Review and Giveaway: The Promise (DVD)

THE PROMISE: BIRTH OF THE MESSIAH, THE ANIMATED MUSICAL
^ link to review
Glorious Films
45 minutes
Website | FB | Twitter | Amazon | YouTube

We’re trying out a different way to do our giveaways, and keeping all review products, etc. on our review site. Let us know if you have any questions.

Head over to our REVIEW BLOG to read what the girls thought about The Promise, and see how you can win your own copy of the DVD!

One lucky reader will receive a copy of the The Promise DVD. Giveaway ends Wednesday, December 11th. (Giveaway open to US residents ONLY. If you have been a winner of one of our giveaways in the last 30 days, you are not eligible for this giveaway.)

– Joyce

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Review and Giveaway: 1 Girl Nation

This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to our winner, Kendra!

1 GIRL NATION
^ link to review
Released August 20, 2013
Website | FB | Twitter | YouTube

About 1 Girl Nation
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 available now!

Primary Audience: preteens, teens, and young adults (as well as parents, too!)

Below is their first music video for their song While We’re Young. If you click over to YouTube, there are more fun videos and covers they have done. The one that I stumbled upon a few months ago before 1 Girl Nation released, is their cover of Every Good Thing by The Afters.

GIVEAWAY time!!
One lucky reader will receive a copy of the 1 Girl Nation CD. Giveaway ends Thursday, December 5th at 4PM. (Giveaway open to US and Canadian residents. If you have been a winner of one of our giveaways in the last 30 days, you are not eligible for this giveaway.)

To enter, leave a comment telling about the last song you heard, or anything related to music…or just tell me that you are a teeny-bopper like me…or say ‘Howdy!’ Thanks!

For an extra entry, leave a comment on the girls’ review of 1 GIRL NATION.

I was trying to upload a clip of the girls singing While We’re Young, but I have not been feeling well enough to do that this week. I’ll update if I can get a vid of them singing and dancing. :p

– Joyce

Review and Giveaway: The First Christmas Night

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the products mentioned below for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The First Christmas Night
^ link to review
Written by: Keith Christopher
Illustrated by: Christine Kornacki
Publisher: Ideals Books
Hardcover: 32 pages
Ideals Books FB | Website

About The First Christmas Night
The First Christmas Night is a beautiful retelling of the birth of Jesus on that joyous night in Bethlehem so long ago. The poem begins with the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem and winds though Christ’s birth, the angels’ appearance to the shepherds, and the visit by the Wise Men. The simple, yet elegant, verses will appeal to little ones and are accompanied by the rich acrylic illustrations of Christine Kornacki.

About the Author
Keith Christopher is a composer, arranger, orchestrator, and educator, and he has served as editor and producer for several major music publishers. In addition to writing and studio producing, Keith served on the faculty at the Blair School of Music of Vanderbilt University in Nashville. He lives in Hendersonville, Tennessee, with his wife and two children.

About the Illustrator
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, including illustrating the best-selling The Sparkle Box for Ideal’s Children’s Books. Christine’s recent work also includes illustrating the six-book series for the American Girl historical doll characters Marie-Grace and Cecile. She spends her days painting in her studio, which adjoins a charming cafe in New Haven, Connecticut.

Who is it for?

• Kids ages 4-8 – The rhyming language can help them develop verbal language skills and learn to read
• Family story time during the holidays
• Children’s Ministers and Sunday school teachers
• Christmas carolers could set it to a tune!

GIVEAWAY time!!
One lucky reader will receive a copy of The First Christmas Night. Giveaway ends Wednesday, November 20 at 11PM. (Giveaway open to US and Canadian residents. If you have been a winner of one of our giveaways in the last 30 days, you are not eligible for this giveaway.)

To enter, leave a comment telling about the last book you read or let us know if you a favorite Christmas tradition, or your thoughts on the Christmas story…or say ‘Howdy!’ Thanks!

For extra entries, you can leave one comment on any post on our blog ONCE A DAY ONLY until the end of the giveaway, or leave a comment on the Melody and Emily’s reviews of THE FIRST CHRISTMAS NIGHT.

– Joyce

Giveaway: Christmas Countdown Planner

Giveaway is now closed. The winner of Christmas Countdown Planner is Kayla Rice!

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of the Christmas Countdown Planner to review, but all opinions are my own.

So, when it comes to the holidays, I never have a plan of attack…at all. Every year I head into the holidays thinking I will get it together, but then the last-minute holidays cards are flying and decorations are exploding from their boxes. We’re supposed to have stockings? Did I send a thank you card to so-and-so? It is just a whirlwind of a season. I really want to enjoy the real reason for the season, but also enjoy some of the fun traditions. We are starting to get into the groove of what the Christmas season means for our family, but I am so so thrilled to have a tool that will help me to keep everything straight this year!

Enter the Christmas Countdown Planner by Jill Craft aka The Sassy Slow Cooker.

What is the Christmas Countdown Planner?
It is a PDF download of 52 pages of lists and section dividers for the 2013 AND 2014 holiday season. In this 2 year Christmas Countdown Planner you will find:

• 2013-2014 Calendar Pages for the months of November and December
• Notebook Cover, Dividers, and Spine Covers
• Budget Planner
• Inventory List
• Homemade Gift List
• Stocking Stuffer List
• Advent and Tradition Ideas
• Christmas Card List
• Master Gift List
• Individual Gift List
• Cleaning List
• Menu Plan
• Recipe Section

Jill shares some great tips as she explains the different parts of her planner. She has a tip about filling out the budget form in pencil (simple but genius!) and keeping all your receipts in a pencil pouch so that if you are in need of a exchange/return, the receipt is readily available (again, simple but just need a little nudge in the right direction). I LOVE how she decides who to send Christmas cards to. It’s the same method I use to decide too. 😉 During the holidays, most people feel like they need to take part in every single tradition and to visit with everyone they know, but Jill doesn’t do that. “Relax, you can start doing this next year.” She is also a “sucker for traditions,” like me. I am finally realizing that I can’t follow every single fun tradition that comes along, and we will have to pick and choose what works for our family. I’m glad there is a Devotions section divider because I am loving doing the fun Advent activities with the kiddos, which we never really did growing up…not just celebrating Jesus’ birth, but everything leading up to His birth-day.

Giveaway Time!!
You can win a Christmas Countdown Planner for yourself…and for a friend! To enter, leave a comment telling us what you do to prepare for the holidays, when you start preparing, or what your favorite holiday tradition is…or say ‘Howdy!’ Thanks!

Giveaway ends Saturday, November 2nd at 11:30pm. For extra entries, you can leave one comment on any post on our blog ONCE A DAY ONLY until the end of the giveaway.

If you would rather get your own copy as soon as possible and get planning, you can click on the following link to get your own copy of the CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN PLANNER.

Review and Giveaway: Praying God’s Word for Your Life

Giveaway is now closed. The winner of Praying God’s Word for Your Life is Deanna!

Praying God’s Word for Your Life
Written by Kathi Lipp
Website | Facebook | Twitter

Last year we got to hear Kathi Lipp speak at our MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group. She shared about The Husband Project. (If you like projects, you’ll love Kathi!! There’s also The Me Project, The Getting Yourself Organized Project, The Marriage Project…) We had her back this year to talk about Connecting With Your Kids. (Also a great book!!!) Of course, I had to snatch up a copy of each of the new books that she has.

And I remembered to document my encounter with her this time, because that’s what bloggers do, right? :p

I love Kathi! She is hilarious and real. She’ll tell it like it is. 🙂 Read my review of PRAYING GOD’S WORD FOR YOUR LIFE on our review blog (for an extra entry to win your own copy). I’m not telling you all her books are good because she gave me a free copy of this book give to you either. I actually personally own a copy of every single one of her books!

GIVEAWAY time!!
One lucky reader will receive a copy of Praying God’s Word for Your Life. Giveaway ends Thursday, July 25 at 1:24pm. Emily chose that ending time. :p

To enter, leave a comment telling about the last book you read, or if you have ever met an author before, or anything related to prayer…or say ‘Howdy!’ Thanks!

For extra entries, you can leave one comment on any post on our blog ONCE A DAY ONLY until the end of the giveaway, or leave a comment on our review of Praying God’s Word for Your Life.

– Joyce

Review and Giveaway: Ring the Bell

Giveaway is now closed. The winner of the Ring the Bell DVD is Helen!

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the products mentioned below for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Ring the Bell (<–link to review)
{giveaway details below}
Arc Entertainment
Released April 9, 2013
Website | Trailer | Facebook

About Ring the Bell:
Ring The Bell shares the story of a slick, big city sports agent Rob Decker who seems to have it all. But on his latest mission to sign a high school baseball superstar, Rob becomes stranded in a small town where the simplicity of life—and the faith of the people—stand in stark contrast to his own fast-paced, win-at-all-costs mindset. Torn between these two worlds, will Rob have the courage to let faith transform his life? This heartwarming story of redemption is sure to entertain and inspire the whole family.

Ring The Bell features a host of well-known Christian music artists, such as Mark Hall along with his band Casting Crowns, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Matthew West, all who play a role in this inspirational drama. Several former and current Major League Baseball all-stars are also featured in the film: ESPN analysts John Kruk and Rick Sutcliffe (a former Cy Young Award winner), along with Ben Zobrist.

GIVEAWAY time!!
One lucky reader will receive a copy of Ring the Bell. Giveaway ends Monday, May 27th at 7:17pm.

To enter, leave a comment telling about the last DVD you watched, or your thoughts on baseball, or who your favorite ball team is…or just tell us about anything related to the topic of this post…or say ‘Howdy!’ Thanks!

For extra entries, you can leave one comment on any post on our blog once a day only until the end of the giveaway, or leave a comment on our review of RING THE BELL.

– Joyce

Review and Giveaway: Can’t-Wait-Willow

Giveaway is now closed. The winner of the book, Can’t-Wait-Willow, is Jen!

Can’t Wait Willow
Website | Ideals Books | Ideals Books FB

About Shine Bright Kids:
The Shine Bright Kids series provides children and their families with a relevant framework to help instill solid values and teach the importance of making good choices. The principles that will be explored include: using good judgment, taking responsibility, having a positive attitude, and demonstrating perseverance.

About the Author:
Christy Ziglar, financial planner, mother of twins and niece of legendary motivator and the world’s original optimist, Zig Ziglar, is bringing the same timeless wisdom and ageless advice to an entirely new, younger audience through her new Shine Bright Kids picture book series. Christy is available for Q&A, author interviews, Skype calls, etc.!

Can’t-Wait Willow! from Ideals Children’s Books from Ideals Books on Vimeo.

The first book in the series:  Can’t-Wait Willow!
Willow is so excited that the Over-the-Top Circus has finally come to town! The only problem is, that when left to her own devices, she can’t say “no” to some good things. On the way to the show, she is distracted by enticing treats and fun that she just can’t turn down. Willow arrives late and is sad to find that, not only has she has run out of time, but money, and she won’t be able to enjoy the pink cotton candy she’s been dreaming of. Willow is given valuable advice and a second chance and is ultimately taught the lesson that sometimes in life you have to say “no” to good things to end up with something great!

About the Illustrator: Thanks to her first grade teacher, who recognized her superior skills in drawing a robin, Luanne Marten has been drawing, painting and sketching ever since.  She is a great experimenter and has a fresh, whimsical approach to bring her characters to life.

Website: The author’s website has great resources to support the book, including a printable poster with ‘Ways to Shine Bright,’ as well as reward chart you can use at home with your children.

GIVEAWAY time!!
One lucky reader will receive a copy of Can’t-Wait-Willow. Giveaway ends Wednesday, May 15th at 11PM.

To enter, leave a comment telling about the last book you read or let us know if you or your kids have been to the circus before, or your thoughts on getting a second chance…or say ‘Howdy!’ Thanks!

For extra entries, you can leave one comment on any post on our blog ONCE A DAY ONLY until the end of the giveaway, or leave a comment on the Melody and Emily’s reviews of CAN’T-WAIT-WILLOW.

– Joyce

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Review and Giveaway: Hey God, I’ve Got Some Guy Named Jonah in My Stomach…

Giveaway is now closed. The winner of Hey God, I’ve Got Some Guy… is Genevieve!

Hey God, I’ve Got Some Guy Named Jonah in My Stomach and I Think I’m Gonna Throw Up!
Website | Troy Schmidt Facebook | BH Publishing | Twitter

Melody & Emily’s review + a promo vid

About the Book
Oh sure, we’ve all heard the story of Jonah and the Whale a hundred times. But have we heard it from the perspective of the whale who experienced that history-making event? Hey God, I’ve Got Some Guy Named Jonah in My Stomach and I Think I’m Gonna Throw Up! imagines how that great sea creature from the incident might tell his side of the story, helping kids ages 4 to 8 discover a creative way of learning about that guy who was supposed to go to Ninevah. The “Parent Connection” feature (inside the book) will help moms and dads take the story further with scripture references and tips on how to talk with their children about what really happened.

About the Author
Troy Schmidt has writing and video production credits ranging from assignments with Disney (The Mickey Mouse Club) and Nickelodeon to Max Lucado’s Hermie franchise. He is currently the lead writer for The American Bible Challenge hosted by Jeff Foxworthy on the Game Show Network. Troy and his wife have three sons.

The series: This is just the first in a series! Other books available include Hey God, Can You Stop the Rain so I Can Get off Noah’s Smelly Ark? and Hey God, I’m Having an Awful Vacation in Egypt Thanks to Moses!

GIVEAWAY time!!
One lucky reader will receive a copy of Hey God, I’ve Got Some Guys Named Jonah in My Stomach… Giveaway ends Saturday, May 4th at 11PM.

To enter, leave a comment telling about the last book you read or let us know if you’ve seen a big fish before (how big was it?!), or your thoughts on running away from God’s plans for you, or what the next book in the series should be…or say ‘Howdy!’ Thanks!

For extra entries, you can leave one comment on any post on our blog ONCE A DAY ONLY until the end of the giveaway, or leave a comment on the Melody and Emily’s reviews of Hey God, I’ve Got Some Guy Named Jonah in My Stomach…

– Joyce

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Review and Giveaway: This Is Our Time

Giveaway is now closed. The winner of the This Is Our Time DVD is Helen!

This Is Our Time
Pure Flix Entertainment
Releases April 16, 2013
Website

About the film
This Is Our Time, distributed by Pure Flix, follows the post-collegiate lives of five friends connected by their strong belief in God who all long to make a meaningful difference in the world. But when tragedy strikes the close-knit group, their friendship and their faith are tested in ways they never imagined.

This is an inspirational film about what it really means, and what it really takes, to follow the call of God in your life. The movie tells the interwoven stories of Luke (T.J. Dalrymple) and Alé (Erin Bethea), who marry right after school and move to India to serve as missionaries for Embrace A Village, a ministry that cares for those afflicted with leprosy and their families; aspiring financier Catherine (Kate Cobb), who joins a prestigious financial institution determined to make an impact on corporate America; Ryder (Matthew Florida), who lands an impressive job in social media and can’t wait to use the powerful medium for a greater good; and Ethan (Shawn-Caulin Young,) seemingly the odd man out, who struggles to find his God-given-purpose and feels sidelined by God.

“What they all come to learn is that it never really was their time,” Arnold said. “It always was, always is, God’s time.”

GIVEAWAY time!!
One lucky reader will receive a copy of This Is Our Time. Giveaway ends Friday, April 19, at 11:31pm.

To enter, leave a comment telling about the last DVD you watched, or your thoughts on graduation, or what you thought your life would be like after graduating…or just tell us about anything related to the topic of this post…or say ‘Howdy!’ Thanks!

For extra entries, you can leave one comment on any post on our blog once a day only until the end of the giveaway, or leave a comment on our review of This Is Our Time.

– Joyce

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Review and Giveaway: The American Bible Challenge Daily Reader

Giveaway is now closed. The winner of the giveaway is Genevieve Y.

The American Bible Challenge Daily Reader
Written by Troy Schmidt
Website | Facebook | Twitter | GodTube

About the Book from Amazon.com
Using many of the questions from the first season as a guide, each day features an inspiring lesson along with five challenging Bible questions to take you deeper into Scripture. The book guides the reader through nine weeks of study and encouragement—the same length of time as a season of The American Bible Challenge—with over three hundred questions to test your Bible knowledge. And don’t worry, all the answers are in the back. The American Bible Challenge Daily Reader includes questions to deepen your knowledge and to change your life. Are you ready to jump in and take the challenge?

About Troy Schmidt
Troy started writing for animation, with credits for such TV shows as “Dennis the Menace,” “Heathcliff” and “Flintstone Kids.” He found my way to Orlando and wrote three seasons on “The Mickey Mouse Club.” GSN and the producers of “The American Bible Challenge” contacted Troy and asked him to help them put together a game show about the Bible. He joined them in Los Angeles and have worked with an amazing team through the pilot and two seasons. He is also on staff at First Baptist Church Windermere, Florida where he serves as a Campus Pastor.

GIVEAWAY time!!
One lucky reader will receive a copy of The American Bible Challenge Daily Reader. Giveaway ends Thursday, April 11th at 11PM.

To enter, leave a comment telling about the last book you read or game show you watched, or your thoughts on gameshows, or anything related to the Bible…or say ‘Howdy!’ Thanks!

For extra entries, you can leave one comment on any post on our blog ONCE A DAY ONLY until the end of the giveaway, or leave a comment on our review of The American Bible Challenge Daily Reader.

– Joyce

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”