Miranda A. Uyeh's Blog, page 3

Movie Review ~ Selfie Dad

Parenting is no joke! In this light-hearted family film, one dad shakes off a mid-life crisis and reconnects with his family,with his Bible in one hand and his phone in the other.

Category

Religious/Christian

Genre

Drama/Family/Comedy

Rating

4 Stars

Review

When Ben Marcus finds himself in a rut despite having a beautiful family, church home, and a well-paying job, he starts to wonder what’s missing. His past as a child has something to do with it, but Ben has found a way to deal with it…or so he thinks. Through his son, he soon stumbles upon a new exciting pop-culture trend, and it’s not long before he starts to gain money and fame through it. All is well until this new venture starts to mess with his life and family, causing him especially to question his parenting. The questions don’t stop there—they stretch all the way back to his past; and the answers he arrives at not only cause him to reprioritize what’s most important, but they open his eyes to see that he never truly put the past to rest, and no amount of money, attention-seeking and fame could fix it. Only the power of the Gospel.

Selfie Dad comes at a time when much of the world is driven toward self-worship and indulgence. A funny, lighthearted and impactful film that is much-needed today.

*Though I offer this review to the public, it’s my opinion and simply that. A ‘thank you’ to Kappa Studios for a free screener in exchange for my honest opinion.

Website Review ~ Vooks

Category

Online/Website

Genre

Library/Children/Animation

Rating

4 Stars

Review

Vooks is a wonderful children’s library that brings to life the words in a book in a magical way. Through Vooks, a child can get the full experience of both reading a book and watching an animated movie. Special attention was paid to viewing delivery so that it is pretty engaging, and this makes it easy for a child to not only follow, but to also grasp what a story is trying to portray. This explains why vooks is a favorite and trustworthy resource for teachers–it makes their work easier! But anyone can use vooks. Anyone.

For a lovely, learning and relaxing story time with your child, vooks will certainly not disappoint, as it promises a satisfying experience.

*Try for 30 days free. Sign up at https://www.vooks.com/subscribe/?utm_source=collide

*Though I offer this review to the public, it’s my opinion and simply that. A ‘thank you’ to Momentum Influencer Network and Vooks for a sample of the product in exchange for my honest opinion.

Film Review ~ Colors of Character

Category

Religious/Christian

Genre

Documentary

Rating

5 Stars

Review

Steve Skipper’s is a powerful story that puts on display God’s redemptive, restorative and uplifting power. From the drug-pushing lows of the projects to respectable prominence in the art world, Skipper’s story highlights the truth that there isn’t anything that God’s unfailing love cannot cut through to save those weeping in their souls—and the lengths that He would go to, to lead them to realize their need of a saviour.

A theme that prevails throughout this story is one where the Father speaks, and His child listens, trusts, and obeys. This strikes at the heart of what is essential to succeeding in your calling as a child of God—you never know where the wind of the Holy Spirit will blow and take you to, and the work that can be accomplished through obedience, as well as the revelation which unfolds that, living for God is truly larger than life in the way that your mind could ever perceive.

A much needed and very well presented true story with a pure intent to demonstrate God’s love, faithfulness, and the power of obedience and trust in a God that never fails.

*Though I offer this review to the public, it’s my opinion and simply that. Appreciation to Collide Distribution for a free screener in exchange for my honest opinion.

Movie Review ~ Church People

Category

Christian

Genre

Church/Gospel/Comedy

Rating

3.5 Stars

Review

Church People is a comedic story that highlights the gimmicks being used by some mega churches or individuals to attract attention in the name of preaching the gospel. While the story is essentially serious, tucked in the right places are the comedic effects and lovable (but cliché) characters. Though the story is pretty much predictable, the theme, though, is unique in the sense that it’s not common in this genre, and execution was near perfect. It was engaging start to finish, and the actors gave just he right amount to delight—never too light, never too heavy.

It was interesting to note that there were multiple lessons to be learned, but none of it came off as preachy, but rather,  well-delivered parts of the plot.

Church people is a lovely choice if you’re in search of a movie with a serious theme delivered in a lighter mode in a fun and hilarious way.

*Though I offer this review to the public, it’s my opinion and simply that. My appreciation to Collide Distribution for a free screener in exchange for my honest opinion.

 

Movie Review ~ Dolphin Island

Category

Christian

Genre

Drama/Family

Rating

2.5 Stars

Review

Dolphin Island is the story of a teenage girl being raised by her grandfather, and together, they face a tough situation stemming from a family feud that began years ago. Eventually they overcome, and gain more than they ever had, wrapping up the story with a nice “happily-ever-after” bow.

While the theme is sweet and interesting, execution of certain parts of the plot did not translate into the best professional output. Much of it can be overlooked to enjoy the story, but not necessarily ignored. And there’s also the numerous clichés.

Overall, it’s a sweet story, but doesn’t offer more than that—sweetness.

*Though I offer this review to the public, it’s my opinion and simply that. My appreciation to Entertainment Squad for a free screener in exchange for my honest opinion.

TV Show Review ~ Cubekins By Brain Pixel

Category

Christian/Moral

Genre

Children

Rating

4 Stars

Review

Cubekins is a wonderful children’s TV show with the objective of not only entertaining kids of 4 – 7 years old, but also teaching them important Christian and moral values, even using simple and catchy songs that kids can easily learn and sing along to.

Each episode has a specific lesson which is carefully laid out in a themed storyline, and in the end, the beauty of God’s Word shines through in practical and every day activities that kids can understand.

*Though I offer this review to the public, it’s my opinion and simply that. Many thanks to Brainy Pixel for providing a free screener in exchange for my honest opinion.

Book Review ~ The Light of His Presence by Anne Graham Lotz

About the Book

ECPA BESTSELLER • The beloved Bible teacher and daughter of Billy Graham shares a rich treasury of her personal prayers to guide you into deeper, more intimate daily conversations with God.

Why is it that as soon as we bow our heads to pray, we start thinking of other things we need to do? How do we make time to pray in the middle of our busy lives? And how do we know what to say and how to say it?

Like many of us, Anne Graham Lotz has struggled with prayer. Over the years, she discovered that writing out her prayers draws her into deeper, more intimate conversations with God.  The Light of His Presence offers forty of these tender, honest prayers for real-life situations as an invitation to deepen your own prayer life through worship, confession, thanksgiving, and intercession. You’ll be encouraged to lean more fully into God’s promises through this power-packed devotional resource, which includes inspiring quotes from Christians throughout the ages and also has space to journal your own words to God.

As Anne writes, “My prayer for you . . . is that God will use my struggle with prayer to help you overcome yours. And that, as a result, you will be drawn nearer to the heart of God.”

Category

Religious/Christian/Nonfiction

Genre

Christian Living/Prayer

Rating

4 Stars

Review

Lotz’s latest is a wonderful book of prayers designed specifically to lead those who want to pray, but have little or no words of their own to do so. Highlighting the deepest yearnings and pleas of a heart that wants to serve God and petition in a way that glorifies God even in the midst of heartache, sorrows and storms, this little prayer book will take you by the hand, and lead you to do just that, confidently.

A truly delightful book designed to lead one in the most essential spiritual need, while drawing you close to the Father’s heart.

*Though I offer this review to the public, it’s my opinion and simply that. Much appreciation to Waterbrook Multnomah for a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

About the Author

Anne Graham Lotz—called “the best preacher in the family” by her father, Billy Graham—is an international speaker and the bestselling and award-winning author of numerous books, including Jesus in Me and Just Give Me Jesus. Anne is the president of AngeL Ministries in Raleigh, North Carolina, and the former chairperson for the National Day of Prayer.

Book Review ~ Down to the Potter’s House By Annette Valentine

[image error]About the Book

Down to the Potter’s House is a 1921-1942 historic novel that takes the tenacious Gracie Maxwell from the quicksand of mediocrity to higher ground as she climbs and never stops.

Across the way, evil is beginning to bubble beneath the surface and only one soul will buoy and begin to float as the flood waters rise. Not everyone has escaped the lies that are holding them hostage. Fortified with bully-proofed valor to ride out the undercurrents, the Maxwell clan lays bare the daunting portrayal of what matters most in life ― family, faith, love ― and the main attractions are given their shot at setting the captives free.

Category

Fiction/Christian

Genre

Women’s Fiction

Rating

5 Stars

Review

Down to the Potter’s House is an amazing story of a family that rose from the brink of utter destruction and betrayal to a place of triumph. The lead heroine, Gracie Maxwell, went through a season of breaking and remolding in the hands of her Father in heaven, the Great Potter. Much of her pain never made sense in the moment, but lessons learned proved to keep her strong in tough circumstances where other family members crumbled. Many mistakes were made by certain characters, and while some stood by and let evil unfold, others were vigilant and watchful for truth and justice to prevail.

Down to the Potter’s House is not just the usual delightful Christian fiction. This one takes delight a notch higher with plot twists you never see coming. The author is skillful at taking a reader on an amazing journey. A noteworthy mention is her ability to pace time as unfolding events need her to pace them.

A very well done book worthy of high praise!

* Though I offer this review to the public, it is my opinion and simply that. A thank you to the author, Annette Valentine for a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

 

[image error]About the Author

Annette Valentine is the author of Eastbound from Flagstaff, a love story based on her father and her debut novel, published in 2019. She graduated with distinction from Purdue University and founded an interior design business which spanned a 34-year career in Lafayette, Indiana and Brentwood, Tennessee. Annette’s design expertise spans from the White House, architectural design for Habitat for Humanity housing, to the house next door. She advocates for victims and survivors of human trafficking and speaks in public forums through an 18-year-long affiliation with Toastmasters International. Inspired by authors of children’s books to biographers to World War II historians, Annette writes through the varied lens of colorful experience and the absorbing reality of man’s search for meaning, weaving together compelling stories of family, legacies, and love that endures beyond differences and heartbreak. She and her husband happily reside in the Nashville area.

Movie Review ~ Before the Wrath

About the Movie

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Based on true discoveries from the time of Christ.

While scholars debate the timing of the Rapture, the world has forgotten why this event is prophesied to occur in the first place; knowledge that was once understood by those in the first century. Today, researchers in the Middle-East have rediscovered ancient anthropological evidence that reveals how and why the Rapture must occur; unveiling new biblical insight that will reignite hope for believers and prepare the world for what’s coming.

Narrated by Kevin Sorbo and featuring:

 Jack Hibbs – Theologist and host of “Real Life” on SiriusXM
 Amir Tsarfati – Founder and President of Behold Israel
 Jan Markell – Founder of Olive Tree Ministries
 JD Farag – Theologist and Eschatologist
 Scott McConnell – Exec. Director of Lifeway Research
 Jay McCarl – Ancient Middle Eastern Anthropologist
 Lizette Dillinger – Qualitative Director of LifeWay Research

To access the YouVersion 5 day reading Bible plan, visit this page.

 

Category

Religious/Christian

Genre

Christianity/Christian Living/Rapture

Rating

5 Stars

Review

Before the Wrath dives deeply into one of Christianity’s most profound mysteries, the Rapture, and meticulously lays out—not when—but why it has to happen, especially following the other events that Jesus had already established while He was here on earth, making the Rapture impossible not to happen; otherwise it would make God two things that He is not: a liar and a covenant-breaker. This movie goes all the way back to why Jesus was specific in choosing to be Galilean, and also chose disciples who would one day become the apostles, to be from Galilee. It exposes the significance of the culture at the time in explaining the gospels, and the magnitude of impact it would have on its listeners, so that it’s relevance is seen to be intricately woven into the very fabric of the gospel.

Before the Wrath is not only wonderfully educational and informative, it also explains the deep spiritual teachings that surround the Rapture of Christ’s Church. A true and necessary eye-opener for the Christian today and for those asking questions.

*Though I offer this review to the public, it’s my opinion and simply that. A ‘thank you’ to Flyby Promotions and Ingenuity Films for a free screener in exchange for my honest opinion. 

A Journey of Hope

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Jim and I becoming pregnant with our baby, James, was one of the best and trying seasons of our lives. It was an experience like other.

In the first trimester I suffered from depression, and the consequence was a loss of my sense of creativity; I also couldn’t hear from God. We visited a psychiatrist who was of great help, and after some sessions prescribed a drug for hormonal balance. By my second trimester, I was back to my [image error]normal self. My creativity was restored and I could hear God again. I went back to working on post-production of our forthcoming movie, The Farmer and the Belle: Saving Santaland, a funny Christmas movie for the family. I’ve remained stable even after delivery—and this is important—since post-partum depression is quite common. In my third trimester, I suffered from gestational diabetes. Initially, the doctor prescribed insulin, but later developed a regimen that consisted of exercise and high-protein/low-carb diet, so I didn’t have to take insulin, and it worked perfectly well.

Becoming a mother has been sublime. I can’t begin to describe or quantify the joy of holding my baby, watching him breastfeed, and watching the many different expressions on his face. This experience [image error]makes it even more precious because James is our miracle baby boy. We’d been trying to get pregnant for a long time, and I’d had a miscarriage the month prior to when he was conceived. So at the beginning, naturally, there was the fear that something might go wrong. But when Jim and I experienced our first ultrasound, the feeling of joy and hope was so overwhelming, we both cried. Our baby is so precious to us. And so this comes with the experience of helplessness some of the times when he gets fussy or cries because we’re still learning what to do, and how to be parents to a newborn.

[image error]My husband, Jim, has been a champ through it all. Even now, we share and take turns caring for our baby in every way. At night, he takes one of the feeding times so that both our brains can rest and we’re both able to function in caring for him during the day.

This whole experience has taught me a deeper meaning of hope and trust in God and in the people we love and care about the most—those closest to us. Life’s journey and what lies ahead isn’t always clear, and some steps we take may be difficult and painful as we take them, but through it all, God is with us, and His love, the most powerful force in the universe, binds us together. I don’t know what lies ahead. I simply know—through this experience and many others like it—that I can trust the ever amazing faithfulness of God.

[image error]About the Contributor

Visionary, Story Creator, Product Development, Author and Producer for The Farmer and The Belle franchise, Jenn Gotzon is an award-winning actress known in the faith-based market. She starred in over 70 projects including two Oscar Nominated films, Frost/Nixon and Alone Yet Not Alone. My Daddy is in Heaven broke records as a mover and shaker on Amazon and trended on Netflix, followed by Lionsgate’s Saving Faith both starring her and her husband Jim E. Chandler. Her mission as co-owner for The Farmer and The Belle franchise is to provide a Biblical pathway to teen girls and women about their value destroying the lie 90% of women believe about their physical appearance. Gotzon speaks across the globe inspiring and impacting audiences. Join The Jenn Gotzon Club on Facebook to access her video bible studies.

Watch the Trailer