{Review} Patterns of Evidence (DVD)

Is the Bible true? Are the historical accounts listed in Genesis, Exodus, and other books of the Bible proven facts? Does the history and the archaeological record support it? 

Those are some of the questions that Tim Mahoney set out to find. He went on a search to discover if the "patterns of evidence" would prove whether the Bible was fact or fiction. The result of that search is his movie - Patterns of Evidence: Exodus.

Many scientists feel that there is no evidence to support the account of Exodus as depicted in the Bible. While they feel the story is worth honoring (those who are Jewish), many feel it is nothing more than a great story. Fiction. Mahoney sets out to talk to experts in various fields from archaeology to history to Orthodox Jews who read the account in the Torah in Hebrew. Who is right? 

Mahoney himself acts as a non-biased tour guide. He sets out to see how events might have actually occurred. If they aren't true, why? If they are true, why don't the experts agree? 

I don't want to give too much away as I feel it's a must-see documentary. Without sharing anything more definitive than that, I will say that it affirmed my faith that I serve a perfect Creator who doesn't make mistakes. 

If you'd like to purchase your own copy, you can do so at their website - Patterns of Evidence Store. You can also purchase your own copy of the movie (use code MK1 to take $3 off), a movie event kit, a young explorer's version (digital or DVD set), and even homeschool curriculum. 

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  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.

{Review} Is Genesis History? (DVD) plus Giveaway!

Oftentimes people dismiss the Bible as an old-fashioned book which no longer applies to our lives today. After all, it was written thousands of years ago. How can it be accurate let alone pertain to anything we have going on today?

Is Genesis History? is a documentary that looks at the first book of the Bible through a scientific lens before a biblical lens. Can what is shared in Genesis be shown to be true through a scientific view of the world? Does what we see in the world today show up in the Bible? 

Over a dozen scholars and scientists were involved in this film to help explain how science and Genesis interact. Host Dr. Del Tackett takes us all across the globe as he looks at this very issue. 

We learn about how rock layers are formed and what they tell us about the formation of our earth and how this impacts our knowledge of fossils and age dating. This is a documentary that packs that plus whole a lot more information into the 118 minute run time. 

If you go to the website Is Genesis History?, you will also find oodles of more information from a six video Bible study to five things to do once you have viewed the film which includes a summary of the film with key takeaways. There are also links to learn not only more about the film and the experts but also the fossils and more. 

There was a one night run of this film at 700 theaters nationwide back in February. It did so well that there were two encore performances in March. You can see links to where you can purchase your own copy of the video by clicking HERE to see a list of retailers or you can enter my giveaway to win your own copy of the DVD. 

My husband watches a lot of videos that discuss creation. While he isn't an expert, he knows quite a bit about it based on his research. I knew he would enjoy this film. While I had already viewed it, we watched it again together. His take was that he knew quite a bit of what was already shared. However, there were some aspects of it that, in his words, "blew his mind." The experts that speak really are at the top of their field. They not only have the head knowledge, but they all have a great way of explaining what they know in such a way that makes it understandable. 

Giveaway: Leave a comment either here on my blog or on any of the Facebook links and tell me one thing you enjoy about nature. I will pick a random winner on April 24, 2017. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in 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.

{Review} Caged No More DVD

Caged No More is a movie about human trafficking. Staring Kevin Sorbo, Loretta Devine, Alan Powell, and Cassidy Gifford (Kathie Lee Gifford's daughter) it follows the story of Aggie, the surrogate grandmother to Skye and Elle. 

Aggie finds their mother dying of a drug overdose at the start of the film. Her dying words are to charge Aggie with saving her daughters from her husband, Jack. This sets Aggie off on a journey to find out where the girls are as well as how to save them. 

She soon learns that their father has taken Elle to Greece with the intended purpose of visiting his other daughter, Skye, at the school she attends in London. At least that what she thinks until she realizes Jack may have other sinister motives. 

Aggie is shocked to discover that Jack has a twin brother, Richard, a wealthy man with connections in their town of New Orleans. She embarks on a risky plan to see him and beg his help in getting back her girls. 

Surprisingly she succeeds and Wil, Richard's son home on leave from the military to recover from injuries he has received, agrees to help Aggie figure out where the girls are and get them back. It's then everyone realizes what Jack's true motives are. Skye isn't at boarding school in London. Jack had brought her to Greece the previous year and sold her into the sex trade. This is also is intention for Elle who is only fourteen years old. He has drug debts he needs to pay off. 

Wil takes a team with him to Greece, along with Aggie, in order to get the girls back. 

We are given a look into the sex trade and how prevalent it truly is and not just overseas. There are more slaves in the world today than ever before. 

The movie was very well done. It is suitable for older teens simply because of the subject matter. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in 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.

{Review} Noble

Nobel is the true story of Christina Noble. The story begins when Christina is a child living in the slums of Dublin. Life changes for her when her mother dies and she is taken from her father, along with all of her siblings, and placed in separate orphanages. 

The story bounces between the modern day Christina and her childhood. We see her as a young woman now living on her own and the horrors she overcomes to finally become independent. Her life was never easy. 

At the age of 26, she had a dream about Vietnam and determined that God was speaking to her. She held that dream for over 20 years until her own children were grown. On a visit to Vietnam she sees the street children and works on finding a way to help them. 

I always love a story that has a basis of truth behind it. This movie has more than just a basis. Christina knew exactly what it meant to live on your own with no one there to help. She was a street-smart child and she uses all of the things she learned as a young child to do all she could to help the needy children in Vietnam. 

Christina runs the Christina Noble Children's Foundation not only Vietnam but also in Magnolia. Her story is how following God's will for your life can reap many benefits to those around you. She took what was seemingly a hopeless story and filled it with hope for others. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in 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.

{Review} Living Hope DVD

Living Hope is a documentary that looks at the impact a mission is having on an entire community in South Africa. The focus of this mission began when Pastor John Thomas was in South Africa working at a church there during the early 1990s. This was when the AIDS/HIV epidemic was really striking a blow to the people in Africa. He realized he needed to not just lead people to the living hope found in Jesus, but to be the hands and fee of Christ and help the people find that hope to continue to live in dire circumstances.

The mission has four specific focuses. Living Care is their healthcare ministry. They used to run a hospice where people affected by AIDS came to die. Now, thanks to huge strides in medicine, they have turned it in to a clinic where people come to be treated and given hope for a better life.

Living Grace is their ministry that focuses on homelessness and drug addiction. The documentary tells the story of Leonie Rustin who is a single mom and now a nursing assistant at Living Care. She was once addicted to drugs and left her son (born during the time she was addicted) to be raised by her sister. She is now clean and sober and helping others overcome their addictions and find hope in Jesus Christ.

Living Right is their education and support ministry that helps those living with HIV/AIDS. There are support groups that meet to help support those battling this disease. In every program they run, they also feed the participants from children who receive just a simple sandwich and a piece of fruit (often their only food of the day) to those in the AIDS program. The adults are fed plus given a meal to take home as it's important for them to take their meds with food.

The last ministry is Living Way which is all about economic empowerment, finding jobs to help people support themselves. We met Joey Lankford, a businessman and father of four who moved his family from Tennessee to South Africa after God spoke into his life, who works for this ministry. He realized he needed to change the focus off himself, as he put it, and on to others. He helps equip men and women with jobs. During the DVD they were building grow tunnels and planting cucumbers and tomatoes - thousands of them! The plan was to not only support the immediate families but to also sell the excess to local grocery stores.

This was a very powerful film narrated by Joel Smallbone of for King & Country. The lives that are being impacted are not only the ones in the South African community being served, but those who go to help, those who live there full-time, and those who watch the film. I highly recommend this documentary.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in 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.

{Review} Find a Way DVD

Find a Way is a movie that explores what happens when a young life is taken too soon. This film was 

inspired by a true story. Harry Cohen was a young high school student who was living life fully. He was an excellent football player and a friend to all. Until one Sunday morning when he simply did not wake up. His life was over before it had had a chance to start.

This film explores what happens when bad things happen to good people. It shows how faith can change your perspective.

Honestly, I wasn't expecting this movie to hold my attention as well as it did. The acting was excellent. It did a good job of showing how much one life can impact not only the family but the whole community it surrounds. This young man changed the lives of many.

I recommend the film and a box of tissues as well.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in 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.

{Review} Jesus Boat: Witness to Prophecy DVD

Recently my husband and I have been doing a lot of study of Bible prophecy between reading the Bible and studying what it has to say plus watching various documentaries. One of our favorites was an 18 part mini-series on the life of Jesus by Drive Thru History. 

Jesus Boat: Witness to Prophecy was fascinating as well. At first glance it seems like it is just going to be documentary about the discovery of an ancient boat found from about the first century. However, it was more than that. It shares the importance of Israel, how it became a nation again, why that is important, and how all of it has an important role in biblical prophecy.

There is commentary from Franklin Graham, Joel Rosenberg, Jay Sekulow, Skip Hietzig, and Chuck Smith. However, my favorite commentary were from the actual Jewish people living in Israel and how important this all was to them. 

From the back cover: 

The astounding prophetic rebirth of Israel is told through the discovery of an ancient and unlikely artifact found under the shores of the Sea of Galilee. A first century fishing boat, identical to the boat Jesus sailed upon with his disciples, was destroyed in the years Israel was destroyed by the Romans, but found 2000 years later in a series of astonishing events that even scientists called a miracle. Mirroring Israel's own story of devastation and survival, the boat from the time of Jesus, would rise against all odds and float upon the Sea of Galilee once more as the oldest surviving freshwater boat in the world.

You can purchase a copy of the video here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in 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.

{Review} The Father's Love DVD

The Father's Love is a story about what love really is. It follows the story of Sarah, a filmmaker living in New York City in pursuit of her dream. She meets Reece at a party and he appears to be all she's ever wanted in a man - charming, handsome, and successful. He seems to care for her and showers her with attention and time. Until Sarah realizes what he's been hiding behind his perfect facade. With a broken heart, she attempts to find what true love really means. 

Sharon Kon, the producer, writer, and director, based this on events that happened in her own life. Angela Lin does a fantastic job playing Sarah. I liked the character immediately. She was fun-loving and just wanted to enjoy life. She was also trying to run from a hurtful past that is alluded to throughout the movie and comes full circle at the very end. Erik McKay does a great job playing Reece as well. By the end of the movie, I was ready to kick him, well, I can't say where, but I'm sure you can probably figure it out. Overall the acting was well done and the emotions were portrayed in a very believable way. The movie left me thinking about it long after it was over.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in 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.

{Review} When Calls the Heart: Follow Your Heart DVD and Season 2 Box Set

When Calls the Heart: Follow Your Heart is the fifth movie for Season 2. This is also the conclusion to Season 2. Let me just say that I am very eager to see the beginning of Season 3! It left us at a huge cliffhanger!

Movie 5 sees Elizabeth and Jack healing their relationship and moving forward. Of course, not without some bumps in the road along the way. Abigail and the new pastor in town begin to spend time to together which doesn't please Bill very much. Lee starts to court another woman in town after Rosemary tells him that she isn't sure where she wants to head in their relationship but does want to slow things down. 

As with each movie so far, there are highs and lows with all the various relationships. Jeannette Oke is a talented writer and Michael Landon, Jr. is a talented director. Add to that the very talented actors and actresses and I find this series very enjoyable to watch. 

As with each previous movie length DVD, there are a number of behind the scenes interviews included. I always find these interesting as they give a glimpse in to the people behind the camera.

Are you looking for a last minute Christmas gift? Season 2 now comes in a collectors edition boxed set. It is a 10-DVD set which includes:

• Disk 1 - When Calls the Heart: Trials of the Heart
• Disk 2 - When Calls the Heart: Heart and Soul
• Disk 3 - When Calls the Heart: Heart of the Family
• Disk 4 - When Calls the Heart: Heart and Home
• Disk 5 - When Calls the Heart: Follow Your Heart
• Disk 6 - Episodes 1-5 as seen on the Hallmark Channel
• Disk 7 - Episodes 6-10 as seen on the Hallmark Channel
• Disk 8 - Special Features
• Disk 9 - Journey to Jamaa 
• Disk 10 - Winter in Hope Valley

Now pardon me, I think I'm going to go watch the series again. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in 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.

{Review} When Calls the Heart: Heart & Home DVD

When Calls the Heart: Heart and Home is the fourth movie for Season 2 of the series. The fourth movie picks up where the third ended. Again, these movies are the same as the television series by the same name. They are simply the episodes put together in to a movie length format (running time is 84 minutes for this particular movie). It's all the same content as seen on television. The DVDs do include some behind the scene footage in addition to the episodes. This is how I discovered Daniel Lissing, who plays Constable Jack, is actually Australian.

In this fourth volume, Jack and Elizabeth once more find themselves back in Hamilton to deal with the after affects of Jack's brother, Tom, and Elizabeth's sister, Julia, and their car accident. It becomes obvious that the two are hiding something about the accident and it puts a strain on Elizabeth and Jack and their growing romance. It also continues to complicate the relationship between Jack and Elizabeth's family.

The secondary story lines also continue. Henry Gowan, who ran the now defunct coal mine, has managed to become Mayor of Hope Valley and continues to cause issues and pull strings to get his way. Abigail is still dealing with Bill Avery in their very complicated relationship.While Rosemary and Lee continue to explore their blossoming relationship.

I continue to thoroughly enjoy this family friendly drama. In fact, I went and re-watched all of Season 1 and I have now finished Season 2 (more reviews coming!). I will happily watch them again and again.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in 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.

{Review} When Calls the Heart: Heart of the Family DVD

Season 2 of When Calls the Heart on the Hallmark Channel is moving along. I've been watching the series, however, through the When Calls the Heart movies. Essentially these are feature length films of the episodes. A nice new form of binge watching if you will.

I began watching Heart of the Family (the third movie of season 2) and felt like I had jumped into the show mid-season. Well, essentially I had! I'm a bit, ahem, behind in my movie reviews and as a result I didn't review the first two movies. Guess what I just bought on Amazon? Yes, movies one and two of the second season so I can get caught up!

This movie continues the story of Jack and Elizabeth as they continue to live in Hope Valley (which was once named Coal Valley). Elizabeth volunteers to help a local homesteader watch his two children when he has to be away overnight to help his brother. As a city girl, she ends up facing many things she doesn't know how to do but does them all with grace and the help of Jack. Jack shows up "just to check on things." Bill Avery works on breaking up a counterfeiting ring and Charles Kensington, Elizabeth's former suitor, shows up unexpectedly as well.

Once more I enjoyed watching the movie. So much so that, as I mentioned, I went and bought the first two of season two!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in 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.

{Review} Rumors of War

Rumors of War is a pretty good fictionalized rendition of end-times showing how biblical prophesy may happen. Roxy is a young girl in college who loses her fiance to a bombing. She begins to question who actually did the bombing. Was it a terrorist group as the media says or is it something more. Entire Zurn Global who begins to implant RFID chips in to all students and citizens. While it's being promoted as a way to keep the world safe since it can be used to track purchases, it may be something more sinister than that. When Roxy refused to get the chip, she is soon being tracked down and forced to have one placed. 

The movie bounces back and forth between "now" with Roxy questioning and searching for the truth while recording what she learns in her journal and the "future" when Agent Shaw, a member of the One World Army, finds her journal. Agent Shaw begins to question what it is he is doing after finding it and beginning to read a Bible that was taken during a raid of some "rebels." 

Overall I enjoyed the movie as did my 11 year-old who watched it with me. However, there were a few things that weren't fully explained and we were left a bit hanging as to what eventually does happen to Roxy as she's being pursued by the One World Government. 

There were a number of recognizable faces in this movie. Eric Roberts plays Zurn, the creator of the chip and perhaps the mastermind behind the bombings used to convince the citizens of the world they need the chip. Ben Davies from the movie Courageous plays Agent Shaw. Mac Powell from the Christian band ThirdDay has a minor role in the beginning playing one of the rebels of the One World Government. Jaci Velasquez, another Christian singer, plays one of the rebel leaders. T.C. Stallings from both Courageous and, most recently, War Room plays the leader of the One World Army. If you have seen any of the Kendrick brother films, you will recognize a few more faces as well. 

This movie made some very interesting points and certainly gave one plenty to think about. 

The second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast,

so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship 

the image to be killed. It also forced all people, 

great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, 

to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, 

so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, 

which is the name of the beast or the number of its name.

~Revelations 13:15-17

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in 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.

{Review & Giveaway} Galaxy Buck Mission to Sector 9

Phil Vischer, the creator of VeggieTales® and the What's in the Bible? series has a new DVD coming out tomorrow, October 20th. Galaxy Buck Mission to Sector 9 follows Buck Denver as he tries to do "big things for God." Buck thinks he can only follow God by doing big things. He doesn't realize that the small things can be big things if you do it all for God. 

Buck works in the call center for the Galactic Missions Board. He has a dream of being a captain of a space ship and running missions instead of answering phone calls. An opportunity comes up for him to fulfill his dream. He puts a makeshift crew together and heads out to the galaxy. They are headed to a supposedly uninhabited planet and Buck had all of his training through an online course and an app. So what could go wrong?

As in all videos by Phil Vischer, there is a greater truth to be learned. Galaxy Buck is no exception. Buck has to realize that his dream of doing "big things for God" may not be what God wants from him after all.

"When we let go of our goals, our desires, our dreams 

and just focus on God, walking with Jesus, 

the current of His heart carries us along. 

My life is no longer mine to worry about. 

God has my life suspended in the current of His love."  

There are also lots of great references to Star Wars and Star Trek for all of the parents to enjoy as they watch the video with their children. I certainly enjoyed it myself. 

Would you like to win a copy of Galaxy Buck: Mission to Sector 9? I have one DVD to give away. Please leave a comment either here on my blog or on Facebook. I will pick a winner on October 25, 2015. 

Connect to Galaxy Buck on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram.  

"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.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

{Review} When Calls the Heart: Rules of Engagement DVD

When Calls the Heart: Rules of Engagement is the sixth movie and the final one of Season 1 of this Hallmark Channel series. I've really been enjoying watching all the movies thus far. This one was definitely a cliffhanger and I must watch the next one soon to see what happens between Jack and Elizabeth. 

From the back cover: Jack is back in Coal Valley along with an unexpected visitor that threatens he and Elizabeth's relationship while Elizabeth receives some unforeseen news that will force her to make a very difficult decision. Meanwhile Bill Avery continues his investigation into the mine explosion with help from Jack; a budding romance grows between Bill and Abigail; Elizabeth struggles to make a decision about the teaching offer. 

My youngest son actually really enjoys watching these movies with me. There is romance, yes, but there is enough action and adventure to keep him happy as well. The story line continues to move forward but if I had to classify what kind of movie - this is definitely a "chick flick." 

The trailer for the movie is below. This is a feature length movie taken from the television episodes shown on the Hallmark channel. The movies are distributed by Word Entertainment. The show is directed by Michael Landon, Jr. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in 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.

{Review} Susie's Hope DVD

Susie's Hope is a movie that shares the true story behind the law of the same name that was passed in North Caroline seeking harsher punishment for animal abusers. 

Donna Lawrence, a kindhearted woman, only wanted to help the poor neglected dog (yes, a pit-bull) down the street from her house. One afternoon she went to give the dog some food and water. When she turned her back to it, it attacked. She barely survived. 

During her recovery, while walking with a friend in the park, they came across what they thought was a dead puppy (a pit-bull mix) until they saw movement. Little Susie had been beaten (her jaw was broken in two places) and then set on fire for simply licking a child in the home she had lived in. She had third degree burns over sixty percent of her body and her ears were completely burned off.

Donna and her friend, Mona, quickly arranged for Susie to be brought to a local animal shelter. Once there they were told that may be possible to save Susie, however, the cost was potentially prohibitive. However, something told Donna to try to do all she could.

Susie not only lived but thrived under Donna's care. The man responsible for the attack on her was found and tried in court. At the time, however, the law didn't even require jail time for someone who abused an animal. Donna worked to successfully change the that law.

Fair warning, grab some tissues if you plan to watch this film. The attack on Donna, while not graphic, is portrayed very well. The filmmakers also did a great job showing Susie after she was initially found (I'm pretty sure they used a robot, a very good robot). Donna also suffers a miscarriage during the attack and it leaves enough damage that she is unable to have any more children. Her healing from the attack and her miscarriage are done very well also. 

Overall this was a great movie. It does a great job to show just what a small measure of kindness can do. You don't have to set out to change the whole world, but if you can do just one small thing, it can have a big impact on all those around you. 

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.

{Review} When Calls the Heart: Change of Heart DVD

When Calls the Heart: Change of Heart continues the story that started with the first movie, The Dance and was followed up by Second Chances. Elizabeth and Jack are exploring their new relationship when Jack's request for orders, which he asked for months before when he was unhappy in Coal Valley, comes through. He must now leave to fulfill his new duties. Elizabeth must deal with his leaving all the while entertaining her younger sister, Julia, who arrives for a surprise visit.

Julia views the way of life in Coal Valley as simply fun and almost as if it's all just stories from a dime novel. She doesn't take the seriousness of life in the frontier town to heart and soon finds herself in trouble, dragging Elizabeth along with her.

Abigail, the owner of the new bakery in town and a friend to Elizabeth, finds herself at continued odds with the owner of the mine. A man who may not be all that innocent in the tragedy that caused a number of miners to lose their lives not that long before, including Abigail's own husband and son.

Once again I found myself drawn in to this story. Michael London, Jr. does a fantastic job with these films and I found this one as enjoyable as the first two. I look forward to seeing more of them and perhaps I should pick up the book series and read those as well. Janette Oke, the author of the books these movies are based on, is a wonderful author.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in 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.

{DVD Review} A Long Way Off by Word Films

A Long Way Off is a modern retelling of the story of the prodigal son found in Luke 15:11-32. The parable shares the story of two sons. One insists on taking his inheritance from his father early and going off to live the life he wants, turning his back on his family. The second son stays at home and continues to help his father. The first son ends up squandering all of his money and soon finds himself working for a farmer and eyeing the pig slops since he was so hungry. It's at that point that he decides to go home and at least work for his father for free. His father is so happy to see him he throws a party. The son who stayed home becomes jealous of all his father is doing for the son who has returned. His father tells him that all he has withheld nothing from him but that they must celebrate since the prodigal son had been dead and is now alive.

This movie does an excellent job retelling the parable set in modern times. The lead character, Jake, works on the family farm. He is tired of following his father's rules and working with his brother, Seth, so he asks his father for his inheritance early so that he can try life on his own terms. Surprisingly his father agrees to his terms and Jake heads to the city. He soon finds himself living a life full of what he thinks he wants - a high rise condo, a nice car, expensive watches, and money just rolling in from investments.

However, the bottom drops out of his world when the investments he made fail. He soon finds himself on the wrong side of a local mobster and running for his life. He is now eating of trash cans and sleeping on the streets. He is challenged to return to the home he has and he does so, not thinking he will have a good reception. Just like the story in the Bible says though, his father is thrilled to see him.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I think it would be an excellent family night movie and could start some great discussion with your family. You can see a trailer of the movie below.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in 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.

{Review} When Calls the Heart - Second Chances DVD

When Calls the Heart: Second Chances is a follow up to the last video - The Dance. This is once again a feature length film of the episodes in the television show of the same name. 

It seemingly takes up where The Dance ended. Elizabeth and Jack are trying to figure out if they can repair their strained relationship. The secondary story lines follow, teacher, Elizabeth as she tries to help an older student in her classroom who is struggling to learn to read. His father, a worker in the mine, just wants him to begin work there where reading won't matter. Elizabeth also is told by the town folks that she is responsible for creating a Founders Day play that the school children will need to perform and it's only a week away. We also see Abigail's (played by Lori Loughlin) struggle to open a bakery in town. The one miner who survived the explosion that took many men also returns in this movie. 

Once again I was drawn into the story. I think I really need to find these books and read them. I enjoy watching and I'm thrilled that it is family friendly. I have no worries on if my boys wander in while I am watching. Michael Landon, Jr. is the director and he always seems to produce quality family movies and television shows. 

You can view a trailer of the second movie below.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in 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.

{Review} Veil of Tears DVD

I think oftentimes we can become complacent about the type of world we live in - especially those of us blessed enough not to live in a Third World country. Jokingly we say "First World" problems when things like our internet go out or our cell phone stops working. I often wonder how much we really know about what life can be like not living in the "land of plenty."

Recently I was given the chance to view a documentary called "Veil of Tears" that chronicles the way women in India are treated. To say it is horrific would be a gross understatement.

The film is narrated by Natalie Grant. She is a huge advocate for Abolition International which works across the globe to help save victims of sex trafficking. 

The filmmakers did an excellent job showing how women are not valued at all in the Indian culture. One story they told is of a woman who had two daughters. After the second one was born, her in-laws made her life so miserable because she had not produced a son that she tried to kill herself. A woman's worth is bound up in her the number of sons she can produce. It is not uncommon for a woman to be forced to have an abortion if it is discovered she is having a girl.

The majority of the film does chronicle what life is like for many of these families. The day-to-day struggle of simply finding enough food so that everyone can have one small meal a day is heart wrenching. Near the end of the story we are shown a family who headed to the marketplace in order to sell their young daughters simply because they could no longer feed them and, in their minds, they were giving them a better chance.

The end of the film, however, does share some strides that are being made in India to help people like the women mentioned above. Hope is given to these women and families. Gospel for Asia has partnered with Veils of Tears to set up a store where you can purchase items like t-shirts or even a copy of the DVD. If you click on any of the other links listed, you can also make a direct donation (100% of your donation goes towards helping a woman in need) to a woman in Asia who needs help. Other ways to help are by sponsoring missionaries or by purchasing other gifts such as a sewing machine or a pair of goats (click on "give a gift.")

Overall this was an excellent film that really made one think about the plight of women across the globe.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in 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.

{Review} The Perfect Summer DVD

The Perfect Summer follows Jake, a 17-year-old boy from Chicago. He finds himself living in a beach town trading in the city-life for the life of a beach bum. However, it's not the place he wants to be. His mom relocated them after Jake's dad dies. They are now living this his Grandfather whom he knows very little about. Jake finds it a difficult place to fit in especially once he meets the local town bully.

I sat down on Sunday afternoon with my youngest son, age 10, to watch this movie. It was excellent. Both my son and I really enjoyed it. In fact, I just asked him what he thought as he saw me typing up this review. "I really liked it!" was his reply.

The movie features Eric Roberts as the Grandfather. He does well playing the slightly awkward, detached, grandfather who is trying to make up for the mistakes of his past. Jason Castro, of American Idol fame, plays the local surf shop clerk. 

I really enjoyed the movie. I honestly wasn't how it would be when I first watched it. However, it did a great job showing how you can overcome your circumstances. I was glad it was so family friendly. There is some mild violence in the film when Jake is beaten up a time or two by the town bully, but there is no language. And as I mentioned above, my 10 year-old really enjoyed it as well.

You can purchase a copy for $15.99 via CBD. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in 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.