The Woodcarver DVD Review and Giveaway

I remember John Ratzenberger from when he was on Cheers years ago. I always loved Cliff Claven and his knowledge of some of the oddest things. He really brought that bar to life. So, I was quite pleased to see him in this movie and he did a remarkable job portraying Ernest Otto, the somewhat reclusive woodcarver with a positive attitude, behavior and faith change the lives of the Stevenson family.

About the Movie:

Matthew Stevenson is a troubled kid from a broken home. When he vandalizes the local church to get back at his parents, Matthew has to repair the damage to the church to avoid criminal charges. While working at the church, he meets Ernest (John Ratzenberger), an accomplished wood carver who created the intricate woodwork decoration that Matthew destroyed. Ernest has become something of a hermit, but reluctantly comes out of reclusion to help repair the church. Now Ernest and Matthew must work together to preserve the church's beautiful antiquity, and along the way, they also manage to restore their faith in God and in life.


My thoughts:
The movie starts out right away with Matthew's destruction of church property and how his parents try to deal with it. The parents are separated and on the verge of divorce and they do not see eye to eye on anything, which has negatively affected their son. In order to avoid criminal charges, Matthew is put to work repairing the damage he caused to the church. Along the way, he comes to know Ernest Otto, a recently widowed man who carved the woodwork Matthew destroyed. With all the bickering between his parents, Matthew stays with Ernest who begins to witness to Matthew. Together they work to restore the church, and while doing so, build a friendship and a renewed faith in God.


I love a heartwarming movie and this one certainly qualifies to be called heartwarming. The characters are likable and watching the changes that take place in them throughout the movie warms the heart.  I loved the way Matthew grows close to Ernest through the movie and I love Ernest's philosophy on life. At one point, Ernest says to ask yourself a question anytime you need to make a decision; WWJD (What would Jesus do?). Such a simple question, yet one we don't often ask when faced with tough decisions. Since watching this DVD, I have incorporated this into my everyday life. I love a movie that solidifies my faith in Jesus and how He affects and influences my everyday life.

Buy it!
You can purchase "The Woodcarver" by going to Christian Cinema and ordering it online.

Win it!
One lucky reader will win their very own copy of "The Woodcarver" DVD. All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below.

Giveaway is open from March 13, 2012 to March 27, 2012 at 11:59EST and is open to US entrants 18 years of age or older. Terms and conditions noted on the Rafflecopter form. Please keep in mind that any mandatory entries must be completed before you do any of the extra entries.

 

Three Hearts DVD Review and Giveaway

I was so very pleased to have the opportunity to review this DVD "Three Hearts." The Samaritan's Purse organization has been close to my own heart and I have participated in their Operation Christmas Child program for the last few years. We have played a part in their annual motorcycle run in Salt Lake and the church we belong to Calvary Chapel, Salt Lake is the regional collection center. So when this DVD was sent to me, I felt very blessed to review it. 


About Three Hearts:
A passionate team of people work to save the lives of three Mongolian children with life-threatening heart defects.


Graduating college senior, Cissie Graham Lynch, granddaughter of evangelist Billy Graham, takes on an internship at Samaritan’s Purse working with the Children’s Heart Project. This project is dedicated to saving the lives of children by providing medical procedures that aren’t available in many countries. Cissie is charged with supervising the arrival and surgeries of three Mongolian children suffering from fatal congenital heart defects.


But the task is not easy and filled with unexpected challenges. Cissie balances responsibilities as a newly married wife to a professional football player and her tasks with the internship. Meanwhile the Children’s Heart team turns to a Texas family who travels to Mongolia for the adventure of a lifetime to help bring the children to San Antonio for their surgeries. In Texas, two host families make sacrifices to care for these children and their mothers, while a team of doctors and nurses volunteer their time only to stare directly into the face of life and death. How far would you go to save a life?


It’s a fight for survival, a fight of faith, and a fight for a new life for these three hearts.


Here is a trailer preview.

This DVD kept me on the edge of my seat and I was drawn in almost immediately. The movie takes us into the lives and families of the three children from Mongolia. We are introduced to their parents and their lifestyles which is vastly different from what we have here. We watch these kids and their moms come to the US and experience things we take for granted; running water, dishwashers and a fun trip to Thrift Town. We are right there with them as they undergo lifesaving heart surgeries from preparation to the surgery. There is laughter, tears and a confirmation of faith in Jesus Christ. 


I loved this movie. I grew to love these kids in the 90 minutes of film. I see how dedicated these workers and volunteers with the Children's Hart project are and the passion they put into bringing these children here for treatment. This movie will stir your emotions and provide hope where sometimes hope is lost.  What Cissie is doing with the Children's Heart Project will live on in all of us. 


Learn more about Samaritan's Purse from their website
Like Samaritan's Purse on Facebook
For more on the Children's Heart Project, click here


Buy it!
You can purchase this DVD by going to the Christian Book and searching for Three Hearts


Win it!
One lucky reader will win their very own copy of "Three Hearts" DVD. All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below.



Giveaway is open from February 28, 2012 to March 13, 2012 at 11:59EST and is open to US entrants 18 years of age or older. Terms and conditions noted on the Rafflecopter form. Please keep in mind that any mandatory entries must be completed before you do any of the extra entries.

A Mile in His Shoes Review & Giveaway

Good Day readers!


I am so excited to be hosting my first ever giveaway and even more excited to share with you a review of this family friendly, inspiring and uplifting DVD, "A Mile in his Shoes" starring Dean Cain and Luke Schroder.

Synopsis:
Only a miracle can help baseball coach Arthur “Murph” Murphy (Dean Cain) and his losing minor league baseball team. As Murph sets out to recruit new talent, he stumbles upon Mickey (Luke Schroder), a young farmer with an incredible pitcher’s arm. However, Mickey’s parents are reluctant in allowing him to join the team because he has Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism. Murph convinces Mickey’s parents that life in the minor league will benefit their unique son, but he doesn’t realize just how much his new recruit will help the team’s game and, more importantly, their spirit. Based on a true story, 
A Mile in His Shoes is an inspirational film that celebrates faith, determination and the power of friendship.


A Mile in His Shoes was originally shown on GMC TV in September of 2011 and it was released on DVD January 10, 2011.

I sat down to watch this with my husband, who loves these types of movies and probably cries more then I do when we watch them (Ssshhhhh....don't tell him I said that!).  This was amazing!! Inspiring, uplifting and shows us what can be achieved when you look beyond what's in front of you and looking at a persons abilities.  Dean Cain was great, Luke Schroder gave a moving performance. I don't know a lot about Asperger's so this gave me some insight. As a Christian, this movie spoke to my heart. Highly recommended.


And yes, my husband did not disappoint, lol. We were both very moved by this movie. It's family friendly and sends a great message. 


Buy it! -  You can purchase A Mile in His Shoes at various retailers online and nationwide (SRP $14.93).

Win it! -  One lucky reader of Lori's Culinary Creations will win a copy of A Mile in His Shoes. Just enter youir informatioin into the widget below and that's it! Easy peasy.