New Michael W. Smith CD "Sovereign" including the new hit "Sky Spills Over" [Giveaway]

For all you Michael W. Smith fans, he has a new CD out. Sovereign! His favorite song on this CD is "SKY SPILLS OVER."  Below is a video he made singing it. Enjoy!

Here’s a quote from MWS on the video: - "I’m really passionate about the song SKY SPILLS OVER.  It was fun creating it in the studio and I’ve been overwhelmed at the response it gets when we perform it live every night.  My son Ryan is a really talented filmmaker so I always enjoy working with him on a project.  But what made this project even more special was that 3 of my own grandkids were in the video.  This video was a lot of fun to make.  I hope people enjoy it!"

CLICK HERE TO WATCH HIS VIDEO NOW!

Now you have an opportunity to win your very own CD including SKY SPILLS OVER. 

GIVEAWAY 

Begins May 27 & ENDS June 5 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT. 

 Open to USA addresses only. 
Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

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"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.

Grace of God (movie-DVD)

Having lost his faith many years ago, Detective Bill Broadly is called to investigate the disappearance of the local church’s collection plate. As he questions its various church members, rumors swirl as more congregants learn about the theft. When one unexpected church-goer confesses to stealing the funds, the confession resurrects Broadly’s views on God, and helps him see that through faith and belief there really is rebirth and redemption.

Actors:  John Ratzenberger  (“Cheers,” WALL-E, Toy Story); Erin Bethea (Fireproof, Letters to God); Lorenzo Lamas ("The Bold and the Beautiful," "Falcon Crest")
Genre: Family, Inspirational; Rating:  NR

Review: First, this movie has nothing to do with Easter.  It does talk about the ten commandments, but primarily, “thou shalt not steal.”  The cover is very misleading.  While the story line does cause Detective Broadly to revisit, or resurrect, his opinion and thoughts of God, one should not pick up this movie or watch it with the primary thought that it is going to be about Easter.

Second, while the movie does a good job of showing us that all of sinned and
come short of the glory of God, it shows absolutely no consequences of our sins or actions.  I’m a firm believer in the Grace of God and that it is extended to us when we absolutely do not desire it.  However, I also believe that it is a firm biblical principle that we “reap what we sow.”    Toward the end of the movie and after the church members have found out that more than $30,000 was stolen, the pastor in his message states that he is a thief – he has “stolen” messages and claimed them as his own.  At that point, other members in the congregation begin to stand up and state that they are also “a thief.”  One has stolen some of the church cleaning supplies for their own personal use; someone being paid by the church is misquoting their hours worked in order to get more money and so on.

**** spoiler alert ****

The movie portrayed no consequences for these actions.  But that does not bother me as much as the final confession…and I’m giving away the movie at this point…one of the main characters finally confesses to stealing the money to help their children and the pastor tells them, “we are not going to press charges.”

That’s fine, but the person still gets to keep their job in the church.  Not only that, the Detective ends up giving her the exact amount of money that was stolen because “he had it in an emergency fund and wanted to help.”

Yes, the Grace of God is manifold, but this movie was completely off base.  I showed this movie to our teen group and they immediately said, “So, you can steal, give the money back and God will reward you.”  That is absolutely not the message of God’s Grace.  Yes, the Detective did see his need for God, that he was a sinner just like everyone and wanted to grow closer to God and therefore experienced the Grace of God.  But the ending is a really bad one.  I would not recommend purchasing this movie.  If someone has it and you have the chance to watch it, it’s clean and family oriented and it definitely has a happy ending, but only according to the world’s definition.

This movie was offered to me for review.  I did not purchase it and I’m most definitely glad of that. (guest reviewer P.Howard, pastor's wife)

You can purchase it here: http://bit.ly/Walmart_GraceofGod

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided to facilitate this review. No compensation was received. Opinions are those of the reviewer.

Berenstain Bears' Please & Thank you (Review & Giveaway--US/CANADA)

The cherished Bear family is coming to a new generation of toddler and preschool readers.

Stan and Jan Berenstain introduced the first Berenstain Bear books in 1962 and the Bear family celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2012! Here the charming and lovable Bear family is once again introducing children to the typical issues and questions that they face every day.
In The Berenstain Bears’ Please & Thank You Book, little readers are introduced to the importance of manners, through gentle reminders given to Brother, Sister, and Honey as they await their milk and cookies. The short story and well-loved characters provide toddlers a perfect introduction to valuable life lessons and routines.

My thoughts: What sweetness! So needed today in a world of entitlement and gimme-gimme-gimme to teach the simple refinement of saying please and thank-you. These beloved books in the original printings understandably wore out, so I am so glad to see that the beloved series of the Berenstain Bears is continuing to be printed. Now this new generation of children can enjoy the sweetness of the bear family.

They had a vast number of experiences and adventures and mama and papa bear taught many lessons to the little ones. Just like you and your kiddies today have these experiences and adventures and the need for the simple lessons of the good life. Say "please" and "thank you." Be kind. Be generous. Be loving.

I encourage our younger families to look into the older books such as the Berenstain Bears and enjoy them with your little ones. This particular little board book is sized just right for little hands and the board construction of the book renders it hardy for much beloved use.

GIVEAWAY: One of Chat With Vera's readers is going to win a copy of this sweet little book. Begins February 26 & ENDS March 5 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. Open to US & CANADA addresses only. 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.

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About the author: Mike Berenstain grew up watching his parents work together to write about and draw these lovable bears. Eventually he started drawing and writing about them too. Though Stan died in 2005 and Jan in 2012, Mike carries on his parents’ love of creating Berenstain Bear stories from southeastern Pennsylvania, which looks a lot like Bear Country.

 Official Website (The Berenstain Bears’ new additions will be available March 1st)

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.

23 BLAST {Movie Review & Giveaway--US & CANADA}

About the movie: As a typical teenager, Travis Freeman (Mark Hapka) is a local hero both on and off the high-school football field in his small Kentucky town, but in 1997, Travis contracts an infection that destroys his optic nerve and renders him blind overnight. With the loving help and concern of his parents, physical therapist, coach and best friend, Travis demonstrates what true bravery is: He continues to compete on the gridiron and helps his team advance to the state finals.

Review: When my husband first asked me to watch the movie "23 Blast"  with him,  I thought, "great, another low budget film!" But boy, was I wrong this time! The movie is loosely based on the life of Travis Freeman and includes the struggles of youth and disabilities during the teenage years.  As a promising high school quarterback, Travis Freeman,  suddenly becomes blind right before his senior year! (In reality, Travis Freeman became blind around the age of 12 years). The movie portrays Travis' battle with depression and his struggle to overcome his disability and the desire to continue to play football.

Being a nurse, I am naturally over-critical of movies that include hospital and medical scenes, and this one was no different. A few of the medical scenes were slightly inaccurate, but overall, they were believable!

One of Travis' childhood friends, Jerry Baker, is also portrayed during the story. Jerry, along with his coach, Mr Farris, encourage Travis to keep trying and not to give up. They help him believe in himself again. The story line also reveals the need and importance for team work. The movie also demonstrates the different paths of two teenage boys: Travis turns to his faith in God, while Jerry turns to drugs and alcohol. The movie does include scenes of teenage drinking (involving Jerry) and includes one curse word.

Overall, I recommend this movie for family entertainment for mid-teens and up. I think it would be a good opportunity to discuss the teen pressures of drinking and the need to say "no" to drugs and alcohol and to discuss the importance of Faith.  Travis chooses to go on to college and earns a PhD in the ministry.  In the end, some of the real folks portrayed in the movie are shown. The movie is dedicated to Jerry Baker. (Guest Mary P.G.)

GIVEAWAY:  A copy is reserved for one of Chat With Vera's readers. Enter below -Begins February 4 & ENDS February 12 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. Open to USA & CANADA addresses only. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”
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"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."

Game time! Learning the wisdom of King Solomon with WISDOMANTICS (interactive DVD Board-game)--Giveaway #Wisdomantics

About the game: For 2-4 players, ages 12+

This is the actual playing board, similar to
other board games.

Wisdomantics–New King James Version (NKJV) is an interactive DVD board - game for players of various faiths who desire to gain the vast wisdom of King Solomon. Wisdomantics-NKJV utiitlizes the proverbs of Solomon and blends chance, knowledge and strategy to create a fun experience while you learn! The game’s intent is to bring individuals together to learn how to cope with numerous situations in a fun and relaxed environment. Inside the box you’ll find 2 interactive DVDs with 400 questions, score cards, blessing cards, and more!

Learning the wisdom of King Solomon is powerful AND fun!

My thoughts: When given the opportunity to take a look at the "Wisdomantics" board game with interactive DVD, I was excited yet perplexed. Frankly, I couldn't perceive of a board game that uses DVDs. When I envision board games, I have visions of family gathered around the kitchen table with a game to wile away a cold Winter evening. I think of togertherness and "face time."  When I received the game, and saw how it is structured to be played, I came away with a variety of feelings about it.

First of all let me explain that in raising five of our own children, we played games. And we played Bible games of various types. They were basically board games. These game times were family time but they were also unstructured learning opportunities for my children. They were also times for me to refresh my memory about various Bible facts.

With Wisdomantics, the computer (via DVDs) prompts a question with multiple choice answers. If the first player doesn't get the right answer (30 seconds to do so) then player #2 gets a chance (and has 20 seconds).  Mentally challenging and time based, the player's capacity to know Scripture (primarily Proverbs) is greatly enhanced. The game uses the New King James version of the Bible.

Pro and Cons:

1. Pro: Mentally stimulating
2. Pro: Family time - or good group activity
3. Pro: DVDs probably afford greater capacity for larger number of questions and facts
4. Pro: Affords a great opportunity to have fun while learning more about Scripture
5. Con: Children and families need to disconnect from technology from time to time
6. Con: Probably too advanced for children who are not really actively enrolled in a stimulating Christian school, Christian based homeschool, or strong church
7. Con: May be too fast paced for those without strong, very strong, Scriptural teachings

You can learn more here: Wisdomantics game by Kingdom Games Enterprises, LLC.

GIVEAWAY: 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 by FlyByPromotions PR Group. ENDS Dec. 31 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. Open USA addresses only.
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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  randomly chosen via Rafflecopter.com. I received a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

PERSECUTED by Robin Parrish Based on a Daniel Lusko Film - (Review & Giveaway - US & CANADA)

About the book:  The Question Is Not IF Attempts Will Be Made to Limit Religious Freedoms, But When
The most popular evangelist of his day, John Luther, simply wants to share the Gospel and enjoy a quiet life with his family. He never asked to be at the center of a political controversy, but an ill wind has been blowing through the halls of Congress, and supporters of a new religious-equality bill see Luther's endorsement as critical. But when Luther refuses to lend his support, he unknowingly sets in motion an explosive plan bent on destroying his reputation and undermining everything for which he stands. His once-normal life is turned upside down as he becomes a fugitive left with only one dangerous option--putting will everything he holds most dear at risk while he fights to expose the truth. It is a mission that brings him face-to-face with the coming storm of persecution that could threaten the very fabric of our nation's freedoms.

My thoughts:  The novel Persecuted by Robin Parrish is the novelization of the movie by the same title that will release Summer 2014. The intent of the movie and the novel is to present to the public the possibility of our religious freedom becoming legislated to the extent that compliance with laws that demand adherence to a “Faith and Fairness” law where all religions worship the same God and together.

The main character in Persecuted is a world-famous evangelist whose earlier years were spent in sin and degradation. Evangelist John Luther will not yield to the demands placed on him by the Senator to abide by and endorse the “Faith and Fairness” act. Luther’s act of defiance unleashes the might and fury of political evil in the form of a hired gunman to take-down Luther. This begins a plethora of ruin, deceit, murder, lying. This is an ultimate persecution.

This story, while a work of fiction, should sound the alarm to alert Christians around the world to the truth that we are so near a time of persecution. We are only a short “act of congress” or “law” from having our freedom to worship according to the dictates of our heart removed.

The treatise of this book is I Will Not Be Silent. In light of the possibility of persecution, would you say, “I will not be silent”?

GIVEAWAY:  One of Chat With Vera's readers has the opportunity to win a copy of the book, Persecuted by Robin Parrish. Just enter using the Rafflecopter form below. Open to USA & CANADA addresses only. Begins July 9 & ENDS July 23 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT.  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.

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About The Author:  Robin Parrish is a journalist who's written about the intersection of faith and pop culture for more than a decade. He's also the author of Offworld and The Dominion Trilogy . Robin and his wife and children live in North Carolina.

Be sure to check out PERSECUTED the movie at a theatre near you, July 18th!

Visit the official movie website: http://www.persecutedmovie.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/persecutedmovie

Bethany House Publishers presents Robin Parrish’s official novelization of the Daniel Lusko film, Persecuted. Available in cloth hardback, trade paperback, and ebook formats.

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.