You're Going To Make It | May Book Club

YOUR’E GOING TO MAKE IT

Ohhhh life! Such a beautiful, bizarre, complicated, thrilling, confusing jumble of glorious existence! While I’m firmly committed to the belief that we must choose positivity and create our own happiness, that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Throw in some profound loss and times of inevitable loneliness, things can get downright murky!

We need tools, and skills, and intentional practices to help us maintain balance and perspective - and JOY!

I’ve found something to help us all, and have made it my May Book Club choice:

“You’re Going To Make It; 50 Morning and Evening Devotions to Unrush Your Mind, Uncomplicate Your Heart, and Experience Healing Today”, by New York Times #1 bestselling author, Lysa TerKeurst.

In her newest devotional Lysa TerKeurst helps us stay connected to God and continue loving others even in the middle of discouraging, disappointing, or even devastating circumstances.

It’s a GORGEOUS hardbound book created with all the little details that make my heart trill when I hold it in my hands; beautiful gold lettering, a satin ribbon marker, stunning graphics and serene photography.

Each of the 50 daily devotionals provide grounded and faith-based insight and comforting reassurance to reflect back on throughout the day.

Each evening a “statement to remember” is provided, along with a space reserved for the reader to make a notation of “Something to release back to God from today.”

This devotional is such a gift from Lysa and will be accepted with gratitude to whomever you decide to share it with. Start with yourself.

Spring is the time for new beginnings and if you were wondering how you might get started, here’s your answer.

Find a lovely note from Lysa, more information about the devotional, and purchase information here:

YOU’RE GOING TO MAKE IT

Rise Today | March Book Club

RISE TODAY

March is a frenzied and chaotic month, wind, rain, sleet, hail, snow, and sunshine… sometimes all within 5 minute of the other! Don’t things always feel somewhat topsy-turvy when something profound is about to take place? Like the month before spring’s arrival, bringing rebirth and renewal. And like our lives as we navigate difficult or challenging circumstances.

Feeling a bit frenzied and chaotic yourself? Have I got a balm for you! My March Book Club pick,“RISE TODAY - Trusting God and His Promise”, by Jason F. Wright.

It’s a precious little hardback book, rightly likened to an “illustrated extended greeting card with a message that offers hope in dark times.” Absolutely perfect for tucking into an Easter basket, into a loved one’s hand, or into a padded envelope for the outgoing mail. RISE TODAY has full-color graphics between all 32 pages.

Author Jason F. Wright, who also penned the NYT bestselling novel,“Christmas Jars”, has been a guest preacher at many churches throughout the country, sharing motivational and inspiring messages while also doing outreach to people temporarily without housing or in financial difficulties.

He graciously accepted my invitation to be a guest on my popular podcast series, “LOVE SOMEONE with Delilah” and when the episode is published you’ll definitely want to pull up a chair and have a listen.

Jason is one of the most positive, caring, kind, and inspirational people you’ll ever meet. His joy is infectious and you come away from every encounter with him feeling calm and hopeful.

That’s what his writing does for you as well. It’s why I feature his books so often in my book club, like “Even The Dog Knows,” from last August.

I’ve leafed through RISE TODAY, so many times since I received my early copy from the publishers. When I’m feeling anxious I find myself reaching for it, enjoying the comfort and inspiration that wash over me. I love the 5 specific suggestions it contains to help folks like me rise above life’s doldrums. Because, let’s be honest, we ALL find ourselves there from time-to-time. Jason offers advice he’s come by while striving to live a Christ-centered life and through worshipping with many different congregations together in churches across the country.

It begins simply enough. “He. Is. Risen. “

“Those three words are more than a headline,” says the author. “They are a promise. Because He is risen, we too shall rise again. Every child of God has moments when it feels as if a giant rock has been rolled in front of our path. You may feel emotionally whipped by winds beyond your control. You may be thinking your own saving miracle is too far away to lean on. If you feel alone, in the dark, or powerless, remember that rising again doesn’t need to wait until body and soul reunite. HE IS RISEN so we can rise . . . TODAY.”

Pick up your copy
(and copies for everyone you want to share this beautiful message with) here:
RISE TODAY

New Movie | Nothing Is Impossible

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE

Nothing Is Impossible is a new Pure Flix movie, streaming into homes October 6th. You’re going to want to pop up a big batch of popcorn, gather your family or some pals, and watch it!

The inspiring, family-friendly film is all about second chances, rising to a challenge, never saying never, the power of God’s love, and opening oneself to His purpose.

Aging high-school janitor, Scott Beck, sends jaws dropping and tongues wagging when he has the audacity to suit up following an NBA team suddenly announcement of open tryouts. I’m not going to give anything else away but suffice to say, he’s out to prove nothing to anyone but himself, but if he were… Oh, and there’s a love interest that may or may not become more than just an interest… (wink)

The Nothing Is Impossible star-studded cast includes: David A.R. White, "God's Not Dead" franchise, "Revelation Road;" Nadia Bjorlin, "Days of Our Lives;" Harry Lennix, "The Blacklist;" Robert Amaya, "War Room;" Steven Bauer, "Scarface;" country recording artist Stella Parton; Mark Christopher Lawrence, "Family Camp;" Vincent De Paul, "Love on the Rock;" Ethan White; former NBA player Marcus Haislip and Leanne Crawford. It was directed by Matt Shapira, "Love on the Rock," and "Finding Love in Quarantine."

If you’re looking for some inspirational media in a world obsessed with delivering anything but, Pure Flix shoots and scores with “Nothing Is Impossible”. We may not all be NBA basketball player material, but we CAN all be cheerleaders!

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE
(Free Pure Flix Trial)

3:16, The Numbers of Hope | March Book Club

Sometimes it would be so easy to give in to the negativities of the world and simply let despair wash over us like the incoming tide, if it weren’t for another far more powerful force, hope.

One of beloved author, Max Lucado’s, all-time bestselling books, 3:16, The Numbers of Hope, has been updated and gifted to us, just as we struggle into our third year of Covid 19 and the disruptions and losses it continues to deliver.

“We’ve all had our fair share of disappointments, loss, or hardships. But for every challenge there is a breathtaking promise: It’s going to be okay. How can we know? Because God so loved the world. “

In 3:16, pastor and New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado encourages us to study closely the “Hope Diamond of the Bible”: John 3:16.

Max says of his favorite verse, “Every time I recall these words, they are fresh and as stunning as my first encounter with them. The mind-bending awareness of God’s limitless love, his incalculable sacrifice, and the priceless teaching at the core. How can we not review it again and again? I want this generation, and all who come after, to look closely at the key promise of God and choose the gift beyond all gifts.”

Throughout this updated and expanded edition of 3:16, Max will invite you to:

• Stand in awe of how deep, wide, long, and high God’s love is for you

• Understand more fully the living hope you have through Jesus’ death and resurrection

• Rest in the assurance that salvation is a gift from God, not something you can earn

If you know nothing of the Bible, start here. If you know everything in the Bible, return here. Let John 3:16 become the banner of your life, so much so that the message of God’s unending and unbending love overflows from you to others. Each copy of 3:16 also includes a 40-day devotional designed to help you draw closer to your loving Savior. “

A glance at my bookcase shows the name “Max Lucado” on a great many of the outward facing spines. 3:16 is among the favorites.

As someone who has experienced great losses and trauma, I can be easily triggered by news of tragic events and become fearful. It is my faith and belief that He is in control that helps to steady me and allows me to experience the joy and promise of today, and the hope for a better tomorrow.

Give yourself the gift of 3:16, The Numbers of Hope.

Receive $5 off when you order HERE - while supplies last!

Join Max’s free Online Bible Study

(For the first time ever, Max reads the full-length audiobook,
look for the option when placing your order!)

New Movie | AMERICAN UNDERDOG

Kurt and Brenda Warner’s incredible true story of faith, family, and football has been made for the big screen.

Life made them underdogs. Faith made them champions. From Kingdom Story Company and The Erwin Brothers — the directors of I CAN ONLY IMAGINE — comes AMERICAN UNDERDOG, based on the inspirational true story of Kurt and Brenda Warner.

Undrafted as a quarterback out of college, Kurt found himself stocking shelves in a grocery store to help support Brenda and her two kids, all while trying to hold onto his fading dream of becoming an NFL quarterback. That dream was realized when he was signed by the St. Lousi Rams in 1998.

In the following years, he would become a two-time NFL MVP, a Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Fame quarterback. American Underdog, allows you to experience all the highs, lows, victories and defeats Kurt and Brenda shared. It hits theaters on December 25th.

The film sports an MVP cast, starring Zackary Levi, as Kurt, Anna Paquin, as Brenda, Dennis Quaid, as Dick Vermeil, Chance Kelly, as Mike Martz, and Hayden Zaller, as Zack Warner.

I’s a story synonymous with hope, and the knowledge that with hard work, perseverance, faith - and family - our dreams are never out of reach.

Opening in theaters on Christmas Day, it's a football movie, it's a romance movie, it's a movie sure to inspire the dreamer in all of us! Take the family, get a big bucket of popcorn, and get in the game!

Find more information HERE
And watch the trailer HERE

(Oh, and Kurt joins me on LOVE SOMEONE with Delilah, on my December 28th episode!)



New Movies You'll Fall For!

Family, faith, and fistfuls of popcorn is going to be just ticket this fall! Get in on the good stuff when you cozy up to watch one - or all three - of these fabulous new movies coming your way!

---

Show Me The Father

The Kendrick brothers are the team that brought us War Room, Courageous, and Fireproof, and now they've created an amazing documentary about fatherhood, featuring five true father stories, all from totally different perspectives.

Show Me The Father deals with the universal issues of fatherhood. Whether your earthly father was someone to look up to and admire, someone to run from and fear, someone you never really knew emotionally, or never even met... your unique father story has a profound effect on the way you view the world and often the direction that your life takes.

This dynamic documentary involves Alex Kendrick, Stephen Kendrick, Deland McCullough, Jim Daly, Eddie George, Jill Kendrick, Jonathan Evans and Tony Evans.

Show Me The Father provides a fresh perspective on the roles of fathers in today's society. It will help you to see that your earthly father story can be redeemed for good, and you will come away empowered and inspired.

In theaters Now!
Watch the trailer HERE.

---

COURAGEOUS Legacy

As a mother of a police officer, who is also an incredible father of four, this film truly touched my heart.

This is a 10th Anniversary re-release of the Kendrick Brother’s film, COURAGEOUS Legacy, and is another must-see. Celebrating 10 years of impact on families and fathers, the updated version of the film includes new scenes and an enhanced look and sound.

“Four men, one calling: To serve and protect. As law enforcement officers, they are confident and focused. Yet at the end of the day, they face a challenge that none of them are truly prepared to tackle: fatherhood. While they consistently give their best on the job, good enough seems to be all they can muster as dads. When tragedy hits home, they are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, their faith, and their fathering. Can a newfound urgency help these dads draw closer to God ... and to their children?”

I laughed, cried, and cheered these guys along as they struggled to find their footing - not on the force, which they seemed to have well in-hand, but in their role as fathers, one of the most courageous positions to find oneself in. I know you’ll be right there with me when you visit theaters this September.

In theaters September 24th
WATCH the trailer HERE.

---

The Jesus Music

Contemporary Christian Music is as mainstream and available now as any other genre, but that is a fairly new phenomenon.

The Jesus Music, a dynamic documentary, unfolds the whole story, from it’s humble beginnings at the Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, California, and up through it’s many fits and starts, to become today what is recognized and celebrated as a multi-billion-dollar industry.

The film features some of my favorite artists, and people! Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Toby Mac, Lauren Daigle, Bart Millard, Joel Smallbone… and so many others who have dedicated their lives and their art to making music that unites people and honors God.

As Amy says, “A lot of hymns are close your eyes, singing to God. I wanted to sing with my eyes wide open, singing to each other.”

From the creators of I Can Only Imagine, comes The Jesus Music! If you love music (and who doesn’t?), you’ll love this magnificent musical film!

In theaters October 1st
WATCH the trailer HERE

DeVon Franklin | "Live Free: Exceed Your Highest Expectations"

I’ve been a big big fan of all things DeVon Franklin for a long while now. That’s why I can heartily recommend his new book, “LIVE FREE: Exceed Your Highest Expectations.”

As you may already know, DeVon Franklin is an award-winning film producer, NYT bestselling author, and motivational speaker. He was a guest on my podcast, LOVE SOMEONE with Delilah, along with another one of my favorite people, Chrissy Metz, after directing the heartwarming, faith affirming, film, BREAKTHROUGH. And before that, I was fortunate to have a small, (ok tiny… ok, teeny tiny) speaking part in THE STAR the sweet animated film he also directed.

DeVon is committed to uplifting global communities through entertainment and has leveraged his 20-year Hollywood career and experiences to become a leading authority on inspirational personal and professional development with millions of followers worldwide. Perhaps this is why Variety Magazine named him one of the "Top 10 Producers to Watch,"

DeVon is also the author of multiple bestselling books including THE TRUTH ABOUT MEN, THE SUCCESS COMMANDMENTS, THE WAIT (co-written with his wife, award-winning actress Meagan Good) and PRODUCED BY FAITH.

His highly anticipated fifth book, LIVE FREE: Exceed Your Highest Expectations was just released this month!

He helps teach us how to live free from unnecessary stress and anxiety and lead happier lives by learning to set our own expectations rather than accepting those imposed upon us.

Everything DeVon touches is full of lessons and wonderful advise helping us live more joyful lives. This one will be on my night stand for a long time to come. I want you all to get a copy, and heed the advice he sets forth within! I can assure you that any advice DeVon has to offer is positive, powerful, and empowering, and nothing but good things will come of you following it.

Pick up your copy through DeVon’s own website: LIVE FREE

Mercy Ships

MERCY SHIPS

So many years ago now that it’s difficult to remember exactly when, my eyes and my heart were opened to the people of Africa. A magical place of great natural beauty, culture, resources, and, unbelievable need. Since then I’ve worked with Point Hope and countless other worthy organizations to help create pathways to better education, services, nutrition, and health for those in Africa and well beyond.

I often say, “It’s when the sky is night-est, the stars are brightest”; there’s nothing quite like the luxury of star-gazing and reveling in the wonder of our heavens on a crisp clear night. It’s a metaphor for life. Those of us privileged to have access to the goods and services to meet our every need live in a state of clear skies and immense possibility, free to dance in the radiance of twinkling celestial bodies. But for many in our global community it’s difficult (to impossible) to see the light through the fog of very real hardships.

For over 40 years Mercy Ships has been serving as a beacon of hope, changing people’s lives. They turn ships into floating hospitals and journey to some of the poorest countries in the world, providing free surgical procedures — over 100,000 — to those with no access to medical care, aided by volunteers who come from all walks of life.

In doing so, they’ve also helped transform entire communities in Africa by training local doctors who continue the work long after the ships leave port.

The hope that Mercy Ships creates goes well beyond patients and their families. It also inspires the surgeons, nurses, and entire team of volunteers and donors who make this mission happen.

For everyone involved with Mercy Ships, from medical and administrative personnel, to engine room assistants, galley workers and housekeeping, the world gets a little brighter.

Over the next several weeks you may hear me mentioning Mercy Ships on my radio program, or see posts about them on my social media platforms. I’m also working on a podcast that includes the stories of volunteers who have served aboard these floating medical miracle-makers. I guarantee you won’t be able to listen without a box of tissues nearby.

The reason? Because I want you to know of this incredible group of medical professionals and ship volunteers who’ve joined a high-seas mission to hand deliver gifts of hope and healing.

If you’re looking to make a difference in the world, all it takes is to become involved with an organization like Mercy Ships. It’s one way ordinary people like you and me can do extraordinary things - one heart at a time – by helping to change the life of someone in need.

So be listening and watching as I do my best to tell the Mercy Ships story… I know you will be as inspired to become involved, just as I have!

Get Involved!

Come, Sweet Day | April Book Club

We’ve been waiting, haven’t we, for our sweet day to come?

2020 dished out it’s fair share of disappointment and despair. The isolation many endured (and are still yet enduring,) made tough situations even less bearable. Pressures mounted, support systems collapsed, and our physical, emotional, and spiritual health was assaulted. Julianne Donaldson, bestselling romance author of Edenbrooke, knows the longing all too well. Come, Sweet Day, a collection of poems and essays, reminds us that we are not alone.

Donaldson went through a period of time when things were happening in her personal life that many of us like to believe only happen to others; conflicts, challenges, and upheavals led to depression and despondency. Come, Sweet Day, was written to let others know they are not alone, that there is a light in the darkness, and days will be bright again.

”Compiled from years of inspirational words of encouragement to herself on social media and even bits and pieces of random musings written on scrap paper, this is a unique writer's journey through a life passage marked by cancer, a bitter divorce, legal battles with her ex-husband, mental illness, and persistent feelings of rejection and abandonment which also rendered her unable to pick up her career as a writer to support herself and her family.

Overwhelmed by sadness and almost paralyzed into inaction by despair, she slowly finds her way back to her writer's toolbox, unpacking the pain and sharing her innermost feelings as if revealing a character's thoughts in a novel. In her writing she begins to find rays of understanding and acceptance and eventually finds strength from knowing that God's love and His grace and guidance give greater meaning to our suffering and light the way to hope.”

A slim little book, with a bright happy cover, Come, Sweet Day, is suited to all of us that have known troubling times and might have wondered if things would ever get better. They will!

It’s a thoughtful gift for a friend or family member that you sense could do with a bit of inspiration and absolutely perfect for Mother’s Day. Here’s where you can get a copy (or ten):

Buy Link: Come, Sweet Day

View fullsize

New Movie | "I Still Believe"

There is a phenomenal new movie coming to theaters this spring. “I Still Believe” the true story of Jeremy Camp, is available OnDemand, Friday March 27th!

OnDemand Download Here

Camp, as many of you know, is a Grammy-nominated Christian singer and songwriter. He’s sold more than 5 million albums and has fans world-wide. He, and his music, which includes singles “There Will Be A Day,” and “Overcome,” (as well as many many more) are so beloved, he’s become nearly legendary.

I can say the film is phenomenal because I was fortunate enough to get a sneak peak! (This radio thing has it perks!) It covers the very personal journey of faith, hope, love… and music that Camp undertook with his first wife, Melissa. It’s got a star-studded cast that includes K.J. Apa and Britt Robertson as Jeremy and Melissa, with Gary Sinese and Shania Twain portraying his parents.

The film does a beautiful job of demonstrating how God can, and will, carry us through the toughest of times.

Watch the Trailer on Facebook

You wouldn’t expect a film like this to have anything but incredible music, and I Still Believe doesn’t disappoint. Thankfully, the soundtrack will be available digitally on March 20, shortly after the film is released on the 13th. 

Two Great Fall Movies | Unbroken & Indivisible

Unbroken: Path to Redemption
In theaters September 14th

Unbroken: Path to Redemption

Based on Laura Hillenbrand’s bestselling book Unbroken, and the 2014 film of the same name, Unbroken: Path to Redemption, called a spiritual successor to the first movie, tells the rest of WWII veteran Louis Zamperini's story after his liberation from a Japanese prison camp and return home from World War II.

Unbroken: Path to Redemption takes off where the film Unbroken, left off.  In that, we saw Louis as a bombardier who crash landed in the ocean due to engine failure and floated on a raft for 47 days before becoming a prisoner of war. This is the rest of the story: 

Haunted by his experiences as a Japanese POW, Louis doesn't think of himself as a hero, anything but, actually. In fictional romance, Louis' love for Cynthia, whom he married in 1946, would be the only balm necessary for his wounds, but as reality would have it, their marriage is being held prisoner by Louis' past and his wrathful quest for revenge is driving him deeper into despair, putting the couple on the brink of divorce.   

This is the story of how Cynthia finds a born-again faith in the Lord at a Christian revival crusade led by Billy Graham in 1949. Renewing her commitment to the marriage she had all but given up on, and to Louis. Now, her most fervent prayer is for God to help Louie find the peace and forgiveness he so desperately needs.

Unbroken: Path to Redemption stars Samuel Hunt, as Zamperini, as well as evangelist Will Graham portraying his grandfather. It opens September 14th in theaters everywhere bringing to life the rest of this powerful real-life story of forgiveness, redemption, and amazing grace.

Watch the Trailer & Get Tickets

---

Indivisible
In theaters October 26th

Indivisible

Every marriage faces challenges. The small every day type that come with the reality of two people living in close proximity, ever jostling to give one another the right balance of attention and space. And the large ones that accompany unexpected circumstances - upsets, upheavals, sickness, and the unknown.

INDIVISiBLE is based on the true story of Army Chaplain Darren Turner and his wife Heather who, with a strong, faith-filled marriage, are ready to follow their calling: serving God, family, and country. Idealism is met with the reality of an abrupt and lengthy deployment in Iraq, the horrors of war, of lonliness, of two realities that are so very different from one another.

Darren and Heather have anchored themselves as pillars of strength amongst those who need it the most; the deployed soldiers fighting to stay alive, and the families left behind tensing at every phone call and knock at the door. Who can they cling to when realizing that they too have been deeply wounded by this incomprehensalbe experience?

INDIVISIBLE, is the story of one marriage … one family … under God.
In theaters beginning October 26, starring Sarah Drew, Justin Bruening, Jason George, Tia Mowry, and Madeline Carroll.

Watch the Trailer

Now through September 9th, you can enter my Red Carpet Movie Flyaway Sweepstakes for an opportunity to win a trip for two (2) people to fly to Memphis, Tennessee to watch INDIVISIBLE on October 2, 2018 at the Orpheum Theater in downtown Memphis! 

The sweepstakes package includes:

• Round trip coach airfare for TWO people

• Two nights hotel accommodations

• Two tickets to the red carpet movie event

• And a $100 cash gift card!

Memphis is waiting for you!

ENTER NOW

I Can Only Imagine | March Book Club

ORDER YOUR COPY

I Can Only Imagine, a Friendship with Jesus Now and Forever, by Bart Millard, founding member of the award-winning musical group, MercyMe, is my March Book Club pick!

First a hit song, then a book, a child's version of the book (this one!), and now a major motion picture in theaters March 16, I Can Only Imagine was inspired by Bart's personal loss; his father died of cancer when Bart was just 18.

The song not only topped the Christian music charts but was a cross-over hit to Top 40 and Billboards Adult Hot Contemporary, which illustrates the popularity of it's universal theme.

Do you have a child or grandchild you would like to share God's love with? (You know I have several!!!) Do you ever feel mystified in your response to their questions about heaven, or where Jesus lives?

Encourage their sense of wonder and faith with I Can Only Imagine, a beautiful picture book inspired by the hit song by MercyMe. 

I Can Only Imagine asks questions a child might ask and invites families to wonder together: What is heaven like? What does God do? What would it be like to spend a day with Jesus? Children will see that although experiencing the glory of heaven may be far off, we can enjoy a friendship with Jesus every day - right here on earth. Whimsical, playful illustrations and thought-provoking questions make this a book that families will cherish.

I love the adorable, fun and vibrant illustrations by Sumiti Colina. Friendly, playful, and vivid, the visual will help your children see that God can be found everywhere, every day. 

ORDER YOUR COPY

Make sure you sign up for my Weekly Newsletter, where I'll be giving directions later this month on how you could receive a free copy of this wonderful book!

Box of Butterflies | February Book Club

OK, OK, it doesn't come out until March, but I wanted to give you all a heads up on this beautiful book, by my beautiful friend, Roma Downey.

Do you feel something special when you see a butterfly? Roma does. These graceful winged creatures, with their intricate patterns and delicate flutter reminder her of God's presence, which is all around us.

Box of Butterflies is meant to do just that, remind us all that God is here, with us, each and every moment. It's a collection of inspiring thoughts, poems, scripture and art work that will serve as a metaphorical butterfly on the days you most need one.

Just a moment or two with her book during those times will give you the little lift, the little reminder, that you are never alone. In the best and the worst of times, God is there, loving you fiercely throughout your life.

Box of Butterflies is the absolute perfect gift to tuck into an Easter basket or wrap up for Mother's Day. Actually, it's the absolute perfect gift to give ANY day.

Pre-Order your Box of Butterflies

I think Box of Butterflies is such a lovely thing to own, I'm going to give several of them away.

Would you like one? Write to me and tell me why at D@Delilah.com.