"Susie's Hope" Movie Review and Giveaway

I already half wrote this review but am starting over. Instead of trying to tell you what this movie's about I'm just going to cut and paste the official write up and then I'll tell you what I thought about it.

Based on the true story that successfully passed Susie’s Law in North Carolina, which seeks stricter punishment for animal abusers, Susie’s Hope brings to life the inspirational relationship between pit bull attack survivor Donna Lawrence and Susie, a pit bull-mix puppy found beaten, burned and left for dead. Recognizing neglect and abuse were to blame for the tragic attack that nearly claimed her life 10 months earlier, Donna rescues the battered animal and accepts her as family. Together, they learn to heal, love and forgive as they lead a historic effort to seek justice and protection, not only for Susie, but all animals.

I hate to say anything negative about a movie that made me cry in parts and that is based on a true story - especially a true story that resulted in laws being made better but...but...

Maybe I just don't get it because I'm not a save-the-animal-at-all-cost type of person. Or maybe it's because I'm not a my-dog-comes-before-my-husband type of person, but I have to say, I felt slightly frustrated by Donna, the main character, throughout a good chunk of this movie. The husband gets kicked out of the bed for the sake of the dog, and she agrees to pay $17,000 for vet bills without even consulting him! This is our heroine? Plus, the way the movie has her always talking to her other dog, Babygirl, makes her seem unstable to begin with. I know lots of people talk to their animals, I talk to our hamster, but in the movie, it's ridiculous. (I wonder if it was artistic license and a way to sneak in plot exposition. Either way, it got old.)

On the other hand, I applaud anyone who is willing to work for better laws and the animal abuse law in N. Carolina did need changing. No jail time for animal torturers? Crazy. Thankfully, that's now in the past. Plus, I honestly did cry during a few scenes. The woman who played Donna, was very compelling and I felt myself ache for a woman who suffered a miscarriage because of the dog attack. At other times though, I thought the movie could have cut out quite a bit of time spent on showing Donna getting comfort from Babygirl. I watched it with my husband and three kids and they all felt the same way.

I have a copy of this movie to give away. Want your name in the draw? Leave a comment below and you're in. The draw will be held December 9th, 2014. Good luck



"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.”

"What's in the Bible? volume 10" Review and Giveaway

I saw super happy to review "What's in the Bible? volume 10 because I have seen some of the other videos in the series before and was impressed. Volume 10 was even better than the others. Phil Vischer's (the creator of VeggieTales and What's in the Bible)has an incredible gift for taking deep theological truths and making it seem so simple. In volume 10, his child friendly explanation as to why Jesus had to come when He did and not sooner was brilliantly presented. It's great to have a series for young kids that goes beyond the popular Bible stories of only Jonah, Noah and Creation.

I watched volume 10 with my 13 year old son and my 12 year old daughter. Obviously they are a bit older than the intended audience but my son, whose sense of humor is extremely witty, found the hidden puns that "What's in the Bible?" is laced with entertaining. My daughter, who isn't witty, didn't get them and also didn't find it worth sitting through. My favorite parts were when Phil Vischer himself was talking, explaining the Bible. Some of the puppet's voices were either very annoying or hard to understand.

One thing I didn't expect but what thrilled by was the moving way the crucifixion was handled. I fell in love with Jesus all over again as I watched it. I can't think of how they could have improved on it in the slightest. It really choked me up.

So, do you want to see it? I've got a copy to give away. If you want your name put in a draw for a free copy, leave a comment below. The draw will be held December 8th, 2014.

BTW, I got a copy of this video for free in exchange for an honest review.

"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.”

"Awaken Love" Book Giveaway

I suppose now would be a good time to admit that my husband and I have never done 'couple's devotions'. Well, not successfully anyway. But, for the sake of a thorough review, I asked him to join me in reading "Awaken Love; The Song" by Kyle Idleman. We lasted one day. From there I continued on my own and enjoyed it. I'm also glad we didn't continue on as a couple.

For awhile I've wondered, "What's the big deal about the name of Jesus?" Lots of people are named Jesus. So when Mr. Idleman talked about a person's name really being the sum of their characteristics, it was a light bulb moment. Aaaah! When I'm praying in 'the name of Jesus', I'm to pray according to His character. Brilliant.

Not so brilliant, is the homework assignment of looking back at the last argument you had with your spouse and dissect what the trigger was, what you could have done differently, etc. I can't see that being a positive conversation to have as a couple. On your own - yes. Together? Mmmm, not so much.

If my husband would have known that week 2 of this 6 week devotional was all about sex and that the homework was basically to go and have more sex, he might have stuck with it. To be truthful, no matter how many times I hear that God loves when we have a fulfilled sex life within the confines of marriage, I still don't love to think of Him watching us.

If you are the kind of couple who likes to do devotions together, I'd recommend this one. It's not very long, or indepth, or brain-numbing. Some parts are uncomfortable and challenging.

So, would you like a copy? Leave a comment below to have your name entered into the draw on Dec 5th, 2014. (It would make a nice Christmas present.) If you win, a copy will be shipped to you at no charge. Good luck!






"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.”



From the publisher:

The Song Couple’s Devotional is a 6-week book for couples that can help awaken love in their marriage. With daily relationship insights and prayer points drawn from the Song of Solomon, this devotional will help couples grow in their relationship with God and one another.

Inspired by the Song of Solomon, The Song is both a full-length movie and resource for churches to explore God’s plan for relationships, love and marriage.

About the author:


Kyle Idleman is the Teaching Pastor at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, the fourth-largest church in America. Author of the award-winning and bestselling book, not a fan., and presenter of eight of City on a Hill’s curriculum series, he regularly speaks at conferences and events around the world. Kyle and his wife DesiRae have four children.

"Compassion without Compromise"

In an era where those who dare to speak against homosexuality face ever increasing pressure to be quiet or face the consequences, it's a beautiful relief to come across a book that is written by someone who has been there/done that. As a long time Christian, I always knew homosexuality was wrong but to be able to articulate why and to do so without coming across as a self-righteous jerk partially escaped me. I mean, my heart aches for those who struggle with same-sex attraction. It breaks my heart when I hear someone identify themselves as gay as though it was what defined them. Our identity comes from who we are in Christ. Without Jesus, we are nothing, with Him, we are Redeemed, Children of God! No matter what we struggle with, be it same sex attraction, pride, hate, or gossip, we are all lost without Jesus but welcomed with open arms by Him if we'll come to him.

The Authors of "Compassion without Compromise", Adam T. Barr, and Ron Citlau, did an amazing job of opening up this conversation and gave great insights. I love that author Ron Citlau was able to write this book as one who was broken sexually and has found healing in Jesus. This means this book has more understanding. I definitely feel more equipped to be an encouragement to those who struggle having read this book.

My past is filled with a history of eating disorders and body dysmorphia. Praise God, I'm free of it now but only within the last couple of years. Was I any less of a Christian, or any less loved by God because I hadn't been set completely free from this stronghold? Of course not! I knew it was wrong but I didn't have the capacity to overcome it. The same is true with those who come to Christ with same sex attraction. Some will find they instantly are freed from their desires and others, like me and my stronghold, will see that it takes years of walking with Jesus and fighting the old self tooth and nail before freedom comes. This doesn't mean Jesus "doesn't work." It means the battle rages.

I think "Compassion without Compromise" should be read by everyone! I give it an enthusiastic two thumbs up. It is not even slightly graphic but is extremely helpful.

BTW, I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"Small Talk" review and sweepstake

For the first few pages of "Small Talk" by Amy Julia Becker, I thought, "Hey, I'm going to like this book." Then, a few pages later, I started getting a toothache from the sweetness. Can anyone really be this lovely? Still not sure. I can remember when my kids were little thinking, "I bet this is exactly how God sees me" as they would fit against the help I was trying to give. Without a doubt, I learned much about my relationship with God through my relationship with my kids. But...but... even after receiving those lessons, the day didn't always end with a tea party and a blissful snuggle fest like the book suggests happens in the author's world.

Sure it's encouraging to hear about someone who has gone through a great struggle only to come out of the other side shining but it leaves the rest of us wondering - What's wrong with me?

There are parts of "Small Talk" that I really enjoyed. For example, I loved the answer Ms. Becker gives in response to the seemed biblical contradictions.

"...Maybe I will put out a cookbook and a poem about food, and we will compare and contrast these two genres. We will note together how the cookbook gives specific instructions, with little room for interpretation or ambiguity. We will note how the poem, even if devoted to the same subject matter, is trying to tell us something very different, something about the experience of eating, something about being human." Brilliant.

All of the teaching in the book is biblical and it's great to be reminded of prioritizing, how much God loves us and is gracious. Nothing made me go, "Snap doodle, that's amazing." but occasionally I did think, "Oh yeah, I forgot I'd decided to step it up in that area."

I think there is a blessing to be had in reading "Small Talk" if you can handle the sweetness. I'd suggest putting it beside the toilet. Like fudge, it's good in small quantities.

And, drum roll please, I have a copy to give away!! Happy Dance!! Leave a comment below to have your name entered in a draw for a free copy mailed to you right from the publisher. Good luck.

Draw will be November 25th.










"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.”