In Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children: Trusting God with the Ones You Love, Jodie
Berndt continues her Praying the Scriptures series with biblical prayers for
your adult children, whether they are just leaving the nest, flying well
on their own, or struggling to take off at all. With grace and wisdom, Jodie addresses cultural trends such as couples
living together before marriage and young adults leaving the church, as
well as the painful realities of loneliness, addiction, and mental
health issues. With hope-filled words for the parents of the prodigal,
she is particularly sensitive to the long-term prayers we offer, even as
we doubt ourselves and grieve over our children’s choices.
Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Childrenis a small compact book that is easy to carry with you...but it packs a powerful message that you will want readily available. It can be hard to let go of our children when they physically move into adulthood, but parents never give up on praying for their "babies." Filled with anecdotal stories, each chapter ends with prayers for both the praying parent and for the adult child. Each prayer also has the Scripture book, chapter, and verse.
For your convenience, the book is divided into 5 parts:
Praying for Your ADULT CHILD
Praying for Your ADULT CHILD'S Relationships
Praying through the MILESTONES in Your ADULT CHILD'S LIFE
Praying for Your ADULT CHILD'S HEALTH, SAFETY and WELL-BEING
Praying for Your ADULT CHILD'S VICTORY OVER TEMPTATION
Each of these parts are then divided into 4 or 5 chapters that touch on more specific topics. The only thing that would have made the book better, in my opinion, would be more room for making notes or journaling. But, if you already have a prayer journal, you can add the prayers and scriptures to it. I do recommend this book. Since I now have both adult children and adult grandchildren whom I pray for, this book will be put to use for years to come. Disclosure: I received this book free from Handlebar
Marketing as part of their Book Review Blogger Program. I was not
required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
May the Faith Be With YouBible (Zondervan) is a full-text New Intertainional Readers's Version best suited for young readers ages 6-10. Using an outer space theme, this hard cover, compact sized, Bible points out that the highest,
truest, and most rewarding way to a life of wisdom is apprenticing with
the Ultimate Master himself---Jesus Christ. It also
includes 24 full-color pages of content with pages titled "Ways of Wisdom," Use the Force," and "Master Moment." It's a convenient size to handle and the text is easy to read. In my opinion it is more suitable for 8 and up, but is also good for those who speak English as a second language.
I did love the space theme and cover, but I am fascinated by outer space...and it has a "In the beginning..." feel about it. The words seem a bit small, but are actually the same size as the Bible I had when I was 6. The children this Bible was designed for are probably not note-takers like me, so the lack of wide margins aren't going to be a big deal to most kids. However, if your child does like to make notes in the margin, this isn't the one for them. On the other hand, the colored pages are an extremely handy for young believers who aren't as familiar with stories, Scripture, and explanations needed to grow in faith. I also love the convenient dictionary in the back.
Handlebar Marketing provided a copy of this product for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
Ted (Michael Joiner) and Josie (Nancy Stafford) have a perfect marriage
and a perfect life. His career as a successful dog food marketer has
moved them into a whole new tax bracket... until the fateful day when he
suddenly makes a mistake that costs him his job and makes him the most
hated man in the country. Josie is
already very unhappy, but her frustration reaches the breaking point
when her wealthy boss confides he selling all he owns to support a
charity he is creating in memory of his late wife. So she concocts a
plan to steal the jewelery her boss has hidden in
order to pay their debts. Accompanied by her lazy little brother Moochie
(Torry Martin), Ted
and Josie attempt to pull off a caper but their plans quickly fall apart when Doc (Danny Vinson) realizes he has a captive audience to share the plan of salvation with before he dies.
Heaven Boundis a fun, family-friendly film that has a serious message at its inner core, but is wrapped in layers of pure laughter. Many of the things that the secular world mocks about Christianity are highlighted in this film...because it's also things we laugh at ourselves. Of course, it's not laughing at the central message of following Jesus, but at some of the ways the gospel is presented. Just as it seems things may take a serious turn, the humor comes through. Joiner, Stafford, Martin, and Vinson all excel at their craft, and each are perfect in their roles. There is also a hysterical scene with Victoria Jackson, as well as a very funny scene at a coffee shop that features Denny Brownlee. Written by Marshall Younger, Torry Martin, and Rene Gutteridge, and directed by Gabe McCauley, this film is a must-see for anyone wanting a night of laughter.Learn more at HeavenBoundthemovie.com
Extraordinary is the incredible story of ultra-marathon runner Professor David Horton, his wife, Nancy, and their goal to finish their marriage race well. David's extraordinary athletic ability and the influence he provides for his students is a source of tremendous pride, yet the price paid in time away from his family is high. Nancy believes it's time to put away the shoes and focus on their family after Dave's open-heart surgery plus the irreparable damage to his knees, but Dave believes God has called him to one final act of inspiraton for others. So he begins a 2,900-mile race across America.
Based on a true story, Extraordinary iscoming to DVD, Digital and On Demand on January 16, 2018, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. An impactful and perfect story for the entire family, the inspirational film stars Shari Rigby (OctoberBaby), Leland Klassen (AltarEgos), Karen Abercrombie (War Room) and Kirk Cameron (Fireproof). The story follows Horton as his dream of tackling a nearly 3,000-mile run takes its toll on his body, and brings his marriage to the breaking point. The film is directed by Scotty Curlee. Executive Producers are Bill Reeves and Eric Weir and producedby Scotty Curlee and Stephan Schultze.
GIVEAWAY: UPHE & Icon Media are providing a DVD of Extraordinary for one of my readers (USA only). Deadline to enter (on blog or Facebook post) is end-of-day, December 30, 2017. Use #Extraordinary. Winner will be announced Dec. 31st.
About Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (UPHE – www.uphe.com)
is a unit of Universal Pictures, a division of Universal Studios.
Universal Studios is a part of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading
media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and
marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.
NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and
entertainment television networks, a premier motion
picture company, significant television production operations, a
leading television stations group, world-renowned theme parks, and a
suite of leading Internet-based businesses. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary
of Comcast Corporation.
Pastor John (Robert Amaya) has a dream of reaching out to potential new members by making a few changes ... including updating the 🎄CHRISTMAS PAGEANT!! Mary Margaret (Sallie Wanchisn), the choir director, immediately calls for a boycott by the choir...and for a Pastor Search Committee to be formed!! As his wife (Erin Bethea) helps by lining up interviews, Pastor John tries a different approach. Pulling son Jack (Max Morgan) into his scheme, they use Jack's theatrical make-up from his school play to create colorful characters to gain insider info. Toss in Jack's co-star (Lindsley Register) whom he has a secret crush on and her man-crazy mom (Victoria Jackson) and you have a sure-fire recipe for humor. More than just a comedy, though, the film touches on some deeper issues too. Read my review from last August: Altar Egos review. Bridgestone Multimedia Group just released this clip from the film:
GIVEAWAY: Win 1 Free Digital Rental by commenting on the blog post or in comments under the social media post. Deadline to Enter is End-of-Day on Dec 20, 2017. Winner will be announced Dec 21, 2017.
ALTAR EGOS is now available on DVD and digital, for purchase or streaming.
Beyond the Farthest Staris now available in the USA and Canada! Have you bought your copy? I love the film so much that I picked up one for myself --- and one for a giveaway. I strongly believe that this story will appeal to many people on a myriad of levels.
This film is an insightful, mesmerizing story that centers on the Wells family. Each struggle with resentment and bitterness that threatens to destroy their family...and the emotions intensify following a move to the small town of Leonard, Texas. BTFS has universal themes that speak to all people and effectively weaves the idea that there is hope in spite of physical or emotional scars. This richly layered story shares a raw honest portrayal of transformation and restoration after hidden secrets are revealed and healing is allowed to begin. Elements of suspense, romance, and political intrigue are combined with multi-dimensional characters to present an escalating tension that intensifies to an explosive climax, and, ultimately, to a satisfying conclusion.
When Beyond the Farthest Star was in theaters, I was able to see it several times and was riveted to the screen each time as I picked up nuances missed before. The story is fascinating and the actors do an incredible job of making their characters come to life onscreen. This film also inspired a novel by Bodie and Brock Thoene, a Kinkade painting, and a new arrangement of "Beauty For Ashes" by Crystal Lewis. I am thrilled to now own a copy of the DVD and I highly recommend this movie!
GIVEAWAY!! To enter for a chance to win a DVD of Beyond the Farthest Star, please leave a comment on the blog (or under a post or --- just let me know since I know all my friends are not tech savvy and I will manually enter you). Please use hashtag #wishuponastar to help me locate you. All entries due by end of day on December 15, 2017. USA residents only.
UPDATE! There will be TWO Winners selected thanks to the generosity of Jodie Moore Actor. He plays the abusive father, Jackson Tucker, in Beyond the Farthest Star, so think of him kindly when you see the DVD. #wishuponastar Be sure to like his IMDb page and Jodie Moore - Actor page on Facebook!
The Family Honor Plate is a creative ceramic painting activity that is also a part of a family tradition and an awesome parenting tool. Using the fruits of the Holy Spirit, as written in Galatians 5:22, this is a good way to instill the character traits you want your children to have. Plus, even adults need reminders now and then.
There are also fun questions from the Table Thyme Discussion Cards that lead conversations to a deeper level, help kids learn to articulate their thoughts and lead to special memories of family time, both present and past. The questions are followed with "Why?" to initiate a real conversation rather than simple 2-3 word replies. Even a simple question about dessert can lead to remembering special people and events or just getting to know your family better. Being connected to your kids when they are small can help pave the way to a deeper relationship with them as they get older and live separate lives.
Creator Michelle Weber says this about the plate:
Step #1 MOM AND DAD - BE THE EXAMPLE. BE THE ROLE-MODEL:
The virtues are listed in the center of the plate for mom and dad to use as their anchor, their moral compass to guide them in how they need to show up for and to their children. This is how our children learn what character (Christ's Character) is, what it looks like, what it feels like. Our children are watching us and learning from us.
Step #2 BE ON THE LOOKOUT:
Look for the good choices and attitude your kids/spouse are making and showing throughout the day. Track it back to the virtues and character it shows.
Step #3 CELEBRATE THEIR CHARACTER:
Turn dinnertime into a celebration when you catch someone making good choices and showing good character and present their meal on the FAMILY HONOR PLATE. This is when you:
·Talk about the choices they made and the virtues and character that it showed (Be specific).
·Talk about how they made everyone involved feel and the impact they had on people and how that is POWERFUL and BEAUTIFUL.
Our Family Experience: My granddaughter volunteered to test this product with her daughter...and the help of her mother/my daughter. Needless to say, the discussion cards did not come into play much with a two-year-old, but the adults see the value of them over the years as the little ones in our family grow older. Actually, I would enjoy using them with my adult family and friends as a way to connect/re-connect.
With a toddler doing the painting, our plate is not beautifully painted, but the women in our family all admit we are NOT artistic at all. My granddaughter suggested this painting project is more suitable for 4+. Even with constant supervision, toddlers are a bit too free-spirited to do a structured craft like painting.
Personally, I think Audrey painted a beautiful plate that will be a reminder of God's love for her and that her family loves and cherishes her... and care as much about her first steps of faith as we did her first steps as a toddler. The plate is an outstanding family project with multiple ways to use ranging from each family member doing their own to doing one as a family to present as a gift to someone else (like grandparents).
I love everything about this and highly recommend it. Look below for links to purchase and for social media links.
“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 sample of the
product in exchange for this review and post. Opinions are 100% my own and
NOT influenced by monetary compensation.
