Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Pray A-to-Z by: Amelia Rhodes

Pray A to Z: Practical Guide to Pray for Your Community (Worthy, November 2016)
Change the world one prayer at a time.

How would our community change if instead of absently saying, “I’ll pray for you,” we actually did pray–deeply, intensely, and purposefully?

Pray A to Z: A Practical Guide to Praying for Your Community will help you topically organize your prayer requests and lay the burdens of your community at the feet of our Heavenly Father.

With compassion and encouragement, Amelia Rhodes offers Bible verses and prayer prompts, organized topically for every letter of the alphabet. There are five topics per letter–three prayers of petition asking God to work in a certain area of need, and two more prayers of praise to reflect gratitude for God’s presence in the daily issues and relationships of life. Through petition and praise, your specific, focused communion with God will lighten your heart as you place the heaviness of those prayer requests where they belong–on His strong shoulders.

Whether you are praying for a friend’s adoption journey, a neighbor’s bankruptcy, or a family member’s cancer, this book will give you Bible verses, prayer prompts, and prayer starts to guide you through praying for even the most difficult issues that affect the people you know and love. Perfect for either individual or group prayer, Pray A to Z will help you experience the peace that comes from communicating with God.

Learn more and purchase a copy.



Pray A - Z is  an awesome book to get your prayer thoughts flowing.  Yes, I don't believe prayer is a rote communication; however, Amelia Rhodes book serves as a tool to help you bring your petitions to God.  I found that her prayer topics made it easier for me to pray.  It gave me a theme to focus on.  Each topic had a scripture verse to focus on as well as one word.  Each letter of the alphabet has 5 topics; three of them focus on areas in your life or the lives of people you come in contact with, then the last two prayers are praise toward God.  Example:  The letter "H"  theme words are Homeless, Heart Disease, Hunger - three words to bring people to your mind that are homeless, experiencing heart problems and those you know that might not have food needed.  Then the last two words for "H" are attributes of God  Holiness and Helper. This book is very general, but very easy to make specific and person.  A great variety of topics are included and many can touch home for everyone. 


Amelia Rhodes is a speaker and author of "Isn't It Time for a Coffee Break: Doing Life Together in an All-About-Me Kind of World." Amelia's writing has also been featured in four "Chicken Soup for the Soul" titles, devotionals for the OneHope blog Undeterred and the international devotional "Upper Room." Amelia has a growing speaking ministry and speaks regularly to women's groups on topics of spiritual growth, friendship, and community, offering practical tools for living our faith in the everyday. She lives in Lowell, Michigan.

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Tuesday, December 20, 2016

'Scripture Doddle' and 'Scripture Doodle God's Promises' by: April Knight


Scripture Doodle and Scripture Doodle God's Promises are more than just a coloring book.  In these book April Knight gives tips on how to color and shading.  She also offers letting tips.  It is a great book for those that love to do arty kind of doodling.  There are basic materials the author recommends using with this book.  It moves from simple to easy tasks as you work your way through the book.  In a nut shell it is a 3-in-1 book: coloring, doodling and devotional.  It is an awesome book to have or give as a gift to someone that loves art, doodling or coloring.  

Scripture Doodle God's Promises



by April Knight  

Coloring Devotionals
David C. Cook

With inspiring exercises and prompts, this unique interactive guide introduces readers to a creative connection between Bible study, artistic expression, and worship.
Often, in the busyness of life, Christians forget that God created them to enjoy creativity. With guided instruction and completed examples, this beautiful book invites readers to draw closer to God through their own art.
More than a coloring book, ScriptureDoodle is a combination of Bible study, creative expression, and artistic community with artwork shared online at #scripturedoodle. Exploring topics such as being generous, finding rest, and facing grief, ScriptureDoodle gives the heart the creative space it needs. This book stimulates the reader's imagination and helps integrate God's Word into everyday life.


ScriptureDoodle God's Promises refreshes believers who are feeling burned out or stuck in a rut in their relationship with God. Each of the creative worship prompts in this interactive guide includes biblical encouragement and ideas for worship through art. Artist April Knight includes creative lettering tips, color ideas, and completed examples to inspire readers to respond to promises in Scripture related to trust, faith, and the power of God's Word in all circumstances.

This unique blend of Bible study and creative expression provides the opportunity to connect with God as Creator in a new, life-changing way.



Visit Scripture Doodle web site here

April Knight is a worship artist based in Asheville, North Carolina. Knight's work includes live worship painting and leading ScriptureDoodle workshops online and at conferences and retreats around the country and internationally. Her family of four is her greatest joy, along with serving alongside her husband at their local church.



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Thursday, December 8, 2016

Macaroni and Cheese for Thanksgiving by Cheryl C. Malandrinos

http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2016/11/11/pump-up-your-book-presents-macaroni-and-cheese-for-thanksgiving-virtual-book-publicity-tour/



Title: MACARONI AND CHEESE FOR THANKSGIVING
Author: Cheryl C. Malandrinos
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing
Pages: 16
Genre: Children’s Picture Book

Ten-year-old Macy is waiting for her grandparents to arrive on Thanksgiving. When the front door swings open, Grandma and Grandpa are covered with hugs and kisses. Crash! Everyone rushes in to find the dog gnawing a meaty turkey leg. Can Macy’s quick thinking save dinner?

Macaroni and Cheese for Thanksgiving is a cute short story that I'm sure will become a family favorite maybe even a traditional family read.  When my girls were little there were a few books we had to read each year during the month of November.  While reading this book it brought back a connection I had of when my oldest was about two.  I had worked really hard making the Thanksgiving meal and get it all ready and set at the table.  As we were serving up the plate she says, "Un bonney."  (meaning:  I want bologna)  Talk about bursting the bubble quiet quick she new how to do it.  Guess that year she was thankful for bologna.  I'm sure many a families have had their share of holiday catastrophes they call memories down through the years.  Mishaps or not the true theme of the book is to be thankful for what you have.  I loved this book.
buying-links

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Meet the Author

cheryl-malandrinos-2
Cheryl C. Malandrinos is a freelance writer and editor. She is the author of Little Shepherd and A Christmas Kindness. A blogger and book reviewer, she lives in Massachusetts with her husband and two daughters. She also has a son who is married.
visit

WEBSITE | BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

An e copy of this book was provided by.....
Pump Up Your Book
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Monday, December 5, 2016

Charlie the Tramp by Russell Hoban with giveaway



https://www.amazon.com/Charlie-Tramp-Russell-Hoban/dp/0874867800/?tag=plough-20

 Celebrating his 50th Anniversary!
An American classic is back in a special 50th anniversary hardcover edition.
Winner of the Boys Club of America Junior Book Award, 1968.

 
ABOUT THE BOOK
Charlie the Beaver wants to be a tramp when he grows up. “Tramps don’t have to learn how to chop down trees and how to roll logs and how to build dams. Tramps just tramp around and have a good time. Tramps carry sticks with little bundles tied to them. They sleep in a field when the weather is nice, and when it rains they sleep in a barn.” Charlie sets off with his bundle. But when he hears water trickling, he can’t get to sleep. Will he be able to resist the urge to make it stop? As Grandfather Beaver says, “You never know when a tramp will turn out to be a beaver.”

Classics never die!  Charlie the Tramp is a classic.  It has proven that with this 50th anniversary edition now ready for youngsters to curl up with.  I can't believe a book that I read as a child is here with an anniversary edition.  This makes me feel old.  Kids will love Charlie to the moon and back as they read this beautiful story. Even though he is a tramp he learns an important lesson in life and has an important lesson to teach all his readers.  This book will be one I place in my classroom library.  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Russell Hoban (1925-2011) first became famous for his children’s picture books about a badger named Frances and other animal characters that have a lot in common with children we know – bedtime for Frances, A Baby Sister for Frances, Bread and Jam for Frances, and Emmit Otter’s Jug-band Christmas.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Lillian Hoban (1925-1998), one of America’s favorite children’s book illustrators, is best known for a young chimpanzee named Arthur and his little sister, Violet. She also illustrated six of Russell Hoban’s books about Frances the badger, which have taken their place among the great classics of children’s literature. Lillian Hoban was born in Philadelphia and attended the Philadelphia Museum School of Art. She studied dance for ten years and became a professional dancer. She began to write and illustrate her own stories only after having children, basing her tales on their experiences.

Plough editor Sam Hine says, “As a parent of young children I’ve rarely found new books of this quality. So, like many other parents, I find myself returning to the books of my own childhood. Among these Charlie the Tramp was a hands-down favorite. We’re thrilled to acquire the rights to this timeless classic and make it available to a third generation.”




How about it would you like to win a copy.  Just leave a comment telling me a book you can remember reading as a kid.  Be sure to leave a way to contact you.  I'll draw a winner on Sat. Dec. 17th.  

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.


“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.

A free copy of this book was provided by....

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Saturday, December 3, 2016

Amy Grant Tennessee Christmas CD with Giveaway


 Amy Grant's Tennessee Christmas is sure to make anyone want to travel back home for those special holiday memories.  Tennessee is rapidly becoming a Christmas favorite CD at my house by the end of the season all the CD life may be worn completely from it.  Listening to this you just want to light the tree (but I don't have it up yet!  argh), start a nice fire in the fireplace (another argh!  I don't have a fireplace), turn down the lights (now that I can do) and sing along to your hearts content (only when no ones around--hehehe).  OK you get it....this CD is a great addition to a Christmas music collection.  It will be cherished for years to come.  Best part I have one to giveaway to one person that comments on my blog.  Read to end of post to find out how to enter. Can't wait!  purchase it here.  Learn more at her web site here.



CD Title Tracks:

1.  Tennessee Christmas
2.  To Be Together
3.  Christmas For You and Me
4.  Melancholy Christmas
5.  December
6.  White Christmas
7.  Joy To the World
8.  I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm
9.  Baby It's Cold Outside (Feat. Vince Gill)
10.  Christmas Don't Be Late
11. Still Can't Sleep
12. Another Merry Christmas
13.  O Come, All Ye Faithful


--Share Your Holiday Videos with Amy Grant and Be Featured in an upcoming Compilation Video Amy Shares on her Social Media Channels--


In celebration of Amy's new holiday CD release, she is fans to upload any videos you may have of you surprising loved ones for the holidays to social media.

Post these holiday video to your social media channels using the hashtag #TNChristmasSurprise!  Favorites will be chosen and added to a heartwarming compilation video that will be posted to Amy Grant's social media channels, for all to enjoy.


So, get to sharing your holiday videos now and use the hashtag #TNChristmasSurprise when uploading to your social channels.

WIN a COPY....



 Share with me in a comment your favorite Christmas song or memory.  I'll draw a winner next Saturday, Dec. 10th. Giveaway for this promotion is only for residents of the continental U.S.

“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.

A free copy of this CD was provided by....


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Friday, December 2, 2016

Yeah, ME!!!


Oh, goodie I get to sew tonight.  I'm all by myself.  Yeah, ME!   Come back tomorrow to see what I worked on.  Don't know what FFnwF is check it out here. Then go sign up to join in the fun here.  I'm off to sewing.  The Christmas music is playing.

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Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Goodnight Manger by Laura Sassi

http://www.zondervan.com/goodnight-manger-1

Book Description

The board book edition of Goodnight, Manger, written by Laura Sassi and illustrated by New York Times bestselling artist Jane Chapman, tells the story of Mary and Joseph as they try to lull Jesus to sleep in the noisy stable after his birth.

It's bedtime for Baby Jesus, but who knew a manger could be so loud? Mama, Papa, and all of the animals try to lull the baby to sleep, but between itchy hay, angels' joyful hosanas, and three kings bearing noisy gifts, it's just too loud. Until Mama finds a way for everyone to work together to shepherd Baby into peaceful dreams under the twinkling stars.

With sweet, rhyming text in the style of Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site, Goodnight, Manger offers a unique twist on the classic manger tale, deftly weaving together the comforting and familiar routines of bedtime with the special magic and wonder of the manger story.

This cardboard book would be a sweet addition to the yearly Christmas stories.  It may even become a favorite.  The true meaning of Christmas is woven in this rhyming, chunky, cardboard book.  Preschoolers will love it.  The illustrations are bold and colorful.  This one will be added to our church nursery. 

Visit here for more information.

I review for BookLook Bloggers

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Monday, November 28, 2016

Kosmos Christmas Delivery by Deb Kalmbach

https://www.amazon.com/Kosmos-Christmas-Delivery-Deb-Kalmbach/dp/0692787232?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0
The book is told by Kramer, the dog, point of view.  Kramer was the first dog in the family and didn't like is when the family decides to add another dog to it.  Kosmo is untrained and unlearned, but loved and Kramer is jealous.  Kosmo is nothing but trouble so Kramer thinks.  Kosmo wants to have adventure and one day his dream comes true.  One day he escapes....Will this solve Kramer's problem? well you'll have to buy the book to find out what happens.

This story is a fun Christmas adventure book.  A good book to add to your yearly reading collection.  I know with kids in the house there are books that are read and read and read again.  Well loved is what we call them.  Buy the book here.



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Friday, November 25, 2016

Christy Nockels: The Thrill of Hope


https://christynockels.com/music/

Beautiful voice, beautiful music to add to your Christmas music collection.  Christy's voice is so sweet and clear you think the angels are right there in the room with you singing.  I've never heard her before but she's growing on my.  Visit Christy's website here

Track List

  1. The King is Coming Prelude
  2. Advent Hymn
  3. O Come O Come Emmanuel
  4. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing / O Come Let Us Adore Him
  5. Angels’ Lullaby (Mary’s Song)
  6. Song In The Air (featuring Chris McClarney)
  7. Dance at Migdal Eder
  8. Wrap This One Up
  9. O Holy Night
  10. Amaryllis
  11. Silent Night (Holding Us Now)
  12. Our Christmas Song / Make Good Your Christmas Day
  13. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
  14. Joy To The World / The King Is Coming
Listen to sample here.


Inspired to share her first Christmas album with the world, Christy Nockels will unveil The Thrill Of Hope on November 4The Thrill Of Hope introduces Nockels' take on holiday classics mixed with original songs, including “Song In The Air,” “Wrap This One Up,” Amaryllis” and “Our Christmas Song,” penned originally.The album is steeped in scriptural references from Isaiah, Genesis, Micah and more, along with family memories as Nockels invited other family members to take part in the project as well. Nockels worked with husband Nathan Nockels (Passion, Matt Redman, Laura Story) to create the LP.

“’The thrill of hope’ I thought to myself…this story is worth telling, yet again,” shares Nockels. "My hope is also that someone will be sitting in traffic on a cold, winter night on the way home from work and literally be moved by the Holy Spirit that our King has come, that He’s with us now and He’s making all things new again. After all, that’s the thrill of hope!”

A free copy of this CD was provided by the Media Collective .

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Monday, November 21, 2016

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Ace Collins


http://www.abingdonpress.com/product/9781501822605#.WDT2_1xCi9p

Celebrate 31 days of a Christ-filled Christmas season.

For Christians worldwide, the month of December is filled with joy and wonder as we anticipate the celebration of Christ’s birth. There is no other time of the year that can compare to the Christmas season for both the young and young at heart.

From December to New Year’s Eve, reawaken the wonder, joy, and magic that is Christmas with daily scripture and inspirational readings of stories behind popular Christmas traditions, carols and movies. Enjoy a wealth of fun activities to help make the most of the season, including heartwarming holiday recipes and homemade gift ideas.

With this soon-to-be-cherished holiday devotional, best-selling author Ace Collins will capture your imagination and help to make each day of December more memorable and meaningful to you, and those you love, by shining a light on the real spirit of the season.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year is a book that once you read it you'll want to refer back to it year after year.  The devotionals are not the only items worth grabbing to read, but you'll love the daily recipes, gift ideas or fun activity that is shared on each day in this devotional.  You'll probably grab for the book all through out the year not just during the Christmas season.  I loved reading each daily devotional as well as the daily carol the the story behind the song and lots of recipes right at your fingertips.  I can't wait to get trying the recipes.  I haven't found one in the book yet that I didn't want to try they all sound wonderful.  This book is a very festive and practical book to keep within arms reach at all times.  

Ace Collins is the best-selling and award-winning author of more than 60 titles, including "The Stories Behind The Best-Loved Songs of Christmas," "Darkness Before Dawn," and "Lassie: A Dog's Life." Ace frequently speaks across the country and on radio and has appeared on national television shows, including "Good Morning America," "The Today Show," "CNN," "Fox and Friends," "Entertainment Tonight," "The Early Show" and more. When not writing, he works as a magazine editor and graphic designer, as well as host for a charity organization radio and television broadcast. Ace and his wife, Kathy, are based in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

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Friday, November 18, 2016

There's a Bumbie Under My Bed by Bethany Ramos

http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2016/10/05/pump-up-your-book-presents-theres-a-bumbie-under-my-bed-virtual-book-publicity-tour/

Inside the Book

Title: There’s a Bumbie Under My Bed
Author: Bethany Ramos
Publisher: Saturn’s Moon Press
Pages: 24
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
There’s a Bumbie Under My Bed tells the story of a boy who can’t go to sleep because of all the monster bunnies keeping him up at night. Told in the first-person narrative, the little boy delays bedtime, using his flashlight and hand to create scary and silly bunny shadow puppets on the wall. According to the boy, friendly, spooky characters like the Bumbie (bunny zombie), Were-bunny (werewolf bunny), Bunny-stein (bunny Frankenstein), and Count Hop-ula come to visit him in the night. At the end of the book, his mother comforts him to sleep by telling him to let his imagination rest — and put the flashlight away.

Amazon

  There's a Bumbie Under My Bed! is a book with great imagination.  The bunny monsters are made up friendly characters that come to life after mommy shuts off the light and closes the door.  The little boy creates friends to play with using his flashlight.  The back of the book has a page showing how to make your own shadow monster using a flashlight.  Very cute book and I love the monster names.  

Meet the Author

Bethany Ramos is a children’s book author, editor, and blogger. She is a regular contributor to SheKnows.com. Bethany’s first children’s book, Lions Can’t Eat Spaghetti, was published through 4RV Publishing in 2016. Her second children’s book, There’s a Bumbie Under My Bed, was published by Saturn’s Moon Press, also in 2016. Her first chick lit novel, 5 Stages of Grief, was published by Black Opal Books in 2011; her second chick lit novel, Adventure to Love, was published by Soul Mate Publishing in 2013.
Bethany works as Editor in Chief for Naturally Healthy Publications.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

A copy of this book was provided by.....
Pump Up Your Book

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Thursday, November 17, 2016

Where Jesus Slept by Norma Lewis with Giveaway

Read to end of this post to find out how you can win a copy of this book.


About the book:
“This is the bed where Jesus slept. This is the straw that lined the bed where Jesus slept.” From here, the story builds with each spread, adding a new element and explaining the relationships among the participants and witnesses to the first Christmas. From Jesus sleeping sweetly to the wise men bringing gifts, this charming book reminds readers young and not-so-young of the joyous event we celebrate at Christmastime. Children will love the delightful illustrations and the engaging repetition in this cumulative tale.

            Format: jacketed hardcover
            Trim size: 10x10
            Page count: 32
            Retail price: $16.99
            Reading age: 4-7

About the author:
Norma Lewis is the author of ten books. She lives in Grand Haven, MI, with a marmalade cat named Scalawag. They both love spending time with her six grandchildren, ranging in age from three to twenty.
Christmas is on its way and Where Jesus Slept by Norma Lewis is a beautiful book to add to your selection of book reads on those days leading up too the 25th of December.  It will quickly become a favorite of all that love the manger story, both young and old alike.  There isn't much rhyming throughout the book, but the repetitiveness will capture youngster and the young at heart.  Beginner readers will love the fact that it is easy enough for them to read and help booster their confidence along the way.  The story is written along the lines This is the house that Jack built.  It starts with "This is the Bed where Jesus slept..." and builds from there.  We move to the straw, cow and stable continuing to focus on Mary, the angel, the lamb and shepherd , and moving on to the start and wisemen.  The illustration of the cover is just one awesome example of the beautiful illustrations throughout the book.  This book will be heading into the church nursery for all to read at our church. 
Now, How would you like a chance to win a copy of this book for your own sharing?  Tell me in a  comment who you would like to share this story with this Christmas season.  Be sure to leave a way for me to contact you.  I'll choose a winner of this book on Black Friday, Nov. 25th. 


"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.”



A free copy of this book was provided by....

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