Anne (with an 'e") Wilson~ Debut Album Review and Giveaway! (ends Thursday evening, 5/5)

Hi all! 

I am so pleased to be able to write this next review, as it is always easier to write a good review about something you are excited about, or just really like, in general. I think I can honestly say both apply here. 
~>Many thanks to Universal Music Group for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation<~

Anne Wilson is a new Christian Singer/Songwriter (definitely not to be confused with Ann Wilson of "Heart" fame), who just released her Debut Album, "My Jesus," on April 22nd. 
You may have heard her title track this past year on Christian Radio or on your favorite streaming platform, or if you were fortunate enough to attend the Zach Williams Christmas or Spring Concert tours, where she was a special guest artist. She showed up >>for me<< as a recommended artist in my "discover weekly" list on Spotify a couple of weeks ago, so again, I was delighted to be asked to join this review/giveaway campaign and share her music with you all. 

In addition to hearing the music, I was given the opportunity to join Anne's Album Launch Livestream Event this past Wednesday, and I enjoyed getting a glimpse of this talented young lady. She only *just turned 20 this February, and she writes and sings with a wisdom beyond her years. Fun little fact from the livestream~ She spent a year and half pounding out 130 or so songs, the cream of which made it on to her debut album. I can attest to the determination and work ethic that feat requires~ pretty great in one so young.  Some other fun facts learned at the livestream: 

• Anne Wilson is the first female solo artist debut single to reach #1 on the Billboard Christian Airplay chart
• Anne Wilson’s debut single “My Jesus” was the longest #1 single on Billboard’s Christian Air-play chart of 2021 at 7 weeks total
• “My Jesus” was nominated for a 2022 Billboard Music Award for “Top Christian Song” against Kanye West(For those interested, the awards will broadcast live coast-to-coast on May 15 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on NBC. It will also stream live on Peacock).
• “My Jesus” Hit #1 on Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 and #19 on the Rolling Stone Top 25 Trending charts
• Anne Wilson was featured as Billboard’s October 2021 Chartbreaker Artist in their 21 Under 21 issue

On a more serious note, one of the main threads throughout much of her album is a recurring theme of hard times and despair defeated by the power, glory, grace and love of God. One might wonder at the veracity of a barely 20-something effectively handling the deep and dark right next to the deep and redeeming light, but Anne has walked a tough road herself, and many teens and young twenties experience more discouragement, hopelessness, and distress than some of us want to acknowledge. 

In Anne's case, during one of the most vulnerable and difficult time in anyone's life (15 years old) she suffered the tragic loss of her 23-year-old brother in a car accident. This loss clearly impacted her, but she turned to God for comfort and peace, which is evident in many of the songs throughout the album. What a gift to be able to empathize with others based on shared experience and then turn that into music to minister to the soul. For more on Anne, you can read her Biography here, and listen to her talk about that time and her story here. 

 

 Album Impressions ~ One thing I found interesting (and appreciated) was the way Anne incorporated a couple of lines {or stanzas} of old hymns in many of her songs, giving a definite nod to gospel hymn roots, without feeling like she was borrowing too much or reworking them. I actually noticed a couple, and then listened for some of the more subtle uses throughout. {see the brackets in my little snippet summations)
 

1. Prelude (Scatter) ~ short instrumental
2. Scatter ~ An anthem declaring that the battle is the Lord's, and we can stand firm in the knowledge that He *will* scatter our enemies. {Glory, Hallelujah, My God is marchin' on}
3. My Jesus ~ The title track~ another anthem~ so much has been said about this one already, I don't feel the need. 
4. Devil ~ This is a "fightin' " resurrection song (!😁!) with a refrain of "You brought life to me and death to the Devil. {I was blind but now I can see} 
5. Sunday Sermons~ Fun, foot-stomping track that honors the impact of being brought up "in church."{Jesus loves me, this I know}
6. Hey Girl ~ A tune that joins a few others that walk a line on the side of "Daughter of the King," combating the very real feeling of "not being enough," when in fact, we are each worth so much that Jesus gave His life for us... 
7. This House ~ This is fantastic~ a rockin' take on the concept of a the parable of the wise man and the foolish man~ without a firm foundation (the word of the Lord), "this house gonna fall" {My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood, my righteousness...} I found it interesting that she changed the wording to "my righteousness," which emphasizes that His righteousness does, indeed, become our righteousness, since we have none of our own. 
8. Mansions~ A lively little hopeful tune addressing {When we all get to heaven}
9. Mamas~ (with Hillary Scott) ~ Sweet tune for all the Mamas (and/or mama figures) in our lives. 
   Featuring Hillary Scott (from Lady A[ntebellum])   “Mamas (Official Music Video)” will release 5/4 for Mother’s Day and includes footage of Anne surprising her mother with the song, as well as footage of Hillary Scott and her daughters.
   
10. No Place Like Home ~ A loving tribute to her brother Jacob, and the reality that while we say there is no place like home (here on Earth), there truly is no place like our real home (in Heaven). 
11. God Thing ~ I use "It's a God thing" as a phrase fairly frequently, and I appreciate that there is now a song pointing out that the big and the small things point to Him and His work! Miracles still happen.  
12. That’s What We Need~ Hard hitting, truth spitting reminder that there is One Way, One Truth, One Life, and that Love should be our standard. 
13. Something About That Name~ A fresh take on the name above all names, and the dichotomy of its use by saints and sinners, in joy and sorrow, tender but loud... nicely done! 
14. Closer To God~ Explores how God can be close, even when we don't understand what we are going through.
15. My Jesus (feat. Crowder) ~ fun remix. 

I love the fact that so many established musicians like Matthew West, among others, have taken Anne under their wings~ encouraged her, written lyrics and music with her~ mentored her, really, while letting her  Country, Gospel Rock roots shine through. I also value the hope that Anne represents as a shining example to those who are distressed by this old world, and those who fear for future generations. There *are those young people who know and love God, and will continue to be beacons, reflecting His light, and drawing the lost safely to the shore of God's amazing grace, mercy, and love. 

There truly isn't a track on this album that I don't enjoy! See for yourself! 
Stream or purchase Anne’s new album now!

You also have a chance to win an autographed copy of Anne's Debut CD in my quick giveaway that ends this THURSDAY, May 5th. 

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.

Blessings~

#AnneWilson #AnneWilsonMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork 

Roar Like a Lion (New Devotional for kids~ Review + Giveaway)

Hello, friends! 

Goodness, but it has been quite some time since I have had a book to review here~ with the world so crazy and all for the past couple of years. I don't know about you, but oftentimes these days I find myself simply shaking my head, and wondering what on earth can be done to help tame some of the crazy. Levi Lusho understands that if the adults are feeling this sense of overwhelm, then the young ones in our lives probably are as well. He has written a  new devotional, Roar Like a Lion, filled with many little nuggets to help your kids navigate some of the unsteady, scary, and uncomfortable situations they are sure to encounter as they grow up, as well as learn to be bold in their faith. 

Although my kids are no longer the target age of this new devotional, having experienced the concerns of the younger ages, I do feel qualified to offer my opinion on this book. 😄

 

First, the less essential, but important details of the cover and graphics. This hardback book has a very eye-catching, colorful illustration of a roaring lion, and has a very smooth touch to the hand. It is an easy size to hold~ not too big and not too small. 

Each page has child friendly illustrations and colorful borders that give me a bit of a vintage Ruth Chrisman Gannett (Illustrator of My Father's Dragon, Miss Hickory, and other classics) vibe. Sorry for going a little geeky on the art, but that is a big part of a children's book's attraction for me. ;) 

For the more Nitty-Gritty, each devotional includes pleasing illustrations, fascinating facts, Bible verses and prayers, along with some simple action steps. This 90-day devotional will help your kids approach both fun moments and tough times with their hearts set on God's faithfulness.

                            

Roar Like A Lion covers topics like:

                            Facing fears about school and friendships

                            Dealing with peer pressure and bullying

                            Handling new challenges, disappointments, and grief

                            Having courage to try something new

                            Understanding how we each fit into God's great story

The devotionals are short and sweet (double-page spread), but pack a quick little punch of Biblical truth or wisdom that a child can understand and hold on to. I feel like even if you have older kids listening in, they might pick up on some of the truths, which are, after all, universal to all ages. ;) 

Whether using this as a start to your child's day, a before bed devotional, or a "tea-time" read (I think it would work well in an after school program for a snack-time devotional also~ just the right length!), these devotions offer simple encouragement to grow faith, and learn to share the Good News! 

Here's a look at the table of Contents: 

 #RoarLikeALionMIN
#roarlikealion
#tommynelsonbooks

Order Roar Like A Lion today and help the child in your life follow Christ more closely this Fall (or put it away and pull it out for a "New Year" new devotional option, Birthday present, Christmas present...). 

Tommy Nelson is also allowing me to give away one physical copy of this devotional to one of my US readers. It is a short turnaround for this giveaway, as I have to have your shipping information in to them by the 29th, so enter now! :)  


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Blessings~

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

Tori Kelly Album review and Giveaway of "Hiding Place"

Until last spring(?), I really didn't have much of an idea who Tori Kelly was, but my Middlest had decided that he really liked her music, and regularly shared videos of her collaborating with a variety of artists with me, both well known and not. I had no idea that she was the voice of the elephant in SING! until months after we watched it... However, I have been very impressed with her voice, and was delighted to be sent a copy of her new project Hiding Place for review and a giveaway! The giveaway form is at the bottom, and just a heads up that this giveaway is of super short duration.

If you don't know a lot about her (like me), then here's a little more information from the officially released biography to give you some insight.

While working on the follow-up to her debut album Unbreakable Smile—a 2015 release that premiered at #2 on the Billboard 200—Tori Kelly felt compelled to include a track that honored her lifelong passion for gospel music. With the help of her manager, Scooter Braun, the L.A.-based singer/songwriter soon connected with Kirk Franklin, a 12-time Grammy Award-winning gospel artist and one of Kelly’s musical idols. “I flew to Dallas and Kirk showed me a few songs he’d written, and I fell in love with all of them,” says Kelly, a 2016 Grammy Award nominee for Best New Artist. “Next thing you know, one song turned into us doing a whole album together. It just took on a life of its own.”

With its RandB-infused, deeply melodic take on classic gospel, Hiding Place offers up what Franklin refers to as “hope-pop”—a classification that fully resonates with Kelly. “One of the things I want for this album is for people to feel uplifted and encouraged when they listen,” she says. “I want them to know that, no matter what they’re going through, there’s a God who loves them so much and so unconditionally, and there’s always a reason to feel hope. That’s what I really believe in, and I want everyone out there to hear my heart.”

As Kelly explains, the title to Hiding Place draws inspiration from a line in one of her favorite psalms (“You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with songs of deliverance”). “That always stuck with me: this idea of God being a place of safety, a place where you can hide from all the crazy things that this world can throw at us,” she notes.

Produced by Franklin, Hiding Place unfolds with a lush yet simply adorned sound beautifully suited to Kelly’s incomparable voice. “I’ve worked with Mary J. Blige, Bono, Yolanda Adams, and I’ve never seen anyone that’s a monster behind the microphone like Tori Kelly,” says Franklin. “She’d nail one song in three takes, and all those takes were amazing. It set the bar higher for my whole career.”

I love it when Christians are picked up for their talent, not simply because of their worldview, and Tori Kelly certainly fits that mold. From Kirk Franklin's description, she reminds me of another young (Christian) artist who took the music industry by storm a few decades ago, Alison Krauss. If the pattern holds true, hold on, because there must be even more great music in store down the road!

The songs on the CD are a combination of Kirk Franklin pieces and songs that he co-wrote with Tori specifically for this album.

1. Masterpiece featuring Lecrae~ The basic concept/message is very good, but musically I don't feel it's her best piece vocally on the album. Middlest likes this one however, so maybe it's my "old" ears... ;)

2. Help Us To Love featuring The HamilTones ~ very deep south gospel feel, with a GREAT message. We need this song!


3. Sunday ~ This is the song on the album that speaks of confession and redemption~ that our "Sunday clothes" aren't who we are, and that we need God's grace every day of the week~

4. Just As Sure featuring Jonathan McReynolds ~ "Just as sure as trials come, to pull me close to You. In Your presence now I see, a God I never knew.... I know You love me, just as I do love You." Lovely song.

5. Psalm 42 ~


6. Questions ~because faith is never easy... This girl has read Ecclesiates... and the Psalms...

7. Never Alone~  featuring Kirk Franklin (listen to it yourself... )


8. Soul's Anthem (It Is Well) ~ A beautiful nod to one of my favorite hymns...

*UPDATED Comments
Because there was such a short turn around on this review, I was only able to listen to the tracks from my computer. Listening to them on good speakers (in the car) the day after posting brought out so many more layers than I had heard in my initial listen. Also, my Berklee (Boston Music, not CA Science) trained husband heard it for the first time, and was very impressed with the intricacies in chord changes. This is not a standard, 3-chord pop album in any way shape or form, and I wanted to make sure that this was clear.

Purchase Hiding Place Here

and sign up to win a copy (For you or for a friend) below... The giveaway ends at 12 midnight Sunday morning, the 16th. If you're interested, don't wait because you might miss out! :)

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Blessings~

“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.

#TKHidingPlace & #FlyBy

Matthew West ~ All In (Review and Giveaway)

Hey, friends! It's been awhile since I've had a review and a GIVEAWAY! :)
What a nice way to start out the Fall Season! 

This time it's Matthew West's new album All In

Here are my quick impressions/what the songs are about,  plus a few bonus videos from Matthew West to give you the real story. :) ~

Track 1: All In 

~ No testing the waters here~ he's all in!

Story behind the song:

Track 2: Broken Things 

~ Encouragement that God can and does use broken things to accomplish mighty things

Story behind this song, too... 

Track 3: Mercy is a Song 

~ More encouragement~ Mercy is a song, and Freedom is a choir singing...

Track 4: Amen 

~ This one is a high energy tune that will be a favorite in my house. ;)

Track 5: The Sound of a Life Changing 

~ Kind of a cool auto-biographical song/looking to the future for other's lives

Track 6: Something Greater 

~ Another song about life~ (And BGV's by Carrie Underwood... :) )

Track 7: Jesus & You 

~ Love song to his Lord and his wife. ;)

Track 8: The Beautiful Things We Miss 

~ Encouragement to slow down and not miss the beautiful things... 

(Teary eyes are a possibility with this song... ;))

Track 9: 1 Song 

~ drilling it down to Hallelujah! Thank You, Lord! Amen, I'm made new! 

(In a style a little reminiscent of Nico and Vinz' "Am I Wrong" ~ I like it. ;) 

~ disclaimer: I know next to nothing about Nico and Vinz beyond that song. ;) )

Track 10: Power Love Sound Mind 

~ not rap, but spoken word with a melodic chorus~ not a spirit of fear...

Track 11: Never Ever Give Up 

~ Up-beat encouragement ~  a good, positive  "amp up" song.

Track 12: Dream Again

~ When the doors (and the World) seem closed and against you

~ an anthem of starting over and giving it up to God

~ letting Him show you how to dream again...

Track 13: Becoming Me (Featuring Lulu West)

~ another family-inspired song that pulls the heart-strings

~ (and Lulu has a very sweet voice)

Track 14: You Are Known 

~ written as a note from the One Who Knows...

Summing up~ the entire album is about being "All In" in relation to the Lord, to family, community, and even to his career as a singer/songwriter. From his liner notes: "... these songs are written in the hopes that they will be arrows straight to your hearts reminding you that the goal is to reach the end with no regrets." Essentially encouraging us to understand our position, and seek to hear "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

The album is now available for purchase. Great gift idea to tuck away for a holiday or special event.

More information...

Matthew’s heart behind the album:

Matthew wrote his new album All In with the goal of encouraging himself and others to get up off the sidelines of their faith and really live it out – to go all in in your time with God, all in with your family, all in with your community, and all in battling your fears that may hold you back from becoming who God made you to be. Along that same theme, Matthew will be launching a 6-week All in Challenge on his social media starting 9/18, and each week Matthew will be challenging his fans to go all in in a different part of their lives. What does it look like when a heart that knows Jesus takes a step and holds nothing back? How can we go All In in the places that mean the most?

If you would like to enter my giveaway, please make sure to wait for the Rafflecopter to load.... :) 

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Blessings~

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.

I'm Going To Give You A Bear Hug (Picture Book Review and Giveaway)

I don't have a "little one" any more, but if I did, I would so enjoy sitting in the rocking chair and reading my latest review book, I'm Going to Give You A Bear Hug, from Zonderkidz.

This is a sweet little bedtime picture book for the youngest among us. It embraces the joy of giving and receiving "Bear Hugs"  before bed. We then go on a rollicking fantastical journey with child and teddy through a variety of other hugs, from the silly to the outright wild, ending up, finally in bed with one last, "Way beyond compare hug."

The illustrations coordinate perfectly with the text, and your child may enjoy observing the teddy bear's zany accompaniment through ten different hug scenarios, as it can be found on every two page spread (Sometimes more than once).

Again, a very sweet book~ available in Hardcover, Board book, and Kindle version.

Here's some information about the book from the publisher:
ABOUT THE BOOK:

Grand Rapids, MI-- - December 27, 2016-- -I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug!, written by bestselling author Caroline B. Cooney, is a playful and comforting bedtime book that
imagines all the wonderful ways a child might give and receive a hug.

Whether it’s a big bear, gasp for air, knock over a chair hug or a wet and drippy, slimy,
slippy fish hug, children will giggle their way through all the imaginative examples.
Cooney’s sweet and simple rhymes encourage playful interaction between parent and
child and ultimately help them wind down before they snuggle into bed and drift off to
sleep.

I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug is a sweet loving bedtime story book that is also sure
to become a Valentine’s Day favorite for little ones who enjoy celebrating a day full of
hugs and kisses from loved ones. I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug will be available in
hardcover for $16.99 in retail stores nationwide and online on December 27, 2016. 

****
About the Author: Caroline B. Cooney was born in New York, grew up in Connecticut, and now lives in South Carolina. Caroline is the author of 90 Young Adult novels in many genres, and her books have sold over fifteen million copies. I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug is her first picture book. It’s based on a verse she wrote for her own children, Louisa, Sayre and Harold, who are grown now.

About the Illustrator: Tim Warnes has been illustrating children's books for twenty years.
He lives in Dorset, England, with his wife, children's illustrator Jane Chapman, and their two sons. When he's not drawing little critters, Tim loves to write, watch birds and play his banjo.  Visit Tim at www.ChapmanandWarnes.com

You can visit the following Social Media and Internet sites for more information.
Official Website , Facebook , Twitter

Thanks to Propeller Consulting, I am able to offer a giveaway of the hardcover version of I'm Going To Give You A Bear Hug to one of my readers. 

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Please note as with all Propeller/FlyBy promotions, only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway is eligible.  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.

Blessings~

Amy Grant Tennessee Christmas CD (Review and Giveaway)

AMY GRANT TENNESSEE CHRISTMAS

One of our traditional Every-Christmas-Morning-Must-Be-Played CD's is Amy Grant's "A Christmas Album." It is part of the soundtrack of our lives, so we were all excited to be chosen to review Amy Grant's brand new Tennessee Christmas Album (And offer a giveaway, hurrah!). 

Amy Grant has one of those voices that is just so smooth and mellow that it makes you almost instantly relax when you hear it.

As you might imagine with a Title of Tennessee Christmas, one of the tracks is an updated recording of Tennessee Christmas. It has a very nostalgic, feel, as does the majority of the album. This was accomplished in part by recording the entire album in their home~ using friends and family for background vocals. One song has her girls (my how they've grown up!) singing together, and yes, Vince Gill definitely makes an appearance or two on this album as well. 

Take a listen... 

Here are the tracks with a little bit of my take on each one.

1. Tennessee Christmas ~ Same songs and harmonies, slightly different cast from the original
2. To Be Together ~ You heard it above. ;) 
3. Christmas For You and Me ~ Not my favorite track, but some folks may like it more than I do. 
4. Melancholy Christmas ~ The name says it all. 
5. December ~ Another mellow, quiet, almost fragile song~ (Just like a melting snowflake)
6. White Christmas ~ Excellent, old-fashioned version in classic Amy Grant style. 
7. Joy To the World ~ *NOT* the typical Loud, Joyous singing~ again, very gentle into jazz, and back again. 
8. I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm ~ Vintage~ Love it! (I don't remember really hearing this sung before~ although I understand it was performed by some of the greats~ Tony Bennet and Dean Martin ~ I think I'll stick with Amy Grant's version. ;) )
9. Baby, It's Cold Outside (Featuring Vince Gill) ~ well, if anyone can make me appreciate this song, I guess it might be these two. 
10. Christmas Don't Be Late ~ Love this version~ a peek at the Grant/Gill household. Not all music, but also some memories of Christmases past (And this is the is the song with Amy's daughters singing in lovely harmony). 
11. Still Can't Sleep ~ Sweet little song. 
12. Another Merry Christmas ~ Another nostalgic song~ gives me the same feeling as "If These Walls Could Speak" to some degree. A "real" "honest" song. 
13. Oh Come All Ye Faithful ~ Another peek into Amy's life, as she shares a little bit and sings with her family and friends. 

I expect that there will definitely be songs from this album added to our Christmas morning playlist, and certainly, it will be played throughout this month at home and in the car.

Go buy your own, and then enter my giveaway to win one as a gift to give away! :) 

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Blessings!!

#TennesseeChristmas #flyby

Bible Journaling Kit (Review and Giveaway)

Bible Journaling is something that has intrigued my Artsy Eldest for awhile now, and in fact one of her favorite Christmas gifts last year was a journaling Bible (Currently on sale! No #aff link for this one). She has enjoyed using her creativity to illustrate passages from Sunday Sermons and the occasional Youth Group study as well. One thing she didn't enjoy was carting her bulky pencil case along (particularly to Youth Group~ she usually settled with just a pencil or two most of the time), so she was excited to learn that we had been chosen to review a Bible Journaling Kit (an Ellie Claire product, a division of Worthy Publishing Group~ provided to my by Propeller Consulting, LLC). 

Almost everything in the kit can be stored in the lovely lime green pouch with an adjustable elastic strap that should fit most Bibles. Items included in the kit are:

• 1 fine line black journaling pen
• 8 colored pencil twists
• 4 sheets of alphabet stickers
• 4 sheets of word stickers
• 24 tab stickers
• 1 ruled page protector mat with tracing lines

Personally, Eldest doesn't use the ruled page protector mat (In part because it is larger than the area of her Bible, so isn't compact enough for her purposes), but I can see how it could be very helpful for different options, including helping to place some of the stickers neatly.

Close up of some of the stickers and tabs for your convenience. ;) 

Eldest really appreciates the ability to slip the pouch over her Bible when heading to church~ no need to carry a bulky bag of any sort, and she has everything that she needs at her fingertips. ;) 

I will mention my only pet peeve with this kit is that I wish that the zipper zipped UP instead of down~ (note the photo on the right in the image above). It would be more pleasing to the eye, while being utilitarian in keeping items inside with partial access. However, that doesn't really affect the usefulness~ simply an aesthetic thing.  We both like the cheerful green and blue design, with one of our favorite verses on the front! 

You can see in the image above some of Eldest's artwork in the top half, and some of my highlighting of verses in the bottom half. Neither of us has made use of the stickers as yet, but it is nice to know that they are available. :) (Mom-bragging moment~ doesn't Eldest's work look amazing? She isn't finished with this particular illustration, but she was so happy that the kit included a brown that worked for her pocket watch color, as none of her other pencils was just right. :)
I think this would make a nice little stocking stuffer for someone who already has a journaling Bible, or as part of a larger gift (with a journaling Bible), don't you agree? ;)

You can purchase this Bible Journaling Kit at Christian Book Distributors, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and Books-A-Million
Remember reading about a giveaway when you clicked on the link? Well, you have not ONE but TWO chances to win a Bible Journaling Kit.

Worthy Publishing Group is giving away 5 different kits. You can also download some nice coloring pages (some with devotionals) at their giveaway page, so be sure to go check it out.
And I am able to give away one Kit to one of my readers (regular or new~ I'm just happy you're all here! :D). Please make sure the Rafflecopter has loaded, in order to enter! :)

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Blessings~

"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.” 
#BibleJournalingKit #FlyBy

J. Warner Wallace and Susie Wallace’s ‘Cold-Case Christianity for Kids’Blog Tour and Giveaway (ends 11/4)

My Youngest (who at the moment hopes to become a police officer when he grows up), is very excited about a book we received in the mail a short while ago from Litfuse Publicity and David C. Cook Publishing. .Cold-Case Christianity for Kid is a kids' Christian Apologetics course wrapped up in detective clothing, proving the case for Christ. 

Screenshot from "Online Academy" 

J Warner Wallace is a real-life cold-case homicide detective who has been featured on Dateline, Fox News, Court TV and other crime related TV shows. He was an atheist until well into his 30's, but when he examined the evidence (using the tools of his trade), he discovered  it pointed to an understanding that Christianity is "demonstrably true," and he turned his life over to Christ in 1996. Since then he has earned a masters in Theology, and serves as an adjunct professor at Biola University, and a faculty member at Summit Ministries, while still consulting on cold-case investigations.

Written for the 8-12 year old crowd, J Warner and his wife Susie Wallace have created an apologetics course through story, with CSI assignments, video messages from J. Warner, and printable activity and Cadet Notes sheets to print as well as an adult leader discussion guide. Their book is engaging and will spark the interest of any child who loves a good mystery and wants to know how to solve one. They will also pick up the tools needed to demonstrate the truth of the Word.

My son was hooked immediately by the premise, and although he moans and groans occasionally about filling out worksheets in his school work, he has been anxious to complete those that go along with this book! This photo was snapped without his knowledge, while he was actively engaged in the case.

Some words from the publisher:
At the crucial age between 8 and 12, many kids begin to wonder if Christianity and the Bible are true. Help your kids become truth-seeking detectives with the help of J. Warner and Susie Wallace's Cold-Case Christianity for Kids. Detective Wallace gets kids excited about testing witnesses, examining the evidence, and investigating the case for Christianity. The book includes author illustrations and links to a website where kids can download activities, fill in case notes, and earn a certificate of merit.

Encourage your kids to investigate the case for Christianity by entering to win a faith examination kit and a copy of J. Warner and Susie's new book.

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Cold-Case Christianity for Kids
• A Kindle Fire so your kids can visit the Cold-Case Christianity for Kids website and explore its many activities
• A shock-proof, kid-friendly, convertible Kindle Fire case (your kids' choice of color)

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on November 4. The winner will be announced November 7 on the Litfuse blog.

Blessings~

The Everywhere God (Book Review and Fire Tablet Giveaway)

My friend Marcy at Ben and Me  asked me to participate in a review and giveaway for a new children's book, "The Everywhere God." For that purpose, I was sent a physical copy of the book for review purposes,

Written in a poetic format, "The Everywhere God" shares God's love and hope with children of all ages, and reassures them that regardless of what is happening, God is present, and God loves them, no matter the circumstance, no matter the sin~ He's there, and He cares!

Every child faces struggles, fears, and difficulties, some real and some rooted in fertile imaginations, some the result of external conditions, others the consequences of bad choices. This is a sweet little book, written by a grandfather to his granddaughter as she was going through some tough times that she perhaps had a hard time understanding.
Many of us grapple with the question of  "Why me?"  and "What now?" at some point, and for children, the answers can be particularly difficult to understand, as they are often certain that all of their circumstances are a result of their own actions.

If we can raise our children to know and understand that God loves them, no matter what is going on, and that He will be with them through thick and thin, imagine the new, emotionally healthy generation we might see, reaching out to a sick and hurting world.
While I don't think any one book (beyond the Bible) has the total power to change lives and situations, I do believe that many are good tools to expand on the truths we want to teach our children.

Literary comments: A few of the lines in "The Everywhere God" are a little contrived, in order to keep the rhyme, but beyond that, it reminded me of a Dr. Seuss or Margaret Wise Brown sort of rhythm and feel on many pages, which is a good connotation. The illustrations are sweet, colorful, and simple.

Now on with the giveaway...



 This giveaway will have 4 winners. The grand prize winner will receive a new Fire 7" Tablet loaded with the Kindle edition of The Everywhere God.  The Fire tablet includes: 

• Beautiful 7" IPS display (171 ppi / 1024 x 600) and fast 1.3 GHz quad-core processor. Rear and front-facing cameras.
• All-new Amazon Underground, a one-of-a-kind app store experience where over $10,000 in apps, games and even in-app items are actually free - including extra lives, unlocked levels, unlimited add-on packs and more
• Enjoy more than 38 million movies, TV shows, songs, books, apps and games
• 8 GB of internal storage. Free unlimited cloud storage for all Amazon content and photos taken with Fire devices. Add a microSD card for up to 128 GB of additional storage.
• Updated user interface - Fire OS 5 designed for quick access to your apps and content plus personalized recommendations that make it easy to discover new favorites
• Up to 7 hours of reading, surfing the web, watching videos, and listening to music
• Stay connected with fast web browsing, email, and calendar support

Three more winners will each win a print copy of The Everywhere God. 

The Everywhere God is a book about hope for children of all ages. Written for his young granddaughter during a particularly difficult time, the late Pastor Bob Nelson wanted to be sure she knew God was with her no matter what else was happening. Despite people and circumstances, his message is clear, God never leaves or forgets about us and His love never ends. Upon it's completion, he knew it was something special and wanted to make it a children's book. Unfortunately, time passed and things never fell into place for his vision to come to life. He passed away in 2008 before he could see it happen. More than 20 years after it's original writing, Bob Nelson's daughter remembered this treasured poem and like her father, felt it needed to be shared with the world. For many years she kept this special story in the back of her heart and always dreamed of making his vision for a children's book a reality.

To enter the giveaway, please use the Rafflecopter below after reading the terms and conditions. 

Terms and Conditions: This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.  Void where prohibited by law. Must be at least 18 years of age. This giveaway is in no away associated with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest. No purchase necessary for entry. Odds are determined by the number of entries. Selected winners will have 48 hours to respond to email notification to claim their prizes or another winner will be drawn. Entry into this giveaway will subscribe you to The Everywhere God email list.

Blessings~