St Chrysostom

Scripture of the Week: "Sing a new song to the Lord!" Psalm 98:1

Prayers of the Week:

1. For Skiff and AJ's Fantastic Voyage

2. All who are working on Skiff and AJ's Fantastic Voyage

3. Continue financial and spiritual support of Lumen Entertainment

4. All of our benefactors

Christmas Peace and Joy ~Lumen Crew

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-26T14:01:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS

We pray the Joy and Peace of our Savior's birth has filled your hearts and homes.

Merry Christmas from the Lumen Crew

Merry Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Eve everyone! We pray that you are enjoying your time with your family and friends. Above is a beautiful image of the nativity by a good friend of Lumen Entertainment, Carl Fougerousse. Carl came to Film Camp in July and spoke with the students about God being the master Architect. He also has a website, Red Fern Studio,where you can view his designs and artwork. If you have sometime, view his website and give some support for a local(Savannah, GA) Catholic-Christian artist.

Speaking of support, don't forget about the Advent/Christmas Matching fundraiser we are holding. It is a great way to help spread the Gospel, the Catholic Church Teachings, and love to those who may be on the fence about the value of life. Aside from the financial support, we also need spiritual support! Please continue to keep Lumen, the animators, and Skiff and AJ fantastic Voyage in your prayers. We thank you and we pray that you have a blessed and Merry Christmas!

~Lumen Crew

Animation Update

2011-12-19T13:42:00.000-08:00

Pro-LifeAnimation is making its final push to

completion!

Produced by Lumen Entertainment, artists who have worked for Pixar, Dreamworks, and Big Ideas have lent their talents to make Skiff & AJ's Fantastic Voyage an entertaining show that will have the entire family
rooting for the baby in the belly.

When inanimate objects Skiff (the incense boat) & AJ (the aspergillum) test drive their homemade time
machine, it shrinks them to gnat size. A pregnant lady mistakenly inhales the wannabe time travelers. Soon, the two encounter an extra-special being dwelling within the mother. Skiff & AJ begin to communicate, start a new friendship and learn about baby’s life in the womb. Without enough power to launch their ship back to the outside world, Skiff & AJ find themselves stranded. Only baby can help them now, but Skiff & AJ will have to put their lives in babys' hands.

“ this is certainly a work inspired by the Holy Spirit”along the lines of the new evangelization. Bishop Felipe Estevez Diocese of St. Augustine

“This DVD is so powerful that we are going to give it away to children in CCD and catholic schools. We are
giving it away to remind (in a fun loving way) the large population of catholic families that have
forgotten, how sacred life in the womb is.” - Brian Shields, Producer

Skiff & AJ's Fantastic Voyage is making its final push to completion scheduled for a DVD delivery early
2012, but only with your help.

The animation work is done but now we need the computers to take our years of work that now looks like this :

and turn it into the final look of the show, which is this:

  This process is costly.We have many groups that want to fund getting the DVD into the hands of thousands of catholic children, but that is when the show is done. So I need your help to finish this final computerprocess of rendering. As a thank you, I would like to send you a DVD of Skiff & AJ's fantastic voyage for a suggested donation of $30.

   We are very excited to be so close to the completion and your donation will be put to great use! This
animation will re-evangelize Catholic families to be lovers of life.

   Not only will you be evangelizing, but Lumen Entertainment is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt corporation,
so all donations are tax deductible.

   This fun DVD is a perfect opportunity to share your love for life with family and friends who may be
complacent about the sanctity of human life. If you know someone like that, I will send you 2 copies of
the show (one for yourself and one to give away) for a suggested donation of $50.

   Time is of the essence. There are many families that need to hear this message and many lives that need to be saved. The support you give now will impact generations though the powerful medium of animation.
Thank you for your spiritual and financial support.

In Christ,

Brian Shields

It's a Celebration!

2011-12-12T05:31:00.000-08:00

HAPPY 8TH ANNIVERSARY

LUMEN ENTERTAINMENT

Today is going to be filled with much celebration! Why? It's our 8th Anniversary, 3rd week in Advent, and the Feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe! We have a fun filled day planned here at Lumen. Nicol will be updating our Facebook and Twitter with pictures through out the day.


Picture of Our Lady in our Office :)

Breakfast is served

For those of you in Jacksonville, please join us today! We have breakfast from 7-10am and a Mexican Feast from 1-3pm. The food is free and we wanted to give our donors/supporters a big thank you! We would not be here today without you all. Please bring your family and friends! If you are able to come, give us a call at 904-385-0806 or email us at info@lumen.tv We hope to see you today!

Coffee anyone?

Help!

2011-12-05T14:30:00.001-08:00

Happy 2nd Week of Advent!

We pray you had a great weekend! How is your Advent Fast coming? So far so good on our end here! Such a great way to help prepare for our Savior's birth! :)

It's been a quiet day here, but extremely busy! Brian is working hard on the lighting and talking with the animators and Nicol is working on the mailing for our Final Push match. There is no more folding that needs to be done, but there is alphabetizing and stuffing of 2,000 letters that needs to be completed.

This is a picture of majority of the letters that are sorted by letter and will then need to be alphabetized. As you can see, Nicol is in desperate need of volunteering from people! What still needs to be done? Alphabetize the letters in each alphabet letter, alphabetize the envelopes, stuffing of the envelopes, and mail them out. It has to be down all by the end of this week! So who wants to help us out?!?!?! Anybody, please! If you are able to come on up and help, you can email us at info@lumen.tv. We appreciate your support!

Song of the Week: We know we are in the season of Advent, but this version of Joyful Joyful get's everyone excited for Christmas! Enjoy

Challenge of the Week:

How is your advent fast going? It is never too late. :)

Quote of the Week:

If you're God's child, no matter how alone you are today, you are gloriously and eternally loved by your Father Savior King

Scripture of the Week:

"Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths." Mark 1:3

Prayer of the Week:

1. Finish our mailing

2. For our growth in Jesus during the period of waiting for His coming.

3. For everyone who is working on Skiff and AJ's Fantastic Voyage

4. For the continue financial and spiritual support for Lumen

Have a great and blessed week :) See you on Friday! ~Lumen Crew

Everyday I'm Folding!

2011-12-02T13:52:00.001-08:00

This week it seemed instead of Jesus multiplying the fishes and loaves, He multiplied papers! We are working on mailing out over 2,000 letters containing information on our Final Push fundraiser. With Nicol, Carlos, Ally, Mama Shields, Alex, and Michael working tirelessly and suffering through paper cuts, all the letters were folded and envelopes were labeled! All that is left to do is stuff the envelopes! So who is down for helping next week? Anybody Anybody? :)

All the Letter folded! Take with Instagram


Some of the letters

It was fun having everybody in the office! We had great laughs, conversations, and of course Cubano Coffee! If you are here in Jacksonville, FL and would like to donate your time, email us at info@lumen.tv to let us know if you can make it! Below are pictures from the past week! We pray you all have a wonderful weekend and may it be filled with much joy! ~Lumen Crew... Oh yeah! Don't forget to pray for us and for our mailing!!! Thanks!

Ahh Cubano Coffee! Taken w/ Instagram


Alex working hard!

Carlos working on Folding

Ally working with her paper cuts

Michael becoming friends with Labels!

Final Push Match

2011-12-02T07:48:00.001-08:00

One of the latest scenes from the film

For the last week we have been mentioning our fundraiser called the Final Push. We are working very hard to finish the mailing and send it out. We thought we would share part of the letter written by Brian with you! Enjoy :)

WHAT WE STILL NEED..........

I don't have a sob story to tell you about how the worldwill stop spinning if you don't send us funds. We have little outstanding debt. As a matter of fact, we had $100 left inthe bank after this week’s payroll! Lumen may be a non-profit but it was “InThe Black” Friday! I do need your helpthough. I don't have the funds to paynext weeks bills.

To implement our vision of evangelizing thousandsof families with the sanctity of life message in an entertaining way, it costs us $10,000 a month to run Lumen and we haveanother $20,000 of production work to do to finish this animation. It’s stillpossible to finish the show this year if the funds come in to pay for it. It's up to you. If God is calling you tohelp, you will make a real difference here.

And we have $6,000 in match money so you giftwill be doubled till Dec 31! This is thefinal push!

If Christ has put on your heart to donate to Lumen, we appreciate any amount! Most importantly we appreciate your spiritual support. We are were we are today, due to the Spiritual support we have received! You are always in our prayers! ~Lumen Crew

Happy Advent!

2011-11-28T13:46:00.001-08:00

Happy 1st Sunday of Advent! We hope that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and friends. The Lumen Crew truly enjoyed their time with their family and friends. What a great way to end the Thanksgiving Holiday by kicking off Advent and the new Mass Translation. Speaking of Advent, don't forget it's not too late to order He is Coming to help teach or enhance your child's Advent season. Also our friends at Holy Heroes. We both are incredibly thankful for your support!

During this Advent season, some of the Lumen Crew has decided to do an Advent fast to prepare for the birth of our Lord and Savior! You can start now and it ends on Christmas Eve. It's some what like Lent and you do not have to give up something either. Maybe add something to what you already do everyday. You could add an extra 10 min a day to your prayer time, dive into scripture, attend daily mass, pray the rosary more often, or visit Jesus in Adoration. A priest had said in his homily, "what better way to prepare for the birth of Jesus than to spend time in prayer and in the scriptures." Let all of us be encouraged to prepare for the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

We pray you all have a great week and you all are in our prayers. See you on Friday for some Cuban Coffee and hopefully are mailing will be done and sent out!

Song of the Week: To help prepare for the Birth: O Come O Come Emmanuel by Shane & Shane

Challenge of the Week: What are you going to do to prepare for the birth of Jesus?

Quote of the Week: "God walks into your soul with silent step. God comes to you more than you go to Him. Never will his coming be what you expect, and yet never will it disappoint." Archbishop Fulton Sheen

Scripture of the Week: Jesus said to his disciples:"Be watchful! Be alert!
You do not know when the time will come." Matt 13:33

Prayer Intentions for the Week:

1. Our Mailing for our the Final Push Fundraiser. That nothing may come against it.

2. For everyone who is working on Skiff and AJ's Fantastic Voyage

3. For the continue financial and spiritual support for Lumen

Peace and Blessings ~ Lumen Crew

Happy Day Before Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T08:15:00.001-08:00

Here at the Lumen office we are excited for Turkey day tomorrow! Why? Well of course we are happy to stuff our faces and fill our bellies with delicious food. :)

Food to feed the Guys

Meet Nick and Matt

Today we were blessed to have 3 volunteers to help with our mailing. Visiting us for the first time to volunteer was Nick and Matt Kuhlman. David, our devoted volunteer was here as well! They were great sports for volunteering their time and Nicol paid them with Cuban Coffee. We weren't sure if Nick and Matt would like it seeing they are not coffee drinkers, BUT it was a success! It was fun having them up here for a little bit. Please keep our mailing in your prayers!

Nick, Matt, & David

Tomorrow as we all are gathering with family and friends and continuing with family tradition, we have so much to be thankful for in our lives. At Lumen we are thankful for all who read our blogs, all who support us spiritually and/or financially, to have an office to come to, all of our animators and those who are helping us with the project. We pray you all have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving. See you all on Monday! ~Lumen Crew


Working Hard

Notice the Cuban Coffee :)


The Organized Chaos

David Editing the Letter.

Cecilia is Excited!

2011-11-22T14:14:00.001-08:00

We are pleased to introduce to you a member of the Altar Gang, Cecilia the music stand!

Why is Cecilia excited today? Today is her patron saint's feast day! St. Cecilia is the Patron saint of music. For more information on St. Cecilia, you can visit Catholic Fire.

Our very own Cecilia is a beautifully carved cherry music stand, is the newest member of the Altar Gang. She was once owned by a famous musician and singer. Her days were spent performing for thousands of people in concert halls and opera houses all around the world. She hopes you all are having a great day and are singing praises to our Heavenly Father for all the many blessings you all have received.

The Well

2011-11-21T10:42:00.001-08:00

How did keeping it simple go this past week? Today's blog is inspired from Nicol attending the Casting Crowns Come to the Well tour on Thursday November 17,2011. Here are her thoughts...

My brother and I were blessed to receive last minute tickets to see Casting Crowns, The Afters, Sanctus Real, and Lindsay McCaul last Thursday. While we were at the concert, the lead singer from Casting Crowns explained why the tour and their latest album is called Come to the Well.

He said, one day while in prayer he had re-read the story about the Samaritan Woman at the Well(John 4). The Samaritan woman and Jesus were both talking about water, but the type of water was where they were differed. God began to show Mark(the lead singer) we are all like the Samaritan woman, we go to different "wells" to be "filled up." What are the different wells? It could be where we draw our identity based upon what others think about us or we get "filled up" by our jobs. The list could go on and on. We often turn to these wells to fill a place that was only meant for one "well," Jesus Christ. He is our living water, He is the well that is always overflowing and giving us our identity. When we draw from other people or things we end up dry and searching for more, but when we draw from Jesus we are never empty. It is that simple.

It doesn't matter where you are on your faith journey, this is a message we need to be reminded of. Mark is right, it is that simple. When I heard him say the word simple, it made me think of our blog we wrote a week ago and how much the message tied in with our blog. As we head into Thanksgiving, it is easy to get caught up in preparing for the big day and making sure everything is just right. Let us all remember to keep things simple with our prayer life and preparation for Thanksgiving day.

Speaking of Thanksgiving weekend, it is also the start of Advent! Don't forget to visit our good friends at Holy Heroes and The Altar Gang for great ideas to help teach your children or relatives about Advent.

Have a blessed and wonderful Monday! ~Lumen Crew

Song of the Week: Come to the Well by Casting Crowns

Challenge of the Week:

Getting in the habit of turning to Jesus first and visiting Him at the well.

Prayer Intentions for the Week:

1. Everyone who is traveling will be protected and safe from harm.

2. We will get the mail out finished by Wednesday.

3. Continue financial support for Lumen Entertainment and Skiff and AJ's Fantastic Voyage

Quote of the Week:

"Everyone has a past, but through Jesus we all have a future."

Fun Friday

2011-11-17T13:41:00.001-08:00

Brian working on the back of the pledge card.

The office is always more eventful when we have more people in for the day. Today we were graced with the presence of Mama Shields, Ally, and David. Mama Shields and David are our weekly volunteers and Ally comes up to the office when she is able to. Ally's visit this week comes with perfect timing(God's timing), because we are gearing up to send out our last matching fundraiser for Skiff and AJ's Fantastic Voyage. More details on the Final Push match coming next week!

Brian and Rich editing

Mama Shields!

Ally working hard on labeling.

nom nom nom

Cuban Coffee Tip for the week... Add evaporated milk. With Brian, Rich, Carlos and David busy working on editing the film, it left Nicol to make the Cuban Coffee. Nicol's preference is to add evaporate milk. Try it some time! As Nicol would say... "nom nom nom."
Advent is just around the corner! Don't forget to visit our friends at Holy Heroes and the Altar Gang for great tools to help celebrate Advent! Please continue to keep Lumen Entertainment in your prayers. We pray you have a wonderful and blessed weekend. See you on Monday! ~Lumen Crew.


Nicol making the Cuban Coffee


Mixing the Spumita with the Coffee

Nicol attempting to poke a hole in the evaporated milk can


Nicol pouring the Cuban Coffee and Carlos trying to poke hole.

Nicol with all the Cuban Coffee


Evaporated Milk!

Nicol serving her brothers!


Carlos super excited!

Brian's Trip to the Dentist...

2011-11-16T07:36:00.001-08:00

Here is to a good Wednesday laugh!

Brian went to the dentist this morning and he came back with his right side feeling funny.

It made us think about this video. Enjoy!

By the way... How is the Challenge coming? Are you keeping things simple?

It's That Simple

2011-11-14T11:37:00.001-08:00

In today's Mass readings the blind man was healed, because he had faith. It was that simple. We were talking about the Gospel and we were amazed how simple it was for the blind man to have sight. We realized how often we over complicate our relationship with God. God is simple, it is us who over complicate things. Our challenge for us here in the office this week, is to pray for the grace to keep things simple. God may not give us exactly what we think we need, but He will give us exactly what He desires us to have. This week let us purse after the Lord and be open to what He wills to give us! Who is ready to take the challenge with us this week?

Need a teaching tool to help explain Advent? Check this video out :)

We are 13 days away from Advent! Check out Holy Heroes for a wonderful teaching tool to aid you in teaching your children about this wonderful and Holy time in the Church. Holy Heroes also has available a variety of different ways to teach your children about Jesus, Scripture, and The Catholic Church.

Saint Quote of the Week:

“For this is the nature of God's grace. It has no end; it knows no bounds, and is on the advance at all times" ~ St Chrysostom

Song of the Week:

What Joy Psalm 146- By Generation Church

Challenge of the week:

1. Praying for the grace to keep things simple!

Nicol and Carlos at Film Camp 2011

Prayer Intentions for the Week:

1. One of our animators' wife was diagnosed with breast cancer.

2. Pray for Carlos and Nicol, Today(November 14th) is there birthday.

3. Continue financial support for Lumen Entertainment and to finish Skiff and AJ's Fantastic Voyage

We pray you have a wonderful and blessed week! We will see you on Friday for some Cuban Coffee tips. ~Lumen Crew

11-11-11

2011-11-11T13:23:00.001-08:00

Brian's Computer screen this morning!

What are the chances of the above picture happening?!?!!?! Well if you missed it, don't fret because you have the chance to see it tonight at 11:11pm :)

November is a packed month of different feast days and holidays. Today as we all know is Veteran's Day. Have you thanked a Veteran today? We want to encourage everyone to thank and pray for our Veterans! They all need encouragement and our prayers. Aside from it being a great day to reflect on our freedom, it is also St. Martin of Tours Feast day! St. Martin of Tours is the patron saint of soldiers. As we are praying for our veterans and current soldiers, let us ask for the intercession of St. Martin of Tours.

This month as you are gearing up for the start of the beautiful Advent Season, visit Advent Adventure. It's a great website with exciting teaching tools to help teach about Jesus and the Church.
We pray you have a great weekend and may it be blessed abundantly. See you on Monday! ~Lumen Crew

Irreplaceable

2011-11-07T13:01:00.000-08:00

In honor of Mike Tetlow...

Mike Telow in his classroom at St. Paul's Catholic School Jax Beach, FL

From Nicol's Desk:

Yesterday we lost a man who is irreplaceable, Mike Tetlow. He was the middle school religion teacher at St. Paul's Catholic School in Jacksonville Beach, FL. What made him an unique brother in Christ and teacher was the fact he was a quadriplegic. He was in a car accident which left him paralyzed. Though he didn't choose his life to be this way, he never stopped living life to the best of his ability. Prior to his accident he taught through out the St. Augustine Dioceses and impacted many lives. Mr. Tetlow has lived longer than most had anticipated, but over the last few years his health started to deteriorate. We all knew that some day he would pass, but no one expected it to be this sudden.

Many are extremely sad to see that he has left us, but we all know he is in heaven out of his wheel chair and walking around with Jesus The overwhelming response to his passing, has been nothing but beautiful. He didn't settle for anything less and he expected that from his students. He did not let his "disability" prevent him from fulfilling the plan God had for him. Many of his students could attest to his love for Jesus and the Church. Reflecting on his life, there were some questions I began to ask myself... Am I fulfilling God's plan in my life? Are my words and actions leading people to Christ? Am I working towards helping to build the Kingdom of God everyday? I asked myself all of this, because this is exactly what Mr. Tetlow did! In my humble opinion, Mr. Tetlow was a saint here on Earth. He wasn't perfect and he would admit that he was a sinner in need of Christ and His Church. That is a saint... A sinner that keeps on trying... Thank you Mr. Tetlow for leading many of your brothers and sisters in Christ back to our Heavenly Father! You will be missed by many.

During the month of November, let us all take time to reflect on our life and see how much we have to be thankful for. Maybe even let people in your life know how thankful you are for their presence in your life. At Lumen the crew is thankful for all of your spiritual and financial support! You all are in our prayers and please continue to keep us in your prayers.

1 Tap

2011-11-04T15:13:00.000-07:00

Have you ever meditated on why Moses tapped the rock twice? This past week here at the office we have been discussing and wondering why Moses tapped the rock twice. Here is the text:

" Then Raising his hand, Moses struck the rock twice with his staff, and water gushed out in abundance for the community and their livestock to drink. But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, Because you were not faithful to me in showing forth my sanctity before the Israelites, you shall not lead this community into the land I will give them." ~Numbers 20:11-12

We joked around saying "What was he thinking tapping it twice? Maybe the sun, the desert, and the Israelites whining like babies finally got to him!" Reading the above passage, made us stop and reflect if we are "working too hard" and not relying on God's will for the film and the company. We are very close to having the film finished, but we need the right people to aid in the rest of the project and we are in need of financial assistance. Sometimes when something is not working our way, we think we have to work harder. We do have to work hard, but many times we neglect to stop and ask God "Am I working too hard in the wrong direction? Is this where you want me to put my energy towards?" Instead of tapping the rock once, we have been trying to break the rock open because we thought the water that we needed was inside. We were losing focus and not having faith that God is going to provide exactly who we need to help finish the film and to obtain the right monetary support. Paul says In Romans 8:28 "We know that all things work for good for those who love God."

Are you punching the rock or simply tapping the rock once? This weekend take some time to reflect and ask God if you are working too hard in the wrong direction. Try giving the rock 1 tap and put it God's hands. :)

Have a great weekend and please continue to keep us in your prayers.

God Bless ~Lumen Crew

Here is a new picture of a scene from Skiff and AJ's Fantastic Voyage

Happy All Saints Day!

2011-11-01T14:19:00.000-07:00

From Nicol's Desk:

Happy All Saints Day! We hope everyone had a great and safe evening(All Hallows Eve) Today is the real reason to celebrate. What a great day to remember all the Saints that are recognized in the Church and those who are unknown who died for their faith and love for Christ selflessly. As the day has unfolded I have been thinking about this great feast day. It dawned on me that I should send out texts to those people in my life that I value and thank them for constantly encouraging me to seek Christ and to become a better person. Why you might ask? We as the Body of Christ are all called to be saints, but we cannot be saints on our own. Without my brothers and sisters, I could not seek after Christ, His heart, and the Church daily. I know that I am a weak individual and need my brothers and sisters encouragement. What is the definition of a saint?

" A Saint is a Sinner that keeps on trying."

Think of people in your life that have impacted you and brought you closer to Jesus. Send them something encouraging, who knows they may need the encouragement this time. We are all running the race together! So from the Lumen office, we thank you for your prayers and constant encouragement. ~ Nicol from the Lumen Crew.

"Therefore since we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and the perfecter of faith." ~ Hebrews 12:1

To Celebrate or not to Celebrate Halloween?

2011-10-31T12:33:00.000-07:00

Happy All Hallow's Eve or Happy Halloween! This morning as we gathered here in the office, we had a discussion about today's holiday. We are all celebrating today differently, but all agree that today is a wonderful opportunity to evangelize people and tell them about Christ and His Church! Nicol had heard on the local Christian radio station, that instead of not participating in what is now a secular holiday use it to teach people where the holiday's roots come from. They pointed out what better way to evangelize people when they are coming to your house. What a great point! In our own small way we can help to truly spread the beauty behind this once Catholic-Christian Holiday. Let us all do our own part! Enjoy tonight and spreading the Good News! ~Lumen Crew

Field Trip Friday

2011-10-28T14:21:00.000-07:00

The Cinnamon broom Nicol purchased!

The week went by fast with the anticipation of the JP II field trip taking place today. We actually spent part of the week remodeling the office. It looks great and smells great(Nicol bought a Cinnamon broom)! You really won't believe the transformation this office under went. It's as if Extreme Makeover came in and finished in 72 hours! Brian did a great job building things and making a mess, Carlos assisted Brian, and Nicol and Ally went behind the guys and cleaned up after them.
Today the office was buzzing with 54 students(babies-Senior's in high school) from the JP II Home School group in Jacksonville. They came through the office in 2 separate groups. As the younger students walked through the office to the back, they got excited as they saw drawings of Skiff, AJ, and other Characters from the Altar Gang. The morning started off with Brian teaching the students how art can help teach about God and truth. He explained to them how everything in this life, including art is meant to glorify our Heavenly Father. After their art lesson, we split them up in 2 groups. We had two stations the students would visit in the office. First station was with Carlos and David in the recording studio. While the students were in the recording office, they learned how to create sound effects with ordinary objects. The second station was with Brian, where they learned how to draw and to not be afraid to mess up while drawing. Brian taught them how to draw Mary the Ciborium and the other characters. In both sessions, the students where actively participating and excited to be in the office where the Altar Gang lives. As the students left they received a coloring book filled with pictures of the Nativity Scene, just in time for the Advent Season that is approaching quickly.
We had a blast with the students and their mothers. We are thankful and blessed to have had them here in our office. Please take a look at the slide show to the right of all the pictures from today! Have a safe and Blessed weekend! ~ Lumen Crew...

Before

Desk #2 Before

Desk #2 After

Shelves to show The Altar Gang CDs

New Cabinet

The New Office :)

Quiet around here

2011-10-24T13:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday! Not too much going on here in the office. This week we will be gearing up for middle school and high school students to visit us on Friday. They are taking a field trip up to the Lumen Office and we are excited to have the office filled with excitement and laughter! We will blog about it after their field trip. See you on Friday!

Song of the week:

Quote of the week:

“The Holy Scriptures were not given to us to be enclosed in books, but that we should engrave them upon our hearts" St. Chrysostom

Scripture of the week:

" For I no longer live, for Christ lives in me." Galations 2:20

Please continue to pray for us. You all are in our prayers and have a blessed and joy filled week! ~Lumen Crew

Do You Check In?

2011-10-21T13:13:00.000-07:00

Androids and iPhones are becoming more popular as each day passes. The number of people who use different social networking sites is on the rise. For about the last 6 months or more people have been very fond of "checking in" where ever they may be. Some people even check in at their own house! Here at the office we looked at this comic and it got us wondering, "How often do we check in with God through out the day and/or week?" Some people may have a very good and deep prayer life, but the reality is most Catholic-Christians and Christians do not spend more than 5 minutes in prayer a day. As a society we spend numerous hours on the computer, phones, iPod, iPad, and in front of the television, but not much time is alloted to our Heavenly Father who created us. Our Father loves us so much and it brings Him joy when we check in with Him through out the day. There are many ways to check in with Him. It could be as simple as, "Hi Jesus", "I Love you Jesus", "Thank you Jesus." Maybe take 10 minutes out of your day and dive into the Scriptures. If you have the chance to visit Him in Adoration or daily Mass, even better! Though our lives may be hectic, there is always time to check in with our Heavenly Father. Even though there are football games on, different fall festivals to attend this weekend, and the list can go on, try to "Check In" with Jesus this weekend, outside of Sunday Mass :)

We hope you have a great weekend! Please continue to pray for Lumen Entertainment, for the film, everyone who is working on the film, and for our monetary needs. Thank you and have a wonderful and blessed weekend. ~Lumen Crew

Read All About It!!!!

2011-10-18T12:01:00.000-07:00

EXTRA... EXTRA...

Animation for Skiff and AJ's Fantastic Voyage is COMPLETE!!

All that's left to do is finish rendering(which the new computers are up and running as of yesterday), sound effects, and music. When all that's done, the Fat Lady can sing!

We will keep you posted when the due date of the film will be. Please continue to pray for everyone working on the film. We especially need prayers for the monetary funds for the company. If you are looking for an organization to make a contribution to, we are always accepting donations. Thank you for your support, love, and prayers thus far. We truly could not be where we are today without everyone's support. Continue to spread the word about Lumen Entertainment and Skiff and AJ's Fantastic Voyage. Don't forget to tell everyone about our Facebook Page and Twitter.

You all are in are prayers ~Lumen Crew

Hooray for Monday

2011-10-17T13:16:00.000-07:00

Happy Feast day St. Ignatius of Antioch! to learn more about St. Ignatius play the Youtube video.

Things are full swing here in the office this week. Everyone is working hard to try to complete the Skiff and AJ's Fantastic Adventure. The new computers are up and scenes are being rendered! Please continue to pray for those who are working on the film.

Scripture Quote for the day:

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning~ Lamentations 3:22-23

Saint Quote of the day:

"Apart from Christ, let nothing else dazzle you" ~ St. Ignatius of Antioch

Comic of the Day:

Have a great and blessed week ~Lumen Crew

Bambino Has A Name

2011-10-14T11:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!

Such a funny cartoon!

That's right Bambino has a name! The Shields have named their precious baby boy, Gabriel Josemaria Shields. Such a wonderful and strong name! Thank you for all of your prayers for the Shield Family. Mommy and baby are doing great. We are sad to say today we won't have Cuban Coffee in the office, because the boss man is not here today. :( We will celebrate for sure next week!

For those who do not know, the month of October is also known as Respect Life month. All around the world churches are gathering together to stand for life and educate their community. In honor of Respect Life Month, check this video out by Nick Cannon. After discovering his mother said no to aborting him, he created this video. Enjoy and spread it around!

We pray you have a safe and blessed weekend. Please continue to pray for everyone working on Skiff and AJ's Fantastic Voyage. We are incredibly close! May God Bless You Abundantly ~Lumen Crew

Welcome Baby Shields

2011-10-10T13:50:00.000-07:00

From Nicol's Desk:
There is excitement running through the office today. Brian and Cristi welcomed in their 6th child over the weekend. They had a healthy baby boy and mama is doing great! The name of their baby boy is a surprise, so till then we shall call him Bambino. :)
Everybody is working hard to finish the movie, please pray If you missed Friday's blog don't forget to check it out. We pray you had a wonderful weekend and your Monday was not a manic one. Peace & Joy ~ Lumen Crew

Did You Know...

2011-10-07T13:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday to all! There is much to celebrate today here in the office. It's Friday, Cuban Coffee, Brian's wife's due date, and the feast day of Our Lady of the Rosary.We have had our guests back today as they are working on their video. So the office has been filled with much excitement!


October 7th- Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary/Victory

On October 7th did you know...

1. The Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. Check out our friends at Catholic Fire, for a great explanation on why we honor Our Lady today.

2. 10 years ago The War in Iraq started. Ironic it started on the Feast day of our Lady... I think not! With our Heavenly Mother's aid there will be peace in Iraq, it may not be as quick as we want it. "I believe that the Blessed Virgin chose to be known as "Our Lady of Fatima" as a pledge and a sign of hope to the Muslim people, and as an assurance that they, who show her so much respect, will one day accept her Divine Son too!" Archbishop Fulton Sheen.

3. Brian's wife, Cristi, is due today with her 6th child! We know the baby is a boy, but no official name yet. Please keep her and the baby in your prayers! We pray for a safe delivery!

"In 1954, Joanne Schiebel was a young unmarried college student who discovered that she was pregnant. In the 1950s, her options were limited. She could have had an abortion – but the procedure was both dangerous and illegal. She could have gotten married, but she wasn’t ready and didn’t want to interrupt her education. Joanne opted, instead, to give birth to the baby and put him up for adoption.

And so it was that in 1955, a California couple named Paul and Clara Jobs adopted a baby boy, born out of wedlock, whom they named Steven. Choose Life.
Rest in Peace, Steve Jobs..."

What a powerful testimony to the importance of choosing life in every situation. Steve Job's the owner of Apple inc. passed away on October 5th, 20011. He battled Pancreatic cancer and liver ailments. If his mother had aborted him, we would not have our iPods, iPad, Mac Books, iPhones, iTunes, and Pixar. Steve Jobs helped fund Pixar when it was struggling financially in the beginning. If Steve Jobs had been aborted we would not have a Pro-Life Movie. As most of you know we have animators from Pixar doing free lance animation for our movie. Steve's wife and children will be in our prayers.

We pray that you have a great weekend and please remember to keep the Shields family in your prayers and for a safe delivery. ~Lumen Crew

Catholic-Christian version of Netflix?

2011-10-04T08:56:00.000-07:00

That's right there is a Catholic-Christian version of Netflix out there, for those who want to have positive media coming through your television. Pius Media is a Jacksonville, FL based company that has a variety of movies to choose from. It's a breath of fresh air in knowing there is a company that we can trust to provide uplifting and encouraging media. The movies range from Saint movies, to the latest Christian movie Soul Surfer. They also have television series and audio CD's available to rent. We want to encourage you to check Pius Media out and share it with your friends and family. Pius Media is also on Facebook . Let's help support a wonderful media company! We thank you for taking the time to visit them. God Bless and Happy Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi ~Lumen Crew

Happy Birthday~

2011-10-03T11:55:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRIAN SHIELDS!


Brian with his son Caleb

From Nicol's desk:

Brian doesn't know I'm doing this, but today's blog is dedicated to him! It's his birthday and he is 25 again! I ask as a birthday gift to him, that you pray for him, his family, and for Lumen. I know he would greatly appreciate the prayers. :) It's also a big week for Brian and Cristi. They are waiting the arrival of their 6th child. He is due to leave the womb this Friday(Oct. 7th) The Lumen Crew cannot wait to meet their little boy!

We are continuing to work very hard to complete the movie! Please continue to pray for us and everyone who is working on Skiff and AJ's Fantastic Voyage. Don't forget to let people know about our website, www.lumen.tv

We pray you have a great week, that is filled with many blessings and graces! ~Lumen Crew

Rubberband Wars

2011-09-30T12:19:00.000-07:00

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!

Jacob dabbles in 5th grade Literature!

It has been an eventful week. We have had more visitors than normal :) The Shield family stopped by and today we have had a crew of amazing people( Michael, David, Ally, Will, Stephen, and Vincent) around the office. It was also National Coffee Day! Which meant we had to Cafe Cubono twice this week!

Cafe Cubano... Nom Nom Nom

The morning was off to a bang! Immediately there was a rubber band war and everybody taking cover. They even used our chapel as a safe place! Below is a video and pictures from the week Enjoy!

IMPORTANT
In other important news, please take the time to call your senator today! Today is the last day to voice your opinion on a potential ruling that will be added to our health care. Let us stand up for truth and justice!

Have a great weekend and we will see you on Monday! God Bless You ~ Lumen Crew

Do You Remember?

2011-09-26T13:25:00.000-07:00

Today's blog is inspired by Brian's 2 year old son Jacob:

Over the weekend Jacob would spin around and then fall. Everyone would start to laugh and he would get right back up and spin around again. Do you remember when you were a child and would enjoy being spun around? There was much joy found in just being silly. To start the week off we thought we would provide some laughter. Enjoy watching! Oh yeah this clearly not Brian's son. May God bless your week abundantly. We are praying for you and we ask you pray for us. :) Lumen Crew

Birthday and Feast Day

2011-09-23T12:25:00.000-07:00

The dad talking to the baby in the mom's belly :)

THANK GOD IT'S FRIDAY!!! Why are we so happy it's Friday here in the office?
1. End of the Week Day
2. Cuban Coffee
3. St. Padre Pio's Feast Day
4. David and Michael's 20th Birthday

We didn't have candles,so we improvised.

David and Michael At film camp

We have been blessed to have 2 great volunteers and interns over the last couple of years. We are very honored to be able to share their birthday with them. David and Michael have attended are film camp for the last 4 years. They both have a passion for Christ, The Catholic Church, truth, and great films. Along with their brother Stephen,they have a passion to create their own movies. David and Michael are incredibly talented and have been great assets to Lumen Entertainment. Recently David has been helping with creating/finding sound effects for Skiff and AJ's Fantastic Voyage. We are grateful for their presence in our office and we ask that you pray for them on their birthday!

This was today 9/23/11 in the office

Today is also the Feast Day of St. Padre Pio. Padre Pio is dear to our hearts and we ask for his intercession every day in morning prayers. Padre Pio Pray for us!
We are looking forward to next week when our 2 new computers arrive to help with completing Skiff and AJ's Fantastic Voyage. We thank you for your prayers! Enjoy some Cuban Coffee and have a weekend filled with much joy and laughter! ~Lumen Crew

Our Decorations for their Birthday :)

Christ's Joy

2011-09-19T13:16:00.000-07:00

A reflection from Nicol:

About 2 weeks ago the unthinkable happened to my eleven year old baby sister Violet. She fell in a cheer leading stunt at a middle school basketball game and was unconscious for about 20 seconds . She was rushed to Shand’s Trauma pediatric ER where she was diagnosed with a skull fracture, but no swelling or bleeding in the brain. Praise God! My mom and Violet were in the hospital for about 72 hours. I would have to say the scripture above summed up my experience of being there for my sister and family. Violet fell on a Wednesday night and it was not till Sunday that it truly hit me with what occurred to her. All of the what if's began to fill my head and I became very down, hopeless, and fearful. An analogy to describe what was happening inside: Deep inside I was a little girl trying to keep my head above the water and calling out to her Heavenly Father, but hearing no response. I didn’t even want to go to Mass that evening and I normally enjoy going to church. As I sat in Mass, I kept calling out to God to please provide His joy back into my life! After I received Him in Holy Communion there was a drastic change in my emotion. I didn’t feel 100% “myself”, but the sense of drowning was no longer there. That night God provided 2 friends to speak wisdom into my life.

The 1^st friend reminded me (though I had heard over 1,000x), but I needed to hear it again, that God never left me or my family. She said “Nicol you keep looking behind you and asking God ‘where are you?’ when all you have to do is look ahead and He is right in front of you. He is guiding you along the way.” Her statement was so simple, but yet it pierced my heart. She encouraged me to continue to express my emotions to our Heavenly Father and walk through them with Him knowing that He is leading me, not behind me.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5

“ Praised be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all consolation! He comforts us in all our afflictions and thus enables us to comfort those who are in trouble, with the same consolation we have received from Him. As we have shared much in the suffering of Christ, so through Christ do we share abundantly in his consolation.”

The 2^nd friend He provided gave me the Corinthian’s verse above to cling to. From the moment he began to read this scripture verse to me, I started to feel the presence of our Lord. It was my friend who was talking, but God clearly using Him as His instrument. My friend reminded me, the Lord uses the times we feel helpless to increase our Trust and Hope in Him and Him alone. The Lord also uses these times to take us into a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him. As we continued our conversation, the Joy of Christ began to fill me up and I had energy that I had not experienced all day. Before we got off the phone he reminded me to cling to the Cross and to the scripture verse he gave me. He reminded me that these experiences are not just for me, but God gives them to us for us to be able to have compassion and share with others.

The next morning sitting at the breakfast table, my mom and I began to talk about everything that happened. As she began to express her emotions, tears streamed down her face and I could see and hear the sadness that only a mother can express. As I began to share with her my experience from the previous day, the Lord showed me the message that my friend had given me was not just for me, but for my mom! As I began to tell her my experience and the message I was given, you could see peace overcome her and the anxiety she was expressing leave. Praise God!

I have learned from Violet’s accident that God truly does Glorify Himself in every situation. He does not plan for bad things to happen, but when they do He will glorify Himself and remain true to His promises. As long as we remain faithful and persevere in prayer, He will provide and bestow graces and blessings beyond what we can humanly fathom. I encourage you all that as you go through trials to remain faithful to our Heavenly Father. We may not understand why things happen the way they do, but there is a greater purpose to it. I pray that this 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 will bring you comfort in your life wherever you may be and bring you closer to Jesus. May the Joy of Christ fill your heart! ~Nicol

Can You Detach?

2011-09-16T13:33:00.000-07:00

Joke of the Day from Mother Angelica:

Pat had been hitting the bottle once again. Father(the priest) sat down with Pat to have a talk. Father took out 2 glasses, he filled one with water and the other with Whiskey. He then took out a worm and he put the worm in the glass of water. The worm swam around as happy as can be. Father then took the worm and placed it in the glass of whiskey and it died almost instantly. Father then turned to Pat and said...

Priest : "Do you get what I am trying to tell you here?"

Pat replied in an Irish Accent: " Aye Father, if you drink whiskey you won't have any worms."

Poor Worm

Written by a guest Blogger today Ally Lynch Pirrung:

"For we brought nothing into the world, just as we shall not be able to take anything out of it." 1 Tim 6:2c - 12 Detachment has been the topic for today. The scripture quote from Timothy pin points the reasoning for why we should be totally detached from everything. I would like to share an example of detachment.

I was altar serving for a funeral one morning. The hospitality president came to me and gave me an envelop. She explained that it was from the family and they wanted to say thank you. When I returned home I opened the envelop and found a substantial amount of money. I was dumbfounded at the amount of money she had given me. I began thinking about getting new glasses, school books, cloths for fall that I would be able to get out of this money. However, in the council of my mother, I was going to call the hospitality lady back just to make sure that the money was in deed for me. As I reached for the phone, it rang. It was the hospitality lady calling me and explaining to me that it was a mistake in giving me the envelop. She asked that I return the money and was coming to pick it up later that evening. I hung up the phone disappointed, but at the same time liberated. I found God in the situation and thanked Him for helping me to let go of my will and hold tighter to His.

Updates:

1. We are continuing to stay in our office space, until we hear differently.

2. On Monday, we realized we needed $12,000 in order to render the movie in a timely fashion. We humanly did not know how to come up with $12,000 so we entered into deep prayer and turned it over to our Lord. On Tuesday afternoon, our prayers were answered and a generous donor is helping to provide the money to order the 2 computers we need! GOD IS GREAT!

3. We now have less than 15 seconds of animation left for Skiff and AJ's Fantasitc Voyage!

We thank you for your continuous support and prayers! Don't forget to spread the news around about Lumen Entertainment. Have a great weekend and don't forget to enjoy some Cubano Coffee :) ~Lumen Crew

Greater Efficiency

2011-09-12T06:37:00.000-07:00

How do you achieve Greater Efficiency?

As you have read in past blogs, we were having some issues with our main computer. Praise be to God we received our new computer in last week. The Avid computer is our main computer, where all the animation computers share file from. Now, due to the network not fully linked up we've had to share files by using thumb drives! This is an obvious example of if we would call our IT guy to come fix the network we'd have greater efficiency! Why, haven't we? Well. We just think were to busy to! LOL! If I apply it to daily prayer, it is always hard to stop work (being sooooo busy) and go to noon mass. But we do, and God must make our day run better, but we can't always tell, because who knows what sort of inefficiencies we would have run into if we did not go to mass. This could get into a deep conversation about the proper place of efficiency, so I'll leave that for you to ponder.
Have you stopped lately to call your heavenly IT guy? Often times we try to achieve much and keep pushing without taking time for our Lord. But doesn't God seem to expand time when we take the time to adore Him? Lets face it, only He can give us the graces we need to continue to accomplish all of our goals.

Steadfast Perseverance

2011-09-02T11:46:00.000-07:00

Do you have steadfast perseverance like a child?

Eli is a beautiful, intelligent, forthright 4 year old. Below is a scene from this Morning between her and her Papa.

Papa: Eli don't smile, because it will make me happy

Eli: No smile

Brian: After a few seconds go by and noticing she wasn't budging says "Go ahead Eli give him a smile"

Eli:No Smile

Papa: With another attempt to make her smile he sings..."Nobody loves, everyone hates me, I'm going to eat some worms. Big Fat Juicy ones, tiny little skinny ones, I'm going to eat some worms

Elli: Says to her Papa with a straight face..."Papa eat the big juicy ones first, there are some in the back yard."

Fast forward to 2:17 and even Timon and Pumba agree with Eli!

We have to laugh and admire Eli's perseverance in refusing to give her Papa a smile. As we gathered in the office, we realized we could apply Eli's perseverance to our own lives. When trials and tribulations occur in our lives, do we have steadfast perseverance in prayer and keeping our eyes on Christ? Recently there have been many distractions happening around Lumen's office. The Holy Spirit showed us these trials are distractions and to continue to persevere in prayer. With this revelation, please join us as we pray for the grace and intercessions from the Saints to help us focus and continue to finish Skiff and AJ's Fantastic Voyage. We have 35 seconds left! Have a blessed and wonderful weekend!

Happy Labor Day ~Lumen Crew

Redemption Through the Arts

2011-08-31T12:56:00.000-07:00

During film camp this year we talked about Redemption through the arts. This article found on Catholic Herold conveys our message to the students who were apart of the film camp. Enjoy! ~Lumen Crew

Benedict XVI: art is a doorway to God

By STAFF REPORTER on Wednesday, 31 August 2011

Benedict XVI greets the crowd at his general audience at Castel Gandolfo (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Beautiful art is not just for cultural enrichment but is an important way to experience God and become aware of the human thirst for the infinite, Pope Benedict XVI has said.

A sculpture, a painting, a poem or a piece of music can arouse a feeling of joy when it becomes apparent it is something more than just a chunk of marble, a canvas covered with colours, or words or notes on a page, he said.

“It’s something bigger, something that speaks and touches your heart; it carries a message and lifts the spirit,” he said as he held his weekly general audience in the town square at Castel Gandolfo.

“Art is like an open doorway to the infinite, toward a beauty and truth that go beyond everyday reality,” he told 3,000 visitors and pilgrims present for the audience.

The Pope continued a series of talks on the importance of prayer and the need to set aside some time in one’s busy day for God.

One way people can sense God’s presence or strengthen their relationship with him is through beautiful art, he said.

An artist is often trying to discover the true or deeper meaning of reality through “a language of forms, colours and sounds,” he said.

“Art can express and render visible humanity’s need to go beyond what one sees, revealing a thirst and quest for the infinitive.

“Art can open the mind’s eye and one’s heart, pushing us upward” toward the heavens, he said.

The “true paths toward God” that inspire prayer and strengthen one’s relationship with God, the Pope said, are works of art that express the faith and spring from the artist’s own faith in God.

Pope Benedict praised the Jewish artist Marc Chagall, who created a large series of illustrations of the Bible, which the Russian-French artist called “the greatest source of poetry of all time”.

The Pope also fondly recalled his attendance at a 1981 Munich concert of Leonard Bernstein conducting music by Johann Sebastian Bach.

When the last note of Bach’s cantatas was played “I felt, not out of reasoning, but deep in my heart, that what we had listened to had given me something of the great composer’s faith, and it compelled me to praise and thank the Lord,” the Pope said.

He said he also turned to Lutheran Bishop Johannes Hanselmann, who was sitting next to him, and they both agreed that “Anyone who has heard this knows that the faith is true.”

The Pope also recalled how sacred music had the power to convert the French poet, dramatist and diplomat Paul Claudel who, though he was raised Catholic, had turned away from the faith.

Claudel had gone to church one Christmas in Paris’s Basilica of Notre Dame to argue with those gathered there, but, instead, when he heard the choir chant the “Magnificat,” he felt God’s presence and became devoutly Catholic, the Pope said.

The Pope invited everyone to take advantage of the numerous works of art and architecture that “express the faith and call us to a relationship with God”.

He asked that museum-hopping “not just be an occasion for cultural enrichment, but be able to become a moment of grace, a motivation to strengthen our ties and dialogue with the Lord, to stop and contemplate the ray of beauty that strikes us – almost wounding us deep inside – and invites us to rise up toward God”.

Later that day at the papal villa, the Pope was treated to a concert in his honour by Italian Cardinal Domenico Bartolucci, a composer and former director of the Sistine Chapel Choir.

Three soloists, a chamber choir and a philharmonic orchestra were to perform four works composed by Cardinal Bartolucci, including a new work entitled Benedictus for soprano, chorus and orchestra. It was composed specifically for the August 31 event.

Much Excitement!

2011-08-26T13:32:00.000-07:00

In honor of Carlos' return from World Youth Day

Cheers:

Yesterday and today we had Cuban Coffee in honor of Carlos returning safely from World Youth Day. He was gone for 5 weeks with the Home of the Mother on a pilgrimage prior to the World Youth Day events. The office has been quieter since he was gone, but boy did that change yesterday. His arrival back up to the office brought much excitement! The Lumen family is now complete!

Hurricane Irene:

Irene Cat 2 Hurricane

On Monday, August 22nd, Jacksonville woke up to the news that Irene would hit us early Saturday Morning. Now, thanks be to God we were only affected by Irene's outer bands. This morning we were greeted with random down pours and a sky that made us feel like we were in a movie. The surfers were enjoying what Irene had to offer them. Our prayers today were offered up for everyone on on the East Coast who will be drastically effected by Irene. These pictures were taken by Nicol on her drive into work.

Update:

1. Our Avid computer(the one that decided to take last Friday off) is barley hanging on. We have a new computer on it's way.

Prayers:

1. Please pray for the Schwartz family. Ron Schwartz was a friend of Lumen and he joined our Lord on August 25th. Ron battled cancer for the last 6 years and he did so courageously. Ron leaves behind his wife and 3 wonderful children.

2. Please continue to pray for us and for The Magnificat Cafe as we discern what is God's will for us and where He would like for us to be in regards to our office space.
3. Our computer will hold on and not permanently take a vacation until our new one arrives.
4. Skiff and AJ- we will have no more distractions and the financial and spiritual support will continue to come in.

Thank you for taking the time to follow us and you all are in our prayers everyday. Have a wonderful blessed and safe weekend! ~Lumen Crew

Manic Monday?

2011-08-22T08:36:00.000-07:00

It may just be a manic Monday here at the office...

Well actually it's not too manic around here. One of our computers is down and Jacksonville will feel the effects of Hurricane Irene.

Our Computer:

One of our computers(our AVID computer) decided it wanted Friday off and stopped working. We thought it was completely broken, but we received word this morning that it is salvageable. Praise God!

Hurricane Irene:

As Jacksonville was waking up this morning and turned on their TV's, we were greeted with the news of Hurricane Irene possibly hitting Jacksonville early Saturday morning. As of 11 this morning the new modules are showing her hooking to the right! Great news for us!

Prayers for the week:

1. Our AVID computer will be up and running soon.

2. Brothers and Sisters that have and will be hit by Hurricane Irene

3. The safe return of everyone from World Youth Day.

4. For Benoit and The Maginficat Cafe. God's will to be done with the moving situation.

4. We will have clarity in regards to where the Lord wants Lumen Entertainment to move to.

We pray you have a wonderful, safe, and Grace-filled week. If you missed Friday's blog, Coincidence or God-incidence?, check it out. See you on Friday for some Cuban Coffee!

~Lumen Crew

Coincidence or God-incidence?

2011-08-19T11:12:00.000-07:00

Happy Cuban Coffee Friday!

The Morning was kicked off with Cuban Coffee and Morning Prayer. The best combination one could ask for on a Friday. As you know we have had some excitement in the office this past week. To recap for those who are not caught up on our blogs, we have 36 seconds of animation left of Skiff and AJ's Fantastic Voyage, our 2011 Film Camp Movie The Gardening Man is posted on Vimeo embedded on the right of the screen, and we may have to move to a new location by the end of September...

Coincidence or God-incidence?

With the news of potentially having to move from our space above The Magnificat Cafe by the end of September, it has us wondering is this a Coincidence or a God-incidence? Well we have come to the conclusion there are no such things as Coincidences, there are only Godincidences. If we move, we are supposed to be out of the office by September 30th and in the new space by October 1st. The month of October is a wonderful month for us at Lumen. October 1st is the feast day of St. Therese of Lisieux, a favorite saint of many here at the office. Brian also produced the movie St. Therese. If you haven't seen it or you do not know much about St. Therese, take the time to watch the movie. You will LOVE it(and no Brian is not paying me to put that plug in, it's said from a personal experience)! The month of October is the month of the Rosary, we all love our Mother Mary! Not to mention the feast days of many beloved Saints and Blessed, including St. Francis and Bl. Pope John Paul II. With all of that said, it really makes us wonder what plans God has for us! We are fully trusting in His plan and will, because clearly His Plan is better than ours. :)
We humbly ask that you keep Lumen Entertainment and The Magnificat Cafe in your prayers as we are trying to discern God's will and where we should move. Thank you for all of your prayer support. If you have time check out the live footage of World Youth Day this weekend. Carlos is over in Spain right now partaking in the World Youth Day Events! Have a blessed weekend ~Lumen Crew

Film Camp Video

2011-08-17T11:40:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday!

We are excited to share with you our Summer 2011 Film Camp video! We are now on Vimeo. Check out our page at http://www.vimeo.com/lumenentertainment. Let us know what your thoughts. We hope you enjoy it!

Other news:
We are asking for everyone's prayers right now. The restaurant we work above may have to fine a new place to relocate. With that said that means Lumen Entertainment will have to find a new home. Our preference is not to move, but we are fully trusting in God's will for us and for the restaurant. We ask that you keep the owner Benoit and his restaurant The Magnificat in your prayers. We are staying very prayerful and have expectant faith, but in the end we know God's will is better than ours and He will provide. Thank you for all of your support!

Scripture for the Week
Romans 8:28 " We know that all things work together for good for those who love God..."

Let us Praise the Lord for it being half through the week and for all the blessings He has given us. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and The Immaculate Heart of Mary Pray for us!
~Lumen Crew

Hot News!

2011-08-12T14:06:00.000-07:00

It's a hot one today!

This picture best convey's how hot it is today

Here in Jacksonville it's 97 degrees, but the heat index is 101 degrees. When you step outside you start to sweat bullets, literally! Today is not a good day to wear black, just ask Nicol who learned that from 1st hand experience :/

Can we get an Amen, Cuban Coffee is back!

Cubano Coffee:

Though it is blazing hot outside, it's never too hot for Cuban Coffee. Since Brian is back in the office, Nicol will not experience another Friday without Cuban Coffee(check out last Friday's blog)!

Hot off the Press:

AJ and Skiff in the garage.

Now for the real HOT news :) We have 36 seconds of Animation left of the movie!!!!!! Please continue to keep Lumen and everyone who is helping to complete Skiff and AJ's Fantastic Voyage in your prayers. We thank you for all of your support and we will continue to keep you posted.

Have a wonderful and blessed weekend. Try to stay cool and we will see you on Monday! ~Lumen Crew