The Plans I Have For You {Review and Giveaway!}

Ava (age 10) and I have recently had the opportunity to review this new devotion for children, The Plans I Have For You by Amy Parker, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. 

About The Plans I Have For You Devotional: 

The devotional is an illustrated 90-day devotional written by bestselling children's book author Amy Parker and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, teaching and inspiring kids to dream about their future, to focus on faith, love, and joy, and recognize that God has a plan and purpose for each and every one of us.  

Hardcover; 160 pages

Age Range: 8-12 years

About The Plans I Have For You Journal:

The journal prompts creative thinking and exploration of the talents and personalities that make us special, and then helps explore how God may use our unique traits to spread love and joy and make the world a better place. 

Stationery; 208 pages 

Age Range: 11-14 years 

About author Amy Parker:

Amy Parker has sold more than thirty books for children, teens, and adults.  She has also collaborated with authors ranging from New York Times bestsellers to her very own son.  Two of these collaborations are recipients of Christian retailing's Best Awards, and she has also won three Mom's Choice Awards.  But Amy's greatest reward is being a wife to Daniel and a mom to their amazing sons, Michael and Ethan. 

About illustrator Vanessa Brantley-Newton:

Vanessa Brantley-Newton is a self-taught illustrator, doll maker, and crafter. Her passion for children's books began when she came across The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats as a child in the 1960s.  Growing up in a musical family who love to sing, Vanessa's illustrations are as fun and whimsical as a beautiful melody.  Vanessa currently makes her nest in Charlotte, NC with her husband of 20 years, their daughter, and a very rambunctious cat named Stripes. 

Our thoughts:

Ava has been reading this sweet devotional every day. I write it on her school work assignment page so she doesn't forget. She has been very happy to read the daily, usually one but sometimes two or three page, encouragements. She is a follower of Jesus and likes to read Scripture and devotionals to help her grow in her relationship with Him.  

There are six sections or 'sectors' as Amy calls them. Here are the sector titles:
* I've Got Big Plans For YOU!
* I've Given YOU A Purpose
* I Don't Do Things Small
* There's Nothing YOU Can't Do
* Find That ONE Thing
* What I Created YOU To Do

Each of the 90-day devotions is brief, full of truth and colourful. I love how this book is full of colour! Vanessa's illustrations are whimsical, warm and appealing. I am certainly looking up her other work.

The devotional is recommended for ages 8-12, and the journal is recommended for ages 11-14. Ava will be 11 soon, but we decided to save the journal for the summer. She will be able to take more time to think about the proposed thoughts and suggestions on each page and write her thoughts accordingly. I'm sure she will enjoy it, as well.

We recommend both of these books and have the pleasure of giving a set away! See below.

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The Plans I Have For You Devotional Official Website 

The Plans I Have For You Journal Official Website 

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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.  Or 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.

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Blessings and love. xo

Passion: Salvation's Tide Is Rising - Giveaway

Hi Guys,

I have a fun giveaway to share with you today! Many of you already know of Passion and Six Step's Records, and this is their latest recording, Salvation's Tide Is Rising. Check out the specs below and then enter to win a copy of the CD in the Rafflecopter below.

About Salvation's Tide Is Rising:

This brand new Passion album contains new studio recordings from best-selling artists Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Matt Redman, and Kristian Stanfill.  It features new songs written specifically for Passion 2016.  Release Date is January 29, 2016.  

Track List:

1.  Salvation's Tide is Rising - Passion featuring Kristian Stanfill

2.  My Victory - Passion featuring Crowder

3.  Remember - Passion featuring Brett Younker and Melodie Malone

4.  God and God Alone - Passion featuring Chris Tomlin

5.  Simple Pursuit - Passion featuring Melodie Malone

6.  I Turn to Christ - Passion featuring Matt Redman

7.  Your Grace Amazes Me - Passion featuring Christy Nockels

8.  All We Sinners - Passion featuring Crowder

9.  Surrender - Passion featuring Jimi Cravity

10. Good Good Father - Passion featuring Kristian Stanfill 

About Passion albums:

Since the first release in 1998, Passion albums have sold over 1.3 million units while introducing the church to worship songs like "Our God", "Holy Is The Lord", "How Great Is Our God", and "God Of This City".  Passion is coming off its best charting radio success in 5 years with the single "Even So Come", which went Top 5. 

About The Passion Movement:

The Passion Movement and the messages of founder Louis Giglio have marked the lives of millions of people around the globe, calling people everywhere to live for the glory of God.  From its inception, the movement of Passion has birthed new anthems of worship, influencing countless churches and helping to define the current worship climate and establish artists Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Matt Redman, Christy Nockels, Kristian Stanfill and others.  Louie Giglio is the pastor and founder of Passion City Church in Atlanta, GA. 

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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.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

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Faith of Our Fathers DVD

 “Fear and courage, faith and friendship, and an affirmation that war is hell.”

Charlie Daniels

About the movie:

John Paul and Wayne are two young men in search of their fathers.  Problem is . . . their fathers have been dead for 25 years.  Eddie and Steven are two young men in search of their sons . . . whom they've never met.  In 1969, Eddie and Steven are with their squad deep in the jungle of Vietnam on a five-day mission to retrieve fallen comrades.  They write letters to their wives, often mentioning their love for their sons, one, who is an infant and one yet to be born.  In 1994, John Paul and Wayne go on a five day road trip to the Vietnam Wall in Washington DC to see their fathers' names.  Along the way, reading those letters, they begin to get an understanding of who their fathers were and how they died.  Trials and mishaps, both funny and sad, complicate the road trip for the boys.  The horrors of war and the testing of faith manifest themselves for the young men in Vietnam.  Ultimately, in parallel stories - 25 years apart - the fathers and sons are bound together forever.  

Runtime: 96 minutes

Genre: Drama

Rating: PG-13 (for brief war violence)

Starring: Stephen Baldwin, Kevin Downes, David A.R. White, Rebecca St. James, Si Robertson, Candace Cameron Bure, Scott Whyte, and Sean McGowan.

Special Features of the DVD:

-The Heart of Faith of Our Fathers

-Honoring Father's Day

-Commemorating Memorial Day

-Si Robertson Interview

-Stephen Baldwin Interview

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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”):  I received a sample of the product in exchange for post.

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

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. 

Captive: The Untold Story of the Atlanta Hostage Hero {Review and Giveaway}

Do you remember this story from Atlanta in 2005? Brian Nichols, murder suspect and jail-escapee, kidnapped Ashley Smith and held her hostage in her apartment for seven hours.  I was completely unfamiliar with this story, possibly because we lived in another country at the time that this real-life miracle took place, so I was unprepared for the amazing account, written by Ashley Smith. Just to be clear (especially because I have one copy to give away!), Captive: The Untold Story of the Atlanta Hostage Hero is not a novelization of the movie. This is actually Ashley's memoir, formerly published as Unlikely Angel. It gives a minute-by-minute account of what happened in those terrifying seven hours. 

I COULD NOT put this book down! I read it in two days. It is a truly miraculous story! Not only did Ashley connect with Brian Nichols enough to minister to him and keep him from harming her, she was able to escape and see that he was taken in to custody peacefully. Her broken life was also touched and she received grace and healing for a brand new start. 

This is a wild story. A wild and crazy, God story! 

I am looking forward to seeing this movie. I imagine it will be intense and very moving. My 19 year old daughter took my copy of the book and read it for herself on a recent trip. We are looking forward to seeing the movie together. In case you haven't noticed yet, the movie rating is PG-13. Obviously there will be adult themes (including violence and substance abuse). 

The movie comes out this Friday, September 18! 

Overview:
Paperback; 272 pages

CAPTIVE, based on a miraculous true story that drew the attention of the entire nation, is a thrilling drama about the spiritual collision of two broken lives. When Brian Nichols - on the run as the subject of a city wide manhunt and desperate to make contact with his newborn son - takes recovering meth addict Ashley Smith hostage in her own apartment, she turns for guidance to Rick Warren’s best-selling inspirational book, The Purpose Driven Life. While reading aloud, Ashley and her would-be killer each face crossroads where despair and death intersect hope. Check here for a theatre near you.
  

The movie stars David Oyelowo, who played Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the recent film, Selma, and Kate Mara, who was most recently in Fantastic Four.

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Giveaway:

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.  Or 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 the USA and Canada, age 18 or older. 

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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. This post contains my affiliate links. Thank you for your support. 

The Biggest Story: How The Snake Crusher Brings Us Back To The Garden {Review and Giveaway}

There are some reviews I get to share which quickly get put on my favourites list, and The Biggest Story: How The Snake Crusher Brings Us Back To The Garden is one such book (and keep reading because I get to give one away!)! I read this story to my 8 and 10 year old girls. We read it in one sitting. One could easily read one chapter per day, but they since they are older, they are happy to sit still for longer periods of time. We all loved it, and I have a feeling it will be requested again and again. We laughed out loud in some sections, and I felt tears spring to my eyes in others. I will be happy to oblige in reading it aloud to them whenever they ask.

The story is my favourite one of all time and means the world to me, personally. The illustrations are extraordinary. I am such a visual person and this book is one of the most visually pleasing and appealing that I have ever experienced. (Side note: Are their degrees of how visual one can be? If so, I'm at the most extreme end of the spectrum. I buy wine based on the how appealing the labels are to me. But . . . that's a topic for another day.)

Just take a peek at these phenomenal illustrations:

(By the way, the page immediately above, with the text and the corresponding artwork made the three of us gasp, "ooh" and "ahh", all at the same time! I get glorious chills just reading the words and seeing that rainbow sunburst again.)

I didn't know exactly how Kevin DeYoung would be able to share the entire gospel story, from Adam and Eve all the way to a future we have yet to experience and so much in between in a meaningful, concise way, but wow, has he ever done a remarkable job at it! It began as a Christmas sermon for his church, with visions of a sparkling children's book to come. Sparkle, it does, Kevin DeYoung. That is the perfect descriptive word for it. Hats off to both you and Don Clark. 



About the book:

Hardcover: 132 pages

Publisher: Crossway (August 31, 2015)

In The Biggest Story, Kevin DeYoung - a best-selling author and father of six - leads kids and parents alike on an exciting journey through the Bible, connecting the dots from the garden of Eden to Christ's death on the cross to the new heave and new earth.  With powerful illustrations by award-winning artist Don Clark, this imaginative retelling of the Bible's core message-how the Snake Crusher brings us back to the garden-will draw children into the biblical story, teaching them that God's promises are even bigger and better than we think.  

About Kevin DeYoung:

Kevin DeYoung is senior pastor at University Reformed Church in East Lansing, Michigan.  He blogs at the Gospel Coalition and has authored or coauthored numerous well-known books, including Just Do Something, The Hole in Our Holiness, Crazy Busy, and Taking God At His Word.  He lives with his wife and their 6 children in Central Michigan. 

About Don Clark:

Don Clark is an artist and the cofounder of Invisible Creature, a widely respected and award-winning design studio in Seattle that has worked with clients such as Target, Nike, LEGO, and WIRED magazine.  He lives with his wife and their 3 children, 4 goats, 12 chickens, and 1 crazy dog on a farm just outside the city limits. 

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PURCHASE THE BOOK - What a great gift idea for the little ones in your life, or even for yourself!

Giveaway:

I have one copy to giveaway! Woohoo!

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 the USA and Canada, age 18 or older. 

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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. This post contains my affiliate links. Thank you!

90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death and Life {Review and Giveaway}

Releases in theaters everywhere September 11, 2015

Rating: PG-13 (for intense accident and injury images) 

Starring Hayden Christensen (Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones, Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith), Kate Bosworth (Remember The Titans, Blue Crush) Michael W. Smith, Fred Thompson, Dwight Yoakam, and Jason Kennedy, 90 Minutes In Heaven is based on the inspiring New York Times best-selling book that has sold 7 million copies.  

About Giving Films:

Giving Films is passionate about sharing hope-filled movies and donating ALL of their profits to charities and ministries who serve those in need.  Beginning with their first film, 90 Minutes In Heaven, Giving Films is allowing all of us to be a part of making a difference.  Anytime you go to a Giving Films movie in theaters, visit http://www.givingfilms.com and select which charities you want to receive the profits from your ticket.  Their charitable organizations are Christian Alliance for Orphans, Faith Bridge Foster Care, Hire Heroes USA, Hope International, LifeWater, Street Grace, and World Vision. 

About the book:

Paperback; 245 pages

Pastor Don Piper died January 18, 1989 when a semi-tractor truck crushed his car.  Declared dead by the first rescue workers to arrive on the scene, Don's body lay under a tarp for the next 90 minutes.  Don's soul, meanwhile, was experiencing love, joy, and life like he'd never known before.  Don was in Heaven.  

When another pastor's prayers helped bring Don back to life, he became a living miracle!  Yet this is one miracle Don wished never happened.  Heaven's bliss was replaced by excruciating pain and emotional turmoil.  With the support and prayers of his beloved Eva, their three kids, and friends near and far, Don clings to his faith in God and fights to regain a semblance of his previous life.  The Piper family's incredible true story of perseverance and overcoming the challenges of life - and death - will bring hope and encouragement to all who see it. 

My Thoughts:
Did you read 90 Minutes in Heaven when it first came out? It was back in 2004. I remember it but didn't read it then. I didn't know the story at all. I'm so glad to have had the opportunity to read it recently, and I look forward to seeing the movie that comes out this week! 

I love stories about heaven and miracles and experiencing God in ways we have never known before or thought possible. I have personally met someone who died and was brought back to life, and Bob has met two. With Father God nothing is impossible! What an incredible story Don Piper has been able to live. His message, and that of his family, is one of hope and joy and knowing that God has a purpose for us on earth. Don't miss their encouraging story and message of hope! 

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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 the USA and Canada, age 18 or older.

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Buy the book now! 

"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.” 

The Bridge Builder: The Life and Continuing Legacy of Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein {Book Review and Giveaway}

About Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein:

Founder and President of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews and Goodwill Ambassador for the State of Israel, Rabbi Eckstein has devoted more than 35 years to building bridges of understanding between Christians and Jews and broad support for the State of Israel.  He is recognized as the world's leading Jewish authority on evangelical Christians.  Rabbi Eckstein received Orthodox Rabbinic ordination from Yeshiva University in New York.  He holds master's degrees from Yeshiva University and Columbia University, where he also completed studies for his doctorate.  Rabbi Eckstein has served on the faculties of Columbia University, Chicago Theological Seminary, and Northern Baptist Seminary.  He currently serves on the executive committee of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee.  

About the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews:

The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews was founded in 1983 by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein to promote understanding between Jews and Christians and build broad support for Israel and other shared concerns.  Their ministry's vision is that Jews and Christians will reverse their 2,000-year history of discord and replace it with a relationship marked by dialogue, respect, and cooperation.  Among the many things they do as an organization, they also create materials for teaching about the significance of connecting Israel and Christianity through such resources as A Woman of Valor: Celebrating The Proverbs 31 Women In Our Lives, A Man Of Faith: Reflections On Godly Leadership From The Ancient Shepherds Of Israel (both devotionals by Rabbi Eckstein), and Seven Fruits of Israel: Recipes And Devotions From The Holy Land (by Yael Eckstein).

About the book and the author:

Hardcover; 272 pages

Zev Chafets is the bestselling author of fourteen books of fiction, media criticism, and social and political commentary.  He has been a frequent contributor to the New York Times Magazine and is a former columnist for the New York Daily News. 

My thoughts:
This was a fascinating story, and I am glad to have had the chance to read it. I have followed IFCJ and the Rabbi's daughter, Yael, on social media for several years, but did not know the story behind their organization and efforts. Rabbi Eckstein has faced so much opposition to his calling. I just had no idea that such a task would garner so much condemnation and ridicule, especially from his own people. It was quite sad to learn the reaction of fellow rabbis (as well as a few Christians), especially towards Rabbi Eckstein's family. 

One such story involves his oldest daughter, Tamar, on the day of her bat mitzvah. Tamar and her mother, Bonnie, had decorated the Chabad shul, complete with blue and white balloons, festive blue tablecloths and a large cake with the words "Mazel Tov Tamar" on the top. The young rabbi came in, gave on disapproving glance toward all their party handiwork and declared it unacceptable. At the time, Rabbi Eckstein was upstairs taking part in Shabbat prayers. He knew nothing of the troubles surrounding the party. He was then not allowed to take part in leading the prayers during the service. He was confused and humiliated. Why the opposition from the rabbi of that shul? Rabbi Eckstein had been going into Christian churches in his interfaith work. This was prohibited by Jewish law. It was also considered idol worship to teach the Torah to Gentiles. He had transgressed the borders between the Jewish world and the Gentile one. 

There is so much to learn in this book. World history, Hebrew vocabulary, more about the Jewish people and their customs and thinking, not to mention all the incredible ways the Eckstein family ministry is helping Jews all over the world. Their organization takes in millions of dollars yearly and distributes it to the poor in Israel, to those in other countries making aliyah to Israel, and more. Check out the website below for details.

And if you would like to enter to win copy of The Bridge Builder, see below!

SOCIAL • C O R N E R  

Official Websites:  http://www.ifcj.org/site/PageNavigator/eng/USENG_homenew

  

http://www.rabbieckstein.org

Twitter:  @TheFellowship

 @RabbiEckstein

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FellowshipFan

  

https://www.facebook.com/RabbiEckstein

YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/user/IFCJ25

Purchase here: 

Giveaway:
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