“Raising Giant Killers” by Bill Johnson

Posted on January 31, 2019 by Becky

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Give Your Children an Amazing Life

Maybe the stork has just dropped off a new baby at your home, and you wonder what to do.  Or perhaps you have teenagers that you want to have a life that is all that God intended for them? This book is for any of you.  Whether you are just starting out as newbies to parenting, or a seasoned parent, this volume has good advice for everyone.

Along with making sure of your children’s salvation, guide them to the lavish life God intended for them.  Jesus said of His coming “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life—an abundant life.” 

If you want your children to live an overcoming life, not just have life overcome them, look to the example of David killing Goliath.  Even though David was out matched physically by Goliath, David leaned on God for his strength and was victorious.  Prepare your children to face the giants in their life by training them to rely on God when things get hard.  Make sure their focus is on God’s ability to help them rather than their own inability to do something.  Teach them they are strong because God empowers them.  You can start training your children to understand this when they are young, but it is never too late to start. 

As a parent, you must follow these guidelines, too.  Using your self as an example is the best way to teach your children.  Tell them when you trusted God in hard situations, and how the Lord’s help made you triumphant.  Include praise to God as a way to rid feelings of despair, and to build faith.   Follow the precepts in this volume and both parents and children will enjoy the fullness God.  Our faith will be strengthened to call on in both good times and bad.

Don’t forget to look at the book’s appendix.  It is loaded with lots more treasure.  For instance, in Ten Things I Wanted My Children to Know, learn to teach children responsibility for their own choices.  If a child says, “he makes me so mad,” respond with “he didn’t make you mad, that was your own choice.” 

This book makes a lot of good points.  Following them may be hard to do for both the parent or the child, but a richer life will be the result.  It can all be done by asking God for help.  Some of the rewards the author used would be different in my family’s situation, but I would still include something that would be  highly prized.  I recommend this 5-star book to anyone wanting to enrich the life of a child, or even their own.

Chosen Books has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Raising Giant Killers, for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Website:   http://bjm.org/

The Author’s Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/BillJohnsonMinistries

The Author’s Twitter:    https://twitter.com/billjohnsonBJM

 

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“God Made Daddy Special” by Glenys Nellist

Posted on January 20, 2019 by Becky

Illustrated by Estelle Corke

 

Put this on Your Must-Have List!

This lovely book is about human dads, along with dads from the animal kingdom.  All children are curious about dads, so this book will catch little one’s attention right away.  The author captures the love human and animal dads have for their youngsters through delightful rhyming verses that will enchant children.  She demonstrates the special relationship that exists between the dad’s and their children that are easily understood by little ones. The section where the daddy skunk teaches his baby kit how to use their “perfume” will cause your child to roll with glee.  Most of all, the book emphasizes that dads are a gift from God.This cute, adorable and funny book is not to be missed.  Once you take a look at it, you will not want to put it down.  God Made Daddy Special is over-sized board book with padded covers that feel really nice to the touch of children and adults alike.  This is a darling volume for either boys or girls up to five years old.  I highly recommend this 5-plus star book!The Author’s Website:   https://www.glenysnellist.com/god-made-mommy-special-god-made-daddy-special/

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/GlenysNellistAuthor/

The Author’s Twitter:   https://twitter.com/GlenysNellist

 

 

 

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“Snuggle Time Bible Stories” by Glenys Nellist, Illustrations by Cee Biscoe

Posted on January 18, 2019 by Becky

Awesome Memories Await!

Want a way for your child to enjoy God’s word at their level?  Grab this cute little board book along with a blanket, and you are all set! 

The author is a master of writing Bible stories in a way that a young child would understand them, without losing the point God intended.  Condensed versions of the stories come from both the Old and New Testaments, and include Noah and the Ark, Jesus feeding a multitude, the lost sheep, along with many more.  All the writing is done in a rhyming way that is sure to tickle the ears of children and readers alike.  For example, the book starts out this way:

This little book you’re holding

Tells stories that are true.

You’ll find them in the Bible,

They’re written just for you.

 

 And as you turn the pages,

There’s something you should know.

This book has one big message-

God really loves you so!

 

This adorable book is just right for snuggling with a little one in a comfy place.  There is a nice assortment of short Bible stories, that makes Snuggle Time just the thing if dreamland comes quickly for your little listener.  However, there are more stories for longer sessions.  The padded cover will feel good for tiny fingers to hold while gazing at the brightly colored illustrations on each page.   Most of all, the book emphasizes the love God has for us all.  Get this book and make some nice memories with the little one in your life.  I recommend this lovely 5-star book to anyone wanting a book for children up to five years old.

Zonderkidz has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Snuggle Time Bible Stories, for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Website:   https://www.glenysnellist.com/celebrating-the-release-of-snuggle-time-bible-stories-with-a-three-book-giveaway/

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/GlenysNellistAuthor/

The Author’s Twitter:   https://twitter.com/GlenysNellist

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The Pencil Sharpener of the Future!

Posted on December 30, 2018 by Becky

Did you ever think you would be excited about a pencil sharpener?  You will be now.  This pencil sharpener from Classroom Friendly Supplies is not your old grey pencil chewer. In fact, there are lots of colors with catchy names to pick from, I got the Popular Purple color.  Other selections include Hello Yellow, Groovy Green and Firehouse Red. 

The owner of Classroom Friendly Supplies, a teacher themselves, understands what a pencil sharpener needs to do.  As can be seen here, every time it is used, you will get a nice sharp point on your pencil.  This sharpener will lock the pencil in place so it doesn’t twirl around in the hand while trying to use it.  Often today’s products bend or fall apart with use, but this one is built to hold up under the hard use of both children and adults.  Yet it is not too heavy to move around, and very easy to use.  The sharpener comes with an attachment to fasten it to a table top, but it can easily be used without that, making it very portable. 

A surprising thing is how quiet these sharpeners are. Manual or electric sharpeners make a disturbing hum or grinding sound.  Not so with this one from Classroom Friendly Supplies.  There will be a small amount of nose, but nothing as jarring as those others, making it wonderful for home or school use.  The price is very economical, too.  Right now, three of them can be purchased for less than $20.  Which is far less than an electric one or a comparable manual one.

Classroom Friendly Supplies offers this well-made sharpener and is so sure of the quality of their product that they offer free shipping and a 90 Day Money Back Guarantee. (https://classroomfriendlysupplies.com/pages/about-us).  No home or classroom should be without one!  You can easily get one of these amazing sharpeners here from Classroom Friendly Supplies.  

Make sure you check out the Facebook page for tips, reviews, and humor! https://www.facebook.com/ClassroomFriendlySupplies

Classroom Friendly Supplies has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of this pencil sharpener, for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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“Mind Games” by Nancy Mehl

Posted on December 30, 2018 by Becky

Race with a Murderer!

A serial killer is planning on murdering people, and has sent a sinister poem about it to the local newspaper.  The ultimate target is Kaely Quinn, a Behavioral Analyst for the FBI, the best profiler they have.  But the stalker is saving her death for the very end.   He has put very convoluted clues in the poem about the killings he plans to commit.  Each one is a re-creation of a murder investigation in which Kaely was involved.  But she has been a part of so many, and the clues are very vague so it is difficult to pinpoint what he is doing next.

Kaely has two very unusual traits.  First, she is a very dedicated Christian, and secondly, she is the daughter of a notorious stalker.  Her method of identifying stalkers, along with her unshakable belief that God helps her as well, have caused her to live the life of a loner.  Her expertise has prompted jealously among her peers who treat her as an outcast and ridicule her.  She seems almost physic, but she is not.

You will be kept on your toes while reading this because there are a number of people that could be the stalker.  The author does a good job keeping the reader in suspense about who the guilty one is—or if Kaely will survive.  I wasn’t sure who did it until the very end.  Kaely gives a very good explanation of how she came to faith, and why she is convinced God exists. Be warned, since this book is about killings, there are some descriptions of the way the victims die.  It is not as detailed and graphic as secular media, but there is a certain amount of detail.  Keeping that in mind, I would recommend this 5-star book to those who like intense thrillers.

Bethany House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Mind Games, for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Website:    http://nancymehl.com/books/

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/nancy.mehl

The Author’s Twitter:    https://twitter.com/nancymehl?lang=en

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“Snuggle Time Christmas Stories” by Glenys Nellist

Posted on December 16, 2018 by Becky

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepare to be Delighted!

Want to see one of the cutest children’s Christmas books I have ever seen?  Look no further than this adorable book.  Its shiny, brightly colored cover will surely catch a child’s eye, while the cushioned front and back will feel really nice in little hands.  But the charm of this book doesn’t stop there.  The inside of the book is very appealing as it is filled with delightful illustrations by Cee Biscoe that are full of color, and are on every page–little fingers will find the thick pages easy to turn.  The Christmas story is told on a child’s level with a fun rhyme that will tickle the ears of both the reader and listener alike. For instance:

“Snuggle in your pj’s

Around the Christmas tree,

And listen to the story

Of how Christmas came to be…”

After reading to my children I have seen, and read, a lot of children’s books.  Snuggle Time Christmas Stories is one of the nicest ones I have come across.  The true Christmas story is front and center in this fun book, and this volume should be a must have for Christmas, as well as, any other time of the year.  It would also make a nice gift, that will be sure to make children smile.  It is a wonderful sight to look at, and read.  Children are who non-readers to the lower grades in elementary school would enjoy this.  I highly recommend this 5+ star book to any child in your life.

The Author’s Website:   https://www.glenysnellist.com/eek-eek-take-a-peek-inside-snuggle-time-christmas/

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/GlenysNellistAuthor/

The Author’s Twitter:   https://twitter.com/GlenysNellist

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Christmas Trees & Giveaway!

Posted on December 7, 2018 by Becky

As Christmas trees start appearing, I am reminded of the time my young adult Sunday School class took over Christmas decorating of our church sanctuary.  All those years ago, we didn’t have much money for expenses, so we were overjoyed when the local radio announced a Christmas tree farm was giving away trees to churches.  All that had to be done was come to their forest, cut it down, and take it away.

That very day, a couple from our class went to the farm to mark the one to be cut.  In an effort to economize, we decided to decorate it with red bows we made, along with some white doves we had  just enough money to purchase.  The next weekend, the girls gathered to tie the bows, while two groups of guys went out to chop the tree and bring it back.  Long after we finished, the tree cutting group had not arrived.  In those pre-cell phone days, all we could do was wait.  As hours passed, we began to worry.  Eventually, the guys came back in what could only be described as a tree on wheels.The tree was HUGE!  Despite a group of strong young men, it took hours to cut the tree down, and then wrangle it back to the truck.  The tree top extended over the cab, while the trunk came out so far in the back, more time was spent cutting it to make it the length the truck could handle.

The girl who picked out the tree kept saying, “it didn’t look that big in the forest, really!”  Eventually we did get the tree in the church, after spending hours trimming it to fit.  But we had to move four double pews out of the sanctuary to get it in.  We didn’t need to worry about a star on top because there wasn’t room—it touched the top of the 2-story ceiling.   The choir members had trouble exiting the choir loft for the rest of the Christmas season because the tree branches stuck out so far.  There was also the problem of needing more bows to decorate the big tree, but we were out of money.  In the end, a nice couple took mercy on us and donated it.

We definitely decorated our 100-year-old church differently than it ever had been before.  Or since.  Our class never did Christmas decorations—or any other decorations for that matter—after that.  I wish I could say someone took a picture, but in the day of film only cameras, no one did.  But the whole situation definitely made many memories—including the looks on the faces of the congregation the next Sunday!

A Christmas Bundle Giveaway of 2 Christmas Fiction books & a Christmas CD! 

In the Christmas spirit, I am happy to say I have a giveaway of two Christmas books.  The first is Peace by Shelly Shepard Gray, the tale of impossible love between an Amish woman and a DEA agent.  Deciding months earlier to part, they are thrown together again in a situation that could change both their lives, if they live.  Silent Night Holy Night by Colleen Coble contains two mysteries and a little romance.  In the first, a peculiar event involving a parachuter occurs at a similar time that a girl goes missing, are they related?  In the second, a wedding may not take place because a mysterious phone call threatens death if it happens.  Also included is an instrumental selection of twenty Christmas songs such as Away in a Manger, The First Noel, and Joy to the World.

Want a chance to win this Christmas package? First, my blog must be followed to enter this giveaway.   Go to the upper right side of this page and follow my blog.  Then note in the Rafflecopter your email address, and that you have followed me, or you already are a follower.  I will use your email address to contact you if you win, and will not pass it on.  The best of luck to you.  You must be a resident in the continental USA and 18 or older to enter.  No purchase necessary! *

Only one entrant is allowed per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from Walking with Jesus in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.   Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Giveaways only valid in continental USA.

*See Disclaimer Section in above drop-down heading under picture.

This giveaway is now over.

Thanks to everyone who entered!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Merry Christmas!

 

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Illustrated Art Journals, Write On!

Posted on November 30, 2018 by Becky

Reviews of The Faith and Lettering Journal, An Illuminated Bible Coloring Journal, and Illuminate Your Story Journal.

Do you have a journal, or have you thought of starting one?  An exciting new way to write is to use an illustrated art journal, and here are three you should consider.  Every one of these volumes are great in their own right.  They all have lovely, embossed hardback covers that feel really good to the touch and are nice to look at.  Each journal contains high quality cardstock that should hold up to all kinds of ink without bleeding through to the other side.  All have a substantial feel, easily stay open while adding thoughts, contain lots of pages devoted to journaling, and have a presentation page for the owner.

The Illuminate Your Story Journal from The Museum of the Bible, was inspired by beautiful manuscripts from bygone days.  This journal will tell you how to make good-looking letters similar to the ones at the beginning of books from times past.

The first few pages of the journal tell the history of illuminating writing along with instructions to re-create them yourself.  By following the pointers, and using the practice pages, you will learn how to add attractive, intricate letters and flourishes to your own special thoughts.

Sprinkled throughout the volume are inspiring quotations from the Bible along with other well-known figures.  You will find a holder on the spine that stretches to keep your favorite writing instrument handy, as well as, a built-in bookmark to keep your place.  This compact journal will be easy to take with you, and be at your fingertips whenever you have the urge to express yourself.The Illustrated Word, an Illuminated Bible Coloring Journal, a Museum of the Bible Book, was inspired by drawings medieval monks added when copying scripture.  Throughout the journaling pages, there are examples of intricate inked illustrations from ancient times.  The book then includes recreations of those designs made so you can color them yourself.

If you like to journal or color, this book is for you because it combines the best of both worlds.  There is lots of room to journal combined with many pictures for you to embellish.  Working on this over-sized journal, you will produce your own illustrated book that will be reminiscent of Camelot and other days gone by.  You will create a treasure to look at, as well as, a place to read your thoughts and dreams.

The intricate embellishments on both the front and back covers of this journal feel really great when you touch them, and remind one of expensive literature volumes from days of old.  This is the nicest and fanciest coloring book I have ever seen, and it is a great place to express yourself.  You will really feel you have created a piece of art with this.  There is nothing to learn in this book, just journal and color.  Although you may be exposed to art you have never seen before.The Faith and Lettering Journal comes from the hand-lettering artist and graphic designer Krystal Whitten. The guides, instructions, and tutorials Ms. Whitten includes come with the hope to inspire others to try their hand at something that has changed the author’s life.  She explains how lettering things from the Bible opened a new way for her to the remember the word of God, a richer way than anything she had done before.  God’s word became more real for her, and caused her to have a deeper relationship with the Him.

 

The author gives different examples of Biblical text in lettering form.  There are columns to practice her techniques along with places to trace over her designs before trying it on your own.  Other decorations such as banners, arrows, and doodles are included.

This book shows you fun ways to journal your thoughts, and Biblical messages.  Even if you do not think you are creative, the author wagers if you give her instructions a try, you will be surprised at the things you can do.  You will find uplifting Bible verses with splashes of color throughout this over-sized book.  There is also a handy holder on the spine.  By using it, you will always have the writing tool of your choice easily ready for you when inspiration strikes.

This over-sized volume contains a combination of pages that are either lined, dotted or graphed.  This book will open up many ways to embellish and remember writings, as well as, scripture.  Very detailed instructions will make it easy for even the most creative-challenged to be successful.  The author makes it very easy to recreate her style, and the book itself contains such eye-pleasing pages and uplifting notes that it is sure to bring a smile.

Any of these three books will allow you to journal, as well as, try your hand at illumination.  I highly recommend you pick the one that appeals to you the most, and then try it out.  Writing in such nice books will give you the feeling of creating art.  You are sure to have a new journaling experience no matter which one is chosen!

Ellie Claire Art Journals has provided bookreadingtic with complimentary copies of  Illuminate Your Story Journal, The Illustrated Word, an Illuminated Bible Coloring Journal, and The Faith and Lettering Journal for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

You can find these journals at the following places:

FAITH & LETTERING
Amazon: http://amzn.to/FaithAndLettering-Amazon
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/FaithAndLettering-BN

THE ILLUSTRATED WORD
Amazon: http://bit.ly/Illustrated-Amazon
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/Illustrated-BN

ILLUMINATE YOUR STORY
Amazon: http://bit.ly/Illuminate-Amazon
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/Illuminate-BN

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“A Fearless Leader: A Bible Story About Deborah” by Rachel Spier Weaver and Anna Haggard

Posted on November 18, 2018 by Becky

Faithful, Brave and Courageous!

Image that a young girl named Deborah, along with a group of friends, are happily playing on a hilltop.  Suddenly, the children see danger approaching their village.  Instead of running away as she wants, Deborah risks death to warn the villagers of the coming threat.  Surprisingly, she is able to convince her playmates to help her.  So, begins a narrative based on the Biblical account of Debra.

There are many reasons for Deborah’s story to be fascinating:  she was the only female judge in ancient Israel, she believed God would give Israel victory even during times that didn’t look promising, and she decided cases and meted out justice–all the while sitting under a palm tree.

Whether your child is familiar with Deborah’s story, or this is the first time to hear it, they will enjoy this exciting account that has action, bravery, and God’s help in scary situations. War times are part of the story, but it is told on a child’s level.

A Fearless Leader is part of a collection of books that has the following hope: “through the stories of female Bible heroes, The Called and Courageous Girls series invites your children to answer God’s calling to discover and use their talents, passions, and gifts to journey with Him on a lifelong adventure.”  This book does all that and more.  Boys, too, will enjoy this book despite the name of the series.

This hardbacked volume uses a type of illustration by Eric Elwell that really captures the outdoor scenes throughout the story.  Bravery, courageousness, and remaining faithful to God in hard times are all promoted in this 5-star book.  I recommend it to all the children in your life.

Harvest House Publishers has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, A Fearless Leader:  A Bible Story About Deborah, for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Series’ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Called-and-Courageous-Girls-113250359299039/?ref=br_rs

The Series’ Website Information:  http://calledandcourageousgirls.com/about/

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Creamy Artichoke Chicken, Gluten-Free

Posted on November 11, 2018 by Becky

  • 6 Large Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut in half
  • 6 Tablespoons Butter
  • 2 teaspoons dried Basil or 2 Tablespoons Fresh Basil
  • 1 Tablespoon of dried Italian Seasoning
  • 3 Tablespoons of minced Garlic
  • 1 chopped Onion
  • ¾ Cup (at least 12 pieces) of Jarred Artichoke Hearts, drained
  • 1  12 ounce Can of Evaporated, canned Goat Milk
  • 1  12 ounce Can of Evaporated, canned Coconut Milk
  • OR instead of Goat and Coconut Milk, 2 Cups of Heavy Whipping Cream may be used
  • 2 Quarts of Gluten-free Chicken Broth, divided
  • 4 Tablespoons of Cornstarch
  • ¼ teaspoon Sea Salt
  • ¼ teaspoon Ground, Black Pepper
  • ¼ Cup of Water

Melt butter in very large skillet or Dutch Oven.  Immediately add chicken &sprinkle with salt and pepper.   Brown chicken in butter, over medium to medium low heat for 20 minutes, turning every five minutes.  After the first 10 minutes of cooking, add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing it during the last 10 minutes of cooking the chicken.

Now add one quart of the chicken broth, Basil, and Italian Seasoning.  Cook for 15 minutes over medium heat, turning chicken every 5 minutes.  Stir in artichoke hearts, cooking ten more minutes, while continuing to turn the chicken every 5 minutes.

Test the chicken with a meat thermometer, it should measure at least 160°, if done, remove chicken.  After chicken is removed, add remaining quart of chicken broth to the liquid left in the pan, stir and bring to a boil over medium heat.  Add cornstarch to ¼ cup of water.  Stir with a fork until completely dissolved, making sure it is well blended.  Add the cornstarch mixture stirring thoroughly in to chicken broth, cook for 3 minutes on medium heat.

Add the cans of goat milk and coconut cream milk OR 2 cups of heavy whipping cream.  Stir completely, add chicken back to pan, making sure it is all covered with the sauce.  Cook for 5 minutes on medium heat and serve.

This is good on top of rice or with mashed potatoes.

 

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