The Christmas Dress {DVD Review}

The Christmas Dress

Movie Length:

27 minutes

Description:
It’s Christmas Eve, and Leland Jeppson’s hope is gone. Struggling to get by in their rustic homestead, he had at least wanted to give his family a special Christmas. But with a blizzard blowing in and the train bearing their gifts nowhere in sight, it seems Christmas is just one more thing they’ll have to do without. But as dusk falls, the Jeppsons’ packages unexpectedly arrive at the post office in the not-so-nearby town. Half-blind Postman George Schow is hesitant to brave the storm, but his son, Sidney, will stop at nothing to bring Christmas to the Jeppsons—and ask their daughter, Ellen, to the New Year’s Eve dance. Now it’s up to father and son to battle fierce elements in an attempt to deliver a Christmas miracle. Don’t miss this heartwarming reminder that while God helps those who help themselves, sometimes He does so through others.

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My Review: 5 Stars

I absolutely adore heartwarming Christmas stories and this one fits nicely in just 27 minutes. It's 1927 and the Jeppson family is struggling. They're desperate to receive their promised packages, but with a blizzard coming in, they're nowhere in sight. Mary, the mother, has the sweetest disposition and the strongest faith of anyone I've ever seen and calmly makes Christmas as meaningful for her family as she can. Leland, the father, has done everything he can, working hard to provide for his family, but falling short.

When the packages arrive on Christmas Eve night, the postman's son is determined to deliver them. George, the postman, is pretty grumpy about having to take the gifts with a storm brewing. He has a very Scroogy attitude. I loved watching the transformation that comes over George as he ponders this situation and his actions show that he is a man who lives by his words. 

In a style full of hope and faith, this family's Christmas miracles are realized and I had a lump in my throat as I finished the movie. This is a great movie to add to anyone's collection to bring the true spirit of Christmas to a home. 

*I received a copy to view. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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Buy Links:

 

The Forgotton Carols 25th Anniversary Tour {with Giveaway}

Popular Musical Production ‘The Forgotten Carols’ celebrates 25th Anniversary

The Forgotten Carols, a seasonal concert favorite, celebrates its 25^th anniversary this year.  Michael McLean, a well-known performer, composer, songwriter, author and director staged his first one-man concert in 1991 with the hopes of it becoming a tradition families would enjoy. For those first performances McLean played all the parts to give people a sense of how families could create their own narration at home. 

Over the course of the last 25 years, McLean’s modest one-man show has evolved into a huge theatrical production with over 1 million concertgoers enjoying the music that has become a time-honored Christmas tradition and attracts repeat attendance from guests of all ages. The show has been produced all over the world in limited runs, including shows in Ireland, Germany, England and even Ukraine. “One of the great things about touring is seeing the familiar faces that have been coming for years and are part of the Forgotten Carols family,” shares McLean. “New comers and longtime devoted fans of this production keep the magic of the performance alive. We embrace, giggle, and sometimes cry at these reunions.”  

The Forgotten Carols 2016 concert schedule includes performances in four states Utah, Idaho, Nevada, and Arizona. The production has arranged over 20 shows in 12 different cities and showcases an elegant arrangement of special musical choral performances and solos. McLean stars as one of the musical’s primary characters, John, an elderly gentleman who helps Constance, a young nurse who can’t be bothered with Christmas, discover a new love for the season.   

Each year, local community and student choirs are invited to perform alongside the professional Forgotten Carol company members during the concert in their cities. It’s important to McLean and the show's producers to preserve this tradition that keeps the magic alive for an enchanting experience each year.

Performance tickets are on sale now. For a complete listing of concert dates and locations or to purchase tickets visit the website at www.forgottencarols.com. 

My Experience:

Years ago, I was able to attend one of these shows and it was an amazing and incredible experience. The Christmas Spirit was so strong and the songs are absolutely moving.  This experience was one that stuck with me for a long, long time, as I reflected on the powerful message and touching music throughout the holiday season. I would highly recommend this show to everyone!

More Information:

Video: https://youtu.be/ffmjw1NtHgw

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/forgottencarols

RECENT NEWS INTERVIEW:  http://www.good4utah.com/news/midday/where-to-see-the-forgotten-carols

Giveaway:
 

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Singing with Angels -- Movie Spotlight

 

Singing With Angels
PG, In theaters throughout Idaho and Utah March 11, 2016

Salt Lake City (February 18, 2016) The world-renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir immediately
recognized by their familiar sight and angelic sound are starring in the upcoming full length movie, Singing with Angels. Although the choir has been featured in documentaries and concert DVDs this is the first time they have participated in a story-driven movie. The full choir is shown in multiple scenes depicting rehearsals and performances. Several choir members fill important roles within the movie.

“This is epic,” said Brian Brough, the film’s director and producer. “Working with the choir has been amazing. We spent weeks reading through true stories that choir members sent us, evaluated each story, and found the ones that could be told on screen and would best fit the story we wanted to share.”

On March 11th, 2016, be among the first to see the production from Candlelight Media, Singing with Angels, on the Silver Screen. The film opens in Utah first and will then expand to other areas. Filmed on location at the Tabernacle on Temple Square and in conjunction with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the movie masterfully unites the true and inspiring stories of the choir with the fictional character of Aubrey.

Through a great collaboration between Candlelight Media, filmmakers, and the choir led by president Ron Jarrett, Singing with Angels is entertainment wrapped in the universal language of music from the iconic Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Along with beautifully woven storytelling and directing, “Singing with Angels is about the journey of one woman who dreams of joining the choir and finding strength through trials and challenges in life,” explains writer Brittany Wiscombe.

The film is much more than discovering what it is like to be in the choir, “Singing with Angels is a
wonderful, inspirational movie. Good for the soul, and uplifting entertainment,” shared one viewer after a special pre-screening in Orlando, FL. For entertainment that can be shared and enjoyed by the whole family, don’t miss Singing with Angels, in theaters March 11.

Review: The Cokeville Miracle DVD with Giveaway

The Cokeville Miracle

On May 16, 1986, in the small, ranching community of Cokeville, Wyoming, David and Doris Young took an elementary school hostage for several hours before detonating a bomb inside a classroom that held every teacher and student in the school. In the wake of the madness, Ron Hartley, whose children were inside the classroom, must fight his skepticism and unbelief as he hears eyewitness accounts from the students about miraculous, heavenly intervention during the crisis. When tragedy strikes ... what do you see?

Rated: PG-13
Run Time: 94 minutes
Source: I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

My Review: 

What a touching story of faith and miracles. I was in 5th grade when this event occurred and I remember a little about it. I remember being scared about this incident as a child, but now as a mother? I just can't imagine the terror these children and their families felt. It was inspiring to watch the events unfold and see some of the details that I wasn't aware of. It truly is miraculous that things didn't end up differently.

I enjoyed the way the movie follows a man who is struggling with his faith. When he sees these events and witnesses many children's accounts of what happened, he can't deny that a greater power was at work, yet he still doubts. I love the messages of forgiveness, love, and the power of prayer. This man's journey is very real and also very encouraging. The Cokeville Miracle is a great story for anyone of any faith/religion.



Giveaway:

One DVD copy of The Cokeville Miracle to a US resident only.

• You must be a 18 or older
• You must be a resident of the US
• The winner will be notified by email and have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen

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Classic Alice Web Series {Spotlight}

 

I'm here to tell you a little about a web series called Classic Alice. Not only is the entire production team female, but the show is about strong, classic literature & encourages the audience to think beyond the pages. There's a great message: read more, interpret more, and understand classic art!

The show is about Alice, a girl living her life according to classic literature, and plays on the ‘literary web series’ genre, but also turns it on its head a bit: Alice knows she is living these books. Here's a synopsis:

‘Classic Alice’ is the brainchild of series creator and star, Kate Hackett. It is the story of Alice Rackham, a college student with a huge drive to succeed. When she gets a bad grade on an essay because she isn’t emotionally connecting to material, she decides to take it a step further and live her life according to classic novels. Her friend, Andrew Prichard, uses the opportunity to make a vlog-style documentary about the process, and together they create ‘Classic Alice’.

Find Classic Alice online:

Website: www.classic-alice.com <http://www.classic-alice.com/>
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheClassicAlice
Twitter: @TheClassicAlice
YouTube: www.YouTube.com/ClassicAliceSeries <http://www.youtube.com/ClassicAliceSeries>
Podcasts: http://soundcloud.com/classicalice

If you like what you see and are interested in helping with the funding of this project, you can go here to do so:  http://igg.me/at/SaveAlice

Saints and Soldiers: The Void Movie Spotlight and Giveaway!

Saints and Soldiers: The Void is now coming to DVD! The DVD will be released on Tuesday, October 14th. Enter to win a copy on the rafflecopter below or purchase one of your own here.

Here's a little about the movie:

Plot Summary:  Germany, May 1945, the twilight of WWII. On a final mission deep in the Harz mountains a U.S. tank crew discovers a platoon of Germans, including three infamous Panzer tanks, preparing to ambush allied supply trucks.

Before the war, Sergeant Jesse Owens, was a product of segregation and racial discrimination. Forced by law to ride in the back of the bus and disenfranchised from the political process. As the Germans bear down on the Americans, Owens fights the Axis powers for a freedom he and his fellow African American soldiers have never felt.

With a deadly game of cat and mouse quickly unfolding, Owens and his predominantly white tank crew find themselves out-gunned and out-manned by the German Panzer tanks. Several in Owens’ crew are reluctant to put their faith in a black tank driver despite their dire circumstances. With tension and fear beginning to manifest Owens knows they must put aside their differences to stop the enemy from their deadly plan. Knowing that a victory over the Nazis means a victory for racial justice, Owens and his men find a way to work together to save hundreds of lives in a desperate battle against the greatest odds they have ever faced.

US Mailing Address ONLY

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American Ride (Stan Ellsworth) Spotlight

 

Host of AMERICAN RIDE, Stan Ellsworth breaks the mold of the stereotypical High School history teacher. Former history teacher Stan Ellsworth tours the country on a Harley Davidson for the television show “American Ride.” Ellsworth’s approach to American history in AMERICAN RIDE removes the “bow tie and sweater vest” of history professors, puts on the “skull rag and denim vest” and breaks down stereotypes. His adventurous spirit and love for the United States is contagious and engaging. His approach is more like an invitation to walk (and ride) with him through the footsteps of history. He hopes the stories and “postcards” from the highways and byways of the country will make American history relevant to today’s audiences, and motivate them to take an active part in the preservation of the values this country was built upon. Now in the sixth season, Stan takes you across the world to see how the clouds of war gathered once again and what led America to enter WWII. New episodes air each Monday 9PM ET/ 7PM MT on BYUtv. If you've missed any episodes, you can catch up with all of the previous seasons online anytime at www.byutv.com/americanride

 

ABOUT STAN ELLSWORTH The 6’ 2”, 300-lb muscle-clad Harley Davidson-riding host of BYUtv’s acclaimed American history program, American Ride, would like nothing better than to inspire the next generation of George Washingtons, Susan B. Anthonys and Thomas Jeffersons. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and raised in the Carolinas, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and Pennsylvania, Ellsworth was steeped in the landmarks and stories of American history throughout his formative years. His family lineage includes such historic luminaries as Revolutionary War patriot Ethan Allen; both Generals of the Cival War, Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant (also the 18th president of the U.S.); and American folk heroes Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett. Ellsworth’s goal—both when he was in the classroom, and now in his weekly television program—has always been to “wake people up” to the stories of our founding fathers and mothers, and to the sacrifices they made in creating this nation. In his gruff baritone voice, he speaks eloquently of our heritage and extols the wisdom and bravery of those who came before. “LET’S TAKE A RIDE” ~ Stan Ellsworth

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Blog Tour Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 10/2/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Saint and Soldiers: The Void {Movie}

Saints and Soldiers: The Void in theaters August 15^th

Germany, May 1945, the twilight of WWII.  On a final mission deep in the Harz mountains a U.S. tank crew discovers a platoon of Germans, including three infamous Panzer tanks, preparing to ambush allied supply trucks.

Before the war, private Jesse Owens, was a product of segregation and racial discrimination. Forced by law to ride in the back of the bus and disenfranchised from the political process. Now, Owens fights the greatest tyrant in history, knowing the tyranny of racism will be waiting for him back home if he can survive the war.  

With a deadly game of cat and mouse quickly unfolding, Owens and his predominantly white tank crew find themselves out-gunned and out-manned by the German Panzer tanks.  Several in Owens’ crew are reluctant to put their faith in a black tank driver despite their dire circumstances. As the German tanks bear down on his unit, Owens has to fight for freedom on two fronts. With tension and fear beginning to manifest Owens knows they must put aside their differences to stop the enemy from their deadly plan.  Knowing that a victory over the Nazis means a victory for racial justice, Owens and his men find a way to work together to save hundreds of lives in a desperate battle against the greatest odds they have ever faced.

"As we approach the 70th anniversary of D-Day, we pause to honor those who demonstrated unselfishness and commitment to freedom. The tradition of unselfishness continues today. God Bless those then and now who serve our country."
~ Adam Abel, Producer

"During the original SAINTS AND SOLDIERS film festival run around the world we were honored to meet many WWII Veterans in person. It has been 10 years now. Many of those Veterans have passed. For those WWII vets remaining and all men and women of the armed forces since we salute you. The SAINTS AND SOLDIERS movies are intend to honor you."

~ Ryan Little, Director

"Our reason for making SAINTS AND SOLDIERS: THE VOID was to explore the story of those African American soldiers who fought for freedoms abroad they didn't entirely enjoy at home. We learned from their stories freedom is and was worth the fight...regardless of race."

~ Adam Abel, Producer

LDS Living link:

http://www.ldsliving.com/story/75908-alex-boye-and-studio-cs-matt-meese-cast-in-new-feature-film

YouTube link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpJdafjgqdg

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