To Save Gibson Ranch

SONS OF THUNDER: REDEMPTION

Earlier this month I posted about the upcoming Pure Flix Sons of Thunder spinoff series, Sons of Thunder: Redemption, featuring Rocky Myers as Jacob "Bruiser" Lewis. Cast members for the new series include Charlene Amoia as Sandy; Tyler Johnson as Logan; Kristy Swanson as Linda; and Wyatt Walter as Cooper.

My review assignment for this series is Episode 2: To Save Gibson Ranch. To get you up to date: Jacob has been released from a Texas prison and found his former girlfriend living on Gibson Ranch in California.

In Episode 2, Jacob has accepted a job on Gibson Ranch after Sandy (reluctantly) vouched for him. The problem is that the ranch is failing and the Gibson family is within weeks of losing their home. In a last-ditch effort to save it, the ranchers decide to host a rodeo to raise the needed money. But trouble includes a greedy rival rancher who wants more, as well as a member of Jacob's former gang seeking revenge.

The characters are becoming more developed by this episode and I am enjoying getting to know them. Jacob is growing in his faith and eager to share it with others. Of course, he is getting used to his own lifestyle changes and choices, too. Tension, anger, and fear are present as they struggle to save the ranch, but there are also some very funny moments. And if you are a horse lover, you have another reason to enjoy [this series].

More than just a story, there are great points of faith to consider. Have you struggled with any of these?

• Pride and being willing to accept help

• Second chances - God’s given us a chance to make things right

• God’s timing

• Regrets and living in the past
  
  

• Key Bible Verses for Episode 2

• But now, this is what the Lord says — He who created you, Jacob, He who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. – Isaiah 43:1-2 (NIV)
  
  

• My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. – James 1:19 (NIV)
  
  

• Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. – Proverbs 16:18 (NIV)

Watch the series on Pure Flix here: Sons of Thunder: Redemption. You can take advantage of the 7 Day Free Trial that Pure Flix offers, and definitely check out their membership plans. There is also one more thing:


GIVEAWAY: You can enter to win a FREE 3-month Pure Flix subscription!! Deadline to enter is EOD on February 4, 2022. Leave #SonsOfThunderMIN in a comment under this post [on a social media site].

Disclosure: Many thanks to Pure Flix for providing a temporary subscription for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

 

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Redeeming Love

Based on the bestselling novel by Francine Rivers, REDEEMING LOVE is a powerful story of relentless love and perseverance as a young couple’s relationship clashes with the harsh realities of the California Gold Rush of 1850.

Angel (Abigail Cowen) expects only pain from those around her. Sold into prostitution as a child (Livi Birch), Angel survives with hatred towards herself and the men that use her. She meets Michael Hosea (Tom Lewis), a farmer who believes God wants Angel to be his wife. Dire circumstances force Angel to accept his proposal, but when Michael defies her bitter expectations, her wounded heart begins to mend.

As Angel encounters a love unlike anything she ever experienced, feelings of unworthiness and shame cause her to run from a life she doesn’t think she deserves. As Michael sets out to find her, Angel discovers there is no brokenness that love can’t heal.

 

My Review: Let me start by saying that this is a very powerful movie that is both heartbreaking and healing. I have read the book, but it was over 20 years ago, leaving me a bit hazy on some details. So I can't really compare the book to the movie. But, I do know that over the years, I have heard many say, "I wish someone would make a movie of Redeeming Love." Beginning Jan 21, 2022, (and Jan 20 in many theaters), you can now see the movie! Buy Tickets here! 

 
All involved can be pleased with their performances, but I want to make a special mention of Abigail Cowen's amazing job portraying Angel. I still get tears in my eyes thinking about what the character went through and the transformation of Angel throughout the film. Livi Birch is also outstanding in the role of Angel as a child. The film is very well made and much time and talent was put into the making of it. It was filmed in South Africa, but it's easy to imagine it as 1850s California. Director D.J. Caruso and crew also deserve applause.

However, I do have a couple of issues. It's difficult to say much without spoilers, but I will do my best. Redeeming Love is rated PG-13, but I would be hesitant to take younger teens (and certainly not a child). Subject matter alone is reason for caution. Angel is a prostitute and much of the story takes place at a brothel. There are a few "coarse" words used, but my main concern is a couple of intimate scenes that lasted a few seconds longer than I wish they had, and one with nudity [although between well-placed furniture and Angel's long hair, there's actually nothing shown,] that emphasizes that the movie should be Mature Audiences Only.

I do wish more people, especially those who are not Christian, knew the movie was based (loosely) on the book of Hosea. Yet there are differences to consider too. Angel is a person we can sympathize with and feel compassion over due to her past. So her story of forgiveness, redemption, and healing is from a different place than the Biblical story of Gomer and Hosea. All things considered, I do like the film, but this story is not the same lesson to be learned in the Bible. Redeeming Love is a well-made, beautifully told story that shows that there is hope despite fears, failures, obstacles, and the belief that you don't deserve it because of past mistakes.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Universal for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

LINKS:

BUY TICKETS 

RedeemingLovemovie.com

FrancineRivers.com 

Order the Redeeming Love novel 

Facebook 

Twitter 

Instagram 

IMDb 

YouTube 

TikTok 

 

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Sons of Thunder: Redemption

 

Pure Flix recently announced a spinoff of their "Sons of Thunder" franchise. "Sons of Thunder: Redemption" follows Jacob Lewis (Rocky Myers) who met "Sons of Thunder" fan-favorite "Simon" while incarcerated for crimes committed while Jacob was a member of the Devil's Hand bikers gang. Now reformed, Jacob is searching for forgiveness from those he wronged and spreading the love of Jesus.

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“We took this opportunity to expand the world of ‘Sons of Thunder’ and create a spinoff that was true to the heart of the original, but takes fans on a brand new adventure,” said executive producer Anna Zielinksi. Other cast members for the new series include Charlene Amoia as Sandy; Tyler Johnson as Logan; Kristy Swanson as Linda; and Wyatt Walter as Cooper.

 

To learn more about the background of this spinoff be sure to watch the original "Sons of Thunder" at PureFlix.com. You can find it here.

 

Be watching for my upcoming review of an episode of "Sons of Thunder: Redemption." Follow the hashtags to see what others are saying about this PureFlix series:

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A Show About Anthem Lights

 

Pure Flix has some exciting news about an upcoming animated series about a beloved musical group! Anthem Lights, a Christian group of musicians is known for both their Christian and their secular covers. The band is made up of Chad Graham (vocals), Caleb Grim (vocals), Spencer Kane (vocals) and Joey Stamper (vocals, piano, guitar, and drums). Their beautiful harmonies have brought them millions of fans worldwide.

I enjoy so much of their music that it's impossible for me to choose 1 (or 10 😊) of my favorites of their songs. I prefer their Hymns, Hymns 2, and Worship cds since that is the type music I normally listen to, but all of it is good! An example, though, of one of my favorite hymns is below:

"A Show About Anthem Lights" is a 20-episode show featuring the band, Anthem Lights. Animated versions of Spencer, Joey, Caleb, and Chad will lead us through the ups and downs of their lives as a Christian in a boyband. Filled with tongue-in-cheek humor, adults and kids of all ages will be laughing through each episode of this new series that is exclusively on Pure Flix! "A Show About Anthem Lights" will premiere January 12, 2022. See the trailer and a sneak peek here.

LINKS:

• PureFlix/Anthem Lights 
• PureFlix.com 
• Anthem Lights website
• Anthem Lights - YouTube
• Anthem Lights - Instagram
• Anthem Lights - Facebook 
• Anthem Lights - Twitter

Be watching for an upcoming review.
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