Search for ideas on parenting, crafts, gardening, books, cooking and more
hosted by Scribbit
When I posted a TripFLIX review and giveaway over at what i want, I failed to blurb it here. So consider yourselves blurbed.
Hope your 4th of July was spectacular and relaxing. See you here Monday for Best Shot Monday.
My other blog, what i think, has details how to enter the Hit the Road Sweepstakes to win free gas for the summer and more. Yeah, with the price of gas...thought you might be interested.
There are always live links to current promotions and giveaways in the top left sidebar here at Slurping Life.
Sometimes I love a photo that was forgotten for a little while. When I find it, I edit it, post it and then you post lovely comments about it. Thank you. Sometimes that photo is one I did not take. Alas, yes, credit must be given where credit is due. But I am so taking credit for the cropping and editing...me, all me.
The photo in question was taken by Chuck, my husband, last month (with a HP point and shoot) when he took the boys to the NASCAR all-star race...or it's called something like that. Me, I don't do NASCAR. I was not there. Can you believe it? I chose to stay home...all alone...for a weekend...at home...all alone...no boys...no husband...just me...except for Ursula, our female dog...all alone...me. And I am quite content living their weekend through the photos Chuck and the boys snapped. Yep, it was a bee-u-tee-full weekend for me...all alone.
If you're alone this weekend...or even it you're not...check out my Friday Photo Thrills and Deals or my giveaway, both at what i think. It's a new place, but there is lots of good stuff waiting in the wings. I hope you visit, bookmark and drop by often. Remember to check the top left sidebar here at Slurping Life for links to current promos and giveaways.
And finally, I will be hosting Tracey's Best Shot Monday for the next two weeks. Let's not let Tracey down...she is seriously concerned about not posting to Mother May I for two weeks. I think she's afraid we could somehow forget her. How utterly ridiculous is that?
Peace.Love.Smiles.
Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World Blog Tour
A personal review and Joanna Weaver's giveaway have been posted at what i think. Honestly, about this book review...I had a difficult time writing
it. The difficulty has nothing to do with the book itself...read more about the book and giveaway.
Heads up! I have posted a review of a new service and a giveaway sponsored by HP. Simply pop over to learn more and enter the giveaway. Remember, read and comment at the post over there to enter.
Thanks for visiting.
Here's a good thing to do if you go to a party and you don't know anybody: First take out the garbage. Then go around and collect any extra garbage that people might have, like a crumpled napkin, and take that out, too. Pretty soon people will want to meet the busy garbage guy." ~ Jack Handy, American writer and cast member of Saturday Night Live from 1991-2003
Keeping busy is no problem for me. Life is happy to accommodate. You know, the boys and things. And with my tendency toward hyperactivity, I welcome opportunities to stay busy doing things I enjoy and which challenge me. I like to juggle. Yes, that's a good image of me...as a circus performer, but I refuse to put on the sequined leotard and tights. Forget that image. Move on.
All of this nonsense is to say that the review and giveaway blog...the one I first mentioned ages ago and again more recently...now exists. what i think. Most of my past reviews and giveaways have been re-posted there with several new promotions planned for the coming weeks. Look up and left *scrunches shoulders and nods head up and leftward* here at Slurping Life for the permanent link to what i think. In the next few weeks I should have a button posted there in place of the link..."should have" she mutters with a smile. Each time a new review, giveaway or contest is posted at what i think, a brief blurb and link will be posted at Slurping Life.
The new blog was created in order to continue to bring you quality product reviews and giveaways (and due to receiving more and more requests and offers) while retaining my original purpose of Slurping Life. Whatever that may be.
what i think is up and live. When you have a spare moment...yeah, stop the laughter, I understand there is really no such thing, but use those pretend spare moments you make up and use for blog hopping...please pop over and take a gander. It is a simple set up with a welcome and general information along with policies for businesses, PR companies or individuals who would like to request a product review or sponsor a giveaway to promote their product, service or website/blog. I value the opinions of my bloggy friends...that is you.
So when you visit be sure to look over in the sidebar and visit the "Welcome. Thanks for visiting" link. And I'll see you over there real soon with more reviews, giveaways and contests. You know we'll have us some fun.
Here is a fabulous opportunity sponsored by Whirlpool to get moms a-thinking.
Now I am off and not sure when I will be back here. I am inspired by many photographer-women-moms to get off my butt and improve my photography skills. I cannot do that while blogging. Later...
...printer. Sorry, no cash. I spend it all on kids and photography stuff...not necessarily in that order.
The winner (via random.org) of the HP Deskjet D2545 printer giveaway is Angela #16 of Memoirs of a Chaotic Mommy. Angela, I have emailed you.
Thanks to everyone who entered, played nicely and shared your green photos. I always love looking at photos.
The HP photo printer giveaway is open through 12AM Wednesday, June 11.
No straining or sweating required.
So what is green, free and prints photos?
The new HP Deskjet D2545 printer - the company’s first printer made almost entirely (83% of the unit’s total plastic weight) from recycled plastic material. Hang on, the free part is coming. The printer is ENERGY STAR® qualified, features a one-touch print-cancel button to prevent the printing of unwanted pages, and comes in packaging that is 100 percent recyclable. The HP 60 ink cartridges are also made from newly molded recycled plastics from used HP cartridges collected through HP Planet Partners recycling program and other sources, such as water bottles.
The HP Deskjet D2545 Printer was launched in conjunction with the new HP Eco Solutions Program - a company-wide effort created to help customers identify environmental initiatives, products, solutions and services designed with the environment in mind. HP also introduced the new HP Eco Highlights label that will help customers identify environmental attributes of a specific product, tool or service.
I love my HP printers and point and shoot digital cameras. The quality has always been excellent...and I am not easy to please...even withstanding use by my less-than-gentle tween boys. Adding to the goodness is HP's commitment to reducing the company's environmental impact from operations to products and services Yeah, it's a good thing.
The HP Deskjet D2545 photo printer is compact, affordable, and easy to use. It would be a good choice for family use, including older children.
The giveaway has ended.
One more good thing...a giveaway. HP is giving one of my lucky readers a HP Deskjet D2545 photo printer. To be eligible for the random draw, leave a comment on this post along with a link to your favorite green photo either on your blog, Snapfish, flickr or another photo hosting site. Your options are wide open with this one...the color green, environmentally friendly things, your kid wearing green...simply show me the green. And make certain I have an email address to contact you should you win. Enter by 12AM Wednesday, June 11. The winner will be announced later that date.
If you are not lucky enough to be the winner, check out the printer to purchase. Think affordable. Really. And green.
Congratulations to Christina of Momology (commenter #5) and Cindi (commenter #12, no blog URL). You are the two winners of the Sweet Caroline giveaway.
Ladies, email me a mailing address and your books will be on their way.
The Sweet Caroline post is right here.
Next week there will be a HP photo printer up for grabs.
To celebrate the release of her latest book, Sweet Caroline, Rachel Hauck is hosting a blog tour and a scrumptious baking basket giveaway. I was given the opportunity to read and review Rachel's latest book and have two copies to give away.
Living in the south, the real south, I identified and fell in love with each of Rachel's characters and settings. I know all about buttery biscuits, low country cuisine and South Carolina beaches. I have even been to Gay Fish Company while vacationing on the South Carolina isles. Immediately after beginning to read the book I became absorbed in Caroline's life, her kind spirit and her faithfulness to friends and family.
Whether or not you live in the deep south or have ever vacationed along the South Carolina coast, you will become immersed in low country culture and Caroline's pursuit of the sweet life. Sweet Caroline is a relaxing Christian chick-lit read you'll enjoy this summer while kicking back on your deck with a cold glass of sweet iced tea.
From the book cover:
Caroline Sweeney has always done the right thing--the responsible, dependable thing--unlike her mother who abandoned her family. But when her best friend challenges her to accept an exciting job adventure in Barcelona, Spain, Caroline says "yes" to destiny.
Then, without warning, ownership of the run-down cafe where she's been waitressing falls right into Caroline's lap. While she's trying to determine the cafe's future, handsome Deputy Sheriff J.D. Rand captures Caroline's heart.
But when her first love, Mitch O'Neal, comes back to town, fresh from the heat of his newly-found fame as a country music singer in Nashville, Caroline must make some hard choices about love and the pursuit of the sweet life.
This giveaway has ended. Giveaway Two: I have two copies of Sweet Caroline to giveaway...one brand new and one gently read by me but in brand new condition. For a chance to win simply leave a comment on this post by midnight Saturday, May 31, and please include an email for contacting you should you win. Two winners will be chosen by random draw using random.org and announced on Sunday, June 1.
Of course, you can buy the book at Amazon, CBD, Barnes & Noble and local Christian bookstores.
And for some yummy eating here's the recipe for Bubba's Buttery Biscuits which soothe appetites and souls in Sweet Caroline.
Bubba's Buttery Biscuits
3 cups self-rising flour
10 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
and chilled, plus 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted for brushing the tops
1 1/4 cups buttermilk
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Place the flour and chilled butter in a medium mixing bowl. Work the butter into the flour with a pastry cutter, a fork, or your fingertips until the butter pieces are a little larger than an English pea, but not larger than a lima bean. If you are using your fingers, work quickly so that the heat of your hands won't melt the butter.
Pour in all of the buttermilk and, using light pressure, fold the mixture a few times with a plastic spatula until it holds together. Do not over mix. In order to make light biscuits, it is important to work the dough as little as possible.
Turn the dough out onto a floured board and knead it quickly and gently 6 to 10 times or until it begins to be almost homogenized. There will be large pieces of butter throughout. Sprinkle a little flour under the dough so that it won't stick to the board and lightly dust the top of the dough so that it won't stick to the board and lightly dust the top of the dough so that it won't stick to the rolling pin. Roll the dough out to about 1/2-inch thickness.
Cut the dough into 2-inch rounds, place on an ungreased baking sheet, and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. I like the biscuits to be crispy and brown on the top and bottom, but not dry in the middle. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and brush the tops of the biscuits with the melted butter. Serve right away. (recipe from Louis Osteen)
Good luck in the giveaways, y'all! (Yes, we really say y'all a whole bunch in the south.)
Short and sweet. The ten winners of the Snapfish.com giveaway, one photo card per winner each good for 50 free prints, are the following commenters chosen by random.org:
#4 De
#5 killshandra
#7 Brittany
#8 Where's the Box
#11 Maggie
#13 Rebecca
#14 Laura
#18 Claire - no blog link
#20 Rose
#23 Justin - no blog link
Winners send me an email with a mailing address, and I'll get your card in the mail.
This giveaway has ended.
In celebration of Mother's Day Snapfish.com -the number one online photo service- has given me 10 gift cards each redeemable for 50 free prints of your favorite photos. Yeah, I know. We love free...we love photos...and we love Snapfish.com. Do you feel a giveaway coming?
Snapfish.com by hp offers free online storage and sharing; high quality mail order prints; and personalized gifts, cards, photo books and more. If you are looking for a last minute gift from the heart, Snapfish also offers unique, personalized Mother's Day gifts such as:
About those 50 free prints card...you know I would never keep all those cards for myself. For your chance to win one of the 10 cards for 50 free prints from Snapfish, simply leave a comment on this post by midnight Monday, May 12. In commenting be sure that you input your email address so that I can contact you should you win. That's it. Ten winners will be chosen via random.org and announced here on Tuesday, May 13.
Ten winners! What'cha waiting for...talk to me for your chance to win. Then pop over to Snapfish.com and register so that you will be all set to order your 50 free prints if you win.
After ignoring two comments that were not eligible and inputting information at random.org, the winner of the giveaway for a copy of The Busy Mom's Devotional is Stacey of Not For Profit, But For Joy.
Congratulations, Stacey! And thanks to all who read and commented.
Busy mom, is that you? Stop it. Stop that hysterical laughter...I knew the answer before asking the question. Seriously, stop laughing and listen. Will you listen if I tell you there is a giveaway?
Recently I decided to do better with devotional readings -as in actually doing them again- and The Busy Mom's Devotional was tossed to me like a lifeline to a drowning woman.
Think it's impossible to have a spiritual life AND manage family life? There are many days that plainly feel like an exercise of survival. But living a life of devotion means seeing Christ in everything--from changing a diaper to a husband's tender kiss. Join Lisa for a year of "been there" devotions--readings from a mom who lives like you do, in the trenches, but strives to see Jesus beside her, through it all. Do just one devotional a day (or a week!), and you'll begin to see life with more depth and clarity than ever before.
Each devotional uses a simple format...
The Busy Mom's Devotional, 10 Minutes A Week To A Life Of Devotion, truly provides busy moms a doable resource to begin reconnecting with their spiritual life. You may choose to read one devotional a day. You may choose to read one devotional per week taking time to return to the same devotional several times to complete your thoughts in order to reveal what God is saying to you. Either way, it works.
Lisa has written a devotional in a manageable format with relevant stories for busy moms. She captured me with devotional title number four..."Chocolate Intensity Prayer".
LISA T. BERGREN is the author of twenty-eight books that have sold many more than she ever believed. She writes a lot from the heart and in whatever category that currently interests her–-from gift and children’s books to medieval fiction and Bible studies. She is a wife to Tim, an artist, and mother to three phenomenal children–Olivia, Emma and Jack.
The contest had ended.
Giveaway...Win a copy of The Busy Mom's Devotional. Simply leave a comment on this post by midnight EST Friday, April 25. (open to U.S. residents only) Be sure I have an email to contact you should you win. Winner will be chosen via random.org and posted here on Saturday, April 26. Thanks for reading and commenting.
And random.org says she is Rhonda of A Mother's Heart.
Waving to you, Rhonda. Pop me an email with your mailing address and the book is yours.
Thanks to all who participated. Another blog tour/giveaway goes up Saturday.
Tricia Goyer is the author of twelve books including From Dust and Ashes, My Life UnScripted, and the children's book, 10 Minutes to Showtime. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like Today's Christian Woman and Focus on the Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in the mountains of Montana.
The first chapter of Tricia's book, Generation NeXt Marriage, includes the statement:
To be truthful the last seventeen years haven't been all cupcakes and sprinkles. To put it bluntly, John and I were young and dumb when we got married (or at least I was). And we've made a lot of mistakes (mostly me). But we made a commitment to see this thing through. To work for our marriage. To love the other person even when he or she seems unlovely.
I can honestly say that both my husband and I were young and dumb. Having gotten married at the age of eighteen, we literally grew up together and that included a period of growing apart. Fortunately, we survived a near divorce...tearing up the papers rather than signing them...and lived to love and appreciate each other deeply. But it never has and never will be a romantic fantasy.
Marriage is work. Tricia reminded me of this fact. Lately, I have not been working diligently for our marriage. While I could have chosen any chapter topic to discuss...intimacy, everyday stuff, different by design, communication, dirty laundry, romancing your spouse (I fall short with each of these)...taking care of yourself caught me completely off guard.
Tricia reminds me...
I exercise diligently and eat healthy, but there is another aspect which is sorely neglected by me. I have been a frumpy dump for a year. Rarely giving any attention to my appearance while around the house, and as a homeschooling mom I am always around the house. When my husband comes home he is greeted by an unattractive mess. Yet, he smiles, kisses me and says "I love you". If I were him, I would look the other way and gag.
"When I look at myself, my first inclination is to identify my faults." Thanks again, Tricia. My husband regularly looks at me with complete love and adoration. He compliments me with his eyes, his touch, his words...yet, I deflect every comment. The conversations go something like this...
Donning baggy sweat pants, a holey faded t-shirt, barefoot, hair tangled while shoveling wet clothes from the washer to the dryer. Enter sweet husband smiling lovingly at me.
"Hi, beautiful."
Me, looking up rolling eyes, "Yeah, sure. Where are your glasses?"
~~~
Chasing the boys around the house during a frantic moment of wild-frenzy-freaking, probably wearing the same aforementioned outfit, enter same husband smiling lovingly at me.
"You have a great butt" he says grabbing a handful.
Stopping in my tracks, sweating from the chase, I blurt, "Right. Did you not feel the flab?"
~~~
Me, sitting on the sofa reading a book after putting the boys to bed. You guessed it, wearing the same attractive outfit. The adoring husband sits beside me, puts his arms around me and kisses my neck.
"Melody, you are more beautiful every day. I love you."
"I love you, too. You deserve a sweet, beautiful wife. Not an aging, grumpy old woman" comes my reply.
~~~
I have issues. And my husband is tired of hearing me put myself down. Tricia's book has brought this to the forefront of my thinking and steps have been taken to improve my at-home appearance and view of myself. Think good thoughts for me. I need them.
Generation NeXt Marriage is written about real marriage in a real manner. I love that Tricia uses songs of the 80's as well as books and movies to bring home her points. In doing so she brings back a ton of almost forgotten memories. Tricia has written a creative, Biblically-based book on the challenges of marriage which offers realistic help while sharing her own tribulations and joys. She reminds me of the intimate bond that God intends my marriage to be.
(This giveaway has ended.)
Want a chance to win a copy of Generation NeXt Marriage? Simply leave a comment on this post by midnight EST Wednesday, April 16. The winner will be chosen via random.org and announced on Thursday, April 17. Please be sure to leave your email so that you can be contacted should you win. And...
Would you like to win $50 for a romantic dinner to your favorite restaurant? Click over to Tricia’s Gen X blog and read all about her contest. Just tell her how you met your hubby. The stories will be printed on her site, and the one with the most comments will win. It’s open to bloggers and non-bloggers alike.
Read Chapter One.
Go ahead, buy the book.
The Generation NeXt Marriage blog tour begins today. My posting date is April 10, but I wanted to give you a heads up on the contest which is running in conjunction with the blog tour. You could win $50 for a dinner out with your husband. Oh yeah. We love some dinner out...no cooking, no dishes, NO KIDS!
When I post in April there will also be a giveaway for a copy of the book and a re-post of the contest for a romantic dinner with your husband, but for now why are you here? Get over and find out how to enter the contest for a romantic dinner...with your man...free food...no kids allowed...candlelight...romance. Oh, I'm trying to remember what that's like.
You will want to come back here on April 10 when I am suppose to reveal truths, secrets and how I think about my marriage. Hmmmmmm...
Recent weeks find me receiving more offers of products and books to review, blog tours (books and products) and giveaways. Slurping Life was not created to be a review/giveaway blog, but I do love participating in such fun. Really, I like giving my opinion and giving stuff away makes me giggly. So...
If I create a review-giveaway blog would you drop by to read the reviews, blog tours and enter giveaways? I would post a teaser with a link here at Slurping Life letting you know when a new review/giveaway is posted at the "other blog".
Your opinion matters, so I'm just asking...would you?
Thanks for commenting with your answer.
Oops! Forgot. This was suppose to be posted yesterday, so without further delay random.org says the winner of the book is commenter 12...Natalie of The Benson Family and Other Stuff.
Natalie, pop me an email and Nana's Bible Stories will be on its way to you and M.
Today I have the privilege of introducing a new children's author. Roberta Simpson. Roberta's book, Nana's Bible Stories, is a delightful read for young and old with colorful illustrations by Susan Mitchell.
Roberta, thank you for sharing with us today
ROBERTA: It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to share some of my personal thoughts and experiences as a new author with you, Melody, and the Slurping Life ladies! I am so blessed to see the work you are doing to help and encourage each other!
There are so many gifts lying dormant in the lives of women—just waiting to be discovered or understood. I pray not only that my book, Nana’s Bible Stories will be encouraging to the children in your life—but, also that my personal story will be of encouragement to many of you as you pursue your calling.
You have been telling stories to your five children and nine grandchildren for many years. Why do you believe the art of storytelling is so important…and why do children respond so well to stories?
ROBERTA: Storytelling is so important firstly because you are engaging a child or children for a special time. I love to use my grandchildren’s names in the stories as I have done in Nana’s Bible Stories.
I believe storytelling is an adventure, and what you are doing is bringing children into the story. It is also a great time for cuddling, and being close to the kids – it is a time for bonding, and engaging their trust. I find there is not a child I have met who does not just LOVE having a story read, or told to them!
I believe that children
respond to stories (if they are good stories!) because it is a time
where they can listen to a story about someone or something else other
than what they see and feel everyday, and many times can place themselves
into the story – e.g. “What would I have done?”
While playing with kids,
I love starting a story – “Once upon a time, there was a…” then
I would point to one of the kids, and they would have to make up something.
I would continue this way until all the kids had a turn, and we had
a story! It was crazy, fun, and lots of loud laughter.
Your personal story is one
of obedience. You didn’t plan to become an author. Tell us about some
of the challenges you faced from family, friends, etc. on your journey.
ROBERTA: Challenges do come, and they come often. Some years ago, I did a writing seminar, here in Barbados. I remember being so excited, as I did want to write, but up until then, I had only written articles for the newspaper, and a few plays for church.
The gentleman who read and corrected all that I had written scribbled all over them with a nasty little red pen. On the bottom he wrote, “You can’t write!” I shrugged and thought, “I have five kids to raise and I have lots to do, so never mind!” He was a very influential man in Barbados – in fact, he was a well known Pastor! Lesson to be learned in this? When God says you can do it, even a well known Pastor cannot get in the way with his negative comments!
Years later, when I knew God spoke to me about writing, I felt excited and flew home (I mean drove!) and started to write. I believe what was important at that time, was obeying God, and not listening to man!
Friends and especially family
have totally encouraged me on my adventure, and this is really special!
The seven stories featured
in Nana’s Bible Stories are biblically correct
– but, you have a unique style of storytelling. You have created stories
within stories. Would you please explain why you used this style?
ROBERTA: When reading the Bible, I tend to stop and meditate on what I have read, and often, especially looking at characters in the Bible, I wonder how they felt, where they lived, etc. My heart always went out to the leper who Jesus healed. For instance, did he have a family? His heart must have been broken at having to leave home. I believe other people—including children—might wonder the same things…so I thought it would be interesting to develop stories around the stories.
I do a lot of research
and I insist on maintaining the actual story from the Bible. I
do not remove the tiniest meaning from the Word!
I had a wonderful time writing
“A Father’s Miracle.” Here is a little boy, who I invented, who
just loved his Abba – Daddy. His dad gets sick and has to move away
from his home, and all he loves. I wanted kids to be able to
identify with this child. It could have been them, and many kids face
this sad experience – maybe not leprosy, but sickness and death!
I believe kids will be encouraged and inspired, like the little boy, and pray for loved ones who are sick, and have faith that they will be healed by Jesus, who is the same today as He was yesterday!
Some of your royalties from Nana’s Bible Stories will be going to children’s charities. Please explain.
ROBERTA: While we were working with Jane Seymour on her narration, we learned about all the wonderful work that she was doing on behalf of various children’s charities. It was touching to see first hand the work that is being done and actually meeting some of the young people who are benefiting from her charity work. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of my book will go to these charities, including City Hearts in Los Angeles.
I am also involved the Children’s Trust in Barbados. They do a marvelous job of helping, sick, and underprivileged children on this island.
It is a great joy to be
writing, knowing that the Lord is blessing children both spiritually
and financially through Nana’s Bible Stories.
You are truly “Nana” to many young people – including those outside of your family. You have even challenged other Nanas to become more involved. Why do you think it is important for Nanas to become involved in the lives of young people?
ROBERTA: I absolutely love
and adore my children and grandchildren. But I have had the privilege
to meet and be involved with so many kids outside my own family.
It is so important for us, either as Nanas, or Nana figures, to be involved
with kids. I believe they need us, and we have much to give.
There are many kids out there, who are lonely and unloved. I really pray my book will allow me to touch the lives of many of these children, to love on them and encourage them. There is so much we can do, and we can truly, with a compassionate heart, be the hands and feet of Jesus in children’s lives.
What words of encouragement would you give to other women who have been stay at home Moms, but now have the time and want to use their gifts and talents to start a career or business? Is it ever too late?
ROBERTA: Well, first of all, it is never too late. So I say to all you wonderful Moms, go girl go! I say God has placed wonderful gifts inside of you, which some of you may or may not be aware.
I did not know I had books
inside of me! So I know God will take some of you by surprise. He will
take you on a great adventure! Some of you know already what you want
to do, and have obvious gifts that others can see.
Just give your life over to Him in a new way, and ask Him how to proceed in your new career. He will answer you!
Thank you for allowing me to share a part of my life and calling with you. If you would like to learn more about me or my book, please go to www.nanasbiblestories.com. You may download one of my favorite stories, The Butterfly and the Cross—the story of the crucifixion as told through the gentle and tender eyes of a butterfly. I have also included a special devotional for the story which you may share with your children this Easter season. Cuddle up with a child and enjoy!
Roberta, thank you for allowing me to introduce you and your book. Nana's Bible Stories is now on my list of recommended children's books.
Visit Roberta's site to read more about the author and Nana's Bible Stories. A portion of every sale of Nana’s Bible Stories helps support children’s charities like the Make-A-Wish Foundation, granting wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses, and City Hearts, using the arts to reach inner-city kids.
Giveaway
The giveaway has ended.
I am sharing my copy of Nana's Bible Stories with my boys, and they are enjoying revisiting new tellings of their favorite Bible stories. However, my boys are older and rather than keep our copy, I would like to pass this gift to another family to share with their young children for years to come.
If you would like to be entered in a random draw for our like-new copy of Nana's Bible Stories, which includes a CD of the stories narrated by Christian artist and author, Sheila Walsh, simply leave a comment on this post by midnight EST, Saturday, March 8, 2008. One comment per reader, please. Duplicate comments will be deleted. Also, be certain I have a valid email address to contact you if you are the winner. *Giveaway open to residents of the contiguous United States*
Short and sweet...from the comments random.org chose number 4 as winner of the Sentinel, City of Destiny giveaway.
Congratulations, Rose at Pierce Toddler Project. Rose, pop me an email with your shipping address, and I'll get the book to you.
Thanks to everyone for playing. Sentinel, City of Destiny is available at Amazon.com and Bridgemaker Books.
Tomorrow I will be posting as part of a book blog tour with a delightful book for children.
As a mother of four sons, I am constantly seeking methods and tools for use in teaching morals to my three younger sons. Like any Christian parent, I want them to grow into moral men.
Recently I was given the opportunity to read and review Sentinel, City of Destiny. I was intrigued when author, Landel Bilbrey, emailed me and described his book...
It is a Christian fantasy novel ... a modern day allegory (Think The Chronicles of Narnia crossed with Pilgrim's Progress). Its story is aimed primarily at boys ages 8 to 12, but speaks to people of all ages. (There is suspense, battles with creatures, temptations, etc.) You might say it is an adventure story with a moral. It is currently available online at Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, Borders.com, Walmart.com, etc.
I wrote it to capture the attention of preteen boys and crafted the allegory to be a teaching tool for parents (there is a study guide in the back of the book).
After reading the book I was not disappointed. The book is appropriate for the target audience of boys in the formative ages of 8 to 12 years, but quite frankly the story ministers to adults as well. Amazon summarizes the book...
Today, as never before, a young boy's life is bombarded by subtle and not so subtle messages of how the world defines the "successful" man. The purpose of Sentinel, City of Destiny is to share with boys, during their formative pre-teen years, some fundamental character traits that define the "Godly" man. The allegorical story is about twin brothers, Jerol and Jarad, their quest through the land of Callow (Childhood) and their search for the city of Sentinel (representing true Manhood). In Sentinel they seek to earn the Mark of the Blade and become part of the King's court of Mettle. The Court of Mettle is an elite fighting force that stands watch over Terrenea (the land in which the story takes place). They are sworn to fight to the death in defense of King Deus (God) and his Kingdom of Light. To make it onto the King's court Jerol and Jarad must first find the four magical keys (Courage, Integrity, Service, & Vision) with which to unlock Sentinel's gate. Unfortunately, their archenemy Azrael (Satan) and his minions challenge the boys at every turn, seeking to prevent their entry into Sentinel (True Manhood). The story contrasts the boys' very different ways of dealing with Azrael's temptations and traps. In the style of Pilgrim's Progress, the brothers face many allegorical characters and situations that represent present day themes in young boy's lives: bullies, drugs, girls, music, peer pressure, video, etc. Hopefully, in the end, it will be clear to the reader; it is better to be like Jerol, who makes wise choices than Jarad, who makes foolish choices.
You can read the first six chapters online.
The pluses of Sentinel, City of Destiny do not stop with the story. Landel has provided additional material in the book including a glossary and study guide. Excellent features which make this book a true teaching tool for parents to use with their sons.
I have decided to use Sentinel as a read-aloud to my boys because of my youngest son's difficulties with reading. Due to processing problems he cannot read on the level which the book is written; however, he is intelligent and understands life issues age appropriately. I do not want him to miss the opportunity of enjoying and learning from this book during his formative years.
In the book Landel presents scripture references as Logos which in essence are scriptures cited in code form. Fabulous, math and logic skills to be used in deciphering. Additionally, throughout the book words which are found in the glossary have asterisks by them, easily providing a vocabulary lesson. As a homeschooling mom I love both of these features and will have the boys look up words in the glossary, decode the Logos, read the scriptures and use the questions provided to discuss the story. Of course, you do not have to be a homeschool family to use Sentinel as a teaching tool. As parents we are our children's first teachers and most assuredly, the teachers best equipped to teach them morals.
Sentinel, City of Destiny is a story interesting to boys and a good tool for parents to use in guiding them to make wise decisions. I feel certain that as I read the book aloud to my sons, the ten and thirteen year old boys will be sneaking it from my desk to read ahead.
The book is available directly from the site: Bridgemaker Books or you can buy it from Amazon.com.
