I've been a When Calls the Heart fan from the beginning. (Go #Hearties!) My obsession began way back in 1983 when Janette Oke first began the Canadian West series. I devoured each of the books as they came out and eagerly looked forward to the next installment.
As with the When Calls the Heart Season 1 and Season 2 Collector's editions, this 10 DVD set contains both the film versions and the TV episode versions of When Calls the Heart Season 3. You can watch the series as 10 hour-long episodes or 5 feature films. As in previous years, fans will enjoy finding small differences between the film versions and the individual episodes.
The really exciting elements of the Season 3 Collectors' Edition are the three bonus discs. Disc 8 features the typical bonus material one would expect from a project like this -- behind the scenes footage, interviews, etc. Disc 9 is a special product devoted to the fans that have made When Calls the Heart such a grassroots success--featuring footage from the #Hearties gathering in Vancouver in January 2016. The 10th disc is a When Calls the Heart trivia game that devoted fans are sure to love.
Free DVD Set For All Pre-Orders
I know you're going to want the Season 3 collection so I couldn't resist telling you about this special offer from Fish Flix. We love Fish Flix for inspiring films at a great price. (Usually cheaper than we can find anywhere else!)
With the release timed for October 11, 2016 this bonus item is a great Christmas gift (maybe stocking-stuffer?) for all those lovers of family-friendly romantic movies on your list!
Based on a true story, Return to the Hiding Place is the dramatic continuation of Corrie Ten Boom’s story. Filled with drama, romance, and thrilling action, this film is heart-wrenching and breathtaking. Corrie realizes that the Nazis are going to senselessly murder thousands of Jews in order to further their own empire. Her heart for justice cannot simply stand by and watch innocents be slaughtered, so she decides to do something. Though harboring Jews and attempting to save their lives will put her in direct conflict with the Nazi Gestapo, she knows that doing the right thing is what she must do. Her way of fighting back against the rising Nazi Empire comes in a surprising and unexpected way. Corrie rallies an army of young, untrained teenagers to fight the growing evil.
Meanwhile, a teenager named Hans Poley, makes a huge decision that greatly impacts his future. Though he is expected to join the Nazi party, he feels uncomfortable with their policies and refuses to join. In order to protect him from being harmed or forced to join, his parents send him into hiding. This hiding place that he goes to turns out to be Corrie’s house. While in hiding here, he discovers what is actually happening to the Jews. They are being sent to secret death camps, unbeknownst to a majority of the population. These undercover atrocities bring to light the flaws and horrendous activities being performed by the Nazis, and Hans develops a heart for helping free the Jews from the Holocaust.
After expressing his interest in the underground movement, he is recruited by Piet Hartog, a resistance fighter. Piet is romantically involved with Corrie’s niece, Aty van Woerden, and Hans is drawn into the world of the Nazi resistance. This web of mystery and secret missions is the setting for The Hiding Place.
Together, Hans, Piet, and Aty are met with severe challenges and great opposition. Their work is hard and full of terror, but it is the right thing to do. Return to the Hiding Place is filled with dramatic missions, secret codes, underground hiding places, disguises, and treachery. Their action-filled adventures even include rescuing an entire orphanage full of children that are slated to be killed by the Nazis. This film will move viewers to tears as they cheer for the victories and cry for the losses that the characters experience. Reconnect with The Hiding Place in this dramatic and emotional film.
My Thoughts
Most of us are quite familiar with Corrie Ten Boom and her heroic efforts to hide and save Jews in her home. What is less known is the story of those who chose to help her in her efforts. Most of these courageous people were university students that chose to follow their conscious and risk their own lives.
In Return To The Hiding Place we get the fictionalized version of these terrifying days in the Netherlands. The strength and bravery exhibited is phenomenal. Each of the members of the Resistance daily risked their lives for those that had lost everything and were in danger of losing their very lives.
The scenes involving the orphanage and the children were gut wrenching. How could human beings become so callous as to harm innocent children? The story of Hans, Piet, and Aty remind us that it only takes a few to stand up and make a difference.
I was moved my this movie and felt like it was a great reminder that we need to remember the atrocities of the past in order to not have them repeated in the future. While it is based on actual facts that can be found in any good history textbook it is still a gruesome part of our history. For that reason I would caution parents about watching this with young children. Nothing is shown but references are made to some very horrific events.
This movie would make a good additional resource for homeschooling families that are studying the Holocaust and World War II. It is a good companion piece to The Hiding Place.
Bonus
If you are thinking of buying this movie or any other Christian DVDs let me tell you about a great offer. You can get a $5 coupon to FishFLix.com if you join their email list. It's easy to join just visit www.fishflix.com/5gift or you can text 5-GIFT to 44222 and you'll receive your coupon code.
Rated PG-13 for accident images and thematic material Movie Run Time - 106 mins
COULD YOU FORGIVE?
WOULD YOU?
In the face of tragedy, Chris Williams made the most important decision of his life. On a cold night in 2007, a devoted father of four and a seventeen-year-old drunk driver both received life sentences. In one violent, devasting instant, each faced a drastically different future. But as Chris Williams sat in his demolished vehicle, realizing that his wife, unborn baby, nine-year-old daughter, and eleven-year-old son had just been killed, he committed to do something extraordinary: he would forgive. Chris Williams' story is the cinematic tale of how someone can forgive despite the desire for revenge that surfaces within the dark corners of the human heart--showing the world that hope, love and forgiveness can overcome all when you just let go.
My Thoughts
If you've ever been forgiven or had the opportunity to forgive, you already know the power that lies behind that act. As Christians we know that it is required of us. Christ forgave us and we are required to forgive others.
The hard part is overcoming every desire of the flesh to lash out and seek retribution. That's just where Chris Williams found himself. His whole world as he knew it had been shattered by a senseless act. Chris knew that he needed to forgive just as he had been forgiven. But all around him the cry for justice was rising up. From family, from friends, and even from circumstances such as mounting hospital bills the need to seek retribution resounded over and over again.
But a still small voice cried out, "Let it go."
I will admit that this story begins slow as it sets the stage for the trial. There are many flash-backs and angst ridden scenes but if you will hang with it you won't regret it. You need the background information to understand all that is going on but the real meat of the movie begins as the trial winds down. There are three pivotal points that are still resonating with me.
The first is the scene with the judge. The judge asks Chris if he believes the defendant should be tried as an adult or a juvenile. Chris speaks truth when he says that he and the defendant have already been given a life sentence no matter which way the judge decides to rule.
The second scene is the one where Chris shares with his grieving and angry sons about a past incident that changed his life and led him to his ability to forgive.
The final scene is perhaps my favorite of the three. Chris is a minister and we get to see him give a sermon talking not only about his own family but about the prodigal son and how it relates. It will forever change the way I think about that story.
I would highly recommend this movie to everyone (with the exception of small children). I believe it will help you look at the act of forgiveness as more than a requirement. It will allow you to see it as the first step in healing and becoming whole again.
Finally . . . let me leave you with a very powerful song and video. It is called Rise & Fall and it is from the soundtrack from Just Let Go. Enjoy!
Dove Family Approved for all ages Run time: 94 Minutes Not Rated
A father's broken relationship with his family fills him with determination to win back the son he left behind. Reaching out through the game they both love, he deliberately forms a baseball team designed to reconnect both fathers and sons, transforming their town in the process. The story shows how one good man can lead change in his community for the common good.
My Thoughts
Joe and Hannah Finn and their son David have made a good life in Miller's Gap. Joe is coaching David's baseball team and earning himself the reputation of a successful leader. But when the opportunity of a lifetime comes along Joe decides to take it. He wants to get rich and make a name for himself then come back to his family.
For seven long years Joe pursues this dream while Hannah and David continue on with their life in Miller's Gap. We're introduced to this story-line when Hannah is dying and only has weeks to live. Joe of course comes home to be with her and David. While Hannah is thrilled to see her husband and make the most of the time they have left, David doesn't really want anything to do with his always absent dad.
Joe sets about reconnecting with his son and decides the best way to do that is through helping with the Gappers, the baseball team that David used to be part of and now coaches. One of the first things that Joe notices is that things have changed drastically in the seven years he's been gone. There are silly new rules for the games and the dads just don't show up anymore.
This is a good family friendly movie about the value of fathers in their sons' lives. I did find it to be a bit ironic that the one trying so hard to fix this situation is the one who left his own family for seven years. I liked the movie but felt like the story was a bit out of order. I would have preferred if Joe had set his own house in order (made amends with his own son) before he set about trying to fix the dads in the town.
Again, this was a good movie that has a much needed message that dads are important especially to their sons. The acting was good and the pacing of the movie kept my attention. I would recommend this to all families for a nice movie night at home.
The Giveaway
We have partnered with Family Christian Stores to offer one of our readers a copy of the DVD - HERO. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents and will run through midnight on Monday, October 27, 2014. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. The winner will be contacted by email and will have forty-eight hours to claim the prize. If unclaimed, a new winner will be drawn. The winners’ entries will be verified. Please enter the contest using the Rafflecopter form below. All entries are optional.
All Allyson and her friends want is a peaceful, grown-up evening of dinner and conversation . . . a long-needed moms' night out. But in order to enjoy high heels, adult conversation and food not served in a paper bag, they need their husbands to watch the kids for three hours—what could go wrong? MOMS' NIGHT OUT is an endearing true-to-life family comedy that celebrates the beautiful mess called parenting.
My Thoughts
From the opening scenes of this movie we were laughing our heads off. Yes it is a bit of an exaggeration, but not by much. Who hasn't had the obligatory breakfast in bed made by the children? The food is a bit dicey but the mess in the kitchen . . . don't even think about it!
Just when you think you've made it through the hard years, you know the ones that are full of coloring on the walls and legos on the floors and barbies everywhere, then the teen years descend upon you. Those are the years of cutting the apron strings. You've raised them to be strong independent people, but did you teach them everything they need to know?
Ugh! Those clothing arguments. Deep down we know they are just trying to figure out the boundaries, but boy it wears you out. I really enjoyed Patricia Heaton's character. She had such spunk in responding to all that being the pastor's wife entailed. Talk about a hard mom's job . . . being the preacher's wife is a role that is such a fishbowl experience. No matter what you do it is going to be over scrutinized.
Best scene in the movie! Momma's you need to hear what he is saying. "He loves you . . . no matter who you are, no matter what you do, or how far you run, Jesus will always be loving you with His arms open wide." Hear those words. Soak them in. They are the perfect balm for your weary soul!
We've been there, done that, and have the stretch marks to prove it. If we had a way to give each of you a little reprieve in your wash, rinse, repeat days we would. You really do make a big difference. God Himself chose you to mother the ones in your care. He entrusted you with those little lives. He must love you very much because the Bible is pretty clear that those little ones are very important to Him.
If we could make a recommendation for a uplifting evening we'd suggest this: Put on your favorite yoga pants. Whip up your favorite snack. Flop on the couch and watch Moms' Night Out. We think you'll come away from it refreshed and ready to take on the world again!
The Giveaway
We are thrilled to offer one of our readers a copy of Moms' Night Out. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents and will run through midnight on Friday, October 17, 2014. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. The winner will be contacted by email and will have forty-eight hours to claim the prize. If unclaimed, a new winner will be drawn. The winners’ entries will be verified. Please enter the contest using the Rafflecopter form below. All entries are optional.
Dove Family-Approved for all ages. Not Rated Run Time: 88 Minutes
Headly, a fifteen year old girl, feels her mother has been in mourning long enough and is determined to find her a new husband by summer.
Fifteen-year-old Headly and her mother, Rene, have more than just a mother/daughter relationship - since Headly's father died, mother and daughter have become best friends. When Headly experiences her first crush, she decides that her mother needs some romance in her life as well and devises a scheme to help Rene find love again.
In My Mother's Future Husband, Headly and her best friend introduce Rene to Andrew, a single dad with a four-year-old son - and sparks fly. Through it all, Headly and Rene learn that they must first deal with the pain of the past before they can open their hearts to the possibilities of the future.
My thoughts:
I just had the pleasure of watching this movie over the weekend. There was a lot that I liked about the film, but I do have a few reservations. Let me start with what I liked. The movie depicted a wonderful relationship between a mother and her teenage daughter. It showed the process of moving on after an appropriate amount of time of grieving for their husband and father. It also was candid on how hard the beginning of a new relationship, especially after a long lasting one can be.
There are some really great themes that run through the movie such as trust, not judging someone based on their looks, and how important open communication is in any relationship. Lots of good situations that can lead to some interesting conversations after the movie is finished.
As I said I do have a couple of reservations. While this is a family friendly movie I really think it is best suited to a mother-daughter chick flick night. The men in our house groaned a little too often for me to recommend it to the male audience.
The thing that I didn't really like about it is totally based on our personal parenting style. Headley is a very charming 15 year old girl. I enjoyed her character and thought her mother Rene was a loving and caring parent. But I didn't like that Headley was allowed to have a boy over to the house while Rene was gone. Even when you assume that parents are around it is okay for mixed company to be in bedrooms. Those are just no nos in our house. Let me say that nothing untoward happened or was even implied, I just didn't like it and wished that the scene had taken place elsewhere.
Beyond my reservations I say this would make a fun movie to view with your favorite girl. Pop some popcorn, curl up together on the couch and have a wonderful evening laughing together over a good clean film. (Then have a discussion about boys in the bedroom!)
The Giveaway:
We have partnered with Family Christian Book Stores to offer one of our readers a copy of My Mother's Future Husband DVD. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents and will run through midnight on Wednesday, September 3, 2014. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. The winner will be contacted by email and will have forty-eight hours to claim the prize. If unclaimed, a new winner will be drawn. The winners’ entries will be verified. Please enter the contest using the Rafflecopter form below. All entries are optional.
God always has a plan and a purpose for everything.
He does things in His own unique way and in His own time.
The Legend of the Three Trees is a timeless retelling of the classic folktale of three distinct trees, each with its own hopes, dreams, and aspirations. Each tree dreamed of becoming great--perhaps a majestic treasure chest, or a magnificent sailing ship, or maybe the tallest tree in the forest.
But their dreams didn't seem to come true. Disappointed and dejected, the trees despair until they each interact with Jesus Christ--in His birth, ministry, and ultimate sacrifice, in these experiences they learn that God has a special purpose for each of them.
Thoughtfully written and beautifully animated, The Legend of the Three Trees teaches children and adults alike the significance of their role in God's plan for the world.
My thoughts:
Get ready to curl up with your little one and enjoy a beautiful tale about God's plans for you told through a classic folktale! The animated video will take you through the lifecycle of three different trees. From how they were planted and grown to what they desired to be used for to their final destination.
At first all three of the trees are disappointed in how their destiny turned out, but then they realize that what they were designed to do really is an important job. Without them the story would be different.
Of course this is a parable type of story and the real theme is that God always has a plan and a purpose for everything. He does things in His own way and in His own timing. We are reminded that sometimes the dreams that we have for ourselves are much smaller than the dreams God has for us. What at first seems insignificant, in the end is very pivotal. The most important part is that no matter what we become it is important as long as we are being used for His purpose.
The animation is absolutely charming and the narration by Hal Holbrook is soothing and draws you in. One of my favorite things is the two original songs. The first is called The Tree and it is sung by Marilyn McCoo and the second is He'll Never Give Up On You which is sung by Andy Chrisman from 4Him. If you are like me you'll be humming the tunes in your head for hours afterwards.
The Giveaway:
Now for the good stuff! We are partnering with Tommy Nelson to offer one of our readers a copy of The Legend of the Trees. If you would like a chance at the giveaway for your family just use the Rafflecopter form below. The giveaway is open to all U.S. residents that are 18 and over.
When God asks Hermie to build a boat but doesn’t tell him why, the adventure of Hermie and the High Seas begins. The other garden bugs choose not to help because they are busy and don’t see the need for a boat in the garden. But when the rain comes and the garden floods, all of the bugs run to Hermie’s boat. Everyone in the garden has to learn to trust God, even when it doesn’t make sense.
In Who is in Charge Anyway, Freddie the flea learns from Hermie and the other bugs that God gave everyone his or her own unique gifts and talent. Some are strong, others can spin webs. But what is special about a flea? Freddie has to learn to trust that God has given him his own talents and has a special plan for him. God didn’t make anybody by accident, and He’s not finished with any of us yet!
Features & Benefits:
Two classic garden tales combined to emphasize one important lesson
Trusted Hermie brand from Max Lucado that has sold more than 5.5 million units
Teaches children important lessons about trusting God, no matter what the circumstance
Features a star-studded cast led by Tim Conway as Hermie
My thoughts:
Max Lucado is a master at using an endearing story to drill down truth. He has used this talent in I Will Trust God to bring about the understanding of trusting God even when we don't understand the situation. The truths are taught with easily understood examples that will continue to linger with you and your children.
Hermie and his friends are such adorable garden creatures and they are entertaining for children and adults alike. The voice of Hermie is Tim Conway which brings back fun memories for me as an adult. His voice just puts a smile on my face.
We use DVDs in the car a lot so I am thrilled that this one is about an hour and a half in length. Another thing that I enjoyed were the catchy tunes that were featured. Nothing is worse than having to listen to annoying music on a long trip! I've found myself humming along on several occasions. It is so sweet to hear the littles trying to sing along. The songs do a great job of reinforcing the lessons learned.
If you are needing a new addition to your DVD library I would highly recommend you picking up a copy of this adorable movie. You won't be sorry!
The Giveaway:
We have partnered with Tommy Nelson to giveaway a copy of I Will Trust God to one of our readers! If you would like to have a chance at winning a copy please use the Rafflecopter form below. (Open to all U.S. residents only.)
Do you have a Thomas the Train freak at your house? We have two of them at ours. Okay make that three because Momma loves the peace the blankets the house when Thomas comes on! Just in time for Christmas Lionsgate released a new full length movie for Thomas called 'Thomas & Friends: King of the Railway'
Movie Description:
Join Thomas & Friends(TM) as they embark on a legendary movie adventure! The steam team's quest begins when a special guest arrives on Sodor with a big surprise and important jobs for Thomas, Percy and James. The engines meet new friends and discover suits of armor; coats of arms and legends of long-ago heroes. Then their bravery is put to the test when their new friend Stephen goes missing. Will Thomas find him in time? Will the engines discover the truth about the Island of Sodor's biggest mystery? It's a crusade of knightly proportions for Thomas & Friends(TM) in this epic movie.
Christmas from Heaven is the story of the humble beginnings of what became a beacon of hope to a war-torn land, the story of Gail Halvorsen, a young pilot in the US Army Air Corps who was assigned as a cargo pilot to the Berlin Airlift, in which US forces flew much-needed supplies into a Soviet-blockaded Berlin.
As he performed his duties, Lt. Halvorsen began to notice the German children gathered by the fences of Tempelhof Air Base. Knowing that they had very little, he one day offered them some chewing gum. From that small act, an idea sprang: He would "bomb" Berlin with candy. Fashioning small parachutes, he and his crew sent them floating down as they approached the Berlin airport, wiggling the wings of their C-54 as a signal to the children that their anticipated cargo would soon arrive.
Lt. Halvorsen became known by hundreds, if not thousands, of children in Berlin as "Uncle Wiggly Wings" or "The Candy Bomber." Word soon spread, and donations of candy and other supplies poured in from sympathetic Americans. Lt. Halvorsen's small idea became a great symbol of hope not only to German children in a bombed-out city but to all those who yearned for freedom.
My thoughts:
Christmas from Heaven is the perfect book and DVD for a family night. The book and story itself are interesting but when you add in the DVD it just adds to the tale and makes it feel complete. We read through the book first and then watched the DVD. After doing that I realized that it works best to do both at the same time.
Tom Brokaw narrates the story just as it is written in the book. Between readings is music by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. There is also video clips of live footage during the time period. As a lover of history I found it to be fascinating.
I think your little ones will be intrigued by the story of candy being dropped from a plane. Your older kids will enjoy the story behind it and the adults will appreciate all the different aspects of the venture and how it came to be.
A little added bonus is an illustration of how the candy bombs were put together. Wouldn't it be fun to put some together as a family and reenact the story by dropping candy bombs from the top of the stairs?!! This would make a great addition to your families Christmas reading traditions.
Can sex be holy and erotic? Does God have an opinion about sex? What's okay in the bedroom? This audaciously bold ten-week study will answer these and many other questions that women have but haven't had a trusted source for honest, biblical answers. Now they do
Reclaiming God's Design for Sex
Eye-popping pleasure and soul-to-soul intimacy--that's what God intended for a husband and wife to experience. But because of issues in our past, damaging information from the world, or incomplete teaching from the church, many of us don't enjoy these holy gifts.
Through the use of Scripture, especially from the Song of Solomon, Passion Pursuit not only urges women to pursue passion but also details how God has given them permission to do so. It reveals the power a woman has to build up or to tear down her marriage and how she can deal with her husband's and her own temptations with empathy and holiness.
Make Your Marriage Come Alive!
Passion Pursuit offers a valuable and sacred journey to joy and freedom. Pursuing passion takes time, intentionality, and creativity. What husband wouldn't want to be married to the Smokin' Hot Mama like the wife in the Song of Solomon?
This daring ten-week study combines the psychological expertise of Dr. Juli Slattery, formerly of Focus on the Family, along with bestselling author and beloved Bible teacher Linda Dillow. They are from different generations but share a passion to bring God's truth and healing to women for their marriages and their lives.
How About A Few Clips To Whet Your Appetite For This Study?
My Thoughts:
Every once in a while something comes along that you want to give to all of your friends because you find it to be of such great importance. For me, Passion Pursuit is one of those products.
We live in an age of enormous attacks on our marriages. From billboards to books and movies to music we are led to believe that a passionate love affair involves someone other than our spouse. This isn't true! The grass isn't greener at the neighbor's house . . . perhaps what is lacking is a little fertilizer on our own lawns.
This study is described as "boldly audacious" and I would have to agree. You can find other studies on intimacy in marriage but rarely are they so forthcoming on responses to our most asked questions. In this study you will find answers to the most intimate of questions and resources for you to turn to for more in depth answers.
Sex in marriage can be passionate,erotic, stimulating . . . and holy! One of the most thought provoking statements from the book said that many times we get fixated on becoming the Proverbs 31 woman. Do you realize that her story is limited to one single chapter in the Bible. On the other hand the 'Smokin Hot Mama' from the Song of Solomon gets a whole book. Maybe we've got our priorities a little sideways?!!
The delightful people over at Authentic Intimacy and Igniting Women Books have partnered with us to provide two of our readers with Leader's Kits for Passion Pursuit. Each kit contains a DVD and workbook so you can choose to lead a group or study it by yourself. Either way just complete the form below for your chance to win.
In the explosive documentary, filmmaker Darren Wilson
attempts to do the impossible: film God and understand His character. Along the
way, Darren and his team encounter powerful witch doctors, violent gang
leaders, Hindu holy men, and everyday people with extraordinary experiences to
tell. Father of Lights attempts to
tear away much of the bad press the Almighty has received over the years, and
reveals a God who is far better than anyone could have possibly imagined.
Prepare to see the impossible. Prepare to meet your
maker.
My thoughts:
There is nothing more fascinating than a documentary done
well. It takes you to places that you may never go yourself. It lets you peak
into the lives of others when they are being who they really are. Father of Lights is a documentary that
was done exceedingly well.
Darren Wilson travels the globe meeting and interacting
with the most fascinating people. These people that he travels with are devout
believers in Christ. Each of them could easily step straight out of the book of
Acts. In fact their testimonies and interactions with non-believers were so
strong that I found myself pondering on the question of why is my faith so
weak.
There were a couple of specific things in this
documentary that I think will stick with me. The first is Darren’s friend Ravi.
I was so inspired by the love he showed to those that by all rights probably
wanted to kill him. Ravi didn’t show fear because he knew that God was present
and directing his very path.
The second event was the trip to the Dome of the Rock. It
was incredibly interesting to see inside this disputed holy site. I am
fascinated with the thought that God is there. He sees and knows and one day
will come back and set all to rights.
Father of Lights
is the third in this series of documentaries. The first two are Finger of God and Furious Love. I recommend that you watch them all. I can almost
guarantee it will change the way you look at your fellow man. Darren Wilson
leads you to see others in the way that God sees them.
“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.”
