Christmas Jars movie

Based on the book by Jason F. Wright, CHRISTMAS JARS shares the story of Hope Jensen, a reporter who uncovers the remarkable secret behind a holiday phenomenon: money-filled glass jars were anonymously given to people in need. This best-selling novel created a new holiday tradition that changed the lives of people all over the country. CHRISTMAS JARS is a one-night movie event that provides hope to all as we enter this special season. In theaters Monday, November 4 only, CHRISTMAS JARS is a heartfelt reminder that kindness truly is contagious.

MY REVIEW: Christmas Jars is a wonderful, inspirational film about the special generosity and kindness that fills many during Christmas time. Hope Jenson is abandoned as a baby at a diner, where she is discovered by the waitress, who adopts her. As a young woman, during a Christmas of much loss, Hope finds a jar of money on her doorstep that simply says Christmas Jar. Her curiosity inspires her to reach out to her boss to request she be allowed to research and file the story herself for the online magazine where she works as an assistant. 

Using false pretenses, she finds the people who originated the Christmas Jars tradition many years earlier, but they share with her on condition of anonymity. Of course, they all grow close, lies are brought to light, and we hope for the heart-warming, miraculous ending that satisfies.

Does it? It worked for me! The important thing is that this is EXACTLY the type of movie you want to see to start off the holiday season with warm, fuzzy feelings, and inspiration to share the love and kindness with others. Whether you go for a date night, family fun, night out with the girls, a pick-me-up film for yourself, Christmas Jars is a feel-good film you need to see!

Keep in mind, this is a FATHOM EVENTS ONE NIGHT ONLY MOVIE. Christmas Jars will only be screened on NOVEMBER 4th! Pre-order your tickets HERE through Fathom Events!

GIVEAWAY!! One winner will receive a free DVD of Christmas Jars (when it is available for release). Simply use #ChristmasJarsL3 in the comments to enter the drawing. Contest ends at noon, November 3, 2019.

Disclaimer: I was given a digital link of the movie at no cost to myself via BYUtv and LEV3Ldigital. 

SOCIAL MEDIA SITES:

Learn more about the film at the official website, and feel free to follow the film’s socials.

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Dear Grandchild, This Is Me

Dear Grandchild, This Is Me: A Gift of Stories, Wisdom, and Off-the-Record Tales.

 

This book is a special keepsake for your grandchild, inspired by you. It is a condensed diary of your life.


Being a grandparent is a wonderfully rewarding experience. With this valuable keepsake, you can gift your voice and memories to future generations. Whether providing snapshots of your childhood, details of your heritage, or your declassified personal “secrets,” your grandchild will treasure this glimpse into your unique story.

My Review: I love genealogy and family history so this is a book I am very excited about. I loved hearing stories from my parents and grandparents but some memories have faded over time and there is so much more I wish I had asked. This is a perfect opportunity to write down memories you wish to share and leave a legacy by sharing what you have learned over the years and teaching your grandchild about your values and faith.

 
Special Features:
* Built-in envelopes to stash special, private letters for specific occasions in your grandchild's future.
* A sheet of adhesive photo corners to adhere photographs and special memories throughout.
* Off-the-record questions to prompt fun stories.
* A family tree to trace your ancestry.
* Space to share your favorite recipes or those passed through the generations.
* A world map to showcase your travels.

Some of the questions are simple and straightforward. Others require a bit more thought. My one minor complaint is that there is too little room to answer some questions but you can always write more on paper and place it in one of the built-in envelopes.

The hardback book is beautifully illustrated and makes a perfect gift. Keep in mind, this is not a gift to give to a young child, but a wonderful keepsake to put aside for adulthood. This would be excellent to give to new or expectant grandparents so they could begin to write their memories and gather (or copy) special photos. Or, grandparents could buy one for each grandchild and began filling in the details as well as making each book uniquely personal.

I received an advanced readers copy of Dear Grandchild, This is Me for this review as part of the Waterbrook Launch Team. I was not required to write a positive review and all book review opinions are strictly my own

Catching Faith 2 - DVD

Catching Faith 2 synopsis: Everything seems to be going wrong for the Taylor family right now. Just as Alexa is starting work at her dream job, she’s overwhelmed by caring for her mother suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Her son, Beau, has just lost his professional football career to an injury and her daughter, Ravyn, needs help planning her last-minute wedding. Only with the support of friends and the guiding grace of their faith can the Taylors find the strength to cope with the tidal wave of drama and tragedy that is rolling over their lives.

My Review: Catching Faith 2 (Mustard Seed Entertainment) is the sequel to Catching Faith... which is the story of the Taylor family. Four years have passed since the action of the original which took place during twins Beau and Rayvn's senior high school year and the passing of Alexa's father.

This time Alexa is trying to take care of her mom who has Alzheimer's, and she is just starting a dream job. When she and John receive calls that Beau has been terminated from his pro ball career due to injuries and Ravyn is engaged ... to the son of Alexa's FORMER best friend, this means both kids are also returning home. The demands on Alexa become overwhelming while John remains a steady calm in the background. Once again, Alexa draws strength from her Elijah Project Bible Study.

The film has a mix of drama and comedy and once again does bring up some salient points along the way, especially during the final quarter of the movie (just like with Catching Faith) Both films do appeal to me by the ending, but the journey to get there sometimes takes too long or can get annoying. Alexa's mom is often used as comic relief, but I dislike much of the humor... especially in this film with Alzheimer's thrown into the story arc.

The film is good, although I watched it more than once to pick up some of the nuances. It is family-friendly, and while it is not heavy on the faith side, it is faith-friendly, too. Their Christian faith is displayed and it does have a Biblical worldview with an emphasis on Christian values but I expected more based on the title.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this DVD at no cost to myself for review purposes.

CatchingFaith.com  
RLJ Entertainment 
Edify Films

Jesus In Me - Anne Graham Lotz

In Jesus in Me: Experiencing the Holy Spirit as a Constant Companion, Anne Graham Lotz draws on her rich biblical knowledge as well as her personal story—including her recent cancer diagnosis—to help us understand that the Holy Spirit is not a magic genie, a flame of fire, a force, or a vague feeling. He is a Person who prays for us, guides us in our relationships and decisions, comforts us in pain, and stays by our side at all times. He is not an optional extra in the Christian life; He is a divine necessity. In this simple yet profound teaching, she explores seven key aspects of the Holy Spirit that will revolutionize how you understand and relate to this vital member of the Trinity.

My Review: The Holy Spirit is the person of the Trinity that many of us are not as familiar with despite numerous Biblical references assuring believers of the vital role of the Holy Spirit in our lives once Jesus ascended into Heaven. Anne Graham Lotz has written a book to help us grow in the knowledge of our special relationship with Him and why He is a necessity in our lives.

"The indwelling of the Holy Spirit — the seal — guarantees we belong to God." (page 193) That statement alone is proof of the importance of the Holy Spirit. He is our Constant Companion — our Helper, Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor, Counselor, Strengthener, and Standby. Anne goes into more depth of what each of these names truly mean before delving deeper into how we draw nearer to Him.

Personal stories that illustrate her experiencing the Holy Spirit, along with Scriptural references and stories make this a fascinating read as well as making me longing to lean more on the Holy Spirit and not treat Him as the less important member of the Trinity. I want Him to be very evident in my life. I highly recommend "Jesus In Me" to learn more of Him. The Holy Spirit is not just an option to be ignored.

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book for review purposes as a member of the Waterbrook Launch Team. However, I was not required to give a positive review.

Social Corner:
Jesus In Me site

Anne Graham Lotz Website

 

Anne Graham Lotz on Facebook

Anne Graham Lotz on Twitter

Anne Graham Lotz on Instagram

Something Needs To Change - David Platt

Something Needs to Change by David Platt is the mesmerizing story of the dangerous journey Platt made with several companions through some of the highest mountains in the world. Platt shares the details of the people he met, the experiences of eating and drinking local cuisine and sleeping in frigid altitudes, and of the emotions he felt and how the entire trek fit in with his daily, personal Bible study. Most of all, he shares the challenge he feels on what God wants him to do with all he encountered... and suggests that the reader prays about how God wants to use us to help make needed changes to make a difference...

Perhaps God wants to use you in a way you never imagined. The bland description above does not touch on the raw emotions as Platt describes the abject poverty and harsh conditions of the people living in remote villages. The lack of medical care, the isolation, and the drastic measures some take (or put on their children) to try for a better life; human trafficking is firmly entrenched as promises are made to people desperate for hope. Christianity is unknown in some areas and those who do turn to faith in Jesus when missionaries present the gospel are often treated with suspicion or scorn. The story Platt told about the honor of preaching in one village was touching and we are shown the tremendous faith that believers there have. But Platt also tells the stories of people, both local and abroad, who have given up all to care for these villages simply because they observed that something needs to change and they felt God equipped them to take on the challenge.

My attention was not fully engaged at times, but still, a very good read... and definitely left with something to think about.

Something Needs to Change releases September 17. You can learn more on Wednesday, September 18 when David Platt is offering a FREE SIMULCAST, giving a first-hand account of what he experienced and his prayers for the future.

Social Corner:

David Platt's Website

David Platt on Facebook

David Platt on Twitter

Disclaimer: As a member of the Waterbrook launch team, I was provided a complimentary copy of the book. Opinions expressed are my own.

Defined - Stephen and Alex Kendrick

Inspired by the Kendrick brothers’ new movie OVERCOMER, and written by the best-selling author team behind The Love Dare and The Battle Plan for Prayer. Defined is an exciting new resource, published by B&H Publishers, about discovering your God-given identity and embracing the wonder of who you were created to be.

Defined is a simple yet deep book that guides the reader on the path to discover their identity in Christ. I love the short chapters that give a solid truth that is easy to grasp, but that also share other Scripture the reader can turn to for a further understanding of what the authors are saying. There is also a short prayer at the end of each chapter that you can personalize for yourself. Divided into 5 parts, this makes it even easier to help each person "overcome" the doubts and fears that have built up within the individual. There are also group discussion questions at the end of the book so this book can easily be used in a small group setting.

I enjoy the Kendrick Brothers movies and find them a source of encouragement, especially for believers who are facing trials and temptations. This book is a fabulous resource for those who have seen Overcomer. Seeing the film first is not necessary. It is inspired by the movie, but not about the movie. However, like the characters in the film, we sometimes get so caught up in our lives, especially the failures, that we forget about who we are in Christ. The Scriptures, stories, and wisdom in this book are sure to make an impact. I highly recommend it. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book at no cost to myself from Icon Media Group in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Radiant - Priscilla Shirer

Did you know that God’s light can shine through every facet of your identity? Radiant is an invitation for teen girls and young women to enjoy a candid conversation on identity with bestselling author Priscilla Shirer. You’ll hear reflections on life lessons she’s gathered from her teen years until now. She’ll show you how the light of God’s Word shaped her identity, and she’ll teach you how it can change and shape your life as well.

The book is less than 150 pages, but each page will touch the heart of the reader and make a positive impact. Priscilla Shirer is one of my favorite Bible teachers and this book appeals to me in spite of being well beyond the age of the intended readers. I wish there had been a similar resource available during my teen and early adult years. It is divided into 4 parts to walk you through various seasons and each ends with something To Think about and To Take Away. There are also paragraphs encouraging you to Read This, Say This, and Believe This. The outer beauty of the book (I love the purple cover with the gold lettering!) makes me smile, but the inner beauty being taught within the book makes this an excellent book for a young woman.

Radiant is published by B&H Publishing as a resource for further study with the film, Overcomer, by the Kendrick Brothers. Priscilla has a role in this film as a caring high school principal. I also highly recommend you see the movie!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book at no cost to myself from Icon Media Group in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”