Uncommon

When the students of Rosewood High School lose their theater, music and dance departments due to budgets cuts, they create their own. Struggling to find the right script, music & choreography the students get advice from an uncommon source; the Bible! Each student becomes uniquely influenced as they discover that God takes them personally. Equipped with unique talents, they bond together to prepare the perfect production by exploring the diversity of parables taught in the Bible.

Fighting overwhelming challenges, the teens fight against political correctness to defend their privilege to worship, meet and perform.

Will months of constant bullying by the establishment defeat the production and dismantle their faith?

Armed with expert legal counsel and unexpected help from Christian music’s finest, these teens realize what it means to be…UNCOMMON!

My Review: I really wanted to like Uncommon. There were so many aspects about it that appeal to things that matter to me. But, I found myself rolling my eyes too often to really enjoy the film. The potential for a really good film is there, but I don't feel like it reached any where near what it could. Stereotypical characters and less than stellar acting, along with some bad dialogue, ruined much of the film for me. There were some great moments that touched me and a few really good performances. I especially loved the song performed by Stacey Bradshaw near the end of the film. It actually caused me to raise my initial overall bad impression, but I still can't say this is a good movie. It was not even the "Come on, kids! Let's put on a show!" theme, since I actually have always liked those (Andy Hardy, Little Rascals, Shirley Temple---all films that did this well). Perhaps I am just naive or live in a place that is more embracing of Christianity, but this just seemed too over the top and the resolution fell into place too neatly. Definitely more of movie made for the church crowd, so it will find its niche.

I was given the opportunity to preview this film by WORD films. No compensation was provided and I was not required to write a positive review.

Spiritual Parenting in the First Five Years

"Spiritual Parenting in the First Give Years: God’s Plan for Early Childhood Christian Discipleship," by Graham Blanchard, is their first book for adults.

There is no doubt that the first five years of a child's life is a very demanding time with taking care of physical needs, but this is also the best time to begin the spiritual foundation a child needs to lead them to a personal relationship with God. Most resources available are for older children, so this book is unique in laying out steps from the very beginning of a child's life. What better place to start?

"Spiritual Parenting in the First Five Years"  lays out five Bible-based principles for the care and feeding of a new child’s inner life. Drawing from Scripture and the inspiration of great Christian teachers, the book shows how new and expecting parents can maximize this vital development window—an opportune time to teach children about who God is and who they are in Him. (publisher description)


My review: I have read and loved several of Callie Grant's board books for younger children and have them for my great grandchildren to look at when they come to visit. So, I was definitely interested in her first book written for adults. This is a short read, but a powerful one. I have always been an advocate of training a child and being honest, albeit at their level, in dealing with the important things in life. And, their spiritual development is of utmost importance in building a strong foundation. The points made and suggestions are simple, but designed to make an impact. From the first suggestion of praying together over your child on the the various points of how to help children develop a relationship with God themselves, rather than just believing because their parents do, is an early Biblical concept.

The 5 Principles are:
First Impressions -Your child was born to believe. You were made to teach.

Little Think Tanks -Your child has great capacity for faith. You will help shape it.

Unique Journeys -Your child has a one-of-a-kind path. You are a shepherd.

Personal Ties -Your child has a special relationship with God. You can honor it.

Golden Moments -Your child will ask you about God. Your life helps you answer.

As always, there is Scripture to go along with what the book is saying, as well as interactive suggestions to help your little one on his or her own unique journey of faith. I highly recommend this to all expectant or new parents! I have never been disappointed with any product from Callie Grant/Graham Blanchard and once again, I love the book.

I received a free copy of this eBook from Shelton Interactive. I was not required to give a review and was not compensated.

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Spiritual Parenting in the First Five Years is the 12th title released by Graham Blanchard. It is available at Amazon.com and at GrahamBlanchard.com. All the titles have been very well received by outlets like Publishers Weekly, Foreword Reviews, CBA Retailers and Resources and more than 100 websites and blogs written by Christian parents.
Graham Blanchard Inc. is based in Austin, Texas, with a team of writers, editors, illustrators, parents and pastors. The company is passionate about providing the highest quality books and resources to promote a love of learning about God, in addition to supporting families with prayer and the shared experiences of other parents. For more information please visit www.grahamblanchard.com.

The Father's Love DVD

Sarah moved to New York City to pursue her love of filmmaking. When she meets the man of her dreams; charming, handsome, and wealthy, Reece becomes her world.

As their story unfolds, Sarah is taken on a journey of heartbreak and forgiveness, exploring the meaning of her relationships both past and present. In the end, she emerges with new found strength to inspire others when they need it most.

Trailer for The Father's Love  


 

REVIEW: This film is a is the story of Sarah, a woman who was abandoned by the father she loved as a child, and her search for a relationship as an adult. Happily involved with her friends and dating to find the "perfect" man, her hopes seem fulfilled when she meets Reece. Wealthy, handsome, and charming, he is the epitome of her romantic fantasies. Sarah is devastated when Reece abandons her too.

Already starting to go to church through the encouragement of her friend, Tricia, Sarah begins to lean more on God while recovering from her broken heart. When Reece reappears in her life, she must come to a decision. The elements of forgiveness and restoration play heavily into this film as Sarah learns the true meaning of love.

Really more of a "chick flick" type film in many ways, but it kept my attention and I thought it was a satisfying film. I prefer the more subtle way of telling the story with elements of faith being a natural progression and the journey that may not always be a smooth path. I thought it was a well done film that opened doors to others to learn to forgive.

I received The Father's Love by Word Films compliments of Word Films and Edify Media Inc for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review outside the complimentary copy of the DVD.