Review and Discount: 8 Simple Tools for Raising Great Kids

To make this book practical for busy parents, I have broken each of the eight tools into 5 brief chapters. No matter how busy you are, you can read a few pages at a time. Each chapter ends with a practical tip that will help you remember the main point of that chapter and a follow-up thought or action to consider that you can put into practice that very day.

I have written five parenting books (faith based), which you can learn more about on the Books page. I have presented many parenting workshops at mom’s conferences (Hearts at Home, MOPS International), MOPS groups, churches, and schools, which you can read about on the Workshop page. I have also recently developed a skill-building game for kids called The Flexible Thinking Game.

In my free time, I enjoy doing anything with my wife, spending time with my boys whenever possible, reading, running, and playing jazz piano any chance I get. My Christian faith is an important part of my life and thinking, and I am continually thankful for God’s grace, of which I am an undeserving recipient.

My review: WOW, this couldn't have come at a better time! Just when spring fever hits and the kids somehow translates this into meaning that no school needs to get done and listening to mom is not really high on their priority list! I needed the tips and tools presented in this book! Just like we have very handy kitchen tools that make our jobs easier in the kitchen, this book is full of the tools that make parenting easier! I will share the tools but you will want to buy the book to learn how to use them!
Curious to see how YOUR parenting measures up? Check out this assessment and you will see your strengths and how effective you currently are.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**


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Discount code good for 50% off retail price when purchased at moodypublishers.com
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Effective April 15th through May 15th.

Free access to the HEARTS AT HOME "ESSENTIAL WORKSHOP COLLECTION FOR PARENTS" with every purchase: http://www.8simpletools.com/purchase-with-offer (so you not only get 50% off with the coupon code at moodypublishers.com, but also get access to a slew of freebies).

Review & Giveaway: Under the Sea Holy Bible

The Under the Sea Holy Bible, NIrV is a perfect gift for children ages 6 to 10. Themes of underwater fun and sparkling fish grace the interior of this wonderful children’s Bible. The outside is covered in foil and sparkle. The interior has color inserts featuring whimsical underwater scenes with themes of God’s care and love for each of us and all of creation.

My Review: My 7 yr old was so excited when this came in the mail! He had been asking for a Bible of his own and his very playful personality was tickled that he would be the recipient of such an exciting looking Bible! The pictures inside are fun and captivating but like with most children's Bibles, the words on those fun pages are not just watered down but actually share thoughts that contradict the Bible itself! We will be explaining to my son the difference between God's written word and man's added thoughts and we will certainly make sure he knows what the 10 Commandments really say and not the indoctrinated version presented on the fun page added to the Bible. While making it easier to understand some of the Commandments, the author completely twisted the 4th commandment altogether and I just had to state that and get it off my chest. Exodus 20 clearly states WHICH day of the week is the Sabbath day...we mere humans do not get the luxury to pick which day that is, even though this Bible version's commentary tells us that we can.

It's a fun looking Bible and I may just tear our the commentary parts (only 3 pages) but all in all I think it's pretty good. It has a little dictionary at the back, as well as a list of all the famous Bible stories and where to find them. A great beginning Bible for my 7 yr old to start reading with!

Giveaway instructions are at the bottom!


Learn More: http://www.zondervan.com/under-the-sea-holy-bible-nirv

Buy Now at these major retailers:

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/under-the-sea-holy-bible-nirv-zondervan/1122293380?ean=9780310754046
Walmart: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sea-Holy-Bible-Nirv/48452341
Family Christian Stores: http://www.familychristian.com/catalog/product/view/id/361924/

"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.”

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 April 10th.

Review and Giveaway: The Mustard Seed

The story of The Mustard Seed begins with Sara, a ten-year-old girl in a small country town, who startles her family when she inexplicably begins to heal others afflicted with fatal conditions, making her overnight an unlikely media celebrity. As if that weren’t enough, she insists all the while that the healing was done not by her but by Jesus, whom she sees walking on a lake!

But was she really alone in seeing Jesus?

As the story unfolds, Sara’s life takes an unexpected twist that bewilders her entire community.

Besides being a compelling read, Sara’s story makes for an exhilarating spiritual experience.

My review:
I quite enjoyed this book! It was an easy book to read and I certainly did NOT want to put it down! It was really quite gripping, and very easy to relate to the characters. I was thankful I was reading the ebook late at night all by myself as I had tears streaming down my face at different times. It was also nice to see a book that showed the simplicity that Jesus wants His followers to have. We adults tend to overthink everything and over complicate life, yet Scripture says that we need to have the faith of a child. Simple and trusting.
I would recommend this book to anyone of any faith background. Even though I did not see eye to eye with the authors choice of doctrine, it was still a very encouraging read.

If you would like to win a copy of this ebook, see the directions below to enter the contest!

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 30th.

Review & Giveaway: Jesus Today: Devotions for Kids

About Jesus Today: Devotions for Kids
Jesus is the Friend who is always with you. Jesus Today: Devotions for Kids will pour this powerful truth into your children's hearts as they learn that He knows everything about them and loves them more than they can imagine. Each devotion is based on Scripture and is written as though Jesus is speaking directly to you, assuring that He is in control, that He is good, and that an amazing future awaits all who put their hope in Him. Adapted from the ECPA 2013 Christian Book of the Year-winner Jesus Today, this devotional has the same themes as the adult version, as well as written-out scriptures. It is a great choice for families to read and discuss during devotional time together.

Hardcover: 368 pages
Age Range: 6-10 years

About Sarah Young:
Sarah Young's devotional writings are personal reflections from her daily quiet time of Bible reading, praying and writing in prayer journals. With sales of more than 14 million books worldwide, Jesus Calling has appeared on all major bestseller lists. Sarah's writings include Jesus Calling, Jesus Today, Jesus Lives, Dear Jesus, Jesus Calling for Little Ones, Jesus Calling Bible Storybook, Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids, and Peace in His Presence -- each encouraging readers in their journey toward intimacy with Christ. Sarah and her husband were missionaries in Japan and Australia for many years. They currently live in the United States.

SOCIAL*CORNER

Official Website
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My Review:
we have enjoyed reading these during our devotions, a nice change from our regular routine of Bible reading. I love that there are verses taken from both the Old and New Testament...so often these days the focus is on the New Testament and Tanakh is forgotten! We will continue to enjoy reading this book morning and evening!

Enter now to win your 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.”

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 10th for a copy of the book Jesus Today: Devotions for Kids

Review & Giveaway: Captive

About the movie:
Based on a miraculous story about the power of faith, Captive is an "amazing, inspiring" drama about the spiritual collision of two lost souls, Brian Nichols (Golden Globe Nominee David Oyelowo), on the run from police and desperate to make contact with his newborn son, takes recently widowed mother Ashley Smith (Kata Mara) hostage in her own apartment. Fearing for her life and desperately hoping to see her daughter again, she turns to Rick Warren's The Purpose Driven Life for guidance. Ashley and her captor face a crossroads where they discover hope and light in the midst of despair in the moving film that Dick Rolfe, CEO, Dove Foundation hailed as "powerful."

DVD Release Date: January 5, 2016
Runtime: 96 minutes
Rating: PG-13 (for mature thematic elements involving violence and substance abuse)

There are over 30 minutes of bonus content on this DVD including Journey Through Darkness: Filming Captive and Faith and The Purpose Driven Life. Also included with this DVD is a Digital HD copy that can be instantly streamed and downloaded.



Official website
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My husband and I enjoyed this movie, and will probably allow our 14 yr old son to watch it. Love the story of hope it offers and pray that many others that watch it, will feel the hope that is found in a relationship with Yeshua(Hebrew name for Jesus). I absolutely love movies based on true events and this is one that I am proud to have on my shelf and would quickly recommend. It gives a very real look at how hard it is to break addictions when you are on your own, even if you DO have a family member around that you want to be a better person for. Like I said, a movie filled with hope... It is so hard to find good movies these days! Enter now to win your 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.”

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 31st for a copy of the DVD Captive.

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}