Where Jesus Slept- Book Review & Giveaway #WhereJesusSlept #Flyby

Halloween is finally over. But, Fall has barely begun here in Oklahoma. The leaves have barely began to fall and most are still green. Never mind that most of us still need to mow our grass. Thanksgiving is a little over two weeks away, Christmas is only 47 days. ONLY 47 days!!! Okay, I'm not gonna lie to you, I've been watching Christmas movies, I've even bought one gift. And of course the reading around here to our little friend has started to be all about that wonderful time of the year. When FlyBy Promotions contacted me in October about the opportunity to review a Christmas story, of course I said, yes! Even though this book is a little above Miss K's reading level, it doesn't hurt her practice her fluency with me or with the little guy pictured above.

This book is one that must be added to your Christmas library. First of all, I love hard back books at Christmas, I used to love wrapping up 24 gifts/books at Christmas time as an advent and reading each night to my kids. It was a great way to enforce the Christmas story and magic in them. And honestly, the more manger stories, the better. The repetition in this book is terrific. By the end of the book, the almost four year old was repeating words like COW, BED, and JESUS! As you can see from the cover above the book is just beautiful.

One of my blessed readers is going to get their very own copy of this book? Who wants it? Enter on the easy Rafflecopter form below, or order on Amazon (not an affiliate link).

About the book:
“This is the bed where Jesus slept. This is the straw that lined the bed where Jesus slept.” From here, the story builds with each spread, adding a new element and explaining the relationships among the participants and witnesses to the first Christmas. From Jesus sleeping sweetly to the wise men bringing gifts, this charming book reminds readers young and not-so-young of the joyous event we celebrate at Christmastime. Children will love the delightful illustrations and the engaging repetition in this cumulative tale.


Format: jacketed hardcover
Trim size: 10x10
Page count: 32
Retail price: $16.99
Reading age: 4-7


About the author:
Norma Lewis is the author of ten books. She lives in Grand Haven, MI, with a marmalade cat named Scalawag. They both love spending time with her six grandchildren, ranging in age from three to twenty.
Illustrated by Katy Hudson.

"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. Winners from the Continental U.S. only. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Would a Worm Go on a Walk? Book Review & Giveaway #WormOnAWalk #FlyBY #Giveaway

Miss K and I were given the opportunity by FlyBy to read a new book to our little friends who visit us each week. Unfortunately, the reading to the friends won't happen until next week, since we just got the book. But, that didn't stop BOTH my kids from picking up this book and reading it. YES, I said both- even a 15 1/2 year old was drawn to this book. Maybe it was the beautifully illustrated cover. It's funny because even the simplest of books can teach the biggest lessons in life. God created us all unique. We are wonderfully made, loved and special.

About the book:
“Would a worm go on a walk, if you could lead him down the street? Would he wear his tiny tennies, if he had two worm-sized feet?”

So begins this humorous and imaginative picture book that introduces children to the idea that animals are uniquely created by a loving and wise God. Would a Worm Go on a Walk?, with its colorful, comical illustrations, is a fresh, fun way to teach young children that God created all things very good. He gave all the animals, and children, too, wonderful qualities and unique strengths. Children will giggle over the ridiculous scenarios presented, and they will come away with the knowledge that we all are loved and special.

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

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


One of my blessed readers is going to get their very own copy of this book? Who wants it? Enter on the easy Rafflecopter form below, or order at this link.



"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 Rafflecopter giveaway

Esther: The Belle of Patience, Book #2 in The Adventures of Rooney Cruz Bible Belles Series Review #FlyBy #BibleBelles

It's summer. WooHoo!!!  The one thing my kids hate to do in the summer is anything that remotely looks like school, including READING. As a mom and an avid reader, this breaks my heart. When FlyBy Promotions contacted me about reading and reviewing the latest book in Bible Belle's series, my Moma wheels started turning. How can I make Miss K enjoy reading this summer... To be honest she doesn't like to read, because she is slow, and feels like she doesn't do a great job at it.

I haven't shared on the blog yet, but Miss K now has a YouTube channel- Miss K's Corner. Yes, she is now an aspiring YouTuber.  She has 7 videos, with 7 subscribers, and a total of 343 likes total. Believe me, she can rattle those stats off like nobody's business. Anyway, if she can vlog about something she does, a DIY, a shopping haul, or something else, then MAYBE I can get her to read a book and vlog about it.

MISSION SUCCESSFUL. Take a look at this. I'll admit, this was a huge lesson for both of us. My comfort in reading, meets her comfort behind the camera. Her discomfort in reading, met my discomfort of self behind camera. What a lesson the Belles are teaching us both.



"About the series: Bible Belles’ The Adventure of Rooney Cruz is an original children’s series that presents real life heroes like never before. The series highlights five superhero women of the Bible: Hannah, Esther, Abigail, Ruth and Deborah.

THE SOUND OF THE BELLES WILL BE H.E.A.R.D. -EXODUS 28:35

We’re setting out to present women in the Bible in a way that has never been done before. We want girls to connect with them and find out what being truly beautiful is all about. We want girls to remember their names, their stories, and how special they are."

We were sent an e-book/pdf of  Esther: The Belle of Patience. I just love how the women of the Bible are being compared to modern day girls. Esther releases in June 2016. One of my blessed readers is going to get their very own copy of this book to add to their library. Will it be you? Just enter on the easy Rafflecopter form below.

Book Trailer:

Bible Belle's Esther: The Belle of Patience from Bible Belles on Vimeo.



"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 Rafflecopter giveaway

JESUS TODAY: DEVOTIONS FOR KIDS Review & Giveaway #JesusTodayKids #FlyBy

Most of my readers know that I serve as a 3rd Grade Station Leader at our church. This month our life app has been self-control. 

Our memory verse this month is, "A person without self-control is like a city whose walls are broken through.” Proverbs 25:28, NIrV

We have been exploring different verses in Proverbs talking about not only the power of self-control , but self- control over words, thoughts, temper, and knowing when to stop. 

This has been an eye-opening lesson for myself, and I am most certainly am glad that I am saved and forgiven by grace, because let me tell you, I have had to reveal a few of  my own self-control issues to this group of 9 year olds. One- is my failure to read the Bible every single day. Two- my Diet Coke addiction. I have challenged my group this month to bring their Bible every Sunday, yes they are rewarded by a Synergy Buck for bringing, but they all have learned the trick of finding Proverbs and are all getting very good at finding the Bible story for the week. Most are admitting to me now that they are exercising self-control over what they bring to church. Their parents are telling them to bring their Bible. Yay!!

When FlyPropeller contacted me to host a review/giveaway on the JESUS TODAY: DEVOTIONS FOR KIDS by Sarah Young, both hands went up. My own 3rd grader is one of those 3rd graders that I had to confess too. Oh Moma. Oh My. 

We received our book on January 19th. I turned the page to the 19th devotion for no specific reason. God had a reason. Miss K has been dealing with some fear at night issue. You see God knows. 

Take a look at the scriptures that accompany the daily passage. I am reading each night to Miss K right now, but it is written to where she can read to herself if necessary. Needless to say we are in awe of this devotion.

About Jesus Today: Devotions for Kids: 

Jesus is the Friend who is always with you.  Jesus Today: Devotions for Kids will pour this powerful truth into your children's hearts as they learn that He knows everything about them and loves them more than they can imagine.  Each devotion is based on Scripture and is written as though Jesus is speaking directly to you, assuring that He is in control, that He is good, and that an amazing future awaits all who put their hope in Him.  Adapted from the ECPA 2013 Christian Book of the Year-winner Jesus Today, this devotional has the same themes as the adult version, as well as written-out scriptures.  It is a great choice for families to read and discuss during devotional time together.

Hardcover: 368 pages
Age Range: 6-10 years

About Sarah Young: 
Sarah Young's devotional writings are personal reflections from her daily quiet time of Bible reading, praying and writing in prayer journals.  With sales of more than 14 million books worldwide, Jesus Calling has appeared on all major bestseller lists.  Sarah's writings include Jesus Calling, Jesus Today, Jesus Lives, Dear Jesus, Jesus Calling for Little Ones, Jesus Calling Bible Storybook, Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids, and Peace in His Presence -- each encouraging readers in their journey toward intimacy with Christ.  Sarah and her husband were missionaries in Japan and Australia for many years.  They currently live in the United States.

One of my blessed readers is going to get their very own copy of this devotion. Who wants it? All you have to do is answer one question on the easy Rafflecopter form below to enter. Bonus entries are available.

Who will you share Jesus Today: Devotions for Kids with?

You can find more information about Jesus Today and Sarah's other books at the following sites.
Official Website 

Book Trailer

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest 

Google+

Instagram 

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 Rafflecopter giveaway

JESUS DAILY: 365 INTERACTIVE DEVOTIONS #Giveaway #JesusDailyBook

"Based on the major themes found on the most active Facebook page in history, JESUS DAILY is a 365-day interactive devotional that goes beyond even the fan page to create a deeper experience and cultural movement that celebrates your redemption in Christ. JESUS DAILY presents a devotional thought but also challenges you to respond to each daily reflection using a variety of social media tools.

JESUS DAILY is a worldwide revolution in how you can connect, share, and worship the Father personally and with other believers.

JESUS DAILY presents scripture for every day of the year as well as short online missions, challenging readers to engage with other believers using a variety of social media tools. Take a look at today's devotion and challenge."

Okay, so that is a great and easy interactive social media task, right? So, tell me what are your favorite Christmas traditions and personal ways to celebrate the season? Mine? I have so many. But probably my favorite is Christmas Eve service with my family. It's just a time that all four of us actually get to sit in the church together as a family, sing, worship, and put a final refocus on what the true meaning of Christmas is all about. If you are local and don't have church, I invite you to one of our church's campuses- thechurch.at.

I was sent two copies of this devotional, one to keep and one to bless a friend with. I knew that I was posting on December 10th, so when I read this day's devotion, I knew exactly who I was giving it to. My friend Cristy, who was expecting her 5th child on December 12th- the same day as my son's birthday. Of course baby Charlie was born a little earlier than expected on the 4th, but the meaning was still there. I personally am looking forward to having a daily devotional that is interactive. And one of my blessed readers is going to get their very own copy of JESUS DAILY: 365 INTERACTIVE DEVOTIONS and a t-shirt. How awesome is that? All you have to do is answer the CONNECT Question in the December 10th devotion above. 

JESUS DAILY is available at retailers everywhere including, Barnes & Noble, ChristianBook.com, and Walmart.

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Hatchette Book Group 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.”

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Small Talk Book Review & Giveaway

“Sometimes God uses the smallest voices to teach the greatest truths…”

Watch this book trailer:

WOW!

I can personally attest to the above statement. I am in my third year of serving in our church's elementary ministry. I have moved up with my daughter every year since she was in Kindergarten. I love this group of kids. This year I finally found my sweet spot as a Station Leader. After our entire groups worship time, I get the opportunity to come back and recap the lesson. One particular lesson was on words and how they hurt. I asked the 50+ kids for hurtful words. One boy, in church shouted out B***H. Yes, that is a very very hurtful word. I had to not say anything and just continue on with my lesson. Afterward, I spoke with his grandmother. This boy, sweet little 2nd grade boy, had just been taken away from his mother. His life had been in turmoil. He didn't need reprimand from me. He needed LOVE. Does God reprimand me when I let a bad word slip? Nope. He loves me. Thank you Lord for using that small voice to teach me that truth.

"Every day, one of Amy Julia Becker’s children says something that prompts her to think about life in a new way. “Mom, does Santa love me?” William asks, after his mother explains the meaning of Christmas…In a chat with her dad about the children who died in the Sandy Hook shootings, Penny asks, “Did they go to heaven?” …”You was a jerk, Mommy?” asks Marilee one morning in the car.

These conversations deepen Amy Julia’s relationships with her children, but they also refine her understanding of what she believes and what God is doing in her own life.

In Small Talk, Amy Julia draws from the wisdom and curiosity of those young voices to reflect on beauty and kindness, tragedy and disability, prayer and miracles. As she moves through the basic questions her kids posed when they were very young to the more intellectual questions of later childhood, she invites us to learn from our own day-to-day conversations with the children in our lives.

This eloquent parenting memoir is about the big questions little hearts ask, the thoughts their words provoke, and the laughter and soul-searching their honesty brings—to adult and child alike.

One of my favorite stories in the book is one of when Amy was babysitting and her reflection upon Psalm 23 when David says "He MAKES me lay down..." Note my dots. Just like Amy says God doesn't stop with us there. He leads me, He restores me, and He guides me. But before any of that happens I have to rest and let God be God. Wow, again. 

Amy Julia Becker writes about faith, family, and disability for Parents.com, the New York Times Motherlode blog, TheAtlantic.com, The Huffington Post parents page, Christianity Today, The Christian century, and numerous other publications. Her first book, A Good and Perfect Gift: Faith, Expectations, and a Little Girl Named Penny, was named one of the Top Ten Religion Books of 2011 by Publishers Weekly. Amy Julia lives in western Connecticut with her husband and three children.

Official Website: http://www.zondervan.com/small-talk

Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFiRKM19JZY
Amy’s Website: http://amyjuliabecker.com

Follow her on Twitter here!
Check out her Facebook page here!

One of my blessed readers is going to receive their very own copy of this must read book. Who wants it? Just enter on the easy Rafflecopter entry form 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 the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enough: 10 Things We Should Be Telling Teenage Girls Book Giveaway

I think know it is so very cool when a fellow blogger becomes a published author. In 2012, I actually did read the blog post by Kate Conner- Ten Things I Want to Tell Teenage Girls, a post that received over 2 million hits in two weeks. A post that has now resulted in a book. A book that tells teenage girls that: 

You are beautiful. You are valuable. You are enough.

I don't even have a teenage daughter yet, but I do have a teenage niece and my son does like teenage girls. Two years ago when God called me in to work with HIS children in HIS church, I began to see what an influence I can/do have in the lives of HIS children. Kate identified in this book 10 things that these girls need to hear today from someone who loves her. This book is so easy to read. Kate is funny, relational, and honestly I had many been there done that moments throughout the book. Shocking. I know.

I texted the following pictures of the book to my cousin and BFF:

I absolutely LOVE this passage. We can't shelter our daughters/teens from everything. Teach them with "a filter". The Aristotle quote will adorn my cousin's high school English classroom this Fall.

Kate is a former youth-worker, wife to a college minister, and a young mom in her twenties, Conner stands squarely in generational gap, the perfect place from which to bridge it. Conner offers herself as a translator, helping you to speak your teenager’s language and equipping you with a fresh perspective from which to engage your teenage girl—one that may enable her to truly hear your heart (and your wisdom) for the first time since puberty.

One of my readers is going to get their very own copy of this book. All you have to do is tell me you in the easy Rafflecopter entry form who you will share the wisdom of this book with. Bonus entries are available. 

Here’s the official website for the book: http://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/products/enough/. 

Check out all of Kate’s social media sites here:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/KateElizabethConner
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kateeconner
Instagram: http://instagram.com/kateelizabethconner
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kateconner/



"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. This Giveaway is open to U.S. & Canada only.a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Love Dare For Parents Book Giveaway

Do you remember the movie Fireproof? The one in which Kirk Cameron was a fireman and fought to save his marriage? The movie was based on the international best-selling marriage book The Love Dare by authors Stephen and Alex Kendrick. 

The Kendrick brothers have teamed up again to bring The Love Dare for Parents. 

The Love Dare for Parents, a 40-day journey of “dares” challenging one or both parents to understand, practice, and communicate Christ-like love to their children. Easy to read and work into a busy schedule, The Love Dare for Parents is designed to “turn the hearts of parents to their children and turn the hearts of children to their parents” (Malachi 4:6) so that moms and dads can more fully enjoy and delight in their children while maximizing the positive impact they have on their lives long term.

Each day brings a promising key verse from Scripture, a biblical principle about love that applies to parenting, a specific challenge the parent does for the sake of their child, and space to journal thoughts and reflect on what happened that day.

My husband and I actually began this book together this past Sunday. I'll be honest with you, the journey for us is very intimate and private. Every parent has its strengths and weaknesses when it comes to parenting. I was even surprised when I took the online assessment. We both look forward to the daily dares, and want to be more Christ-like in our parenting. 

I wanted to share with my readers that we are going through this 40 day journey, so that you remember us in prayer. I also thought it only fair to bless one of my readers with their very own copy of this book now rather than wait until after we finish it. I want to pray for you as take the dare. 

The mandatory entry is easy. Answer this question: Are you ready to take the dare?

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Icon Media Group 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.”

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rufus and Ryan Celebrate Easter! A Book Review

The 4-Crow's blog uses affiliate links, please see the Disclosures Policy page for more details.

Last September, I introduced to you the preschool book series of Rufus and Ryan by Kathleen Long Bostrom. Do you know a child ages 2-5? Teach a group of kids this age at church? This series is the perfect book to add to your library. It's even perfect for the young readers in your household.

In the third book in the series, Rufus and Ryan Celebrate Easter!, four-year-old Ryan and his stuffed monkey, Rufus, learn about the meaning behind the Easter. They celebrate with colored eggs and Easter baskets but learn that Easter is really a day to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus, God's son. Author Kathleen Bostrom brings a delightfully light touch to the text as she provides an introduction to a holiday that most children experience long before they understand why. And children everywhere will relate to the idea of explaining their surroundings to their favorite companions as they go about their daily activities.

Each story is about 150 words, using age-appropriate vocabulary and themes. My daughter, age 7 is able to read the entire book herself. I definitely can relate to the relationship between a child and her doll/companion. My own daughter was explaining to her American Girl Doll what it meant to have Jesus in your heart just a few days before her Salvation Day- Easter 2013. What a joyous day!

This is a must have book for any household that has young children/young readers. Especially if you are looking for books of faith to help your children understand the true meaning of Easter. Also, be sure to check out the other books in this series, Rufus and Ryan Go to Church!, Rufus and Ryan Say Their Prayers, and coming in September 2014 Rufus and Ryan Give Thanks. 

The Sparkle Egg Book Review & Giveaway

The 4-Crow's blog uses affiliate links, please see the Disclosures Policy page for more details.

One year ago tomorrow, March 31, 2013 was Resurrection Day- Easter Sunday. My little girl, then age 6, woke up singing the song "Oh Happy Day", little did we know that morning that this celebration day of Jesus rising from the dead and walking on Earth again, would turn into her Salvation Day. She asked Jesus into her heart later that evening. (entire story at this link)

The commercialism of Easter is all around us: the new clothes, the candy, the fake grass, the Easter bunny, even the Easter eggs. As a Christian parent, I do not forbid my children to participate in events such as egg hunts and when I was a first time Mommy 13 years ago, I paid the $5 for the Polaroid memory with the bunny. But, I DO make sure my children know why Easter is celebrated. I use the Bible and I absolutely love finding and reading books that teach my kids life lessons pertaining to our faith.

One of my latest finds is The Sparkle Egg by Jill Hardie. This book is about forgiveness. FORGIVENESS. Jesus Christ's ultimate sacrifice of dying on the cross was exactly for that reason. He loved us so much that he was willing to die so that we could live forever.

In the book, Sam, the character of The Sparkle Box: A Gift with the Power to Change Christmas  , (which I wrote about here and here) discovers the gift of Easter through The Sparkle Egg. "Readers of all ages will relate to the unshakable guilt Sam experiences when he chooses to lie to his parents to avoid disappointing them, and rejoice as he makes one final decision, to accept the gift of forgiveness offered through Jesus Christ."

To aid Sam in accepting the grace of God, his parents help him make a special craft- The Sparkle Egg. After he decorates it they have him write/draw something he feels bad about and put it inside the egg. On Easter morning what he finds when he opens the egg is the true gift of Easter.

Miss K making her Sparkle Egg- a little thing I like to call GlitterPodge. 

The final result. Such wonderful creativity. The wooden cross and the bakers twine.
(symbolizing Christ's blood, and when accepting forgiveness being washed white as snow)

Just like the Sparkle Box, which was recently announced as a finalist for the 2014 Christian Book Award in the children’s book category (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association), I adore the illustrations in this book and of course the life lesson for young and old about grace. This is a must have for any library. I also must say, that any time there is an extra activity involved with a book such as making a craft or filling a box with good deeds, the book and life lesson becomes that much more engaging for young readers.

One of my readers is going to blessed with their very own copy of this book. Who wants it? Enter on the easy Rafflecopter form below.


Written by Jill Hardie
Illustrated by Christine Kornacki
Available now!
Hardcover with jacket, 10 x 10, 32 pages
ages 4 to 8



Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Ideals for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I will 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 will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. U.S. only. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Chasing God by Angie Smith: Review & Giveaway #chasingGod Closed

Stop Chasing Him. Stop Chasing God and Follow HIM. Those three simple words- Stop Chasing Him changed everything for Angie Smith, and she believes they can do the same for us. 

"Let's be honest: we've all questioned whether or not we're doing this "Christianity thing" the right way. Am I really a Christian? If I'm doing everything right, why do I feel so far from God? What am I missing?" 

Best-selling author and highly sought-after speaker Angie Smith struggled with these same questions, and the answers she discovered inspired her new book, Chasing God (B&H Publishing, January 2014). In Chasing God, Smith unpacks how our earthly, unrealistic expectations of God result in us chasing Him, keeping us from following Him.

Take a look at the following video.



So I have started this book, and I admit, there are more times than not that I do look good on paper. I do what I am "supposed" to according to the religious aspects of Christianity. I go to church, read my Bible, I pray, I even teach. But do I have that relationship that is required of me? Christianity isn't about living? It's about letting the desires of life die off so I can truly seek, follow and have a relationship with Him.

I do have a copy of Chasing to give away to one very blessed reader. For some this book is a very personal subject, and I respect that, so I am not going to ask any mandatory question other than "Who wants to add this book to your library?" Bonus entries are available.




Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Icon Media Group 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.”

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The First Christmas Night: Book Review & Giveaway

"Twas the very first Christmas when all through the town

not a creature was stirring—there was not a sound.

The moon shining bright in the heavens so high

gave the look of midday to the Bethlehem sky.

The animals were nestled in warm, cozy places

with looks of contentment on each of their faces..."

Want more? One of my readers is going to get their very own copy of this beautiful book to bring into their home just in time for Christmas. The book is recommended for ages 4-8. I cannot wait to take it church and read it to my small group girls! 

The First Christmas Night by Keith Christopher is a beautiful retelling of the birth of Jesus on that joyous night in Bethlehem so long ago. The poem begins with the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem and winds though Christ’s birth, the angels’ appearance to the shepherds, and the visit by the Wise Men. The simple, yet elegant, verses will appeal to little ones and are accompanied by the rich acrylic illustrations of Christine Kornacki.

Who wants it? The only requirement is a Disqus comment telling me this: Who will you share The First Christmas Night with? After all this is what Christmas is all about the birth of our Lord and Savior- Jesus Christ. Bonus entries are available in the Rafflecopter form. 

The First Christmas Night
Written by: Keith Christopher
Illustrated by: Christine Kornacki
Publisher: Ideals Books
Hardcover: 32 pages
$16.99

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Audrey Bunny by Angie Smith: Review & Giveaway

God made us. God loves us. He is coming to rescue us.

This is the Epic line of what our church is teaching to our entire children's ministry right now. I couldn't help but just constantly repeat this as I read and reviewed this book by Angie Smith, wife of Todd Smith (lead singer of Dove Award winning group Selah). Angie is also best-selling author of Mended, I Will Carry You, and What Women Fear, and one of the most popular speakers and blog writers in the country. She holds a Master’s degree in Developmental Psychology from Vanderbilt University and lives with her husband and daughters in Nashville, TN.

Audrey Bunny is such a sweet children’s book about a stuffed animal named Audrey Bunny who fears her imperfections make her unworthy of a little girl’s love. She'll learn the truth soon enough, and young readers will learn that everyone is special and wonderfully made by God.

I just love how Angie takes the analogy of a basket of stuffed toys and compares them to our own lives. We are all wonderfully made. He chose us. And we are all special. All children need to hear this. We have a cradle of those toys and believe me, all are precious in my six year old daughter's eyes, just as each child is precious in His sight.

I am so excited to be able to offer one of my readers one of their very own copies of this book to read to a special child/children in their lives. All you have to do is tell me WHO you will read to in a MANDATORY Disqus comment, then come back and put your entries on the easy Rafflecopter form. 

Written by: Angie Smith
Publisher: B&H Publishing
Hardcover with jacket: 32 pages
Release Date: October 1, 2013
$14.99
Ages 4 to 8

*note from ShaRhonda: after writing this post, God led me to further read Angie's blog. I ran across a post. Audrey was actually the name of Angie and Todd's 4th child. God directed them to an actual bunny just like in the above book. Read more at her blog and this post. http://angiesmithonline.com/2008/01/the-beginning-of-the-story/

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Rufus and Ryan Go To Church! Book Review & Giveaway

Do you know a little one ages 2 to 5? Maybe even teach a group of kids this age at church? I have the perfect book for you. Rufus and Ryan Go To Church!  You can save it for Christmas, maybe even a birthday gift, or donate it to your church. This book is perfect for church nurseries and preschools!

It has even been a fun read for my 6 year old. She was able to read some of the book herself. She even got the idea that maybe she should take her American Girl Doll to church. ;-)

In Rufus and Ryan Go to Church!, four-year-old Ryan explains to his stuffed monkey, Rufus, what is happening as they attend church on Sunday morning. He lets Rufus know when it’s time to sing and to pray and to be quiet. Author Kathleen Bostrom brings a delightfully light touch to the text as she provides an introduction to an experience that most children are exposed to long before they understand why. And children everywhere will relate to the idea of explaining their surroundings to their favorite companions as they go about their daily activities.

This is just one of the first titles in a new series of inspirational books for preschoolers. Also available is Rufus and Ryan Say Their Prayers. 

Who wants their very own copy of this book? All you have to do is answer the one mandatory question in a Disqus comment below then put your entries on the Rafflecopter form. Bonus entries are available. This giveaway is open internationally!

Who will you share your copy of Rufus and Ryan Go To Church! with?

About the Rufus and Ryan
Rufus and Ryan is a new series of books for preschoolers, featuring Ryan, an energetic little boy, and his stuffed monkey Rufus. Basic Christian and church concepts serve as the foundation of the series, with an additional focus on character traits and development. The text is presented in young Ryan’s voice as he teaches Rufus about the concepts he is learning himself. Each story is about 150 words, using age-appropriate vocabulary and themes.

About the Author
Kathleen Long Bostrom is a published children’s author in both the Christian and trade markets. She has a Master’s in Christian Education and a Doctorate of Ministry in Preaching, and she has worked in children’s ministry for many years. Kathy and her husband, Greg, have three grown children and live in Illinois.

About the Illustrator
Rebecca Thornburgh began illustrating children’s books full-time in 1996 and today has almost 100 books to her name. Rebecca’s vibrant watercolors have been showcased in previous Ideals titles, including the new edition of The Story of Christmas. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband and two daughters.

Rufus and Ryan Go to Church!
Written by: Kathleen Long Bostrom
Illustrated by: Rebecca Thornburgh
Publisher: Ideals Books
Board book
$7.99
Available at IdealsBooks.com

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