ESV Family Devotional Bible

About the book: ESV Family Devotional Bible

Review: The ESV Devotional Bible is a wonderful resource for any family, especially those with children.  I love that it has the full text of the Bible (ESV Version) along with 130 Bible stories written in language that anyone can understand. Each Bible story includes a devotion that comprises of questions to explore with the family and a key Bible verse.  The illustrations are colorful, vibrant, and engaging.  Maps are included at the end of the Bible to further your understanding.  The book mark ribbon is a great addition, making it easy to keep track of the current story or section of the Bible you plan to read next.  I plan to use this devotional with the family after dinner once the kids get a little bigger.  Just don't leave it out for really young kids to peruse....the pages are thin and could easily be ripped out.  :)  Something I'm very aware of at this stage...my child will rip and even chew on the pages of some books.

For more information check the ESV Devotional Bible out on....
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GIVEAWAY:

Flyby Promtions has generously provided a copy of the ESV Family Devotional Bible for you to WIN!  Just use the easy peasy Rafflecopter widget below to enter.  Giveaway ends 5/20 at 12AM ET.  (US and CANADA Only)

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"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.”

 

A Love Letter from God by P.K. Hallinan Review & Giveaway

About the book: A Love Letter from God

Author P.K. Hallinan

Illustrator: Laura Watson

In this story, the author supposes what God might say in a personal letter written to a child. The unconditional and unlimited nature of God's love is revealed through simple and lyrical language. Rich and textured illustrations, along with heart-shaped die-cuts, will make this uplifting book a family favorite. It is a great message for little ones on Valentine’s Day, or for everyday inspiration. Love Letter from God will remind children of God’s eternal love and how He demonstrates that love through everyday miracles and by the wonder of His presence. Thanks to the colorful and touching illustrations of Laura Watson, children will also learn how to appreciate their own individuality and how to use their unique gifts to be a blessing to others.

About the author: 

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

Review:
A Love Letter from God is a wonderful book with a great message for children.  Every child should know that they are precious and loved by our Heavenly Father.  Through rhymes and colorful illustrations, P.K. Hallinan displays God's love in a letter.  My son loved flipping through the book and putting his fingers in the cut-outs.  The book is hard cover and the pages are more sturdy than regular paper book pages.  My favorite part of the book besides the message is the illustrations.  The colors are so bright and engaging!  I also love how some of the words are bigger than other and in different styles.  It's a simply stunning child's book that would be a great Valentine's gift.
  

Be sure to check out this special offer!

For the month of January, every book from www.idealsbooks.com with the word “Love” in the title will be 20% off! Be sure to Search “LOVE2015” for a complete list of books.

Promotional Code to apply at check out is LOVE2015

GIVEAWAY:

Flyby Promtions has generously provided a copy of A Love Letter from God by P.K. Hallinan for you to WIN!  Just use the easy peasy Rafflecopter widget below to enter.  Giveaway ends 1/14 at 12AM ET.  (US and CANADA Only)

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”
I received this book free from Flyby Promotions to review.

Brave Mom by Sherry Surratt Review

This is my first year participating in MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and our theme is "Be You Bravely".    We meet two Tuesdays a month to fellowship kid free, EAT kid free, and listen to speakers who share their life experiences.  I have really enjoyed making new friendships with other women who are in the same stage of life as me (and eating kid free, lol).

I was excited to get to read and review Brave Mom because it goes along with our MOPS theme, being written by the President and CEO of MOPS International- Sherry Surratt.  The book is relateable and very easy to read.  She addresses top fears moms worry and stress over and what we can do besides said worrying and stressing.  She focuses on taking precautions to minimize risk and then focusing on the positive instead of fretting over situations we have no control over.  I like how each chapter ends with questions that make you think about how you can apply what you've learned.  Overall, it's a great read---not too deep, but makes you feel like you aren't alone or crazy and gives practical advice for overcoming your real mom fears.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Susie's Hope DVD Review & Giveaway

I received Susie's Hope DVD complimentary from Flyby Promotions in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions expressed are 100% my own.

About the movie: Run time 105 minutes

Based on the true story that successfully passed Susie’s Law in North Carolina, which seeks stricter punishment for animal abusers, Susie’s Hope brings to life the inspirational relationship between pit bull attack survivor Donna Lawrence and Susie, a pit bull-mix puppy found beaten, burned and left for dead. Recognizing reflect and abuse were to blame for the tragic attack that nearly claimed her life 10 months earlier, Donna resumes the battered animal and accepts her as family. Together, they learn to heal, love and forgive as they lead a historic effort to seek justice and protection, not only for Susie, but all animals. Starring Emmanuelle Vaguer (40 Days and 40 Nights), Burgess Jenkins (Remember The Titans) and Andrea Powell (Ender’s Game, The Twilight: Breaking Dawn Saga: Part 2), Susie’s Hope is an incredible story of love, loss and redemption.

About Susie:

Susie was found nearly dead in Greenfield Park in Greensboro, North Carolina on August 20, 2009. Just a puppy, Susie had licked the face of her owner’s newborn baby. Her owner became violent—she was beaten so severely her jaw was broken. That wasn’t enough, though. She was then set on fire and left for dead. Incredibly and against all odds Susie survived. Donna Lawrence adopted her two months later. Susie is now a trained therapy dog and event won the American Humane Association’s American Hero Dog this year!

Review:

Susie's Hope DVD is a little cheesy and the acting isn't amazing, but that didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying the movie.  I love movies that are based on true stories and this one delivers a great message.  The message is one of hope, forgiveness, healing, compassion, and action.  I find it inspiring that Donna Lawrence was able to overcome her fear of dogs after being attacked by a neglected animal.  You will hear the amazing story of how she survived and helped an abused dog also survive.  A human attacked by a dog and a dog attacked by a human, who together help each other heal from experiences no human or animal should have to endure.  Susie and Donna's story is worth hearing.  

GIVEAWAY:

Flyby Promtions has generously provided a copy of Susie's Hope DVD for you to WIN!  Just use the easy peasy Rafflecopter widget below to enter.  Giveaway ends 12/15 at 12AM ET.  (US and CANADA Only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

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

Lumo Project- The Gospel of John available on Netflix now!

Beginning December 1, 2014 The Gospel of John from the Lumo Project will be available on Netflix!  I was given the opportunity to preview this amazing film project and I can say it is definitely worth checking out!  The other three Gospels (Matthew, Mark, & Luke) are underway.

In the film, the whole book of John is narrated word by word from the Bible with stunning visuals.  There is just something about hearing the Word of God read out loud that is powerful.  Combine the scripture with actors portraying the events as they are read and you have something special.  It really was unlike anything that I have watched before. 

It's really fascinating to watch the Bible come to life.  Everything looks so beautiful and well done.  I love when they pan over the cities.  It's like getting a front row seat to the life of Jesus.  You can view The Gospel of John narrated in the NIV (New International Version), KJV (King James Version), or Spanish.     

About the film:

FOUR GOSPELS. FOUR FILMS. ONE JESUS STORY. FOR EVERYONE.

A ground breaking, multi-language biblical film resource transforming the way we discover, study and engage with the life of Jesus through the four New Testament Gospels.

The Lumo Project is a ground breaking, multi-language biblical film resource transforming the way we discover, study and engage with the life of Jesus through the four New Testament Gospels: redefining the standard of visual Biblical media. The Lumo Project presents four films – one for each Gospel account – that will revolutionise the way we all experience the story of Jesus and the world of First Century Palestine in which he lived.

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

The Gospel of John takes the story of Jesus from John’s gospel with its own unique characteristics. For John, Jesus is the Word of God made human. John is clear that that when encounter Jesus, we encounter God.  The gospel writer points to the miracles (the ‘Signs’) and teachings as evidence of Jesus’ special relationship as the divine Son of God.

This full-length feature film about the life of Jesus takes the actual Gospel text as its script, word for word, unedited. Five years in the making, this epic production has been critically acclaimed by leading religious scholars as a unique and highly authentic telling of the Jesus story. Narrated by leading British actor David Harewood (‘Homeland’, ‘Blood Diamond’, ‘Merchant of Venice’) it is based on the latest theological, historical and archaeological research. With specially constructed sets and the extraordinarily authentic villages and countryside of rural Morocco, it immerses the viewer in the world of first century Palestine. 

You can connect with the Lumo Project on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook!

Idina Menzel Holiday Wishes Review

I participated in the Idina Menzel Holiday Wishes album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided an album to review but all opinions are my own.

The holidays are here!  I can't believe Thanksgiving is already over.  I know I'm going to blink and Christmas 2014 will have passed just as fast, but I'm going to enjoy it while it lasts!!!

I love playing a good Christmas album in the background while decorating the tree, baking cookies, and enjoying family.  Have you heard Elsa from Frozen made a holiday album?!?!  Ok...maybe not Elsa in cartoon form, but Idina Menzel who voices her in the movie.  Idina Menzel's Holiday Wishes album is the perfect addition to your holiday playlist.  The songs are classic and her voice is smooth and on point (As you would know from hearing Let It Go a million times...and yet it never gets old!).

Below is a little preview of the songs on YouTube.

One of my favorite songs on the album is Baby It's Cold Outside featuring Michael Bublé.  This song in general is one of mine and my hubsand's favorite holiday tunes (Plus, our First Dance song at our wedding was Everything by Michael Bublé).  I really enjoyed this version of the song and love the video below even more!  The video features two children dancing and lip-synching the song.  Too cute!!!

You can order Idina Menzel's Holiday Wishes from iTunes and Amazon!

ABOUT IDINA MENZEL AND HOLIDAY WISHES

Holiday Wishes, a Christmas album recorded by Tony Award-winning singer/actor Idina Menzel, is out now on Warner Bros. Records.

The album was produced by Grammy Award-winner Walter Afanasieff (Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey) and features such classic favorites as “All I Want For Christmas Is You” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” as well as Joni Mitchell’s Christmas-themed “River,” one of Menzel’s favorites.

Another highlight is a duet with international superstar Michael Bublé on “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” An exclusive Target edition of Holiday Wishes features two bonus tracks, including “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”.

Idina’s career has traversed stage, film, television, and music. She was most recently heard as Elsa in Disney’s global box-office smash Frozen, in which she sings the film’s Oscar-winning song “Let It Go.” After her performance of the multi-platinum song at the 86th annual Academy Awards, she made history as the first person with both a Billboard Top 10 hit and a Tony Award for acting.

Idina currently stars as Elizabeth in the original Broadway production of If/Then.

Holiday Wishes Track Listing

1. Do You Hear What I Hear


2. The Christmas Song


3. Baby It’s Cold Outside (Duet with Michael Buble)


4. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas


5. All I Want For Christmas


6. What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?


7. December Prayer


8. When You Wish Upon A Star


9. Silent Night


10. River


11. Holly Jolly Christmas


12. White Christmas

Bonus Tracks on Target Exclusive

1. Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow


2. Mothers Spiritual 

The Song: Awaken Love Couple's Devotional Review & Giveaway

I received The Song: Awaken Love Couple's Devotional complimentary from Flyby Promotions in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions expressed are 100% my own.

About the book:

The Song Couple’s Devotional is a 6-week book for couples that can help awaken love in their marriage. With daily relationship insights and prayer points drawn from the Song of Solomon, this devotional will help couples grow in their relationship with God and one another. 

Inspired by the Song of Solomon, The Song is both a full-length movie and resource for churches to explore God’s plan for relationships, love and marriage.

About the author:

Kyle Idleman is the Teaching Pastor at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, the fourth-largest church in America. Author of the award-winning and bestselling book, not a fan., and presenter of eight of City on a Hill’s curriculum series, he regularly speaks at conferences and events around the world. Kyle and his wife DesiRae have four children.

Review: 

I was excited to get to do this book with my husband because we've never done a couple's devotional together.  It is a 6-week devotional, but only has 5 days in each week.  It's short, engaging, and centered around building a better relationship with God and your spouse.  

Each day starts out with a small passage from the Song of Solomon and then goes into the devotional written by Kyle and DesiRae Idleman.  It was very easy to read and kept my attention, filled with spots of humor and lots of real life application.  Sometimes the language in the Song of Solomon is a little hard for me to understand, so it was helpful for me to see a few verses explained in the devotional.

After the devotional is my favorite part....what they call "The Bridge".  This section contains a little assignment for you and your spouse.  There is usually a few discussion questions and something that you can pray about together.  In the first bridge, it has you take each letter in your partner's first name and come up with a character quality you find attractive in them with an example.  Some of "The Bridge" sections are pure fun and others dig a bit deeper.  

Each day ends with another short scripture passage that goes along with the devotional.  I think this devotional is a great way to connect with your spouse each day, work on your relationship, and keep the focus on God.

GIVEAWAY:

Flyby Promtions has generously provided a copy of The Song: Awaken Love Couple's Devotional for you to WIN!  Just use the easy peasy Rafflecopter widget below to enter.  Giveaway ends 12/09 at 12AM ET.  (US and CANADA Only)

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

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