GROW - In Theaters October 17!!!

You know how every fall we say we’re going to do all the cozy family things — apple picking, hayrides, pumpkin spice everything — and then by mid-October we’re just trying to locate one matching mitten and praying no one remembers that “we promised to carve pumpkins this weekend”?

Yeah. Same.

There’s a New Movie We’re Adding to Our Fall Bucket List 

A family-friendly film called GROW is hitting theaters October 17, and it’s basically pumpkin spice in movie form. It’s cozy, it’s funny, and it’s one of those rare family films that doesn’t involve anyone screaming (except, possibly, your toddler during previews).

You can already grab tickets here ➡️ GrowTheFilm.com — and I highly recommend doing so before the kids pick another superhero sequel “because it has explosions.”

What’s It About?

At the heart of GROW is the sweet (and sometimes prickly) bond between a no-nonsense aunt and her spirited niece. The story takes place in the Pumpkin Capital of the World (which is already a mood), where little Charlie—who has a magical knack for connecting with plants—sets her sights on growing the biggest pumpkin in town.

Her pumpkin “Peter” becomes the talk of the neighborhood, but the real magic happens as her aunt, Dinah, learns that family can grow in the most unexpected places—kind of like the pumpkin vine that takes over your garden when you ignore it for two days.

Throw in some curmudgeonly farmers, rival growers who clearly take their pumpkins way too seriously, and a whole lot of heart, and you’ve got a story that’ll make you laugh, maybe tear up a little, and definitely crave a slice of pumpkin pie.

Why I’m Excited to Take the Kids

Because not everything in October needs to involve skeletons jumping out of closets, thank you very much.
GROW is that perfect fall alternative — warm, whimsical, and full of color (and personality… apparently even the pumpkins have character).

Plus, Charlie’s love for “wild gardening” might even inspire our crew to finally water the houseplants again. Maybe.

Fun Extras for the Kids

There’s even a downloadable kids’ activity book you can grab from the movie’s website — which means they can color pumpkins before we end up finding a moldy one on the porch in November.

Giveaway Time! 🎁

To celebrate the movie’s release, I’m giving away a $10 Amazon gift card (U.S. only). All you have to do is comment below with your favorite fall family tradition — pumpkin patch? cider donuts? pretending not to see the candy wrappers under your kid’s bed? And include how I can reach you - email, IG handle etc.

Winner will be drawn and submitted by October 24, so don’t miss it!

Where to Find More GROW Goodness

🎟️ Buy tickets: GrowTheFilm.com
📘 Facebook: @GrowTheFilm
📸 Instagram: @growthefilm
🎵 TikTok: @growthefilm
📺 YouTube: @GrowTheFilm
👉 Hashtag: #GrowTheFilm #GrowMovieMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

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Bottom line: Whether your fall bucket list includes corn mazes, carving pumpkins, or just surviving homework season, GROW is one of those rare movies that gives you all the autumn feels without the haunted-house-level stress.

Grab your popcorn (and maybe your tissues). 🍿
Grow hits theaters October 17 — and trust me, it’s going to grow on you.

Many thanks to US Pumpkin Distribution, LLC for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. 

GIVEAWAY & REVIEW: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

 

The Herdman kids are absolutely the worst. They lie, they steal, they bully...and they’ve hijacked the town Christmas pageant. Directed by Dallas Jenkins (“The Chosen”) and based on the international bestseller by Barbara Robinson, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER follows six siblings who sneak into church searching for snacks and walk away with the lead roles in the town pageant. Grace (Judy Greer) is directing the performance for the very first time; she and her daughter Beth (Molly Belle Wright) and husband Bob (Pete Holmes) are less than amused. But the play’s mischievous stars might unwittingly teach a community the true meaning of Christmas. Featuring Lauren Graham. Screenplay by Ryan Swanson and Platte F. Clark & Darin McDaniel.

My kids and I watched this film last night, and at first I wasn't sure because the Herdman kids were rough. They were smoking, hitting, stealing etc, and I was worried the takeaway from the film was that kids could act like that, but by the end, my kids seemed to understand that everyone should be welcome in church, and people can change. It was a really enjoyable film. It had moments where I felt sad and wished we were foster parents again because these kids could have used some parents who were looking out for them, and then other times when we were all laughing together. I was even teary eyed at one point because a moment was so touching. I would highly recommend this film for kids and adults alike. For reference, my kids range from ages 4-12. 

Watch this moving family film in theaters starting November 8!

Giveaway: $10 Amazon gift card (Note: This is limited to US winners only.

How To Enter: Leave a comment down below with a way to contact you if you win!

Many thanks to Kingdom Faith Marketing Services for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

#TheBestChristmasPageantEverMIN #TheBestChristmasPageantEver #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Family Camp Movie - Comes out TOMORROW!!!

FAMILY CAMP is a faith-based family comedy from The Skit Guys, opening in theaters May 13. It’s fun (and funny!) for the whole family ... everyone from 8 to 80.

Synopsis: When their pastor encourages the congregation to sign-up for a week away at family camp, Grace (Leigh-Allyn Baker) believes she’s found the perfect cure for her imperfect clan—even if they’d all rather be anywhere but at rustic Camp Katokwah. The first feature film from The Skit Guys—Tommy Woodard and Eddie James—FAMILY CAMP is a laugh-out-loud comedy that is sure to touch the hearts and tickle the funny bones of every family member from eight to eighty.

While there should be an endless supply, it sure feels as if we are running low on hope these days. FAMILY CAMP combines hope with humor and Him in an encouraging movie. By seeing it opening weekend (May 13-15), you are letting Hollywood know that you and your family want more movies like this!

I've enjoyed the past few Christian/Family friendly movies I've seen so I'm very excited to share this one with my family tomorrow. We are going in theaters, so I don't want to spoil the plot here. Go see it tomorrow!!!

Tickets are on sale now at https://familycampmovie.com/tickets/

Many thanks to K-LOVE Films for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

#FamilyCampMovie #FamilyCampMovieMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Tyson's Run Movie & GIVEAWAY

 ABOUT TYSON'S RUN

When fifteen-year-old Tyson attends public school for the first time, his life is changed forever. While helping his father clean up after the football team, Tyson befriends champion marathon runner Aklilu. Never letting his autism hold him back, Tyson becomes determined to run his first marathon in hopes of winning his father's approval.

With the help of an unlikely friend and his parents, Tyson learns that with faith in yourself and the courage to take the first step, anything is possible.

Watch the Trailer Below:

ABOUT TYSON'S RUN
 

When fifteen-year-old Tyson attends public school for the first time, his life is changed forever. While helping his father clean up after the football team, Tyson befriends champion marathon runner Aklilu. Never letting his autism hold him back, Tyson becomes determined to run his first marathon in hopes of winning his father's approval.

With the help of an unlikely friend and his parents, Tyson learns that with faith in yourself and the courage to take the first step, anything is possible.

My Thoughts:

It's a feel good movie that the entire family can enjoy together. Autism affects so many families, so it's nice to see it represented here. I think many parents have to "grieve" the child they thought they would have. We all have expectations going into parenting like..."I can't wait to play baseball with my son" or "I can't wait to take my daughter to ballet" but what if your child is not interested in these or not skilled in these areas? You have to let go of the ideas you had for who your child would be or what they would do, and learn to the love the child in front of you, as he/she is! I had to learn this being an adoptive parent. They may not have our traits or follow in our footsteps, but they are mine. I love who they are and can't wait to see who they'll become! The dad learned to fully embrace his son as he was, and Tyson overcome his obstacles, and both met with success!

Don’t miss this feel-good story of faith, courage, grit, and unlikely alliances for a teen on the autism spectrum. You will come away inspired!

BUY TICKETS NOW (film releases 3/4):  https://tysonsrun.com/tickets/

Find out more here: https://tysonsrun.com/tickets/

GIVEAWAY: One $20 Amazon giftcard

Enter Here: 

Many thanks to Collide Distribution for providing a sample of the product for this re-view. Opinions are 100% my own.

Redeeming Love Movie - Comes out January 21!!!

Based on the bestselling novel by Francine Rivers, REDEEMING LOVE is a powerful story of relentless love and perseverance as a young couple’s relationship clashes with the harsh realities of the California Gold Rush of 1850.

Angel expects only pain from those around her. Sold into prostitution as a child, Angel survives with hatred towards herself and the men that use her. She meets Michael Hosea, a farmer who believes God wants Angel to be his wife. Dire circumstances force Angel to accept his proposal, but when Michael defies her bitter expectations, her wounded heart begins to mend.

As Angel encounters a love unlike anything she ever experienced, feelings of unworthiness and shame cause her to run from a life she doesn’t think she deserves. As Michael sets out to find her, Angel discovers there is no brokenness that love can’t heal. 

Coming to theaters January 21, 2022, REDEEMING LOVE  shows there is no brokenness that love can’t heal.

ABOUT THE BOOK:An international sensation, the beloved REDEEMING LOVE  book continues to be one of the industry’s top-selling titles year after year. This remarkable novel has sold millions of copies and is among the top twenty on the ECPA fiction bestsellers list for four years running.

My thoughts:

I read this book years ago and it was the book that first introduced me to Francine Rivers, and I've read many of her books since then. You could say I'm a fan!  For those of you unfamiliar with the story, to sum up the novel, it's about a man who is called to love a woman with a troubled past. She denies him time and again, but he continues to hold on to hope.  As I mentioned it's been years since I read this book, so I don't recall all the specifics of the novel and how "graphic" it was, but this is a movie that has some adult themes including sexual and physical abuse as well as some very intimate adult moments on set, but has the underlying message of redemption. This is not what I would consider a "family film" or a "Christian" film, but a book based on a novel by a Christian author. While there are references to prayer and God, it's a very grown up storyline. I would recommend the movie, but caution those with children to screen it first. It has a PG-13 rating, but some material may be inappropriate for children around age 13, in my opinion.

Many thanks to Momentum for a chance to screen this movie early! #RedeemingLoveMovieMIN AND #RLGirlsNightOutGiveaway

Giveaway: Sesame Street: Cool Counting Collection DVD

Los Angeles – On Sesame Street, you can count on your friends … and count with them, too! Sesame Street: Cool Counting Collection will be available on DVD and digital download on June 8, 2021 from Shout Kids and Sesame Workshop. Join Elmo, Abby, Cookie Monster, and more as they sing, play, and laugh their way from 1 to 20. Learning numbers has never been more fun—or more furry!

 

Animations, songs, and favorite moments from recent seasons make counting as easy as, well, 1-2-3! Celebrity friends help the little ones practice their numbers, too: Elvis Costello wants to count to 10, but he’s missing an important number; Feist sings about her favorite number 4; and Liam Neeson gets an acting lesson from Count von Count while they count to 20.

 

The DVD is packed with over two hours of fun and comes complete with bonus features, including quintessential counting segments from Elmo’s World and Abby’s Flying Fairy School. Also included with the DVD is a Count with Elmo! mini-book for young fans.

 

Bonus Features:

·        Street Story: Numeric-Con

·        Street Story: Elmo and Zoe’s Hat Contest

·        Abby’s Flying Fairy School: Sheepytime

·        Elmo’s World: Counting

Currently in its 51^st season, Sesame Street is the country’s longest-running children’s television program and has received more Emmy® Awards than any other show in television history.

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:

My 5 year old loves Sesame Street so he was thrilled to get this in the mail. He's watched it almost every day since and he said "I was so happy that it had special features." It not only allowed him to build on his counting skills but also gave mom a little break during the day. He does not watch TV or moving normally, so it was nice to find something educational that he really enjoyed!!!

WIN IT: One reader will win a copy of this DVD

HOW TO ENTER: a Rafflecopter giveaway  

GIVEAWAY: Gary LeVox (formerly Rascal Flatts)

Gary LeVox, former lead singer of Rascal Flatts, is releasing his first solo EP, ONE ON ONE! 

Gary LeVox's ONE ON ONE released Friday, May 21st and fuses two of his biggest passions - music and faith! 

 

When asked about the role God has played in his musical journey, LeVox said, “I feel like God graced us with a platform where we can not only touch people’s lives through music, but by being men of God offstage too,” explained LeVox. “At those times when we are with fans that are going through something like cancer, it is so wonderful to not only sing for them but to hold their hand and pray with them. I want them to know that they have a friend in me. I’m not just some guy on the stage. I feel like Christ has put me in this position because He knew I could handle the obligation, which often means taking the time to lift someone up in prayer.”

I always loved Rascal Flatts. I even saw them in concert once and it was amazing. I didn't realize that they were also men of God at the time. I think it's amazing that Gary could transition from country to Christian and express his faith in song. Not only do I love the sound of his voice, but I've been listening to the words of the songs and they are very reassuring and calming. Some are about doubts, some about love and kindness. We need more of that, especially right now! I think this will be a big hit!

The music is OUT now, so listen today!

GIVEAWAY: Win a signed 8x10 Gary LeVox poster

HOW TO ENTER:  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Many thanks to Capitol Christian Music Group for providing this product/product information for review.  Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

#GaryLeVoxMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

GIVEAWAY: Sesame Street – Elmo’s World DVD

 

Los Angeles – What do elephants, drawing, grandparents, and chickens have in common? They’re all things Elmo loves! Everyone’s favorite furry red monster stars in Sesame Street – Elmo’s World: Things Elmo Loves, available on DVD and digital download on February 2, 2021 from Shout Kids and Sesame Workshop. The release is packed with episodes from Sesame Street’s beloved Elmo’s World segment, each exploring a different topic to spark kids’ curiosity. Also included -- the full-length feature Elmo Loves You!, with celebrity appearances from Trisha Yearwood, John Legend and R.E.M.

Each engaging Elmo’s World segment in this collection offers young viewers lessons to help them grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.



Experience over two hours of fun with Things Elmo Loves. Little ones will learn along with their friend Elmo as he discovers the world around him, in segments covering…

·        Emotions

·        Grandparents

·        Bus Drivers

·        Drawing

·        Fruit

·        Supermarkets

·        Toys

·        Hair

·        Dog Walkers

·        Chickens

·        Scientists

·        Nursery Rhymes

·        Balls

·        Elephants

·        Games

Bonus Feature:

·        Elmo Loves You! (Full-length feature)

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WIN IT: Win a copy of Elmo's World on DVD

HOW TO ENTER: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GIVEAWAY: Lauren Daigle Holiday CD and TV Special!

I personally love the sound of Lauren Daigle's music. Anytime one of her songs start to play I recognize it right away because of it's easy and soothing sound. She definitely has a signature sound unlike many other artists out there right now. That's why I'm excited about a Christmas collection and holiday special coming soon. On December 6, 2020 at 9:00 pm ET | 6:00 pm PT  you can catch her first full-length Christmas television special, “Christmas Under The Stars with Lauren Daigle,” on BYUtv. You’ll hear Lauren’s Christmas memories and the influences of New Orleans Jazz in her renditions of Christmas classics and beloved originals from her Christmas album Behold in this intimate concert experience. So, gather the family, roast some chestnuts (or at least pop some corn), and enjoy “Christmas Under The Stars with Lauren Daigle” on Sunday, December 6 at 9 p.m. ET | 6 p.m. PT on BYUtv. You can also stream the program for free on the BYUtv app anytime after the premiere.

I had a chance to screen the special early, and it has a blues and Louisiana flare to it, which is not typical of her previous songs, but if you enjoy that style, you'll enjoy this holiday special!

WIN IT: Lauren Daigle CD: BEHOLD, A Christmas Collection

HOW TO ENTER: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Come From Away in Philadelphia

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Tickets to Tony Award winner, Come From Away, a Broadway musical about the true story of a small town that welcomed the world, are on sale now!

The show debuts in Philadelphia October 22 – November 3 as part of the Kimmel Center’s Broadway Philadelphia 2019-20 season.

A portion of Come From Away ticket proceeds will be donated to local area animal shelders through "Pilots To The Rescue", an organization that employs volunteers including airplane pilots, shelters, ground teams, and veterinarians to sae potential pets facing euthanasia and give them a second chance through an advanced flight rescue system.

I had the opportunity to see this show, and it was amazing!!! I was not previously familiar with this story or show, but I have been going to Broadway shows since I was a little girl with my grandparents. They've always had a special place in my heart. This one has quickly become a favorite! The set was very simple, but with costume changes and accent switches the small cast was able to take on multiple rolls seamlessly. I was swept into the story right from the beginning. I'll admit, I was a high school senior when 9/11 happened, so I wasn't thinking of all the in's and out's of what that meant for the people on the diverted planes until now. There were babies on the planes, children with special needs, people who spoke all different languages, and even animals. So many needs had to be cared for and planned for with little to no notice. The story and show are just unbelievable. If you were on the fence about seeing this show, I highly recommend it!

GIVEAWAY: Healed by Grace DVD

ABOUT

Jesse is approaching her 15th birthday and the only gift she desires is a horse. Unbeknownst to Jesse, her mother Brandy is in the throes of a cancer diagnosis which has Jesse’s father jumping through unexpected obstacles.  He signs Jesse up for summer camp, but when summer camp falls through he decides to have her stay with her estranged grandfather, an old gruff horse trainer named Gauff. Gauff, still recovering from the death of a special horse named Grace, now faces the challenges of teen negotiation. Gauff finds he must swallow his pride and ask his daughter Brandy for forgiveness.  A humorous and inspiring story of how God’s grace works in mysterious ways.

I personally love a good animal movie that will move me to tears, and this was no exception.

Available on DVD on Sep. 18

Watch a clip here:

WIN IT: HEALED BY GRACE combo pack

HOW TO ENTER: a Rafflecopter giveaway  

GIVEAWAY - PAUL: Apostle of Christ

About:

PAUL, APOSTLE OF CHRIST is the story of two men. Luke, as a friend and physician, risks his life when he ventures into the city of Rome to visit Paul, who is held captive in Nero’s darkest, bleakest prison cell. But Nero is determined to rid Rome of Christians, and does not flinch from executing them in the grisliest ways possible. Before Paul’s death sentence can be enacted, Luke resolves to write another book, one that details the beginnings of “The Way” and the birth of what will come to be known as the church.

Bound in chains, Paul’s struggle is internal. He has survived so much—floggings, shipwreck, starvation, stoning, hunger and thirst, cold and exposure—yet as he waits for his appointment with death, he is haunted by the shadows of his past misdeeds. Alone in the dark, he wonders if he has been forgotten . . . and if he has the strength to finish well.

Two men struggle against a determined emperor and the frailties of the human spirit in order to live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ and spread their message to the world.

Watch the Trailer here:

My thoughts:
From just watching the trailer and other clips available on the LEV3L site, this looks like a very well done movie. It is so realistic, informative and entertaining. I think this moving would pull me in within the first minute. Sometimes Christian films can be cheesy and predictable, but this one looks intense, dramatic and real! It shows the characters as real people with imperfections, real struggles, real emotions. As mentioned in a clip, people aren't born with halos; we're all human, just as Paul was!

Release date: 3/23/18

WIN IT: 2 FREE Fandango discount codes (i.e. free movie tickets), redeemable for PAUL, APOSTLE OF CHRIST

HOW TO ENTER: a Rafflecopter giveaway

GIVEAWAY: Jeremy Camp

Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

I've been a Jeremy Camp fan since my freshman year of college when I first discovered his music. It's energetic, beautifully written, and I never got tired of his albums. His newest, "The Answer" is no exception!  JEREMY CAMP’S “THE ANSWER” came out October 6th, and I've been listening to it non stop since it arrived!

Listen to one of the songs from this album below:

WIN IT: One of my readers will win this album for themself!!! 

 HOW TO ENTER: a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Unleashed - Movie Review

In UNLEASHED, a cosmic event turns Emma's dog and cat into two perfect guys, forcing her to reconsider her outlook on dating, hilariously work out her trust issues, and ultimately learn to love herself. 

STARRING: KATE MICUCCI | JUSTIN CHATWIN | STEVE HOWEY | HANA MAE LEE | JOSH BRENER WITH ILLEANA DOUGLAS AND SEAN ASTIN

 

I have to admit, I'm #teamcat in my life, haha. We have two cats and a dog, and the reason we do is because my husband is a dog-person, and I am a cat-person, and when we married, it wouldnt have been fair to have just one or the other. We decided it would be neither or both from the get go. So first we adopted the cats. It was supposed to be just one, but they were buy one get one free from the rescue, so we ended up with to. Woo hoo! Next came our black lab, who was also a rescue, so animals have a special place in our hearts!

I expected to like this movie, but from the get go, I thought it was pretty rediculous. People turning into animals, humans acting like animals. Both "animals" trying to win the heart of their owner, all the while knowing how it would end. I won't spoil it, but you could see it coming. :) The acting was just so-so. I also didn't love the cursing seemingly tossed in. I thought this was a family-friendly movie, but I wouldn't have let my kids watch this because of the profanity. It was a funny movie, so it did have that going for it. :)

Thanks to Tethergroup for a chance to pre-sceen this movie!

Nicole Nordeman's The Unmaking!

About the new album The Unmaking:

"Before things in our lives can be resurrected and given new life, certain things must die.  Before beauty blooms in spring, roots must do the hard work under the hard frozen soil of winter.  Before you renovate and re-build, you tear down the parts of the structure that are weak or damaged or dangerous.  Before we make, we must unmake."  Nichole Nordeman 

About Nichole Nordeman:

Nichole Nordeman is a recording artist and songwriter for Sparrow/EMI CMG, with numerous number-one and top ten singles to her credit and cumulative CD sales of over one million.  A two-time Gospel Music Association winner for Female Vocalist of the Year, she has won a total of nine Dove Awards, including the best-selling album, Music Inspired by The Story.  Her best-known songs include "Holy", "Legacy", "Brave", "This Mystery", "Why", and "What If".  She lives with her family in Tulsa, OK.  

ALBUM RELEASE DATE:  AUGUST 28TH 

Let me just say I LOVED this album. I listened to her remake of U2's "Beautiful Day" song over and over and over. I couldn't get enough of it. Her album was very serene and relaxing. I shared snippits of the song on my snapchat and instagram stories and people were loving it too, so hopefully other people went out and bought this amazing album!!!

Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.