Surprised by Oxford

SURPRISED BY OXFORD WILL BE AVAILABLE TO RENT OR BUY FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER. Step inside the beauty of Oxford University and discover a timeless story about asking life’s big questions. Directed by Ryan Whitaker.

Caro Drake, a brilliant but emotionally guarded American student, arrives at the University of Oxford with the goal of attaining her PhD. Through a turbulent friendship with a charming young man, she begins to open herself up to mystery, vulnerability, and love.

Buy or Rent Surprised by Oxford during the month of November! LINK

 

 

 

 

MY REVIEW: 
Caro Drake (Rose Reid) had a turbulent childhood, but it made her more determined to achieve academic success. Receiving a full academic scholarship to Oxford University was a dream come true, and one that led her to where she never expected to go...into a faith she had dismissed as childish.

This journey also led her to a fellow American in Oxford who happened to be a devout Christian. Kent Weber (Ruairi O'Connor), also known as TDH, patiently pursued her as a love interest but was one of the main people who helped teach Carolyn that faith and intellectual facts are not opposite. Surprised by Oxford explores Christianity on a more intellectual level than many faith-related films which appeals to those who may not be reached by the average Christian film.

The movie is based on the memoir of Carolyn Weber, Surprised by Oxford. Of course, the title of the film is a nod to the book, Surprised by Joy by C.S. Lewis... another Oxford scholarship recipient who discovered his faith in Christianity as an adult. Overall, it's a good film. There are a couple of PG-13 type swear words and adult situations spoken of, but nothing that merits a warning. See it for yourself at Surprised-by-Oxford

Giveaway: A free Vimeo download code to watch the film (Note: This is limited to US winners only.) Please submit your full name and email address by 11/22/23 using #SurprisedByOxfordMIN

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

                                                                                                                   

                                  

Fighting For the Soul of Your Child review

 

Fighting For the Soul of Your Child: A Practical Guide to Biblical Parenting goes deeper than the rudiments of child-rearing to demonstrating the importance of giving your child guidance and boundaries. Written by Jimmy Evans, Karen Evans, and their daughter, Julie Evans Albracht, this book gives practical advice on how to be equipped to raise the child/children God gave you.
1. Empower Your Parenting: Discover practical strategies and insights to empower your role as a parent in shaping your child's future.
2. Time-Tested Wisdom: Benefit from the wisdom of Jimmy and Karen Evans, respected marriage and parenting experts with over 40 years of experience.
3. Protect Their Heart: Learn how to safeguard your child's emotional and spiritual well-being in an increasingly challenging world.
4. Effective Communication: Unlock the secrets to open and honest communication with your child, fostering trust and connection.
5. Spiritual Growth: Explore ways to nurture your child's faith and values, helping them develop a strong moral compass.
6. Navigating Challenges: Gain valuable insights on handling common parenting challenges, from peer pressure to technology addiction.
7. Family Harmony: Discover strategies to strengthen your family bond and create a loving, supportive environment.
8. Real-Life Stories: Engage with relatable stories and examples that illustrate the principles discussed in the book.
9. Transformative Impact: Experience the transformation in your parenting journey as you implement the proven strategies shared in this book.
10. A Lifelong Resource: "Fighting for the Soul of Your Child" is a timeless resource that will guide you through the various stages of your child's growth.

Order your copy of Fighting For the Soul of Your Child today! Use code MIN25 for 25% off your book purchase at the XO Store!

MY REVIEW: This is an excellent book that I wish had been available when I was a young mother. Not only is it useful for the parents of toddlers, but also for the parents of teens and young adults who are exploring sexuality and relationships. Actually, they agree that this is a topic that will most likely need to be addressed in elementary school, but at a level more suitable for their age. Children are much more aware of sex than I was as a child. BUT, sex is certainly not the only topic the book covers.

Just as a young child asks WHY?, you may be wondering why some forms of discipline or conversation are important. They explain the importance. I also love the personal stories shared. Don't think this book is just for parents, though. As a great-grandparent, I saw the wisdom imparted and how I can make up a difference, but there was something even more important. The final chapter left me with HOPE.

Regrets over mistakes made or seeing an adult child who has drifted (or ran) from God can cause deep grief and guilt. Jimmy Evans encourages the reader not to believe it's too late if your child is no longer a child. He shares a story of a man who accepted Christ as his Savior in his 80s. Decades after his death, a father's prayers for his son were answered! No matter if your baby is still a baby or is now a grandparent, KEEP PRAYING.

GIVEAWAY: Enter to Win 1 physical copy of Fighting For the Soul of Your Child. Please submit your full name and mailing address by 11/12. (Note: This is limited to US winners only.)

DISCLAIMER: Many thanks to XO Publishing for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

XO Publishing Website
Use code MIN25 for 25% off your purchase of "Fighting For the Soul of Your Child" at the XO Store!

 

Amazing Days of Grace - John Barton

Amazing Days of Grace: God's Blessings through Difficult Afflictions and Unusual Disabilities by John Barton is a well-written book of inspiration and encouragement to all, but especially to those who are suffering unexpected trials with health issues. In this book, Barton shares his transformation journey with God following his diagnosis of Stage 4 tongue cancer.

Mr. Barton faces challenges that few can imagine but he has learned to manage a full life while making adjustments as needed. His wife, family, and friends have certainly played a vital role, but what shines brightly is his faith in and love for his Savior, Jesus Christ. The reminder that even in our weakest moments, we gain our strength in Christ, is the clear message of the book. Barton encourages the reader to not give up and that we still are to run the race given us to reach the goal of hearing, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

I recommend this book to anyone who needs encouragement and hope. His joy in the Lord is evident and his accomplishments will lead you to face and rise above your own disabilities, whether they be physical, mental, or spiritual. Trust God and step out in faith.

LINKS:
AMAZON - Buy Book

BARNES & NOBLE - Buy Book

John T. Barton website

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
John Barton is a follower of Jesus Christ, is originally from Starkville, Mississippi, and has lived in the Memphis suburb of Collierville, Tennessee, for twenty-seven years. He has served in several lay leadership and service roles in churches, including teacher, small group leader, deacon, treasurer, and elder. As a survivor of stage four tongue cancer, he deals with unusual disabilities daily. John has been married to Candy for thirty-seven years, and they are blessed to have three adult children and two daughters-in-law. John enjoys retirement and having more time to do the things he loves most: visiting family and friends, studying God's Word, journalling, walking, serving in church, reading, writing, and encouraging others.

*I received a copy of the book from the author at no cost to myself or compensation and with no promise or expectation of a positive review. All opinions and thoughts are 100% my own.

Jesus Followers: Real-Life Lessons for Igniting Faith in the Next Generation

 

Jesus Followers: Real-Life Lessons for Igniting Faith in the Next Generation by Anne Graham Lotz and Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright is about building a family legacy of authentic faith!

The daughter and the granddaughter of evangelist Billy Graham share stories of how the baton of belief has been passed down from previous generations and how they continue to pass it to the next generations. They also explore characters and stories of biblical characters found in Genesis 5. Not only do we see how faith was passed down to others in Biblical history, but we have actual stories from the lives of a family known worldwide for sharing their faith, but this time within a more intimate setting of their home life.

 

Basically, the book tells stories of how members of the Graham family,
including spouse's families, learned how to trust and follow Jesus demonstrate the importance of remembering that loved ones are watching and listening. Some of the moments shared revealed how childhood memories make a greater impact than realized at the time.

Divided into 4 parts: Our Witness, Our Worship, Our Walk, and Our Work... An introduction shares about passing the Baton of Truth. A question is often included at the end of each chapter with Scripture and a Be a Jesus Follower statement. The book isn't exactly what I expected, but in many ways, it was what I need. My cousins and I treasure memories of our grandparents and parents, but don't pass enough of those memories down. Most of all, though, I need to focus on the legacy I am leaving my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A legacy of faith is vital.

Thank you to Net Galley and Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers for providing a copy of this book in advance to read. I was not required to give a positive review, but asked for an honest one. All thoughts and opinions are my own.