Made It!

I am so glad to be on the other side of Christmas! It's been a very stressful month, but I'm hoping to catch at least a couple of days to rest and recharge, before we jump back into the school year. We celebrated our last family holiday gathering this morning with a trip to a favorite 1800's home turned hotel/restaurant. Great food, great fellowship. Now, I'm ready to take a breath. Hope your Christmas week was a great one!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone! Have a blessed and safe holiday!

Countdown

So, it's a week and a couple of days until Christmas. I've been looking around my house this weekend, and I am anything but ready to go. My house is a mess, the clutter abounds. Last night, while starting a fire in the fireplace, we discovered that there is some kind of blockage in the chimney, as evidenced by the large amount of smoke that filled the house. Yes, the flue was open. Yes, the smoke detectors definitely work. Yes, the dog does not like the sound of the alarm. And the Christmas shopping, I still have much to pick up. Oh yes, and cookies, I need to bake cookies. Sigh. I'm just not feeling the Christmas thing this year, for a variety of reasons. Not that I'm depressed, because I'm not. I'm just ready to move past the holidays. I must say though, in spite of it all, I'm not overwhelmed. At least we have a quiet holiday planned. Are you ready for Christmas?

365 - Day Devotional Journals

Sometime in my teen years, I began keeping a personal journal. It was often sporadic, and the journal itself was quite unremarkable, a simple 70 sheet school notebook. It was simple, but I didn't really mind. That notebook, and the others that followed, are now long gone, but I still enjoy the pleasure of expressing my thoughts with a pen and some paper, although admittedly, it has been a while. It was timely then, that the opportunity to review three beautiful devotional journals from Ellie Claire came up. I jumped at this review that would be just for me! Let me share them with you...

All three journals are a cross between a hardcover and softcover, with an elastic ribbon band that will keep the book closed when not in use. The spines are sturdy hardcovers. There are ribbon bookmarks in each journal to keep track of your place. These are not my cheap school notebooks. They are thick, well crafted, and beautiful, with a different theme for each. All three feature short devotionals, as in, one or two paragraphs long. There is also a Bible verse to read, and meditate on, as well as a prayer at the end. A half of a page of blank lines allow you to journal, write out thoughts and prayers. By the time you complete the devotion for December 31, you will have a meaningful book to remember the events of the past year.

Each of these devotional journals vary slightly in their themes. While the format is generally the same, you will find that the devotions are different, as well as the cover themes.

The Peace Begins With Me journal is a lovely watercolor cover in a blueish green color with gold lettering. This is the most simple in its design, but very elegant. The theme, as described in its title, is peace, and the devotions in this journal will help readers seek peace through praising God.

                                                Buy it on Amazon or at Barnes and Noble


The second journal is Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. This has a bright and beautiful floral cover, as well as on the corners of each page. This is a  sweet choice for the girly ones out there. The basic theme for these devotions are, naturally, how we can turn our eyes upon Jesus.  Each day will include  a line from a hymn or known song.

Buy it on Amazon or at Barnes and Noble

The third, and final journal is perfect for the bird lovers in your life. With two vibrant peacocks in all of their colorful splendor, sitting among flowered branches, and dotted throughout the pages, The Earth Is The Lord's and Everything In It journal offers some regal whimsy to the user. With the devotions using various examples from nature, this is yet another pretty choice.

Buy it on Amazon or at Barnes and Noble

Simply put, any of these would be a well received gift for your daughters, sisters, friends, basically any female friend sin your life. I am so impressed with the quality of these journals. I was expecting a thin, softcover notebook, and instead received these high quality gems. I would recommend these beauties to anyone looking for a devotional journal. These are on my gift list for sure, and I hope that you will include them in your holiday plans too.

Skipping Christmas

This week, I'm pulling out my copy of Skipping Christmas, by John Grisham. It's a whimsical, quick read, and I usually read it every year. I'm feeling particularly grinchy this year, lol, and I'm hoping that this might get me into the Christmas spirit a little more. 

The story is about a man named Luther, and how he makes the decision to skip Christmas for a year. His wife reluctantly agrees, but they soon realize it won't be an easy task, as their entire neighborhood makes it their mission to foist the holiday upon them, in the obnoxious, yet amusing ways. It's an enjoyable read, and I do enjoy it. So, excuse me while I get started. Happy Sunday to you!

Beloved - 365 Devotions For Young Women - A Crew Review

I often find it hard to believe that my daughters are old enough to use a devotional for teens. That old adage, "The days are long, but the years are short", is cliché, but spot on. People often lament the teen years, particularly when they speak of teenaged girls. I'm surprised, and annoyed if the truth be told, how many times older folks have seen me with my daughters, and said, "Oh, I remember that stage, I feel sorry for you." What?! Do not feel sorry for me! I love my girls, and in reality, there is a freedom that comes when your kids reach the teen years, and they are capable of much more independence. Of course, there are trials, and challenges. Bigger kids, bigger problems. However, I have a front row seat to the blooming of my daughters' personalities. I have the privilege of hearing their thoughts on many issues, and the enthusiasm and joy that accompanies youth. 

As my daughters navigate these years, I often find myself engaged in conversations with them about various issues that they need guidance to handle. Every time, I point them to the Lord, and to the Scriptures, because I want them to learn to depend on Him first and foremost. To that end, I was pleased to receive a free copy of Beloved - 365 Devotions For Young Women from Zondervan to review, with no additional compensation. It's a lovely resource, and I'm happy to share it with you.

Simply put, this is a beautiful devotional. It is a hardcover book, with a pretty, glossy, floral design, in shades of a blush sort of pink, with splashes of a darker pink, gold, and green. Each devotion is set up as Day 1, Day 2, and so on, rather than actual dates. I like this method, because it allows you to begin the book any day of the year, and you won't have to possibly start at the end of the book.

The devotions are simple, and easy to follow. A Bible verse that sets the theme for the reading is at the top, followed by a short paragraph that expounds on the lesson. Four lines are available at the bottom that allow for notes, prayers, or general thoughts. Young women will read about the highs and lows of various girls and women from the Bible. They will read about Biblical ways to handle relationships, identity, loneliness, grief, beauty, and compassion. During this review period, we have read about Eve, that famous wife from Proverbs 31, Sarah, and Lot's wife. As I paged through this book, to see who we will meet in future devotions, I see that they will include Leah, Rachel, Dinah, Jochebed, Miriam, Deborah...you can see the list continues. It's going to be good!

How you decide to utilize this devotion is up to you. You might give this to your daughter and let her use it for her personal quiet time. The verses provide opportunity for memorization, and maybe even some copywork, just to keep that handwriting gorgeous :) As for my family, we have been using this as an opening for our daily Bible studies. One of my girls will read the verse, then one of us reads the devotion, and we discuss the theme. Eventually I will just have them use it on their own, as they learn to organize a quiet time on their own, but for now, it's a sweet time. I love to hear their thoughts on various issues of the day. Gathering at the table to read this is a reminder to me that I love homeschooling. It has allowed me to cultivate close relationships with my daughters, and I hope that it never changes.

The Christmas season is upon us, and this would make a meaningful, and beautiful gift for the young  woman in your life. I hope that you will take the time and take a look at Beloved - 365 Devotions For Young Women today.

Find Zondervan on social media:

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

Pinterest

Instagram

Read more Crew reviews about Beloved - 365 Devotions For Young Women from Zondervan by clicking the banner below!

Beloved - 365 Devotions For Young Women - A Review

I often find it hard to believe that my daughters are old enough to use a devotional for teens. That old adage, "The days are long, but the years are short", is cliché, but spot on. People often lament the teen years, particularly when they speak of teenaged girls. I'm surprised, and annoyed if the truth be told, how many times older folks have seen me with my daughters, and said, "Oh, I remember that stage, I feel sorry for you." What?! Do not feel sorry for me! I love my girls, and in reality, there is a freedom that comes when your kids reach the teen years, and they are capable of much more independence. Of course, there are trials, and challenges. Bigger kids, bigger problems. However, I have a front row seat to the blooming of my daughters' personalities. I have the privilege of hearing their thoughts on many issues, and the enthusiasm and joy that accompanies youth.

As my daughters navigate these years, I often find myself engaged in conversations with them about various issues that they need guidance to handle. Every time, I point them to the Lord, and to the Scriptures, because I want them to learn to depend on Him first and foremost. To that end, I was pleased to receive a free copy of Beloved - 365 Devotions For Young Women to review, with no additional compensation. It's a lovely resource, and I'm happy to share it with you.

Simply put, this is a beautiful devotional. It is a hardcover book, with a pretty, glossy, floral design, in shades of a blush sort of pink, with splashes of a darker pink, gold, and green. Each devotion is set up as Day 1, Day 2, and so on, rather than actual dates. I like this method, because it allows you to begin the book any day of the year, and you won't have to possibly start at the end of the book.

The devotions are simple, and easy to follow. A Bible verse that sets the theme for the reading is at the top, followed by a short paragraph that expounds on the lesson. Four lines are available at the bottom that allow for notes, prayers, or general thoughts. Young women will read about the highs and lows of various girls and women from the Bible. They will read about Biblical ways to handle relationships, identity, loneliness, grief, beauty, and compassion.

How you decide to utilize this devotion is up to you. You might give this to your daughter and let her use it for her personal quiet time. As for my family, we have been using this as an opening for our daily Bible studies. One of my girls will read the verse, then one of us reads the devotion, and we discuss the theme. Eventually I will just have them use it on their own, as they learn to organize a quiet time on their own, but for now, it's a sweet time. I love to hear their thoughts on various issues of the day.

The Christmas season is upon us, and this would make a meaningful, and beautiful gift for the young  woman in your life. I hope that you will take the time and take a look at Beloved - 365 Devotions For Young Women today.

Apply For The Crew!

Hey friends,

Great news, the Homeschool Review Crew is now taking applications for the 2019 run! Do you homeschool? Do you have a blog? Yes? Then don't miss this opportunity to join a fantastic group of folks who love reviewing great products, and writing about them. My time on the Crew has been such a blessing. It has given our family the chance to discover curriculum an other resources that we never would have been able to utilize without the Crew. The support that this group of families offers each other on our review forum is amazing. If that sounds great to you, click on the link below, and fill out an application!

2019 Homeschool Review Crew Application

Hope to meet you soon!

NIV Adventure Bible - Polar Exploration Edition

Hey, Adventure Bible fans! Great news, there is a new edition of the number one Bible for kids! The NIV Adventure Bible Polar Exploration Edition is here, and just in time for the Holiday season. I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review, with no additional compensation.

As a follower of Jesus, and a parent, I want to see my daughters grow in their relationship with the Lord. Of course, a vital component in making that happen is regular Bible reading and study. When I was a young believer, I was given a study Bible, and I loved the wonderful details and background information that was provided in the notes on every page. I often miss that old Bible. Upon seeing this Adventure Bible, I was hooked. This edition is amazing, rivaling that study Bible of mine, perhaps even surpassing it in its features.

A little more information about the Polar Exploration Edition:

Ready for a frosty Adventure? Embark on a fun, exciting trek through God’s Word with the NIV Adventure Bible, now in an all-new polar exploration theme! While on this arctic adventure, readers meet all types of people, see all sorts of places, and learn all kinds of facts about the Bible. And most importantly you’ll grow closer in your relationship with God.

Features of the NIV Adventure Bible, Polar Exploration Edition include:

•             The same trusted Adventure Bible content in a frosty new theme

•             Full-color images of polar animals, arctic outposts, and icy landscapes throughout make learning about the Bible even more engaging

•             Life in Bible Times—Articles and illustrations describe what life was like in ancient days

•             Words to Treasure—Highlights great verses to memorize

•             Did You Know?—Interesting facts help you understand God’s Word and the life of faith

•             People in Bible Times—Articles offer close-up looks at amazing people of the Bible

•             Live It!—Hands-on activities help you apply biblical truths to your life

•             Twenty polar-themed pages focus on topics such as how to know you are a Christian, famous people of the Bible, highlights of the life of Jesus, and how to pray.

•             Book introductions feature arctic art and important information about each book of the Bible

•             Dictionary/concordance for looking up tricky words

•             Color map section to help locate places in the Bible

•             Complete text of the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible

•             Thrilling new glacial cover on metallic paper

The Adventure Bible is designed for ages 8-12 years, but as an adult, I love it! God's Word is God's Word after all, and who says that grown ups can't enjoy colorful illustrations, helpful background information, history, as well as encouraging and inspirational notes? Both of my daughters and I have been using this Bible, together, and individually for our daily readings, Sunday School lessons, and morning devotions. I love getting lost for a while in all of those wonderful extras. As a former preschool teacher, Awana leader, and current Sunday school teacher, I can certainly get away with carrying a "child's Bible", around with me, but even if I weren't any of those, I would still use this as my go to Bible.
Take a look at some photos, and see some of the helpful information you'll find in this edition:

The Christmas season has crept up on us, and wouldn't this be a fantastic, and useful gift for the tween in your life? Trust me, you will want to take a closer look at this one, and order a copy.
Interested? How could you not be? 😃
Buy it here:
https://www.adventurebible.com/polaredition/

Beloved - 365 Devotions For Young Women

As my daughters begin their high school journey, it's important to me that they learn the discipline of a daily personal devotion time. The culture attempts to pull our children in so many directions, and so many of those are not good roads. I'm grateful for publishers like Zondervan, who are dedicated to putting out quality, Biblically based resources for our young people. We have had the opportunity to review the teen devotional, Beloved, 365 Devotions for Young Women. I received a copy of this devotion in exchange for my review, with no additional compensation.

When we received this book, I was pleased to find a beautiful, hardcover book of good quality, beautifully designed with deep blush and pink, and a ribbon bookmark to keep track of the day that we are on. Unlike other devotionals which use specific calendar dates, this one begins with "Day One", and so on. I like this very much, as it allows you to begin at any point in the year. Each devotional has a Bible verse at the top, followed by a short paragraph that relates to the topic of said verse. The bottom of the page has a few blank lines in case your teen would like to add a note or two. The devotions feature women of the Bible, and speak on many issues that young women will find helpful. Relationships, identity, loneliness, faithfulness are just a sampling of topics found within these pages.

For now, at least for the purpose of this review, I have used this as a morning get together before we start our day. It is a nice way to begin our day, before we jump into our studies or other activities. Eventually, I will have my girls use this on their own, for personal study. For now, I am enjoying the extra time of fellowship with them. This is a lovely book that would be a meaningful gift for the young woman in your life.

Ellie Claire Art Journals

I have always loved art, as in creating art. It began in my childhood, with brand new packages of freshly sharpened crayons, and a clean sheet of paper, or a coloring book. That was sort of the gateway medium for me, leading to markers, paints, oil pastels, and...gasp, glitter! Lol. There is something so cathartic about a quiet afternoon, and some good art supplies that is simply, magic. That being the case, I was very interested in participating in this review campaign for Ellie Claire Art Journals. There happens to be three of them, and lucky me, I have had the opportunity to check them all out, and I'm happy to share our experiences with them!

I say we, because I was very tempted to hoard them all for myself, especially after they first arrived. I had pictured a journal as a notebook style, such as you might compare to a three ring notebook. Nope, not even close. These journals are hardback, with thick, high quality paper, and with embossed covers. These are not your average journals folks. They are gorgeous. That being the case, I thought it would be more fun to have my 2 daughters join me in trying them out. We each chose one, and enjoyed some fun together time around the table, drawing, coloring, lettering...Interestingly enough, each of us chose the journal that suited our personality the best. So, allow me to introduce you to each journal...

The first notebook is the Faith & Lettering Journal. My 13 year chose this style as her notebook. It's been said about food, that a person "eats with their eyes" before enjoying a meal. I feel that way about this journal. With its bright pink spine, and a mix of turquoise, pink, and black flowers and inspirational quotes on the cover, it's beautiful. The inside does not disappoint either, as you'll find page after page of colorful letters, and phrases to trace, and then try free hand. Being a journal, there is also plenty of space to write out thoughts, prayers, or Bible verses. If you want to try out Bible journaling, this is a great way to learn how to create fancy lettering. There are also full pages that have colorful Bible verses. I almost want to remove them and frame them - but I won't because that would ruin the book!

Purchase this journal here:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

The second book, which is the one that I chose, is The Illustrated Word Coloring Journal. This journal has a middle ages kind of theme. In addition to plenty of space for writing out your thoughts and prayers, there are full page coloring pages that are reproductions of various works of art. For some reason, and please do not think me too odd, lol, but when I'm coloring a page, I feel like I need a fancy cup of tea, some sort of English pastry, and a period drama on the t.v., Downton Abbey perhaps?

Purchase this journal here:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Last but certainly not least, is the Illuminate Your Story Journal, and was the one that my 14 year old selected. This also has a middle ages flavor. The first few pages in this book feature fully colored descriptions of various manuscripts and their histories, including instructions in how to draw them yourself. There are a few pages here and there that provide space for journaling, but the majority of the journal is filled with beautiful letters that may be traced. practiced, and colored in as you like. There is also a ribbon bookmark, an attached elastic band for keeping a pen or other writing implement, and a pretty folder in the back for keepsakes.

Purchase this journal here:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

We used a few different kinds of colored pencils and markers as we got artsy. I was curious to see how well the pages would hold up against each, and whether there would be any bleed through. I was so impressed! Even with the heaviest coloring, there was no bleed through in any of the journals! Oh, that wonderful, thick paper! We all love these journals, and give them an enthusiastic two thumbs up! I'm putting these on my list to buy for gifts this season, and I am certain that they will be well received. You will be hard pressed to find a better quality journal, and I am now a dedicated fan! Check them out for yourself!

Blizzard 2018

So, Thanksgiving wasn't the event of this past weekend. Our part of the world experienced a rare November blizzard, that disrupted our briefly disrupted our schedules. I can't say that I was thrilled with getting nearly a foot of snow this early in the season, but as we jump into the Christmas season, it does make it more festive. Here are some pics.

Thanksgiving Week

Oh my goodness, can you believe that Thanksgiving is already upon us? I don't know about you, but I am not ready at all. Hopefully, the next few days will be relatively quiet, so I can clean, shop, bake, and all around prepare for Thursday. We'll be having a small family gathering, so I'm not feeling stressed. For tonight, we're enjoying a relaxing evening of football and chilling. Happy Sunday!