Quotes to Live By

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.
(John Quincy Adams)

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit. (Aristotle)

Every artist was first an amateur. (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude. (Thomas Jefferson)

It takes ten years to build up a reputation, but only five minutes to ruin one. (Anonymous)

Saturday, December 24, 2016

Bible Stories for the Little Ones

Bible Stories for God’s Little Lambs is a storybook Bible written just for little ones. With a padded cover and simple, accessible text by Julie Stiegemeyer, children will learn about God’s love through stories such as Noah’s Ark, Jonah and the Big Fish, and Jesus Welcomes the Children. With soft brushstrokes and warm colors, Qin Leng provides illustrations readers will love to cuddle up with at bedtime or any ti

I was quite suspicious of this book when I ordered this book for review. I thought the illustrations would seem too 'Asian', but my fears were quelled when I received this book. Even though the illustrations don't pop as much, I'm giving it away as a prize in my treasure box at work.

The students I work with are not Christian, but because their parents value the advanced academics, their child is also learning about Jesus. Also, because I'm not a core teacher, I do not have the opportunity to talk as much about Jesus as I would like to.

Therefore, some of these books that I review for free on booklookbloggers will help me out in spreading the Word of God.

A Minute a Day for Men

In these days, I have met many young men with no purpose or goal in life. It's already frightening that they have graduated from college with a degree in their non-paying interest, but now they are becoming an adult that cruises along from job to job because of their lack of decision-making.

How does this relate to this devotional book? Plenty! I reviewed this book from Tyndale for free because there is a coworker's son that is going through the same above problem. I have never personally met him, but have seen him from afar. He needs God to push him in the right direction. I feel this book would make a great after Christmas gift for him. 

A Minute of Vision for Men is an investment in a different sort of life—one with vision, purpose, and integrity. This book will help you connect with your purpose. It’s written so that you can start your day on the right foot, focused on what matters the most.

Start each day with a potent, daily dose of vision for your life.

The only reason I didn't give this book a 5-star rating was because the book is not really in-depth about the characteristics of God and it doesn't talk in a way that Christian men would expect, but it does take a secular approach to talking to our young men about God. 

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Love is all Around

Where does love hide? Love hides in all different kinds of places. In this heartwarming board book, children will come to find that there are lots of different ways to show love.

Love is hugs and kisses or love is in the form of helping hands. Love is volunteering and love is also comforting those around us or making friends.

Each page includes a memory verse and an example of a way to share God’s love. In life, children hear the words “I love you” repeatedly, often beginning before birth. However, because love is an abstract concept and young children are concrete thinkers, they must gradually learn to understand love by what they experience. In Where Does Love Hide? Children
are given the opportunity to see love in action and learn what love looks like.

I got this book for free at Tyndale Blog Network.

Girls to the Rescue

Does your daughter or niece want to be a superhero? This is a great audio series just for girls! Listen at home or in the car for high-flying adventures with great sound effects and more!

Batgirl has always hidden in the shadows—but does she have what it takes to stand in the spotlight at Super Hero High?

Barbara Gordon has always been an off-the-charts, just-forget-about-the-test super-genius and tech whiz, and then she gets the offer of a lifetime when Supergirl recognizes that Barbara’s talents make her an ideal candidate for Super Hero High. Donning the cape and cowl, Barbara Gordon becomes Batgirl, ready to train at the most elite school on the planet, next to some of the most powerful teenagers in the galaxy. She’s always had the heart of a hero . . . but now she’ll have to prove that she can be one. Good thing she loves a challenge!

Award-winning author Lisa Yee brings mystery, thrills, and laughs to this groundbreaking series that follows DC Comics most iconic female Super Heroes and Super-Villains. Move over Batman™ and Superman™—the DC Super Hero Girls are ready to save the day and have fun doing it!

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Lots of Love

It's the perfect read-aloud for children, parents, and educators everywhere. It's an especially good read if helping others is your underlying character that the child is studying.

Lots of Love celebrates all the ways we show love—from hugs and kisses to sharing and helping others. The sweet rhymes and whimsical artwork in this board book illustrate the special bonds of love between families and friends. Perfect for young children, this book will make you want to snuggle with your little one as you two explore the greatest blessing of all—love!

The book can be read at school because it is not easily damaged and lots of students would benefit from reading a book that doesn't tear when the page turns.

Available on Amazon for purchase on Dec. 27th! 

Saturday, December 10, 2016

Leather-Bound Grace

The devotional that has touched millions of lives with inspirational thoughts for every day
is now available in a gorgeous new package, and large, easy-to-read type.

Grace for the Moment offers inspiring devotions to grow in your faith as you embrace the hope of the Lord every day. Each daily reading features devotional writings from Max’s numerous bestsellers as well as a Scripture verse selected especially for each day's reading.

This deluxe, large edition of the classic devotional makes a beautiful gift to commemorate a special occasion. It offers a leather flex cover, beautifully designed pages with large type, and a ribbon marker.

Whether you already know and love Grace for the Moment or you’re looking for a new way to draw near to the Lord, this gorgeous, deluxe version will inspire your heart.

When the first thought entered my mind, I brushed it off as a coffee book to be looked at, while sipping a small teacup, but after looking at it again, I feel this would be a timeless treasure that should be passed down from generation to generation.

It has the feel of a family Bible, worn from handling and read over and over again. I initially thought to give it away after reviewing it, but on second thought, I will just keep it in my family to ensure that we are instilling wisdom and grace on our future generations.

Sunday, December 4, 2016

Unlocking Your Dream

Many college graduates are now chasing after their dream. They don't know what their dream is, but they want to find it. I have seen this evident in this new generation as they go into college.

Dreams have long taken place since the immigrants of past, present and future have come to realize America as. This is the promised land for the young and the old as they escape their old lives.

In Unlock Your Dream Philip Wagner will inspire you to engage in life’s greatest quest: discovering and reaching God’s purpose and dreams for your life. You’ll be empowered, equipped, and freed to give life to your dreams and to live with joy and expectation for an adventurous future.

“God gave you a specific desire, an assignment to complete, and it’s something that will be larger than you, but it’s something that will fulfill you completely. He allows us to be a part of His redeeming work, bringing a lost world back into communion with Him. God has a dream for our world, for humanity, and He has a dream for you and me. We have the capacity to reach those dreams, but it’s crucial that our desires lead us to the God-dream for our lives... Our greatest pursuit will be that dream.”   —Philip Wagner

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come. 
Thy will be done in earth, 
As it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive them that trespass against us. 
And lead us not into temptation, 
But deliver us from evil. 
For thine is the kingdom, 
The power, and the glory, 
For ever and ever. 
Amen.

This timeless prayer is now available for kids as it illustrates what the prayer means. It's a great book to get for this Christmas season as so many youngsters have lost the true meaning of Christmas as Santa comes to town. 
This iconic prayer is paired with flowing illustrations by award-winning artist Richard Jesse Watson and thoughtful insights by bestselling author Rick Warren, resulting in a book that rejuvenates the familiar prayer for a younger audience. Using poetic scripture from the King James Version, The Lord’s Prayer: Words of Hope and Happiness helps familiarize children with real biblical text while also presenting contemporary illustrations and insightful words that make this beautiful prayer come alive.

Monday, November 21, 2016

Shaken for Life

Are you in a slump or a rut and you don't know the next step? Fear not! Tim Tebow knows how you feel. 

You may be scoffing now. How does Tim Tebow know how I feel? He's famous and I'm a nobody. I've been rejected over and over by many people and Tebow has friends to support him everywhere he goes.

But have you heard that saying? The further you are promoted, the further you fall? No!? I will let you in on a little secret. I actually made that saying up. BUT, there is a saying like that somewhere else. 

In this powerful book, Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow passionately shares glimpses of his journey staying grounded in the face of disappointment, criticism, and intense media scrutiny. Following an exceptional college football career with the Florida Gators and a promising playoff run with the Denver Broncos, Tebow was traded to the New York Jets. He was released after one season.

In Shaken, Tebow talks about what he’s learned along the way, building confidence in his identity in God, not the world. This moving book also features practical wisdom from Scripture and insights gained from others who have impacted Tebow in life-changing ways.

Though traveling hard roads is not easy, it’s always worth it!

You may still be skeptical, but because I'm a member of Tebow's launch team, I have a freebie for you: a download of his first chapter

AND.... his book is on sale TODAY! Two reasons why you should buy a copy (or two) of Shaken today:

1) Shaken is a great read! Get the scoop on Tim's time in the NFL...some of the challenges he's faced...and how his identity has stayed grounded in in God and not in this world!

2) Shaken makes the perfect gift! Give the gift of faith, hope, and love to your son, daughter, mom, dad, grandparent, coach, teacher, pastor, minister, neighbor, or friend!
 
What people are saying about Shaken:

“Tim Tebow is not an athlete—athlete is what Tim fills in on his tax return. That does not begin to tell the story of who he is. Tim is a role model, an inspiration to those who have a dream and are willing to accept life as a journey full of ups and downs.”
—Jon Bon Jovi, singer-songwriter

“Shaken shows us a side of Tim Tebow that we’ve never gotten to see before. In this book, Tim comes alongside his reader and says, ‘I’ve been there too,’ and proceeds to show us how God is faithful even when our entire lives feel shaken to the core.”
—Mark Batterson, pastor and author of Chase The Lion

“Tim is a remarkable example of one who combines strength and boldness with kindness and compassion, and I’m always encouraged to hear of how he is using his tremendous platform to share the love and truth of our Lord with those who need it most.”
—Ravi Zacharias, apologist, author, and president of RZIM

“Tim has always inspired me with his dedication to grow and improve in all aspects of life, especially his faith. With this book, Tim encourages readers to keep moving and stay strong while battling life’s obstacles.”
—Cam Newton, quarterback for the Carolina Panthers

“Whether or not you’ve followed Tim’s career, Shaken speaks to something we’ve all had to deal with—trusting God when the plans for our lives don’t work out as we expected. Tim shares his journey from the Broncos to the Jets to the Patriots and beyond with refreshing honesty. He comes alongside us as a friend and gives us hope for the days our lives take an unexpected turn. I am so grateful to call Tim my friend; his life and passion constantly inspire me! Whatever Tim does he does with all his heart, and this book reflects that incredible commitment! I love Tim, and by the end of this book, you will too!”
—Judah Smith, lead pastor of the City Church 

“Shaken is everyone’s story. All of us know what it is to experience the best of days and the lowest of days. For Tim, he’s lived those days in public. I have the privilege to call Tim my friend and can tell you that with him, what you see is what you get, which seems rare these days! I appreciate how real and raw Tim is with his own struggles. In Shaken you will find great encouragement for your own life and faith.”
—Chris Tomlin, worship leader and songwriter

I got this advanced copy free of charge and I am not paid to endorse this product. 

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Growing Up Social

As a school technologist in a private school, I have seen more and more children come into my classroom with knowledge of social media already ingrained in them from their home environment as well as the many nuances from the advertisements.

Even though they have the skills to be tech-savvy, they aren't aware of the potential dangers that social media may present themselves in a variety of ways.

That's where this book comes in handy. Growing up Social, Gary Chapman and Arlene Pellicane will empower you with the tools you need to make positive changes . . . starting today. Through stories, wit, and wisdom, you’ll discover how to take back your home from an overdependence on screens. Plus, you’ll learn to teach the five A+ skills that every child needs to master: affection, appreciation, anger management, apology, and attention.

Learn how to:

Replace mindless screen time with meaningful family time
Establish simple boundaries that make a huge difference
Discover what's working for families that have become screen savvy
Equip your child to be relationally rich in a digital world
Learn healthy ways to occupy your child while you get things done
Now is the time to equip your child with a healthy involvement with screens and an even healthier involvement with others.

Saturday, November 12, 2016

Raising a Young Modern-Day Princess

How? That would the question that is pondered upon from every parent who have brought several hundred books on parenting.

How can I make sure my young princess is being raised in a social media world where one little comment could produce nasty violent outbursts of people wanting to hurt and kill you?

How can I guide my child through this society where one vote could go haywire and cause the United States to divide?

Emulating the format of Raising a Modern-Day Princess, authors Doreen Hanna and Karen Whiting seek to help parents and grandparents cultivate strong relationships and encourage the spiritual formation in their daughters using examples, Bible teaching on the fruit of the Spirit, and a variety of creative activities that are based on Galatians 5:22-23, the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control).

By implementing the ideas in this book, mothers (as well as fathers) will be equipped to understand and guide their daughters through each step of becoming His “princess.” This will include perceiving a daughter’s unique personality and gifts, refining her character through training and discipline, and modeling the attributes of a daughter of the King.

This book is a follow-up to both Raising a Modern-Day Knight (by Robert Lewis) and Raising a Modern-Day Princess by Pam Farrel and Doreen Hanna. While the latter book is aimed at parents of girls ages 12 and up, this book focuses on building the Christian character of younger girls.

Christmas Letters from God

This timeless book written for children can be passed down from generation to generation to come. Because our society is so entrenched in Santa Claus and wishlists, our future generations are surrounded by materialism and is getting more and more narcissistic.

Written for children ages four to eight, Christmas Love Letters from God cleverly combines both prose and poetry as the story of Jesus’ birth unfolds. The book includes seven stories, beginning with Isaiah’s prophecy and ending with the visit of the wise men. Following each story, the child will find his or her own letter from God, folded into a small envelope attached to the page. Each letter begins with a space in which to write the child’s name, so each one can be specially addressed to the child.

Written as if God is speaking, each personalized message gives the young reader a sense of wonder as they discover anew the Christmas holiday and the birth of Jesus. A very special Bible verse, entitled God’s Perfect Promise, also accompanies each story and letter as God’s personal words of love, promise, and hope.

I love that this book speaks to the children as though God wrote it for them. In fact, I have the other book in this series called Love Letters from God and it is a boundless treasure for my future children someday.

Reality Check: Music Industry

Gone are the days where one good song will set you up for life as a singer. Instead, there are hoops to jump through to even get into the music industry. Unless you know someone, you are pretty much stuck.

In this book, you’ll learn:

-  How many musicians have seized do-it-yourself internet opportunities to create successful business models,
-  How the royalty pie is sliced—and who gets the pieces,
-  How the fundamentals of music publishing, producing, managing, touring, and the record industry apply more than ever,
-  Why this book is the indispensable guide to the worldwide music industry,
-  How corporate general counsels can educate their employees (and themselves) to understand the strictures of copyright law and to avoid trouble,
-  And much more.

What's more is the timeless insight that you will want to share over and over again with your loved ones and friends about the music industry.

Sunday, October 2, 2016

A Job Seeker's Guide to Life

The world's most popular job-search book is updated for 2017 to tailor its long-trusted guidance with up-to-the-minute information and advice for today's job-hunters and career-changers.

In today's challenging job-market, the time-tested advice of What Color Is Your Parachute? is needed more than ever. Recent grads facing a tough economic landscape, workers laid off mid-career, and people searching for an inspiring work-life change all look to career guru Richard N. Bolles for support, encouragement, and advice on which job-hunt strategies work--and which don't. This revised and updated edition combines classic elements like the famed Flower Exercise with updated tips on social media and search tactics.

I didn't read this book from start to finish. Rather, I picked and read sections as needed in my immediate life. Because I think of this book as a reference. You wouldn't read a reference book from start to finish and this book can't be read like that either.

Rather, I chose sections of it to practice and then came back and read a few more sections. That way, my mind could process the information and it would help me apply it to my life.

Adult Kids' Bible with Devotionals

I love this new version of a Bible much better because it follows the Bible in chronological order, but it has cute, relational devotions after very few pages which are down-to-earth and related with kids in this day and age.

Engaging weekday devotions, fun weekend activities, interesting illustrations, and a dictionary make this a Bible they’ll want to read and apply to their lives. It includes the complete New International Reader’s Version (NIrV)—the stepping stone to the NIV—making it easier for young readers to read and understand.

Features include: • Short weekday devotions that help young readers apply Bible lessons for a full year. • 52 weekend devotions that teach kids about God’s creation through fun activities like visiting the zoo and gazing at the stars. • “Got It” feature that encourages kids to find answers to Bible trivia themselves. • Book introductions that give helpful information about each book of the Bible. • A dictionary to look up words they want to know more about. • The complete NIrV text, which uses shorter sentences and easier words.

Kids can read this Bible on their own!

Monday, August 22, 2016

How to be Smart

Every child wants to be smart. Parents all over the world want their child to stand on top of the world. There are a lot of 'best practices' and methods to parenting. But how do you teach a child to be the smartest? What scale should we use?

Dr. Kathy Koch loves seeing children flourish and helping parents make it happen—and it’s never too late to start. Now is the time to help your child be all that God designed him or her to be.

Find hope in 8 Great Smarts. You’ll be empowered and equipped with new language and creative ideas for how to:

Accept and affirm your child’s unique smarts
Motivate your child to learn and study with all 8 smarts
Reawaken any "paralyzed" smarts
Redirect misbehavior in new, constructive ways
Guide your child spiritually, relationally, and to a good career fit

By providing a clear explanation of the eight kinds of intelligence and how to nurture these “smarts” in our kids, Kathy is helping pave the way for a lifetime of success and fulfillment as kids learn to master their unique skills and God-given callings.


Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Grateful Hearts

“I think the trick to having a thankful heart is thinking about the things that make us happy, rather than the things that don’t.”

In this heartwarming story between a mom and a son, they explore how to give thanks for things around them and being content.

In this day and age, children of society are being raised in a "me" environment where everything is about self expression. If I feel like it, I will do it. 

In an article I read this morning, a 12 year old is criticized for hunting big game. Even though I don't condone her actions and do not agree with her opinions, I still do not feel like I should judge her for her actions. 

Rather than pointing fingers, we should feel content for the things around us. 

This inviting addition to the best-selling God Gave Us series, helps little ones to understand how giving thanks warms hearts and brings joy.

More than Gold

The summer Olympics are happening again and this time, it's in Brazil! Time and time again, the headline news flash different athletes as happy or sad, winning gold, silver or bronze for their country.

Countrymen are on the edge of their seats, cheering for their representatives as they make a mark across history. Is this wrong? Of course not! Is this the top priority in life? Of course! Or is it?

David Boudia begs to differ. Although in his early career, he did chase after the gold just as these current athletes are.

What's the difference?

In the intervening years, he’d changed the focus of his quest from seeking glory for himself to giving glory to God. In Greater Than Gold, Boudia provides a behind-the-scenes access to the rarefied world of world-class athletics while also showing readers that when they place their hope in God, they receive what they’ve been seeking all along.

Read about how one of America’s most heralded young divers, David Boudia twice went for Olympic gold, training obsessively and whole-heartedly for success. In his first Olympics, he failed miserably, not winning a single medal. Four years later saw a different story: he mounted the podium twice, winning both gold and bronze.


Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Korean Recipes!

Imagine! Korean recipes in graphic novel form! I loved it from the moment I opened the book. I actually wanted to review it because my brother loves eating Korean food and I got the book for him.

He didn't actually read it so I read it. It had all the recipes I ever wanted and how to do it in picture form. This is much better than word form. Sometimes you have no idea how a recipe would turn out, but it is nice to see how the person is making it step by step in color!

In these playful but exact recipes, you’ll learn how to create everything from easy kimchi (mak kimchi) and soy garlic beef over rice (bulgogi dupbap) to seaweed rice rolls (gimbap) and beyond. Friendly and inviting, Cook Korean! is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike who want to try their hand at this wildly popular cuisine.

One Big Turkey

I'm fond of board books now. One Big Turkey is no difference. I love how the board books feel: hard and smooth with lots of cutesy pictures and full color! I love that the words and sentences are short and brief.

Children will count along with big turkey, squirrel, and their forest friends all the reasons they have to be grateful. Sweet, rhyming text will help children count everything they have to be thankful for, including food, friends, full tummies, and most of all, God! This board book presents parents with an adorable and simple way to teach their children about giving thanks.

With sweet rhyming verse, lots of fun images to count, and warm, charming artwork, this book will surely be a favorite every holiday season!

Saturday, July 23, 2016

Motivated in Drawing

For the first time, the mere sight of a pencil and a blank piece of paper is not as daunting after reading this book. Because I'm a fan of educational graphic novels, I loved the easy pace that the book provides for me. By looking and practicing with the main character of the book, drawing doesn't seem so scary anymore.

As a child, I have envied people who can doodle and when they doodle, it looks like a work of art. When asked to doodle, I draw a complete blank. I would rather jump off a diving board at that moment when asked to draw anything.

In The Drawing Lesson, you’ll meet David—a young boy who wants nothing more than to learn how to draw. Luckily for David, he’s just met Becky—his helpful drawing mentor. Page by page, Becky teaches David (and you!) about the essential fundamentals that artists need in order to master drawing, all in a unique visual format. In panel after panel, Crilley provides lessons on shading, negative space, creating compositions, and more, with accompanying exercises that you can try for yourself.

Pumpkin Patch Blessings

Pumpkin Patch Blessings celebrates fall and shows little ones there are blessings all around us, especially in the pumpkin patch! The sweet rhyming text by Kim Washburn and whimsical illustrations by Jacqueline East bring autumn alive for readers young and old as they take in the fun of the fall season and remember how much they have to be grateful for.

This sweet board book was the highlight of my day even though I am not of the age to read such a book. The illustrations were soft and sweet. Even my mom enjoyed looking at these illustrations and hearing the AB rhyme scheme of the words.

If you enjoy reading this post, I invite you to be a booklook blogger with me.

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Becoming a Woman of Excellence

Today there are very few women of excellence anymore. The news are plastered with women who are known for their jail time, their sobriety issues, their marriage, divorces and nudity.

There are very few women who strive to become biblically excellent nowadays. Is there any wonder where our children are learning from?

 If you’re hungry for God’s perspective on success in a society that bombards you with conflicting demands, feed on the truths of God’s Word that you’ll discover in these pages. You will not only learn to “approve the things that are excellent” but will also experience the joy of becoming God’s woman of excellence. This bestselling topical Bible study has helped over one million women over the past 30 years, and is newly revised and updated so today’s women can discover who God designed them to be in this day and age. Written by Navigator author and Bible teacher Cynthia Heald, the 11 sessions in this Bible study explore what your identity in Christ is and how you can best serve Him.

Society beckons us to succeed―to achieve excellence in our appearance, our earning power, our family life. God Himself also beckons us to be women of excellence.

Yankee Heroine

I have to admit it. I love stories of females dressing up as males as I've thought about doing the same. Although I have on one occasion done it in college, my days are over where I had dreams of becoming an undercover agent in the FBI.

This book had great pacing and great characters who were well thought out.

She hid from her past to find a future—and landed on enemy soil. When soldier Caitlin McKae wakes up in Atlanta, the Georgian doctor who treats her believes Caitlin’s only secret is that she had been fighting for the South disguised as a man. In order to avoid arrest or worse, Caitlin hides her true identity and makes a new life for herself in Atlanta as a governess for the daughter of Noah Becker—on the brink of his enlistment with the Rebel army. Though starvation rules, and Sherman rages, she will not run again. In a land shattered by strife and suffering, a Union veteran and a Rebel soldier test the limits of loyalty and discover the courage to survive.

This story gripped me from page 5 to the end. Of course you hear about readers raving from beginning to end, I was trying to find my bearings as I read the first few pages. But the story was worth it. I was drawn into the plot and found myself rooting for Caitlin McKae by the end.

I got this book for free from MP Newsroom!

The Good News Bible

This is the Bible that all CEF (Children Evangelism Fellowship) youth missionaries should get one. I remember vividly that highlighting was part of the preparation of teaching the good news stories to neighborhood children and the panic of not bringing a highlighter with me. Now there is a Bible that actually has all of the highlighted verses and the work is cut in half for us all!

Over 1600 passages are color-coded on important faith themes. The first New King James Version for Kids highlighted in full-color, this Bible will be simple for kids to read and understand.

With topics arranged by color, you will learn about salvation and how to put God’s word into your daily faith walk. The topics/colors are:





Gold: God

Navy: Sin, evil,

Red: Jesus

Orange: washed clean from sin, new life

Green: growth in your new life as a Christian and Faith Walk

Blue: Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving

Purple: Heaven

A vibrant 64 pages in the beginning of the Bible will explain the color system as well as offer expanded study help features especially for a child’s creative and imaginative mind!

The large, readable type, bold in-text subject headings, individual Bible book introductions, and color-highlighted verses all make this Bible a fantastic purchase for any child!

Full of bright colors, memorization aids, and the never-ending truth of God’s Good News, the Color Code Bible is an exciting new way to study God’s Word for everybody.

Sunday, June 26, 2016

Parenting with God

Have you ever wondered about children with disabilities and how their parents raised them to be independent adults?

Have you heard of Nick Vujicic and thought how his childhood was like or how his parents raised him to be such a God-fearing man and above all, how was he raised so that he can marry a wonderful woman of God?

“You may lack limbs, but don't let that define what you can or can't do.”

That’s the life-changing advice Boris Vujicic spoke to his son, Nick, who was born without arms or legs. With the help of his parents, Nick has become an internationally-known inspirational speaker, a best-selling author, the founder of the non-profit organization Life Without Limbs and, most importantly, a loving and responsible husband and father himself.

But Nick’s journey didn’t start there. Raising the Perfectly Imperfect Child is the inspiring, powerfully transparent story of how two unprepared and overwhelmed parents–Boris and Dushka Vujicic–overcame their grief, fears, and badly shaken faith to raise such an accomplished, faith-filled, and perfectly imperfect son.

Through their stories, Boris offers practical advice and encouragement for all parents facing a “new normal” when raising a special needs or unique child. With transparency and tenderness, he addresses the spiritual, emotional, and financial challenges, as well as offering insight on how to equip a child for happiness and success in life.

Your Guide to What Special Needs Kids Need Most: Love, Roots, and Wings

A Special…Rewarding Journey

Told from the perspective of a humble father, who at times questioned God and his own worthiness, this book addresses the unique challenges of raising a special needs child.

Facing a mountain of doubts and debt, the Vujicics feared their son would never be able to get out of bed, let alone receive an education, support himself, or have a family of his own. And they questioned how a loving Father in heaven could have allowed this to happen.

Yet once they gave up their narrow expectations for the perfect child, their imperfect son taught them that there are no limits to what a determined, faith-filled, and unstoppable individual can accomplish with the help of supportive parents and a caring God.

Boris candidly addresses this family’s journey as Nick becomes aware of–and overcomes–the extent of his disabilities, as well as bullying, despair, and suicidal impulses. Other challenges included the stress a child with a disability put on their marriage and the need to not neglect the needs of their other children.

Overflowing with inspiration and practical advice, Raising the Perfectly Imperfect Child helps everyone understand that they can find the strength to give a child what is needed, despite the challenges faced.  And the results include the rewards of a satisfying and joyful spiritual life.

Bible by the Handle

Have your children ever wanted a handle for their Bible? Now is the time to get this one, featuring a plastic handle for your kids to carry their Bible around! The best part is that the Bible is a board book so spills can be easily wiped off and little hands can turn the pages easier.

Parents love introducing their favorite Bible stories to young children, and this book of Bible favorites is the perfect way to share these timeless stories with kids. This book features some of the most popular stories from the Bible with short text and bright art, perfect for little ones’ attention spans. With a padded cover and a purple plastic carry-me handle, this book is easy for kids to take on the go. This low-priced book would make a wonderful gift for children and grandchildren!

Bible stories include: Adam and Eve, Noah’s ark, Moses, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Esther, Jonah, Jesus’ birth, Jesus’ miracles, death, and resurrection.

Thursday, June 9, 2016

Raising Expectations

I think that young people these days are prone to make excuses or give up too easily when something hard comes around.

Even though I teach 8-9 year olds, I still see the lack of resilience that is forming from their home environment to avoid and run away from the problems rather than facing them head-on.

Written when they were 18 years old, Do Hard Things is the Harris twins’ revolutionary message in its most compelling form, giving readers a tangible glimpse of what is possible for teens who actively resist cultural lies that limit their potential.

Combating the idea of adolescence as a vacation from responsibility, the authors weave together biblical insights, history, and modern examples to redefine the teen years as the launching pad of life and map a clear trajectory for long-term fulfillment and eternal impact.

Written by teens for teens, Do Hard Things is packed with humorous personal anecdotes, practical examples, and stories of real-life rebelutionaries in action. This rallying cry from the heart of revolution already in progress challenges the next generation to lay claim to a brighter future, starting today.

Swimming with Faith

I loved this book for young children because it gives them a role model to follow. We have all heard of Ben Carson, Tim Tebow, and Jeremy Lin as Christian leaders on the field, on the court and even in the surgery room.
What I have never heard of before was a young Christian swimmer until I received this book. Missy Franklin is one of the most talented swimmers in the world. She is a four-time Olympic gold medalist and currently holds the world record in the 200-meter backstroke and American records in both the 100-meter and 200-meter backstroke. She was Swimming World’s World Swimmer of the Year and the American Swimmer of the Year in 2012. This story tells of her rise in fame and humbleness in the sport.

Sunday, June 5, 2016

Burning Proof


This book by Janice Cantore is the only one I have not been able to get into. I read this book over the time of 4 months and still cannot get through twenty pages without having to put the book down.

Don't get me wrong. I love Janice's books. As soon as I open to the first page, I am riveted on the spot until the last page. I love the thrill of reading and being in the passenger of the action. In those pages, I'm not a normal person but a witness to a homicide case or a civilian that is taking in all that is happening.

This book just didn't work out for me. The summary of the book seemed interesting to me:

After months of investigating the brutal homicide of a young girl, Detective Abby Hart finally has the evidence she needs. But when the arrest goes terribly wrong, Abby begins to doubt her future as a police officer. As she wrestles with conflicting emotions, old questions about the fire that took her parents’ lives come back to haunt her.

“There is proof.” PI Luke Murphy can’t stop thinking about what Abby’s former partner, Asa Foster, mumbled just before he died. When he uncovers a clue to the murder of Abby’s parents and his uncle, he’s reluctant to tell Abby, despite his growing feelings for the beautiful detective.

A decade-old abduction case brings Luke and Abby together, but will his secret tear them apart?

About Janice
A retired Long Beach California police officer of 22 years (16 in uniform and 6 as a non-career officer), Janice Cantore worked a variety of assignments, patrol, administration, juvenile investigations and training.

Saturday, May 21, 2016

Feeding Babies and Toddlers

A comprehensive manual for feeding babies and toddlers during the crucial first years of life, written by a team of medical experts who are also parents.


All Your Questions about Feeding, Answered.

The choices of when, how, and what to feed your baby can be overwhelming. With The Pediatrician’s Guide to Feeding Babies and Toddlers, you have the expertise of a team of pediatric medical and nutritional experts—who also happen to be parents—in a comprehensive manual that takes the guesswork out of feeding. This first-of-its-kind guide provides practical, easy-to-follow advice to help you navigate the nutrition issues, medical conditions, and parenting concerns that accompany feeding. With recipes, parenting stories, and recommendations based on the latest pediatric guidelines, this book will allow you to approach mealtime with confidence so you can spend more time enjoying your new family.


No longer will you pull your hair out with frustration! You will have a handy dandy book at your side. 


( I only wish this book was out when I was a baby. Maybe I would have grown more if my mom had this book) :( 

Heroes of the Bible

This is a 1 of a kind (I can read) book for children. I remember being able to read Pompei as a child in the (I can read) series and being proud of myself.

Now my future children can access the Bible in the (I can read) format as well. The illustrations are easy on the eyes and the words are bigger.

The Adventure Bible Bible Story Collection is a six book treasury of level 2 Adventure Bible I Can Read titles designed for newly independent readers and based on the Adventure Bible—the #1 Bible for kids!

Read all about people in Bible times and their adventures in these well-known Bible stories.


Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Kids can Pray

When I first got this book, I was surprised. I did not expect a devotional book that would teach kids to read. Instead, I expected a picture book with cute illustrations.
I was half right. The illustrations are soft and cute. It is very pleasing to the eye and I would be glad to keep it for my future children to use. I think it's a wonderful book since I skimmed a few pages. It feels right in my hand and the pages are glossy. 

With this 52-week devotional by Holly Hawkins Shivers, your children will learn the importance of prayer, how to pray, and how to build a lifelong relationship with God.

People Skills

Have you ever wondered why the person in the next cubicle over you got the promotion instead of a hard-working you?

In a world where we are constantly connected, and social media has become the primary way we communicate, the key to getting ahead is being the person others like, respect, and trust. Because no matter who you are or what profession you're in, success is contingent less on what you can do for yourself, but on what other people are willing to do for you.  Here, through 53 bite-sized, easy-to-execute, and often counter intuitive tips, you’ll learn to master the 11 People Skills that will get you more of what you want at work, at home, and in life.

What does it take to win success and influence? Some people think that in today’s hyper-competitive world, it’s the tough, take-no-prisoners type who comes out on top. But in reality, argues New York Times bestselling author Dave Kerpen, it’s actually those with the best people skills who win the day. Those who build the right relationships. Those who truly understand and connect with their colleagues, their customers, their partners.  Those who can teach, lead, and inspire.

Saturday, March 19, 2016

God Bless Our Country

Oh, how we need this book right now in all the hands of our children and students around the country. It's a board book that illustrates the principles in which our country was founded.

The delightful animals in God Bless Our Country will help you and your children celebrate summer and so many of the wonderful things that make America great.

This book is def. going to be the highlight of my household in the future because it highlights how God built this great nation even though we as a country are going through some major changes in the political world right now.


Friday, March 18, 2016

Little Felted Dogs

Create the cutest versions of your favorite dogs in just a few simple steps

Whether you adore dachshunds or dalmatians, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to make charming miniatures of them with a felting needle and some raw wool. Great for beginners, the two dozen projects in Little Felted Dogs provide surprisingly life-like results—choose from a litter of golden retriever puppies, a pug ready to fetch, a begging bulldog, a protective chihuahua, and more. Even better, you’ll go from ball of fluff to perfect pooch in no time at all!

It would have been better for me if I had taken this as a class instead of reading about it. Even though the book is aimed for beginners, I think the beginners that the author is talking about at least has some experience in working with handicrafts and not just any beginner off the street.

All in all, the pictures are cute and they tell you what supplies to buy and the overall process of making these projects.

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Bible for the Big Boys!

Finally, a Bible for the big kids, and when I say the big kids, I mean the 8-10 year olds. These boys have graduated from illustrations and devotion-like Bibles. Instead, moms can now buy Bible covers and tada! The bible looks just like everyone else's now with the occasional devotionals to nurture humility.

There is also a reference portion at the bottom of each page to mirror an adult's Bible. That way, kiddos can follow the pastor along in the service and no one will point out that your son has a kids' Bible.

The Big Dreams, Big Prayers Bible for Kids, NIV includes the complete New International Version (NIV) of the Bible along with devotions, prayers, and highlighted verses to help kids pray and listen for God’s answers to their prayers.

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Frenemies at Work

My students are a perfect example of this book. Most of them came into my classroom at the beginning of the year ready to internally compete for the top spot of the classroom.

I am happy to say that my classroom is a happy medium now. But what makes students and even adults compete?

This question has fueled a long-running debate. Some have argued that humans are fundamentally competitive, and that pursuing self-interest is the best way to get ahead. Others claim that humans are born to cooperate and that we are most successful when we collaborate with others.

In FRIEND AND FOE, researchers Galinsky and Schweitzer explain why this debate misses the mark. Rather than being hardwired to compete or cooperate, we have evolved to do both. In every relationship, from co-workers to friends to spouses to siblings we are both friends and foes. It is only by learning how to strike the right balance between these two forces that we can improve our long-term relationships and get more of what we want.

Here, Galinsky and Schweitzer draw on original, cutting edge research from their own labs and from across the social sciences as well as vivid real-world examples to show how to maximize success in work and in life by deftly navigating the tension between cooperation and competition. They offer insights and advice ranging from: how to gain power and keep it, how to build trust and repair trust once it’s broken, how to diffuse workplace conflict and bias, how to find the right comparisons to motivate us and make us happier, and how to succeed in negotiations – ensuring that we achieve our own goals and satisfy those of our counterparts.

Along the way, they pose and offer surprising answers to a number of perplexing puzzles: when does too much talent undermine success; why can acting less competently gain you status and authority, where do many gender differences in the workplace really come from, how can you use deception to build trust, and why do you want to go last on American Idol and in many interview situations, but make the first offer when negotiating the sale of a new car.

We perform at our very best when we hold cooperation and competition in the right balance. This book is a guide for navigating our social and professional worlds by learning when to cooperate as a friend and when to compete as a foe—and how to be better at both.

From Hatred to Peace

Is the title of this blog overdramatic? Probably. My students are learning to read passages and make titles from them to hook readers. Do I have you hooked?

A sweeping international love story that celebrates the triumph of the human spirit over the inhumanities of war and prejudice.

Six-year-old Gretl and her sister jump from a train bound for Auschwitz, her mother and grandmother unable to squeeze between the bars covering the windows. The daughter of a German soldier, Gretl understands very little about how her grandmother's Jewishness brought her first to the ghetto, then to the train, and now, to the Polish countryside where she wanders, searching for food and water for her dying sister.

Soon, Gretl finds refuge with Jakob, a Polish freedom fighter, and his family, where she is sheltered until the end of the war. Gretl is then sent away to a new life, a new name, and a new faith in Apartheid-era South Africa. As she comes of age in this strange place, she confronts its prejudices as she hides the truth of her past from her new family.

When Jakob makes his way to South Africa many years later, Gretl and Jakob are reunited in a love story that transcends time and distance and survives the ravages of hatred and war.