It’s the million dollar question–why would a loving, kind God allow horrible things to happen–especially to people who love and serve Him? Inspired by the death of Cameron’s close friend who succumbed to cancer at the age of 15, Kirk Cameron takes viewers on an inspiring and hope-filled visual journey to better understand the biggest doubt-raising question in faith: “Where is God in the midst of tragedy and suffering?”
Still working on wrapping up your Christmas shopping? You in luck because over the next several days I’ll be giving you some great ideas to make sure your gifts will be amazing ones as I wrap up my Christmas Gift Guide for this year!
Today for the Music Lover on your list I’m recommending the newest CD from Hawk Nelson, Made.
When I first got this cd in hubby took one look at the cover and said, “Oh–so they’re all hipster main stream now, are they?” And yes, I admit at first glance, and even at first listen, Hawk Nelson seems to have taken the turn that many of their counterparts have in turning away from their original hard edge rock-punk vibe and falling into the trend of high selling, crowd pleasing, punk pop, worship music vibes.
I’m not sure how an avid reader like me somehow missed the memo–but until recently I was unaware that there was actually a wide variety of Biblical Fiction to choose from! I’ve always loved Biblical fiction and really enjoyed stories like Ben Hur and The Bronze Bow, and even wrote a short biblical fiction story of my own for young authors when I was in elementary school!
As I’ve mentioned before my favorite kind of preschool activity books are the write-on, wipe-off kind! Not only is it much easier for kids to be able to master things when they’re able to repeat them, these books, when made well, are perfect for passing along to siblings!
Thanks to my Mother-in-Law a few years ago I was introduced to the O’Malley Series by Dee Henderson. She gave me the books to read through and I laughed, smiled, and zipped through them quickly. After I finished the series one thing that bothered me. I felt that since Jennifer O’Malley was such a central character to the entire plot of the series it was a shame that we got to see the love stories of the rest of the family–but we completely missed hers other than the few times it’s represented throughout the series.
Because of this sentiment I was so happy when I found out that Dee Henderson was coming out with Jennifer’s story–the story behind the series. I was also curious how much it would include, when it would start and stop, and how the relationship between Jennifer and Tom would begin.
I have really been enjoying the Candle Children’s Book series–especially their workbooks like My Very First Noah’s Ark Playtime and My Very First Easter Story Sticker Book. I hadn’t gotten a chance to check out any of their painting books before now, and since painting is one of Amber’s very favorite things I was looking forward to seeing how Bible Stories Painting Book 2 
This vacation has been a little bit different, as we have been spending most of our days over at my Grandma’s house. While the extra time with her has been great it’s also meant that I’ve been left scrambling to come up with things to occupy my kiddos in a small space without a lot of resources.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal
As a female I’m allowed to vote, allowed to go to college.
Across the ocean a woman my same age dares not even voice her opinion on politics, for fear of retribution–she’s not supposed to have an opinion. She has no education beyond the minimum, because she has no “need” for it.
I was blessed in that I spent virtually all my life growing up in church. Sunday morning, sunday night, church camp, youth group–you name it, I was there! And while this was a huge blessing for me, it also is super easy to fall into a rut when you’re spoon fed “the right answers” your whole life. It’s easy to see church as a chore and Christianity as one big long list of what you can do and what you can’t do. So when I heard about Ryan & Josh Shook and their book Firsthand: Ditching Secondhand Religion for a Faith of Your Own 
If you hadn’t picked up on it by now, I’m a teensy bit picky when it comes to my kids entertainment! I have raised more than one eyebrow at my Mom-in-Law and hubby for what I’ve walked into on the TV–simply because it wasn’t educational enough or for some other minor reason!
I’m always on the lookout for great shows that I can feel confident about my kids watching, so when I heard that Superbook was back and better than ever I knew we’d be checking it out. I love shows that take Biblical stories and make them fun and relevant for kids. I was super happy to see that even though they are originally from the Christian Broadcast Network they’ll actually be airing on ABC Family this Summer! Here is the listing in case you’d like to check them out!
ABC Family Airings – 9:30 a.m. EDT:
July 1st – In the Beginning: Adam and Eve
July 2nd – Let My People Go: Moses
July 3rd – The First Christmas
July 4th – He Is Risen: the Resurrection of Jesus
July 5th – Revelation
Watch for my review of the series coming soon and in the meantime you can also check out the Superbook Website for more information!
When it comes to pretty much anything I love getting “the most bang for my buck”. This applies to children’s work books and storybooks, as well! I usually look for books that can be reused over and over again–like dry erase books can–or ones that can be used again once they’re all done playing with them–like workbooks that double as story books or have games, recipes, or activities that can be done over and over again. Books that are the best combine any number of the above items, and of course have to be good quality and cute as well. What can I say–I have high standards!
My Very First Noah’s Ark Playtime: Activity Book With Stickers 
