Ragamuffin - DVD Giveaway and Review

In the world of rising music stars and American Idols, I believe we fail to see the real people hidden behind the record labels and recording studios. The people who exist when all the lights and cameras are gone home for the night. When they are simply all alone with their thoughts. We don't always see the real people, the brutally honest insight into what goes on and what they are really feeling on the inside.

In the DVD Ragamuffin, which chronicles the life of Rich Mullins, you get to see past all the glitz and publicity to watch the rise of what it took back in the late 70s to gain the notoriety we see in our music artists today. Yet the one thing that sticks with you is the honesty in his life. Raised as a farmer who didn't quite possess the skills necessary to gain success in the eyes of his father, Rich gravitated to music in which he excelled naturally. Unfortunately he was seen as less than worthy in the eyes of his own father, which made understanding the love of God difficult. If God loves you, you should believe it. When Rich looked at that model in his own life no matter how many people told him that his real dad loved him, he found that faith hard to swallow.

Throughout the movie, however, Rich never losses his honest faith with connecting with the God of the Bible. His faith is genuine and the messages he shared when playing his music in churches connected with people on a level I don't think many can achieve even now. He wasn't looking for fame, wealthy or success. He simply was looking for a place to call home. He found it briefly when he met a girl named Jess, who provided him that unconditional love, we all need to feel a part of something bigger. But when Nashville called wanting to record his songs for artists like Amy Grant, Jess gracefully bowed out, even though Rich declined to go. She knew he was destined for more and the struggles he makes to find his way in the world, I think everyone can relate to.

I received Ragamuffin compliments of Millennium Entertainment and Flyby Promotions for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own. There are simply too many good things to say about this movie but most of all is that God is genuine and He is real. The story of Rich's life shows how desperately he wanted that connection he had with God to be manifested in human form. He shares how difficult and lonely life can be at times, and I think that hits home with so many. Our lives at times have their moments when we can simply feel all alone and wondering if our one life makes any difference at all. This story of Rich's showcases just how one life can impact and cause the ripples that span long after they begin and I believe that is the message behind it all. I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about Ragamuffin, Millennium Entertainment or where you can pick up a copy of this DVD today, please click on the links below:

Ragamuffin: Based on the Life of Rich Mullins

You can also find out more information about Rich Mullins by visiting Facebook to learn about the making of this DVD and more.

Thanks to the generosity of Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing a giveaway copy of Ragamuffin to one lucky winner of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. Here are your guidelines to enter:

1. Be a follower of my blog Reviews From The Heart. 

2. "Like" Rich Mullins Film Facebook page.

3. Be a resident of the US or Canada and please No P.O. Boxes.

4. Leave a comment below telling me why you'd love to win a copy of this DVD. Don't forget to include your email address in the comment box as well. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

I will notify the winner of the giveaway when it ends on July 16th by email. If I don't hear from you withing 72 hours I will select another winner. So be sure to include your email address with your comment.

"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 the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Unstoppable - DVD Giveaway and Review

Have you ever stopped and wondered just why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? Is He capable of preventing it? Does He care? Does He even hear your prayers? Why is  this one question the reason so many Christians give up their faith when adversity falls into their own lives and death claims yet another great person, a believer in Christ? When cancer claims another victim and despite all the prayers, healing doesn't come?

Actor Kirk Cameron takes a hard look at just why this happens and finds the answers by going back through the Bible in hopes of providing some clarification as he examines the death of 15-year-old Matthew Sandgren, a close friend of his that losses his 10-year battle with cancer. Kirk takes viewers into the beginning with the creation of Adam and Eve, the fall in the garden of Eden, the flood of Noah, and the coming of Jesus Christ.

In the end, I think Kirk stimulates us to consider all the facts of why bad things continue to happen to good people and offers us hope that when this life is over, we will have everlasting life. It helped me accept things on a much broader scale and realized just how much God cares for all of us despite the circumstances in our lives that hit home when we least expect them. As believers in Jesus Christ, we all know that our life is limited and we will face death, but it doesn't end for us there. It still affects us when we lose someone we love, because of that loss of their presence in this life, here on Earth. We miss them and want to be with them again. That loss is what grieves us the most, not that death claimed them, and now they are restored in heaven. We know we will see them again and then nothing will separate us thanks to what Jesus did through the sacrifice of His death on the cross. Does it answer the why? Not entirely but then again only God knows the reasons why He does what He does and for us, in time, it will be enough for now.

In theaters for only two weeknights (Sept 24th and Oct 3th, 2013), UNSTOPPABLE: A Live Event with Kirk Cameron sold a staggering 260,000 tickets and reached a theatrical gross of over $3.2 million dollars. In just two nights this independent project sent a loud message – audiences want thought-provoking and meaningful entertainment.   

I received Unstoppable by Provident Films compliments of FlyBy Promotions for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed are strictly my own. This was an interesting DVD to watch and it's hard to define what it is, It's not really a documentary or a movie but more of a heart to heart look at sitting down with Kirk Cameron taking a hard look at why bad things happen to good people. I wanted to see this movie when it came out in theaters but missed the chance since it only had a single air date. Now I was thrilled to review this DVD and be able to share it with you. It really makes you consider things from the creation of the world to where we are at today and hopefully it offers a glimmer of hope in the midst of tragedy. I easily rate this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

About Kirk Cameron: 
Kirk Cameron is best known for his memorable role as “Mike Seaver,” a cultural icon of the 80's, with his mullet hairstyle, cool glasses, and wisecracking comebacks. More recently he enjoyed much success with the No. 1 grossing inspirational film of 2008, Fireproof, and his recent documentary, Monumental. Kirk and his wife, Chelsea, were on-screen sweethearts during their Growing Pains years and are the founders of Camp Firefly, where terminally and seriously ill children and their families are provided an all-expense paid retreat (www.CampFirefly.com). Together, Kirk and Chelsea live in California with their six children.

About Provident Films: 
Provident Films, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, produces, markets, and distributes faith-based films. The company is part of Nashville-based Provident Music Group, which has been one of the world’s leading Christian entertainment companies for more than three decades.  Films from the company have included Courageous, October Baby, Fireproof, and Facing the Giants. More info is available at ProvidentFilms.org.

For more information about Unstoppable, Provident Films or where you can pick up a copy of this DVD today, please click on the links below:

Unstoppable: The Movie

Now for the good part, thanks to Provident Films and FlyBy Promotions, they are offering a giveaway copy to one lucky follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. Here are your details to enter:

1. Be a follower of my blog Reviews From The Heart. 

2. Be a resident of the US or Canada or have a US or Canada shipping address. No P.O. Boxes please.

3. "Like" Unstoppable's Facebook page.

4. Leave a comment below telling me why you'd love to win a copy of this DVD along with your email address. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

The giveaway will end on February 10th and the winner will be notified by email. Remember if you have already won this DVD in a giveaway, you are not eligible to win again. This giveaway will be subject to verification to prevent multiple winners of the same giveaway.

"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 the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

The Promise DVD - Review and Giveaway

It wouldn't be the Christmas season without a great reason to celebrate Jesus' birth! Thanks to the folks from Glorious Films they have fulfilled that calling in a great way with the launch of the DVD, The Promise: Birth of the Messiah. An animated musical for children and families running about 45 minutes long, the animation is amazing! It follows the biblical account from the Bible from the book of Luke that tells of the special way God chose Mary and Joseph to become the birth parents of Jesus Christ. Like your typical musicals this one is filled with beautiful details that outline the angelic proclamation from the angel Gabriel coming to Mary and telling her that she was chosen to give birth as a virgin to the future Savior of the World.

The animated production leverages optical motion technology to blend traditional animation techniques with the performance talents of ballet dancers and dramatic stage actors. The result is a unique and worshipful story experience that will inspire audiences young and old for years to come. This would make a great Christmas gift or stocking stuffer this year as a way to inspire a new tradition in your family to watch together.

ABOUT GLORIOUS FILMS

Glorious Films is the home of high quality entertainment products created from a strong biblical worldview. The creative and technical teams are world-class and have come to from all over the globe. Their first film, The Promise, is an animated musical about the nativity story that will be released in 2013. The second film, The Prodigal, an animated musical based on the parable of the prodigal son, is in production for a Spring 2014 release.

I received The Promise: Birth of the Messiah compliments of Glorious Films and FlyBy Promotions for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. I absolutely LOVE this DVD and think it would be such a great way to share the gospel story in Luke with your family. It takes the story to an entirely new level and who doesn't love a great musical as well. Hands down a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion and can't wait for future DVD's from Glorious Films. 

Now for best part, thanks to the generosity of Glorious Films and FlyBy Promotions, they are offering a giveaway copy to one lucky follower of my blog Reviews From The Heart. Here are your details to enter:

1. Be a follower of my blog Reviews From The Heart. 

2. Click "Like" on Glorious Film's Facebook page. This way you won't miss out on future additions as well to the series. 

3. Leave a comment below telling me why you would want to win a copy. PLEASE include your email address. Without it I have no way of notifying you that you are the winner. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols. Remember if your email address is not valid, I can't notify you if you are the lucky winner of the giveaway which ends on December 12th. In order to ensure delivery of the DVD in time for Christmas, if I don't hear from the winner within 24 hours of the giveaway, I will have to chose another. T\

This is a tight turn around giveaway just to ensure you have the DVD by Christmas so please be sure to follow the criteria to enter to win. I will notify the winner at the email you provide in the comment box so make sure you enter it carefully. I will also post the winner's name on my Facebook page for Reviews From The Heart as well. 

For more information about The Promise, Glorious Films or where to pick up your own copy of this amazing DVD today, please click on the links below: 

The Promise: The Birth of the Messiah by Glorious Films. 

You can find Glorious Films on Facebook to stay up to date with future movies for your family. 

To order a copy of this movie from Amazon, please click here. 

This Is Our Time ~ DVD Review and Giveaway

Have you ever struggled with the prospect of what your life's purpose is? Why others around you seem to moving at an accelerated pace in the right direction, but it seems like God has all but forgot you in the process? Is it possible that God wants you right where you are at this particular moment even if it mean sitting on the bench or simply being a dishwasher or a stay at home mom?

Then I have the perfect movie for you that should help point you in the right direction or even be content with where you are at right now! Pure Flix presents This Is Our Time, a way to seize God's calling! Starring Erin Bethea (Fireproof) as Alè and her husband Luke (T.J. Dalrymple) who marry shortly after their graduation from college, and feel the calling of going to India as part of Embrace A Village ministry. This ministry cares for those afflicted with leprosy and their families. Their friends from college Catherine (Kate Cobb), an aspiring financier, who joins a prestigious financial institution determined to make an impact on corporate American; Ryder (Matthew Florida), who lands an impressive job in social media and can't wait to use the powerful medium for a greater good; and Ethan (Shawn-Caulin Young), seemingly the odd man out, who struggles to find his God-given purpose and feels sidelined by God.

"What they all come to learn is that it never really was their time, but always was, always is, God's time."

This movie is so powerful because there is a sense that we can all relate to a character in the movie. Even those that seem to have it all made, find themselves struggling with some of the business ethical choices in their jobs, so it's not always as green on the other side as some would see. I found myself relating to the character of Catherine because it sometimes means having to make hard choices in your job. I myself, found that leaving a job after ten years despite the prestige and salary that may it hard to give up, required me to simply walk away and never look back. At the time, the decision was a hard one and one I found myself questioning quite a bit during my first year, especially when my family just bought a new home and two incomes were almost required. However, I found with God's assurance, we were able to make it just fine and He paved the way in unpredictable ways, much like He does in all the characters in this movie. Sometimes we have to get to the end of the path before we can see clearly because the whole time we were simply too close to the situation.

I received This Is Our Time by Pure Flix Entertainment compliments of Flyby Promotions for my honest review and received no compensation for a favorable review. This movie really hit home with me as a stay at home mom for the last ten years now wondering if I was sacrificing what God wanted me to do for something bigger and more impactful. However, after watching this one, I am content with where God has placed me and until such a time that He asks me to move in another direction, I will do my best with what I can. A great family movie with a profound moral message. For those wondering where God's at in your life in any situation, this is the movie for you. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars. Now comes the best part.

Thanks to the generous folks at Pure Flix Entertainment and Flyby Promotions, they are providing a giveaway copy to one lucky follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. Here's your guidelines.

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. With being able to provide so many family giveaways, you won't want to miss out.

2. Be a resident of the US or have a US shipping address. Please No P.O. Boxes.

3. "Like" Pure Flix's Facebook page to stay up to date with all the latest Christian and Family Films.

4. Leave a comment below telling me why you'd love to win a copy of this DVD, along with your email address. If you don't leave an email, I have no way of contacting you if you're the lucky winner. You can even use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

I will notify the winner by email when the giveaway ends on April 24th, so be sure to enter as many times as you want and tell others as well.

For more information about This Is Our Time, Pure Flix, or where you can preorder your copy of the DVD that releases on April 16th, please click below:

This Is Our Time by Pure Flix

You can also follow Pure Flix Entertainment on Facebook to stay up to date with all the latest Christian and Family entertainment.

"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."

Janet's Planet DVD - Review and Giveaway

Being a home school teacher/mom, I love finding great products that make learning not only educational, but fun! That's why I am so excited to share this DVD, Janet's Planet with all of you! Janet's Planet is a fun educational tool you can use to help your child become more knowledgeable in Science, History and Health. In the Microgravity DVD, Janet Ivy explores the world of gravity, mass and the impacts it has not only on the Earth but one other planets as well. I only wish I had gotten this sooner, when we were studying Gravity in our Science Lesson. This explains it so much better than all those chapters and dull, boring words on a page. I love the interaction between Janet and the kids in this DVD. The illustrations she uses are simply enough for anyone to understand and better yet, remember. We will be using this as a refresher prior to our school's state testing next week.

I love the explanation about the effects of gravity and what would happen if the Earth suddenly found itself without gravity and thus explains the gravity on the moon and other planets. In addition I love the visuals for the mass and weight on Earth and other planets. There are some funny comedy references to make it really fun!

The best part is that the learning doesn't end when the DVD is over, there is some incredible information you can find through Janet's Planet website, from links to videos, a fun jeopardy game on Science, Health and History, (I did O.K., though I may need a refresher course through Janet's DVD) and so much more for both parents and educators. There is even a link to the Janet's Planet Space Log ( a blog) with more incredible information and challenges. I am a huge supporter in anything that keeps kids engaged and learning while making it fun and Janet's Planet masters that concept.

On Janet's Planet website, I found that the blog needs to be updated since the last entry was June of 2012 but the information contained on the site is pretty amazing. That is the only downfall I see at this time. My 8th grader was challenged to play the Jeopardy game and at first was a bit frustrated because she felt it was too childish looking. However having her play the game, I literally watched her go from less than willing to super excited as she progressed further into the game. So that just tells me that this works and she completely enjoyed it. She learned quite a few things she didn't know especially in regards to some anatomy health questions, and was thrilled to understand some of the science explorers like Buzz Aldrin and Alan Shepard.

On Janet's Planet Facebook page, we learned of a 19-year old student, Boyan Slat who invented an Ocean Cleanup Array to remove up to 7,250,000 tons of plastic waste from the world's ocean. He even created his own Ocean Cleanup Foundation and estimates that it will take about 5 years to remove these plastic garbage patches from our oceans. There is literally so much great information all linked to help students learn more about Science, History, Health and Nutrition. I think this is a must see for anyone who is excited about learning in a fun way using technology to help! I know I have forwarded all these links to our parenting network and have gotten great responses. Here's hoping Janet's Planet goes global through the educational network.

I received Janet's Planet DVD compliments of FlyByPromotions and Janet's Planet for my honest review and received no monetary compensation for a favorable review. This DVD is geared for all ages and learning levels. The resources through the website, Facebook and Space Log are great enhancements to keep the learning alive and fun even after you finish with the DVD. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and HIGHLY RECOMMEND this product to parents, educators and students who are looking for a way to making learning fun and exciting!

Thanks to the generous folks at Janet's Planet and FlyByPromotions, they are offering a giveaway copy of Janet's Planet to one lucky follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. Here are your guidelines to enter:

1. Be a follower of my blog Reviews From The Heart. 

2. "Like" Janet's Planet Facebook page!

3. Be a resident of the US or have a US Shipping Address. Please No P.O. Boxes.

4. Leave a comment below along with your email address and let me know why you'd love to win this DVD. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

I will notify the winner by email on April 12th when the giveaway ends.

For more information about Janet's Planet please click on the links below:

Janet's Planet Website

Janet's Planet on Facebook

Janet's Planet Space Log

"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."

Veggie Tales: The Little House That Stood - DVD Giveaway and Review

I would hardly think there isn't a person alive who hasn't heard of Veggie Tales! Now they have introduced a new DVD, The Little House That Stood along with your favorite Veggie Tales characters Bob and Larry. Once more Bob and Larry are trying to answer two different show requests, one to do a take on Mother Goose Stories and the other for a parable like Jesus told from the Bible. Like all wonderful DVD's prior, this one does a wonderful job at incorporating the two and helping children learn about making good choices.

In the first part of the video, we are introduced to a retelling of the children's classic of The Three Little Pigs. This time the story takes place in Cabbageville where three different builders are undergoing to tasks of home development, Larry chooses to build his homes from straw and give them that country feel and they are green friendly too! Mr. Lunt choose the bricks because after all, nothing is stronger than bricks! Then Bob, (the builder) decides to opt for sticks but instead has learned from experience that the foundation is what is important. Soon a building competition ensures for Builder of the Year. The three pigs come to town in hopes of buying homes and each chooses a different one due to their preferences. When the weather man indicates a massive rain storm that could flood the town, who's choice will be the wisest?

For intermission, we are once again introduced to a catchy new song Happy Tooth Day in the Silly Songs with Larry segment. Soon you'll find yourself humming along with this one long after the DVD is over.

In the final segment of this DVD, we are introduced to The Good Egg of Gooseville, where Bob the Tomato (disguised as Humpty Dumpty) is now cast as the friendly mayor of Gooseville. He's a busy mayor who spends time dealing with all the neighbors complaints and soon finds that the stress he's dealing with is causing him to crack his shell. While searching for a way out, he finds the perfect vacation, the vacation all about Me and thinks this will be the answer to all his problems. But with the Mayor gone, who will solve all the neighbors issues like removing the splinter from Miss Muffet's Tuffet? Or how will Goldilocks find more porridge? The end result will literally crack you up!

I received The Little House That Stood compliments of Big Idea Pictures and Flyby Promotions for my honest review. My family has quite literally grown up on Veggie Tales and when the opportunity came along to review this DVD, my entire family said "YES!" Mind you that the youngest in our household is 14. We thoroughly enjoyed this trip down memory lane as a family over dinner one night and all agreed this one is a hands down 5 out of 5 family friendly stars classic with a valuable lesson included. My 14-year-old daughter commented "that's why its important to always make sure you have a firm foundation on anything you do!" Guess the lessons still apply all these years later.

Bonus features on this DVD included a History of Mother Goose, behind the Scenes at Big Idea, Happy Tooth Day Sing-Along, Discussion Guide and so much more. Running time is approximately 49 minutes and includes a preview to the next Veggie Tales DVD coming soon! Thanks to the generous folks at Flyby Promotions and Big Idea, they are offering a giveaway copy to one lucky reader of my blog. Here's your details to enter to win:

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart.

2. "Like" my Facebook page, Reviews From The Heart and leave a comment there.

3. Be a resident of the US or have a US shipping address. Please No P.O. Boxes.

4. Leave a comment below telling me why you'd love to win a copy of this DVD along with your email address. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

The giveaway will end on March 8th, and I will notify the winner by email at that time.

For more information about The Little House That Stood, Big Idea Pictures, or where to pick up a copy of this DVD today, please click on the links below:

Veggie Tales: The Little House That Stood

You can also find out more great information about other DVDs and Veggie Tales by visiting their Facebook page.

"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."

A Mile In His Shoes - DVD Giveaway and Review

One of the most exciting things this year has been to be able to view some incredible family films and today is no exception. Based on a true story, Dean Cain and Luke Schroder star in movie based on the book, The Legend of Mickey Tussler.

A Mile In His Shoes tells the story of a failing baseball coach Arthur Murphy (Dean Cain) who is trying to find a way to salvage his minor league teach, The River Rats. Taking a drive to interview a prospective candidate who may just turn out to be the next big thing, Murphy has a minor accident while trying to find his way into town. When he seeks the aid from a young boy, Mickey Tussler searching for his lost pig, Oscar to use a phone, he soon discovers God has bigger plans in store for Murphy and Tussler.

Watching Tussler 'smash apples' as he's feeding the pigs, Murphy discovers the boy can deliver the heat in his accurate pitches to throw apples into a tin barrel. Sensing a bright spot in both their lives, Murphy must convince the Tussler family of Mickey's potential at pitching baseball. However he discovers that Mickey has Asperger's syndrome, which is a form of autism that can overwhelm his sense if he is surprised or confused. They relent to allow Mickey to try out and soon discover that all roads lead to where God will call those who are willing to listen.



I received this DVD, A Mile in His Shoes compliments of Propeller, Thomas Kinkade and Nasser Group North for my honest review. This was is sure to be a homerun for fans of baseball, under dog stories of determination and the love of friendship and family and is also a movie from the director of Angels in the Outfield. I just know that you're going to love this film as much as my family did and that's why this one rates a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information on this film please click on the links below:

A Mile In His Shoes Website

Dove Foundation Review

You can also find out more about the movie on Facebook by clicking here.

Now the exciting part. Thanks to Propeller and Nasser Group North, they are providing a giveaway copy of this DVD to one lucky reader of this blog. Here's all you need to do to enter to win:

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart.

2. Leave a comment on my Facebook page, Reviews From The Heart and "like" this review once you find it.

3. Be a resident of the US or have a US shipping address. Please No P.O. Boxes.

4. Leave a comment telling me why you'd love to win a copy of this movie in the comment box below along with your email address. You can use the words (at) or (dot) instead of the symbols. I will notify the winner of this giveaway when it ends on January 23rd.

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 of Testimonials in Advertising."

Christmas Lodge - DVD Review and Giveaway

Mary Tobin is blessed to be a woman who is not only successful, but has a great love of family and adventure for the outdoors. Working as a historical preservationist in the city, she loves to get away from the busyness by heading to Silver Falls where she has spent her childhood becoming familiar with the mountains, lakes and hiking trails she has come to love and adore. She finds this is where she can connect with God and her grandmother, who passed away a few years ago. It's also where she can feel at peace with her life.

While her and her boyfriend Kent spend the weekend in the mountains hiking, they come to the aid of a little girl, Charlene, who has followed her dog chasing a robin and has managed to sprain her ankle. When they take her back to her home, they find out she is the current resident and owner along with her father of the Christmas Lodge. This is the place Mary and her family have spent countless years and memories as a family and learn that it's in a state of disrepair.

When she meets the owner, Jack Rand, Charlene's dad, she offers to find out if her company will provide the funding through a grant to help with restoration. Lucky for her as well that her father and brothers own a contracting company and can provide an analysis for how much work it will take to bring it back to its former glory.



I received this heartwarming and charming DVD compliments of Propeller for my honest review and have to say as one who collects Christmas movies, this one has found a home! I LOVED it! Not only is it a Dove Approved family movie, the message behind the movie is one that we all need to remember during the busy holiday and that family is really what is the most important gift of the Christmas season and the memories we make year after year. I am so proud to be honored with reviewing this Thomas Kinkade movie and rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars.

Thanks to the folks at Propeller, they are providing a giveaway copy to one lucky follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. Here's all you need to do to enter:

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart.

2. "Like" my page of Facebook, by clicking here.

3. "Like" this review on Facebook, by clicking here.

4. Be a resident of the US or have a US shipping address. Please No P.O. Boxes.

5. Leave a comment and tell me why you'd love to win a copy of this movie along with your email address. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

The giveaway will end on November 10th and I will contact the winner at that time.

Here's more information about the movie and where you can pick up a copy today!

Christmas Lodge presented by Thomas Kinkade

The Shunning - DVD Giveaway and Review

Katie Lapp (Danielle Panabaker) has always struggled with the rules that define her sheltered Amish community, but when a wealthy outsider (Sherry Stringfield, TV's "ER") begins asking questions about her family, Katie begins to wonder about her origins.

When Katie struggles with the decision of whether or not to marry Bishop John Beiler, a good Amish man after trying hard to keep with the Amish ways. Her love of music and playing the guitar is something she promised she gave up until her brother finds her playing it one day in the loft above the barn and reminds her, what her father will do if he finds out. Katie believes that there is something to this gift of music that God gave her.

What connection does this woman have to her life...and how will the unraveling secrets challenge Katie's faith? Beverly Lewis' The Shunning is a powerful, personal journey of discovery based on the famous novel by New York Times best-selling author. The film is based on the celebrated first novel of the best-selling "The Heritage of Lancaster County" book series.

Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, is the New York Times bestselling author of more than eighty books. Her stories have been published in eleven languages worldwide. A keen interest in her mother's Plain heritage has inspired Lewis to write many Amish-related novels, beginning with "The Shunning," which has sold more than one million copies. In 2007, Lewis' "The Brethren" was honored with a Christy Award.



I received The Shunning by Beverly Lewis on DVD compliments of Propeller and the Hallmark Channel for my honest review and LOVED this one. Being a huge fan of Amish fiction and their simple way of life, I was captivated to see how this storyline would play out. I felt for Katie's desire to please her family but also the struggle of what she believes God would want her to use her gift of music for. This is a perfect story that shows the simplicity of the Amish lives and how their faith plays a huge role in what they do and believe. Hands down this is a perfect movie for the entire family and rates a 5 out of 5 stars. This one will be watched over and over again by our family!

For more information about is movie, please click on the links below:

The Shunning DVD by Beverly Lewis and directed by Michael Landon Jr

You can also find The Shunning on Facebook by clicking here.

Thanks to the generous folks at Propeller and Hallmark Channel, they are providing a copy of this DVD to one lucky follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. Here's what you need to enter:

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart.

2. You must be a resident of the US or have a US shipping address. Please No P.O. Boxes.

3. I need a way to contact you if you are the lucky winner of this giveaway, so please be sure to include your email address. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

4. Please leave a comment telling me why you'd love to win a copy of this DVD. The giveaway will end on September 26th.

Theo - DVD Giveaway and Review

Theo - Good News from Theo Presents on Vimeo.

A new animated series, Theo, teaches and guide children and adults through Biblical theology. Theo is an elderly gentleman (who my youngest told me reminded her of Belle's father, from Beauty and the Beast), who discusses the doctrines of what sin is, God's character, The Bible, salvation and godly-living with easy-to-understand illustrations that make children want to learn more about the Christian faith.

Theo's messages are well animated and accompanied by two mice, Belfry and Luther, who have a way of keeping it interesting in their quest for cookies that Theo makes. This DVD comes with two animated shorts:



1. Saving Faith

Did you know that the same type of faith that saved Abraham, saves you and me? Kids will be entranced by Theo, a kind English theologian who teaches what it means to have genuine, or saving faith. Theo shares the story of Abraham to illustrate the life of a man who trusted the promises of God and walked by faith. Just as the Lord promised Abraham a son and fulfilled His promise, He promised a Savior to us. And sent Jesus into the world at just the right time.

2. Loving Obedience

Loving God and obeying Him are two peas in the same pod! If we love God, we will obey Him. Luther and Belfry, two field mice that have befriended Theo, lack obedience and get into trouble wherever they go. Children will learn a valuable lesson and be entertained at the same time as Theo uses the story of Jonah to illustrate the consequences of disobedience, and the blessings that come when we love God through doing what He asks of us.

3. Forgiveness

Nothing is more basic to the Gospel than forgiveness. Did you know that forgiveness in the biblical sense means to set something free? However, learning to forgive is not easy for Theo's furry friends Luther and Belfry. In this episode, Theo teaches the important lesson of forgiving others through the parable of the Unforgiving Servant. For if we do not forgive others, we cannot expect God to forgive us!

I received this DVD compliments of Propeller and Whitestone Media for my honest review and wish these were out when my kids were younger. The animation rates right up there with Disney and because the message is short and to the point, kids will love how simple it is to understand the concepts of salvation and faith. My daughter who also viewed this with me, said she will be using them when she has kids of her own. She LOVED them and she's 12! I'd give this one a 5 out of 5 stars!

Michael Joens is the producer and director of Theo and has produced dozens of animated commercials for Milton Bradley, Hasbro, Kenner, McDonald's and Playskool. In addition to commercial work, he produced and directed the animation segments of the award-winning series, "McGee and Me," as well as the animated "Adventures in Odyssey" for Focus on the Family. He is now using his talents to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Theo into all the world.

What set's THEO apart from anything we've worked on?

The Buy 1 - Give 1 campaign!

For every Theo DVD purchased, Whitestone Media and Child Evangelism Fellowship® will send a child in need their very own copy of Theo.

You can log onto TheoPresents.com after making your own purchase, and select the region of the world you'd like another copy of Theo to be sent.

Thanks to the folks at Whitestone Media and Propeller, they are generously offering to provide copies of Theo DVD to two lucky followers of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. Here are your guidelines to enter to win:

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart.

2. Be a resident of the US or have a US shipping address. Please No P.O. Boxes.

3. I must have a way to contact you if you're one of the winners, so please be sure to include your email address along with a comment of why you'd love to win a copy! You can use the words (at) or (dot) instead of the symbols.

The giveaway will end on Sept 19th, and I will be contacting the winner's via email at that time.

For more information on this DVD, please visit the links below:

Introducing Theo: Teaching Children God's Word by Whitestone Media

You can find Theo on Facebook by clicking here and on Amazon by clicking here.

You can also download a FREE Theo App for your IPad or IPhone by clicking here.

You can also find curriculum for using Theo in your church by clicking here.

The Grace Card - DVD Giveaway and Review

Everything can change in an instant … and take a lifetime to unravel. When Mac McDonald loses his son in an accident, the ensuing 17 years of bitterness and pain erodes his love for his family and leaves him angry with God … and just about everyone else. Mac’s rage stonewalls his career in the police department and makes for a combustible situation when he’s partnered with Sam Wright, a rising star on the force—who happens to be a part-time pastor and a loving family man.

Can they somehow join forces to help one another when it’s impossible for either of them to look past their differences—especially the most obvious one? Every day, we have the opportunity to rebuild relationships and heal deep wounds by extending and receiving God’s grace. Offer THE GRACE CARD … and never underestimate the power of God’s love.

My Review:

This movie will completely move you to tears. An emotional roller coaster from the first scene where Mac McDonald (Michael Joiner) and his family are put through the hardest of life's tragedies as his young son is killed by a drug deal gone bad. While the police are pursuing the dealer, Tyler rides directly into the path of the dealer's car.

Now the family, 17 years later is still struggling in the various stages of grief. For Mac, it's getting over the hate he still feels for the boy who took the life of his son. Even though he doesn't say he's a racist, his actions confirm that he is being held captive. Now partnered with Sam Wright (Mike Higgenbottom), who's an up and coming pastor and who just received the promotion that Mac had hoped he would get, he is faced with his greatest enemy.

Sam Wright is trying to get his church started so he can quit to police force, however he too struggles with his messages when he can't even find a way to reach a hurt and wounded man he is partnered with everyday who hates him simply based on his skin color.

Blake is the remaining son who is on the verge of not graduating in his senior year due to his grades. He is still dealing with trying to live up to Tyler even though the accident happened 17 years ago. He turns to the wrong crowd since being at home with his mom and dad only leads to more arguments. His dad, Mac, believes he will never measure up to his expectations.

Louis Gossett Jr. plays a small role as the grandfather of Sam who teaches him about what the definition of grace means through a story of a slave owner on a plantation. This movie is well produced and the storyline will impact you no matter where you stand in life.



I received the DVD, The Grace Card, compliments of Propeller and Provident Films for my honest review and once again LOVE that movies like this are being made for families again. The message is relevant to anyone who questions what the meaning of grace is and how forgiveness works in any situation we face in life. A word of caution: you WILL need tissues for this one. I highly recommend this movie to any family looking for a great story with a message behind it. This is a 5 out of 5 stars DVD.

For more information about the DVD please click on the links below:

The Grace Card Website

You can find them on Facebook by clicking here.

Thanks to the generous folks at Provident Films, GraceWorks Pictures, and Propeller, they are offering a giveaway copy of this DVD to one lucky follower of this blog. Here are the guidelines to enter:

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart.

2. You must be a resident of the US or have a US shipping address. Please No P.O. Boxes.

3. I need a way to contact you if you are the lucky winner, so please be sure to include your email address along with your comment.

4. Leave a comment and tell me why you'd love to win a copy of this DVD!

The giveaway will end on August 27th and I will notify the winner by email at that time.

“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.”

Unplanned - DVD Giveaway and Review

How would you convince someone that their decision that they are about to make is the wrong one? Would you just come straight out and tell them or would you support them in love and pray for the best being their friend no matter what?

Abby Johnson lived through what most women would consider the hardest decision they would have to make in their life. When she was attending A & M college, she learned she was pregnant. She was in shock. Her current boyfriend at the time remained completely calm and advised her that she should get an abortion. He had seen many girls go through them and it seemed like the best choice.

Not knowing what to do, Abby went along with the decision. There was no one at the clinic that would advise her of other options other than the one she came there to complete. Through her college years Abby would become involved with Planned Parenthood as an organizational volunteer to assist women in and out of the clinics where abortions would be performed. Thinking she was assisting these women in the best possible way, she didn't realize and was misguided in her actions.

Abby would later become the director of a Planned Parenthood clinic and during one procedure, Abby would learn the truth about what really happens to the babies during the process of abortion. What she learned there led her to create this compelling testimony of how a heart can be changed through love and grace.



In the DVD, Unplanned by Focus on The Family along with Tyndale House Publishers, you see Abby's story in her own words from start to finish. The message is clear and one that every single Christian should watch. If you ever wondered how people could work at clinics conducting abortions and live with their results, or how to reach the millions of misguided people working for the clinics or considering abortion as a alternative to giving birth, you need to watch this DVD.

Being like Abby, myself, at age 17, I had an abortion. A decision I would later regret for my entire life after the procedure. I had no one there to consul me before hand or even offer alternatives, nor did I have friends or family to support me during that time. Knowing that even despite my personal decision to have an abortion and walking through life with that guilt I still no that no matter what I will remain a Pro-Life supporter. I can speak from experience as someone who knows what its like. I can offer them hope and other options other than an abortion. This is how God uses for good what the enemy would use for bad. God redeems and He forgives.

I received this DVD compliments of Tyndale House Publishers and Focus On The Family for my honest review and have to say, it should be viewed by every single teen in America. If only more truth were revealed in options when it comes to unplanned pregnancy like this DVD offers, perhaps more lives would be saved! This one rates a 5 out of 5 stars!!

For more information about this DVD, Abby Johnson and where you can get more information, click on the link below:

Unplanned - Abby Johnson

Thanks to the wonderful folks at Tyndale and Focus On The Family, they are offering a giveaway copy of this DVD to one lucky follower of this blog. Here are your guidelines:

1. Be a follower of Reviews From The Heart.

2. Please like my Facebook page, Reviews From The Heart, by clicking here.

3. Make sure to include your email address so I can contact you if you are the lucky winner. You can use the words (at) or (dot) instead of the symbols.

4. Leave a comment and let me know why you'd love to win a copy of Unplanned. The winner will receive a coupon to redeem either by mail or taking it to your local Christian Bookstore to pick up your copy. The giveaway will end on May 13th and I will contact the winner at that time via email.

Here's another special bonus you'll want to be a part of:

The Unite for LIFE webcast is a free webcast featuring Abby Johnson that will benefit pregnancy care organizations. You can sign up to participate on May 17 at 8:00 p.m. (in all time zones) at www.uniteforlifewebcast.org. Unplanned the book and the DVD will be available for purchase as a package deal and 33% of each purchase will go to crisis pregnancy centers like CareNet, the National Institute of Family & Life Advocates, and Heartbeat International.

Magdalena: Through Her Eyes - DVD Giveaway and Review

Mary Magdalena shares her unique perspective in the telling of the story of the life of Jesus from her own eyes. Beginning with a short recap about creation and the fall of man, Abraham's obedience to be willing to sacrifice his own son, and the calling of John the Baptist, we are then taken through the short life of Jesus' ministry during his three years.

We see the beginnings of His teachings in the temple as a young man, the feeding of the 5000, the story of meeting the woman at the well in Samaria as well as countless other examples of the women and people Jesus touched during his time on Earth.

We see His power in the words he spoke on the Mount, the betrayal in the Garden of Gethsemane, and the power of the walk to Golgotha. I loved how this took a different view on how Jesus touched the lives of the women He came across and shared His love of redemption and hope, not of conviction and judgement. What a beautiful story to share with your family as we prepare for Easter.

I received Magdalena: Through Her Eyes, compliments of Campus Crusade for Christ and Propeller for my honest review and found this to be a well written movie that will inspire us all this Easter to remember the sacrifice that our Savior gave to all of us. No other religious figure has been persecuted and killed for the benefit of saving His followers but Jesus Christ and no other religious figure continues to receive that same persecution today. This film will renew your faith and hope in the God we serve and would make a wonderful way to celebrate Easter this year. This one rates a 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information on this film, including a short trailer, and where you can purchase a copy of this DVD for yourself or a family member, or friend, click on the link below:

Magdalena: Through Her Eyes

Thanks to the folks at Campus Crusade for Christ and Propeller, they are providing a giveaway copy to one lucky follower of my blog. Here are your guidelines:

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart.

2. Follow me on Facebook, by clicking here.

3. Be a resident of the US or have a US shipping address, No P.O. Boxes please.

4. I must have a way to contact you, so please provide an email address along with your comment. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

5. Leave me a comment and let me know why you'd love to win a copy. This giveaway will end on April 12th. We want to get this shipped out to you in time for Easter.

The Crossmaker - DVD Giveaway and Review

We all have read and seen the story of Easter according to the Bible, but here is a perfect way to capture the attention of children everywhere with this latest DVD from See The Light called The Crossmaker.

We learn what happens in the life of a boy named Dominic whose father makes crosses. When called to finish a last minute order, his father asks if he will make the cross and deliver it as soon as it is finished. Dominic is reluctant due to the comments his friends make when they see him delivering crosses but his father insists that he be the one to take this cross today. They are expecting it.

We are drawn into the life of a small boy when he delivers the cross to a Roman guard only to see a story unfold before his eyes as Pilate begins to deal with the crowd of people who have brought a man named Jesus before him. Dominic soon will discover that he will play a pivotal part in what ultimately happens to Jesus.

Brought to life by illustrations in chalk as the story unfolds to the viewer, we learn once more about the death and resurrection of Jesus through the telling of the story just in time for Easter. This DVD is packed with extras including over an hour and a half of art lessons showcasing illuminated letters and chalk drawings that your child can watch and complete in easy to follow step by step directions. You also will receive contemporary music performed by Breathing Room as Gloria draws along with it creating the Easter story.

There is so much combined in this one amazing and unforgettable DVD that you can also supplement with The See The Light website for more ideas and DVDs as well. I received this DVD, The Crossmaker, compliments of Propeller and See The Light for my honest review and my entire family LOVED it. We all agree this is a wonderful way to enjoy the story of Easter this holiday. I would highly recommend it and give it a 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about this DVD, See The Light and where to get a copy, please click on the link below:

The Crossmaker - Easter Story and Art Lessons by See The Light

You can also find them on Facebook here.

Thanks to See The Light and Propeller, they are giving away a copy of this DVD to one lucky follower of my blog. Here are your guidelines to enter:

1. You must be a follower of Reviews From The Heart.

2. You must be a resident of the US or have a US shipping address. No P.O. Boxes please.

3. I must have a way to contact you if you are the lucky winner of this giveaway, so please be sure to include your email address along with your comment. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

4. Leave a comment telling me why you'd love to win this DVD. The giveaway will end on April 2nd so we can get this to you before Easter. I will be contacting the winner by email on the 2nd.

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 Gift of Love DVD - Giveaway and Review

WOW! This truly is the season for giving and it just keeps getting better all the time!



The Gift of Love, Drawing Children to Him, A See The Light Series DVD that offers something more than just the Christmas Story and telling of the birth of Jesus. It also provides over an hour of art lessons for children 6+ using colored pencils, extreme colored pencils and paper to create some amazing creative letters as well as drawing a manger scene and Mary. This detailed, descriptive lessons walk your children step by step to create some amazing artwork to celebrate the birth of Jesus and the Christmas story.

As my family watched this DVD featuring over 143 minutes worth of Christmas content, we were amazed on just how colorful and detailed these chalk drawings could tell the magnificent story of the birth of Jesus.

The first 10 minutes is called the Gift of Love, which features the Christmas story brought to life with expressions of chalk art, music and drama, perfect to hold the attention of children 3+.

Then the DVD outlines 3 Art Lessons using simple materials you have around the house. Finally bonus features include contemporary music performed by "Breathing Room" recording artists Jan Roper and Kevin Dukes while watching Gloria Kohlman draw her remarkable art expression of the Nativity.

Last, you can also obtain Christmas Lesson plans through the companies website, called See The Light Shine. I received this wonderful DVD compliments of Propeller and See The Light for my honest review and would highly recommend this to anyone with children visiting or at home this Christmas. I would rate this a 5 out of 5 perfect stars! Finally a great family DVD once again brought to you by Propeller and See The Light Shine!

This is a perfect gift for this time of the year, and thanks to Propeller and See The Light, they are providing a giveaway copy of the DVD to one lucky follower of this blog. Here are your guidelines:

1. Must be a follower of this blog, Reviews From The Heart.

2. Must be a resident of the US or have a US shipping address, with NO P.O. boxes please.

3. I must have a way to contact you if you are the lucky winner, so please include your email with your comment. You can use the words (at) or (dot) instead of the symbols.

4. Leave me a comment and let me know why you'd love to win this giveaway. The giveaway will end on December 16th.

For more information on this DVD, click on the link below:

The Gift of Love, Drawing Children to Him DVD

You can also click here to purchase the DVD separately or bundle DVD and Black Light through Amazon.

Facebook followers can click here.

Twitter followers can click here.

Trusting in The Shepherd DVD Review and Giveaway

Just in time for us parents comes a great new animated DVD series called Trusting in The Shepherd starring the Really Woolly Kids. This is such a wonderful and delightful animated cartoon created by DaySpring that I just know you're kids will enjoy.

It's about a town called Woollyville and the sheep families that live there. In this DVD we are introduced to Jacob and Gracie who each are dealing with a different fear. Yet what they both learn in the end is that the Shepherd is always near and always looking out for you.

In the first cartoon, called Gracie's Ewe Scout Campout, Gracie is a bit afraid about attending her first backyard camp out to earn her Ewe Scout badge, especially when her brother reminds her of all the monsters that live in the woods and only come out at night. Yet Gracie soons discovers thanks to her Grandmother Tabitha that the Shepherd walks through our darkest valleys with us. Set to an amazing sing a long, you learn the words of Psalm 23:4 and realize just how close God is whenever we fear anything.

In the second cartoon, Jacob's New Friend, we see how fast false rumors start in school when Jacob bumps into the new kid in school and suddenly hears that he is out looking to find him. Once more, we learn that things are not always what they seem to be and sometimes our fears are unfounded, once we learn to turn them over to God.

I received this DVD compliments of Propeller and DaySpring for my honest review and I must say, I absolutely love it. This one is a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. It's so much better than some of the cartoons that kids watch today on Cartoon Network, Nick or even Disney and the animation is top notch. I can't think of a better way to show our kids how to conquer their fears in a fun way.

This DVD includes bonus features, sing-along songs, and more interactive fun at reallywoolly.com For more information on this DVD including a trailer, click on the title below:

Trusting In The Shepherd

Thanks to Propeller and DaySpring, one lucky follower of my blog will win a copy of the DVD and an activity book to go along with it. Here are your guidelines:

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart.

2. Be a resident of the US and No P.O. Boxes please.

3. I must have a way to contact you, so please leave your email address in the comments box. You can use the words (at) or (dot) instead of the symbols. The giveaway will end on Oct 18th.

4. Leave me a comment and tell me why you'd love to win a copy of this amazing DVD.