Even though the DVD is geared to children, I learned sooo much!  Why do we cut down trees?  Where did the name ‘Christmas’ actually come from?  What about Santa?  Those are some of the questions it addresses.  The best part about it is that it leads children back to salvation-the reason Jesus came.  How wonderful is that!

For those of you who want to teach this as a unit in homeschool and/or in a small group format, they offer great resources!  Take a look!

Sisters of the Faith is so excited to sponsor a “Why Do We Call it Christmas” sweepstakes!  One person will receive one free copy ($12.95 value) of “Why Do We Call it Christmas.”  The sweepstakes will run from December 11, 2011 to December 31, 2011.  All you have to do is enter here!  (Please see sweepstakes official rules).

Want to get more information about the whole series?  Visit:

http://www.buckdenver.com/

http://www.facebook.com/WhatsintheBible?sk=wall

I knew that someone out there had to have some insight on these feelings I was dealing with.  That someone, was Helen Lee.  In her book, The Missional Mom, she addresses so much of what I was feeling.  Her writing style is very conversational, as she skillfully invites the reader in by sharing some of her personal thoughts.  She begins by highlighting the idea that all Christians have a  mission(s) and that as our relationship with Christ grows we should have an ever increasing sense of the “mission(s)” to which God has called us.  Throughout the pages the reader is encouraged to pay attention to the opportunities for missions while expecting God to unfold them before us.  The job of the believer is to be a willing vessel.

Each chapter shares personal vignettes and stories of mothers that found their mission(s) and offer encouragement, self-assessment, and exhortation.  Resisting cultural pressures, becoming a disciple and being both empathetic and sympathetic to those around us are also addressed.   Each story shares the need for a single-minded focus to carry out our mission regardless of the reservations, fears or worries that one may have.  The focus should be taken off of us on placed onto the souls that we have been preordained to minister to.  The reader is encouraged to have a greater personal discipline and a clear eye concerning where to focus our time and energy.  Our goal is to draw men and women to Christ and make disciples of them.

I especially connected with Chapter 11.  Lee shares one of her personal experiences with living “missionally.”  She shares how the Lord led her to homeschool her children.  Her experience was very similar to my own.  I felt the Lord nudging me in that direction, but I had never considered it as a viable option for our family.  Whether the nudge you feel is toward homeschooling, missions, or developing a gift or talent to be used for the up-building of the kingdom, this is the type of read that should provoke you to move in a new direction  In fact it’s a call to action as well as a thrust in the right direction.

Free resources, including journal pages, discussion guide and a free chapter from the book are available here.

The Lion of Judah retells the story of Easter. The same animals who live in the stable in Bethlehem where Jesus was born now have the chance to witness His Triumphal Entry in Jerusalem, His cleansing of the Temple, His crucifixion and also His resurrection. The Lion of Judah the movie tells the story of Easter in a way that engages children, teens, parents, families, believers and even unbelievers.

The Lion of Judah is a classic in the making that the entire family will enjoy. It’s an animated, laugh-filled, and touching Bible tale, told through the eyes of a zany cast of stable animals, and featuring the voices of Academy Award-winner Ernest Borgnine (Red, The Wild Bunch, The Dirty Dozen, Marty, From Here to Eternity, TV’s McHale’s Navy), Scott Eastwood (Invictus, Gran Torino, Pride, Flags of Our Fathers), Michael Madsen (Donnie Brasco, Kill Bill, Vol. 1 & 2, Reservoir Dogs), Georgina Cordova (The Tale of Despereaux), and others.

“This delightful animated story is a wonderful way to begin discussing the hope of Jesus with your younger children,” says Ruth Graham (& Friends), daughter of evangelist Billy Graham. “I loved it, and my grandchildren adored the characters.”

A wonderful epic, The Lion of Judah entertains with humorous antics as it re-imagines the story of Easter in a uniquely contemporary way; it’s a rollicking adventure starring a spunky and heroic lamb, a rat with a plan, a downtrodden donkey, a street-smart raven, a motherly cow, an unmannerly but big-hearted pig, a faint-hearted horse, and a zany, rambling rooster.

Rated PG and recognized by The Dove Foundation with the Dove Seal for Family Friendly Entertainment, The Lion of Judah won the award for Best Animated Film at the 2011 Sabaoth International Film Festival in Milan, Italy.

To be released this fall on DVD by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, The Lion of Judah’s original motion picture soundtrack (available on iTunes) features eleven songs and ten underscores created by award-winning composer/producer Greg Sims. Featured are two-time Dove Award-winning artist and chart-topping Christian pop/folk music sensation Kari Jobe, performing Carry Me, and internationally known worship artist Klaus performing the title track, The Lion of Judah.

Check out the trailer.

We can’t wait to see this one.  What about you?

Oprah has been real–transparent.  Her struggles with weight, family, career, etc. played out for us like a Lifetime movie.  She has used her platform in innovative ways and fashioned the opinions of viewers everywhere.  She made people think.  She taught us that learning is a continual process.  She even had people that hated to read reading with her book club; talk about impact!

The Oprah Winfrey Show, movie roles, O Magazine, and philanthropic deeds will not be the last chapters in the story of the Winfrey chronicles.  During the last season of her show we were introduced to the O Network!  Can you imagine owning your own television network? Talk about a legacy!

As I scan my memory I find little compromise, at least publicly, in her life.  She stuck to her convictions and quite frankly, I’m impressed– to a point.  You see, during a Webinar class, in which she promoted the book, A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose, Winfrey stated “God is a feeling experience and not a believing experience. If your religion is a believing experience [...] then that’s not truly God.”  Simply put, Christianity is incompatible with New Age thought.  So, sadly, for all of the accomplishments, accolades, awards and acknowledgements from men, it will all have been in vain.

In Mark 8:36 Jesus asks a pivotal question: For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Many a believer might say that if they had Oprah’s platform they would do thus and so.  But, would we really?  Or would we find ourselves with a watered down Christianity because we don’t want to lose the adoration of men?

So many of us that name the name of Christ fail to acknowledge that we are yet works in progress.  When God elevates us we seem to forget to draw nearer to the cross.  Compromise begins to creep in and we begin to satisfy people with what they want to see and hear, what they are thirsty for, instead of following God’s instructions.

When God gives us a platform it is our responsibility to remember our mission. Thirteen of the New Testament epistles are attributed to the Apostle Paul.  He was known Jerusalem to Rome.   Paul used every ability and resource that he had for the furtherance of the gospel.  His reward…souls!  Churches were established–congregations grew.  He could see growth in the youth like Timothy.  Lives were changed as he declared that he was a servant of Christ set apart for the gospel.

We have to ask ourselves, are we fulfilling the great commission?  Are we making disciples?  I don’t know about you, but I want my legacy to be a kingdom legacy.  Remember me for my love of God’s people.  Remember me for the desire to see the kingdom of God advance.  I want to have an impact on a generation.  I want people to want to know the God I serve.  I don’t want my living to have been in vain.  What about you?

Gospel Music Heritage Month, a celebration of gospel music’s valuable, long-standing contributions to American culture, was first designated by Congress in 2008 as a result of a push spearheaded by GMC, the Gospel Music Association and The Recording Academy®.

“We are incredibly proud and pleased that Gospel Music Heritage Month has established itself as an annual event to recognize the tremendous impact gospel music has had – and is still having – on the music scene in this country,” said Charley Humbard, president, GMC. “As the home for all things gospel, GMC will once again be in the forefront of the month-long celebration.”

GMC will celebrate this year’s Gospel Music Heritage Month with an array of special programming and on-air and online features, including:

· A dedicated website, www.gospelmusicheritage.com, featuring special web-exclusive performances; programming and videos; interviews with legendary artists who have been instrumental in keeping gospel heritage alive; current and up-and-coming artists discussing their musical influences; gospel facts, figures and historical nuggets; and more. Throughout September, visitors will also find calendars of local gospel concerts and events happening in their area as well as web banners and other materials that can be used to spread information on Gospel Music Heritage Month.

· Superfest: All new episodes will air on Sundays at 9 pm ET. DeLeon Sheffield, gospel star, Grammy Award nominee and wife of baseball star Gary Sheffield, will host the series. Founded in 2000, SUPERFEST has become one of the leading TV properties in faith-based inspirational entertainment and the live recording event is a must-stop on the annual gospel events calendar for superstars including Richard Smallwood, J. Moss, Karen Clark Sheard, Hezekiah Walker, Kiki Sheard, Regina Belle, Trin-i-tee 5:7, The Whispers, Mary Mary, Shirley Murdock, Byron Cage, Dorinda Clarke Cole and many more.

· World premiere music videos from Casting Crowns to premiere before the feature film, Facing the Giants, on Friday, Sept. 3 at 8 pm ET. The superstar group has won 23 Dove Awards and a Grammy, and has had eight chart-topping singles.

· The GMC premiere of The Gospel Live. Anthony Anderson hosts this concert special, a celebration of song in faith. Appearing are Deitrick Haddon, CeCe Winans, Keith Wilson’s Choir, Mary Mary, Martha Munizzi, Hezekah Walker, Kelly Rice, Kierra “Kiki” Sheard and Michah Stampley.

· Specially-created Gospel Music Heritage Month interstitials in all dayparts throughout September. More than three dozen artists will be featured, including Amy Grant, Billy Ray Cyrus, Melinda Watts, Byron Cage, Mary Mary, Tye Tribbett, Hezekiah Walker, Toby Mac, J Moss and George Huff. The artists will share stories describing the role gospel music has played in their lives, as well as the music’s broader influence on American culture and the importance of its recognition by Congress.

· The introduction of a new on-air campaign titled “Gospel Musicology,” a fun and interactive series of spots testing the musical knowledge of some of today’s biggest artists, including Warner Brothers recording artist Robert Randolph, as well as GMC viewers.

Many times we initiate conversations with God out of desperation or need.  Being plagued with feelings of inadequacy and unrighteousness often cause us to feel very distant from our Lord instead of drawing us nearer to Him.  I can remember a time that I never expected a response at all.  I just assumed the conversations were one way.  I treated our Lord as a sounding board and nothing more.

Author Pamela Marhad candidly shares what she has experienced thus far on this tedious journey in her book, He Calls Me Beloved.   Marhad ,through intimate conversations,shares how our Lord Jesus introduced Himself to her.  Through their conversations readers learn that, as with any successful relationship, trust must be developed and personalities learned. Each conversation gives insight into the character of God and how we should learn to obediently submit and just trust.

Between the covers of He Calls Me Beloved, a true love story unfolds.  Rather than a vengeful, cold and distant Father, Marhad learns of the gentle, patient provider we serve.  Reminded of her futility, Marhad is strengthened and encouraged by a loving and reassuring Father that is confident in what He has poured into His beloved. I could easily identify with many of the exchanges in this narrative.

Even the strongest of believers often fail to realize that God desires for us to long to sup with Him like a deer pants for water as David so eloquently put it.  He desires that we recognize that our hearts were not designed to function without Him.  He continually woos us and reminds us that His love has no expiration date.  He wants to be the one we run to and call on first and not as an afterthought when man has failed us yet again.

Marhad shares how the enemy attempts to use the sins of our past coupled with lies to defeat us.  Yet, the answers she received in those seemingly dark times serve as encouragement to any believer to delight in the Lord and trust in His strength.

This book, brief and colloquially written at times, was a quick but convicting read. The book flows quite freely with the exception of a few short stories scattered throughout the book.  The end of each chapter offers a unique feature.  “Enter In” encourages the reader to apply what was learned in the proceeding chapter in practical ways-baby steps.  The reader is challenged with some self examination and encouraged to “delve deeper” along with a scripture to encourage.

Overall, I was truly blessed by the exchanges Marhad chose to share. I found He Calls Me Beloved to be a refreshing glimpse into the the walk of one believer that was brave enough to share her most intimate thoughts and fears in order to help others win the war– one battle at a time.

Please enjoy this excerpt from He Calls Me Beloved

Beloved, do you have time for Me?
Yes, Lord. Thank You for stopping me from rushing off to get things done without visiting with You. You know how anxious I get when I have several matters that need my attention.
I stopped you because you need Me, daughter. Refresh yourself in My love for you. Let this be a day of creative activity together. The things you must do will never satisfy you unless they are shared with Me.

Lord, My “to do” list is made up of everyday responsibilities.  Are these the kinds of things You want to share with me?  They seem so ordinary and unimportant compared with the serious needs in our world.

Daughter,  most of human life is made up of the ordinary.  If you only allow Me to meet with you in the extraordinary matters, not much is left for us to share!  I delight in living your ordinary life with you.  In fact, it is only in living the ordinary with me that you will be able to enter into the extraordinary.

The routine matters of your day take on new purpose when you share them with Me.  I say this to encourage you to persevere.  Seek Me in your day-to-day, moment-to-moment life.  Talk with Me, laugh with Me, listen to Me.  Become familiar with My voice and My ways.  In doing so, you will bring both of us great pleasure as we share life together.

The things I have called  you to do are all around you each day.  Be faithful in those things and let Me have the responsibility for whatever comes next.

Beloved, the important thing to learn is to follow My lead.  I don’t want to be structured into your day; I want to be your day—all of your life shared with Me, the Lord of Life.  This is not an impossible goal.  This is My will for you.  We will not give up on this goal, because the rewards will be great.

• Publisher: Pleasant Word-A Division of WinePress Publishing
• ISBN-10: 1414113145
• ISBN-13: 978-1414113142

Hawkins, the pastor of Love Center Church, leaves two children to celebrate him– Walter Hawkins, Jr. (aka Jamie Hawkins) and Trystan Hawkins.  His older brother, Edwin Hawkins, shared: “I lost my brother, my pastor, and my best friend. Bishop Hawkins suffered bravely but now he will suffer no more, and he will be greatly missed.”

Jelly Telly is an internet based television network. It’s updated everyday with new content and shows.  Unlike the computer generated animation that we have become accustomed to seeing with VeggieTales, Jelly Telly offers puppets.  It sort of reminds me of the Muppet Show (only better).

Vischer said, “Kids need to see what God’s love looks like in action.  If they watch a lot of television, they see pop stars, sports stars and celebrities.  They see kids driving around Hollywood in nice cars – recording albums and buying clothes.  They don’t see a whole lot of missionaries or Christian relief workers or, even more vital, kids just like them sacrificing their time to show God’s love to others.  So this sort of thing will be a major focus of JellyTelly.”

Most areas of the website are free however, there is a small monthly subscription fee associated with the site, but its worth it. It’s only $2.99! If you have tried it let us know what you think! If not, take a look at the clips below. You won’t be disappointed.