A Wonderful Movie Worth Watching this Christmas holiday season

My Review of "Journey to Bethlehem" movie

Today, I have another movie review for you and a giveaway contest at the end of this post! 

Momentum Influencers Network asked me to review the movie/musical Journey to Bethlehem. This is a movie from Sony AFFIRM Films. I watched this beautifully told, encouraging, educational and inspirational film before it was released. This movie—truly a musical—was so good! I’m eager to share my review with you. First, I’d like to describe the storyline in the words of talking points from Momentum then I’ll share my thoughts (review). 

Here’s the synopsis of the movie with words from Momentum and me: A young woman carrying an unimaginable responsibility. A young man torn between love and honor. A jealous king who will stop at nothing to keep his crown. This live-action Christmas musical adventure for the entire family weaves classic Christmas melodies with humor, faith, and new pop songs in a retelling of the greatest story ever told—the story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus. A unique new entry into the collection of holiday classic movies, this epic Christmas musical is unlike any before it. 

See Journey to Bethlehem in theaters beginning November 10, 2023.

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Now for my review:

Journey to Bethlehem is a movie/musical that’s worth its weight in gold. 

The storyline was smooth, the acting was superb, the music was engaging and hats off to the Director of Photography for making such a beautiful film! This movie is one that most Bible-reading people will know well because it tells the story of Jesus Christ in how He came to Earth born of a virgin (Mary) to save the world.

Antonio Banderas played King Herod. He did a very good job of portraying the king as a menacing, self-absorbed, evil ruler who only cared about power not people. Milo Manheim played Joseph. He was very convincing in his portrayal of this character, especially the scenes where Mary told him she’s with child and he didn’t believe her at all. He also showed a heroic side several times when he saved and protected Mary later on in the movie. Fiona Palomo played Mary (the Mother of Jesus Christ). Her performance was compelling. Palomo really captured the innocence and bravery of Mary that rang true to how The Holy Bible portrays her in Scripture. Joel Smallbone played Antipater and his real-life wife Moriah played Deborah. They are musicians in real-life, talents that helped them play their part in every time they had to sing and dance in this musical. Lecrae played Gabriel (the angel who told Mary she’s going to carry Jesus Christ). He had humor mixed in with the sacred in his role. I liked how he balanced both while maintaining the seriousness of his part in this film.

The directors of Journey to Bethlehem, with the support of everyone involved, did a marvelous work in bringing the “Story of Jesus” as they call it in Christian circles—especially during the Christmas season—to life. Yes, they took some creative license in their storytelling, as expected, but it was still wonderful!

If you’re looking for a film to see this weekend—or anytime this year or in the future—that’s as educational as it is inspirational, watch Journey to Bethlehem.

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Final Notes:

This is a perfect movie to invite your friends and family to! Buy tickets today at https://tickets.journeytobethlehemmovie.com/

Listen to the soundtrack album: 

https://journeytobethlehem.lnk.to/soundtrack

Give the gift of giving and make someone’s Christmas brighter by providing tickets for Journey to Bethlehem: https://fandango.egifter.com/journeytobethlehem

See the movie trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFXcEWalXBI

This movie, Journey to Bethlehem, reminded me two Christmas songs:

“Not that Far from Bethlehem” by Point of Grace
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrajpqBgsg0

“His Plan” by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GeC7q2R248

A Giveaway just for you: The giveaway is a chance for you to win two free tickets to see Journey to Bethlehem in theaters. We can only accept U.S. winners. 

Here is the Giveaway Contest link:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f8dcb68c477/?

Disclosure: Many thanks to AFFIRM Films, Inc. for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. 

#JourneyToBethlehemMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Devotionals for the Heart: Gratitude

A Grateful Heart
A devotional by Glynis Becker

“To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory.” –Isaiah 61:3 (NLT)

A few weeks ago we went to see the local high school’s spring musical. This was the first live production we’ve attended since February 2020 and it was everything I wanted it to be: energetic, fun, funny. It was a hand-clapping, toe-tapping, hum-under-your-breath good time. We saw many people we knew and chatted with friends we hadn’t seen in more than a year. I was grateful to be there.

But the greatest wave of intense, almost overwhelming gratitude came to me at the strangest time that evening. When I left the theatre at intermission and stood in line—a relatively long line—for the ladies’ room, I was overcome. It felt so normal! I have stood in a lot of lines at concerts, conventions, supermarkets, or movies, but never have I ever thought it was a blessing in disguise. Usually it’s just a nuisance. But the normality of waiting in a long line with so many strangers was a beautiful thing and I admit that I breathed a prayer of gratitude.

I love it when a circumstance that could be a source of grumbling and complaint suddenly becomes something different. A change in perspective can take the mundane and possibly annoying and turn it into a holy moment. I believe shifts like those are the Spirit’s way of reminding us that He has always been in the business of turning ashes into “a crown of beauty.”

These verses in Isaiah were the prophet’s words to Israel at a time of exile, judgement and hardship. But these are verses of hope, letting the people know that God would not only bring them through their circumstances, He would ultimately bless them in ways they wouldn’t imagine.

Their ashes would not only be removed from their foreheads but He would put a crown in their place.

Their mourning would not just be over, but they would be given a “joyous blessing” instead.

Their despair would not just be gone, they would break out into “festive praise.”

Aren’t those wonderful promises? Our world has been through a lot over the last year and we might feel tempted to lose hope. But don’t. God sees us. Jesus knows us. We’ve been given the Spirit as the ultimate Comforter and He wants us to take advantage of it. Run to Him and He will give you the comfort, strength, peace, protection, and help that you need.

Let’s allow Him to walk us through these hard times, but never forget the last part of those verses: the Lord plants us as oaks “for His own glory.” He blesses us for His own glory. He deserves all of the “festive praise” for whatever blessings He gives us.

Especially the blessings that come when we least expect them.

Let’s Pray: Father God, thank you so much for those quiet moments where You show up in unexpected ways. Thank you for blessings and promises we can hold onto on hard days and the ability to share those blessings with others. Allow us to be used by You every day. You deserve all praise and honor and glory always. In Jesus’s precious name I pray. Amen.

~*~Author Bio:

Glynis Becker writes devotions and inspirational fiction, hoping someday to have a published novel on her resume. 

She has co-written several screenplays, including the film Sinking Sand, available on DVD and digital streaming. 

Glynis, whose childhood was spent all over the country as an Air Force brat, has called South Dakota home for many years, along with her husband and two teenage children.

When she’s not writing or reading, she is watching more television than she should and crocheting. 

You can find her at www.glynisbecker.com.

Movie Review: Broken & Beautiful

Recently, I saw an award-winning Christian musical film called Broken & Beautiful that was written and produced by Erin R. Dooley. I thought that it was a creative, clever and needed film. It shows audiences the inner and outer struggles of characters that are broken and need Jesus Christ to save their life. Ultimately, the characters learn how when they give their broken life to God, He can make something beautiful out of it.

This movie featured a variety of up and coming Chicago-based actors who used their gift for singing throughout the film because after all, it is a musical. Most of the songs were easily recognizable to music fans that love Contemporary Christian music artists like Tenth Avenue North, Amy Grant, Sanctus Real, Third Day and Toby Mac.

Each of the actors brings more than a unique singing voice to the movie, they deliver a convincing performance of the character that they are portraying. There’s the husband who struggles with pornography and his wife who feels that they should spend more quality time together. There’s the widower who loved his wife but starts to discover that he might have feelings for a man who is gay. There’s the fashionable woman who loves living a luxurious lifestyle but harbors a dark secret that threatens her peace of mind. There’s the porn star that wants to leave her past behind as she goes to church and learns about the One who will never abuse her body or mind. Finally, there’s the young pastor who is tempted to have an affair with a young, unhappily married woman who attends his church. Clearly, this movie has something for everybody as it speaks to real-life scenarios that people in the real world outside of movies deal with personally or have seen happen to people they know.

The stories of the characters in this movie are complex. The lines are clever and filled with emotion that’s appropriate for each scene. The setting of this movie is in a city with a focus on the personal stories of the people who attend All Saints Church. The movie deals with dark secrets, heartbreak, and pain. Screenwriter Erin R. Dooley was not afraid to tackle what the Christian community considers to be controversial issues like abortion and the gay lifestyle. Dooley not only tackles these issues but she offers tangible solutions to these situations. If anything, this movie is a great conversation starter. People from a variety of real-world experiences and backgrounds can appreciate this movie, sit around a table and talk about it.

The moral of the story, according to Dooley is that while the characters put forth their “best efforts to cover their imperfections. It is only when the characters are brought down to their knees that they find healing; that they realize that though we are all sinners, we are all called to be saints.” As a viewer of this movie, I was inspired by its poignant portrayal of the Bible-based truth we all are sinners in need of a Savior and His Name is Jesus Christ. This story wasn’t portrayed in a way that shoves religion down your throat. The storytelling is done in a way that is appealing to the audience and served with a message that should provide good food for thought to people from all walks of life.

If you need a movie that will uplift you and encourage you in your life journey, don’t miss this one.

*Reviewed by Alexis A. Goring, founder of "God is Love" blog

Book Review about answering God's call and stepping out on faith

Erin R. Dooley, a movie maker/new author, reached out to me asking if I would write a review of her new book. After reading the blurb for her book and hearing her story, I said yes to promoting her book and her movie on my blog. 

Today's post is the first of exactly four features that will be published on my blog between now and next month because Erin has quite a story to share and I'm happy to assist in telling it. 

Enjoy today's feature which is my review of her book!

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My Review of Erin R. Dooley’s book,  “You Want Me To Do What, God?!”

This true-life story by Erin R. Dooley is a great read!

God calls His faithful followers to do things for Him. For some, it may mean moving to another country and working in underserved communities. For others, it may mean becoming a missionary in a foreign country and telling the world about the saving gospel of Jesus Christ. Answering God’s call can mean a lot of things—and adventures—but for Erin, it meant making a movie without the help of a major studio or an established production company. Hesitant at first but then determined to be obedient to God, Erin decided to take that step of faith and do what God asked her to do. So she embarked on a journey that led the making of the award-winning Christian musical film, “Broken & Beautiful”.

The title of Erin’s book “You Want Me To Do What, God?!” is explained in the pages of her story. She takes the reader on her journey of stepping out on faith and doing what God asked of her to do. It was quite the journey filled with highs and lows, doubts and dreams come true! The author made her story detailed and digestible for her readers to consume. Erin’s book starts with a Foreword, followed by a Preface then she tells her story and wraps it up in exactly 10 chapters. Lesson points and questions for the reader conclude each chapter. This interactive feature encourages the reader to remember the highlights from each chapter and think about applying the concepts to their own real-life story. Every chapter opens with a Bible verse before diving into another scene from Erin’s journey of answering God’s call.

This book was insightful, filled with humor and hope. It inspired me as the reader and reminded me that great things happen when you answer God’s call.

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About the book: You Want Me To Do What, God?! is a look at the faith of saying "yes" to God's call even when you don't understand what He is asking of you. Written in a conversational tone, author Erin R. Dooley takes the reader behind the scenes of making the faith-based film Broken & Beautiful. Part devotional, with scripture verses and reflection questions, and part testimonial, based on journal entries during filming, the book presents an approachable perspective to living out your faith.

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Author Bio: 

Erin R. Dooley is an award-winning screenwriter, filmmaker, speaker, and author. 

Erin has produced two feature films, numerous short films, two comedy web series, a docu-series, and one feature documentary. 

Erin and her projects have been featured in 20 different media outlets, including Newsweek's "Guide Of What To Watch." "You Want Me to Do What, God?!" is her first book. 

She lives in Los Angeles County.

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Connect with Erin:
Movie Page on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/brokenandbeautifulmovie/

Business Page on Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/DASHEntertainment/

Movie Feed on Twitter - https://twitter.com/Brokn_Beautiful
Production Company Feed on Twitter - https://twitter.com/DASH_Entertain
Personal Feed on Twitter - https://twitter.com/erindooley34

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