Show Me Your Glory

How do you explain ... the unexplainable? When does the impossible ... become possible? Why are some prayers for healing answered and others ... never are? Through true stories of the supernatural crashing into human suffering, a compelling new documentary arrives in theaters this spring—unlocking the possibility that the impossible still happens in our world. Meet experts who have studied miracles and suffering, discover true stories of the seemingly unbelievable, and be reminded that prayers can be answered in ways that we could never expect or imagine. If you or someone you love has ever pondered life’s deepest question—

“If there is a loving God, why is there so much suffering and evil in the world?” —experience hope, encouragement, and awe with SHOW ME YOUR GLORY. In theaters for 3 nights only, MAY 13-15, buy tickets today to see Show Me Your Glory: Show-Me-Your-Glory/Tickets

The Show Me Your Glory movie trailer is a must-watch! 🎥✨ Coming to theaters May 13-15, bringing supernatural stories to life! 

MY REVIEW: This can be a controversial subject, but I've known of people who were miraculously healed. I was interested in seeing what this film has to say, and I do recommend it to others. It's a well done series of stories, reenactments, and interviews that kept my attention. It will only be in theaters for 3 days, so make plans now to see it May 13-15.

Links

Website: LINK

Buy Tickets: LINK

Facebook Page: LINK

Instagram Page: LINK

IMDb: LINK

Abba Heart Ministries: LINK 

SMYG Resource Materials: LINK

YouVersion Plan: LINK

Faith on Film interview: LINK

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Giveaway: $10 Amazon gift card 
This is limited to US winners only.
Please submit your full name and email address by 5/20.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Abba Heart Ministries for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

The Louder Song by Aubrey Sampson

Lament helps us hear God’s louder song.

When you’re in the midst of suffering, you want answers for the unanswerable, resolutions to the unresolvable. You want to tie up pain in a pretty little package and hide it under the bed, taking it out only when you feel strong enough to face it. But grief won’t be contained. Grief disobeys. Grief explodes. In one breath, you may be able to say that God’s got this and all will be well. In the next, you might descend into fatalism. No pretending. Here, you are raw before God, an open wound.

There is a pathway through this suffering. It’s not easy, but God will use it to lead you toward healing. This path is called lament. Lament leads us between the Already and the Not Yet. Lament minds the gap between current hopelessness and coming hope. Lament anticipates new creation but also acknowledges the painful reality of now. Lament recognizes the existence of evil and suffering—without any sugarcoating—while simultaneously declaring that suffering will not have the final say.

In the midst of your darkest times, you will discover that lament leads you back to a place of hope—not because lamenting does anything magical, but because God sings a louder song than suffering ever could, a song of renewal and restoration. 

We all go through periods of suffering, whether physical, emotional, spiritual, or psychological. In The Louder Song: Listening for Hope in the Midst of Lament, author Aubrey Sampson addresses the various forms of grief through her own personal pain and stories of others.

The message that spoke to me was about ignoring our pain by covering it with distractions to deflect attention from our suffering. Many rush past the examples of lament in the Bible, preferring the times of joy. Yet, the lament is the times that bring us nearer to God... trusting Him more as we go through the valley of despair and shadows. These songs and prayers of lament and sorrow are outpourings to God that then allow Him to give us HOPE as He guides us through them. Sampson's journaling that expresses her own pain and grief has led her to a deeper trust in God. 

Her vulnerability and authenticity remind me that it's easy to withdraw into myself as I deal with grief, pain, and anxiety. The verses she lists toward the back of the book, along with the Study Guide, are very useful tools for focusing on renewal and restoration in spite of everything and that God's song to us is, indeed, louder when we listen to Him.

I received this book as part of the Tyndale Blog Network at no cost to myself in exchange for a fair review. All opinions are my own.

AMTC Stands With Orlando with “Love Different” Red Carpet Movie Premiere

Actors Models and Talent for Christ (AMTC) plans to bring a night of comedy, love, and restoration as they Stand With Orlando during this time of tragedy. With the realization that laughter can bring healing and hope for the future, AMTC will be hosting a free Red Carpet Premiere of the feature film, Love Different, on Saturday, July 2nd, 8:30pm, at Gaylord Palms Orlando. Filmmaker Anthony Hackett, leading lady, Jenn Gotzon (Frost/Nixon, God's Country), and many other actors from the film will be in attendance to show their support for Orlando. Families of loved ones lost, friends and everyone else are welcome to attend the Stand with Orlando Red Carpet Premiere of Love Different. Please RSVP to AMTCmovies@gmail.com if you would like to attend. There is a parking charge associated with visiting or staying at Gaylord Palms Resort.

The movie, filmed in Baltimore, is a hilarious story that’s been bridging racial hatred and relational tensions through comedic scenarios filled with laughter and an uplifting plot allowing people to better understand each other and learn how to love different. Actress Jenn Gotzon says, "The movie's scenes serve as a vehicle to better understand each other and how to love different." 

For more info on event: Stand With Orlando Red Carpet Premiere 
 For more info on AMTC: Actors, Models & Talent for ChrisActors, Models & Talent for Christ
For more info on movie: Love Different

Please share with people in the Orlando area and use hashtags #AMTC #StandWithOrlando #MakingGoodBolder #LoveDifferent

Miracles From Heaven

‘Miracles From Heaven’ tells the story of a child who recovers from a life-threatening illness in a manner that defies medical explanation. Based on the true story of the Beam family in Texas, this recounts the highlights of what this family went through to get Anabel Beam the needed help when she became ill. Christy Beam (Jennifer Garner) is determined to do whatever necessary to get the answers for her young daughter when Anna (Kylie Rogers) is finally diagnosed with a rare, incurable disease. Pseudo-obstruction motility disorder is the inability to digest foods and Anna was forced to receive nutrition through feeding tubes.

When the only hope for a solution is across the country, Christy and Anna make frequent trips to Boston Children’s Hospital for treatment from Dr. Nurko (Eugenio Derbez), a pediatric gastroenterologist. Kevin (Martin Henderson) remains in Texas to care for the other daughters and to keep his new veterinary practice running. With the stress of Anna’s deteriorating health, financial problems, and being apart from family, Christy does struggle to hold on to her faith at times, but a freak accident changes everything!

This is one of the better faith-based films I have seen. The story is mesmerizing, and it also feels real. There is no doubt that some changes were made to make the action flow better, but not in a way that seems overly forced as many movies tend to do. The love and support of family, church, and community is evident, but so are the stresses and flaws from those same people. The faith of the Beam family is genuine, but they did not gloss over doubts, fears, pain, and even anger. I left the theater feeling inspired and assured that God has us each in the palm of His hand...even when things don't happen according to our own plan. I give this a 4.5 star rating.

Directed by Patricia Riggen, the screenplay was written by Randy Brown, based on Christy Beam’s book. The film also stars Queen Latifah, John Carroll Lynch, Brighton Sharbino, Courtney Fansler, and ‘Third Day’ is featured as the church worship band. Produced by Joe Roth, T.D. Jakes and DeVon Franklin, with Matthew Hirsch, Derrick Williams and Zack Roth as Executive Producers.

Visit the website at miraclesfromheaven-movie.com

The Mustard Seed by Peter Szondy

Sara is a typical ten-year-old girl living in a small rural town, who is loved by all for her kindness and caring attitude, but what happens at a nearby lake soon has everyone talking. When Sara prays for a dead sparrow that revives and flies away, she claims that she saw Jesus on the lake and that is who healed the bird. Her parents brush it off as imagination until Sara prays for a friend who is also inexplicably healed from paralysis. After the media broadcasts these events, Sara becomes an overnight sensation as more people come to her for healing...and her life takes a bewildering twist that puzzles everyone. The town is torn as some claim they also see Jesus with Sara, and others see nothing. Lives are changed as events continue to unfold.

My Review: A well told story about the power of faith and how one little girl displayed pure faith and trust in action. Luke 17:6 says, "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed," the Lord said, "you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you." Sara takes those words literally and never doubts that Jesus will answer her prayers. The unfolding drama surrounding the healings, others who were also able to see Jesus, and the mysterious illness involving Sara cause each character in the book to examine his or her own personal faith. Lives are forever changed by decisions made.

The preface of the book, written by original story teller G.M. Mercier, says actual events that sparked the idea that eventually became the "The Mustard Seed." This novelization moves along at a good pace and keeps the reader engaged. It wasn't a 5 star book for me, but it was very good.

I received a digital copy of this book at no cost to myself for review purposes from BuzzPlant. They are also offering a digital download to one of my readers. Comment before April 1st to be eligible for the drawing.

Visit themustardseedbook.com to get more information.

"I assure you: Whoever does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." - Mark 10:15

Keys of Heaven by Adina Senft

Keys of Heaven by Adina Senft

Sarah Yoder is learning to help the people in her Amish community as a Dokterfraa, creating teas and tinctures from the herbs she grows. But her latest patient seems to have a problem that can't be resolved. Meanwhile, Sarah's relatives attempt a little matchmaking between her and a new visitor. This is the second book in the Healing Grace series (the first, Herb of Grace, received a 4 stars from RT Book Reviews!).

I received this book as part of a giveaway deal (contest closed) that included chocolate and 2 books. Amish fiction is not my favorite, plus this is #2 in a series and I did not read the first book. A very pleasant surprise. As usual, there was enough background given to give me a gist of what had happened in the first book. This book had characters that were flawed, but that made them more realistic. The mixture of people in this community from the Amish, those who had experienced living as Amish, and outsiders who knew nothing...and various experiences in between. This also showed a different slant than the usual stereotypical look at the Amish that seemed prevalent in many other books I have read.

I was caught up in the story and cared about these characters. They were humans who made errors, but were quick to make amends. There was also not a cut and dried plot that followed predictable territory. The series may, indeed, end up exactly as I expect, but I like that other trails are being explored. The fact that they can all accept and respect their differences is also refreshing. Sarah definitely has faults, but is open to admitting and correcting wrongs. I liked that she is a more mature woman who is rebuilding her life. Good book!

Copies are available for purchase at Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million or Amazon.

 

 Disclosure: I did receive a copy of book from Hatchette Book Group for review. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.

Salvaged web series

SALVAGED is a web series that is based off of a young adult Christian fiction novel, SALVAGED, by Stefne Miller.


* ABOUT SALVAGED


Attie Reed should have died in the wreck that stole the lives of her mother and best friend. But her life was spared. Why?

When Attie moves to Oklahoma to stay with the Bennetts for the summer, she hopes she has left her nightmares behind. But her battle is far from over, and Riley Bennett steps forward to help her fight the nighttime monsters. As the battle wears on, Riley begins fighting monsters of his own: his feelings for Attie. And Attie realizes she must begin to face the monsters of the night herself if she wants to conquer them for good. 

Can Attie's life be Salvaged?

(* description provided to me from blog tour site)

MY REVIEW: I admit to being a little confused as I began to watch this, but I am glad I stuck with it.  After I got more of the gist of what was going on (and I had not read the description first), I started over and was drawn more into the story.  There were times it dragged a bit, or the acting wasn't quite as good, but it is a series I would recommend, especially for teens. This is a turbulent time for many, and Attie is facing and coming to terms with a tragic accident that forever changed her life. All of the main characters are also  dealing with their own pain, but the focus remains on Attie rather than trying to overwhelm the viewer with too many stories at the same time. The uncertainty, pain, steps forward to healing, and even the steps backward, are a real and honest portrayal of the struggle to make sense of it all and move forward. 



AUTHOR'S INTERVIEW: STEFNE MILLER

How did the Salvaged web series come about?
I was working with Director, Paul Morrell on a movie adaptation of my third novel, Collision. We had just completed the screenplay and were about to move in to the next phase, when I told him about an idea I had for Salvaged. I'd always believed that it would make a great teen drama series - either on television, straight to DVD or web streaming. He loved the idea and was interested in doing it. Within days, a friend that I mentioned it to, offered to pay to have a pilot/proof of concept reel developed. Less than a month later, I was in LA holding a casting call. Two weeks later, a cast and crew of 25 were in a rented house, shooting for five days. We decided to take the pilot episode and also release it as a web series so that we could introduce people to the story, characters and our quality of work. We believe that this can only help both the Salvaged and Collision projects.

What is the big goal?
The big picture goal is that a network or distributor would pick up the series. I've already written the scripts for eight 45 minute episodes or what could easily be turned in to a mini-series.

Who are you hoping to reach with this series?
Salvaged, the web series is based on my first novel by the same name. It is a young adult Christian fiction novel that was able to transcend the lines of Christian fiction and also move into the secular market. Salvaged was first picked up in the mainstream young adult fiction blogging world and the reviews and ratings landed me on the Goodreads.com Reader's Choice Awards finalist list for Debut Author of 2010. I am hoping that Salvaged will continue to reach out into various audiences and present them with a powerful story that has the ability to impact lives - no matter the way in which they receive it (book, web series, tv show, etc).

When does the series come out?
There are six episodes. The first was released on September 25th. The remaining episodes will release every Wednesday at 8 am (CST) through October 30th.

Where can viewers find the episodes?
Salvaged has it's own YouTube channel at: youtube.com/salvagedseries. The episodes will stay on the Salvaged YouTube channel for viewers to watch far into the future.

Where can we find out more about the series and the book? 

You can also learn more about the series on the official Salvaged web site at salvagedseries.com. You can read an except of the first chapter of Salvaged, the book, at my web site, stefnemiller.com, or purchase a copy online or at your local bookstores. 

Shattered by Rita Schulte

SHATTERED: Finding Hope and Healing through the losses of life

There are few today who are not affected directly or indirectly from the effects of loss. Death, divorce, abuse, job loss, and health issues are the most common reasons we are adversely affected, but there are also disappointments of shattered dreams, failed expectations, doubts about faith, and other losses that contribute to the pressures bearing down.

Shattered explores how these losses can impact all areas of your life, including your relationship with God. There is the immediate impact, especially in major losses, but there is also a tendency of some to bury both the hard-hitting problems and the smaller ones that gradually occur. The refusal to talk about, or even think about, our pain can be detrimental.

This book tells the reader that to deny or ignore our pain is what stands in the way of healing. Schulte explains that it is necessary to pay attention to what you are trying to cover and offers hope through “healing tasks of the heart”. If we allow our losses, hurts, bitterness, and anger to keep building it affects us physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This is designed to draw you to a closure, hope, and a more secure relationship with God.

Good book! I am one of those who buries pain and puts up emotional walls when dealing with everything from a major loss to a minor one. I wish I had learned how to deal with losses many years ago instead of letting them build up to to where I am today. My open rebellion against God ended many years ago, but I still struggle with trust issues...even more than I realized. Although a lot of my "rocks" remain covered from others, they are there and weigh me down. Even though I am aware of this about myself, Shattered did help me to realize that I have not dealt with a lot of the losses in a healthy manner. Of course, I realized this, too, but have never moved forward to the healing portion. Acceptance of what has happened and trusting God that there is an overall plan are only a part of the process. There is more to do and Schulte wants the reader to move to a better level.

Part 1 deals with Evaluating the Assault of Loss on the Heart, Part 2 is Reclaiming Your Heart, and Part 3 is the healing Reinvesting the Heart. I could strongly identify with a paragraph in one of the chapters in Part 3 about the reluctance to reopen dreams placed on a shelf due to fear of trusting others...including God. There is also Appendix A, B, C, and D to help you further evaluate the losses you have experienced, how you felt, and how you are dealing with them. Whether you are dealing with a fresh catastrophic loss, small ones that have added up over the years, or a combination of the two, Shattered is a useful tool for allowing God to once again create beauty and value from a life that feels broken.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Leafwood Publishers for the purpose of this review.