5 Conversations you must have with your son by Vicki Courtney

I have 3 sons, so it stands to reason that this book caught my attention. I have read and reviewed other books by Vicki Courtney so I knew I would enjoy this one as well. There are 17 chapters that cover 5 conversations: Its OK to be a man, What you don't learn to conquer may become your master, Not every one's doing it, It's time to grow up, and Godly men are in short supply. This book can be used to help guide the necessary conversations parents need to have with their son from a small age to a much older age. As a parent you must use discretion on when the time is appropriate for each conversation to take place. The chapters are filled with tips and facts to help guide these necessary conversations.

In reading this book I realized I have already started to implement some of these topics in conversation with my 3 boys. I found a lot of information helpful. I did however disagree with the author on some of the sexual topics ( but remember as parents it is our God given authority to decide where, when and how those conversations take place..use your own judgment in this area).   

There is a sister book to this one, 5 Conversations you must have with your Daughter. I have one of those too so that looks like a future read for me. Overall, good book with sound Godly and practical advice.

 

*This book was sent to me by http://www.christianreviewofbooks.com/ in exchange for my honest review.

 

 

 

 

Awesome Science Videos

This is not the first time I have seen or even reviewed Awesome Science Videos. This video series is hosted by a 14 year old homeschooler. All the videos explore national parks and geological locations. Science is explored in accordance with the Bible. Not only will you learn about these beautiful and interesting places, but you will also learn how they backup Creation Science.
Awesome Science Videos are a wonderful tool for homeschooling families, Christian schools, Co-op Groups and just about everyone. Geared toward children and high schoolers, they can still be enjoyed by various ages. My family ranges from ages 7-40  and we all enjoyed watching them and had some interesting discussions afterwards.
I had the privilege of watching Mount St. Helens, John Day Fossil Beds, and Yosemite Zion National Parks. Each video was 30 minutes in length; with beautiful video footage of each location. The scientific facts were grounded with biblical evidence. I found everything to be accurate and well researched.
The only negative is that after watching these videos my children immediately started planning trips to actually see all these places. That might me in our future.

*I received these videos from Master Books a division of New Leaf Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review.
 

Amish Values for Your Family by Suzanne Woods Fisher

I have always highly admired and respected the Amish. Their discipline, family bonds and godly values have been a great influence on my life. So when I saw this book by Suzanne Woods Fisher; I had to review it on the blog.
When we think of Amish we think of horses, plain clothes, and no modern conveniences. I love using my car, lights and telephone; yet I can't help but long for that simpler way of life. With that simple life the Amish lead comes some values that every one can apply within their own families.
Amish Values for Your Family is composed of 4 sections: Children are loved but not adored, Great expectations, Daily bread and Letting go. Each section includes short stories with an amish proverb, application, and words from the Amish themselves.
The Amish have proved over and over they know what their talking about when it comes to family values. If you long for a stronger family unit, want to pass on a legacy full of values to your children, or just want to learn to enjoy life; then this book should be on your reading list.

*This book was sent to me by Christian Review of Books in exchange for my honest review.


 

Humble Heart a book of Virtues by Amy Meyer Allen

This book cover was so adorable I just had to ask to review it. Author Amy Allen is the writer and illustrator of this wonderful kids book. The book is essentially about 9 different adorable animals and each one has a story to tell about a virtue. The 9 virtues are humility, love, thoughtfulness, faithfulness, mercy, encouragement, comfort, courage and joy. These stories include simple yet adorable illustrations and a simple storyline. A parent or older sibling could read it to a younger child or it could be read by a beginner reader. Each virtue includes a definition, story, question and Bible verse.
I thought this book was a perfect way to introduce godly virtues to younger children. As a parent of 4 (3 boys) I am always trying to incorporate character training into their daily lives. Being able to present it in a way that is appealing and fun works well for children.
This book would make a perfect gift to a child or young family.

*This book was given to me by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Strawinsky by Hope Animation

 This is a half hour animation by David Hutter. ”. The story is based on a six episode fantasy series that was released as a Christian audio drama in the 1980s in Germany. It is about 4 talking animals that discover a mysterious house in the forest. The hero Strawinsky and his friends find some unusual inhabitants including a troll, cello and a blobish type creature as they explore the house. His friends get trapped in the library and Strawinsky must find a way to break the spell.

Inspired by Chronicles of Narnia, Disney Musicals and the Parables of Jesus, Strawinsky's message is clear. We are in a battle of the mind. We need to be careful what we put into it. In the animation it is the books we read(but would also include movies, music and the words of others).  We have a choice of what we put into our minds, we have a choice on who to serve (God or this world). There was one final message in this video; that I absolutely loved. It was the fact that we can always change and turn our lives back to God and let him lead us again (just as the cello did with the Scarlett Queen). 

I have seen previous Hope Animation videos such as Noah's Ark, A Christmas Journey, and (my personal favorite) Pilgrims Progress. Strawinsky did not disappoint. With very similar style and graphics as other Hope Animation videos it was a winner for me. Although it had similarities to other videos by Hope animation it had a unique and important spiritual message all on its own.  My family enjoyed it; especially the many musical pieces throughout the video(which made it more engaging with younger children). We had many interesting spiritual topics to talk about with our 4 children after viewing it.

Strawinsky would be a great tool for churches, children's groups, home schools or personal families. It would make a great gift for families with children. Don't forget to go to Hope Animation and check out their many other videos available.

*Hope Animation allowed me to view this video in exchange for my honest review.

David Sticker Book by Karen Williamson

With 4 kids growing up around here we love fun hands on book that teaches stories from the Bible.
This was a small paperback book with the story of David. The text was simple enough to challenge a beginning reader or it could be parent led. The illustrations were simple yet engaging. There were blank spaces for the stickers provided; so the child could put them in as the book was being read.

My youngest loved it. He enjoys the story of David and Goliath and this version was no different. However, he has a mind of his own and refused to put the stickers were they correctly belonged. Oh well, at least he learned a biblical lesson about David as he was usurping his own free will.

This book would be appropriate for younger children, in a Sunday School, home school or home setting.

*This book was sent to me by Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review.

Heaven Changes Everything by Todd and Sonja Burpo

 

I had the opportunity to read and review the devotional reader “Heaven Changes Everything” by Todd & Sonja Burpo.  This devotional has 42 chapters with some chapters written from viewpoint of Todd and others from the viewpoint of Sonja.  Todd and Sonja talk about many of their personal life experiences, struggles, and high points that become thematic chapters in this book.

 

The devotionals are great for personal usage or even for a basis for group discussion.  This would be a good devotional for high school age and up.  The reading itself is light and the chapters are short enough that it is not difficult to find time in busy schedule to read one chapter and reflect upon its content.  Each chapter includes an excerpt from the book “Heaven is for Real” and the excerpts tie with the theme of the chapter.  Each chapter does end with a verse and a short charge, activity, or quick recap.  Seeing Colton’s prayer at the end of the book is a touching reminder of having child-like faith.

 

This would be good devotional to have on hand for group or family discussions.  This would also be a great gift …especially for someone (or couple) with young children

*This book was sent to me by Booksneeze in exchange for my honest review.