Hey Friends, It’s Friday!

. . . and around here that can only mean one thing: it’s time for Welcome Home Ministry’s “Best of the Web” Weekend Entertainment Guide!

If you’re looking for something to watch, read or see this weekend (and make you laugh, too), I’ve got you covered!

first up . . .

Best Movie in Theaters

 Risen . . . 

Risen (PG 13) was released in theaters on February 19th and tells the story of a Roman tribute named Clavius (Joseph Fiennes) who comes back from a mission to Jerusalem to find a man named Yeshua being crucified. Pilate asks him, at the request of the Sanhedrin, to put guards at the tomb.  When the body of Jesus is missing, Pilate calls on Clavius to find the body and calm the growing unrest among the Jews.

I passively attended this movie with my husband, but boy, am I glad that I did!  The film opens with some violence which is not for the faint of heart (I am such a wimp!) – but it doesn’t define the film.  What I really appreciate about this movie is that it gave me new insight into the Scriptures.  I have never, ever thought about what early church life was like immediately following the crucifixion of Christ; and this film does a superb job of filling in the gaps.  So many of the movies about Jesus end at the crucifixion and resurrection. This movie starts there; how unique and fascinating!  And even more intriguing than that – it’s seen through the eyes of an unbeliever – A Roman soldier.

This film really ministered to me as a believer in Jesus Christ.  It helped me to better appreciate the sacrifice of my Lord and drew me closer to Christ.  I DO NOT SAY THAT LIGHTLY.  When was the last time you walked out of a theater more in love with the Lord?  (Jesus is so tender.)  I’m not saying that’s going to be your story, but it was certainly mine. Since it’s been out for a while it’s showing in fewer theaters, so CLICK HERE and enter your zip code to find a theater near you. To read an objective Christian review visit Pluggedin.com. (BTW: I’m getting sick and tired of Rotten Tomato reviews – they be hatin’ on Christian films!)  Click on the image below to enjoy the trailer.

 

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Best Video/DVD for the Family

Susie’s Hope . . .

Okay, this one is for the animal lover in you!  But you don’t have to be an animal lover to appreciate this film – because I’m not.  (Did I just say that out loud?  Please forgive me.)  And although we watched this film as a family (for free with Amazon Prime), there are no kids (featured) in this film – and still, the story had us all by our heart-strings . . . that sweet little dog is a player! (I guess the human actors are good, too).  🙂

Susie’s Hope (TV PG · 1h 45min · Drama, Family) is based on a TRUE story and portrays the inspirational relationship between a pit bull attack survivor (Donna Lawrence) and an abused pit bull-mix puppy as they learn to heal and forgive together, and ultimately go on to lead a historic effort to seek justice and protection for all animals.

I sometimes wonder what affect these films have on my kids.  And in preparation for this review, I asked my kids if they thought this film could be considered a faith-based film.  While I will go ahead and say that it’s not branded as one (although there are several scenes that affirm Biblical values), my little Alexis (age 8+) in 30 seconds flat said, “Yes mommy, because God told the lady to move before the dog killed her.”  I didn’t recount that scene until she said that, and then I remembered that was precisely true!  Why would she remember that specifically? How did she recall it that fast?  (We saw it months ago!)  It certainly affirms one thing for sure: what we watch (or don’t watch) is important.  We need to be discriminating because our kids are taking it in with wide eyes and open ears.  Click here to watch the trailer and to “meet” the real woman and Susie (the dog) behind the story.

 

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Best Chick Flick – Just for Mom ♥

The Story of Ruth . . .

Okay . . . You are NOT going to believe that I’m trying to pass off this movie as my best pick for a mom’s late night chick-flick . . . but I AM!! One Friday night, back when I still had cable* I put the kids to bed and settled in to watch a decent show that wasn’t too risque.  And after searching and searching through ONE MILLION CHANNELS I came up with NOTHING and then settled on . . . West Side Story (ugh!)  Don’t get me wrong, West Side is a great movie – but I was disappointed.  I just didn’t know what else I could watch that would be “safe.”  Since then, I’ve found a Bible/faith-based genre of movies on my Netflix and Amazon Prime accounts, which is where I found The Story of Ruth (1960 ‧ Drama ‧ 2h 12m); and I thoroughly enjoyed it!  It’s filled with action, suspense, romance and a very colorful (though un-biblical) explanation of why a Hebrew would fall in love with a pagan Moabitess.

*We gave up cable to save a bundle of $ and now we watch movies on Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu through ROKU, or we find a TV show/movie on our smart phone and Chrome Cast it to our TV.  I use a phone app to stream live news!

 

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Best Blog Post for Moms

I Am Mom by AmberLately.com

It’s who we are.  It’s what we do.  Read it and find yourself.

 

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Best Printables – Huh??  

(We now interrupt this digital review to bring you some print happiness.)

If your a printables kind of gal, then these “Laundry Room Art” printables are sure to make your skirt fly-up! (And they’re FREE.)  So make sure your seated before clicking over. :o)  They were designed by the lovely JES over at StrangersAndPilgrimsOnEarth.blogspot.com for RaisingHomeMakers.com – and they are fantastic!  I’m not a big printable gal, but these put a smile on my face.  And while nothing on earth is going to inspire me to love washing laundry (I’m just not that spiritual – but good try!), the one on the left is funny and the one the right suits my personality.   I’d probably hang them both!  (And stick my husband’s name on the bottom of the “help wanted” sign.) All jokes aside, these ladies have a heart to inspire women in the art of homemaking; so hop over and remember to say thanks when you print!

(Hey, we all have to wash laundry – so make it fun!)

 

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Best Laugh! (Luvs in on a roll.)

Because life after kids changes everything.  (Psst…The oxygen mask was killer!)  😛

 

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Best Sports Moment – “What a Shot!”

Unless you’re living under a rock when it comes to the world of sports (like I am), you already know that this past Monday the Villanova Wildcats won the National Championships in one of the most exciting endings in college basketball history.  The winning shot was scored by Kris Jenkins who hit a three at the buzzer (say what!), and who’s name will now live on in basketball history. (Peep the video below to see the shot.)  But what you probably don’t know is the very touching and complicated back story behind Kris Jenkins’ life.  If you haven’t heard it, then read The Human Drama by my friend Richella over at ImpartingGrace.com. The story involves sacrifice and a shocking surprise or two and is better than the history making shot.  (Says me.)

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What’s up next week on Welcome Home Ministry . . .

I don’t know – I have to recover from writing this post.  But check back in . . . I’ll figure something out.

What about you?  What are you up to this weekend? What other movies and blog posts would you add to this list?  What other categories would you like to see featured?  Shout out your thoughts in the comments below.  I’d love to hear from you!

Happy Friday from my Big Fat Beautiful Family to yours!

(Random pic because family is awesome!)

Tiffiney

I’ve shared this article at these fabulous faith and family link-ups.