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.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

SOCIAL • CORNER 

The Plans I Have For You Devotional Official Website 

The Plans I Have For You Journal Official Website 

ZonderKidz Facebook

ZonderKidz Twitter

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.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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. 

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

SOCIAL • CORNER

iTunes
Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

"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.”

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway: 4 Tickets to Marvel Universe Live!

It's Giveaway Time!

Last week I mentioned that Marvel Universe Live! is coming to our area. I am excited to share that Feld Entertainment has offered a 4 ticket giveaway for one of my readers to see the show on Thursday, December 10th at 7:30 p.m. at Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore!

What a fun early Christmas gift for your little super heroes! 

**Please note the date, time and location of this show to make sure you are available before entering! No exchanges allowed. Open to residents of the USA, age 18 and older. Feld Entertainment is responsible for giveaway prize.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Blessings and love. xo 

Disclaimer: I am a Feld Entertainment Ambassador. I was not compensated for this post. 

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.” 

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

SOCIAL • CORNER 

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.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Giveaway Time!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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!

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.

SOCIAL • C O R N E R 

OFFICIAL WEBSITE  

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

Buy the book now! 

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. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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. 

::::::::::::::::::

S O C I A L • C O R N E R

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

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. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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!

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:
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.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"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 Apologetics Study Bible for Students HCSB {Review and Giveaway}

Disclaimer: I received a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. All opinions are my very own and are not influenced by monetary compensation. All photos are mine, unless otherwise noted.

The Apologetics Study Bible for Students will ground Christian students in the truths of Scripture by equipping them with thoughtful and practical responses to difficult and heartfelt challenges to core issues of faith and life. It's the Bible that will actually help students articulate their faith. Think of it as Christian Apologetics 101.

A Few Features of The Apologetics Study Bible for Students HCSB:

- Book Introductions for each of the sixty-six books of the Bible.

- Study Notes provide evidence of the reliability and truthfulness of Scripture.

- 120 Articles written by today's leading Christian thinkers dealing with life's ultimate questions.

- 60 Twisted Scriptures address ways that various religious movements distort Scripture to support doctrine contrary to historic Christian teaching.

Also, this summer, the gift of Confident Faith is being celebrated with 16 brand new, energetic and brief videos featuring Sean McDowell, free resources like Bible studies and articles as well as wonderful specials on apps and Bibles.  There are new resources every week - a full 16 weeks of resources when it is all done.  AND, if that weren't enough, a Confident Faith Sweepstakes is being offered to give away Bibles, free mini libraries of B&H's best apologetics resources and even a trip for two to the National Conference on Christian Apologetics (NCCA) being held October 16-17, 2015 in Charlotte, NC where some of the world's leading thinkers will offer insights and teaching.

My thoughts:

What in the world does apologetics mean anyway? Apologetics comes from the Greek word apologia, meaning "to give a defense" or more simply, "to give an answer." In our home, we believe that the Bible is the inerrant (without error) Word of God, written by Holy Spirit. I teach my children the Truths of the Bible and believe it is a living book (see Hebrews 4:12). I want my kids to be able to share their faith with others in a loving, kind way, with clarity and confidence. The Apologetics Study Bible for Students HCSB (Holman Christian Standard Bible) includes a treasure chest of helps and facts and articles for equipping our students in articulating their faith. Scattered throughout the Bible are sections called "Bones and Dirt Notes" where archaeology meets apologetics. There are also personal stories by 20 different individuals of how God has worked in their lives.  

I plan to use this study Bible and the accompanying videos featuring Sean McDowell with my homeschool crew during the new school year. Many of the questions addressed in the personal stories and articles are questions I have been asked in our student ministries or by non-believing friends over the years. 

Here are a few . . . 

"Is Jesus really God?"
"Does the Bible address abortion?"
"Is there really just one way to God?"
"You're only a Christian because you came from a Christian home/nation."

I know that my students may either ask themselves these kinds of questions or be asked by their friends. As they grow in their personal walks with Jesus, I want them to know how to answer these questions with grace and compassion, always keeping in mind that the Father is the One Who draws us (see John 6:44). May each of us be a Light and an instrument of kindness and grace that Father will use to draw our friends and family and acquaintances to Himself. This will be a helpful tool.

SOCIAL • C O R N E R  

Official Website

Resource Site (Access to Videos)

Sweepstakes

Official Website to Purchase

Giveaway Time:
Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the 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.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blessings and love. xo

Big Book of History {Master Books review and a special giveaway}

Disclaimer: I was sponsored by Master Books to review their homeschool curriculum and am excited to share my experience as well as an awesome giveaway!  All opinions are mine alone.

I recently had an opportunity to review The Big Book of History: A 15 Foot Fold-Out Time-Line From Creation to Modern Computers and Big Book of History Teacher's Guide from Master Books. I received the panel version, although there is a hard-cover version, as well. You can see the hard cover here. This is a fantastic resource for homeschools, Christian schools or even a children's class in a church setting. This 15 foot time-line is an incredible way to see so many historical facts in relationship to one another. It is recommended for ages 7-12, although that is a general guideline. I can really see it being used by any age, starting at 4 or 5.

Here are a few shots I took to give you a better idea at the colours and photos and size . . .

I didn't actually have a 15-foot wall space available, but this product is versatile and can be used one panel at a time or spread out a few feet at a time. Or it can be spread out in its entirety on a table or on the floor to get the big perspective. This is the most colourful and fact-filled time-line I have ever seen. And since this is a Master Books product, you can guarantee it is from a Creationist perspective.

The Big Book of History is colour-coded in order to help students follow the four main categories of history, which include, Biblical/Christianity, World Events, Inventions/Technology and Civilizations/Empires. This is the way the key looks . . .

I recommend this time-line for any homeschool or Christian school. It is so handy to have for when you are working through a history curriculum or simply reading through a novel with your children that contains dates or facts or discoveries. Pull out the time-line to take a look at what else was going on in the world during that time frame. I have a feeling I won't only be using it during our studies this fall, I can also see my children pulling it out on their own to study and research times and dates and facts for themselves. You can use The Big Book of History along with the homeschool curriculum from Master Books (it is specifically recommended for grade 5) or purchase it alone to use with any curriculum you already use or even just on its own.

You can view a short video here . . .


View a full-colour preview HERE.

Check out all the Master Books Homeschool Curriculum HERE!

Right now Master Books is having a special 26% sale on curriculum sets and FREE SHIPPING on any order over $75. No Code Needed. Offer ends August 31st.

Giveaway:

We’re giving away 2 Master Books Gift Cards worth $75 each so you can get whatever curriculum fits your children’s level and interests. Open to USA residents only.  

To enter, simply fill in the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blessings and love. xo