Messiah's Muggles

Shine like a Patronus!

2009-07-14T07:30:00.000-07:00

Well, we've got a little over 14 hours until the great event tonight! HOORAY! I'm super excited and I know that Mags and the Silent Partner (aka Ash) are as well.

About a week ago, Mugglenet posted an article about a new campaign that the Harry Potter Alliance has created. It's called, "What Would Dumbledore Do?" It's very similar to the "What Would Jesus Do" campaign years and years ago. Just ask yourself what would Dumbledore do in this situation.

But as Christians, we are called to an even higher standard. We are called to love like Christ loved. And Dumbledore is a fictional character. Christ is not. And NOBODY loves like Christ does. We can aspire too, but we're humans. We are flawed. Only our creator can show unconditional love.

So tonight, instead of asking yourself, "What Would Dumbledore Do?" in the midst of crazy fans (myself included), mobs of children, and a lot of excitement ask yourself, "What would JESUS do?" How can you love those around you? How can you serve them? How can you let the light of Christ shine in you tonight like a patrounus?

"Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:15-16

HALF-BLOOD PRINCE! FINALLY!!!!

2009-07-13T19:08:00.000-07:00

Well, this time tomorrow, Ash and I will be waiting in line for HBP!

I'm seriously SO excited about this!

I know it's been a while since we've posted anything, and so I'm sure our readers are few and far between, but do any of our readers have any plans tomorrow? Wednesday? Thursday?

I leave you with this quote from Dumbledore:

"I am not worried, Harry," said Dumbledore, his voice a little stronger despite the freezing water. "I am with you."

Half-Blood Prince Commercial

2009-05-10T06:41:00.001-07:00

Only 67 days, only 67 days, only 67 days...

Updates

2009-05-06T08:36:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow Muggle brothers and sisters!

It seems that we have been a bit absent lately, and for that we apologize. Grags is busy setting up the summer program for her youth group, and Mags recently completed a run of a musical. How exciting to be blessed with business!

It seems it has been so long since our last update that we haven't even mentioned the DATE CHANGE OF THE MOVIE! Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince will be released on Wednesday, July 15th - two days earlier than previously stated! If only Grags and Mags lived in the same city and could see it opening midnight together! Alas, they will have to enjoy the film across Texas, but at least they will have matching, homemade shirts! Grags has a longer history in the fandom than Mags, and she has many homemade shirts from such excursions as movie openings and book release parties. This will be Mags' first HP shirt!!

Let us all celebrate together for the joy these books and films bring to so many, as well as the connection they form between people. Hooray and Amen!

Love and Harry,
Grags and Mags

Meet Matt Lewis Contest

2009-05-06T08:31:00.000-07:00

As posted by LewisLovers.com and jkrfan.com, here is the latest wonderful contest:

Do you want to meet Matt Lewis? Well here is your chance!LewisLovers.com and JK Rowling Fan are teaming together to bring you the chance to win 2 tickets to the Florida Supercon Convention on June 5-7 in Miami, Florida! You can meet Matt along with tons of other stars from various movies and series!
All you have to do is enter the MEET MATT LEWIS CONTEST is tell us in less than 100 words why you should meet Matt! Email all entries to contest@jkrfan.com ! Include your name, email, state of resident, and phone number so we can notify you if you win!Winners will be announced by May 25, 2009! Check the site for more information!
Official Rules & Regulations: You may only enter one time. Anybody under 18 must have parental permission before entering. There will only be one winner in this contest and that choice is final. Winner must provide their own transportation to and from the event. Winner will be notified by May 25, 2009 with more details.

NEW TRAILER

2009-03-05T09:45:00.000-08:00

Surprise from the WB! Here is a link to the new trailer:

New Half-Blood Prince Trailer

This trailer is darker than the previous ones and really focuses on the fall of Voldemort.

One of the most interesting quotes I've heard from the movie so far is this one:

"Years ago I knew a boy who made all the wrong choices."

-Albus Dumbledore

Thoughts on this quote?

Mags' Reaction

2009-02-24T06:31:00.000-08:00

If I am remembering the "second trailer" correctly, my initial reaction was to squeal loudly in public. I was expecting not to see it, based on the viewing experiences of Grags and The Silent Partner. So when the music started, and the gray clouds rolled over the WB logo, I literally squealed. Bear in mind, friends, that I was sitting alone in a movie theater full of tweens. Rather than shrink back in embarrassment, I threw my body forward to the edge of my seat.

From that first, light-hearted moment , and then into the dizzying side-along Apparition, my attention was held (which is sometimes hard to do). I remember watching Ron pass out between Harry and Slughorn, and then they go on to talk about Love Potions, which is a hilarious bit. BUT, when I read HBP again over Christmas I realized that this scene with Slughorn is actually when Ron is poisoned! I'm not sure how I feel about them editing it to be funny, when it will turn out to be so tense.

OK, friends, prepare to judge me. When they show Draco in the mirror, panicking... my heart kind of stopped beating for a second. Um, could someone please tell me when this little blond twerp grew up and became an attractive young man?

HARRY/GINNY KISS!!! HARRY/GINNY KISS!!! HARRY/GINNY KISS!!!

Man, this trailer packs a lot of intensity into two minutes, and yet they maintain so much humor! I really can't wait for it to come out.

NOW, if you haven't seen this featurette (from TODAY Australia) watch it now:

EGADS!!

I was beyond excited to hear about the "OPPUGNO" scene, where Hermione commands the canaries to attack Ron. My first reaction when I watched it, though, was overwhleming disappointment! I felt like she had no conviction! Plus the birds are supposed to attack him, as in scratch him up, but instead they smush into a wall (slightly humorous, but still). However, upon watching it again (and again and again), I have decided that I love it. It isn't what I wanted, but I do like it. It has more of a gut-wrenching grace; you can almost hear her heart break when she says it, and that face - Ron, what is wrong with you?! Go after her!

I am so excited to see this movie (even though I feel like we will have seen the whole thing in trailers by the time it comes out), and unlike Grags, I am going to remain optimistic for as long as I can.

Reactions to the Second HBP Trailer!

2009-02-23T20:15:00.001-08:00

About two weeks ago, the Silent Partner saw the second HBP trailer in a movie theatre. She was of course THRILLED and called me immediately after the movie was over. After a little bit of confusion (on my part) and a lot of squealing (on both of our part), we were able to shriek about it.

Now, I had seen the trailer when it had been released and had even recorded myself watching it the first time. This was the trailer that was supposed to be released during Twilight. However, for both the Silent Partner and I, that was not the case. Mags was lucky enough to see it on the big screen in November!

The Silent Partner hadn't seen the trailer yet, and she said that the moment she realized what the trailer was, her jaw dropped and she had to fight to contain her excitement.

She was watching "He's Just Not That Into You" and was completely surprised that the HBP trailer would be released during a viewing of that movie. She can't wait to see the Harry/Ginny kiss and is more convinced than ever that the kiss will actually occur. Silent Partner and Mags are much more optimistic than I am...

She believes that the creators of the movie have kept a good chunk of the storyline from the book and that it will be exciting to see on screen. She is most excited by the Dumbledore/Harry interaction.

And what did she say that I would be most excited about this newest movie? QUIDDITCH IS BACK!

She's right!

Mags, can you remember what your original thoughts were when you first viewed it?

Half-Blood Prince Posters!

2009-02-05T11:15:00.000-08:00

Click on the image above to go to Mugglenet and see each one individually!

Episode 2!!!

2009-01-24T20:07:00.000-08:00

Episode 2 is now READY!!!! HOORAY!

EPISODE 2: Where do you go when you die?

Please comment after you've listened!

Funny Excerpts

2009-01-20T07:55:00.000-08:00

As per Episode 2 (which will be posted in the next few days) I (Mags) wanted to post this link to Mugglenet. They have compiled some of their favorite funny moments from the series. Check these out, and if your favorite isn't here, tell us what it is!

http://www.mugglenet.com/books/funnyexcerpts/

Seriously, these will brighten most any day!

Episode 2!

2009-01-19T21:17:00.001-08:00

It has FINALLY been recorded and I (Grags) am quickly splicing and editing so it will be pretty and clean for your listening pleasure! So... hopefully before Wednesday, you'll have a brand-spanking-new podcast to listen to!

HOORAY!!!

Frak: a Brotha, Holla!

2008-12-30T08:57:00.000-08:00

Mags here!

As some of you know, I lurve listening to PotterCast (even though I am sadly behind on posts, for the same technical reasons as the long delay in MMpodcasts). Well I finally visited the blog of dear PotterCaster Frak. Apparently dear FF is a brotha! As in, a brotha in Christ!

Frak is an artist (a mighty talented one, at that) and he often scribbles/doodles/takes notes in church that he then posts on his blog. It is so fascinating! I doodle in church, but I daresay mine are not impressive so much as funny.

Check out his blog, and drop a prayer of rejoicing for anotha brotha in Christ's love! Holla!

www.frakfraco.blogspot.com

The HP Alliance - The Weapon We Have is Love

2008-12-02T11:53:00.000-08:00

The latest fight being fought by Dumbledore's Army is not against the Ministry of Magic. It isnt even against Voldemort.

It is against the rampant hatred in our world that fuels such tragedies as the genocide in Darfur and the fighting in Burma.

The HP Alliance is raising money to "Stand Up for the Lily Potters in Darfur. Stand for Potterwatch in Burma." In order to donate, please go to https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/1432/t/4611/shop/custom.jsp?donate_page_KEY=2968. "Every three dollars goes to protect one woman in Darfur from being raped for a whole week and every five dollars goes to protect a whole family in Eastern Burma.
And what better way to celebrate Beedle the Bard than by engaging in an activity for the real world DA!"

Fight Voldemort. Fight Satan. Fight evil.

Soldiers of Christ arise, and Join the Army!

In the Meantime

2008-11-10T09:40:00.000-08:00

Hello friends!

In the future, I do not know how much time willl pass between podcasts, but I can assure this will not be considered the norm! Hopefully today will be the day Mags corrects her internet connection at home; pray and cross your fingers! Once that is done, there will be more frequent posts and casts.

Mags asks for prayers as she takes a bold leap in her church community. She is hoping to develop a Creative Arts Ministry team: she has projects lined up from a photography class to a group built to help with repairs within the community. She is also hoping to get involved in the teens acting troupe and let God (finally) use her degree.

Grags is organizing retreats and classes at church, as well. She also just moved into her own apartment - way to go, Grags!

Please be patient and prayerful as we develop our personal projects as well as maintain our Harry Potter love! Hopefully you will see (or rather, hear) a new podcast within the next few weeks!

NEW TRAILER!!!

2008-10-26T12:25:00.001-07:00

I am SUPER PUMPED! The ending is my favorite!

Finding God in the Ugly

2008-10-17T06:26:00.000-07:00

If you listened to our first podcast (because you are SO awesome) then you heard the brief interlude where we discussed seeing God not only in what is beautiful, but also in the ugly parts of the world. This is such a fascinating topic, and if you are interested in hearing more about it I truly hope you will click on the link below:
http://experimentaltheology.blogspot.com/2008/03/ugly-part-1-ugly-as-theological.html
The author of this blog, Dr Richard Beck, is a psychiatry professor at Abilene Christian University. He is a BRILLIANT man, and he has a seven-blog-series on finding God in the ugliness in the world, although much of his focus is on art.
These blogs will really cause you to question some things, which is a great tool for growth. Enjoy.

Our First Podcast!

2008-10-16T22:43:00.000-07:00

Please check us out:

http://ourmedia.org/node/461018

Mission Statement

2008-10-13T14:53:00.000-07:00

Mission Statement: To use Christian eyes to explore the fictional world of Harry Potter along with other popular literary characters.

Hello, and welcome to Messiah's Muggles! We are your hosts, Grags and Mags.

We wanted to start this blog to use our Christianity as a window in the the amazing world of popular fiction. We are both fascinated (and on some days, nearly obessed) with the world of Harry Potter, and it has on several occasions been an icebreaker for a conversation about right and wrong, good and evil, and therefore the presence of Christ (and Satan) in our world. We want to use Harry Potter, Twilight, Narnia, His Dark Materials and other popular literature as a gateway to discussing Jesus with our society.

Our Christianity is a constant part of us and so while it will not always be the focus, it will color our discussions.

And now, please get to know us!

Hello All! I'm Grags! I grew up in the Church of Christ and am now a Youth Minister at a church in the Dallas/Fort Worth area! I have a huge passion for teenagers and an even bigger passion of guiding them to know Christ and grow in Christ. I also love Harry Potter. A lot. Is that an understatement, Mags? I first started reading HP in high school. I fell in love with the story and the characters and the incredible imagination of JK Rowling (her imagination is such a precious gift from the Lord!). I have made t-shirts, stood in lines for books (and was the first to receive both Half-Blood Prince and Deathly Hallows!), I've been in the newspaper, been on the news, and was even asked to make a video for ABCNews.com. It's been an incredibly fun part of my life. Everytime I do something Potter-ish, I am taken back to my wonderful childhood and am able to remind myself not to take life to seriously. Jesus calls us to be like the little children, and I believe that my life is a true testament to that!

I have also maintained amazing friendships because of HP. My friendship with Mags is a testament to that! As well as our friend Ashs, who we like to refer to as our "silent partner." It's great to share in something you love with great friends!

I'm Mags!

I grew up in the Church of Christ. I am being somewhat literal, as the majority of my childhood memories took place in our fellowship hall. We had lots of showers and potlucks, andmy mother helped with those a lot. I attended at Christian university (ACU) where I met the amazing Grags. We majored in theatre together. We often shared our love of Harry Potter, though at the time it was much more important to her than it was to me.

I have always loved to read, so it was only a matter of time before I got into these books. My first memory that involved HP was in my senior year of high school We were driving up to Abilene (to see my brother in a show) and we had to find a Hastings to buy the fourth book. I remember my parents and I passing it around all weekend. It was wonderful, the story as well as the experience of sharing it. From that moment, if not before, I was hooked. I was not introduced to the marvelous world of fanfiction until after the seventh book was long released. Grags got me hooked on it with an amazing story called After the End. Anyone who knows HP fanfiction has probably read and loved it. From there, Grags and I kept semi-constant correspondence concerning fanfics, canon, movies, and whatever else came up. She decided we ought to create a podcast to share our perspective with the PotterVerse and so here we are! Wish us luck!