Compass Classroom: Visual Latin {Review}

(Disclaimer: This post contains my affiliate links. This simply means that should you choose to purchase through my links, there is no additional cost to you, and I make a small commission. Thank you!)

I have been homeschooling my fantastic kids long enough to have seen and heard all kinds of opinions on the importance, or not, of teaching Latin. Since I took Latin in high school, I have been on the "yes" side of the fence, even though I understand that some people see it as unnecessary. I have not followed a "classical" approach in our education, taking a more eclectic approach, however, I do see great value in learning Latin. Several of my children are learning Italian, French and/or Spanish, so Latin will help with those languages, as well as help immensely with our native language, English. Last fall I decided that I needed to finally add Latin to our list of courses.

I received the downloadable version of Visual Latin 1 and 2 from Compass Classroom for the purpose of review. Each lessons pairs three videos, featuring teacher Dwane Thomas, with worksheets for different learning styles to guide students from grammar concepts, to practice sentences, to reading in Latin! There are 60 lessons in total. Visual Latin is available in three formats: DVD, download or streaming. Included in the downloads are lesson worksheets, a teacher's guide, vocabulary lists and quizzes. This course is suggested for ages 10 and older. It also provides 2 high school credits, which is one reason why I am so excited about it!

This school year we have been working our way through Visual Latin 1, which is 30 lessons. We haven't used too many video-based programs in our school, so I wasn't sure how well it would work. It has worked perfectly! It is super easy to use. Just cue up the video and print out the worksheets for whatever lesson you're on. Mr. Thomas has a quirky and fun sense of humour and is very engaging in the video lessons. Even though I primarily wanted my grade 10 student to work through these lessons for high school language credit, I decided to make it a family affair and include everyone. So, in addition to my grade 10 student, I also included my students in grade 8, grade 5 and grade 4, as well. I am amazed by all they have learned this year. We have a had a great time learning together and already look forward to continuing with Latin 2 next year.

It was rather hilarious to start this program and find Latin everywhere we turned. Books, movies, other school curricula. All the children were noticing it and having a good time doing so. We also had a few laughs over the sentence structure in Latin and how the sentences remind us a bit of Yoda. For example, "They are bright in the sky the stars are." And "At night also stars there are." Another benefit in learning Latin is all the English grammar you learn in the process. It's been a great reminder and reinforcer of what my children have already learned plus even more! This has been a wonderful fit for our family, and we are learning so much. I cannot recommend Visual Latin highly enough.



Give it a try with 2 Free Lessons.

Also, check out the Additional Resources.

And right now, Visual Latin 1 and 2 are on sale! Get $30 off!

Let me know if you have any questions.

Blessings and love. xo

My Reading List

{Disclaimer: This post contains my affiliate links. Thank you!}

Hi friends,

I have been mostly quiet around here lately, due to needing a break to focus on other things. We are getting set to move again (seriously praying and planning for this to be the last time!), plus slowly starting to work part-time, plus finishing up our home school year, etc. 

One thing I determined at the first of 2016 was that I want to take better care of myself, in all areas. One of those ways is in purposefully taking time to do some things that I enjoy, one of which is reading for pleasure (as opposed to reading for reviews). So here are some of the titles I have read recently or am currently working on . . . 

First up, Heart Made Whole: Turning Your Unhealed Pain Into Your Greatest Strength by Christa Black Gifford. Oh. My. Word. People, seriously, I think I am going to recommend this one to every person I know. If you're not familiar with Christa, she and her hubby, Lucas, have been some of my favourite people to follow on social media in the last few years. They have both been through tragedy and have come out strong and healed because of the love and power of Jesus. (Disclaimer: I am on Christa's launch team for this book and received an ebook copy for the purpose of review, but I applied to do so because I knew I would benefit, and I knew I would want to share this one with you.) Even if I had not been chosen for the launch team, I would be reading this one and sharing about it. This book is important. Every person I know has some kind of hurt, whether a skin-deep scrape or the deep, soul-crushing wounded-ness kind. We all need healing. I believe this message that Christa shares can be the catalyst for that healing. Thank you for writing this one, Christa!

Here is a photo I took of some of the others:

From this stack, the ones I have read so far are: 

Brooklyn by Colm Toibin - Have you read this one or seen the movie that came out recently? It is a charming story, and I'm looking forward to the film, which I understand is equally endearing.

The Blueberry Years: A Memoir of Farm and Family by Jim Minick - I have been going to the library, not just to drop off returns or pick up holds, but also to meander the aisles and peruse the shelves at leisure (well, mostly). I have found myself these last couple of months, sticking close to the biography shelves, which is where I found this gem of a memoir. Jim's writing is delightful, and I not only wanted a big bowl of delicious blueberries every time I picked it up, I also found myself longing to buy a farm in the mountains of Virginia!

Clementine: The Life of Mrs. Winston Churchill by Sonia Purnell. This was a long read and one that I wasn't sure I wanted to commit to at first, but man, I'm so glad I did. I knew absolutely nothing about Clementine, the wife of Winston Churchill before I picked this up. She was quite the character, and the author makes a strong point that Winston would not have been the man that he was nor could he have accomplished all that he did without his "Clemmie" to help guide and influence not only him, but many of the leaders of that time. I am glad to know more of her story and her tenacity.

I am currently reading (and loving) Shawn Bolz' Translating God: Hearing God's Voice For Yourself and The World Around You. If you don't know of Shawn and his ministry, I recommend looking him up ASAP! I heard him speak when I watched the recent Azusa Now live stream. He was prophesying to folks in the crowd he had never seen or met before. The words he had received from Father were incredible. Tears were streaming down my face. It's always beautiful to see how the Father loves His children and this was evidenced in the words Shawn received (in how personal they were and in how encouraging they were). This is a message that is dear to my heart, and I am looking forward to diving more into this one!

And in addition to the three or four in the above photo that are waiting in the library basket, I also just got a book in the mail (for review) that I am excited about - The Healing Breakthrough: Creating an Atmosphere of Faith For Healing by Randy Clark. I'll get back to you on this one.

What have you been reading recently? Anything to recommend?

Blessings and love. xo

MercyMe, It's Christmas! {Review and Giveaway}

Hello! As I shared on Instagram a few days ago, I have made a HUGE exception to my no-Christmas-music-until-after-Thanksgiving rule for a review and giveaway of MercyMe, It's Christmas! And I can't think of a better CD to make this exception for! 

I don't think MercyMe needs any introduction to my wonderful readers, but just in case you are not familiar with them, they are a contemporary Christian band that has been delivering meaningful music for two decades. I have followed them from the very beginning, in a big sisterly kind of way - as I grew up with the lead singer, Bart Millard. Even if you haven't heard of them, I can almost guarantee you have heard their hit song, "I Can Only Imagine", whether in church, on the radio, in a restaurant or even the grocery store. This is MercyMe's second Christmas album, the first one called The Christmas Sessions. It's been a decade since the first one was released, so I was thrilled to learn of this new one.  

I knew I was going to LOVE It's Christmas when the first word I heard was 'Hallelujah' from the new song, "Newborn"! What a beautiful song of adoration to our King and an invitation to be born anew in Him. I love all the songs and can't pick a favourite. There is something for everyone on this album, from pop to country, ballads to upbeat, traditional to brand new tunes, all with that fabulous MercyMe style! We'll be listening to this one over and over from now through Christmas! Check out the song list . . .

Songs:

1. Newborn

2. Christmastime Again

3. Sleigh Ride

4. I’ll Be Home For Christmas

5. Hold On Christmas

6. A Holly Jolly Christmas

7. Go Tell It On The Mountain

8. Do You Hear What I Hear

9. Our Lullaby

10. Joy

11. O Come, O Come 

12. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (Exclusive Bonus Track for Pizza Ranch)

13. O Holy Night (Exclusive Bonus Track for Pizza Ranch)

14. Silent Night (Exclusive Bonus Track for Pizza Ranch)

15. Joseph’s Lullaby (Exclusive Bonus Track for Pizza Ranch)

​Mercy Me, It’s Christmas​ CD will be available in Pizza Ranch locations beginning November 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015.  It has 4 exclusive songs that can only be found on the CD version being sold by Pizza Ranch.  Each CD will be sold for $5 plus tax.  Pizza Ranch will give away the CD with a $25 gift card purchase as well as sell the full album at each of its 200 locations throughout the Midwest and Great Plains states.  "We are so excited to debut our new Christmas album, MercyMe, It’s Christmas, with Pizza Ranch” said Bart Millard with MercyMe. “Pizza Ranch is a fantastic restaurant with a great mission to glorify God. It's the perfect gift to give this Christmas season and the perfect CD to get you in the Christmas spirit.” 

About Pizza Ranch:

Cultivating its mission “To give every guest a legendary experience” since its inception in 1981, Pizza Ranch connects with its communities in a way that provides bridges for friends, family and colleagues to come together. Today, Pizza Ranch is based in Orange City, Iowa and owns, operates and franchises over 190 locations in 13 states. Consistent growth has been a Pizza Ranch staple, as the brand has become a beacon of community involvement and exceptional food. The Pizza Ranch buffet features legendary pizzas, salads and desserts, and is delivered with an unmatched service quality.  “We are extremely blessed to have a very close connection with our guests,” said Adrie Groeneweg, co-founder and president of Pizza Ranch. “This project extends the brand’s essence to a new dimension beyond our four walls and into their lives. It’s a new kind of way for us to relate to our loyal fans.” 

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WEBSITE 

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

And if you're like me and unfortunately don't have a Pizza Ranch location in your neck of the woods, you can buy the CD HERE.

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Giveaway Time!

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Blessings and love. xo

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Open to residents of USA and Canada, age 18 or older.

This post contains my affiliate links. Thank you!

Friday Faves

Hello, Lovelies!

I have a head cold (boo!), but I'm using my favourite home remedies and essential oils and am feeling a bit better than yesterday. I'm sure I'll be back to my healthy self in a day or two. I'm happy that it's the weekend! You, too?

This time of year brings cravings for those familiar and favourite traditional foods and goodies we have enjoyed year after year. One thing I plan to make this weekend is The Original Chex Party Mix (This "original" recipe says to use the microwave, but my original recipe uses the oven.). Do you make Chex Mix in your family? My mom made this when I was growing up, so it's been a tradition for a long time. We usually start making it in November, a week or two before Thanksgiving, and make many batches over the holidays. Yum!

Another favourite we enjoy this time of year is this delicious Spiced Pumpkin Bread (or Muffins) recipe!

Here are some of my favourite deals going on today:

If you missed out on buying those Palazzo Pants you had your eye on in the summer, here's your chance to grab some! You'll save 51%! I love the colour choices.

These Wool Felt Ball Garlands are so festive and come in four colour choices.

Don't these Cardigans with Button Sleeves look like the perfect layering sweaters?!

Wow! These Everyday Fall Midi Dresses come in sizes S to XL and are 46% off!

You save 53% on this Plaid Tunic Dress! It comes in two colours.

BOGO Free Rustic Christmas Festives - you get two for only $5.95!


I came across these two articles this week. They both invite me to learn more about cultures that embrace winter and make the most of the darker, colder months. I learned some of this while living in Canada. When there are weeks and months of snow on the ground, one really cannot expect to hunker down for the entire time and hibernate. It wouldn't be healthy. While we lived there, we learned to make the most of the snow - unless it was 40 below, of course. Brrr!

Virginia has proven herself quite cold, as well, so it was good to read these articles before the cold weather hits once again. Join me in lighting some candles, getting the blankets laundered and stacked nearby, having a good supply of hot cocoa and tea on hand, and making our homes places that embrace and celebrate winter!

The Norwegian Secret To Enjoying A Long Winter

Hygge: A Heart-Warming Lesson From Denmark

In case you missed it, HERE is my post on our favourite Advent books!

Currently, I'm reading Identity Thief: Exposing Satan's Plan to Steal Your Purpose, Passion and Power by Robby Dawkins. So far, I don't want to put it down! I'll post my review next week.

And coming tomorrow, another favourite - this one is all about Christmas! Click HERE to get a sneak peek! {ETA: Out of respect and honour for the Parisians who are suffering after the heartbreaking occurrences there last night, I am holding off on posting the giveaway until Monday. Thanks for your understanding.}


Do you have any favourite things to share this week? I'd love to hear about them.

Blessings and love. xo

Disclaimer: This post contains my affiliate links. This means that when you choose to purchase through these links, there is no additional cost to you, and I make a small commission. Thank you!

The Power That Changes The World: Creating Eternal Impact In The Here And Now by Bill Johnson {Review}

The Power That Changes the World: Creating Eternal Impact in the Here and Now by Bill Johnson

This is our brightest hour!

Every day we make choices that influence the culture and atmosphere around us. We are designed, as part of our purpose, to invade and solve problems here on earth. We've been given the keys to unlock infinite change in the here and now.

Take hold of God's power and God's wisdom.

As we wield the long-term strategy of His wisdom and the immediacy of His miracle-working power, we will live out the most undeniable demonstration of the heart, passion and nature of God. We will touch--and restore--the hearts of individuals, families, communities, cities and nations. We will create eternal impact and significance right now.

What a moment to be alive!
As we live out God's power and wisdom, and fully yield ourselves to His purposes--maintaining a heart of hope and promise for the days ahead--we will work wonders for His Kingdom.

My Thoughts:

The one book I always tell my friends, or anyone who asks, that changed my life ten years ago was Bill Johnson's When Heaven Invades Earth. Bill has a way of teaching that is both intelligent and down-to-earth. I am always both challenged and encouraged when I read his books or listen to his messages. When Heaven Invades Earth taught me so much about God's heart as a good Father and about my responsibility as a believer in Jesus Christ to bring heaven to earth. And now, The Power That Changes The World continues the same message and goes even further, specifically pointing out the importance of wisdom and power. 

Do you ever find yourself longing for more? You may have been a believer for 5 years or 45 years but you know there is something missing in your life. It's like this deep craving for something you know to be true but haven't  yet seen materialize in your life. I can relate. One of my favourite Scriptures is Psalm 34:8, "Oh taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!". Once you get a taste, you know there is so much more. If you have been craving more, I encourage you to read this book. In The Power That Changes The World, Pastor Bill shares the values he deems as crucial to us as believers, the church, the Bride of Christ. How are we to think? How are we to behave toward unbelievers? How are we to serve our communities to see Kingdom culture become a reality? He lays out ideas and principles for us to ponder and emulate. 

There are many passages I could quote from the book, but here are just a handful I find encouraging:

Seeing a Kingdom culture established on earth is the dream of God, and it must become the dream of His people. (pg. 15)

Heaven is the model God set for us by which we are to approach life. (pg. 16)

The Gospel is good news for eternity, but also for now. (pg. 24)

Creativity is normal for any believer who is not influenced by anxiety. The purest expression of our faith often can be seen in the unique way we approach life - conscious of a perfect, loving Father, and with a heart that beats to see the impossibilities of life bow to the name of Jesus through our lips. We live as people with access to heavenly solutions for earthly problems. (pg. 67)

Discovering our significance in God's eyes is one of the most important and gratifying revelations we can ever receive. It frees us to live life as a joyful offering unto Him. (pg. 180) 

 

If wanting to know more about how to live from heaven to earth and how to see more of heaven on earth in your own life, family, community and nation is burning in your heart, get this book today! You will be encouraged and, I believe, you will begin to see Kingdom culture come to fruition. 

Buy now!

Blessings and love. xo

Disclosure: I received this book from Chosen Books in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” This post contains my affiliate links. Thank you.

How I'm Using Spiral Notebooks in Our Homeschool

When I think back over the past 13 years of homeschooling, I have to laugh at all the planners and systems that I've tried. Are you the same way? Don't get me wrong, some of them have been great for a particular season in our lives. And then something else would work for awhile. There truly are so many great resources out there. I think you just have to find what works for you. 

This year, I decided to go with some simple. So simple, in fact, that you may think I'm a little nuts for not thinking of it before. I mentioned last week in my "Friday Faves" post that one of my favourite things right now is using spiral notebooks in our homeschool this year. I give huge thanks to Sarah McKenzie for her post earlier this year, How I'm Using Spiral Notebooks to Simplify Homeschooling. I think it was mainly the word 'simplify' that caught my eye. I do not need any more complications in my life, and especially when it comes to our homeschool. So, I thought I'd share some of my original planning from the end of the summer and how things have progressed these past two months.

I started out with my own personal spiral notebook which I used/use for making a master list for the school plans, a master list of meals for menu planning, a list of ideas for field trips, a list of ideas for read-aloud books, etc.

I also use it as I'm planning Ava's Beyond Five In A Row and Maya's Five In A Row lessons . . . 

Okay, so unlike Sarah, I do the actual writing out of the plans every morning. It's just personal preference for me. Planning school is not something I usually want to think about in the evenings, so mornings work well for me. It really is a simple process and only takes a few minutes. 

I include any and all chores I want them to accomplish that day, and then I list their school assignments, "brain breaks", and their extra-curricular classes and activities for that particular day. I know from their check marks what needs to be carried over to the next day. 

This system has worked SO well for us. The consistency level is high this year, and I am very pleased. I think the older I get the more ADD tendencies I display (ha!), so this simple spiral notebook plan has done the trick for me. The kids all seem to be settled and steady in their progress this year. They like the routine and look forward to checking off those boxes each day.

Blessings and love. xo

Disclaimer: This post contains my affiliate links. Thank you!

STRONG and KIND: And Other Important Character Traits Your Child Needs to Succeed {Review and Giveaway}

When A&E's Duck Dynasty first became a hit television show, our family did not have cable. So when we moved into this house almost two years ago, we were able to have cable and spent many evenings catching up on the first few seasons of the show. The move had been pretty stressful for us, so to be able to just sit and relax and get to know a little more about the Robertson family, their wild success, their deep faith in Jesus, and their fun lives was just what we needed. They are so down to earth and real. We adore this family. It amazes me how busy they are (just follow them on social media to see all of their ventures), yet they are consistently calm, classy and joyful. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read and review Korie's new book, STRONG and KIND: And Other Important Character Traits Your Child Needs to Succeed. 

About the book: 

Hardcover; 240 pages

Publisher: Harper Collins Christian Publishing (October 27, 2015) 

In her new book STRONG and KIND: And Other Important Character Traits Your Child Needs to Succeed, Korie Robertson - New York Times bestselling author, wife of Duck Commander® CEO Willie Robertson, star of A&E's Duck Dynasty, and mother of five - argues that developing good character in our children is the single most important thing we can do to help ensure they lead happy, healthy adult lives.  Robertson explores key traits and what they truly look like in action, asks readers to select the two traits that they hope to see most in their children, and shares hands-on ways for nurturing strength of character.  Written with her mother Chrys Howard and featuring stories and wisdom from husband Willie, STRONG and KIND cuts through the contemporary cacophony of parenting manuals to rediscover, unfold, and embrace the enduring wisdom that has guided the best parents for centuries. 

About Korie Robertson:

Korie Robertson, wife of Duck Commander® CEO Willie Robertson and star of A&E's beloved series Duck Dynasty, is a mother of five, a New York Times bestselling author of several books, including The Duck Commander Family: How Faith, Family, and Ducks built a Dynasty, written with Willie; Faith Commander: Living Five Values from the Parables with Jesus, written with her mother Chrys Howard; and The Women of Duck Commander: Surprising Insights from the Women Behind the Beards about What Makes this Family Work, written with all of the Robertson wives.  She is also an in-demand public speaker, Duck Commander® executive, entrepreneur and founder of boutique Duck and Dressing, and philanthropist, who remains active with a variety of organizations that focus on children, adoption, and foster care.  Korie lives with her family in West Monroe, Louisiana. 

My thoughts:
While watching Duck Dynasty or following Korie, her mother, or the other Robertson ladies on social media, I've often thought 'we could be fast friends'. I think if I had the chance to sit down at the table with them over coffee or a glass of iced tea, we would have a meaningful and fun time. Reading STRONG and KIND has reinforced that thought even more. I could relate to many of Korie's convictions and experiences as a mom. Sadly, I haven't found too many friends who value honesty as much as I do, so when I read that she and Willie require their kids to wait until age thirteen to get a Facebook account, per the rules, I was pleasantly surprised. I laughed out loud on more than one occasion, and appreciated her stories of Will and his strong and challenging younger years. I had to chuckle when she mentioned warning babysitters that 'he could sense weakness a mile away'. I had the same experience with one of mine and had to caution babysitters that they would be tested. 

I appreciate and value each of the character traits that Korie and Willie have worked to instill in their five children, as Bob and I have also done with our children. Early on in our parenting years, we were encouraged to look at the big picture and to work to train our children to be pleasant and able to adapt to many different situations and environments. And although we have been at this parenting thing about the same amount of time as they have, as I've read through STRONG and KIND, I found myself spending time thinking about where each of my children is in this season of his/her life, and if I have dropped the ball on encouraging any of these qualities. I think it's healthy to stop and analyze the situation once in awhile. Sometimes these traits come more naturally and sometimes we have to work at them. We can count on life to bring us plenty of opportunities to continue working them out.

I have to share a quote that made me love Korie even more than I already did:

Being a loving mother doesn't mean that I act like a Disney princess every day. Now, I love Disney princesses as much as the next person does, and I know some women who seem to have that personality naturally, but that's not me. It's not most people. For most of us, life is not all sunshine and roses. We get tired, frustrated, or in a funk and act in ways that aren't very princesslike. That's part of being real. Being loving doesn't mean that you have to always have a smile on your face and talk in a soft, high-pitched voice. What it does mean is that your home should feel like a loving place, a place where your children, spouse, friends, and family want to be. It means that when we come out of that funk and realize we haven't been the most pleasant person to be around, we apologize and move on. It means that your family should know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that they are loved unconditionally by their heavenly Father, God, and by their parents without reservation and to the moon and back. (pages 130-131)

I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it, especially to younger parents, but even if you've been on this parenting journey awhile, I believe you will find refreshing words and inspiration in Korie's (and Willie's) beliefs, convictions, principles and the stories shared in STRONG and KIND.

Today is release day, so get your copy now! 

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Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Open to residents of USA and Canada, age 18 or older.

Blessings and love. xo

Friday Faves

Happy Friday, Lovelies!

I know I said I would post an update on us, but I have been so busy there just hasn't been time to sit down and sift through everything. 

One fun update on me is that I have joined my older three children as a "farm hand" on the farm where they have been working. You'll find me in the market or on the front porch processing admissions. I haven't been in the workplace in so long and it feels great! I was practically giddy my first day. It's only on the weekends, and maybe even just one more, as the pumpkin festival season is coming to a close. I am very thankful for the opportunity. 

I thought I'd share some favourite things on Fridays from time to time, starting with my new favourite way of organizing our school days. 

School has been going incredibly well this year, meaning consistency is in the house! How am I enjoying said consistency, you may wonder? It's all thanks to Sarah Mackenzie and her post How I Am Using Spiral Notebooks to Simplify Homeschool which I read early in the summer and have implemented for the first time. Why didn't I think of this before!?! I am writing a post and will share more about it soon.

Some of my favourite deals this week:
So many possibilities! 2 Designs -Thanksgiving Treat Candy Boxes- Set of 12 for $5.99

I love these! Plaid Winter Boots - in 3 Colors - 45% off!

And how about some favourite inspiring words?
This is a good word from Kris Vallotton:

So many Christians think it's normal to sin. It maybe common but it's not normal. Cancer is common but it's not normal.

Read the rest HERE. 

And huge thanks to my friend, Elizabeth, for sending me the link to Bill Johnson's message entitled: Supernatural Sleep. I'm going after more 'throne room encounters'!





Two of my favourite books I'm currently reading (reviews coming next week):
Strong and Kind: And Other Important Character Traits Your Child Needs to Succeed by Korie Robertson

The Power That Changes The World: Creating Eternal Impact in the Here and Now by Bill Johnson


And last, but certainly not least, here are some favourite recipes we have enjoyed this week:
Easy Pull Apart Pizza Bread - yum! Thanks to Emma for making this for us one night.

I made this pot of delicious soup last night along with some bleu cheese nachos. It's one of my favourites for a cool autumn night - Buffalo Chicken Soup.

I made this last week and it was a hit, so I'm planning to make it for supper tonight . . . One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese.

Have a great weekend! 

Blessings and love. xo

Disclaimer: This post contains my affiliate links. This simply means that when you use my links to make a purchase, there is no additional cost to you, and I make a small commission. Thank you!

Finding Noah Film {Review}

For over 2,000 years, man has been searching for the final resting place of Noah's Ark.  Though there have been many attempts, few have been able to fully explore the one place specifically noted in the Bible: Mount Ararat.  Located in Eastern Turkey, Agri Dagh or "The Painful Mountain" is the tallest mountain in the region and lies in the very center of a centuries old, geo-politically unstable hot spot.  With constant threats of deadly rock slides, hidden crevasses, and glacial ice falls, the Kurdish Rebel held mountain poses great risk to any explorer, let alone those performing a thorough scientific investigation.  

Join director/producer Brent Baum and the FINDING NOAH film crew as they follow an expedition of intrepid explorers on a perilous trek up to Mt. Ararat's desolate summit.  There, using state of the art technology and real-time satellite imagery, this team of archaeologists, scientists and professional mountaineers will begin a grid work of exploration unlike any before, hoping to finally resolve the age-old question:  did Noah and his Ark actually exist?  

Shot in never-before filmed locations in the harshest of conditions, this unprecedented feature-length documentary shows just how far men are willing to go to discover the truth.  Narrated by Academy Award nominee Gary Sinise, FINDING NOAH is more than a quest for answers, it is a testament of the human spirit, where belief and the need for exploration transcend risk and limitation.  

Genre: Documentary

Rating: NR (Dove rating: 12+)

Runtime: 130 minutes 

Release Date (ONE NIGHT ONLY): October 8

My thoughts:
I have loved the story of how God saved Noah and his family and the animals in the Biblical story of the ark since I was a little girl. Noah's courageous act of faith in building such a massive structure. The rain that had never before been seen. The animals coming at the beckoning of their Creator. It's an incredible story, and because I believe the Bible to be without error, I believe there was an ark. Maybe it is buried somewhere in ice on top of Mount Ararat in Turkey. 

This was a fascinating film. I love adventure, and the remarkable men in this documentary take adventure to an extreme level. I was cheering for them all the way through the film! Their passion for this quest, their respective jobs and expertise, how they came together as a team. It was all an amazing mixture of adventure and perseverance. Not only did they have to be aware of dangerous warring people groups, the extreme conditions and altitude were also a tremendous factor in this journey to find the ark. They never gave up and they saw it through. (Sorry, no spoilers!)

Don't miss this one! FINDING NOAH will be in theaters this week, for one night only - Thursday, October 8th! See below to check for a theater near you.

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Blessings and love. xo

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.  All opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. 

3 Piece Flexi-Pour Measuring Cup Set with Lids {Review}

Hello! I am excited to share my latest review today. I received the 3-Piece Flexi-Pour Measuring Cup Set in exchange for my honest review.

Check out these features: 

• Dishwasher Safe, Microwave Safe, Freezer Safe, Oven Safe
• Each Cup Nests Inside the Larger Cup for Easy Storing
• Measures in cups, ounces and milliliters
• Can Be Used for Liquid or Dry Measurements
• 3 Piece Set, includes 1 Cup Measure, 2 Cup Measure and 4 Cup Measure

I will be honest and let you know that I was a little concerned when I first received these measuring cups. The "Flexi" aspect of the product made me wonder if the cups would be easy to slip or awkward to use. I will put your mind to rest . . . they are very easy to use. The flexibility of these measuring cups is truly a plus and not a minus. We use them in our home on a daily basis, whether measuring oatmeal for breakfast or flour for pizza crust on pizza night or sugar for sweet tea or for mixing a homemade salad dressing, these cups have come in handy in our kitchen!

Here are a couple of photos so that you can see the flexibility of this product for yourself:

The cups stack one inside the other for easy storage and come with lids, and although we haven't had a use for the lids yet, it's nice to have them available. I am so pleased with the 3 Piece Flexi-Pour Measuring Cup Set with Lids and give them a high recommendation, not just from me, but from all the cooks in this family!

Blessings and love. xo

Disclaimer: I received a product in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my very own. This post contains my affiliate links. Thank you for your support!