From the Garden to the City

I have been looking for a book like this for FOREVER (well, almost!!). John Dyer's From the Garden to the City is a look at "The Redeeming and Corrupting Power of Technology". I have been impressed and hooked from the very first page - this book is well-written and packed with Biblical background and researched information, but it is also humorous and timely. I consider myself a lover of all-things-techy and this book shed new insight into ways that I can think about all of this new technology and the role it plays or could play in my own life. I was highly challenged - TRULY an impacting read. We can be on the "cutting edge" but we also need to be aware and see the impact these things can, and do have on our lives.

Here is what the publisher has written about the book:

From the Garden to the City
The Redeeming and Corrupting Power of Technology
John Dyer
Believers and unbelievers alike are saturated with technology, yet most
give it little if any thought. Consumers buy and upgrade as fast as they
can, largely unaware of technology’s subtle yet powerful influence. In a
world where technology changes almost daily, many are left to wonder:
Should Christians embrace all that is happening? Are there some
technologies that we need to avoid? Does the Bible give us any guidance
on how to use digital tools and social media?

An experienced Web developer and writer on technology and culture,
John Dyer answers these questions and more by walking through the
story of the Bible and introducing key ideas about how technology and
culture interact. Dyer first analyzes the biblical, theological, and
philosophical foundations of technology and then studies several
examples that show how technology can influence the spiritual life. For
youth pastors, college-aged readers, and anyone interested in
understanding how technology fits with faith, From the Garden to the
City fills a gap for biblically-informed literature in a technological world.

About the Author: John Dyer (BS, Texas A&M; ThM, Dallas
Theological Seminary) is director of Web development at Dallas
Theological Seminary. He has published articles in Collide Magazine and
Christianity Today and authors the blog donteatthefruit.com. From the
Garden to the City is his first book.

*I was sent a copy for review purposes by the publisher.

What Is He Thinking???

Rebecca St. James has written What is He Thinking?? What Guys Want Us to Know About Dating, Love, and Marriage. This book is a great "manual" for female teens and those in their 20's and even 30's that are still single and want to know more about men and why they act the way they do in regards to dating and even marriage. I was impressed with this book - St. James has done her research - she has interviewed young men to ask them the tough questions so that girls can read the book and have a clearer understanding of the men they are in relationships (or may soon be in relationships) with. I think her variety of men she interviewed makes this an extremely useful tool - it is honest, wise, and insightful - all while being humorous! This was an enjoyable read and I know our girls out there dating or getting ready to date will enjoy it as well.

Here is what the publisher has said about the book:

In WHAT IS HE THINKING??, Rebecca interviews a range of men from high-profile types to the guys next door, men that every woman can relate to. Although the interviews focus on single guys ages 20-35, Rebecca also includes words of wisdom from older mentors she respects who have been successfully married for years, people like her dad, life coach, and pastor.

The men share their thoughts on topics like how women can respect themselves and the men in their lives, modesty, purity, taking it slow, friendship, letting guys lead, and more. This book gives them the floor to say what they would really like women to know.

The men respond candidly to questions such as:
• What is the most attractive quality to you in a woman?
• Is modesty truly attractive?
• Is neediness a turn-off?
• What do you find beautiful?
• How can we be dependent on God for our identity, not on you?
• How can we help you with boundaries physically?

Rebecca also discusses her own dating life, speaking openly about the single life, her struggle with loneliness, and her hope for the future. She challenges women to see the men in their lives as brothers in Christ and to trust God with their dating lives.

Visit the Facebook Page to learn more.

"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."

Carlito C. Caterpillar's Math House Games

I was just introduced to Carlito C. Caterpillar's Math House Games - what a fun way to get our little ones introduced to math and mathematical concepts! I like the way the game is set up to build on early concepts like understanding quantity and then moving on to numeration, etc. This system seems very well thought out as well as being clear and easy to teach. The instructions are easy to follow and if you need extra help making your manipulatives - that is all available online on their site as well. The game is arranged into 40 short math games with 2 games per "step". It is geared for children in preschool to early elementary grades. Visit their website or Facebook page to learn more.

OH NOW FOR THE FUN - I have one copy of this game to giveaway to one lucky reader!! To enter - all you need to do is leave a comment. If you'd like another entry - just post to your blog, twitter, or facebook and let me know you did so!! Winners will be chosen on Tuesday, Oct. 4!!!

“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.”

Lifesong in Zambia

Brush to Berries from Lifesong for Orphans on Vimeo.

"Simply giving this person money is treating the symptoms rather than the underlying disease and will enable him to continue with his lack of self-discipline... a better solution would be to develop a relationship that says, we are here to walk with you and to help you use your gifts and abilities to avoid being in this situation in the future'" (An excerpt from the book, When Helping Hurts)

Lifesong is serving the people of Zambia... the orphaned, the at-risk, and the poor... by utilizing the land that is, like the people, so full of potential. Lifesong farms-Zambia reaped its first strawberry harvest in June, and local grocers have been purchasing the berries. With additional acres to farm, we are hoping to process some of the berries and begin marketing Lifesong Farms Strawberry Jam.

By harvesting fruit, we are able to serve more orphans by providing the gift of a job at Lifesong's gardens and self worth to an orphan's caregiver. We are also able to provide future employment for our kids as they transition into adult living, develop a system to raise funds to help cover operational costs, and develop expertise that can be replicated in multiple countries where Lifesong serves. Most of all, we are seeking to glorify Jesus as we teach others how He walked.

**GIVEAWAY:

1st PRIZE: Lifesong is giving away a 1-night hotel stay for the LIVE ORPHAN SUNDAY event in Kansas City!!! Let me just tell you, this event will be FABULOUS!!!

2nd PRIZE: Lifesong is giving away FREE Gobena Coffee for 1 year - 2 lbs per month shipped straight to your home.

HOW do you enter? Well, I'm glad you asked! There are several ways to enter. PLEASE LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT ON THIS LIFESONG POSTING FOR EACH ENTRY, including your email address so Lifesong is able to contact you!!!

1. Share how the Lord is working in and through your adoption/orphan care ministry (1 entry)

2. Re-post this Zambia blog posting on YOUR blog to share what the Lord has been doing at Lifesong Zambia (1 entry)

3. Tell about an Orphan Sunday event you had or attended in the past (1 entry)

4. Tell your plans for THIS YEAR's Orphan Sunday on Nov. 6th (1 entry)

5. Re-post this on your facebook wall (1 entry)

6. Re-post this on your twitter page (1 entry)

7. Post on YOUR blogs, facebook, or twitter and tell Lifesong that I sent you (1 entry)

8. Tell what you think about the 'Brush to Berries' video - what moved you, what stood out to you, what are you excited about? (1 entry)

9. Become a fan of Lifesong on facebook here (1 entry)

10. Send an email to info AT lifesongfororphans DOT org asking to receive our monthly updates (1 entry)

PLEASE leave a separate comment on Lifesong's post for EACH entry, including your email address so they are able to contact you!

***Giveaway starts immediately and ends at midnight on Monday, October 3rd.

New Ipad/Android Apps that are Family Friendly

Tomorrow Had Come

By Jessica Kirkland

In every season of life, the Enemy would whisper the lie that I would “never make it” to the next. I believed it. Time and time again, I thought his words held power. As a young child, I never thought I would live to see my school years. Once I entered school, I never thought I would live to see the next day, next grade, or milestone in life. I listened to a very real enemy, even though I didn’t want to. Even though I came from a strong, Christian family, I felt powerless to stop the lies. Fear gripped me, stole from me, and taunted every careful step I took.

I gave my heart to Christ at six years old, yet fear still held me tight. Though I had renewed hope, the whispers and lies continued to flow and drown out truth through every season. When, I heard the words that burned a hole straight through, I was nose-to-nose with what
appeared to be the sum of all my fears.

“Mrs. Kirkland, you have congestive heart failure. If your babies are born now, they will probably not live or be severely impaired.”

I was twenty-six weeks pregnant with triplets. In the beginning, I had been pregnant with quads, but had lost one child at 14 weeks. I never imagined we might all go meet Jesus on the same day. I mourned the thought of my husband walking through life alone. I grieved for the children that would either die, be disabled on this earth, or grow up motherless. And I burned with anger, not just because of the oxygen mask strapped to my face as I struggled for breath and life, but for twenty-five years of allowing Satan to tell me that I would never make it to tomorrow.

Tomorrow had come.

As nurses whirled around me, I prayed Acts 17:25 out loud, “…You give life and breath to everything, and satisfy every need.” I pleaded with the God I personally knew through a relationship with His Son, Jesus. I knew He had a plan for my life that was good according to Jeremiah 29:11. In my humanity, I struggled with the thought that death might be His plan for us on that day.

Today, we are parents to three healthy five-year-olds. You would never know they were born nine weeks premature. The joy that Satan has stolen from me in 30 years, through a spirit of fear, is great. I imagine if you strung each lying sentence end-to-end, they might wrap the globe. Yet, I have promised to tell others of God’s miracles in my life and do my part in setting captives free. Tomorrow had come, but so had Jesus, and it is He who has defeated the grave.

“For God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

Bio:
Jessica Kirkland lives in Southeast Texas with her husband, Robb, and five-year-old triplets. She is an author and speaker whose greatest passion in life is to see young families grow deeper in their walk with God. Jessica's newest adventure includes launching Christian Apps 4 Kids, which seeks to draw kids closer to Christ one app at a time. A recent release is a book app that addresses fear and scary nighttime sounds called The Sounds of Night, designed for kids ages 2-8. It is currently available on iPad, iPhone and all Android devices. When Jessica isn't writing, you can find her cheering her boys on at the soccer field, or watching her little girl at the dance studio. To find out more about her current writing projects, connect with her at: christianapps4kids.com or on her personal blog: jessicakirkland.com

To purchase The Sounds of Night at iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-sounds-of-night/id456046823?mt=8

To purchase The Sounds of Night in the Android Market: https://market.android.com/details?id=pro.roar.thesoundsofnight&feature=search_result

The Violets of March

I can't even remember where I saw it - but I added The Violets of March by Sarah Jio to my reading list and got my turn from the library and read it in two days! Yep, it was THAT good. I found Jio to be a super writer - she kept me interested from the first page. There are actually two story lines in this novel - one that took place years before the main character, Emily, comes upon the diary, and then Emily's current day story line. It is Emily's mission - while healing her own heart, to try to untangle this mysterious diary that, she feels, may shed some light on her own situation. I would recommend this one - with hesitation to my teen readers because some of the scenes are more explicit than I would have my teen read - but would tell adult readers that the storyline was intriguing and worth reading! Love the tangled mystery of a good plot!

AND I'm kind of pumped about her next novel, The Bungalow, coming out in Dec. of 2011!

Sparky the Fire Dog

National Fire Prevention Week is October 9-15 this year and I have just the book to help you celebrate!! Sparky the Fire Dog by Don Hoffman is PERFECT to help teach our little ones some fire safety tips while enjoying a fun book! The illustrations are lively and fun - Todd Dakins mastered the feel for this story - the characters are friendly and the book has such a fun "water spot" technique that captures the fire/water theme - LOVED that!! Sparky the Fire Dog was a collaboration with the National Fire Prevention Association - and you know you can trust the content. I love how at the end of the book they go back over all of the tips they have taught you while you were reading - a great recap - and one kids will remember as each tip starts with the first letter of an animal name. This is a great book to add to your fire safety theme - and we are always looking for new books on this theme!!

DO NOT MISS their fabulous website either - this would be so fun to use with your class!

Jeremy Riddle - Furious

Jeremy Riddle's new CD - Furious - is such a great mix of fresh and worship - I LOVE it! One of my favorite songs so far is "Walk in the Promise" - a wonderful worship song that is full of encouragement! Don't miss this new CD - his sound is unlike many others - I love it!

Check out the Facebook Page! Twitter! And Vineyard Music's Website! You can purchase it on iTunes or HERE.

Here is More Info from the Press Release:

Vineyard Worship artist and worship leader Jeremy Riddle has announced the release of his new studio album entitled, Furious. The album is set for release on September 20 via NewDay Distribution.

Riddle began production on the album nearly a year ago with Dove Award winning producer Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Matthew West, David Crowder Band) at the helm. Cash’s contribution forms the backbone of the album which also features production from Bobby Hartry, a long time Riddle collaborator. The project follows Prepare The Way: Live, an album recorded in front of a live audience in Corpus Christi, Tex., earlier this year from Vineyard.

Riddle describes Furious saying, “It’s hard to come up with words that depict the magnitude of Christ’s love – the depth and width of it. Furious doesn’t work outside of the context of love; we tend to translate the word as angry, but I see it as a super-powerful force; stronger, deeper, broader than our vocabulary can fully describe."

Four years on the road as a touring worship leader eventually took its toll on Jeremy, so in January 2011, the former jr. high youth pastor came on staff as worship community pastor at Bethel Church in Redding, Calif. Working under pastors Brian and Jenn Johnson, Jeremy facilitates a worship community of over 200 people within the church.

“My wife (Katie) and I have always had a heart to serve the local church and never wanted to do the full-time travel thing for very long, so it felt like a good time to transition into something different,” Jeremy says. “I’ve developed such an appreciation for the fruit that has been sowed from my life – personally and artistically – by being part of a local community.”

Consequently, several of the tracks on Furious are also featured on Be Lifted High, the most recent album from Bethel Church.

“These songs are a reflection of being part of something bigger than just me,” Jeremy says. “Through some significant growth in understanding and living out humility from a very independent place, I’ve shifted into a place where I can’t even claim this record is completely inspired by me. There are so many elements of the album that could never have flowed from me had I not been connected to people walking out life with me.”

"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."

Stanley Seagull

I was sent a digital copy of Stanley Seagull by Tribute Books and thought this was a fun story. It is the story of seagull that gets separated from his friends when he doesn't realize danger is present. He has to find his way back to his buddies AND the ocean - which isn't easy! This book is also environmental at its core so if you are doing a unit on how humans affect the environment - this would be a good choice to help show those affects.

This book also has a fun website - Stanley Seagull.

And don't miss the Kindle Edition as well!!

A bit more about the author and illustrator:
Cathy Mazur's Bio:
Born in Scranton, Pa., Cathy Mazur is the daughter of Gary and Catherine H. Errico. She was educated in the Dunmore public school system and graduated from Dunmore High School in 1971. She received a bachelor’s degree in Library Science from Mansfield State College in 1975. She received a Reading Specialist Certificate from the University of Scranton in 1978. Cathy was employed as an elementary school librarian for the Mid Valley School District from 1975 until her retirement in 2010. While at Mid Valley, she instituted and coordinated the RIF (Reading Is Fundamental) program for 33 years helping students to develop a love of reading outside the classroom. Cathy served on the Board of Directors for the Valley Community Library in Peckville, Pa. for over 20 years acting as president for one year and board secretary for 19 years. She presently serves on the library’s Developmental Committee chairing various fundraising events. She resides in Dickson City, Pa. with Frank, her husband of 31 years. They are the parents of two children, Gary, 27 and Gia, 19. Now in her retirement, she is focused on writing books for children like Stanley Seagull.

Colleen Gedrich's Bio:
Colleen Gedrich, a lifelong resident Throop, Pa., earned a BFA in illustration from Marywood University in 2002. She is a freelance illustrator specializing in animal-themed work. She enjoys creating her art using mostly watercolor and pastel. As a dedicated animal rights activist and full-time program coordinator for International Society for Animal Rights (ISAR), Colleen lives her dream of joining her passions for animals and art to promote a more harmonious world with a touch of beauty. Recent works produced by Colleen include t-shirt and invitation designs, children’s book illustrations (A Different Kind of Hero), and book covers (With God There Is Hope). Colleen has also teamed up with her very talented artist mother, Kathy Holmes Gedrich, and paints murals for children’s nurseries.

* I was sent a copy for review purposes by the publisher.

The Noticer

Andy Andrews is an inspiration guy! And it just rubs off in his writing as well - he looks for ways to encourage others to be their best - and that is just what his book, The Noticer, does for readers. It is the story of Jones, a mysterious older man, that knows just who he needs to help and then goes to show them how they can help themselves. It is a read that will challenge you - even how we can all be "noticers" - it is motivational and challenges us to be the best we can be! Ok, and if you read it - leave a comment - I want to know your thoughts on Jones!!!

Theo

I was sent a copy of the new DVD Series, Theo - Teaching Children God's World, and boy, am I impressed. As the Director of Children's Ministries at our church - I can see so many uses for this series. The clips are short enough to show as an intro to a lesson - and yet enticing enough to catch kids' attention and reach them with deep theological truths. The animation is wonderful - and I just love it that in the clips I saw, Theo always starts by singing a great hymn of the faith - those that can be so easily lost on our kids today. This is quality - and is something our kids will grasp hold of and be taught deep truths!

About Theo
The animation series of Theo guides children and adults through a careful study of systematic theology. Theo discusses doctrines about sin, Godʼs character, the Bible, salvation and godly living with easy-to-understand illustrations that make children want to learn more about the Christian faith.
Theo Presents recognizes a universal fact: children and adults alike love cartoons. Theo captures the attention of young minds with liberal amounts of humor and high quality animation to present the Gospel of the Christian faith through the teachings of Theo and with the use of his two object lessons, Belfry and Luther.
Theo Presents is designed to serve as a multi-media resource tool that will help men, women and children fulfill the Great Commission of Christ, to go into all the world and make disciples and to teach those disciples Godʼs Word. The multi-media outlets include a DVD series, curriculum, books and iPhone/iPad app. Each of these facets are designed to work with one another or individually.
Theo was created to reach kids of all ages. The lessons and teachings of Theo can be used for Sunday school lessons, Christian school curriculum, missions, evangelism and homeschooling.

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If you would like to learn more about Theo - visit the webpage or the Facebook Page.

The app for the Ipad and Iphone is superb and my girls are loving playing with it. And do not miss the curriculum for churches - another great resource.

Here is what else I love about this project:

The Buy 1 - Give 1 campaign!
For every Theo DVD purchased, Whitestone Media and Child Evangelism Fellowship® will send a child in need their very own copy of Theo.
You can log onto TheoPresents.com after making your own purchase, and select the region of the world you'd like another copy of Theo to be sent.

*****************************************

About the creator - MICHAEL JOENS
Mike Joens has produced and directed scores of animated commercials for toy companies such as Milton Bradley, Hasbro, Kenner, McDonaldʼs and Playskool. In addition to commercial work, he produced and directed the animation segments for the award-winning video series “McGee and Me,” as well as the animated “Adventures in Odyssey” for Focus on the Family. After a waiting period of over 30 years, God opened the doors to Joens for the production of “Theo Presents.” At last, the dream of a cartoonist, called to teach the Word has come true. It is Mikeʼs hope that God will use Theo to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to children and adults in every country of the world!

"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."

It's COMING!!!

We are QUITE excited about this!!!

Just My Type

Once in awhile, I am asked to review a book that has "me" written all over it. And this one is IT! I am a font freak - no, I won't even tell you how many lovely fonts my computer has installed on it - that is my secret. (But I find new ones all the time and it doesn't stop me from adding more every now and then!!) So Just My Type by Simon Garfield really jumped out at me as one I just HAD to read! This book has everything you ever wanted to know about fonts - and I do mean everything! I had no idea the history behind some of these font types. It was intriguing to me - fonts that you see everyday - all around you - and you never stop to think what prompted their formation or why they look like they do.

But after you read this book - you WILL think about fonts all around you! I guarantee it!



*I was sent an ARC copy for review purposes by the publisher.

Stained Glass Hearts

Patsy Clairmont is MARVELOUS!! She makes me laugh when I hear her speak - she makes me laugh when I read her work - but she can, on a dime, make me cry as well. She speaks to my heart and helps me to look inward and make some changes. Her latest book, Stained Glass Hearts is no exception. We are but broken glass - but when we are held up to the light, after being soldered together, we can be something wonderful! Her chapters are engaging - and what I love is after every chapter, Clairmont ties in famous websites, artwork, music, etc so you can go and see the artwork and experience it for yourself. It is a well-rounded experience and I just LOVE this book!

*I was sent an e-copy for review purposes by the publisher.

Get In, I'm Driving

SO if there were an award for the most clever album title, Ginny Owens' new CD would definitely WIN!! Get In, I'm Driving - I just love this title!! Ginny is an amazing woman with an even-more-amazing voice. Her work is so versatile - just listen to the first song which is catchy and hip hop and then continue on and you will find a soothing song that is a completely different style altogether. I haven't tired yet of this album - it is wonderful and my girls LOVE it as well.

Here is some background on Ginny:

A three-time Dove Award winner, including the Gospel Music Association’s 2000 New Artist of the Year recipient, and multiple ASCAP Award winner, Ginny Owens has sold nearly one million albums. A top performer on the Christian radio charts with hits like “If You Want Me To,” “Free” and “I Wanna Be Moved,” among others, Owens’ music has impacted mainstream audiences at Lilith Fair, the Sundance Film Festival and the White House. Her music has received widespread film and television placement, including songs on the popular WB series’ “Roswell” and “Felicity.” Owens was featured on national television, including NBC’s “Today” and CNN, for her contribution to help rebuild New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.

Born and raised in Jackson, Miss., Owens was discovering melodies on the piano almost before she could complete a sentence. Songs began to emerge from her fingers as the vision began to leave her eyes and by the age of three. A degenerative eye condition left Owens completely blind. Despite her physical challenge, Owens pursued a music career. Songs provide a window into a world Owens can’t see and an outlet for her to express her thoughts and dreams. Owens’ unique musical style and inspirational lyrics continue to appeal to Christian and mainstream audiences alike.

In 2005 Owens launched The Fingerprint Initiative, a hands-on, non-profit organization designed to “bring hope to the world, one project and one touch at a time.” The organization has partnered with and raised money for groups such as Compassion International, International Justice Mission and Habitat for Humanity. Go HERE to learn more on her Facebook page.

With a daughter with a serious eye condition - this lady touches my heart! And her album touches my heart too - Powerful!

And I am delighted to offer you a copy of the CD as well - to enter my giveaway:

1) Leave a comment

2) Tweet this contest or Facebook it

3) Follow my In The Pages Blog on Facebook

Contest Ends Sept. 21 so enter soon!!

"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."

Animal Adventures Week

Here are some GREAT sales this week for animal adventures week.

Download N Go Animals Fun Pak (K-4) $12.00 off Click

here to visit Unit Studies by Amanda Bennett.

Creation Camouflage Study $4.00 (K-4) Click here to view more details

Astonishing Animals (K-4) $4.00

Click here to view more details

Terrific Tigers (K-4) $4.00 Click here to view more details

Goofy Gecko (K-4) $4.00

Click here to view more details

Horses Unit Study Adventures (K-12) $5.00 Click here to view more details

Don't miss these great unit studies available only this week for this price!!

Smack Dab in the Middle of God's Love

Brennan Manning and John Blase's Smack Dab in the Middle of God's Love is a unique and fun beginning look at God's love for your youngest ones. I love that it's set in a little Mexican village - I love that even our youngest ones will see how big God's love is for them - I love that the illustrations are so colorful and fun - yep, I could go on and on! Oh yes, and I LOVE "Smack Dab" - I used that phrase as a kid and I love that it's back!!

Through Willie Juan and Ana - you see God's amazing love for us as these two people lavish their love on little ones in their Mexican village. They may not have had children of their own, but they still knew how to love on children - and through those relationships, they show these children what God's love is like.

This is a wonderful picture book - share it with a little one you want to share God's love with!

*I was sent a copy of this ebook for review purposes.

Expedition China

Another great sale - today only!!

Click here to view more details

Africa Unit Study on Sale TODAY!

Expedition Africa on sale TODAY!!! $4.00 today only!

Click here to view more details

My First Hands-On Bible

I am not sure if one can have too many Bibles - or at least my girls don't think so! And here is a new children's Bible to make sure is on your radar! Group's My First Hands-On Bible is truly a great little tool! You are guided through the Bible by two little comrades - Pockets and Cuddles and they help lead your child to deeper understanding of the Bible stories - my girls look for them on every page! There are hand prints throughout the Bible to give you opportunities to interact with your child and the story. And each story ends with multiple ways to grow deeper and continue learning together. I would say that preschoolers will certainly not read this on their own, but the stories are very readable and a great length if they are read out loud to them. It is geared to ages 4-8. This is truly a great idea in a Children's Bible - the possibilities of learning and reading together are endless!!


*I was sent a copy for review purposes by Tyndale Publishers.

Bird in a Box

I finished a book today that I can only call "lovely" and that doesn't happen often. Bird in a Box by Andrea Davis Pinkney is one not to miss! This is a book geared for ages 9-12 that totally touched my heart. It revolved around the lives of two young children growing up at the Mercy Home for Negro Orphans in New York in 1936 and how their lives intertwine with that of young Hibernia Tyson - a daughter of a local minister. This book really hits at the heart of friendship and the tough lives some had to live in the 1930's. One of the great themes in this book that ties it all together is Joe Louis - the famous "Brown Bomber" - one of the greatest heavyweight champs of his time. You get to learn of his life and the fun tie that it is to all three of these kids. TRULY a wonderful story - the characters are real - you feel for them and, by the end, feel like they might be part of your own family - or at least wish they were!!

*I was sent this title to review by the publisher.

The Goodness of God

I do not think I can recall one Randy Alcorn book that has disappointed me so when I saw The Goodness of God on Blogging for Books, I quickly signed up to review it. I was, once again, inspired by his words. The Goodness of God speaks to purpose during suffering - it doesn't matter what kind of suffering - suffering brought on by people, disease, or just evil itself - there is a purpose behind it and Alcorn explores that purpose for each of us in his small, but powerful read. Alcorn shows us that if we let our suffering work in us - we can come out on the other side stronger and even more useful in the cause of Christ. He shows us through Jesus' own example how suffering can build character and lead us into wholeness and joy. I WILL be sharing this title with others - don't save it for just when you are suffering - savor it now and then refer to it again later when you most need it!

(Probably my favorite thing about this book is that it is a wonderful condensed version - short, easy to read, and easy to gift. It is taken from Alcorn's If God is Good....)

*I was sent a copy for review purposes by the publisher.

Unbroken

Per a friend's suggestion - I got a copy of Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand and started reading. Now I'm telling you all - Biography, Non-Fiction, World War Two, Running, Redemption - this book has it all and you NEED to read it. It isn't an easy read - the life of Louie Zamperini is certainly not an pleasant one - an Olympic-hopeful runner, Louie is ready to break records with his incredibly fast mile, but is called to go to war. World War Two breaks into his plans for his running but he goes to war and plays his role as an airman. His plane is shot down over the Pacific Ocean and he and two other airmen are stranded for over a month in the middle of the ocean. Their story is amazing - compelling - and heart-breaking. Make it through the whole book and you will only be inspired by the ending - Zamperini's life is a story of redemption. I am pleased that Random House took this book and published it - worth every page!