Category: Reviews
Product reviews
The Five Money Personalities & Book Give-a-Way
In one way or another, money has an impact on a lot of decisions couples make together. Think about it. We often ask these questions: How much is it going to cost? Can we afford it? How much should we give? Will we go into debt? How can we get out of debt? Is it on sale? Will I get a pay raise or bonus? Should we eat at home or can we afford to go out? Will we shop at the mall or second hand stores? How much will we spend on our child’s birthday?
I would also say that money attributes to a lot of fights that couples have and in some cases even divorce. But, money is not bad in itself. It is the love of money that is the root of all evil, not money. However, wouldn’t it be great if we could live without the hassle of dealing with it? Unfortunately, we can’t.
Since we have to deal with money, it is wise to know what type of money personalities each of us have. Money personality? Yes, you have one. We all do. I recently read a book called The Five Money Personalities by Scott & Bethany Palmer. This money couple has dedicated their lives to helping other strengthen their relationships. With 43 years of combined financial planning experience, they launched “The Money Couple” and are regulars on national TV and radio and speak internationally about love and money.
The Five Money Personalities is an interesting book that explains the money personalities that each of us have. You and I are Spenders, Savers, Security Seekers, Risk Takers, or Flyers. More than likely, we are a combination of personalities. This book is not about money management or how to get out of debt. It’s all about relationships. I like that the focus is on the heart of the matter. It had practical advice on talking with your spouse about money and overcoming many money issue snares.
Interested in learning your money personality? Take this short online quiz here. If you want to read the book, leave a comment below and I’ll choose one person on February 1st to receive a new copy of The Five Money Personalities.
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
(1Ti 6:10-11)
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book to review in exchange for an honest product review. I do not receive any other form of compensation for the reviews posted on this blog.
The American Bible Challenge
“If you have a show that encourages people to open this book (the Bible) and delve into it, and learn not only what God says about Himself but what He says about you – that’s a win, win!” Jeff Foxworthy
The American Bible Challenge, hosted by Jeff Foxworthy, premiered on the GAME SHOW NETWORK last night. Did you see it? I believe that the Bible is the holy, inspired, infallible, all sufficient, precious Word of God and should not be treated any less. So I was somewhat apprehensive when I first heard about this new game show. Would it turn out to be offensive? Or, make light of God’s Word? Or, could it possibly be a show that glorifies God and His Word? Would people be encouraged to study the Bible and learn more of it by watching this? I must say that after watching The Making of the American Bible Challenge (you can watch it here) and catching the last few minutes of last night’s show, I believe that The American Bible Challenge does appear to be a “win-win”.
What impressed me most with The Making of the American Bible Challenge was the heart behind the producers to magnify God’s Word in a very respectful way. Also, I learned a lot about Jeff Foxworthy that I didn’t know. Truthfully, all I knew about him was his redneck jokes. However, I learned that he is indeed a believer. He grew up with a mother who is a mighty prayer warrior. He teaches the Bible to a group of homeless men each Tuesday, and has an accountability group that he has met with each Thursday for the past 15 years. In reference to the Bible he said, “It exactly applies to me. It applies to my life right now.”
Jeff closed the show with, “If you don’t know your Bible – You don’t have a prayer!” I couldn’t agree more and will add that if you don’t know the God of the Bible and His Son, you certainly don’t have a prayer!
My prayer is that this show will be successful and that many people will be pointed to God and His Word through it. If you haven’t seen it yet, check out the below sites.
Website: http://gsntv.com/shows/the-american-bible-challenge/
Trailer: http://gsntv.com/shows/the-american-bible-challenge/videos/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theamericanbiblechallenge
By the way, I have my own Bible Challenge for you.
What book in the Bible tells us that hell has enlarged herself?
*****The first person to comment and correctly answer this question will be sent a Zondervan Quest Bible and The American Bible Challenge T-Shirt.
Happy searching!
Disclosure: I received the give-a-way product mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention this on my blog.
The Woodcarver
The other night my family watched a great Dove family approved film called The Woodcarver. It releases on DVD next Tuesday, March 13th. This movie stars John Ratzenberger. (He is probably best known for playing mail carrier Cliff Clavin on the sitcom Cheers.) My children know him from his voice parts in Pixar’s films. (Hamm the Piggy Bank in Toy Story, The Abominable Snowman in Monsters, Inc. Mack the truck in Cars, etc.) Recently, he played a guardian angel in the movie What If.
Ernest, Ratzzenberger’s character in The Woodcarver, is down to earth and one that you will find yourself being drawn to. The movie deals with real life issues that many face like parenting, marriage, divorce, work integrity, and the loss of a loved one.
Movie Synopsis:
Matthew Stevenson is a troubled kid from a broken home. When he vandalizes the local church to get back at his parents, Matthew has to repair the damage to the church to avoid criminal charges. While working at the church, he meets Ernest (John Ratzenberger), an accomplished wood carver who created the intricate woodwork decoration that Matthew destroyed. Ernest has become something of a hermit, but reluctantly comes out of reclusion to help repair the church. Now Ernest and Matthew must work together to preserve the church’s beautiful antiquity, and along the way, they also manage to restore their faith in God and in life.
I will say that this is one movie that I could not find any faults with. Trust me, I looked. The only thing that was a little strange was the way the Baptist pastor dressed like a Catholic priest. My husband is a Baptist pastor, so of course I would notice something like that. Most people wouldn’t care. But honestly, I really enjoyed this movie. My oldest son commented about the ending; he didn’t like it. But without giving it away, I will say that I thought it was a good portrayal of the reality of life. It was very touching. So go rent it on March 13th and find out for yourself.
The movie tagline is “Restoring their faith in God and in Life”. So a word to movie producers, keep up the good work by producing more movies like The Woodcarver and my faith just might be restored in the movie industry.
** I wish I could send everyone a copy of this DVD, but I only have one to give away. So leave a comment and I’ll pick one winner on March 13th to receive The Woodcarver DVD.
Disclaimer: I received “The Woodcarver” DVD in exchange for an honest review. I do not receive any other form of compensation for the reviews posted on this blog.
The Mighty Macs DVD
Last October my husband and I drove to Springfield and prescreened the new movie The Mighty Macs. It releases on DVD today (February 21). The movie is based on the incredible true story of the 1971-72 Immaculata College team that started in obscurity but became the original Cinderella story in women’s basketball. This team of pioneers went from barely making that inaugural tournament to the first dynasty in their game. And Coach Cathy Rush, a head of her time, became immortalized when she was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
We watched the movie again last night. At the surface The Mighty Macs is a light hearted, feel good, root for the underdog team, type of story. It’s rated G and is considered family friendly. Bad language or immodest clothing is not an issue with this film and there are plenty of scenes that make you smile. But, if you dig a little deeper there is more to the story. Cathy Rush is recently married and she takes the job at Immaculata College against her husband’s wishes. It is a source of contention in their marriage throughout most of the movie that is until her husband gives over to her plans and goals in life. I realize that this was during the era of feminism, but downplaying the wife’s role while exalting the feminist agenda sat funny with me. Say what you will, but the portrayal of Cathy Rush was an “anything you can do, I can do better” attitude toward her husband. And this is certainly not the type of role model I want for my daughter. Then you have the scene with Sister Sunday, the assistant coach/Catholic nun, at the bar drinking and being hit on. If that is not enough, the elderly nuns at the college give money won from gambling to help support the team’s travels. But if you can overlook all of this then perhaps this is a family friendly film worth watching.
If you like, you can find out for yourself. I am giving away a copy of this DVD. So leave a comment and let me know what you think about this review and I’ll send The Mighty Macs DVD to one of you.
Disclaimer: I received “The Mighty Macs” DVD in exchange for an honest review. I do not receive any other form of compensation for the reviews posted on this blog.
Something Big is Coming!
Don’t you want to know the REAL truth about a product before you spend your
money? Too many times I have bought books and curriculum on a whim to later regret the decision. I want to know what other homeschooling parents think. Is it all it’s cut out to be? Does it work with their children? Is it worth the money?
I’m excited to share with my homeschooling friends a new review site that I have had the privilege to work on. I am inviting you to the beta launch of a new revolutionary homeschool site. It is your one-stop destination for curriculum, book, product, and media reviews. Besides the numerous reviews on the site now, over a dozen will be added each week. This is a project of Home Educating Family (publishers of Home Educating Family magazine and Well Planned Day Planners).
Go to http://www.homeschoolconvention.com/reviews to check out this site, get the latest reviews, and leave comments.
This is also a part of a larger BIG thing coming to homeschooling this spring: www.homeschoolconvention.com. You will not want to miss it!
The Christmas Lodge
Christmas is certainly my favorite time of the year. The birth of Christ is on the forefront of people’s thoughts. Family gatherings often become priority. Mankind is more giving. The air is filled with excitement and laughter. Songs are sung that exalt our Most High God and speak of His gift to the world. And people’s hearts are warmed by a spirit of love, joy, and peace. Then you have the warm fires, hot chocolate, decorations, lights, falling snow, extraordinary food, friends, family, parties and celebrations.
We are still two months away from Christmas and I do not like celebrating too early. In fact, I have a “No Christmas music until after Thanksgiving!” rule in my home. However, the children and I watched Thomas Kindake’s Christmas Lodge this week. It was cold out so we lit a fire, popped some popcorn, and cuddled up in the living room together. We all enjoyed the movie and definitely were put in the Christmas mood. I was impressed with all the references to Jesus and faith in Him. The importance of family was certainly emphasized. And overall it was just a warm, feel-good movie. 
Synopsis from the website: Thomas Kinkade presents Christmas Lodge…a place where a heart-warming past and loving future meet for one remarkable group of people. During a weekend trip to the mountains, Mary (Erin Karpluk) finds herself at the now run-down lodge where she spent the holidays with her family growing up. She becomes determined to restore the building to its former glory. Inspired by her grandfather and guided by her grandmother in heaven, Mary throws herself into the project, and during the process finds herself drawn to Jack (Michael Shanks), a handsome man who loves the lodge as much as she does. Historically unlucky in love, this chance encounter allows Mary to renew her faith in life and discover her one true love. For an uplifting story about the importance of faith, family and the true holiday spirit, go to the Christmas Lodge.
If you are looking for a great Christmas film to watch with the family, check out the trailer here. I have one copy of the Christmas Lodge DVD to give away. Just leave comment telling me your favorite holiday tradition and I’ll draw a name on November 7th and have it sent to you.
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:11-14
Disclaimer: I received Christmas Lodge to review in exchange for an honest product review. I do not receive any other form of 
compensation for the reviews posted on this blog.
Furious
Jeremy Riddle just released his 3rd full length album from Vineyard Music called “Furious”. It is an interesting title for a worship album. The word conjures in most people’s mind the thought of extreme anger. However, this is not the thought of the artist. Jeremy says, “It is hard to come up with words that depict the magnitude of Christ’s love – the depth and width of it…I see it as a super-power force; stronger, deeper, broader than our vocabulary can fully describe.” When you listen to the song it’s easy to understand what it’s all about.
His love is deep, His love is wide
And it covers us
His love is fierce, His love is strong
It is furious
His love is sweet, His love is wild
And its waking hearts to life
The Father loves and sends His son
The Son lays down His life for all
He lavishes His love upon us
He calls us now, His sons and daughters
He’s reaching out…
Other titles in this album are “Love Came Down”, “You are Good”, “Lord my Shepherd”. I love the lyrics to “One Thirst”.
Come teach us Lord, reveal Your ways,
Anoint us for, the greater things, greater things
Our single wish, our sole desire
To gaze upon, Your beauty God
We will not rest, nor will we cease
Till with our eyes, Your face we see
We wait for you to come and show
Your glory here today. We wait for you…
Visit www.jeremyriddle.net to listen to these songs. They will encourage you in your faith and build your devotion toward the Holy One. Be the first person to visit the website and leave a comment telling me what your favorite song is and I’ll send you your own copy of Jeremy Riddle’s Furious.
Disclaimer: I received Furious in exchange for an honest product review. I do not receive any other form of compensation for the reviews posted on this blog.
Beverly Lewis’ The Shunning
When was the last time you picked up a good fiction book, curled up on the couch, and read for hours upon hours? I’ve done that many times in the past. But honestly I cannot remember when I last picked up a book to read just for fun. My reading list now consists of research for my own books, textbook and curriculum reviews, and theological commentaries. In the evenings, my husband does read some great books out loud to the children. (Does that count?) There just isn’t enough time and when I do pick up a good book I don’t want to put it down. Unfortunately, I am the type of person who will get involved in an interesting story and read until 3 a.m. And that is not a good habit for a mom who gets to wake up in a couple of hours and teach her children all day. So, when I got an opportunity to review Beverly Lewis’ newest movie, “The Shunning” I was thrilled. I’ve read many of her books and have always enjoyed them. I have not read “The Shunning” but knew I could make time for an hour and half movie.
Mrs. Lewis was born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country and is The New York Times bestselling author of more than eighty books. Many of these books are Amish-related novels. “The Shunning” based on her first novel, has sold more than one million copies.
Last week I watched the movie with my daughter and my mother. To be honest, I enjoyed watching it but felt cheated in the end. Not to give anything away, but the end of the movie did not meet my expectations. Maybe it’s just me. So, be the first person to leave a comment and I’ll have your own copy of “The Shunning” DVD sent to you. That way you can see for yourself and let us all know what you thought about the movie.
Movie Synopsis:
Before she succumbs to cancer, the dying wish of Laura Mayfield-Bennett is to be reunited with the daughter she never knew. Unfortunately, that daughter, Katie Lapp, is a member of the Amish order. Katie is about to be married, but uneasy about the path ahead. Now she discovers the secret her parents have kept from her: she’s adopted.
Check out the trailer here.
Disclaimer: I received “The Shunning” DVD in exchange for an honest review. I do not receive any other form of compensation for the reviews posted on this blog.
Theo
Faith, obedience, forgiveness…these are all qualities that we want to instill in our children. The earlier we teach these things the better chance we will have that they take hold. Cartoons can be a wonderful tool for teaching, which is why I am excited to share with you a new animated series called Theo: God’s Love. Theo, an animated student of Godʼs Word, lives in a cozy corner of a quaint English village, in the heart of the Cotswolds, and entertains two mice, Belfry and Luther. After 33 years in the making, the first DVD in the series Saving Faith releases on DVD September 13, 2011.
I sat down yesterday and watched the first episode. In a way it reminded me of a shorter version of Adventures in Odyssey. The episode is only 9 minutes long. I thought it was an unusual length of time. However, after watching it I could see the benefits of the shorter time. Episode One taught about Saving Faith in a simple and entertaining way. It was long enough to teach but short enough to keep little ones attention, making it perfect for Sunday school teachers who have just a few minutes at the end of class or who want to kick off a lesson on faith. It is also a great resource for parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts who want to introduce a child to the great things of God.
You can visit the website and download the bonus episode called Good News for free. Parents and those who work with children need to do this. It is 5 minutes long and clearly presents the truth of the gospel. You can also download each episode for only $4.99 on the website. Saving Faith releases in September with Loving Obedience, Forgiveness, and Armor of God to follow.
If you are worker in a church you might be interested to know that Whitestone Media has partnered with Lifeway Christian resources in creating curriculum to compliment the Theo series. Volume One – Foundations of Faith contains one DVD with 4 Theo episodes, teaching plans, worksheets, and parent pages to send home. It also includes the bonus Good News episode and teaching plan on the gospel. There is a link on the website where you can order it for $39.99.
Regardless of the way you teach your children about God, just make sure that you do. There is nothing greater that you can give them in this life. “From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus, 2 Timothy 3:15.
*** I have two copies of Theo – Saving Faith to give away to my readers. All you have to do is leave a comment and tell me who first taught you about God. I will draw two numbers on Friday, September 16th and have the DVD’s shipped to them. Blessings!
Disclaimer: I received this DVD in exchange for an honest product review. I do not receive any other form of compensation for the reviews posted on this blog.
Kimberly Williams 