Amazing Love by K. Dawn Byrd A Review

When Valentine's day was fast approaching, LOVE was in the air!

 I was looking for a good book about love. 

The title of this book, "Amazing Love", 

first caught my eye because I do believe in God's amazing love

 and it's one of our very favorite worship songs to sing any time of day!

"Amazing Love! How can it be? That You, my King, should die for me?
Amazing Love! I know it it's true! Now it's my joy to honor you, in all I do!"

(For your listening pleasure!)

But back to the book!

The cover was a little more intimate than the typical books I read, but the story intrigued me as it is presented as a modern day tale of the Bible's story of Hosea and Gomer.

I remembered bit and pieces about Hosea's story about how God told him to marry a prostitute and so I thought it might be an interesting read to see what a modern day interpretation might look like.

 I was not disappointed!

This book covers so many difficult topics including rape, incest, abortion, prostitution, all things I know nothing of but since I knew it was a Christian book I decided to keep reading.  It was easy to get drawn into the character of Dee, named after the Bible character Delilah, and really feel for her horrible past and her desire for the all American dream to be fulfilled.

This book is definitely for mature readers and may be a bit too edgy for some. Overall, though, it helped me to understand the Biblical story of Hosea and Gomer better as the character, Gabe, the local pastor wrestles with his feelings and learns the harsh truths that love is often painful and requires a sacrifice. A far cry from the "Valentine love", I was hoping for, but still a good read, nonetheless!

About the Author:

 K. Dawn Byrd is an author of inspirational novels in several genres, including, historical, suspense, romance, and young adult. Some of her favorite things are chocolate, cars, and her pets. Her hobbies include reading, writing, and riding down country roads in the passenger seat of her husband's Corvette Stingray. When asked why she writes, her response is, "For the simple joy of placing words on the page!"

Email: kdawnbyrd@yahoo.com

Blog: www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com

Twitter: kdawnbyrd

Pintirest: kdawnbyrd

Facebook: kdawnbyrd

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLtz_kGEFFk&feature=plcp

I received a free ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

A God For All Seasons by Patti Tingen A Review

With Winter upon us I am pleased to know a few moms like me who love to read AND talk about the books they've read. We love to share books we have enjoyed that are shaping our lives! Winter in Maine is taking on new meaning for me...

BOOK CLUB SEASON!

We read fiction and non-fiction and learn and grow from each book chosen and discussed. Before our next book club meeting begins and since we are now in a new season of Winter, I was pleased to be chosen to review this book for CWA, A God For All Seasons by Patti Tingen.

Hope for all seasons. Encouragement for all times. Love from God for all year. “There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT) 

ISBN: 978-1621417705| List Price: $13.95|Format: Softcover | Page Count: 110

My Thoughts on this book:

I really loved this book. It is a quick read but jam-packed with wonderful words of wisdom from Patti as she shares her life's lessons in different seasons while weaving scripture though out.

The book begins in Winter with December and coincidentally that is right where I am at in the calendar month! What I liked about this book was it isn't just another book about the "seasons of life". As I read along with the author she not only describes the different seasons of life but she walks you through each MONTH of the seasons bringing hope and inspiring her readers to keep looking for God every day no matter what season He is bringing you through! In Winter's darkest days, "Hope, renew, and wait on the Lord". In the Spring she encourages the reader to "change, plant, and trust". In Summer, we should "give, celebrate, and rest". In Autumn, we should practice "harvest, believe, and thank".

I think this is a wonderful little book every woman should read to inspire and reflect on life, no matter what season they are experiencing right now!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtBpV4bVWag

About the author:

Patti Tingen is an award-winning author and speaker. She also serves as an elder at her church and is involved in various ministries including prayer and teaching. Patti’s nonfiction inspirational books have offered hope and encouragement to many. Her book, A God for All Seasons: Inspiration and Reflection for All Times, won the 2014 Readers’ Favorite Silver Medal for Christian Non-Fiction. Patti’s prayer is that her words of personal experience, humor and testimony will continue to bless and inspire others. Patti lives in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania with her husband Doug and their cat Braveheart. Please visit http://pattitingen-author.blogspot.com/ to learn more.

Patti's BLOG

A God for All Seasons at AMAZON

Follow Patti on TWITTER

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

When Chicks Hatch by Heather Randall A Review

ASIN: B00OZQP3OS| List Price: $2.99 kindle (on Amazon) or $10 print (on author website)|Format: Softcover or Kindle |

I write reviews for Christian Women Affiliate and when I saw that our very own Heather Randall, the CEO of the company was offering up her own book for review, I jumped at the chance to deviate from Day Planners and historical fiction to a good "chick book"! I was not disappointed!



"She had prayed for it in secret, exposing her loneliness only to God. She knew God had heard her, just as he’d heard every other prayer, whether it was a silent prayer from her heart or spoken out loud. Could it be that a door was opening and her life would soon be moving at a faster pace with love front and center?"

This is just one of the heart cries of the five women in this book who come to realize that life has ups and downs. No one is perfect. But there is a God who forgives and when we walk in God's amazing grace, we can find hope once we break free of our shells and cast our cares on Him.

In When Chicks Hatch we meet Nicky, who finds out her boss is having an affair. Sydney, a college student, who gets involved with a married man and lies about it and has to pay the consequences for her actions. Then there's Alexis who's marriage is falling apart and has no happy ending in sight. Alexis' sister, Kristen, a nurse, who has always had guy friends but has she pushed them all away leaving her to be alone the rest of her life? And don't forget the "princess", Jennifer who desires one thing that her husband hasn't been able to give her but maybe her friend can?

At first this book was a little hard to follow because of the five different story lines. But I quickly found it amusing as I learned to follow the lives of these five different women as their stories began to slowly intersect. I won't give away much but I was in tears near the end. The author has written this book so beautifully that you feel so much love for the characters that you wanted to hate in the beginning of the book. There are a lot of life lessons learned in this book. One of my favorite lines comes from the mother of Sydney, Mrs. Flannery.

“You'll learn. It takes time to kill the flesh, honey. It's kind of like those candles your father used to put on Mitchell's cake--the ones that relight when you think they're out. You've got to keep huffing and puffing and maybe even use the help of water before it's over, but eventually it's over, and that candle can't be lit even if you try
-Mrs. Flannery”
― Heather Randall, When Chicks Hatch

That line really drove home the lesson for me about how we don't change overnight. As much as we would love to see others make a 180 in their life or see a 180 in our own life, it takes time to see the results we want. Often God has a bigger plan and the answers to our prayers may not be at all what we were expecting!

If you like a fairly quick read and a good, clean, Christian, chick book, full of twists and turns and want a greater sense of how God works out every last detail of your own life for His greater purpose, you might want to pick up a copy of this book! Better yet, download a copy, now!

About the author:

Heather Randall began her writing career with baby steps, literally. In 2003 she started blogging about her mommy adventures and connecting with like-minded women online. During this time she was also preparing the final bits of a novel that had been written with pen and paper. A friend typed it all up properly for her and, at last, in 2011 When Chicks Hatch was published.

In 2013 He paved the way for her to purchase Christian Women Affiliate.

She now serves as the CEO of Christian Women Affiliate, LLC and all of its divisions including the CWA Radio Network and The CWA Review Crew. She especially enjoys serving fellow writers through her company. Heather still leaves time for God to fill her up with stories and she is currently working on a second novel.

Heather's hobbies include spending time with family, writing, reading, creating and trading mail art, homeschooling and blogging. Heather and her husband, four children, Mom, three cats, a dog, and a frog all reside in Oklahoma.


Website: http://www.heatherrandall.com/ 

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

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CWAreviewCrew/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeatherMRandall

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/heather-randall/19/8bb/b61

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+HeatherRandallCWA/posts

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/heathermrandall/

Instagram: instagram.com/cwaheather

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11475687-when-chicks-hatch?ref=atw

I received a free Kindle download of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

Faith Joseph's Story A Novel and Christian Bible Study A Review

A novel, a Bible study, a leader's guide all in one book?! Yes, it's true! Faith, Joseph's Story, by Sandra Lea Hardage has beautifully crafted the Bible story of Joseph's life written as though it is from his own perspective, while adding a full Bible study AND a leader's guide right in the book!

About the book:

"At the age of seventeen, Joseph, the favorite son of Jacob, faces the wrath of jealousy, hatred, and deceit from his own brothers. He is thrust into a world of slavery, lust, and power. Joseph experiences a culture so different from his own that he must adapt quickly just to survive. He learns to trust in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and be content in the difficult circumstances that challenge him far too often.

Narrated by Joseph himself, FAITH Joseph’s Story communicates the power of this young man’s faith-faith that began in the midst of a plot to murder him and ends with his rise to power in Egypt. It show the perseverance one must find to overcome the negative experiences that happen in life, and it provides a testament to the importance of placing complete faith and trust in God."

About the author:

Sandra Hardage considers Jesus Christ her Savior and her family including husband, children and grandchildren the chief blessings in her life. She has been married to her husband Jim for forty-four years, has three grown children with Christian spouses and eight grandchildren between the ages of two to fifteen.

From the age of ten, God began to stir a desire in Sandra’s heart to become a teacher.  She did in fact fulfill that desire and has worked in education all her life. Positions she held in pursuit of teaching include: public school teacher, coordinator of a televised GED-ONTV program, coordinator of an Adult Education Learning Center, coordinator of Technology, Distance Learning and Media for an education cooperative, Sunday School teacher, Bible study leader, associational women’s ministry director and online Bible teacher.

During years as Sunday school teacher, the Lord placed on her heart the sensitivity for the feelings of Biblical characters. As a result, she began writing stories of God’s people.  After retiring, the Lord placed Joseph on her heart and over a four and a half years period, she wrote FAITH Joseph’s Story, a novel and Bible Study.

Sandra holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Masters of Science in Education degrees and has taken many courses along the way to hone the skills needed for the jobs that God placed in her path including computers, web design, distance learning, curriculum and much more. She feels that every area in teaching and learning were in preparation for her current role as creator and founder of the online ministry: My Journey of Faith. http://myjourneyoffaith.com

The ministries website is a gathering place for encouraging Christians women in their daily journey of life. It is her desire for this ministry to be used by God to encourage Christians and uplift the name of Jesus Christ by sharing stories through CWA Radio, My Journey of Faith magazine, Bible studies, blogs and more.

My thoughts:

I thought this was a great book! I really enjoyed revisiting the story of Joseph from the Bible and reading it again from a fictional perspective of none other than Joseph himself! I love historically accurate fiction and I thought the book captured Joseph's story in a way that draws the reader in to really consider what it must have been like to be one of twelve sons, and favored by his father. It helped me consider Joseph as a real person and not just a character in a Bible story. I had never given much thought to how many years Joseph was in the Pharaoh's palace before the story reaches its climax. I recommend anyone could read this book and gain a little bit more insight to the real Joseph of the Bible from a fictional perspective.

The other great part about this book is the fact that it is actually three books in one! The novel begins on the opening pages but is a quick read and ends on page 67. The rest of the book is a Bible study followed by a Leader's Guide as a companion to the Bible study. This is a great way to take the history of the story and go really in depth into a Bible study of the history of Joseph's family, their family traits, family life, the study of Joseph's dreams, and many more topics. Along the way Sandra also shares a bit of her own faith walk and truths of the Bible regarding the salvation message.

If you re looking for an in depth Bible study on the life of Joseph this would be a great one to choose!

You can order your copy over at Amazon here.

Order at Barnes and Noble here.


ISBN: 978-1-4627-2783-4(sc) |List Price: $14.99 |Format: Softcover | Page Count: 206

ISBN: 978-1-4627-2785-8 (hc) |List Price: $33.95 |Format: Hardcover | Page Count: 206

ISBN: 978-1-462-72784-1 (e) |List Price: $3.99 | Format; E-Book | Page Count: 206



For more information about Sandra Hardage come check out her sites!

http://sandrahardage.com/


https://twitter.com/myfaithjourney


https://www.facebook.com/MyJourneyOfFaith


http://www.linkedin.com/pub/sandra-hardage/75/812/529

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

2015 Daily Planner by Sue Hooley, A Review

Everyday
May not be good,
But there is
Something good
In every day.

I am so excited to share this with my readers! I was chosen to review the 2015 Daily Planner, a homemakers best friend! Here it is! Introducing Sue Hooley's newest planner!

2015 Daily Planner

List Price: $13.99 with free shipping on three or more|

Format: 6x9 Spiral bound 

Order at: http://www.homemakersfriend.com

"A homemaker’s life consists of innumerable details. Appointments, church activities, school schedules, and homemaking in general, repeatedly demand her time and attention. Written tasks help to organize our days and duties and it frees the mind to focus on what is most important.

        The Daily Planner was designed by Sue, wife of Dan for 24 years and mother to six lovely children, two girls and four boys ages 5-21. The planner was developed after several years of motherhood and homemaking. Sue understood that a homemaker's day can rarely be scheduled and structured the same as the one before – not every task can fit neatly into the time-slot allotted by other planners. Since her first publication in 2010, thousands of homemakers have benefited from the daily planner.



This daily planner is divided into the following seven sections:

Yearly Calendar
Monthly Calendar
Weekly Planning
Tasks List
Projects and Events
Information
Shopping Lists

Some helpful tips on using the Daily Planner from Sue;

yearly calendar

This is for jotting down upcoming events,or making note of a special happening. To remember the one-year anniversary of the death of a friend’s husband, just post it in the appropriate space of the following year. If passports expire in October of 2016, make a note for future reference.

monthly calendar

Make an entry of all the upcoming events such as church meetings, weddings, school activities, appointments, reunions, holidays, etc. on the Monthly Calendar. It is helpful to see at a glance what will be happening over the next several months.This becomes useful for weekly scheduling.


weekly planning

       Under the heading Tasks for this Week are spaces to jot down things that need to be done such as phone calls, appointments, balancing the checkbook, etc. It’s beneficial to take time to sketch out the weekly tasks in advance. If a dentist appointment needs to be scheduled, write it down. If laundry is the biggest event on Monday, write it down. Look for short slots of time to do small projects. It only takes a few minutes to schedule a dentist appointment or to send a card. If it is written down, you are more apt to grab those precious few minutes when the opportunity arises. If a suit needs to be taken to the dry cleaners, jot it down so it isn’t forgotten on the next trip to town. If cleaning is consistently done on Friday, then consistently write it down. As monotonous as that may seem, it is still a big accomplishment.

       Plan the basic menu for the main meal each day. This can be done before the week arrives or it can be decided on a daily basis. Deciding on the type of meal for each day will lessen the choices. Example: casserole on Monday, soup on Tuesday, meat and potatoes on Wednesday… When Monday comes, just decide what type of casserole to make.
 To make the current weekly layout easy to find, clip the top corner of the page on the dotted line. Write with a pencil so daily tasks can easily be erased and rearranged to accommodate the unpredicted issues that come along. Written tasks are to serve as a guide so you can plan what is reasonable and comfortable. Freely modifying a schedule is not a sign of weakness, rather it is a mark of strength. This approach will help to make wise choices that are best for you, your husband, and your children.
To view more on how to use the Daily Planner just click over to their website under How To Use The Daily Planner.


My Thoughts: This planner is fantastic! I was given the 2014 planner to begin using right away to prepare for this review and I have loved it! It is portable and fits right into my diaper bag! It is thick but not too bulky. The pages stay intact despite being tossed in my bag and being on the go. I use it for planning meals, carpool, play dates, essential oil classes, field trips, trainings, journaling, recipes, grocery lists, and so many more things! I have NEVER been a planner type of person but have always wanted to be more organized. This was the perfect planner to set me on the right path toward being the type of mom, wife, homeschool teacher, and friend I long to be. 

The beautiful artwork on the front of the durable cover makes it a joy to take out and schedule events in my calendar. There is a lovely photo and scripture on the front that reminds me to always put God first in all of my preparations. Only He holds the plans of my life, I can only prepare. This planner helps me to be more diligent in helping me to live my life on purpose not just let life events roll on by.

"My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest" Exodus 33:14 This scripture graces the cover of the 2015 edition of the Daily Planner. May we all sense the Lord's presence in our daily lives as He grants rest to our weary minds by writing our days down!

Grab one for yourself before January, details below. Let your comings and goings be a testimony and light for the Lord each time you open your Daily Planner! God bless!



2015 Daily Planner
List Price: $13.99 with free shipping on three or more|
Format: 6x9 Spiral bound
Order at: http://www.homemakersfriend.com


I received a free 2014 and 2015 planner in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

Let My Light Shine, Julie Kinscheck A Review

I am so excited to write this review for all of you! I was so happy to be chosen as one of the twenty fabulous women who got the chance to write a music review and set aside our books, (for a short bit anyway)! This is SO COOL!

INTRODUCING... JULIE KINSCHECK!!!

"Let My Light Shine" by Julie Kinscheck & LIFLIGHT is Gospel-Jazz with an infusion of pop-rock and country. 

Julie's music reflects a Christian world-view, sometimes boldly, but is really about the hope God can provide- especially to women and Mom's- expressed with some humor, SCAT solos, lush arrangements and depth of heart.

This music is her ministry to shine God's light in a dark world.

Purchase Her CD HERE!

From her Facebook page:

Singer-songwriter, folk, country/ gospel with Jazz on top!

 Recently called "An ambassador for unfortunate children in the world and for what faith in God can do!" by a representative from Hope Worldwide. Julie Kinscheck has written songs and/or performed for Hope Worldwide and Compassion International. 

Named one of the most promising unsigned writers by the National Academy of Songwriters, Julie has played across the US and Europe. She has been honored to play on large stages such as Madison Square Garden, NYC and the Fleet Center, Boston and also many conferences, small churches, restaurants, weddings and coffee houses.

Raised with folk roots in Ithaca N.Y., she launched a street tour of Europe, followed by a few years training at Oberlin Conservatory in Ohio. At last she landed at Berklee College of Music in Boston on a full scholarship. Some fans have named her the : Queen of SCAT!

“Julie Kinscheck’s songwriting and outstanding vocal work will satisfy you to your soul…” - Metronome Magazine Jan 2010

I really enjoyed the different styles of music Julie sings on this CD, "Let My Light Shine".

Just after enjoying a country style song, "Nothing Like the Love", talking about the love of children, and an even softer country style song in "Jesus Wept", Julie breaks out the guitars in "Waiting on You". 

I loved the words in Julie's songs. In "I'm a Mess", she sings how she can't even get her eight year old to bed, "I'm a mess!" My favorite song was "Love Life Like I Should". It is a fun, light-hearted song about living life with less worries, with lots of fun scat singing. "Oh, oh, oh, gonna love life like I should, Zabbie at, zabbie at do day"! (Or something like that!)

While my family didn't care all that much for Julie's singing coming out of my laptop speakers, I can  just imagine her live in concert she would probably really get the crowd hopping with her songs about children, life, love, and Christ!

"Oh, oh, oh, gonna love life like I should, zabbie at, zabbie at do day"! (Or something like that!)

Purchase Julie Kinscheck's CD HERE!

Julie Kinscheck's WEBSITE

Follow Julie Kinscheck on TWITTER HERE!

I received a link to review Julie kinscheck's music in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

Esther Queen of Persia by Jim Baumgardner, A Review

I've been busy homeschooling my kids and getting ready for our oldest to graduate from our homeschool, but thought I might get another review in for you, my readers! I read a couple of books over the winter that were really great and inspiring. I was looking for something inspiring again, maybe empowering too as I conquered oodles of paperwork to get my son ready for college. Something historical I thought, because I love history, since history is after all, His Story. So something also biblically based, but not necessarily a dry history book sounded just right. When I read about this book Esther Queen of Persia I was excited to dive in and see what it was all about. It did not disappoint.

ISBN: 978-0988410718| List Price: $16.95 | Format: Softcover & ebook | Page Count: 304

About the book:

Hadassah, the beautiful, Jewish teenager from the city of Susa in Persia, is taken by force to the palace of King Ahasuerus. His command to find the most beautiful virgins in his kingdom, and bring them to the house of women, has placed Hadassah under the supervision of Hegai, the king's custodian of women. Hegai and his servants, have one year to prepare each virgin for one night with the king. Although Hadassah was taken from her home by force, she refuses to become bitter. She accepts being called Esther, but inside remains always, Hadassah. She continually wonders why she is there, yet remains faithful to her God, and to her identity. It is years before the answer is revealed. Her people face annihilation, and it falls upon her shoulders to stop it. Her first thought is to shirk her duty, but Mordecai, her cousin, will not allow it. His words, '"Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"' brings her to her senses.

Unlike many of the novels written about Esther, this book seeks to remain true to the Biblical account, while supplying additional historical information from the time period 486-473 B.C. The book has a five page Introduction, which gives insight into some of the things found in the story. It has a page, listing the months of the Jewish sacred calendar and the corresponding month of our modern calendar. Also in the back of the book is a listing of Scriptures mentioned in each chapter, along with a listing of works consulted in research for Esther Queen of Persia.

About the Author:

Born in Wichita, Kansas, Jim Baumgardner, raised by Christian parents, gave his life to Christ in 1957. The author continues to reside in Wichita with his wife Linda. They have three children and nine grandchildren. Jim has seven published books. Four are known as the Sarah books, which tell of the adventures of a girl named Sarah, set in the 19thCentury. The other three are Bible novels, including the author’s latest release Esther Queen of Persia. All of Jim’s books are primarily written for his grandchildren’s benefit.

You can learn more about the author by clicking on the websites below.

www.biblenovels.net

http://kansasjimbo.bravejournal.com/

http://www.sarahbooks.net/

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Goodreads

The Author was also nominated for:

Finalist for Book of the Year

You can purchase your copy on Amazon.

See what others are saying about the book.

My Thoughts:

Before reading this book, I went and reread the book of Esther to brush up on the biblical facts of the life of Esther. I found the book followed the biblical account of Esther but from a fictional perspective. In our homeschooling we have really enjoyed reading historical fiction to gain a better understanding of the time period we are studying. I think this would be a great book to read alongside the Ancient History time period during the rein of King Ahasuerus. It is a very descriptive account of Esther's time in the King's palace and how she is chosen to become Queen and ultimately helps her Jewish people. I have always loved stories of simple people God uses in big ways. While this is a fictional account of the life of Esther, it does follow the Biblical account and is a good read. I would recommend you pick up a copy and check it out!

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

day7 Whales Tale Baby Blanket Review

"Wrapping your little ones in the love of God."

I was so excited to be chosen to review this beautiful baby blanket from day7 through the CWA Review Crew! Mine came in the mail Monday morning just four days before my 7th child arrives!

My blanket arrived in a nice sealed plastic bag. It comes in three colors, white, (shown above), blue and green. I received the green one. I love it! The first thing I noticed was how incredibly soft it is. My older children  ages 5, 3, and 22 months began to fight over who was going to snuggle with the blanket first.

Here is our 22 month old snuggled up with our new day7 blanket.

The dimensions and care instructions were placed directly in the front so they could be easily seen. You do not want to bleach nor dry clean this blanket. Here is a little more information about the brand new day7 Whales Tale blanket.

About the company from their website:

“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.”

Genesis 2: 2 & 3

This verse is the foundation of our company.  We are designers, and quilters, and home makers, but above that, we are Christians who desire to share our gifts and abilities.  We want to be able to wrap God’s love around each person, and let them find a soft place to rest.

The founder of day 7 is Myra Harder, who has been working as a designer in the textile industry for the past 15 years. Through her career, her work has produced over 6 quilting titles, resulting in 100,000 copies of her books, she has produced thousands of yards of fabric for top design companies, and she has designed work for over 30 magazines, with 12.5 million copies in print. You will have seen her work on the covers of many top magazines on your local newsstands. However, as she worked, she felt the increased desire to share her faith in her designs, and a small idea started forming in the back of her mind. 2012 brought a decided change on the direction she wanted to create, and today we can introduce you to the first results of her new direction.

100% plush polyester fabric, double sided blanket

Original fabric design, featuring a verse from Psalm 23:3

Large 28″ x 34″ size, to wrap around your little one

Wash in cold water in the gentle cycle, tumble dry at low temperature

Do not bleach, iron or dry clean

Available for $34.99.

If you are looking for a wonderful baby shower gift or for a gift for a special small child this blanket would make an amazing gift! The scripture on it allows you to literally wrap your child in God's love! We were so blessed to get a chance to review this blanket. I can't wait to welcome our newest child and wrap her up in God's Word in this super soft blanket! Buy yours today at day7, or Amazon, or their Etsy shop.

I received a free blanket in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

Are You Playing by House Rules? A Review

Joe's estranged wife has just been involved in a horrible car accident. The doctors want to declare her brain dead so they can harvest her organs for another wealthy patient. But the hospital  soon becomes aware that Joe's wife is actually pregnant. Now more than one life hangs in the balance. A spiritual battle has begun for the life of Mary and her unborn child. In walks Robert. An outspoken Christian man with some strong values and heavy knowledge of the Constitution. He even has strong opinions about social security numbers and birth certificates. The hospital bills are growing, the Christian school where Joe teaches is being threatened with lawsuits. How much more can Joe take and will he be strong enough to make the right decisions to help preserve the life of his unborn child if his wife never recovers? Will his new faith in Jesus Christ really help him trust that God has everything in His control including the very soul of his wife? Will God hear his prayers and save his wife and child?

About the Authors:

Darren Grant, has a B.S.Ed. chemistry,M.S. Science Education, and has been a certified science teacher since 1991. For the first twelve years he taught within the public school systems of Kansas and Missouri. He became frustrated with all of the systematic built in problems inherent in public education. He learned first hand while he was a state representative delegate for the Kansas NEA that the problems in public education exist by design. The NEA exists to indoctrinate students - not educate them. He was tired of being part of the problem, so he left and taught for seven years in a private christian school. Darren is still certified, and continues working as a teacher and presenter for Real Ark Ministries.

Cara Grant, B.S. Vocal Performance, worked as a CPhT until our marriage in 1999. Since that time she has devoted her life to raising our six children. In December 2005 they formally launched Real Ark Ministries as an educational ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. Many of their friends asked what led them to investigate these issues and write this book. It certainly wasn’t an abundance of free time! They had plenty of activity to fill their days with running a small goat dairy, building a debt-free home, raising and homeschooling their six children, and Darren working full time outside the home as a science teacher. In 2000, they began to study freedom, the Constitution, and the Code of Federal Regulations. These topics eventually led them to study socialism, communism, and the New World Order. As they studied, they saw an evil no one seemed to be warning others about: the slavery of the church and the slavery of the common man. After the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare, they felt even more compelled to warn others of the dangers of enslaving our churches and our children.

After a wildfire in Aug. 2011 took their home and most of their earthly belongings, they again evaluated what the most important issues in life should be. In this book, Darren and Cara have only provided a small sampling of the body of knowledge that exists on these two topics. Their prayer is that readers will take the time to study not only the dangers of church incorporation, but also the dangers of social security numbers and birth certificates.

Why social security numbers and birth certificates? Because these documents are the foundational documents for the enslavement of this generation and the next. 

My Thoughts:

I could hardly put this book down! It reminded me a little like some of Frank Peretti's writings as this book shared with the reader some of the hidden powers of darkness that were at work effecting the characters lives. There were many ideas in the book that challenged me such as birth certificates and social security numbers as well as church incorporation, three of the main themes running through the book. A few times I even stopped to look up a website or book or author and was impressed that this book, even though fiction, had real research with real websites that I could go and look up for myself.

This book had a great story and was worth the read if you read the more challenging issues like birth certificates and social security numbers with a grain of salt. However, if you are concerned about government and its role in your family's lives and would love to be inspired and challenged to research more, this is a wonderful book to make you think and research for yourself what is really going on in America.  Do you know what the Constitution really says or are you willing to have your life played out by others using "House Rules"? 

Buy the book here!

ISBN: 978-0983835967 | ASIN:  B009XMDY4U| List Price: $17.99/ 9.99 in Kindle | Format: Soft cover and kindle | Page Count: 370

Or at Amazon.

I received a free copy of this book to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

Clothed With Thunder by Vicki Watson Book Review, Gift Ideas, and Lapbook Horse Study

I had the chance to review one of Vicki Watson's new books Carrie and Bandit and I couldn't wait to read the next book in the Sonrise Stable series with my girls.

INTRODUCING.....

Sonrise Stable: Clothed With Thunder

This is Book 3 in a Series of 4 from the Sonrise Stable series.

A little bit about the book from the website...

"After sitting through a 4-H demonstration on the evolution of the horse, Rosie and Carrie are determined to present the arguments for creation at the club’s next meeting. The demonstration proves harder to put together than they imagined as everyone offers the girls their opinions. The lessons Rosie learns about creation extend into her life in surprising ways as she faces her old adversary, Billy King, who cheated her out of her first trophy with her pony, Scamper."

About the Author: Vicki Watson

My love of horses began when a teenage neighbor offered me my first ride, on the back of her horse. From my 8-year-old perspective, it seemed like the biggest horse in the world. From that moment on, I was addicted. Horses were to become a very important part of my life, although I never could have imagined, at the time, how much God would teach me about Himself and my relationship to Him through these wonderful animals.

The Sonrise Stable series combines my love of God and horses in stories that I hope will help children learn more about both. I have a vision for ten initial books in the series, taking the main characters through one year. Beyond that I'll see where God leads me.

I have been blessed with three daughters and homeschooled each of them through high school. I enjoy trail riding my Rocky Mountain mare, Nikki, hiking, photography, and playing guitar. I work from home as a computer programmer and enjoy the variety and flexibility that allows.

Here is a fantastic trailer to the book. It is very informative and presents wonderful illustrations on the design of horses and how they could not have evolved.

                                    

My Thoughts:

My girls and I were excited to receive the next book in the Sonrise Stable series. This book picks up where the last book left off leaving us delighted to learn how the grandmother was healing from her trail riding accident. This book also jumps right into a heated discussion when the two homeschooled girls, Rosie and Carrie have to sit through a 4-H presentation that focused on evolution. I thought the author did a wonderful job weaving truth into the story as we follow the girls and their progress in presenting their own clever 4-H presentation. There are several life lessons learned as the girls are involved in their parent's decision to attend an auction to buy a new farm and Rosie learns to overcome some hard feelings against an old enemy. The end of the book gives great definitions to dive deeper into the topic of horses and how they are clearly designed by God. The author also gives a website where the reader can learn even more about creation truths. I would recommend this book for any young girl who loves Jesus and horses! Such a great little book!

Oh, and if you check out the Sonrise Stable website you'll see they sell t-shirts and jewelry to go along with the books! Last year I bought their heart shaped locket like the one in the Carrie and Bandit book. I think this necklace would be a great gift to go along with this book if someone were to gift the book to a young girl.

It's labeled as "Blue Ribbon Necklace" and you have to get to the end of the story to know why it is such a fitting necklace to go along with this book! Sorry, I just can't give you anymore details...you have to buy the book yourself! 

Or this t-shirt would make a great gift too!

Purchase your copy today directly from Sonrise Stable here or Amazon.

Like Sonrise Stable Books on Facebook here.

Follow on Twitter here.

You can also subscribe to Vicki's Youtube channel here.

And a homeschooling side note: (because we homeschoolers are always ready to take this to the next level), I found this great little lapbook on sale at Currclick through Free Homeschool Deals just as we were finishing this book. The discount may have expired but at $8 it is quite an in depth lapbook study of horses and worth the price.

Topics include:

All About Horses, Safety on Horses, The Colorings of Horses, Weaning a Foal, Caring for a Horse, Measuring a Horse: “Hands,” The Stall, Accessories For A Horse, Branding, Cowhands, Roundups, Horse Fun Fact, Requires 2 folders.

  Just click this link to get your own!

I received a free copy of this book to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

A Cause To Be Thankful by Yolanda Shanks- BOOK REVIEW

Thankfulness. This is something I am trying to cultivate in the hearts of my children. With so many blessings in this world it can sometimes be hard to remember to give thanks to God and to the people who have blessed us. Using her own life as a suicide attempt survivor and through her healing process, Yolanda Shanks wrote this book to help others walk through the thankfulness process and to see that we really do have reason to reject living in ingratitude and discover a cause to be thankful.

This book is a fairly short read at only 110 pages but there is plenty of material to meditate and reflect on.While I would not use this book with my children as there are some very mature subject matters discussed such as a suicide attempt, I can definitely use many of the scripture passages and references in this book to help me in teaching my kids to live with a thankful heart toward God.
 This book is written with a suicide attempt survivor's heart in mind, but as Yolanda writes many of us may be able to remember a time when we felt lost and things seemed hopeless. Yolanda walks the reader through a study of thankfulness by first studying what thankfulness is and to whom are we to be thankful.  After studying what leprosy is and sharing her own personal testimony of her teenage mom experience and what led to her suicide attempt in chapter three, Yolanda dives into the heart of this book in chapter four and begins her in depth study of  the ten lepers and how they approached Jesus for healing and how only one of them came back to thank Jesus. She gives scripture references throughout the book and pauses often in the middle of the chapters to pray for the reader. She wraps the book up with a powerful message of salvation and help for the new believer in Christ. If you know someone who is hurting and feels lost and hopeless this might be a good book to either give to or study alongside them, for there truly is good reason and a cause to be thankful in Jesus Christ!

Yolanda Shanks

About the Author: Yolanda Shanks

Multi-published author, speaker, blogger, teacher, wife, grandmother—Yolanda Shanks wears many hats, but the one she most resonates with is her role as an advocate for living life to its fullest.

Shanks’ award-winning first book, Destined to Live, Despite Me, continues to be a source of hope for those battling effects from a prior suicide attempt. It garnered an enthusiastic Kirkus review, which stated the book was “a commendable guide for finding meaning after considering suicide.”

Her second book, Not Just a Hearer but a Doer (released June 2012) challenges the body of Christ to act upon scripture. In the Fall of 2012, she released a third project, entitled Destined to Live, Despite Me – A Cause to Be Thankful.

Check her website (www.YolandaShanks.com) for book events in your area and for weekly wisdom from this lover of life and committed Christ-follower.


From the back of the book, A Cause To Be Thankful,
"Have you ever considered how often we neglect expressing genuine gratitude?

The Bible gives an account of how Jesus healed ten lepers.

But only one returned to express thanks.

Using the Biblical story of the ten lepers as a reference, A Cause to Be Thankful by Yolanda Shanks will unpack the Biblical model for thankfulness, showing how a spirit of entitlement has overshadowed our spirit of thanks. In this straightforward and challenging book, you will not only learn how to return as the one leper who expressed gratitude, but you’ll come away with a clear plan for including consistent and genuine thanks in your prayer life and day-to-day encounters."

ISBN: 978-0985361600 | List Price: $12.95 | Format: Hard Copy | Page Count: 110


Follow Yolanda on Twitter:
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I received a free copy of this book to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

See The Light Art Class-Review

I recently had the opportunity to review a fantastic art curriculum called See The Light. They offer three DVD programs called "Art Class", "Art Projects", and "Bible Stories". I chose to review "Art Class".

I received the first DVD in the "Art Class" series valued at $14.99.

(You can purchase the entire 9 DVD series for $99.)

Art Class is a 9 DVD/36 lesson series geared for ages 6 + that includes:

Step by Step Tutoring

Integrated Art History & Biblical Truth

Progressive Skill Building

No Workbooks Ever – Only Basic Supplies

Three bonus lessons 

This series qualifies for the Fine Arts school requirement.

(This is what the first DVD Lessons 1-4 cover for instruction.)

Lesson 1: TOOLS OF THE TRADE - Learn the basics of what makes a drawing. Master artist Pat Knepley demonstrates what you need to have on hand in your drawing “toolkit” to always be ready to draw. Supplies needed: #2 Pencil, White Eraser or Gray Kneaded Eraser, 1 Sheet of White Paper - 8 1/2 by 11.

Lesson 2: IT ALL STARTS WITH A LINE - The most fundamental element of all drawing is the line - but not all lines are alike! Learn about different line qualities and the most essential skill of drawing - contour drawing. Supplies needed: #2 Pencil, White Eraser or Gray Kneaded Eraser, 1 Sheet of White Paper - 8 1/2 by 11, 2 Apples.

Lesson 3: CONTOURS & COMPOSITION - Train your eyes and hands to be synchronized! You'll learn some tips to place items in a drawing - or "composition" - to get the best results! Supplies needed: #2 Pencil, White Eraser or Gray Kneaded Eraser, 3 Sheets of White Paper - 8 1/2 by 11, Black Fine Marker or Pen, Black or Dark Gray Charcoal Pencil, 2 Apples or any two pieces of Fruit.

Lesson4: DRAW WHAT YOU SEE - You'll take a common everyday item - a shoe - as your subject for a completed contour drawing. This is a true test of whether you draw what you SEE or what you KNOW! Supplies needed: #2 Pencil, White Eraser or Gray Kneaded Eraser, 1 Sheet of White Paper - 8 1/2 by 11 or a little larger if you have it, Black Sharpie Marker, A Shoe.

Bonus Lesson: CHALK-IT-EASY CHALK ART LESSON with See The Light chalk artist Gloria Kohlmann

I had heard of "See the Light" art curriculum but I didn't know they offered an actual art class that my children could use that would fulfill their fine arts requirement all with Bible-based lessons taught within the art curriculum! Check out this video to see "What is Art Class?"

Here is some information about the other two programs offered by See the Light.

Art Projects is a 9 DVD/36 lesson series geared for ages 10 +. Each of the 9 projects focuses on the work of a famous artist and contains:

Step by Step Tutoring

Integrated Biblical Truth

Art History

Art Elements

Art Principles

Bible Stories with Related Art Lessons is a 5 DVD series that includes a Bible story artistically and dramatically presented for the entire family. There are 3 step by step art lessons on each DVD that are related to the Bible story presented. Children of all ages love the “POP” of the black light included in each lesson. Bonus features are included on each DVD such as the Plan of Salvation, a commentary by the chalk artist, etc.

About the Creator:

Pat Holt has a passion for children and a heart for missions. She has worked with children since she volunteered for church ministry at age 14 before earning degrees in education and instructional technology.  Since then, she’s taught in public schools and founded a Christian school while authoring many books including the bestselling When You Feel Like Screaming – Help For Frustrated Mothers and the award winningDon’t Give in, Give Choices, as well as being a guest on a multitude of radio and TV programs. She was awarded the Gold Medallion in Christian Education by the Evangelical Publishers Association. Pat and her husband, Dave, live in California.

You can "like" See The Light on their Facebook Page or follow them on Twitter.

My Thoughts:

I thought this was a fantastic DVD art class program. Pat Knepley's love for art and teaching art really shows. Also her love for God and His Word is woven throughout the lessons and I found this a wonderful way to add inspiration to my children's daily lessons. The kids seemed to enjoy the DVD lessons too. I even had fun drawing along with my kids and learning the lessons with them. I'm looking forward to ordering the rest of the DVD's so we can finish out the year with a full art curriculum!

I received a free copy of this DVD to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.