Life Perspective: Reviews & More

I have started reviewing the Love Comes Softly Series which stars Katherine Heigl, January Jones, Haylie Duff, Dale Midkiff, and more. I loved Love Comes Softly. See review link below! Complete Love Comes Softly Collection with Katherine Heigl, January Jones, Haylie Duff, more The Complete Love Comes Softly Collection , a DVD anthology of eight uplifting Christian drama films based on Janette Oke’s best selling faith-based novels, is due to release just in time for the holiday shopping season December 1, 2009. This inspiring library from filmmaker Michael Landon Jr. includes a stellar cast such as Katherine Heigl (“Grey’s Anatomy,” The Ugly Truth ) Keep Reading » Movie #1 Love Comes Softly Set Film #1 "Love Comes Softly" with Katherine Heigl, Dale Midkiff and Corbin Bernsen Sunday, November 29th, 2009 The Complete Love Comes Softly Collection Film #1: Love Comes Softly The first film in The Complete Love Comes Softly Collection , Love Comes Softly is the story of a...

WooHoo! It's my favorite time of the year! I LOVE the Christmas holidays! I love all of it - the trappings: decoration, lights, tinsel. I love the music: the concerts and carols. I love the fellowship: parties, friends & family. Most of all, I love the deeper meaning - that we still acknowledge that a baby was born in a manger over 2,000 years ago to save us all - and that still brings tidings of comfort and joy to a darkening world. Nashville Christmas events November 30 - December 4: Amy Grant, parade, concerts, lights & more Friday, November 27th, 2009 The Christmas holiday season is kicking off in a big way this week with the Nashville Christmas parade, Christmas concerts, Amy Grant, John Rich, Salvation Army kettles, and other holiday activities! ... Keep Reading »

I started compiling this list last year as Favorite Holiday Movies of Gospel Artists & Entertainers , but this year after receiving more movie favorites, I wanted to do something different, so I grouped the movies according to which artists picked them and came up with a Top Ten List of Holiday Movies! Top 10 holiday movie favorites of gospel artists and Christian entertainers Thursday, November 26th, 2009 'Tis the season for Christmas movies! If you are wanting suggestions for movies to watch or to give during the Christmas holidays, here are the top ten holiday movies picked by gospel music artists and Christian entertainers. Top ten holiday movies include: A Charlie Brown Christmas, A Christmas Story, Elf, Home Alone, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, It's a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, Muppets Christmas, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, and White Christmas. ... Keep Reading »

The "Dancing with the Stars" finale was last night and Donny Osmond took home the disco ball trophy. It was fun to see Tom DeLay and Kathy Ireland flitting around the dance floor again! Tom DeLay and Kathy Ireland on 'Dancing with the Stars' finals; Whitney Houston, Donny Osmond sing Tuesday, November 24th, 2009 · 2 comments Tom Delay and his partner Cheryl Burke joined Kathy Ireland and Tony Dovolani for tonight's "Dancing with the Stars" finals. Occasional... Keep Reading » More on "Dancing with the Stars" What did Tom DeLay reveal on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live?' DeLay's 'Dancing with the Stars' interview ...

To help you kick off the Christmas season... Celebrate Christmas with Ernie Haase and Signature Sound at Trevecca Nazarene University Dec. 1 Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 Every Light That Shines at Christmas Concert Dec. 1 Southern Gospel quartet Ernie Haase & Signature Sound will bring their "Every Light That Shines at Christmas" concert to Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville on Tuesday, December 1 at 7:00 PM. The Nashville concert will kick off the "Every Light That Shines at Christmas" tour.... Keep Reading »

I have been looking at this list for several years now to see which companies have made the decision to NOT use the word Christmas during the "holiday" season. American Girl, Disney, KB Toys make Christmas "Friend or Foe" naughty list Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 American Girl - Naughty or Nice? Popular doll maker American Girl has turned up on the Liberty Counsel's seventh annual "Friend or Foe" Christmas Campaign... Keep Reading »

I thought I would end my American Music Awards coverage with the Inspirational winners, Mary Mary. After seeing how sleazy the show was this year, it would be fine with me if MTV does not air awards shows ever again as they have proven this year with the Video Music Awards and American Music Awards that they do not have a grasp on dignity or decency. Gospel duo Mary Mary wins second American Music Award for Contemporary Inspirational Monday, November 23rd, 2009 If you followed the 2009 American Music Awards last night, tucked away between the revealing costumes, the bleeped lyrics, and the colossal embarrassment that was Adam Lambert, gospel duo Mary Mary unobtrusively won Favorite Artist in the Contemporary Inspirational category.... Keep Reading »

The American Music Awards took place tonight. I was disgusted with half of it, especially Perez Hilton as a host or whatever he was and Adam Lambert's disgustingly lewd movies. As these shows continue to deteriorate, I try to focus on the positive. The American Music Awards gospel connections: Miley Cyrus, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood pictures Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 The 2009 American Music Awards are tearing up the television airwaves tonight as a Who's Who of musicians are nominated in various categories. This year's AMAs feature several artists with gospel ties including Jeremy Camp, Brandon Heath, Mary Mary, Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Whitney Houston, Daughtry, and Michael Jackson. ... Keep Reading »

More on Susan Boyle: album release, new video discovered, and another old video found Susan Boyle 'I Dreamed a Dream' releases tomorrow; 2001 video of Boyle performing discovered Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 · 3 comments As reported in Susan Boyle dreamed a dream , Susan Boyle 's long-awaited project I Dreamed a Dream is releasing tomorrow. Now a 2001 video has been uncovered of Boyle singing "The Power of Love."... Keep Reading »

I think these dolls are cute, and I admire the artistry, but there is something a little disturbing about the ones that breathe and have heartbeats... Doll Collecting 101: What is a reborn doll? Reborn and newborn dolls look like real babies Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 As Christmas approaches, one of the unusual dolls which might show up on someone's holiday wish-list is a reborn doll. What is a Reborn Doll? The... Keep Reading »

Old friend Mark Smeby sent me news about a holiday film he is in: The Perfect Gift - culture vs. Christmas in a holiday movie Friday, November 20th, 2009 The Perfect Gift, an indie Christmas film shot in neighboring Louisville, Kentucky, has just been released on DVD by EMI. This is a sweet, palatable film about a spoiled young girl (Christina Fougnie), her single mother (Amy Hess) and a struggling associate pastor (Matt Wallace) whose lives are forever changed by a mysterious drifter named Jess (Jefferson Moore).... Keep Reading » 

The holidays are upon us! Wynonna, Aaron Minick and Palmetto State Quartet on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' holiday program Friday, November 20th, 2009 · 1 comment Wynonna, Aaron Minick and Palmetto State Quartet on "Oprah" Thanksgiving Week Oprah may be leaving, but she's not gone yet! Just in time... Keep Reading »

I went to the midnight showing of New Moon with Kristen Stewart, Rob Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner last night to follow the adventures of Bella and Edward and Jacob. I thought the movie was a more-than-adequate sequel and that the faith-based themes were still clear in New Moon.  This is my review: New Moon at midnight: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner bring Twilight back Friday, November 20th, 2009 · 1 comment Sequel to Twilight Now Playing Last year I wrote about going to see Twilight at midnight and wondered where the throngs of young girls were. This year I found out - fans of Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner waited for New Moon to turn out in force! Keep Reading » More Twilight: Twilight cast presents New Moon trailer at MTV Video Music Awards: Pattinson, Stewart, Lautner 1 comment Twilight Cast Presents New Moon Trailer at MTV VMA Awards As reported in A Christian look at Twilight books a...

As you can tell, I love creating Thanksgiving displays using various Pilgrim dolls and figurines. Thanksgiving dolls & Pilgrim figurines make colorful Thanksgiving doll displays (with sideshow) Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 Thanksgiving is almost here! This holiday began with the Pilgrims when William Bradford issued the first Thanksgiving Day proclamation in November of 1623. Looking at the colorful figurines above, it is hard to believe that Pilgrims are often depicted in modern culture as dour and overly pious people with long faces and drab black outfits. However, these early colonists who came to America to escape religious persecution wore bright colors : including reds, yellows, purples and greens as well as black and grey. K...

I have been chomping at the bit to share some details about "A Pure Country Gift," but I didn't want to be the extra who blabbed and told all the spoilers, as I would like to do this again! However, I saw a few details appearing in print today and felt at liberty to share some of what I know about the plot of "A Pure Country Gift." A Pure Country Gift Stars Katrina Elam, Travis Fimmel, J.D. Parker with appearances by George Strait As reported in A Pure Country Gift invites country fans to free concert taping with George Strait and Katrina Elam ,  I have had the unexpected pleasure of being cast as an extra in A Pure Country Gift , the upcoming holiday movie which stars Katrina Elam, Travis Fimmel, J.D. Parker and with a couple of special appearances by country music superstar, George Strait . A Pure Country Gift is a film that will have a real Nashville feel. On Saturday I spent twelve hours at Nashville's Northstar Studios working with other e...

Another interesting Nashville event: Sen. Corker, Jars of Clay, Nashville music industry partner on 'Water for the World' event Monday, November 16th, 2009 Tennessee Republican U.S. Senator Bob Corker, who serves as the second-ranking Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is hosting "Water for the World," an event at the Gordon E. Inman Center at Nashville's Belmont University on Monday, November 23.

I really enjoyed Fireproof and hope Courageous is just as good! Producers of Fireproof announce next movie, Courageous Courageous graphic from press kit Sunday, November 15th, 2009 Fireproof Producers Announce Courageous Fans of 2008's top indie film Fireproof will be happy to know there is another faith-based film in the works from Sherwood Pictures. Sherwood Church, producers of the hit independent movie Fireproof (with Kirk Cameron ) as well as Flywheel (DVD only) and Facing the Giants, announced the theme and title for Courageous, Sherwood Pictures' fourth movie at its Sunday evening service tonight. The announcement was made collectively by Senior Pastor Michael Catt, Executive Pastor Jim McBride, and ministers Stephen and Alex Kendrick who make up the leadership team of Sherwood Pictures.... Keep Reading »

More on Sonicflood and Phil Baquie Gospel Music 101: Who Is Sonicflood? Friday, November 13th, 2009 Who Is Sonicflood? Sonicflood is a contemporary gospel group based in Nashville, Tennessee. The band has sold almost 2 million records, and produced worship hits including "I Could Sing of Your Love Forever," "Resonate," "Cry Holy" and "Here I am to Worship."... Keep Reading »

My father served in the Army, so I am always impressed by the courage of our military men and women. Sonicflood guitarist Phil Baquie to deploy to Afghanistan November 15 Friday, November 13th, 2009 Sonicflood's Guitarist Phil Baquie Deploys to Afghanistan Sonicflood's Nashville based guitarist Phil Baquie recently received orders that he is being deployed to Afghanistan this Sunday, November 15, for about a year as part of "Operation Enduring Freedom."... Keep Reading »

I used to love watching "Touched by an Angel" when it came on in the 1990s. Sometimes it was hard for me to watch. I had lost my parents back to back in 1991 and 1993, and "Touched by an Angel" often dealt with death and loss. I found myself bawling through more than one episode. OK, I cried through most of them, but the experience was cathartic. "Touched by an Angel" was one of those extremely rare television shows that left me a better person for having watched it. Touched by An Angel Inspiration Collection on DVD features Roma Downey, Della Reese, Randy Travis Friday, November 13th, 2009 · 1 comment Touched by an Angel Collections Now on DVD On Tuesday, November 10, the beloved Christian television series "Touched by an Angel" starring Roma Downey, Della Reese, and John Dye was released on DVD. "Touched by an Angel" ran for nine seasons between 1994 and 2003 and was one of the highest rated shows on the CBS network featur...

I had the opportunity to be an extra again yesterday on A Pure Country Gift . This time we were taken to the Municipal Auditorium at 7 AM where we spent the day filming concert scenes. I brought a book again but ended up at a table with Sarah, Ashlin, Wendy, Kimberly, Ashley and Amber, and we hit it off so well I didn't have much time to read, even though we were there for 11 hours! Actor J.D. Parker once again spent quite a bit of time with the extras, taking photos and telling tall tales, and we got to see more of Katrina Elam. Travis Fimmel passed through once, but there was no sign of George Strait. They served a delicious lunch from Loveless Cafe. You can read more of my adventures as an extra and see some photos at: A Pure Country Gift with Katrina Elam, Travis Fimmel, J.D. Parker and appearances by George Strait Thursday, November 12th, 2009 As reported in A Pure Country Gift invites country fans to free concert taping with George Strait and Katrina Elam , I have had ...

More on Susan Boyle! She did a great job on "Dancing with the Stars" tonight. Susan Boyle hits all the right notes on Dancing with the Stars Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 Susan Boyle shared her dream with viewers tonight on "Dancing with the Stars." Boyle joined Michael Buble as musical guests on the "Dancing with the Stars" results show.... Keep Reading » More on Susan Boyle on DWTS: Susan Boyle on 'Dancing with the Stars' results show Tuesday night Monday, November 9th, 2009 Scottish singer Susan Boyle, who rose to fame almost overnight on "Britain's Got Talent" this year, is set to sing on Tuesday night's... Keep Reading »

I confess to having a particular fondness for the Pilgrim Barbie, Tommy and Kerstie. I find the story of the Pilgrims inspiring and think they have been done a disservice and villainized unfairly in popular culture. I like the simple "historic" costumes these dolls wear and enjoy setting up Thanksgiving scenes with them in honor of the original Pilgrims. Thanksgiving Barbie dolls: Pilgrim Barbie and Happy Thanksgiving Kelly Club set Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 · 1 comment Thanksgiving Barbie Dolls Thanksgiving is right around the corner, so it is time to take a look at the holiday from a doll's point of view! I doubt... Keep Reading »

Christmas music is hitting the streets and Switchfoot's project is finally out! New Music Tuesday November 10: Switchfoot, Katinas, Ayiesha Woods Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 New Music Tuesday November 10: New music releasing today includes gospel music projects from Switchfoot, Katinas, and Ayiesha Woods Keep Reading » More Switchfoot: Switchfoot's lead singer Jon Foreman talks about 'Hello Hurricane' Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 · 2 comments Switchfoot's Hello Hurricane Releases November 10 As reported in Switchfoot's Hello Hurricane to release November 10, Switchfoot's latest offering... Keep Reading » Switchfoot releases new album with headlining fall tour, appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live ...

This was an interesting angle on the Twilight books, movies and now -- DOLLS! New Twilight dolls: Edward Cullen and Bella Swan now immortal as Barbie dolls (with slideshow) Sunday, November 8th, 2009 Twilight Dolls: Edward Cullen and Bella Swan When author Stephanie Meyer first penned Twilight, I wonder if she had any idea Edward Cullen and Bella Swan would one day be immortalized as Barbies... Keep Reading » More Twilight coverage: Twilight cast presents New Moon trailer at MTV Video Music Awards: Pattinson, Stewart, Lautner 1 comment Twiligh...