Movie Review: Wildflower a Faith Street Films Production

Proverbs 3:5-6(NIV)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Suspense and drama combined with a
message of hope and healing!

WILDFLOWER (2015)

Company: Faith Street Film Partners II & Provident Label Group in association with Cave Pictures and Hope filled Media
Writer: Nicholas DiBella
Director: Nicholas DiBella
Producer: Nicholas DiBella, Marc Wax & Veronica Nickel
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 92 min.
Industry Rating: 12+
Starring: Nathalia Ramos, Cody Longo, Shari Rigby, Alex Steele

Synopsis:

Creatively gifted, college student Chloe Moray (portrayed by Nathalia Ramos, known for BRATZ, Arrested Development, House of Anubis) finds solace from a difficult childhood in her extraordinary art. But when an alarming dream begins to recur nightly, Chloe starts to believe that it might be a suppressed memory and that she may have witnessed a terrible crime as a little girl. Her search for peace takes her on a journey that forces Chloe to confront her past traumas and leads her to cross paths with Josh (Cody Longo, known for NOT TODAY, Hollywood Heights, Nashville), a young man dealing with his own painful loss. Together they find in each other someone they can trust as they seek to unlock a cold-case mystery from years before. But with the authorities blocking the way, Chloe's new-found hope is challenged in this powerful story of faith, triumph and healing.

Link to trailer: https://youtu.be/K0KLHhHOvws


My Personal Review:

Wildflower is a very engaging and suspense filled movie. This film is definitely worth your time and attention!

We often have "family movie nights" at our house, so when the opportunity arose to review this film, I snatched it up. This movie will be released on DVD & VOD April 5th, 2016. It will also be available for viewing on the Lifetime Movie Network in June. I definitely agree with the "12+" rating that has been assigned to it, due to the weightiness of specific themes and the intensity of many scenes throughout the movie. However, having said that, there is no profanity or nudity within this film which makes it more palatable for viewing with your older teens. It is a great catalyst for family discussions about the importance of trust, honesty, and transparency. My husband and I watched this with our 15 year old daughter.

What I love most about this film, in addition to the sheer entertainment and mystery is the prevailing message of how important it is to never give up on people even when we may not completely understand them or what they are going through. Wildflower highlights the fact that the four simple words, "I believe in you" carry a powerful message of hope and healing. This message is communicated throughout the film, but is especially apparent through the roles of the main characters as they deal with some very difficult situations from their past. Despite the inability of their loved ones to comprehend the magnitude of their experiences, they still continue to support them!

Nathalia Ramos (Chloe) and Cody Longo (Josh) do an exceptional job of portraying their characters in an authentic manner. Their relationship which slowly builds throughout the movie is selectively subtle, but deeply moving as the two begin to trust one another beyond the casual into a more transparent level. 

Wildflower also brings to light the fact that God is always present in our lives and even closer to us when we are going through difficult times. The knowledge that God's timing and purposes are not always within our comprehension is a prevailing theme within the movie as well. The trauma the main character goes through gives some insight into the struggles that someone suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may live with on a daily basis, thereby, revealing a needed sensitivity when working with persons going through this type of situation.

Wildflower is an excellent film. I highly recommend you take the time to watch it...you won't be disappointed! Thank you to Icon Media Group for this review copy of Wildflower. I received this free copy in exchange for an honest review. The opinions within this review are completely my own.

Book Review: OVERLOAD: How to Unplug, Unwind, and Unleash Yourself From the Pressure of Stress by Joyce Meyer

Proverbs 12:25(NIV)
Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.

Publishers Description

#1 New York Times bestselling author Joyce Meyer shows readers how to become free from the burden of stress so that they can achieve God's best for their lives.

Sound & simple directions to decrease the stress in your life! 

As technology increases your accessibility, it becomes harder to mute the background noise of your life and receive God's guidance. Joyce Meyer calls this OVERLOAD, when the demands of your busy life become all-consuming and overwhelming. But to experience the joyful life God has planned, you must make time to focus on His Word. Then you'll receive His healing calmness and gain the strength to take on life's challenges, from physical ailments to problems in relationships. Through the practical advice and Scriptural wisdom in this book, you'll learn how to unplug and free yourself from burdens that weigh you down. You'll gain simple, effective tips for better rest and stress management and discover the fulfilling life you were meant to lead.

My Personal Review:

OVERLOAD: How to Unplug, Unwind, and Unleash Yourself From The Pressure Of Stress by Joyce Meyer is a multifaceted book aimed at helping the reader deal with stress. There is literally something for everyone in this book!

You won't be disappointed in Joyce Meyer's newest book, Overload. In this extremely well organized publication to be released tomorrow, Joyce identifies stress as "an indiscriminate thief that will take whatever it can from whomever it can....health, peace, rest, relationships, laughter...stress wants to take it all away!" She doesn't stop with assisting the reader in identifying areas of tension in their life, but goes a step farther by providing very concise direction for how to deal with those areas of your life that are creating havoc and stealing your peace. 

 The selling attribute for the book, Overload, is not that there is a large volume of new information being presented, but that the knowledge is presented all together in one place in a very easy reading fashion. The highlighted gray boxes throughout the pages, as well as the "Things to Remember" list at the end of each chapter are a very effective tool for improving retention. Joyce sufficiently covers the effects, common causes, frequent triggers & poor responses of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual stress. In addition she delivers tangible instruction on how to decrease the presence of stress in one's life and deal better with those situations that are unavoidable.

Joyce Meyer (www.joycemeyer.org) has focused her entire ministry on teaching the Bible, so it is little surprise that the guidance she presents is backed up with scriptural references. She reminds the reader that they have a choice to make each day...they can trust themselves or they can put their trust in God  referencing: 

Psalm 37:3(NIV) Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 

In a very detailed breakdown of practical solutions, Joyce addresses: confidence in the Lord, making necessary changes in our lives to decrease stress, doing our part to respond to uncontrollable stress in a Godly manner, remembering that God is good, simplifying our lives when possible, laughing more, choosing to live in the security of Christ, monitoring our speech, enjoying the life we have been given, adjusting our perspective and choosing to

become more outward focused by blessing others with acts of service. The book is a catalyst

that promotes personal reflection and serves to assist the reader in discovering those areas

in their life that might be a hindrance to living a stress free life. 

Get outside, take a walk, enjoy a hobby
& drink more water! These are just a few
of the many suggestions to help decrease
stress taken from Joyce Meyer's new book: Overload

There is a tandem workbook with Overload: How to Unplug, Unwind, and Unleash Yourself From the Pressure of Stress that will be available for purchase in May 2016. I would like to go through this workbook with a group of friends or within a Bible Study setting. I think it would provide a beautiful opportunity to connect on an extremely transparent level with a community of believers. This subject matter presented in a Biblical workbook format could be life changing. In the meantime, I plan to reread and apply the advice in this book, one chapter at a time. Yes....it's that good!!

I would like to thank FaithWords Publishing for this review copy of OVERLOAD: How to Unplug, Unwind, and Unleash Yourself From the Pressure of Stress by Joyce Meyer. I received this complimentary copy in exchange for reading this book in it's entirety and giving an honest review. 

Book Review: Rian Field by Krista Wagner

Job 7:4 (NIV)
"When I lie down I say, 'When shall I arise?' But the night continues, and I am continually tossing until dawn."

Overview:

Mysterious...until the very end!

Rian Field is living her dream as a Marine Biologist, but when she is attacked by a shark, it triggers memories from the past and changes her understanding of her present world. After surviving the shark attack, Rian Field continues her work at the Institute, determined to continue living her routine life. But as she attempts to cope with her growing post-traumatic stress outbreaks, she is plagued both by memories of an earlier trauma and a sudden onslaught of mysterious and ominous events. She soon finds herself immersed in an inescapable danger as she suspects that her former assailant is still threatening her life--and it may be someone close to her; more disconcerting, though, is the growing certainty that the trauma is somehow connected to the shark attack, compelling Rian to uncover the truth of her past and discover who is after her.

My Personal Review:

Rian Field is the second novel written by Krista Wagner. Her first novel, Intent published by TouchPoint Press in August of 2014 is a suspenseful read with many surprising twists and turns that create a great adventure for the mystery thrill seeker. This latest work released in January 2016, by CreateSpace, a DBA of On-Demand Publishing, LLC fits into the same genre of fictional mystery & suspense.

What I loved most about Rian Field is that it teaches the reader about an increasingly prevalent disorder called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Mayo Clinic defines it this way:

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

The main character, Rian Field, suffers with this illness from a previous event in her life. Throughout the story, the reader gets to tag along inside her thoughts. The narrative is done in such a way to allow the reader to endure the mayhem inside of Rian's head. The thinking and repetitive circling of paranoia, night terrors, physical symptoms and unrelenting emotional trauma from this disorder are communicated in an informative manner without feeling the sensation of reading a text book. In addition, there is enough intrigue to keep the reader guessing and confused as to where the action will go next and from whom it will be initiated.

The author has a skillful ability to bring a compassionate look at this dreadful phenomenon.

Throughout the work the main character undergoes some therapy for PTSD which sheds light on some of the techniques for treating the illness. In addition to the emotional treatment with counseling sessions and the physical attention to a medical model for stabilization, Wagner touches on the spiritual realm as well. The hidden treasure found unobtrusively towards the middle of this book is the prevailing message that prayer has the ultimate power to break chains of fear, confusion, guilt, mistrust and deceit. Don't miss out on that nugget of truth! 

Anytime a book is able to entertain, inform, keep the reader engaged and give hope, it gets a stamp of approval from me. If you have a special interest in PTSD or you love to devour a good suspense novel, you will definitely enjoy this work. My only recommendation is that you do not read this one at the beach!! 

The Wisest Counselor

Psalm 119:99-100(MSG)
I've even become smarter than my teachers since I've pondered and absorbed Your counsel. I've become wiser than the wise old sages simply by doing what You tell me.

Hmmm...I definitely do NOT feel smarter than my teachers. 

However, I do know that the more I choose to be aware and responsive to the Lord's presence in my life, the more confident I am becoming in my role as a daughter of the most high King. I know that when I ponder the word of God and put it into action, I feel an indescribable strength coming from within. When I absorb verses like John 14:15-18 (NIV), I find a fresh resolve to listen and obey the "Spirit of truth." Read the following words slowly, as it is Christ, the Son of the living God, promising to help us forever!

"If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever--the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him or knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you.I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."

My birds have given up on trying to chase this
big fella away. I guess they figure if he stays on
his side and they stay on their side nobody
will get hurt! Now that's what I call wisdom!!

Let's face it, in this day and age of technology, a person could feel very overwhelmed and unintelligent extremely quickly. I know this to be true...cuz...I'm living it. I did not grow up with cell phones and key pads. I just recently broke the habit of the "2 spaces" after a period, reducing it to only one space. If you don't know what I'm talking about, that's okay, I can explain. Apparently the current industry standard is to only use one space at the end of a period and before the next sentence. Many of us more, shall we say, mature folks...ahem...were taught to leave two spaces post period in "typing class". Now it's "digital computer class" and it's one space. How did I learn this? From my daughter as I was reading one of her research papers. Yep...I tried to "correct" her and she ended up correcting me. Oh dear. My most recent "learning adventure" involves working the Mac Book without a mouse! I don't know what's so wrong with the mouse. I suppose it is more efficient without it in certain circumstances, however, it's a whole new hand eye coordination game to tap, touch, slide, hold, two finger, one finger & swipe the touch pad to simply check your email or write a blog post. Must I really give up my mouse??!! Oops...I'm getting off topic here. 

So, you see, now you know why it is that I do NOT feel smarter than my teachers...and never will! I wasn't meant to. I need the wiser counsel of the Lord. I need the presence of His Spirit to guide me and continually teach me the will of the Father. Pressing on...

Lord,
You are so good to have left us with a close friend; One who lives within us and gives us the substantial amount of help that we need to navigate the waters of this fast paced world. May we be ever mindful and responsive to the voice of the Wisest Counselor. May Your name be praised today and forever.
In the powerful name of Christ,
Amen

Book Review: Choose Joy: Finding Hope and Purpose When Life Hurts by Sara Frankl & Mary Carver

 Habakkuk 3:18 was Sara's life verse.
"If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain."
-Dolly Parton"

Habakkuk 3:17-19(MSG)

Though the cherry trees don't blossom and the strawberries don't ripen, 

Though the apples are worm-eaten and the wheat fields stunted, Though the sheep pens are sheepless and the cattle barns empty, 

I'm singing joyful praise to God. I'm turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God. 

Counting on God's rule to prevail, I take heart and gain strength. I run like a deer. I feel like I'm king of the mountain!

"Sara's story only grew louder, braver, bolder with her death. It's a story that we all need to keep hearing." --Lisa-Jo Baker, bestselling author of Surprised by Motherhood

Sara Frankl knew she had a terminal disease, but she didn't let it stop her from living. In the face of immeasurable pain, Sara chose joy--again and again. Her unforgettable message of hope and purpose lives on, even after her death, in her words.

CHOOSE JOY is a compilation of the lessons Sara learned while she was dying, written in her own words and sewn together by her close friend Mary Carver. It is a reminder to see the beauty in life, even when it looks nothing like you hoped or planned.

In a world full of tragedy, choosing joy is no small task--but, as Sara knew, the importance lies in the choosing. Once you learn to make that choice, every day, no matter what happens, joy will come.

My Personal Review:

Choose Joy: Finding Hope and Purpose When Life Hurts by Sara Frankl and Mary Carver is a tender love story between Sara & God, whereby she allows the reader to peek into her world of chronic illness. Her clearly communicated message of  hope that life is really a precious gift from God, no matter what circumstances you find yourself in, is one of encouragement and immeasurable faith!

Choose Joy: Finding Hope and Purpose When Life Hurts by Sara Frankl and Mary Carver is a newly released candid writing filled with inspiring advice that will not only make you "feel" joyful, but will actually teach you how to choose joy even if your plans don't line up with what the Lord has assigned for your life. The book is presented as a series of blog posts from the deceased Sara Frankl and narrated by Mary Carver. 

Where do I begin with this book? First off, I had no prior knowledge or connections with either of these writer's blogs. I simply chose this book for it's title, because I want to "choose joy" in my life. I mean who doesn't want that, right? However, this quickly became more than just "another book" for me. It's depth and stripped down simplicity for all things pertaining to the true meaning of a well lived life are present in every single chapter.

Liz Curtis Higgs, New York Times bestselling author writes on the back cover, "This isn't a story about dying. It's a story about living." I would have to disagree with part of that. I think this is a story about living and dying. The book is pertinent for all of us, but I would quickly hand this book to anyone with a terminal illness, as Sara's walk through the valley of death could be very comforting to another who is in the same situation. 

Her contagious trust in a loving God and her ability to express it in an encouraging manner are incredible! She brings an authenticity that only someone actually enduring such suffering and one having been given the finality of a death sentence could manage. Those of us who have never experienced this kind of life altering illness can talk about how we would respond, but until we are living it, we don't know. Sara knew. This book transparently reveals her choice to stand firm in her conviction that God is a loving God and that He only does good. She doesn't throw out cliche' phrases, but instead provides a blueprint on how she chose joy...and how we can too. That is what makes this book so unique.

Sara shares that life is a series of moments. We need to make a conscious effort to be completely present in those moments with attentive intention, so that we don't miss a single opportunity that God has for us. Her statement that, "It's not easy, but it is simple," sounds like an oxymoron, but in fact is a profound thought that Sara applied to her everyday life and it served to fuel her fire to continually apply joy in every situation. Sara believed deeply that there was a purpose for her illness and she wanted to be sure she didn't miss the assignment God had given her by wishing for a different one.

Mary Carver flawlessly utilizes her talented writing skills to connect each of Sara's blog posts throughout the book. This gives the reader insight into what was happening in Sara's life at the time of the different entries. Mary helps to give perspective into Sara's emotional, physical, and spiritual state and therefore provides even further dimension to Sara's story.

The only regret I have in reading Choose Joy by Sara Frankl and Mary Carver is that I never got to meet Sara. I'm pretty sure, however, that if she were sitting here and heard me say that, Sara would laugh and inform me that God had another plan for our meeting and the timing of that introduction wasn't to be on this side of heaven. In honor of Sara and her life mission, Sara's blog (click here to go to blog) continues and there is a link to the "Choose Joy Sara Gitz Frankl Memorial Foundation" (click here) that clearly identifies the importance of spreading joy through the love of Christ to all who will listen. It is also a place for community, which was one of Sara's many passions. 

I will leave you with Sara's "favorite all-time quote" by Victor Hugo: 
"Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones.
And when you have finished your daily task, got to sleep in peace. God is awake."

Thank you to FaithWords, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc for this review copy of Choose Joy by Sara Frankl and Mary Carver. The opinions within this review are strictly my own. I was not required to write a favorable review, but only to read this book in it's entirety in exchange for honest feedback.