Signed, Sealed, Delivered, a Review

The show aires SUNDAYS, 8/7c on Hallmark

Website: Hallmark Channel.com - Signed Sealed Delivered

Facebook: Signed Sealed Delivered

Facebook for creator Martha Williamson:

 

I am delighted to share a new Hallmark Television show with you, Signed, Sealed, Delivered. I just watched an episode and I enjoyed it. It has the standard Hallmark reactions, smiles, giggles, struggle, triumph – all packed into one episode. I enjoyed the post office lost letter theme of this episode. I will assume by the title of the show, that we will meet many people through lost mail.

My family enjoys watching series on television. Generally, it is difficult to watch a pilot or even the first three shows and form a solid opinion. With this one show, I got to know the staff at the post office. Their working and personal relationships with each other were established. I liked all of the characters. The sets are simple yet beautiful. I am not sure what time period it is, other than a clue about when the person wrote the letter, but I’ll assume it is written for present day.

The interactions are a bit cheeky. Hallmarky. Many of the exchanges are expected, the story line runs as expected – with one mystery revealed in the middle of the program.

The characters are adults, talking about adult topics – not as in worldly, just probably not very interesting to young children.

We do not have cable, but I’ll be looking for this series to post episodes online. I am always looking for entertaining simple shows to watch. Their inclusion of scriptures in the music score and over all theme of morality is a breath of fresh air.

I hope you all get a chance to check it out on Hallmark Channel on Sundays at 8/7c.

From the Producers:
Signed, Sealed, Delivered

The new original series "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" is a wonderful combination of romance, comedy and drama that follows the lives of four postal detectives who transform themselves into a team of detectives to track down intended recipients of undeliverable mail. Their missions take them out of the office where redirected letters and packages can save lives, solve crimes, reunite old loves and change futures by arriving late but somehow always on time. The team includes charming Oliver O’Toole (Eric Mabius), the group's leader is a man of faith who prayerfully approaches his work with the goal of making a difference in people's lives; new team member, Shane McInerney (Kristin Booth), a technophile who brings 21st century sensibility to the group; free-spirited, “girl next door” Rita Haywith (Crystal Lowe) who has a photographic memory; and lovable Norman Dorman (Geoff Gustafson), a master in conventional research methods.

This incredible series even incorporates scripture in its themes and in the conversations between characters.  In FACT, The American Bible Society has built a bible study to go with the series, Sign up for that here: http://www.americanbible.org/features/signed-sealed-delivered

Disclaimer:  I received a viewing link from FlyBy Promotions Blogger Network for one episode to base my review on. No compensation was given for this review.

The Sound of Music Live!

(This is an ad post)

There are quite a few fun opportunities that come my way, being part of a great blog team. I was asked to host a Faith & Family Viewing Party featuring THE SOUND OF MUSIC, live on NBC!  - They sent me monies for snacks and prizes to give out – and I said YES!

So tonight, a few of my friends are going to gather with me to watch The Sound of Music.

You have a chance to join us online:

I will be giving away a prize package of a Poster, TShirt and Soundtrack on CD

Here’s how you can win:

Tweet with the tags #faithandfamily and #SoundofMusic and tag me in it – @pebblekeeper

Join me today – you may post anytime before Friday Morning – A tweet about your excitement? A tweet about how you feel with Carrie being Maria? A tweet about why you will watch it after it posts? Anything at all – with the tags #faithandfamily and #SoundofMusic and @pebblekeeper

Extra Entry – Chat about the movie on Facebook with the tags #SoundofMusic, #faithandfamily and #AngieWright – or tag me.

I will use these entries, assign a number to each, then use random number generator to pick a winner.

Additional prizes to be shared (post-party) are: poster, t-shirt, and soundtrack on CD!

 

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

From executive producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron ("Smash," "Hairspray," "Chicago") comes an instant holiday classic: "The Sound of Music," based on the original Broadway musical. Carrie Underwood and Stephen Moyer star as Maria and Captain von Trapp in this beloved story of the young novice who falls in love with Captain von Trapp and his seven children, set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Austria. The jewel in the Rodgers and Hammerstein crown, "The Sound of Music" contains some of the most famous songs ever written for the stage, including "The Sound of Music," "My Favorite Things," "Do-Re-Mi," "Sixteen Going on Seventeen," "Climb Every Mountain" and "Edelweiss."

This new version of "The Sound of Music" will be a faithful adaptation of the original stage musical, to retell the story for a whole new generation. And more than that, it will be broadcast LIVE, adding a whole new level of immediacy and excitement. Get ready to reintroduce your family to the most joyful, most emotional and most musical family adventure of them all. 

Discaimer: I received a $25.00 visa card from FlyBy Promotions Blogger Network to purchase snacks for my party in exchange for a blog post and promoting the movie with hashtags. I will be able to give a prize pack mentioned above through FlyBy Promotions Blogger Network to one winner.

Flowers for Fannie, a Review

I was contacted by the Director/Screenwriter Sharon Wilharm to review Flowers For Fannie.  I am always on the lookout for great Faith Based movies so I said yes!

However, when it came, the back of the DVD case was a grave and the front of the DVD case was the two characters above, but with a graveyard in the back instead of clouds. I really like the DVD case above a lot better. I held on the to movie for a couple of weeks until I had time to watch it by myself without the boys interrupting.

I must confess, I didn’t expect a lot out of the film. I was pleasantly surprised when, quite quickly, I was in love with Fannie and wanted a friend for her. The characters introduced as family, church members and people in town are all enchanting.

The settings are beautiful, an old time town with a square and old homes that are furnished beautifully. You really want to have an invite to Fannie’s house for lunch.

I was really pulled into this story. I laughed, and was choked up, and delighted. I worried for a too sad ending – and was again, delightfully surprised with how they topped it off.

Set to be in stores in October 2013, I recommend this movie as an excellent feel good family film, suitable for all ages.

Flowers for Fannie - Movie Website

Facebook - Flowers for Fannie

I received a free copy of the DVD from the Director in the hopes that I would review the movie after watching.

Home Run, Freedom is Possible–A Review and Giveaway

 

I quickly answered the request to review Home Run a novelization by Travis Thrasher based on the original movie. This movie follows after similar genres such as Fireproof and Courageous. As those movies were to Marriage and Fatherhood – Home Run is to Addictions and Celebrate Recovery. On the whole, the book is rather predictable, and knowing that “no one is beyond the healing of God” one is pretty sure that the main character Cory Brand will come to his senses.

As far as fiction books go – I really enjoyed this one. The story pulled me in quickly and it was a great weekend afternoon read. The story’s main  line runs through Cory Brand’s anger and recovery. At the beginning of each chapter you get a peek at his childhood and growing up years to see why he developed alcohol addictions and anger.

From a mom’s perspective – I’d question how much of this story would occur in the real world. Many women may read this book or watch the movie thinking it might be as powerful as the first two. However, I am not sure how much this over the top story will leave people identifying with the characters.

So I have to give it two opinions – One – As a Fictional Christian Based story-  it ROCKS. Second – Thinking this would really show me a lot about Celebrate Recovery and how people go through it – I’m not sure that this book will pull people in.

For a disclaimer – to the book and the movie – this guy’s life is really raw. Drinking. Girls. Stories of Incest and Rape. One nighters. Children who are physically and emotionally abused.  I can’t recommend this as a family film to watch with the 10 and under crowd.

• Website
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Author: Travis Thrasher
Book - Paperback Trade 
ISBN: 0781408385
ISBN-13: 9780781408387Item #: 125960

From the Publisher: Baseball star Cory Brand knows how to win. But off the field, he's spiraling out of control. Haunted by old wounds and regrets, his future seems as hopeless as his past.
Until one moment-one mistake-changes everything. To save his career, Cory must go back to the town where it all began. His plan is simple: coach the local baseball team, complete a recovery program, and get out as fast as possible. Instead, he runs headfirst into memories he can't escape ... and the love he left behind.
Faced with a second chance he never expected, Cory embarks on a journey of faith, transformation and redemption. And along the way, he discovers a powerful truth: no one is beyond the healing of God. A novel based on the major motion picture starring Vivica A. Fox and Scott Elrod, Home Run is an inspirational story of the hope and freedom God offers each of us.

About the Author

Travis Thrasher is the author of more than a dozen works of fiction, including The Solitary Tales series, Isolation, and Ghostwriter. His writing is known for its honesty, depth, and surprising twists. Thrasher lives with his wife and daughters in Chicago.

"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."

 

Comment below to be entered into the drawing

. Comments will be counted and a random number will be chosen by a third party. I will contact the winner by e-mail. If a e-mail isn’t easily found, a second winner will be drawn. The book will be mailed to the winner within 2 weeks of winning.

Grace Card–a DVD Movie Review

 

(An opportunity to WIN a Free Copy of the DVD
is presented at the end of my personal review.)

Everyone I have met has had that moment.

You’re cruising through life – doing all that “they” said you should do – setting up life just the way you want it to go.

And then IT happens. Outside of your control. Through no great fault of your own, although you’ll spend the weeks or years to come trying to tag it on yourself. Quickly, however, the finger can be pointed to The One at fault.

It doesn’t seem to matter if The One is family or stranger. The seeds have been sown, and time is left to grow the beast into a full grown plant of bitterness, sorrow, anger, rage, depression and despair.

Everyone I have met has their own version of the story. Death. Divorce. Loss. Unemployment. Estrangement. Affairs. Accidents. And sometimes, not just the big things. The big things seem to give one a sense of Entitlement to Anger.

What if – you are not The One was wronged – but The One at fault? What if you offered forgiveness – what if you righted the wrongs as best you could from this day forward? What if you are The One who has to accept that forgiveness? What if people would judge you for the rest of your life – wondering why or how someone could accept their plea and offer them Grace?

I will be praying for you

I watched Grace Card last evening with a couple of girl friends. Based on the rating and the beat of the trailers, we thought it was going to be more of a fast paced action movie. There is action – but it is slow. Deliberate. The type that sinks in. You can feel the pain that Mac and his Wife have been through these past 17 years. You can feel the Pride, and then the Shame that Sam goes through as he finds his life intertwined in Mac’s Anger and Grief. You can feel the regret from Grandpa George as he shares how Grace was extended to his Grandfather, and how his family has walked away from that path to loose a son to words spoken in anger. And each one watching – knows that their story is being played out on the screen.

And just like Sam, and Mac, You have a choice to make. Do you extend the Grace Card? Can you ? Will you? I read a book this week that asks the question – I wonder if one knows the ripples in the pond – how many and how far – are created from a single pebble? If the pebble – or the boulder – has been dropped in your pond – I urge you to watch this movie – and remember how we too – have been saved by grace.

Grandpa George’s own grandfather wrote these words as a boy: “I promise to pray for you every day, ask your forgiveness, grant you the same, and be your friend always.” To whom in your life do you need to offer The Grace Card?

Ephesians 2:8-9

^7-10Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It's God's gift from start to finish! We don't play the major role. If we did, we'd probably go around bragging that we'd done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.The Message (MSG)

⁸ For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, ⁹ not of works, lest anyone should boast. New King James Version (NKJV)

On their website – they offer a 4 week study - free PDF download – Here - http://www.thegracecardmovie.com/ministryresources

Leave a comment below – and I randomly draw a winner on Friday to have a DVD shipped to your home!

From the Publishers-

 The Grace Card    - Witness the Power of Forgiveness

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.

    DVD Release Date: 8/16/2011

    Website: http://www.thegracecardmovie.com/

    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thegracecard

    “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.”

Set your TV on Saturday the 11th for NBC at 8

We enjoy watching movies here – on the TV, Computer or DVD player. However, trying to find a family film – we run into themes that go against the message of our conservative family biblical based ideas.  The norm of most stories is the storyline between the hero and the heroine, how little the heroine wears, how testosterone filled the hero must be, and how little involved the parents are. Throw in a splash of disregard for classical based reading – and you’ve got the story line for just about every movie out there.

Which – Is Why - - - -

I am pleased to help promote “Field of Vision”. All of the characters in the story dress modestly – the Senior Football player does have a special girl friend but their friendship and priorities in time spent together are very sweet! The parents are very involved with the entire story line. The idea that a child would not be wanted is a shock to this small town. The idea that any child would be less valuable to another is also a shock to the parents. Older brother protects younger sisters. Senior Teens and the siblings enjoy discussing classical literature together.

I watched the Producers Cut of the movie – I’m not sure how the slicing will be placed for commercials – or if there is any other footage that will be added. The beginning of the movie is slow, a bit choppy, and it is hard to piece together for a bit. It was worth it to watch it til the end – especially considering your other Saturday evening alternatives.  I am not sure that it really faces the bullying that I have seen in the schools, or between school mates – but it does try to put “doing the right thing” as the honorable choice.

For my friends who keep their kids entirely away from magic – there is an element throughout the story of a Video Recorder that can send quips of events, it is said to be "like magic”, or “Works when it wants to”, and it pulls the story line together for a few of the players. I enjoyed the line with the video recorder – and would think it was a needed element to this movie.

Religion – or God – or Faith – was not used to justify any of the characters reasons for being courageous, morally strong, or family based.  We use the “Because that’s what the Bible Says” for a lot of our reasons in our home, and ask each member of the family to pray about decisions and listen to the Holy Spirit.  We talked about this after the movie.

From the Producers:

"Field of Vision" is an uplifting movie that addresses bullying in schools and the importance of standing up in the face of adversity. Nearly three-quarters of Americans consider bullying harassment a serious problem and more than 45% of students admitted to having been bullied in school. This movie provides a great opportunity for families to spend time together in watching and discussing the issue of bullying from a biblical world view.

Star quarterback, Tyler McFarland, learns that some of his teammates have been bullying a troubled new transfer student. Aware that sharing this information with the coach might get his friends kicked off the team and ultimately cost them the state championship, Tyler must choose what's more important: winning or doing what's right. Starring Faith Ford, Tony Oller and Joe Adler this movie airs on Saturday, June 11, 2011 at 8/7c on NBC.

Website: http://www.familymovienight.com/field-of-vision/

    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/familymovienight

    Mom's for Family TV: http://www.moms4familytv.com/

    Dove Foundation Review: http://www.dove.org/reviewpopup.asp?Unique_ID=883

 

"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."