A Show About Anthem Lights: Episode 16 Review and Giveaway

 

 

In this episode, Spencer Kane, Joey Stamper, Caleb Grimm, and Chad Graham are acting like they are British. They begin the show by sitting around slipping tea and discussing the newspaper. The major headline is about the audacity to eat bologna. Meanwhile, the kitchen crew is preparing to serve them a bologna sandwich and Spencer is about to bring dishonor to the family.

 

 

I loved the animated creations and how they designed each Anthem Lights actor to look just like them in real life. I will say this series for some reason reminded me of Disney’s, the Proud Family cause they both have the same cartoon looking characters. Each episode is anywhere from 10-15 minutes. The show is very family friendly and I think kids from aged 6 to 12 would love the series. Anthem Lights are known as a band of doing a number of cover songs and original songs and some even went viral. It was interesting to see how they also added new songs to fit the storyline of each episode. I think this important aspect will lure children into enjoying the series and singing along to the songs. I liked how this episode had humor and songs about eating bologna and slipping tea properly like the British royal class does. It also makes you wonder what the British would really think of our fried bologna sandwich meal. 

 

 

 

Trailer: LINK

 

Check out the show: https://hubs.ly/Q012vb8H0

 

Disclosure: Many thanks to Pure Flix for providing a temporary subscription for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. 

 

Giveaway:

 

Free 3-month Pure Flix subscription 

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Popular Films on Pure Flix for Easter and A Review of The Penitent Thief

• JESUS’ DEATH AND RESURRECTION ARE THE HALLMARKS OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH. EXPLORE THESE FILMS TO HELP DEEPEN YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF THIS MONUMENTAL MOMENT IN HUMAN HISTORY. STREAM CLEAN AND HAVE FAITH IN YOUR ENTERTAINMENT WITH PURE FLIX.  DISCOVER THE TOP CHRISTIAN MOVIES AND TELEVISION SHOWS AVAILABLE TO WATCH RIGHT NOW – START YOUR FREE TRIAL TODAY! 

• CHRISTIAN EASTER MOVIES - EASTER IS A TIME FOR REJOICING AND REMEMBERING THE SACRI FICE THAT JESUS MADE FOR ALL OF HUMANKIND. THIS SELECTION OF EASTER MOVIES WILL GUIDE YOU AS YOU PREPARE FOR THE EASTER SEASON. THESE ENTERTAINMENT CHOICES ARE SURE TO LEAVE YOU FEELING ENCOURAGED AND INSPIRED! 

•EASTER MOVIES FOR KIDS - THESE MOVIES ARE A GREAT WAY TO SHARE THE EASTER STORY WITH EVEN THE YOUNGEST MEMBER OF YOUR HOUSEHOLD. STREAM THESE TO HELP YOU DIS CUSS THE STORY OF JESUS’ DEATH AND RESURRECTION WITH YOUR CHILDREN TODAY. 

• CLASSIC EASTER MOVIES AND DOCUMENTARIES - THESE DOCUMENTARY-STYLE EASTER MOVIES WILL HELP YOU DEEPEN YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND KNOWLEDGE OF THE CRUCIFIXION AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS. FOLLOW ALONG TO THE MIDDLE EAST AND DIG INTO THE HISTORY OF EASTER. 

 Some of the films you can find on Pure Flix: The Passion of the Christ (Available only from 20 March to 19 April 2022), Risen, The Passion: Brickfilm, The Messiah: Brickfilm, The Penitent Thief, and much more. 

“The Penitent Thief” 

https://app.pureflix.com/videos/454403622925/the-penitent-thief 

Featuring: Kevin Sorbo 

Background / Plot Synopsis  

• The two men (Dismas and Jotham) are brothers. Their father was an alcoholic and left them to fend for their mother and themselves. Mother and youngest brother are killed when King Herod orders the execution of all the boys under two after Jesus’ birth.  

• They join a band of thieves and spend 30 years surviving as brigands - Tiran, the leader, and Gestas, Tiran’s son, become close with Dismas and Jothum.  

• Dismas is injured on a raid and dreams of his childhood home and of Jesus. Jesus heals him in the dream.  

• Tiran seeks revenge against a man who left the group and kills him and his family. Dis mas wants to leave before it gets worse. Jotham is divided. Gestas overhears their plan to flee.  

• Tiran forces the brothers to fight, but Gestas kills his father. Dismas and Jothum leave the gang and get jobs mending nets in Capernaum. Dismas meets and falls in love with a woman.  

• Jesus arrives and Dismas hears Him preach. Jothum is in the crowd, stealing from people. The brothers divide - Dismas looks towards the future and new possibility with Christ and Jothum looks back at what happened to them.  

• Jothum returns to the gang and Dismas marries Adinah and starts a family. The gang and Dismas stumble upon each other on the road to Passover and the Romans find Barrabas, Jothum and Dismas and put them in jail.  

• Dismas and Jothum are jailed with Barrabas, who is subsequently freed instead of Jesus  

• Dismas and Jothum are crucified alongside Jesus 

Bible Verses:  

• For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be unit ed with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin. – Romans 6:5-6 (NIV) 

 

My Review: 

I decided to review The Penitent Thief film on Pure Flix. I haven’t ever saw this film before but was curious to see Kevin Sorbo play King Harrod. I liked watching the story of the two thieves who was crucified alongside Jesus. It made me wonder about their backstory and how they ended up being next to Jesus. I also loved the mercy, grace, and forgiveness one of the brothers had when he asked Jesus to remember him and stated how they were guilty for their crimes but not Jesus. Jesus did something powerful by telling the brother that he would be with him in paradise. The other brother chose to follow the crowd and mock Jesus by taunting him to save himself if He is in fact the Messiah. I also enjoyed how the film also covered the birth of Jesus and it connected the thieves at the very beginning to meeting Jesus. I think this movie is a perfect film to get people ready for Easter. It wasn’t as violent and graphic as the Passion of the Christ film was but there were still moments that was difficult to watch of the crucifixion. This story impacted me by reminding me that we all like the thieves and we have all sinned. We get to choose which brother we want to be like the one asking Jesus for mercy and forgiveness or the one who mocks that Jesus is who He said He is. At some point in our lifetime, we might have been both brothers. The choice is yours to make. Choose Jesus and enter paradise. 

 

^• SIGN UP for Pure Flix now to prepare for Easter! 

Buy Links:  

 UTM: https://hubs.li/Q016cvND0 

 

Giveaway: One 3-month Pure Flix subscription 

Note: Giveaway is limited to US winners only. 

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Disclosure:  

Many thanks to Pure Flix for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.  

The Power of Thank You: Discover the Joy of Gratitude by Joyce Meyer Book Review

In The Power of Thank You, Joyce Meyer explored the topic of being thankful and having gratitude of everything God has done for us. She shared how the words, “thanks and be thankful” appear in one hundred verses of the Bible. She explained how the Israelites struggled with being thankful and how they would be thankful one minute and be complaining the next. Only two men, Joshua and Caleb made it into the promise land.  This was in fact cause that the rest complained and failed to have the faith that have could conquer the land and face the giants. She also looked at the power of saying thank you and showing appreciation. She encouraged readers to express thanks in our relationships and marriage instead of just dwelling on their shortcomings. Throughout the book, she explored how Bible characters also showed their generosity. Some of these included Abraham giving him the best of the land, Joseph protecting and forgiving his brothers, Job, Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna.

 

 

 

In the book, she shared how she started her ministry and how it started in her basement with eight employees. One person had to use a cardboard furniture box for a desk. They worked in her home for about three years until they were able to rent a 1,700 square foot office complex. Now, the ministry has a distribution center and a building totaling to be about 218,000 square feet. Joyce shared how she was blessed and how God was able to provide for them. She also opened up about her home life and how times have changes and she learned to be thankful for everything she has. 

 

 

I would recommend this life changing book to anyone who is ready for their life to change and they are seeking the keys on how to have more joy in their life. I immensely liked how Joyce teaches readers on how to have more gratitude. One of my favorite things, she included was how she personally kept a record of unpleasant things that happened to her within eight weeks and this was on over 2 full pages in length. She explained how if she focused on all of that negative, she wouldn’t have joy or even display thanksgiving. I really liked how she did this to show how her life isn’t perfect and things happened to her in her life. We can instead choose to keep a thankful journal and write down what we are thankful for each day. I think everyone should try both ways to see the different in their attitudes between the different weeks. They can compare the lists to see which one they felt better and more joyful. I also liked how she discussed spiritual blessing and what she was thankful for and where she come from. I also liked the 30 days appendix of thank you and this was all based on different verses for each day. 

 

 

 

My Review of the My Thank You Journal:

 

I liked how the journal included a special introduction from Joyce on how to use the journal. Readers can write down each day what they are thankful for, prayer requests and recording how God answers them, and make a list of blessing that God provides. Each page also enclosed a special quote, saying, or verse. I immensely enjoyed how the book has the spring time feeling vibe to the journal. It is a nice green color and it has a lot of room to write down what we are thankful for. I also like how there a lot of pages in this journal.

 

 

"I received this book free from the publisher, Hachette Book Group/Faithwords for my honest review.”

 

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy, check it out on Amazon.com:

 

https://www.amazon.com/Power-Thank-You-Discover-Gratitude/dp/1546016120/

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Thank-You-Journal-Joyce-Meyer/dp/1546012478/   

My Daily Pursuit Devotions for Every Day by A.W. Tozer Complied and Edited by James L. Snyder Book Review

My Daily Pursuit is a new complied version containing the teaching of A.W. Tozer. He begins by sharing how Tozer was a key speaker in a Bible conference and he never showed up and someone else had to lead the service. When they finally found, Tozer he was on his knees in the presence of God. This was the most important thing for Tozer pursuing God. A big part of the devotions discussed worshiping God daily. There are many things that will try and compete for our attention and some we will chose to worship instead of God. He explained how our hearts need to be turned toward God. He revealed how sin is the biggest thing that hinders us. He explained how we are all born to worship Him and His holiness. He shared how if people burned the church down that this wouldn’t stop our worshiping God and we need to carry the sanctuary to where ever we are. This reminded me of COVID-19 times and how the churches still met using online services. This pandemic couldn’t stop our worship and connecting with our Creator. This devotional will assist you in your daily pursuit of God and His ways. Each devotional had a verse, a teaching, a hymn verse, and a prayer. 

 

 

I would recommend this awesome devotional to anyone who enjoys the teachings of Tozer. This book is an updated edited and complied version on a classic. This book will help readers into learning how to worship God will their whole hearts and to not get distracted by things that don’t matter. I liked how he encouraged readers to return home back to Christ if they have drifted away and how God still remembers them. I liked how he explained grace and forgiveness and how critical repentance is. Throughout the book, he describes how we can actively pursue God and if we will listen to his teachings, they will assist us in our walk with God. 

 

 

 

"I received this book free from the publisher, Bethany House/ Chosen for my honest review.”

 

 

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy, check it out on Amazon.com:

 

 

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/My-Daily-Pursuit-Devotions-Every-ebook/dp/B00LA9GGBC/

Rule Your Day: 6 Keys to Maximizing Your Success and Accelerating Your Dreams by Joel Osteen Book Review

In Rule Your Day, Joel Osteen has written a brand-new book about the power of learning how to rule your day. He instructed readers to make a decision to control their atmosphere and this included our thoughts, emotions, and attitudes. He explained how many of us get burden down by the news and all the negative reports on the media outlets. We have to be careful with what we allow in and what we let get down into our spirit. Joel shared the story of David and Saul. Saul was extremely jealous of David and his army tried to have David killed. Even with going through all of that, David chose to sing about Christ’s power and he reminded himself of how God is our refuge. Joel used this to remind readers that David chose to control his own atmosphere and stay in peace. Throughout the book, Joel will explain how we can use these six keys to live a more peaceful, faith filled, and a positive life. 

 

 

One of my favorite chapters was the one entitled, “No More Distractions”. This one discussed Jesus and how when it was time for Him to be crucified, He set His face towards Jerusalem. This was the time for his final act and hour on Earth had come and He was about to fulfill His main purpose. He used this exampled to remind readers that our assignment on this Earth is only temporary and we all have an expiration date. We need to be focused and not live distracted. There are many things that can distract us such as caring what other people think of us, fighting battles we don’t need to be fighting, being offended, and dwelling on things that don’t matter. 

 

 

I would recommend this life changing powerful book to anyone who is ready to unlock the six keys to living a more successful positive attitude on life.  One of my favorite things was how Joel shared how not everyone is going to like us or accept us. He reminded us not to get distracted and becoming obsessed with trying to convince others to like us. One of my favorite quotes was, “Nobody talks about people who aren’t doing anything. Nobody tries to discredit someone who has no influence.” This is a very powerful statement that if you’re struggling with people pleasing, this will help you immensely if you will receive that down into your spirit. I appreciated how Joel even shared how he felt pressure to be what others wanted when he first started preaching and leading his father’s church. He revealed how he instead chose to follow God’s guidance and listen to Him. Another favorite quote was, “I’ve heard it said that you should quit swimming across an ocean to be good to someone who won’t jump across a puddle to be good to you. If they get offended because you can’t meet every expectation, they aren’t a true friend”. This is also very powerful in reminding us not to be controlled by others and to be distracted and to seek friends who will be a true friend to us. If you’re looking for an excellent book on learning to rule your day every day, then read this wonderful book! 

 

 

"I received this book free from the publisher, Hachette Book Group/Faithwords for my honest review.”

 

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy, check it out on Amazon.com:

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Rule-Your-Day-Maximizing-Accelerating/dp/1546041850/

Tyson's Run Film Review and $20 Dollar Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

• Don’t miss this feel-good story of faith, courage, grit, and unlikely alliances for a teen on the autism spectrum. You will come away inspired!  

• Have you ever found yourself trying to get the approval of a parent? If not, you likely know someone who has. That’s where Tyson, a teen with autism, finds himself as he watches his hero father lead the high school football team. Tyson’s Run is not only relatable, but also a beautiful picture of the rewards of dreams, determination, and relationships when we don’t quit.  

• Tyson’s Run is a movie we can all relate to. Tyson’s longing to be accepted by his father leads him to push himself further than anyone might have thought possible. Ultimately, it is a heart-warming story of overcoming odds, changing perceptions, and of love winning. Don’t miss it on March 11th!  

• Synopsis: When fifteen-year-old Tyson attends public school for the first time, his life is changed forever. While helping his father clean up after the football team, Tyson befriends champion marathon runner Aklilu. Never letting his autism hold him back, Tyson becomes determined to run his first marathon in hopes of winning his father's approval. With the help of an unlikely friend and his parents, Tyson learns that with faith in yourself and the courage to take the first step, anything is possible.  

My Review: 

Tyson’s Run was a wonderful inspirational film that touched on the core message of autism. It also showed bullying and the challenges that come with Tyson wanting to try public school. Tyson’s character is great example of someone not giving up and not allowing anything to hold him back. I loved the friendship between Tyson and Aklilu and how helpful Aklilu was in training him to learn how to run a marathon. He is one of the first people who truly believed that he could run in the race. He had a lack of a relationship with his father and there was a great disconnect. All he wanted to do was impress his father can become a champion like his football team that he coached. It was interesting to witness how that changed throughout the film and how a father learned how to be a father. I loved Amy Smart role of the mother in the film. I loved her in her previous work MacGyver and Justified. I also loved how the film discussed and ended with 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and how we need to run our race. 

 

Trailer: https://youtu.be/hEqSj5esw7k 

Featurette Video: LINK 

 

^• Buy your tickets TODAY to see TYSON’S RUN in theaters! 

Buy Links:  

 Website: https://tysonsrun.com/ 

 Tickets: https://tysonsrun.com/tickets/ 

 

 

• Four-time Grammy Award-winning gospel singer Yolanda Adams recorded If You Believe, an original song, just for Tyson’s Run. 

Giveaway: Enter to win one $20 Amazon gift card. Ends March 20. 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd32lk3e1Ijluj-7pKhN9J1IYSx_g1vzmQv26EIP1DWPuDtWA/viewform?usp=sf_link&urp=gmail_link

Disclosure:  

Many thanks to Collide Distribution for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.  

 

Aggressively Happy: A Realist's Guide to Believing in the Goodness of Life by Joy Marie Clarkson Book Review

In Aggressively Happy, Joy Marie Clarkson opens up about how readers can cultivate and live a happy life. She begins the book by sharing how at a time near the New Year she was feeling a message on her heart. The message was that this year will be hard and she will suffer. She admitted to feeling tired and feeling like a drain to everyone around her. She tried to fill the empty void by working different jobs until one day she decided to live her life. She shared how she choose to have happiness. She divided up the book into ten verbs: befriend sadness, remember you have a body, tell yourself a good story, accept love, give yourself away, believe in God, and much more. These are all of her principles she lives by to live a happy life. 

 

 

 

I would recommend this wonderful book about choosing happiness to anyone who feels burdened down by the circumstances of life. I immensely loved how she shared ten ways in which she was able to improve her outlook on living life and being happy. One of my favorite topics was enjoying life and dealing with feeling guilty when there is chaos in the world. She shared how we tend to either be tough or too mushy filled with anxiety. She explained how we need to remember to find a reason to keep trying to make the world a better place. 

 

 

 

 

 

"I received this book free from the publisher, Bethany House/ Chosen for my honest review.”

 

 

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy, check it out on Amazon.com:

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Aggressively-Happy-Realists-Believing-Goodness/dp/0764238248/