For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
—John 3:16, NKJV
This week there is only one person appropriate to spotlight: Jesus.
His Name Is Jesus, compiled from various writings by Max Lucado, is a profound look at Christ's birth, mission, death, resurrection and legacy. This compilation is not merely a book; it's a visual experience with breath-taking pictures showcasing truths that offer a new perspective on God's love and the gift of His Son. Set aside a few moments this Easter weekend to reflect anew on what Jesus Christ did for you. He loves you. And He gave His life for you.
Christmas in April? Not ... wait for it ... egg-xactly. Only the creators of VeggieTales can take Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, adapt it to Easter and make it work. Since 2004 An Easter Carol has sold more than 1 million copies, and the DVD has been relaunched just in time for Easter 2009. Parents can appreciate the wholesome message, and their children will enjoy being entertained while learning the meaning behind this special celebration.
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By Dr. Sheila Schuller Coleman, FaithWords, hardcover, 176 pages, $14.99.
Being a mom is not always easy. And unfortunately mothers feel inadequate to meet all their children's needs. Some are afraid they could actually harm their children because they are not perfect. In her new book, Mommy Grace, Sheila Schuller Coleman, a mother of four grown sons, offers advice that will help relieve these fears and erase feelings of guilt. She assures women that no mother is perfect and it's God who makes up for our weaknesses.
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John Waller's sophomore album, While I'm Waiting, combines vertical songs to God as well as worship that will build up the body of Christ. His name might seem familiar to fans of the blockbuster film Fireproof. The title track of While I'm Waiting was the only song played in its entirety on the movie. Film fans will find that song as well as additional clips from the movie soundtrack on Waller's new CD.
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Some people might think that fitness trainers are born with a proclivity for being healthy and fit. But Ron Kardashian dispels this myth because he didn't grow up with a passion for health and fitness or a desire to help others become healthy and productive. He discovered, however, that this was exactly God's destiny for him. In his new book, Getting in Shape God's Way, he writes about his experience and the keys he learned to becoming fit in mind, body and soul.
Kardashian's discovery of God's plan for him came after years of struggle. He grew up chronically ill, and suffered from allergies, infections and a learning disability-all of which created deep feelings of insecurity and inferiority. He turned to food and eventually to drugs and alcohol for comfort. After high school Kardashian's life spiraled even more out of control. But one night he cried out to God. "From that night on my life was never the same-on the inside. However, the outside had a long way to catch up," he writes.
It took several more years for Kardashian to realize that drugs, women, modeling and money couldn't fix him-and that only God could. As Kardashian studied the Bible, God revealed His plan for him, and he pursued a more productive lifestyle. He got his education in fitness training and eventually received his certification with the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Don't you love it when a kid's movie is clean enough for kids to enjoy and smart enough for adults to be entertained? It's a delicate balance that doesn't always occur. I'll never forget taking some friends' children to see the live-action Casper film and one of them gasping every time an expletive was uttered. I felt horrible for the movie selection, but it really wasn't my fault—I'd been duped.
Thankfully, the new animated movie Monsters Vs. Aliens doesn't follow the trend of relying on adult language over witty dialogue. The story, which centers on a group of B-movie style monsters who are recruited by the government to fight an alien invasion, delivers plenty of clever moments and keeps the action going full-speed ahead. It's similar in style to The Incredibles mixed with old-fashioned monsters and Independence Day.
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Tristar Pictures Starring Morris Chestnut, Taraji P. Henson, Kevin Hart Rated PG-13
Not Easily Broken (based on T.D. Jakes' novel by the same title) presents a realistic view of marriage and the struggles many couples face. When David and Clarice Johnson (Morris Chestnut, Tarji P. Henson) got married, they had high hopes and dreams for their life. But David's career in baseball came to a sudden stop with an injury. This couple's dreams of success were shattered.
He owns a small but successful construction business, but Clarice is the true breadwinner as a top real estate agent. They are both caught up in their own lives—Clarice with her career, and David as a little league baseball coach. But an accident proves just how large the holes in their relationship are. Clarice is bitter and blames David. And he is trying to figure out what it really means to be a man, to be a provider and protector to a woman who can provide and protect herself. read more
