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Barren Among the Fruitful: A BookLook Blogger Review

October 10, 2014 Grace-Filled Writer

Photo Credit: Inscribedstudies.com

I have been so blessed to have the opportunity to review all of the titles in the Inscribed Bible Studies Series. While these studies are fresh and new, their message is the ageless truth of God’s holy Scriptures. Each is unique with it’s own author and presentation. They are a perfect way to engage my generation, both believers and seekers.

Barren Among the Fruitful is an honest look at the heartache of infertility and miscarriage surrounded with the truth of Scripture. Amanda Hope Haley gently guides the reader through the pain, heartache, questioning, grief, and loss through the Word of God. It is full of truth and and encouragement. The words don’t sugarcoat the pain, but provide hopefulness in the midst of the pain.

Something I didn’t expect from this study was the amount of medical information included. It may not seem important to include in a study like this, but this is sometimes a helpful way to process it all. It might seem a little strange to have mingled within this study to see what Scripture says about hurt and loss medical causes for what is going on, but I felt they were all handled delicately and with enough information to be helpful.

I also really liked the in-depth look at the many matriarchs of our faith who were also barren. Realizing you are not alone in this is so important. In addition to the biographical biblical studies are also personal stories and testimonies from real women. They are real and honest in a way that

This is a book I wish I had 10 years ago. While I have never walked the path of infertility, we did experience miscarriage with our first pregnancy. I had a miscarriage at 10 weeks, but didn’t discover the loss until 15 weeks. I actually learned through this study that it is called an incomplete miscarriage. It was an incredibly hard time for me. God in His graciousness blessed me with three precious daughters within 5 years following our heartache, but the pain is still there at times.

I love that the last chapter. It is so full of hope and encouragement, reminding us that God’s plan for us is not limited to whether or not we have children. Yes, they are an immeasurable blessing, but His plan for us is to fully and wholeheartedly embrace wholeness in Christ. Happy endings aren’t wrapped up in any one definitive moment. It feels that way in the midst of sorrow, but there are such greater things than we can ever imagine once we open ourselves to the healing God wants to bring us. This study is a huge step in that direction.

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook.com® <http://BookLook.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Yuletide Ice Cube Fair: A Book Look Review

October 5, 2014 Grace-Filled Writer

“Is that for me!?! Is that for me!?!” Grace could hardly contain her excitement when I opened the package. We’re a family of die-hard veggie fans. I’ve been watching since high school thanks to an awesome babysitting gig and my husband since college at Liberty University. It was great when we finally had kids and had a legitimate reason to fule our veggie fanaticism!

This sweet little Christmas book from Veggie Tales delighted all three of my girls. My oldest two snuck off with it on separate days and enjoyed the story before I got a chance to read it to their little sister. It is written in poetic verse and feels Seussian in style. Kids always love a good story in rhyme. The characters are true to their personalities and once again Junior teaches us a lesson to remind us to focus on the Savior throughout the holiday.

This book is really, really short and is best suited for preschool and early elementary. Grace could read some of it on her own which really excited her so early readers will thoroughly enjoy it. I appreciated that there was a good message to focus on Christ and the simplistic message is one we can all benefit from remembering.

Grace read it on her own, then asked me to read it to her…then asked if she could read it again! That’s what a good book is like for a kid. They want to read it over and over. If they are bored, it’s difficult to get through the first reading. Rhymes are great because it helps kids learn new words while reading a little faster. They recognize the endings and can often figure out words based on the rhyme pattern.

This is a great book for the Christmas season coming up, the perfect gift for the Veggie Tale fan in your life!

The New Astronomy Book: A Moms of Master Books Review

September 30, 2014 Grace-Filled Writer

My monthly review for Master Books (A division of New Leaf Publishing) is really awesome this month! I mean, they’re always awesome, but we’re really excited about this one because my girls are all about astronomy. I feel so very blessed to have these resources. I know I say this a lot, but seriously I love re-learning science with my daughters.

The New Astronomy Book by Danny R. Faulkner is just stunning. We had the original Astronomy book, which we loved, but this new, updated version has really upped its game! The pictures are even more vivid and detailed than the original. Even if you have the original, getting this updated version is not merely a replacement. It is just adding more to your science and astronomy library.

Like with all the other Wonders of Creation titles (which I highly recommend!) you can trust this book will point you both to scientifically accurate information as well as biblical accuracy. Every time I open up one of these books I am once again grateful for the opportunity to study science with the foundation of biblical truth.

One of the new features I really like of this book is the inclusion of technology. Kids these days are so consumed with technology that they may be hesitant to open a book before searching the internet. In this culture books need to be dynamic and engaging. Each chapter contains not only stunning photographs but also fun technology graphics that don’t feel cheesy. My oldest daughter especially really likes this feature and has enjoyed perusing the book, cover-to-cover. She hasn’t read the entire thing, but it has once again ignited her interest in the heavens above.

We enjoyed viewing the stars last winter when it started to get dark earlier and my girls have been asking about when we get to do this again. My middle girl has become quite fascinated with the moon as well and takes great pleasure in telling us if we’re viewing a waning or waxing crescent. What fun to have high-quality resources at their finger tips to fuel their curiosities!

I personally enjoy reading the books in this series so I know how to answer their numerous questions. The detail and clearly written information make this user-friendly for science lovers of any age. You won’t be disappointed in adding this title to your library.

Disclaimer: I received The New Astronomy Book as part of the Moms of Master Books Team. I was not required to give a positive review. I was not compensated in any other way.

Palace of Darkness: A Book Look Blogger Review

September 19, 2014 Grace-Filled Writer

I love history, but one of my least studied eras was ancient and biblical history. I’m finding a very fun way to explore the past through historical novels. Since my daughter is studying this era of history more extensively this year I have been drawn to these novels lately.

The re-release of Tracy Higley’s novels has been exciting for me as she was previously unknown to me. This follow-up to City on Fire: A Novel of Pompeii is an excellent way to delve into the early church and understand how difficult it was to be a Christian at the beginning of the church age. We take this for granted and I often don’t think about.

While the historical elements were fascinating and have inspired me to learn more about this ancient city, My favorite part about this novel was Cassia’s journey to salvation. I love novels where the main characters are changed by the end in one way or another. I love how the presentation of the gospel to her was laid out by the believers simply by living their lives with her. There is much to be said for living our lives in this way, the way Christ did.

I also like that although there is romance involved in this story, it is not the central motivating factor for the character’s actions. I enjoy romance, but when the motivations of the main characters are always based on their emotions toward their love interest, I quickly lose interest. Higley’s novels are never like this. The romance is secondary and the plot is primary. Too bad more author’s don’t think this way!

Even if you haven’t ever tried a historical novel or one in the biblical genre, I encourage you to pick up this one. It’s a great one to delve into and includes suspense and unexpected twists and turns along the way!

Get to Know Mary: A Book Look Blogger Review

September 19, 2014 Grace-Filled Writer

My girls have been raised knowing a lot about the Bible. When Rose, my oldest daughter, was about 15 months old we started having nightly devotions and Bible time with her. This nightly routine has remained in place ever since and the girls make sure to remind us if we forget for a night!

Growing up as pastor’s kids ourselves, my husband and I know how easy it is for the truth of Scripture to become so common place that it loses its wonder. This doesn’t mean we stop training and teaching our kids, but it does mean we always need to be mindful that we should be making an effort to engage our daughters with Scripture in new ways.

This new biography series for kids is a great way to engage your children in a new way. This beautifully illustrated book provides insights they may not have thought to ask about before. Alongside biographical information about the individual there are also many cultural and contextual explanations to help the individual feel more real.

Beth has really enjoyed this biography in particular. She likes reading about just about anything and was really excited when I showed this to her. The passages about Mary have always been some of her favorites. Whether winter is in the air or not she’ll frequently flip to the Christmas story when choosing on her own something to read. I asked her what her favorite part was and she said all the information on the sides. That is also my favorite part. I am thrilled for her to be digging deeper using historical and cultural information to understand some of the deeper meanings behind what is in the text.

If you are looking for accurate and engaging books, these are the way to go. There are several titles to choose from in the series and I hope to get a few more for my girls!

Prelude for a Lord Giveaway!!!!!!

August 25, 2014 Grace-Filled Writer

I have had the chance to read some great books this summer. My favorite without a doubt Prelude for a Lord by Camille Elliot. You can read my full review here.

Camille Elliot has generously offered to bless one of my readers with an autographed copy of the book! I’m so excited to have this opportunity because I personally love to read, but my book money is now reserved for wonderful homeschooling supplies and it is a rare treat to have a book all to myself.

The giveaway is open until next Monday and only for residents of the continental US.

I wish you all could win!

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August 23, 2014 Grace-Filled Writer

From the time I first read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe as a young girl I loved C.S. Lewis. Lewis inspired my imagination and like so many other children Narnia has become real to me. I have read a few of his other works, including The Screwtape Letters with my middle school students in class and A Grief Observed right after we lost our first baby to miscarriage. Again and again Lewis’ works inspire and speak to me.

I had never read Mere Christianity, but did so along with a study guide I reviewed a few months ago. At the time I didn’t realize this was actually a series of radio broadcasts completed for the BBC during the terrifying period of World War II. I have been fascinated with this period in our world’s history for many reasons, the biggest being my grandfather served during the war. I was all the more intrigued to learn about this radio series which was intended to give hope and meaning to life for all of England.

I was very excited for the opportunity to review C.S. Lewis & Mere Christianity by Paul McCusker. We are long-time Adventures in Odyssey fans and I was very familiar with his name because of that. He also wrote the script for C.S. Lewis at War which dramatizes much of what I read in the book.

This historical account of what was going on behind this classic is simply fascinating. C.S. Lewis did not recognize at the time how full of impact this was or would continue to be decades later. This wonderful biographical and historical work will provide the story behind the classic.

I love how the many different players of this time in history are all given time. We not only find out about C. S. Lewis during this time, but many others such as James Welch, the director of religious broadcasting for the BBC, not to mention the historical details. All of these are strung together seamlessly so the reader can get the full picture behind this classic. I very much appreciated the use of breaks within chapters. This keeps the reader clear on the change of subject or individual creating diverse continuity.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was the perfect blend of history and biography written by an incredible story-teller. If you are a fan of C. S. Lewis’ works you will truly appreciate this historical account.

Prelude for a Lord: A Book Look Blogger’s Review

August 23, 2014 Grace-Filled Writer

There is nothing more relaxing than a cup of hot tea, a cozy spot on a the couch, and a good book…especially if the book is long! I love long novels that aren’t over too soon. I feel so satisfied when a novel touches me emotionally and when I get to stay in that place for a while. Extensive plots and character development are what I look for in a good story and these can only be accomplished well with lengthy prose.

Camille Elliot is a new author to me, but this first novel of hers which I read has created a new fan! I had the chance to read this on our family camping trip this summer. I’ll be honest, camping is not my favorite thing so a good book which transported me to the elegance and wealth of the Regency Period was a wonderful reprieve. I have been a long-time lover of Jane Austen’s writings and therefore already felt the romance of this period. I’m also a musician and understand the passionate way one can feel as they are playing a piece. These two pairings made the story all the more engaging.

I don’t want to give too much of the story away, but the basic premise revolves around Alethea Sutherton, an amazing violinist in a time when for a woman to play such an instrument was scandalous. She encounters Lord Dommick, a fellow violinist and a man haunted by war. This novel is filled with suspense and intrigue as it is discovered that Alethea’s violin, given to her by her beloved friend, is being sought by nefarious individuals.

The development of the characters as the story progresses was just delightful. Plenty of time was given to see each of the main characters grow. I also appreciated the attention to side characters and their development as well. For instance, the aunt with whom Alethea lives is much more complex than at first glance, but rather than just stating this we see through her actions that what she shows on the exterior does not reveal her true heart.

I highly recommend this novel. You will be transported to a different era and I doubt you will be able to put it down!

Adventure Bible for Early Readers: A BookLook Bloggers Review

August 23, 2014 Grace-Filled Writer

When I was younger I remember having a hot pink Adventure Bible. I loved that Bible and all the fun little extra’s it included. I was really excited to see a new, update version for early readers. My sweet little Grace was excited too! She’s turning 5 soon and we have finished up her initial reading curriculum. She’s reading on an early 1st grade level and this has been the perfect Bible for her.

The bright cover immediately started her jumping up and down. She was so excited to get her hands on it when I pulled it out of the box. I could hardly keep her from jumping up and down when I took this sweet little picture on the first Sunday she took her Bible to church.

She was so very surprised she could read it when she opened the Bible. Her first verse of choice was Genesis 1:1, a verse she had memorized in Cubbies at Awana. The NIrV version is nice for kids who are beginning readers. They need words and phrases which are more manageable. I’m honestly not a big fan of the NIV translation, but I love how my daughter is excited about reading her Bible and other versions are just not accessible to her right now.

Every Sunday morning and Wednesday night Grace calls out, “Daddy? What are you going to preach about today?” Then she and I find the Scripture passage in her Bible. She marks it with a bookmark and makes sure she opens her Bible while listening to her Daddy preach. She doesn’t understand what he is saying most of the time, and I don’t expect her to, but I’m excited she wants to learn and grow as she studies the Bible.

I also liked the extras included on every page. Some parts are informational and historical, but I particularly like the boxes which lead her into a deeper understanding of who God is. She is still very young and hasn’t yet grasped a full understanding of what it means to ask Jesus to be her Savior and follow Him, but she will, and God’s Word in her hands is a huge step towards this.

Studies in World History: A Moms of Master Books Review

August 23, 2014 Grace-Filled Writer

One of the great blessings I receive from homeschooling my sweet girls is the opportunity to study history through a biblical worldview. Although I was incredibly blessed to have many vocal Christian teachers throughout my public school education, the text books we used were definitely not in support of Christianity. My father passed along his love of history to me and I’m thoroughly enjoying learning alongside my children.

I was really excited to have a chance to review Studies in World History Volume 1 from Master Books (an imprint of New Leaf Publishing) with the Moms of Masterbooks. While my girls are not yet in the target age (Junior High) this is a great resource personally for me as my girls are studying early exploration and ancient civilizations during the first part of the year. I also have plans to use this alongside Heart of Dakota’s Creation to Christ with my oldest when we get there later next year.

This volume focuses on Creation through the Age of Discovery. It does have a young-earth perspective which aligns with our family’s view about Scripture. I know we are in the minority and counter-culture, but we choose to believe the Bible is literal and historical, looking at all other information through this lens.

I really liked how the book is laid out and that the daily lessons are concise. The first page of each chapter gives and overview and learning objectives which I find helpful when teaching. I like knowing what purpose my kids should have in studying so I can make sure they actually meet those goals. The discussion questions and activities are very age-appropriate for middle school. Some of the activities include discussion questions, writing prompts, map activities, and more.

Dr. James Stobaugh writes in a fluid manner which will keep your students reading. As I mentioned before the lessons are short, no 4-5 page readings as with other history books I’ve seen! I appreciate that the author recognizes the need to keep daily readings manageable so as not to turn students off before they begin. This is something my girls always want to know, no matter the subject…”How many pages is it?”

Also available with this text book is a teacher’s guide filled with more activities, a schedule for the year, and weekly exams. Each exam offers a fill-in-the-blank test and/or an essay prompt. There is also an excellent answer key provided for the discussion questions as well as the test. While I do study with my girls I am so grateful for answer keys. Grading three different grade-levels can be rather time consuming when I have to figure out the answers myself.

The best news is…there are two more volumes in this excellent series! Volume 2 studies the New World to the Modern Age and Volume 3 focuses on the New Word to the Present. These are suggested to be used for 7th-9th grades, but I think they could easily be adapted for a younger student as well as older. I also see it as a great general resource to have in your library for research or further study on topics which interested your student.

You can see more about it in the video below!

Disclaimer: I received Studies in World History Volume 1 and the Teacher’s Guide as part of the Moms of Master Books Team. I was not required to give a positive review. I was not compensated in any other way.