Show Me the Father

 

The first documentary by the Kendrick Brothers, SHOW ME THE FATHER, is a compelling and heartfelt peek into the stories and private lives of some well-known men, including Dr. Tony Evans, Jim Daly (Focus on the Family), Deland McCullough, Sherman Smith, Stephen Kendrick, and Alex Kendrick. These men share insights into their relationships with their own fathers, what it means to be a father, and, ultimately, the importance of God the Father in all aspects of life. Take a look at the trailer below:

Show Me the Father opens in theaters on September 10th and is definitely worth seeing, especially as a family. I was able to view the film early and was highly impressed with the film's content and production. I wasn't familiar with all of the men interviewed, but each had something vital to share. Each unique father story invites you to examine how you view your earthly father and how this affects your relationship with God. The documentary brings both familiar and new perspectives about how the relationship (or lack of) with your father makes a tremendous impact on your relationship with your dad, your children, others... and with God.

The movie definitely is not just for men. A girl's relationship with her daddy has an impact, too. Many women have said that their initial view of God has much in common with their view of their father. After viewing the film, this may open much-needed conversations. Gather your family, men's groups, marriage classes and make this an event to remember! You can get tickets at showmethefathermovie.com

GIVEAWAY!! I'm giving away 2 tickets to the movie, via Fandango, for opening weekend, Sept 10-12, 2021. The winner will be notified via email. Prize must be claimed within 24 hours. Enter using #showmethefather in comments. Deadline is Sept. 6, 2021.

Note: This giveaway is limited to US residents only.

Disclosure: Thanks to Sony Pictures for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I received a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. However, opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

#ShowMeTheFather #ShowMeTheFatherMIN
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LINKS:

• Website
• Tickets
• Group Tickets
• Instagram
• Facebook
• IMDb
• The Heart of the Movie 
• Audience Reactions 
• The Blessing 

How to Connect with Your Troubled Adult Children - Allison Bottke

Allison Bottke, known for her Setting Boundaries® series of books has once again produced a book that is candid and practical for the parents of adult children who have addiction, emotional, or mental problems. How to Connect with Your Troubled Adult Children is a follow-up to Setting Boundaries® with Your Adult Children... meant to guide a parent with rational responses rather than emotional responses for the needs of their adult children who are unable to assimilate into a "normal" life of responsibilities due to physical or emotional issues.

One of my favorite parts was Six Steps For S.A.N.I.T.Y.! Using these steps will help clarify and form a plan of action that will be beneficial for everyone involved. This, coupled with templates of letters and contracts, can be used to establish boundaries that truly do make a difference. Uncertainty about rules and expectations raise already high stress levels.

A single book is not going to resolve all of your issues, but the practical advice, empathy, and resources referenced make this an excellent book for those wanting a healthy relationship with their troubled adult children. The first step (or steps) to make a difference are up to you... and the changes you will need to make. Parenthood goes through many seasons and you must adapt. I highly recommend How to Connect with Your Troubled Adult Children to guide you through uncertain territory.

I was provided a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author and volunteered for the opportunity to provide an honest, impartial review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts and opinions I have expressed are entirely my own.

Order the book at one of the following links:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

Swipe Right - Levi Lusko

Swipe Right: The Life-and-Death Power of Sex and Romance (Thomas Nelson) by Levi Lusko: Love, sex, romance and relationships are powerful, but too often are treated as trivial and disposable in today's society. In this book, Lusko, pastor of Fresh Life Church, a multisite church in Montana, and the founder of Skull Church and the O2 Experience, shares how to go beyond meaningless sex to a lasting relationship that is much more fulfilling.

Some of the things Levi Lusko shares with honesty from both his own life experiences and God’s Word are:

• regret-proof your marriage bed and your deathbed
• resist settling for instant pleasure by discovering what your heart really longs for
• learn how to avoid and treat sexual scars by careful living today
• turn the clumsy “sex talk” with your child into dialogue that leads to wise choices
• transform a stagnant marriage by trading predictable nearness for mind-blowing intimacy 

God created sex, so His plan is for sex to be a pleasure, but also a part of a committed relationship between a husband and wife. Lusko has written a powerful book that is honest, relatable, and often funny. Going beyond the physical act, he also speaks on emotional intimacy, porn, and how we sometimes block God's best for us by answering the voice that yells, "NOW!" rather than waiting.

This is also a book for those who are thinking, "Too late for me now." Yes, this book is better to read when you are young and willing to commit to God's standards, but there comes a time when you recommit to a standard and set out on a new path. "Sampson's Hair Began to Grow" is one of my favorite chapters. Sampson's story has always been one of my least favorites, but I have been learning a lot lately from this man who was one of God's chosen...yet chose his way over God's every time. Yet, in the end, God was able to use him. 

 My only issue with the book is also one of the reasons I will absolutely recommend it to others. Sometimes I simply did not have a clue what the man was referencing! I am a Pop Culture illiterate. I have never heard of dating apps like Tinder...and I certainly was not going to Google it. I don't watch television, seldom see secular movies, don't play computer games and rarely use my phone. So, I was often puzzled, but have no doubt my children and grandchildren would totally understand. I also loved the section, "Things I Really, Really Want You to Remember." Perfect...even for those who don't like to read. 

I received a copy of this book at no cost to myself for review purposes. I was only required to give an honest review.

Of Stillness and Storm - Michele Phoenix

"of stillness and storm" by Michele Phoenix is, in her own words, "My hope is that this novel will be a cautionary tale..."

It took Lauren and her husband ten years to achieve their dream—reaching primitive tribes in remote regions of Nepal. But while Sam treks into the Himalayas for weeks at a time, finding passion and purpose in his work among the needy, Lauren and Ryan stay behind, their daily reality more taxing than inspiring. For them, what started as a calling begins to feel like the family’s undoing.
At the peak of her isolation and disillusion, a friend from Lauren’s past enters her life again. But as her communication with Aidan intensifies, so does the tension of coping with the present while reengaging with the past. It’s thirteen-year-old Ryan who most keenly bears the brunt of her distraction.

Intimate and bold, Of Stillness and Storm weaves profound dilemmas into a tale of troubled love and honorable intentions gone awry. (Thomas Nelson product description)

I have mixed feelings on this book. Phoenix did bring more layers to characters as the story enfolded, although my frustration with each also increased as I read. The story is thought-provoking, especially for families who feel the call to become missionaries, so mission accomplished as far as what Phoenix hoped to convey. Perhaps the clearer vision of the reader is what leads to my frustration with the book. I can't fault her for creating characters I don't particularly like, but I grew more annoyed rather than more empathetic. This is definitely not a "happily ever after" fairy tale, which is not a requirement for my enjoyment of a story, but I would have liked to have felt a bit more hope for the characters.

The writing itself is very good, and the story flows well and gains momentum toward a suspected conclusion. I confess, I wasn't sure HOW the author would arrive there, so I will not say predictable, but it was a conclusion that left me feeling empty. I can't judge the book based solely on my opinion of the characters, but neither can I say I loved the book. However, it is an interesting study of missionary life from a viewpoint one may not have fully considered. I have an opinion, but each person should be free to draw their own.

Thanks to Handlebar Marketing for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

21 Myths (Even Good) Girls Believe about Sex

21 Myths (Even Good) Girls Believe about Sex: Pursuing Love with Passion and Purity by Jennifer Strickland (U R More) reveals some of the untruths that many have about love, sex, dating and more. This is a frank discussion of lies you may have been told and explores a variety of topics to uncover the truth of God's plan for sex and purity in comparison to what today's secular culture says. Written primarily for teen and college-aged young women, there are truths to be discovered by females---and males---of all ages. 

 

Filled with personal anecdotes and experiences of those who have experiences of the varying topics, Biblical wisdom, and the author's personal stories and thoughts, this book is a frank and refreshingly honest discussion that does not offer condemnation or shame. There is guidance offered, but not in a bombastic "turn or burn" style that only criticizes. Whether the reader is a victim or is making an active choice, love and acceptance are freely given...but with a balanced viewpoint that is Biblically sound. On the negative side, some seemed a bit too simple and naive. People do not always respond to your sincerity when you say love someone while not condoning their lifestyle. I totally get it, but have also watched the world become angrier and more bitter if everything they believe is not embraced. However, I do agree with what Jennifer said about loving people and treating them with respect. 

 

I do highly recommend this book as a great resource for all. Whether you have not yet begun to date or if you have been through so many experiences that you feel it is too late to change---or, like many of us, somewhere in between, the book has truths that we all need poured into our lives.

Disclosure: I received a free download of this book from the author. However, all opinions are my own.

 

About Jennifer Strickland: As a speaker, Jen draws upon her life as a former professional model to help women and girls find their beauty, value, and purpose. Unveiling the lies of the media about women's worth, Jen deposits true value in her listeners' hearts. She speaks on college, high school, and junior high campuses (public and private); at recovery centers, women's prisons, sororities, and at womens' and girls' events. She is also speaks at writer's conferences and to women in leadership. Visit her website at U R More with Jennifer Strickland.

 

 

Team Us

Team Us: Marriage Together by Ashleigh Slater (Forward by Dr. Gary Chapman, "5 Love Languages") offers practical ways to cultivate and strengthen unity in their marriages. Author Ashleigh Slater shares from her own marriage as she presents couples with realistic ideas on how to foster cooperation, deepen commitment, and exercise grace on a daily basis.

What are you agreeing to when you say “I do”? When a couple promises “I do,” they agree to more than just a shared last name, a joint bank account, and no more dateless nights. This husband and wife duo forms a new team. “Life together” becomes their mantra. Nothing can come between them. At least, that’s the plan. But then real life sets in. With it come disappointments and frustrations. If the couple isn’t intentional in their day-to-day interactions, that once enthusiastic “we” can slowly revert to “you” and “me.” Before long, the couple’s left wondering what happened to their team spirit.(back cover)

"Team Us" Official Book Trailer 
My Review: This is a personal, hands-on book of experiences gained that help a marriage survive and thrive. We live during a time when many people are not even willing to work through the small differences, let alone major ones, so I really like the team emphasis. There is a conversational tone that gives one the impression of chatting with a friend. Comments included as blurbs from Ashleigh's husband, Ted, carry on that impression. You've had those times with friends when a spouse adds another POV or clarity. Most added a humorous touch and I enjoyed reading Ted's thoughts.

While this isn't a book suitable for me, I have no hesitation about passing it along to my recently married granddaughter. It is important to realize from the beginning of a marriage that you and your spouse are a new team who must work together. From the silly things like television preferences to major issues of moving and loss, it is important to understand that compromise and even caring more about bring joy to your spouse can turn around frustrations and build a solid foundation.

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Leave a comment to be entered into drawing for a copy of book...no later than Feb 11, 2015 at 12 Noon. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. USA & Canada only. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Ashleigh Slater's website

Spoken For by Robin Jones Gunn & Alyssa Joy Bethke

Spoken For: Embracing Who You Are and Whose You Are by Robin Jones Gunn and Alyssa Joy Bethke

A great romance was set in motion before you were born. A relentless Lover is pursuing you, and He has made His intentions clear. He wants you to be His forever. How will you respond to the One who longs for you to be His with your whole heart?
In Spoken For, Robin Jones Gunn and Alyssa Joy Bethke speak to your heart about what it means for you to belong to Christ, who you are because of His love, and how that affects the way you live. Drawing on biblical promises and their personal experiences,   these two friends share what it’s like to live out God’s unfolding love story.
You are not up for grabs. You are spoken for.
Includes questions for group discussion and personal reflection.  (publisher description) 

Spoken For speaks to all who have ever known the pain of rejection from someone they loved or feel that not even God loves them.Chances are, this includes all who will be reading this. Robin and Alyssa share painful break-ups in their own lives with the grieving process and their eventual healing. This includes anecdotes from falling in love with the men they married and the assurance that God has a better plan if we rely on Him. But, more than just stories of human courtship and love, they share the love God has for us. Through stories and the discussion questions, the reader is shown that God wants to pursue her in a relationship that makes her feel treasured and loved beyond measure. Chapters include:
1. An Epic Love Story – Yours
2. You Are Wanted
3. You Are Pursued
4. You Are Loved
5. You Have Been Called
6. You Are of Great Value
7. You Are a Peculiar Treasure
8. You Are Set Free
9. You Are Covered
10. You Are Promised
11. You Are Spoken For
 
Maybe because of my age, my favorite part was not in the romantic love stories. There was a story Robin told about a young girl who came to her house, upset because her parents refused to let her see a move that all her friends were going to see. Using 2 Timothy 2:21 and a fine china plate, Robin uses both to explain that her parents love her and want her to be special and to keep her mind pure. That reminder made more of an impact on me when considering Christ as the Bridegroom and me (as part of the Church) as the waiting Bride.

Really good book and I did enjoy it and found truths and reminders I need (often) that God loves me and is pursuing me. While it did not always capture my full attention, I would definitely recommend it for high schoolers and college-aged women. Naturally, older women can get a lot out of it too, but I found it more suitable for a younger age.

FTC Disclaimer: I received this book for free from "Blogging for Books" for my honest review.

New Hope

Michael (Samuel Davis) is not thrilled about his family's move to New Hope, a small, close-knit southern town. After all, it is his senior year. He is even less enthused about joining the town's high school basketball team, especially when he begins to bump heads with the team's star player, Lucas (Ben Davies). Lucas is fiercely loyal to the memory of his brother Chase -- the victim of a suicide that shook the entire town to its core. To Lucas, Michael is reaping everything Chase left behind -- an insult he refuses to accept. Jasmine (Perry Frost), Chase's longtime girlfriend, still has not found peace a year after his tragic death -- until a chance meeting with Michael. Michael's faith is tested as he endures confrontations with Lucas on and off the basketball court and through his growing fascination with Jasmine. With topics including peer pressure, alcohol, sex, suicide, relationships, and acceptance, New Hope captures the life of the modern teenager. Written by R2 PRODUCTIONS

I really wanted to like this film, but I didn't. The three stars were good, but many of the actors in the adult roles were very wooden when speaking; there were pauses in odd places. The animosity between the 2 male accelerated too quickly and ended so suddenly that it made little sense. The whole storyline just seemed too rushed, especially for the time frame indicated. There were believable moments, but then they would be shattered by little things that I found annoying. Life is messy, so I guess it is to be expected in a film too. This isn't one I want to watch twice to see if I just missed something.

Hidden Secrets

Hidden Secrets is an ensemble cast film that reminds me a lot of The Big Chill. When several old friends gather for a long weekend to attend the funeral of a beloved friend, the old memories, new lifestyles and rigid attitudes cause conflict among them and jealousies to surface. Jeremy (David A.R. White) arrives with fiancee' Rachel (Staci Keanan) who is clearly jealous of his past relationship with Sherry (Tracy Melchior). Successful author Harold (Gregg Binkley) is married to the rigidly legalistic Rhonda (Autumn Paul). Rhonda is determined to convert Gary (John Schneider)...much to his amusement. The secrets that some of these people have are very hot topic issues that can be treated with contempt or overlooked as being inconsequential depending on your worldview or beliefs. Will their past change their present when it is revealed? Other cast includes Corin Nemac, Reginald VelJohnson, Rachael Lampa, and Building 429. Directed by Carey Scott and written by Sean Paul Murphy, Timothy Ratajczak, Michael Scott, Carey Scott, David A.R. White, and Russell Wolfe.

Actually, this is one of my favorite faith-based films. I think I have known most of these characters and been a few of them during different times in my life. Rhonda was the character most either disliked, laughed at, or identified with up to a point. It can be hard to love others as Jesus does when you always see things as black and white, wrong or right; you can easily lose your compassion for others when legalism rules your thoughts..I think this film has a good balance between relaying a Christian message and entertaining the viewer. I laughed, and even got teary-eyed at points, but there were things that made me think too. I found myself examining my own attitudes toward many people and topics. Great writing and believable characters and just a lot of fun to watch.

Live Second Post #2: Love Defined

Live Second: 365 Ways To Make Jesus First by Doug Bender contains 365 daily readings and prayers meant to inspire people to consider what life might look like if Jesus were First. I am one of many bloggers who loved the I am Second book and was invited to participate in the launch of this one. This is my 2nd post from Session 2 and it is Relationships: Love Defined.

The video from this one is Jeff and Cheryl Scruggs who married, divorced, and later remarried. Their story was told in the first I Am Second book, plus many details were shared in the recent book about their daughter, Lauren--Still Lolo.

There were several topics available in this section, but the one I chose was Love Defined...based on 1 Corinthians 13:1-8. Many are familiar with this passage, but I like the way it was presented to me once---by personalizing it.

If Cindy speaks human or angelic languages
but do not have love, she is a sounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 
If Cindy has the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if Cindy has all faith
so that she can move mountains but does not have love, she is nothing. 
And if Cindy donates all her goods to feed the poor,
and if Cindy gives her body in order to boast but does not have love, she gains nothing.
Cindy is patient, Cindy is kind. Cindy does not envy, is not boastful, is not conceited, does not act improperly, is not selfish, is not provoked, and does not 
keep a record of wrongs. Cindy finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in <sup>the truth. Cindy bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Cindy's love never ends.

I wish those things were true of me, but I can not lay claim to even one. I fail daily, but Jesus will never fail when we depend on Him to be all we need. If you want a relationship to work, Jesus is first. When I think of the relationship I have with him I am second...and that is a wonderful thing!!</sup>
 

I greatly appreciate the free ebook I received to be a part of this launch campaign, and I recommend you check out the offers provided for this week.