Glen Campbell...I'll Be Me (Review & Giveaway)

I'm quite sure I've heard Glen Campbell's music many times, but I didn't know who he was until I was notified of this review opportunity and checked into it. What intrigued me was the fact that he was so well known but wanted to go public with his illness...that horrible disease, Alzheimer's. Watching the music video of his song "I'm Not Gonna Miss You" broke my heart. My grandmother was never officially diagnosed with Alzheimer's, (she rarely went to the doctor) but she exhibited classic symptoms and a Nurse Practitioner who observed her when my grandfather was hospitalized said she was sure she had it. I hated what it did to her. It was so hard to see her go through the confusion, anxiety, suspicion, and anger that Alzheimer's caused. We all suffered with her. 

Last night I was able to watch the documentary about Glen Campbell's journey through Alzheimer's, Glen Campbell, I'll Be Me, which will be in theaters Oct. 24th. The documentary was heartrending; a poignant reminder of what this disease strips away from the victim and his/her family. Most of the film covered Glen's final tour and the progression of the disease. His smile rarely disappeared and he and his family and crew powered through some amazing shows before the symptoms became so severe that the tour had to come to an early end.  I found myself nearly holding my breath, especially during the final performances, as Glen forgot what he was supposed to do next, or talked too much, not making much sense. It was painful to watch and by the end, I was crying. Especially when he broke down on camera. It was especially heartrending to watch him try his best to remember the names of his children. Observing how his wife and children dealt with the pain of watching him slip away was equally as hard. 

 I wouldn't recommend this documentary for children, but that's not the target audience anyway. There is some language in the film and, while I found that very disappointing, it wasn't excessive.  

Alzheimer's has affected far too many people. I hope that Glen Campbell's courage and transparency will help to further the search for a cure for this heartbreaking disease. 

Image from Wikipedia

One of my readers will win a 5 song EP featuring Glen Campbell, Ashley Campbell, and The Band Perry! But first, here's more about Glen Campbell and his battle with Alzheimer's:

The Rhinestone Cowboy...

Glen Campbell’s musical and entertainment career, covering nearly five decades, is unmatched for its prolific breadth, popular appeal – and flat-out musical accomplishment and achievement. His guitar playing is legendary and can be heard on classic tracks from Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds, to Frank Sinatra’s Strangers in the Night.

As a solo artist, Glen has recorded some of the most beloved songs of his generation including Gentle On My Mind, Galveston and Rhinestone Cowboy. 

He has been awarded five Grammy Awards and three Grammy Hall of Fame honors, seven Academy of Country Music awards, a Pioneer Award recognition, three American Music Awards, two Country Music Association Awards and three Gospel Music Association Dove Awards. 

He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005. Glen Campbell has crossed the boundary between pop and country and transcended into a true musical icon.

In 2011, Glen was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and with the help of his wife and family decided to face the illness head on. He announced publicly about his battle with Alzheimer’s and then released his album Ghost on the Canvas and began his “Goodbye Tour.” 

On Feb 12, 2012 Glen performed on the Grammy Awards, to an audience of 39 million people, and was given the distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award.

As music legend Glen Campbell enters the final stages of Alzheimer’s disease, his family is giving the world a rare glimpse inside his battle with the disease.

From the producer of 'Walk the Line'..

I'LL BE ME   

In 2011, when Glen Campbell was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, he joined forces with his family to fight the biggest battle of his life. Glen and his wife, Kim, made history by going public with the diagnosis – the first time a major American celebrity would share this experience with the world. The Campbell family then embarked on a short “Goodbye Tour,” but the three-week engagement turned into an emotional and triumphant 151-show nationwide tour de force.  

This epic human drama about the undying bond between Glen and Kim, and their unwavering caring for each other, chronicles a story of love, resilience and the power of song. 

GLEN CAMPBELL…I’LL BE ME is the true tale of how America’s greatest country star would not give up his music or his family, against all odds.

The film features those who know and love Glen, including Bruce Springsteen, Bill Clinton, The Edge, Paul McCartney, Jay Leno, Vince Gill, Jimmy Webb, Blake Shelton, Sheryl Crow, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Steve Martin, Chad Smith and Taylor Swift among many others. Rare vintage footage and extraordinary new performances of Glen’s most beloved hits immerse this moving cinematic account in the overwhelming talent of this humble family man. With joy and a tireless sense of humor, Glen and his family live each moment in the present while preparing for the future, all while playing their music to sold out venues on a star spangled voyage spanning the country from Carnegie Hall to the Hollywood Bowl.

Website: http://glencampbellmovie.com/faith/

Faith trailer link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nafCCofiwtU

Film releases OCT 24th (in phases):  http://glencampbellmovie.com/events/category/theatrical-release/

Enter below to win 5 songs featuring Glen Campbell, Ashley Campbell, and The Band Perry!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

The Case for Christ, Student Edition by Lee Strobel with Jane Vogel (Book Review)

I was late getting connected to the internet. Saying that I was behind the times is quite an understatement. I'm not saying that that's necessarily a bad thing, just...a thing. Because of my tardiness into seeing a bigger picture of the world, I was quite taken aback when I finally did get online at how many people there are who don't believe in the claims of Christ. When you're as sheltered as I was, you sort of think that the majority of people do believe in Jesus and the Bible, even if they don't claim to be Christians. I had had very little exposure to those whose views contradicted mine so completely, so I was shocked at what I read over and over again: from doubts that Jesus was really Who He said He was, to out and out venomous hatred of Him and all He represented. Though I had been sheltered, I too had had questions about many things in the Bible and about Jesus. Still do, to be honest. I believed, but was lacking in knowledge in so many areas. I wanted (and still want) to know exactly what I believe, why I believe it, and how to properly and effectively defend those beliefs. I'm still learning how to do that. Not only do I want these things for myself, but for my children. I don't want them to be blindsided like I was, so I am doing my best to equip them to defend their beliefs, and not just because their parents "said so". So, when I saw The Case for Christ, Student Edition up for a review, I was quick to request it. 

I've heard a lot about Lee Strobel but I had never read any of his books, so I was unsure what to expect. Being a student edition, this book is short, concise, and to the point, but it is quite good at laying out the arguments against Christ's claims and then refuting those arguments, one by one, with facts. It helps that when Lee Strobel was researching he was himself an atheist; he wasn't looking to prop up  a faulty faith, therefore he wasn't grasping at straws to defend beliefs that weren't defend-able.He was a skeptic. Unbiased. He was convinced and convicted by what he found, and became a believer in Christ. 

This little book is perfect for its target audience. My daughter will read it soon as part of her homeschool Bible studies. 

I'm excited about reading other books by Lee Strobel, and I highly recommend this one to adults and young people. 

More about the book:

Book Description

Based on his award-winning bestseller The Case for Christ, journalist Lee Strobel, along with Jane Vogel, presents his journey from skepticism to faith, written for students.

There's historical proof Jesus walked this earth, but was he really who he claimed to be? Or are all the stories in the Bible just that-stories? In The Case for Christ Student Edition, teens will join former investigative journalist Lee Strobel as he searches for objective answers, including those that brought him from skepticism to faith.

I received a copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for a review. 

A Curious Man by Neal Thompson (Book Review)

When I saw this book in the list of titles available for review I was intrigued by the cover and subject matter. Ripley has always fascinated me a little because, who wouldn't be fascinated by someone who saw and collected so many amazing things? Though I have always wondered if all of them were real.... 

I thought this book might be something that would be both interesting and educational for my older children, but realized while reading the description a little more thoroughly (unfortunately after I had ordered the book--totally my fault) that it wouldn't be suitable for that. 

I did try to get through the book, but found that while some of it was very informative and interesting, quite a bit of it was rather dry. It did get more interesting near the halfway point. 

I suppose that, as it is a biography on Ripley's life, some personal details should be told, but I really didn't care to know about his love life and "concubinage". All in all Ripley seemed to be a selfish, self-centered, unlike-able, unhappy man. I did feel a little sorry for him. 

This book would probably be interesting to history buffs.

Read more about the book here or here. Visit the author's page here.




"I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review."

Wherever the River Runs by Kelly Minter (Book Review & Giveaway)

The winner is: Elaine Laney! Congrats, Elaine!

Thank you all for entering! 

Refreshing. Eye-opening. Convicting. Beautiful.

Wherever the River Runs is all these things and more. Kelly Minter went on a trip to the jungles of Brazil to be of help to poor villagers along the Amazon, but was herself ministered to by these special people. The story of her travels down the Amazon River and her portrayal of a fuller life, even in poverty and extreme need, will change the way you see your own life and priorites.  I don't consider myself to be wealthy by any means, but as I read this book I realized again how truly rich I am. I also had to take a look at my list of needs; many of them aren't needs at all. They're luxuries. Somehow, I almost envied the people of whom she spoke. 

"After witnessing this close of a culture, I realized how isolating the world I live in can be: car garages that keep us from knowing our neighbor and automated checkout lines at the grocery store that circumvent yet another conversation. Headphones remove us from the person sitting in the next seat over, and a quick text to a friend that says, "Don't forget the butter," replaces the phone call that might have also included "How are you today?"

Wherever the River Runs will inspire you to look beyond the confines of your safe, comfortable world and catch a glimpse of faith in the midst of hardship and beauty in unexpected places. It will, hopefully, encourage you to participate in mission work by prayer, giving, and/or going. 

The fascinating retelling of Kelly's experiences and God-given courage in new and frightening situations makes for exciting reading!  

To enter to win a copy of Wherever the River Runs, simply leave a comment under this post or on my Facebook page here. That's it! Contest ends at 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 21st.

More about the book:

Wherever the River Runs by Kelly Minter "how a forgotten people renewed my hope in the gospel"

About the book:

In Wherever the River Runs, Kelly Minter invites us on a journey down a river teeming with piranhas and caimans, as well as machete-wielding mothers, heroic jungle pastors, faith-filled children, and miracles too seldom experienced in our part of the world. Kelly's honest and engaging narrative pulls back the curtain on one of the most captivating places on earth as well as on parts of the gospel we may be able to recite but have never fully believed.

On this beautiful adventure through the jungles of Brazil and the tangles of the soul, Kelly rediscovers Jesus among a forgotten people living well beyond the corners of her previously defined faith--a people who draw her back to their country, their pain, and their hope in Him, again and again.

"Kelly Minter writes the way a portrait artist paints." -- Beth Moore, Living Proof Ministries

"The best thing I can say about Wherever the River Runs is that I closed the last page, bowed my head, and said, 'God, send me too.' Thank you, Kelly, for your courage, leadership, and faithfulness." -- Jen Hatmaker (speaker, blogger, and author of 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess)

Check out the trailer for the book here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGb4r7lrEno&list=UU4vF_MunQDVGg-P497Bj6nA

Visit Kelly's website here: www.kellyminter.com

Persecuted, by Robin Parrish (Book Review and Giveaway)

The winner is: Lisa Boyle! Congrats, Lisa!

Thanks to everyone who entered!

Words are easy. It doesn't take a whole lot of guts to say, "I believe the Bible, and I stand by Truth it contains." But what if you are threatened? What if you know you could lose everything, even your life, if you don't back down, water down, or step down? What if you are promised fame and money if you compromise? Would you falter then? Sometimes greed is stronger even than fear. 

These are the choices John Luther must make in this exciting, political thriller. As a well known evangelist, he is in the position to help along--or hinder--a bill that sounds nicely tolerant but is in fact a death knell to religious freedom. His decision, and the events that unfold as a result, will open your eyes to what might actually be going on in some political and religious circles. 

This book wasn't what I expected, but it was definitely a page turner. At first I was skeptical of the plot. I mean, really? Could something like this happen for real? But the more I read, the more convinced I was that yes, it probably could, and maybe it is. Because there are some who will stop at nothing to silence the voice of truth, and "tolerance" is a great way to accomplish that goal.

Near the beginning of the book I was uncomfortable with the manner in which a certain event was described and, for that reason my teen will not be reading it for awhile. Otherwise, there was nothing objectionable. 

The movie Persecuted is in theaters now, I believe. It is rated PG-13 and because of the incident I mentioned I wouldn't recommend it for minors. I have not seen the movie, but I have watched a trailer for it. 

For an exciting read that will give you plenty to ponder, I recommend this book. 

One of my readers will win a copy of the book, Persecuted! 

To enter, simply comment below. That's all! :) Oh, and please share, share, share! 

The giveaway ends Monday, Aug. 4th, and the winner will be announced by 9 p.m.

More about Persecuted:

Buzz about the film:

 "Bringing the battle of FREE SPEECH to light." FoxNews"House of Cards for the religious sect." - POLITICO"A big thumbs-up." - American Family AssociationAbout The Book:The Question Is Not IF Attempts Will Be Made to Limit Religious Freedoms, But WhenThe most popular evangelist of his day, John Luther, simply wants to share the Gospel and enjoy a quiet life with his family. He never asked to be at the center of a political controversy, but an ill wind has been blowing through the halls of Congress, and supporters of a new religious-equality bill see Luther's endorsement as critical. But when Luther refuses to lend his support, he unknowingly sets in motion an explosive plan bent on destroying his reputation and undermining everything for which he stands. His once-normal life is turned upside down as he becomes a fugitive left with only one dangerous option--putting everything he holds most dear at risk while he fights to expose the truth. It is a mission that brings him face-to-face with the coming storm of persecution that could threaten the very fabric of our nation's freedoms.About The Author:Robin Parrish is a journalist who's written about the intersection of faith and pop culture for more than a decade. He's also the author of Offworld and The Dominion Trilogy . Robin and his wife and children live in North Carolina. Visit Robin's website...www.robinparrish.com

Be sure to check out PERSECUTED the movie at a theatre near you, July 18th!

Visit the official movie website: http://www.persecutedmovie.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/persecutedmovie

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Behind the Wall by Robert Elmer (book review)

From Brianna, teen reviewer: 

"Life Behind the Wall, a collection of three books: Candy Bomber, Beetle Bunker, and Smuggler’s Treasure, by Robert Elmer, is a very interesting story about the Berlin wall and the people separated by it. The book begins with a boy in 1988 hiding in an old C-54 and seeing a name carved into the bottom of a  wooden seat. The author then takes you back forty years earlier to 1948 in Berlin, Germany to tell the story of the name carved into the wooden seat and brings you through the three books back to the present and weaves the stories together. 

I really enjoyed this book and learned about an important event in history. I love how even though the main characters were different in each book, he brought all of it together into one very interesting story. I do think it is more for kids 11-13 or somewhere around there, but I enjoyed it so it isn’t totally boring for kids older than 13. 

The author teaches about this historical event in an interesting way.

It did get a little confusing sometimes just trying to figure out how it went together, but wasn’t very confusing overall." 

My 12-year-old daughter enjoyed the book as well. I love that they enjoyed learning some history while reading these books! We definitely recommend them. ~Jessica

Book Description

Marking the 55th anniversary of the creation of the Berlin Wall, this epic tale extends across generations and unfolds against the backdrop of a dangerous Cold War Berlin. This historically accurate, action-packed, 3-books-in-one features teens and their family's struggle living in the shadow of the Berlin Wall, from its creation after WWII, to life behind the wall during the Cold War, to the Wall's ultimate and final destruction.

Both educational and exciting, Life Behind the Wall is a great choice for middle readers at home or school.

Buy the book on Amazon here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Signed, Sealed, Delivered (review)

I was privileged to review an episode from a new series called Signed, Sealed, Delivered. The series airs on Hallmark and is, as I discovered for myself, a warm, funny, wholesome show! I was impressed by this episode. Shows like this are hard to find these days! Biblical undertones were present as well, and that was incredibly refreshing. I was also impressed that they used actors with special needs. This episode was beautifully done and I found myself pretty choked up by the end.

The only thing I saw that was a little objectionable was a scene in which an actress wears very tight clothing. Everything else was fine.

My family hasn't seen it yet, and I'm anxious to watch it with them! I hope to catch more episodes.

Watch it!

You can read more info, including air times, below:

Signed, Sealed, Delivered 

The new original series "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" is a wonderful combination of romance, comedy and drama that follows the lives of four postal detectives who transform themselves into a team of detectives to track down intended recipients of undeliverable mail. Their missions take them out of the office where redirected letters and packages can save lives, solve crimes, reunite old loves and change futures by arriving late but somehow always on time. The team includes charming Oliver O’Toole (Eric Mabius), the group's leader is a man of faith who prayerfully approaches his work with the goal of making a difference in people's lives; new team member, Shane McInerney (Kristin Booth), a technophile who brings 21st century sensibility to the group; free-spirited, “girl next door” Rita Haywith (Crystal Lowe) who has a photographic memory; and lovable Norman Dorman (Geoff Gustafson), a master in conventional research methods.

The show aires SUNDAYS, 8/7c on Hallmark

This incredible series even incorporates scripture in its themes and in the conversations between characters.  In FACT, The American Bible Society has built a bible study to go with the series, 

Sign up for that here: http://www.americanbible.org/features/signed-sealed-delivered

Isn't that great? A seven-day Bible reading experience to dig deeper into the meaningful biblical themes revealed in each episode of Signed, Sealed, Delivered.

Website: http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/signedsealeddelivered

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/signedsealeddeliveredtv?ref=br_tf

Facebook for creator Martha Williamson: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Martha-Williamson/609169295802010