REVIEW: GRACE unplugged, In Theater's October 4!

Tonight I had the joy and privilege to see a private screening of a new film GRACE UNPLUGGED starring AJ Michalka, James Denton, Kevin Pollack, Shawnee Smith, Michael Welch, and Jamie Grace. The film is from Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions and is inspired by a true story. Opening night is TOMORROW night October 4th! It is a MUST see for every family with middle school/high school students! A great family movie that will promote conversations with your teens. This movie really shows how we need to stand up for our faith to not be ashamed!

I had a girls night out with my nearly 20 year old daughter. It was a sweet, special time for the two of us. We both decided that we want to go back and see it again this weekend! The music is phenomenal! The story may really resonate for any parent that strives to raise their children by teaching them to keep Christ at the center of their lives. It also touches on that fear we feel as parents to let go and allow our children to experience life even if we feel their choices are wrong.

The movie is about a talented young singer and aspiring songwriter's Christian faith and  how her family ties are tested when she defies her worship pastor father and pursues pop-music stardom. Her father used to be a top ten pop star before he became a Christian and he knows what lies ahead and the temptations that she will be faced with. It is a moving and inspiring new film that explores the true meaning of success. I liken it to a new twist on the prodigal son from a modern day perspective.

There was a particularly poignant part of the movie that put a huge lump in my throat since recently we have gone through having an almost empty nest. As parents you want your children to follow their dreams, to fly the coup, spread their wings and experience life but at times it is so hard! There are so many temptations in this world. But as Christian parents we have to trust that we have poured into our children God's love and precepts. We then have to do the hardest part of all....surrender them to Him! This wonderful movie is 118 minutes but it flew by! The audience clapped for several minutes after the movie was over. I love being able to see movies I can enjoy with my family that embody the values and ideals we believe in plus promote the message of Jesus Christ.

Go see this wonderful movie this weekend! If you need any further encouragement just check out those who have endorsed GRACE UNPLUGGED.
Blessings!
Vickie

The Everyday Matters Bible for Women (NLT)

I was asked to review the "Everyday Matters Bible for Women-Practical Encouragement to Make Every Day Matter" in the NLT. Being a member of the CWA Review Crew this is my first review.

I have many different Bibles but found this one to be particularly wonderful in helping me study God's word and to seek application in my life. The Bible is geared towards women and makes it very helpful when pouring over scripture to have the sidebars of information from listing 24 spiritual disciplines to background on each chapter available at my fingertips. I have often been a purist when it comes to study Bibles. I am very particular and have never really looked into Bibles such as this "Everyday Matters Bible for Women" but I was pleasingly surprised at the breadth of information that really spoke to me as a woman of God. I find that this Bible is an excellent study guide. It has enhanced my time in the Word and given me new insight.

In the past I have had my favorite study Bible for instance I loved my Amplified Study Bible that gave me the option of having four different versions on each page. However, it is a huge Bible to lug around and is not at all comfortable to sit, read, and pour over. However, this "Everyday Matters Bible for Women" is just the right size and I love the layout and colors. The cover is beautiful! There was only one negative for me...I am not a fan of a hardcover Bible. I guess I am too hard on a Bible with all my underlining, marking, notating in the margins that I tend to cause the binding to pull away from hardbound Bibles. My preference is for a leather bound Bible but I find myself going back to this Study Bible again and again for the awesome study helps that it provides.

 I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of  The CWA Review Crew.

Gluten Free Chocolate Coconut Bread

I have now been gluten free and sugar free for 16 months. It has been a long, hard process. I have taken great insight from the various blogs and recipe books I have found, however, I felt almost fearful of trying any of these fabulous things! I think mainly I felt afraid due to the unfamiliar ingredients and a new way of cooking. I have grown tired of the same meals and have begun to venture out a bit. I have made several things lately but for whatever reason found that I really prefer to make a recipe fit more my taste and fast-paced life. I do not like having to use a lot of ingredients or reading so many steps in a recipe.

This week I found a fabulous Paleo Coconut Bread that I made. Of course, I had to tweak it a bit to fit my needs. I did not use the honey in the recipe and added another flour instead of all coconut. But the bread came out very tasty and moist. Today I thought I would experiment further and the Chocolate Coconut Bread is the result.

As I continue on this journey it is evident that I need to branch out and step out of my comfort zone!

Enjoy!

Gluten Free Chocolate Coconut Bread

6 eggs
15 drops of Stevia
1 tsp of baking powder
1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa
1 cup of freshly ground coconut (carefully use a food processor or coffee grinder to pulverize your flaked coconut…it only took a couple of pulses and it was more like a flour)
2 cups of Almond Meal Flour
1 tsp vanilla

Whip the eggs, Stevia, and vanilla. Add the baking powder and cocoa to the coconut and almond meal flour. I mixed together with a fork to make sure there were no lumps. The coconut will have a texture and that is okay. Add your wet ingredients to the dry and mix together. The batter will begin to get thick. I used a glass bread pan but you can also use a metal pan. Grease the pan with Coconut Oil or use parchment paper. I used Coconut Oil.   

Bake for 45 minutes at 300 or until a knife comes clean from middle of bread

This is not very sweet. I think next time I may add five more drops of Stevia but I love the taste.

I served a slice with Almond Butter but you could also use Peanut Butter

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