Review & Giveaway: Say & Pray Devotions

Author: Diane Stortz is an author and former editorial director whose heart’s desire is to “tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord” (Psalm 78:4). Diane’s books include Words to Dream On, The Sweetest Story Bible, I Am, Say & Pray Bible, and A Woman’s Guide to Reading the Bible in a Year. Diane and her husband reside in Cincinnati, Ohio, and have two married daughters. Diane enjoys walking, gardening, and visiting her four young grandsons.

About the book: Bestselling children’s author Diane Stortz has sold nearly 300,000 books—Bible storybooks, devotionals for children, and more. This brand-new title, Say & Pray Devotions, is the perfect beginner devotional for little ones.
Parents who already know and love the Say & Pray Bible will love Say & Pray Devotions as it helps their youngsters continue to engage their faith in a personal way. Featuring the same fun style of artwork and the educational elements as Say & Pray Bible, this devotional for little ones will teach the basics of identification and comprehension while sharing biblical principles for life. Each devotion offers a topical message to help little ones learn and follow biblical principles.

My Review: The cover of the book is very much what you find on the inside! A perfect book for toddlers, with it's cardboard pages and short sentences. Each devotion is 2 pages, the first page says something about God's World and the second page is a short Scripture verse and prayer that relate to the previous page! The verses are short enough for our speaking toddlers to memorize! We are never too young to hide His Word in our hearts!

For more information on the book, you can check out the official website: http://store.faithgateway.com/say-pray-devotions

To enter the giveaway to win your very own copy of this book, all you need to do is leave a comment! I will draw the winner on Nov 18th.

“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."

Review & Giveaway: Parenting, 14 Gospel Principles

In the midst of folding laundry, coordinating carpool schedules, and breaking up fights, many parents get lost. Feeling pressure to do everything “right” and raise up “good” children, it’s easy to lose sight of our ultimate purpose as parents in the quest for practical tips and guaranteed formulas.

In this life-giving book, Paul Tripp offers parents much more than a to-do list. Instead, he presents us with a big-picture view of God’s plan for us as parents. Outlining fourteen foundational principles centered on the gospel, he shows that we need more than the latest parenting strategy or list of techniques. Rather, we need the rescuing grace of God—grace that has the power to shape how we view everything we do as parents.

Freed from the burden of trying to manufacture life-change in our children’s hearts, we can embrace a grand perspective of parenting overflowing with vision, purpose, and joy.

To read an excerpt or hear part of the audio book, or to watch 14 very short videos on each of the Gospel Principles, visit Parenting, where you will also find purchase options as well.

My Review: My attention was first completely grabbed when I read a very controversial statement about people in ministry who have children. It is not often that people share my viewpoint on this very topic, and the author shared my own feelings so very concisely...I fell in love with this book on page 27. A little further on Paul makes a very good statement and ends with an important question, "So if zeal for ministry causes me to be less than faithful to my calling as a parent in the way that I manage my time and energy, I am seeking to get something out of my ministry that I am not supposed to get. Do ministry decisions and commitments make it hard for you to faithfully do your work as a parent?"
When I volunteered with the Seniors for 2 yrs, I had to stop because it became more important to me than taking care of my own family...I loved the recognition and the appreciation I received from them. I felt like I had purpose, a reason to get up in the morning. I look back and realize how very sad that is. My children are worth my efforts, even if I get no recognition or appreciation. I will get that from my Father later, and how much better will it be then!

Hear, O Israel; The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Deut. 6:4-9)
When your son asks you in time to come, "What is the meaning of the testimonies and the statutes and the rules that the LORD our God has commanded you?" then you shall say to your son, "We were Pharaoh's slaves in Egypt. And the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. And the LORD showed signs and wonders, great and grievous, against Egypt and against Pharaoh and all his household, before our eyes. And he brought us out from there, that he might bring us in abd give us the land that he swore to give our fathers." (Deut. 6:20-23)
There's the value that God places on parenting, summarized in a couple brief, but profound paragraphs.

This is not a book that gives you a formula for how to treat certain behaviors, but a book that will change your view on parenting. It gives you a big picture parenting worldview, it teaches you the difference between ownership and ambassadorial parenting. I wish I could buy a case or two and give this book away to every parent I meet...it is that life changing.

Leave a comment below to enter the giveaway!! I will draw the winner on Nov 4th at noon.

“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.

Review & Giveaway: The Biggest Story

About: Once upon a time there lived a man and a woman. They were the happiest people on the planet. True, they were the only people on the planet, but they were still terrifically happy. Unfortunately, things didn’t stay happy and wonderful for long . . .The Bible is full of exciting stories that fill children with awe and wonder. But kids need to know how all those classic stories connect to Scripture’s overarching message about God’s glorious plan to redeem his rebellious people.

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

I must say I really like the artwork in this short film. It gives the basic message of Christianity in under 30 minutes and is great for ages 5-8. I did not have my children watch it as it is not completely Scriptural in it's doctrine but it is definitely a great starting point to introduce kids to the message of the Messiah. It is broken down into 10 chapters if you want to use the individual stories as a starting point for a Sunday School lesson etc. There is a DVD, Audio CD and a Hardcover version of this story available, however only the DVD and audio cd are included in the giveaway.

For more information on the DVD check it out here

The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden from Crossway on Vimeo.

If you are interested in winning a copy of this short film and audio cd, please leave a comment below.

"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.”

Review & Giveaway: All Things Bright and Beautiful

About the book:
First published by Cecil Frances Alexander in 1848, this favorite hymn has become a mainstay of churches and Sunday school classes everywhere. Here artist Katy Hudson brings new joy to the words with her fresh and bright watercolor style. Readers can join in the fun as they follow two little girls and their brother on a day filled with the discovery of “all things bright and beautiful.”

About the artist:
Katy Hudson was raised in Middlesbrough, England, and started her career as a small child drawing on freshly painted walls. Her parents quickly encouraged drawing with pencil and paper instead. The idea stuck, and after earning a degree in illustration, Katy is now a freelance illustrator. Katy works at a desk in a studio within Old London Library and likes to tap dance in her spare time.
You can follow Katy's work on Facebook

Specs:
Jacketed hardcover
Page count: 32
Reading age: 4-7
Category: juvenile fiction/Christian
Retail price: $15.99

We enjoyed this book, it is a favorite hymn of mine and it was a blessing to be able to share this beautifully illustrated hymn with my 7 year old. After reading it to him, I sang it and pointed to the words. Next up is learning it on the piano! Already, as I sing it in my head, I see the beautiful illustrations.

For your chance to win your very own copy, follow the directions below!


"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.”

All you need to do in order to enter the giveaway, is leave a comment!
The winner will be drawn on July 30th.

Review & Giveaway: The Life We Never Expected

ABOUT THE BOOK:
What do you do when hard or painful circumstances turn your world upside down, resulting in a life you never expected? Andrew and Rachel Wilson grappled with this question after both of their children were diagnosed with regressive autism. Refreshingly honest, this book explores the highs and lows of raising children with specials needs, reflecting on the broader question of how to cope with suffering of all kinds. Sharing personal stories from their lives and encouragement rooted in the truth of God’s Word, Andrew and Rachel highlight lessons they’ve learned related to fighting for joy and thriving in the midst of trials—ultimately pointing readers to Christ, the One who promises to make all things new.

About the Author:
Andrew and Rachel Wilson are the authors of The Life We Never Expected: Hopeful Reflections on the Challenges of Parenting Children with Special Needs and have two children, Zeke and Anna. Andrew is the teaching pastor at King's Church London and a columnist for Christianity Today.

To buy this book now, click HERE.

My Review:
While I don't have severely challenging children, I do have a child with mild behavioral issues. Thankfully, those issues get incredibly better if gluten is avoided and I am able to stay on top of redirecting him from potential meltdowns. Andrew and Rachel have broken down each chapter with the subcategories: weeping, worshiping, waiting, witnessing and breathe.
A quote that speaks volumes to me,

"The greatest enemy to gratitude is a sense of entitlement. The moment you think that you are hard done by and deserve more, then you can wave goodbye to thankfulness. However, circumstances of sickness, death, or disappointment can lend themselves to a sense of entitlement like no other, and so cultivating gratitude and contentment in "all circumstances" can be a stiff challenge in a storm of suffering...I have already received from God way more than I deserve...Anything better than hell is a bonus, a radical bonus of grace from God to me. My eternal salvation, every sunrise, every family member, every friend, every mouthful of food, every article of clothing-it's all fair and square in the I-never-deserved-it-anyway category...Yep, I am a grateful man before, during and after the storm." PJ Smyth

And this goes for the general population, not just those who are in the middle of the struggle of life with special needs children!!!

"By choosing to celebrate how much I have and deciding to remind myself how little I deserve, I can sever the root of bitterness and give thankfulness the soil it needs in order to flourish, both at the same time. "Give thanks in all circumstances." 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Good call."

Another quote that is powerful,

"My first job every morning is to get happy with God, because until I am, I am no use to anyone."

I enjoyed reading this book and appreciate the authors for giving me a glimpse into their lives, the hard parts, the funny parts, the sad parts and the parts that show that they, as parents, are overcomers and they are allowing God to change them during this challenging life situation that has no end in sight. They helped me realize that it is GOOD and NORMAL to need to grieve a diagnosis like autism, but don't stay there. Allow God to work in you and to change you for the better. Seek HIM first, even if you never get the WHY questions answered.

If you have a child who is special needs, then you will more than likely enjoy this book and will want to enter the giveaway for a free copy!!! See below to find out how....


"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.

2. Post about the giveaway on your Facebook or Twitter.

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 are already 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 July 15th.

Review & Giveway: Would a Worm go on a Walk

About the book:
“Would a worm go on a walk, if you could lead him down the street? / Would he wear his tiny tennies, if he had two worm-sized feet?”
So begins this humorous and imaginative picture book that introduces children to the idea that animals are uniquely created by a loving and wise God. Would a Worm Go on a Walk?, with its colorful, comical illustrations, is a fresh, fun way to teach young children that God created all things very good. He gave all the animals, and children, too, wonderful qualities and unique strengths. Children will giggle over the ridiculous scenarios presented, and they will come away with the knowledge that we all are loved and special.

Format: Jacketed hardcover
Page count: 32
Reading age: 4-7

About the author:
Hannah C. Hall is the author of best-selling children’s books, including God Bless You and Good Night and God Bless Our Christmas, as well as an award-winning blog, HannahCHall.com. Hannah lives in Prairie Grove, AK with her husband, Josh, a worship pastor, and their four children.

A very cute book, that asks silly questions (only silly to adults) about the normal habits of various animals and at the end shares the idea that all animals have a very special purpose, just like each of us has a very special purpose and we are not the same as everyone else. My kids enjoyed this book, they are 7 and 10 and it is so good for them to hear the true message of the story over and over. That we are all different and that everyone is important. It's a great book to introduce the idea of the body of Messiah and each of us having a different roll, but no one is "better" than the other. Great book for the younger set. I would make a point to look for Mrs. Hall's books!!!

For more on Hannah's books check out this page.

To win your very own copy of this 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 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.

2. Post about the giveaway on your Facebook or Twitter.

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 are already 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 July 8th.

Review & Giveaway: Unashamed

It was my utmost joy to be able to take part in reviewing this book! Some self-help books I can totally relate to and others not so much, but this one...WOW! Exactly what I needed to read and learn at this time in my life. Each chapter has a few questions to ponder and discuss if using this book in a group format, which I think is a great idea!! She talks about the various forms of shame, body shame, social shame, performance shame and shame in marriage as well as the difference between shame and guilt. She also talked about shame-free parenting!! I would love for every Believer to get a hold of this book, it is eyeopening, powerful and full of hope for freedom. Continue reading to enter the giveaway! From the back of the book...

SHAME IS EVERYWHERE
Whether it's related to relationships, body image, work difficulties, or a secret sin, we all experience shame at some point in our lives. While shame can manifest itself in different ways-fear, regret, or anger-it ultimately points us to our most fundamental need as human beings: redemption.

Shame never disappears in solitude, and Heather Davis Nelson invites us to not only be healed of our own shame but also be a part of healing for others. She shines the life-giving light of the gospel on the things that leave us feeling worthless and rejected, giving us courage to walk out of shame's shadows and offering hope for our brokenness. Through the gospel, we discover the only real and lasting antidote to shame: exchanging our shame for the righteousness of Christ alongside others on this same journey.

About the book: Unashamed: Healing Our Brokenness and Finding Freedom from Shame offers hope to those struggling under the burden of shame. This book shines the life-giving light of the gospel on the things that leave us feeling worthless and rejected, directing our attention to the God who promises to forgive and restore us—no matter what.

About the author: Heather Davis Nelson (MA, Westminster Theological Seminary) is a writer, counselor, and speaker. Heather writes regularly at HeatherDavisNelson.com and has been a featured writer at the Gospel Coalition, as well as a contributing author to the Journal of Biblical Counseling. She and her husband are parents to twin daughters and live in southeastern Virginia.

"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.”

To enter the Giveaway:
1. Leave a comment.

2. Post about the giveaway on your Facebook or Twitter.

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 are already 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 July 8th.