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. 
 

                                                                                                                   

                                  

Journey to Bethlehem

A young woman carrying an unimaginable responsibility. A young man torn between love and honor. A jealous king who will stop at nothing to keep his crown.

This live-action Christmas musical adventure for the entire family weaves classic Christmas melodies with humor, faith, and new pop songs in a retelling of the greatest story ever told—the story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus. A unique new entry into the collection of holiday classic movies, this epic Christmas musical is unlike any before it. See JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM in theaters beginning November 10.

Buy tickets today at Journey to Bethlehem Tickets.

• You can also give the gift of giving and make someone’s Christmas brighter by providing tickets for JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM! https://fandango.egifter.com/journeytobethlehem

 

 

 My Review: I do have a mixed reaction to "Journey to Bethlehem." It's mostly positive, but my initial reaction doesn't completely embrace the film.

Negative: I tend to view historical events in films through the lens of the customs and laws of that time period, so Mary and Joseph seemed a bit immature to me to be taking on the the responsibility of raising our Savior. I've also never thought of their story as a Rom-Com. But, this also can open the door to a great conversation starter with people who want to know more. Some of the scenes did not work very well for me, but it may have just been my mood. I do plan to see the film again.

Positive: There was some great music! I do need a longer version of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" since this version was amazing! My other favorite was "In My Blood" by Joel Smallbone (for King + Country)! Most of the comedy was entertaining too. (I can overlook a joke or song that I simply didn't like.)

I could not find fault based on Scripture either. Of course, people don't normally break out in song and dance (although I often wish they did), but this is a MUSICAL. I do love musicals.

 

I was impressed with the acting. Antonio Banderas made an excellent villain in the role of Herod, and I enjoyed Joel Smallbone as Antipater as much as I loved his music. Fiona Palomo and Milo Manheim were not quite the Mary and Joseph in MY mind, but they are both wonderful in the film's version And I was entertained by the 3 Wise Men: Omid Djalili (Melchoir), Rizwan Manji (Gaspar), and Geno Segers (Balthazar). Adam Anders wrote (with Peter Barsocchini), directed, and produced Journey to Bethlehem.

While I do understand why some will find the story offensive, I won't go that far. Some of the story seemed a little irreverent. However, I don't believe that is the intent of the filmmakers. I'm not familiar with their previous work, so it may be simply be their method of telling a story.

Scroll down to Links to find a clip of the director titled, "No Scripture Harmed." There are also several resources you can use for "Journey to Bethlehem."

GIVEAWAY: One person will win 2 Free Tickets to see JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM! The deadline to enter is Nov. 12, 2023 (USA only) Leave a comment on this blog or under the blog post shared on other social media platforms.

Disclosure: Many thanks to AFFIRM Films, Inc. for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

LINKS:

JourneyToBethlehemmovie.com

Buy Tickets

The Heart of the Movie

"Can We Make This Work?"


No Scripture Harmed (short version)

 

RESOURCES - Downloadable family discussion guides suitable for different ages, coloring sheets, photos, video clips, and Spanish resources.

 

Identity Crisis (2023)

Identity Crisis tells the story of Madison, a brilliant but shy college student, who has no confidence dealing with classmates or or her own abilities as a future scientist. When she discovers how to clone herself, adding the character traits she wants, Madison thinks she has found the perfect solution. Will she be content to watch Clone live Life on her behalf?
 

MY REVIEW: Identity Crisis is such a fun film to watch and is great choice for a Family Movie Night [pre-teen and up]. Twins Scout and Sophia Tayui-Lepore play their roles to perfection as Madison and Clone. I laughed at their crazy antics while also feeling a bit sad for Madison when she would hide to watch Clone live the life that she was afraid to live herself, including dating Trevor (Finn Roberts), the guy Madison has had a crush on the entire school year. Instead of finding courage and confidence, she lost more of herself while using Clone to do the things that she feared...despite learning she was capable of more than she realized. The journey to discovering her identity in Christ is entertaining, but also thought-provoking.

The movie was written by the Boylan Sisters (Alexandra Boylan and Andrea Polnaszek) and I am looking forward to seeing other films by them. Identity Crisis is a fantastic combo of entertainment and faith-building and I want to see more like this. Director Shari Rigby is to be highly commended as well. I also loved Maria Canals-Barrera as Professor Harris, joke-telling, advise-giving librarian, Henry (Elester Latham), and Laura Leigh Turner as Madison's roommate, Harper.

I definitely recommend you add this to your Watch List and see it soon. Check links below to stream Identity Crisis!

LINKS:

Watch on Amazon Prime 

Watch on VUDU 

Apple TV+ 

theboylansisters.com

Instagram

Facebook

IMDb

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!

 

Birthright Outlaw

 Her father said her birthright was sealed. A frontier pastor’s love told her otherwise. But when their daughter is kidnapped by her outlaw grandfather, can this couple trust God—and each other—to rewrite their destiny?

A movie for the whole family, BIRTHRIGHT OUTLAW is an old-fashioned Western with a twist of fate—and faith. BIRTHRIGHT OUTLAW stars Sarah Drew (MOMS’ NIGHT OUT, “Grey’s Anatomy”), Lucas Black (LEGACY PEAK, “NCIS: New Orleans”), and Olivia Sanabia (“Just Add Magic”). Directed by Aaron Burns.

Watch "Birthright Outlaw" exclusively on Great American Pure Flix!

 My Review: BIRTHRIGHT OUTLAW is a wonderful movie about life on the frontier, family loyalty, and faith. The film starts with a humorous interaction between Pastor Jeremiah Jacobs and his wife Martha. They, along with their teen-aged daughter Hope, appear to be a perfect family. However, when Hope is kidnapped, we learn that Martha has a secret past. Will her loyalty to Jeremiah and faith in God waver when she learns her outlaw father (Jeff Fahey) has Hope and demands his daughter return to her old life.

The movie has very strong characters, and it's always great to see strong, capable women in roles. Themes of forgiveness, second chances, hope, faith despite circumstances, and trusting God when chaos has turned your life upside down. I love the actors in "Birthright Outlaw" and I've never seen an Aaron Burns film I didn't enjoy. I recognize several names in the crew who also make outstanding films. There are several twists and turns along the way with each step bringing the characters to a firmer foundation. I highly recommend it.

Giveaway: 3-month subscription to Great American Pure Flix.
Please submit your winner’s full name and email address by 10/21.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Great American Pure Flix for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

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.

The Old Testament Handbook

 

The Old Testament Handbook features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible which captures the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity.

Immerse yourself in the Old Testament Handbook, an elegant, full-color Bible handbook that includes robust summary content, charts, maps, word studies, illustrations, and more for every Old Testament book of the Bible. Constructed with high-quality cloth cover materials and a sewn binding, the Old Testament Handbook is designed to last a lifetime as a valuable companion resource for Bible study, teaching, and ongoing discipleship.

FEATURES:
• High-quality, foil-stamped cloth cover materials and Smyth-sewn binding meant to last a lifetime.
• Elegant full-color interior design, including maps, illustrations, charts, and other visual helps for every book of the Old Testament.
• More than 75 in-depth word studies of key words found in each Old Testament book.
• Ribbon marker for easy referencing between pages during study, teaching, or sharing.

Order your copy of The Old Testament Handbook today!

My Review: I recommend this book 100%! If you want a reference book to help you study the Old Testament, this is an excellent addition to your personal library. The summaries, word studies, the oppressors, the priests, and more. There are notes about the complaints in the wilderness, comparing the minor prophets, and finding Jesus in the Old Testament. Go to the website link to order a copy!
*Good news! I saw The New Testament Handbook is scheduled to release in 2024.

WEBSITE

Disclosure: Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.