Thankful Thursday

I'm about to go to bed but wanted to get my Thankful Thursday up.  I always have these posts in my head but don't get them written to the blog.  I know there will be a season when I do blog these thoughts again, and that's okay that I'm not in that season now.  But I am committed to getting my Thankful Thursdays done!

This week I am thankful for...
~ my husband helping me this week as I was getting ready for the consignment sale.  He got my stuff loaded for me so I don't have to do that myself.  

~ my boy's hand being okay. The nurse called to tell me he had come in one morning and got ice.  It had a bruise on it when he got home but isn't bothering him.

~ all the new words my sweet boy is saying.  I love how he pronounces words and tries to say everything.  Tonight he tried to say Bethany when he heard my Mom say it.

~ having a nice neighborhood where we can go on walks.  The weather has been so nice for walks too!

~ mail from my Secret Sister.

~ that my Caleb has good friends in his life.

Have a day of blessings!
   Bethany

Hidden In My Heart Bible

It is so very important for us to teach scriptures to our children. I have a great new resource to share with you today to do just that.

About this Bible:
The Hidden in My Heart Scripture Memory Bible was created to encourage kids not only to read God’s Word but also to hide it deep within their hearts. One hundred of the Bible’s core verses have been set to music by renowned children’s author and song writer Stephen Elkins. The 100 songs include a variety of genres and are available in the New Living Translation, New International Version, and King James Version, and all songs are free with the purchase of the Bible. Additional interactive features encourage school-age kids to engage with the Word in every place of their life.

My thoughts:
Scripture memory has always been important to me because it was instilled in me as a child.  I have continued through the years off and on to memorize scripture.  I've also taught our first son verses from a young age and look forward to having our younger son begin saying verses as he is learning to talk.

When you purchase this Bible, you are given a code to download (for free) 100 songs based on 100 verses.  It has the songs in all three versions; you can choose which you prefer.  The songs are fun and enjoyable to hear.  There is even a list in the back of the Bible that has the songs divided by age appropriateness and another list with the songs divided by musical styles such as fast tempo, Latin rhythm, moderate tempo, bluesy, etc.

New Living Translation is used for the entire Bible. It also includes the 100 key verses in two other translations.  They are written in a light green box called "Memorize" with the verse in all three translations right there together.

I think the concept of this Bible is great; however, I would have been just as pleased with a CD of 100 songs of scriptures to memorize.  Also while it is helpful to have a verse in three biblical translations, I didn't find a huge benefit over just having one translation.  This is just a personal preference.

I was provided a copy of this Bible and songs by the Tyndale reviewer program for my honest review.

Have a day of blessings!
  Bethany

While My Child Is Away

About the book:
Parents and children are separated for many reasons: divorce, school, camp, even work. It might be for just a few days or indefinitely. These 140 prayers give voice to all that you are hoping for your child when you can't be the one to meet their needs. Prayers of blessings, protection, instruction and grace. Or prayers for those around your child to choose wisely, see their needs, and love then as you would. Prayers for friends, teachers, coaches and mentors to step in and fill every need. Knowing that a loving Father God is caring for your child, even when you can't, gives you the peace and assurance that all will be well.

My thoughts:
I have enjoyed reading these prayers plus devotional thoughts for parents.  As our children age they spend less time at home.  These prayers are applicable for any parent experiencing time with a child away for whatever reason.

This book has been a reminder to me of the importance of praying for my children.  The prayers in the book are written from the heart and helped me consider things I had not previously prayed for my children.

This is a nice resource for parents and will be a comfort to those with children who are away.

I received this book from the FirstLook blog tour program for my review.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!
   Bethany

No Other Will Do

About the Book:
Men are optional. That's the credo Emma Chandler's suffragette aunts preached and why she started a successful women's colony in Harper's Station, Texas. But when an unknown assailant tries repeatedly to drive them out, Emma admits they might need a man after all. A man who can fight--and she knows just the one.

Malachi Shaw finally earned the respect he craved by becoming an explosives expert for the railroad. Yet when Emma's plea arrives, he bolts to Harper's Station to repay the girl who once saved his life. Only she's not a girl any longer. She's a woman with a mind of her own and a smile that makes a man imagine a future he doesn't deserve.

As the danger intensifies, old feelings grow and deepen, but Emma and Mal will need more than love to survive.

My Thoughts:
I always enjoy books by Karen Witemeyer.  The reader gets transported to a different time period in her writings, and she does such a good job of making you feel like you are there and part of the story. I really liked the characters of Emma and Malachi.  I liked their past and the way they've stayed connected through the years and that Emma knew she could count on him to come help when the need arose.

This book has some surprising twists as the trouble and threats at Harper's Station increase. I enjoyed her previous book series and am glad this one will be a series too so I can find out more about the other characters. If you enjoy historical fiction, check out this book (or any by this author)!

Visit Karen Witemeyer's author site here or find her on Facebook.

This book was sent to me for my review from the publisher. Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!
    Bethany

Thankful Thursday

It's been a different kind of week for us.  Our baby boy was upset, crying, not able to sleep one night, he woke up about 10:30 Monday night and just couldn't sleep. I knew something was wrong.  Then he ran a low fever.  I took him to the doctor Tuesday afternoon and found out he had an ear infection.  Poor little guy!  He's never had one before.  We were glad to be able to be seen quickly by his pediatrician and help him.  He is much improved.  It's been difficult to get him to take the medicine but we are trying different tricks to get it down him.  I've used essential oils on him as well.

Today I am thankful for...
~ my husband coming home early Tuesday to help me care for Titus and get him to the doctor.  I was not feeling well myself (pain in my shoulder), and he was so helpful to be here.  I appreciated his help so much.

~ my big boy trying out for UIL contests.  He tried out earlier this week for Modern Oratory and this morning for Editorial Writing.  I was in Modern Oratory when I was in junior high.  He did a good job preparing for it, and I'm proud of him for trying.  He'll find out tomorrow if he makes it.

~ my sweet baby boy telling us his "thankful."  At bedtime we all say what we are thankful for from the day and I write it in a book.  Titus has been starting to say "Ga" for God when we get on the bed.  He's so cute how he says it.  I asked him are you thankful for God?  I will tell him "thank you God for..." so it's cute how he says this.

~ having a date night with my hubby.  We went to a marriage seminar Friday evening with Gary Thomas.  We enjoyed it and our time together.

~ my friend and neighbor being able to pick up Caleb from school Tuesday when we were at the doctor with Titus.  I was thankful she was available.

~ getting the new Casting Crowns CD.  I enjoyed listening to it and the new songs.

Have a day of blessings!
   Bethany

The Berenstain Bears' Book of Prayers

The Berenstain Bears have always been a favorite of mine.  I have a new book to share with you called The Berenstain Bears' Book of Prayers by Mike Berenstain.

This is a board book appropriate for toddlers and preschoolers.  There are many short little rhyming prayers you can say with your little one as they go about their day. The prayers are divided into sections like "rise and shine," "joyful praise," "comfort," and "forgiveness."

The pictures are bright and colorful with the well-loved Bear family in various scenes.

I think this is a great little book to help youngsters get in the habit of praying during the day...not just at meals and bed time.  We can pray any time, and this is a good tool to help parents do just that!  I will be able to use this with my little guy.

You can purchase a copy of the book here.

I was provided with a copy of this book for my review as part of the First Look Blog Tour.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!

  Bethany

Gratitude: A Prayer and Praise Coloring Journal

I have seen many adult coloring books and this has to be one of my favorites.  First I like the size.  It is perfect to carry along in a bag while traveling, etc.  Second I like the hard back cover.  And finally the pages are so beautifully done.  Some are black and white for you to color.  Others have some color already added.  There are prompts throughout for you to  "fill in the blanks."  You will be encouraged as you color and read the beautifully illustrated verses.

This would be a beautiful stocking stuffer.  Be sure to check it out!

If you are on Pinterest, you should check out the Tyndale board with downloadable samplers and shareable coloring pages.

I received this book from the Tyndale reviewers program for my honest review.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!
  Bethany