Cabrini (2024)

 About CABRINI - Based on the true story of one woman’s fight for the equality, health, and happiness of immigrant orphans.

From Alejandro Monteverde, award-winning director of 𝘚𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘰𝘮, comes the powerful epic of Francesca Cabrini, an Italian immigrant who arrives in New York City in 1889 and is greeted by disease, crime, and impoverished children. Cabrini sets off on a daring mission to convince the hostile mayor to secure housing and healthcare for society's most vulnerable. With broken English and poor health, Cabrini uses her entrepreneurial mind to build an empire of hope unlike anything the world had ever seen.

Cabrini will be releasing in theaters on International Women's Day, March 8th.

***Disclaimer: This film is rated PG-13 and includes some (tastefully-portrayed) mature themes.

See the trailer below:

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To Joey, With Love DVD

To Joey, With Love is a documentary, based on home movies, of the final 2 and a half years of musician Joey Feek. Husband-and-wife singing duo Joey+Rory, 2010 Academy of Country Music New Vocal Duo winners, were in the midst of a whirlwind life when they did the unheard of for those who are experiencing extraordinary success. When Joey became pregnant, they decided to take a year off and simplify life for a year, living on their small farm. What started as Rory filming their lives and preparation for the birth of their child turned out to be an extended time when it was discovered later that Joey had cancer. The film follows the decision to take time off to the birth of their daughter Indiana, born with Down Syndrome, and continues through Joey’s struggle with and ultimate surrender to cancer—and is an intimate peek through the joy, despair, love, laughter, struggles, and hope as this family experiences a life they never planned. Narrated by Rory Feek, the DVD will be available on Dec. 20, 2016. You can pre-order it here: tojoeywithlove.com/buy

 
My Review: I seldom cry when watching movies, but this one did move me to tears several times, for varying reasons. To be honest, I hesitated when offered the chance to review the DVD since I knew so little about Joey+Rory. Of course, I had seen the stories trending and knew that Joey had passed away---I had even prayed for them frequently during her illness, but I don't think I had ever heard even 1 song by them until watching the DVD. Plus, knowing of her passing, I was not sure if this was something I would want to see.

I was wrong! Rather than a melancholy story of a life cut too short, this DVD is a celebration of life. Nothing is sugar-coated, but the viewer is drawn into the lives of these people in such a way that there are as many tears of joy as there are of sorrow. Watching them LIVE their lives rather than just accepting defeats and falling into despair is a true encouragement for others. Of course, their faith in God as their sustainer and hope is a message that shines through. I do recommend you see this for yourself and share it with others. In the midst of sorrow, there is also inspiration and hope for this life and beyond.

Website: ToJoeyWithLove.com
Buy DVD: ToJoeyWithLove.com/buy
Rory's Blog: thislifeilive.com
Facebook: To Joey With Love

Disclaimer: Thank you to Icon Media Group for sending me a link to watch this film! They also are offering a copy to one of my readers. Simply respond by Thursday, December 1, 2016 to be entered. USA residents only.

Alone Yet Not Alone by Tracy Leininger Craven

Alone Yet Not Alone is the novelization of an actual event in the lives of Tracy Leininger Craven's ancestors. The Leininger family emigrated from Germany, settling in the Blue Mountains of Pennsylvania, where they worked to build a new life that had a firm foundation of family and faith.

Their lives were filled with hard work, but there was also joy found in simple pleasures and they lived in peace with all of their neighbors. However, tragedy struck unexpectedly with the beginning of the French and Indian War.

On Oct. 16, 1755, in what became known as the Penn's Creek Massacre, the lives of the Leininger sisters were changed forever. On that day, as their mother and one brother were away, members of the Delaware tribe attacked. The father and remaining brother were murdered as Barbara and Regina fled into the woods. Captured, they are forced to live with the Indians.

With strong faith in God and their close family bonds, even when they are forced to separate, Barbara and Regina hold firmly to the belief that they are never alone and that they will be reunited. Alone Yet Not Alone is an inspirational, fact-based story of a family who were victims of the French and Indian War, yet never wavered in the belief God would never leave them as captives or keep them apart.

My Review: This historical, fact-based book is filled with a lot of info to keep it interesting and a story line that is sure to keep the reader wanting to know more. Suitable for those in upper elementary school and up, it did keep my interest and I even researched more into other reports and writings of the actual event. This is a good book that could be part of a family discussion. (I think Family Book Club meetings and discussions are a wonderful activity!) With its strong focus on faith and family, plus the glimpse of another time in our nation's past, it is a book I recommend. Some parts may be a bit much for imaginative children, but the violence and scarier details are toned down.

I want to thank FlyBy Promotions for giving me a copy of this book for review purposes. I was only required to give an honest review, and all opinions are my own.

But, they are letting me do a...GIVEAWAY!! Flyby Promotions has a copy available to one reader of my blog. Simply leave a comment to be entered into a random drawing to be held Monday, Sept. 2nd, at 9pm (CDT)!

I don't have a copy of this (unfortunately), but I also want to add that Alone Yet Not Alone also has a film version that will be opening in select theaters in September before a wider opening in 2014. You can check Seatzy.com to see if it is coming to a theater near you. (The films on Seatzy do need you to reserve your tickets in advance to guarantee a theater is booked.) Directed by Ray Bengston, the film's screenplay was written by James Richards and George Escobar and stars

Kelly Greyson, Natalie Racoosin, Clay Walker, Jenn Gotzon, Joanie Stewart, Ozzie Torres, and Tony Wade.

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 Tracy Leininger Craven loves history and retelling real-life stories in her historical fiction books. She also loves spending her free time in the great outdoors with her husband David and their four children.

 

 

 

 

A Man Called Peter

Richard Todd delivers a thoroughly winning performance as Peter Marshall, the Scottish-born minister who became Chaplain of the U.S. Senate. While still a boy, Peter wants only to go to sea. But as a young man he experiences a profound awakening which leaves him with the unwavering conviction that he has been called upon to do the Lord's work. He completes his religious training in the United States, where he presides over several congregations. A compelling speaker who believes religion should be fun, Marshall inspires young people to renew their interest in the church, and his ministries prosper. Eventually, he becomes pastor of the prestigious Church of the Presidents, in Washington D.C. and is asked to serve as spiritual guide for the Senate. Co-starring Jean Peters as Marshall's devoted wife, Catherine, "A Man Called Peter" is the deeply moving tale of "a man and his close friendship with God"- (Amazon)



This 1955 film on the life of Peter Marshall is based on the biography written by his widow, Catherine (most famously known for Christy). I remember seeing this film as a child and have watched it several times as an adult. This is an interesting Bio-pic of a man who was one of the best known pastors in America in the 30s & 40s. What impresses me the most, is not so much the look of the film, but the fact that Dr. Marshall's sermons are just as fresh and inspiring today as they were when he initially preached them. This is a film well worth watching just to hear snippets of what he said to say. This is a film that should not be overlooked.

 


I couldn't find my favorite from the film, but here is a link to several of his quotes.
*just as a side note. I love the irony of the dvd cover featuring Richard Todd (as Peter) wearing a clerical collar. One of the more humorous scenes was his adamant refusal to wear one.

"By Faith, Not By Sight" by Scott MacIntyre

A moving story of hope, faith, persistence and the power of dreams.A piano prodigy, a nineteen-year-old college grad, a Marshall scholar, and an American Idol finalist. This guy had it made. He could sing. He could ski blind. What couldn’t he do? Even if you saw him in concert, you might not believe that Scott MacIntyre is blind, and you’d never guess that at nineteen, he faced a diagnosis that rocked his family and nearly took his life.

So how did he do it? How did he overcome the odds?

This is Scott’s story, but he’d be the first to tell you that it’s not really about him. This is the story of how God used a dedicated family, a selfless acquaintance, hardship, and a host of characters to give him life, faith, determination, and experiences most can only imagine.

Peek behind the scenes to see how he learned to overcome his disability, how he made it in the music industry, how he found the love of his life, and how God taught him that in all things, we can truly achieve our dreams By Faith, Not by Sight. (book cover)

Listen as Scott reads the first chapter:
 

Since I am not a regular viewer of American Idol, I only vaguely remembered seeing  Scott perform, but knew he was a very gifted performer. The odds he overcame to reach this platform are amazing to read though. Legally blind since birth, and homeschooled, he was able to attend college by the time he was 14.  His parents taught him to be as self-reliant as possible and took every step to help their musically gifted son to excel. Scott's parents and his two younger siblings (sister, Katelyn is also blind) are a remarkable family who work, play, and pray together and are very cognizant of being supportive to one another. The love shown and sacrifices made as Scott continued to grow as a musician and a scholar, while battling kidney failure are a testament to their commitment as a family and to Christ as true source of their strength. Even while he was involved with American Idol, his sister was going through the same need for a kidney transplant Scott had undergone earlier.


Some of the chapters covered a bit of old ground too much, as though each could have been used as a separate magazine article, but it was an interesting read. For fans of American Idol, there is a bit of background info that is fun to know. For those who struggle with disabilities, it is a powerful story of how perseverance, prayer, and support of loved ones can enable you to have a fulfilling life despite obstacles. I think Scott is an extraordinary person, and may be a bit hard to live up to, but still an inspiration. His faith, determination, good humor, and ability to meet each challenge head-on will leave you cheering.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me by the BookSneeze Blogger’s program in exchange for an honest review.

Defiant Joy

Biography of G. K. Chesterton

Defiant Joy is subtitled "The Remarkable Life & Impact of G. K. Chesterton". Although I was aware of him as the author of the Father Brown mysteries and knew him to be a Christian apologist, I admit I had never read anything else he had written. Therefore, I was delighted to get the chance to have a good overall portrait of the man and his written works. Not only did I meet a man in these pages whom I would have enjoyed knowing personally, I now look forward to learning more about him by reading his books. It is easy to understand why he has avid fans even today-- nearly 75 years after his death.

 I was pleased to see that Chesterton was the type man that could disagree with his peers, yet it did not interfere with his friendships. To have the courage to stand staunchly by your convictions in an unwavering manner, without compromising relationships with those who disagree, can be a tightrope walk.  He certainly had the respect of his peers. One of the people whom he had a profound influence over, especially in his search for faith in Christ, was author C. S. Lewis. Lewis already admired the writing of G.K.C., but said that "Everlasting Man" was the book he most highly recommended.

My favorite quote:  
"The wise man will follow a star, low and large and fierce in the heavens, but the nearer he comes to it the smaller and smaller it will grow, till he finds it the humble lantern over some little inn or stable. Not till we know the high things shall we know how lovely they are." ~G.K. Chesterton (William Blake)

Author Kevin Belmonte has certainly put a lot of research into this biography and goes into much detail of the literary works published by Gilbert Keith Chesterton. At times I felt a bit weighted down with many of the details, but I would recommend this book to any who want to learn about the marvelous G. K. Chesterton. This book, published by Thomas Nelson, is a 318 page paperback that is full of information!

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."