In 2025, the months of January, May, August, and October have five Fridays. I use those Fridays to publish media reviews: books, music, movies, blogs, podcasts, etc. These will be primarily, but not limited to, Christian media sources. Today we are highlighting Dr. Josh Axe’s latest book:Think This, Not That: 12 Mindshifts to Breakthrough Limiting Beliefs and Become Who You Were Born to Be.
What if the most powerful change you could make this year didn’t start with your diet or your to-do list—but your thoughts?
In Think This, Not That, Dr. Josh Axe offers a powerful reminder that what we believe drives how we live—and even how we heal. This faith-filled, science-backed book walks through the toxic thoughts that keep us stuck and invites us to exchange them for truth rooted in God’s Word.
Two mindset shifts especially resonated with me:
🧠Think Faith, Not Fear – Fear steals our peace, wrecks our health, and whispers worst-case scenarios. But faith? Faith anchors us in the truth that God is in control—even when we’re not. We can train our minds to trust, even in the storm.
🧠Think Forgiveness, Not Bitterness – Bitterness binds us to the past, while forgiveness releases us into freedom. Letting go doesn’t mean it didn’t hurt. It means we’re choosing healing over holding on—and that’s where God meets us.
Dr. Axe skillfully blends Scripture, neuroscience, and holistic health insights to help us reclaim our peace and renew our minds—one thought at a time. If you’re looking for a resource that speaks to both the soul and the body, this is a must-read.
Victory begins in the mind. Let’s choose our thoughts wisely—and invite God into every one.
In 2025, the months of January, May, August, and October have five Fridays. I use those Fridays to publish media reviews: books, music, movies, blogs, podcasts, etc. These will be primarily, but not limited to, Christian media sources. Today we are highlighting one of my all-time favorite Christian artists: David Crowder’s album, The Exile.
If you’re not familiar with David Crowder’s music, you’re in for a treat! I want to introduce you to one of the most creative, power packed Christian artists of today!
Crowder doesn’t fit in any traditional music category, especially for a Christian artist. His music is a unique blend of Christian worship with elements of folk, bluegrass, electronic and rock, sometimes considered hillbilly rock. The sound he creates is modern and fresh yet rooted in a southern gospel tradition. In The Exile you will hear themes that reflect Biblical narratives of exile and restoration, redemption and hope.
Crowder’s songs share vulnerable stories that seem to come directly from his own faith walk. His lyrics have touching poetic imagery with familiar scriptures weaved in making his songs relatable and inspirational. They speak so clearly to our own heart pain, struggles and uncertainties.
Musically, this album, like all of Crowder’s music is exceptional. There is heartfelt, raw worship paired with energetic, dynamic and creative instrumentation that brings the listener a unique entertaining and inspiring experience.
Trying to choose my favorite Crowder song is difficult. But here is a list of my top 5 songs on The Exile album and a brief description.
Lord of All: The heartfelt lyrics and a beautiful melody bring us this reverent worship ballad celebrating Christ’s supremacy of all creation. A powerful song perfect for corporate or personal worship.
Unstoppable: A super high-energy anthem celebrating a theme of God’s unchanging power. I hear verses that resonate with Psalm 91 when I listen to it. We are inspired to trust in God’s strength through all circumstances.
Dash: Creatively explores the brevity of life, and the importance of living each day with an eternal purpose. The “Dash” reminds us to focus on what really matters in the liminal space of time between birth and death.
Grave Robber: A gritty instrumentation with bold lyrics, this triumphant salvation declaration captures the resurrection power of Jesus. His victory over sin and death, reminds us of the hope found in Christ’s empty tomb.
Somebody Prayed: A deeply personal and reflective song, highlighting the power of intercessory prayer. With its heartfelt storytelling and soul-stirring arrangement, it offers gratitude for the unseen prayers that have shaped our lives.
Few Christian artists today touch my soul the way all of Crowder’s music does and The Exile album is no different. This is reflected in his recently released 2024 Spotify numbers: 6.8 million Listeners; 103M Streams; 5.84 million Hours; with 183 Countries represented! Wow!
Crowder’s music is definitely a fav in our home! And not only the music, but he also has a way of producing such wonderful videos. Whether lighthearted or serious, Crowder’s music videos touch your heart and soul and always leave an impression.
All glory to the King / Always, eternally / God of everything / Lord of all
Your praise be deafening / A million centuries / God of everything
Lord of all! ~ The Exile
I hope you’ll take a few minutes and listen to this powerful worship anthem below and the other beautifully uplifting songs on The Exile album. It will stir your soul and inspire your spirit. Be blessed… Tamara
For the last several years I’ve been reviewing various types of Christian media. This month we’re celebrating David Crowder’s newest album release. Be blessed!
3x GRAMMY-nominated, genre-defying artist Crowder dropped Milk & Cookies: A Merry Crowder Christmas on October 21st in time to embrace the full holiday season. The album includes songs that touch on the thanksgiving spirit as well as Christmas all wrapped up in a beautiful gold ribbon.
It’s an album you could put on with the whole family around and make everyone happy at some point. There’s playful songs for the young and young at heart, smooth jazz, bluegrass, pop, and orchestral rock to get everyone energized and in the Christmas spirit.
Crowder’s signature style and original genre sound never disappoints. The album mixture includes updated traditional Christmas favs and memorable originals that will sure to become new Christmas classics. Interludes are intertwined with entertaining old time radio narrations telling Christmas stories.
In unmistakeable Crowder style Milk & Cookies is entertaining, touching… playful yet inspirational. I highly recommend Milk & Cookies: A Crowder Christmas for your music library!
Check out the YouTube videos of my favorites from the album. Enjoy!
REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR. EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I REVIEW TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MEDIA.
TODAY WE’RE LOOKING AT A WONDERFUL NEW FILM.
THE MOST RELUCTANT CONVERT: The Untold Story of C.S. Lewis
In this poignant autobiographical docudrama, Max McLean beautifully portrays C.S.Lewis narrating highlights of his distinguished life. The Most Reluctant Convert excellently relives the childhood, scholarly education and thought-provoking spiritual birth of one of the 20th Century’s well-known Christian apologists.
The Most Reluctant Convert begins in an unusual fashion with a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the movie. At first I was taken back by this being at the beginning. But after the film ended it made perfect sense.
In a one-on-one conversation with the audience, C.S. Lewis goes down memory lane sharing his remarkable life story. He recounts many life-changing events along with their captivating backstories.
The production of The Most Reluctant Convert stands out with its exquisite cinematography and spectacular period settings. Brilliantly filmed where C. S. Lewis grew up, lived, taught and worshipped makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time with this incredible author/teacher/writer.
Those familiar with C. S. Lewis’ writings will no doubt recognize lines taken from his many books. After watching The Most Reluctant Convert I’m greatly inspired to read more of his work. I highly recommend The Most Reluctant Convert: The Untold Story of C.S. Lewis!
