God With Us: A Journey Home

 

God With Us: A Journey Home

written by Jeremy Pierre

illustrated by Cassandra Clark
(268 pages) 

With a wealth of children's Bibles available, why write another?  Author Jeremy Pierre, along with illustrator Cassandra Clark set out to give a vibrant, beautiful answer to this question with their new release, "God With Us: A Journey Home".  They  want children to grow up knowing that this world is not our home, but instead a stop on the way home to Heaven.  Their goal is to teach children this idea as young as possible to give them the tools to make sense out of our very sad, yet wonderful world.  They aim to share their vision of our world as an in-between place and to begin guiding them toward bravery as they journey toward their true home with God.

Written more as a story than as a Bible, the reader gets lost in the beautiful imagery painted by the words.  With language easy to understand, yet not babyish in talk, the child (or any reader) is invited to flow through the story a section at a time to understand the full story of the Bible in a condensed version that still honors the truths and the characters within.  From the perspective of an onlooker, a heavenly observer, to the reader, it is a very personal letter that immerses the reader in the story fully, placing them at the center of the action.

This storybook is beautifully illustrated with images that are vibrantly colored.  With pictures more like those of a graphic novel than of a child's Bible, this book is more appropriate for 5 and up, but still appropriate and friendly enough for younger eyes as well, just not as cartoonish.    

My children and I have enjoyed exploring this book, not only soaking in the story, but also studying the pictures, which tell a story all on their own.  With a wealth of pages to explore, a message I want my kids to hear, and a format friendly to kids, this is a win for me and going on my list of books to recommend!

Check out what others have said about this book:

“God with Us delivers truth with imagination, creativity, and beautiful illustrations.

The gospel message becomes clearer with every turn of the page. Like a symphony

of truth that crescendos to the final fanfare, God with Us ends with a finale that

connects the gospel dots and offers an invitation to believe. Bravo and well done!”

—Marty Machowski, Pastor and author of The Ology, Wonderful, Long Story Short,

and other gospel-centered resources for church and home

“This is a beautiful re-telling of the most beautiful story ever told.”

—Karen Swallow Prior, Professor of Christianity & Culture, and author of On

Reading Well: Finding the Good Life through Great Books

Buy God With Us: A Journey Home now!

https://www.shepherdpress.com/products/god-with-us/

https://bit.ly/god-with-us

Check it out on the website:

https://www.shepherdpress.com/godwithus/

Watch a video about the book here:

https://www.youtube.com/user/ShepherdPress/videos

Disclosure: Many thanks to Shepherd Press for providing this product/product information for review.  Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive the product in exchange for this review and post.

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The Star DVD Promotion

Each time a movie with Christian values and a Godly theme succeed in the big world of theater going movie consumers, I rejoice that the word of God is getting out there and maintain hope for the big world so riddled with pain and trouble.  Today, I rejoice in the success and new release of the movie "The Star" which was in theaters around Christmas.

 If you haven't seen "The Star" yet, you are missing out on a super cute re-telling of the Christmas story from a new and unique point of view.  My family had the opportunity to see it on Christmas Eve and enjoyed it thoroughly.  It is appropriate for even the littlest of children, with a rating of PG for some thematic elements,  but entertaining and engaging for the big ones and adults too!  A full length feature (86 minutes) with big name voice actors, such as Tracy Morgan, Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Kelly Clarkson, Patricia Heaton and more, this film offers a whole lot of humor and a fresh perspective brings life the journey of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Christ in a brand new way.

Through the eyes of Bo, a spirited young donkey who finds plenty of ways to get into mischief with his friends, the Christmas story unfolds.  Along Bo's journey from stubborn will to a realization of the bigger picture, viewers see the story unfolding through the eyes of animals who take on funny characteristics and do silly things that keep children giggling.  Familiar and new songs run through the story and add content to the story. 

My children have been asking since viewing the move in theater when we can buy a copy so we can watch it again, so I am very excited about the release of the movie and am set to buy my copy this week!

The Facebook page has so much more information.  A live guided Bible Study is available simply by clicking on the post (link).  This takes you to messenger, where, when you give access, it opens up a chat box where you are given prompts to interact and receive video lessons over a few weeks.  This Bible Study is engaging and interactive, fun and a neat way to participate.

Additionally, there is tons of fun to be found on "The Star" disc/digital file itself.  At the website below, you will find information and promotional goodies like sneak peeks, release information, crafts and recipes, coloring and activity sheets, music and more.  You will also find details on the video bonus features, which includes sing along videos from Mariah Carey, Fifth Harmony, Kelsea Ballerini, A Great Big World and Kirk Franklin.  Additionally, there is a  "Faith All Year Round Children's Sermon" with Devon Franklin, which discusses the themes of the film and how to keep that spirit alive all year round.  Also among the bonus features is a recipe, a craft and a chance to meet the All-Star cast.

Website: http://sites.sonypictures.com/thestar/discanddigital/?hs308=TSR084D

#TheStarMovie
#FlyBy

Patterns of Evidence: Exodous

Patterns of Evidence: Exodus
Director: Timothy Mahoney

It is human to want the evidence, either for or against a cause in which one chooses to believe.  While Christianity is based on faith, the belief without the sight, it can be exciting to have a piece of history prove the Bible is true.

In this project filmed and directed by Timothy Mahoney, released in January 2015, he sets out to find the evidence of the great Biblical Exodus.  Through interviews with many experts, archaeologists, scholars and more, Mahoney places the evidence he finds out for the viewers to sort on their own.  He presents evidence for and against the Exodus, citing archeology digs, confusion over timeline, questions of location and more.  The entire documentary is presented in a non-conclusive way so as to allow the viewer to decide for themselves whether the evidence points toward or away from Biblical proof of this event in history.

I was interested to see this film based on the historical research and the offer of genuine proof of a core Biblical event.  My husband, a history and Bible study fan, was also curious and wanted to see the film.  Unfortunately, we were both bored.  We made ourselves sit for the first hour and promised to come back to it later.  It was truly filled with research and documentation and proof of depth, but it was also dry and hard to remain engaged in.

I wanted to find myself enthralled, but instead I was droopy eyed.  Perhaps for a true history enthusiast or someone into documentaries, this might be for them.  However, I found myself lost and as a result my interest was lost.  I found the bounces from evidence against to evidence for and then back again dizzying and hard to follow.

I will leave my rating mid-line.  The work put into the piece was thorough, but the delivery was just not for me.

You can watch a trailer here
You can buy the film here.  If you enter code MK1, you will received $3 off the regular $19.95 price.


“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”)

#PatternsOfEvidence
#FlyBy

The Beginner's Bible

The Beginner's Bible
by ZonderKidz

I have held and read several different children's Bibles in the past six years, all varying in style and content.  Some geared more toward babies, some a little too old for my audience.  The most recent Bible I have had the opportunity to read through with my children (6, 4, and 2) is the newest beginner bible from Zondervan publishing.

Geared toward ages 4-8, this Bible impressed me for several reasons.  It has over 90 stories in it, and each story is at least five or more pages long.  The beginning reader like my six year old can read it with ease and feel confident and proud at being able to read their own bible, while the content is simple enough to understand but deep enough that a child can learn more than the basics of a story.

This contains more than your top ten familiar Bible stories.  Stories like Samson, Elijah and the fire from Heaven, Naaman's healing, Simeon and Anna, miracles, parables and so much more are included in this Bible.  Children can learn the unfamiliar stories as well as the most told in over 500 colorfully illustrated pages.  Words that may be unfamiliar or difficult are italicized to help prompt discussion and explanation from adults, furthering learning and vocabulary for the child while making them familiar with words that are often used in adult Bibles.  A list of  stories can be found with page numbers in the contents, which is really convenient and unlike most other young children's Bibles I have worked with.  Each story has a scripture reference so adults can find the full story in the Bible as well.

Illustrations are bright and colorful, cartoonish and fill the top half of each page.  Pictures go along with the stories and help to supplement the text with visual depiction of the story for the different learning styles.  Characters are all approachable and friendly, engaging to the child and the bright colors are inviting to explore and talk about as well.  Even younger children below the age recommendation for this book can get something from being read to or hearing the stories along with older siblings.

In addition to the Bible, there is a free iPad App that has stories, audio and games for on the go learning and fun.  There are also games and teaching resources available online at www.TheBeginnersBible.com.  Available in ebook and hardcover formats, there is a version for everyone.

You can check learn more on your own with these links:
Official Website
Official Book Trailer (You Tube)

Giveaway
I get to give a copy of this Bible away to one of my readers.  Simply comment with the ages of your children for a chance to win.  Winner will be chosen December 26, 2016.

"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.”

#TheBeginnersBible #FlyBy

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ESV Family Devotional Bible Review

ESV Family Devotional Bible
by Crossway

I had been looking for an appropriate devotional to use with my young children at home when the opportunity to review this devotional Bible came my way.  I was immediately impressed with this book the minute I held it in my hands.  This is a high quality hard covered book filled with color pictures, 130 of them!  While it is in fact an actual Bible in the ESV (English Standard Version) translation, it is also a devotional too.  The perfect combination that puts everything in your hands for family devotion time with children in the home.

Each devotional story is on a colored page.  The illustrations that go with each devotional are high quality, full detail, painting like pictures - not cartoonish, but featuring real looking people and scenes.  The devotional stories fall in line with their location in the Bible, so they can be used individually or as a family study.  The Biblical references are provided for the story's location within the Bible as well as a verse for memorization or discussion that ties the story to the surrounding scripture.

The devotion stories are written in a way that young children (ages 4+) can understand, while being complex and detailed enough to challenge older children into their early teens.  The common children's bible stories are discussed within the devotionals, such as Adam & Eve, David & Goliath, Jonah, etc. as well as many more not so mainstream stories.  Following each story are a few questions to prompt discussion and further learning for the devotional time.  With younger children, we have skipped over this section most times, just focusing on the stories for now, but I will definitely be going back around to use these again in a few years.

I have enjoyed this book as an adult, and have learned things I had not before picked up or heard. The questions have prompted me to think and I love the potential they provide for teaching my children.   My children (4 & 6) have learned things and really enjoyed exploring the pictures as well as hearing the many different stories.  All around, I love this book and have already been telling my friends with children all about it and recommending it.  This is a perfect combo book for every Christian family with children!

You can find a copy here

The cool thing is that I get to GIVE a copy away to one of my followers!  So, if you are interested, simply leave a comment with the ages of your children and you are entered.  The winner will be selected randomly on Monday, May 16 at 9am.

*  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.”

Under The Sea Holy Bible Review

Under The Sea Holy Bible

There are many Bibles available for children today.  A new Bible has just been released by Zondervan that reaches out to young readers who are captivated by sea life.  The Under The Sea Bible is a hard covered book with a glittered cover depicting sea life.  It contains the full Bible text in the New International Reader's Version (NIrV) which is being called the NIV for kids.

Throughout the Bible, there are colorful pages with topics such as prayer, love, the 10 commandments, famous children of the Bible and the ABCs of salvation.  I expected to see more colorful pages and illustrations in this Bible than what are truly there.  This is really just a basic Bible with 4 colored pages (front and back), one of which is the opening page with spaces for the child's name.

While it is marketed as a child's Bible, I have seen more captivating and interactive children's Bibles than this one.  It is cute, but beyond the few colored pages, it is full Bible text as any adult Bible.  There are no other child friendly entries or commentary.

I feel bad rating a Bible poorly, I really want to like this Bible, but I don't see my kids getting into it all that much.  They are the age to enjoy the ocean and the bright sparkly cover, but I feel like by the time they will be old enough to use it as a full adult level Bible, they will be over the ocean theme.  I wish there were more child friendly content within.  Still, it is a Bible, full and complete, and in a very common and familiar translation. A fun gift Bible for sure!

My readers have the chance to win a copy for themselves as I have one to give away.  You can enter by simply commenting with the age of the child you would like to win it for.  The winner will be chosen at random on Monday, March 28 by 12pm.  Good luck!

You can also purchase a copy here

* I received this book in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.  All thoughts expressed are my own.

Pink Sequin Holy Bible

Holy Bible, Pink Sequin

by Thomas Nelson

An adorable Bible written in the International Children’s Bible® translation, it is perfect for any little girl, most appropriate for ages 5-12.  Written in a transation that is easier for children to understand, this Bible offers an added draw to young girls with its fabric covered front in bright cloth with floral print.  Embelished with sequined flowers and hearts that stand out from the rest of the cover, this is sure to be a hit with the little girl in your life.

Enclosed in a sturdy bible box to keep the cover nice, it is easy to wrap up and give as a gift.  Within the bible are dedication pages among other little extras.

While adorable in cover, it is still a paper/cardboard cover and prone to bending fairly easily.  It may not hold up in the long run with sequined embelishments at risk of falling off.  Even so, it is still a very nice bible and one that will likely create discussion between your little girl and those around who admire her new Bible. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”