DVD Review: Stuck

We are often so stuck in invisible struggles in our hearts and minds, we barely have space for God. These deep struggles, these stuck places, are familiar to every one of us: brokenness, anger, discontentment, fear, and sadness. Stuck takes on these struggles within us so that we can encounter God. Because until we recognize that we are stuck and in need of God, we will miss what He has for us.

Jennie Allen's Bible studies are designed to draw women close to God and to each other. These shorter studies dig deep quickly, creating experiential conversations and allowing women to wrestle with Scripture in a deep and authentic way throughout the week.
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I haven't had a lot of spare time for reading since Matthew came along, thus the lack of reviews here on my blog. Truth be told, I'm in a difficult place spiritually and reviewing books about God and Christianity was just out of my realm of ability these days.

When I opened my email and saw this offer, I couldn't turn it down. Just the name of it was enough.

Because I am stuck, guys. Stuck in a dark place of despair as we move through this season, and I'm losing sight of God's promises. He feels distant to me, and I feel angry and disappointed.

I'm stuck.

I'm a visual learner. I like to see things as I learn them. So DVD bible studies are right up my alley. I was curious to see what Jennie Allen could bring to the table.

And oh, did she bring it.

Each video is short, but they are packed with biblical truth, supporting bible verses, and Jennie shares from the heart where she's been, what she's struggled with, and how she was able to become unstuck.

I liked that each video was in a different setting, and it felt as though she was just sitting across from me, talking to me. Encouraging me. Reminding me.

I really, really, liked her.

She is so easy to relate to, sweet, and has a passion for women's ministry. She is so on fire for God and while I listened to each lesson I felt something rising up in me.

Hope.

The lessons in this study are all ones I can relate to: brokenness, anger, discontentment, fear, and sadness. I bet you can too.

My Wednesday morning bible study group started up this week, and we're looking for a new study for the Fall. I'm going to definitely pass this one on to our facilitator for consideration.

It's that good.

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Samplers of the Book and DVD have been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. DVD-Based Study available October 2011 at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson.

DVD Review: VeggieTales Pistachio ~ The Little Boy That Woodn't

Once upon a time, a lonely toymaker named Gelato decided to carve a little boy out of wood. Imagine his surprise when he learned that this little toy could walk...and talk...and definitely had a mind of his own!

When Pistachio tries to do things his way he lands in a "whale" of a situation! Will he decide to listen to the wisdom of a loving father in time enough to save his whole family from becoming fish food?

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I have been a fan of Veggie Tales for years and was so excited when I was offered the opportunity to review their latest production, Pistachio, The Little Boy That Woodn't.

But I couldn't just watch it by myself....oh no. I invited the whole family to watch it with me :-)

This movie brings the parable of the lost sheep to life in an easy and engaging way for children to understand. Pistachio learns that just as the shepherd that will leave his flock to find the one stray sheep, his own father left his other children in order to find him. It also re-enforced the truth that parents truly do know what is best and to listen to us.

One particular line jumped out at me that was spoken by Gelato to Pistachio: "I know. I made you...trust me." And it made me wonder how many times God says that about us, and how we continue to try to handle things on our own.

We appreciated the option for wide or full-screen viewing as well as the surround sound availability. The DVD included a director's commentary, a visit to a marionette theatre and a discussion guide for parents to lead a study with their children. (Loved that last feature the best!)

The feature song Where Have All The Staplers Gone was awesome! We loved it and will be singing it for days, substituting the staplers for other household items!

We also liked how there was some adult humour to keep parents entertained, and characters that we would know: Marlon Brando and Ty Pennington from Extreme Home Makeover. The children loved that Khalil was in this movie, and that they found themselves in the belly of the whale, again.

In a word, this movie was adorable. From the newly updated opening theme song to Qwerty's upgrade, to the final closing scene, this movie made us laugh and held our interest to the end.

This DVD has been provided courtesy of David C Cook and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your local Christian retailer.