I don't know how I missed it. But I never read Carolyn Weber's memoir, Surprised By Oxford.
Now that I have had the opportunity to preview the film adaptation of her book I will definitely be getting the book to add to my TBR pile. Because I still lean into that old saying, 'The book is better than the movie.' But that remains to be seen in the case of this book/movie. Suffice it to say that the movie was good enough to lead me to want more. And I suspect I will get more from reading Professor Weber's memoir.
Overview
Title: Surprised By Oxford
Studio: Evolve Studios, Nook Lane, Ascendant Fox
Genre: Faith-inspired, Drama, Romance
Directed by: Ryan Whitaker
Run Time: 1h 42m
Cast: Rose Reid as Caro Drake; Ruairi O’Connor as Kent Weber; Phyllis Logan as Provost Regina Knight; Emma Naomi as Hannah; Jordan Alexandra as Linnea; Louis Landau as Edward; Simon Callow as Dr. Sterling; Mark Williams as Professor Nuttham; Ed Stoppard as Dr. Condorston; Lourdes Faberes as Professor Rutledge; Michael Culkin as Professor McTeague; Nila Aalia as Vice Chancellor Kirke; George Jaques as Bill
Rating: I don't believe it is rated, but I would venture to say it is PG-13 due to the realistic nature of the film. There is occasional profanity, etc. I will leave a link here to the Plugged In review that goes further into issues in the movie that might be of concern to family viewing. Here is the link:Plugged In Review
Caro Drake, a brilliant but emotionally guarded American student, arrives at the University of Oxford determined to attain her Ph.D. Through a turbulent friendship with a charming young man, she begins to open herself up to mystery, vulnerability, and love.
That's the short of it. But really there is so much more. The beginning of the movie sets the stage for understanding the source of this young woman's quest for truth, and trust as it gives us a bit of her childhood background story.
Later...In a scene with her undergraduate college professor where she gives her analysis of John Donne's Holy Sonnet 14, he lets her know that she is missing the point and states that "anything without eternal significance is ultimately doomed to futility. The truth is in the paradox..." This sets us up for what is to come as she heads off to Oxford for her postgraduate studies.
Caro wrestles with unsettled feelings of a desire for what is real, what is true, whatever that thing is that we all long for. The thing our soul longs for. Her friend leads her to read C.S. Lewis' book, Surprised By Joy, which is his recounting of his early life and his lifelong search for Joy which leads him ultimately to find God.
There are so many underlying nods to the link between the intellectual quest for truth and understanding of human nature and the 'God who is there', without being 'in your face' with it. As Caro says, "Maybe we reach for something or desire something because that something is there...beyond us. The thing our desires point to."
And we have the picture of the struggle in the romance between Caro and Kent. There seems to be a parallel here in the picture of God's pursuit of Caro and Kent's pursuit...even as he gives up the pursuit out of love and respect for her wishes. There is a scene where Caro and her friends are viewing William Holman Hunt's painting of Jesus standing at the door and knocking. One of the friends notes that there is a problem with the painting. There is no handle on the door.
That is the beauty of the pursuit of God...He waits for us to open the door. Ultimately it is up to Caro...to open the door of her heart.
I hope this spurs you to go watch the movie...and maybe go read the book as well.
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me." ~Revelation 3:20
Go “Behind the Story” with Annie Downs interview...
SURPRISED BY OXFORD IS AVAILABLE TO RENT OR BUY FOR THE MONTH
Many thanks to Evolve Studios for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.
#SurprisedByOxfordMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork
Giveaway
I'm giving away a free Vimeo download code to watch the film!! To enter just leave a comment below with your full name and email. No rafflecopter this time. I'll do a drawing for the winner on November 20.
"Out of the depths I call to you, LORD!" ~ Psalm 130:1
Have you ever felt stressed, or been anxious, or experienced grief? Have you ever wanted to know how to help a loved one through addiction, marital conflict, or parenting challenges?
I think maybe all of us have, at one time or another felt helpless in not knowing how to help others or even ourselves journey through the trials of this life. We know there are answers to life's questions in God's Word, but we don't always know how to navigate through the Bible to utilize the wisdom found within its pages.
I'm really excited to share with you an amazing new biblical counseling resource created in partnership with Holman Bibles and New Growth Press. The NEW CSB Life Counsel Bible provides practical wisdom for all of life, equipping readers with biblical truth and counsel on a wide range of topics and tough life issues. It contains articles from leading biblical counselors that will give YOU the tools you need to take action and find HOPE through all of life’s storms.
About the Bible
Featuring over 150 articles on topics related to marriage, parenting, relationships, mental health, and so many more- this Bible is like having a complete biblical counseling toolkit in one resource!
It’s great for couples, parents, ministry leaders, and anyone who has ever struggled with tough life issues (yep, that’s all of us!).
The CSB Life Counsel Bible features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible. The CSB captures the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture’s life-transforming message and to share it with others.
Features
More than 150 full-length articles from respected Christian counselors and scholars on topics like anxiety, depression, abuse, sexuality, marriage and divorce, parenting struggles, finances, etc. (full list available at https://lifecounselbible.com).
Callout quotes placed near each article provide truth, hope, and encouragement to apply to life
Over 100-word studies focusing on keywords applicable to personal healing, growth, and counsel
Book introductions include “Circumstances of Writing,” “Structure,” “Contribution to the Bible,” and a special “Truth for Healing” section with an overview of key truths related to healing from each book of the Bible
Wide margins for notetaking and journaling
Robust page-end cross-reference system with over 25,000 cross-references connecting Scripture from Genesis to Revelation
Easy-to-read 9.5-point type size
Full-color maps
Presentation page for gift-giving (this makes a great wedding/parenting gift!
My Review
I'm really enjoying this Bible. I'm so thankful to be able to provide this introduction and review of this resource. This is definitely one that will remain in my library not only as a counseling resource but also as a personal resource when I am wrestling with yet another issue that life throws into my path.
I especially love the introductions that are provided at the beginning of each book of the Bible. It's different than many study Bibles in that puts all the usual intro material into nutshell form without sacrificing important elements that are needed in understanding the book you are about to read. I love how it clearly states the intent of the writer and always points out how each book points to Christ...in both the Old and New Testaments. Also, the Truth For Healing sections with the overview of key themes and truths related to healing from each book of the Bible is just the icing on the cake for me!
The articles are a goldmine. Seriously every parent needs this Bible. I am amazed at the breadth, depth, and wisdom that are available at your fingertips. If you are struggling with how to talk to your child about the issues they face in this world and how to keep the lines of communication open, then you will want to access these articles.
Grace-filled counsel giving practical wisdom in how to apply God's Word to a wide range of topics and tough life issues is provided through these full-length articles written by respected Christian counselors and scholars.
The topics covered are too numerous to list here. Just suffice it to say that whether you are single, married, divorced, young, old, parent, child...or dealing with disability, special needs, psychiatric disorder, eating disorder, drug addiction, sex addiction, surviving trauma of all kinds, struggling with forgiveness, and more (in other words...you are a human being), there is an article that can lead you to the wisdom in God's Word in how to navigate your issue from a Biblical worldview with mercy and grace.
I highly recommend this Bible as a great resource. Whatever you are facing, the Bible has something to say!
The he said to me, "These words are faithful and true." ~Revelation22:6
Order your copy of the CSB Life Counsel Bible today!
Bonus offer: Head over to the official website for the CSB Life Counsel Bible and enter for a chance to win a copy of the Bible here:
I am NOT personally giving away a copy of the Bible but I do have a fun giveaway. You can enter the rafflecopter below for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card!
Disclosure: Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.
Angel Studios, who brought us THE CHOSEN, is releasing a new film, HIS ONLY SON. For the first time in a feature film, the controversial account of Abraham and Isaac will be brought to life. I've had the privilege of pre-screening the movie and I'm giving you a quick review here on the blog. Make sure you keep reading to the end of this post because I have a fun giveaway too!!
Rating: PG-13, for thematic content and some violence
Run Time: 1hr. 46 min.
In Theaters: March 31st, release date.
Director: David Helling
Starring: Nicholas Mouawad, Sara Seyed, Edaan Moskowitz, Daniel da Silva, Luis Fernandez-Gil, Scot Cooper, Eta Pico, Aranna White, Ottavio Taddei, Nicholai Perez
His Only Son recounts one of the most controversial moments in the Old Testament—when God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac on the mountain of Moriah. While traveling to the place of the sacrifice, alongside Isaac and two servants, Abraham is flooded with vivid memories from the years he and Sarah spent longing for the son they were promised—the son he must now lay upon the altar.
My Review
💛💛💛💛
As the movie begins, we find Abraham being awakened from his sleep by the voice of God telling him to go to the mountain of Moriah to offer his son as a sacrifice to the LORD, God. Those who are familiar with this passage in Genesis 22, understand this as a time of testing Abraham's faithfulness to God. It is a particularly troubling story in the Bible that is hard to comprehend.
Abraham sets out the next morning with Isaac, two servants, and the wood for the offering. Over the course of their Journey to the mountain, the movie realistically recounts moments of Abraham's life in flashback scenes. Going all the way back to the call of Abraham, or Abram as he was named. (Genesis 12).
From the beginning and throughout his journey Abraham seems depressed, but that is most likely how he truly felt given his mission from God. He is tortured by the task before him, as he recounts his life up to this point.
The movie gives off a very contemplative vibe, both in the actors' actions and their words, and in the beautifully orchestrated soundtrack, as well.
I won't go into details so as not to spoil it for you. But I have to say, they handled some of the storylines in ways I had never considered. Especially in the way Sarah and Abraham, separately and together, handled the whole problem of Sarah being barren. I really love the way they dealt with this.
The performances were pretty good, Sarah grew on me as the movie progressed. But I thought that Nicholas Mouawad, as the Patriarch Abraham, was especially good in his portrayal. He pulls you into the story and into his soul. (At one point in the movie, he had me boohooing into my Chocolate Swiss Almond Haagen Daas...just sayin').
The movie opens with two verses, John 8:56 and 8:58. Two statements Jesus made to the Jews in the New Testament.
"Abraham rejoiced to see my day; he saw it and was glad."
"Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am."
In the last scene, we see a man on a cross...at the very place where Abraham had offered his only son as a sacrifice to God (or so some scholars believe), 2000 years earlier. The movie so clearly portrays the foreshadowing of the sacrificial love of God, the Father, through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross. This makes this an especially good movie to watch as we approach Good Friday.
Go see it. You'll be glad you did.
"Because you have not withheld your son, your only son, all the nations of the earth will be blessed."
*Many thanks to Angel Studios for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions expressed are 100% my own.
#HisOnlySonMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork
Buy tickets today to see HIS ONLY SON in theaters March 31st!
Fun and quick giveaway! Hurry and enter because this giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on 4/5/23. I am giving away a $10.00 Amazon gift card to one blessed winner!
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. ~ Hebrews 4:12
I'm doing another giveaway on the blog this week! While I am not a 'giveaway blog', I do love getting resources into my reader's hands that will enrich their walk with the Lord. So, when the opportunity comes along to do a Study Bible giveaway, I just can't pass it up!
About the Study Bible
In the CSB Life Essentials Interactive Study Bible, renowned Bible teacher, Dr. Gene Getz guides readers through Scripture by expounding on 1,500 life principles found throughout the Bible. Distilling these truths into life principles, Dr. Gene Getz helps leaders remember and apply the Bible's wisdom to everyday life. The CSB Life Essentials Study Bible integrates a multimedia digital study system with more than 250 hours of in-depth video teachings from Dr. Gene Getz on these essential life principles(accessed through smartphone-accessible QR codes). Questions follow each principle to inspire personal reflection or group discussion. A topical index and cross-references for all 1,500 life principles is included, and eachbook introduction provides a list of corresponding life principles found in that book. You can find more info as well as where to order at this link: CSB Life Essentials Study Bible
The CSB Life Essentials Interactive Study Bible features a highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible (CSB).
The CSB stays as literal as possible to the Bible's original meaning, without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture's life-transforming message and to share it with others. You can read more about this translation here: CSB
Features
Commentary and application questions on 1,500 life principles
250 hours of free in-depth video teaching to accompany each life principle
Two-color interior design
Smyth-sewn bonding
Presentation page
Two-column text
Topical subheadings
Black-letter text
9-point type
Textual footnotes
Concordance
Full-color maps
About Gene Getz
Dr. Gene Getz is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute and Rocky Mountain College. He has earned advanced degrees from Wheaton Graduate School and New York University. He served as a professor at Moody and Dallas Theological Seminary and then became a church planting pastor, launching the Fellowship Bible Church movement. He is heard daily on radio in a 2-minute feature entitled "Bible Principles." Dr. Getz has also authored over 60 books.
Here is Dr. Getz...
My Review
I'm a bit late getting this review out because I wanted to take a little
time to explore it on my own. So, using the copy the publisher has so graciously provided...I have been going through the book of Acts, while reading the life principles, and watching the correlating videos accessed with the QR code.
I think that if you are looking for a typical Study Bible containing a plethora of research tools while using footnotes and sidebars to explain the text, this will fall short of your expectations.
However, the Life Essentials Study Bible was designed with a different purpose in mind. The goal is to point out the life principles found throughout God's Word. These are principles that we, as God's children, are to live out daily. You will find throughout this bible that as a life principle is introduced within the context of a particular scriptural passage it will be clearly explained with notes about related passages...as it allows scripture to interpret scripture. A Reflection and Response question is provided at the end of each life principle teaching to enable you to apply these lasting biblical truths in any number of real-life situations. If you want to go a bit more in-depth in the study of that passage, you need to use the QR code to listen to Dr. Getz teaching on video(each video is around 10 minutes...some longer).
I especially appreciate the Life Essentials Study Bible APP that is available to use...so that if you are preparing a lesson for a speaking engagement, a sermon, or teaching a class you will be able to look up a principle that you are teaching on within the Principle Finder Topics page and see all the teachings and scriptures associated with that principle. Or, you can even pull up correlating principles on a particular passage you are teaching from.
I think this will be a very useful tool in my bible study resource library. If you are looking for a resource to encourage you in your walk with the Lord and give you direction for life in a very practical way, I believe you will love this Life Essentials Study Bible.
Giveaway
You can win your own copy of the CSB Life Essentials Interactive Study Bible, in hardcover, as pictured in my review above (a $44.99 Retail Value)!
Just leave a comment on the blog...below, and then come back here to the Rafflecopter to do all the things to be entered in the contest.
a Rafflecopter giveaway Note: only US bloggers and giveaway winners are eligible due to publisher shipping limitations outside of the US as well as a later global product release date.Contest runs through May 6, 2020. A copy will be mailed out to the winner via the publisher at the end of this campaign
Per LEV3L contest rules: followers can only sign up for one giveaway within this campaign #LifeEssentialsL3
Well, not really time for one but since Tony Evans is a favorite of both myself and the hubs, I couldn't pass by this opportunity. And since I have a short time frame in which to run this giveaway let's get going.
About Tony Evans
Dr. Tony Evans is one of the most influential church leaders of our time and has been studying and preaching the Gospel for over 50 years. He serves as senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, TX, and founder of The Urban Alternative, a ministry that promotes a kingdom agenda philosophy designed to enable people to live all of life underneath the comprehensive rule of God. His preaching can be heard on broadcasts airing on over 1,400 radio outlets and in over 130 countries, reaching millions each week. I just love that his preaching honors the Word of God over the word of man. He has the ability to communicate the profound truths of God's Word through practical teaching and application.
About the Study Bible
The Tony Evans Study Bible includes extensive study notes and other ancillary resources carefully crafted and curated by Dr. Tony Evans as General Editor and adapted from his sermons, teachings, and writings. These features are strategically placed alongside the biblical text to explain God’s Word in a fresh way. Applying these truths will empower readers to have transformed lives that then transfer the values of the kingdom of God to others.
Features
Elegant design
Study notes crafted from Tony Evans sermons and writings
40 inspirational articles
50 “Lessons on Kingdom Living,”
60 "Questions & Answers"
40 “Hope Words”
120+ personal application questions
Digital links to over 150 videos of devotionals, sermons, and teaching from Dr. Evans
Page-edge cross-reference system
Black-letter text
Presentation page
Introductory front matter
Special back matter section with key definitions, theological and doctrinal charts, and other study helps
Concordance
Bible reading plans. 3 year and 1year plans
Full-color maps
Review I have to say that I really love this study Bible. I've had been pouring over its contents since I received it from the publisher, thinking that this would be a great study Bible for the hubs. But this is not a study Bible for men only. It is for everyone. In the Introduction, it says, "This study Bible is based on a simple yet profound biblical worldview: the glory of God through the advancement of His kingdom. This is the unifying theme of scripture from Genesis to Revelation." And with this study Bible Dr. Evans endeavors to "help us study the Scripture with a kingdom mindset, seeking to identify God's rule over every area of our life." There are some unique features in this Bible that I have not seen in other study Bibles. One such feature is the "Hope Words" placed throughout this Bible. They are such encouraging words to encounter as you are reading through a passage of scripture. They are set apart in a simple but decorative box and say such things as, "Stop focusing on what you can't do. Start focusing on what God can do." This particular one was placed in Pauls' letter to the Ephesians at the end of chapter 3...after his prayer for the Ephesians. Beautiful. Or in John among the verses where Jesus is praying for His disciples, "God calls us to go against the grain when the grain is going against God. Be in the world, not of the world." Another unique feature is the digital links to video devotionals and teachings from Dr. Evans. They are QR codes that you can scan with your phone or iPad and they take you to the videos. And yes, I have watched a few of the videos and they contain such good scriptural teaching designed to enhance your study experience by helping you dive deeper into a topic or providing encouragement in your study. There are also links to videos that take you to video introductions to each book of the Bible as well as Overview videos of both the Old and New Testament found in the front material, "How to Study the Bible" section. So you not only have the written intro that you would expect in a study Bible, you have video teaching to get you into the study. You will love it! There are multiple covers available for this cover:
Hardcover
Black/Brown Leather Touch
Black Genuine Leather
British Tan Leather Touch
Purple Leather Touch
You can view these covers and more about the Tony Evans Study Bible at this link: https://csbtonyevansstudybible.com I'm giving away the Black/Brown Leather Touch edition. It's a beautiful cover with feels like butter, soft leather. I'm thinking I will give my personal copy to the hubs and then save up to get the purple cover for myself. I'm not a huge purple color fan, but this one looks to be a lovely lavender.
Giveaway
You can win your own copy of the CSB Tony Evans Study Bible in the Black/Brown Leather Touch Edition, as pictured in my review (a $69.99 Retail Value)!
Just leave a comment on the blog below and then come back to the Rafflecopter here to do all the things to be entered in the contest: a Rafflecopter giveaway
Note: only US bloggers and giveaway winners are eligible due to publisher shipping limitations outside of the US as well as a later global product release date.Contest runs through November 18, 2019. A copy will be mailed out to the winner via the publisher at the end of this campaign. #TonyEvansStudyBibleL3
My idea was to share how this love affair began. You see, I was going to write just a bit about my passion for all things books. After a bit of rambling on about my love of books, I was then going to find a way to segue from talking about a classic I read as a young girl to introducing a movie that is a modern retelling of said classic...releasing in theaters later this month...Little Women: A Modern Retelling.
Photo courtesy of Official Facebook Page for LITTLE WOMEN,
a modern adaptation of the classic book Louisa May Alcott
But the 'just a bit' became several paragraphs and was on track for becoming a full-blown article...without mention of the movie. No surprise there. So I've decided to just talk a bit about the movie here.
She is too fond of books, it has turned her brain.
~Louisa May Alcott
I can totally relate to that quote! Books like Little Women tend to make us stop and take a deeper look at the way we view ourselves and the world around us. Books have deeply impacted my sense of right and wrong, taken me on exciting adventures to new lands, and given me insight into the way others think that is profoundly different than my own way of thinking. Reading has shown me glimpses of characters who portrayed such traits as valor or courage or chivalry. But enough about books for now...
You can check back later to read the article on my love of books, how it all began, and where it has taken me.
Also, next week I will have a review of the movie on the blog...so if you haven't yet made up your mind to see it, be sure to check back here to see if it sounds like your cup of tea.
In the meantime, I'm running a giveaway!! Be sure to enter below for your chance to win a $25 Fandango e-gift card, redeemable for LITTLE WOMEN! It's the 150th Anniversary of Little Women, which makes it the perfect time for the release of a new film adaptation of this beloved classic.
Happy Birthday, LITTLE WOMEN!!! Let's Celebrate!! Be sure to enter below for your chance to win!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway Note: only US-based giveaway winners are eligible due to Fandango limitations in Canada and outside the US. Just for fun take this QUIZ to find out which March sister you are! Little Women: Find Your Sister Quiz See you at the movies! #LittleWomenL3
Check out my article on my love of books here: The Book Girl
Friday
Same Kind of Different As Me... Movie Preview
and a chance to win tickets!!
No one can change everything, but everyone can help change something. ~Denver Moore
Those words... Spoken by a homeless man...
#SameKindMovieL3
If you have read the book, Same Kind of Different As Me, you may recognize those words. They are the heart behind the movie of the same name.
It's the story of what can happen when broken people serve broken people. A story of forgiveness, restoration and healing...in life, love and friendship.
A story we can all relate to in one way or another, as we struggle to make sense of the brokeness of this world in which we live.
If you are looking for an answer to the strife and division that is going on in our culture today, this movie will inspire you to take the steps to bring about change. You can be the next someone who makes a difference in this world. I love a good story of forgiveness, healing and redemption and this one does not disappoint.
In theatres October 20, 2017. Watch the trailer...
Same Kind Of Different As Me. Starring Greg Kinnear, Renée Zellweger, Djimon Hounsou, and Jon Voight. In theatres October 20. Get tickets now! Check here to see if it is showing in your area: tickets.samekindofdifferentasmemovie.com
Here's the fun news! I have a giveaway! Enter to win two Free Fandango Tickets to see the movie. Make sure it is showing in your area. U.S. residents only...sorry.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to Amazon, which means if you choose to click through to make a purchase, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks in advance for your support!
Giveaway
