God, Faith and Reason

"What you will see in this book are snapshots of God, not a complete film. This book is presented in an omnibus style and does not have to be read in precise, sequential order. What you will see is one man's glimpses of God - images along the road of life. It is a scrapbook of the highest power through dreams, memories and stories, much like the ancient texts. I know a lot of people who are not religious but say, "You know, it's terrible. We were once a great Christian nation, and the churches are empty and the mosques are filling up. They always wanted someone else to go to church. People who don't go to church don't' really believe in God. They want someone to believe for them. They cry, "Oh, why are the churches empty?" To which I reply, "Well, why don't you go?" They aren't religious, but they wish other people were. Well, you are the other people."

As I have said many years ago, we've gone from St. Christopher medals to dream catchers in one generation. When I was a kid, it seemed as though every other car had a Catholic owner. They had little St. Christopher's statues on the dashboard. Myself, I didn't have one, but I liked that there were people who believed in God. And one day, I woke up, it was post-Obama and there were dream catchers hanging off mirrors. There are so many things hanging off mirrors, I don't know how people can see through their windshields. Mirrors and beads and voodoo. There is voodoo paraphernalia hanging off automobile mirrors and the country is melting down. It's total anarchy." (God, Faith and Family Preface).

God, Faith and Reason is a hard hitting book from Michael Savage, who doesn't hold back blunt honesty. If you are looking for a candy-coated rainbow colored book on what has happened to this once great nation that was founded on Christian principles, you might want to find another book. Michael Savage is about taking the hard hits and giving readers the blatant truth of his own opinion on where he believes this country was headed and how we might hope to get back the same foundation it was once built on. But it is going to take people to stand up for what is right, regardless of the costs. We need to stop building more laws and put the old laws back into place. Our country was built on the Constitution the way our founding fathers wrote it, not reinterpreting it to please our latest mood at the moment. When did people start becoming so offended anyway? Do we all have to agree? Can we not all have differences of opinion any longer? Must we all be forced to get along even when we don't agree with the way things are going?

I received God, Faith and Reason by Michael Savage, compliments of Center Street Publishing, a division of Hachette Book Groups. I LOVE his books because he doesn't hold back the punches that need to be addressed. For the last 8 years, we have had leaders in this once great nation, completely rewrite and reinterpret what our Constitution has meant. Almost reading between the lines as it was. Now bakeries are being sued because a gay couple wanted a cake baked to their standards even if it didn't agree with this particular bakeries standards and beliefs. In fact, they had turned down other orders for the same reason, but now, it seems like everyone is lawsuit crazy instead of merely taking their business to another baker, they sued based on what? Their feelings being hurt. Seriously, that is what is wrong with this country and it is time to take back the country from the children who were running it based on what certain people felt. In my own lifetime I never thought I would see it coming apart at the seams but thank God in His mercy, He has allowed us a chance to possibly get this country back on its feet and earn the respect it once had. Something people could be proud of. We just need to get rid of those in office that are making that difficult. Hopefully some of the things Michael talks about in this book might help us do just that. All it takes is one person at a time, doing the right thing. For me, I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. Check it out for yourself and I hope you LOVE what you find tucked inside.

For more information about God, Faith and Reason , Michael Savage or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

God, Faith and Reason by Michael Savage

You can find Michael Savage on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest books and projects.

To read more reviews on God, Faith and Reason, please visit Hachette Book Group's website.

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.

Father of Lights ~ DVD Giveaway and Review

About Father of Lights

FATHER OF LIGHTS chronicles the journey of filmmaker Darren Wilson and his team as they fearlessly travel the globe, far from the daily existence of the typical evangelical believer in the West. By thoughtfully documenting the stories of extraordinary believers and candidly filming miracles, visions and other supernatural occurrences, Wilson engages viewers in modern day examples of the true nature and character of God.  

Wilson gives honest access to his own spiritual questions as he tackles the religious misconceptions he has struggled with throughout his life.  “I went into making this film by asking the simple question: who is God? I wanted to know His character, His personality, and who He truly is. To answer this question, we had to peel back the many layers of religious garbage that has been passed onto him through generations. That He is angry. Vengeful. Wrathful. And in general, that He doesn’t like you very much. The truth, as you will see vibrantly in this film, is that He is the most loving, compassionate, and wonderful Father you can imagine.”

About Wanderlust Productions

Wanderlust Productions is a video production company focusing on creating content for various media that highlights, informs, and is designed to spiritually stretch our audience.  Created by Darren Wilson, Professor at Judson University, Wanderlust’s focus is on telling stories that inspire and agitate, that are unwavering in their honesty yet are emotionally compelling.  While our content will always be Christian in nature, we are not afraid to explore themes, concepts, or areas that may be considered “risky” by the Christian establishment.  Wanderlust prides itself on its willingness to put the story above the message.  That being said, the message will never waver.

My Review

This is such an powerful documentary of just how wondrous the love of God is to those that we encounter in our day to day lives. While this video shows some of the extreme conversions of God's power in their lives, from a witch doctor, a notorious Chicago gang leader, a Hindu holy man who has been searching all his life for the one true God, and even a random encounter with people in the land of Israel shows what is impossible for man to achieve, for God it's possible! 

My husband and I were powerfully impacted in unexpected ways and I have to say my favorite person was an ex-drug addict, now turned street evangelist for God, Todd White. You can just see the love he has for the people he encounters and shows us all that the Bible is alive and real. That they are not just stories but real power that even now we can show to every single person around us and let the light of our Father shine in all of us. Without light, there is only darkness. I received this DVD, Father of Lights compliments of Flyby Promotions and Wanderlust Productions for my honest review and proudly give it a 5 out of 5 shining stars! You can not watch this movie without being impacted for a greater good to share the love and light of God to every single person you meet. This would make for a powerful movie to share in a Bible Study or church group! This DVD runs about 98 minutes and contains some subject matter that might not be suitable for young children.

Thanks to the generous people at FlyBy Promotions and Wanderlust Productions, they are offering a giveaway of this DVD to one lucky follower of my blog. Here's all you need to do to enter:

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

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

3. Leave a comment telling me why you'd love to win a copy of this DVD along with your email address below in the comment box. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols. I will notify the winner via email when the giveaway ends on November 5th!

For more information about Father of Lights or where to pick up a copy of this DVD today, please click on the links below: 

Visit the Father of Lights website by clicking here. 

You can also find Father of Lights on Facebook. 

Tetelestai

Tetelestai is a Greek word that means It Is Finished. It is the last word that Jesus uttered as He hung, dying on the cross. It is the singular word on which the destiny of the human race depended and still depends on. Tetelestai, the Novel is a work of fiction by Eyitemi Egwuenu. This fictional account is woven around actual events as recorded in the Bible about the betrayal, trial, crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus. It is told from the perspective of the Angels both the fallen and the ones that are heavenly and served our God.

The story is well written and beautifully told from Jesus' betrayal to the resurrection in a behind-the scenes tale of what the angels must have experienced. When you think about it, makes you really wondered what they were thinking when Jesus appeared in human form to die for the sins of all mankind, past, present and future, and die. It was the only time when Heaven fell dark for a period of time. When Jesus went into Hell and gained the keys back to life so He could restore our relationship with God and provide once and for all the payment of sin so we could enter into His presence and share in Heaven's reward and have eternal life.

Being a lover of this type of fiction, I reached out to the author personal to request this book to review and was not disappointed. This book was like dessert to a hungry soul that needed to be filled in a new way, to see things from a different perspective even though it is a fictional account, it is still based on a Biblical account of the events of Jesus. This is the perfect book for someone in need of learning about Jesus and God and creates a doorway to reach them that may be overlooked any other way.

The author provides some interesting details I hadn't considered when a conversation takes place between Kessil, an angel in training under the archangel Michael. Kessil is disturbed at just how mankind has warped the image of angels, both heavenly and fallen. He wonders where we get our perception that fallen angels are ugly, red, and have horns. He offers a different perspective, one that I hadn't considered until reading this book.

"What an insult on a marvel of creation. Demons were angels once! How could they possibly be as mankind has depicted them? Humans have projected their own fears, warped by a distorted imagination and portrayed Elohim's (God's) creation falsely. Lucifer and his demons are not ugly! They were all angels of the Heavenlies once!

They are fallen angels but that does not make them ugly. After all when man fell in the Garden of Eden, did he suddenly become ugly? Did Adam and Eve grow horns or a tail because they fell from grace? Why would mankind think that Lucifer and his angels did?

They are fallen, but they are angels still. Kessil sighed deeply as he recalled how he felt when he first saw this misrepresentation of his fallen brothers. If mankind would exert a little thought, they would realize that Lucifer cannot be as ugly as they have described him. Such a being as they have concocted would have no appeal - no power whatsoever to attract. If Lucifer were so grotesque, the world would shun him, all would despise him - men and women would be repulsed on account of his features. But people love him; the world welcomes him with open arms and broad smiles. Lucifer and his demons are not ugly. They never were. They are always beautiful - always were and always will!" (excerpt pg 18).

One of my most favorite lines in this book is simply this:

"Even the trees understand the music of the wandering wind and still dance in joy to it's rhythm, and the melody of a gentle flowing stream still drifts into the heart of an over-flying swan. "



I received Tetelestai by Eyitemi Egwuwenu compliments of the author for my honest review and LOVED it! I know this one has found a permanent home in my library and will be rereading it many times. This one hands down is a 5 out of 5 stars in my personal opinion and one that offers something more than just entertainment while reading this story. It has made me go back and reopen my Bible now and really read between the lines and considering everything that went on both on heaven and on earth. I am so glad my personal faith is assured and guaranteed even though the price that was paid can never be equal. We serve a most amazing God! I can't wait to read his next book Eastward in Eden!

For more information on this book, the author and where to pick up this amazing book, please click on the links below:

Tetelestai by Eyitemi Egwuenu

You can also follow him on Facebook by clicking here.

18 years ago today!

18 years ago today, life was so much different than it is today. I guess we could all say that looking back in hindsight. You see, 18 years ago today, my daughter, Caitlyn was born. Now she is beginning a new life today as an adult.

Still she has so much left to learn and I'm sure I will still be there along her journey helping her along. But today she is beginning a journey of her own. Today she will spread her wings and take flight. She isn't leaving home just yet, but already she is taking small flights from the nest.

She has her first real job, making her own money. She is discovering her own independence now that her high school years are behind her. Only the unknown future in each day awaits her. Her choices on how she will spend this day. Who she will spend it with and what she will do with her 86,400 seconds in the day, because once they are spent, they are part of her past. She can't go back and re-do that day or those moments in time.

My 18 wishes for her today are:

1. She lives each day to the fullest, leaving no regrets.

2. That she remembers in wanting friends, she'll need to be a friend first.

3. That she will keep God close to her heart and when she has doubts, God will be the first person she calls upon to help.

4. That she doesn't hold grudges, life is too short to spend them being bitter and angry.

5. That she loves with all her heart unconditionally as God has loved her.

6. That she remembers to help out in any way possible because she will never know when she entertains angels in disguise.

7. That God will bless her with wisdom so she can always remember to think before she speaks or acts. Words spoken in haste can not be taken back.

8. That God will guide her on her path in the future, remember that faith is the opposite of fear, so boldly go into the unknown with God by her side always.

9. That God will fill her with joy overflowing so when she sees someone down and out, she can encourage them and lift them up.

10. That God will provide her with learning opportunities that she can learn patience and perseverance through the storms of life, remembering that calm waters come soon after.

11. That God will provide a sense of security for her so that she is never afraid to stand on her own, as long as God is with her.

12. That God will keep her protected so when she is far from home, angels will watch over her and keep her safe.

13. That God will bless her life in numerous ways and she can learn from her experiences and share the love and faith of God with others who remain in the darkness with her personal testimony.

14. That God will provide a light to help her find her way out when fears seek to overcome and consume her. God will always light the way and remove all darkness.

15. That God will provide her with a forgiving heart so no matter how much her heart hurts, she can learn through opportunities of failure and find success and blessing.

16. That God will bless her with a servant heart so she can remember that being last in taking care of others is a blessing in disguise.

17. That God will bless her with a strong belief that she will not fall when others seek to persecute her for her beliefs or values in God.

18. That God will remind her to keep her child-like sense of wonder and she can appreciate the little things that God sends her way. It is this faith that will allow her to enter the gates of heaven and show others the way!

Wishing you love, faith, hope, joy, perseverance, patience, wisdom, strength, happiness and blessings on your 18 birthday Caitlyn!

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11

To Those Who Suffer

Have you ever stopped long enough to watch a freight or passenger train as it rumbles on down the track? Ever wonder where it might be headed?

Have you ever made the connection between a train engine and our lives?

When more passengers cars or freight cars are added to the one engine on a train, it will only be able to pull so much weight before they will either need to add another engine or reduce the number of cars that this engine can carry.

Our lives are like this in the same respect that the more circumstances or trials we endure, the past we refuse to let go of, or even past hurts or grievances we can't forgive, they become like those additional cars that get added to our engine or life.

Once we get so over loaded or burdened, we can't not move forward until something is given up. Sure it's easy to expect the circumstances or trials to be removed, but without any cars, the train has no purpose. It has no where to go. It's much easier to remove the cars like past grievances or hurts because God did not intend us to live a life holding on to that excess baggage.

The circumstances and trials are the reason for our lives to go on. We have a purpose in this life and everything we do, everything we encounter makes us the people we are in Christ. God promised us a life everlasting not one free from trials and circumstances.

If you find your life isn't moving as smoothly as you had hoped or your not moving forward as quickly as you would like, isn't it time for you to remove some of your freight or passenger cars from your engine?



In the book, To Those Who Suffer by Sean Nolen, this book takes you through that age old question of "Why God?" I found so much new insight I hadn't thought of before and now, like the analogy I shared with you above, it helps to have some new ideas on how to be thankful and praise God in all things even those storms in our lives. The sooner we can rest in His peace and assurance, the easy those waves and wind will be to navigate or in this case, the easier for our train to keep on going.

It's not I think I can, it's knowing we can. We can do all things in Christ that strengthens us. If you would like more information on this book, the author or even where to pick up a copy of this amazing book for anyone you know that's going through a difficult time, click on the link below:

To Those Who Suffer by Sean Nolan

VMI Publishers – May 2010

ISBN: 978-1-935265-22-1/paperback/$14.99

www.vmipublishers.com

I received this book, compliments of B & B Media Group for my honest review. This book is available in paperback and I would rate this book a 10 out of 10.