Chrissa Stands Strong: Review

by Sisterlisa

I am not usually one to make a full 100% support of a film and even when I am, I will let you know what concerns I have for it as well. First and foremost Chrissa, a ten year old girl, attends a public school and the topic of homeschooling does come up, although is not pursued which is a disappointment. I feel it would be beneficial for American Girl to incorporate a homeschool girl into their cast of characters and dolls for the 21st Century.

I believe that 21st Century homeschool girls do face challenges for their family's decision to home educate and I feel it would behoove AG to look into another American Girl who lives the homeschooling lifestyle.

Now although Chrissa goes to public school, I feel her experiences with the girls in her school is a socially educational study, because I have seen plenty of the same struggles within many different girl groups, including among adults in most 'churches'. I don't mean that as a knock against people, but the study of group dynamics crosses many social circles.

Years ago I read a book that covers this very topic and found there are many books and websites available for resources to parents and girls about how to deal with the drama that surrounds that passage of life. Keywords for adults for searching are: school bullies, mean girls, queen bees, teen group dynamics, Rosalind Wiseman.

In Chrissa Stands Strong we see a short story about a girl who moves to a new town and struggles with making new friends. The popular girls, the Mean Bees, in school seems to be bold and sure of themselves, but their subtle manipulation puts Chrissa in a paralyzed state of confusion.

A word of caution about this film; the Mean Bees are mean, really mean. I Gasped many times during this movie and was even moved to tears at times. I grew up in a public school and my girls in a Christian School and I can tell you from experience that Mean Bees from all over the world know how to perfect their craft. This is what is so startling to so many parents. This craftiness by Mean Bees is dangerous and must be dealt with.

Chrissa needs to make a decision about whether or not to tattle on these girls, or is it called standing up for yourself? No one wants to be labeled a tattle tale. I believe every young girl should be counseled by their parents on exactly how to handle situations like this. By the time you reach the conclusion of this film, take some time to discuss the story with your children. This AG film just barely touches the hem of the garment of how dangerous this issue is today.

If you decide to see this film, you may want to pause it after each scene and discuss the trials Chrissa is facing.

Some questions to consider:

How would you feel if..... happened to you?
How would you make a friend in a new situation?
What would you do if you saw girls treat others like that?
Would you know what to say?
Are you afraid of telling sometimes?
What kind of fears do you think Chrissa had in coming forward for help?
How much worse do you think it could get if she never told anyone?

This review is meant simply to give you some basic information about the film and the content thereof. If you are sensitive about bathing suits, Chrissa is on a swim team, but these girls are far too young to show any neckline issues. There is no bad language or romance involved. This story is just one of many reasons why our family chooses to homeschool. Keep in mind that this kind of bullying is not just in social circles in real life, but in virtual life as well. Cyber bullying is included in this film and should be researched in depth by any parent who allows their child to be a part of social network groups, message board forums, and blogging.


Sisterlisa is the owner and Editor-in-Chief of Growing in Grace Magazine and owner of AGMinistries, a devotion blog for women. She is married and homeschools her four children while remaining active in serving the Lord in her community.

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Remote Controll: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

The wonderful book by John Boyne, 'The Boy in the Striped Pajamas', has finally made it's way onto the big screen. This is a fictional book that takes place during WWII. It is not a true story, but it's based on the truth of the Holocaust. I would recommend the movie to mature 13 years old and up. The story is about two little boys who live in opposite realities.

Nine-year-old Bruno lives a wealthy lifestyle in Pre-war Germany along with his mother, elder sister, and army Commandant father. He plays with his friends all of the time and loves it there in Berlin, but things change when the family re-locates to the countryside where his father is assigned to commandeer a prison camp. Upon arrival, Bruno is homesick. His new home is much smaller, full of soldiers and there is no-one to play with. Besides, he is forbidden to explore. A few days later, Bruno befriends Shmuel, a Jew who is strangely dressed in striped pajamas and lives behind an electrified fence! Bruno will soon find out that he is not permitted to befriend his new friend, because of his race, and that the neighboring yard is actually a prison camp for Jews awaiting extermination.

This movie has many morals to it. Some are that you should always know where your children are, who they are with and what they are doing. It is not overprotective, it's smart. This movie makes me love homeschooling even more because my parents do have control over what I'm learning. It is so much safer that way. When you notice changes taking place in your child's life that is out of character, question it! Our family agreed that watching this film made us realize many dangers taking place right here in America that we must be aware of. We urge you to view this film. You can also download a free copy of the Discussion Guide at their site. Their discussion guide will lead you through a group discussion that we found helpful in taking notice of what we see happening in society today.

We live in the most free nation in the world and we must do all we can to keep her a free nation.

Join Bruno as he discovers that 'Lines may divide us, but hope will unite us."

Lady Jess is a teen lady who is homeschooled along with her siblings. She assists her mother in teaching her younger siblings, is an interpreter in her church's deaf ministry, sings in two local choirs, and is in training to be a homeschooling parent herself one day.

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Remote ConTroll: Fireproof the Movie & The Love Dare

by Sisterlisa



Most of us have either already seen Fireproof or were waiting for the public release of the DVD. Fireproof the Movie hit the shelves with a bang last week. I was honored to have the opportunity to interview Miss Erin Bethea at AGMinistries.org before the movie was released. My husband and I saw the film while it was in our town and I was not prepared for the emotions that came forth while watching this inspiring film on marriage.

Now that Fireproof is available for everyone to see in the comfort of their own homes, I highly recommend a box of tissue to be by your side. Kirk Cameron gives an awesome performance as the fire chief husband driven to achieve respect from his wife. Although the film shows the tension between the husband and wife, you won't hear any profanity, nor any physical violence in their relationship. Convincing emotions run high between this couple and may be best suited for mature audiences due to the nature of the main rift in their relationship. As a parent I recommend you view the film before allowing your children to see it. We have decided to allow our oldest daughter to see the film, but are still praying about whether or not to allow the second oldest to see it.

Fireproof is not without comedy relief, as the firefighters learn a valuable lesson in pride. Their Chief teaches them valuable lessons during their work days, while learning lessons himself on life and marriage from a wise co-worker. Firefighting actions scenes bring a sense of teamwork to the film as they work hard to save lives, while his good friend teaches him the correlation between their job and marriage.

The lives of Caleb and Katherine Holt will teach you about the sanctity of marriage and the battle we face to save the next generation from the grips of the enemy's tactics to destroy what God has created for us. Fireproof's filmmakers have created valuable resources created to help guide you through the film and a journey back to the marriage God intended for us all to have.

My husband and I are currently reviewing The Love Dare and have a leather-like bound copy to give away to one lucky reader. Although Growing in Grace Magazine's audience is mainly younger ladies, we know that your mother's read as well. We wanted to make this give away available to as many people as possible. Please be sure to tell a friend about this giveaway. You can help spread the message of marriage redemption by sharing about this review and giveaway to others in the following ways:

Email the link to this article to all your friends and family.
Tweet about this article on Twitter.
Share this article on your Facebook page.
Blog about this article.

The main objective of this giveaway is not about who wins the book, but rather how many lives we can touch by spreading the word about Fireproof the Movie. If hosting this book giveaway here at GGM will bring people to read the review and click on the links contained in this article, we pray that marriages can be saved and strengthened by the ministry that Sherwood Films has invested in. Their goal is not to reap a financial benefit from sales of this film, but rather to lead souls to Christ and see marriages defeat the enemy and gain the victory Christ wants us to have.

If you have the opportunity to spread the word through the various internet outlets to enter this giveaway then please do so.

Leave us a comment if you'd like to be entered to win 'The Love Dare'.

Grab the code to help spread the word!

<a href="http://www.growingingraceonline.com/2009/01/remote-controll-fireproof-movie-love.html"><img src="http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq6/ggmeditor/Ads/448658_1_ftc_dp.jpg" alt="The Love Dare Giveaway" border="0" /></a>

Sisterlisa is the owner and Editor-in-Chief of Growing in Grace Magazine and owner of AGMinistries, a devotion blog for women. She is married and homeschools her four children while remaining active in community service and leads the deaf ministry at her church.

You can purchase the Fireproof movie at these stores:
Family Christian Stores
Walmart (Fireproof and Flywheel Pack BEST DEAL)
Other Stores Listed here

THIS GIVEAWAY IS OVER. WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY.

Mother-Daughter Movie Night

Since this month is Mother's Day month, I have decided to write an article about a nice movie that you could watch with your mother. "Little Women" is one of the cutest movies that I have ever seen. I have watched the older version and the newer version. Both are very cute movies. You do not have to worry about profanity, because ladies did not use profanity back then.

**SPOILER WARNING** If you have not seen the movie or read the book and do not want it spoiled, do not read on.

What I enjoyed about the newer movie is that there is more of a distinct line between the sisters. They all have there own distinct identities. Also, it is easier to tell what the characters are thinking because they portrayed their emotions better. This movie was made in 1994. A few of the actresses in the movie are: Winona Ryder, Kirsten Dunst and Susan Sarandon.

What I liked about both movies was the fact that they were both pretty close to the book. The mother daughter relationship in this story is so strong. They constantly look out for each other.

What I liked about the older movie is the fact that it is so innocent. Even though Jo and Laurie are friends, there is a certain amount boy-girl respect. This movie was made in 1933. A few of the actresses in this movie are: Katharine Hepburn, Frances Dee and Jean Parker.

Either one of these movies are a great mother-daughter movie.