Usually my husband watches all the movies I review with me. I value his input and perspective. Unfortunately, he was not at home the night I had to watch the movie so I was watching solo. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this movie but it sounded interesting so I was excited to watch it. I was intrigued by the true story being portrayed through the movie.

The real life events that THE FIRING SQUAD is based on took place in 2015, not even 10 years ago, but I hadn’t heard about it and you probably haven’t either. The bulk of the movie takes place in a prison camp in Indonesia. The warden of the camp, played by Tupua Ainu’u, is a man full of hate and torment-which he takes out daily as he abuses his inmates physically and verbally. The main character, played by James Barrington, is an inmate who suffers a lot of the abuse. During a stint in solitary confinement he has a lifechanging encounter with God. I don’t want to give away to much of the story because you need to go see it. The film’s tagline says all you need to know, “They faced death. And chose life.”

Mom Maven’s Thoughts

THE FIRING SQUAD is an intense, intriguing, powerful movie. The fact that it is based on a true story makes it even more powerful. As an American, it’s difficult to believe how different the justice system is in other parts of the world. I was gripped by the story and the filmmaking from the beginning. I was drawn in by the acting and by seeing a world I know nothing about. By the end of the movie I was in tears, it touched my heart deeply.

My husband came home about 2/3 of the way through the movie. He walked in and I rudely said, “Shhh” as soon as he walked in. I was so engrossed I didn’t want to pause and get him up to speed or hear about the event he was at, all of that could wait til I saw how the movie ended.

This movie is PG-13 but because of the heavy themes, I don’t know if I would have let my sons see it at that age. Parents, you know your kids best, use your judgement. There is no on camera blood or gore. There is talk about drugs as well as verbal and physical abuse. There are lots of guns as well.

The real theme of this movie is the redemptive power of a relationship with Jesus Christ. God is no respecter of persons, anyone can repent, believe, and live for the great Hope of eternity in heaven.

About THE FIRING SQUAD

The movie opens in theaters August 2, 2024. There are many pre-screenings going on now across the country to help get the word out. You can find out about them here. The movie’s website is full of information, including how you can invest in the film. The makers of the movie have set a goal of reaching 1 Million souls for Jesus through this film. Please share this post with your friends. Make plans to see the movie with the unsaved. God is moving and using this movie to touch hearts of stone, do your part and share it!

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Recently, we were invited to attend the event live in Tampa! We are so excited!! I will be sharing some moments live on my Twitter and Instagram so make sure you are following those accounts now so you don’t miss out.

What is LIFE SURGE?

LIFE SURGE is the only Christian touring event in history that is geared to the marketplace and is filling up venues across the country. It is part Christian worship concert, part Christian conference, part business and motivational seminar and part entrepreneurial and investor education.

Its mission is to inspire, transform and equip people to SURGE their lives God’s way! The day focuses on 4 W’s:

• Worship-The Heart of God- John 4:23 “True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.”
• Wisdom-The Mind of God-Proverbs 4:7 “Wisdom is the principal thing. In all your getting, get understanding.”
• Work-The Actions of God-Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
• Wealth-The Resources of God-Isaiah 48:17 “I am the Lord your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you in the way you should go.”

From LIFE SURGE Founder-Joe Johnson PhD

“We want to lead a global movement of people surging their lives God’s way, by inspiring, transforming and equipping believers to do all that God has called them to do. Years ago, Billy Graham Jr. said, “I believe one of the next great moves of God is going to be through the believers in the workplace.”

Not only do we believe that – we want to be a part of seeing that reality in our lifetime! From live events to digital media and ongoing education and training, we want to impact every sphere of our society with the Power of God and the life-altering truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

LIFE SURGE is passionate about bringing our events to our attendees, LIVE AND IN-PERSON! We believe in the power of a local community that fellowships together, worships together, and encourages each other exactly where they are. By bringing together some of the top Christian speakers, business minds, entrepreneurs, and worship teams, our hope is to create an atmosphere of transformation.

Our mandate is to provide an opportunity for each attendee and believer to experience increase in their personal lives, careers, businesses, wealth, and legacy for the generations to follow. Because of John 10:10, we believe that there are always opportunities to live a better life, and that can happen suddenly and powerfully.”

Why Are We Going?

My husband and I are both Christian small business owners. He owns his own musical instrument and sound system repair business-Schultz Services. I run this blog, teach private music lessons, and I am a Scentsy Consultant at The Scentsible Home. We are always looking at ways to honor God and our community with the gifts and talents He gave us. We are sure we will be inspired, encouraged, and challenged at LIFE SURGE and I think you will be too.

Upcoming LIFE SURGE Events

• Raleigh, NC Friday, June 7 9:00-5:30pm or Saturday, June 8 9:00-5:30pm
• Boston, MA Saturday, June 22 9:00-5:30pm
• Tampa, FL Saturday, June 29 8:00-4:30pm
• Reading, PA Saturday, July 13 9:00-5:30pm
• Cincinnati, OH Saturday, August 3 9:00-5:30pm
• Chicago, IL Saturday, August 10 9:00-5:30pm
• Boise, ID Saturday, August 24 9:00-5:30pm

Tickets for all these events are still available on the LIFE SURGE website. Get them before they sell out!

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Since we have been longtime fans, we were familiar with the big picture of the Smallbone’s story. In UNSUNG HERO, we learned a lot more about the struggles this family faced, why they left Australia, how hard life in America was when they arrived in Nashville, and how they persevered and clung to God through it all.

About UNSUNG HERO

When David Smallbone’s successful music company collapses, he moves his family from Australia to the United States in search of a brighter future. With nothing more than their six children, their suitcases, and their love of music, David (for KING + COUNTRY’s Joel Smallbone) and his pregnant wife Helen (Daisy Betts) set out to rebuild their lives from the ground up. Based on a remarkable true story, a mum’s faith stands against all odds; and inspires her husband and children to hold onto theirs.

Mom Maven’s Thoughts

We both enjoyed the movie very much. It feels honest. You get invested in the well-developed characters. The story of a tightknit family going through hard times yet staying together while relying on God and the church community that surrounds them is an important message in this day of disposable marriages.

I have seen every movie that Joel Smallbone has been in and this is his best acting ever. It’s got to be hard to play your own father. When you take on a character, you learn things about that person, real or fictional. As an actor it can be very difficult to play some you know so well because you might learn things about them you later wished you’d never known.

This movie is not about For King + Country the band, it is the story of the Smallbone family and the beginnings of their sister, Rebecca St James’ award-winning music career.

The movie is rated PG and I don’t think kids under the age of 12 would be very interested but you mom and dad should get your tickets now! The movie hits theaters April 26!!!

The Giveaway

Enter to win a $10 Amazon gift card, US residents only. This giveaway closes at 12:00am on 5-3-24. The winner will be chosen and verified and their information will be sent to the sponsor for fulfillment.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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About County Rescue

County Rescue is a new family friendly, light drama centered around a group of EMTs. We all know that being an EMT is a tough job that requires courage, focus, intellect, compassion, strength, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and much more. EMTs often see people at their worst and have to be able to care for others sometimes in very difficult situations.

In County Rescue season one, we follow probationary EMTs who are all vying for one open spot on the squad. As they put their training to the test in the field, they grow and change as both EMTs and people. Young people stepping into a demanding job learn a lot about themselves as they learn to step up and really be responsible not only for themselves but for their co-workers, patients, and the community they serve.

This show is not a medical drama. Very little time is spent on the medical aspect of their jobs. This is a human drama that includes friendships, rivalries, romance, family expectations, and, of course, faith.

Where to Watch

County Rescue come to Great American Pure Flix streaming platform on February 23rd. You can get a free 7 day trial here. I’m also giving away a 3 month membership down below. On February 26th you can watch it on Great American Family channel. Here is the channel locator.

Giveaway

One US winner will receive a 3-month subscription to Great American Pure Flix. Winner must reside in the US and have not won a 3-month subscription in the last 6 months. The winner will be verified and their name and email address will be sent to the sponsor for fulfillment.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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About Miracle in East Texas

Inspired by one of the most improbable true stories ever, this is the entertaining tale of two aging con men at the dawn of the Great Depression and the biggest oil strike in the history of the world.

Irving Tanner, Jr. (Lou Gossett, Jr.) recounts the 1930 legend. Times are hard when the unluckiest wildcatter in the world, Dad Everett (John Ratzenberger), teams up with Doc Boyd (Kevin Sorbo), a charming snake oil salesman. Together they convince several new widows (Sam Sorbo, Paula Boudreau, and others) to invest in their worthless oil wells.

Then, the unthinkable happens! Now our two Casanovas faced with a challenge: declare another dry hole for a clean escape, or bring the well in like genuine oil men and likely spend the rest of their lives in jail?

Meanwhile, some of their investors are angry and fixing to do something about it. And one of them is truly a “mountain” of a man (Tyler Mane).

What happens next? Doc preaches, the Good Lord teaches, and a judge reaches a surprising conclusion. The mostly true story will make you laugh, shed a tear, and give you pride in the God-blessed American way.

Sorbo Studios

This movie is produced by Sorbo Studios. Miracle in East Texas is directed by Kevin Sorbo. It stars Kevin Sorbo, John Ratzenberger, Lou Gossett Jr., Tyler Mane, Sam Sorbo, and Braeden Sorbo.

Miracle in East Texas is only in theaters THIS WEEKEND October 29-30, 2023 so get your tickets NOW!

Who Should See Miracle in East Texas

If you are a US history buff, homeschool family studying American History, someone who enjoys uplifting entertainment or a lover of movies based on true stories, then this film is for you.

Homeschoolers, you can download free curricula for the movie here. There is also a discussion guide available here.

Mom Maven’s Thoughts

You know I am always honest in my reviews…I dozed off several times during this movie. While the underlying message of redemption and God’s provision is there and the acting is good, the story is slow and very repetitive.

The first part of the movie is Dad and Doc pulling the same scam over and over again on different widows, it felt like seeing this twice would have gotten the point across without boring the viewer.

We enjoyed the ending and seeing how God showed up for His people, I’m all for a happy ending-even in an historical piece. It is an important story from American history that needs to be told, one I wasn’t aware of, as a homeschool mom who taught a lot of American history, I enjoyed learning something new!

Make plans to go see this movie this weekend. You will learn some American history and see a story about hope, redemption, forgiveness and God’s provision.

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About Eleanor’s Bench

Eleanor Thomas’s success as a Washington DC juvenile court judge is challenged when her inner-city past comes to court and demands more than judgment, prompting her to return to her impoverished neighborhood of youth. Will her renewed sense of purpose reinvigorate her faith? Eleanor’s Bench is full of important lessons about following God’s calling, practicing self control, learning from your past and discovering that we are enough and deserving of God’s love. Eleanor’s Bench is a 6 episode mini series streaming on Pure Flix.

• Karen Abercrombie, Eleanor (HEAVEN SENT, WAR ROOM, AN ANGELIC CHRISTMAS, DISCARDED THINGS)
• Cameron Arnett, Reginald (Saved by Grace, RUNNING THE BASES, Vindication, DISCARDED THINGS)
• Demond Wilson, Isaac (Sanford and Son)
• T.C. Stallings, Apollo (WAR ROOM, NO VACANCY, Vindication, MY BROTHER’S KEEPER, GOD’S COMPASS)
• Lori Schultze, Pat
• Wesley Williams, Elijah
• Rebecca Rogers, Heather (LIFEMARK)
• Kamillah Matthews, Jewels
• Durrel Nelson, Eddie (director and producer of AN UNLIKELY ANGEL, TEXAS REIN)
• Caleb J. Avery, Drayvon
• Scotty Curlee, Attorney Banks (WAR ROOM, OVERCOMER, EXTRAORDINARY)

Episode 3

I was asked to tell you specifically about episode 3. That is hard if you haven’t seen the first two episodes and I don’t want to share any spoilers. Episode 2 ends on a cliffhanger. How this cliffhanger is resolved will literally change the trajectory of the story. Thankfully the cliffhanger is resolved right at the beginning of episode 3. The theme of this episode is how to live with defeat and failure, something we all have to do in our lives.

Eleanor is working through regret of a promise she made and didn’t keep. As she sees how badly things turned out without her help, Eleanor is feeling like a failure of a friend. She tries to take it upon herself to make everything right again, but that is just not possible, even for a rich judge. As she grapples with her humanness, she goes to God for direction and guidance as she embarks on a life changing plan to do what she feels is right.

Giveaway

You can only watch Eleanor’s Bench on Pure Flix. If you don’t have a streaming subscription yet, enter to win a 3 month trial subscription! The giveaway ends at 12:00am on Friday, July 21, 2023 it is open to US residents only who have not won a trial subscription in the last 6 months.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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I want to start off with a word of caution, unlike most Pure Flix films, I don’t feel God’s Country Song is appropriate for kids under the age of 13. There is significant alcohol use/abuse, and some violence. Use your own discretion.

With that being said, God’s Country Song is a redemption story based on Mark 8:36 “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” Noah is a broken man pursuing his dreams at all costs. On a journey of redemption and forgiveness, he rediscovers what truly matters in life: faith and family.

God’s Country Song Cast

• Justin Gaston as Noah Bryan (The Young and the Restless, UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN, SANTA BOOTCAMP)
• Mariel Hemingway as Sara Bryan (ON SACRED GROUND, GRACE AND GRIT, MANHATTAN)
• John Laughlin as Jeremiah Bryan (THE ROCK, FOOTLOOSE, NCIS)
• Christopher Michael as Larry (7th Heaven, FOOLS RUSH IN, THE CABLE GUY)
• Justene Alpert as Leeann (The Lincoln Lawyer, THE MATCHMAKERS PLAYBOOK)
• JJ Miller as JJ Bryan (Saved by Grace)
• Featuring Coffey Anderson, Colt Young (Country Ever After)

Mom Maven’s Thoughts

This is a very well done movie. While not what I consider to be typical Pure Flix fare, we really enjoyed it. Yes, the subject matter is difficult, a but gritty but it’s an honest look at a life that tries to hide it’s hurts with alcohol. Justin Gaston’s portrayal of Noah Bryan is spot on. He is a singer/songwriter as well as an actor so all the scenes performing his music on stage were authentic and it showed.

This film is about faith, fatherhood, and forgiveness. Noah has always resented his father for not supporting his dreams of fame and fortune. Always feeling that you don’t have the love and support of your family as you chase your dreams is a heavy weight to carry. Of course, there are always two sides to every story and as Noah learns why his father feels this way, thanks to mom sharing dad’s big secret, Noah begins to understand his father’s side.

I hope you’ll watch God’s Country Song when it starts streaming on Pure Flix starting June 16th.

Giveaway

Pure Flix is your home for faith and family-friendly exclusive movies and shows where you can confidently stream with the entire family. With new high-quality original entertainment every week, you can strengthen your faith and family with Pure Flix – a streaming service that inspires, uplifts and entertains. Don’t have a Pure Flix yet? I’m giving away a 3 month trial subscription! This giveaway is limited to US winners only, and only to those who have NOT won a subscription in the last 6 months.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Other Pure Flix films you might like:

Sun Moon

Miracle at Manchester

A Thousand Tomorrows

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About Miracle at Manchester

Brycen Newman is a beloved member of his Catholic high school’s football and baseball teams. He starts experiencing unexplained headaches. As the headaches continue and other symptoms crop up, Brycen’s parents take him to the hospital for evaluation where a very rude ER doctor dismisses them as dehydration and/or puberty symptoms. Brycen’s father, at the urging of a friend, seeks help from a neurosurgeon who determines that Brycen needs surgery immediately.

The rest of the movie is filled with the roller coaster of emotions that dealing with a tragic diagnoses will bring. A father questioning his faith, students praying for their friend, and a community supporting a family during difficult times.

Mom Maven’s Thoughts

Miracle at Manchester was a well made movie. It’s based on a true story and I always like that. It honestly just felt like we had seen it before. Nothing new in the kid gets horrible diagnosis/community prays for and rallies around the family type movie.

This movie is for you if:

• You have teens and tweens that need to be inspired by the power of prayer.
• You need hope in a time of despair.
• You like a good underdog story.
• You like sports stories.

Watch Miracle at Manchester on Pure Flix starting March 31st!

About Pure Flix

Pure Flix is a one-stop shop for faith and family-friendly movies and shows where you can confidently stream in your home with the entire family. With new premium and exclusive original entertainment choices every week, Pure Flix streaming service has the largest variety of high-quality, curated, positive, encouraging, wholesome movies, series and kids’ content in one service. Pure Flix is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Pictures Entertainment, alongside AFFIRM Films.

Pure Flix Giveaway

One US based winner will receive a 3 month subscription to Pure Flix. The winner cannot have won a Pure Flix subscription in the last 6 months. The giveaway ends at 12:00am EDT on April 8, 2023. The winner will be verified and their email will be forwarded to the sponsor for fulfillment.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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About His Only Son

His Only Son recounts one of the most controversial moments in the Old Testament—when Abraham was commanded by God to sacrifice his son Isaac on the mountain of Moriah. While traveling to the place of the sacrifice, alongside Isaac and two servants, Abraham is flooded with vivid memories from the years he and Sarah spent longing for the son they were promised—the son he must now lay upon the altar.

From the Director David Helling

Since my time as a Marine in Iraq, when the Lord got ahold of my heart and drew me to His Word, my life’s mission and desire has been to illustrate and exposit the Bible through film– so that others can see what I saw in Scripture… and in seeing they might believe… and in believing they may have life in His name.

The endeavor of this film began with the desire to bring clarity to one of the most infamous moments in redemptive history. However, once I began writing the script nearly five years ago, I began to experience the darkest, loneliest, most heart-wrenching years of my life– a season that, to a significant degree, continues to this day. But through this trial, never could I have imagined that the message of this film would act as such a timely comfort in my bleakest nights. 

It stands as a reminder to me and all of us, that even in our most dire circumstances, the Lord has a purpose in it all– and for those of us that love Him, that purpose is for our good.

https://invest.angel.com/son

MomMaven’s Thoughts

This film, His Only Son, was a timely one for me. Last fall we spent several weeks teaching on the life of Abraham in our Children’s Church environment and this year I have again undertaken the call to read the entire Bible chronologically in a year. At this point in the year I have already re-read the life of Abraham so this story is very fresh in my mind and soul.

The first word we both used when the movie was over was, “Wow”, in an awe-filled tone. The movie was aesthetically beautiful, the acting was top-notch, and the story was told with care for all the nuances it has in the Bible.

Abraham was a man called by God, but, like all humans, he was far from perfect. Even though he knew what God had promised him, he and his wife, Sarah, had a difficult time waiting for God’s perfect timing, and tried to push God’s hand, a move which, of course did much more harm than good.

In His timing, God did bless them with their long-awaited son, Isaac, through his lineage we get David and Jesus. Of course, God gives Abraham the biggest test of his life when he is called to sacrifice Isaac on the altar at Mount Moriah. Even though we know the story, when the sacrifice ram appeared in the thicket, I felt more at ease than I had a few seconds prior. The sacrifice of Abraham and Isaac parallels the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.

His Only Son hits theaters this weekend, 3/31/23. I promise you this movie will impact you and deepen your worship this Easter season. His Faith Was Tested. Our Hope Was Born.  Tickets are available now. Make plans to see this moving film this weekend.

The Giveaway

Enter to win a pair of tickets to see His Only Son here. The giveaway ends March 31, 2023.

The post His Only Son Review and Giveaway appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Bible literacy is so important in our lives. That is why I do my fair share of Bible reviews. I want you to know there are options for all ages and stages of life. We all learn differently. Some of us want room to doodle, others want larger print, some want lots of pictures, and still others want all the maps, charts, and extras; this is why I share so many Bibles with you. So you can make and informed decision that will help you and your family fall deeper in love with the Word of God.

About Egermeier’s Interactive Story Bible

With over six million copies sold, the Egermeier’s series has been helping millions of people better understand the Bible all around the world. This new edition to the Egermeier’s series adds a fun, new twist – videos! Throughout the book, you’ll find QR codes that can easily be scanned by a smartphone. Once scanned, you’ll find an engaging video that accompanies the story you just read about. Older generations will still find the same elements that made Egermeier’s great, while the younger generation will love the videos.

Mom Maven’s Thoughts

Ergemeier’s Interactive Story Bible is a great tool for family worship or bedtime story time. It is geared to kids ages 8-12 which I feel is a bit old for a story Bible. Once kids start reading fluently they need to have a real Bible to learn from. I always feel bad as a Kids’ Church volunteer when an elementary school aged child asks for help finding the verses I am teaching on and I can’t help them because they don’t have a full Bible.

That being said, this story Bible is great for home use. I love that it is in chronological order so a family reading aloud together can see the whole story laid out neatly and in order. The questions that are after every story help families to discuss and go deeper into what has been read. The QR codes bring up videos that help bring some of the stories to life. The maps in the back help kids to see where things happened and how far apart some of the important biblical cities are.

You can get your copy of Egermeier’s Interactive Story Bible here. Use code BLOG30 to receive 30% off your purchase in December! You can also enter to win a copy here.

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