The Narrow Way Crochet

I would like to take time to share this awesome local business with you! I recently bought a wool hat from The Narrow Way Crochet and absolutely LOVE IT!!!! It is comfortable (it fits very well due to giving them the measurements of my head!) warm and very pretty.

Okay...so I need lessons in taking "selfies" and I could have smiled more. But you can see the beautiful colors of this hat! Grey, brown, and there is even some cream in there!


So what sets this company apart from many others? Well, they are local and not an overseas sweatshop. I will go out of my way to buy locally every chance I get and as often as the pocketbook allows!! I've been to their farm and was able to visit the sheep and they gave us a tour and explained how they wash, card and spin the wool (with an old fashioned spinning wheel!!!) and then crochet beautiful things! You will want to visit their website and check out all their beautiful handiwork!

Also, when you check out the Farm link, you will see that The Narrow Way Crochet is just PART of a family farm...they offer so much more.

Review & Giveaway: I'm Happy For You {SORT OF...not really}

About I’m Happy For You (Sort Of…Not Really):
Our cultural obsession with comparison is undercutting relationships and sapping contentment. With disarming candor and humor, Kay Wills Wyma explores how to trade comparison for compassion and rediscover what life is all about.
It’s easy to get caught in the comparison games we play with our appearances, our kids, and our homes. Kay reminds exhausted families about tried and true remedies from the pressures of competitive living.
In her warm, relatable style, Kay confronts the comparison epidemic raging in our homes, our neighborhoods, and our social-media feeds, offering remedies along the way.
With candor and humor, I’m Happy For You (Sort Of…Not Really) explores the troubling effects of living in an excessively competitive culture—and reveals simple yet effective ways to escape the comparison trap.

About the Author:
Kay Wills Wyma is a blogger, mother of five, and the author of Cleaning House through which she has appeared on The TODAY Show, CNN, Glenn Beck, The New York Times, Focus on the Family, and more. Before becoming a stay-at-home mom, she held positions at the White House, the Staubach Company, and Bank of America. Kay lives in the Dallas area with her husband, Jon, and their family.

My Review:
This has been the most delightful book I've read in a long while and it came at such a perfect time! Just hours before getting this book in the mail to read, I had attended our monthly homeschool support group. Guess what was talked about? You guessed it, comparisons!! The dangers of comparing our lives to others. So when I opened my mail and saw the title....well, I literally laughed out loud!

In chapter 2, Kay shares the term, "Ctrl-Alt-Delete" and this alone will help us all to regain a proper perspective when we find ourselves in the throes of discontentment and envy.

Ctrl: Control the thought process by pausing to recognize the problem

Alt: Consider an alternative perspective

Delete: Eliminate comparison--or at least tone it down

Now of course there is more in the book on each of those terms and what they mean and how to do it, but I don't want to spoil it for you!!

As we enter the holiday season, I pray that you won't have to deal with comparison issues, however, I highly recommend this book if you do or think you might or that your sibling might. Kay's sense of humor is incredible as she helps us to see the problem areas and then gives us wonderful ways to eliminate them, and she does this without making us feel inadequate. While humorous, the book also encourages change in our behavior and thought patterns, changing the comparison into compassion.

Check out Kay's blog HERE

If you'd like to listen to her interview on Focus on the Family about her book "I'm Happy for You" check it out HERE

I'd love to have you enter the giveaway, here's how to enter!

"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.”

1. Leave a comment. This can be done daily.
2. Post about the giveaway on your Facebook or Twitter, please do this one, I would really appreciate it. I will give you 5 entries if you do this one, just post the link in a separate comment.
3. Sign up for my RSS feed to hear about other giveaways and other stuff when I find time to post, leave me a comment letting me know that you did, or if you already are signed up.

Please be sure to leave a comment below, otherwise I will not know you have shared my blog etc.

I will draw the blessed winner on Dec 10th for a copy of the book I'm Happy for You {Sort of...not really}

Review and Giveaway: The Bridge Builder

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 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.

BOOK RELEASE DATE: AUGUST 11, 2015

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SOCIAL • C O R N E R

Official Websites: IFCJ
Rabbi Eckstein

Twitter: @TheFellowship
@RabbiEckstein

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

Website to Purchase: Amazon






Wow, this book is an awesome one! Not only is it an eye opener about the recent history of the Jews as they came to America, but also how politics played out in regards to how the US and Canada failed to support Israel in the years after the Holocaust. And sadly, the United States continues to snub Israel, while Canadian Prime Minister Stephan Harper has taken a stand FOR Israel. His stand for Israel makes me proud to be Canadian. But back to the book, Rabbi Eckstein made it his mission in life to bridge the gap between Christians and Jews, to focus on the common ground we share and support one another. It caused him to be shunned in his own orthodox community, even at his daughter's bat mitzvah, he was not allowed at the Bimah to speak, simply because he entered a Christian church to share his ministry. Apparently this is equal to idolatry!! Yikes! I look forward to finish reading his biography and will update this blogpost when I've finished. It has been an inspiring read so far!! May we all act according to our convictions and not worry about what others will say about us. It only matters what our Heavenly Father says!



"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.”

Giveaway Time
We will be giving away a copy of this book!

1. Leave a comment. This can be done daily.
2. Post about the giveaway on your Facebook or Twitter, please do this one, I would really appreciate it. I will give you 5 entries if you do this one, just post the link in a separate comment.
3. Sign up for my RSS feed to hear about other giveaways and other stuff when I find time to post, leave me a comment letting me know that you did, or if you already are signed up.

Please be sure to leave a comment below, otherwise I will not know you have shared my blog etc.

I will draw the blessed winner on Sept 11th, just a few short days away!

Review: FamilyLife's Passport2Purity Getaway Kit 3rd edition

About the getaway kit:
(1) Tour Guide for the parent, (1) Travel Journal for the preteen including 25 follow-up devotions, and (8) CDs containing 5 sessions, scripture memory songs and downloadable MP3s: Session 1: Beginning the Journey - Challenges, Traps, and Choices; Session 2: Running With The Herd - Friendships and Peer Pressure; Session 3: Ready For An Upgrade? - Changes in Him, Changes in Her; Session 4: Destination: Lé Pure - Setting Boundaries; Session 5: Crossing The Date Line - Seeing Dating Differently

Passport2Purity from FamilyLife® on Vimeo.

Learn about the traps your preteen will soon face as a teenager and how Passport2Purity will help you to guide your teen through those difficult years.

Your child begins the journey into adolescence in a world of sexting, bullying, online stalking and moral defiance. Innocence is under attack, and you cannot win the battle with a single awkward talk or a strict set of rules. The primary defense for your child is a strong relationship with you and with God. FamilyLife developed Passport2Purity (P2P) to assist you in building heart-to-heart communication with your preteen while laying a foundation of purity that will prepare him or her for the turbulent years ahead. Through the shared listening experience, object lessons and guided conversations of a P2P weekend getaway, you can set your son or daughter on a journey of moral integrity - and strengthen the bond between you. It is designed to be used by a mother and daughter or a father and son when the child is a preteen. It is suggested that the materials be completed over a weekend away from home, as the child may be more open to discussing the topics away from his or her normal environment. If this isn't possible, the material can be completed over a period of four or five weeks.

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S O C I A L • C O R N E R

Official Website: http://familylife.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=2&aff_id=1022&url_id=18

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Passport2Purity-Getaway-Kit-by-FamilyLife-Version-3/278981062285397

Twitter: @FamilyLifeToday @DennisRainey @BarbaraRainey

Official Website to Purchase: https://shop.familylife.com/p-1988-passport2purity-getaway-kit.aspx?utm_source=FL&utm_medium=image&utm_campaign=hpresource

It was my great pleasure to take part in this review! As part of our family's homeschool we have used the God's Design for Sex series, and this is the perfect ending for that series of books, which spans a very great range of ages beginning at age 3 or 4 when questions first arise about where babies come from.

This kit includes everything a nervous parent could possibly need for having that "scary" talk that most would rather avoid. If this is you, PLEASE buy this kit!!! My parents gave the sex talk to my sister and I after we were teens and it was really already too late. It is so much better to err on the side of too early than too late. We will go through it with our oldest, even though we've kinda done the talk all ready, and also with our daughter who will be 10 this school year. Just reading the through the material and listening to the "parents only" session has me feeling excited and full equipped to take this on! I came from a family where sex was not a welcome topic to talk about. I want to change that, I want my children to feel okay about talking to us about anything. So Check out the link above and buy your kit today!!!

Review and Giveaway: The Adventures of Mickey Matson: Pirate's Code

About the movie:
Releases on DVD June 2, 2015
91 Minutes // Genre: Adventure // Rating: NR

About Pirates's Code The Adventures of Mickey Matson:
In this follow up to Mickey Matson and the Copperhead Treasure, Mickey Matson is at it again; this time pitted against the evil Admiral Ironsides and his gang of pirates who are intent on destroying civilization. They're new invetnion, the Tesla Coil, is a weapon of mass destruction that will send an electromagnetic pulse throughout the world, destroying every electronic device in existence. With the help of a secret organization, Mickey and his best friend Sully embark on a mission to stop the pirates from taking over a submarine and stealing the last part needed to complete their devastating weapon. If Admiral Ironsides succeeds in his plan, civilization will be sent back to the Stone Age. It's a race against time, and the fate of the world hangs in the balance.

Review
I quite enjoyed watching this with the kids! It was fun to see some familiar faces!   Christopher Lloyd plays one of the main characters, Mickey Matson's grandfather. And then there's Tia Carrere who plays the part of a villian. I loved her character in Relic Hunter...so it was fun to watch her in something recent!
A fun adventure movie for all ages. Because I live quite an alternative lifestyle and not into media so much, I did notice something that bugged me, that might not bug others so much.

Kids being scouted and kidnapped out of their lives and taken to a secret training facility to "save the world". I am very much against secret orders of any kind, like Freemasons, Scouts, Guides etc. And this group in the movie was called the Secret Order of the Patriots. There is just something very dark about these secret groups and they usually end up being Satanic at the roots. So the fact that this movie seemed to make these secret orders harmless and fun instead kinda bugged me.

Other than the above observation...it was a great movie! One that I would probably watch again....lol There was no boy/girl stuff, language or gory violence. The best part, is the first movie is available on Netflix!!! So go enter the giveaway and then go watch the first movie while you wait for the second one!!!

SOCIAL • C O R N E R

Twitter: @MickeyMatson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mickey-Matson/211224175604758?fref=ts

Official Website: http://mickeymatson.com

Official Website to Purchase: http://pureflix.christianbook.com/adventures-mickey-matson-the-pirates-code/pd/03738X?event=ESRCG



"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.”

Giveaway Time
We will be giving away a copy of this DVD!

1. Leave a comment. This can be done daily.
2. Post about the giveaway on your Facebook or Twitter, please do this one, I would really appreciate it. I will give you 5 entries if you do this one, just post the link in a separate comment.
3. Sign up for my RSS feed to hear about other giveaways and other stuff when I find time to post, leave me a comment letting me know that you did, or if you already are signed up.
4. Fill out the rafflecopter form, I'm trying rafflecopter out so please help me by using it!!
Please be sure to leave a comment below, otherwise I will not know you have shared my blog etc.

I will draw the blessed winner on July 1st!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review & Giveaway: Love Inspired Series

This review is for the series of books by Harlequin called Love Inspired. I know, I know, when you see the name harlequin, the first thing that comes to mind is "trashy romance novels" right?! Well, I will admit I was a little hesitant at first, but am so glad I chose to do the review. I chose the following book in the set of 6 that I was sent simply because the author lives in the same province as myself. lol

I am very pleased to share that this book was NOT by any stretch of the imagination a "trashy romance"!!! The characters were pure in heart as well as in action. I have read other books in this series as well and know that this a recurring theme for this series, keeping it pure. I give this series two thumbs up. Great light reading, I much prefer one of these short novels to a movie any day!

About the book:
A Hero for Her Son

When the baby he rescued seven years ago returns—with his widowed adoptive mom—Deputy Fire Chief Matt Bailey can't turn them away. Desperate to escape the reminders of his failure in the line of duty, Matt is close to leaving town. But one look at Rachel Carter and her son, Christopher, has him second-guessing his plans. Rachel is a mom in need of a hero for her son. But as much as she wants the two to bond, she's determined to keep her distance from Matt. After losing her husband on the job, she promised never to love another fireman. Yet somehow she finds herself drawn to the one man she should avoid.

About the author:
Patricia Johns has been writing novels ever since she graduated from her honors degree in English Literature. After some agonizing, she quit her responsible full-time job in favor of something more flexible and poured herself into her writing. She's never looked back. After having several historical novels and children's books published, she turned to romance writing.

Patricia lives with her husband and son in Alberta, Canada.

More about the books:
The Love Inspired product line is a series of 6 books that are released every month & only have a shelf-life of one month.

S O C I A L • C O R N E R

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

Website

Here is a coupon for $1 off


"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.”

Giveaway Time
We will be giving away a set of 6 books!

1. Leave a comment. This can be done daily.
2. Post about the giveaway on your Facebook or Twitter, please do this one, I would really appreciate it. I will give you 5 entries if you do this one, just post the link in a separate comment.
3. Sign up for my RSS feed to hear about other giveaways and other stuff when I find time to post, leave me a comment letting me know that you did, or if you already are signed up.

Please be sure to leave a comment below, otherwise I will not know you have shared my blog etc.

I will draw the blessed winner on May 5th, my sister's birthday!

Review & Giveaway: Christy Nockels new album

About Christy:
As a worship leader for many years, she has been an integral part of Passion Conferences from its inception in 1997. She's seen first hand music sweep people into the presence of God in a powerful way.
pastor’s kid, who was born in Fort Worth and raised in Oklahoma,she grew up singing in church. She met her husband, Nathan, in 1993 at the Christian Artists Seminar in Estes Park, Co. They recorded an independent record with fellow worship leader Charlie under the name Sons Daughters that led to an invitation from Louie Giglio to participate in the first Passion conference in Austin. Christy’s voice gained a national platform when she and Nathan formed the duo Watermark, recording four acclaimed albums before that musical season ended, paving the way for Christy’s solo career. In 2008, the couple moved to Atlanta to become part of Passion City Church where she serves on the worship team with sixstepsrecords labelmates Chris Tomlin and Kristian Stanfill. The following year, Nockels released her acclaimed solo debut, and spent much of the next two years touring with Tomlin and Passion.

S O C I A L • C O R N E R

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

TWITTER

iTunes

#LetItBeJesus

I had the wonderful pleasure of being introduced to this worship artist.  I have listened to it often over the course of the past few weeks and it always lifts my soul and encourages a smile on my face. Go check out the previews on itunes!! And leave a comment below to win a copy of this album! You won't be disappointed!

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.
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.”

Giveaway Time
We will be giving away a digital copy of this album!

1. Leave a comment. This can be done daily.
2. Post about the giveaway on your Facebook or Twitter, please do this one, I would really appreciate it. I will give you 5 entries if you do this one, just post the link in a separate comment.
3. Sign up for my RSS feed to hear about other giveaways and other stuff when I find time to post, leave me a comment letting me know that you did, or if you already are signed up.

Please be sure to leave a comment below, otherwise I will not know you have shared my blog etc.

I will draw the blessed winner on May 5th, my sister's birthday!

Review & Giveaway: Texas K-9 Unit

Texas K-9 Unit Series Books 1-3: Tracking Justice\Detection Mission\Guard Duty (Available at Amazon)

Love Inspired Suspense authors Shirlee McCoy, Margaret Daley and Sharon Dunn will get your pulse racing with tales of Texas cops and their loyal K-9 dogs tracking down a crime ring. Enjoy three action-packed Texas K-9 Unit romantic suspense novels in one box set! When a boy goes missing from his bedroom, a police detective must assure a desperate single mother that he and his trusty bloodhound will find her son. A woman with amnesia has to rely on an officer and his border collie to stay alive when she can't remember who tried to kill her. An FBI agent is called in to protect a single mother when the rookie K-9 officer witnesses a murder and becomes the killer's target.

About the authors:

Shirlee McCoy

Shirlee McCoy has always loved making up stories. As a child she daydreamed elaborate tales in which she was the heroine — gutsy, strong and invincible. Though she soon grew out of her superhero fantasies, her love for storytelling never diminished. Shirlee knew early that she wanted to write inspirational fiction and began writing her first novel when she was a teenager. Still, it wasn't until her third son was born that she truly began pursuing her dream of being published. Three years later she sold her first book. Now a busy mother of four, Shirlee is a homeschool mom by day and an inspirational author by night. She and her husband and children live in Maryland and share their home with a dog and a guinea pig.

Margaret Daley

Margaret has been writing for over 35 years. She started writing in the late 1970s because she wanted to see if she could put a whole story down on paper. That book is still in the drawer and will never see the light of day. But she was able to finish a book, which was her goal. She loved teaching and working with students with special needs, and recently retired from teaching to write full-time. When she isn't working, she loves to read, travel, and go to lunch and a movie with a friend. She and her husband, Mike, to whom she has been married for over 40 years live in Tulsa. Besides teaching and writing, she is also a mother of one. Her son, Shaun, is married with four daughters.

Sharon Dunn

Sharon Dunn first fell in love with mystery and suspense about the time she read Nancy Drew mysteries in the fifth grade. Her first book in the Ruby Taylor mysteries Romance Rustlers and Thunderbird Thieves was a finalist for the Romantic Times Inspirational Book of the Year. The second book in that series Sassy Cinderella and the Valiant Vigilante was voted Book of the Year by American Christian Fiction Writers. Her hobbies include reading, working out, hiking, trying to find things around the house and making pets out of the dust bunnies under the furniture. Before she started writing, she used to sew. Now she just collects fabric and patterns and fantasizes about projects. After nearly twenty seven years of marriage, Sharon lost her beloved husband in 2014. She lives with her three nearly grown children, two cats and a nervous border collie named Bart.

Check out the Facebook Page!


So I have to say that I am enjoying this series! I'm halfway done the 2nd book already! I have taken a long break from reading fiction, but quite frankly this is a wonderful break from reality for me! Anyone who enjoys a good romance without the smut that is common in most romances, will enjoy this series.  A little bit of intrigue, a larger bit of romance and a wonderful escape from reality. Join the K-9 Unit of a small Texas town as they solve some crimes and fall in love during the process! Did I already mention that it's CLEAN, no smut or anything?!  I completely appreciate this aspect of these romances. Sometimes, we just need some light reading...even if it keeps you up at night because you simply can't put it down!

Enter below to win Protection Detail the latest by Shirlee McCoy
After a prominent senator's son is murdered, Capitol K-9 Unit captain Gavin McCord wants answers. The senator was a mentor to Gavin, and he'll stop at nothing to bring the killer to justice. With his team of elite K-9 cops and his loyal dog, Glory, at his side, Gavin discovers that a child at Cassie Danvers's nearby foster home may have witnessed the murder. He's drawn to the determined and beautiful woman, but she doesn't want him interviewing her traumatized charges. Yet trusting Gavin is the only way to stay one step ahead of the deadly gunman when Cassie becomes a target. 

 

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

Giveaway Time
We will be giving away a book in this series!
1. Leave a comment. This can be done daily.
2. Post about the giveaway on your Facebook or Twitter, please do this one, I would really appreciate it. I will give you 5 entries if you do this one, just post the link in a separate comment.
3. Sign up for my RSS feed to hear about other giveaways and other stuff when I find time to post, leave me a comment letting me know that you did, or if you already are signed up.
Please be sure to leave a comment below, otherwise I will not know you have shared my blog etc.
I will draw the blessed winner on March 20th.

Winner of Berenstain Bear Book

Congrats Sandra, you are the winner! I will be contacting you for your info!
<a href="https://www.randompicker.com/protocol/157736x66005" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.randompicker.com/App_Themes/Default/images/seal-en1.gif" border="0" /></a>

Review & Giveaway: No Longer a Slumdog

About the book:
139 pgs / Forward by Francis Chan
Those with no voice—the suffering children of Asia—tell their stories. And as you listen to them, you share their anguish and rejoice in their triumphs. The whole world seems to stop as you look on.

"You girls stay here. I’m going to get something to drink.” But after a few minutes, the train started moving again, and Mom still wasn’t back! Our hearts were racing. The train kept going faster and faster. Where was Mom?

Hope is growing in the hearts of those who never knew such a thing existed. In this truly gripping narrative, K.P. Yohannan shares their stories— stories of lives transformed, of families learning to love, of entire communities flourishing with new life. Witness as this next great wave of transformation sweeps the nations.

About the author:
Dr. K.P. Yohannan, founder and international director for Gospel of Asia, has authored more than 200 books, including Revolution in World Missions, an international bestseller with more than 3 million copies in print. He is on the board of the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), and his Road to Reality radio program airs on more than 900 stations worldwide. He and his wife, Gisela, have two grown children, Daniel and Sarah, who both serve the Lord with their families.

S O C I A L • C O R N E R

Official WEBSITE

Official FACEBOOK

Official TWITTER

K.P. Yohannan’s FACEBOOK

K.P. Yohannan’s TWITTER


I must say I thoroughly appreciated this book! It was not an easy read, as it shows you the life  children and adults live within the caste system of India. WOW, and I thought I had it bad when we lived in a motorhome all winter without running water in Canadian winter! Yeah, there's no comparison. You know, God calls us to take care of the orphan and the widow...I kinda lump the poor in with them, I know He has called me to get more involved. This book opened my eyes to ways I CAN help those in Asia, stuck because of a horrible caste system within the Hindu religion. The cry of my heart this year has been, "Father, open my heart and cause me to see others the way You see them." Well, this book definitely came at the right time! I encourage everyone to read it and allow it to challenge them to do more for those in the developing countries.  There is no draw to win this book, it's free for everyone. Prepare for Abba to touch your heart and move you with compassion.

Free Book

Review & Giveaway: The Berenstain Bears' Please & Thank You Book

The cherished Bear family is coming to a new generation of toddler and preschool readers.

About the book:
20 pgs / Ages 2+
Stan and Jan Berenstain introduced the first Berenstain Bear books in 1962 and the Bear family celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2012! Here the charming and lovable Bear family is once again introducing children to the typical issues and questions that they face every day.
In The Berenstain Bears’ Please & Thank You Book, little readers are introduced to the importance of manners, through gentle reminders given to Brother, Sister, and Honey as they await their milk and cookies. The short story and well-loved characters provide toddlers a perfect introduction to valuable life lessons and routines.

About the author:
Mike Berenstain grew up watching his parents work together to write about and draw these lovable bears. Eventually he started drawing and writing about them too. Though Stan died in 2005 and Jan in 2012, Mike carries on his parents’ love of creating Berenstain Bear stories from southeastern Pennsylvania, which looks a lot like Bear Country.

Official Website (The Berenstain Bears’ new additions will be available March 1st)

Although I do not have any toddlers in my midst anymore, this was a fun book to read to the kids and they even requested it more than once! A fabulous board book for toddlers, a great reminder to preschoolers and parents alike!! The bear family set great examples on when to say, "please", "thank you" and "your welcome" as well as how to be helpful to one another! Enjoy this tale as you teach your little one important life long skills!

Do you have a little one who would LOVE this book? Enter the giveaway for your very own copy!

"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.”

Giveaway Time
We will be giving away a copy of this book!

1. Leave a comment. This can be done daily.
2. Post about the giveaway on your Facebook or Twitter, please do this one, I would really appreciate it. I will give you 5 entries if you do this one, just post the link in a separate comment.
3. Sign up for my RSS feed to hear about other giveaways and other stuff when I find time to post, leave me a comment letting me know that you did, or if you already are signed up.

Please be sure to leave a comment below, otherwise I will not know you have shared my blog etc.

I will draw the blessed winner on March 12th

Winner of Team Us

Congrats LaDonna!!! You will receive your book soon!

Winner of Roadmap Genesis

Congrats Jason, you are the winner!! Your DVD will be on it's way soon!!

Winner of Nourished

Congrats LaDonna! It will be on it's way shortly!

Review & Giveaway: Rasmus and the Vagabond

About the book:
Softcover / 180 pages
After running away from an orphanage, nine-year-old Rasmus finds the world a cold and unfriendly place until he befriends an extraordinary tramp called Paradise Oscar. Together they meet more adventure than they ever imagined, solve a mystery, and catch the culprits. Reassume dreams of finding a family and a home someday. But when he does, will he be able to part with his new friend and life on the road?

About the author:
Astrid Lindgren, the creator of Pippi Longstocking, Emil, and dozens of other world-famous characters, has thrilled three generations of children with her storytelling. She is the only children’s author with a literary prize, a theme park, a museum, a satellite, and a minor planet named in her honor. (After this last honor, she suggested changing her name to “Asteroid Lindgren.”) A jury appointed by Swedish Radio’s Culture Department to elect the “Author of the Millennium” voted Astrid Lindgren second after William Shakespeare. She was awarded the Hans Christian Andersen Medal and heaps of other awards and honors.

Official Website

Well, I must admit that this is another book that got missed in the chaos...I am still very much looking forward to reading this to my children! I don't remember too much about Pipi Longstockings from my growing up years, but plan to get my hands on as many titles by this author as I can!! The plot sounds perfect for my crew, I bet even the 13 yr old will enjoy this read aloud!! I know the 8 and 5 yr olds will love it! You can be sure that we will be hitting the library this week and finding as many books as we can by Astrid Lindgren!

"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.”

Giveaway Time
We will be giving away a copy of this book!

1. Leave a comment. This can be done daily.
2. Post about the giveaway on your Facebook or Twitter, please do this one, I would really appreciate it. I will give you 5 entries if you do this one, just post the link in a separate comment.
3. Sign up for my RSS feed to hear about other giveaways and other stuff when I find time to post, leave me a comment letting me know that you did, or if you already are signed up.

Please be sure to leave a comment below, otherwise I will not know you have shared my blog etc.

I will draw the blessed winner on Feb 18th.

Review & Giveaway: Nourished

About the book:
Softcover / 246 pgs.
Order-loving, thirty-something Rachel, and her laid-back, messy mother, Becky, are opposites in many ways. But they both believe that women long for a life that nourishes them inside and out. In this book, the mother-daughter duo will help you make that dream a reality by tackling the “Top 10 Stressors” that mess with a woman’s mind, such as:

•Cluttered Surroundings
•Exhaustion of parenting
•Time-starved marriages
•Feeling like a spiritual slacker
•Crowded Schedules
•Negative Body Image

Following a series of trial-and-error experiments, Becky and Rachel share laugh-out-loud stories, fascinating research, and practical tips to design a nourished life that fits your personality. By learning how to embrace “nourishing compromises,” you’ll never put happiness on hold again. If you are feeling drained, discontent, or discouraged, join a couple of understanding, entertaining companions on the journey from overwhelmed to nourished.

About the Authors:
Becky Johnson is the author, coauthor, or collaborator of more than forty books. She’s a natural storyteller who has inspired and entertained audiences for years. Most recently she co-authored We Laugh, We Cry, We Cook alone with a blog by the same name with her daughter, Rachel Randolph. She and her husband, Greg, live in Denver, Colorado. Website/blog

Rachel Randolph writes and speaks with humor and honesty about parenting a toddler, young married life, and her mostly plant-based cooking adventures. Rachel is married to Jared, a high school football and baseball coach. They live near Dallas, Texas with their son, Jackson. Nourished is her second book. Website/Blog

As a homeschool mom of 3, the write up on this book grabbed my attention right away!
On page 12 it says this, "In her book When the Heart Waits, Sue Monk Kidd wrote, "Crisis is the invitation to cross a threshold." Whether your crisis is a true-life drama, an existential crisis where you are searching for more joy and meaning, or a mini-crisis, like a bad day where you need us to say, "Take a guilt-free nap!" or "Put your feet up and enjoy a latte!"--we invite you to join us in crossing new thresholds to more nourishing ways of living, moving and being."
The last 6 months have been the 'true-life drama' kind of crisis for our family. Having been homeless since September and living in a travel trailer with 3 children and 2 cats over the winter months, I'm sure you can imagine the chaos and stresses that are involved! Because of all of this chaos, I never received this book to do a review on. I forgot to forward my mail and so it still sits in a post office box a province away, waiting for my husband to pick it up. So in order to do this review, I am reading the book via amazon's sneak preview...lol

Oh my goodness, reading snippets of each chapter, is just hilarious! I love their humor and story-telling skills! "Being in partnership with God...often feels...like being Mel Gibson's sidekick in the movie Lethal Weapon. In his determination to deal with the bad guy, he leaps from seventh story balconies into swimming pools, surprised that we would have any hesitation in following after him."pg 24....WHAT?! And then I sat and thought about it...yes, it is true. God wants us to leap. He wants us to trust Him with everything, knowing that He has our best interest at heart. "Being God's friend--especially when He asks us to put down our prepared script and jump into His live-action movie--is both terrifying and exhilarating."pg 24 This I can attest to...lol

Okay, so seriously, even though I have not been able to read the whole book, I'm looking forward to it and really think it would be perfect for the homeschool mom who has "lost" herself in the journey of being mom. We need nourished as well, a malnourished mom can't nourish her children/husband!!! This book gives practical tips on how to nourish yourself without feeling like a self-absorbed person. It is NOT selfish to take care of yourself. It is needed.


"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.”

Giveaway Time
We will be giving away a copy of this book!

1. Leave a comment. This can be done daily.
2. Post about the giveaway on your Facebook or Twitter, please do this one, I would really appreciate it. I will give you 5 entries if you do this one, just post the link in a separate comment.
3. Sign up for my RSS feed to hear about other giveaways and other stuff when I find time to post, leave me a comment letting me know that you did, or if you already are signed up.

Please be sure to leave a comment below, otherwise I will not know you have shared my blog etc.

I will draw the blessed winner on Feb 14th.

Review & Giveaway: Roadmap Genesis

Roadmap Genesis is a film documentary that makes the case that the Book of Genesis is a roadmap containing guideposts on how to live a productive, fruitful, and fulfilling life that will help our society lift itself out of its current decline and return it to prosperity, promise, and accomplishment.
When Filmmaker Nolan Lebovitz found himself at a crossroads in his life, he knew he had to choose between continuing to make the Hollywood suspense thrillers that were his livelihood and trying to make the world a better place for his new young family. After much struggle, he found his answer in the Book of Genesis.
He decided to combine his love of the Book of Genesis with his passion for filmmaking and set out to travel the United States, interviewing clergy and public figures in order to build an undeniable argument about the continued importance of the Book of Genesis as guiding force in our Judeo-Christian country.

Roadmap Genesis invites Americans of all faiths to engage in a dialogue about the relevance of the Bible in the modern age. Through interviews ranging from Gov. Mike Huckabee of Fox News Channel to Rabbi David Wolpe, from Alan Dershowitz to the Archbishop of Chicago Cardinal Francis George, from Erick Stakelbeck of the Christian Broadcasting Network to Ken Ham of Answers in Genesis and the Creation Museum, and many, many more, Nolan explores the rules that God has set forth to help us maintain a successful and working society.



Official WEBPAGE

Official FACEBOOK

Official TWITTER

Jamie (my husband), Silas (my 13 yr old son) and I watched this together the other night. We all laughed during the quick "Star Wars" like beginning with the music and everything...lol
Jamie and I really appreciated a lot of what Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer, PHD had to say. I can't think of any quotes off the top of my head, however when ever he came on screen we sat up and listened much more closely! lol
Another girl said it well, "What God intended for the world to be, is in that book (Genesis)."

In the filmmaker's opinion Genesis teaches us:
-how to fix our economy
-how to build a family
-how to speak to one another
-how to combat racism
-how to plan for the future

Silas enjoyed hearing the various opinions shared in this documentary and some of the answers to the question posed to random people on the street had him shaking his head...the question posed was "When you hear the word Genesis, what is the first thing that comes to mind?" It opened his eyes to the depravity of the lost...it made more sense to him, why there is so much evil in the world. People have forgotten where they come from, and the problems in this world will not be solved until the Creator is acknowledged and His roadmap followed.


"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.”

Giveaway Time
We will be giving away a copy of this DVD!

1. Leave a comment. This can be done daily.
2. Post about the giveaway on your Facebook or Twitter, please do this one, I would really appreciate it. I will give you 5 entries if you do this one, just post the link in a separate comment.
3. Sign up for my RSS feed to hear about other giveaways and other stuff when I find time to post, leave me a comment letting me know that you did, or if you already are signed up.

Please be sure to leave a comment below, otherwise I will not know you have shared my blog etc.

I will draw the blessed winner on Feb 15th.

Review & Giveaway: Team Us

About the book:
176 pages / Forward by Dr. Gary Chapman (author of 5 Love Languages)
What are you agreeing to when you say “I do”? When a couple promises “I do,” they agree to more than just a shared last name, a joint bank account, and no more dateless nights. This husband and wife duo forms a new team. “Life together” becomes their mantra. Nothing can come between them. At least, that’s the plan. But then real life sets in. With it come disappointments and frustrations. If the couple isn’t intentional in their day-to-day interactions, that once enthusiastic “we” can slowly revert to “you” and “me.” Before long, the couple’s left wondering what happened to their team spirit.

Team Us: Marriage Together offers couples practical ways to cultivate and strengthen unity in their marriages. Author Ashleigh Slater shares from her own marriage as she presents couples with realistic ideas on how to foster cooperation, deepen commitment, and exercise grace on a daily basis.
“Finishing your marriage story well is definitely within your reach, no matter what your history tells you.”

Check out the book trailer HERE & hear from Ashleigh Slater HERE.

Check out Ashleigh’s blog HERE

Check out the official website HERE (you can read an excerpt here to see if you’d like it!)

I have to say, I really am enjoying this book. Jamie and I are reading it together, he read the first few chapters over the phone to me, now I am reading the next few to him while he's visiting us. We love her sense of humor and the input from Ashleigh's husband Ted in the "Ted says" bubbles. They don't paint a picture perfect marriage, they paint a picture of reality and offer tips encouraging couples to team up the way God intended us to. Our favorite chapter so far is "Grace like Sweeping", being Canadian, curling is a sport that everyone is familiar with...so we thoroughly enjoyed her analogy of marriage being a bit like curling. If you need some encouragement and pointers (who doesn't?!) then I highly recommend this book!! And here is a chance to win a copy of the book!!!



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

Giveaway Time
We will be giving away a copy of this book!

1. Leave a comment. This can be done daily.
2. Post about the giveaway on your Facebook or Twitter, please do this one, I would really appreciate it. I will give you 5 entries if you do this one, just post the link in a separate comment.
3. Sign up for my RSS feed to hear about other giveaways and other stuff when I find time to post, leave me a comment letting me know that you did, or if you already are signed up.

Please be sure to leave a comment below, otherwise I will not know you have shared my blog etc.

I will draw the blessed winner on Feb 15th.

Winner of A Love Letter from God

congrats LaDonna!!! I'll contact you for your info so I can get this to you asap!

Review & Giveaway: A Love Letter From God

About the book:
Author P.K. Hallinan
Illustrator: Laura Watson

In this story, the author supposes what God might say in a personal letter written to a child. The unconditional and unlimited nature of God's love is revealed through simple and lyrical language. Rich and textured illustrations,

along with heart-shaped die-cuts, will make this uplifting book a family favorite. It is a great message for little ones on Valentine’s Day, or for everyday inspiration. Love Letter from God will remind children of God’s eternal

love and how He demonstrates that love through everyday miracles and by the wonder of His presence. Thanks to the colorful and touching illustrations of Laura Watson,

children will also learn how to appreciate their own individuality and how to use their unique gifts to be a blessing to others.

About the author:

P. K. Hallinan has been creating books for children since his wife first asked him to write for their two boys more than 30 years ago. Today Hallinan writes uplifting stories about holidays, relationships, and life values. “When I started this project, I felt that God told me to ‘Just let children know how much I love them.’ So I asked Him to speak the words Himself, through my heart, and I would put them to paper. And I believe He did this. This book’s message reinforces the presence of God in a child’s life by showing how God manifests Himself at every moment of every day,” said Hallinan.
Click here for the official website!

We enjoyed this book, my 5 yr old especially. He listens quietly (a very rare thing) as I read to him how much Yahweh loves him, just as he is. I find that even as I finish reading it to him I feel quite uplifted as well and it boosts my own spirits. We all need to know Yahweh loves us and this book is definitely a great way to get that message across!!

I'm so happy that I get to give away a copy of this book!!! I can think of many little ones and their parents who would benefit greatly from it! Go on, leave a comment and enter the 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.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Giveaway Time
We will be giving away a copy of this book!

1. Leave a comment. This can be done daily.
2. Post about the giveaway on your Facebook or Twitter, please do this one, I would really appreciate it. I will give you 5 entries if you do this one, just post the link in a separate comment.
3. Sign up for my RSS feed to hear about other giveaways and other stuff when I find time to post, leave me a comment letting me know that you did, or if you already are signed up.

Please be sure to leave a comment below, otherwise I will not know you have shared my blog etc.

I will draw the blessed winner on Jan 17th.

Winner of Wisdomantics dvd game!!!

congrats Johannah! I will be in contact with you in order to mail it out to you!