Disclosure: I received samples to review. The post contains affiliate links; the opinions shared here are 100% mine.
Long ago during my church camp years, we sang a song called “I’ve Got Peace Like a River.” We had little hand movements that went with the lyrics that indicated gentle waters. In the song “It Is Well With My Soul,” which is one of my favorite hymns, the verse starts with the words “When peace like a river attendeth my way.” Until today, I always associated these mentions of a river’s peace with some fluid calm that washes over one’s soul. However, everyone knows that rivers are ever changing, unpredictable, and strikingly beautiful. Can all of those things represent God? Absolutely, yes. The peace that comes from God runs like a river; how we experience it can change from day to day.
Such powerful grace is represented in the novel Into the Canyon by Michael Neale. When Gabriel’s father dies in an accident at the river, the boy grows into a resentful man. The River is personified as an almost supernatural force that impacts those in and around it. Many examples of life-giving and death-bringing power are demonstrated through the water. Even the cover of the book beautifully illustrates the dramatic impact made by The River. Fans of Frank Peretti will appreciate the allegory of spiritual warfare presented in Into The Canyon. As Gabriel battles with the pain of his past and tries to release himself to God’s will for his future, we get to peek into the hearts of the gracious men and women who helped to shape his life. While the book involves a few frayed threads that aren’t seamlessly tied, overall it’s a satisfying story.
Another story that’s based on the power of a river is The Current. This family-friendly movie would be great for watching as a youth group or with your teens. In The Current, a Chicago family relocates to a home in a camping lodge in their search for a life less worldly. Their teenage son, Jake, is a good kid who feels frustrated with his parents’ decision. During his first few weeks at the lodge, Jake makes friends and learns to adjust to his new surroundings. There are several parts that might be questionable to watch in very conservative circles (for example, Jake “moons” a rude campground visitor) yet the tone of the story is quite tame. The typical teenage antics seemed normal, especially considering the setting. The spiritual struggle in this movie hit me hard; I don’t want to reveal too much but suffice it to say that there were tears as I viewed this movie. Just as with Into The Canyon, the river in this movie plays a strong role in the spiritual renewal of Jake and his family. I felt a strong connection with Jake’s parents as they tried to guide him through some of his emotions and behavioral tendencies. There’s a feeling of redemption and grace that begs to be revealed throughout The Current. I highly recommend this movie!
What encouraging movies and books do you suggest?
I like the As for Me and My House Tie for my stepdad
The Little People Nativity would be a great Christmas gift.
I would love to see the Angel Nativity Gown Figurine
I like Family Christian’s Lifetime Christmas movies for my mom.
I like their boxed card sets like the Angels – Praying For You.
the heaven is for real movie looks good too
I like the Homecoming Hymns Collection by the Gaithers.
The Gaither cds are always popular.
With the holidays quickly approaching, Christmas cards would make a good giveaway.
I think a giveaway that could be used for Sunday school or Vacation Bible School would be good.
I’d love to see Moms’ Night Out!
I like Precious Moments, and the Precious Moments Come Let Us Adore Him LED Nativity is beautiful.
When the Game Stands Tall movie looks good too
I’d love to see the dvd Moms’ Night Out!
Right now they are having a 50% off top titles sale.
The scarves and scarf accents would make nice gifts.
I’d like to see the dvd Moms’ Night Out!
Janette Oke movies are very popular.
I’d love to see the DVD of the When the Game Stands Tall movie
Wow! My grandkids would love the 3D Countdown Calendar-25 Drawers, and it would be fun to find little treats for them.