The Woodcarver dvd review/giveaway



Never underestimate the power of prayer!!

About the Movie:
Matthew Stevenson is a troubled kid from a broken home. When he vandalizes the local church to get back at his parents, Matthew has to repair the damage to the church to avoid criminal charges. While working at the church, he meets Ernest (John Ratzenberger), an accomplished wood carver who created the intricate woodwork decoration that Matthew destroyed. Ernest has become something of a hermit, but reluctantly comes out of reclusion to help repair the church. Now Ernest and Matthew must work together to preserve the church's beautiful antiquity, and along the way, they also manage to restore their faith in God and in life.

My Thoughts:
This was a really great movie that hit home for me in a lot of ways. My husband and I have been married for 14 years. In those 14 years we have come really close to separating. And I have a son that has been troubled and in trouble. When I look back at the worst times it has been when we have gotten away from God. I truly believe that having God in the middle of all of your relationships makes all the difference in the world.

This movie has a lot of learning lessons in it.  The first lesson is to never underestimate the power of prayer. And the second lesson is before you do anything, always ask first "What would Jesus do?"

If you are struggling with family, work, relationships or just life in general, then I highly recommend this movie for you. It will be available on DVD on Tuesday March 13th. Or you can win one!!

Giveaway:
I am honored to be able to offer this movie as a giveaway to a North Carolina Momma reader.

Mandatory entry: Go to christianbook.com and watch the trailer for The Woodcarver. Then come back here and leave a comment. Any comment will do but if you have thought about the trailer and this particular movie, that would be great!
Easy peasy, right?
Well you can also get extra entries to....only after the mandatory entry has been done.

Extra Entries:

• (3 entries) become an email subscriber to this blog. Be sure to confirm your subscription and then come back here and leave 3 separate comments.
• (1 entry) follow this blog with GFC
• (2 entries) Enter the giveaway for this same movie over at Southern Mom of 4. Make sure you leave her a comment that you are coming from this blog.
• (2 entries) Sign up for Superpoints
• (1 entry) follow me on twitter
• (1 entry) tweet about this giveaway - you can do this up to 2 times daily. Each time you tweet, leave a comment with the URL to your tweet in the comment box.
• (1 entry) Enter another giveaway on this blog. You get one entry for each giveaway you enter.  Just leave a comment with the name of the other giveaway you have entered.
• (5 entries) for every person that you refer to this giveaway that enters. Make sure they leave your name in the mandatory entry and then you come back and comment 5 more times.

This giveaway will end on March 20th! It is for US/Canada ages 13 and over.

“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.”

The Mighty Macs DVD review/giveaway

About the movie:It's 1971. Cathy Rush is a woman ahead of her time...and she's about to embark on an adventure for the ages. A new era is dawning in the country and in collegiate athletics, where a national champion will be crowned for the first time in women's basketball. In the lead up to this historical season, major universities are preparing their game plans to win that first title. Meanwhile a tiny all-women's Catholic college in Philadelphia has a more modest goal; find a coach before the season begins. Providentially, Cathy Rush is about to find Immaculata College.

Recently married, Cathy is dealing with the aftermath of a truncated playing career. While cultural norms would have her staying at home, she's willing to do the hard work necessary to help her new team reach their goals - or perhaps she's just trying to achieve her unfulfilled dreams through them.

From the beginning, her challenges are as imposing as the big-school teams Immaculata will face on the court. Cathy learns there is no gymnasium on campus, she receives little support from the school's Mother Superior, and the school is in dire financial straits. To top it off, she may not even have enough players to field a team!

While it appears the Macs don't have a prayer, all hope is not lost. With the help of Sister Sunday - a spunky assistant coach - and the support of a booster club of elderly nuns, Coach Rush creates a new game plan that just might bring the team - and the school - together.

Will this pioneer buck cultural norms and spur her rag-tag team to unexpected heights? Or will her hard-driving ways create a wedge between the coach and everyone around her? One things for certain: there's never been anyone like Cathy Rush at Immaculata!

My thoughts:
I always enjoy a good family-friendly movie!! And to have an inspirational movie that is a true story is a plus as well. This movie was all of the above.

I was born in the late 70's so I have no clue what it was like to live in a time that women were not supposed to work but stay home instead. But I have to say that I am impressed with the females that had to stand up for what they believed in and had to work extra hard to get anywhere in a "man's" world.

As I watched this movie, I gained a lot of respect for Coach Rush. She had obstacle after obstacle in her way, but she always fought harder and harder for what she believed in. If I had as many people and things in my way as she did, I am sure I would quit. But she fought, and in the end it paid off.

We watched this movie as a family...my husband, son, daughter and myself. My son (who is 13) was the only one that thought it was boring. He walked out but he came back and finished it with us so I don't think he disliked it too bad. As a family, we give this movie an 8 out of 10.

The giveaway:
I have a copy of this movie for a North Carolina Momma reader!
To Enter all you have to do is leave a comment with an answer to the following question:

What is your most favorite movie of all time?

That is all...OR you can get some extra entries. Just do the following...leave a comment for each extra entry. Each of these is worth 1 extra entry unless otherwise stated. Please make sure you leave your email address in your comment so I have a way to contact you if you win. For the extra entries:

• Subscribe to emails - after you confirm your subscription, leavve a comment telling me you did this...or if you are already a subscriber, let me know.
• Follow me on twitter
• Tweet this giveaway to your followers. Make sure you include a link to this post in your tweet. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a comment. This can be done up to twic a day. 1 entry for each tweet.
• Sign up for Superpoints using this link.  This entry is worth 5 points.
• Use any of the share buttons at the bottom of this post...1 entry for each share
• Follow this blog with GFC on the side bar

This givaway will end at midnight on March 15th. Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen.

Disclosure of  Material Connection: I received a copy of the above mentioned DVD 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 Tade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concccerningn the Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Mile in His Shoes - DVD review/giveaway

From the directors of Angels in the Outfield comes an inspiring story about a special boy with an amazing gift, and the coach who believed. Dean Cain and Luke Schroeder star in the gmc movie based on the book "The Legend of Mickey Tussler".

It is amazing how things seem to happen and how people come into our lives at just the right moment. Coach Arthur "Murph" Murphy is in a losing streak with his baseball team, River Rats. He gets some information about a possible recruit and sets out to find this new possible pitcher. But as he is on his way, he gets lost. While trying to look at the map he runs off the road and hits the ditch where he gets stuck. That is where things get interesting.

Murph goes up to the nearest house to use the phone and while he is calling a tow truck he sees something really amazing.  He looks out the window and witnesses Mickey feeding his pig Oscar some apples. The way he feeds Oscar is what is so amazing but all I will say is that he has one good pitching arm. Murph wants to recruit Mickey, but there is one small problem...his dad. Mickey's dad is a little over protective of his son because he has Asperger's syndrome, which is a form of autism.

Without giving away the movie, I will say that this is a great movie about faith, determination and the power of friendship. We also witness the power of jealousy and the affects it can have on a person that will also affect others.

A Mile in His Shoes is truly an inspirational, true story. It is a movie that I will watch again and again, and I recommend that other families watch it as well.

I have a DVD that I would like to give away to one North Carolina Momma reader....So if you would like to win your very own copy here is all you need to do:

Leave me a comment about your favorite family movie and tell me why it is your favorite.

That is all that you have to do. If you would like extra entries you can: subscribe to my blog via email or follow with GFC, you can tweet this giveaway (once daily), or share this giveaway in other ways. Just leave me a seperate comment about what you did to get an extra entry.

This giveaway will end on January 25th @ 11:59 pm EST.

Disclosure: I received a copy of the movie mentioned above for free in hopes 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 Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The WYLDS - movie review

About the Movie:

SMALL IS THE GATE AND NARROW THE ROAD THAT LEADS TO LIFE, AND ONLY A FEW FIND IT.
The Wylds is an action-packed, adventure film inspired by the hugely popular classic, “The Pilgrim’s Progress” by John Bunyan. Filled with outrageous characters and exciting special effects, this thought-provoking allegory is a movie the whole family will enjoy.
Chris, a runaway child, lives with a group of misfits in a junkyard, stealing to survive. When a traveling preacher tells him that his father is alive and wants him to come home, Chris must leave his family of thieves and venture into the wilderness in search of his father and a better life.
Join Chris on an action-packed adventure as he outwits bandits, escapes swamp monsters, battles evil robots, and learns valuable lessons about choosing the right path in life.
A contemporary allegory inspired by John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim’s Progress.”

My Thoughts:

I have to admit that when I saw the preview of this movie I thought it was going to be dumb. But I agreed to watch it anyway and I am really glad I did. This turned out to be a great movie. As I began to watch the movie, I realized that each character was a representation of something else. Chris is a christian trying to find his way back to the celestial city to find his Father. On the way, he finds out that there are people that will get in your way and try to stop you from finding that city. Luckily, Chris has Faith and Hope on his side and sees the truth.

This is a great movie for church groups to show the youth. It helps young people to see and learn how the devil works. He is sneaky, so we have to be prepared and focused and always remember that even when the road is bumpy, we always stay on the narrow road!

Disclaimer: I was sent this movie for free for the purpose of an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine!

The Narnia Code - DVD review

The Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis has become one of the most globally beloved franchises in history. And yet, there are mysteries about the author and these seven stories that have fascinated scholars for nearly half a century.

Enter Michael Ward who takes us inside the pages of Lewis's masterpieces and discovers a "secret imaginative key" - The Narnia Code. Like a detective embroiled in an elusive chase, Ward takes us on an illuminating adventure into medieval cosmology and spiritual symbolism. His absorbing conclusions reveal a new third layer of hidden delight that will forever change your love and appreciation for C.s. Lewis and the Narnia books.

I have to admit that I have never been one that was interested in these books or even the movies as they started coming out. And the reason for that is I did not really understand what they were all about. After watching this DVD I think I want to read the books and watch the movies and see just what I have missed out on. I learned so much about this series by watching this DVD and now I have a better appreciation for the stories that C.S. Lewis was sharing with us.

C.S. Lewis went from being an atheist, to becoming a Christian and also had an appreciation for the planets. In fact, the seven books that he wrote are based on the seven planets. Something very interesting that I also learned is how our days of the week were named after the planets as well. Such as Monday is named for the moon, Saturday for Saturn and Sunday for the sun.

I have to say, this was a very intersting DVD. I recommend it to anyone ESPECIALLY if you are like me and have been confused over all the "hype" of these books. You can also get an appreciation for the series and maybe get in on the "hype".

You can find The Narnia Code on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Narnia-Code-Norman-Stone/dp/B0047H7Q22/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1296329632&sr=1-1.

The Way Home ~ movie review

This was one of those movies that I actually cried when watching the preview. I think the only other one that made me cry at the preview was Letters to God. Both movies are true stories and totally awesome!!

The Project:
On March 31, 2000, Randy Simpkins came home early from the office to help his wife, Christal, pack for a vacation to the beach. Christal asked Randy to load their two year-old, Joe, into his car seat. Instead, Randy left Joe riding his tricycle in the driveway while he went inside to turn off the lights and lock up. They lived on a rural farm in a safe area. Their kids played outside all the time. Randy didn’t give it a second thought to leave Joe for a couple of minutes, figuring he’d be cooped up long enough on the drive to the beach.
When Randy returned outside, Joe was gone. His tricycle was laying on its side, motionless. Randy called for Joe and looked around the yard. He was greeted with an eerie silence. A sudden feeling of panic rushed over him like a wave. Randy did not realize it at the time, but the next eight hours would put him through a life-altering rollercoaster of emotions that would challenge his priorities regarding God, his family and community.

My thoughts:
When my family sat down to watch this movie, I grabbed the tissues and handed them out. My husband told me I was crazy, but by the end of the movie he needed one as well! This movie tells a story that most of us live everyday. We get married and our days become so much of a routine that we forget to love each other. If we are not careful our relationships will get bitter and we will begin to argue over the smallest of things and even blame one another when something happens that was not any one's fault. That happened in this movie when Joe became missing. Christal told her husband Randy to put Joe in the car seat and since he didn't want him "cooped up" for longer than he had to, she played the "I told you" game. Their bitter relationship was restored in the end and the tragedy that almost happened was a true eye opener. I hope that every couple will watch this movie and decide to find a way to always love your spouse and not let it get bitter! Things are going to happen that is out of our control and we need the one we love to be there for us and with us instead of being bitter towards us!

Connect with The Way Home movie:

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official website

Watch the trailer



“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.”

Family Movie Night with Bringing Up Bobby

I really enjoy family movie nights at my house. I received a new movie through Provident Films, called Bringing Up Bobby. With my hubby's crazy work schedule, we could not get a night that we could all get together, so the kids and I sat down one night and watched this Christian comedy together. Did you catch that part of it being a Christian comedy?? Yes that's right...Christian comedy!! When I watched the preview for this movie I have to say I had my doubts. I thought it was going to be "cheezy" and stupid; but when we watched it we laughed so hard! Let me share with you about this fun family movie!


SYNOPSIS: A Different Kind of Comedy About Being Kind of Different
When 20-something filmmaking brothers Chris and Nick Staron were
told it's impossible to make a Christian comedy, they laughed ... and then got to work. Bringing Up Bobby is the result, and the madcap antics of the entire Wyler family will convince you that the Staron Bros. have created comedic dynamite!

Destined to be a favorite of families and youth groups, Bringing Up Bobby is a quirky exploration of what it means to live out your faith ... and to find humor in whatever comes your way!

This is a story about a family that lost their parents at an early age. The oldest of the 4 took over as the "parent" and he took care of his siblings. Now 14 years later, the 16th birthday of the youngest boy, the family finally will find out what is in the will. Unfortunately, when there is a will and assets involved, families can get greedy and go against each other. This story is no different. What is amazing is how God works things out in the end!! I will not spoil that for you, you will just have to watch the movie.

One thing I really loved about this movie, is the "war table". This is where each member of the house dresses up in silly costumes and tells each other what is on their mind. I may start this tradition in my family....each of us dress up and talk without being judged or ridiculed. Another family favorite was the blow up boxing gloves. I need some of those as well in my house...we could take our frustrations out on each other without actually hurting each other.

I recommend this movie for your next family movie night. You will laugh while learning a valuable family lesson in priorities. You can get your copy by clicking here. Also you can find them on facebook http://www.facebook.com/bringingupbobby.

“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.”

UPSIDE~~Movie Review

I am sure you have heard the saying that if you walk a mile in someone elses shoes you will find out a lot about that person. But have you ever thought about how you might view things if you could look through someone elses eyes? In the movie UPSIDE that is exactly what happens. This is a remarkable story about a high school athlete that takes a hard fall and blow to the head that causes his vision to be upside down. He has every reason to be mad and angry because he may now lose his scholarship to the college of his dreams, until he meets Wren. She is totally blind yet she has so much faith in God that she "sees" the true beauty of life. This is a movie for families and even church groups to watch together! When you feel like things are bad and not getting any better, just remember there is an upside!

SYNOPSIS: It's all how you look at it From the looks of things, Solomon White
has a well-mapped future. Finish his senior year of high school, select an elite
university, continue his lacrosse career, and reap the rewards of success on
whichever road life takes him.

But a devastating hit on the lacrosse field leaves his world literally turned
upside down. Will he be able to gain the perspective needed to face his new reality?

UPSIDE provides a fresh look at life through the eyes of Soli (Randall Bentley,
"Heroes"), a young athlete struggling to discover where he's headed, both
figuratively and literally. Viewing the world upside down is a challenge few
will ever face, but that hardly is the extent of Soli's pressing concerns.

He has trouble at home with his mom, he's trying to end his relationship with his
girlfriend, and he has to come to grips with a teacher that thinks he can be much
more than he wants to be. Suddenly, Soli's senior year looking nothing like he
imagined it would be.

Add in Wren (Leah Sims), an unlikely love interest with a strong faith in God, and
Soli must take a new look at everything he believes in. Can Soli win the heart of Wren,
who happens to be blind? Can he believe in something he can't see? Will he find a new
direction for his life, even if his eyesight never returns to normal?

When you can't trust your eyes, you still have your voice. This unique story is an inspiring
reminder that when life gets you down, there's always an UPSIDE.

Follow UPSIDE on facebook:
www.facebook.com/upsidemovie

Click on the widget above to see the trailer for this movie and to purchase your copy too! I promise you will not be disappointed with this movie.

“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.”