If God is so powerful and so good, why do bad things happen? by Voddie Baucham

Eschatology – One Big Rat Nest by Kevin Swanson

Eschatology – One Big Rat Nest from Kevin Swanson on Vimeo.

Inherit the Land: Adventures on the Agrarian Journey

This DVD will cast a vision for your family by providing an introductory look at the blessings found when families work in an agrarian lifestyle. Franklin Springs Media has traveled across the US and captured stories of families experiencing the joy of working in God’s creation. From a simple garden in a suburban backyard, to a full-fledged multi-thousand acre farm, or something in between, these stories will not only bless those that are contemplating an agrarian path, but all families that have a heart turned toward home and enjoy seeing a beautiful picture of family life.



Inherit the Land features families from across the nation, including the wonderful West ladies from the Homestead Blessings series, the Michael and Susan Bradrick family in gorgeous Washington state, the Houk family in central Illinois — who’ve been farming for three generations — the Wilson family in Virginia, and many more! Hosted by Jim Bob Howard, this DVD is beautifully filmed to capture the true essence of family life on a farm.

A Journey Home

I just watched this movie and really appreciated it. I enjoyed learning about the way they live, something that really interests me, and the way God used them to serve Him. It's a good movie for the family to see. 

Winner of the Jubilee Award for Best Documentary at the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival, A Journey Home tells the story of the extraordinary path traveled by Tommy Waller, his wife Sherri, and their 11 children.

“The story of Tommy’s magnificent family captured my heart and demanded that we make this film,” said Ken Carpenter, producer/director of A Journey Home.
The story of the Waller family was filmed over an 18 month period, and includes scenes in Russell Creek (an Amish/Mennonite community), and the historic communities of Franklin and Leipers Fork, Tennessee. The film also travels with the Wallers as their current work unfolds in Jerusalem and in the West Bank areas of Israel.

“Although the Wallers essentially strip away all of the conveniences most of us equate with contentment and happiness, they possess a joy and contentment quite unlike the average American family,” explained Carpenter.

“It’s very gratifying to now see audiences being challenged and encouraged by Tommy’s commitment to his wife and children. We live in a world where television and films almost always portray the normal family as largely dysfunctional. The story of the Wallers gives us hope and a wonderful vision of what family life can really mean,” added Carpenter.

The Journey Home DVD is packed with Bonus Features that will enhance your experience with this inspiring family.

A Journey Home features music by The Peasall Sisters, Marty Goetz, and Stacy Jagger.

Elderly Couple Play Piano Duet

Fake Beauty

Fort Apache - 1948

This last weekend we watched Fort Apache, a 1948 western film directed by John Ford and starring John Wayne, Henry Fonda, Shirley Temple, and John Agar among several other great actors.

This is one of our favorite movies. The story takes place at Fort Apache after the Civil War. A different twist is there with John Wayne and Henry Fonda playing reversed roles. We like the old fashion gentlemanly conduct and the woman's dress styles. Packed with good humor.   

The new commander, Henry Fonda, feels pushed aside when assigned to Fort Apache but intends to whip his soldiers into shape and make a name for himself fighting the Apache. Though his men disagree with his tactics they're duty-bound to obey - even when is means almost certain disaster. Filmed in John Ford's Monument Valley.

One thing we do not like in the movie is Shirley Temple's attitude toward her father (Henry Fonda) in not wanting to obey his wishes but continually disobeying to get what she wants.

Fireproof - 2008

Last night I watched Fireproof for the first time with Sarah and Laura. Mom and Dad were there too but had seen it in the theater when it first came out.

From what I'd heard it was not the best movie for younger ones because of the up close marital conflicts it shows. I agree and think the viewer should be old enough to understand and process what is happening. There were a few things that stood out to me. Unlike their other movie, Facing the Giants, when Caleb's heart changed it wasn't an instant turnaround and living happily ever after. It was still hard, he had to continue to work and have faith even though it seemed hopeless.

I like the task presented of studying his wife, her like/dislikes and her interests, to get to know her more. It's a continual process that doesn't end at the wedding but lasts the whole marriage. This should be applied to other relationships such as parents and siblings as well.

Another good message from the movie is where your time and money are is where your heart is.


Quick review:

FIREPROOF, from the same team that made the 2006 hit FACING THE GIANTS, is a Christian relationship drama with a very strong message. The film stars Kirk Cameron of the classic television series... Fireproof, is a Christian relationship drama with a very strong message. The film stars Kirk Cameron as Captain Caleb Holt, a fireman whose fearlessness is limited to his work. At home with his wife of seven years, Caleb shows little of the bravery he displays on the job, and has a failing marriage as a result. Fighting over every little thing, Caleb and his wife, Catherine, are on the verge of signing divorce papers when Caleb's father and coworkers urge him to approach his marriage in the same way he fights vicious flames. When Caleb's father gives him the "Love Dare," a 40-day guide to religiously motivated marriage help, Caleb begins a difficult journey to reclaim his wife, and in the process, his faith in God. With several action-packed scenes, FIREPROOF uses fire metaphors in its exploration of marriage. The film offers an alternative to the common romantic comedy and, some might argue, a more multidimensional view of romance. The film examines both the ups and inevitable downs of married life, offering faith as a prescription for saving what may at first glance appear to have already failed. 

To Hell and Back - 1955

Last night we watched the final DVD Laura gave us for Christmas: To Hell and Back - 1955. I've see this a few years ago so remembered the story line but much more stood out to me this time. I'm putting this in my top 10 favorite movies.

To Hell and Back is the story of Audie Murphy, who stars himself, the most decorated soldier or the "Sergeant York" of WWII.



Audie grows up in a large, poor sharecropper family in Texas. His father deserts them around 1940, leaving his mother barely able to feed her nine children. As the eldest child, Murphy works from an early age to help support his siblings, and when his mother dies in 1941 he becomes head of the family.

When World War II breaks out, Murphy is eager to enlist, but is rejected by the Marines, the Navy, and the Army paratroopers due to his small size and youthful appearance. Finally the Army reluctantly accepts him as an ordinary infantryman. After basic training and infantry training, Murphy is shipped out to the Third Infantry Division in North Africa as a replacement.

Murphy soon proves himself in battle, however, and is steadily promoted, at first against his will, eventually receiving a battlefield commission in the rank of second lieutenant.

The action for which Murphy was awarded the Medal of Honor is depicted near the end of the film. Murphy's company is forced to retreat in the face of a fierce German attack. However, Murphy remains behind at the edge of a forest to direct artillery fire on the advancing enemy infantry and armor. As the Germans close on his position, Murphy jumps onto an abandoned M4 Sherman tank and uses its .50-caliber machine gun to hold the enemy at bay, even though the vehicle is on fire and may explode at any moment. Although wounded and dangerously exposed to enemy fire, Murphy single-handedly turns back the German attack, thereby saving his company. After a period of hospitalization, he is returned to duty.


A few things I like about Audie Murphy: when there was no word from his father and his mother was struggling to care for the family he decides to man up, becoming the man of the house and providing financially for them. I like his kind and humble attitude. When offered to be promoted he turned it down several times not wanting to be elevated or separated from his men. Though not what some would consider a manly man I think he was one of the greatest of the 20th century.

Destination Tokyo - 1943

Last night we watched another WWII submarine drama Laura gave us, Destination Tokyo. This one we rate a little higher then Run Silent, Run Deep - 1958. Great story and acting. We felt these boys were a little more manly then some other sub movies.  

Review by Laila Valente
Destination Tokyo is the first movie directed by Delmer Daves, chosen by CG himself. It was a very good choice. Grant is Cassidy, the captain of the USS Copperfin, a submarine with a very dangerous mission: to unload some observers in the Tokyo bay to gain information for a massive air raid. The submarine is pursued by the enemy at the Aleutians, gets hit by a bomb, cuts through a mine field and safety escapes a depth bombing. There are also moments of crisis within the crew: the diffusion of a bomb in the hull and an unexpected appendicitis. The movie ends with the family of Cassidy waiting for him on the quay.
Destination Tokyo is a notable action movie (135 min.), maybe one of the best contributions to the "underwater" war. All the interpretations are cool, moderate and very masculine. Cassidy is everything you may want from CG : straight, sober, brave and strategically unbeatable. He leads his men and at the same time is one of them. He does not lose control in the decisive moments, but he has no fear in telling he is scared to die. If you love men in uniforms, watch carefully the first appearance of CG in blue- navy suit: gorgeous!

Food, Inc. - 2009

On Christmas Eve while I was out shopping with the ladies I picked up the DVD Food, Inc which came out this last year. I've already seen it three times: Christmas Eve I staid up till 2AM watching it and all the special features. The next day I showed it to the family. A few days later I saw it with some good friends of ours. A very informative movie for those who are not aware what's going on in our food system. The movie has a bit of a bent though, encouraging government involvement for safety and large food companies going organic. I personally believe we should return to local food and small farms.

For most Americans, the ideal meal is fast, cheap, and tasty. Food, Inc. lifts the veil on our nation's food industry, exposing how our nation's food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and our own environment. Food, Inc. reveals surprising and often shocking truths about what we eat, how it's produced and who we have become as a nation.

Run Silent, Run Deep (1958)

For Christmas Laura gave Phil and me a few WWII dramas. WWII dramas were some of Grandpa Criss' favorite movies and he passed several down to us. Though not my very favorite genre I do enjoy them and have learned a lot about that period in our history.

Warning: we do not fully endorse this movie! Like most movies out, there is some good and some that should be skipped over. Thank you to Laura who is our sensor fast forwarding those inappropriate scenes. Run Silent, Run Deep is a classic submarine story with all the suspense and thrill that should be in a good submarine movie including depth charging, torpedo attacks, rigging for silent running and more. 

Amazon product description:

"Rich" Richardson (Clark Gable) is a hard-driving, dedicated submarine officer with a single-mindedpurposeto seek out and smash the Japanese destroyer he believes sank his former ship. Given a new command, Richardson drills his men to the point of mutiny as he relentlessly trains them for the battle ahead. At last, word comes of the destroyer's position, and, disobeying orders, Richardson finally confronts his foe, unaware that an even greater enemy lurks nearby...one who's been targeting him for a watery grave. Co-starring Burt Lancaster as Gable's executive officer, this gripping WWII adventure-thriller set a new standard for submarine pictures. "Severely, nail-bitingly tense" (The New York Times), Run Silent, Run Deep is the most exciting film about the "silent service" ever made.

A Day of Thanksgiving

The Young Pioneers

Laura told me to post on this so here it is...

The Young Pioneers is one of my favorite movies.

Molly and David Beaton are young newlyweds who head out for the vast wilderness of the newly opened Dakota territory in the 1870s to start a new life. They secure a large track of land as "homesteaders" and built a sod house to try to get through the long, difficult winter.

Soon Molly discovers she's pregnant, and it doesn't take long before the couple realizes that a depression, a blizzard and an army of grasshoppers who attack crops will make survival harder then they had planned.

I love the simple, pioneer life style. Kind of a dream of mine... Two lessons to note in the movie: Young husbands must learn to listen to their wives cautions. Second, don't borrow money! It is betting on your future. We need to learn to have faith and trust in God to provide for us rather then replacing that with insurance or running to get another loan.

The Big Country 1958

Wealthy sea captain James McKay, very humble and a gentleman, travels to the American west to join his fiancée Patricia at the enormous ranch of her father, Major Terrill. Pat is spoiled, selfish and controlled by her wealthy father. Terrill is a powerful rancher who is feuding with the equally tough patriarch of a poorer, less refined clan, Rufus Hannassey. Patricia's best friend, Julie Maragon, schoolteacher and a true lady, is caught between the two, as she is the owner of the "Big Muddy", a ranch with a vital source of water; Hannassey desperately needs it for his cattle, while Terrill wants it just so he can deny it to his rival. McKay is a puzzle to Major Terrill, his foreman Steve Leech and even Patricia; he refuses to be provoked into proving his manhood.

One morning, McKay rides out without telling anyone, goes to the Big Muddy, and persuades Julie to sell him the ranch by promising that both the Terrills and the Hannasseys will always have access to the river. Everyone believes McKay is lost, and a search party spends two days looking for him. When McKay shows up and says he knew where he was all the time, Leech calls him a liar in front of Patricia and the Major, but McKay refuses to be goaded into a fight. In private, Patricia expresses her shame at what she sees as McKay's cowardice. McKay tells her he will be moving into town to give them both time to think things over. Early the next morning, before anybody else is up, McKay settles with Leech. They fight away from the house, without witnesses, to an exhausted draw. Afterwords, McKay asks "what did we prove?" and Leech gains respect for him


An excellent study in true manliness vs, tough guy, true femininity vs. a selfish girl, pride and peer pressure vs. humility and standing alone.

The Scarlet and the Black (1983)

The Scarlet and the Black tells the true story of a Holy Office notary who, during Nazi occupation of Rome, covertly ran an underground railroad for Jews, anti-Fascists, and escaped Allied POWs.

This WWII drama stars Gregory Peck as Msgr. Hugh O’Flaherty, a plain-speaking, straight-dealing Irish priest who boldly aids enemies of the Third Reich under the watchful eye of Christopher Plummer’s Nazi Lt. Col. Herbert Kappler.

A suspenseful and inspiring movie! There are a few inappropriate women fast forward scenes (thank you sisters!) and mild  language. Not recommended for younger children. Some torture and Nazi Murder scenes. Catholicism was also highly praised.

Bob Munden - Fastest Gun Ever

Jerry Miculeck - Shooting a Double Action Revolver