Moving Beyond Anxiety Review

Moving Beyond Anxiety
by David Chadwick

We are living in a time filled with fear and anxiety.  When the world around is so uncertain and unfamiliar, the mind tends to wander toward the worries.  This book comes out at the perfect time as more and more people are suffering from anxiety, depression and mental health decline.

Written by pastor David Chadwick, "Moving Beyond Anxiety" addresses the Christian way to address anxiety via 12 practical strategies designed to help the reader re-think and renew their minds.  From the very start, Chadwick introduces readers to the definitions of fear and anxiety and proposes that to address fear, we must first address anxiety. 

This book is an easy read, chock full of scripture, sound reasoning and Christian guidance to help lead individuals struggling with anxiety toward a path of renewal and healing, on toward a life where anxiety is no longer in control, but instead viewed as a tool of the enemy used to draw our eyes from our faith in Christ.  It is written in a soothing, fatherly manner that is calming and feels as if one is sitting down to chat with a trusted friend or counselor as opposed to being "taught".  Very refreshing and comforting to read!

Being one of the people struggling with anxiety terribly over the pandemic and the crisis abounding in our nation and even in my state and nearby cities, I was so excited to get my hands on this book, with hopes of freedom or at least some relief from the struggles I have daily with my mental health.  I have not been disappointed.  I have picked up many tools and ideas to lead me on my walk toward tackling this part of my thinking.  There is so much in this book that I am set to read it a second, and probably third time because I want to fully absorb every bit of wisdom I can.  I have also recommended it to many of my friends who are in similar situations currently on their walk through anxiety.

 I cannot recommend this book enough!

Below are some resources you can check out to learn more about this wonderful resource!

Book website: https://www.movingbeyondanxiety.com
Moments of Hope website: https://momentsofhope.org/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MOHDavidChadwick/
David’s video introduction for Moving Beyond Anxiety: https://vimeo.com/408616090/bb523284cf

#MovingBeyondAnxiety #FlyBy

About David Chadwick:

David Chadwick is presently the pastor of Moments of Hope Church in Charlotte, N.C. He
has been a pastor for almost 40 years. He played basketball under the legendary coach,
Dean Smith, at the University of North Carolina and was a member of the Final Four 1969
team. David also has a graduate counseling psychology degree from the University of
Florida and an MDiv and DMin from Columbia Theological Seminary. These post graduate
degrees have allowed David to combine therapeutic counseling theories with biblical truth.
David is the author of nine books and hosts a weekly talk show on faith and values on
WBT in Charlotte, N.C. He has been married to the love of his life, Marilynn, for 42 years
and has three children, Bethany, David Banner, and Michael. They have given David and Marilynn seven grandchildren.

“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 the product/product information. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did/will receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

30 Days to Understanding the Bible Review and Giveaway

30 Days to Understanding the Bible

by Max Anders

The thirtieth anniversary release of this book has hit bookshelves and continues to offer readers a wealth of learning and information.  A simple-to-use guide, anyone can pick up this book and quickly and easily learn key information to the Bible in 15 minutes or less each day.  Written by a veteran pastor and author of over 25 books, this bestseller of his has been a recommended book for Bible Teachers and pastors for years already.

Until I had the opportunity to review this book, I had no idea it existed, but I wish I had!  Between the very simple covers are a world of helpful information.  Whether the reader is a new Christian or has been a believer for over 30 years, this is a resource every Christian should own and read.

Each chapter is short and written in easy to understand language - no big words or scholarly ideas.  Designed to be a 30 day read, in 15 minutes or less, a chapter can be read.  Each chapter has a main idea with a break down of information, memorization tips, reviews throughout the chapter and loads of explanation to make the information click.  Broken down into 7 sections, each section then covers vital pieces to help the reader grasp the information.  For example, section one covers the Old Testament, so the 14 chapters contained within cover only Old Testament ideas and key pieces to the Bible, such as the structure of the Bible, geography, the main eras of the Old Testament and special books.  Other sections cover the New Testament, the Ten Great Doctrines, a nano summary, a section on how to master the Bible, a teaching plan and bonus chapters.

I found the information very easy to understand and learn.  With the repetition throughout and the opportunities to write in the book and practice, the information I would have previously found boring, like the main eras of the Old Testament, who they were about and where they took place, it now sticks in my brain and I can understand better and also answer questions I could not before, though I have read the bible through a couple of times and attended church my entire life.  This is information my fact-remembering, Christian-schooled husband knows without having to think that has always made me feel inferior.  Now I feel like I know things I should, and without hours of Bible class lectures and tests.

I have chosen to read the book a bit slower than each day, stretching the read past 30 days, re-reading the chapter a few times over to really absorb and learn the information.  There are so many options and possibilities as to how to use this book, that whether you do a straight 30 days or make it a weekly study, there is no way you can't learn something.

I highly recommend this book to all believers.  It is a key resource.  Even to those who think they know much about the Bible, there is much to still be learned and understood.  The writing style is easy to understand, the work load is light, the reading is pleasing and the results are fast.  A key resource to own and use!

Buy link: http://bit.ly/30DaystoUnderstandingtheBible

Promo video link:  https://youtu.be/6J8xqfbsGBM

Official website:  http://www.biblein30days.com

#Biblein30Days  #FlyBy

Giveaway

Thanks to FlyBy promotions, I have the opportunity to give a copy away to one of my readers.  Like or comment to enter, winner will be drawn at random on Monday, January 21st.

“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 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."

Family Honor Plate

I love traditions and fun things that keep my kids involved in what is going on with the family.  We try to celebrate a lot of things together, the big holidays and the small personal victories too.  When I got the chance to try out the Family Honor Plate and Let's Talk cards, I couldn't say yes fast enough!

 The Family Honor Plate comes in a kit with everything you need to personalize it and make it your very own.  It is very well packaged and easy to get to.

 Within in the kit, you will find the plate, paints, nice pain brushes (not the cheapy ones with bristles that fall off or handles that give slivers), a paint tray with spots to mix colors and a plate stand.

 The plate is a nice, heavy, finished piece that should stand up to regular wear and tear. On it is printed "Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control"

The idea behind the Family Honor Plate is to honor a member of the family when they have displayed one of the attributes in their daily life.  This can be used for every day or on more special, larger event occasions, the choice is completely up to the family.  Imagine little Susie steps out of her comfort zone and helps a new student at school, or little Johnny has a great report card after lots of hard work...  Maybe Dad earns a promotion or Mom remembers to be patient on a very trying day...  There are so many ways to use this plate!  The fun thing is that anyone can decide who should get to use it, not just Dad or Mom.  

 Available separately but to compliment the plate are the Let's Talk Table Thyme cards.

 On a convenient flip pad, there are more than enough to fill a year with a new question each day.  These are questions that invite each member to contribute thoughts and ideas and spur conversation.  Even the little ones can do this!

 On a sturdy cardboard stand, this set holds up nice and is easy to use.

The included paint is designed to be baked, hardening and setting up after a 30 minute bake time.  With 8 colors: red, white, black, blue, orange, yellow, purple, green, there is enough color to make any picture or design you wish, and enough white to mix colors and make your own.  We were sad to find that, in our box, though the paint cups were well sealed (and easy to open, thank you!) the red was completely solid and that the blue, purple and yellow were chunky and on their way to becoming solid as well.  We were able to limp them along with a little water, but they did not apply smoothly or offer us much.  Big bummer there!

 My children were very excited to get started on the plate!  We decided for ours we would let each member do their own section.  As my children are younger, one just 10 months old, this will surely become a treasure as they grow in addition to the fun it will add as we use it to honor one another.

 My older three worked very diligently, each perfecting her masterpiece.

 Dad, Mom and baby added their parts and then it was time to bake.  The baking process was super easy!  Just put the plate in a cold oven, turn it on to 350 and set a timer for 30 minutes once the oven reaches temperature.  After the timer goes off, turn the oven off and let the plate cool with the oven.  That's it!  And it's now ready to eat on.

We opted not to paint on the center of the plate, as suggested, to avoid having paint get scraped off with use.  The children were very pleased with the end result and Dad and Mom agree it turned out pretty cute! 

We have already put it to use, honoring our oldest daughter for her kindness to a new child at church, helping to bring the child to her class and befriend her for the whole day so she would not be lonely.  What fun to give her the special plate!  She had fun being the special person and the other children were chatting about how they might be able to get the plate too.

Here are some videos to walk you through the Family Honor Plate:

You can find out more about the developer, Michelle, here

You can find and purchase the plate here

* I received this product for free for the purposes of review.  My opinions are not influenced by the free gift nor required to be positive, but are from my actual experience.  

#HonorPlate #FlyBy

God's Great Love for You

God's Great Love for You
by  Rick Warren
Illustrated by Chris Saunders

We love books in our home.  We especially appreciate when a children's book helps to convey and reinforce our teachings in regards to faith.  Enter Rick Warren's new children's book - a book that fits perfectly into this category for us. 

Very simply written, with a short sentence for each full set of pages, the pictures make up the majority of this book.  Two pages wide to give a huge picture to go with each sentence.  The artwork is beautiful and quite enticing, even for adults.  I especially loved the pages with the whales in the ocean, the perspective is amazing.

Easy enough for a beginning reader to read, yet full of depth in it's truth, this story simply talks of how great God's love is.  A young girl is pictures in the illustrations, and it walks through how God's love is big and there day and night, forever.  My children have enjoyed exploring the pictures as well as reading and having the story read to them.  It has given us content to discuss as well.  While on the simpler side of a children's story with very little text, it still speaks volumes and reaches children right where they are.  We have enjoyed this book.

You can find out more here

#RickWarren #FlyBy

I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review, thanks to FlyBy promotions.  

ATG Today

Awakening To God Today (ATG Today) is a beautifully simple devotional journal in app form, created to inspire users to find 8 minutes each day to seek God through a series of simple steps.

Using this app is simple and can be done in a few quick moments in the day.  It is a great step toward getting into the Bible more, deepening one's prayer life, recording prayers and answers to prayer, journaling and more, all in one place.  Once registered, the user simply logs in and is greeted by a daily Bible verse.  This verse can be used for reflection, memorization, or deeper study.  From here, the verse can be shared if desired via social media platforms.

Beyond the daily verse, users can chose the "inspiration", "timeline", "add", "photos" or "calendar" tabs to go further.

Inspiration: The daily verse and option to share via social media
Timeline: Lists the days the user has made an entry with option to click the date and read what was entered
Add: Guides the user through prompts to create an entry that will then be store in the timeline.  Here, users can choose day or night and then add a picture and answer the following prompts:

1. Day
1. Lord, I thank you today for..
2. I believe God is speaking to me today about...
3. Lord, I pray today that you will...
2. Night
1. How did God touch my life today?
2. What more could I have done to reflect God's love today?

Photos: All photos that have been added to an entry can be found here

Calendar: Displays a calendar that users can then click on dates to view entries.

How it works:

  Set up in 1 minute increments, each minute has it's own task to create an 8 minute daily focused time with God

• Minute 1: Still your mind and focus on one or two things to thank God for. Be mindful of why you are grateful for these things.
• Minute 2: Memorize and think on the day's verse
• Minutes 3 and 4: Ask God to fill you with his Holy Spirit.  Listen for God's voice.
• Minute 5: Hand over all of the day's coming tasks and responsibilities to God 
• Minute 6: Think about a way you can reflect Christ 
• Minute 7: Write down what God has shown you
• Minute 8: Thank God and go forward with the day

   Ideally, if you do these steps each day along with your daily entry, you have spent some intentional time with God and begun to develop a habit that can then grow into longer sessions and deeper thought and prayer.

I have found this app to be tremendously helpful for me.  A long time Christian, I have struggled at times to make the time to listen and learn through quiet devotion and prayer.  Especially as a mom of 4 little ones, the time I have is often not my own.  The idea that I can do this in roughly 8 minutes makes it something I can easily accomplish without guilt, even if the kids are already awake.  I love that the app encourages a day starter and finisher to encourage wrapping the day in thoughts of God and His intentions.  The fact that I can easily journal from the same place I enter prayers, thoughts and more makes my quiet time more productive because I don't have to wonder who wrote in my journal or hid it where, or get distracted with doodles and more.

I've been using this app for several weeks now and am loving the habit I am getting into and the ease with which I can use it anytime or anywhere.  For the minimal cost ($3.99), I am very pleased and feel it was worth the purchase.

Created by Gerard and Jeannie Long, this app comes from a history of experiencing God's love and grace through deep trial and personal pain.  This app was created to inspire believers in their walk with Christ.  It also serves to "raise funds for several reasons: to dig wells in 100 villages in India, provide 40,000 meals to widows and orphans, 15,000 mosquito nets, and medical teams for immunizations, cataract operations and other services."

You can watch a video to learn more about the creators' story and their mission here and their promotional video here.

Apple users can click here to download the app and check it out for yourself!

#ATGToday #FlyBy

https://twitter.com/freesample1/status/851881916886331394

* I purchased this app in return for incentive as part of the Fly By Promotions program.  All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own regardless of incentive.

The Garden - Kari Jobe

Singer Kari Jobe has a new album just hitting the market, and if you are a Kari Jobe fan, you are sure to enjoy her latest work, "The Garden"  This album is filled with worshipful, contemplative songs that are collectively peaceful and slower in tempo to match the imagery of walking through a calming garden.  This collection of songs is great for those meditative times of personal worship as well as for quieting one's mind and heart in preparation for time with God, or even just for relaxed listening.

Songs such as "The Garden", "Fall Afresh",  and "Come Alive" echo the album title and theme. There is much focus on God's glory, power, divinity, healing and love, as is apparent in many of the song titles. There are a couple of songs featuring Cody Carnes as well.  It is an album of peaceful, deep thought and focus on God.

In general, this album is not my style of music, it is much slower and quieter than I find myself desiring.  For background noise, I can find a place for it, but this particular styling is not one I find myself singing along to or getting stuck in my head.  However, it is a beautiful album filled with thoughtful lyrics and themes inviting times of praise, adoration and worship.  Any fan of Jobe's or her style of singing is sure to find pleasure in this collection.

Click here to see a video

Click here to stream the album

Click here to buy the album

I received a free copy of this album as part of a promotion through FlyBy in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

#TheGarden & #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

https://twitter.com/freesample1/status/810952301481492481
https://www.facebook.com/3minusTHplusF/posts/1177861935640987
https://www.amazon.com/review/R3IJE773CTS3IW/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm

Amy Grant Tennessee Christmas Album Review

Tennessee Christmas
Amy Grant

Just in time for the holidays, Amy Grant has released her new Christmas Album, titled "Tennessee Christmas".

In Amy's traditional fashion, this album is a slower paced, comforting selection of familiar and new songs that set the mood for a relaxed holiday season.  Her down home feel appeals to many styles of listeners.  With duets, melodic accompaniment and her beautiful alto range, listeners find themselves want to settle in front of a warm fire and curl up on a cold winter night.

Though not a regular fan of Amy's, I am familiar with her voice through the connection of her marriage to country singer Vince Gill.  I have enjoyed listening to this album.  Many of the songs were new to me, but there were enough that I knew, sung differently enough to be signature songs for Amy.  We enjoyed this album as we decorated our Christmas tree over the Thanksgiving holiday and are sure to continue to enjoy it throughout the holiday season.

You can listen to one of her new tracks, "To Be Together" by clicking here
You can buy the album here

For a chance to be included in a compilation video being created by Amy Grant, you have the option to upload a video of yourself surprising loved ones for the holidays to social media using the hashtag #TNChristmasSurprise!  It will be similar to this video.  Those chosen will be part of a compilation that Amy will be sharing on her own social media outlets.

#TennesseeChristmas
#flyby

I received this album for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.  All opinions expressed are my own, I was not compensated for this review.

Blessings of Unity Review

The Blessings of Unity: God's Best for Our Marriages

by Richard T. Case

Written from many years of marriage and training experience, Blessings of Unity offers readers a quick read that is filled with knowledge and helpful information to create a deeper, more united marriage.  This book is small enough to read through in a very short time, with only 9 chapters and 130 pages, but packed with insight.  It is packed with scriptural reference to back the points as well.

The book opens with an activity for couples to participate in, a survey of sorts, to find out the current level of unity as viewed by each spouse separately.  From there, it gives the couple an idea of areas that need more work than others.  Following this, readers learn about the topics of Division and Discord, Unity, The Keys to Unity, the necessity to have God's word as a part of the marriage, handling disagreements and differences of opinion, prayer, biblical examples and more.

Each chapter offers an explanation, clear suggestions to work toward the chapter topic, following printed biblical reference.  The scriptural references come from the New American Standard Bible.  While not one of my favorite translations, it does well enough to get the point across.  I found some of the paragraphs to run a little long, which distracted me a little from the content, but overall I found the information helpful and it gave my husband and I some discussion focus.

You can find this book on Amazon

Right now, you can also get a free download of the ebook "Unshakeable" by simply clicking this link: http://allforjesusunshakeable.gr8.com

I received this book for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review

The Biggest Story Review

The Biggest Story
written and illustrated by Kevin DeYoung

Never have I seen such a beautifully created adaptation of the Bible's big story as now.  The Biggest Story is a quick overview of the Bible, from creation through main stories and characters, to the cross and the ideas of the New Heaven and New Earth.  Broken into 10 chapters, the audio and visual versions of the book offer listeners and viewers a 30 minute trip through the Bible.  Each chapter covers a different main event.  When listened to in succession, the participant gains an overview of the greatest love story ever written.

Participants are introduced to Jesus as the Snake Crusher.  From the beginning, the story is never overtly about becoming a Christian.  Instead, it offers a Biblical history lesson with the underlying theme that God loves each of us and, throughout time, has sought to love and protect us.  The stories of the Crucifixion and resurrection as well as the coming of a new era are introduced gently and without preaching or the feeling of judgment.  This is a simply beautiful presentation of God's love, His story (and ours), and the opportunity available to those who wish to accept it.

The animated illustrations in the film version are just breathtaking.  Adapted from the book, the slide show type film offers movement in each scene and beautiful illustrations that engage and attract viewers.  Even my youngest child, age 2, was drawn in by the pictures, sounds and music in the DVD and, though she didn't understand the story, was engaged for quite some time.  My older children, 4 and 6, sat through the entire video, glued to the story.

The audio CD offers those on the move the same opportunity to hear the story, only without the visuals.  Same story, same audio track.  DeYoung's voice is calming, his narration clear and filled with ups and downs to keep the listener engaged.  It is just like listening to someone read the book to you.

Pastor, husband and parent of seven, Kevin DeYoung has captured the big story of the Bible and packaged it in a way that is inviting to all, Christian and non-Christian.  His wording offers some humor hidden beneath the story, the kind that has an adult tipping their hat to his references.  Children love to listen to his story telling style.  Whether child or adult, there is enjoyment in hearing this as well as immense pleasure in viewing it.

While we have never owned or even held a copy of the book for ourselves, I now want to go out and buy it.  This glimpse into the book has made me desire to own a copy for my shelf that we can read as well.  I don't know that I have ever been so in love with a book, video or audio so much as this one, and not just because I am a believer.  This is truly a masterpiece and anyone who has the chance to see or hear it will be blessed.

You can check out samplings of the film and audio book here:
Animated Film Short
Audio Book Sample

You can win a copy for yourself simply by commenting with the name of your favorite Bible character.

* I received these items for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

Would a Worm Go on a Walk? Book Review

Would a Worm Go on a Walk?
by Hannah C. Hall
Illustrated by Bill Bolton

Would a Worm Go on a Walk? is a cute story that walks children through the idea that each animal is created to be unique and has its own special qualities.  Reading through the story, children entertain the idea that a worm could go on a walk, or a piglet play the piano, or a lion be a lifeguard.  Children meet nine different animals in the book, each suggesting they do something different than they were designed for.  The book finishes with the reader learning that just like the animals who cannot do anything other than what they were designed for, children are the same.  God created each of us with our own strengths, abilities and gifts and not one of us is imperfect or wrong.  Through this story, a child discovers that they are equally as unique and special just the way they are.

Based on the Bible verse from Genesis 1:31a "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good", the author spins a tale that leaves children giggling and learning at the same time.  The illustrations in this book are bright and engaging, with cartoon depictions of each animal doing the silly things they are proposed to be able to do.  Pictures have enough silly in them to keep kids engaged and giggling while still realistic enough to be recognizable and relatable. My children, ages 6, 4, and 2 have loved reading this book over and over, and I have enjoyed reading it to them. This is a book that will stay on my shelf for years to come!

* I received this book for free in exchange for my review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Packing Tape with Dispenser Review

Though I am not currently planning a move, I go through a lot of packing tape in my house due to my kids.  We are often creating or repairing something, so I like to keep it on hand.

This set comes with 6 rolls of tape and a dispenser.

 The dispenser is your basic simple plastic case with a blade of teeth to cut the tape.  The rolls easily install into the dispenser.

 The tape rolls themselves are fairly thick and should last quite a while.

 The tape itself is on the thinner side, but durable and tear resistant.  It does leave a mark each time it loosens from the roll, so there are white lines along the surface any time more is pulled off the roll.  If you are looking for a clear, even seal on a project (like repairing a tear in a children's book), this tape is probably not the one for you, but for taping boxes and such it is just fine.

For my basic kid-type projects and fix ups around the house, this tape is going to work out just fine, and I would trust it for taping boxes for moving as well. 

You can find it here

* I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

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.”

8 Simple Rules for Raising Great Kids Book Review

8 Simple Tools for Raising Great Kids
by Dr. Todd Cartmell

Every parent wants to raise a great kid, but there are so many signals, rules, suggestions, books and other input coming in from all sides that it can be hard to determine how to do anything right by your kids.  Setting out to raise them in God's design sure does help thin down some of that noise, but still leaves a parent struggling to sort through all of the input.

Thankfully, books like "8 Simple Tools for Raising Great Kids" are available and written with God's plan for our kids in mind.  I am glad to have stumbled across this book.  Withing its covers, parents, grandparents, teachers and others caring for children will find many great things.  This is an easy book to pick up and read because it is broken up into 8 Tools: talking, listening, influencing, connecting, teaching, encouraging, correcting and leading. These tools are further broken up into smaller bits in 5 chapters for each tool.  These chapters average 3-4 pages, so they are short, quick, to the point and easy to read in the few minutes you find to sit down during the chaos of the day.

I have enjoyed this book and learned so much.  From the first chapter, which addressed talking, and grabbed me right away with the idea of controlling volume and talking to kids the way you want to be talked to.  Many of these tools are vital for healthy adult relationships as well as those between adults and children.  I have walked away with many nuggets of wisdom I am now trying to put into action.

Dr. Cartmell writes from experience, training and real life experience.  His words are relevant, contemporary and timeless.  This is a book that should be a part of the parent training library for sure!

For a limited time, between April 15, 2016 and May 15, 2016, you can get this book for 50% off through Moody Publishers with this code: GREATKIDS16

You can also find this book here

* I received this book for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.  All opinions expressed are my own and I was not compensated for them.

Anxiety and Stress Relief Essential Oil Review

My newest essential oil acquisition comes from Phytopia.  This brand seems premium from the moment I opened the box.  Inside, I found a black suede bag tied with silver ribbon.  

Within the bag, I found the oil bottle sealed in a shrink wrapped plastic to prevent leaks and secure the bottle.  Once that seal was removed, I could access the goodness within the brown glass bottle.

The bottle has a dropper style insert for easier, cleaner and more controlled distribution of the oil.

The oil is clear and thin, as I would have expected.

Within this bottle of "Tranquility" is a stress and anxiety relieving blend containing the following:

- Organic Carrier Oils (Olive Virgin, Sunflower, Evening Primrose, Jojoba)

- Organic Essential Oils (Orange Sweet, Geranium China, Vanilla, Rose Maroc)

This 50 ml bottle of oil is already mixed with carrier oils and ready to be used on skin,  It is not an oil meant for diffusers.  To use, simply apply on skin and massage around the shoulder and neck.  It is not for internal use or for children.  It has a 36 month shelf life when stored in a cool and dry place.

Each bottle has a manufacture date printed on it so the user can be sure of shelf life.

I really enjoy the smell of this oil.  It has a vanilla overtone with orange coming in second and the geranium and rose filling in slightly.  It is very pleasant, light and soothing.  I am truly loving this oil.  While I know it is not going to last as long since it is already diluted (and I don't know the ratios), I love that I do not have to do the work and that a little goes a long way.  I have no doubt this bottle will last me quite a long time.

You can find this product here

*I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

Galaxy Buck: Mission To Sector 9 Review & Giveaway

Review

In a new adventure from "What's In the Bible" creator Phil Vischer, the familiar character Buck Denver embarks on a new adventure with many familiar faces. I got the chance to check it out before it was released, and I was impressed.

A space adventure that appeals to parents with it's fun references to Star Wars and Star Trek, it appeals equally to the kids with the fun characters, silliness and adventure they love.  A clear message can be learned by even the young watchers.

My five year old really enjoyed this video.  While not a space adventure fan, she found opportunity to laugh, question, learn and enjoy.  She walked away from watching, and a few hours later I found her making a poster like the one at the end of the video, so she could hang it in her room and remember that God wants her.  She picked up on so much more than I expected, and I was thrilled about that!

Not necessarily a Star Trek or Star Wars fan myself, I have been exposed to it through my husband many times and picked up on several funny references, so I found myself enjoying this video for the lessons it was teaching my kids as well as the entertainment factor.

Phil Vischer does a fantastic job of reaching kids with his characters, and keeps them engaged with the kid humor as well as the lessons they learn.  Another win in my book, and a video I will definitely be recommending to my friends.

About the movie:

Buck Denver has a simple dream - to save the galaxy.  Working for the Galactic Mission Board, Buck dreams of carrying God's love to every corner of the Milky Way!  Except he doesn't have a starship.  Or a crew.  Or even a captain's license.  He just needs a chance.  But when that chance comes and Buck finds himself leading a real mission into deep space, things don't go at ALL like he imagined!  If he's doing what God wants him to do, why is everything going wrong?  From VeggieTales® and What's in the Bible? creator Phil Vischer, Galaxy Buck: Mission to Sector 9 is a wild, galactic adventure that teaches kids a powerful lesson about trusting God with everything - even our dreams! 

Run time: Approximately 40 minutes 

You can check out the trailer here

Giveaway

So, here's the cool thing:  I get to give away a copy to one of my readers.  Simply leave a comment below telling me who your favorite character is, or if you are new to these characters, who you hope to win this video for.  Good luck!

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. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”