Good Good Father

You may have heard the song....but have you seen the video?

What a fabulous reminder - we all need this one! In Chris' words, "We all have a picture of who we think God is. When we get down to the foundation of what we believe, the truth is that God is exactly who He says He is - a good, good Father."


NOW - go enter the giveaway!

Link for Chris’ giveaway:  http://smarturl.it/WNIAFlyaway?IQid=pbn 

Link to get song on iTunes: http://smarturl.it/CTGoodGoodFather?IQid=pbn

MUSIC VIDEO link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlsQrycKKsY

Story Behind The Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zN_XJ1zyYnA

The Legend of the Easter Robin

Dandi Daley Mackall has written another story for our young listeners that explains legends behind Christian symbols or traditions.  I so enjoyed this legend of the Robin and how he got his red breast all tied in to Easter and Christ on the cross.  It's an Easter story you can share with your little ones that shows real compassion and faith using nature and the tender relationship between a grandmother and her granddaughter.  The illustrations by Richard Cowdrey are also tender and colorful adding much to the storyline.  This would be a fantastic read aloud in a Sunday School or Christian school setting.  I guarantee after reading this, you will look with new eyes at a Robin.



*I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

Chinese Culture in Children's Books

I was sent two books to review that I was not familiar with at all - but having two daughters born in China, struck a chord with me.  They are created by the China Institute in America to introduce children to Chinese culture at an early age and are in the We All Live in the Forbidden City book series.

What Was It Like, Mr. Emperor? is a fun book that allows kids to see the life of an emperor and learn about life in the palace.  Some fun facts about certain emperors are even included to make it more personal and take an active look at history.  The book is fun for kids to read and the illustrations keep it engaging.

Bowls of Happiness is a book that, in such a fun way, explores the tradition and uses of porcelain art found in the Palace Museum's collectibles.  Readers can see first-hand how the bowls are made and can see the culture and value of Bowls of Happiness in the Chinese tradition.  The illustrations in this one are whimsical and fun.


Both are wonderful to add to a collection of books on history or Chinese culture and are ones my girls are thoroughly enjoying!

*I was sent copies of the books by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

Beatrix Potter and the Unfortunate Tale of a Borrowed Guinea Pig

What is there not to love about a tale of Beatrix Potter?  This latest tale of Potter's early life is simply wonderful!  Deborah Hopkinson delivers a tale that was found in one of Potter's journal entries.  It is the story of young Beatrix wanting to draw a guinea pig - so she borrows one from her neighbor to use as a model and alas, the little guinea pig eats the paper, some string and more that is left lying on the desk and when Beatrix finds the model guinea pig dead, she knows she has trouble ahead!

Truly a tale to relish with a young one on your lap.  The illustrations are the icing on the cake.  One can only hope they find more stories in Potter's journals - what a wonderful life!

The Gift of Friendship

A friend is a treasure - but friends can be quirky...relationships can be hard....we are all human!  I think that is what I LOVE about Dawn Camp's new book, The Gift of Friendship - it celebrates all that friendship is - the good and the bad.  It is a beautiful compilation of stories that all revolve around friendship.  This is a book that I can not devour in one sitting, it must be savored slowly as in fine, dark, chocolate!  It's a coffee or bedside table book that draws you in, lets you savor, and allows you to keep ruminating for hours. 

Let me share one of my favorite paragraphs:

I'm putting out a call to be brave.  To embrace the sweetness and depth of real friendship.  To hold ourselves to a higher standard than silence.  To become the kind of friend we pray our daughters have.  This kind of friendship isn't easy.  It's hard and messy and can come with real heartache.  But it can also come with richness and love and someone to really do life with too, and it is so worth it.

Do not miss this one - it is fabulous!

*I was sent a copy for review purposes on my blog for an honest opinion.

Chronicle Titles that WILL Captivate!

A few fun Chronicle books to share:

The Quickest Kid in Clarksville by Pat Zietlow Miller and illustrated by Frank Morrison

So I LOVE everything about this book.  It is a delightful story of a little girl and the day before the big parade.  She doesn't have good shoes so she is worried about even making it to the parade, but she thinks of Wilma Rudolph and she knows she can do it....even when the girl with fancy running shoes shows up!  It is a great book with potential for discussion on those less fortunate and even Olympics and Wilma Rudolph - because she shows up in the big parade!!! 
AND the illustrations are amazing!  Don't miss this one.



President Squid by Aaron Reynolds and illustrated by Sara Varon

What does it take to be a president?  Squid thinks he knows and he's going to share that with us, as readers, and even PUSH it on us.  But he has a rude awakening when he realizes that not everyone agrees with him - nor are the fish impressed...until he shows his "presidentialness".  GREAT reminder to adults too  - what it takes to be a leader.  The illustrations are captivating and fun as well.  This will be super for election season!

The Plans I Have for You

It is tough to find devotional books for that 8-12 year age range.  I have TWO in that age range right now, and believe me, it's been a challenge.  SO when I was given the opportunity to read Amy Parker's devotional, The Plans I Have for You, I was thrilled to take the challenge.  I was pleasantly surprised!  This books packs a punch for our young readers - it challenges them to think about their future, while focusing on God's purpose for each of them.  I loved the way Parker uses scripture and Bible stories to drive home the idea of focusing on all you can be for God - to find His plan for you.  It is written right on their level - the illustrations by Vanessa Brantley-Newton are fabulous and eye-catching as well.  AND the biggest bonus is the accompanying journal which is also right on their level.  It gives them places to write, draw, and doodle to show their ideas on paper - in a form that they can keep forever.  I love the whole idea of this - teaching our young ones how to journal and express themselves while focusing on God's great love and plan for us.

About The Plans I Have For You Devotional: 

The devotional is an illustrated 90-day devotional written by bestselling children's book author Amy Parker and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, teaching and inspiring kids to dream about their future, to focus on faith, love, and joy, and recognize that God has a plan and purpose for each and every one of us.  

Hardcover; 160 pages
Age Range: 8-12 years

About The Plans I Have For You Journal:

 

The journal prompts creative thinking and exploration of the talents and personalities that make us special, and then helps explore how God may use our unique traits to spread love and joy and make the world a better place. 

Stationery; 208 pages
Age Range: 11-14 years

About author Amy Parker:

Amy Parker has sold more than thirty books for children, teens, and adults.  She has also collaborated with authors ranging from New York Times bestsellers to her very own son.  Two of these collaborations are recipients of Christian retailing's Best Awards, and she has also won three Mom's Choice Awards.  But Amy's greatest reward is being a wife to Daniel and a mom to their amazing sons, Michael and Ethan. 

About illustrator Vanessa Brantley-Newton:

Vanessa Brantley-Newton is a self-taught illustrator, doll maker, and crafter.  Her passion for children's books began when she came across The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats as a child in the 1960s.  Growing up in a musical family who love to sing, Vanessa's illustrations are as fun and whimsical as a beautiful melody.  Vanessa currently makes her nest in Charlotte, NC with her husband of 20 years, their daughter, and a very rambunctious cat named Stripes.

SOCIAL • CORNER

The Plans I Have For You Devotional Official Website 

The Plans I Have For You Journal Official Website 

ZonderKidz Facebook

ZonderKidz Twitter

 

#PlansIHave  #FlyBy

I was sent copies of these books for an honest review on my blog.
 

The Peaceful Wife

April Cassidy has written, The Peaceful Wife:  Living in Submission to Christ as Lord.  I was intrigued by this when I was sent a copy to blog about.  I would highly recommend this book.  Not only is it easy to read and digest, but it is very thought-provoking.  It probes challenges we face in marriage through Cassidy's own struggles in learning how best to relate to her husband.  I appreciate her insight and honesty as she shares what she has learned about being a Godly wife.  She points out how so much of what we struggle with in our marriage stems from our own issues in our spiritual life and when we can get that where it needs to be, our love for our spouse may flow freer and easier and not feel like such a lot of work!  I love her look at what biblical submission is and is not...and how we, as women, can live under submission without feeling like we are losing our identity or opinions.  This was an informative read that I would suggest for others to read as well!



* I was sent a copy of the book for an honest review on my blog.

Salvation's Tide is Rising

Passion is one of those projects that continually puts out high quality music projects.  Their latest, Salvation's Tide is Rising, is another album that just amazes me at their high commitment to excellence.  Song after song raises the bar for not only Christian music in general, but for worship music at its best. 

What is Passion?  It is "Rooted in the confession of Isaiah 26:8, Passion exists to glorify God by uniting students in worship, prayer and justice for spiritual awakening in this generation.  From its start in 1995, the Passion Movement has had a singular mission--calling students from campuses across the nation and around the world to live for what matters most.  This yearly conference uses live worship music and teaching to encourage young people to live for the glory of God.  In 1998, Passion decided to document the musical portion of the annual conferences via live worship recordings -- raw, in-your-face praise songs with an alternative edge."

This album features some of "the greats" - Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Matt Redman and Kristian Stanfill. 

Track List:

1.  Salvation's Tide is Rising - Passion featuring Kristian Stanfill

2.  My Victory - Passion featuring Crowder

3.  Remember - Passion featuring Brett Younker & Melodie Malone

4.  God & God Alone - Passion featuring Chris Tomlin

5.  Simple Pursuit - Passion featuring Melodie Malone

6.  I Turn to Christ - Passion featuring Matt Redman

7.  Your Grace Amazes Me - Passion featuring Christy Nockels

8.  All We Sinners - Passion featuring Crowder

9.  Surrender - Passion featuring Jimi Cravity

10. Good Good Father - Passion featuring Kristian Stanfill 

One of my favorite songs on the album is the opener, Salvation's Tide is Rising.  I love the music on this one - the instruments and voices sound other-worldy in parts and the words are powerful.  Stanfill does not disappoint  - his lyrics are meaningful and catchy. 

Another that I find myself singing often is "Remember" by Brett Younker.  It's upbeat and also just what I need to hear most days lyric-wise. 

Don't miss "Your Grace Amazes Me" by Christy Nockels.  This is another song that speaks to me deeply and reminds me of the incredible grace of God.  It's tender and has deep lyrics that challenge me every time I hear it.

 

SOCIAL • CORNER

iTunes: http://smarturl.it/PassionSTIR?IQid=pbn 

Facebook: http://smarturl.it/PassionFB 

Twitter: http://smarturl.it/PassionTW 

Instagram: http://smarturl.it/PassionIG 

 

***I was sent a digital copy of the CD by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

#PassionSTIR

#FlyBy

 

 

Mercy Me and Christmas!

There are new Christmas albums coming out all the time - but I want one that has new twists on old carols or new songs altogether!  Mercy Me hit it this time!  This album is full of new Christmas tunes as well as some of the old ones - I think just enough to keep everyone happy!

The opening "Newborn" gives me goosebumps - what a wonderful rendition of old and new!  I also loved "Sleigh Ride" - talk about a new rendition of an old song - I thought it was SUPER!  A fun song with a county twang is "Our Lullaby" - I told you this album has a little something for everyone.  And don't miss "Joy" - another new twist on an old song.  This is really a fabulous album!

And Mercy Me has teamed up with Pizza Ranch on this awesome album!

Mercy Me It’s Christmas​ CD will be available in Pizza Ranch locations beginning November 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015.  It has 4 exclusive songs that can only be found on the CD version being sold by Pizza Ranch.  Each CD will be sold for $5 plus tax.  Pizza Ranch will give away the CD with a $25 gift card purchase as well as sell the full album at each of its 200 locations throughout the Midwest and Great Plains states.  "We are so excited to debut our new Christmas album, MercyMe, It’s Christmas, with Pizza Ranch” said Bart Millard with MercyMe. “Pizza Ranch is a fantastic restaurant with a great mission to glorify God. It's the perfect gift to give this Christmas season and the perfect CD to get you in the Christmas spirit."

*I was sent a review copy by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

Ishtar's Odyssey

We have a favorite family tradition in our home - we read Christmas books leading up to Christmas.  We've done it for years, and yes, we have our favorites.  One series that always stuck out to me is the advent series made up of:  Jotham's Journey, Bartholomew's Passage and Tabitha's Travels.  When I saw there was a new book in this series, I almost begged to be included on this book tour!  Ishtar's Odyssey is another in this series by Arnold Ytreeide, that will continue to delight. 

Ishtar is the 10 year old son of a Persian wise man.  This story  is his journey out of his comfort of the palace to see the world and learn from more than just his tutors.  He comes up again disaster and dangers but he learns to rely on a strength he didn't even know he had.  I love it that he meets up with our favorites Jotham, Bartholomew, and Tabitha as he travels with his father and uncles to find the newborn king, Jesus. 

These books are divided up into chapters and are meant to be devotional readings leading up to advent.  If you do not have a family plan for advent - I highly recommend these books - they are historically accurate and pleasing for the whole family.



*I was sent a copy by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

Get Your Story Straight

As a mother of a soon-to-be-teen in the "selfie" culture - I am always on the lookout for resources to encourage her to seek God and not the excitement of our culture.  Kristen Hatton's book, Get Your Story Straight, helps teens to focus on the gospel by getting them into the Word daily.  I love the in-depth study of the Word but also the thought-provoking questions that get teens (and adults) thinking about how they fit into both the culture and God's story.  Hatton speaks honestly and openly and there is no watering down either scripture or the law BUT she also compassionately reminds the reader of God's plan and love for them.  It is a wonderful combination of mercy and grace.  I plan to use this WITH my daughter - something she and I can do together to explore scripture and build our honest relationship as well.  What a great tool for our teens!  I am recommending it without hesitation!



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

War for the Waking World

Wayne Thomas Batson has been a favorite author of mine since he started writing.  He writes books that capture readers and are instant hits!  When I saw he had a new title coming out, War for the Waking World, I couldn't have been more intrigued.  It is the third and final title in his Dreamtreaders series and continues in true Batson tradition!

This is the story of Archer Keaton, a 15 year old, who has the power to enter and explore his own dreams.  Every generation, three people are chosen to be Dreamtreaders, and Archer is one of them.  I love the whole idea that these three Dreamtreaders are trying to protect the waking world from the Nightmare Lord.  Archer's life overlaps when his dreams become dangerous and then, so does his waking life.  This one is action-packed and teens and adults will love it!



*I was sent a review copy by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

NIV Bible for Teen Girls

I signed up for this Bible tour because I have a teen daughter and I wanted her to do this one with me.  We had so much fun - she went and explored the Bible on her own and then came back and showed me all the things she loved.  So I will pass these fun tidbits on to you!

*"Mom, these highlighted verses are really GREAT ones!"  Yep, they have taken the time to highlight verses that really show the gist of some passages.  Great idea!

*"Look at these intros to each book....it's like all there in one spot...and gives you all you need to know."  She is right - the intros are super.  They are filled with info that our teens want to know - all at a quick glance. 

*"The cover is just SO pretty.  I love it!"  Again, Zondervan has captured teen girls and their interests with a fun cover that is beautiful yet subdued.  SUPER design!

"These pink pages are like they are written JUST to me!"  There are blurbs throughout the Bible called "Growing in Faith, Hope and Love" where contributors have shared their thoughts and lessons learned that are so specifically geared to things our teens are feeling that they seem to hit home every time.  They are timely and hit our girls right where they are. 

So we loved this and would highly recommend it!  We could both go on and on about this one but we will let you discover more on your own with your teen!

Here is what the publisher says:
Today's teen girl needs reassurance that no issue is too big for God.  The NIV Bible for Teen Girls, designed specifically for girls ages 13 to 18, will do just that.  This Bible is packed with daily readings, highlighted promises of God, challenging insights, smart advice, and open discussions about the realities of life.  This Bible is designed to help teen girls grow in faith, hope, and love.  It is as sincere about a teen girl's walk with God as they are, helping them discover his will for all areas of their life, including relating to their family, dealing with friends, work, sports, guys, and so much more.

Features:

• DAILY READINGS by popular Christian female authors including Bethany Hamilton (Soul Surfer), Annie Downs, Christine Caine, Nicole Weider, Elsa Kok Colopy, Crystal Kirgiss, Bekah Hamrick Martin, Denise Van Eck, and more
• CHARACTER PROFILES of women in the Bible
• BOOK INTRODUCTIONS for each book of the Bible
• HIGHLIGHTED PROMISES OF GOD are verses worth remembering
• A CONCORDANCE for help in finding verses
• The bestselling NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (NIV) of the Bible

Official Website


*I was sent a copy for an honest review by the publisher.
#NIVBibleforTeenGirls  #FLYBY

Strong and Kind

I'm sure you've heard of Duck Dynasty, right?!?!?  :)  Well, the myriad of books that have come out of that tv show has just been fun to watch - from a librarian's perspective.  Korie Robertson's Strong and Kind is no exception. This book is all about determining what you want to see in your child's life character-wise and then parenting to build those traits.  I think, as a parent, that it is key to take time to evaluate what you want to see in your children and I'm not sure we encourage that enough.  Korie Robertson's book encourages you to take that time - time to purposefully plan for your children.  And then she gives creative ways to parent to build children of character.  I thoroughly enjoyed Korie's insight and the tidbits that Willie adds as well.  The combination of the two creates a thought-provoking parenting book.

About the book: 

Hardcover; 240 pages

Publisher: Harper Collins Christian Publishing (October 27, 2015)

In her new book STRONG and KIND: And Other Important Character Traits Your Child Needs to Succeed, Korie Robertson - New York Times bestselling author, wife of Duck Commander® CEO Willie Robertson, star of A&E's Duck Dynasty, and mother of five - argues that developing good character in our children is the single most important thing we can do to help ensure they lead happy, healthy adult lives.  Robertson explores key traits and what they truly look like in action, asks readers to select the two traits that they hope to see most in their children, and shares hands-on ways for nurturing strength of character.  Written with her mother Chrys Howard and featuring stories and wisdom from husband Willie, STRONG and KIND cuts through the contemporary cacophony of parenting manuals to rediscover, unfold, and embrace the enduring wisdom that has guided the best parents for centuries.

*I was provided a copy of the book by the publisher for an honest review.

#strongandkind #flyby

Just Show Up

Kara Tippetts and Jill Lynn Buteyn have written Just Show Up - the dance of walking through suffering together.  This book is POWERFUL.  I am sure you can't think of anyone - maybe even yourself - that you know who has NOT gone through suffering of some sort.  It's everywhere and it's inevitable.  But when we suffer, Christ has a plan to give us His hands and feet here on this earth to help us - to come alongside and encourage us and help us get through.  Through Kara's personal story of disease, we learn what it is to suffer alongside someone - to give the gift of silence, the art of receiving and what it means to just show up.  I highly recommend this - for personal reading or even a study - I think sharing it with others would add much to the reading of this book.  Let's all read it and learn how to come alongside and be the Body - it is a VERY valuable resource.

To see more blog posts on this tour go to http://litfusegroup.com/author/tippettsbuteyn .



What does friendship look like in the midst of changing life seasons, loads of laundry—and even cancer? Kara Tippetts and Jill Lynn Buteyn teamed up to write Just Show Up, a story of their close friendship and walk through Kara's battle with terminal cancer. Whether you are eager to be present to someone going through a difficult time or simply want inspiration for pursuing friends in a new way, this eloquent and practical book explores the gift of silence, the art of receiving, and what it means to just show up.

Celebrate the gift of friendship with a Tried & True Friendship giveaway—a prize for you and for a friend!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Just Show Up
• Two Ombre Layer Necklaces—one for you and one for a friend

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 23rd. The winner will be announced October 26th on Jill's blog.

Is one of your friends going through a tough time—maybe you need some encouragement? Stop by Kara and Jill's author page, click on the reviews bar, and read through some bloggers' stories of how their friends got them through suffering.

*I was sent a review copy by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

Messy Grace

Caleb Kaltenbach is a boy who grew up with a lesbian mom and a gay father and becomes a pastor.  He KNOWS the gay and lesbian community and he knows what he is talking about in his book, Messy Grace.  I found this book to be very eye-opening.  It was a constant challenge to me- to put aside pre-conceived ideas and just learn.  Caleb shares in a direct and honest way - not condescending or preachy, and yet so faithful to what he thinks need to be shared with Christians today in how to deal with the gay and lesbian communities.  I appreciated so many things about this book - my copy is marked up and I plan to refer back to it often.  What I saw over and over is how easy it is for Believer's to turn off the LBGT community and never have an opportunity to share with them.  If we want to be salt and light - we need to be willing to love everyone without compromising truth and Caleb shows us ways we can do just that.  He doesn't promise it will be easy - in fact, he reminds the reader over and over that it will be messy - but it can be done.  I appreciated the honesty and tactfulness with which this topic was handled....I would recommend it even if there may be parts one could disagree with personally, overall it was a wonderful challenge, and one I feel is very needed today.



*I was sent a review copy by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

Pass It On

When our children were growing up, I read almost every parenting book I could get my hands on.  I just wanted my kids to be strong children, capable of functioning as strong adults, but also children who loved their childhood and would look back with fond memories on their spiritual upbringing.  This book, Pass It On, by Jim Burns and Jeremy Lee, would have been on my list had it been around back then!

Burns and Lee have crafted a book that gives parents practical ways to teach their children at home and share their faith grade by grade as their children grow.  I love that they have put time into finding appropriate activities for your child as he/she is capable of understanding them.  From a Bible presentation in second grade to a blessing ceremony in seventh grade - there are just a multitude of ways to teach your child and build on a solid biblical foundation. 

This will be a wonderful resource for our young families - to treasure and use as their children grow and mature in Christ.



*I was sent a review copy by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

Chronicle Finds....

Chronicle Books sent me a box today! I will share these fun titles.

Peek-a Boo! by Nina Laden is an adorable board book in their series Peek-a.... The simple cut-out pages for little ones as you guess which animal could be hiding behind that small hole.  This title is all focused on Fall and will be a fun addition to our fall board books.


I Can Play and I Can Dance are both by Betsy Snyder and are board books that I can just see our little ones enjoying!  Each title has two small holes for fingers to come through and be the legs on the characters.  They are adorable!


Big Bear Little Chair by Lizi Boyd is such a fun picture book.  It is a "study" of size and shape and being able to figure out which items will go together.  The opposites are shown in such a fun way and the illustrations are AMAZING!  This will be a fun book to share with our little ones!


Ninja Baby by David Zeltser is one that just made me smile.  It's about Nina - the baby that was just born a ninja.  I mean really - if a baby can karate chop the doctor, plan sneak attacks on her parents, and obliterate applesauce - what other kind of baby could she be!?!?  You will LOVE this one and your kids will too!  AND if I knew anyone having a baby - THIS would be their shower gift!  Everyone should have a ninja baby!!


**I was sent review copies by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

The Not Very Merry Pout-Pout Fish

I just don't know how you can not LOVE the Pout Pout Fish books.  But just in case you need convincing....Deborah Diesen's latest, The Not Very Merry Pout-Pout Fish, is simply splendid!  Pout Pout Fish was born with a frown on his face - making him appear quite pouty....but he tries very hard to overcome this pout.  In this book, Mr. Fish is trying to find presents for his friends - but he seems to be striking out at every turn and time is running out before Christmas.  He ends up giving the best gifts of all, using his own two fins!!  The rhyming aspect of this book is such a fun, non-forced rollick that kids adore these books.  And who can resist a fish with a Santa hat, anyway!?!?!



*I was sent a copy of the book for an honest review by the publisher.