A Woman's Guide to Reading the Bible

A Woman's Guide to Reading the Bible in a year

Diana Stortz

 Have you ever wanted to start a Bible study group or read the Bible through in a year? Pick up this little book and learn how to get started. The book begins by telling the author's story about her journey through the Bible. It then has a few chapters that explain how to start a group and use the book effectively . Then each week is a separate chapter that gives the Bible verses to read and a brief synopsis on what you will read that week. There is also space to write thoughts and favorite verses. 

It can be used for individuals or a women's Bible study group.

I found the format easy to read and use. The book was laid out well and really encouraged me to start reading my Bible through this year. I look forward to showing this to my Bible study group when we finish with our current book.

I received this book free of charge from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Pocket Your Dollars

Pocket Your Dollars

Carrie Rocha

Our economy is terrible, debt is sky rocketing, and families are losing their homes. What would happen if we completely changed our attitudes and mindsets about money? The result would be amazing. If you are a fan of Dave Ramsey or the Pocket Your Dollars website, then you will love this book. It has easy to understand terminolgy and stories woven into the five steps that make the book interesting to read. The facts are presented in an entertaining way and are a welcome change from the typical boring and dry financial books out there.

My husband and I have followed Dave Ramsey for years. But this book brought out some really good points and started a great conversation between us. So even if you feel great financially, I highly recommend this book as a good way to brush up on things. But for those of you who are in debt or completely lost when it comes to finances, this book could be life changing.

I received this book free of charge from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Blog Hop

Welcome to the Easter Egg Blog Hop! 

Today I am hosting the second stop along this ten-stop-hop.

What’s the Easter Egg Blog Hop? Learn more about it here, and join the fun!

In celebration of Lisa Tawn Bergren’s newest book in the God Gave Us series, God Gave Us Easter, 

I’m talking with her today about her own family traditions during the Easter holiday.

What traditions do you have? 

My family always enjoys the Easter baskets and hunting for the eggs. Not sure if this will change when they get older or not. =)

Today’s Easter Egg: What is Lisa’s favorite part of Easter? Head on over to the entry form and let us know. (You can summarize the answer!)

Hi, Lisa! Thanks for joining us today! 

Tima: How did you talk to your kids about the meaning of Christmas and Easter?

Lisa Bergren: It’s always been a part of our conversation. Christmas is Jesus’ birthday, and Easter is the way Jesus made for us to always be in relationship with our heavenly Father.

Tima: What have you learned from your children about God during holiday celebrations?

LB:  We get stressed out on the big theological turning-points that are represented in Christmas and Easter. But kids take what we say and build on it. So start small, basic, and go from there. Gradually, they begin to really want to know more about “Jesus’ birthday,” as well as why he had to die. And what both promises mean for us today.

Tima: What is your favorite tradition with your kids on Easter?

LB: We dye Easter eggs, I leave out Easter baskets (even for my teens! They’d be completely whiney if I didn’t), and then head over to church for the celebration. It’s so happy! Then we gather together for a big dinner, usually with extended family. NOTE: SHORT ANSWER FOR TODAY’S EGG: eggs; baskets; church; family dinner!

Thank you for chatting with us today! And thank you, readers, for stopping by. Enjoy the rest of the Blog Hop!

LINKS:

“Learn more about it here”: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/blog/2013/02/08/blog-hop/

“God Gave Us Easter”: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9780307730725

“entry form”: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/blog/2013/02/08/blog-hop/

The Very Beary Tooth Fairy

The Very Beary Tooth Fairy

A. Levine

What happens when a bear loses his tooth? Is there a bear tooth fairy? A little bear, named Zach, overhears a human discussing the tooth fairy. Zach’s mom has told him that humans are dangerous and unpredictable. Now Zach is worried that the tooth fairy is a human. After losing his tooth, he becomes too scared to go to sleep. But his mom was right when she said bears could be anything they wanted to be. The illustrations cover almost every page and help to tell the story as much as the words do. The book handles the issues of a lost tooth and fear very well and age appropriately. It also showcased kindness and understanding shown by the older sister. The target age is preschool children, but my 6 year old son, who just lost a tooth, was very entertained. I appreciated some of the larger vocabulary that was used throughout the book; which led to a discussion with my four year old.

I received this book free of charge from Children's Lit in exchange for my honest review.

The Lamb & the Butterfly

The Lamb and the Butterfly

Arnold Sundgaard

                Little lamb is excited to meet a butterfly in the middle of his meadow one day. He has so many questions to ask the butterfly about where he is from and why he flutters. But the little lamb has a hard time understanding the free spirited butterfly. Why can’t the butterfly be just like him and stay in the meadow? The lamb begs the butterfly to never leave, but the butterfly doesn’t listen. Finally after being caught in a storm together the little lamb begins to understand why the butterfly can’t stay with him. Parents will love the message about accepting others for who they are and understanding that everyone is different or might have different needs. The story flows well and is somewhat lyrical. Bright, cheerful illustrations help tell the story. Children will love the bold brush strokes and large images. Both of my children enjoyed this book and commented on the story and illustrations. 

I received this book free of charge from Children's Lit in exchange for my honest review.

Animal Families Wolves

Animal Families Wolves

Tim Harris

Wolves can be scary animals. But you will be pleasantly surprised to learn they can also be protectors and providers. Each chapter takes you deeper into the lives of wolves and their habits. As a parent, I appreciated the different aspects that were brought out to help the reader understand the wolf better. My six year old son liked the more scary information like why and how wolves howl. Each page is filled with bright, clear photographs and a wealth of information. The entire series of “Animal Families” would be an excellent science resource for schools or homeschooling parents because of the added features at the back of the book. A glossary and further reading page help the reader delve deeper into the subject. The further reading page has a list of books about wolves. It also includes a list of websites that children can use to further explore the subject.

I received this book free of charge from Children's Lit in exchange for my honest review.

Animal Families Lions

Animal Families Lions

Tim Harris

Lions may look sweet and cuddly, but they are fierce and powerful creatures. Beautiful photographs on every page will help keep a child entertained while they read information on the eating, mating, and hunting habits of the lions. Descriptions go with each of the illustrations to bring more information to the reader. Information boxes throughout the book give interesting facts about the animals that isn’t found in the text. This, combined with the bright fonts and visual interest on every page, held my son’s attention for hours. The entire series of “Animal Families” would be an excellent science resource for schools or homeschooling parents because of the added features at the back of the book. A glossary and further reading page help the reader delve deeper into the subject. The further reading page has a list of books about lions. It also includes a list of websites that children can use to further explore the subject.

I received this book free of charge from Children's Lit in exchange for my honest review.