The Explorer Bible Dictionary for Kids

 

The Explorer Bible Dictionary for Kids is intentionally designed to accompany the ECPA award-winning CSB Explorer Bible for Kids. ​​

It has full-color pages, over 750 common Bible terms, and concise definitions to enhance their understanding of the people, places, and things of the Bible. Fascinating images, illustrations, maps, and reconstructions are featured throughout to increase comprehension and help kids apply key terms and truths of the Bible. ​

Splash into Scripture this summer! Develop joyful Bible study habits as a family! Get kids excited for consistent days in God’s Word!

Bring the Bible to life for kids with the award-winning CSB Explorer Bible products:

• Explorer Bible for Kids
• Explorer Bible Dictionary for Kids
• Scripture Memory Cards

SHOP SUMMER RESOURCES!

Dive into God’s Word and soak up truth with these Bible resources for curious and creative kids! 

MY REVIEW of Explorer Bible Dictionary for Kids: The CSB Explorer Bible Dictionary is one of the most exciting books I have read for helping kids study the Bible. The bright, colorful pages are inviting to read but the information is what will hold their attention. Hundreds of common Bible terms are paired with an explanation and Scripture references to match. The charts and maps included as an aid to understand the Bible are outstanding. I would have loved this resource when I was a child.

This book is perfect for church, Sunday schools, homeschool, Bible studies, or for a personal reference library. Families who study the Bible together will certainly use this while teaching their children. I have several great-grandkids in elementary school, and this will be useful when questions arise to keep things at their level.

I highly recommend this dictionary for the children in your life. It will be an excellent resource for additional study while kids are on their summer break.

GIVEAWAY: 1 GRAND PRIZE giveaway of the Explorer Bible for Kids + Toddler Theology Series Bundle (retail value of approx. $149.99)

Bundle contents: 2 copies of the Explorer Bible for Kids, 2 Explorer Bible for Kids Dictionaries, Explorer Bible Stickers, an Explorer Bible Tshirt, and the Toddler 
Theology Series set (6 books in set).

Giveaway winners must be a US resident. Deadline is June 11th.

OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM LINK

The ONLY Way to Enter this Giveaway is via the Official Entry Form Link! 

DISCLOSURE: Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

SHOPPING LINK

CSB Women’s Study Bible

 

Looking for the perfect Bible for your sister, friend, or female family member? The CSB Women's Study Bible is a robust, full-color study Bible, with content created by women for women, featuring helpful study notes, timelines, maps, and more on the same page as the biblical text they refer to. Help women of all ages delight in digging deeper into Scripture.

Created by a team of women who love Scripture and want to help you engage with it meaningfully, this Bible is packed with verse-by-verse study notes, word studies, profiles of women in the Bible, devotional content, and tools to help you live out what you're learning. Whether you're studying alone or with a group, this is a resource that will meet you right where you are—and help you grow.

Order your copy today wherever books and Bibles are sold or visit csbwomensstudybible.com to learn more!

My Review: I love Study Bibles and the Christian Standard Bible (CSB) is one of my favorite versions of the Holy Bible, so I am extra excited to have the opportunity o review the CSB Women's Study Bible! The Bible I received to review is a hardcover with a beautiful floral print. It's a bit heavy, but perfect for serious study; the pages will stay open as you make notes in a journal or whatever you prefer. A table or desk selected for regular Bible Study would be wonderful for this Bible, a notebook/journal, and any other learning tools you need. 

The inside of the Bible is even better than the outside! Of course, the Scripture, both Old and New Testaments are the most important, but I do love the maps, charts, photos, biographies, study notes, timelines, concordance, features, and more. It has a 9.5 point text that is comfortable to read. 

My personal disappointments are that this Bible is not Red Letter text and that the margins are too small for writing notes. But, there are a ton of notes already provided, and you can use colored pencils or highlighters to mark a verse or passage that has a special meaning for you. Overall, I highly recommend this Bible.

LINKS:

BUY: bhpublishinggroup.com/csb-womens-study-bible

Amazon Buy Link (Floral Hardcover): amazon.com/csb-womens-study-bible-hardcover/dp/B0DJQ8RYB2

ChristianBook.com Buy Link: christianbook.com/csb-womens-study-bible-hardcover/9798384518310/pd/518313

GIVEAWAY! - 1 copy of the CSB Women’s Study Bible (Floral Hardcover version)

Qualifications: Giveaway winners must be US residents who have not won via another blogger’s giveaway for this campaign.

Due Date: Please submit your full name and mailing address no later than Jan. 18, 2026.
*You can email it to me at cindynavarro713@gmail.com 

Disclosure: Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

CSB Jesus Daily Bible

Order your copy of the CSB Jesus Daily Bible today! 

The NEW CSB Jesus Daily Bible includes a 52-week, Christ-focused, guided reading plan that you can join at any point during the year. Day by day, you'll thematically study Scripture through a weekly introduction, helpful articles and infographics, and a weekly summary to help you understand Jesus’s central role from Genesis to Revelation.

Order your copy of the CSB Jesus Daily Bible today! Learn more at CSBJesusDailyBible.com

* Features

• *52-week thematic reading plan showing Jesus in all of Scripture
• *Weekly introductions to set the stage for each week’s reading
• *Jesus-focused articles, charts, and infographics expanding each week’s theme
• *Weekly summaries to reinforce key takeaways and applications for life
• *Durable Smyth-sewn, lay-flat binding
• 
  
  

MY REVIEW: I love this Bible! If you are searching for a Bible for daily reading, this is a wonderful choice. It's already divided into Weeks and Days if you prefer to follow a 5-Day guided plan, but it's not a distraction if you prefer to use your own schedule. By the way, you don't have to start with January 1, but use your first day as Day 1, Week1 (in case you think it's too late to begin a yearly Read Thru the Bible plan.

One of my favorite options in a Bible is wide margins. This provides room for your notes, but the print is still easy to read. Plus, this Bible is not too heavy or awkward to hold. Other things I love is an extensive concordance, maps, and the summaries, takeaways, and applications to your life. There is also book summaries for each book using a "Who, What, When, Where, and Why" format. The Christian Standard Bible also captures the original meaning of Scripture without sacrificing clarity. It's a hard cover Bible and I love the feel of the cover. Get this for yourself or as a gift!

Giveaway: 1 copy of CSB Jesus Daily Bible 
Please submit your full name and full mailing address by 2/2/2025 in comments or email me at cindynavarro713@gmail.com
SUBJECT: CSB Jesus Daily Bible
(Note: This is limited to US winners only.)

Disclosure: Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

PURCHASE BIBLE

CSB Grace Bible for Kids

 Check out the CSB Grace Bible for Kids! Created in partnership with Holman Bibles, 2K/DENMARK and Cambridge University, the CSB Grace Bible for Kids is designed to enhance readability for kids with all levels and varieties of dyslexia and other reading challenges.

Dyslexia shouldn’t keep kids from reading the Bible. And now, it doesn’t have to! The CSB Grace Bible for Kids features innovative and academically tested typeface, layout, and design principles. These principles include distinct letter forms and added space between letters, words, lines, and paragraphs.

 Order your copy of the CSB Grace Bible for Kids today! LINK
There is also an adult version available!

Features

• Inclusive Grace typeface, layout, and design
• Enhances readability for all levels and varieties of dyslexia and other reading challenges
• Unique, colored page overlays included to further enhance visual processing
• Complete text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB)
• Large, 11-point type size
• Durable Smyth-sewn, lay-flat binding
  
  
  
  
  The special-colored page overlays created by Cambridge University's research department are included to further enhance visual processing. Dozens of study helps are also inserted throughout the Bible to expand kids' Bible knowledge and connect them to the people, places, and events they are learning about.
  
  Go to BH Publishinggroup.com/purchase-the-csb-grace-bible for more information on how these overlays work.
  
  
  
  
  MY REVIEW: I love this Bible. I reviewed a blue LeatherTouch that was soft and easy to handle. The print is comfortable to read, and I especially loved the special pages that shared more information about the intended audience for each book, added info on topics that are vital for basic knowledge, maps, etc.
  
  No one in my family is dyslexic, so I don't entirely understand the colored sheets included to make this Bible "Dyslexia-Friendly" but I have read the reviews from those who have remarked on the difference it makes. That encourages me to recommend it to others.
  
  The Christian Standard Bible (CSB) is a version that I like, and believe will be easier for kids to understand. Comprehension is vital in Bible study, so this is another point in this. I definitely recommend this Bible for elementary school aged children.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Giveaway: 1 copy of CSB Grace Bible for Kids
  (Note: This is limited to US winners only.) Please submit your full name and full mailing address by 12/14/2025.
  
  Disclosure: Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.
  

The Old Testament Handbook

 

The Old Testament Handbook features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible which captures the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity.

Immerse yourself in the Old Testament Handbook, an elegant, full-color Bible handbook that includes robust summary content, charts, maps, word studies, illustrations, and more for every Old Testament book of the Bible. Constructed with high-quality cloth cover materials and a sewn binding, the Old Testament Handbook is designed to last a lifetime as a valuable companion resource for Bible study, teaching, and ongoing discipleship.

FEATURES:
• High-quality, foil-stamped cloth cover materials and Smyth-sewn binding meant to last a lifetime.
• Elegant full-color interior design, including maps, illustrations, charts, and other visual helps for every book of the Old Testament.
• More than 75 in-depth word studies of key words found in each Old Testament book.
• Ribbon marker for easy referencing between pages during study, teaching, or sharing.

Order your copy of The Old Testament Handbook today!

My Review: I recommend this book 100%! If you want a reference book to help you study the Old Testament, this is an excellent addition to your personal library. The summaries, word studies, the oppressors, the priests, and more. There are notes about the complaints in the wilderness, comparing the minor prophets, and finding Jesus in the Old Testament. Go to the website link to order a copy!
*Good news! I saw The New Testament Handbook is scheduled to release in 2024.

WEBSITE

Disclosure: Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.
 

Raising A Princess by John Croyle

Raising a Princess: Eight Essential Virtues To Teach Your Daughter by John Croyle

So many little girls dream of being a princess, but former Alabama defensive back, John Croyle, has further defined exactly what qualities it takes to raise your little girl to be more than just a fairy tale princess, but to truly be a princess---a daughter of the King. Croyle, founder of the Big Oak Boys Ranch in Southside, AL, and Big Oak Girls Ranch in Springville, Alabama, uses the example found in Proverbs 31 to raise girls to become strong, courageous, compassionate young women.

Croyle, through the acronym P.R.I.N.C.E.S.S, says there are 8 virtues to remember and practice for raising your daughter.

Praiseworthiness – A princess understands she is worthy of praise simply because she is made in the image of God.

Righteousness – She lives according to God’s normal, not the world’s normal.

Initiative – A princess makes good things happen.

Nurture – God built into girls and women an instinct for nurture that boys and men simply don’t have in the same way.

Character – A girl of character knows what her deepest desires are and chooses accordingly.

Empowerment – Your princess needs to understand life isn’t just something that happens to her. She has the power to choose.

Servant-Heartedness – A princess finds purpose not in being served, but serving others.

Stability – As stability is provided for daughters, they will grow into the kind of people who help create stability for others.

Although the book is written primarily toward men, the book absolutely can be used by women, too. The importance is in raising your daughter to be the confident, compassionate person she is cable of becoming. Croyle and his wife, Tee, are the parents of a daughter and a son, but also have 40 years experience in helping to raise abused and neglected children and repair the damage done to them by others, usually their parents.

Each child who moves to one of the ranches is told 4 things during their initial meeting with "Mr. John":
1. I love you.
2. I’ll never lie to you. 
3. I’ll stick with you until you’re grown. 
4. There are boundaries; don’t cross them.

Building the trust of a child is just the initial step  From there, he and the house parents make the above principles a part of teaching a girl that she is of value to herself, to others, and to God. This book was filled with wisdom that a parent can use to instill confidence and build trust with their child. You won't raise a perfect child---no one can make that promise---but I have heard numerous success stories of children that had gone through unimaginable lives and these practical and godly principles made the difference. You will want to go through this one with a highlighter! It was all good, but several things just made me stop and want to soak in the words I had read. This is the perfect gift for anyone who will have a part in raising a little girl. 

100% OF PROCEEDS GO TO SUPPORT BIG OAK RANCH!!

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Shelton Interactive. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”

PS: I have never read this book, The Two-Minute Drill to Manhood: A Proven Game Plan for Raising Sons, but several years ago I heard John preach on the topic before it became the book. Using the acronym M.A.N.H.O.O.D., I have never forgotten his words:
M - MASTER
A - ASK AND LISTEN
N - NEVER COMPROMISE
H - HANDLE YOUR BUSINESS
O - ONE PURPOSE
O - ONE BODY
D - DON'T EVER, EVER, EVER GIVE UP

If you are raising a son, get this book too!!

John Croyle was an All-American defensive end at the University of Alabama during a renowned title run under Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. Croyle declined a career in the National Football League and instead went on to found and develop the Big Oak Ranch for Boys. Over the next few decades they worked to start the Girls’ Ranch as well as the Westbrook Christian School. He and his wife, Tee, together have raised hundreds of young men and women, including their daughter and Big Oak child care director, Reagan Croyle Phillips, as well as their son and former NFL Quarterback, Brodie Croyle. For more information, please visit www.bigoak.org.

Chasing God by Angie Smith

Maybe you’ve never asked the question out loud, but you’ve wondered. You do the things that look good on paper: read your Bible, pray, attend study groups and go to church on Sundays.

But you aren’t convinced you really know Him.

Angie Smith understands, because she had run circles around the same paths searching for Him, frustrated at her lack of progress. And she probably would have continued to do so had it not been for one realization that changed everything.

She wasn’t following God; she was trying to catch up with Him. 

And without realizing it, you may be as well.

It’s a distinction that affects every aspect of our lives with Christ, and it begins with learning where we’ve relied more on man’s explanation of God than God Himself.

So many requirements, so many rules, and so much guilt where there is supposed to be freedom. It’s the reason you wonder if you’ve measured up, and the nagging voice that tells you you’re a failure as a Christian.

Three simple words changed everything for Angie, and she believes they can do the same for you.

Stop chasing God. (back cover)

My Review: I really liked this book. Angie's style of writing made me feel like I was having a conversation with an old friend---a kindred spirit. We do share a mutual friend, Sarcasm, and this brought the topic to a level that I could relate to in many ways. This is not a formulaic plan to being a perfect Christian. Indeed, I am one of those who can easily get so caught up in the "rules" of what is expected of me that I will lose sight of keeping my eyes and focus on Jesus. This book is a reminder that we are not to measure ourselves against other believers, nor sit down with a list to check off the task we have completed---"Pray √, Read 3 Chapters of Bible √, etc." When we focus on the rules rather than the relationship with God, it is easy to become discouraged. If you are looking for a formal book on searching for God, this is not the book for you. However, if you like a conversational style, sprinkled liberally with humor, Chasing God is a deep, relaxing breath. I highly recommend it.

Disclosure: I received a free copy from Icon Media Group for review purposes.


Angie Smith website
Follow @angiesmith19
Like Angie Smith on Facebook

Experiencing God At Home Day By Day: A Family Devotional

Experiencing God at Home Day by Day: A Family Devotional (B&H Publishing, Oct. 1, 2013) features 50 weeks of daily devotions the whole family does together, that takes them from Genesis to Revelations. Each devotion feature a passage of scripture, a parent connection section, a conversation starter and more. There are also special devotions for important family events like birthdays, holidays, and back-to-school. The book not only provides a basis for personal, daily family-time spent together in God's word, but aims to help parents to develop their own habit of seeking God in their lives. (publisher)




 

 My Review: This is a compact, padded book that may look small but packs a powerful message sure to impact your family. Each page starts with a question that opens up a conversation that is then easily steered in the direction of the focus of the day's study. Using the Scripture Reading provided at the top of the page as the story or theme, it allows you to lead your family into a more indepth study, and permits control over how much time you can invest during your devotional time. The Family Prayer Time is set up in the same manner so you can let one person pray or each may add to the prayer. The additions of Quiet Time for both younger and older children are excellent ways of introducing kids to having a personal quiet time aside from family devotions and training them early about the need to seek out their own relationship with God.

Day 1 is a Parent Connection that gives the topic of the week so you can better prepare for the discussions you will be having with your children. Tips are provided for extra Scripture to read and to familiarize yourself in order to answer the questions that are sure to arise. Another part I loved is the section in the back for Special Occasions. Of course there are the various holidays, but topics like 'Last Day of School', 'Death in the Family', 'Pregnancy', and 'Celebrating An Achievement' are all included. Finally, there are several blank pages provided for notes. If you are interested in having a family devotional time, leading your family, and training your child in the tenets of faith...this book is an excellent resource.


I received this book free from Shelton Interactive for review purposes.. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. 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."

Blackaby Ministries International was founded by Henry and Marilyn Blackaby to help people experience God. The ministry focuses on three main concepts: helping people experience God, helping people and churches return to God, and helping church, business and family leaders move people to God’s agenda. Through writing, speaking and teaching ministries the Blackabys share their unique message, drawing on timeless truths to show how God is drawing people close to Him, and setting them free. For more information, visit www.blackaby.net.

Grace Unplugged and Own It! Review

Grace Unplugged by Melody Carlson is the story of 18 year old Grace Trey. She is an incredibly gifted singer who believes she has what it takes to be a star. The hold-up is her dad; he leads the worship team at church and tries to stifle her creativity---in Grace's eyes.  Johnny Trey was a "one hit wonder" back in the day, and wants to protect his daughter from the rock star lifestyle. When his old manager tries to lure him back, Grace decides Johnny's refusal is the break she has been for to prove her talent. Will she remain true to her faith or will Grace slowly conform to the standards of her new life?



The search for fame has become an obsession in our culture over the years and this book paints a realistic view of  how one can easily begin to compromise their values in search of it. It was a good book though. I especially enjoyed that part of the action took place in AL, but the location could have been anywhere. The book held my attention and was believable. In the end, it is all about your priorities and becoming your own person and owning your own faith and beliefs rather than living in the shadows of your parents.

Grace Unplugged is also a film that will be releasing nationwide on October 4th. Watch the trailer below:

Looks good, doesn't it? Make sure you read the book and see the film!!

Near the end of the trailer, you will have seen the book, Own It!: Discover Your Faith In God.  In the movie & book, the fictional Grace is given this book to read by Quenton to read while she is on tour. It was a book that had changed his life and he wanted to share it with her.

The topic of the book is about making your faith your own and not just a habit you picked up in childhood and continue to follow. Authors Michael and Hayley DiMarco use personal anecdotes and Biblical references to make their points on what this really means. They explain what they mean by Own It and the following chapters are about how owning your faith will save you, cost you, change you, complete you and free you. To be honest, I liked it (and agree that you have to make your faith real and not just go through the motions) but had trouble focusing on it. I have read another on this subject lately that simply suited my reading preferences better. So, for me, it was good, but not great.

 Hayley DiMarco is the best-selling author of more than thirty books including Dateable, Marriable, Mean Girls, and The Woman of Mystery. She has been a featured speaker at Women of Faith, Precept National Women's Conference, and MOPS Intl. among others and has consulted on the creation and enhancement of some of the largest stadium events for teens and young women in North America.

Michael DiMarco is a skillled communicator and teacher who has authored more than a dozen bestselling books including the 2010 Christian Bookof the Year for Youth, B4UD8 (Before You Date). He and his wife, author Hayley DiMarco, have one daughter and live in Nashville, Tennessee.

Melody Carlson has sold more than five million books. A professional writer for twenty years, she recently received the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. Melody has two grown sons and lives with her husband in the Pacific Northwest.

** DISCLOSURE: I received both of these books from FlyBy Promotions in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.**

•  Grace Unplugged Movie on FB 
• Follow @gracemovie on Twitter 
• Grace Unplugged website 
•  BH Publishing
• Follow @BHpub on Twitter 

~~~~~~~~~~GIVEAWAY~~~~~~~~~~

 

The giveaway this time is for BOTH books!! Leave a comment saying you want to be entered and if your name is selected, you will win Grace Unplugged by Melody Carlson AND Own It! by Hayley and Michael DiMarco. I would say recommend ages are high school (mid to late teens) but appropriate for 12+.
Deadline to enter is Thursday, Oct. 3rd at 9pm CDT.

Bash and the Pirate Pig by Burton Cole

Bash and the Pirate Pig, by Burton Cole, is the story of city couch potato, Raymond "Beamer" Boxby who prefers to spend his time inside with a bag of his favorite potato chips and a stack of comic books. To his horror, he learns that his parents have decided he needs to spend the summer getting fresh air, sunshine, and exercise...visiting his cousin on the farm!!

Sebastian "Bash" Hinglehobb is a bundle of energy who has a wild imagination and manages to convince others to join in his adventures...like letting his "riding pig", aka Gulliver J. McFrederick the Third, be the Admiral of the flotilla they assemble for their various human and animal friends> What could possibly go wrong?

Beamer feels doomed to be dragged into one scheme after another, and is also puzzled that Bash only has one book that he reads and quotes from regularly. His "Fishin' and Farmin' book" (The Bible) seems weird to Beamer, but by the end of the summer he discovers that the Book isn't quite so boring after all and has the answers to questions he just hadn't asked yet.

This book is a really fun read that is sure to entertain boys, and probably a few girls. I laughed at several of the things the boys got into and loved the perpetual optimism and odd sense of logic Bash had at all times. If your child has a wild imagination too, you may want to give a stern warning, "Do NOT Try This!", but it is mostly good, messy fun...and brought back a few memories of my own childhood. It reminded me a bit of one of my childhood favorites, Tom Sawyer. I also love the way the Bible is integrated into the story in a way that is perfectly natural. Bash simply "owned" his faith at an early age and is always ready to give an answer when questioned. Book is recommended for ages 8-14.

Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of this book by FlyBy Promotions at no charge to me for review purposes. I was not required to give a good review or to promote anything I cannot recommend.

GIVEAWAY!! Flyby Promotions has another copy available for one of my readers. Simply leave a comment (if you are listed as Anonymous, at least give me a hint who you are!) and the winner will be randomly selected. All entries must be made by Mon., Sept 30, 2013 at 12 Noon (CDT).

 B&H Kids Facebook
Twitter: @BHKidsBuzz
Website 

About the Author

Burton Cole is a Pulitzer Prize nominated journalist with thirty years of experience and more than fifty humor writing awards to his credit. He grew up on a farm in northeast Ohio and attended a small-town church with a slew of cousins and buddies. That same boyhood inspires his colorful stories today. 

About the Illustrator 

Tom Bancroft has more than twenty years of experience in the animation and illustration industry and worked with Disney on films including Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and Aladdin. Other clients have included DC Comics and Big Idea Productions.

Ever After by Vicki Courtney

Little girls often grow up with their heads filled with the stuff of fairy tales: You grow up, Prince Charming finds you (even if it means slaying dragons, defeating witches, and dealing with evil stepmothers, etc.), you marry, and ride off in your shimmering carriage to live happily ever after in your beautiful castle. Right?
 
Reality Check!! Tiny apts.; sky high bills; work demands; the pumpkin that turned into a carriage is actually a 'lemon'; the fairy godmother loses your new address; the sweet babies you envisioned cry, make messes...and turn into teenagers; Prince Charming doesn't always make your dreams come true; and , truth be told, your "princess persona" and crown may slip a notch or 2...sometimes. Vicki Courtney calls this “Fairy Tale Letdown.”
  
Ever After: Life Lessons Learned in My Castle of Chaos  should be required reading for those who need a dose of reality, but I also absolutely recommend it for those who long realized that life isn't a fairy tale...but is so much more exciting. This is written from the perspective of a married woman, but is also a great book for divorced or never-married women; there are topics that appeal to all women.  Courtney's sense of humor shines through the pages as she tells stories from her own life about mistakes made, lessons learned, tears, laughter, and the reminder that God's grace is sufficient for our happy ending and the Prince who awaits us.

I seldom give out 5 stars (I think it diminishes the ratings system when they are given too liberally), but would give this a 4.5 stars. I also read this will have a Bible Study curriculum soon; I expect it will be top-notch!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Shelton Interactive, as part of its Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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."

Experiencing God at Home

Experiencing God at Home takes a fresh path back into the rich roots of Henry Blackaby’s world-renowned Experiencing God writings to connect what happens in our homes to what happens in our churches.

Here, his sons Tom and Richard Blackaby first establish the biblical case for the idea of experiencing God at home, illuminating how the clear foundation for God’s work in nations and churches around the world is his work in families.

Indeed, healthy families lead to healthy churches, and the Blackabys illustrate that through real-life stories of families that have found ways to experience God in marriage, in choosing life’s direction, in rescuing broken relationships, in forgiveness, in the salvation of loved ones, etc.

Lessons from the Bible support these moving accounts, and the book concludes with resources that will guide individuals families as well as entire churches toward practically experiencing God at home. (publisher's description)

I received this book from Shelton Interactive at no charge to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This book is part of the Experiencing God series that is written for specific target audiences. Using the same 7 principles familiar to those who have read the original book by Henry Blackaby, his sons now speak to parents on how to use those principles to raise children in homes that honor God and are God-centered. Briefly, the 7 steps they cover are God is always at work around you, God pursues a love relationship with you, God invites you to become involved with Him in His work, God speaks by the Holy Spirit, God's invitation leads to a crisis of belief, you must make adjustments, and you come to know God by experience as you obey Him and He accomplishes His work through you.

Filled with a lot of anecdotal stories of personal experiences and examples from the Bible, the emphasis is on the importance of a parent's involvement in a child's life. Listening to your offspring and taking time to answer is vital from an early age so the pattern is already established as your child grows older and has more important decisions to make. I especially liked the 'Questions for Reflection/Discussion' at the end of the chapters. These make this book useful for personal use, but also beneficial for small group study. I think this is a great book for anybody who is raising a family. Mine are grown, but I still got something out of the book. Even if you don't have children or grandchildren, there may be young people in your life that you do have influence with and who come to you for advice.

Tom Blackaby is director of International Ministries for Blackaby Ministries International and the former senior pastor of North Sea Baptist Church in Stavanger, Norway. He co-authored The Man God Uses with his father, Henry Blackaby (Experiencing God). Tom and his wife have three children.

Richard Blackaby is president of Blackaby Ministries International. A noted writer and speaker, he co-authored the revision of Experiencing God with his father Henry Blackaby. Richard and his wife have three children.

7 Steps To Knowing and Doing the Will of God

More teenagers than ever before seem to be spinning their wheels a long time before gaining any traction in life. Based on the world-renowned Experiencing God teachings of Henry Blackaby, Seven Steps to Knowing and Doing the Will of God for Teens provides students with relevant spiritual direction as they move toward adulthood.

Throughout, authors Tom, Mike, and Daniel Blackaby (Henry Blackaby's son and grandsons) utilize fun formatting with cartoon illustrations (Cory Jones), jokes, real-life stories, and graphically engaging treatments to bring strong focus to a message teenagers need in their often random settings.

 I received this book from Shelton Interactive at no charge to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. 
  
Although I am well past my teen years, I enjoyed reading this book myself. The stories, both Biblical and personal anecdotes, are written in a manner that is both easy to grasp and very relatable to others. I also loved the cartoons and bits of pop culture included. The 7 Steps:

1. God is always at work around you
2. God pursues a love relationship with you 
3. God invites you to become involved with Him in His work
4. God speaks by the Holy Spirit
5. God's invitation leads to a crisis of belief
6. Adjustments
7. You come to know God by experience as you obey Him and He accomplishes His work through you

 By giving examples and asking questions, each step is explained---not in a formulaic pattern, but as a process for the reader to have a deeper relationship with God. I have teenaged grandchildren, and this is a book I think each of them needs to read...and one I believe they will enjoy reading. Very well done!

Sammy Experiences God

I received this book from Shelton Interactive at no charge to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Sammy Experiences God is a well-written, beautifully illustrated book that is based on the Experiencing God teaching of Henry Blackaby. This children's book, written by Tom Blackaby and Rick Osborne, is the story of a boy named Sammy who wants to meet and have an adventure with God just like the ones he loves learning about in the Bible. Sammy tries to find God in a variety of settings, including camping and hiking, but gets discouraged as nothing seems to work. Yet, a fishing trip with Grandpa reveals the answer to Sammy's search.

This book is both a fun read and a definite conversation opener with younger children on God's involvement in their lives. Since children think more often in literal terms, this is an excellent resource to help children understand the ways God can communicate with us. Plus, there are several Scriptures, stories, and questions to further explore along the way. There are secret messages your child can find, plus hidden frogs to find (Sammy has a pet frog) that will add to concept that sometimes we need to search a bit more to discover things for ourselves. The illustrations by Isabella Kung are fantastic and detailed to give even the non-reader kids a chance to ask questions and have fun. Overall, a great book!

Hey God, I've Got Some Guy Named Jonah In My Stomach And I Think I Am Going To Throw Up!

Hey God, I've Got Some Guy Named Jonah in My Stomach and I Think I'm Gonna Throw Up! is a fun new book for kids written by Troy Schmidt and illustrated by Cory Jones. Nearly everyone is familiar with the story of Jonah--- There is an entire book in the Bible devoted to his story and how he tried to run away from doing what God asked. Now we hear about this from another point of view. The whale tells how he tried to escape when God told him to swallow a human. Yukky!!  This is one fish story that you will not want to miss!!

This book, for kids 4-8 years old, has bright, colorful illustrations, and tells a story that is sure to capture the imagination of even the younger kids. The older ones will be entertained with the humor, but will also learn a lesson in obeying and trusting God that is very easy to swallow. The "Parent Connection" feature in the back will help adults make this even more entertaining with fun things to do, plus Scripture and questions to help the child think about what really happened and the importance of relying on God. There's even a free online app to make this story even more animated and interactive.

Really good book and is 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!

 I only have 2 negatives to say. One is that Nineveh was misspelled on a sign (but I can fix that with a pen.) and the other is from the standpoint of a former librarian who had to enter media into the computer and print labels: long titles drive me nuts!! :) So, the 2 faults are my own little idiosyncrasies and will not distract most people.

Facebook: Troy Schmidt and BH Publishing

Twitter: @troyeschmidt

Website:  BH Publishing

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.

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above 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."

Firebird by Brent McCorkle

Firebird, written by Brent McCorkle and Amy Parker, is the story of a baby oriole who loves the sunshine Each time a storm comes, Firebird gets upset and asks his mama why God allows rain. During one storm, Mama decides Firebird is old enough to find out for himself about what is on the other side of the storm. The lesson he learns is one that changes his attitude forever.

This book, written for children 4-10 years old holds profound truth that needs to be learned at an early age. Even for those of us who have learned it, sometimes we need a simple reminder. This was a easy to read book, beautifully illustrated by Rob Corley and Chuck Vollmer. The bright colors are sure to hold the attention of the younger child, and it is not too difficult for an older child to read. I like that the message should be easily comprehensible for a child to understand while reading, yet also is one that can be turned into a family discussion and teaching moment.

By the way, this is the book that Samantha Crawford writes in Unconditional (book and film) and Firebird is a perfect illustration of the premise. If you haven't read the novel by Eva Marie Everson (based on Brent McCorkle's screenplay) or seen the film, I highly recommend that you do both.



I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Unconditional by Eva Marie Everson

In Unconditional, Samantha Crawford, an acclaimed storybook artist, seemingly had it all until losing the love she cherished most. Now fighting despair, she is obsessed with tracking down the murderer of her husband. With no leads and no hope, Sam prepares to take her life until providence intervenes and she is reunited with her childhood friend, Joe Bradford.
Dying of kidney disease, Joe spends his last days serving fatherless children in an under resourced community. Observing Papa Joe's tireless love for "his kids," Sam begins to find new purpose until she comes face to face with her heart's desire. The innocence and hope of a child competes with the lure of revenge in an effort to show Sam how, even in life's darkest of circumstances, Love is above all.

I had been hearing buzz about the film for several months, so my curiosity was already piqued when I was asked if I had interest in reviewing the book. I have read several other books by Eva Marie Everson and knew I loved her style. I was not disappointed. Within the first paragraph, I was already drawn into the story and could not wait to find out what would happen next. I quickly learned to care about each of these characters and read the entire book that day.

The power of making the best use of your time and knowing God is with you each step of the way still awes me. I was also reminded of the quote I have seen in a variety of places: “Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...It's about learning to dance in the rain.” (I have seen the quote attributed to several people). I don't want to give away anything in the book, but it is one of those that has numerous characters who strike a chord within me. It also one of the few I will give a top rating to simply because...several days later, I am still thinking about these people and comparing what changes I should make in my own life to live the life God wants me to live and make the best of the circumstances I am in.

The film, Unconditional, (written by Brent McCorkle) releases this weekend, and it is one I certainly want to see! Check out the trailer for it:





To read the author's blog about writing the book, click here.
Like Unconditional on Facebook.
To learn more about Elijah's Heart (Papa Joe's ministry), you can Like on Facebook or go to the Elijah's Heart website.

This is a Must-Read book and a Must-See film!! Also, there is a children's book, Firebird. (It will be my next review.)

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book in exchange for writing a review. I was not required to write a good review. All opinions are my own.