Fruitbearers

I was excited to review this devotional book for 3 reasons: 1. I collect devotional books, 2. I'm a big fan of God's grace, and 3. The theme of our church's women retreat this year (this weekend) is Ephesians 3: 20-21, " Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory ." which is also the theme for this book. Immeasurably More is a beautiful and meaningful devotional journal. It has 100 devotions organized into 10 different topics (grace, love, power, provision, purpose, peace, joy, gifts, rest, and life). Each devotion starts with Scriptures and ends with journaling and prayer prompts. This journal can be used individually or in a group study.  I have been blessed and refreshed by God's wondrous truths and Godly insights found in this book. These encouraging, inspiring devotions invite readers to bask in God's goodness and to experience His never-ending, jaw-drop

Are you a fan of the God's Not Dead film franchise? This is their latest film. God's Not Dead: In God We Trust is so relevant and timely during this election year. Reverend David Hill (David A.R. White) has to grapple with his faith and calling when he is asked to run for Congress. He is not made for politics, but he feels called to make a difference for the betterment of people and country. Unprepared, he cautiously enters the race against state senator Peter Kane (Ray Wise), a seasoned politician and ruthless opponent who is determined to remove religious influence from public policy. With the help of a capable but insecure campaign consultant, Lottie (Samaire Armstrong), Reverend David Hill navigates through the storms of political nastiness, corruption, lies, deceit, and scrutiny with moral courage and Godly principles. Scott Baio (from Happy Days) plays a charming but cunning campaign consultant for state senator Peter Kane. Outstanding cast all around including Isaiah W

According to Worldsleepday.org, 35% of people do not feel they get enough sleep, impacting both their physical and mental health. Are you one of those people who have trouble falling asleep? There are so many things that can keep our heart and mind cluttered, confused, occupied, anxious, and afraid, especially at bedtime when it's all quiet. Sleep is so important for our well-being. This book consists of 50 devotions that aim to help readers sleep better. These devotions will help shift our focus from stress, worry, burdens, problems, pressing situations, things-to-do, etc. to God, His Word and encouraging, comforting truths. The devotions are divided into 4 main sections: Balancing Daily Obligations and Pressures, Confronting Fear and Uncertainty, Navigating Family Concerns, and Trusting God During Difficult Times. They are written by various writers from the Proverbs 31 Ministries Team. One from each section is written by Lysa Terkeurst.  Each devotion begins with a Bible verse a

I've always loved movies based on true stories. The Firing Squad is a must-see film based on a remarkable true story about three criminals who were sentenced to be executed by firing squad in an Indonesian prison camp on April 29, 2015. The film includes some flashbacks to show us the main characters' background stories and events that led up to their imprisonment. As the events unfold and the execution dates approach, we get to witness all sorts of emotions that the characters experience: fear, anxiety, anger, bitterness, denial, trust, peace, love, forgiveness, resolve, etc. Their encounter with the Gospel of Jesus Christ changes their lives for eternity. God's beautiful transformation is evident and cannot be ignored. From darkness to light, from disheartened fear to undeterred faith, from being drug dealers to being devout Christ's followers, from dreadful death to eternal life! I highly recommend this unforgettable movie! Bring tissue. I was so moved by it; I crie

We need to stand up and support Israel. It's time for the protests and media's lies to stop. See real headlines about what's actually going on in the world below, and then sign the petition to end anti-Israel rioting:  • Anti-Israel protester blocks traffic using her baby: This video captures an anti-Israel protester holding her baby while standing in front of a car to block traffic. Another protester can be heard asking for a replacement for the mother, noting her willingness to risk her child’s life. Additionally, another parent with a small child and dog are seen standing in the path of traffic. See video: LINK   • George Washington U grads storm out of graduation ceremony in anti-Israel protest: Dozens of George Washington University graduates walked out of commencement ceremonies on Sunday, disrupting university President Ellen Granberg's speech, in protest over the ongoing war in Gaza and last week's clearing of an on-campus protest encampment that invo

  I love Anne Wilson and her music. I reviewed her first album, My Jesus (2022), and was so excited for this opportunity to review her 2nd album, REBEL (released on April 19). Wow...this girl is on fire for Jesus. I'm so glad to see a young musician being a "rebel" (going against the world's current/culture) for Jesus; she (22) is truly a rare gem among the younger generation. Each song in this album was written under the banner question, 'What does it mean to be a rebel in the world we live in today? ' and given a corresponding tagline and Bible verse. Each song's tagline can be found in the REBEL physical CD or Vinyl packaging booklet. Anne Wilson is definitely a breath of fresh air that I hope will fuel the passion for young & old believers to speak up about their faith & the gospel boldly even when it is unwelcomed and draw unbelievers to desire Jesus & His gift of salvation. Anne Wilson has a non-profit movement and community called Hey

I treasure & delight in God's Word and love studying the Scriptures in depth because I want to know God more and more intimately. I'm happy to add the Encountering God Study Bible (NKJV) to my Bible collection. It is an extensive and impressive work of the Blackaby family. The one I received for review is a beautiful black leathersoft Bible with two ribbon bookmarks (aqua and dark blue). The New King James Version has always been one of my favorites. One reason is that it capitalizes all the nouns and pronouns referring to God/Jesus/the Holy Spirit. I also appreciate red letters (for Jesus' words). The Encountering God Study Bible includes many fantastic features such as Encounter Note (insightful commentaries), Historical Encounter (biographical sketches of figures from church history), Explaining the Faith (theology and apologetics), Character Study, and Word Study. In the front of the Bible, you will find "How to Study the Bible." In the back, you will fi

I've always loved movies based on true stories. I've enjoyed the music by Rebecca St. James and For King & Country. With that combination, I was so excited to review Unsung Hero , the remarkable true story of the Smallbone family (Rebecca St. James, Joel & Luke Smallbone of For King & Country are three of their 7 children). It's an inspiring film about their journey from the Land Down Under to the Land of the Free and all the challenges & struggles they have to face & overcome. When David Smallbone (Dad)'s music company fails and goes bankrupt, he moves his family from Australia to America, with high hopes for a better future. However, they soon experience hardships, poverty, shame, loss, sorrow, disappointment, discouragement, and disagreement (within the family). But they cling to God, one another, and prayer. I love their family's way of organizing their prayer cards on the wall into 2 columns: the left one is for "Please" (prayer re

Philippians is one of my favorite books of the Bible. It is short but is so rich and deep. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this new book, Whatever Happens , by Robert J. Morgan. It is a timely book for the turbulent time in this troubling world, filled with timeless wisdom from the book of Philippians . The book consists of 31 chapters (which can be used as a daily devotional) and covers all 4 chapters of Philippians . The author encourages readers to carefully study the inspiring messages given by Paul from prison and learn to joyfully stand firm in Christ...whatever happens. I can tell that the author is an excellent teacher of God's Word because he continues to be a diligent student of God's Word. I really appreciate all the original Greek words and meanings included in the book. There is no fluff in this book; there's only gems. I delved into all the referenced Scriptures and was so blessed. Like the author, I love hymns; I was glad to see several hymn references. I also

Pastor's Kid is a raw R-rated film based on a true story of Riley, a college student who struggles with drugs & alcohol and deep wounds from her dysfunctional childhood filled with neglect and religious hypocrisy. Growing up with an alcoholic mother and having to be the one to raise her little brother put a huge strain in the relationship between Riley (played by Courtney Bandeko) and her mother, Karen (played by Krista Morin). A "good Christian girl" becomes an out-of-control partygoer who lives in meaningless pursuit of worldly pleasures, always looking for the next fix (a temporary bandage for her pain & misery) and teetering on the brink of nervous breakdown. I'm glad that's not the end of Riley's story. God loves all the prodigal sons and daughters. God loves the broken and the messed-up. God's unstoppable love never gives up on them. Pastor's Kid is a compelling story of faith, redemption, forgiveness, and healing. It shows God's tr

I've always loved movies based on true stories. I was so excited to review Ordinary Angels . It is based on the incredible true story (taken place in Louisville , KY, in 1993) of Sharon Stevens (Hilary Swank), a struggling alcoholic hairdresser who's determined to do all she could to save the life of a critically ill young girl who just lost her mother. Ed (Alan Ritchson), a widower, works tirelessly to make ends meet for his two daughters (8-year-old Ashely and 5-year-old Michelle), while desperately hoping for a liver transplant for Michelle who has a rare medical condition. God brings Sharon into Ed's life at such a crucial moment for both of them. The former (a single mom who's shunned by her only son) discovers a renewed purpose in life and the latter (a widowed dad whose faith is being tested) discovers that God uses caring people to help and carry one another's burdens. Sharon's compassion and tenacity are remarkable. Never underestimate what one person o

I am thankful and excited for this new family-friendly film, What Rhymes with Reason , which addresses the important & sensitive issue of mental health among teens and young adults. The statistics of young people around the world (not just in the US) struggling with anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts is truly alarming. What Rhymes with Reason is an adventure-drama story of six teens (four male and two female) navigating through the wilderness and their own darkness in order to find a legendary landmark and hope. It tackles some tough topics such as fear, anger, grief, pressure (from parents, peers, social media, etc.), identity, self-worth, unrealistic expectation, life's purpose, life's burdens, and more. It is also a beautiful story of friendship, reminding us all that we need each other, and we are better together. " Carry each other's burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ. " (Galatians 6:2) We Christians are to love one anot