Wonderfully Made Giveaway!

 A few days ago we received an awesome new book to review. Wonderfully Made: God's Story of Life from Conception to Birth is a brand new book by Danika Cooley. The book begins with conception, and then progresses through the pregnancy week, by week, presenting, in simple language, how the baby is growing and developing, preparing for birth.

This would be an ideal book for any family preparing to welcome a new baby into their family. While we aren't planning to have any more babies in our family, we ARE excitedly awaiting the arrival of some new babies into our church family, so Little Bit is enjoying learning about how those babies are growing.

While you wait for my full review of the book, coming soon! I want to tell you about an amazing giveaway you can enter to win your own copy of the book and so much more!

GIVEAWAY

To celebrate the release of Wonderfully Made: God's Story of Life from Conception to Birth by Danika Cooley, I am hosting a wonderful giveaway with the rest of the launch team. The giveaway includes a hardcover copy of the book, along with several other books and products your family is sure to enjoy. The total value of the giveaway is nearly $600! Here is what you could win: 

Wonderfully Made: God’s Story of Life from Conception to Birth by Danika Cooley – hardcover $9.99 value

Wonderfully made is an excellent book that introduces a young child to the wonder of God's creation - the wonder and miracle of birth. From conception in the womb through the nine months within the mother's womb Danika Cooley takes us on a journey of discovery... the discovery of life. "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb." Psalm 139:13

Touch of Life First Trimester Fetal Models $89.95 value

Sculpted from real-life photos, these four fetal models representing weeks 7, 8, 9, and 10 after conception have a personality of their own, and the life-like feel of the skin brings home the humanity of the preborn baby in its first trimester of life. Accurately portrayed thanks to medical descriptions and photos, these little samples of life are a great educational tool for helping to understand the wonder of the early stages of human development.

Bible Road Trip Year One Curriculum (includes Lower and Upper Grammar Notebooking Journals $60 value

The Bible Road Trip Year One Curriculum is a 463-page digital PDF download of the full Bible Road Trip Year One curriculum for all five levels, preschool through high school. The Bible Road Trip Year One Curriculum includes the Parent / Teacher Guide and 32 weeks of curriculum schedules for all grades.

$100 Amazon Gift Card $100 value

Enjoy shopping amazon.com with a gift of $100 + an adorable bookmark.

Big Bible Science: Experiment and Explore God’s World by Erin Lee Green (Ages 5-11) $12.99 value

Big Bible Science helps children and those who teach them to explore God's World and God's Word through real live science experiments. There are twenty-one different units taking students through scientific concepts such as Gravity, Friction, Animal Classification and the Nervous System. 

My 1st Books and More by Carine MacKenzie and Philip Ross (ages 4-7) $15.99 value   

Who is God? What does he do? Can I know Jesus? Why did he die? Children always have questions about God. They want to know what it means to be a Christian and who Jesus is. My 1st Books and More gives a year's worth and more of bible readings, devotions and memory verses.

Living Water in the Desert: True Stories of God at Work in Iran by Rebecca Davis  $8.99 value

One man was overcome by the missionary's kindness. Another was stopped by a vision of men in blue.  One became sick and tired of his own religion. Another saw a man named Jesus in a dream, coming to him on a donkey.  A girl found a strange book on the floor of the library and visited a secret prayer meeting. All of them eventually came to Jesus Christ for His full and free salvation, becoming missionaries to their own people. Seventeen chapters tell true stories of the Living Water pouring out on the country of Iran, even up to the present day.

Lights in a Dark Place: True Stories of God at Work in Colombia by Rebecca Davis (ages 7-12)  $8.99 value

Colombia has been known as a land of violence, but God is at work! Even though the Colombian people have reacted with violence to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, God has delivered people from burning houses . . . God has healed ones who cursed . . . God has given people dreams and visions . . . God has rescued kidnapers . . . God has conquered demons of darkness. Read fourteen true stories of the Light of the World shining in the land of Colombia, South America.

Jungle Doctor’s Monkey Tales by Paul White $8.99 value

The wisdom of monkeys is proverbially small. They never could remember not to get too near to the hind feet of zebra, nor to throw coconuts at Chewi the leopard, nor to look into the eyes of snakes. Luckily for his little nephews, Uncle Nyani, the only survivor of a family of seven, is always near at hand to tell them how they can live to be as old as he is!

Jungle Doctor’s Tug-of-War by Paul White (ages 5-11) $8.99 value 

Even by monkey standards, young Toto is pretty dim! Those baddies of the jungle, Crunch the Crocodile, Mbisi the Hyena, Slinki the Jackal, Vibi the Vulture and Gnark the crow look as though they are going to have an easy time finishing him off. However, Toto soon finds himself in the middle of a tug-of-war, for his real friends, Elephant, Giraffe, Parrot and Hornbill are determined to rescue him from the clutches of the jungle underworld.

The Bible’s Big Story: Salvation History for Kids by James M. Hamilton Jr. $4.99 

With easily remembered rhymes and Bible verses take your child through the span of Salvation History from Creation to the Fall, the Flood to the Exodus, the Exile to the Crucifixion and beyond... James M. Hamilton writes about real history, God's Salvation History, and our future.

Notebooking Pages Lifetime Membership $97

1000s of topical pages, themes, and designs . . . Perfect for any subject or study A to Z! Art Study ♦ Copywork ♦ Character Study ♦ Famous Men & Women ♦ Geography (state/country studies, continental, world maps) ♦ History of the Ancient World, Medieval, Renaissance, Reformation, and Modern Times ♦ Music Study ♦ Nature Study ♦ Science ♦ Timelines ♦ and more!

Mom's Toolbelt Lifetime Membership $24.95

A customizable home management planner for every area of your life that craves order.

Hal and Melanie Young: Mom & Dad Special: Raising Real Men (book + audiobook) plus a free registration to both Boot Camp 9-12 AND Boyhood Boot Camp. $101 value

If this is God’s chosen gift to us, then why does it seem so hard? How can we prepare these boys to serve God when we can barely make it through the day? Isn’t there a better way? The answer is yes.

When You Lie Down: Lullabies and Scripture Songs CD $12.97 value

These twelve songs remind us that true rest, comfort and hope come from God alone. This music is an awesome way to experience God’s Word with your baby, kids and family. You will discover that this album will be a powerful addition to use in your personal time with God.

Seeds Onesie- Psalm 139:13-14  $14.97 value

Seeds Family Worship Onesie featuring Psalm 139:13-14 on the front with a small Seeds logo on the back.

Cultivating Responsibility: Parenting Wisdom for Ages 9-12 by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN $14.99 value

The later elementary age years are among the greatest times to build responsibility in children. Heart transformation takes place when parents use other tools than behavior modification.

Elementary Foundations: Parenting Wisdom for Ages 5-8by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN $14.99 value

Many new things happen during the ages of 5-8. Children start school, develop significant friendships, learn to think abstractly instead of just concretely, and have a greater ability to draw close to God. Parenting during this stage produces a number of challenges and opportunities so you'll want to be prepared.

To enter the giveaway, use the Rafflecopter below. Giveaway open to residents of the U.S. and Canada, age 18 and older. Giveaway will end on Wednesday, April 20 at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be announced at the Wonderfully Made Facebook Release Party (winner does not have to be present to win, but we hope you'll be there!)

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You're Invited!

Join us for the Wonderfully Made Facebook Release Party on Thursday, April 21. We'll have even more giveaways and freebies, too! The party begins at 9pm EST, and you can RSVP on the event page Please RSVP!

 

Reformation Day GIVEAWAY!

October 31 commemorates what has become known as "Reformation Day." Martin Luther’s nailing of his ninety-five theses to a church door on October 31, 1517 in Wittenburg, Germany, provoked a debate that resulted in what we now call the Protestant Reformation. As the “Father of the Reformation”, Martin Luther is a vital figure in Church history. His sacrifice and willingness to wage battle against the spiritual, religious, and political powers of his medieval world allowed Christians throughout time to embrace the truth of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone as explained by Scripture alone. Author Danika Cooley has written Luther's story for young people in her new book, When Lightning Struck!: The Story of Martin Luther.

To celebrate Reformation Day and the release of When Lightning Struck!: The Story of Martin Luther, I've joined together with a team of blogger friends to host this wonderful giveaway, valued at over $500! One person will win ALL of the following: $100 Amazon Gift Card Fire 7-inch Tablet, WiFi 8GB ($49.99)  When Lightning Struck!: The Story of Martin Luther (hardcover $16.99) From WiseDecor.com, a $50 Gift Certificate From Nuremberg Tourist Board, a Playmobil Martin Luther figure ($9.99) From Thinking Kids Press, a curriculum bundle from When Lightning Struck! author, Danika Cooley:

• Cobblestone Path Church History Research Journal: The Reformation Age (digital $20)
• Bible Road Trip Year Three Curriculum and all 3 Notebooking Journals (digital $80)

From Fortress Press, a book bundle by author, Tim Dowley:

1. Christian Music: A Global History  ($35)
2. Introduction to the History of Christianity: Second Edition ($55) 
3. The Student Bible Atlas: Revised Edition  ($12.99) 
4. Atlas of the European Reformations ($24)

From Home School Adventure Co.:

1. Philosophy Adventure: Pre-Socratics (digital $39.95)
2. Mere Christianity Critical Analysis Journal (digital $18.95)

To enter the giveaway, use the Rafflecopter below.

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Terms and Conditions:

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.  Void where prohibited by law. Must be at least 18 years of age. This giveaway is in no away associated with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest. No purchase necessary for entry. Odds are determined by the number of entries. Selected winners will have 48 hours to respond to email notification to claim their prizes or another winner will be drawn. Entry into this giveaway will subscribe you to the Thinking Kids Press email list. 

Book Review: The Biggest Story by Kevin DeYoung (and GIVEAWAY!!!!)

I love Bible stories, though I'm pretty picky about them. Too many kids' Bible stories add or leave out details, changing the story. When I was given the opportunity to review The Biggest Story by Kevin DeYoung, I was intrigued. . .

When I received the book, I was blown away. This is a GORGEOUS book! It just feels rich! The pictures are bright and eye-catching, and unexpected and . . . AMAZING. The book itself is big and has thick pages and a built-in ribbon bookmark. This is just plain a beautiful book!

When I began reading the book. I wasn't sure . . . I had assumed this was a picture book, for young children, and as such, it would be something I'd read to my six year old. But as I started into it . . . I don't think that would work. Obviously, others disagree, since the stated age range is 5-11, but I just don't think she'd "get it". . . this book FLIES through the main idea of the Bible, chronologically, focusing specifically on the things most key to understanding the plan of salvation, but it very much assumes that you know the stories it's mentioning briefly. I don't think she'd follow it yet.

So, instead, after I finished reading it, I handed it to my 12 year old, Lexie. Told her to read it and tell me what she thought. As she reading, she kept giggling, and reading excerpts to me that struck her as amusing (like the way it points out that so many people had more than one name). She had the same reaction I did, the pictures are really cool. It wouldn't work for little kids because they wouldn't know all the stories. I asked her how she felt about it for her age, and she said "it's funny, I like it. I don't think I learned anything." I didn't argue with her, but I wonder . . . sometimes I think reading  a "summary" level can help us see things differently. The humorous way this is written, the way it focuses so completely on how everything worked toward the ultimate "point of it all" . . . I think it CAN help us see things in a new way.

As I thought about it, I could see this book being a great option to use in a church class for tweens or teens. I think they'd enjoy the writing style, and, going through it, one chapter per week, it could be a good springboard for some great discussions.

It can also be a different "take" on things to read a a family at Christmas time or Easter time.

Overall, this is a beautiful book with a different approach to a well-known story. I'm thrilled to add it to my library!

If you'd like to add a copy to your library you can purchase it here, for $17.99 OR enter my giveaway to win a copy!

To enter, simply leave a comment on this blog post telling me how you'd use this book. Please make sure to include your e-mail address or another way to let you know if you're the winner.

For additional entries, share this giveaway on social media and come back and tell me where you shared it. Please leave a separate comment for each entry.

I will choose a winner at random on Friday, September 18. After I contact the winner he or she will have 48 hours to reply to me with a mailing address, or I will choose another winner.

"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.”

Review and GIVEWAY!!! Patterns of Evidence Exodus

I don't do many reviews these days, but when I was given the opportunity to review a brand new DVD, Patterns of Evidence Exodus, I had to say yes.  

In this documentary, filmmaker, Timothy Mahoney researches whether there is archaeological evidence for the Biblical account in Exodus. A couple years ago when we were studying ancient history, Ashlyn, Lexie and I watched, read, and listened to a variety of resources, about ancient Egypt, including some discussing the revised chronology that helps to better align archaeological evidence with the Biblical account. So I was interested to see if this video added any new insights. 

Considering the number of other resources we had looked at on this topic, no, I can't say that this video actually provided us with new information, however, it did a very good job of summarizing the information that we had gleaned from other resources and presenting it in a visually easy, or at least easier, to understand way. 

Things we liked: 

The video includes interviews with archaeologists who do not believe there is evidence for the exodus. It interviewed both Jewish and Christian scholars, some of whom don't believe that Exodus describes a literal historic event. I really liked that it provided "both sides" so to speak, yes, all from a Judeo-Christian worldview, but the video clearly showed that there is not consensus. 

Things we didn't like:

I can't really think of anything. Obviously, the target audience of this documentary is Judeo-Christians who are interested in seeing how archaeology supports the Bible. The "conclusion" of the documentary is that yes, there is evidence for Exodus.

If you're interested in learning more about how archaeology, ancient history and the biblical accounts all line up, this DVD is a great resource!

It will be released on August 4 and can be purchased here. 

Trailer:

A blog featuring interviews and articles is available here.

Facebook

Twitter: @PattofEvidence

And now, I have a copy of this DVD to GIVEAWAY to one of you!!! Please leave a comment on this blog post (not on facebook or twitter), if you are interested in winning this DVD. Make sure to include your e-mail address so that I can contact you. If I can't contact you, or don't hear back from the winner within 48 hours an alternate winner will be chosen. 

Giveaway ENDS on August 4, 2015 at 8pm EDT.

Please note the rules in the disclaimer 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. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Motivate Your Child Action Plan . . . GIVEAWAY!!!!!

 
You may remember, a few months ago, I reviewed Motivate Your Child, a great book from Biblical Parenting.

Now a companion workbook, the Motivate Your Child Action Plan is being released and I'm privileged to be able to review it too. I'm loving it so far, can't wait to share my review with you in a few weeks.  In the meantime . . .

To celebrate the release of Motivate Your Child Action Plan, we are joining other members of the Launch Team in a wonderful giveaway filled with an iPod Touch, $50 iTunes Gift Card and several biblical parenting products! A value of nearly $350! Here's what you could win: 

Apple iPod touch 16GB Black/Silver  ($195 value)  

• In the Box - iPod Touch, Apple EarPods, Lightning to USB cable, QuickStart guideFeatures
• Brilliant 4 Retina display with Multi-Touch IPS technology
• Front-Facing FaceTime camera with 1.2MP photos & 720p HD video recording.  
• iOS 6 features - Siri, Apple Designed Maps, Integrated Facebook, Shared Photo Streams, Passbook & more

iTunes Gift Card ($50 value)

 Because you'll need apps and music for that iPod Touch!

The Christian Parenting Handbook and Companion Guide ($56.95 value) 

The Christian Parenting Handbook contains nuggets of parenting wisdom condensed into 50 short chapters, each one biblical, practical, and relevant for parents of children ages 2-18. Learn appropriate ways to correct, instruct, and set limits. Glean wisdom for dealing with emotions, conflict, and developing closeness in your family… and much more. These 50 strategies provide you with hands-on tools for parenting children of any age.  The Companion Guide is a workbook of 50 lessons along with 50 audio tips to take you through The Christian Parenting Handbook step by step. Each lesson contains advice from Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller in a 5 minute audio tip and then offers teaching, an assignment, a Bible verse, and a prayer to help you apply each idea or strategy in your family. The tips are available to you as MP3 downloads and access to them comes in the workbook.

Family Time Activities Book Bundle ($45 value)

Your kids will have fun learning about God's Word and how it applies to their lives. Science experiments, art activities, and games are all designed to reinforce spiritual truth. Each lesson is clear and simple, yet profound even for parents! You'll teach kids how exciting it is to learn about God and his ways. Your kids will love these books, but more importantly you'll build spiritual memories of Family Time in your home. Titles in this giveaway include:  Seeing Is Believing  Playing for Keeps  Running the Race Enter the Giveaway using the Rafflecopter below! This giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY to those 18 years of age or older. Void where prohibited by law. a Rafflecopter giveaway Join us for the Action Plan Facebook Party on Wednesday, May 20 at 9:00PM ET. There will be even more prizes and giveaways there and the authors of Action Plan will be present to answer your questions! 

RSVP here for the Party! 

Motivate Your Child GIVEAWAY!!!!!

One of our current parenting challenges is getting children take responsibility for their chores, schoolwork, etc.. I've been praying that God would show me how to get them to take responsibility on their own, not just because I've offered some type of reward or consequence.  So it was an answer to prayer to learn about Scott and Joanne's new book, Motivate Your Child: A Christian Parent's Guide to Raising Kids Who Do What They Need to Do Without Being Told, and to be chosen as a member of the Launch Team. I'm and learning so much from this book!

To celebrate the release of Motivate Your Child: A Christian Parent's Guide to Raising Kids Who Do What They Need to Do Without Being Told,  members of the Launch Team are sharing a wonderful giveaway filled with a Go Pro Camera, $50 Mardel Gift Card, $25 Amazon Gift Card, and book bundles from both the National Center for Biblical Parenting and Thomas Nelson Publishing! Three winners will win prizes with a total value of nearly $800!

 

Here’s what you could win: 

GRAND PRIZE  ($500+ value)

Go Pro HERO3+ Silver Camera ($300 value)

HERO3+ Silver captures gorgeous, professional-quality 1080p60 video and 10MP photos at speeds of up to 10 frames per second. Built-in Wi-Fi enables you to use the GoPro App to control the camera remotely, preview shots and share your favorites on Facebook, Twitter and more. Compatible with all GoPro mounts, you can wear it or attach it to your gear for immersive POV footage of your favorite activities. It’s waterproof to 131’ (40m) and built tough for all of life’s adventures. Combined with stunning low-light performance, high-performance audio and an ultra wide-angle glass lens, HERO3+ Silver makes capturing and sharing your life easier than ever.  

NCBP Book Bundle ($115 value)

 The Christian Parenting Handbook  and Companion Guide Parenting is Heart Work God's Awesome Story Hero Training Camp Children's Curriculum

 

Thomas Nelson Book Bundle ($90 value):

The Best Yes by Lysa TerKeurst  Desperate by Sarah Mae and Sally Clarkson   Say Goodbye to Survival Mode by Crystal Paine  All Pro Dad by Mark Merrill  The Passionate Mom by Susan Merrill 

***

FIRST PRIZE ($165 value)

$50 Mardel Gift Card

 

NCBP Book Bundle ($115 value)

The Christian Parenting Handbook  and Companion Guide Parenting is Heart Work God's Awesome Story Hero Training Camp Children's Curriculum

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SECOND PRIZE ($115 value)

$25 Amazon Gift Card

 

Thomas Nelson Book Bundle ($90 value):

The Best Yes by Lysa TerKeurst  Desperate by Sarah Mae and Sally Clarkson   Say Goodbye to Survival Mode by Crystal Paine  All Pro Dad by Mark Merrill  The Passionate Mom by Susan Merrill To enter, use the Rafflecopter below. Giveaway dates: January 12, 2015 @12:00am ET through January 28, 2015 @ 11:59pm ET Terms and Conditions: This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.  Void where prohibited by law. Must be at least 18 years of age. This giveaway is in no away associated with Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or Amazon. No purchase necessary for entry. Odds are determined by the number of entries. Selected winner will have 48 hours to respond to email notification to claim their prize or another winner will be drawn.

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Diana and Friends Experience History Through Music Giveaway -- $700+ Value!

A few weeks ago I was given the awesome opportunity to participate in the launch of the upcoming release of Experience History Through Music by Diana Waring.As a part of this, we've been having a BLAST reviewing these books and CDs. Lexie was especially excited to realize that she can play some of the songs on her violin.  Shhhh . . . don't tell anyone, but I'm trying to convince her to let me include a video of her playing one of the songs in my review (coming in a couple weeks), we'll see if I'm successful at that part, but regardless it's a great resource that I really wish we'd had during all our American History studies over the last several years. So, without further ado . . .


To celebrate the release of Experience History Through Music, I am joining members of the Diana Waring Launch Team for an amazing giveaway. Friends of Diana have joined in and as you can see, someone's homeschool is going to be greatly blessed!  Here's what you could win! 

From Diana Waring Presents

Experience History Through Music - set of 3 books with CDs ($50/set) Diana Waring Presents is about to bring back into print the BEST folk music you have ever heard, combined with the fascinating stories they represent in American history!   The Experience Music Through Historyseries includes: America - Heart of a New Nation, Westward Ho! - Heart of the Old West  and Musical Memories of Laura Ingalls Wilder. The musicians are amazing, every instrument is real, lots of great vocalists, and more toe-tapping music than you can imagine! The books tell the stories behind the songs.  Together, they bring American history to life through it's music!!With fascinating history books and toe-tapping folk music CDs, American history has NEVER been this fun!
Encouragement for Homeschool Moms Collection ($25) Every mom needs that word of encouragement from someone who has been there, who has grownup children and can speak with assurance about the journey. Homeschool moms have an extra portion of the journey to navigate, and often wish for an extra voice that will offer direction but without nagging or prodding. Diana Waring has that voice.  

From A Journey Through Learning

$50 Gift Certificate $50 to spend in the A Journey Through Learning store, applicable toward any digital download purchase.  

 

From Homeschool Legacy

Westward Ho! Part I ($19.95) Load up your wagon! Discover the extraordinary times of adventurous frontiersmen and brave pioneers as you travel cross-country along the Erie Canal,  Oregon Trail, and even “remember the Alamo” in Westward Ho Part I. Westward Ho! Part II ($19.95) Continue the exciting saga begun in Westward Ho! Part I as you journey with the forty-niners, ride the rails of the Transcontinental Railroad, experience life on the prairie, and discover the exciting era of cowboys and cattle drives in Westward Ho! Part II.  

From Knowledge Quest Maps

Map Trek: Atlas and Outline Maps of World History ($55) Map Trek is a historical atlas plus outline maps that allow you to teach geography alongside history. This is a resource that any homeschool parent can use with brilliant success, even if you don't remember a thing from your history or geography classes in public school.  

 

From Home School Adventure Co. 

Philosophy Adventure™ Digital Download ($39.95) Philosophy Adventure™ is designed to help students 6th-12th grade cultivate and defend a biblical worldview by teaching them how to write skillfully, think critically, and speak articulately as they explore the history of ideas.  

 

From Heidi St. John (The Busy Mom and Real Life Press)

Firmly Planted Family Devotional Digital Volume 3 ($39) The Firmly Planted Family Series is divided into ten-week studies and is your key to making sense of the Bible—even if you’re learning right along with your children. Each lesson provides a core idea, a simple narrative, memory verses and discussion questions for children of all ages. And the companion student workbook is filled with age-appropriate, full-color, reproducible activities for children of any age!  

From Raising Real Men

Free Registration to Boyhood Boot Camp or Boot Camp 9-12 LIVE webinar series (winner's choice) plus Mom & Dad Special Raising Real Men (Book for Mom to read in the bathroom + AudioBook for Dad to listen to on the commute) ($62-69)
 
Free Registration for Marriage Retreat Online plus His & Hers Special of My Beloved and My Friend: How To Be Married To Your Best Friend Without Changing Spouses (book + audiobook), ($65)  

 

From Institute for Excellence in Writing

$50 Gift Certificate $50 to spend in the IEW store, applicable toward any purchase.  

From The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

SchoolhouseTeachers.com ($139) A one year membership to the curriculum arm of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. Nearly 100 classes for Pre-K to High School, taught by expert teachers, and lots of extras including the Schoolhouse Planners, Schoolhouse Expos, monthly free ebook downloads and more.

 
The Old Schoolhouse Magazine 2014 Print Book ($15) Be encouraged, enlightened, and educated with the all new 2014 Annual Print Book published by The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine.You’ll get a year’s worth of homeschool support in almost 300 pages in this full color one-of-a-kind print magazine for homeschoolers, by homeschoolers. This is a magazine you’ll refer to again and again.  

From Writing with Sharon Watson

The Power in Your Hands ($53.96) With The Power in Your Hands: Writing Nonfiction in High School, they’ll learn what they need to know for high school and will be prepared for college writing.
Writing Fiction [in High School] ($35) Are you raising the next C. S. Lewis or Jane Austen? Help your student develop their fiction-writing talents. Writing Fiction [In High School]: Bringing Your Stories to Life will help

To enter the giveaway, use the Rafflecopter below. Residents of the U.S., age 18 and older only. Other Terms and Conditions can be found in the Rafflecopter. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review and GIVEAWAY: Can't Wait Willow by Christy Ziglar

When the twins were little, they called the toy aisle at the story the "play area". They seemed to honestly think those toys were just there for them to go along and push the buttons on the noisy toys and move on. I don't remember them EVER asking if we could actually BUY the toys.

But Little Bit is another story. I think a big part of it is that she has older sisters and she sees them occasionally buying things they want when we go shopping. I think it must also just be personality, or something though. Whatever it is, when I got the chance to review Can't Wait Willow! by Christy Ziglar, I figured it would be a great resource!

This beautifully illustrated picture book is about a little girl named Willow who has been anxiously waiting for the circus to come to town. When it DOES come to town, as she walks to the circus, she is distracted by the ice cream truck, her friends inviting her to play, a lemonade stand, etc. . . so that by the time she actually GETS to the circus, it is closing for the day, and she doesn't have any money left to buy her favorite treat, cotton candy. She's given a "second chance" and makes better choices the next day.

Little Bit was happy to sit down and hear her new story as soon as we got it. I was amused to hear her also notice that Willow had "too much sugar" that day, with the ice cream, lemonade, and then wanting cotton candy. I don't know if the intended message of the book has sunk in, but it is certainly planting a "seed" of the importance of making good choices about how to use our time and money. We have read it several times, and she's also asked her sisters to read it to her.

One fun feature of the book is that there's a little star that follows Willow along and shows up on each page. One the pages where Willow makes poor choices, the star looks "distressed", on pages where Willow makes good choices, the star is happy and excited. I didn't even bother to point it out to her the first several times we read it, since the book was keeping her attention without it, but when Lexie read the book to her, she noticed the note about it, and pointed it out. After that Little Bit also enjoyed finding, and pointing out, the star on each page.

In addition to sending me a copy of Can't Wait Willow to review, I also get to host a GIVEAWAY!!!!!

If you would like to win your own copy of this beautiful picture book, do one, or all of the following:

• Leave a comment on this blog post telling me your favorite picture book
• Like Broad Horizons on Facebook, or tell me if you already do
• Like Shine Bright Kids on Facebook, or tell me if you already do
• Follow Broad Horizons on Twitter, or tell me if you already do
• Follow Shine Bright Kids on Twitter, or tell me if you already do
• Follow me on Pinterest, or tell me if you already do
• Follow Shine Bright Kids on Pinterest, or tell me if you already do
• Follow my blog on Google Friend Connect, Linky Followers, and/or Networked blogs (all links are in my sidebar, you can enter once for each method you subscribe to), or tell me that you already do.
• Sign up for the Shine Bright Kids Newsletter and come back and tell me that you did.

The rules:  Please leave a separate comment for each entry. Only comments made on this blog will be counted, not comments on facebook or via e-mail. Please make sure I have a way to contact you, if I can't contact you, I will have to choose an alternate winner.Contest open to readers in the United States. Giveaway will end at 9:00 Eastern Time on Thursday, November 7, 2013.

GIVEAWAY!!!! - A Cry From Egypt!!!

I am so excited to be able to offer this to my readers!!!

Last fall, I reviewed an AWESOME!!! book, A Cry From Egypt. We LOVED the book, and are anxiously awaiting the sequel.  This is a fictionalized account of the plagues of Egypt. As I said in my review,

"I love it when an author does a good job of taking a well-known Bible story, and does the research about the time period and such, and "fleshes" the story out. And that is what this book is."

You can read my full review here.

So, when we reviewed this book, it was still in "pre-release".  Now, they are releasing it, and gave me the chance to giveaway a free, signed copy of the book to one of my readers!!  Isn't that great?!?! Seriously, if you enjoy Biblical fiction, this is a GREAT book! And I love that it's written at a level that my kids can enjoy it too .

So, without further ado, the giveaway!!  This giveaway will close on April 30 at 8pm, EDT. Please remember that only comments on the blog, not facebook, will count. Also please make sure to include your e-mail address so I can contact you if you win. Winner will have 2 days to reply with their contact information, or I will have to choose an alternate winner.

For your first entry, visit A Cry from Egypt, and tell me something interesting you read there.

For additional entries, do any or all of the following, and leave me a separate comment for each that you do:

• Like the author's facebook page, Hopeful Stories
• Like Raising Real Men on Facebook
• Like my Facebook page.
• Follow the author on twitter.
• Follow Raising Real Men on twitter.
• Follow me on twitter. 
• Follow my blog on Linky Followers (in the sidebar).

Good luck! :) 

Book Review and GIVEAWAY!!!! Hey God, I've Got Some Guy Named Jonah in My Stomach And I Think I'm Going to Throw Up!

That is DEFINITELY my longest blog post title LOL! I love kid's books, so when this adorable

sounding kid book came up for review, I was excited.

Hey God, I've Got Some Guy Named Jonah in My Stomach and I think I'm Going to Throw Up! by Troy Schmidt is the story of Jonah, as told by the whale.

Little Bit happened to be nearby when I opened the package and we HAD to sit down RIGHT THEN to read it.

It is ADORABLE!! She loved it! And, in fact, as I am typing this, she looked over my shoulder, saw the picture, and is now begging me to read it to her AGAIN lol.  This book is geared for age 4-8, and I think that is accurate. Little Bit is 4, and she loves it, but I'm guessing much younger wouldn't be ready to sit still for this length book.  Sassy and MiniMe (age 10) enjoyed listening in, but I don't know that I'd say they're the "target audience".

This is definitely a book for an audience that is already familiar with the Bible story. This is JUST the whale (and yes, in this book, it's a whale, I know some people are careful to point out that the Bible says "big fish", not whale) telling the story. In this story, the whale is kind of "paralleling" Jonah's experience. God tells him to "swallow a human" and he tries to run away, but "accidentally" swallows Jonah anyway . . . it's a cute "twist" on a well-known Bible story.

In the back of the book, there's a page of suggestions to turn this book into a "unit study" of sorts, with discussion questions and a "hands-on activity". AWESOME for those who want to help draw out the lesson without having to be creative :)

AND in addition to the copy of the book, that I was sent, I also get to give one away!!! If you'd love your own copy of this cute story, just comment on this post (on the blog, please don't just comment on facebook), telling me your favorite Bible story.

For additional entries:

• Like the publisher, B&H Publishing on facebook
• Like my blog on facebook.
• Follow my blog on Linky Followers (in the sidebar)

Please leave a separate comment for each entry.  Please make sure I have a way to contact you, if not, a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway will close at 8pm (EDT) on 4/29/13. If your name is chosen, you will have 2 days, from the time that I e-mail you, to reply with your contact information or another winner will be chosen.

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

If You Like to Talk to Tomatoes . . . (and a giveaway)

**Our giveaway is now closed! Congratulations to #1, Kathi, our winner!**

I've loved Veggie Tales since I was a teenager . . . which would be when they first came out, I think. My kids weren't so sure about it all when they were little, but now that they're older, they love Veggie Tales too! So, when I was given the opportunity to review the BRAND-SPANKIN-NEW VeggieTales DVD, The Little House that Stood, I was thrilled!!!

I was going to surprise the girls, but they noticed that I was stalking the mailbox, and asked about it, so I admitted that I was hoping the new VeggieTales DVD would come so we could watch it on Sabbath afternoon. And it did, it came ON Sabbath afternoon, and we put it straight into the DVD player to watch.

Little Bit isn't always on board with watching VeggieTales, but I guess our excitement was contagious, because she was excited about it too, and sat quietly watching it.

In this episode, the general idea of "the three little pigs" is adapted into a parable to teach children about building on solid ground. The second "episode" on this DVD, uses all the nursery rhyme characters you can think of and teaches about helping others. One thing I noticed immediately is that the humor is "up-to-date", even DH, a professed VeggieTales hater (but I think it's all an act), noticed and commented, "this one must be pretty new, huh?" (yes, dear, we're reviewing it, because it's brand new!).

When I asked the girls for their opinion, they summed it up, "It's VeggieTales, of COURSE it's great!" :) And really, they have a point . . . if you like VeggieTales, this is definitely another winner, if you're not a fan of talking vegetables and corny humor, well, then . . . this is VeggieTales! But I'm assuming that if you like MY blog, you have good taste (ha ha), so of COURSE you love VeggieTales too, right?

To see what you think, you can watch the trailer here.

AND . . . if you love VeggieTales, what could be better than winning your very own copy of this brand new DVD?!? I have one to give away! To enter, just leave a comment on this blog post (not on facebook), telling me what your favorite VeggieTales Silly Song is (Mine's "I Love My Lips!", though the new one on this DVD is good too). Don't forget to also tell me your e-mail address, so I can contact you if you win.

For additional entris (please leave a separate comment for each):

• follow me on Linky Followers (in the sidebar), or tell me if you already do.
• follow me on Google Friends Connect (in the sidebar) or tell me if you already do.
• "Like" my blog on Facebook.
• "Like" VeggieTales on Facebook
• Follow VeggieTales on Twitter

The "fine print"
This giveaway will close at 8pm on Tuesday, March 12. I will pick a random winner, and contact them via e-mail. If the winner has not left an e-mail, another winner will be chosen. If the winner does not reply to my e-mail within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be chosen.

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Book Review and GIVEAWAY!!! - The Sparkle Box

Teaching about generously giving to others has always been something our family has tried to emphasize, and overall, I feel good about how my children view giving to those less fortunate. They have never complained about designating a portion of the allowance to be used for charity, and when it accumulates to the point where they get to decide what to do with it, sometimes ask to add some of their saved up spending money to the total as well.

Still, I don't think we can ever put TOO much emphasis on helping others, and was excited to get a chance to review The Sparkle Box.

This beautiful picture book tells the story of a little boy noticing a sparkly box/present as part of the Christmas decor. When he asks about it, his mother tells him that "first we have to fill it". The story unfolds with them doing various giving throughout the Christmas season and the parents always answering the boy's question of "have we filled the box yet?" with "we've put some things in, but it's not full yet". On Christmas morning, they allow him to open the box and he finds it contains slips of paper with the various charitable activities they've done that season. The parents explain that this is their family's gift to Jesus for His birthday because doing things for others is like doing them for Jesus.

The book ends with a challenge, of sorts, to begin a similar tradition in your own family and comes with a cute, silver sparkly box (folded flat in the back of the book), so you can have your own "sparkle box".

The book's pictures are beautiful and the book is high quality.  The idea of "giving presents to Jesus" is certainly an important one.  Something that bothered me was that the parents didn't explain the purpose of the sparkle box up front. It seems to me, that it would have been a better idea to explain at the beginning of the season what they were putting in the box so he could be thinking about it and coming up with his own ideas. Obviously, if you read this story to your children you're already addressing this, telling them about the idea, so it's not a big deal.

My children enjoyed the story and liked the idea of having our own Sparkle box, though in typical, literal child fashion, they were quick to point out that the box that came with the book isn't EXACTLY like the picture - no big fluffy bow, for example, LOL.

We received this book right before leaving on a trip, but when we get home, we plan to find a special place for the sparkle box where it will remind us often to do things for others. I think we will "open" Jesus' present at or near Christmas, but then make it a goal to fill it ALL year next year, not just around Christmas time.

And now, for the giveaway!!!

In addition to sending us a book to review, the publisher has another copy waiting in their office to send to one of my readers! To enter, leave a comment on this blog post (not on facebook or via e-mail) telling me one of your favorite holiday traditions. Make sure that you include an e-mail address or other way for me to easily contact you if you win.  The giveaway will close on November 1. Once I contact the winner, they will have 2 days to reply or I will choose an alternate winner.

Disclaimer: I received the above mentioned product, and a second copy for use as a giveaway in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.

Book Review and Giveaway: The Five Love Languages of Children

CONGRATS to Laura Lane, for winning this great book! 

As I mentioned in my review of A Perfect Pet for Peyton (have you entered the giveaway yet?), I also got to review The 5 Love Languages of Children.

I actually read this book (from the library) about 4 years ago, and loved it then, so I was thrilled to get to re-read it and have my own copy of it! It did NOT disappoint! I found it just as relevant now, with two 9 yr olds and a 3 yr old as I did 4 years ago with two 5 year olds! I don't know about you, but sometimes I get so busy focusing on helping my children learn all the things they need to learn, that I forget to focus on just LOVING them! Not that I don't love them, but I'm not always good about showing them that love, and definitely not always good about making sure I'm showing that love in ways that speak to each of them individually!

That's where this book comes in. In this book Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell, describe how each of the 5 love languages look in children, followed by a chapter telling how to determine your child(ren)'s primary love language(s). The last several chapters address specifics like single parenting, dealing with anger, etc.

Showing our children that we love them unconditionally, in ways that they "hear" us is sooo important! So this book is, in my opinion, is a "must read" for all parents!

And now I get to GIVEAWAY!!! a copy of this book to one of my readers!!!

So leave a comment on this post (mandatory first entry) for your chance to win!

The fine print:  Giveaway open to U.S. addresses only. Only comments on this blog count, if you are reading this in a reader or on facebook, please click through to my actual blog. Giveaway ends at 10pm  edt on Sunday, April 15. If you do not provide me with an, easy-to-determine method of contacting you, I will choose a different winner.If I don't hear back from the winner within 2 days, I will choose a new winner.

After you have done the mandatory first entry, you may earn additional entries by doing any or all of the following (leave a separate comment for each entry): 

• Follow my blog in Linky Followers (see sidebar) - 2 entries for this
• Follow my blog in Google Friend Connect (see sidebar)
• Like Gary Chapman on facebook.
• Like my blog on facebook.
• Follow Gary Chapman on Twitter
• Follow me on Twitter

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or

services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it 

on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally 

and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance 

with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the 

Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Review and Giveaway!!! A Perfect Pet for Peyton

CONGRATS to Monica!! Winner of our Giveaway!

I think I first learned about the 5 love languages three for four years ago, as I was searching for ways to help MiniMe adjust to our move. I got a book about love languages out of the library and gleaned some great tips. So, when I was given the chance to review, The Five Love Languages of Children (that review, and a GIVEAWAY is coming soon!) AND a children's book about the love languages, both by Gary Chapman, I jumped at the chance.

I have to admit, I didn't even read the description of A Perfect Pet for Peyton before I signed up for this review. I knew I wanted to review the Five Love Languages, and my kids love books, so sure, I'm always up for reviewing a good kids' book! 

So I was THRILLED to see just what an AWESOME book this was when it came! This is not your typical picture book! The pictures aren't just PICTURES!!! Every page has something to look for, or something else fun to do, plus the story is great! Even my "we're too old for picture books" 9-year-olds loved it, and happily listened to it a second time!

The story is about twins who go to Mr. Chapman's "Perfect Pet Pal Emporium" for their birthday party. As they visit the petting zoo, aquarium, etc etc etc, and have their party, the book shows how each of the children at the party shows their love for their friends in different ways. At the end of the party Mr. Chapman presents each child at the party with a new pet that is perfectly matched to that child's love language. 

MiniMe is completely enthralled with the concept of Love Languages, and HER primary love language(s). Sassy, not-so-much, but both enjoyed the story and figuring out each of the character's love language. The concept of love languages was, naturally, over Little Bit's head, but she loved the pictures and being able to find things in the pictures. So this book was an all-around hit!!!

It was a great way to open dialogue with the older girls about not only accepting love, but showing love to others in a variety of ways to meet everyone's needs. The back of the book includes some questions to help parents and children determine each child's love language.

GIVEAWAY!!!!

Not only did I get a copy of this great book, I get to give a copy of this book to one of you too!! Woo-hoo!! If you have children 3-10, you WANT this book!! 

So leave a comment on this post (mandatory first entry) for your chance to win!

The fine print:  Giveaway open to U.S. addresses only. Only comments on this blog count, if you are reading this in a reader or on facebook, please click through to my actual blog. Giveaway ends at 10pm  edt next Thursday, April 12. If you do not provide me with an, easy-to-determine method of contacting you, I will choose a different winner.If I don't hear back from the winner within 2 days, I will choose a new winner.

After you have done the mandatory first entry, you may earn additional entries by doing any or all of the following (leave a separate comment for each entry): 

• Follow my blog in Linky Followers (see sidebar) - 2 entries for this
• Follow my blog in Google Friend Connect (see sidebar)
• Like Gary Chapman on facebook.
• Like my blog on facebook.
• Follow Gary Chapman on Twitter
• Follow me on Twitter

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it  on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review and GIVEAWAY!!! "What is He Thinking?"

When I was given the opportunity to review Rebecca St James' book "What Is He Thinking??", I figured it would be a good chance to get a feel for current Christian thoughts on dating and such, in preparation for the rapidly approaching time when my little girls are ready to date. It's hard to believe I need to be thinking of such things, but they ARE 8 1/2, so it won't be long, sigh . . .

What Is He Thinking?? is the results of Christian singer, Rebecca St. James surveying a variety of young men, and some older men, mostly unmarried, a few married, to get their take on the Christian dating scene.

She asks these men what they look for in a girl, how they feel about modesty, relationships with God, etc. Then shares their answers, as well as her own thoughts, with her readers.

You can see a sampling of the book for yourself, here.

I think this book is a good resource for young women today. It helps these young women re-think the messages the world sends about what to look for in a guy as well as what guys are looking for in a woman.

And now the best part, I've been given permission to giveaway a copy of this book to one of my readers! If you're interested in winning this, do any or all of the following, then fill out this form, to enter.

• Visit Rebecca St James' site and tell me something you learned or like. (mandatory)


• Follow my site on Google Friend Connect (see sidebar)


• Follow my site on Networked Blogs (see sidebar)


• Follow Rebecca St James on facebook.


• Follow What Is He Thinking?? on facebook.


• Follow my blog on facebook.


• Follow Rebecca St James on twitter.


• Follow me on twitter.

Giveaway open to US residents. Giveaway will end at 8pm EDT on Thursday, October 6, 2011. Winner will be announced on Friday, October 7. Winner will have 2 days to respond, or a new winner will be chosen. ONLY ENTRIES MADE THROUGH THE FORM will count NOT entries in the COMMENTS!