Gotta Have God 52 weeks of Devotions for Boys 6-9

Gotta Have God 52 weeks of Devotions for Boys 6-9 is bright and colorful and the devotions are shorter than the devotions for ages 10-12. The boys have an entire week to memorize the verse of scripture. Week One is: Every word of God is flawless. Proverbs 30:5. It is essential that children know the Bible is true. Not a fairy tale or story, but the inspired word of God. Each day includes a short prayer appropriate for the daily lesson. I enjoyed the bits of Bible history such as when Joshua ask the Lord for more daylight to finish the battle. This book has more opportunities for the boys to draw their answers instead of writing. The sharing sandwich depicting the miracle of loaves and fishes was very clever. Also drawing smiley faces and frowning faces beside of different actions is a cute way to allow younger children to answer using pictures. This pdf was free from Rose Publishing Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Gotta Have God 52 week devotional

I ordered my grandson the previous edition. I like that it came with a spiral binding so the pages lay nice and flat when he works on the activities. Crosswords, matching, drawing, fill in the blank are all age appropriate and fun. Fifty two weeks of God centered devotions for students is easy to read and not too long to be tiresome for active boys. The language is simple enough to understand which allows for individual study. Each day begins with a favorite bible verse short enough to memorize and ends with a suitable prayer concerning the issue for the day. Talking and Walking with God, Making Wise Decisions, Be an Encourager; are all things I want my grandson to learn. The world with its lax rules and selfish attitudes and lack of humility invades their entertainment, their games, and their telephone app. Helping our children survive in a world that is trying to remove God from our schools and sports and public places by finding good Christian activities and books to fill their minds.
I received this pdf free from Rose Publishing Review 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 Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255

Fiction The Book of Esther Not my cup of tea

I really tried to like this book. The Book of Esther from the bible is one of my favorites. This was definitely a fantasy but everything was so mixed up it was hard to know what century was the setting. Many things were antiquated like the dial up phone. But the most amazing thing in the book was the mechanical horse that replicated the motions of a real horse. The names of the people and countries made it difficult to follow.

Miracles of Jesus Video series

Though the cover  of this video may not be spectacular the study is totally amazing. This will be in my top five resources. It took me a while to review all of this extensive material. Video teachers have impressive backgrounds and education. Each videos is about 30 minutes, a companion participants guide enriches your study with many pictures, maps, and quotes. Each introduction with Jarrett Stevens our host provides a dramatic panoramic view of various sites in Jerusalem. Video teachings include 3 sessions which points to the participants guide. Connecting to the Bible; Going Deeper; Connecting the Bible to our lives; Making Deeper Connections in Your Own Lives; along with bible verses and thought provoking questions for application in our daily lives. My favorite is video five “Fruitless Lives. Jesus curses fig tree very detailed teaching by David Garland with a background of a mountain in the Colorado Rockies. Dr. Garland gives us historical description of temple before explaining the curse of the fig tree. The teacher gives insights to this miracle in a way I have never connected before; relating the fig tree to the temple and finally to us. Jesus pronounces judgment on a fig tree that is fruitless. He looks at the temple with all its elaborate provision for sacrifice and prophesies that it will be replaced by Jesus. I really like the illustrations showing a tree struck by lightning-dead, lifeless, never to be restored. The explanation of the miracle calls us to examine our own life and the judgments that were pronounced by the prophets as they apply to us. Dr. Garland speaks clearly, is easy to understand, and has pleasant speaking voice. The video clearly guides us through the participants teaching notes even to point out the page number of our resource. Although I was given three videos to review, I was so impressed with this quality series that I purchased the DVD for myself.

I received this pdf free from Rose Publishing Review 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 Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255

Ten Tips for Parenting the Smartphone Generation

In the first 43 pages of this booklet I was blown away. I was a techie before techie was cool. I’m talking PC Jr. Yes, I would be on the side of adoration. Kindle, laptop, iPhone and iPad are nearly always with me. But Dr. Lanz’s retelling of his appearance on local television with his technology devices rattled my cage. It’s true I bought both of my grandsons a Kindle to entertain them when they are at my house. Now that I have read the statistics and the recommendations of the AAP, I have to agree family rules need to be set for the safety of young minds and protection from bad people on the Internet as well as cyber bullying with older kids on social media. The art of verbal communication is suffering. Young children need social interaction and language development. A great chart is provided to log how much time your child is spending on various technology. The key is understanding your child’s need and strengths, developing reasonable limits for technology use, and recognizing the power technology has over you and your family.This resource has tips for monitoring and filtering your child’s web browsing. Very insightful and helpful.

I received this pdf free from Rose Publishing Review 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 Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255

Six Steps to Reduce Stress Gregory Lantz PHD

Years ago when I applied for my National Board Certification, I was under such stress that a rash appeared all over my body. It was then that I discovered the skin is the largest organ. I found that amazing. However, most organs and functions of the body are affected by stress: blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, grinding teeth, even hair loss. Chronic stress affects us physically and psychologically. The author calls this “living under red alert.” Continuous waves of epinephrine and hydrocortisone supercharge our systems, using up our reserves and leaving us shaky and worn-out. Weight loss or weight gain can be affected. Binge eating or loss of appetite are both unhealthy. Three fourth of Americans live with stress: about our jobs, money, the economy, family issues, and personal health. It interrupts our sleep and controls our emotions. Lanz gives us six steps to help us stress less. Simplifying our lives and adopting an attitude of gratitude will make such a difference. Thirty years of study qualify Dr. Lantz to present his whole person approach which provides these six steps. When used together they lead to healing and recovery for long term success. Charts, diagrams, and lots of scripture verses make this resource easy to understand and applicable to many causes of stress. Ultimately our relationship to Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith, will help us recover when receive His grace and in return we learn to forgive those who have wronged us.

I received this pdf free from Rose Publishing Review 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 Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255

Seven Answers to Anxiety

Though I personally no longer suffer from the type of anxiety in the Chicken Little life, I hope this pamphlet can help. Once I gave my heart to Jesus and allowed Him to rule my life, I have no fear of circumstances. The collection of scripture verses alone is worth the price of this pamphlet. Though we cannot imagine the worry and fear that plagues the character of Peggy. The author offers ways to combat such a negative thought-life. It truly is a battlefield of the mind. Even self-talk has to change. She must intentionally push out the negative thoughts with the positive verses about trust and allow them to penetrate her mind. Philippians 4:8, Matthew 11:28 and Ephesians 2:10 are underlined and highlighted in my bible. These verses and many more are sprinkled through the pamphlet in eye-catching colored boxes. One of my favorite suggestions is to “Stop Feeding the Monster.” An old Indian legend says there are two wolves fighting inside of us. The good wolf represents the type of life we all would desire: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Rose Publishing has a nice chart of the Fruit of the Spirit listed in Galations. The wolf that wins is the wolf we feed. “Fill up your mind, heart, and soul with positive, uplifting messages.” The author suggests making lists of things we are thankful for, encouraging words from others, positive things that happen to us. Relaxtion techniques and a healthy diet will help remove anxiety in our life. 

I received this pdf free from Rose Publishing Review 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 Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255

Judges of Israel

The two page spread with information on the 14 judges would be ideal to print and laminate for your classroom wall. It lists the judges, the meaning of their names, the scripture reference, tribe, and how many years of oppression and years of peace. Many students of the bible would be familiar at least five of the judges. Many of the judges we may not remember their name but we may remember the unusual things they did. Shamgar only has one verse in the book of Judges however he killed 600 Philistines with an oxgoad. Nothing else about his life is mentioned.  Othniel the first judge was a nephew of Caleb. He was victorious and Israel had 40 years of peace. I remember from my study of the judges that there was a cycle of disobedience, oppression, and out to God. God provided a judge, Israel is delivered, enjoyed a time of peace until they sinned in their disobedience. The cycle continued. Deborah is one of my favorite because she was a prophetess first and the only female judge. Her reign brought forty years of peace to Israel, Judges 5:31. Rose Publishing gave me this PDF for my honest opinion.

I received this pdf free from Rose Publishing Review 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 Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255

Bible Translations Comparisons

Who knew there were so many translations of God’s Word. This PowerPoint program compares 20 popular English versions used today, listed by year of release.  By 2006, 2,426 languages have some portions of Scripture. It was interesting to note that the King James Version was written in 1611, last revision in 1769 and written at a twelfth grade reading level. No wonder some people have such a hard time comprehending the text. Several easier versions available are not “word for word” translations but a paraphrase like the Message written in today’s common language at a sixth grade reading level. Each of the 20 versions examined has a slide displaying two sample verses Matthew 4:19 and John 3:16 for comparison. Other information includes the number of translators along with the textual basis for the Bible translation. Some of these texts such as “Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia” go back to the original language.  Notable details are given for each translation for example The NIV Readers Bible

·       The 1996 version contained gender inclusive language, but it was removed from the 1998 edition.

·       Has the lowest reading level of any English translation on the market

·       Used by children for devotionals and worship

HCSB uses six English renderings for names of God:

·       God (Elohim)

·       LORD (YHWH)

·       Lord (Adonai)

·       Lord God (Adonai YHWH)

·       Lord of Hosts (YHWH Sabaoth)

·       God Almighty (El Shaddai)

Your New Name In Christ: 50 Names For Believers

Working with and teaching women it is especially important that they know who they are in Christ. Women I meet through Divorce Recovery or the homeless shelter or even in the church setting may have been belittled and criticized by husband or boyfriend or even parents from their youth. My favorite name is Beloved, from Romans and 1 Corinthians. In Song of Solomon a verse echoes to me, “I am my Beloved’s and my Beloved is mine.” Women need to know that they are loved, cherished and cared for. Jesus will never leave us or forsake us, our ever constant companion. I love the last sentence in the pamphlet. “Savor your glorious new identity. You are not who you used to be—no matter what you feel or who others say you are. You are who God says you are.” This is so true for Christians. I cannot imagine trying to survive in this secular world of drug abuse, violence, and inhumanity to man with my Lord and Savior. This resource is so detailed we receive the scripture reference the insight and the meaning. Even those without bible knowledge can use this pamphlet to know who they are in Christ, a new creation, God’s handiwork. I am reminded of a cross-stitch that was on my daughter’s wall. “I know I’m somebody ‘cause God don’t make no junk.” I was given this pamphlet from Rose Publishing for an honest review.

Statue in the Book of Daniel PowerPoint

This Sunday I used the Statue in the Book of Daniel PowerPoint to begin my teaching of the book of Daniel. The information was very useful in great detail and beautifully presented.  The introduction gives many slides about Daniel the man and Daniel the book; a brief description of the statue in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and Daniel’s interpretation of the dream. The introduction also gives a summary of the key images in chapter 7; the four beasts and the Ram and the Goat in chapter 8. The most fascinating part of the PPT show is the Menu which has eight bars or buttons which can take you immediately to the topic without scrolling through all the 88 slides. As a creator of PPT shows I can tell you this is a thing of beauty. Through the program many slides have a button in the lower right hand corner to return you easily to the Menu. Most topics on the Menu have twelve detailed slides with wonderful information. Though I have been through a 30-week study of Daniel and even taught a 12 week course on the book of Daniel, I really did not look to teaching the symbolism of the statue and explaining the history correlation of the Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome Empires. Once I was given the chance to review this information on Daniel my fears were relieved. I appreciate the depth of detail and wonderful the animated timelines and scriptures slides. Thank you Rose Publishing for allowing me the honor of reviewing this awesome program.  

Full Metal Trench Coat-Detective Bill Warthog

As an adult I really couldn’t get into a Warthog Detective named Bill, but I’m sure my nine year old grandson would really enjoy this scenario? My favorite genre in nonfiction literature is mysteries. On my part I was intrigued by the question at the end of each case and a tidbit about one of my favorite scriptures Ephesians 6. The title Full Metal Trench Coat gives an allusion to armor. Each of the ten cases with a silly title will engage children into the mystery to be solved by Detective Bill Warthog and his friend Nick Sayga. Nick is a twelve year old boy who sometimes plays video games with his feet and has a nickname of “Ten Toes.” Nick is a popular guy because his many friends in the stories ask him and Bill to help solve their mysteries. Often they don’t even realize there is a case until Bill gets involved. My grandson also is an avid player of games on tablets, phones, and computers, but he uses his hands. Gaven would get a real kick out of these cases and the added bonus is to learn about the Armor of God a piece at the time. This PDF was given to me for my honest review by Rose Publishing.

Women of the Bible PPT

Immediately I was draw to the feminine background of the slides. It appealed to me artistically since I produce PowerPoint programs every week for my Community Bible Study group. The menu also is impressive in the presentation of the twelve women in the Old Testament and the eleven women in the New Testament plus slides for four women of the early church. The menu features an appropriate picture on the button that navigates to the slides for a particular woman; for instance Eve has a leaf in the upper left to denote her slides. Each notable woman has a 2-column chart giving the biblical reference, the location and dates, and the key verse referring to the biblical character. A button is located on this slide that will return to the menu. This feature is useful if the teacher wants to do a quick preview or review of each featured character.  A map is available on another slide with the location circled.  I enjoy using maps when I teach because it is important to show the movement God’s people. This slide show is a wonderful resource for any study on the key women in scripture and how they were used by God to accomplish His plan for humanity. These brief studies of women could be a springboard for a more detailed study of specific character chosen for God’s purpose. It is exciting for me to find worthy resources for the study of women since most teachings I have found feature prominent men in the Bible. This pdf was given to me for my honest review by Rose Publishing.