Tag Archives: Courage

Fairytopia: Mermaidia (2006)

In the movie “Fairytopia,” we met Elina, a wingless fairy who must save the rest of the fairies from the fate prescribed for them by Laverna, an enchantress who is determined to take over the land. Elina is helped along the way by the prince of the merpeople, Prince Nalu, who feeds Elina some magic seaweed which allows her to breathe underwater. He saves Elina’s life and she defeats Laverna. In “Fairytopia: Mermaidia,” it’s Elina’s turn to save Prince Nalu’s life. Laverna is back, more determined than ever to overthrow the kingdom and rule it herself. The Enchantress, Laverna’s sister … Continue reading →

Rack, Shack, and Benny (1995)

In this VeggieTales adaptation of the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednigo, we find that Nebby K. Nezzar, (read it quickly to translate as Nebuchadnezzar) the owner of a chocolate factory, has hired Rack, Shack and Benny (also known as Bob, Larry, and Junior) to work for him. He is so impressed with their performance that he promotes them to junior executives. Then he lets them in on a little secret: the next morning, he’s going to make a rule that everyone who works in the factory has to bow down to a giant statue of a chocolate bunny and … Continue reading →

Liken the Scriptures: Daniel and the Lions

“Liken the Scriptures” introduces a new series starring Devin, a six-year-old boy who is learning about the scriptures in this DVD entitled “Daniel and the Lions.” Devin and his sisters have been left in the care of their grandfather while their parents go on a week-long cruise, and he misses his parents too much to want to say his prayers. This concerns his grandfather, who tells him that prayer is the perfect way to stop feeling sad. He then tells Devin the story of Daniel, and Devin of course imagines everything he sees. Renowned singer George Dyer stars as King … Continue reading →

Liken the Scriptures: Esther and the King

With this third installment in the Amelia series, “Liken the Scriptures” tells us the story of Esther, one of my all-time favorite stories from the Bible. Amelia wants to invite her butler to church, but can’t work up the courage to do it. Every time she walks up to talk to him, she chickens out. She turns to her mother, wondering what she can do to feel stronger. Her mother tells her the story of Esther, to show Amelia what the power of fasting can do. Esther, as told to us in the book by the same name, was a … Continue reading →

Liken the Scriptures: Alma and King Noah’s Court

For the first three installments in the “Liken the Scriptures” series, we see the stories through the eyes of Spencer, a young boy who has trouble with reading the scriptures until he learns to use his imagination to bring them to life. His older brother McKay helped him out with the story of Ammon in the Book of Mormon, and now in this movie, McKay is serving a mission. He sends letters home to Spencer regularly, and tells Spencer of a special family he is teaching. This family has chosen to be baptized, and they have a daughter named Amelia … Continue reading →

Liken the Scriptures: David and Goliath

On today, Veteran’s Day, we pay tribute to those men and women who have given of themselves to fight for our freedom. I’d like to also pay tribute to those who fight for our religious freedom. David of the Bible did both. In the first Bible-based movie in the Liken the Scriptures lineup, Spencer has finished reading the Book of Mormon from cover to cover, and he feels pretty good about it. But then he gets a phone call from the stake president, asking if he’ll give a talk in stake conference about his experiences reading the Book of Mormon. … Continue reading →

Five Ways to Empower Your Child with Special Needs

Kids with disabilities can accomplish amazing things when we believe in them. Here are five ways you can empower your son or daughter: 1. Expect your child to be responsible. In a recent blog I shared the story of Ben Underwood, a teenager who is totally blind. I was impressed that he told his mother, “But mom, I’m blind,” and she replied, “You’re going to do chores just like everybody else.” And in an interview for CBS, his mother said, “Why should he get a break? I don’t get any.” Ben has gone on to live an active, full life, and … Continue reading →

Trial by Fire — Terri Blackstock

In book 4 of the Newpointe 911 series, we learn more about Nick, volunteer firefighter and pastor. As a religious leader in the community, Nick is admired and respected. His friends and coworkers come to him with their troubles and he says the right words to make everything better. Often, he reads to them from the scriptures and reminds them of God’s love. He is a rock in the midst of the chaos, but now he’s the one in crisis. A dead body has been found in his church, a church which has just been burned to the ground. Who … Continue reading →

A Light to My Path — Lynn Austin

Today I am reviewing books that in some way tie in to the commemoration of September 11th. I have chosen this novel because it tells the history of our country, some of the roots that hold up the tall and towering tree that America has become. Another volume in the Refiner’s Fire series by Lynn Austin, “A Light to My Path” is the first novel I read by her, and I was completely swept away by her use of the written word, her depth of research, and her ability to tell a story in such a way that you feel … Continue reading →

Be Strong and Courageous

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The book of Joshua is probably most well-known for a statement by Joshua in chapter 24 verse 15: “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” However, I want to focus on a different concept from the book of Joshua which is repeated several times throughout the book: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) Joshua needed to be strong and courageous because he was about to lead the people as they entered the promised land. Christians … Continue reading →