Fearless Fighter

“Injustice For All” Book Review by Bradley Evans

2012-01-29T16:13:00.002-05:00

Premise:
A federal judge is bleeding on his office floor, betrayed by a most unlikely source—people who helped him bring criminals to justice. Now, why would someone working for the FBI need to disappear after witnessing this crime?

When Remington Wyatt sees her godfather’s murder, she recognizes the killers and knows it’s only a matter of time before they come to silence her. She must do the only thing possible to stay alive . . . run.

FBI agent Rafe Baxter is serious about his career, and solving a cold case involving a federal judge’s death puts him in line for the promotion he so desires. But the case leads him to the small town of Hopewell, Louisiana, where some secrets seem inextricably hidden deep within the bayou.

Injustice for All explores what happens when everything a person believes in is utterly destroyed. Who can you trust?

Review:
In this story, Injustice for All, the lead character Remington Wyatt has a life altering moment after the death of her godfather which leads to her choice of witness protection to save her life. A federal judge, Daniel Tate, is shot dead as this book begins. He was the godfather of Remington after the death of her parents. As he is dying in his mansion, Daniel tells Remington to take everything out of his safe and protect it with her life.

Several years later, the events of that day are beginning to resurface themselves as a cold case which the FBI is reexamining. This reopening occurred when FBI agent Rafe Baxter decides to transfer from one bureau office to another in hope to bring the fire back into his career. As the premise states above, the case leads him to Louisiana.

Remington Wyatt who changed her name to Bella Miller years before, is now coming under attack. The new identity in a new town starts to unravel the loyalty and friendship she created with Police Commissioner Hayden Simpson and the people of Hopewell.

Robin Caroll has yet again written a fast paced quick page turning novel that is full of fear, faith and forgiveness. It is a great suspense novel in a territory that Robin knows so well. If you are considering being a first time reader of Caroll’s work, then you can do no wrong in choosing Injustice for All. It is the beginning of a new series and if you are like me, it only wets your appetite to want to read more of her work. I give this book a 4 ½ out of 5 stars.
Be blessed!

Bradley Evans

The Last Operative Book Review by Bradley Evans

2011-10-06T12:08:00.002-04:00

Premise:

Jordan Kirkwood wants to go quietly into the sunset. His career as an NSA intelligence officer has taken a significant toll. His two adult children are little more than distant acquaintances. His wife has been patient and supportive, but he knows she has deserved better. That was part of the reason they were going to London. He wanted her to see Europe like a tourist. But that was before he was given intelligence information during the recent mission to Germany. The threat is grave—bigger than 9/11. And the risk is compounded by the fact that someone inside the NSA is involved. The most hidden place in Kirkwood’s past will have to be unmasked in order to meet the challenges of this mission.

Review:

The Last Operative by Jerry B. Jenkins is a fast paced thrill ride dealing with a last of his kind NSA agent Jordan Kirkwood. His fight is to keep everyone around him safe as well as a whole nation. Unfortunately as the story begins, Jordan was in a disguise at an airport in Germany when a gunman shoots and kills several people at an arrival gate. One of the people killed was his wife Rosemary. After this event, Jordan starts out wanting to officially retire from the NSA but ultimately changes his mind when he realizes that he needs to solve his wife’s murder and find a potential killer wanting to finish the job to kill him also. As the story continues to unfold, Jordan discovers that he is unsure of who his real friends and enemies are.

If you like to read book versions of NCIS or CSI TV series or Jason Bourne thrillers, then this is a must read book. The Last Operative is full of twists and turns with international flavor giving this reader guessing several times to figure out whom the bad guys are and who the friendly agents are for Jordan Kirkwood.

I give this book a 4 ½ out of 5 stars. I hope that you will consider reading this book in the future.

Be blessed!

Bradley

The Jihad’s Messiah Book Review by Bradley Evans

2011-08-26T21:38:00.003-04:00

Premise:

In a future when world power has shifted to the Middle East, and the Arab nations have signed a seven-year peace treaty with Israel, a radical Iraqi leader — known as Al-Mahdi, “the Awaited One”— rises to power promising to convert the world to Islam.

Major General Farid Zadeh is Al-Mahdi’s most loyal follower and the next in line to become the Full Army General of Iraq—until he is falsely accused of being an Israeli spy. Determined to vindicate himself, Farid flies to Jerusalem to spy on the Israeli military. Before he can return home with the intelligence, the peace treaty is broken and war breaks out between the Arabs and Israel.

Now he must run for his life, as both armies consider him their enemy and want him dead. Help — and perhaps redemption — comes from unlikely sources: a stunning Jewish woman and a Christian prisoner. When his faith and loyalties are tested, Farid must decide which side to take…. His decision could alter the course of Man’s final war.

Review:

What can be said about The Jihad’s Messiah besides the Premise above? It is labeled as a Christian fiction book talking about the End of the World issues. It is set about 13 years into the future and is also controversial. How is that for enticement to get you wanting to read this book?

Alright, then how about these points for consideration…. The Jihad’s Messiah is exciting to read. It is filled with the author’s opinion on the Qur'an and Islam and the Anti Christ rising from its religion’s ashes. It is a story from first person accounts of Major General Farid Zadeh, a very devout Muslim, and his fall from grace to realization of how life is outside of his own bubble.

Nick Daniels, author of The Jihad’s Messiah and published by Risen Books, has written a thought provoking, edge of your seat thriller that could be compared to Joel Rosenberg’s End of the World trilogy dealing with similar subject matter. He talks about events as if they were in the past and why things are always as they seem including a new look at people from an unfiltered Islamic structure.

What makes it a Christian novel? The events in the story are mostly laid out in the Holy Bible dealing with end of time sequences and the “Rapture” of all those believing in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Further, it shows how Christians differ from Islam and might interest you or anger you depending where you fall in the two spectrums.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. I challenge those that love Christian fiction or who are Christians to give The Jihad’s Messiah a read and see if your curiosity was worth a glimpse as it was for me.

Be blessed!

Bradley Evans

Fear No Evil book review by Bradley Evans

2011-08-26T21:26:00.003-04:00

Premise:

With his father in a nursing home and his mother needing support, former Great Smoky Mountains park ranger Lincoln Vailes moves to the bayou town of Eternal Springs, Louisiana, to become a police officer. Recent college graduate and eager social worker Jade Laurent has also moved there to try and right the wrongs of an abusive past. But someone is running her car off the road and pointing guns in her direction. As Lincoln investigates her case, he uncovers ties to big-city gang warfare up north that appears to be making its evil way down south.

Review:

When I decided to start reviewing again for 2011, I had 3 stacks of books to choose from that day. At the top of the second stack was this book Fear No Evil by Robin Caroll. My first foray several months ago was her first book in a trilogy called Deliver Us From Evil. It was a very exciting read. I never had heard of the Bayou series that she wrote a few years prior and so I read it with a blank slate. The main characters in that book were Brannon Callahan, Roark Holland and Lincoln Vailes(partner of Brannon’s with U.S. Park Service) set in the Great Smokey Mountains.

In Fear No Evil, book two in the trilogy, the story shifts from the Smokey Mountains back to more familiar grounds of Louisiana where Mrs. Caroll is from actually. Just like with the first book, I wanted to be green and open minded to escape in the story and see if she can teach me something new and investigative. I knew very little about child trafficking issues and how bad it was in this country until I read Deliver Us From Evil.

Fear No Evil's subject matters are gang issues and the struggles both in and out of prison which Caroll brilliantly portrays. The main characters are Lincoln Vailes and Jade Laurent.

Lincoln Vailes has gone from being a Park Ranger to being a police officer in Louisiana. His first job as a newly constituted lawman was moving to Louisiana at the most crazy time of year. It was hurricane season. While escaping a direct hit by one, the damage and flooding was just as severe.

Jade Laurent, social worker for Child Protective service, is a recent college graduate that seems to try and help everyone in the small town of Eternal Springs, Louisiana. In addition to helping women and the local shelter, she befriends Lincoln’s parents at the hospital she frequents with her job. His father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and she seems to help him and his mother cope better.

One thing that was hard for Jade was fixing her own problems. Her mother died when she was young and unable to leave her past in the past. The strengths of Lincoln helps Jade’s weaknesses and vice versa for Jade. As this reader found out Lincoln, Jade and the supporting cast make Fear No Evil for a fun quick ride of words.

If you like romantic suspense thrillers, then Robin Caroll is a good author to choose. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Be blessed!

Bradley

Standing Firm Movie Review by Bradley Evans

2010-09-30T02:56:00.004-04:00

Premise:

David, a widower, is working himself to death. Late nights doing paperwork and running on fumes is normal. Bills are piling up by the week and foreclosure looms on the horizon. Blaming God for his wife's death, he ends his relationship with the church.

Steven, the remaining Christian of the household, has been watching his father’s unhealthy lifestyle with great concern. With help from his grandpa and best friend Maggie, Steven reaches out to his father in any way he can.

Despite his grieving and worsening financial problems, David begins seeking an answer to the question haunting him since his wife's death...WHY?

STANDING FIRM is a story of suffering, God's purpose in it, and being joyful despite it.

Review:

After viewing the trailer of Standing Firm on Facebook, I was intrigued about the story behind this movie. In my investigations, I determined this project is the first independent one ever from Kyle Prohaska. Not only is it an independent film…. It is an independent Christian film. I must confess that I love watching independent movies most of the time and always hope that Christian documentaries and feature films are interesting and not over done. What is over done? Being to preachy, showing you’re desperate to finish the story, script or how the directing can look and sound bad. Independent companies and directors have low budgets for their film but can still look great like typical big motion pictures. Some examples of low budget Christian films that looked great and have a good story are Flywheel, The Perfect Stranger, The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry and Dangerous Calling.

Standing Firm is the story about being lost and the hopes of getting found by someone or something. I was stunned that a first film endeavor by a director was a feature film. A feature film is anything over one hour which is amazing. Most first time directors are lucky to get a good 20 to 30 minutes documentary movie to look great. This was great for the whole 81 minutes.

As I watched Mr. Prohaska’s work unfold on the screen, I was impressed by his attention to detail and development with his characters and a matured innocence with the camera. The script that he also co-wrote with Kevin Michael was captivating and believable. Rob Reisman (David Corwin) was excellent and heart wrenching to witness on screen. For someone with no acting experience before, Mr. Reisman looked like a semi-professional to me. I hope that I see him acting again in the future.

When David and his son Steven are dealt with a catastrophic blow to their family and way of life, the unfolding story shows what God can do in loss of identity and love through death. The power of prayer, hope, faith, love and willingness to live and move on made Standing Firm a movie library buy for me. The moving and believable examples of Christianity and God shown I hope will cause others to buy and watch it over and over for years to come. It is truly a death to grave and rebirth from ashes to beauty with God’s guidance.

I don’t know what Mr. Prohaska’s future holds for him but I hope he does a feature film again when God allows because I see great potential for him. I hope his name will be mentioned one day as a great director with the likes of Rich Christiano, Alex Kendrick, Dallas Jenkins and producer Ralph Winter to name a few. They also make excellent Christian films.

I give this movie 5 out of 5 stars.

Be blessed!

Bradley

My Movie Review of Secrets of the Mountain

2010-08-04T01:00:00.005-04:00

Synopsis:
Somewhere between the demands of her career, her ex's wedding and her kids' busy schedules, Dana James (Paige Turco, The Agency) is noticing her tight-knit family starting to unravel. An unexpected offer to purchase her family's mountain property sets up a weekend road trip, which she hopes will bring her family back together. When they arrive, they quickly learn that the mountain is much more than it seems. An ancient secret and a treacherous quest will test the family like never before. It's an edge-of-the seat thriller that reminds us that when times are tough, families don't run away from problems - they run back to each other.

Review:

Recently, I picked up a copy of the movie Secrets of the Mountain at my local Wal-Mart because I was looking for a good wholesome family movie to watch. After purchasing it, I realized that it had been on NBC several months prior. Normally when I look for movies, I check to see if they had been made for TV. Besides the Hallmark movies, I typically do not watch those types. Usually, the scripts or the acting are bad or uninteresting. When I was a boy, NBC movies on Sunday were great and I hope after seeing this one that more like it are on the horizon.

The story of an overworked and rarely playful mom dealing with the remarriage of her ex-husband has been overdone in the past. However, the twist of the family land for sale and adventure to find the secrets under the mountain was attention getting. There are not many made for TV movies just for families these days, so I was hopeful this was a good one.

Secrets of the Mountain is the movie about Dana James, an overworked attorney, who has been abruptly called away from work to pick up her kids from her ex-husband’s wedding reception. She has also been offered a deal to purchase her family’s land, previously owned by her Uncle Henry before his untimely death. Uncle Henry Beecham, played by Barry Bostwick (TV’s Spin City, Rocky Horror Picture Show), was an adventurer finding treasures like the Indiana Joneses all around the world.
After arriving home from getting her kids, Dana is called to meet the realtor quickly to finalize the land’s sale. Her children are forced to join her for a week to see the lodge and the mountain one last time before it’s sold. Dana has three children. They are twins Jade Ann and Jake and younger Maddie. Jade Ann (Adelaide Kane) is the oldest daughter who dresses in gothic attire and has anger issues with feelings of abandonment. Jake (Crawford Wilson) is the only son of Dana and a basketball jock with no sense of adventure. However, the youngest daughter Maddie (Kayla Carlson) is very smart, ambitious and adventurous just like her mother.

As the story winds down, dealing with the villain of Dana’s past who killed her uncle and almost her, gave this feeling like Disney’s movie Escape from Witch Mountain had which I liked. As Dana and her kids find themselves working together as a team while hurrying to find the secrets of the mountain, a new bond and love is found that had been buried like those treasures so long ago. While no extraterrestrial powers were used like Escape from Witch Mountain, the teamwork, willpower and determination to protect the family and the mountain was all that was needed. Secrets of the Mountain feels like a great beginning for a Sunday movie of the week like back in the old days on NBC. I really came away with a smile on my face and that family movie night just might be back. I hope you feel that this is a great movie for your family in your home. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Be blessed!

Bradley

http://familymoments.walmart.com/secrets-of-the-mountain/about

The Lost and Found Family Movie Review

2010-07-30T01:27:00.003-04:00

Premise:

When her husband dies, Mrs. Ester Hobbes learns that his wealth was just an illusion. Her only real inheritance is a run-down Southern home occupied by a foster family. Slowly, Mrs. Hobbes finds herself making unexpected connections with rebellious teen Justin and the rest of the unwanted kids. Five guarded and confused foster children, two loving but weary foster parents and one grieving former socialite find themselves in an unwanted place. Put them all under one dilapidated roof and you get eight unique individuals in a house. Or maybe, just maybe, it becomes the family they've all been longing for. The Lost & Found Family is a touching story of hardship, change, and the faith that God can make things better, no matter how difficult the situation appears in our eyes.

Review:

What do you get when veteran actors meet new unknown actors in a movie? It is The Lost and Found Family. It has veteran actress Ellen Bry (TV’s St. Elsewhere, Mission Impossible III) leading a cast that tells the story of fear, loss, anger and redemption. Lucas Till (Hannah Montana) is the other actor of notoriety in this movie. He plays rebellious teen Justin who feels he has to be tough and distant with his emotions and behavior. He has bounced from one foster home to another over the years and believes he has developed a thick skin. When Mrs. Hobbes, a recent orphaned woman, shows up with cheer and hope, there seems to be a new identity and trust forming as the story unfolds. Teri (Jessica Luza) is a lost, sad girl trying to be understood and fit in as an older teen in the home of Tony (Jeff Portell, We Are Marshall and Broken Bridges) and Ramona (Lynn Cole). Teri struggles with peer pressure at school and the prospects of moving again with Mrs. Hobbes showing up.
I give this movie a 5 out of 5 stars. It is great for the whole family. Its lessons of trust, hope, faith and love are comforting and endearing to watch. I hope that when you are looking for a movie to watch with your family or just yourself, you will consider The Lost and Found Family.

Be blessed!

Bradley

My Book Review of “Rooms” by James Rubart

2010-06-20T23:33:00.003-04:00

Preface:

On a rainy spring day in Seattle, young software tycoon Micah Taylor receives a cryptic, twenty-five-year-old letter from a great uncle he never knew. It claims a home awaits him on the Oregon coast that will turn his world inside out. Suspecting a prank, Micah arrives at Cannon Beach to discover a stunning brand new nine-thousand square foot house. After meeting Sarah Sabin at a nearby ice cream shop, he has two reasons to visit the beach every weekend. When bizarre things start happening in the rooms of the home, Micah suspects they have some connection to his enigmatic new friend, Rick, the town mechanic. But, Rick will only say the house is spiritual. This unnerves Micah because his faith slipped away like the tide years ago and he wants to keep it that way. As he slowly discovers, the home isn’t just spiritual, it’s a physical manifestation of his soul which God uses to heal Micah’s darkest wounds and lead him into an astonishing new destiny.

Review:

This story deals with the unexpected gift of a house from a man that you’ve never met before. It is an intriguing premise by James Rubart. Rooms is a mysterious, slowly unfolding novel dealing with Micah Taylor, a 30 something software tycoon billionaire. With one surprise twist after another, the revelations learned can be applied to all. Imagine living a life needing nothing because you have money to get whatever you want except for the one thing that is not for sale. It is a house with many rooms that magically appear with instructions to help you understand what is transpiring about you and this gift. Then, it becomes clear at some point that this new house seems to be alive and not only hears your thoughts but makes each room perfect for you. Is God behind this?
With parts of “The Shack” and “Screwtape Letters” intrigue, Rooms has a great message that can be learned each time you read it. I believe it is a great lesson about choices and how important they are in making a great life on Earth. Do you believe in God? If you do, then what is more important? Being in God’s army or the world’s? Rooms deals with importance in life, family, money, power and love. We all know life is not simple and neither is this book. I believe it has potential to be a Christian classic like C. S. Lewis works or “Hinds Feet On High Places” by Hannah Hurnard.
I give this book a 4 ½ out of 5 stars. I hope you will read it and feel as reflective and touched as I did while reading it.

Be blessed!

Brad

“Live Fast Die Young” Movie Review

2010-05-13T11:55:00.000-04:00

Premise:

At an exclusive Hollywood party on Christmas Eve, an A-list star dies of an apparent overdose. A detective holds a protesting core group of Hollywood insiders for questioning. The group, consisting of an A-list director, a top agent, a movie star, a media mogul, a writer, a wannabe actress, a studio head, and others, begins a deep and profound discussion on the meaning of life, including the existence of God.

Review:

A few weeks ago, I was looking for a new Christian movie at my local Family Christian Bookstore. I have not bought a Christian movie in a while. As I decide for something, I try to find stories that stand out with interesting plots or great market catches. For this movie, I saw on the cover, # 1 Christian movie in theaters after “Fireproof.” This was interesting because I never saw a trailer for it before and it was not on at the local theaters. I should know, because I really look for Christian movies and see them in the theater if I can. Also on the DVD, I read it was from the director of “The Genius Club” and felt that was a good movie.

As I started to watch this movie, I felt uncomfortable during the first 25 minutes. It started slow, predictable and rather cheesy. The story dealt with too many minor details working up to the pivotal moment at an exclusive Hollywood party one night. This is not what I want to see at the theater much less on DVD. Was writer/director Tim Chey letting me down? Why he decided to start the movie or for that matter write the script so cheesy knowing he has done better work was disappointing. At the 26th minute, the film seemed to begin. There was maturity in the writing and the storytelling both visually and through the acting. The movie is about trying to be successful, famous and acknowledged in the Hollywood circles.

The story has the proverbial director, producer, famous celebrity, wannabe celebrities, writers, agents, etc… While no one should be shocked at how the director, producer, and media mogul act arrogantly, I do like how we get to see behind their masks as well as the masks of other characters in the movie. This opportunity is provided when the exclusive Hollywood party’s pivotal moments occur. A new A-list actress starring in her first feature film dies of an apparent overdose of drugs. The detective in charge of this case decides that he needs to hold everyone at the party for questioning for 6 hours.

As the night unfolds while everyone is questioned, the masks that each of the characters have are removed one at a time showing their raw emotions. Many issues such as suicide, abuse, fear, pride, and the seven deadly sins are discussed. One subject discussed the most however is Jesus Christ.

A likeable actor among the group discusses his recent conversion to Christianity and how that one decision has made his future better forever. Live Fast Die Young is a funny, heartwarming movie that provides hope, faith and facing the undeniable truth in full High Definition.

This is not the # 1 Christian movie after “Fireproof” in my opinion but, it is in the top 5 and Why? God is discussed and this is rare in Christian movies. I like how the discussions and questions raised give not only the characters on the screen something to learn and take away but for the viewers as well. I give this movie 4 out of 5 stars.

Be blessed!

Brad

My Book Review of “The Leisure Seeker” by Michael Zadoorian

2010-05-13T00:59:00.002-04:00

Premise :

John and Ella Robina have shared a wonderful life for more than fifty years. Now in their eighties, Ella suffers from Cancer and has chosen to stop treatment. John has Alzheimer's. Yearning for one last adventure, the self-proclaimed "down-on-their-luck geezers" kidnap themselves from their adult children and doctors who seem to run their lives. They steal away from their home in suburban Detroit for a forbidden vacation of rediscovery.

With Ella as his vigilant copilot, John steers their '78 Leisure Seeker RV along the forgotten roads of Route 66 toward Disneyland in search of a past they're having a hard time remembering. Ella is determined to prove that when it comes to life, a person can go back for seconds while sneaking a little extra time and grabbing a small portion more, even when everyone says you can't.

Darkly observant, told with humor, affection, and a touch of irony, The Leisure Seeker is an odyssey through the ghost towns, deserted trailer parks, forgotten tourist attractions, giant roadside icons, and crumbling back roads of America. Ultimately it is the story of Ella and John, the people they encounter, the problems they overcome, the experiences they have lived, the love they share and their courage to take back the end of their own lives.

Review:

When you were growing up, did you and your family go on vacation across the country? My family did in a car. It was a great time for the most part. I felt free and happy while doing it on the open road. If I had been old enough, I would probably have thought of it as an escape from the everyday routines and mundane, unpleasant realities of life. As I decided to read this book, I wanted to read a story filled with adventure, funny stories and dealing with tough subject matter that was not too depressing. With the premise above, I felt “The Leisure Seeker” was a first person account of adventure filled with a lot of comedy, a little sadness and just the right amount of realism. Michael Zadoorian tells an amazing story told from Ella Robina’s point of view. You felt like you were riding along with them in their Leisure Seeker RV experiencing what they were doing at every turn. This story is “Fried Green Tomatoes meets “Driving Miss Daisy” meets “The Notebook” all rolled into one story.

I believe that if you are looking for a raw honest assessment of life through the mind of an elderly woman you will enjoy this book. Ella curses sporadically throughout their adventures. She uses G. D. the most often. If you are looking for a Christian story with no salty language this is not the one for you. But if you do, I believe you are missing out on an unforgettable story and quite possibly a life changing one because of how it looks at a Cancer victim and her prince with Alzheimer’s.

While I did not like the predictable ending and the unnecessary cursing, I believe this is a great adventure story filled with truths learned when dealing with elderly parents who escape to live and breathe. I can understand this story from the older children’s prospective also because I have had several family members who also had Alzheimer’s. I also have felt the fear and smothering effects of Cancer told by friends and family who have now died or still are survivors of a powerful disease.
I am glad that I read The Leisure Seeker and give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Be blessed!

Brad

Book Review of Try Dying by James Scott Bell

2010-04-20T22:24:00.002-04:00

Premise: Ty Buchanan is a rising star on track to be a partner in his L.A. law firm, until the suspicious death of his fiancée, Jacqueline Dwyer, forces him into the underbelly of the city to discover the truth behind her death. He soon has more than his career on the line, as he finds himself tangled up with a mysterious group of former gang members and becomes the target of a killer.

Review: In this fast paced thriller, Try Dying, lawyer Ty Buchanan is faced with the grim reality that his life is forever changed on a wet Tuesday morning in December when a man, Ernesto Bonilla, decides to end his life and his wife’s as well in a murder suicide. The problem with Ernesto’s suicide was that it happened on an overpass of a busy road in Los Angeles. He pulled the trigger causing his fall onto Jacqueline Dwyer’s car as she drove to work that morning.

The chain of events for Ty Buchanan flies quickly from grief to trying to find the killer of his fiancée, all while trying one of the biggest cases of his career. While I read this book, I was rooting for Ty Buchanan. James Scott Bell is a definite master of his craft. His mixture of humor, suspense and mental pictures is a great combination.

The only thing that I can compare this book to is a show that was cancelled a few years ago called Eli Stone. The only difference between Ty Buchanan and Eli Stone is Eli had a brain tumor. Ty Buchanan just mentally snaps while trying to prepare for a major trial against big bully lawyer, Barton Walbert. While Ty is also dealing with investigating the death of his fiancée, he is assaulted physically several times. I ask… Wouldn’t YOU snap too while being bullied and tired of basically being told what to do from the gang thugs, his boss and Barton Walbert? I believe this book is a fun adventure and suspenseful pleasure to read. I give Try Dying a 4 ½ out of 5 stars.

Be blessed!

Brad

What to Do

2010-04-01T18:50:00.002-04:00

April 1st... Beginning of a new month. Spring is finally here and the pollen has me sneezing. I have decided to right one blog a month where I free think it and not edit that much. Now, I have only one problem. Do I want to write what I want to write or the ideas of followers of this blog? I want to hear what you think. Do you want to give me ideas or me to randomly pick an idea that week and write what I want? If you want to pick then reply to this blog with I pick followed by your topic idea.

For today only until I get at least one response, I will talk about What to do.

What to do... Where is the clue?
Is it under a rock or in my sock?
Probably not oh what to do...

Gone is yesterday and today almost
But tomorrow is coming guess I can coast

What to do??? What to do?
Could play Disc Golf again today
Nope because I am too sore anyway
Reading is all I do like I have crawled in a shoe
What to do? What to do?

If you've got a clue to this poem
I don't mind what your shown
OK this is not very good
Can't do anything and wish I could

Be blessed!

Brad

Book Review of Between Two Kingdoms by Joe Boyd

2010-04-01T18:45:00.002-04:00

Premise:

In this work of allegorical fantasy, author Joe Boyd takes us on a pilgrimage to a land of two kingdoms, but with only one true King. An ancient land, where children never grow old, is the first setting as a living land called the Upper Kingdom. Here foundations grow in trees and rivers sing and breathe. The second setting is a dying land, where the darkness of a false prince threatens to swallow everything in its shadow, called the Lower Kingdom.

Enter the adventure with Tommy, a child of the Great King, as he and his friends accept the challenge to live as grown men and women in the Lower Kingdom. Here hope is hidden, vision is clouded, and pride twists truth into a beautiful yet deadly deception.

Review:

Between Two Kingdoms is a fantasy book with use able data for our daily lives. This is the first thought I had while reading these stories filled with verbal imagery. What I found was so much more. There was one surprise after another as I read each and every chapter. I saw me in those pages. I saw you in those pages. Joe Boyd has a great imagination and grasp on all things not of this world and of this world. The way he describes constant distractions that keeps our lives from being 100% happy and free is one extreme. All the ideas I realized I have on Heaven and the way the church should be are revealed as another.

The Lower Kingdom in this book is filled with filth, doubt, pain, tears, fear and so much more. It is what we may already know about Earth and things we wish we could forget. On the other hand, the Upper Kingdom with the King on the throne and the Prince by his side are glimpses of Heaven for me.

Do you like to read stories that stand alone as individual pieces or be a part of one giant story or puzzle? Do you like C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien fantasy books like The Chronicles of Narnia or The Lord of the Rings? Have you read The Shack by William P. Young? If you have, then this book fits right in with those stories and descriptions of who, what and where God is and Jesus his son. If you have not, I hope that you will read them all in the future. You don’t have time to read them all? Ok, then read this one first because it is the shortest and then work your way to one of the others. I believe you will love this story and place it on your shelf for many to read. It will be a classic in the future just like all of C. S. Lewis’ works. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Be blessed!

Brad

Forsaken by James David Jordan Book Review

2010-03-17T02:11:00.002-04:00

Have you ever started reading a book and realized at some point, usually about half way, that it is a sequel or Book 2 of an author’s series? Does it make you feel empty or feel like you are missing something? When I read Double Cross by James David Jordan a few months ago, I realized pretty quick that this was a continuation story in a series. I didn’t know at the time as to how many in the series there were. This did not matter when I finished it because I loved the story and the interplay with the characters of Kacey Mason, daughter of Evangelist Simon Mason, and the main character of Taylor Pasbury.

After I finished the story, I searched for previous works by Mr. Jordan and wanted to see how the back-story unfolded. To my delight, I discovered Forsaken was the only other book in this series when I went to get it from my local library. ** Side note: You would be amazed at how many Christian fiction books you can find at your local library that you can check out for free. **

As I started reading this book, I was filled with excitement to discover Taylor Pasbury’s adventures dealing with Evangelist Simon Mason. Simon, in Forsaken, had to face a faith defining moment after the kidnapping of his 20 year old daughter Kacey. He called on Taylor, a former Secret Service agent, for help after receiving death threats while in Chicago.

The past history Taylor Pasbury had with her Dad becomes more in focus as she deals with Kacey’s kidnapping and ultimately her own emotions developing for Simon Mason until the end.

I believe that James David Jordan is now added to my list of favorite male authors. I am glad that Christian fiction is gaining more men that many can turn to and feel good about reading. I hope that as you look for your next suspense book; give James David Jordan a try. I give this book Forsaken a 5 out of 5 stars. It kept me wanting to come back for more.

Be blessed!

Brad

Burn by Ted Dekker and Erin Healy -- Book Review

2010-02-23T17:21:00.004-05:00

Premise:

Janeal Mikkado has long felt trapped in her father’s Gypsy culture. One night a powerful man named Salazar Sanso promises her the life she longs for if, she will help recover a vast sum of money tied to her father just to save his life.

When the plan implodes, Sanso and his men attack the gypsy settlement and burn it to the ground. During the blaze, Janeal is faced with staggering choices. The impact of the attack at that moment would change her life forever.

Review: Coming off reading the best seller Kiss by this dynamic duo of Christian fiction writing a few months ago, Dekker and Healy have shown they are a great team again bouncing ideas together & making yet another best seller in Burn.

When I first started reading this book, I was hoping for an even better version of Kiss with all the supernatural powers or borderline God level powers in a human form. When you deal with stealing memories with a kiss in the last one, where can you go? How crazy was I for asking that question? Of course, I knew they were capable of using another of the major senses we deal with everyday all twisted up in a crazed thriller over a 15 year time-line.

This high octane rocket of a story dealing with Janeal Mikkado and her father Jason Mikkado, who runs a gypsy carnival of thrillers troop, was an interesting starting point. Another great starter was showing the villain right out of the box in drug dealer Salazar Sanso who is a man that always gets what he wants. There was no exception by seducing and duping Janeal to believe that her father was in danger and the DEA was going to hurt him too if the money was not found. One million dollars missing is a big deal. How about the idea of that million to be counterfeit? The power struggle to protect one’s self from prison because it is counterfeit can make a man desperate. Mr. Sanso would do just about anything. This includes burning down a whole camp filled with gypsies & killing them all.

As the story unfolds, I found that it was easy to follow and then imagery of the scenes rocketed through my head. I will not spoil the ending so I will end my review this way. I recommend anyone who wants to read a very good action packed adventure to add this one definitely to your reading list. I feel it will be a movie someday. The Dekker fans out there will just enjoy another great story. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Be blessed!

Brad

Illuminating Angels and Demons Movie Documentary

2010-02-10T01:01:00.002-05:00

Recently, I watched the movie Angels and Demons directed by Ron Howard and starring Tom Hanks. After my viewing, I wanted to know more of the behind the scenes and factual content discussed and described in the film. The movie’s title is the same name as the book by Dan Brown. The main character, Robert Langdon, dealt with tracking down historical Biblical clues to stop the killing of Bishops and possibly the Pope in the Vatican and around Rome, Italy.

In this 90 minute documentary taken from the book title of the same name, Illuminating Angels & Demons by Simon Cox, is the examination of the book Angels and Demons which was written by Dan Brown. For those of you who may have recently seen the movie of Dan Brown’s book, Angels and Demons, watching this documentary might have you finding yourself more enlightened or illuminated on the back story to Dan Brown’s research and writing of his best selling book. It focuses on the “Path of Illumination” that is heavily discussed in Mr. Brown’s book.

As you watch the documentary, people might say it and Dan Brown’s book are conspiracy theory and innuendo that can not really be confirmed by any one. With Simon Cox’s gathering of people that are interviewed throughout his investigations, if it is all conspiracy theory then it is very entertaining for this reviewer.

Simon Cox gathers a few of the supposed foremost researchers and writers on the subject matters discussed. He brings in Ruled by Secrecy author Jim Marrs to explain various secret societies from the Knights Templar to the supposed Bilderburg group that is said to exist and run many things around the world. Mr. Marrs should know about conspiracies with his history of researching them according to a Wikipedia article on him.

In addition to Mr. Marrs, Simon Cox calls on fellow authors who have written books on the Vatican and various secret societies. Clive Prince and Lynn Picknett, who have written various religious books on the history of various Christian groups, to Devon Jackson and Jon Rappaport are among these authors. The final interviewee was Paul L. Williams, a former FBI consultant dealing with organized crime.

Illuminating Angels & Demons directed by Dan Hall, is a good layout of information so that the viewer can take the information and believe it or chalk it up as another 90 minutes of entertainment for one night. This is a religious documentary and I’m glad I watched it. I give this movie 3 out of 5 stars.

Be blessed!

Brad

Return Policy Book Review

2010-02-04T01:54:00.006-05:00

Premise of the story:

Meet Willy Finneran, a washed-up genre novelist with an espresso maker that just won’t die. Ozena Webb is a customer service representative and single mother of a mentally handicapped twelve-year-old boy. Shaq is the homeless man who believes he’s everyman. This is a brilliant and poignant novel from the author of My Name Is Russell Fink.

Review:

In his second novel Return Policy, novelist Michael Snyder introduces us to three very unusual and relatable characters all dealing with tragedy. Willy Finneran, a washed-up genre novelist, has an espresso maker that just won’t die. When he calls Javatek, the company that makes the espresso maker, he doesn’t realize the needs and wants surrounding it even though he wants it gone. Ozena Webb, single mother and Javatek’s top customer service rep, is the person Willy contacts. The story begins to unfold sucking you in for more in all 4 chapters.

As for Ozena, she spends every evening playing board games with her young son who is mentally disabled from an early unknown childhood accident.

The final character, Shaq, is a small and scraggy homeless man with trauma-induced blank spots on his memory. While assisting Father Joe at the Mercy Mission, he crosses paths with Willy Finneran after an unexpected event caused by Willy while driving.

As the stories of these 3 characters intersect, the narrative deals with hope, naïveté, comic relief & childlike attraction. This unforgettable book reveals that no matter how far one has strayed from hope and faith, there is always a way to return. I believe this story is already a classic even though it has not been out a long time. It reminds me of Forrest Gump meets Fried Green Tomatoes which meets the face of God because I think all three deals with hope, faith and perseverance to be better than we all wanted to be the day before. Forrest Gump did, Idgie Threadgoode did, and God wants to meet us where we are and make us better. Just like Forrest Gump and Fried Green Tomatoes left me wanting for more, Return Policy left me asking for more. The ending was sweet and not too abrupt. I felt like I was finishing reading a good diary or journal of someone, just as the story seemed to begin. I give this book 4 ½ out of 5 stars. Thank you for your humor and southern comfort in the story Mr. Snyder!

Be blessed….

Brad

Book Review of “Double Cross” written by James David Jordan

2010-01-07T00:46:00.004-05:00

“Double Cross” is the second novel in a series by James David Jordan. This book, not to be confused with a title of the same name by James Patterson, is a suspense thriller following the former Secret Service agent Taylor Pasbury. Her story this time deals with the fallout after the death of prominent televangelist Simon Mason. This tragedy came at the hands of Muslim extremists in the Middle East while they held his daughter Kasey hostage. His death should have been the end to all injustice that happened around Simon Mason Ministries but now the target is Taylor. Taylor’s viewpoint is expressed throughout the book.

Having not read Mr. Jordan’s first book “Forsaken,” I did not feel that I missed out on anything since he seemed to summarize what happened in it well as this story first began. I appreciate it when author’s do this so that I do not feel lost and can pick up the story from any book. “Double Cross” has a great suspense character in Taylor Pasbury. It is like following Jason Bourne, Jack Ryan or Jack Bauer from their points of view. I hope that Mr. Jordan continues this character so I can follow it as long as James Patterson’s Alex Cross character has continued for him. This is my first reading of a James David Jordan book and I must say that I am impressed. I give it 4 out of 4 stars.

Be blessed!

Brad

Deliver Us From Evil book review

2009-12-09T23:35:00.006-05:00

In “Deliver Us From Evil” by Robin Caroll, the plot of U.S. Marshall Roark Holland having to transport a heart to a critical witness of a case dealing with the largest child sex trafficking ring in history is a grabbing premise. The setting, of the Great Smoky Mountains as a backdrop during a blizzard, is filled with high energy throughout and this could also be another attention getter. Robin Caroll’s beautiful descriptions and story telling is magic. She has twists and turns, likable characters, and a little bit of romance for all to enjoy.

Why should men want to read this female author? The tastefully done suspense scenes with exploding elevators and gun violence taking you from Point A to Point B in Knoxville, Tennessee in one piece, hopefully is a first reason why. Another reason is how Roark works with a strong female character Brannon Callahan. She is a helicopter pilot for the U.S. Forestry Service and a real professional. They become attracted to one another and this is played out well. The borderline descriptions of what child sex trafficking looks like and how males and females deal with it, made me as a reader also interested in the storyline.

What makes this a Christian book? God is questioned, shown and called upon through various characters in this story. Brannon Callahan and her partner, Lincoln Vailes, are very good friends who happen to be coworkers. In many scenes with them, glimpses of God are told the best as they quiz each others knowledge of scripture.

I give this book a 3 ½ out of 4 stars and a rating of PG-13 for the content discussed. This book is for those wanting to escape into great storytelling. I hope you pick up a copy and enjoy it as I did.

Be blessed!

Brad

By the way, This book does not come out until February 2010.

“From Peanuts To The Press box” book review

2009-12-09T22:40:00.001-05:00

Eli Gold, when you hear that name does anything come to mind? Well, unless you are a sports fan of NASCAR, college football or hockey you probably don’t have a clue. Eli Gold is the voice of University of Alabama football and a voice on the Motor Racing Network (MRN) every Sunday during race weekends. He is also on “NASCAR Live” Tuesday nights talking about NASCAR racing. If you are a die hard sports fan or know someone who is a die hard one then you need to read this book. It is titled “From Peanuts To The Press box: Insider Sports Stories from a life behind a Mic.” The stories told are endearing, funny, informative, sad and entertaining. I really enjoyed the book and will recommend it to all my friends who are fans of the sports mentioned above. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. Thank you Mr. Gold for an interesting and entertaining history book for this reader!

Be blessed….

Brad

Healing Promises Book Review

2009-11-09T00:45:00.002-05:00

“The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” – Job 1:21…. This verse being the only words on one sheet of paper is how this novel began and it truly was fitting and needed before diving into this book. “Healing Promises” is the second book in the “Defenders of Hope Series” by Amy Wallace. This book picks up almost where the first book ended with a new camera lens shift from the main character in “Ransomed Dreams” which was the first book. The view is focused not on Steven Kessler and his son’s teacher Gracie Lang as the first. Instead, it’s on Steven’s partner Clint Rollins, an FBI Agent in the Crimes Against Children Unit, and his wife Sara. For all of you fans of Mrs. Wallace’s books, she did keep Steven and Gracie as sub characters of this book. The focus on Clint, who was shot in a standoff with a serial killer of small children, found him diagnosed with Cancer. His wife did not pick up on the signs during the running of procedural tests for gunshot victims. Why is that important? Sara Rollins is an Oncologist.

“Healing Promises,” dealing with a diagnosis of cancer and how a patient and a doctor deal with it as husband and wife, becomes real and personal on many levels. Sara’s dealing with it as a doctor, showing that lens, was perfectly told by Mrs. Wallace… as was the behavior modifications and desires of Clint as he tries to remain an agent.

I recommend this book to anyone that has dealt with or is dealing with the disease of Cancer. It’s also for those in their late teens and older if you have be blessed to not have encountered this diagnosis. You will be educated by the information presented during the story and the beautiful testimonies that are written by real life Cancer survivors or their families discussing this serious subject at the end. I think Amy Wallace, yet again, impressed this reviewer’s take on how she paints the pictures in words and beautifully shows all emotions in her storytelling. I give this book 4 out of 4 bookmarks.

Be blessed!

Brad

Dangerous Calling Movie Review

2009-10-29T23:44:00.000-04:00

When you hear the phrase Christian thriller, what comes to mind? Is it suspense and horror? How can Christian and horror go together? Does that mean Satanic and Devil Worshipping? Ok, so it is not normal. This new movie from the Daws Brothers named Josh and Jeremiah (writers / directors) have made a Christian suspense thriller with a horror twist. “Dangerous Calling” takes place in a fictious small North Georgia mountain town called Willit Springs. The story is about church politics and the perversion some people have on the church’s direction from week to week. It should be safe and secure some believe. No loud rock music and no change allowed. At least that is what one character Miss Pat Hinton believes. The other two main characters, Pastor Evan and Nora Burke, deal with a new church after the mysterious death of its former pastor and how possibly we all should handle the Miss Pat’s in churches today. I felt inspired and relieved that this movie finally dealt with an issue I feel is big in the churches now despite the denomination.

The lessons taught through story progression are noteworthy for “Dangerous Calling”… so is the acting. The Daws brothers have assembled a great cast who all live near Atlanta, Georgia. The brothers not only live and shoot their projects in Georgia; it seems they like to get their talent from there also. I hope that audiences from 15 to 75 see this movie and find hope and faith in it. I really enjoyed the twists and turns throughout the screenwriting and directing and hope they are around the independent film business for a very long time producing great quality products like this movie. Their brand of skewed and mind opening views of the Christian community is refreshing and needed for a better balance of the community in the future. My rating for this project is 3 out of 4 popcorn tubs.

Be blessed!

Brad

The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry Movie Review

2009-10-12T02:28:00.002-04:00

In this independent movie from 5 & 2 pictures, writer / director Rich Christiano brings together 2 TV veterans, Gavin Macleod and Robert Guillaume, to lead a group of unknown actors and actresses in “The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry.” Mr. MacLeod plays Jonathan Sperry an elderly man who has a love for God and an unusual way of talking to people about Him.

This movie is set in the summer of 1970. It is heartwarming as it tells of 75 year Jonathan Sperry befriending a 12 year old boy Dustin played by Jansen Panettiere the younger brother of Hayden Panettiere. Dustin tries to make a little money mowing yards for people every summer. One afternoon Mr. Sperry notices Dustin next door mowing his neighbors grass and walks over to ask if he would like to mow his. After Dustin excitedly agrees, this opened the door for Jonathan Sperry to begin telling his stories to him and Dustin’s two best friends that summer.

“The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry” tells of life lessons taught, Bible reading of the Book of John and love changing adventure that everyone should watch. If you want to have an experience like never seen before on the big screen or on video, then this is the movie. Everyone’s acting is superb and will stay in your heart and mind for a long time. The theme of this movie of “everyone can be somebody and make a difference in somebody else’s life” gives me just one reason why I wrote this review in hopes many will see this film.

For more information about the film go to http://www.sperrymovie.com there still is an ability to see this film on the big screen before it comes out on video.

Be blessed!

Brad

The Osiris Alliance Book Review

2009-10-10T20:05:00.001-04:00

What can I say about the first book written by Jack Ford? I like to read political intrigues and thriller type books to read as this one is. My favorite authors in this area are John Grisham, James Patterson and Robert Ludlum for favorite fiction writers. When I was asked if I would review “The Osiris Alliance” even though I have only reviewed Christian fiction books so far, I have been challenged to broaden my horizons in my reviews to express opinions on secular or non-religious books while still keeping my family focused reviewing. While I get what they mean, I believe that people can read anything if they want to and find a little bit of themselves in any fiction story without having to be put a Godly spin or Christian spin to the story. However, with this story, “The Osiris Alliance,” I am going to start a rating system on my reviews and consider reviews outside of my comfort zone.

Why do I want to start a rating system? Because I realized that there are no rating scales on books and this one requires a rating. The movie industry has one from Rated X down to Rated G so why not books. I will give you my rating of the book later at the end of my review.

“The Osiris Alliance” is a story of mystery, national security matters and dealing with a kidnapping of the Lindbergh child. It starts out on April 3, 1936 discussing the execution of Bruno Richard Hauptmann, the convicted killer of the famous pilot Charles Lindbergh’s child. After this is explained, the story jumps to 1998 New York City, NY or Long Island, NY to be precise. After which, the story slowly builds for few chapters after introductions and then it rockets until the end.

Adam Stark, a U.S. attorney for the Justice Department, has been brought in to investigate and break a smuggling ring to import and export nuclear weapons to the Russians. As he starts to investigate, he determines that a reporter Megan Delaney has been also investigating the same thing for her TV station and they decide to become allies in trying to solve this case. With many different turns and switching from the Lindbergh kidnapping to the Russians while trying to track down a missing journal with all the secrets, this story picks up steam on many levels.

Now as for the reasons I think this book got me thinking about a book rating, it became clear this should be rated R for excessive and unneeded excessive profanity, extreme written violence and the steamy love scenes described throughout. This book fits the “Goodfellas” level of profanity. I can see this book turned into a movie with the ways Mr. Ford describes scenes in detail for a screenwriter to use. This story seems to be a cross between “The Firm” meets “Clear and Present Danger” meets “The Bourne Identity.”

I do like “The Osiris Alliance” but would have enjoyed it better without the profanity and non-consideration of his reader. This is not a book for anyone under 16 to read. If you are a religious person, then you might want to consider if you should read this knowing what will take place as I have vaguely described. I will give Mr. Ford a 2 out of 4 stars rating for this first novel. I hope that if he writes again in the future he considers a wider audience to appeal to with less profanity and better description of feelings. The use of God’s name in vain is not a good description of anger. Until next time…

Be blessed!

Brad

The Sacred Cipher Book Review

2009-09-24T01:00:00.000-04:00

When I first heard about this book, “The Sacred Cipher,” it was pitched to me as a Christian version of an Indiana Jones type book that deals with history and the unlocking of secrets potentially back to Biblical times. It is set in three cities and two eras. I must say I loved the Indiana Jones movies of the past. With this book potentially being a Christian version of that was exciting to hear and I wanted to read it.

After beginning to read this book, I was even more interested in it as it told about Charles Haddon Spurgeon being a part of the story. While this is a book of fiction, the usage of the real life historical figures such as Mr. Spurgeon, Sir Edward Elgar, and Dr. Louis Klopsch makes it a more intriguing read than unknowns pursuing this lofty seemingly uncrackable cipher. A cipher called the “Rosetta Stone” was not cracked for many centuries. “The Sacred Cipher” feels so real, believable, and it could happen in our lifetime.

Since finishing this debut work by Terry Brennan, the impression left is a good one. When I read more about Mr. Brennan on the back cover, I was struck with the thought that Terry Brennan could be Tom Bohannon. This novel could really be Mr. Brennan’s adventure and the hopes that he could one day unlock something of biblical proportions like The Sacred Cipher. Mr. Brennan’s writing made me feel that I was one of his tagalong researchers learning and becoming a fan of this group whether as the computer geek or mister know it all Dr. Johnson.

For those that don’t want to see everything and how they went from point A to point B, this can be a turn off. If you removed an e-mail text message from Kallie Nolan in her research from the beginning explaining everything detailing with the Temple Mount’s history in Jerusalem and a Jewish ruler named Abiathar in Jerusalem and a few other little areas, you could shorten this book to be under 300 pages.

My hope for Mr. Brennan, in the future, is more of this same type of writing so a new saga in the realms of Indiana Jones or King Solomon’s Mines is begun and maintained. It will be cool to follow the adventures of Tom Bohannon and his quest to unlock more secrets of this world from a Christian point of view. How about Noah’s Ark and its possible find… or the lost city of Atlantis… or other lost civilizations to bring Christian and Jewish cultures into a more clear HD focus from the Bible dealing with possible end of the world scenarios if you are interested in those stories?

In closing, I think the historically minded and end of world interested people might really like this. Especially those who like Joel Rosenberg’s books, Tim Lahaye and Jerry B. Jenkins’s Left Behind series, and Larry Burkett’s “The Illuminati” book.

Be blessed!

Brad

Bringing Up Bobby Movie Review

2009-08-11T22:29:00.003-04:00

This Christian comedy dealing with the dysfunctions of a family is a good story by the independent writer / director Chris Staron and his brother Nick the cinematographer. This movie was released straight to video last week after a few small audience screening premieres by Glowing Nose Films. While screenings at churches and theaters are still possible for a licensing fee, the movie is available for individual or family viewing at Family Christian Stores or your local Christian retailer.

After first meeting the Wyler family, I was struck by the strange unusual behaviors of Bobby (Alex Hinsky) a teenager struggling to find his identity and his older brother James’s (Marc Thompson) childish behaviors from fighting with big boxing gloves to the war table.

As the story unfolded, I realized that everyone in this family and their friends are dealing with an identity crisis. The Wyler children have to deal with their parents will finally since their deaths 12 years previous. Bobby’s best friend Eric (Adam Misenko) has to determine what is best for him to survive and be all he can be.

“Bringing Up Bobby” is a picture reminiscent of “Juno” or of Farrelly Brothers projects minus the sexual innuendos and crude humor they portray. The setting with “Bringing Up Bobby” is unique and seems to grow on you. This gives the Staron Brothers credibility to sell their film with an excellent crafted script and comedic timing throughout. The scenes after the birthday party at an indoor water slide park or Bobby and James fighting each other with the oversized boxing gloves are examples.

I hope that Chris Staron keeps writing great family scripts that are unique and still have a lot of lessons to learn that shows the gospel throughout. When James was at the war table, he was trying to communicate and connect with Bobby and whoever was there about the relationship with Jesus and the scriptures found in the Bible for hope. The discussions about the Bible were not preachy but given as FYI moments. I see great promise with these two brothers. Keep them coming!

If you want to find out more about this film head over to www.bringingupbobby.com

Be blessed!

Brad

Ransomed Dreams Book Review

2009-08-09T00:57:00.003-04:00

In this first book of the “Defenders of Hope” Series by Amy Wallace; it starts out of the blocks on a wild ride on New Years Eve night with Gracie Lang going from happiness to fear as her life changes forever. This is just the beginning and yet the book somehow never lets off the gas that much with suspense interwoven with the romance. Mrs. Wallace’s ability to give a great show and tell performance with her stories dealing with depression and fear while finding the forgiveness, redemption through hope had me wanting more.

The problems with characters of Steven Kessler and Gracie Lang were believable that makes you want to root for them to find peace, faith, hope and love. Since this is a Christian fiction book, the faith part mixed with romance just around every corner was genuine infectious to read and sweet like dark chocolate.

If you are looking for a chick book to read, then this is not it. While this is written from a woman’s mindset, it is not overly done in its view. With Mrs. Wallace’s strong showing in her writing of faith, love and hope, she has set the bar for others to follow. Men need to read her books to appreciate a true fresh and bold approach to romantic suspense. I felt I learned something from this book as a man. I just hope that one day I can be written about in a positive way that is truth and not made up stuff to make everyone feel good. She is definitely in her comfort zone. I am looking forward to “Healing Promises”! Thank you for your Heart Chocolate Amy!

Be blessed!

Brad

Where Do I Turn?

2009-06-30T00:12:00.000-04:00

I have been hearing way too many stories over the last few weeks about death, illness through cancer and fear in what to do when life throws friends and family curves that just seem unfair. I must confess that when trials and taking blind leaps of faith come, I wonder why and how this can be. Haven’t I done enough or been good enough? I don’t do everything that is in the Bible, so does that mean my faith has to be tested often? I seem to find a stopping point by listening to either God or others. You might say “I don’t care what others think or what God thinks if I have to go through cancer. How can God be about love or forgiveness and this happens?” When you get a cancer diagnosis, it might be the 30th thing that has gone bad for you over many months in your life. Why does God love me if He wants me to go through bad things?

I know that I said that I was going to start posting reviews for books starting last Friday but I felt that I need to post this first because I came across 2 scripture passages that I think will help any of you who are dealing with death, illness, or trials. God does love you and me according to these passages. They are 1 John 2:12 -14 and Matthew 6:25-34. I don’t really know if this blog will help me and you to fully heal because things in life are hard to figure out. However, I do know that when I have difficulties in life I try to always turn to God and try to figure out life through His eyes and what His words for me to read and say.

In closing, I am not trying to convince you of anything but am just offering information and hope you will at least look at it with an open mind and heart. I have never been afraid of turning to God. Where do I turn for God? My heart turns to Him in prayers. After that, it is his word. I hope that you give it a try and see if things for you or your friends start turning around. If you want to know how to pray, I suggest looking at Matthew 6: 9-13.

Be blessed!

Brad

Being Alive

2009-06-22T23:28:00.005-04:00

So I have been away awhile from this blog thing. I don't know if you care that I have been away or even if I am alive to continue writing here. But I must say that I have been very reflective in the last few weeks since about April. I have questioned myself whether if I am going the right way in my life. If yes, what do I need to do to feel more energetic and alive with my time, feelings and my writing? So a question was posed to me and I decided to answer it.

"If you really want to be an author, what are you not doing to show them you are alive?" Another question I thought after that was the following. What if I never become a published book author if self-publishing is a bad idea and professional editing is expensive and I want to be a known writer?

Then last month I was listening to people who were trying to do what I want to do for a career and got a few ideas on doing something challenging and fun and feel like I am alive and being productive in this arena called writing.

Over the next few weeks, I am going to start posting book reviews for you to read and decide if you would like to read those books. I will still do movie reviews, if you know independent directors or producers of Christian and Indy Family movies and want a review of their film projects, for your entertainment as well. I hope that you will find in the future that my blog is a place that you want to drop by on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. If you do I thank you now for giving me some of your time for reading my words. Thank you also for praying for me if you do. Let me know what you think of my blogs.

Finally, I will blog about various topics if you would like for me too that has a Biblical prospective that I have learned. Drop me an email at music2movies@yahoo.com for movie reviews, book reviews and topic requests for this blog. Guess that is it for now.... I will have my first book review up this week so be looking.

Be blessed!

Brad

The Way Home Movie Review

2009-05-15T00:54:00.003-04:00

On Tuesday evening of this week, I went to a movie premiere at the Fox Theater. Being at this historic place and seeing a movie where “Gone With the Wind” also premiered almost 70 years ago, I must say “The Way Home” could be a historic event on the big screen at the Fox as well.

“The Way Home” is a true story of a family in Carroll County, Georgia. It deals with a missing two year old boy, Joe, and the Simpkins family’s crisis in hopes of finding him alive. In a very moving and excellent written story, it shows how one community rallies around a family to help them search for their little boy.

Dean Cain (Lois and Clark fame) playing Randy Simpkins, Lori Beth Edgeman (Army Wives fame) playing his wife Christal, and Sonny Shroyer (Enos of The Dukes of Hazzard fame) lead an excellent cast of actors portraying the events in “The Way Home.” This story shows that with God all things are possible and with hope, prayers can be answered.

If you want to see a movie that is the best touching and life altering story of the year then THIS IS IT. It will be coming to a theater near you soon. For more information and a trailer about the movie check out www.thewayhome-movie.com . I promise you that you do not want to miss this in the theaters. After you see it, you probably will want to buy a DVD copy later to watch over and over. I know I will because Christian and family movies filled with lessons and hope are what I want to see more of in the theaters and buy in the stores. Who knows, this movie might be as historic as “Gone With the Wind” is some day? Do you know your way home?

Be blessed!

Brad

Who Needs God?

2009-04-30T22:45:00.003-04:00

Is this an important question for each one of us? Who needs God? I am not going to have a debate on if God exists because that is not the point to this blog. I say that he does and it is important to have God on your side. You might say that no one gives anything to you and selfish actions are the only way to make it in this world.

Ok, so I don’t need God. What do I need to be happy? What do I do to be free of guilt? How can I make sense of living? I don’t know the answers to these questions and neither can you if God doesn’t exist. The Holy Bible is just a book if God is imagination. Science can have no foundations for real basis theory because we don’t know what various molecules and atoms were when this planet was made. There was not a written language many experts agree. The information presented was written down thousands of years later. Now if God is not real, then I need nothing to be happy, safe or smart. This sounds stupid you may say. Then God must exist. We need to be happy. We need to be safe and guilt free. We need answers to life. God exists and He listens to our prayers and they are answered daily. Miracles exist because of God. Inspiration happens because of God. This all leads me to 2 questions that need answers.

Why do we want to upset God and expect love, forgiveness and answers? What will it take for leaders, politicians, executives, pastors, and us to wake up or shut up for Him to give the answers to all eternal peace? If we had hope of eternal peace then it would not matter how far taxes are increased or how people must act to be perfect in this world. Yes I said it…. We have to be perfect in this world or we are failures. Why else do we work so hard and keep trying to be better to gain nothing? We do not truly gain things in this life because when we die all of this stuff is gone and just junk for others to sell at yard sales. Who needs God? I do. You do. Terrorists do. Prisoners do. Pastors do. Scientists do. Come on and join me in the Wide Awake group or Wake Up group and find peace, love, joy, and a safety net from God. Be blessed!

Brad

Without Faith then What

2009-04-02T00:39:00.003-04:00

Every time that I seem to take two steps forward, why does it seem that I really take them backwards? I have heard two statements over and over in my life. If at first you don’t succeed then try and try again. The other is unless you are humble in all your prayers then the Lord will not hear you. I want to devote this blog to these two statements.

1. If at first you don’t succeed then try and try again. I must tell you that I am really tired of this statement and do not think there are ANY positives that come from it. So why do we use such a lame comment to people that we like, love or work with? I think it is used to make ourselves numb to all disappointments, pain and trials in the day to day activities. How do we prevent these things that make us want to crawl in our holes? I don’t know or I would not be making the same mistakes. I have been trying to make my mark so to speak for most of my life. I have felt a burden for a number of years and like an outcast at other times. It’s like being on the outside looking in and just can’t get anywhere. I believe you can keep trying until Jesus comes but if there is no positive change or success in your life then the statement is just a statement and not a fact or fiction. I also believe, to use this statement, we give a whole lot away to just to either be heard or have a real and truthful attempt at what we are supposed to do. I can try different approaches by going through a window, front door or even the back door but I have to give something away to do that. I believe we all give away Faith. Faith is given because that is what we want from other people to us. When we have great problems with their giving which are failures or whether being taken advantage of, it does leave you empty. I can say for me that you are definitely right most of the time. How do I find hope or faith in my trials and attempts? I find that hope in God. God is always listening to me and teaching me even when I act like a fool.

2. Unless you are humble in all your prayers then the Lord will not hear you. I realize some of you might read this and think this is a judgment statement. The similar statement is biblically founded in Micah 6:8. For those of you that think God always hears me or that God knows my heart and my intent, be careful in what you believe. While God does listen, He might give you exactly what you ask as a punishment. How do I know this?

I have asked God in the past for things so that I could understand better the situations that I and others face on a daily basis. It taught me more than I ever wanted to learn or experience in my life. I have learned that poor are poor for a reason, rich are rich for a reason, and why people have gifts that I don’t have or abilities not at a professional level. These are in God’s plans and teachings. It might be to teach a person, group, nation or the whole world. I suggest you read the Holy Bible. There are examples after examples that have a lesson for the various types I just stated.

Ok, you probably are wondering why I decided to use this second statement for this blog. It is another example I know that deals with faith and not in a literal sense. If you are humble in your prayers and in all your ways acknowledge Him, the Lord will place His faith in you. How can this be? When Adam and Eve were created thousands of years ago, God placed all His faith and love in them. Then He sent Jesus His son and placed all His faith in him. Today, God created us and placed all his faith in us. What does he expect from us? I believe it is to love one another, be humble, and forgive always. This is all very hard for me to do all the time. I will do my best because I have placed my faith in Him and all I desire is His 100% love and support just as he desires mine. Be blessed!

Brad

Knowing

2009-03-30T03:24:00.002-04:00

I watched a movie this past weekend called “Knowing”. Before I went to see this movie I saw the commercials and the descriptions about it. It deals with a boy and his father finding a piece of paper with numbers all over the page. It is a code when deciphered unlocks past major events that happened all around the world and even a couple not known yet. I was not expecting a Da Vinci Code movie or Biblical film but I had hopes that some religious stuff would be in it since it deals with everybody and not just a select group or groups. When I left the movie, I was very disappointed in the outcome. I left knowing that still nothing good comes from Hollywood when it is about hopes, dreams and future events for all to see.

Why would “Knowing” be more than just entertainment? It would be good entertainment if the script had a completion and didn’t run out of steam. This movie had good action in it and was a little scary but the ending was disappointing. It ran around hoping that the last clue answered all the codes on the paper.

What is Knowing all about in our day to day lives? The word knowledge means the fact or condition of knowing something with familiarity gained through experience or association. (Merriam-Webster) http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knowledge

I believe knowledge is gained through factual education whether from schooling, church, reading, or life experience. Driving home after the movie, I started to think about what is important in knowing anything in life. I also further thought about why it is important to know the facts of the Bible, God and Jesus being my personal Lord and Savior. I realized two things. I think knowing anything in life is what keeps us alive and gives us a purpose. I also remember a statement that a friend of mine wrote me in a message the other day. “For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others. For beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.” I feel that while I was disappointed in the movie “Knowing,” I am glad that I saw it for one reason. It caused me to reflect and know that God has life all mapped out for us if we will listen. Knowing this is all the “Knowing” that I will ever need. Be blessed!

Brad

Where is God?

2009-03-23T23:20:00.002-04:00

Have you been watching the news the last few weeks and heard about the attacks on Religion? I was watching Glenn Beck on Fox News last week and he tried to have many different beliefs to address the problems he felt was really starting to get crazy and out of control. There is a law that has been passed in Connecticut that is starting to censor people’s speech when it is dealing with God. There are college students in California not allowed to pray and express their beliefs even if they are just praying for a professor’s illness.

What is going on people? Have we really stopped giving a crap about this world, culture, financial systems and so much more? It really seems to be that way everywhere I look and listen. So how dare we as mortals blame God for our problems and concerns? How dare we even have the right to ask for God to forgive us? But somehow out of my level of competence, God does give mercy to people like Barney Frank, Bernie Madoff, the Pope, and even murderers and rapists of all types.

The type of murderers and rapists are the serial ones and governments who don’t allow people to choose for themselves. Our U.S. government forces us to accept what happens from Bailouts to law changes to whatever they want to do. Does it matter how you vote every 2 and 4 years in politics? I used to believe so but now all the politicians act a like. When does God start doing things to make things better?

God makes this better when we do what he asks. This does not mean that it all comes out of the Bible either. For all of you anti-Christian types, God does talk to you every day even when you do or don’t want Him to. Where is God?

God is everywhere. Omnipresent and omniscient…. This means all knowing, all seeing and always present everywhere in the universe. How do I know this?

People get direct answering like when I need wind right now and it does at that moment. My example here would be at the end of the movie "Tommy Boy" with Chris Farley asking for the wind. The word of God as well describes Him and what he does in both Old and New Testaments in many places. He even took the form of Jesus for a time. I say all of this to say…. People, please talk with God. This means everyone including politicians, news media, murderers and rapists. God wants to hear you and talk with you. If you need an interpreter, then contact a religious person or psychologist that is educated in distinguishing the differences in everyday life and God's voice. Also what is God and what is just scientific stuff. People we really need God whether you want to accept it or not. Be real with him and he will be real to you. Be blessed!

Brad

Tough Enough?

2009-03-14T17:29:00.002-04:00

Recently, I have been reading a lot of information that several editors, agents, and publishing liaisons have recommended that I read. It has been blogs, books, e-books, and magazine articles about the craft of writing and the ways to get around the pitfalls of the publishing world. I find most of these people funny in their approach. What they all pretty much say is the same thing in slightly different ways with a different cover / presentation. I will say that I appreciate the information especially from one literary agent and one publisher that has been on both sides of the picture as a writer and editor for a publisher. I also appreciated the knowledge given by all the others willing to share and play in the sand of writing so I can better determine what the future pursuits are going to look like and save my headaches and sleepless nights.

Then I read this one blog by one literary agent and it got me really thinking. She talked about how everyone who wants to be a writer needs to adhere to the most important rule of the writing process. This rule is having a “Thick Skin.” She admitted that she is not thick skinned and neither were all but one man who commented on her blog. A ton of brick seemed to hit me at that moment with one question flashing in my brain. Why do people love to lie to themselves and others that they have it all together and really do not?

Jesus told his followers in the Scriptures of how they can know what a shepherd should look like and sound like in John 10: 1-6 and then proclaiming that he was the Good Shepherd from verses 7 to 21. Jesus proved what a thick skinned individual looks and sounds like by his actions. So why are we trying to be thick skinned and be another Jesus? Why do we need arrogant people to show they are really weak and are indeed thin skinned? The geniuses of this world have their weaknesses. The people who have had a hard time in life already know they are thin skinned so why point it out and not be positive. Being positive is not that hard. It just takes a moment in time to do it. It will make you feel better and them as well. If you don’t try being positive, then what was Jesus’ death for? Are you tough enough to be a one man show? Are you tough enough to figure out all your problems without God? Why try to do it and then realize that we are all thin skinned. Be kind one to another look at the good it does. Be blessed this week!

Brad

P.S. If you would like to read that awesome blog by that agent go here : http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/2009/03/are-you-thick-skinned.html

Also for all the people that wrote helpful books to make it easier, Thanks! Go read Acts 4:32 – 37 and remember what it says because I think it describes those people who wrote those book and might just show you a glimpse of you.

My Friend

2009-02-27T16:23:00.004-05:00

Recently I have been reading different stories of very famous figures in many arenas both past and present. I read in one story about how a great General called his officers friends. He would say My Friend Rank so and so. In the Bible there were many so called friends that were actually enemies and then there were true friends that were like brothers and sisters. One example of those so called friends that were enemies was Cain and Abel. Another example of so called friends was Joseph and his brothers that fought and still are fighting over the Holy Land and Israel to this very day.

My favorite biblical so called friends are Judas and Jesus and Simon Peter and Jesus. As for friends like brothers or sisters, there are Jesus and John who then turned to a friend named Paul to carry out the many stories to be told to this very day. My favorite in this category is the relationship of Jesus and Mary his mother. They seemed like more of friends than mother and son.

What is important I believe to note in all of these examples of friends are two key points. 1. Friends mean that there is a level of trust, love/admiration, and companionship between them that says I expect that you would give your very life for me because we are friends. 2. Friends, even as enemies, understand what each of the others strengths and weaknesses are. They respect one another because of this and try to make sure each is around in the end for prosperity and good will possibly. It is definitely a love and a hate relationship because of envy perhaps.

Since I have really been looking at this theme of My Friend, I have wondered do I fit in either key point. If not then, what in the hell have I done with my life? If so then, I would hope it is number one. I have had many friends and family members to pass away recently and have felt envy for them. Don’t get me wrong I am mourning their passing. I am envying because they are definitely in a better place with no worries and pains and the crap we deal with every single day. I am looking forward to my ultimate day to go home and be with them in Heaven. I also realized with most of them quite frankly is that I am both of those key points above. Am I a “My Friend”? Are you a “My Friend”?

I will leave you with two quotes that I believe will help with those answers. “A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for a difficult time.” Proverbs 17:17

I also heard comedian Jerry Clower once say, “Friend are you ready to meet God today; because if you are not then you must climb down from this tree away from the coon up there because he’s liable to eat you alive.” Now that quote I have by Jerry Clower is actually a paraphrase from a comedy skit about one of the first ever raccoon hunts in Yahoo City, MS he went on with the Leadbetters. If you want to laugh until you cry then listen to one of those old CD’s of a great man who has now gone on to Heaven. My hope friend from all of this is, you ARE “My friend” and that you call me that as well. Be blessed!

Brad

Jesus Wept

2009-02-20T21:21:00.003-05:00

Jesus Wept. Short and simple statement if you want to call it one. So what does that mean? Is it just to say Jesus wept and nothing more? It is short and sweet all wrapped in a box. It is called the shortest verse in all of the Holy Bible. So why did Jesus cry? Does it really matter to know this fact in history? What about other facts in history? Are they important and matter to be known? The shortest statement of Jesus Wept is an amazing example, I believe, to show how simple life really is and yet complicated at the same time.

Why does the legal system make things so complicated every day? Why do lawmakers really not care about the American people in Washington, D.C. and pad their own pockets with pork? Does anyone in life have the right to make things so complicated and morally unfair to another human being? Are Environmentalists important and do they care since they try to make things greener? What have been the conclusions to their agenda? All that I see is complex nothing. Gas prices have gone so high that it is one of the reasons why the economic system world wide has broken down so we can’t even pay the low stuff now.

How do I know this? It has been one of the indicators watched very carefully before the Wall Street / Economic bust. The ice caps have not melted recently but indeed grown. No Environmental group wants to admit that and that is a shame. No one wants to stick their necks out these days to predict what will happen with the economy or the housing market or you name it. Why? Complex maybe?

Now that Washington doesn’t know and the environmentalists don't know, what is the simple solution? Jesus wept and died for all people in this world whether they want to admit it or not. Jesus is the simple solution. Pray to God for forgiveness and see what happens. It’s ok and no one needs to know but God. Jesus wept is a simple statement and the shortest verse in the Bible for a reason.

Remember KISS in school? Keep it short and simple! Why do people want to always forget that? Obama doesn’t have the answers to all our problems. Bush did not either. Why do we look to Politicians and business people for answers? They keep getting us in deeper troubles. You can not serve both God and money. God wants to help so why not ask? Jesus wept, I believe, for all He saw then and for future events and still died to save the world. If you want to discuss this blog then email me or reply with your thoughts. Be blessed!

Brad

Oversold

2009-02-20T18:46:00.002-05:00

Ok I am decided to start something a new here on my blog and will do this from time to time. It may be monthly at first but can be more often based on request and demand. If there is a movie that you would like reviewed from a Christian perspective or a family rating then by all means e-mail me or respond to this blog with the title and how soon. If it is really quick like a day or two before your viewing it then provide an e-mail address so I can just directly contact you. Now on with my first review….

Oversold is a new independent movie from SUMOJACK and Elevation Church which is directed by Paul Morrell. This movie is a live adaptation of the biblical story of Hosea. It is a story about a young man Joshua that is a pastor of a church and is confront with sin and persecution right in his face. Joshua meets a stripper while visiting Las Vegas on a vacation one week from his church. The stripper Sophi is not what she wants to be and yet is what she had to be for many years. Joshua spends a lot of time with her and they fall in love and get married. In an alarming set of real world events and behavior shows the raw emotions of people and how they deal with sin from multiple sides. This is a great story of redemption and grace. The music is a great touch for the movie as well with familiar voices that people may have heard on the radio. Jill Phillips and Sunshop23 are just two acts that have appearances with their music in this film.

Oversold is a movie that I would recommend to anyone for a cheap yet good entertainment value. I give this movie 3 ½ popcorn tubs out of 4. I hope that future productions from SUMOJACK are an impact and even better going forward. Be blessed!

Brad

Take Care How You Listen

2009-02-11T20:37:00.004-05:00

Recently, I have been pondering about ideas. When I come up with an idea is it me or is it God? Doctors say dreams are the brains way of understanding events in your life. Pastors I have heard speak say the dreams are God’s way of communicating with us. Is this all true? I have also heard it said that if you believe it it will come true! Wow that is a load statement. Can this really happen? What I find hard is when I think of something whether Godly or not, what will happen? I believe that God does exist and that he will not give you an idea unless you need it or he needs it. How do I know that he exists?

Miracles that are happening every day are one example. The events that have been written about many thousands of years ago in the Holy Bible are coming true or have been already uncovered which is another proof. Now that God is real and the inspirations that happened many years ago have become true, do inspirations still happen even today? I say yes. I believe God proves it with what he gives us to deal with and ideas if we will listen and be quiet long enough to hear Him.

How do dreams become reality? Do you act on them? If you do like me then God makes them real. But you might say I believe some idea given to me is real and I can see, feel, taste and want it so bad and I can’t take it anymore by my actions. Some wise person once asked me, “What are you not doing to make it happen?” I would say there is nothing I am not doing but I want to quit because I can’t take it anymore. He then told me, “then that is what you are not doing. You are not doing what it takes to see it through. God does not need you to achieve anything in life but instead wants you.” I have remembered those words for the last 12 years. While I forget them a lot of the times, when I do remember it makes me look at my life differently. What my dreams are telling me are God’s way of giving us glimpse of our futures and expectations. It has been tough for me though the last several years in my life and I want it to go better.

My dreams are to be a freelance writer who makes ideas in words come to life. It doesn’t matter if it is a book, a blog, a magazine article or whatever. All I want to do is do what God wants me to do. How you may ask that I know God wants me to do this? It is because I can’t stop thinking about it 95% of the time and that excites me. This is how I know that God wants me to do it. It bangs around in my head like shoes in a dryer. Some day I believe it will happen! If it doesn’t then God will make new dreams become reality. I don’t think so because I have about gone crazy on these ideas and I don’t accept it will not happen.

In Luke 8:18 Jesus said to his followers, “Therefore, take care how you listen. For whoever has, more will be given to him; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him.” (Holman CSB) I believe Jesus was using this example to show people that God will give what he wants you to go after and be positive. Let it shine because if not then it will go away. Dreams are not just dreams ladies and gentlemen. They are discussions to give you information to make your life right. Dreams will become reality in one way or another by either you or someone else if you do not listen to God. Are you ready? God wants us to join his loving arms and listen to you every word. Be blessed!

Brad

“The Apologetics Study Bible” by Holman Bible Publishers provided today’s scripture.

http://bhpublishinggroup.com/apologeticsbible/default.htm

Bailouts and Stimulation

2009-02-03T22:28:00.002-05:00

Are you getting tired of hearing the same news stories like I am every day about bailouts and the Stimulus Package for Americans? It will help us to be better Americans the lawmakers say. It will grow the economy and even help you pay off your debts is another way it is stated. Somehow though the money never comes does it. The last stimulus package the media says helped the rich people and this one will help the selected few again called the minorities possibly or the poor. If this stimulus package gets sent out and you still get no money, what really happened? All I can say is I don’t care what you do anymore government and media. We are over taxed and underpaid.

Besides people telling our egos that you are a fool for listening, through all of this bailout and stimulus can we ever really get both of these things another way without the government’s help. I say yes. How you may ask? Have you ever gotten on your knees and prayed to God for one solid hour a day for one week? Why not? Have you done things that were easier? You know like, reading a book on how to fix all of these problems or watch an instructional video or TV show about it. Have you called a financial advisor and got an “I don’t know what to do?” If you read or watched and not got a satisfied response, I imagine in your heads it might go something like this. “If all those ideas were easy, then enough with this and then watch a movie or buy beers at a bar to drown the worries away for just a while.”

So now you are back to the prayer idea. I hope that you pray to God for an hour and then you get an answer after a week or a month of doing this. What happens might surprise you. Were you bailed out or stimulated? I say you got insights that many don’t have. Answers of prayer are miracles from God. Do you know how to make sense of them? No you might say, because I have gotten an answer or do not understand what Numbers 20:7-8 says in a prayer.

What do you do about it? Nothing? Did you go to a minister? Did you go find a Bible and do what it actually says? I challenge everyone who reads this blog and anyone you tell about this blog to do something for God. Why God? Why not? You might say, “I don’t believe God is real or God is a hoax or I am an atheist.” But did you really try? I pray that we all ask God for a bailout or stimulation in our lives. It is possible if we will only ask. Be blessed!

Brad

Are you scared or sad? Inspiration follows

2009-01-30T22:39:00.005-05:00

How happy am I? How happy are you? Has life been fair and easy on you? Did most everything work out for us? Are you ever scared? Can I be what I really want to be? While I know that I can not answer those questions for you and am intrigued what those answers are, I will take a shot at answering those complex questions and hopefully can relate a good story / lesson for all of us to learn. How happy? I am happy as much as I want to be. I know that is what I want to answer but life will throw me a barrage of problems and it can detour me from maintaining happiness and peace. Why is that you may say? I believe because EVIL wants us to lose so it can win. Who is EVIL? EVIL is Satan. Satan, ever since leaving Heaven many centuries ago, has been learning and getting stronger with Spiritual Warfare. He even attacks many faiths including Christianity and Scientology even if they don’t want to admit it. How happy am I? Most days 90% because of the variables and that is great considering it is about as close to perfection as any human can be. On the other days, it can be as low as 10% and then I get a spiritual boost. How can this be possible? It’s because God exists and talks with me and walks with me. Has life been fair and easy? No. Does most everything work out for us? I believe it is all about perspective. I would answer yes mostly. Now that I have answered some of those questions, I want to tell you a story about a woman who has had a little of Hell go on in her life. She does have though a rose garden the size of the state of Texas filled with love, happiness and family that has taught her so much and been by her side even when they did not have too. Amy lost her father in a car accident when she was young and then a short time later her mother died of cancer. It was just her and a sister for a long time. When you ask Amy about that past she doesn’t want to talk about it much. Instead she wants to talk about all that she has gained. 5 step siblings and they are mostly real close in age. She has strong people around her all the time. She says, “I know my God is real. I know that bad things do happen to good people and that’s ok. I live my life knowing that everything happens for a reason and it makes me stronger. God will not give me more than I can handle. Not everyone is meant to be in our lives forever, some are simply just passing through, making an impact.” When I heard Amy say these things it really got me thinking deeply. How do I look at life and have I really had a bad life? If I know that I am ok and God will not give me more than I can handle, then what impact am I in another person’s life? Then I ask why would a loving God put other people through Hell if I am not or have not gone through a living Hell. Amy helped me with this when she sent me a message via e-mail one day. “There are times when I say why me God…. I see it as life lessons or spiritual lessons which help me define who I am. It’s been repeated to me that ‘I don’t know what I’d do if I lost my parents?’ My reply is you move on with life in their honor. Your past does not define you it is what makes up the pieces of who you are… I know that when I truly turn my problems over to God things get better.” Amy is an amazing inspiration to me because of her grace, love, and strength. While she is not perfect, that is awesome because she keeps going and hoping. I believe it makes her and I strive to be better this day and the days to come. Money and stuff can not define you I believe and will NEVER be possible to take to the next life. That life is Heaven I believe. What do you value most about this chance in life? What do you strive to be better at? Jesus, for Amy and I, values that you love one another and try your best every single day. He came to this life, not to be a Savior even though he is, but I feel to be an inspiration to me and you. Just like Amy, Jesus helps me on a daily basis to remember all the bad and the good in my life and file it away. If I am not better for a long time then that is ok because I am trying to get there. One day when that last breath is taken by me, my hope is that God says "well done my son now rest as a thank you. You inspired others like all my children who accepted me." May Amy’s story inspire you and if not then give God a try and see if he inspires you. Be blessed!

Brad

And so it Begins….

2009-01-17T15:40:00.001-05:00

Hello fellow bloggers and readers who have read this blog in the past. I am back to the writing process here on this page. I was going to submit the first blog of the new year a few days ago but I have been sick and now ready to blog away for what I feel will be a very interesting 2009. Why is it going to be interesting? Well, I can be political, philosophical or candid about it. I will give you a little of all of those. Politically, the President to be is going to be sworn in in a few days and he as you already know is black, a Democrat and in uncharted waters which makes it very historical. Philosophically speaking, Mr. Obama is in a minority position for multiple reasons. His views on society and power will be very different than most I believe. Candidly, because of the economy being the way it is and the historical move by Mr. Obama will make it an interesting year to follow both politically and economically. I also believe with all the various new things that each year brings and the shift of powers in the government will test many people’s theories that might all be proven wrong or right. Since we are starting off things fresh and new, I have decided to take a slightly different approach to this blog. I am going to continue themed blogs as in the past but have decided to also address things that are going on in the news and try to address them from God’s point of view and how that impacts us. I will hopefully show the pluses and the minuses of the issue and might even throw in a Bible verse or two that I feel might adhere to this situation. I hope that you will all want to continue reading and even add your thoughts about what I write. I also hope that you find these blogs both interesting and informative. I will try my best and pray that God can use me in the future writings. Happy New Year to you all and be blessed!

Brad

The New Season

2008-08-31T21:50:00.010-04:00

Hello fellow bloggers! I am back for "The New Season" of blogging. I have titled this blog "The New Season" because I believe that is what I feel like I am in for my life and that seems to parallel with the fall time of the year, school now beginning everywhere and college football. I have a nephew that is starting a new season in his life this Tuesday as well. He is starting preschool and this is the first time that he will be away from his mamma when it does not mean she is working and Nana is at his house taking care of him and his sisters. I know that he might have some concerns as does his mamma in the beginning but this made me realize a couple of things recently that deals with a new season and uncertainties. I am in a uncertain time in my life after finishing in rough drafts, waiting on final approval from my editor, my first ever book I have written for many to hopefully read. I began this journey of the unknown and writing for a potential career a little over a year ago and the "New Season" has had some bumps and confusions but I know that ultimately I will be ok. I learned this because of a passage I found in the Bible. I think this can apply to me, my nephew and any new Christian that is starting out in this crazy world or trying to survive in it. It is found in Luke 2:40. It says "The boy grew up and became strong, filled with wisdom, and God's grace was on Him." I believe because of this verse, it shows that not only with my nephew starting his new season will be fine but so will I. God's grace is on him, me and you if you want Him there. So now I am glad to be in this "New Season." I hope that with God's grace, I will be something mighty someday just like I hope the same for my nephew. God bless Isaiah and to you all too!

Brad

By the way, the little boy in that verse grew up to be known as the Savior of the world called Jesus. That is awesome and brings a smile to my face!

Good Points and Bad Points

2008-03-17T04:22:00.003-04:00

So I recently decided to go down the road of real self evaluation. The only evaluation many people say that best helps you is with yourself…. You know the Good points and Bad Points about yourself stuff. Who was it that decided that this is the best approach to helping you? I say it is stupid because you have to tear yourself down just to try building it back up again. Then I started reading this book called “Me, Myself and Bob” that a friend of mine let me borrow. While I am not finished with it, I realized something about that book. It was making me think about me. Phil Vischer writes about how he tried to make something out of his imagination. I find it interesting that how even though my friend had some idea that I was trying to write a book out of my imagination, he didn’t know how it would impact me to realize things in my own life were going. How I have tried and tried to make a mark in this world. But somehow in my crazy mind, people think that I make more mistakes I feel than progress. They say I have no plans for the way my life should go. While that may be true, I would say that I have tried to make many goals in my life that have either failed in the beginning or down the road a piece to help me learn and try something new and imaginative. I find it harder and harder to keep picking myself up whether from my own bonehead mistakes or outside factors. I have realized that my crazy mind can make up much of things that may skew my reality. Phil Vischer talks about in his book how he had no money, no connections and no clues what he was getting himself into. While I mirror that thought recently in my life, I started writing down my list called Good Points / Bad Points. This list scary enough, since this might be the fifth or sixth draft I have made to this list since I first wrote one down in high school around 20 years ago, showed some same appearances that were bad about myself still there 20 years later. I am happy to say there were a few more good points I have written down about my accomplishments and behavior. Somehow though, I feel more focused on the bad things instead of looking at the good things. I was reading in my quiet time on March 7, 2008 the book of Isaiah in the 24th chapter about how he saw the world then and for the future. What I understand and makes me feel better is that there were those many years ago like Isaiah, Job and others dealing with very hard life decisions and actions toward them that made them question and still seek God like me. Isaiah writes how all he can see is doom, doom and more doom. The word of God or also known as the Holy Bible is filled with many truths and assistances for even today’s problems that were written thousands of years ago. In the version of the Bible called the Message, I found a very compelling story of the Earth’s future back then. Isaiah wrote, I believe because of this story in Chapter 24, all of his good points and bad points in later chapters. I am glad to know that I have made progress with a longer Good points list. Now I wonder what book by someone best fit you. What are your Good Points / Bad Points lists telling you as well? I hope you find peace with it. As for that friend who pointed me to that book by Phil Vischer which is a story about dreams and God, I say thank you.

Be blessed!

Brad

When Is Enough Really Enough

2008-03-10T21:56:00.004-04:00

I have heard the phrases “Enough is Enough” and “Enough with that nonsense” all my life. Why is it that those phrases are so shallow. When I hear Enough is Enough it makes me laugh today. Parents make idle threats of taking their children to the car 14 times and never do it. Parents also threatened to punish them but end up bribing them with toys or food to make them behave better. Why do we want to say things we don’t mean and Act without purpose? Is it because we have not learned pride and humility within ourselves or have we become idolators of ourselves? I have realized that we as humans are guilty of both. How do we fix this? I believe it is slowly done by following a few steps. I found some of those understandings in the following verses: Colossians 3:2-4 talks about setting our minds on the things not of this earth and focus on Christ who has died for our sins and helps us through all things. Further down in this chapter in verses 9 and 10 it tells us to not lie to each other. I believe humility can also be learned in another great book in the Bible called Romans. In chapter 12 verses 1-3, it teaches we are to try and be pleasing to God in all that we do and that no one is better than another. I must confess that this part is very hard for me to attune to and live out a lot of days. I look most of the time at the wrongs people do to me and that I am better than them because I am a Christian and what talents I bring make me the best for a job or a position. Of course when I am so narrow focused, I forget that I can always be replaced in anything I do and God can show me my faults. I have to do self evaluations and God always seems to remind me to be humble and I am only as good as He allows me to proceed. It is true I believe “Pride does come before the fall.” In the last few years I have realized the humor in situations like Parents with little children for example. I am glad that I do not have that responsibility to discipline children since I seem to be disciplining myself every time I forget humility and place idols of me before God. I am glad I know what “Enough is Enough” means and that God has not had enough yet for me to continue to grow. I hope that we all can learn from these words in the Bible. So what do you think about that?

Be blessed!

Brad

Been Caught Speeding

2008-03-08T15:33:00.001-05:00

Have you ever been caught speeding? Whether you deserve the ticket or not you are guilty of that violation. Now that you have this debt to pay to society, how are you going to do it? What if you can’t afford to pay the fine at that moment or maybe never? Some can say it is not fair or right if I can’t afford it. Let’s say in addition to the ticket you can’t pay off your house mortgage, your car note or your $70,000 credit card debt. Since you can’t pay for the ticket or debt, the government comes to garnish your wages and then takes your house from you to pay off the debts. Now you have no money, no house and you still have $70,000 debt in credit cards. How is it ever going to turn around?
In Luke 7:36-50, it is shown how someone with nothing to pay for the debts owed, had their debts cancelled. One man had a debt of 500 denarii which means 500 days of wages owed and it was all cancelled. I believe this passage is teaching about compassion and forgiveness just like Jesus forgives the sins of a woman. Is it not great to know that compassion and forgiveness shown by God through His son Jesus, he forgives us all of everything we have done wrong regardless of what we can think or say? Which of us can show love for God more just by having our speeding tickets and so much more wiped clean from our records? I can’t answer that but I do know that God loves us more than we can ever love Him. He even allowed His son to die for all our debts. I hope this encourages us all to be more understanding of and thankful for our debts that he can wipe clean if we just ask Jesus in our hearts and lives. Thank you God!

Be blessed!

Brad

All Things Are Possible

2008-03-06T17:29:00.007-05:00

When you did something important in your life, how did you do it? Did you go at it with a plan in mind? Did you go on instinct? Whatever your initial move, the beginning had promise and drive to a hopeful great conclusion. What percentage did you give the move? I have always heard in my life that you need to give your 110%, like the extra 10% was even possible. I have tried to give that 110% in everything I do that is important. Other things in my life are taught or instinctual like; brushing my teeth, taking a shower or driving a car. When you or I do something does faith or fate ever enter the equation? I believe that faith plays a large part in aiding our successes in life. I also believe it is there in failures as well. Faith in failures aids to help guide us through those difficult pains.

In the book of Philippians, there is a verse that gives me great comfort and hope to conquer whatever in my life. Don’t get me wrong, I get down, depressed and uncertain sometimes but then I remember this verse which helps me through those times. The chapter is 4 and the verse is 13. It says, “I can do everything through Christ who strengths me.” In another translation it says, “I can do all things with Christ who gives me strength.” This verse especially speaks to me more recently with changes in my life. It is telling me that all things are possible if I can just lean on Jesus freely. There is no bank, job, news report or television show that I have seen that can give you that guarantee. When you go for a loan on a business or to buy a house, are they telling you that all things are possible? Are they sticking by you no questions asked? Most will stop your dream if they know you can't financially pay it off totally. I am thankful for God’s free gift of His son Jesus that makes all things possible. There are no deeds to be performed or guidelines to meet. We can be fearless for and through Him because He will always be in our corner. Thank you God! How do you feel about that?

Be blessed!

Brad

Peek A Boo I See You

2008-02-22T23:48:00.002-05:00

When we grow up as children and learn the games that generations have known for decades and decades, how do we know the correct way to play it? I must confess! I want to know how to play a game the right way the first time that I play it. Do you? When we play “Marco Polo” in the pool where one person closes their eyes and many people scatter out through the shallow end of a pool, is that fair? The person calls out Marco while the others say Polo. We learned to play a game where blindness matters and hearing does too. Which of these is most important to you in your every day life? Is it Sight or hearing or all the senses? I choose all the senses. In “Hide and go Seek” we learn that someone stands in a corner or in a room and counts while others hide. When that person finishes counting, they go find all of them until their turn is over. The important point of these games I believe is that rules and guidelines were laid down on how to play a long time ago for many generations to follow and play. What if there were no definite rules or ever changing rules? Is that fair? In John 10:35 – 41, Jesus faced his accusers about his behaviors and actions. The rules for him seemed to be always changing on him. So Jesus dealt with it by showing them, in my opinion, a very valuable lesson. He asks them “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” Then he explains that he is Him. He says, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.” I believe this is very important for not only them to hear and learn but for many generations that have come after them to learn as well. What I find amazing about the quote I gave you is that Jesus came down to die for you and me so that those blind to the truth will find it and believe. Those who think they know the truth not being Jesus is the Savior of the World will become blind. I find that powerful and that the rules are preset for you and me to follow. When we play this game called our lives, do we follow the rules and play the game? There are no changes from them. God I believe wants us to play the games of Marco Polo and Hide and go Seek with Him every day. Jesus is saying Marco. Jesus is the one counting. What I love about Jesus is he is listening for our replies of Polo. He is also searching for us still counting until He finds us all. Are you the blind that now see? Are you the sighted that become blind? I hope you are the first question and answer his calling. This gives me a whole lot to think about. How about you?

Be Blessed!

Brad

P.S. I used the New International Version of the Bible for my quote.

Keep Moving Forward

2008-02-17T20:12:00.001-05:00

Recently, I watched the movie “Meet The Robinsons” with my family. I heard something in that movie that was very interesting that we all need to have as a motto in our lives in my opinion. This motto is “Keep Moving Forward” played out and believed by Lewis as a boy and others in the future. As a man, Lewis was very inspiring to his family because he never gave up on anything. When things got him down, Lewis quickly got back up trying to fix a problem with a new and better solution. This is very important for me in my life. I try to not let things get me down that much. If I do, then I pick myself up and get going again. It has been harder in recent years to do it but I keep trying. I have had so many obstacles trying to make me quit and change to what the world wants and expects of me just like Lewis in this movie. He kept telling himself to “Keep Moving Forward.” While you and I don’t have the luxury to look at our lives from the past to the present and then the future at all times like this movie in a short time to help us stay positive, God I believe has provided for us a way to stay positive. God sent his son Jesus to come show us how to be positive and then further teach us valuable parables or lessons to help us for hundreds of years. Jesus then proceeded to die on a cross and then rise from the dead three days later to help us “Keep Moving Forward” if we will just ask Him to save us and believe that He is our Lord and Savior. I am really glad that I saw this kids’ movie to help remind me that I need to “Keep Moving Forward.” My prayer is that more of you will do the same with this motto. I am not settling and I hope you are not either. The best parable I think that might apply here for this blog is found in Matthew 13:36-43. I hope that you will read this passage and let me know if you agree. If not then let me know one that is better. Thanks for reading this blog!

Be blessed,

Brad

Worthless Worrying

2008-02-07T23:42:00.000-05:00

How you doin'? I have heard that many times before. So how are you really doin'? I am shocked to find that there are a lot of people that are like me. I am a Worthless Worrier a lot of times. I try not to be but the world can blind me from God. It tries to tell me to worry about the next President of the United States. It tells me to worry about a job whether working 40 hours or more. It tells me that I have to have a lot of money and a significant other to be happy. The ironic thing about all of this worrying is that we all don't need to do this. God has done all that worrying for us and provided us with all the protection that we need to make it in this world. All He asks us to do it to fall in love with Him. We can do this by asking and it will be given and seek and you will find. But the most important thing in my opinion is the last which is Knock and the door will be opened for you. These three things I mention can be found in Matthew 7:7. As for dealing with Worthless Worrying. God has provided the protection for us in multiple places. But one of those for this blog I want to point to is found in Psalms 91:11. Angels have been put in charge to watch over us and protect us whereever we go. So I hope we all take heart that God is watching over us and protecting us. All he asks is three things in Matthew 7:7. Now I hope to stop being the Worthless Worrier. I hope you do too. So now I ask, How are you doing now?

Be blessed!

Brad