The Girl's Still Got It by Liz Curtis Higgs

Liz Curtis Higgs ~author, speaker, encourager~ is a favorite of mine, and I was delighted to get the opportunity to review her newest book, The Girl's Still Got It. We walk with Ruth on her journey from Moab to Bethlehem, as she leaves behind all that is familiar to her to go with her mother-in-law, Naomi, to live in a new land, with new people. As Ruth discards the false idols she was raised to worship, and devotes herself to the one true God, she shows a faith that is unshakeable. The future may be uncertain, but Ruth simply steps out in faith.

There are 2 others who make a direct impact on Ruth's life:

•  Naomi’s life may seem shattered with no hope and no future, but watch as the broken pieces of her life are mended back together. Her bitterness is reversed and great joy is restored as she learns God still has a plan for her too. 

• Boaz blesses the women with his kindness and generosity. He not only responds to Ruth in a manner that pleases and honors God, but is also a portrait of Christ as our kinsman-redeemer.

The real story of these people, as well as the symbolism and lessons to be learned make this both a satisfying read and an outstanding Bible study.  Click on this link to download and read Chapter One. I have heard and read the story of Ruth numerous times through-out my life, yet I still learned new things reading this.

As a special treat, here is Liz Curtis Higgs with "Righteous Ruth Rap":

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

Tooting Your Own Horn

Perhaps the title is a bit misleading. This isn't a blog on bragging, by me or by someone else. This is more of a vent. We all have those little things that annoy us, and for me it is the use, or to be more accurate...the misuse of a car horn.

For a while I was walking quite a bit, but fell out of the habit. Well, after renewing my commitment to start again, I have quickly been reminded of one of the things I dislike about it. It is more convenient for me to walk along the sidewalk of a fairly busy road, and I prefer to walk at night. Without fail, I can guarantee at least one person will blow their horn.

There is one reason to blow your horn at me that is acceptable: You are about to hit me with your vehicle!! I am careful to look both ways before crossing the street, but perhaps your car is out of control. Or, chances are that you may not know that I have no intention of stepping out in front of a speeding piece of machinery. A bit paranoid, but okay.

 If you know me, I'm sorry, but I can pretty much guarantee I won't have a clue who YOU are...unless you drive something very distinctive...like the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile! Even then, I really prefer not to be honked at. These are usually prayer walks too, and I have to stop, repent my thoughts, and forgive you before continuing my conversation with the Lord.
If you don't know me, or for those who live in other areas and just like to honk at strangers, PLEASE EXPLAIN THIS FASCINATION TO ME!! 

While I am on the subject, the car horn is used appropriately to warn of impending danger. It is NOT or shouldn't be used to express annoyance. Again, I don't see the point.

Honestly, my distaste for the car horn is not reserved for when I am walking. If I am at home, and you show up UNEXPECTED and UNINVITED, DO NOT BLOW YOUR HORN and expect ME to come outside unless you meet one of the following exceptions:

1.  You are physically disabled and need assistance.
2.  A passenger in your car cannot be left unattended and has good reason to stay in the car. You know...a sleeping infant, etc.
3.  There is an animal or snake (or, in the case of one of my sons...Itsy Bitsy Spider is on your car window! *sigh*) between the car and you. I won't go out either if there is a angry animal or a snake...but I will call someone to come remove it. I can handle spiders! LOL!

Ok, rant is over!!  I just haven't done many random thoughts lately. I was going to do my latest cooking disaster, but returned from walk still annoyed about car horns. So, if you see me walking down the street....you can tell me about it later. :)

Great For God

 "Great for God", by David Shibley shares short biographies of 23 missionaries who faithfully served on the mission field, both abroad and through media. The individual stories demonstrate the way an individual can make a profound impact on the lives of others when they make themselves available to God's service. Many had spouses and children working along side them, but others chose to step out alone. Some are names that are well-known through-out the Christian community, and others are unfamiliar...but their ministries have reached the world for Christ.

This is a fairly short (144 pages), and easily read book and would be perfect for anyone wanting to do a brief study on missionaries. Included are the names of the missionaries, date and places of their births and deaths, country/place of service, their legacy, a quote by them, a Scripture that illustrates their ministry or viewpoint, and ends with a short bio of their life and ministry.

I hate to highlight just a few of of the ones who stood out to me (but you need to get a copy of this book anyway.), but I did want to make special mention of the following quotes:
1. William Carey ~ "Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God."
2. Jim Elliot ~ "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."
3. Lottie Moon ~ "How many there are . . . who imagine that because Jesus paid it all, they need pay nothing, forgetting that the prime objective of their salvation was that they should follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ in bringing back a lost world to God."
4. Dawson Trotman ~ "We’ve got the truth to dispel this darkness. We’ve got to get it out, out, out."
5. Bob Pierce ~ "Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God."


Personally, I have to admit that Bob Pierce is a particular favorite inspiration of mine, but he was behind the roots of 2 areas near and dear to me: World Vision, and Samaritan's Purse. He was also a pioneer in making Christian films.

While this was not one of the missionary's quotes, one from the book that really stood out to me is, “The object of reading biography…is not imitation but inspiration.” - Phillips Brooks. The people I read about in this book are an inspiration, and even more importantly, the God whom they devoted their lives to is the One I want to imitate.  "Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with Him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of Himself to us. Love like that." ~ Ephesians 5:1-2 (The Message)

Like Great For God facebook page.

 New Leaf Publishing  graciously provide me with a download of this book, and I do want to thank them for that. I was not required to give a positive review.

Break Through by Tim Clinton

Relationships. They are a part of everyone's lives: parents, siblings, spouse, friends...the list is endless. The issue is whether your relationship with others is healthy or unhealthy. What I Did For Love is more than just a show tune; it is also a lifestyle of unhealthy relationships for some people. In BREAK THROUGH, Dr. Tim Clinton explores some of the relationships we have with others and what makes them healthy or damaging. He, along with author Pat Springle, have written an easy to read book...yet one that can seem hard as one is confronted by their own reflection in some of the cases given. I know there were a couple of examples written that described me, even to the point of using terms I have only heard myself use. I believe the advice given in the book would most likely be very useful, and it has given me a few things to think about.

Read a sample chapter by clicking on this link:  Break Through: Chapter One
You can also watch this video by Tim Clinton:



Hear Wayne Shepherd interview Tim Clinton. This interview was recorded for the audiobook edition from Oasis Audio. 

Dr. Tim Clinton, LPC, LMFT, is president of the nearly 50,000-member American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) and the founder of Light University Online, which has over 160,000 students enrolled. A licensed professional counselor and marriage and family therapist, he is also professor of counseling and executive director of the Center for Counseling and Family Studies at Liberty University.

Links for Dr Tim Clinton:
https://www.facebook.com/drtimclinton
http://www.TimClinton.com
http://www.TimClintonBlog.com
http://www.youtube.com/DrTimClinton
http://www.twitter.com/DrTimClinton
http://www.AACC.net
http://lightcounseling.net
http://www.liberty.edu/academics/arts-sc...

Pat Springle is the founder of Baxter Press and coauthor of the classic work Codependency. Pat served on the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ and was an executive at Rapha Treatment Centers. Springle has authored and coauthored more than 50 books.


You can purchase this book at great retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and ChristianBook.com.

I want to thank Julie of Handlebar Marketing for providing me with a copy of this book. It was only requested that I give an honest opinion, and a positive review was not required.

I was also provided with an extra copy for a giveaway!! Please respond no later than Friday, June 1. 2012 at 5pm CDT if you wish to be entered.

Cowgirls 'N Angels

Cowgirls N' Angels is a family-friendly film that tells the story of Ida (Bailee Madison). Ida is a strong-willed young girl, being raised by her mom ( Alicia Witt). All she knows about her dad is that he was a rodeo rider, and she is determined to find him. While looking for him at the local rodeo, she connects with the Sweethearts of the Rodeo, a team of young female rodeo riders run by former rodeo star Terence Parker (James Cromwell). Reluctantly, her mom allows her to join the group, and they quickly become like a family to her.


This is a cute film, reminiscent of the Disney films from when I was younger. While some of the film was a bit corny or far-fetched, it is a breath of fresh air as far as the 'bathroom humor' laden films that are too often aimed at tweens. Kids who love horses, trick riding, and rodeos will especially love this film. A budding romance between one of the older 'Sweethearts' (Madison Burge) and a cowboy (Jackson Rathbone) brings an added dimension to the film. There were lessons learned about respect and starting over after making a mistake yet without being overly "preachy". No bad language, no nudity, nothing tossed in for a parent to be hovering over their child worrying about covering their eyes or ears! I enjoyed watching it myself, and it is a very good choice if you are wanting to take the kids out to the movies.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cowgirlsnangels
Website: www.cowgirls-n-angels.com/ 
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOYbWF22mnE

Thanks to Propeller for allowing me to see an online advanced screening of this film. I was not required to give a positive review, merely asked for an honest opinion.

The Genesis Code dvd

Kerry Wells (Kelsey Sanders), a college journalist and committed Christian with an effervescent personality, has been assigned to do a story on Blake Truman (Logan Bartholomew) the college’s newest and very popular hockey superstar. As a relationship between them begins to develop Kerry finds that Blake, who hides behind a tough and independent façade, is actually struggling through a difficult personal crisis and that he bears the cross of a secret he has kept hidden for years. Blake rebuffs Kerry's suggestion that prayer might help ease his burden; he is convinced that modern science completely disproves the Bible, especially the opening verses of Genesis. Kerry — who is herself suddenly confronted with a challenge to her faith on another front — sets out to prove that science and Genesis are not in conflict and her quest leads to a startling revelation. Could it be that what science teaches us about creation and the Story as told in Genesis are both true! ~ (from the dvd cover)

Website: http://www.thegenesiscodemovie.com/ 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thegenesiscodemovie 
Twitter: http://www.facebook.com/thegenesiscodemovie   
Dove Foundation Review: http://www.dove.org/reviewpopup.asp?Unique_ID=8437   
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2p4Cs_QkwsM&feature=player_embedded

Creation is a subject that has long been debated. There are too many theories, and it all creates conflict and confusion. I believe God created. It has never mattered to me how He chose to do or how long it actually took. Science interests me, but most of it overwhelms me, so I had a bit of trepidation when I saw what this film is actually about. (I glanced at it and thought it was a sports film; I like those.)

The Genesis Code turned out to be a fun film with quirky characters, witty dialogue, and an intriguing plot. The marriage of Biblical accounts of creation and scientific evidence made sense to me, and I could embrace that theory. However, I am not qualified to say if it is accurate; I just know I enjoyed the presentation. Some of the subplots were more plausible that others, but it gave you a chance to get to know more about the characters and establish a relationship with them.

 Of course, the cast of Hollywood veterans who appear in the film make it even more engaging. I would have wanted this dvd just for Ernest Borgnine alone! Other fabulous actors in this film are Louise Fletcher, Fred Dalton Thompson, Lance Henriksen, Rance Howard, Catherine Hicks, Ben Murphy, and Susan Blakely. Along with marvelous actors, there are some awesome graphics. While there were a few parts in the film I wasn't satisfied with, it made me laugh and it made me think: both of those make this a film I would recommend.

“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.”

Christian Films

 The subject of Christian film...and what YOU think "Christian Film" means has been the topic of several discussions lately. I am of the opinion that Christian film is a label that should not necessarily be used. Just the words cause some people to automatically love or hate a film. When reading the reviews of films that are categorized as 'Christian', it always seems to boil down to followers of Christ raving about the perfection or nonbelievers ranting about the absurdity of the film content. Both viewpoints are unfair to the makers of the films and the potential viewers. A major point of contention is often whether faith-based films are meant to proselytize.

In fact, one of my FB friends, Clayton Michael Frasier recently asked: "DO YOU THINK THAT CHRISTIAN FILM DOES WHAT THEY THINK IT DOES; AS IN SAVES PEOPLE, BRINGS PEOPLE TO CHRIST?" 
Please go chime in with your answer!! (click here for link)

Another complaint is the opinion that Christian films are "cheesy" or of poor quality. There are some poorly made films that the Christian community is sometimes "guilted" into supporting. However, is this a fair evaluation of ALL faith-based films?  Have they compromised to appeal to more people...just to 'lure' them into theaters? Do you think the quality of these films is improving? Recently, producer Benjamin Dane sat down with BTFS Editor, James Burgess to talk about the evolution of faith-based films (and what makes Beyond The Farthest Star different.)






What do you think? I must admit, a couple of films did immediately come to my mind. I would love to hear more of what he has to say about how Christian film and filmmaking has changed from earlier efforts. Also, more on what he (or any of my readers) consider to be good or poorly made Christian films...both past and present.

James Burgess ( Pros And Cons: A Fantasy Football Movie, Still Born, Pilgrim's Progress) is pictured here in a late night Beyond The Farthest Star editing session with actor/producer Benjamin Dane and writer/director Andrew Librizzi.

 (I know there are other films I could have used, but y'all know this is my favorite. lol) 




My point...and the reason I was unable to simply answer my friends question... is that each film is not necessarily meant to have an 'altar call' at the end. Should a filmmaker even try to encompass all of Christianity in one film? Amazing Grace is one of my favorite films, and part of the reason is because it was about a man who was a Christian yet the film did not try to beat people upside the head with a Bible. It was simply a realistic film of a man who made his decisions based on his faith...just as I do in my own life. I like films that strengthen my faith or make me think. I also have no issue with films that do boldly lay out the plan of salvation.  But a film that is well-written, sincerely told, and doesn't feel 'forced' and will open a dialogue about why I believe what I do about Jesus with a non-believer is amazing. There is room for most genres of film to be made with a Christian perspective, and we should offer the best of our talents to Christ. I am excited to see what the future holds for the film industry as more people are raising a standard of excellence.