Movie Monday – Pit Pony

My suggestion for this week’s Movie Monday is Pit Pony (Feature Films for Families):

Once in awhile, you stumble upon a movie that stays with you long after the credits have rolled. I discovered such a movie in Pit Pony (Feature Films for Families).

This touching film shows the dedication of young Willie MacLean, who must work in the dangerous mines so that his poverty-stricken family doesn’t succomb to starvation.  Willie excels in school, but he must leave his education behind to support his family, as he is their only hope. Not only that, but Willie also helps to care for his younger siblings. In the midst of this burden, Willie befriends a pony named Gem, who becomes the ray of hope Willie needs during a particularly difficult time in his life.

This heartwarming movie is one of my all-time favorites and has no objectionable content. However, it is not for the very young due to scary scenes in the mine and the loss of a loved one. It has several wonderful discussion opportunities, including the importance of courage, doing what’s right in the midst of hardship, family loyalty, family unity, responsibility, and treating others with mercy and grace when they least deserve it.

I would highly recommend this movie!

For an archived list of movie reviews, go to my newly created Archived Movie Reviews page. This page will be updated regularly to show all movies included in Movie Monday.

For a listing of all mom-approved movies, go here.

Join me each week for a new movie suggestion of recommended movies suitable for the entire family with reviews written from a Christian worldview.

Movie Monday – The Perfect Game

My suggestion for this week’s Movie Monday is The Perfect Game (Feature Films for Families)...

One of my favorite things about The Perfect Game was that, because it is based on true story, original black- and-white footage is shown throughout the movie.  The story opens with a man named Cesar who has lost his job with a baseball team and has returned to his home in Mexico as a laborer.  His life has taken a turn for the worse and he survives day-to-day with his heart heavy with failure.

Enter into the story several young poverty-stricken Mexican boys who, under the care of a Catholic Priest, dream of becoming “real” baseball players. They listen to their favorite teams on the radio and practice in the streets with humble baseball equipment. What happens when Cesar and the boys’ paths cross?

This movie is a hidden gem among movies. There hasn’t been much publicity about it, and to me, that’s a shame. It is perfect family-night fare and includes valuable discussion lessons. For instance, is it all right to look down upon someone because of the color of their skin? The Bible tells us we are all made in His image. Other great discussion questions include: is it all right to lie to others about your past because of your shame? Is it ever all right to drown your sorrows in alcohol? Even if two people have their eye on playing the position of pitcher, can that be overcome to avoid tension in a friendship? What can happen when people reach out in love and help those in need? Just how powerful is the power of prayer?

Will the underdogs in this film make it all the way to the Little League World Championship? You won’t want to miss this movie to find out the answer to that very question!

For an archived list of movie reviews, go to my newly created Archived Movie Reviews page.

For a listing of all mom-approved movies, go here.

Join me each week for a new movie suggestion of recommended movies suitable for the entire family with reviews written from a Christian worldview.

The Game of Life

I am excited to have my tween daughter Sunshine as my special guest on my blog today. She has written her very first devotional, and has graciously allowed me to share it with you. She also provided the beautiful artwork.

I’m excited to hear what you think of Sunshine’s devotional, so please feel free to leave her an encouraging comment. (I’m hoping she’ll write more of these for me. As an author, nothing is more exciting to me than seeing my daughter share that same love!)

Sunshine is an athlete who loves soccer, swimming, and volleyball, so it came as no surprise that she wanted to write about sports. 🙂

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all of your ways, acknowledge Him; and He will make your paths straight. ~ Proverbs 3:5

That verse is hard to live by, isn’t it? Being a sports fan, as well as, a participant, I thought of some sports to go with this verse.

Volleyball: You can’t set, bump, serve, and spike without the other five players.

Soccer: In soccer, you can’t play sweeper, defense, mid-field, and offense all by yourself. Too hard, right? You can’t try to be making a goal and defending your goal all at once. Playing all eight positions by yourself all at once is not only hard, but it’s impossible.

Baseball: You can’t pitch, play outfield, be a baseman, and bat all at once. Impossible.

The point I am trying to make is this: you can’t be a one-man team. Think of it like this…you can’t play the game of life without God. Just like you can’t play offense and defense all at once. You need a team. Don’t know where to get a team?

Here’s your answer: God is your team. With God’s help, you can make goals in life instead of just kicking and missing it. Let God be your referee, your team, and your coach. Let Him help you in all things.