Let me tell you that God’s word has become more important than you can imagine after losing my son. Countless times I have been told how much God’s word has comforted grieving parents like myself. Sometimes it can be hard to know what kind of Bible is best for you or your family members. The King James Version Bibles have been they type of Bible we use in our home.
For over 400 years, the King James Version has been the trusted translation for millions of believers, capturing the majesty of God’s Word and shaping the worship of generations.
Since 1611, Christians have turned to the King James Version of the Bible for a faithful and beautiful rendering of God’s Word. Its rich tradition has guided generations of pastors, authors, and scholars, while its reverent language continues to shape our words today.
The KJV was translated in the beginning of the 1600s. The scholars translating it were among the top scholars of their day, and most were deeply familiar with literature and poetry as well as with theology and ancient languages. They were also intent on creating a translation that would last for generations, so they avoided recent changes to the language, often using words and phrases that sounded formal even then to ensure the dignity and longevity of the translation.
Let me tell you about 3 different versions of KJV Bibles. The first one is perfect for kids. It is the KJV One Big Story Bible. In this Bible kids will get to see scenes from the Bible literally pop off the page via a free downloadable app. This Digital Pop-Up format is quite unique and they can also listen to the narration by Jenna Lucado Bishop. This colorful, fully designed Bible meets children in the visual world they are so accustomed to by bringing Bible pages to life and showing young readers how they are a part of God’s great story.
Who does not love Big and Little Nutbrown Hare? They are the sweetest things and you are sure to know them from Guess How Much I Love You? Well, I have wonderful news if you love them as much as I do. Will You Be My Friend? is the delightful sequel by legendary author and illustrator duo Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram.
Little Nutbrown Hare is out exploring on his own. Off he hops along the path and through the grass until he reaches Cloudy Mountain, where something extraordinary happens: he discovers a new friend! Now the fun can really begin. Twenty-five years after we met the Nutbrown Hares, this enchanting new tale about friendship is bound to capture the hearts of Guess How Much I Love You fans—and everyone else—the world over.
The beautiful and charming illustrations in this book just make me smile from ear to ear. It is the sweetest book to share with the children and grandchildren in your life. This book makes a perfect gift for expectant parents as well. It is never too early to introduce children to books. I read to my children in utero.
We are thrilled to announce that we are having a giveaway for one copy of this hardcover book. You can read the rules and enter for your chance to win below.
Candlewick Press is sponsoring this giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win their own hardcover copy of Will You Be My Friend! Thanks to Candlewick Press for providing me a copy of this book and for providing a book for the giveaway winner! Open to US Residents. Good Luck.
We are thrilled to take part in the One Big Canvas Awareness Book Tour. One Big Canvas: The Masterpiece is a delightful and insightful book that uses colorful paintbrush characters to help children understand what autism is. The book never mentions autism verbatim, instead it talks about the different ways someone with autism might act. This makes it seem not so scary or odd for kids and helps them to accept other’s differences. It is reassuring that all is okay even though some behavior is different.
I think this book is a great resource to use with your own children or in a school setting. Tolerance and understanding is what we need to impress on kids when dealing with everyone’s uniqueness. Helping children understand and accept that not everyone is the same and that is okay, can help them embrace these differences instead of being afraid or annoyed by them.
The other book I was sent, One Big Canvas: The Molding of Clay dives a little deeper into how to interact with kindness and understanding. The paintbrushes are excited for their new friend Clay’s visit. They go about preparing a banner to welcome him. However, when Clay arrives, his loud voice is too much for Paul who covered his ears and rolled up in a ball. Clay asks the other brushes what’s wrong with Paul who kept repeating it was too loud. Reese steps up to tell Clay that loud sounds bother Paul and that they try to speak low.
Clay learns that Estelle will stop humming when she is ready and that Jerry loves boats and ships so much he talks about them over and over. When Clay gets annoyed, Reece steps in again and reminds him of the importance to be caring and kind. When Clay thinks it over, he comes back in the shape of a ship. He explains it’s for Jerry to have a fun trip. Clay does not forget to let Paul know that they will quietly float on the blue painted waves. All the brushes jump onboard and show kindness and compassion is the way.
I think both of these books help convey the message that everyone is unique and the things we may at first think are annoying may be something more. Instead of responding with anger or frustration, it can help children understand that there may be other reasons why someone hums low or says the same thing over and over.
ABOUT THE BOOKS
Written by Jay Miletsky
Illustrated by Luis Peres
Ages 3-9 | 24 Pages
Publisher: New Paige Press | ISBN-13: 978-0578496382
Publisher’s Synopsis: Join a spunky collection of paintbrushes as they set out to create a grand masterpiece.
When some of the brushes don’t cooperate, is it because they are misbehaving…or is there another reason entirely? In this story, young readers are introduced to some of the behavioral differences in their autistic peers.
Without ever mentioning any particular challenge or disability by name, this story helps children recognize and understand what autism is, and impress upon them the importance of showing kindness to those who are different, wrapped into a fun story with lighthearted, engaging characters.
They worked through the day, then stopped and admired,
the wisdom their now-painted canvas inspired:
their painting was perfect, It all meshed just fine,
with its colorful circles, and angry green line.
It was a true masterpiece, not one thing was wrong,
including the hum of their single-note song.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3v9ibq3
Written by Jay Miletsky
Illustrated by Luis Peres
Ages 3-9 | 24 Pages
Publisher: New Paige Press | ISBN-13: 978-0578496382
Publisher’s Synopsis: The brushes are back! Join Reese, Estelle and the rest of the gang in the art studio in another adventure as they learn the value of kindness and understanding.
When Clay comes to visit from the other side of the art studio, the brushes are excited to welcome their friend. But when a few of the brushes start acting differently, Clay needs to be reminded that it’s important to be accepting:
“Some brushes are different, so we like to remind,
it’s kind to be caring, so take care to be kind.”
Will Clay leave the brushes in frustration, or will he learn to mold his thinking as he comes to understand and accept that brushes have different abilities and challenges? Without ever mentioning autism or any particular disability, The Molding of Clay helps introduce children to the behavioral differences of their autistic peers, creating an opportunity for discussion. It helps teachers and parents impress upon them the importance of understanding, acceptance and kindness, through a fun, lighthearted story with quirky and colorful characters.
ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
The REED Foundation for Autism is committed to providing individuals with autism the opportunity to learn, live, work and thrive at every stage of their lives. For more information, please visit https://www.reedfoundationforautism.org.
GIVEAWAY
One (1) grand prize winner receives:
Two (2) winners receive:
The giveaway begins April 23, 2021, at 12:01 A.M. MT, and ends May 23, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.
I have partnered with The Children’s Book Review and the REED Foundation for Autism in this book tour. While I received the books to facilitate my review, all opinions and views are 100% my own.
Check out my book list below and watch the video for an in-depth look into the titles I have chosen.
Parents and teachers are looking for ways to keep students engaged while they learn at home during the coronavirus pandemic. Chicken Soup for the Soul, in partnership with American Humane, has a line of free ebooks for kids of all ages, available on all popular ebook platforms, including Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, Apple Books, Google, and more.
These books offer students fascinating stories about zoo and aquarium animals, along with photos. There are even free activity pages and complete curriculums available for download—all at no charge. The three volumes in Chicken Soup for the Soul’s Humane Heroes series are provided for all reading levels, with Volume I targeted at older elementary students, Volume II written for middle schoolers, and Volume III for high school students.
Here are just a few of the animals children will meet in the pages of these books:
The three-book, eBook series can be read on any eBook app – Kindle, Nook, Apple books, or any other – on their computers, tablets, or phones. Each book contains 12 age-appropriate stories – and color photos as well. The Chicken Soup for the Soul website includes supplemental photos and videos, and even fun worksheets kids will love. Parents and teachers can find everything they need, including the links to Kindle, Nook and Apple to download the free eBooks at www.chickensoup.com/ah.
ABOUT CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL
Chicken Soup for the Soul publishes the famous Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. With well over 100 million books sold to date in the U.S. and Canada, more than 250 titles, and translations into more than 40 languages, the phrase “chicken soup for the soul” is known worldwide and is regularly referenced in pop culture. Today, 27 years after it first began sharing happiness, inspiration and hope through its books, this socially conscious company continues to publish a new title a month. It has also evolved beyond the bookstore, with a podcast, education programs, dog and cat food, licensed products, and video, television and movies through its subsidiary, Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment.
ABOUT AMERICAN HUMANE
American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization, founded in 1877. For more information, please visit www.americanhumane.org and be sure to follow American Humane on Facebook and Twitter.
I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review. My words and views are 100% my own as always.
If only there was a guide-book. Well, there is, Living in the Family Blender is filled with inspiration and insight. If you are struggling with this, this book can be a valuable resource to help you navigate through what could be a tumultuous journey.
Living in the Family Blender is a great book that tackles the stress and sticky situations blended families face. This book is filled with real-life, personal accounts that make it easy for other to relate with. Finally, find out you are not alone in what you feel and see. Learn strategies and get advice from a wonderful couple who understand the challenges you are facing. You can have harmony, well, at least some of the time.
You can purchase Living in the Family Blender: 10 Principles of a Successful Blended Family at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your favorite major retailer.
Seven Things No One Tells You About Blended Family Life
By Clark Rich and Leah Dee Burbidge
Fourteen years in the family blender has brought us a nearly non-stop series of insights, challenges, shocks, joy and the satisfaction of creating something beautiful nearly from scratch. Six of our most valuable, but frequently unspoken, learnings are listed below.
Keep in mind that a lot of the challenges of blended family life will sound familiar. But they play out with different dynamics because blended families and individuals have perspective, experience and insight that gives them a fragile mix of volatility, skepticism and wisdom. Respecting these dynamics dramatically increases the probability of success. Ignoring them nearly always spirals the family into soul crushing train wrecks.
Nobody Talks About It. Our dating and marriage experience revealed shockingly little available blended family ‘How To’ guidance. Pop culture, literature, movies and media produced a wasteland of mostly useless stereotypes. Family and friends seemed uncomfortable discussing the reality we faced. The elephant was in the room, but the conversation always tended to migrate toward the reasons people find themselves suddenly single. Divorce, death and abandonment are uncomfortable topics. We found taking the lead in turning the conversation toward positive aspects allowed more constructive interactions.
First Steps Determine Results. Success in the family blender is most often determined by how a couple structures their personal relationship and their interaction with the children from the beginning. Casual, careless, loosely committed and primarily physically driven relationships almost never have sufficient strength to withstand the blender. Children won’t buy-in if they think it’s going to lead to another let-down. Blended family life requires an undeniably higher standard and level of commitment. Children get this, parent must also.
Blended Families Done Right Save Souls. We have devoted an entire chapter in our book to the statistical benefits for children by being part of a two-parent family (blended or otherwise). There is no question that such children have dramatically better chances of building a healthy foundation enabling them to be successful in life. Lower rates of poverty, drug abuse, problems with the law or in school, unemployment, depression and general acting out behaviors are well researched. That is not to say there aren’t successful single parents, but it pays to play the odds where you can.
Start Where Your Child Is. Parents cannot start with a child where they are supposed to be or where you think they are but ARE NOT. This dooms your efforts to unrealistic expectations, falling short and builds a culture of regular failure and disappointment. Parents must ‘listen to understand’ and patiently respect what they learn. You will come to appreciate where they believe they are in life and in the family. Once you know where they are then every step is automatically a success because it is a re-enforcing step forward.
The Bio-Compass. There is an especially deep and natural relationship that exists between the bio-parent and their child. This is okay. The non-bio parent will, over time, be allowed to earn their way into that space. However, there will be moments when only the bio-parent can address the child’s needs, trauma or struggle. The non-bio parent must patiently step back, but remain in the picture and supportive, and allow their spouse to take the lead. This is why prideful or selfish attitudes struggle with blended parenthood. It absolutely demands selflessness. Respecting this relationship always wins in the long-term.
You Are Not Alone. Because it is not a social topic of conversation does not mean it isn’t common. Research illustrates that a sizable majority of Americans are touched by blended family life in one way or another. They understand you are not broken. This is especially true of single parents. Rest assured there is an individual out there with a healthy, kind outlook who can understand your complex family situation and love you and your children unconditionally. Both single and blended parents can experience happier more fulfilling lives.
It Is Worth It. Blended family life can be rewarding, exciting and fulfilling. Seeing these tender souls, who were once so wounded, blossom with love and kindness in their own increasingly productive lives is worth every struggle, every late night, every heartfelt conversation, every tear and every prayer. Most of all know that you are good enough to be successful.
Clark and Leah live in the high mountain valleys of the Rockies where they enjoy their ever-expanding blended family of ten children and seven grandchildren. They enjoy travel, hiking, road and mountain biking, and serving in their community and church. Clark received a BS in Finance from the University of Utah and an MBA from the University of Southern California and spent 35 years traveling the world as a banker, investment banker and Chief Financial Officer. Leah earned an Associate Degree from Ricks College and what arguably could be considered a doctoral-level real-life education in blended families. Clark and Leah treasure their blended wild ride of 14 years together, firmly believing that any challenge is manageable when you have someone you love to walk beside.
Living in the Family Blender is Clark and Leah’s first book together, but Clark has been writing for years with 9 books in different genres including Middle Reader, Teen and YA fiction, adult non-fiction and a beautiful Christmas/Easter Family read together storybook.
Blended family issues impact the vast majority of Americans. Yet, society often sidesteps the topic, while literature leaves a bleak landscape nearly void of practical advice from those who have lived in the trenches. With over 68 combined years of direct blended family experience, including 14 years with their own family of 10children, authors Clark and Leah Burbidge are uniquely qualified to fill this void. Their combined autobiographical/how-to guidebook weaves a humorous, tender, uplifting, and critically insightful fabric of 10foundational principles upon which any family may confidently build. Every blended family can have happier, more fulfilling lives where disruption, disorientation, and contention are replaced by teamwork, progress, and overcoming-oriented achievement. Living in the Family Blender also provides practical guidance upon which any family may build better relationships and a life filled with joy and purpose. Join them on their personal journey and discover glorious possibilities in your own family.
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Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing the product/product information. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did/will receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
Overwhelmed is a word that many mothers are well acquainted with. There was a time when I would utter that word daily to express how I was feeling. However, our society makes us feel that we should not be feeling that way. It tells us we should be able to have it all and tie it up in a bow. That just is not reality, and leaves many moms feeling that they are alone and failing. The most important thing to know, is that you are not alone and you are a great mom.
When life seems to be coming at you faster than you can handle, there is a way to reset your spiritual and emotional health. More for Mom will encourage women to stop believing the lie that more is needed from them, and start living with the truth that more is available for them.
With real-life talk, humor and convicting biblical truths, Kristin Funston helps hard-working mamas to look at each day and each facet of their life to discover what happens when they believe God has more for them than what they think the world needs from them.
And what He has available is a whole and holy life, just waiting to be claimed–a salvation and day-to-day reality complete just as it is. The pieces of each mom’s life–the work life, mom life, social life, etc.–are mended together through Christ to complete her one whole life, set apart because of Him.
This book is a stepping stone to help working mothers reset their spiritual and emotional health, habits, and relationship with God. There are performance pressures at work, home, and mind-sets that affect a mom’s ability to feel complete and live more closely aligned with God. This book includes the beginning steps for moms to walk in wholeness and holiness by asking God for more.
With a passion for writing, Kristin Funston encourages women in a way that is relatable and practical, with a healthy dose of humor. She is a member and employee of Hope Presbyterian Church and works as the Marriage and Family Coordinator and a leader in the women’s ministry. She is also a regular contributor to multiple blogs including The Better Mom, City Moms Blog, TODAY Parenting, and Scary Mommy. Funston resides outside of Memphis, TN with her husband and three daughters. She has a master’s degree in Communication Studies from New Mexico State University. You can find out more about her at KristinFunston.com and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.