What’s in the Bible? Review & Giveaway

Recently, I received a copy of the What’s in the Bible? Battle for the Promised Land DVD for my family to review.  I was excited to be chosen for this review opportunity, as I had seen these DVD’s promoted and reviewed elsewhere and was anxious to try them out with my own children and family. 

This particular DVD is #4 in the series but is the first one that we have seen.  Here is some general information about the DVD ---

In What’s In the Bible #4, Battle for the Promised Land, Buck Denver and cast take the viewer through Joshua, Judges, and Ruth. They also explore two more Big Questions.

From the man who made vegetables talk (and sing, dance, and tell Bible stories) comes this engaging new series that walks kids through the entire Bible! Each DVD is filled with an entertaining cast of characters that bring the most powerful Bible stories to life using humor, animation, creative storytelling, and fun songs. Join VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer on a wild and zany journey and see the world’s most amazing book come to life for a new generation.

In 1990, 24-year-old computer animator Phil Vischer sat down to create a group of characters that could teach Christian values to kids in a delightfully weird way. Hence, a tomato named Bob and a cucumber named Larry were born. VeggieTales would go on to revolutionize Christian filmmaking, selling more than 50 million videos and placing Phil's faith-filled stories in one in every three American households with young children. Phil is highly respected by key leaders across the Christian landscape, from Joel Osteen to James Dobson. His company, Jellyfish Labs, provides faith-based daily programming via the Internet at jellytelly.com. The characters from the What's in the Bible? series are featured, but the content is not specifically from the DVDs. Phil continues to pursue innovative ways to integrate faith and storytelling through Jellyfish Labs. He chose the name Jellyfish as a reminder to remain pliable to God's plans and not his own. Phil lives with his wife, Lisa, and their three kids in Illinois.

Heidi Says . . . I must say I’m impressed!  I was not a quick Veggie Tales lover – it took me some time to really start to appreciate them.  This new series by the creator of the Veggie Tales – What’s in the Bible? – is much more appealing to me. 

What a great way to introduce the Bible to your little ones!  The DVD we received focused on the books of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth.  I enjoyed the humor that was presented, and we all enjoyed the songs.  My 4-year-old LOVES music and is singing all the time.  So, I expect to be hearing these songs sung throughout out home pretty quickly!

As a homeschool mom who is trying to instill an appreciation for and knowledge of the Bible, I really appreciate this series.  Everyone learns differently, and this DVD touches on all the bases – visual, auditory, etc.  I’m anxious to see more of the series, and hopefully be able to add them to our home DVD library.  I think the benefits to my children will be great!

What do my kids think?  I’ll let my girls share their own thoughts ---

Ashley’s 2 cents . . . Although this show is geared for little kids, I found myself laughing and enjoying this as much as my younger siblings – maybe even more. I really enjoyed it. There were lots of songs that would help people learn things about the Bible. I especially like the theme song! I think that just about anyone would enjoy these movies! They were cute, for all ages!

Gracie’s thoughts . . . This DVD is good – it’s so funny.  I wouldn’t mind watching more of them.  It was a good way to learn more about the Bible and “what’s in the Bible”.  I think it would be nice to have the whole set.  You can watch them for a good laugh, while you’re also learning! 

CONTEST/GIVEAWAY

I have a certificate to give away for a FREE copy of this DVD.  If you would like to win, please tell me what most appeals to you about this video series and why you would like to add it to your family’s DVD collection.  That’s it – it’s that simple.  (Only one entry per person, please.)

I will draw a random winner next Monday, the 18th, at noon (est).  GOOD LUCK! 

If you can’t wait to see if you are the winner, you can find more information about this DVD, and the entire series (including how to order)  by visiting the What’s in the Bible? website and Tyndale House Publishers.

NOTE: I received a free copy of this DVD in exchange for my honest thoughts on it, which are shared in the above review.  I was not compensated in any other way.

Still House Pond by Jan Watson

Lilly Gray Corbett loves living on Troublesome Creek, but she would much rather play with her best friend than watch her little brother and the twins. Her mama, Copper, is often gone helping to birth babies, and Lilly has to stay home. When Aunt Alice sends a note inviting her to visit in the city, Lilly is excited to go, and Copper reluctantly agrees to let her. Later, when they hear the news that the train crashed, Copper and her husband, John, rush to find out if their daughter is injured . . . or even alive.

Jan Watson won the 2004 Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel contest for her first novel, Troublesome Creek. Her other awards include a nomination for the Kentucky Literary Award in 2006 and second place in the 2006 Inspirational Readers Choice Contest sponsored by the Faith, Hope, and Love Chapter of the Romance Writers of America. Willow Springs and Torrent Falls are the sequels to Troublesome Creek. Jan was a registered nurse for 25 years at Central Baptist Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. She incorporated her nursing experience in the hospital's mother/baby unit into her novels. Jan resides in Kentucky.

Heidi Says . . . When I ordered this book for review, I thought it was a stand-alone novel.  It wasn’t until I was about 1/2 way through the book and read the author information at the back of the book, that I realized that this book is part of a series called the Troublesome Creek series.  Still House Pond is actually the 5th book in this series, which also consists of Troublesome Creek, Willow Springs, Torrent Falls, and Sweetwater Run.   Though this book worked fine as a stand-alone novel and I had no problem with getting to know the characters, I am a bit anal and would have preferred to read the other 4 books first. 

That being said, I really enjoyed Still House Pond.  I could relate to Copper’s overprotectiveness of Lilly.  Having a 16-year-old daughter who is (almost) ready to set out in this world on her own, I really felt Copper’s anxiety about putting Lilly on a train to  visit her aunt.  I also enjoyed the character of Lilly and many of the supporting characters in the book.

Though I’d recommend Still House Pond, I might suggest reading the other books in the series first. 

NOTE: I received a free copy of this book from the Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for sharing my honest review. No other compensation was received.

I (heart) God’s Green Earth by Michael and Caroline Carroll

I Love God’s Green Earth
Devotions Encouraging Kids to Care for God’s Creation

“Ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God” (Romans 1:20, NLT). If God’s creation is a testament to his existence, we must do a better job of taking care of it.

Children are often the family’s biggest proponents of recycling. They love working on practical projects that take care of the Earth. Michael and Caroline Carroll want to encourage these ecofriendly kids to continue caring for the planet. That’s the message in their new book, I Love God’s
Green Earth (Tyndale Kids, March 2010).

I Love God’s Green Earth includes 90 devotions that teach kids how creation care can draw them closer to God. Each devotion includes a Scripture verse, a “Connection” section to apply the biblical and environmental lesson, and a “What Can I Do?” section with practical ways kids can take action in response to what they’ve learned. Fun facts and jokes will keep kids interested while teaching them more about the environment and conservation.

Michael Carroll is a science writer who has authored books and articles for magazines all over the world, including Odyssey and Clubhouse. He enjoys teaching art to kids in elementary to high school.

Caroline Carroll is a librarian who works daily with preschool- through high school–age children. The Carrolls have cowritten several books for kids, including the Gold Medallion finalist Dinosaurs (Cook 2000) and Tyndale’s Absolutely Awesome books (2000 and 2001). The Carrolls and their two children live in Littleton, Colorado.

This is a great devotional book for kids.  Even if you’re not really “into” the whole “environmentally friendly” lifestyle, there’s something in this book for you and your kids.

I like the way this devotional book is laid out.  Each day’s lesson starts with a Scripture verse.  Using Day 49 as an example --- the verse is Ephesians 2:19.  Following the verse is the main text for the day.  Day 49 is entitled “Monkeying Around” and is about the rhesus monkeys in New Delhi, India (do a Google search to learn more!)  Next is the Connection section – this section ties the Scripture verse and text together and applies it to a child’s life – Day 49’s Connection talks about the feeling of not fitting in (I think every child – and adult – has experienced that feeling once or twice!)  Next comes the What Can I Do? section – these ideas are all based on “r” words – such as reuse, recycle, reduce, rethink, respect, reflect, and relay.  Day 49’s contains some questions for reflection. Some days include recycling and repurposing ideas and other simple ways that children can help respect the environment. 

Some days include Fun or Crazy Facts (which are fun trivia facts), other facts, Jokes, News Flash, or websites for further information or research.  Day 49’s devotional includes a Startling Fact and some Jokes.

Q. Where does a monkey go if he loses his tail?
A. The retail store.

To read the first chapter of this book, click here.  Check out Amazon.com or Christianbook.com to purchase.

I received this book, free of charge, from Tyndale Blog Network,
in exchange for my honest thoughts and review.

The Busy Couple's Guide to Sharing the Work & the Joy by Kathy Peel

I have to admit that I have not completely read through this book - yet - but I do intend to.  It just seemed like such a perfect book for a family to start off a new year with - developing new habits in the way they schedule housework and fun - so I wanted to share right away.  This book certainly ties right in with my goal to SIMPLIFY our lives and our household this year.

Truthfully, I wish someone had given me this book 19 years - before I got married.  It's amazing how, over the years, you can realize how very different you are from your spouse when it comes to your thoughts and ideas on how things should be managed in your household.  Much of that stems from upbringing.  In The Busy Couple's Guide ... Kathy Peel talks you through all that.  The book even includes worksheets to work through with your spouse that will help you discuss your thoughts on certain areas and why you feel that way.  It will help you learn how to best join your ideas into one way that will be workable for both of you, and your whole family. 

One area that I admit that I struggle in is getting my children to help with daily chores around the house.  I don't know why - I just have trouble designating responsibilities out (I guess because I'm particular about how things get done).  In any case, this book helps with that!  I also hate talking about money (Brian though, who is a bookkeeper, loves it).   This book helps with that as well - there are discussion ideas for discovering your family's "financial policy", seven financial mistakes to avoid,  and various worksheets to lead your family to financial success (without stress).

Some other areas of this book that I'm looking forward to reading more in depth are the managing relationships with family and friends and managing YOURSELF (I need that one!)

This is a book that you can pick up and read through from beginning and end, or you can pick and choose which sections you want to read, in which order, depending on your immediate needs.  Men will appreciate the extra notes dispersed throughout the book, compliments of Kathy's husband, Bill Peel.  Another fun feature are the extra tidbits of information in the sidebars of the book - these are under headings such as "from the heart", "good to know", "smart move", "tech tip", and "caution!" 

If you want to start 2010 off with some new habits for your family - things to make your lives and your household more manageable, then I would recommend The Busy Couple's Guide to Sharing the Work & the Joy. 

Here is some more information about the book and it's author:
List Price: 16.99

ISBN: 978-1-4143-1620-8

Trim Size: 6 7/8 x 9 1/4

Binding: Softcover

Release: January 2010

Are you married to your housekeeping opposite? Feeling overworked and underappreciated? Struggling to agree on how a house “should” be run? America’s Family Manager and award-winning author Kathy Peel can help! In The Busy Couple’s Guide to Sharing the Work and the Joy, Kathy offers a much-needed look at a common area of division between couples: running a household. You’ll find tools to fairly divvy up parenting and household duties; teambuilding techniques for surviving and thriving amidst financial downturns; and steps to growing stronger in your faith as a family. Plus special “advice to guys” in each chapter from Bill Peel! This book is packed full of empowering steps you can take today to restore joy to your marriage, order to your home, and peace to daily life.

Kathy Peel is founder and CEO of Family Manager, a company that trains women in the art of family management. She has written 21 books, selling more than 2 million copies. Her latest works are The Busy Couples Guide to Sharing the Work and the Joy, The Busy Mom's Guide to a Happy, Organized Home (winner of the 2009 Gold Mom's Choice Award) and Desperate Households. She is AOL's Kids & Family Coach, and she contributes to many publications, including FamilyFun, Parents, Woman's World, Family Circle, and HomeLife. A popular speaker and media personality, Kathy's Family Manager makeover stories have appeared on programs such as Oprah, The Early Show, The Today Show, and HGTV.

NOTE: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers, in exchange for my honest thoughts on it.