The Berenstain Bears and the Gift of Courage

Whenever I am looking for a book to teach something to my kids I always know that I can find one that is perfect from Stan and Jan Berenstain. I was not disappointed when I received a copy of The Berenstain Bears and the Gift of Courage.


This book is coming at the perfect time as my girls head back to school for another year. The book addresses bullying, which unfortunately can become a big problem in any school. It focuses on the story of David and Goliath. It is a wonderful example of how even the smallest of us can be brave with God's help.

This book would be a great addition to your family library. My girls loved it and it will be one we will read over and over again. Check out the book below.

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Jan & Mike Berenstain

and the book:

The Berenstain Bears and the Gift of Courage

Zonderkidz (April 9, 2010)

***Special thanks to Krista Ocier of Zondervan for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Stan and Jan Berenstain introduced the first Berenstain Bear books in 1962. Mike Berenstain grew up watching his parents work together to write about and draw these lovable bears. Eventually he started drawing and writing about them too. Mike is married to Andrea, and they have three children. They live in Pennsylvania, in an area that looks a lot like Bear Country.


Visit the authors' website.


Product Details:

List Price: $3.99
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Zonderkidz (April 9, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310712564
ISBN-13: 978-0310712565

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Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life

As I spent time offline today I finally took the time to finish reading through Suzanne Woods Fisher's new book Amish Proverbs - Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life.

I had taken it out on a different occasion but I was in a hurry and I knew this was a book that needed time. It needed me to be able to sit and savor each word and every picture.

I think that I was meant to pick up this book today. I was drawn to Psalm 37:7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him. Exactly the direction that I feel God is leading me.

This book is full of Words of Wisdom dealing with: Time, Money, Faith, Children & Family, In Word & Deed, Work Ethic, Handling Adversity, Education, Community, Character and Just for Fun.

About Amish Proverbs: Simplify your life with Amish wisdom

Through firsthand research and personal relationships, Suzanne Woods Fisher has collected more than 200 proverbs that uncover the rich heritage, folklore, faith, values, history, and essence of the Plain People. These proverbs serve as teaching tools and maxims for practical living--but they're not just for the Amish. They're for anyone who seeks God's wisdom and truth for everyday circumstances.

Ranging from the simple to the profound, from the serious to the humorous, these sayings will stick with you through life's joys and sorrows. With beautiful full-color photos throughout, Amish Proverbs is the perfect gift for any occasion.

About Suzanne Woods Fisher: Suzanne Woods Fisher is the CBA bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting, Amish Peace, and Amish Proverbs. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, W. D. Benedict, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Benedict eventually became publisher of Christianity Today magazine. Suzanne is the host of a radio show called Amish Wisdom and her work has appeared in many magazines. She lives in California. Find out more about Suzanne at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

You can buy a copy of the book here!

This book is meant to sit out and be looked at often. I can take so much out of this book. It is full of life lessons.

This is an absolutely beautiful book and I am so excited that I have a copy to share with one of you.

Just leave a comment about one of your favorite proverbs for a chance to win. I will notify the winner on Tuesday, September 7th. Check out another contest below. Hurry and enter to win You only have until the end of Tuesday to enter for a chance to win!

Suzanne's Amish Proverbs just hit the shelves. To celebrate she's giving away a KINDLE and throwing a party! Let the fun begin. See below for info and links.

Find out more about the book, Suzanne and the blog tour here.
Enter Suzanne Woods Fisher's Simple Wisdom KINDLE Giveaway!

One Grand Prize winner will receive a Kindle preloaded with Suzanne Woods Fisher titles. The Prize Pack (valued at over $205.00) includes:

* A brand new KINDLE, Free 3G, 6", Latest Generation

* Amish Peace by Suzanne Woods Fisher

* The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher

To enter, simply click on the icons below to fill out the entry form, then tell 5 or more friends about the contest.
Oh, and enter soon! Winner will be announced on September 1st.

 
Join Suzanne for a Wrap-up Party on September 1st!
She’ll be announcing the winner of the Simple Wisdom KINDLE Giveaway, chatting with readers, and giving away copies of Amish Proverbs and The Choice! Be sure to join us on Wednesday , September 1st at 8PM EST at Suzanne’s Author Page
Be sure to check out the blog tour here or purchase a copy of Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life!

A Time to Listen

It was a long week and I am tired. There was a whole lot of whining and crying going on around here and I think that mama whined and cried the loudest.
Nothing earth shattering happened, I just think that a lot of emotions started to overwhelm me and I broke.
I am incredibly thankful for all of the blessings that have been showered upon us this year. This move has brought me an incredible amount of peace. I just think that now that everything is settling in, a lot of the emotions that had not surfaced for months all came at once.
Today I was spending my quiet time working on my Bible study for the week and I read from Ecclesiastes 5:1-2:
"Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.
Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few."
I felt like these words were jumping off the page at me. I am praying for God's guidance and wisdom. But I realized today that I am not being quiet enough to hear His voice.
So this week my time online will be limited. My girls need me and I need my girls. My husband needs me and I need my husband. But most of all, I need God. I need to hear His voice. I know that He wants nothing more than to be heard, but I need to shut my own mouth long enough to hear Him.
So I am sharing the many things that I am thankful for from this past week, and then I am going to focus on Him.

#82 My Bike and nice enough days to leave my car in the garage and get some exercise.
#83 Getting back to the gym and being sore enough to know that it has been way too long since I have been there.
#84 The friendships that my girls have found so quickly.
#85 A brave girl that sheds no tears and does so much better than her mama with needles.
#86 A kind nurse and doctor that take care of a not so brave girl when she starts to scream before they even touch her.
#87 Old treasures found to make our new house our home.
#88 Reading the same book over and over and over to a little girl that gets delight over it every time it is read.
#89 A prayer journal that is filling up as I am making the time to fill it.
#90 A table full of dirty dishes because it means we are eating meals together as a family.
#91 Knowing when it is time to quit talking and listen no matter how hard it is and no matter how long it takes.

Vanishing Act

I had the opportunity to read the book Vanishing Act by Liz Johnson this summer and I am so glad that I did. This suspense filled romance kept me intrigued until I read that last page.

The story is one that will keep you guessing and I always love a good romance, too. Just when you think you know who is after the main character Nora, there is a twist in the story that leaves you unsure until the end.

Here is a little more about the book:
Eighteen months ago, Nora James watched as her father was shot in an alley-and then she fl ed. She changed her name, her appearance and her job, hoping to keep her father’s shooter at bay. For months, it worked…but now her luck has run out. A ruthless assassin is on her trail, and soon Nora, now known as Danielle, will be found. But this time, she has FBI agent Nate Andersen by her side-right? The handsome agent would give his life to protect Danielle, but he’s wary of giving his heart…until a deadly confrontation leaves him with both on the line.

About the Author:
Liz Johnson grew up reading Christian fiction, and always dreamed of being part of the publishing industry. After graduating from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff with a degree in public relations, she set out to fulfill her dream. In 2006 she got her wish when she accepted a publicity position at a major trade book publisher. While working as a publicist in the industry, she decided to pursue her other dream-becoming an author. Along the way to having her novel published, she completed the Christian Writers Guild apprentice course and wrote articles for several magazines.
Liz makes her home in Nashville, TN, where she enjoys theater, exploring the local music scene, and making frequent trips to Arizona to dote on her two nephews and three nieces. She loves stories of true love with happy endings. Keep up with Liz's adventures in writing at www.lizjohnsonbooks.com.

Thank you Liz for sending me a copy of this book to read and review!

The Forbidden Highway

When I was a little girl there was one road that we were not allowed to cross. A highway ran through the middle of the town and that was our boundary. We were not to allowed to venture to the other side no matter what.

One time when I was in about fourth grade my friend and I decided it was worth taking the chance to cross it. We went to the stoplight (at least we knew enough to cross where we could go safely, right mom?!) Well, we pulled up to the corner and who pulls up to that exact same corner in the car. . .my mother.

I don't think my friend and I had ever rode bike as fast as we did home from that corner that day. Technically we hadn't crossed the road yet when we saw them, but we had every intention of doing so and needless to say we were in trouble.

I never did like to cross that highway, even as I got older, I think they had pounded the rule into my head enough that from then on I listened.

Now that I am back in my home town, I will teach my own girls that, that is the forbidden highway and they are not allowed to cross it, either.

A couple of days ago I was going to pick my daughter up from preschool. I decided that it was a beautiful day so I would hook up the bike trailer to my bike and head to her school. I was over at my parent's house visiting with my mom and dad before I left for the school. Both of them at different times said to me, "You be careful crossing the highway."

Boy, did that take me back to that day when I tried to disobey them. What made it even more funny is that later that night my mom said to me, "How was it crossing the highway?"

I am so glad that I had parent's that set boundaries for me when I was a child and they are still watching out for me today.

As I was telling my husband this story we both had a good laugh. But then we started to talk about the boundaries that God has for us. These boundaries are there because He loves us.

However, just like I did that summer day, we try to cross those lines, but He is sitting at that corner waiting for us, and protecting us.

Licensed for Trouble

I haven't had a lot of time to read this summer and my list of "to read" books keeps growing. There are a few authors that I really love and Susan May Warren is one of them.

If you still get to head to the beach, Susan May Warren's PJ Sugar Series would be some great options for you.

Her newest release is Licensed for Trouble, the third installment in the PJ Sugar series. Make sure you check out the awesome contest below to win an awesome Kindle prize package.

You will love the character of PJ Sugar. This book is filled with suspense, without some of the details that leave your feeling a little queasy. If you love a fun, light-hearted mystery, you will love these books. You will not be disappointed in book three. These books keep getting better. You will get hooked in the first chapter and you will not want to put it down.

Here is a little about the book:

PJ Sugar receives shocking news that she's inherited the Kellogg family mansion. Though she has no idea why, the timing is perfect-PJ has clearly worn out her welcome at her sister's house. Unfortunately, the mansion is in shambles, and PJ is short on cash. Rescue comes in the form of Max Smith, a mysterious handyman willing to trade his services for PJ's investigative skills. But PJ already has a full docket with cramming for her PI license and nurturing a growing romance with her boss, Jeremy Kane. Can she take on Max's case without dropping the ball?

Find out more about book one, Nothing But Trouble and book two, Double Trouble.

About Susan May Warren: Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning author of twenty-four novels with Tyndale, Barbour and Steeple Hill. A four-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Book of the Year.

Susan's larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. A seasoned women’s events and retreats speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!. She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.

Susan makes her home in northern Minnesota, where she is busy cheering on her two sons in football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!) A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found at: www.susanmaywarren.com.

Enter PJ Sugar's "Sweet" Giveaway

Licensed for Trouble, Susan's brand new PJ Sugar novel, is in stores now! To celebrate the release, we’re giving away a Kindle!! You can enter using Twitter, Facebook, or e-mail using the icons below.
One Grand Prize winner will receive a A SWEET Kindle prize package that includes:

• A brand new Kindle (Free 3G, 6”, Latest Generation)


• The entire PJ Sugar series by Susan May Warren
  

To enter, simply click on the icons below to fill out the entry form, then tell 5 or more friends about the contest.

Oh, and enter soon! Winner will be announced on September 2nd.

Be sure to check out the blog tour here or purchase a copy of Licensed for Trouble here!

Think Think Think

Since the girls have started back to school I have been spending a lot of time in thinking mode. Reflecting on how our family spends time together.

This week I started to read aloud to them The Classic Winnie-the-Pooh book. At first the older girls looked at me a little funny. I explained to them that their little sister is always following along and trying to be bigger than she is. This is one way that they can participate is something that is just right for her.

With a couple of weekends away as a family we have had a lot of time to really focus on each other. It was long overdue with the stress of the move and the craziness of summer. We played board games, played ball games and visited around the fire.

They have only been back in school for five days and I can already see how our family time could easily be stolen away by after school time in front of the tv, activities and their friends. I am focusing on organizing this time so that our family time remains.

It seems that for some families, family time doesn't exist anymore. I am not willing to let that happen in our home.

What are you doing to hold on to your family time? What is your favorite thing to do as a family?

The Women in Jesus' Life

Over the last several weeks I have had the opportunity to work through a brand new study by Mindy Ferguson titled The Women in Jesus' Life.

This six-week study is designed to help you walk with the women that encountered Jesus during His life and ministry. The women in this study walked side by side with Jesus and witnessed our Savior at work.

Each week you will study five lessons on each of the women in the study. The questions will challenge you to dig deeper into the Word and to reflect on your life. At the end of every lesson is a Heart Question. I encourage you to really take your time with this question. It may help to read the question and contemplate it before answering it.

This would be a great tool for a Bible Study group. It takes you on a journey through the lives of many women. I learned so much as I worked through the study. I read about women that I had never thought much about when reading about them in the past.

If you are looking for a study that focuses on scripture, this is a great study tool. Thank you Mindy for sending me a copy for review. Make sure you visit Gather Inspirit on Wednesday for a chance to win a copy of the book.

About the Author:

In a world that urges us to live for ourselves, Mindy Ferguson encourages women to live for Christ. She founded Fruitful Word Ministries in April 2003 and is passionate about encouraging women of all denominations to apply and abide in God's transforming Word.

Mindy stumbled her way into the arms of Christ at the age of twenty-six. She speaks nationally at women's events and at retreats as one who understands the tug of worldly passions and the emptiness of selfish ambition. Her writings have appeared in Christianity Today's Kyria.com, the P31 Woman magazine, Just Between Us magazine, Chicken Soup for the Mother of Preschooler's Soul, and the One Year Life Verse Devotional.

Mindy is the author of Walking with God: From Slavery to Freedom; Living the Promised Life, Hugs Bible Reflections for Women, and The Women in Jesus’ Life.

Mindy is also the Women’s Ministry Director for her home church in Cypress, Texas where she lives with her husband of twenty-three years. Their son is currently attending college and their daughter is a junior in high school.

The Fog Is Lifted

A fog greeted us as we woke up on Grandpa's Farm Saturday morning. The corn was hidden from our view. The sheds were peaking out from above the fog.

When the fog lifted I started to see beauty all around me. In the tall green grass and the weathered sheds. This old farm has seen many years and many generations.

My girls do not see buildings that need to be painted or swing sets that need to be replaced. Instead they see paths to explore and homes for kittens.

An old playground that brings laughter.

Balance Beams of Broken Wood.

A place where their daddy dreamed and now they can dream, too.

I am so thankful that when the fog lifted, my eyes were open to the beauty of the farm. Next time we visit many of the buildings will be painted and the old wood cleared away. Although a fresh coat of paint will bring newness to the view, the memories of old will always remain.

I am unwrapping this gift with Emily at Chatting at the Sky for Tuesdays Unwrapped. Have you opened your eyes to discover any gifts lately?

Thankful for New Beginnings

Last week was a week filled with first moments and memories. New backpacks, new schools, and new friends. I am so thankful that the week went so well. I am so thankful that no one had to be convinced to go back another day. God is so good.

#72 Surviving a Back to School Bash with 14 girls.
#73 A beautiful day so that 14 little girls could be outside instead of running crazy in my house.
#74 A mom and dad that joined into the craziness and helped keep 14 girls busy and well fed.
#75 Wonderful first day of school for all three girls.

#76 After school snacks shared with Grandma and Aunt Sara.
#77 Spending over an hour in the library with little one.
#78 Grandpa being 2 blocks away for movie money when mom's billfold is empty.
#79 Sharing fresh baked chocolate chip cookies with cousins and neighbors.
#80 Unexpected date night when even the little one goes to the movie.
#81 Pretend camping at Grandma and Grandpa's farm.

#82 Grandma's Dress Up Clothes.

#83 Reading Bringing Up Girls with my husband and trying to figure out how we are going to do it together.
#84 Reading about another adventure with Christopher Robin and Winnie-the-Pooh to the girls while little one drifts to sleep.
#85 Little one staying in her own bed until morning.
#86 Daily time in prayer.
#87 Daily reading of a Psalm and Proverb.
#88 Unexpected text messages from a friend many miles away, letting me know she is praying for me.
#89 Surprise visits from old friends.
I read a portion of Psalm 19 to my oldest daughter tonight before bed.

The law of the LORD is perfect,

reviving the soul.

The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,

making wise the simple.

The precepts of the LORD are right,

giving joy to the heart.

The commands of the LORD are radiant,

giving light to the eyes.

The fear of the LORD is pure,

enduring forever.

The ordinances of the LORD are sure

and altogether righteous.

They are more precious than gold,

than much pure gold;

they are sweeter than honey,

than honey from the comb.

She said some of the words were hard for her to understand. I read just the bolded words to her one more time. She said, "Now I understand." I am so thankful that we have the Word to help us understand.
What are you thankful for today?
I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you. Genesis 28:15

Capturing Summer

This week I spent some time uploading all of my pictures from the summer to Shutterfly. It was long overdue and I know that Christmas present creation is right around the corner. (I know it is sad, but true)

This summer I captured over 1500 memories on my camera. Moments when my kids were acting silly, and sometimes naughty. Times that everyone was giggling and a few with tears.

It is so much fun to look through all of the pictures and recall all of the fun that we had this summer. These pictures will be made into prints for scrapbooking, calendars for 2011, photo books for coffee tables and Christmas cards.

Every winter when the snow starts to fly I am busy at my computer on Shutterfly creating presents that mean more to the recipient than any other gift I could give.

Right now I am working on a photo book of our Family Trip to Orlando and Birthday Invitations to my daughter's 10th Birthday.

I am working on getting a new Nikon camera and I can't wait to see what I can create when I get it. For now I will get busy creating with the pictures I already have.

Did you take a lot of pictures this summer. How do you display the pictures that you take? Do you use Shutterfly?

Leave a comment. Do you want to win 40 free Stationary Cards from Shutterfly? Leave a comment and you will be entered for a chance to win. This giveaway will end on Friday, August 27, 2010 at midnight. I will announce the winners on Monday, August 30th.

Prayer Calendar

I was inspired earlier this week by a post over at Scripture Dig to create a prayer calendar. I have been working on mine all week. Thanks to my friend Teri Lynne I used her prayer calendar as my guide and added a few things that were on my heart and I was ready to go.

After I had my list complete, I grabbed a new DaySpring notebook, my Bible, a David Nevue Piano CD and I was ready to focus on prayer.

I wanted to share my calendar with you today. Teri Lynne suggests using Stormie Omatian Power of a Praying. . . books for the topics of your children, yourself and your spouse. I have these books and I think it would really help me as a guide.

Daily Prayer: My husband and my girls. Prayers for healing and any other urgent prayer concerns.

Weekly:

Sunday - The Church

Monday - My family consisting of my parents, siblings and spouses and nieces and nephews.

Tuesday - My husband's family

Wednesday - Our Community and Country

Thursday - Missions

Friday - The Lost

Saturday - Our friends

Teri Lynne suggests picking one topic that you focus on for an entire month. Here is my plan.

Monthly:

January - Direction in my life and in my ministry focus

February - Friendships

March - Focused prayer on the Names of God

April - My marriage and our family direction (It is my anniversary month)

May - Summer (Our plans, our goals)

June - My husband (I will use the Power of the Praying Wife book)

July - Myself (It is my Birthday Month. I will use the Power of a Praying Woman book)

August - Back to School

September - Taylor (Her birthday month. I will use the Power of a Praying Parent book for each of my daughters birthday months, but also use a journal to get really specific about the prayers for each child)

October - Madelyn (Her birthday month)

November - The Holiday Season (our family plans, the devotion focus we will have through the season)

December - Nadia (Her birthday month)

Each day I will also be spending prayer time with a Psalm and a Proverb. I may also incorporate in one chapter each day of the book Power of Praying Through the Bible.

Do you have a focused prayer guide that you use daily? I would love to hear about how you focus your prayer time daily.

Walking with Him

My house is empty. It is just me with the windows open feeling the fresh air and listening to the crickets. It seems so odd in the middle of the afternoon. The girls are all away at their first day of school.

I turned on some soft music and grabbed my Bible. I am still journeying through Genesis. I read through the lineage of Adam and moved to the flood.

A story I have read so many times. Probably one of the first Bible stories I learned. As a child I focused on the animals entering the ark two by two. As I read this story today my heart stops at Genesis 6:6.

"The Lord was grieved that he had made man of the earth,

and his heart was filled with pain."

". . .his heart was filled with pain." I think of times in my life that my heart was filled with pain. Times that I thought my life was going to fall apart. Times when I didn't know what it meant to rely on Him. Did I grieve the Lord? Did my story fill the Lord's heart with pain?

It goes on in Genesis 6 to say that Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. It doesn't say that Noah lived a perfect life. It does say he lived a righteous life and that he walked with God.

God doesn't expect us to be perfect. He knows that is not possible for us. He wants us to love Him and obey Him.

Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with

all your soul and with all your mind." Matthew 22:37

We have a choice every day. We can wake up and choose sin and cause grief and pain to the one who created us. Or we can wake up and choose to love Him and walk with Him. He is always here. Always. Waiting for us.

Will you join me and walk with Him?

Back to School Bash

Today is the first day of school!

The girls all had a hard time going to sleep last night thinking about going to a new school with new kids.

My middle daughter couldn't sleep because she doesn't know any kids in her class and she was afraid she will get lost.

My little one thinks that she gets to get up and get dressed and head to school. Unfortunately, she doesn't go to school until after lunch. :-) It could be a long morning.

Please say a prayer for my girls today.

I have more pictures to share about their Back to School Bash, but for now I wanted to share with you their "School Pictures" from the party.

Thanks Mom for helping me get the party organized and for helping me pull it off!

Thanks Dad for cooking the girls supper. They loved your homemade pizza!

It is hard to believe that Taylor's Birthday is only 4 weeks away. She is thinking Hollywood Stars. . . For now I can't even think about it, I am still exhausted from Tuesday.

Shopping Back to School #withpurpose

School supply shopping is one of our favorite times of year. I get just as excited as the kids to fill their backpacks full of new supplies. It is exciting to think about the fun ways they will fill up their notebooks and the projects they will create with the markers and glue.

As I started to make a master list of all of the supplies that each of my girls needed I realized that this would not be an inexpensive shopping trip. This was after we had already paid for school lunches, pictures, and activity tickets. I started to think about how difficult it must be for some families this time of year.

A lot of these things are necessities, and parents don't have an option to cut these expenses out of their budget.

This year DaySpring is sending kids Back To School With Purpose. They have created an inspirational line of school supplies that our family fell in love with. They are colorful and each one shares a scripture verse.

We have been encouraging our daughters to share the love of Christ with others and these products are a great way for them to start.

DaySpring will to donate $10 per #WithPurpose post about going back to school with purpose for the Adopt-a-Classroom campaign. The potential is for up to $5,000 to be raised by the time school starts to the Adopt-a-Classroom campaign.

I was unsure how I would be able to help another family before school was in session. I visited with my girls new principal and she knew of a family that could use a little help. We decided to load up two backpacks with all of the supplies this family would need for the new school year. My girls are so excited to be able to go Back to School With Purpose this year! They each filled their own backpacks with the new DaySpring products, too.

I invite you to participate in this amazing campaign by posting about how you are sending your kids Back to School With Purpose. Together we can help raise $5,000 for Adopt-A-Classroom campaign.

I feel very blessed to be surrounded with amazing women that Live With Purpose everyday of their lives. I am tagging Teri Lynne because she inspires me daily to live my life with purpose even when life gets a little crazy.

More check-ins at walmart supercenter

Powered by Whrrl

Here are
DAYSPRING’S BACK TO SCHOOL WITH PURPOSE BLOG CAMPAIGN RULES:

• Copy and paste these rules to your blog post.
• Create a blog post about what it means to you to go Back to School With Purpose and identify others who you feel are Living With Purpose in their lives – you can recognize as many individuals as you want.
• Link back to person who gave you a DaySpring Award
• Let each person you are recognizing know you have recognized them.
• Leave your link at btswithpurpose comment section. You can also find the official rules of this #WithPurpose blog campaign, and more information about Back to School with Purpose with DaySpring there.
• Include the Back to School with Purpose image in your post

Disclosure: I wrote this post on behalf of DaySpring as part of a blog campaign by Collective Bias. I was compensated for sharing my thoughts and time. However, without compensation we would have filled our backpacks with these amazing products. We are thankful that DaySpring created these products! The information about Back to School #withpurpose, were supplied to me by Collective Bias.

Making Crayons and Making Memories

Late Thursday night my husband decided that we should go camping this weekend. I threw a little tantrum and told him I couldn't go camping I had way too much to do.

To make a long story short, he won me over and I spent Friday packing up the camper and we were off on a little family adventure.

My only request was that we head home right away on Sunday so that I could get some things done. Today I have 14 little girls at my house for a Back to School bash and I was nowhere near ready for all of their little faces to appear at my door.

As we were getting ready to head home we got a phone call that my husband's brother and wife were coming to our house for dinner and a visit. I panicked a little and told myself that everything would be fine. I could get ready for the party later.

I wasn't thinking about the fact that we had my nephew's birthday supper and school pictures for my littlest one that evening.

So by midnight Sunday night, I was feeling a little like this. . .

However, the weekend turned out better than I could have imagined and everything will be fine when my mom gets here and we frantically work until the girls arrive for the party.

Luckily, through the years of party planning I have learned that no one ever realizes how frantic I am before they get here. No one (especially 4-10 year olds) care if my house is not spotless. It is about opening my home and showing them love. It is not about impressing them with my (not so hot) home keeping skills.

So this morning I am taking the time to be thankful for so many blessings.

#61 A date night that included the girls sleeping over at grandma's house.

#62 70% off sale at Michael's.

#63 Swimming on a day that it is too hot to do anything else.

#64 The opportunity to lead Bible Study in a room that have wisdom that I can only hope to gain in life.

#65 Helping my sister with a project (because it seems she is always helping me).

#66 School supply shopping for little girls that I don't even know.

#67 Seeing my girls be silly and laugh out loud.

#68 Realizing that I am not always right.

#69 Surprise visits from family.

#70 Making ABC Crayons until the middle of the night because my girls will think I am a cool mom.

#71 Cuddling with my little one, even when she really needs to sleep in her own bed.

I Just Want Everyone to Like Me

In my Bible Study group this week one of the questions we discussed was this, "In what areas do you struggle with the battle between flesh and spirit?"

This is a tough question because I feel at different times I am struggling with different areas. Then, just before I left home for the church it occurred to me what I struggle with more than anything and it is acceptance.

For two weeks I have gone back to the verse John 15:18 over and over again.

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first."

I am in a new place, trying to fit in and I admit I just really want people to like me. But, my mind keeps going back to this verse.

It is convicting me deeply to live a life worthy of Christ on every occasion. To stand firm in my beliefs and to share the love of Christ. My answer to this question in my study group was, "I struggle with being accepted by the world and receiving affirmation by the world's standards."

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." Matthew 6:19-20

My friend Stef wrote a beautiful post about not searching for affirmation in the numbers we look for. It was a great reminder that the numbers do not matter. It is all about the One.

Vacation Bible Snooze

It is so much fun when I get the opportunity to review a children's book. My kids love to read and new books are such a treat.

I have never read a book by Mike Thaler (the creator of the Black Lagoon series) so I didn't know what to expect with this book.

I loved this book. The story depicts what a lot of kids are probably thinking when they are told they have to go to school in the summer. The illustrations really capture the story. My girls loved this story, too. Check out a glimpse into the book below.

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Mike Thaler (Author)
and
Jared Lee (Illustrator)

and the book:

Vacation Bible Snooze (Tales from the Back Pew)

Zonderkidz (April 13, 2010)

***Special thanks to Krista Ocier of Zondervan for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Known as the Riddle King of America, Mike Thaler is the author of the popular Black Lagoon books and the Heaven and Mirth series. He lives in Portland, Oregon, and travels nationally, speaking in schools, libraries, and churches.

Visit the author's website.


Jared Lee is an accomplished illustrator with experience working for the likes of L.L. Bean, Procter and Gamble, Hasbro, Scholastic, Simon & Schuster, and the U.S. Postal Service. He currently resides in Lebanon, Ohio.


Visit the illustrator's website.



Product Details:

List Price: $4.99
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Zonderkidz (April 13, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310715962
ISBN-13: 978-0310715962

Press the browse button to view the first chapter:

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