Christian Arts Connection

Off Broadway Review: The Other Josh Cohen

2019-03-11T14:06:00.002-04:00

David Rossmer and Steve Rosen. Photo: Caitlin McNaney

The Other Josh Cohen

Book, Music and Lyrics by David Rossmer and Steve Rosen

Directed by Hunter Foster

Westside Theatre

Through April 28

By Lauren Yarger

What's It All About?

A quirky and fun rock musical reviewing events in the last year of the life of Josh Cohen (Steven Rosen) as told by Josh Cohen (David Rossmer). The stars are the book, music and lyric writers of this tale about a nice guy who cannot find a girlfriend and cannot catch a break. Suddenly, it seems as though luck might have come his way when he receives a large check in the mail from a long-lost relative. But this is Josh, the guy with all the bad luck. The check actually was intended for someone with the same name and so he begins a letter writing campaign to vent his frustration at the "other Josh Cohen."

What Are the Highlights?
A bouncy, catchy score and smart direction by Hunter Fosters which allows interaction between the two Joshs as well as with the ensemble transforming with wigs and costumes (Costume Designer Nikki V. Moody) into a variety of characters. Hunter creates characters and scenes as if from air and seamlessly has actors switching between action and playing instruments in this fast-paced 90 minutes.

Filling out the cast are (amusingly credited in the Playbill as "A Lot of People," "A Bunch of People," "A Bunch of Other People," "The Rest of the People" and "At Least One More Person" -- if that makes you chuckle, you will enjoy the show -- are Jane Bruce, Louis Tucci, Cathryn Wake, Luke Darnell and Elizabeth Nestlebrode.

What Are the Lowlights?

There is a bit of confusion at the top of the show as Josh's apartment is burglarized. the action takes place over a fairly long period of time as the audience is still entering and it is hard to know if we are supposed to be watching the action carefully or not. It's a small complaint.

More Information:

The Other Josh Cohen has been extended at the Westside Theatre, 407 West 43rd St., NYC through April 28.

Additional credits:

Scenic Designer Carolyn Mraz; Lighting Designer Jeff Croiter; Sound Designer Bart Fasbender; Music Supervisor Dan Lipton;; Co-Orchestrators David Rossmer and Dan Lipton. Musical Staging is by Whitney G-Bowley.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FACTORS:

-- Language

-- Lord's name taken in vain

More Book Reviews Coming; Some Awards

2019-02-26T11:36:00.003-05:00

The National Book Critics Circle (I am a proud member) will announce winners of its 2019 awards at a ceremony March 14 at The New School in New York City. The ceremony at 6:30 pm is free. Tickets to the reception following are available at http://www.bookcritics.org/awards.

Look for more reviews of arts and theater-related books with a Christian perspective coming to this site soon!

A Bevy of Bibles for the New Year

2017-12-23T14:57:00.001-05:00

By Lauren Yarger
It's that time of year, and many of you have contacted me for recommendations about last-minute gifts of bibles. It's also the time of year when many plan a new year's resolution to read through the entire bible or to spend more time in the word. Fortunately, I received a bunch of new bibles from Zondervan to review. I already have recommended a bunch of them to those of you who contacted me via email. All of the bibles mentioned here are New International Versions. Here's a wrap-up of what I found:

The NIV Thinline bible is compact and ideal for throwing in a travel bag (the entire New International translation is contained in a volume that is less than one inch thick. I have used this model myself for years and gave it as a gift for Christmas this year. This updated version (with a purple grape and orchid motif on the faux-leather cover) offers a font called "comfort print" which allows the smaller text size (9.4 point) to be read with relative ease.

The text is formatted in two columns with the words of Jesus are in red. The volume lies flat for study.

$29.99
ISBN 978-0-310-44890-7

The Jesus Bible. with a light blue imitation leather cover, comes boxed and includes a custom reading experience app. Louie Giglio is editor in chief of a large editorial staff which composes and compiles information throughout the volume including essays from Giglio, Max Lucado, John Piper, Ravi Zacharias and Randy Alcorn around the theme that all of the books and stories in the bible are about Jesus.

Information about certain passages is highlighted on the side of the text. Other pages with commentary on topics, such as people of the time, what their lives were like, how the law affected them, etc., are interspersed on pages before and within the text. These informational additions are abundant (more than 300 full-page articles and 700 sidebar pieces are included) and offer quite a lot of insight into the scripture.

The biblical text itself, formatted in a single column, is pretty small to make room for all of the commentaries, timelines and blank spaces on pages for notes. The volume packs a wallop of information and is a helpful tool for those looking to do more intense study.

$69.99

ISBN 978-7803-10-44469-5

The Beautiful Word Bible is available in several formats, including a coloring version that offers hundreds pf versus to color in for those embracing the adult coloring book fad. I even received a large-print version of the latter which might just inspire me to take up the hobby. It is large sized and hard cover with cloth. The print is very easy on older eyes and the journaling and art work you can add to the volume make bible study a personal experience.

The non-coloring version has plenty of room for notes. It comes with 500 beautifully illustrated, full color verses (and the one I examined comes with a very attractive, Italian-style taupe and cranberry leather cover which would make a beautiful gift). The single-column text is small, but the volume is compact.

Leather non coloring version: $49.99 ISBN 978-0-310-44427-5

Large-print Coloring Bible: $49.99 ISBN 978-0-310-44705-4

Journal the Word bibles are just what they say: the scriptural text with lined space in the extra-wide margins of each page for your notes.

Hardcover with pink floral cloth.

$39.99
ISBN 978-0-310-445166-6

The Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, edited by John H. Walton and Craig S. Keener, is a treasure trove of biblical culture. The leather-like covered volume, with a sage/leaf motif, comes boxed for attractive gift-giving, but bible study lovers might want to hold on to a copy for themselves. It is loaded with helpful information about the laws, politics, geography, literature and culture of the bible as mentioned in scripture. Color photos bring passages to life. The new and old testaments start with introductions that include key concepts and background information. The Old Testament includes a chart to help readers understand terms.

The text (small) is formatted in two columns, with detailed notes at the bottom of each page to explain the nuances of each verse. The amount of information in this volume is impressive and would be a handy tool for anyone who teaches bible study or for pastors as they prepare sermons.

Checking out these bibles was like an early Christmas present. I realized it has been a while since I have upgraded the bible I use for study. You can benefit from these samples too -- I have some to give away to my readers after the new year. Stay tuned for details!

$79.99
ISBN 978-0-310-08095-4

Copies of the bibles mentioned here were provided by the publisher without expectation of a review -- positive or otherwise. If you are a publisher or author and have books that fall into the Christian or Arts non-fiction genre and would like a review, contact us for information on how to submit. We don't review self-published books.

American Pride Calendars Support Hillenglade's Ministry to Veterans

2015-10-31T10:08:00.003-04:00

Visit this link for a video message from spokesperson Jennifer O'Neill.

https://youtu.be/9zoRfpwhGl8

Hillenglade in Nashville, has provided hope and healing to armed forces, veterans, first responders and their families since 2010.

Hope and Healing at Hillenglade Equine-Assisted Programs and

Events offer a safe place to:

RENEW HEARTS - RESTORE RELATIONSHIPS - REBUILD LIVES

To find out more about Hillenglade's, visit www.Hillenglade.com

Book Review: Bible Stories Gone Crazy

2015-09-26T15:25:00.000-04:00

Bible Stories Gone Crazy
By Josh Edwards
Illustrated by Emiliano Migliardo
Candle Books, 2015

By Lauren Yarger

When I review young children's books, I always do so with a mind toward whether one of my little nephews might enjoy it. After all, the test of a kids' book is whether or not kids like it as much as I enjoy reading it with them.

"Bible Stories Gone Crazy" is a winner, because all three (ages 6 and under) can enjoy it together or separately. A larger sized hardcover book, "Bible Stories Gone Crazy" offers a sort of "Where's Waldo" learning environment where kids can enjoy finding goofy mistakes in drawings depicting bible stories.

"Did Noah have electric tools and cement mixers? Did the Israelites really have surfboards," asks the book. But among the silliness and the complex, colorful drawings are some more serious questions bordering the pages, like, "how many pairs of animals are there?" or "Do you know why the king threw Daniel into the pit of Lions?" that teach kids math and reasoning skills as well as some bible history.

Stories highlighted include Noah and the Ark, Moses and the Exodus, Joshua and the Wall of Jericho, David and Goliath, Daniel and the Lion's Den, Jonh and the Whale and the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes. There is quite a lot packed into this book for hours of learning fun.

One complaint. Perhaps I received a damaged copy, but several of the plastic-covered pages were creased and the stitching binding the book together doesn't allow pages to lie flat to facilitate exploring the drawings for hidden mistakes.

http://www.kregel.com/childrens-activities/bible-stories-gone-crazy/

A copy of the book was provided by the publisher.

Christian Women in Media Events to be Held in Five Cities

2015-09-14T11:31:00.002-04:00

The Christian Women in Media Association (CWIMA) will host five regional connection events across the country this Thursday, Sept. 17 in Dallas, New York City, Nashville, Hollywood, and Minneapolis. Each regional event will feature a keynote speaker as well as a media seminar.

The purpose of CWIMA is to advance professional Christian women in TV, radio, internet, film, publishing, music, the arts, and entertainment. The organization uses the regional connections as a way to provide opportunities for industry networking, professional equipping, and spiritual refreshment.

"I am excited about the A-list platform we are providing this year," said CWIMA President Suellen Roberts. "It's new and fresh and it will be of great benefit to all who attend!"

The Southwest/Dallas CWIMA regional connection will start at 5:45 p.m.with a Mix and Mingle in the Bent Tree Country Club, 5201 Westgrove Drive, Dallas. At 6 pm award-winning film producer Cheryl Wicker, president of Premier 1 Studios, will share her expertise on social media during the media seminar. At 7 pm dinner will be served and KCBI FM radio Assistant General Manager and Outreach Director Sharon Geiger will speak to the group on God's work through Christian radio/media. Recording artist Bridgette Hammers is the musical artist for the evening.

The Northeast/New York City CWIMA regional connection starts with a Mix and Mingle at 6:30 p.m. at the Shelter Studios and Theatres, 244 West 54th St., New York. Makeup artist Jacqui Phillips will do a media seminar 7 pm, followed by April Lee Hernandez and the keynote address.

The Southeast/Nashville CWIMA regional connection will be held at The Historic Carriage Lane Inn at 337 East Burton St., Murfreesboro, TN. It starts with a Mix and Mingle at 6pm. At 6:30 p.m. Jody Powers, the founder of the nonprofit Amelia's Closet, will lead a media seminar called "Saying Farewell to Insecurity." She will show participants ways to deal with insecurities that keep us in our comfort zones and paralyze us from taking action. Then at 7:15 pm dinner, followed by Channel 4 News Anchor Holly Thompson with the keynote speech "Sisterhood: We Need Each Other." She will show women how they can find balance in life while they are being pulled in different directions. Recording artist Jme Medina will sing some musical selections.

The West Coast/Hollywood Chapter of CWIMA regional connection will be held at CBS Studios located at 4024 Radford Ave., Studio City, CA. Members will share time connecting and networking starting at 6 pm. At 6:30 pm the Founding Director of the Hollywood Prayer Network, Karen Covell, will lead a panel discussion on "The Role of a Christian Woman in the Media." The keynote speaker for the evening is actress, producer and director Nancy McNamara. Following dinner at 7:15 pm she will discuss "Being Comfortable with being Uncomfortable."

The Midwest/Minneapolis CWIMA regional connection will be held at The Woman's Club of Minneapolis located at 410 Oak Grove St., Minneapolis. The chapter will start its meeting at 5:45 pm with a media seminar on writing a memoir led by author Lee Blum. A Mix and Mingle is next at 6:30. Dinner will be served at 7.followed by the keynote message by inspirational speaker Nancy Holte, who will challenge you to move out of your comfort zone and into the life to which God is calling you. Dawna Johnson is the musical artist for the evening.

For more information on Christian Women in Media Association visit www.cwima.org.

About Christian Women in Media Association: Christian Women in Media Association (CWIMA) is a professional association dedicated to connecting women in purpose and vision. With a national platform focused on impacting our culture through media, our members work in the fields of social media, film, TV, radio, publishing, music, the arts, and entertainment. The organization promotes and provides opportunities for industry networking, professional equipping, and spiritual inspiration. CWIMA provides national conferences, music showcases, regional events, local networks, and international outreach.

New England Christian Writers Retreat

2015-09-01T13:54:00.000-04:00

Visit www.NewEnglandChristianWritersRetreat.com for schedule and details.

Book Note: Maggie's song by Marcia Ware

2015-07-28T11:35:00.002-04:00

Maggie's Song, Volume 1 of the Full Circle Saga, by recording artist and radio personality Marcia Ware released today, July 28, 2015, from WordCrafts Press. Ware's highly anticipated debut novel is now available in trade paperback and all major eBook formats, and is at all major online bookstores. It is available from brick 'n' mortar retail book stores through Ingram Content Group, the world's largest distributor of physical and digital content.

"Maggie's Song" - the debut novel from recording artist and radio personality, Marcia Ware

The novel's protagonist, Maggie West, is a single, 30-something, curvy African-American woman who makes her living as a songwriter/backup singer in the unlikely world of Country music. Ware classifies the novel as a 'clean, contemporary romance.'

"Maggie's Song is a contemporary romance written from the perspective of a woman who has lived her life outside of the safe confines of her childhood home," Ware explains. "Maggie has been on the road as a backup singer for a country star. She has been in compromising situations. She's seen life as it is and she has made her share of mistakes. I think it is an authentic story about a Christian woman who has real world experiences outside of the church.

"I wanted to make the story edgy, but to keep it clean," she adds. "I think there is a way to express romantic love that doesn't involve taking all your clothes off and climbing into bed or using certain language. There are people who actually live their lives that way. It is not a foreign concept. It is not a galaxy far, far away."

"When I first started writing the book, it was more of a lark," Ware muses. "But over the course of time, it went from being an artistic outlet to something very personal. These characters became almost real to me. It has been an amazing journey. It will be exciting, and a bit unnerving, to introduce these characters to readers."

“The way you were smiling to yourself, I figured you were thinking ‘bout your man.” Still in the blush of her honeymoon, Chrissy wanted to see the whole world in love.

“My man,” Maggie sighed. “Nope, I wasn’t thinking about him.”

Maggie’s chances for landing that elusive recording contract were dwindling by the second. The country music industry wasn’t exactly clamoring for a 30-something African American woman looking to launch a solo career. And there was the issue of image. Maggie was a woman of ample figure with curves to spare. Industry insiders suggested that she’d be more successful in the business if she dropped fifty pounds.

Then there was Richard. A handsome, prominent entertainment lawyer, they met at a Star Records fund raiser. With a subtle magnetism and a brilliant smile, Richard said all the right things. At first Maggie thought he was a small piece of heaven. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for him. Soon enough she discovered the truth. Maggie was sweet enough to love, but for Richard, Maggie was just a stepping stone to the rich and famous. She would do until someone more suitable came along.

As for Maggie, the only reason she held on was that nagging question in the back of her mind:
"If not Richard, then who on earth would want me?"

Marcia Ware, author of "Maggie's Song"

About Marcia Ware

With a resume that includes appearances at Carnegie Hall, The House of Blues in Chicago, the Grand Ol’ Opry, five European and three Australian concert tours, Marcia Ware’s musical background is as varied as it is colorful. In addition to her own celebrated solo work, she has provided background vocals for artists such as Lorrie Morgan, Pam Tillis, Peter Frampton, Mary Wilson of the Supremes, Gospel greats Bill and Gloria Gaither and the legendary Chaka Khan. She has also been a featured vocalist with the famed Funk Brothers of Motown.

An aspiring actress, she has appeared in several episodes of the third season of the ABC drama, Nashville playing…surprise, surprise…a background singer.

Marcia counts first among her many passions her relationship with her Savior; as well as time spent with her family and her amazing boyfriend, songwriting, travel, harmonizing with the radio, good food, endless games of Candy Crush on her Smartphone, Daniel Day-Lewis movies and Ohio State Buckeyes football. She resides in Franklin, TN.

Maggie's Song is her first novel.

About WordCrafts Press

WordCrafts Press is a small, independent publishing company dedicated to the idea that there is no greater means of communicating truth than the medium of story. Great stories lift us out of the mundane, exhilarate us with adventure and passion, open our minds to great ideas, and remind us what it means to be human. We publish both novels and non-fiction.

We invite you to take a break from the daily grind, turn off the television, brew up a cup of hot tea, open a book and read for a while. Who knows, you might find a whole new world to explore.

For more information about Marcia Ware or Maggie's Song, visit WordCrafts.net.

Book Review: The Lost Garden by Katharine Swartz

2015-07-24T14:16:00.002-04:00

The Lost Garden
By Katharine Swartz
Lion Fiction, 2015

Two stories set a century apart intertwine in Katharine Swatrz's "The Lost Garden," the second book in her Tales from Goswell series. In the present, Marin Ellis assumes guardianship of her younger half-sister, Rebecca after the death of their father and Rebecca's mother. Unsure what direction to take in her own life, Marin yields to Rebecca's plea to give them a fresh start by purchasing Bower House, a former vicarage in England's West Cumberland. A locked door to an apparent lost garden intrigues the sisters and they are enveloped by its history.

Meanwhile, the garden's origins and the post-World-War-I lives of the home's previous inhabitants, Eleanor Sanderson, the vicar's daughter and her sister, Katherine unfold as men return from battle and people try to resume their lives. The two tales skillfully are shared intermittently with every other chapter so that the stories unfold simultaneously, but without the jarring that sometimes can occur when the timeline shifts in novels. We also don't get a chance to forget what is happening in one story before moving on to the second.

Similarities surface in the stories as we see how the sisters learn to relate to each other and to the other people in their lives. Marin and Eleanor also have father/daughter issues to work through as well as how to work through grief. And of course there is some romance. The stories are fairly predictable, but in a pleasant way. I hadn't read the first book -- this sequel stands on its own -- but I had been drawn to the book because of its "secret garden" plot. I wasn't disappointed. The book impressed me with its well written dialogue, often using vernacular, and Swartz's strong descriptive style with metaphor that puts us in the setting and gives clear understanding of what the characters are experiencing.

A nice example:
"Carefully she lifted her skirt and moved through the garden. She had never walked the full length of the place, and now she studied the old slate path that had been buried under the soil and which Jack had scraped clean. He'd shown her the path when he'd first cleared it . . . and Elanor had studied them scrupulously, simply to have a moment alone with Jack."

Touches of faith add to the characters, but are not overbearing. Makes me want to go read the first novel, The Vicar's Wife, also dual stories separated by decades.
-- Lauren Yarger

A copy of the book was provided free by the publisher at my request.

Beth Moore Book Pre-Release at Living Proof

2015-07-09T17:34:00.005-04:00

July 4 Celebration Fun in Nashville

2015-06-30T07:23:00.002-04:00

Socrates Goes to Oxford

2015-06-29T10:18:00.003-04:00

News from our friend, author Eric Metaxas, founder of Socrates in the City:

I'm thrilled to announce that registration is now open for an unprecedented, international version of Socrates in the City. We're taking SITC to Oxford, England. In fact, there will be eight SITC events in one week. I’ll be interviewing a brilliant array of guests — from journalist Peter Hitchens to C.S. Lewis's own secretary Walter Hooper. Visit the Socrates in the City websitehttp://www.socratesinthecity.com/ for all the details.

We’ll hold the eight sessions from Monday through Thursday, July 20th - 23rd, at St. Aldate's Church right in the center of Oxford. For those of you who live in England, or who plan to visit Oxford this summer, please come and join us! Admission to the sessions is free — but be sure to register here so we can save you a seat.

If you can't be in England this summer, take heart! All of the Oxford events will be broadcast on NRB-TV next season and they'll also be posted online atsocratesinthecity.com!

More information about our speakers is below here. We hope to see you soon!

Sincerely,

Peter Hitchens is a journalist, author, and broadcaster. He currently writes for the Daily Mail on Sunday, where he is a columnist and occasional foreign correspondent, reporting most recently from Iran, North Korea, Burma, The Congo, and China. A former revolutionary, he attributes his return to faith largely to his

experience of socialism in practice, which he witnessed during his many years reporting in Eastern Europe and his nearly three years as a resident correspondent in Moscow during the collapse of the Soviet Union. Hitchens, who is the brother of the late Christopher Hitchens, lives in Oxford with his wife, Eve. They have three children.

* * *

Canon J. John is an evangelist, minister, speaker, social activist, and writer. His much-loved art of storytelling helps people to discover spiritual meaning in a way that makes sense of everyday life, and he has spoken in 69 countries on 6 continents. J.John has written more than 50 books, including just10, a contemporary application of the Ten Commandments, and The Happiness Secret: Finding True Contentment.

Check Out Ad Deum Dance Company Video

2015-06-29T10:11:00.002-04:00

Visit Ad Deum at http://www.danceaddeum.com/

Book Review: Bible Dominoes By Juliet David and Jo Parry

2015-06-04T09:02:00.000-04:00

Bible Dominoes
By Juliet David and Jo Parry

Candle Books, 2015

This delightful book and game is one of the most entertaining I have reviewed. Bible Dominoes helps 3 to 7 year olds develop counting and matching skills while providing a means of playtime with peers. the "dominoes" are large cardboard pieces that allow little hands enough space to grab firmly (I had thought initially they would be the size of traditional dominoes until I opened the box). The cards are decorated with colorful pictures and numbers which can be matched.. Also in the box is a small paper book containing brief bible stories where the pictures on the cards can be found. Overall, for a product that sells for under $10 at most places, it impressed me as a good investment. Kids of different ages (brothers and sisters and play dates) can enjoy the game, older kids can read the stories to younger ones and adults will enjoy a break from the traditional children's book.

A free copy of this product was provided by the publisher for review.

Book Review: Life the Flap Bible by Karen Williamson

2015-02-27T11:42:00.001-05:00

Lift the Flap Bible
By Karen Williamson
Illustrated by Louise Anglicas
Candle Books, 2014

Seven bible stories are brought to life in soft colors (by illustrator Louise Anglcas) in one or two lines of text (written by Karen Williamson) with the added attraction of flaps which little ones can open to find additional pictures and text.

The hard, board book is targeted toward tots 10 months and up. My little year-old nephew reportedly loves other versions of the lift-the-flap series of books. The illustrations here feature lots of animals and children and are inviting (even if the surprises undermost of the flaps aren'tall that exciting to an older reader like me).

It's a fun, interative way to introduce small ones to the stories of Noah, Daniel in the Lion's Den, Moses and the birth of Jesus, among others.

A copy of the book was provided by Kregel Publishing as part of a blog tour.

Attend Largest Christian Concert in History

2015-01-21T14:32:00.003-05:00

http://live.ccmunited.com/

Faithcrafting Retreat Opportunities Abound at Singing Hills

2015-01-08T15:29:00.002-05:00

2015 Faithcrafting

Women's Retreat Opportunities

Early Bird Deadline February 1st!

Fibers of Faith Retreats

Knitting, Crocheting, and Fiber Arts

April 10-12, 2015

Oct. 30-Nov. 1, 2015

Fibers of Faith is a yarn-filled weekend, with dedicated time to knit, crochet or work on any handwork project! Bible based teaching is included like our other Faithcrafting retreats. This retreat has an early arrival day option. Learn More

Download brochure here: 2015 Fibers of Faith Retreat Brochure

Early Bird deadline Feb 1st (spring retreat) to save $10! Register Now For Spring!

Heavenly Stitches Quilt Retreats

April 17-19, 2015

Nov. 13-15, 2015

Sew beautiful fabric masterpieces for yourself, family, friends and charity! Don't miss this amazing weekend of fun, faith, fabric and fellowship. This retreat also has an early arrival day option. Stitches with a Heavenly purpose! Learn More

Download brochure here:2015 Heavenly Stitches Retreat Brochure

Early Bird Deadline February 1st (spring retreat) to save $10! Register Now For Spring!

Memories That Matter

Scrapbooking and Rubberstamping Retreats

April 24-26, 2015

November 6-8, 2015

Make scrapbooks and other paper crafts at our scrapbooking and rubber stamping retreats. Just getting started? No problem. We can help! This retreat also has an early arrival day option. Crop til you drop! Learn more

Download brochure here: 2015 Memories That Matter Retreat Brochure

Early Bird deadline February 1st (spring retreat) to save $10! Register now For Spring!

For Both Men & Women:

God Speaks Contemplative Retreat

May 1-3, 2015

Focused listening is the purpose of this restorative retreat for those who desire silence and solitude to read their Bibles, pray, respond, and rest in the presence of the Lord. God speaks, but if we are never quiet and listening, how will we hear? The "God Speaks" Retreat offers special opportunities to take the time to truly listen. Private rooms and our beautiful inspiring property, are an ideal setting for this retreat.

Learn more

Download a brochure here:God Speaks 2015 Brochure

Judy Jordan

Singing Hills Christian Conference Center

Faithcrafting Retreat Coordinator

888-863-2267

www.singinghills.net

Movie Review: Unbroken

2014-12-19T17:52:00.001-05:00

Unbroken
Universal Pictures
Releasing Christmas Day

What Is It All About?

From the studio:

"Unbroken" is an epic drama that follows the incredible life of Olympian and war hero Louis “Louie” Zamperini (Jack O’Connell) who, along with two other crewmen, survived in a raft for 47 days after a near-fatal plane crash in WWII – only to be caught by the Japanese navy and sent to a prisoner-of-war camp.

Adapted from Laura Hillenbrand’s (“Seabiscuit: An American Legend”) enormously popular book, "Unbroken" brings to the big screen Zamperini’s unbelievable and inspiring true story about the resilient power of the human spirit.

Starring alongside O’Connell are Domhnall Gleeson and Finn Wittrock as Phil and Mac – the airmen with whom Zamperini endured perilous weeks adrift in the open Pacific – Garrett Hedlund and John Magaro as fellow POWs who find an unexpected camaraderie during their internment, Alex Russell as Zamperini’s brother, Pete, and in his English-language feature debut, Japanese actor Miyavi as the brutal camp guard known only to the men as “The Bird.”

The film is produced and directed by Angelina Jolie, as well as Clayton Townsend (“This is 40″), Matthew Baer (“City by the Sea”) and Erwin Stoff (“The Day the Earth Stood Still”). Leading the accomplished behind-the-scenes crew in 11-time Oscar®-nominated cinematographer Roger Deakins (“Skyfall”).

Academy Award® winners Joel and Ethan Coen (“No Country for Old Men”) rewrote the screenplay from earlier drafts by William Nicholson (“Les Miserables”) and Richard Lagravenese (“Freedom Writers”).

What Are the Highlights?

The book is the best autobiography I ever have read. Zamperini was an amazing man of courage and determination. He also became a follower of Jesus. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend you do.

This movie is a faithful retelling of Zamperini's life, the events of which could have made a number of books or movies:

His troubled youth, when he was bullied and resorted to drinking and stealing. His brother gave him purpose by encouraging him to focus on athletics, specifically running.
Zamperini represented the United States in the Olympics, and was witness to Jesse Owens triumphing in the shadow of Hitler's Berlin. Zamperini himself was poised to be the firt runner to break the 4-minute mile prior to entering military service in World War II.
Shot down in enemy waters, Zamperini and a crewmate form the plane where he was a bombadier survived for 47 days in a life raft (a world record in itself) before being taken prisoner of war by the Japanese.
In prison camp Zamperini survived subhuman conditions and cruel, harshly violent treatment by the camp's commander.
Following his release and return to the United States, Zamperini fought post traumatic stress disorder, alcoholism and became a Christian. He eventually returned to Japan to run the torch in the Olympic games and met with his captors (except for the Bird, who refused to meet with him) and forgave his captors.

All of that, to varying degrees is included in the film, which is no small feat. Some of the incidents are depicted as flashbacks. The last part about his dedicating his life to the Lord and forgiving his enemies is added as a postscript as the film closes.

Overall, it's a watchable, if not fully engaging movie. For me, there was a matter-of-fact feeling to the storytelling and to O'Connell's portrayal. They portrayed what happened, but I'm not sure Zamperini's motivations ever were clear. He's depicted almost as a Christ figure himself, taking punishment for his fellow prisoners and being forced to bear a plank strongly resembling the cross. He shows amazing resilience and integrity (he chooses to return to the harsh environment of the prisoner of war camp rather than betray the United States), but we're never sure
from where he receives his strength and character. In the book, we have a sense of God's watching out for Louie and that Louie finally makes serving God top priority in his life.

In addition, the violence and torture in the camps is depicted, but The Bird is portrayed as creepy and almost feminine -- not as the psychotic evil creature I got from the book.

The film offers a nice chance to introduce folks to an amazing hero and a wonderful man of God -- someone who spoke his faith through his actions. The film's violence is hard to watch, but necessary if you want to have some idea of what it was Louis was able to forgive (even if we don't really know why when that's mentioned in the postscript that he chose forgiveness over revenge.) Another plus is that this is a regular Hollywood movie with respected creatives -- not a "Christian" movie, so it will have far reaching capability.

-- Lauren Yarger

A few words form Louis Zamperini who died this year:

“The Bible speaks of the Word of God as a seed. Sometimes it's planted by the wayside, and nothing grows there. Sometimes it's sown among the thorns and represents the person who makes the decision an then goes back to his old life of bars and chasing women or whatever. A third seed is sown among the rocks. There's sand and dirt between the rocks, and when it rains you'll see a stalk of green coming up. But on the first day with sunshine it wilts because there is no room for roots. The fourth seed is planted on fertile soil, and finally it takes hold and has a chance to grow and live. That's what happened to me.”

“The one who forgives never brings up the past to that person's face. When you forgive, it's like it never happened. True forgiveness is complete and total.”

“It was all in His hands now - as it had always has been.”

You can share your own "unbroken" story here: http://www.iamunbroken.com/. More information about the film here: http://www.unbrokenfilm.com/. Information about the book here: http://laurahillenbrandbooks.com/

Kathie Lee Gifford on Faith, Generosity

2014-12-14T14:24:00.002-05:00

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Kathie Lee Gifford supported the Salvation Army last week in Harlem.

Photo courtesy of the Salvation Army.

Book Review: Look Inside: The Time of Jesus

2014-11-23T21:57:00.000-05:00

Look Inside: The Time of Jesus: A Lift-the-Flap Discovery Book

(Look Inside: a Lift-the-Flap Discovery Book)
By Lois Rock (Author), Lorenzo Orlandi (Illustrator)
Lion Children’s Books, October 2014

This large (8.5 x 10.2 inch), hard-cover, board book is illustrated with complex pictures highlighting various places Jesus traveled, beginning with his birth in Bethlehem. Snippets of text tell the story and label items found in the drawings depicting, among other things, "A Rich Man's Feast" -- including a menu of what might have been served, which I particularly liked --, "By the Shore of Lake Galilee," "The Temple in Jerusalem" and "A Roman Trial." Additional pictures and information can be found behind numerous pull flaps children can open on the eight double-spread pages. Pictures and text offer opportunities for exploration as well as discussion. The detailed pictures and information combine to keep youngsters (aged 5-7) entertained and engaged while they get an idea of what life looked like in Jesus' times.

For more information or to purchase, click here.

-- Lauren Yarger

A review copy was provided by the publisher.

Book Review: Guess Who Noah's Boat

2014-10-30T15:04:00.003-04:00

Guess Who Noah's Boat
By Matt Mitter
Illustrated by Ela Jarzabek
Kregel Publications

This board book for the very young offers what could be first exposure to the story of Noah and the ark.

Offering four lines of simple text (with the last words on the second and fourth lines rhyming) on each double spread in the 10-page format, author Matt Mitter provides snippets of the voyage on the ark with clues as to which animals are hiding under fold-out portions of the pages. Children can flip them open to reveal the answer after the reading of "Guess who, Noah!"

Illustrator Ela Jarzabek uses soft colors to depict Noah and his helpers and the animals (all Caucasian in appearance) as the ark is built, sailing and landing. The interactive part of the book will entertain youngsters.
-- Lauren Yarger

An advanced reader's copy was provided by the publisher.

The Giver Opens in Movie Theaters

2014-08-18T07:41:00.004-04:00

Purchase tickets here

2014 Christy Awards

2014-08-11T22:23:00.002-04:00

http://www.christyawards.com/ca_new/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=145:2014-winners-finalists&catid=52:2014-finalists&Itemid=56

Christy Awards Finalists Announced

2014-04-20T07:45:00.001-04:00

"

"Harvest of Gold" by Tessa Afshar has been named a finalist in the Historical Romance category for the Christy Awards. Her next book, "In the Field of Grace" will launch July 10 at the Mark Twain House in Hartford, CT. To attend, register here.

Visit Afshar and follow her bog about life in biblical times at tessaafshar.com.

For a listing of the Christy Award finalists, click here. The awards will be presented June 23 in Atlanta.

Book Notes: Crash the Chatterbox by Steven Furtick

2014-02-05T18:01:00.000-05:00

From the publisher:
The Voice You Listen to Will Determine the Future You Experience

Inside your head and heart is a chatterbox. Its lies are keeping you from realizing your God-given potential. But what can you do about them?

In "Crash the Chatterbox," best-selling author Pastor Steven Furtick focuses on four key areas in which negative thoughts are most debilitating: insecurity, fear, condemnation, anddiscouragement. He asks, “What great deeds are in danger of remaining undone in your life because of lies that were planted in your past or fears that are looming in your future?”

With personal stories, inspiring examples, and practical strategies, Pastor Furtick will show you how to silence the lies and embrace the freeing affirmation of God.

Learn how to live out God’s truth no matter what is going on in your life or thoughts.
Learn how to crash the chatterbox...and hear God’s voice above all others.

Read a smaple from the book here http://www.scribd.com/doc/191350922/Crash-the-Chatterbox-by-Steven-Furtick-Sneak-Peek?Ref=Email_WMI_1/30/2014. This book goes on sale Feb. 11