You Have Gotta see this one...

On Saturday we took TJ out for his 14th birthday. It was so fun to spend some one on one time with our boy.  He is growing up so fast, I can hardly believe it!   He chose lunch at Zaxbys and the movie 42.

He has has been very excited for this film to come out because one of his teachers and her husband (who plays one of Robinson's teammates on the Dodgers) are in the movie!   Part of the movie was filmed right here at the historic Engle Stadium  in downtown Chattanooga!   I am so glad he wanted to see it!

 It was FANTASTIC!!

It is the powerful story of the legendary Jackie Robinson , who broke the Major League Baseball's  "color barrier" when he signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers with the help of Dodgers General manager and top Executive Branch Rickey a deeply religious man ( played by Harrison Ford--who by the way was brilliant in the role).  Rickey warned Robinson during their first meeting, that he would face harsh criticism and terrible treatment in the league, but that he could not retaliate and/or lose his temper or it would not work.

 As Rickey predicted, Robinson did endure horrible racism from every side as white people, including his own team mates,  tried to keep him from playing.  He showed tremendous courage and determination by standing strong, and not retaliating in any way.  Always a gentleman he did nothing to jeopardize the chances of all the other black athletes that would follow him as he really did break down  barriers..

He fought back on the field, letting his talent and hard work do the talking, eventually winning over his team mates and the fans while silencing his critics! 

Yeah!

I have to admit, I may have teared up several times in the film even though my boys made fun of my sniffles:)

  It was so moving and inspiring.  

We all LOVED it!  This is a movie that we will definitely own!

Have you seen it yet?  You should!

Best Books EVER for new readers

Bob Books.

Really, I think these are the best books for early reading. They build confidence and excitement. I only heard of them for my last two boys but I wish all my little readers would have had them. Both Bridger and Cannon would carry their little box of Bob books everywhere they went and read them constantly to themselves or anyone who would listen:)

They are awesome!

And before you know it your little reader will be onto bigger and better books...like Dr Suess:)

Some Early morning 'Cat in the Hat' reading while I made breakfast this weekend.

Happy Monday!

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I've got a REALLY Great Movie fo you!!

Have you seen the movie ' Courageous' yet?

I highly recommend it!

Now I am not saying it is going to win awards for the best acting ever--but WOW the message is POWERFUL!  I am so grateful there are good people in the world, making good movies:)

In the end I wanted to stand up and cheer!!  The film will touch your heart and motivate you to be a better Christian and a  more committed parent.  I really LOVED it!

This is from the creators of another one of our favorite movies 'Facing the Giants'  which is only $6.49 on Amazon right now.  Making both these movies together just over $20 with free shipping.  What a bargain for good wholesome inspiring entertainment (how often can you use those words together:)

 Do you have any great movies you would recommend?  I would LOVE to hear about them!

Family Movie Night Reccomendation...

I saw the movie 'Soul Surfer' in the theatre...and could not wait to watch it with my family.  It is a powerful movie with a GREAT message of determination and triumph over personal tragedy through faith in Jesus Christ. 
Although there is no violence, sex, or swearing, it is not a perfect movie--I wish there were less bikinis--(watching it on Clearplay would help)--but overall I give it two thumbs up!

In 2003, when a tiger shark in Kauai, Hawaii, attacked the 14-year-old Bethany Hamilton, the story was covered all over the nation. I remember reading about it then.  Incredibly, just three weeks after the attack, Hamilton was back in the water learning how to surf with one arm. A year later, she won a national surfing title.  Amazing!

Today, Hamilton is a professional surfer. In 2010 she was ranked 23rd in the world. “The shy kid has gone on to have a legit pro surf career despite her massive physical impairment,” Joel Patterson recently wrote in Surfer Magazine, “and, in the process, she’s inspired uncountable people struggling against cruel twists of fate.”

I love that in all her interviews over the years, Bethany Hamilton has always spoken about her Christian faith and the huge role it played in her recovery.  Thank you Bethany for your beautiful example and desire to testify of the power of faith in Jesus Christ.

 I love watching inspiring movies like this! 

Books I Love

**Don't forget to enter my $100 Gatarade SportsMom Giveaway here**

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I love to read, but I am pretty picky about my books. When I take them time out of my busy life to read I want it to be worth it! I love the escape of a fun read but I also want to feel educated, uplifted or inspired in someway at the end. I thought I would start posting my reviews of some books that I have read and enjoyed. I will put links to all the books I love under my recommendations tab up top. And, I am always looking for a good book, so please let me know what you would recommend too!

The longer reviews are ones I cut and pasted from my Goodreads account. Are you on Goodreads? It is a fun website where you can record the books you have read and share reviews with your friends. It is a great resource. Check the site out here and if you join, let me know so we can be Goodread "friends":)

**Also I have linked all these titles to Amazon. I bought all these books for my library--and I usually buy them used through Amazon. I think they have great prices! And for those of you who live around the Chattanooga area you are welcome to borrow one from me:)

A Few of My Favorites to start out with:

#1 The scriptures (Bible, Book of Mormon , Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price)

I love the scriptures and read from one of them everyday. They are by far the most life changing and powerful books ever written and are a huge strength and influence in my life.


#2 The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
This is a truly wonderful book. It is a true story about a christian woman who along with her sister and father choose to help Jews during WWII. They are caught and experience all the horrors of the concentration camp, but remain so full of faith and the love of God. Nothing can take that away. I absolutely LOVED it and read it every few years to remind myself of the lessons it teaches. Powerful book!

#3 Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

I am sure you all know the story line. This is one of my most favorite books! A truly excellent read! FYI I read the abridged version--and I think it was still over 500 pages:)

#4 These is My Words by Nancy E Turner

This is a fantastic book! It will have you laughing and crying! Historical fiction of the life of a pioneer woman's experiences in the Arizona Territory. Adventure, history, romance, strong women... I LOVED it!!

#5 Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

I loved this book! Was it the most well written book? No,in fact it became a little tedious at times for me, but the overall message was POWERFUL and beautiful! I found it deeply touching and inspiring. It is a retelling of the story in the Bible of Hosea and Gomer--set in the 1850s California Goldrush. A valiant and faithful man named Michael has dedicated his life to following God's commandments and His will for him. Micheal lives such a good life, a perfect example of the scripture "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct thy paths"' MIcheal has been praying and waiting for a wife, trusting in Heavenly Father to direct him. He is given the distinct revelation of who to marry and to his absolute shock it is a young, beautiful and bitter prosititute. A poor young woman who was sold into prostitution at the age of 8 and has lived a horrific and sad life. This story was such a powerful reminder for me that with God anything is possible. That He can heal our hearts and redeem our souls--that His arms are always open to us. And, that a life given to Him is the happiest, and most fullfilling life you can live. I was also inspired to prayerfully study the holy scriptures more.

#6 A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers

My friend recommended this book to me after she heard me say I loved 'Redeeming Love' written by the same author. At first I gave this book a 4 star rating because although I loved many things about it, I thought it was a little dramatic in parts. But as time passes the story has stayed with me and still inspires me--so I have changed it to a 5 star rating. It is set in Rome (mostly) maybe 15-20 years after the death of Jesus Christ. It was very interesting to learn more about that Roman culture and the people of that time. There is a lot of immoral and disgusting behavior, --especially with the gladiators and people being fed to lions in the arena etc. It opens with the destruction of Jerusalem and thousands of Jews being slaughtered. This book was hard to read at times, but a definetly a page turner. The main character Hadassah is the only survivor in her family and is saved from death but sold into slavery. She is believed to be a Jew, but she is actually a Christian. At that time is was very dangerous to be a follower of Jesus Christ. I found this book very interesting and very powerfully inspiring to me. I love how Hadassah remains faithful and true and larns to overcome her fears. She is blessed with a inner peace and great love of those she serves. No matter the trials and harships she has in her life, she is happy and at peace because of her solid faith and devotion to living a Christlike life. There were so many wonderful examples of courage, faith and goodness in this story. In the end I was filled with a desire to be more faithful that I may be an instrument in God's hands for good. Overall,I really enjoyed this book! I bought the series--so I am already on volume 2

#7 The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer

I just finished this book and loved it! It was entertaining, inspiring and relaxing! I found the characters charming and endearing. I absolutely loved reading accounts of the sacrifices some people made to help others during the horrible times of World War II. I love books that remind us that no matter what awful things happen one can choose to be a light and a force for good.

#8 Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier

I brought this book on a vacation for some light, fun beach reading. i am usually not a fantasy fan--but I have to say I really enjoyed this one. The writing is just OK--but what I loved was how thought provoking it was for me. This book is a detailed historical fantasy, that combines Celtic paganism and early Irish Christianity. I loved how Sorcha the main character rises to the challenges and trials she is given with such strength. I share that belief that each of has a path in life and will be tested to see what our true character and strenght is. I loved how, when times were really challenging she repeats to herself that she is a Daughter of the Forest and it gave her strength to remember who she is. It reminded me that each of us has a nobel birthright as daughters/sons of God and that we too can conquer the challenges and trials we are given when we remember who we really are. I also loved how Sorcha was a healer--she had learned the art of herbs and plants and how to use them to bless those around her. She was extremely selfless and kind and extremely loyal to those she loved (especially her 6 brothers). So--for a kind of silly fantasy book, it actually got me thinking deeply spiritually

Well that was a start, more to come:) But for now I want to know...

What are your Favorite books??

Family Movie Night Recommendation...

( Movie treats ready)
Don't laugh but we are really enjoying the 'Love Comes Softly' series.

(yes that is Katherine Heigl)

My boys were a little put off by the name,

and even rolled there eyes and objected when I started putting the DVD in,

but I lured them in with popcorn and treats

and you know what...they loved it!

They were excited the next week when Netflix delivered the second DVD in the series, and are looking forward to the third one this weekend! We have been watching them as a family on Sunday afternoon and although they may not admit it to their friends, they are all enjoying these movies. I love finding movies to watch with my family that are good, clean, and uplifting.

Bottom line: Great movie for the whole family with good Christian values.

Melandboys recommendation...

This football movie was perfect for my family of sports lovin' boys, but honestly I think it would be inspiring for anybody. We got it from Netflix, but I plan on getting a copy of our own from Amazon. It is the kind of movie that I wouldn't mind my boys watching again and again. It is a Christian movie with {not} the best acting ever but a GREAT message! Filmed here in the South, there is even a cameo by the Georgia Bulldogs head football coach Mark Richt who talks about Bible scripture and being faithful:) I am telling you, people in the South are not afraid of being religious ! I love it!

We would also recommend some fast and easy caramel corn to go along with this. Recipe here!

Happy Weekend!