My name is Erin:One girl's journey to discover who she is by Erin Davis

This book  part of the My name is Erin series is written by a teenager for your preteen or teenage girl. It is a small 76 page, easy to read book that includes pages to answer questions or write down thoughts.
This particular book answers the question why God made girls girls and boys boys, find out how to be a godly girl and what God's plan for women are.
I found this particulary interesting and necessary in a world where girls are saturated with feminism and equal roles. Although this has been a topic I have discussed with my own preteen daughter; this book just backed up everything I have been trying to tell her, and I think hearing it herself from another teen girl greatly impacted her.
Nothing is more disappointing for me , as a stay at home mother, to here girls all around me(church included), question why they are expected to be different from boys, why do we have to be discreet, chaste and so on.
If you have a preteen or teen daughter or know of one who may be asking questions of why God made them different; pick up this book and give it to them. Would make a wonderful individual gift or would be great to include in a bible study with teen girls.

*This book was sent to be by Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

The New Answers Book 4 by Ken Ham

Ken Ham never seems to disappoint me with his writing. My daughter(12 at the time) and I had the opportunity to read The Answers Book 1 a few years ago for her homeschool science and we loved it. Yet again Ken Ham has written a well constructed resource to answer questions on Creation/Evolution and the Bible.

This great book has 33 chapters with answers to over 30 different questions. If you have unanswered questions about creation/evolution, or if you have someone who is asking you the questions; this book through the use of the Bible can help you find those answers.

Full of scripture, scientific facts, charts, graphs, and pictures; what a great tool for any Christian to have. Learn why you believe what you do and be able to defend your faith.

This book has been a great addition to our homeschool science high school  curriculum. It has opened up many topics and questions within our family and helped me, as a parent, explain to my children our beliefs back up with the bible and science. I found chapter 6: Was Charles Darwin a Christian? to be the most interesting. I learned a lot I didn't know and realized some of the things I believed to be true weren't.

 

If you are a pastor, church worker, parent, teacher, student, or counselor; I would strongly encourage you to read this book and others in the series.     

 

*This book was sent to me my Master Books: A Division of New Leaf Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review.

All in 2 Night by Lynne Burgess

Need more time with your family? Everyone too busy to sit down to a good meal or just spend time talking? Everyone going their own ways with sports, music, work etc. This book is a perfect follow-up to Lynne's first book All in Night. It features 40 different outlines for an All in Night.
What is an all in night you may ask? I had the same question. The author developed All in Night when her family seemed to busy to stay connected to each other. They picked one night where they put aside for the family and did an activity of choice; basically a family night.
This is an old concept but the book gives you practical advice and ideas on how to do an All in Night and gives you over 40 different topics to include. The choice is up to your family what night and how many nights you choose to do it. You choose what activities to do. Each topic gives you ideas on how to discuss these Christian qualities, but it is up to you to decide how to present and implement these qualities based on your individual families.
There are a lot books on the market similar to this one; so for me it wasn't a stand out read. Although this book can be tailored to families of all ages; personally, I would recommend it for families with younger children.
If you are looking for ideas of Christian topics to teach your family and ways to bring everyone together; this book would be a good resource. But don't limit your self to the books topics. This All in Night ideas has  limitless potential; use it to your advantage.

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

When Sorry Isn't Enough by Gary Chapman and Jennifer Thomas

The book, When Sorry Isn’t Enough, definitely is a book to make you look at your approach to any relationship. Gary Chapman uses his research in The Five Languages of Apology to help define the different types of apologies that are given in five separate chapters. Each language chapter gives real life examples of the apology example from both of the authors and the end of the chapter will give example apology statements. There are also chapters about forgiveness, apologizing to self, and also a chapter titled “What If I Don’t Want to Apologize?”

 

Each chapter has a section at the end called “Talk About It” which can help the reader to personally reflect the content of the chapter. This little section could also be used in a little group study. The chapters were filled with impacting information, yet kept the attention of the reader. When Biblical references are used, both of the authors make sure all readers would be able to understand the context, even if someone was not aware the Bible story. The back of the book has examples of things to say when apologizing, and even things to NOT say when apologizing. There is even a little quiz at the end of the book so you can find out what type of language you apologize.

 

Because this book focuses on relationships between spouse, siblings, in-laws, parent-child relationships, friends, and co-workers, this book should be found in every home’s library.

 

*This book was sent to me by MP Newsroom in exchange for my honest review 

Chronicles of Dinosauria by Dave Woetzel

 

 

Did Dinosaurs actually live with man? Were they alive billions of years ago or thousands? What about all the legends about dragons and sea creatures, are they real? What does the Bible really say about these elusive creatures?

If you have ever asked yourself any of these questions then this book is something you definitely want to read. This 84 page book consist of 8 chapters: The creation and the dinosaurs, the flood and the dinosaurs, fossil evidence of dinosaurs and man, artistic evidence of dinosaurs and man, cryptozoology evidence of dinosaurs and man, biblical evidence of dinosaurs and man and apologetics and conclusion. Full of visual illustrations and historical and biblical evidence that man and dinosaurs existed together; this book is an archive of information and proof to discredit the evolution theory.

I think our favorite chapter was the artistic evidence of dinosaurs and man. I never really put it together before, but our worlds history is full of art related to these magnificent creatures....coincidence?...I think not. This book is considered juvenile fiction; my 4 children ages 7-13 enjoyed it immensely, the pictures were perfect for my boys who are completely visual and hands on learners and my daughter really enjoyed all the stories and legends. Even if you are not a child this book would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in dinosaurs. So teachers, parents, church leaders, scientists check this book out...you won't be disappointed.

 

Check out the book trailer http://youtu.be/uvPSQE6x4UA

 

*This book was sent to me by Master Books: New Leaf Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review.    

A Perfect Pet for Peyton by Rick Osborne and Gary Chapman

This book is about a little boy and his twin sister's birthday. The two kids, and their friends, go to a pet emporium where they have fun visiting with all kind of animals and await their "perfect pet pal" match up. Peyton is worried that their isn't a perfect pet for him. The owner of the pet emporium, Mr. Chapman, tells the kids how to find the perfect pet pal by using the 5 love languages: Quality time, Words of Affirmation, Gifts, Physical Touch, and Acts of Service. Each child is matched up with their perfect pet pal. To find out which pet Peyton is matched up with you will have to read the book for yourself.

This book combines two of my kids favorite things: animals and finding hidden pictures.The Pet Emporium is like a zoo, pet shop, farm and aquarium all rolled into one. All my children ages 7-13 love animals; so they were excited to see all the different animals featured in this book. The author also included hidden pictures(find the insects etc...) throughout this beautifully illustrated picture book. As a parent I loved the explanation of the 5 love languages; it helps children recognize their own gifts as well as the gift of others.       

*This book was sent to be by Moody Publishers  in exchange for my honest review. Check out the free app "Peyton and Friends" in the App Store.

Sherlock Holmes and the Needle's Eye by Len Bailey

The author, Len Bailey, did a great job in incorporating classic fictional characters, like Holmes and Watson, into Biblical stories. There were instances when these two were observers in the story (like when Jesus was tempted by Satan) and also times when they participated in the story (like Joshua and the battle of Jericho). I like how the author wrote this in a way that can either be used as a novel for recreational reading, or the questions for each chapter at the end of the book could be used as a small group study, or even for a personal Bible study.

 

Each of the ten chapters included a story from either the Old or New Testament. I found myself trying to use Holmes’ deductions to see if I could figure out why David grabbed five stones or why Paul started his journey in Philippi.

 

I would recommend this book to anyone at least high school age that enjoys solving mysteries. Even if you are not familiar with the writings of Holmes, this book was easy to dive into and become familiar with the characters… and if you are a fan of Sherlock Holmes – even better.

 

*I received a copy of this book from Book Sneeze  in exchange for my honest review.

Cassie and Caleb Discover God's Wonderful Design by Susan and Richie Hunt

 

 

This book is from the Plants and Pillars Series with a goal to teach children biblical truth in a fun way. Based on Psalm 144:12 this series strives to produce children into Godly men and women. Geared toward children ages 5-8 this hardback book is divided into short chapters which include a bible verse, beautiful illustration, story, and discussion section.

Cassie and Caleb Discover God's Wonderful Design teaches boys and girl that we were created in the image of God, that we all have the same sin and same service to our God. What is refreshing about this book is that it incorporates the role of a man and a women. Although both were created in his image; God made each distinctively different and with a different job to do.

It is never too early to teach your children what the Bible says about men and women's roles. This messed up world has confused families long enough about God's original design. I love that this book emphasizes neither gender is better(created equal remember?), but that he designed each for a different purpose and job. This book also touches on a Godly marriage and a wife and husbands part in it.

Not only did this book make it fun and interesting to discuss these truths with my children; it reminded me of a thing or two. This book would be great for a classroom, Sunday school, library, gift or family. 

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

 

The Christian Alphabet Book by Tracy Sands



 

I found this book a very useful tool during our Homeschooling Bible Hour. Each letter and what Biblical truth it represents is presented; as well as a symbol to remember it by. Each 2 pages give an explanation of the Biblical truth, Bible verse, prayer, seek and find section and symbol picture.

Younger kids will love the seek and find where a group of objects are given that they must seek out and find in the symbol picture. I feel this kept the attention of my youngest as well as gave him a fun way to recognize the symbol. He also liked "Love" the Dove which represents the Holy Spirit and guides you through the book.
Included in the explanation is also an application that the child can relate to in their own life. Their is a handy guide for the parent at the back of the book that has an explanation of each symbol represented. So much can be gained by this book: learning the alphabet, explanation of a biblical truth and its application, bible memory, prayer time and more. More could be gained from this book if you take your time to go through it. It is not a quick picture book. It has a lot of Biblical information that could spark a lot of questions and conversations with your kids.
The only negative for me has to be the artwork. Don't misunderstand me the actual art is wonderful...Personally I felt the artwork a little to Catholic looking for my taste(you know Baptists..were funny like that). But this does not deter me from using it and teaching my children the lessons this book emanates.
I would highly recommend this resource for homes, schools, church libraries, homeschools, teachers and anyone who wants a great Bible tool for kids.
Check out the website here http://thechristianalphabet.com/the-book

*I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Joyful Marriage Fortress by Terry Scerine

There are so many things I appreciate about this book. For starters, it doesn't just tell you what God expects out of your marriage; but it also tells you how to obey what he requires. I am so tired of books that only tell you what is wrong and they don't give you a biblical explanation on how to solve the problem. So it was so refreshing to get that in A Joyful Marriage Fortress. Another plus, was that all the scripture references were in KJV( which I might add is very unusual, thus hard to find).
Chapter titles include: Gods plan, Marriage Counseling, The enemy,  extreme measures, the evidence of joy and more. This is a short read and would be great for a bible study, individual study or a great gift for newly married couple(although this is also great for established marriages)

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review from Christian Review of Books.

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. 

I am that I am: Tracing the Footprints of God by Judy Azar Leblanc

Cover and Title: The cover picture is not a bright color but it definitely fits the title and content of this book. The title most definitely reflects the purpose of the book. I felt that the description on the back cover summarized the book very well; though there could have been more reviews added to make the book more appealing to the reader.

General Description: This is a book all about one person/deity....God..I am that I am. The reader will learn about his covenants, parables, ministry, miracles and titles. The book is divided into 4 main parts. Those sections are divided into smaller manageable and easily readable sections. Bible verses, diagrams, pictures and charts are spread throughout the entire reading sections. The large bibliography section in the back is invaluable for further and more detailed study.

Likes: What I liked most about this book was the small sections. It made it easier to read with smaller amounts; since this book is very detailed and overflowing with information. This also made it easier for the "average Joe" to read this book(in other words not clergy or scholars).
I loved the fact that alot of the verses were written out in the text; this saved some time in looking them up. I found this book a valuable resource to understand our God at a greater depth.    

Dislikes: This book is definitely more for lay people, those of the clergy or students in this field of study. My purpose was to use this in my homeschooling with my highschooler, but I don't think that will be happening. This setback is not the fault of the author, but this optimistic mother.  
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All in all this book is a great resource to explore God and the Bible more fully. It would make a great gift for your pastor, teacher, or Bible student. ISBN:978-1-936746-10-1

*  Disclosure of Material: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Upside-Down Prayers for Parents by Lisa Bergren

I have read several books by Bergren and again I am not disappointed with this one. Upside-Down Prayers for Parents consists of 31 devotions that are meant to be used over a period of 31 days. This devotionals purpose is to encourage parents to pray for their children in a way they may

have never considered before. "I pray you'll have to wait - and learn the value of patience. I pray you'll get so weary you give up - and learn that with submission comes strength. I pray you'll love a job - and know that your Provider has not forgotten you." These are just some of the titles in this upside down prayer devotional. Each devotion consists of  a prayer, applicable verse, content devotion, area to write a personal application and relevance for younger or older children.

This one was hard for me at first. To pray in such a way for the people I daily protect, love and guide was difficult; I felt like I was welcoming harm, sorrow, and pain to come to my children. As I made my way through the devotional I realized my children needed this type of prayer in their lives in order for them to grow as a Christian. I personally experienced several of these upside down prayers in my own life growing up and they made me the person I am today. I want my children to GROW in Christ, experience things and learn from them; learn what went wrong, learn about their heart attitude, learn about trusting in God's care; but that needs to begin in me (the Parent/ the example/ the teacher).

 

Take the time to pick up this one as a personal devotion or gift for a special parent in your life.

 

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

       

Show Me How to Share Christ in the Workplace by Larry Moyer

There are two types of Christians in the workplace. One who sees the workplace as their calling and one who sees their faith and work as coincidental. This is how Dr. R. Larry Moyer introduces his book “Show Me how to Share Christ in the Workplace” in his Show Me How-series.

Moyer does a great job in taking the reader through a natural progression of being a testimony in the workplace, to talking to others about spiritual things, to talking about Christ and the cross. Moyer does make it a point to repeatedly state that as an employee, you are being paid to work and must honor God by honoring your employer by not slacking on the job. With this being said, Moyer does give some very practical examples of opportunities of witnessing and sharing Christ.

Moyer ends each chapter with Key Points, which offers a brief summary and a few words that could be used for personal devotion or small group discussion. Moyer stresses how your testimony needs to be short and to the point. Moyer includes resources at the end of the book and even a sample testimony.

 

I was very surprised on how easy reading this book was compared to all the information that was being given. Based upon the writings in this book, I would also be interested in some of the other books in Moyer’s Show Me How-series.