Yes, there is hope for Christian music. If more artists with raw talent like Newworldson keep coming out, they could reshape the way "Christian music" is done. On their self titled album, these guys bring a lot of funk, heart, and soul in thir songs. The constant theme in their music is one that points back to the Creator. The style is hard to pin down, since one minute you hear a little jazz, then some straight up funk, then Stevie Wonder, etc. This is one band that streches their musical styles all over the place, and the results are songs that be sure to get your body and soul moving. Check out their album and you won't be disappointed.
Books, books, and more books..
Here are some of the books I’ve been fortunate to check out recently.
Fearless by Max Lucado
I really like this guy’s style. From his Punchinello children’s stories to encouraging books for adults such as this one, Max always finds a way to get the heart of the reader. In Fearless, Lucado provides a very hopeful book with timeless advice that points the reader to a God as the source of all hope, no matter what the circumstance. Hard as it may be, if followed properly, this is one book that can truly help you to become “fearless”.
Drops Like Stars by Rob Bell
This great book put out by Bell is a collection of photos, personal stories and other life illustrations that drive home the point that suffering unites us as humans. Very profound in its writing style, this book also weaves in the story of how God joins us in our sufferings, and that we’re not alone. It’s a big book (literally) too, so don’t expect to be able to put it on a bookshelf! It’s best left out on a coffee table as a decoration.
O Me of Little Faith by Jason Boyett
At first glance this book would appear to jump on the trendy “doubt” bandwagon, but this one is as honest as it gets. I found myself connecting with Boyett in his confessions in many ways, and appreciated his “confession” style of writing. Rather than drive you away from God, this is one book that deals with doubt honestly and pushes the reader to seek God further, even amidst a sea of doubts.
The Message – Large Print Hardcover
Yes, I reviewed this translation of the Bible before. But this time I checked out the large print version of the Message. Where the Remix version was one that’s great for keeping in the car or just carrying on the go, this large print version is perfect for adding to a home library. Crack it open and dig into the large print text on each page. This one is easy to read, and a great one to own for anyone eager to study more of the Bible.
The Dude Abides: The Gospel According to the Coen Brothers by Cathleen Falsani
I’m not a big fan of some books that try and pull (or put) Christianity into everything related to pop-culture. Being the movie buff I am, I appreciate those books written by people who “really get” the story, rather than try and fit a certain film into THEIR worldview. This is one of those books. This one mainly deals with films made by Hollywood legends, the Coen Brothers. Warning: This book contains many spoilers so if you haven’t seen some of the films, you may want to not read about them in this book. Falsani really did her homework when it came to these movies. After reading this, you may not watch a Coen Brothers film the same way.
Are you like me where you get the post-Christmas holiday blues after the sacred day just flies right by? Well one way of dealing with it is with some great Christmas songs! Sure the holiday's over, but who says you still can't jam to some jolly X-Mas (CHRISTmas for those who get uptight about the deal with the letter X thing) songs! One good recommendation is the "Christmas! A Newsboys Holiday" album dropped by the Newsboys! Now mind you, this is the post-Furler era Newsboys now fronted by Michael Tait. I would've loved to hear a X-Mas album with Peter as singer, but this album hits the spot as far as Chrismas jingles go. It's a short album with only 5 tracks. But put on repeat, this album can still bring holiday joy up until Valentine's Day. I enjoyed each track, but standouts for me are their cover of Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You", and "O Holy Night". But like I said, each track is full of holiday cheer, so put in on repeat and ENJOY!
Boy turns into geek and turns into a sorcerer to win his love. Gosh I love stories like this!
The Sorcerer's Apprentice is one film I was waiting to come on video. Now that it's out, I wasn't let down. This film has got the makings of a great family adventure. Nicolas Cage and Jay Baruchel shine in this fantasy/adventure set in Manhattan. The Blu-Ray has got tons of extra features adding value to this set put out by Disney. Overall this is one film great for family movie night, or just to kick back and see an entertaining film!
VeggieTales, VeggieTales....
(cue the theme song)
If you have kids, or know someone who does, and have had the chance to watch any VeggieTales specials, then you know that song can get stuck in your head for days. I have shown these to my son ever since he was 4 years old. He's 11 now, and it was nice to be able to sit with him and still be able to enjoy VeggieTales when we watched the recent DVD called It's a Meaningful Life. In this show loosely based on It's A Wonderful Life, Larry the Cucumber stars as "Stewart" (get it? Jimmy Stewart?). Stewart gets a lesson in contentment after wondering "what if" his life turned out differently. Overall, this is a fun show to watch with the family. VeggieTales has always been good at delivering a moral message to kids through innovative animation. So do yourself a favor and check it out for the holidays!
Hello there great peoples of the world!
I count it a pleasure to mention to you about the FANTASTIC Blu-ray/DVD release of the Fantasia and Fantasia 2000: 2-Movie Collection Special Edition. Just in time for the holiday season comes this 4-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack containing both DVD and Blu-ray versions of both Fantasia and Fantasia 2000! If you thought it was an amazing experience watching these films, wait until you see them on Blu-ray. Not only does the set have both films, but it is loaded with special features galore. One standout feature out of all the others for me would have to be short film "Destino". This was a a collaberation between Walt Disney and Salvador Dali started in 1946! The film had to be get put off due to financial concerns, but was picked up again by Roy E. Disney in 2003 and eventually finished up. With a lot of sets getting pushed out in time for this season, be sure to get your hands on this set. And for your viewing pleasure, check out the following video clip!
Peanuts fans can rejoice with the new release of He’s Your Dog, Charlie Brown! Warner Bros has given this one the deluxe treatment with all updated audio and video. See the famous beagle Snoopy go to puppy boot camp when the gang gets fed up with him. But loyalty and friendship get tested when Snoopy wonders how it might be with a new master. Watch to see if Chuck can bring his beloved beagle back home in this Remastered Deluxe Edition!
