Get Up and Go: Fun Ideas for Getting Fit as a Family by Jennifer Flanders

Are family is busy..busy..busy; as I am sure most are. Even though we have lots to do in such a short time period as 24 hours; somehow we seem to find time for all of our electronic devices. TV, video games, tablets, kindles, Gameboys and smart phones have seemed to taken over in todays society. And just like most people our family uses many of the same devices. So we may be exercising our mind through these devices, but what about our bodies? Who even has time for that?

The book "Get Up and Go" authored by Jennifer Flanders could be the answer to these questions. The book is divided into 18 sections with titles such as Household Chores, Let's get wet and wild or Winter Workouts. Each section is then divided into 111 short chapters with titles such as Lake Front Fun, Sitting on the Wall, or A Brave way to Shave. Each chapter is composed of a fun activity for each family to do together to keep fit and active.

In a sit down world where electronics have taken over my kids, I need something fresh and fun. This book was fantastic at giving me some different activities to get my family up and moving. My kids loved that we did the activities together as a family and each activity was fun! It didn't feel like exercise at all...we were just having fun together.

 I received a complimentary copy of this book 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.”

Your Family in pictures by Me Ra Koh

I love taking pictures of my family; call it a hobby. I have read a lot of books about photography but really appreciated this one.

This soft cover book contains 144 pages with tons of ideas and photos to help you take great pictures of your family during special times or just everyday happenings in your life.
Divided into 7 sections:

1. Setting yourself up for Success
This section give you the steps needed to make your photos successful. It gives you tips on great lighting as well as how to get your family in the mood for picture taking.

2. Developing a Photographers Eye
This section shows you how to shoot. Converting black and white. Discover color, line, shape and texture. Tells you how to become a storyteller.

3. Everyday Life
This section gives you 5 tips on photographing everyday life like outdoor sports, bedtime rituals and more.

4. Holidays
This section gives you tips for photographing 5 different holidays

5. Family Portraits
This section gives you tips for family portraits like pets, sisters, dad and more.

6. Tweens and Teens
This section gives you tips on photographing your teens friends, prom, graduation and more.

7. Family Vacations and Travel
This section give tips photographing snow days, sunsets, amusement parks and more.

This book gave me lots of great tips and ideas to photograph my family. I plan to pass this on to my niece who has an interest and talent for photography.

*This book was sent to me by Blogging for Books  in exchange for my honest review

Why Dogs Are... by Tana Thompson

Most everyone loves dogs! This darling picture book puts a wonderful spin on why dogs were created.
This hardback book has a wonderful cover that is appealing to any dog lover and the title is an easy attention grabber as well. Each page has a simple yet beautiful picture along with an easy to read story. Some of my personal favorites are the ones with the dog and a boy named Brian together.

This book combines the wonderful companionship of a dog with people. The boy Brian is actually blind/deaf. God wants to show Brian how much he loves him. The angels and several kinds of animals volunteer . But when God sees the dog he tells him he can help Brian. The dog doesn't think he is special enough. But God encourages the dog and tells him what he must do to show God's love to the little boy on earth. So Dog goes to earth with the promise if he does a good job that God will send more dogs to earth. (I will leave it at that; so I don't give too much of the ending away).

This is an adorable book that links animals and people together. My kids loved it and thought it was so sweet that God picked a dog to help a child. Dogs are so comforting to people. They are used all the time for the elderly, blind, veterans, kids with autism, and many other people with medical or mental disabilities. This is a perfect book that just explains Why dogs are.  

*This book was given to me by BookCrash  in exchange for my honest review.

Raegan and RJ in Space: Colonizing the Galaxy for Christ by Richard Collins

"Raegan and RJ in Space" is the award winning series of 16 graphic novels which tell the story of the first Christians to leave Earth to colonize other star systems.  It was done to give Christian kids a fun and interesting story to read with a happy ending.  The storyline is that 50 Christian families got together in 2020 and formed their own town in the USA called Hope Tennessee, built a star port called 'Sanctuary', the first star ship called the 'Christian Star Ship (CSS) 001 Faith', all with the goal of colonizing space.  Once people started hearing about what they were doing, Christians from all over the world started to help them.  In 2025, after 5 years, they were ready to go!  Most of the stories revolve around Raegan, a 13 year old girl, and RJ, an 11 year old boy, and their life and adventures on the colony ship "CSS 001 Faith".  There are no aliens, guns, or battles, just out of this world adventure and excitement as Raegan and RJ help their families 'Colonize the Galaxy for Christ!'

I have to say, not overly impressed with this one. There was a lot going on for a graphic novel. The illustrations  were ok. I felt they were very colorful, but some of the actual scenes did not keep my interest; let alone my childrens'. There were so many words on each page that it seemed to overwhelm the pictures. The conversations were hard to follow because I couldn't tell who was speaking when.  I did love all the space jargon and integrated math problems, but there was just so much information it sounded more like I was reading a lecture than a novel to me.
I love the opportunity the writers took to have the characters always thanking God for something; whether it was keeping them safe, helping them accomplish a mission or allowing them to travel and colonize space. But overall, not a book I or my kids would continue to read. Great idea, just not executed well in my opinion.  
To find out more information on this series visit raeganandrjinspace.com

*I received a free copy from BookCrash in exchange for my honest review.

  

The Big Flavor Grill by Chris Schlesinger and John Willoughby

Upon receiving the book The Big-Flavor Grill (No Marinade, NO-Hassle Recipes), I was immediately interested in the concept of not marinating meat that you were grilling. This idea went against the rule of marinating the meat to help tenderize and make the meat more flavorful.  The writers explained how to effectively grill the meat with very little seasoning, and then to add additional flavors when the meat is done. They explain how grilling can be very simple and by adding a few ingredients to finished meat, you can get a big flavor without a big effort. The additional flavors were very inventive, from pouring on the dressings to mixing the grilled meat with juices. I like how the book sectioned off each meat with a basic grill, and then you can pick from about 5 different flavors, or toppings. Having a vegetarian daughter, I was glad there was that there are about 15 different recipes specifically for vegetables and sides.

 

The instructions were very easy to understand and follow.  I did try one of the barbecue sauces that involved maple syrup, mustard, and orange juice. The sweetness was great on the meat and wife and I were actually impressed with the flavor.

 

Because this grilling book focuses on not marinating, it is definitely a worthwhile book to keep in collection of grilling cookbooks.

 

 

*Received a free copy for review from Crown Publishing Groups Blogging for Books program in exchange for my honest review.

The Gifted Sophomores by Terri Blackstoc

Being a mom of a teenage daughter who loves to read is hard. We have a difficult time finding appropriate reading material for her; surprisingly , even more with Christian literature. This book by Terri Blackstoc was one I just happened upon while looking online for books for her to read. I was skeptical at first; since we haven't had luck with the last several books we have picked up to read, but decided to give it a try.
This book is about 3 teen sophomores who are a part of the same church youth group and go to the same school,  all three are even part of the same yearbook staff. Although they have all this in common they are all very different and aren't even friends. When they are together in the film developing room at school during an earthquake, they start to take a good look at themselves while waiting for help to come. Though injured they are miraculously healed and along with the healing comes some special powers. One teen can look into peoples eyes and see there darkest moments, another is drawn to those who have a problem, and the last can not stop quoting scripture. These 3 realize that when combined these gifts are powerful and can move the world for the glory of Christ.
This was a great book to introduce spiritual gifts to teens and the purpose of the Church body using these individual gifts together to bring others to God. Although in reality we don't have these exact extent of these gifts; they are a reality, we can be more aware of the hurting and searching of those around us and have compassion on them and tell them about the One who can save them.
Loved it.

Knowing God by Name by Sharon Jaynes, Gwen Smith and Mary Southerland

First let me say it is always more fun and interesting to read books by more than one author especially women. This was an 8 week 6 day devotional for women to get a more in depth study and relationship with a God. This book dives into who God is and how we as Christians can relate to him; thus invoking a more closer and personal relationship with the Father. Each devotional is based on one of God's names.  

Each devotion starts with an applicable verse, followed by devotional reading full of scripture ending with a prayer.  At first look I had the attitude of "another devotional about God we have the Bible and church isn't that enough". But this book gave me the opportunity that church doesn't allow...time to sit read and contemplate my relationship with my God. Each author took turns writing different devotions, so it was a refreshing and different insight every day. They were funny, real and encouraging. I appreciate their humor, candor and truth.

This book would be perfect for personal study or a group study.    

 

*This book was sent to me from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing in exchange for my honest review.   

 

 

 



Seeking Christmas by Renee Robinson

 

I am all about family traditions; especially during Christmas. I wish I had been able to read this book before Christmas; but I will definitely incorporate all I have learned in Christmas 2014. This book is a short easy 41 page read. This is a series of family devotions and activities to bring you closer to each other and Jesus. This book is divided into 7 days(devotions) which could be used 7 days in row, 7 weeks or however your family wants to do it. Each devotion is divided into the following sections: Remember- section for adults to use to prompt discussion with child about favorite memories, Read-read aloud bible verses, Reflect-read aloud explanation and application of verse with questions, Research-read about history of holiday traditions, and Rejoice-activities for family to rejoice together in the Lord.
Don't forget to download and create corresponding ornaments at the website provided in the book.
Loved the simplicity yet structured layout of the book. Could be used for family members of all ages and could become a family tradition in and of itself.

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



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.