I received this book free to facilitate this review. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.
Just in Case You Ever Wonder is a children's hardcover book written by bestselling author Max Lucado. This is a re-release of a classic this time with illustrations by Eve Tharlet. With a wonderful story and lovely illustrations this book shows little ones that they are special, made by God, and brought to earth to live with a loving family that will be there for them always.
Zari enjoying the Just in Case You Ever Wonder by Max Lucado book.
What We Thought:
I recommend this book for preschoolers through second graders most of all. My youngest daughter, Zari, who is in third grade loves this book! This book is a bit under her reading level, but she still loves it because of the meaning of the words. She also loves looking at the adorable illustrations as well. In this version of the book it has two bears instead of people. I love that this book teaches that the parent and Heavenly Father will always be there for their child in times of need and comfort.
WIN IT Prize: Just in Case You Ever Wonder Book Host: HarperCollins Christian Publishing and FrontGate Media. Who Can Enter: Open to US Residents 18 years or older. Selection Process: 5 winners will be selected on 9/20/2019 and notified by email. Where to Enter: Go to this link https://www.blessedfreebies.com/just-in-case-you-ever-wonder-giveaway.html and fill out the form to enter.
DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received this product for free to facilitate this review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.
I received this free to facilitate this review. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.
Star Kids Company was created by momprenuer, Natalie Ard, in 2014. She is a wife and mom to 3 kids. The first product she created was Star from Afar, a wooden game counting down to Christmas, then other products were born...including The Easter Story Egg. These children's toys and gifts help bring meaning to play. These also build good character and values.
The Easter Story Egg is a great tradition that is done with family around Easter time. It consists of 7 wooden eggs that nest within each other and a hardcover book. The Story Egg book begins on Palm Sunday and ends on
Easter Sunday. Each egg has a coinciding story that rhymes in the book and pertains to one of each of the seven days of Holy Week. This shares the story of Jesus' final days on Earth in a thoughtful and meaningful way to children as they open each egg and read the corresponding story. This can be done daily throughout Holy Week or all at once. You can choose.
The Story Egg Nesting Eggs include:
Palm Sunday (largest egg with a palm leaf painted on it)
House of Prayer Monday (next largest egg with a temple painted on it)
Teacher of Love Tuesday (next largest egg with a heart painted on it)
Give and Take Wednesday (next largest egg with a jar filled with perfume painted on it)
Last Supper Thursday (next largest egg with the Last Supper painted on it)
Good Friday (next to smallest egg with a cross painted on it, Jesus died on the cross for all our sins)
Holy Saturday (smallest egg that is painted grey like the stone rolled away of the tomb)
Easter Sunday (open the smallest egg to reveal emptiness, much like the tomb of Jesus because He is Risen!)
Zari with The Easter Story Egg Kit.
What We Thought:
The Story Egg is a ostrich size egg that opens up like a Russian nesting matryoshka doll. Each egg is panted with a different picture to help tell the true meaning of Easter throughout Holy Week. It comes with a lovely hardcover book with rhyming words and colorful pictures.
We received The Easter Story Egg and proceeded to try to open the egg to see all the littler eggs inside. I had major trouble getting the first egg open. I looked at their website and they have an instructional video on how to do this. They say not to twist, but to pull the egg apart. They made it look pretty simple. Zari and I had much difficulty with this and I had to get my husband to pry it open. The egg was very hard to grip and it was slippery. He tried to pull it apart like it said and he couldn't even do it...then he used a razor blade and went around the seam with it, then tried again. He rocked it slowly back and forth until it finally popped open. Some of the eggs inside were just as difficult to get open. I feel like if some wax was applied to each lip inside the seams then they would come apart much easier, but I do not think that with as much trouble we had, a small child could do this on their own. It says on their website that because the eggs are brand new, hand carved, and made of natural wood that still has some moisture they might be hard to open at first. We let them set out to dry for a few days while they were closed like they said to and after a few more times opening and shutting the eggs, they started loosening up.
The Easter Story Egg apart.
The book is a wonderful addition to The Story Egg. Zari loves reading the rhyming pages and looking at the pictures. It starts out with a poem about why we celebrate Easter and what the egg is for. Then it goes through and tells the story of Jesus' final days on Earth. At the end of every story it has a scripture from the Bible associated with it written in New International Version, NIV. The book is multicultural as well as it shows multiple skin tones throughout the book. It ends with the resurrection of Christ.
Resurrection book, showing how it is multicultural.
I love the idea of this product. I hope that the eggs loosen up after using more so that they can be enjoyed. I would love for this to become a tradition in my home for Holy Week. We like the idea of it counting down to Easter Sunday, much like an advent calendar does for Christmas. It seems like a wonderful way to help teach the true meaning of Easter in the home or at Sunday School. This would be a great addition to an Easter basket or as an Easter gift.
DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received this product for free to
facilitate this review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion
and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other
compensation for doing this review.
Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.
I received this bible free to facilitate this review. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.
The Tiny Truths Illustrated Bible is a children's bible with glossy pages created by author Joanna Rivard and Tim Penner. This bible will engage young readers with fun, unique, and whimsical illustrations, featuring important stories from diversely represented characters like Noah, Moses, King David, and Jesus!
What We Thought:
I love that this bible features great stories of people from the bible for younger children to be able to read themselves. It has colorful and whimsical illustrations to keep little ones entertained and wonderful engaging storytelling. The illustrations show darker skinned representations of the characters we all know from the bible. This I feel puts them in better perspective than the Anglo-Saxon versions. The stories are paraphrased so that little ones can understand and includes both Old and New Testament.
This
bible is chronological, for the most part. The Old Testament (first half) has creation, Adam and Eve,
Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Saul, David, Solomon, Daniel, and
Jonah. The New Testament (second half) has Jesus' birth, John the Baptist, Jesus'
ministry and miracles, some parables, the crucifixion,
resurrection, Pentecost, and Paul.
Zari reading The Tiny Truths Bible.
Since the stories from the bible were retold so that children can understand them they do have things left out and are heavily paraphrased and oversimplified. It would be nice to have the actual scripture reference listed along with the stories so that children could have the option of looking up the entire account and know where the stories originated from. My kids are fairly well versed in the bible, so thankfully we didn't run into this issue of not knowing where these stories came from, but a child just learning might.
I recommend this bible for preschoolers through third graders most of all. My youngest daughter, Zari, who is in second grade loves this book! She is learning to read and this book has the perfect amount of words on each page for her. She also loves looking at the adorable illustrations by Tim Penner as well.
WIN IT Prize: The Tiny Truths Illustrated Bible Host: HarperCollins Christian Publishing and FrontGate Media. Who Can Enter: Open to US Residents 18 years or older. Selection Process: winners will be selected on 4/15/2019 and notified by email. Where to Enter: Go to this link https://www.blessedfreebies.com/tiny-truths-bible.html and fill out the form to enter.
DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received this product for free to facilitate this review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.
My family had the privilege of trying the Drive Thru History® – “Acts to Revelation” from Drive Thru History® for this review to use in conjunction with our own homeschool curriculum. This is a Homeschool Review Crew Review. All opinions expressed are my own or those of my family.
Drive Thru History® is a great DVD series that makes history fun. There are four different captivating series to choose from: Ancient History, American History, The Holy Land, The Gospels, and Acts to Revelation. These bring the history to life and engages the viewer in an exciting adventure and learning. Dave not only tells us about the history, but also the archaeology, geography, and art surrounding the people, places, and events that have defined our world and the Christian faith.
Dave Stotts
Dave Stotts is our entertaining tour guide that hosts Drive Thru History®. He has spent the last 20 years in the professional film and documentary production which has taken him to nearly 30 countries to shoot and edit works. He loves shooting and editing films, videography, writing, media creation. Storytelling is the driving force behind his work.
Drive Thru History® – “Acts to Revelation” is the fifth and newest in the Drive Thru History® DVD series. This eighteen episode DVD Set is jam packed with nearly 9 hours of information on 3 DVDs about the lives of the first Christians taken from locations beginning in Jerusalem and using the book of Acts as a roadmap he shares the people, places, and events that launched the Christian faith. In this series, Dave Stotts travels the Mediterranean region on a driving tour to investigate what happened after the Gospel accounts of Jesus Christ. He follows the lives of Peter, James, Philip, and Stephen through Israel. He travels the missionary routes of Paul, Barnabas, Silas, and Timothy through Turkey, Cyprus, Greece, Malta, and Rome. He finishes with John on the island of Patmos and drives through the seven churches of Revelation in Asia Minor. This also includes a 124-page study guide that goes through all of the 18 episodes. This discussion guide has summaries of each episode, quotes and scripture, 5 thought-provoking questions for each episode, further reading, and the "Side Road" that contains a small paragraph of information that relates to each episode, with beautiful images and graphics. It also includes discussion answers at the end.
This DVD Set Includes 18 packed 30-minute episodes:
Episode 1: The Gospel Shared at Pentecost
Episode 2: The Church Grows in Jerusalem
Episode 3: The Gospel Spreads to the Gentiles
Episode 4: Saul of Tarsus & The Road to Damascus
Episode 5: Paul's First Missionary Journey - The Island of Cyprus
Episode 6: The Journey Continues - Pamphylia, Galatia & Asia Minor
Episode 7: The Jerusalem Council & Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Episode 8: The Second Journey Continues - Philippi and Thessalonica
Episode 9: A Road Trip to Athens
Episode 10: Ancient Corinth
Episode 11: Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Episode 12:Paul's Final Trip to Jerusalem & Caesarea
Episode 13: Adventures at Sea - The Island of Malta
Episode 14: A Final Journey to Rome
Episode 15: The Martyrdom of Paul & Peter
Episode 16: John and the Island of Patmos
Episode 17: The Seven Churches of Revelation
Episode 18: The Book Closes on the New Testament Period
Trailer:
How We Used This and Our Thoughts:
We love Drive Thru History and had a chance to review The Gospels physical DVD set and a one year subscription of Drive Thru History Adventures from them. Both were fabulous and so I knew that I wanted to participate in this as well.
We love The Drive Thru History® – “Acts to Revelation”! My family of 6 have been watching these with me. These are geared from a 5th grade level to adult, but my daughter who is 8 has enjoyed these as well. We have learned quite a bit along the journey and it has been an awesome one at that.
Drive Thru History® - “Acts to Revelation” has far exceeded our expectations. It comes with a colorful slipcase sleeve over a hard covered, DVD case sized, book that holds the three DVDs inside, two inside the front cover and one inside the back cover. The study guide is encased inside as well with full color glossy pages. It gives a very professional overall look.
Some of the places and ruins you get to see in "Acts to Revelation".
We love that these episodes testify of the things in the New Testament about the founding of the church with solid evidence that Dave uncovers. With his infectious enthusiasm and humor Dave's charm is irresistible. These episodes are also extremely visually engaging and full of rich content. Each episode is family-friendly, fascinating, intriguing, and compelling. I would imagine that nothing could compare to the Drive Thru History® – “Acts to Revelation” experience, except for if we had visited the Holy Land and surrounding areas ourselves.
Some of the graphics and special effects you get to see in "Acts to Revelation".
We have loved being a part of it and we felt as if we were there firsthand! Each episode has a summary of the last and then goes into more information. My sons liked it when Dave talked about his rig, the Land Rover as well. They also thought the part about the throat singer singing the tune of the theme song was cool and that the latrines in Rome were funny...especially the part about the rats biting unsuspecting users. There is an amazing amount of information in each of these and I loved all the background scenery of ancient sites and ruins and music that set the stage for Dave's lessons. There were also great graphics, special effects, and reenactments of the apostles' lives tucked in as well. I liked how he had the names of important places come up on the screen when these were in the background so we knew where he was at while he was lecturing.
After each episode we have gone to the study guide as a family and read and discussed together about what we have learned throughout the weeks. The Drive Thru History® – “Acts to Revelation” have inspired us to dig into this part of the New Testament as a family further. This has given us more of an appreciation of the history behind it. It has been eye opening to say the least. I am so glad we have this and "The Gospels" from Drive Thru History® because now we have the entire New Testament to watch the people, places, and events unfold before our eyes.
I highly recommend The Drive Thru History® – “Acts to Revelation”! Acts to Revelation curriculum is great for Christian families who wish to teach their children history from a Christian worldview. These would be great for both homeschooled and non-homeschooled families. This is great for a small group study, homeschool curriculum, church study, Family Home Evening Bible study, and Sunday School study.
So...Buckle up and get ready because you are in for an exciting ride!
I received this DVD free to facilitate this review. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.
Paul, Apostle of Christ is a movie about Paul (Faulkner) who was originally Saul of Tarsus a ruthless persecutor of Christians then is converted as Paul, Christ's most influential apostle. In this film he is spending his last days in a dark prison cell awaiting execution by Emperor Nero. Luke (Caviezel), his friend and
physician, risks his life when he ventures into Rome to visit him. Paul
is under the watchful eye of Mauritius (Martinez), the prison's
prefect, who seeks to understand how this broken old man can pose such a
threat. But before Paul's death sentence can be
enacted, Luke resolves to write another book, one that details the
beginnings of "The Way" and the birth of what will come to be known as
the church. Their faith challenged an empire. But their words changed
the world.
WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY: Andrew Hyatt
PRODUCED BY: T.J. Berden and David Zelon
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Eric Groth, Rick Jackson, Harrison Powell and Jim Caviezel
STARRING: Jim Caviezel, James Faulkner, Olivier Martinez, Joanne Whalley and John Lynch
My Thoughts:
This film is visually spectacular. It transports you into the movie and makes you feel like you have stepped straight into biblical times when Christ's apostles were living. The acting is so convincing. I felt the intensity of the emotions being conveyed and got sucked into the world of Paul. This was a little dark and depressing, but a very realistic representation of life under Roman rule and the persecutions of the followers of Christ. There was no unnecessary or excessive blood or gore, but there are scenes of graphic brutality and Christian persecution. It is properly rated at PG 13. This film is so moving and shows how hard life was like for believers of Christ. I highly recommend it.
BUY IT
Buy Paul, Apostle of Christ movie on DVD or Blu-ray.
WIN IT Prize: Paul, Apostle of Christ Blu-ray DVD copy Host: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and FrontGate Media. Who Can Enter: Open to US Residents 18 years or older. Selection Process: 5 winners will be selected on 8/25/2018 and notified by email. Where to Enter: Go to this link https://www.blessedfreebies.com/paulapostleofchrist.html and fill out the form to enter.
DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received this product for free to
facilitate this review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion
and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other
compensation for doing this review.
I received this product free to facilitate this review and an opportunity to giveaway a CD. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.
PASSION came into being, founded by Louie and Shelley Giglio, in 1995 as a movement to help people (specifically college students) to become closer to God and awaken spiritually. PASSION Music developed when PASSION started documenting the musical portion of their annual conferences via live worship recordings in 1998. Since the first release in 1998, Passion albums have sold over 1.8
million units while introducing listeners to worship songs like "Our
God", "Holy Is The Lord", "How Great Is Our God", and "God Of This
City". The four-time Dove Award winners have had seven albums debut at No. 1 on
Billboard’s Christian Albums Chart with two hitting the Top 5 on the
Billboard 200.
WHOLE HEART is the new live album from PASSION Music, captured at the Passion Conference 2018 in Atlanta, GA. This captures the powerful music and allows those that could not attend the conference to experience it. This album features Passion Artists: Kristian Stanfill, Melodie Malone, Sean
Curran, Matt Redman, Brett Younker, Tauren Wells, and Crowder.
God, You're So Good (Live) (Feat. Kristian Stanfill & Melodie Malone)
Reckless Love (Live) (Feat. Melodie Malone)
Heaven (Live) (Feat. Sean Curran)
More Like Jesus (Live) (Feat. Kristian Stanfill)
Hallelujah, Our God Reigns (Live) (Feat. Brett Younker)
Ghost (Live) (Feat. Crowder)
Ever Almighty (Live) (Feat. Melodie Malone)
Great Are You Lord (Live) (Feat. Matt Redman)
All My Hope (Live) (Feat. Crowder & Tauren Wells)
My Thoughts:
I love listening to good music, especially when my day is going rotten. Music that uplifts and inspires is the best kind in my opinion. This music helps get me through my day, relaxes me, and energizes me. I love most Christian music for this reason too. The messages are usually positive and everyone needs positive things in their lives.
Whole Heart from PASSION Music is a wonderful album of praise and worship music. My favorite artists on the album are Melodie Malone and Tauren Wells. I love the song Ever Almighty the best. The whole album is just fabulous though and I highly recommend it.
BUY IT
You can purchase this various places here or on Amazon.
WIN IT Prize: A physical copy of PASSION Whole Heart Album
(open to continental US only, CD will be sent to winner the middle of March)
I run giveaways with Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!
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 on the same blog, 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.
DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: (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. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
I received this book free to facilitate this review. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.
The Jesus Always: 365 Devotions for Kids book is by Sarah Young, the bestselling author of Jesus Calling. This is Sarah Young’s newest 365-day devotional for kids adapted by Tama Fortner. In this hardcover book she focuses on the biblical teaching of joy we can experience at any time and in all circumstances with scripture and new personal reflections to children.
Adapted from the bestselling Jesus Always, each day’s devotion has the same theme as the adult version, as well as written-out Scriptures. It is a wonderful choice for families to read and discuss during devotional time together. Written as if Jesus Himself is speaking directly to the reader, Jesus Always: 365 Devotions for Kids will engage your children and help them connect to Jesus and find joy. Recommended for children ages 8-12.
Teela reading the Jesus Always: 365 Devotions for Kids Book.
What We Thought:
This is my first devotional from Sarah Young and it is just wonderful. The introduction in the book is written by the author and has a personal feel. The way this devotional is written, like it is straight from Jesus is different. Each day has a theme and scripture at the top of the page...then it goes into thoughts and feelings that Jesus might have for the child and recommendations of what the child should do to make their day full of Christ and joy. At the bottom of the page is a Read On Your Own scriptures from the Bible for the child to explore on their own. I had to explain to my children that this was written as if Jesus was speaking. Teela, my 9 year old daughter, really enjoyed reading these. They are thought provoking and make the reader feel loved.
WIN IT Prize: Jesus Always: 365 Devotions for Kids Book Host: Thomas Nelson Publishing and FrontGate Media. Who Can Enter: Open to US Residents 18 years or older. Selection Process: winners will be selected on 10/25/2017 and notified by email. Where to Enter: Go to this link http://www.blessedfreebies.com/jesus-always-365.html and fill out the form to enter.
DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received this product for free to
facilitate this review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion
and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other
compensation for doing this review.
I received this book free to facilitate this review. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.
Water My Soul: 90 Meditations from an Old Oder Mennonite by Darla Weaver is a devotional book that is all about growing and nurturing a spiritual garden. Each daily inspirational devotional includes a Scripture reading, prayer, and journal prompt or response suggestion. These 90 meditations take on a personal feel with stories from Weaver's life of spending her days with family, gardening, cooking, and living as naturally as possible off the land. Her wise words about such topics as humility, forgiveness, patience, etc. reverberate throughout this lovely book.
My Thoughts:
This, A Plainspoken Devotional, book is a lovely addition to my bookshelf or coffee table. I love the simple truths within the pages. Weaver's love of gardening and the Lord is so apparent. I share this love with her. I love to spend my days in the garden making it more beautiful and when I do I feel myself getting closer to nature and in turn closer to the the Creator of all things. I love the imagery of the author's stories. She paints a wonderful picture of her simple and Christ centered home life. I am always in awe of Plain People and how they live rooted so deeply in their Christian faith while living so simplistically. They always have much wisdom and so much to teach us. Weaver is no different, she has much to teach and so much to give. I am so glad to have Water My Soul devotions to start my day with.
DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received this book for free to
facilitate this review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion
and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other
compensation for doing this review. Affiliate links can be found in this
post. Thank you for your support of this blog!
I received this CD free to facilitate this review. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.
Mandisa is an American gospel and contemporary Christian recording artist. Her musical career started on the fifth season of American Idol, in which she was a contestant and finished in ninth place. She also won a Grammy Award for her fifth album, Overcomer, in the Best Contemporary Christian Music Album category.
Overcomer was written for her close friend Kisha in 2013. Kisha was battling breast cancer and Mandisa wanted to help lift her spirits. The Out Of The Dark album was created after Mandisa fell into a deep depression for almost 3 years after Kisha passed away in 2014. This album starts out differently than most. It plays recorded messages that her friends and family left Mandisa on her voicemail while she shut out the world. After the messages it plays the music Mandisa wrote that tell her story about how God lifted her up "Out Of The Dark" with the help of her friends and family.
TRACK LISTING:
Voicemail Intro (talking)
I'm Still Here
Out Of The Dark
Unfinished
Bleed The Same Intro (feat. Kirk Franklin) (talking)
Bleed The Same (feat. Toby Mac and Kirk Franklin)
Comeback Kid
What You're Worth (feat. Britt Nicole)
Dear John Praise Report (talking)
Good News
Prove Me Wrong
Mothdisa Interlude
The One He Speaks Through
Shine
My First Love (feat. Jeremy Camp)
Bonus Content in the Deluxe Edition...
Shame Off
Keep Getting Up
Back to Life
My Thoughts:
This album is uplifting and wonderful. Mandisa shows us her lovely soul and shares a very personal story with everyone who listens to this CD. I loved how open she was. There are so many that will relate to her. Depression is an extremely real thing and it is wonderful to know that we are loved not only by our friends and family, but by God too. Mandisa wanted to make sure her fans knew what happened and that depression can be conquered with faith and love. "Thankfully, it only takes a flicker of light to dispel the darkness. God worked through my family and friends as the literal hands and feet of Jesus.", Mandisa said. My favorite song is "What You're Worth" sung with Britt Nicole. I am so glad Mandisa made this album for all of us to hearken to.
I highly recommend this beautiful, moving and emotional album! It will lift you up if you are struggling with loss, despair, feeling isolated or alone, or depressed. It will help you feel closer to God and know that He is always there for you in your time of need.
This giveaway is open to continental U.S. residents only! 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 on the same blog, 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.
Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for Rafflecopter below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!
DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: (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. Affiliate links can be
found in this post. Thank you for your support of this blog!
My family had the privilege of trying the Drive Thru History® – “The Gospels” from Drive Thru History® for this review to use in conjunction with our own homeschool curriculum. This is a Homeschool Review Crew Review. All opinions expressed are my own or those of my family.
Drive Thru History® is a great DVD series that makes history fun. There are four different captivating series to choose from: Ancient History, American History, The Holy Land, and The Gospels. These bring the history to life and engages the viewer in an exciting adventure and learning. Dave not only tells us about the history, but also the archaeology, geography, and art surrounding the people, places, and events that have defined our world and the Christian faith.
Dave Stotts is our entertaining tour guide that hosts Drive Thru History®. He has spent the last 20 years in the professional film and documentary production which has taken him to nearly 30 countries to shoot and edit works. He loves shooting and editing films, videography, writing, media creation. Storytelling is the driving force behind his work.
Drive Thru History® – “The Gospels” is the forth and newest in the Drive Thru History® DVD series. This eighteen episode DVD Set is jam packed with nearly 9 hours of information on 3 DVDs about the birth, ministry, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ taken from locations recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. In this series, Dave Stotts travels to 50 ancient sites in Israel on a driving tour. This also includes a 118-page study guide that goes through all of the 18 episodes. This discussion guide has summaries of each episode, quotes and scripture, 5 thought-provoking questions for each episode, further reading, and the "Side Road" that contains a small paragraph of information that relates to each episode, with beautiful images and graphics.
This DVD Set Includes 18 packed 30-minute episodes:
Episode 1: The Historical Landscape
Episode 2: The Announcements
Episode 3: Jesus is Born
Episode 4: Jesus Grows Up
Episode 5: Jesus Starts His Ministry
Episode 6: Jesus Returns to Galilee
Episode 7: Jesus Begins His Miracles
Episode 8: Jesus Teaches with Authority
Episode 9: The Sermon on the Mount
Episode 10: Jesus Travels the Sea of Galilee
Episode 11: Jesus Travels North
Episode 12: A Final Trip to Jerusalem
Episode 13: Jesus Arrives in Jerusalem
Episode 14: The Last Supper
Episode 15: The Trial of Jesus
Episode 16: The Crucifixion of Jesus
Episode 17: The Resurrection of Jesus
Episode 18: Who is Jesus?
Screenshots from the DVDs.
How We Used This and Our Thoughts:
We love The Drive Thru History® – “The Gospels”! My family of 6 have been watching these with me. Even though they are geared from a 5th grade level to adult my daughters who are 6 and 9 have enjoyed these as well. We have learned quite a bit along the journey and it has been an awesome one at that.
This product far exceeded our expectations. It comes with a colorful slipcase sleeve over a hard covered, DVD case sized, book that holds the three DVDs inside, two inside the front cover and one inside the back cover. The study guide is encased inside as well with full color glossy pages. It gives a very professional overall look.
We love that these episodes testify of Jesus of Nazareth with solid evidence that Dave uncovers about the New Testament and Christ. With his infectious enthusiasm and humor Dave's charm is irresistible. These episodes are also extremely visually engaging and full of rich content. Each episode is family-friendly, fascinating, intriguing, and compelling. I would imagine that nothing could compare to the Drive Thru History® – “The Gospels” experience, except for if we had visited the Holy Land and surrounding areas ourselves.
This has been an amazing experience, especially throughout Holy Week! We have loved being a part of it and we felt as if we were there firsthand! Each episode has a summary of the last and then goes into more information. My sons liked it when Dave talked about his rig, the Land Rover as well. There is an amazing amount of information in each of these and I loved all the background scenery of ancient sites and ruins and music that set the stage for Dave's lessons. There were also great graphics, special effects, and reenactments of Jesus' life tucked in as well. I liked how he had the names of important places come up on the screen when these were in the background so we knew where he was at while he was lecturing. We did however notice that there was a picture of Jesus being baptized by sprinkling. We believe in baptism by immersion...so this was discussed by my family in depth later for the younger ones to understand this better.
After each episode we have gone to the study guide as a family and read and discussed together about what we have learned throughout the weeks. The Drive Thru History® – “The Gospels” have inspired us to dig into the New Testament as a family further. This has given us more of an appreciation of the history behind it. It has been eye opening to say the least.
I highly recommend The Drive Thru History® – “The Gospels”! The Gospels curriculum is great for Christian families who wish to teach their children history from a Christian worldview. My kids are homeschooled, but I know of a lot of my non-homeschooled friends' families that would love this series as well. This is great for a small group study, homeschool curriculum, church study, Family Home Evening Bible study, and Sunday School study.
So...Buckle up and get ready because you are in for an exciting ride!
My church, The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints, is inviting everyone to find peace during Holy Week and Easter by following the Prince of Peace and his example. Mormon.org will include ideas and resources for people to find their own inner peace through eight principles of peace that Jesus Christ lived and demonstrated during his life here on Earth:
Faith
Compassion
Forgiveness
Repentance
Gratitude
God’s Word/Scripture
Prayer
Hope
All of the Easter materials on Mormon.org will be available in English and Spanish.This campaign launches on March 31st and can be followed with the hashtag #PrinceofPeace.
Tatiana and her beautiful smile. Make a picture with this filter to share with others how Christ brings peace to your life.
MY PERSONAL STORY OF INNER PEACE
When I was pregnant with my third child, Tatiana, my family of 4, almost 5, was struggling with finances while we were living in Winchester Bay Oregon. We had moved into a little trailer on the same property as The Rusty Frog, a store that sold frog trinkets, chainsaw carvings, etc. We had been promised by our landlord when we moved in that we would be able to put my husband, Brian's, Shopbot, computer controlled router, in one of the back rooms so that we could make our living making wooden things that were carved. This never came into fruition and we were faced with a hard decision. To move somewhere else and sell Brian's Shopbot and other things or stay and try to make the best of things. My daughter was born, we were having trouble paying the bills and our semi-new Honda Civic had been repossessed.
About that same time we got an invitation to Brian's sister's wedding at Walt Disney World in Florida. We placed our trust and faith in our Lord and prayed about our situation. The spirit gave us the feeling to drop everything, go to the wedding, and move to Florida. So that is what we did. We sold off as much as we could, put the rest of our stuff in storage at a friend's place, and bought plane tickets to Orlando bringing only what we thought we needed as essentials.
When we got there we rented a vehicle for a few days, got settled in a hotel, bought two bicycles and a bike trailer that seated our two small boys, and season passes for the whole family for Sea World. The wedding was beautiful and I am so glad we got to make it there to be a part of it. After the wedding was over we lived in Orlando for several years, we got on government assistance until Brian found a job and we moved into a condominium down the street from the Mall and Grocery Store.
Until we got a car, we would bike all over Orlando to get groceries, go to medical appointments, and all the way to Sea World as a family. I would have Tatiana in a baby carrier with a sunhat and sunscreen while I biked with the two boys in the covered bike trailer that doubled as a stroller. Sometimes we would also take the city bus. It was great getting out of the house and hanging out with dolphins all weekend and the kids loved it.
While in Orlando my daughter, Tatiana, was diagnosed with a brain tumor (Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma) stemming from her optic nerve and engulfing her pituitary and carotid artery. We were very fortunate to be in Orlando when she was diagnosed because we received exceptional medical care for her and had the best brain surgeon, Dr. Eric Trumble. We were definitely in the right place at the right time. We hoped and prayed that things would go well with the surgery and for Him to guide the surgeon's capable hands.
When she was operated on to resect the tumor she was only 6 months old. We were told that worst case she might not regain her sight and that she might only live a year because it had metastasized to the brain lining. Dr. Trumble assured us though that he had gotten the majority of the tumor out and cut the blood supply to it without severing the optic nerves. We had faith in the Lord that everything would be fine.
Tatiana's life was riddled with multiple medical problems and hospital visits/stays. She had seizures, total blindness, cerebral palsy, and
numerous endocrine issues. This, however, did not dampen her sweet spirit. She was a gorgeous little girl with a head full of red curly locks and bright blue eyes. She loved hugs and blowing kisses to anyone she met. Even getting poked with needles and prodded by nurses didn't get her down. She would always make me smile. She was the happiest, most loving child we have ever met and we love her so much!
Our beautiful Tatiana lived for 6 whole years! We attribute her longer life to faith, a lot of prayer, Dr. Trumble, and a special healing device we called the light box, a precursor to FLO De-stressing Technology, that we took her to. She never had to go through radiation therapy or chemotherapy and the tumor never grew back. She passed away suddenly because of lobar pneumonia. Here is the post I wrote of her passing.
We are so glad to have had her in our lives and that she got to be a part of our family. We miss her dearly, but we know she is in heaven and we will meet her there someday. I am so grateful for Christ and our Heavenly Father and the blessings they have given my family. Knowing that families are forever and that the Lord is always there for us even in times of trial and hardship brings my family and I inner peace.
DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I wrote this post to let my readers know
about this great opportunity to find inner peace through the #PrinceofPeace. I did not receive any compensation for writing this post. My thoughts are mine and my
family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else.
Jesus Is Born is a dust-jacketed hardcover children's book retold by Sophie Piper from the story of the birth of the Savior and closely echoes the words of the Bible. This story is adapted from passages of the Gospels of Luke and Matthew. The text starts from the angel Gabriel's great visit with the Virgin Mary and ends with King Herod's decree and how the Holy Family must flee to Egypt so that baby Jesus stays safe from harm. This children's book is illustrated by Anne Yvonne Gilbert with detail-rich colored pencil drawings. These are visually stunning and each picture reverently portrays the nativity story beautifully. Along with the narrative this is a lovely book that is perfect for the Christmas season.
This sweet retelling is a wonderful book to have children turn to for learning about or helping remember the story of Christmas. I love that this book helps us get into the true spirit of the Christmas season and is in language that young ones can understand. The exquisite illustrations are phenomenally well done. I love looking at the elaborate drawings. My daughters love this book. This will be one that we will cherish for years to come. I recommend it as the perfect gift for parents, grandparents, and children for Christmas!
BUY IT
DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received this product for free to
facilitate this review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion
and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other
compensation for doing this review. Affiliate links can be found in this post. Thank you for your support of this blog!
“During Christmas, we are reminded that Jesus Christ is the light of the world. This year, we have an amazing opportunity to share that light by resolving to do the things Jesus Christ did. Every day leading up to Christmas, we will focus on a different Christ-like behavior and provide suggestions for ways we can emulate His example....” mormon.org
The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter Day Saints has provided each of us a way to #LIGHTtheWORLD from December 1st through Christmas Day. The Worldwide Day of Service is on December 1st and kicks off this Advent Calendar. For the Worldwide Day of Service people were given the opportunity to "serve anyone you want, any way you want" and "find a way to serve others as Jesus did". Just like this Christ-like day, each day following in the advent calendar has a theme and follows with suggestions of different ways you can get involved with small, but meaningful acts of service.
“When people think of Christmas, they often think of lights,” said Bruce Muir, director of emergency response for the Church. “Christmas lights, lighted store windows, tree lights. Christ taught ‘Ye are the light of the world,” and we hope that through small and simple acts of service, we can spread the light of Christ—helping others to feel the love of the Savior through genuine kindness.”
This Advent Calendar helps us get into the Christmas spirit and follow
Christ's example this holiday season as we go about our busy daily
lives. Just one act of kindness each day can make someones day or
brighten their future. You can also see each video that goes with the
theme as it posts each day. Videos and printables, including the advent
calendar, are available in multiple languages so people from all over
the globe can participate. Go download the advent calendar today!
DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I wrote this post to let my readers know about this opportunity of service. My thoughts are mine and my
family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else.
I received this book free to facilitate this review. Affiliate
links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.
“Defenders of the Family” Summary:
Defenders of the Family, assemble! God’s magnificent plan for us rests upon the strength of the family. In this engaging children’s book, discover the roles and teachings needed to unite your family, from devoted parents to extended members, all centered on the power of the gospel. Help your children see their families as they can be: incredible, empowered, eternal followers of Jesus.
Our Thoughts:
Defenders of the Family is a fun hardcover comic book/graphic novel written by Benjamin Hyrum White and illustrated by Jay Fontano. This 32 page book shows children and adults alike how to be defenders of the family and stand up for what we as Christian LDS members believe in. I see this book as a simplified version of "The Family: A Proclamation to the World". It also reminds me of a General Conference talk by Bonnie L. Oscarson where she encouraged Latter-day Saint woman to defend marriage, the divine roles of parents, and the sanctity of the home. This book goes into our foundational beliefs surrounding the family and what we should be doing to protect and strengthen this sacred entity.
We enjoyed the fun colorful illustrations. I loved how the defenders wore capes like superheroes and that there were a number of different races and family dynamics shown. Teela, my eight year old daughter, had no trouble at all in reading this book herself and the words get straight to the point.
I highly recommend this book that shows individuals how to be "Defenders of the Family". We all need this book, especially at this time when it seems that the family unit is only being ridiculed or ripped apart.
BUY IT
DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received this book for free to
facilitate this review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion
and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other
compensation for doing this review. Affiliate links may be in this
posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.
I received this book free to facilitate this review. Affiliate
links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.
“The Sacrament Is For Me” Summary:
The sacrament is the most important part of the Sabbath day-and our week. Teach your little ones about the sacred sacrament and how they can apply it in their everyday lives, from the playground to piano lessons. Help your children start each week right and understand the reason behind the reverence of Jesus’s eternal sacrifice, love, and example.
Our Thoughts:
The Sacrament Is For Me is an adorable hardcover book that teaches small children the importance of this symbolic ordinance. It is written by Jessica B. Ellingson and Illustrated by Chase Jensen with 32 pages. I love how the text is in rhyme and the illustrations are relatable. The picture of the boy pulling his sisters hair with the wheel of his toy car was funny, but I can empathize, being a parent. This book goes through and tells why we take the sacred sacrament, what the water and bread represent and should remind us of, how we should act during the prayers and partaking of the sacrament, and what other things we should do to follow Jesus Christ to receive blessings. Besides taking the sacrament, it talks briefly also about the importance of reverence, the temple, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, remembering Jesus, sharing the gospel, being like Jesus, loving others, serving others, following the promptings of the Holy Ghost, and choosing the right.
The last couple Sundays Zari, my youngest, has had trouble sitting still in Sacrament Meeting. I finally brought The Sacrament Is For Me book with us and Zari stopped being so fidgety. Instead she quietly looked at the pages of this book while the sacrament was being passed. This book would also be great to use with Primary or Family Home Evening lessons that focus around the sacrament. I highly recommend The Sacrament Is For Me.
BUY IT
DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received this book for free to facilitate this review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.
I received these books free to facilitate this review. Affiliate
links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.
“Blessing the Nephite Children” Summary:
Snuggle up with your kids and learn about Jesus’s visit to the Nephites. This colorful board book is perfectly designed for little fingers and small attention spans. Experience the beauty of Christ’s personal love in the Book of Mormon with your little ones and come to see the ways the Savior reaches out to them today.
Our Thoughts:
This adorable board book is from the Baby Book of Mormon Stories series. It is written by Catherine Christensen and illustrated by Jay Fontano. Jesus's love for all mankind, especially children shows in this book for youngsters. The illustrations are colorful, fun, and cartoon like to hold the attention of little ones. My daughter Zari loved this book. Her sister Teela read it to her and looked at the pictures with her. This book is a great sturdy book for little hands to introduce or reinforce the concept of Jesus's visit to the Americas and His love for all.
“The Holy Ghost” Summary:
Get to know the Holy Ghost, from baptism on! This engaging book provides fill-in-the-blank stories, coloring pages, and other fun activities for your kids to help get them ready to receive the Holy Ghost and rely on Him for the rest of their lives. Come to understand and feel the Spirit, one of the greatest gifts from God.
Our Thoughts:
The Holy Ghost: Discovering Your Extraordinary New Gift I thought that the coming of this soft cover book was very timely as my daughter Teela had turned 8 and gotten baptized last April. The Holy Ghost: Discovering Your Extraordinary New Gift is a wonderful activity 80 page book with fill-in-the-blanks, coloring pages, word searches, dot-to-dots, mazes, games, crack the code, crosswords, and many other fun filled pages. Answer keys are upside down on the pages that needs them and there are also some in the back of the book. This book teaches children the difference between the power and gift of the Holy Ghost. It also answers the questions of who the Holy Ghost is & how the Holy Ghost guides, comforts, warns and protects, testifies and teaches, and sanctifies teaching also how to use the gift. I think that this book is perfect for the child that just got baptized.
BUY IT
DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received these books for free to facilitate this review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.
The Biggest Story: How The Snake Crusher Brings Us Back To The Garden DVD and CD.
I received this DVD and CD free to facilitate this review. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.
I got the opportunity to review The Biggest Story: How The Snake Crusher Brings Us Back To The Garden Book last year. Now the award-winning artist, Don Clark, and the best-selling author, Kevin DeYoung, have come back with an animated and narrated version of the story from the book. The story is brought to us with greater imagery and voice and now music too! The music in the background is an original score by composer John Poon. The story comes right out of the Bible from the Garden of Eden to Christ's resurrection. It paints us a picture of God's glorious plan to redeem his rebellious people.
Sneak peek inside and extra goodies.
The Animated Short film on DVD has animated illustrations adapted from the book. The story is read along with the animations. These like the book are strikingly vivid with a lot of geometric shapes and bright colors for the palette and made by Don Clark. The illustrations come to life in this 26 minute film. Each of the 10 chapters are 2-3 minutes long and narrated by the author himself. The music helps give the right feel to the story. This DVD includes a free digital copy of the film and a 2-sided poster featuring artwork adapted from the book.
The Audio Book on CD is just the narration put to music of the story read from the book by the author and like the DVD is 26 minutes long with 10 chapters that are about 2-3 minutes each. This is great to take in the car on trips or to follow along with the hardcover book. Also includes a free 2-sided poster featuring artwork adapted from the book.
Even though we have heard the stories before in one way or another, this retelling was a little different. This retelling focuses on the Biblical truth that no matter how many times God's people sin, God still finds a way to redeem the world he made and keep his promises. It does leave out a lot of the story along the way, but tries to touch on the most important parts. The book is made up of lots of smaller stories within 10 chapters that are woven together to show how everything sort of fits together and why. At the end it has A Note To Parents, a guide for parents to help the discussion of what was read.
I did like that The Biggest Story: How The Snake Crusher Brings Us Back To The Garden has a good message behind it. It reminds us that God always remembers and fulfills his promises. It also shows that we need redemption, forgiveness, and salvation from Christ, The Snake Crusher, to lead us back to our promised home.
I recommend this DVD and CD to parents, teachers, and caretakers everywhere that want to teach children about the amazing grace of God.
WIN IT Prize: Win a copy of The Biggest Story: How The Snake Crusher Brings Us Back To The Garden DVD and CD {US & Canada Only}.
Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for Rafflecopter below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!
DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: (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.
