Tuesday, November 30, 2021

EZRA - A ROLE MODEL FOR THE MODERN MAN OF GOD

Ezra, the great man of God, modeled how the Modern Christian man can become a man or woman of the Word. The text from Ezra 7:6-10 gives us Four Attributes of a True Man or Woman of The Bible, we are meant to be

EZRA 7:6-10 (NASB)

So this Ezra went up from Babylon, and he was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses, which the Lord God of Israel had given; and the king granted him all [a]he requested because the hand of the Lord his God was upon him. 7 Some of the sons of Israel and some of the priests, the Levites, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the temple servants went up to Jerusalem in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes.

8 And he came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king. For on the first day of the first month he began to go up from Babylon; and on the first of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem, because the good hand of his God was upon him. 10 For Ezra had firmly resolved to study the Law of the Lord and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel.



New American Standard Bible (NASB)

New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

IN THEATERS NEAR YOU THIS THANKSGIVING WEEKEND!

THE FARMER AND THE BELLE - SAVING SANTALAND

PEORIA, Ill. - Nov. 23, 2021 - PRLog -- Fans everywhere on opening weekend of the family Christmas comedy "The Farmer and The Belle: Saving Santaland" praised the message of hope and inner beauty. Movie goers exceeded numbers in hometown theaters nationwide next to Hollywood releases.  The grass roots film brought Christmas Caroling to many of the theaters including Justin Peters and Beckah Shae at Premiere 6 with local ten year old Esther Killen. Canton Theater, GA enjoyed Christmas Carols by WOW Youth Group, while The Roxy, Northampton, PA had AWANA's little 4-6 year olds from Church on the Rock, Wind Gap, PA and senior choir from Bethany Wesleyan Church. Lead actress Jenn Gotzon hosted opening night.


""
The Farmer and The Belle: Saving Santaland is a classic holiday film that brings people together with joy and happiness. It celebrates the meaning of Christmas and how we should all strive for peace and joy in our lives." - Film Threat, Sabina Dana Plasse.

Atlanta's market graced a premiere with the cast and crew wearing Ugly Christmas Sweaters at DIGIMAX, Roswell, GA with award-winning director Wes Llewellyn, filmmaking wife Amanda. Cast in attendance included Livi Birch, Roxzane T. Mims, Amy Sutherland along with support from Christian Women in Media support Destiny Yarbrough (Prayze Factor Winner Best TV Talk Show Host),  Lisa Burkhardt Worley (Pearls of Promise) and Jackie Carpenter (Christian Vogue), Jennie and Dick Chandler owners of the movie's farm, exec producers and parents to lead actor Jim E. Chandler enjoyed celebrations at Atlanta and Canton, GA with granddaughter and star of the movie 10-year old Adele Chandler. Premiere 6 was spearheaded by Maggie Kavanaugh of Christian Women in Media (CWIM) heorically rallied by Justin Peters (Songs for the Planet at Platinum Planet Records) who wrote many original songs on the sound track performed by himself, Steve Rupe, Rhonda Vincent, Tiffany Ashton, Tobi Lee and more. Producer Dr. Joel Bunkowske addressed the crowd last Saturday.  

Rich Gerberding with Christian Movie Central and Bernie Lutchman cheered on GQT Willow Knolls, Peoria, IL while "The Farmer and The Belle: Saving Santaland's" film advisor Dick Rolfe spearheaded Celebration Cinema up in Grand Rapids, MI. The Rialto in Pocahontas, IA never saw numbers like they did with Pastor K's church attendance enjoying the festivities with the launch of Karen's newly launched bookstore Creator's in Pocahontas. Award-winning writer Bob Saenz will speak to the movie goers tonight at Premiere 6, Murfreesboro, TN. Christmas Caroling to begin at 6pm with movie showtime 6:25pm

The family heartwarming Christmas film "The Farmer and The Belle: Saving Santaland" plays Thanksgiving at Harkins Theater in Chandler Fashion and Casa Grande near Phoenix, AZ at 11:30a and 2pm. Riato Theatre,  Pocahontas, IA, and GQT Willow Knolls, Peoria IL. The film will be held over at Celebration Cinemas, Grandville, MI.

12/2 Robinson Film Center to adorn locals with cast member and exec producer Leah Rose Fisher and executive producer Lynn Sayad

Movie's theatrical release is self-distributed by The Farmer and The Belle's producer Jenn Gotzon and Associate Producer Serena Travis. To book, contact christmascomedymovie @ gmail.com.

Info, Critics Review and Trailer at http://www.thefarmerandthebelle.net

Contact
SDI Entertainment
***@gmail.com

A PSALM OF THANKSGIVING (PSALM 103 KJV)

1   Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

2   Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

3   Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

4   Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

5   Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

6   The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.

7   He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.

8   The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

9   He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.

10   He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

11  For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

12  As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

13  Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.

14  For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.

15  As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

16  For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.

17  But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;

18  To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.

19  The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.

20  Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.

21  Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.

22  Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.

(Public Domain)

Read the standard King James Version online...

FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF THANKSGIVING 1621-2021 (FROM THE CHRISTIAN POST)

 Plymouth

The old harbor of Plymouth, England, where the Pilgrims departed aboard the Mayflower in 1620. 

Last year’s 400th anniversary of the Mayflower sailing to the New World was devastated by the coronavirus pandemic.

Many of the originally planned festivities were canceled or greatly scaled back. Then there were the American tourists who never came to Plymouth, England, where the ship departed on Sept. 16, 1620, with 102 passengers.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE FROM THE CHRISTIAN POST

Friday, November 19, 2021

THE FARMER AND THE BELLE OPENS NATIONWIDE

Jenn and Jim Chandler's Christmas movie for the entire family, opens across America, in selected from Friday November 19. This joyful work of love is targeted to primarily independent theaters and can still come to a theater near you. 


Contact information and more on this movie can be found here on THE FARMER AND THE BELLE website (CLICK HERE). 

The following is a look at the story and cast of this first movie of the Christmas season:

Synopsis : Sparks fly between a famous model and a farmer with a young daughter when she visits her childhood home. The town is in danger of losing their beloved Santaland festival, but miracles can happen with a little love, family, and faith.

The Farmer and The Belle: Saving Santaland” is a Christmas family tradition in the making. This award-winning inspirational, family comedy stars Jenn Gotzon (Frost/Nixon, My Daddy Is In Heaven), and Jim E. Chandler (Stranger Things, MacGyver); and co-stars Corbin Bernsen (Major League, Psyche), John Schneider (The Dukes of Hazzard, Smallville), Robert Amaya (Courageous, Mom’s Night Out), Natasha Bure (Fuller House, Home Sweet Home), Sandra Ellis Lafferty (Walk the Line, Hunger Games), Henry Cho (McHale’s Navy, Saving Faith), Roxzane T. Mims (Greenleaf, Good Lord Bird), Delilah (I Can Only Imagine, The Star), and singing sensation Beckah Shae; with young talents Livi Birch (Tulsa, The Resident), Benji Russel, and introducing Adele Chandler. Directed by award-winning Wes Llewellyn.

Running Time: 89min. Genre: Family, Christmas, Comedy, Inspirational. Awaiting rating G or PG.

JENN APPEARED ON THE NEWSMAX SHOW "WAKE UP AMERICA" NOV. 19, 2021



Wednesday, November 17, 2021

FIRST CHRISTMAS MOVIE OF SEASON OPENS NATIONWIDE THIS FRIDAY NOVEMBER 19, 2021

 


Tickets are available for sale directly from the home-town theater.
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL MOVIE THEATERS!

VISIT:  https://linktr.ee/farmerbellefilm


Theater Listings Across America:

Rialto Theatre Pocahontas, IA
(11/15 - Thanksgiving)

Canton Theatre, Canton, GA 
(One Day Only: 12/21)

GQT Willow Knolls 14, Peoria IL
(11/19 - Thanksgiving)

Celebration Cinema Grandville, MI
(11/19 - Thanksgiving)

Roxy Theatre, Northampton, PA
(11/19 - 11/24)

Harkins Theatres Casa Grande, AZ
(11/19 - Thanksgiving)
Note: Theater showtimes are in the morning)

Harkins Theatres Superstition, AZ
(11/19 - Thanksgiving)
Note: Theater showtimes are in the morning)

Harkins Theatres Chandler Fashion, AZ
(11/19 - Thanksgiving)
Note: Theater showtimes are in the morning)

Digimax Theatres - Atlanta Roswell, GA
(11/19 to Thanksgiving)

Premiere 6 Murfreesboro, TN
(11/19 - 11/23) 

Serra Theatres Milpitas CA, Milpitas, CA
(11/19 - Thanksgiving)

Prytania Theatre, Canal Place, New Orleans, LA 
(11/19 - 11/22)

Robinson Film Center, Shreveport, LA 
(One Day Only: 12/2)

Capitol Theater of Burlington Iowa, Burlington, IA 
(12/3 - 12/5)

Diana Theatre, Tipton, IN
(12/14 & 12/15)

ABCinema, Inc, Decatur, IN
(12/13 & 12/14)

Pickwick Theater, Park Ridge, Il
(Dec 10 - 17) 

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MORE ABOUT JENN GOTZON-CHANDLER (ACTRESS/MOVIE PRODUCER)

FACEBOOK  

INSPIRING ACTORS WEBSITE

MOVIE PROFILE ON AMAZON 

GUEST WRITER CAROL ROUND: PRAYER TRANSFORMS

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God”  Philippians 4:6 (NIV).

Each Monday, I receive an email from one of our associate pastors. Attached to his correspondence is a list of prayer requests from members of our congregation. The list has grown exponentially since I started receiving the requests about eight years ago.

I often wonder. Have the needs grown or have people come to realize the power of prayer? As I prayed over the latest requests, I also wondered why God answers some and not others.


I came across this quote from the former president, Jimmy Carter. Cited in his book, “Sources of Strength,” he wrote, “Never give up on God, who always answers our prayers. Sometimes the answer is ‘Wait’ or ‘No,’ or perhaps, as our pastor, Dan Ariail, says, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me!’ Then we must reassess what we are seeking. Continuing to pray hopefully in the face of profound disappointment seems contrary to human nature.”

Praying in Hope

Romans 12:12 tells us to “rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” (ESV). In the face of trials, it’s difficult to rejoice and even more difficult to be patient while we wait on God to answer our prayers. And sometimes, we get ahead of Him by trying to make things happen in our timing.

Examples abound in the Bible of those who prayed and waited. And waited. And waited. Instead of waiting patiently, Abraham and Sarah took matters into their own hands. They lost hope God would answer their pleas for a child. Who can blame them? After all, Sarah’s biological clock had already quit ticking.

But God’s timing isn’t the same as ours. In Psalm 90, David writes, “For you, a thousand years are as a passing day, as brief as a few night hours” (NLT).

Trusting God’s Timing

Trusting God’s timing comes with spiritual growth. I’ve had prayers answered as soon as I uttered them. Another prayer was answered after more than 10 years of pleading with God every day to open doors for my oldest son to find a different job. God answered and now my son is happily employed in a job with flexibility, leaving him with time to pursue his passion for horses.

God answered another prayer for this same son after he was injured by a horse. Doctors were concerned my son would have brain damage. Pacing the halls of the hospital, I prayed and pleaded with God. He answered. The doctors couldn’t explain the miraculous healing. But I could.

Sometimes, God gives us an immediate answer. Other times, we must wait. And sometimes, we don’t get the answer we’ve prayed and prayed for more times than we can count. Why should we continue to pray even after waiting years and years without an answer? “Because, invariably,” says Carter, “we can learn and grow in the process.”

Growing During the Waiting Times

If God answered all our prayers immediately or said “yes” to every prayer, would we ever grow spiritually? Would we ever experience something better from Him than what we asked for? Often, He has a better plan. In most cases, the best. What we often forget is prayer is not about getting what we want all the time. It’s about a loving relationship with our Heavenly Father.

God created us for a personal relationship with Him. Not because He needs it, but because He loves us. He loves us so much that He gave His only Son for our salvation (John 3:16). When you love someone that much, you want to spend time with them. Spending time in prayer and reading His Word, changes us in the following ways:

  • We draw closer to our Creator and have a better understanding of His Word.
  • Even during times of chaos, we can experience indescribable peace.
  • We become better listeners and more in tune with His desires and plans for our lives.
  • We learn patience, to wait on His timing.
  • Our faith increases and our life is more joy-filled.

Prayer has the power to change us. It’s the most important tool in communicating with our Abba Father. Through a strong prayer life, we connect with our source of strength, share what’s in our hearts, and grow spiritually in the process.

I always love hearing from my readers. Please feel free to leave a comment below or email me at carol@carolaround.com. Also, if this blog post has touched you, would you please share it with others on Facebook or Twitter? It is the greatest gift you can give a writer.

 CLICK TO VISIT CAROL'S WEBSITE!!

Photo credit: mabts.edu

 

 

Monday, November 8, 2021

TO JESUS, COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF THE UNIVERSE

Oh Lord of Heaven’s Armies, Who fights for us. 

Who prays for us constantly before the Throne. 

Who lived and taught us HOW to live. 

Who gave all and died for us that we may be free from sin. 

Who rose on that great glorious Resurrection morning to be our Living Hope for all eternal

It is You, oh Commander in Chief of the Universe,  of  Whom Jeremiah 20:11 and 12 tell us, are with us like a Mighty Warrior whereby the persecutors of Your people will stumble and not prevail. Lord Sabaoth is Your Name, Lord of Hosts, “Who trieth the righteous and seest the reins and the heart”.

Thank You as all Your Elect looketh for that magnificent day when the Eastern sky cuts open and the White Horse booms out of heaven with the armies of Yahweh, to make things right, once and for all.

Over history, while we have had warriors from Abraham to Joshua to Gideon and even those who did not know You, like Cyrus or the great Nebuchadnezzar who defied his tribe and ultimately surrendered his life to You, You have always been for  the Ultimate Warrior in Your people. When You saved us by Your grace, You called us to battle and give us our self-defense weapons in Ephesians 6 – both defensive and offensive (the Sword of Truth – the Bible). 

Helps us and our brethren in far away persecuted lands to persevere until the End. 

Help us, dear  merciful, compassionate God, to have that fire, passion and burning desire to live Truth, defend Truth and proclaim Truth all the days of our short lives. 

Strengthen us dear Lord, in these critical times, that we may live courageously, day by day, knowing that You, the Lord our God, is with us, will never forsake us and will never abandon us. You are for us, until the End of the Age. We take courage and vow to persevere, as You can commissioned us, as officers in the Eternal Army of Faithful Disciples.  Thank You, King Jesus! Thank You.

Also, this week, we pray for Veterans of the United States Armed Forces, as we remember and celebrate them on Veterans Day. From the great men of George Washington’s Continental Army through many wars, to the young men and women who sacrificed under difficult circumstances. We pray for them and their families, dear Jesus. 

We pray for the marriages in our military, where 75% end in divorce due to long deployments. 

We pray for the mental health of our warriors, where two suicides a day are attempted. Father, we pray for healing of the body, mind and souls of these young people whose soul care have been neglected by the military industrial complex and those who only see them as fighting machines. 

We pray for their salvation. We pray for their spiritual growth, for those who become saved. We pray for their children who sometimes get lost in the shuffle and for their Chaplains, who have to operate under some very ungodly restrictions sometimes.  

We pray for MORE Godly chaplains and biblical counselors who can start turning this Titanic of desperation and despair around, in our fighting force. Lord, help our veterans in this, their hour of need.

Lord of Hosts, we praise You, thank You, glorify You, are amazed by You, long for the day to see You and worship You in spirit and truth. Until that great and glorious day, when we see You Face to face, we come to You in bended knee, bowing our hearts before You, in the Mighty Name of Jesus, amen and amen.


Monday, November 1, 2021

PRAYER FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS


Great Father in Heaven, Creator of Heaven and Earth and all that is in them, we thank You for life and the freedom to worship You, for yet another day, another week and for however long You have determined our days to be.

In our heavy hearts, of God, we pray today for Your servants who live and serve in dangerous places around the globe. Lord, they have boldly answered Your call and gone forth into the far away dangerous lands, to which You have sent them, according to Your Great Commission. Places like Afghanistan, Haiti, China, Africa, South America and other places where the true Gospel still needs to be preached and many brought to a saving knowledge.
Today, we pray, lifted up our hearts and voices in fervent prayer, cries and supplication for our missionaries from Ohio and their children who were kidnapped in Haiti by evil gangs over the weekend. Grant them Your love, grace, comfort, compassion and mercy. Lord we believe Joshua 1:9 for them…for their boldness and courage right now in the face of evil, and especially for their children who may not comprehend why the powers of the air are attacking their parents.
We also pray for the missionaries and brothers and sisters left behind by the US government. They are almost like a forgotten people now by almost everyone but You, Almighty God.
Lord, steel their resolve.
Buffet their faith.
Strengthen their souls.
Feed them Your Goodness.
Help them to comfort those who are trapped behind enemy lines, and who do NOT know You, that what matters now is not so much, this short earthly life, but the everlasting nature of the next life. We pray for our citizens and their families who are hiding from the Taliban. We pray for those from other countries who are still trying to get out.
Lord, Your people are at the mercy of an evil and corrupt generation in a Romans 1 world. Help us Your people to stay close to the Flame and always be encouraged by a daily renewal of our Faith by the washing of the Word and conversations with You, as we pray without ceasing. May we never neglect, forget to our calling and we firm in our commitment to see it through – day after day, until You call us Home.
Father we thank You that we can come to You, the Commander and Lord of Heavens Armies, Who will crush the kings and leaders of the earth and all their armies one day, we thank, worship, adore and praise You, our Father Who art in Heaven, for this amazing and awesome privilege and it is in Jesus’ Strong Name we pray, amen.

FIRST CHRISTMAS MOVIE OF 2021!

 

FIRST CHRISTMAS MOVIE OF 2021!

PLAYING IN PEORIA

GQT – Willow Knolls 14

4100 W. Willow Knolls Dr. Peoria, Il. 61615

 

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

IN GRATITUDE...(PRAYER)

Great Father in Heaven, Author, Creator and Giver of Life, everything we are and have comes from You. There is nothing that are, do and say which You know not of…..if we climb to the highest mountain of Faith, Thou art there. If we make our beds with the lost of the world, and sin with them - Behold - Thou art there too.

Thank You for the next breath we take because it is simply a gift from you.
Thank You for the gleam in our eyes and the smile on our faces.
Thank You for the pep in our step and glide in our stride.
Thank You for the food You provide and the warm and cool home in which we abide.
Thank You for the car that we drive and the places we work.
Thank You for doctors, nurses and truck drivers.
Thank You for pastors, teachers and evangelists.
Thank You for Granmas and Granpas and coaches who motivate.
Thank You for grocery clerks, gas station attendants and sanitation workers.
Thank You for so many things too many to list….and Lord as the harvest time cometh in the agricultural fields of the northern hemisphere, we pray for all in the chain- from the precious, hardworking farmers to those who transport the crops to their destination to be packaged, processed and distributed across the world. We thank You for embedding within them the desire to feed the world. Thank You, Jesus.
Wonderful, merciful Savior. Precious Redeemer and Friend. Who would have thought that a Lamb could, rescue the souls of men! Behold He is the Lamb Who taketh away the very sins of the world…of anyone who trusts, believes and then repents. Father we confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts that Jesus Christ is Lord.
In Him we find Eternal Life
Through Him we find the meaning of Life
With Him we find the abundant Life
In His Presence there is fullness of Joy.
Therefore on this day in our gratitude for just another day to see our children and the red cardinals in full flight, we gave Thee great acknowledgment and bow before Thee in all humility, in gracious thanks for Your great mercy and loving kindness- which endureth forever, and ask for Your grace for another day, in the Name which is above all names, amen.

Monday, September 6, 2021

THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO....(PRAYER)


Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so

Little ones to Him belong, they are week, but He is strong....
Most Gracious God in Heaven, You created man, in the beginning to work and keep Your Garden in Eden. Even though that man, Adam, ushered in sin and death into the world, You, in Your grace, mercy and loving kindness, hath provided for us and all mankind throughout the generations, nay, the millennia. If through due diligence and hard work, we persevere, oh Lord, You will feed and clothe us and so much more than we deserve, because You and King Jesus love us so.
When You gave the Israelites, the Land of Milk and Honey, you gave them the lush lands to raise their milk cattle and the conditions to raise bees for honey.
You provide fertile soils across the bread baskets of the Americas and elsewhere where we feed the rest of the world.... from the cattle grasslands of South America to the flat wheat plains of Kansas...and so much more.
You provide the rich soil to plant the corn, fruits and veggies.
Then You provide the time and rain to cause them to grow. You, oh God, not some phony bing bang godlessness taught in colleges, universities and high schools worldwide.
You gave us the freedom to tend to Your creation to sustain life: past, present and future.
You gave us freedom to raise our families.
You gave us freedom to sing praises to our most high God. While godless men and women in political power have curtailed these temporal liberties, we, who know You as Lord and Savior, already have the freedom and peace that passeth all understanding. We, who are born-again, and trust Christ and the Holy Spirit, each and everyday, know that we are sojourners in this troubled land and our Eternal Future is so much more secure, beautiful and divine where no corrupt human being will ever be allowed.
There will be no sun, because the Magnificence and Brilliance of the Lord will light up Eternity.
There will be no fears because the King is on the Throne.
There will be no tears, because He wipeth them all away.
Oh death, where is thy sting?
Oh sin, you have been destroyed.
Oh rulers of this world, you will have been dispatched by the Great I AM - YHVH - on the White horse on the fields of Armageddon forever...and your day is coming closer to that event.

Until that day, oh great and Almighty God, we pray that You in Your Providence, will give us a work to do, our own piece of the wall, if You will, so that working together, here at the start of a new month, a new season, a new paradigm, we may further the interests of the Kingdom to a lost and dying world.

May we brush aside the noise of this world, like the annoying gnat that it is, and never take our eyes off the prize.
May our hearts be stayed upon Jehovah.
May our minds be found 100% immersed in the Bible - Your Precious Word - until He comes, or He calleth us Home.
Father, we love You, we praise You, we magnify and adore Your precious and Holy Name and it is in the Name, the strong and mighty Name of the Soon-coming King Jesus, we pray. Amen and amen.