driving down the road yesterday...

k-love playing in the front...

One Girl Nation BLASTing

from the back ☺

 soooooo...
if you need a Christmas gift
for that 8-16 year old girl (and her mom ☺ b'cause they're both going to love it)
it is all about

 1 GIRL NATION
happy,
fun,
awesome,
cool,
all about Jesus!
 

 

t-shirt requests have been made at my house... :)

Landing in the space where One Direction meets TobyMac, 1 Girl Nation is an exciting blend of upbeat pop music, with lyrics that are totally focused on living life for God, even while you’re young. 1GN, as they’ve already been dubbed, stars Carmen, Kayli, Kelsey, Lauryn Taylor and Lindsey, five girls with a passion for telling their fans about Christ through their music. Their first single, “While We’re Young,” can be heard on radio stations across the country and their self-titled debut album is out August 20.

The Sparkle Box

About the Author of The Sparkle Box, Jill Hardie       
Author Jill Hardie, her husband, and their two children began the tradition of placing a Sparkle Box for Jesus under their Christmas tree approximately seven years ago. The first time they opened His gift, the commercialism of the season melted away and they experienced profound peace and happiness. It's Jill's hope that The Sparkle Box book will ignite a new Christmas tradition that helps center Christmas in the true joy of the season. "There are many traditions that help us remember the remarkable and beautiful story of the birth of Jesus. My hope is that The Sparkle Box will help us remember Jesus as he is today – in the present. It encourages us to ask the question, 'What gift can we give Jesus on His birthday that will bring Him joy?' Jesus taught us that whenever we do something for someone in need, we do it for Him. I think loving and caring for each other in His name is the greatest gift we could give to honor Jesus on His birthday."


Beautifully illustrated!
About the illustrator of The Sparkle Box,Christine Kornacki       
At a very early age, Christine Kornacki developed a love for painting and bringing stories to life. After receiving a BFA in illustration from the University of Hartford, her dreams of illustrating children's books began to take shape. She spends her days painting in her studio, which adjoins a charming café in New Haven, Connecticut.

 

WHAT is inside the sparkle box?!

The Sparkle Box is a beautiful book and special tradition to share with family and friends.

you can visit www.TheSparkleBox.com for more information and ideas.

You can also share your own Sparkle Box story ☺

You will have fun putting together your very own "sparkle box" that is found at the back of this book.

 

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of review.

Coming Home For Christmas dvd

Norman Rockwell

presents

 

A simple, sentimental story of a family coming together just in time for Christmas.  My ten year old set the dvr to record EVERY Christmas Hallmark movie for the next two weeks. ☺  She loved "Coming Home for Christmas".  This movie fits right in with her dvr full! I asked her what she liked about this movie.  She found the sisterly "conflict" in the beginning funny, and enjoyed that they ended up working together to bring everyone "home".

This dvd includes a limited edition Norman Rockwell reprint.

 

 

Norman Perceval Rockwell (February 3, 1894 – November 8, 1978) was a 20th-century American painter and illustrator. His works enjoy a broad popular appeal in the United States for their reflection of American culture. Rockwell is most famous for the cover illustrations of everyday life scenarios he created for The Saturday Evening Post magazine for more than four decades.

 

I received this product for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog.

☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺

tired?

 

 

 

Inexhaustible grace

for an exhausted world

 

This book is a fresh reminder of ancient truth.  It took me quite a while to get through the acknowledgements at the front of the book.  One, because there were many, and two because I had to stop and think through what this diverse group of people were saying about "One Way Love".         Tullian Tchividjian reminds the reader that while much of life in this world may be conditional (we get what we give, hard work receives better payment...etc) the love of God for us is NOT.  He loves us FIRST and without condition.  Deep breath and relax.  We are greatly loved! 

This is an encouraging read.

Romans 5:8

The Message (MSG)

^6-8 Christ arrives right on time to make this happen. He didn’t, and doesn’t, wait for us to get ready. He presented himself for this sacrificial death when we were far too weak and rebellious to do anything to get ourselves ready. And even if we hadn’t been so weak, we wouldn’t have known what to do anyway. We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him.

 

William Graham Tullian Tchividjian (pronounced cha-vi-jin) is the Senior Pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. A Florida native, Tullian is also the grandson of Billy and Ruth Graham, a visiting professor of theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, and a contributing editor to Leadership Journal.

A graduate of Columbia International University (philosophy) and Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando (M.Div.), Tullian has authored a number of books including Jesus + Nothing = Everything (Crossway). He travels extensively, speaking at conferences throughout the U.S., and his sermons are broadcast daily on the radio program LIBERATE. As a respected pastor, author, and speaker, Tullian is singularly and passionately devoted to seeing people set free by the radical, amazing power of God's grace.

When he is not reading, studying, preaching, or writing, Tullian enjoys being with people and relaxing with his wife, Kim, and their three children--Gabe, Nate, and Genna. He loves the beach, loves to exercise, and when he has time, he loves to surf.

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of review.

 

 

duckie

The crisp, cool of autumn is in the air.

Is there anything better than a brisk walk through the city

on a day like this?

 The glory of God is everywhere.

Today our goal is to see creativity displayed

 in this happy

giant duck!

 

Dutch artist Florentijn Hofma's40-foot Rubber Duck Project

is now moored on the Allegheny River, Downtown.

so very, very cool.

 where will it travel to next?!

 

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-city/giant-ducks-arrival-paints-pittsburgh-quack-and-yellow-705216/#ixzz2hMRz3G4j

Audrey Bunny

A sweet,

precious 

book

that you and your children are going to love.

I feel that in order to appreciate the story of Audrey Bunny

 

you need to hear a bit of author Angie Smith's story.

I have heard her speak at Women of Faith...she is funny, a mom, writer, a real person.

She has determined that the suffering God has allowed in her life

will not be wasted.

http://angiesmithonline.com/

 

The illustration of this book is perfectly adorable!  After I read illustrator Breezy's bio it all came together for me...I love Clementine Patterns ☺.

 

Breezy grew up in Indiana where she enjoyed, among many things, nature walks, reading, and drawing characters from her imagination. Being home educated allowed her the time to cultivate her interest in illustration. She was mostly self-taught in drawing. At age seventeen, she began selling her art prints in her Etsy shop, The Breezy Tulip Studio, where she offers quality art prints and note cards that bring a delightful purity to scenes of children exploring nature, delving into books, and enjoying wholesome family life. Breezy has illustrated for The Girlhood Home Companion, Queen Homeschool, and has recently illustrated Angie Smith's first children's book, Audrey Bunny (B&H Publishing Group, Oct. 2013). She designs paper dolls and embroidery patterns for her family's home businesses, Noble Rose Press and Clementine Pattern Co. respectively.

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of review.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

seasons

 

He has made everything beautiful in its time.

Also, he has put eternity into man's heart,
yet so that he cannot find out

what God has done from the beginning to the end.

Cross references:

1. Ecclesiastes 3:11 : [Gen. 1:31]
2. Ecclesiastes 3:11 : ch. 8:17; [Job 5:9; Rom. 11:33]

Ecclesiastes 3:11

Overcoming the Impossible

Into the Light

 

"Show me how to love the unlovable

Show me how to reach the unreachable

Help me now to do the impossible

Forgiveness."

 

 

This little gift book is full of what might be called "impossible" stories.  Impossible, for only can the power of God grow love in a person who has experienced loss, death, betrayal...pain.  Matthew West has put together a book that is not cliche or full of fluff.☺  Authentic and worth spending time to read. 

 

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of review.

 

miraculous survival...extraordinary faith.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 A historical fiction for ages 10 to 14

The author wrote the first draft of Alone Yet not Alone when she was 9 years old.

Based on a true story told by her grandmother

...despite being torn from family at a young age as well as many other obstacles,

two sisters do not forsake their faith in Jesus Christ

 and never lose "the song of their heart.

Includes 8 pages of photos from the movie adaptation.

 

 

"I remembered my promise.

I never lost the song of my heart!"

 

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of review.

 



Worship Together

NIV

Includes the lyrics to 50 worship songs

chord charts in back

forward written by composer Matt Maher

 

Psalm 95

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
    let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.

Let us come before him with thanksgiving
    and extol him with music and song.

For the Lord is the great God,
    the great King above all gods

 

This Bible is good for any age!

Synopsis:

While reading God’s Word, we often marvel at his glory. This hardcover NIV Bible enables you to study God’s word and sing for joy with the lyrics to the Top 50 worship songs. It doubles as a songbook allowing you to burst into a joyful noise. In addition, you’ll enjoy the scripture-based reflections representing the inspiration behind each song. Includes chord charts for the Top 20 tunes making this the perfect resource for your personal or small group study and worship.

 

I received a copy of this Bible for the purpose of review.

for the book worms.

Do you know a book "worm"?!

This is a fun program for the person who enjoys books ☺.
check it out!

Tyndale Rewards

The Tyndale Rewards program is designed to provide you with opportunities to get books and Bibles for zero dollars. That’s right—F. R. E. E. As a member of the Tyndale Rewards program, you’ll have access to inspiring literature, Bibles, special promotional offers, and much more.

Other member incentives include a free gift on your birthday, along with opportunities to share your personal recommendations and feedback concerning Tyndale products. The more participation you have with the program, the more points you earn—and points translate into free stuff!

The Tyndale Rewards program is a great way to get free books and Bibles that you can keep for yourself or give to friends and family. Your journey to earning free faith-based products is here!

Earning Points...

To refer your friends and earn points first you sign up  for free. Then click the “Earn Points” tab get your code from the “Invite a Friend to Join” section. 

There is no cap on the amount of points you can generate through referring friends to sign up.

Redeeming Points...

Log in to your account on TyndaleRewards.com to see how many points you have collected in your account. Next, browse the product available for redemption. If you find a product you like and you have accumulated enough points, click the “Redeem” button.

Your Points will never expire!

 

 For the purpose of review.

"the earth laughs in flowers..." Emerson 

 

...about being thankFULL.

Any mommy with small children knows that some books NEED to be read

"again Mommy?!"

This is an "again" book.  You won't mind ☺.

H decided she was going to read it to me. 

The first thing she said was, "Mom, this is the kind of book you can just wipe off if you spill something on it..."

Yes, it is :). 

A heavy-duty board book, perfect to fit the day in a life of a child.

What did we LOVE about this book?

First of all the little girl's name is Punky Grace. ♥

Secondly, every child needs grandparent type people in their life. 

Author Colleen Coble based this adorable character on her granddaughter.  She introduces Punky to the "Blessings Jar" (which turns into a good cure for her "grumpies").

It is fun to join Punky Grace in her day

 as she "collects" the blessings she finds all around to fill up the jar.

This story is full of sweet teachable moments, and

 just might inspire you to start your own blessings collection!

 

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of review.

Third.

Book in the Lily series ☺

 

Hannah helped to write the review about the 2nd book in this sweet series.
(She also enjoys that Lily has a cousin named Hannah ☺).
You will enjoy this series...
...if you like the Little House on the Prairie books.
...if you enjoy reading about authentic Amish life.
...if the adventures and surprises children discover in life make you smile.
This series is specifically for ages 8-12, but truly is an enjoyable read for any age!
We are anticipating reading book four A Surprise For Lily.

Suzanne is celebrating the release of the latest Lily Lapp release with a giveaway extravaganza! 

One winner will receive:

• An iPad Adventure Pack (includes a fun stand and an art kit)

Twelve winners will receive:

• Special prizes specially picked by Lily (something new each day)! Suzanne will announce the winners on July 29 on her blog!

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 27th. All winners will be announced July 29th at Suzanne’s blog.

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of review.
 

the curious ladybug :)...

This is Dot (the little ladybug) 's sweet story

of discovering a little baby bundle.

The curious "bug" narrated the journey

they together take to a new family. ♥

"Adoption is the perfect picture of what God had done for each of us...through Christ.  Psalm 68:5-6 tells us that as the Father to the fatherless, God delights in setting the lonely in families.  It has been our experience that the Scriptural mandate of caring for orphans, such as the one found in James 1:27, is really a wonderful invitation to experience God in a profound way by being a part of His sovereign plan for His precious children." Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman

 

Show Hope ☺

 

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of review.

"on tea and pajamas"... and breakfast quinoa...

This is an unusual "read" in the best kind of way. 
I am enjoying this conversational invite to life around the table.
 A mix of stories and recipes and truth.

"What I'm finding is that when I'm hungry,
 lots of times what I really want more than food is an external voice to say,
 'You've done enough. 
 It's OK to be tired. 
You can take a break. 
I'll take care of you. 
 I can see how hard you are trying.'
There is though, no voice that can say that
except the voice of God."  p.70-71

You can read along this summer with (In) Courage Bloom.
I received a copy of this book for the purpose of review.

because...

you are never too old

to ride a merry-go-round ☺.

happy summer days to you all!

giving

 

Giving That Delights the Heart of the Father

 

This little (gift) book is an easy and happy read.  The author writes about a gift that changed him forever.  His little daughter gave him a plastic donut from her toy kitchen.  He noticed that his joyful response to her "gift" of love inspired repeated joyful giving.  Plastic Donuts is a fresh look at giving/tithing/offering to God (who "needs" nothing) but is thrilled with the joyful heart of the giver.

 

Jeff Anderson worked as a certified public accountant before becoming a day trader in the stock market.  In 2003, he joined Crown financial Ministries, eventually serving as vice president for generosity initiatives.  After studying the Bible's teachings on giving, he founded

 Acceptable Gift, the organization behind his speaking, consulting, writing, and online resources.

 

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of review.

summer, sweet summer ☺.

 

beautiful wild flowers

everywhere

possibly the most sharpened pencil

of the year ☺

emptying out

backpack "treasure"

just

being

in the great

out of doors ☺