Knitting for Peace review

Knitting for Peace: Make the World a Better Place One Stitch at a Time written by Betty Christiansen

Description:

Knitting for Peace is an exceptional book that celebrates the long heritage of knitting for others. It tells the stories of 28 contemporary knitting-for-peace endeavors, and features patterns for easy-to-knit charity projects such as hats, socks, blankets, and bears, plus a messenger bag emblazoned with the Knitting for Peace logo. Enlivened by anecdotal sidebars and quotations from both knitters and peacemakers, this inspiring book also includes everything readers need to know to start their own knitting-for-peace groups.

My Review:

When I was presented with the opportunity to review Knitting for Peace by the publisher I was ecstatic.  After all, how appropriate that I review a book celebrating knitting for charities during my "40 in 40" challenge.  I didn't know what to expect other than the description above when I agreed, but what I found really surprised me.

It isn't often that you really get to know and understand the passion and heart behind the creator of a charity organization.  I was blessed to have been able to meet and talk with Danette LeMaster, founder of God's Tiny Angels, several times in the years that I have been contributing to her organization.  This book gives you that same feeling of connection to a cause by introducing the hearts behind the organization.

The organizations are split into five chapters: Peace and War, Peace on Earth, Peace at Home, Peace for Kids and Knit for Peace.  Each chapter includes several organizations; some you may have heard of, many you probably have not.  Not only are we presented with an overview of the organization, but contact information for each is included as well as many patterns for items you can contribute to the cause.  With such a diversity it is almost a guarantee that one of them will touch your heart and prompt you to contribute.  

At only $9.99 for the Kindle edition at the time of this posting, and often you can find it used on Amazon for less, this is a great book to add to your library.  

Until next time,


This post contains affiliate links.  

Just a Minute Giveway

I haven't done a book review on this blog in some time.  Not that I don't still read, I do!  I just wanted to keep all of the book reviews in one place and so I created Sunflowers at Home's Book Reviews 4 U 2 which is ONLY book reviews.  This is one of those books that while not having to do with crafts I still felt like you, my readers, would be interested.  If not, just skip this post and pretend you never saw it.


Description:

How long does it take to make a difference in the life of a child?
For good or for ill, individual moments in a young person's life can make all the difference in their future. It may be something said or done by an adult who hardly thinks about it: a hug, a compliment, an intriguing question, a sincere applause. But in that moment, the child discovers who they are, what is important to them, why they matter, and sometimes even what their destiny will be. Most of us want to help encourage and build into this next generation, most of us see the need all around, but we just have no idea where to begin.

Now, with this book, you know where to begin and you know that it only takes Just a Minute. Follow along as Dr. Wess Stafford, president of Compassion International, shares stories and experiences to introduce you to the difference you can actually make anywhere on the spectrum of child development. From helping meet physical needs to breaking down emotional barriers and from discovering latent talents to equipping with spiritual insights, these stories are a catalyst for action.

You don't have to be a teacher, a parent, a pastor, or a doctor to make a difference in the life of a child. You only have to be willing!

My Review:

This is a great collection of real life stories of how a small moment in time can have so much meaning in the life of a child.  The book is broken into seven section.  These include A moment for rescue, a moment to build self-worth, a moment to form character, a moment to discover talent, a moment to awaken the spirit, a moment to stretch the mind, and a moment to realize one's calling.  Most of the stories included in this book illustrate how children are positively influenced in those moments.  However it does acknowledge that those moments can have a negative impact as well.


I found the stories heart touching and even found myself reflecting on those who have touched my life and helped shape me into the women I am today.  And while all of these stories are great, it was the final chapter that held the most meaning for me.  The reminder that while it is great to reflect on those who affected me, I also need to look around for opportunities to affect others as well.  Stafford says in this chapter, "tomorrow's leaders, in whose hands the future rests, will still climb into your lap today, run to your embrace, laugh at your jokes, listen to your wisdom, and comfort you with tiny arms and big hugs.  But not for long....so I'm asking you to join me in doing something great...If there isn't something in your life that is bigger than you, outside of you, not about you, that demands and deserves your time, talent, and treasure, I beg you, don't live like that.  We don't have time to simply coast."

This book serves as a reminder that the next generation, and generations to come are being shaped by the minutes we spend with them today, both the good minutes and the bad.  We have an obligation to make the right impressions on them, impressions that guide them to the good and honorable paths, that guide them to the narrow and less traveled path of truth.  This book is a call to action to take part with ANY child who crosses your path because God has put them in our paths for a reason.

Want a chance to win your own copy?  The publisher has provided me with 2 copies of this book and I am passing them on to you.  Scroll down to enter.

Until next time,



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Crochet Prayer Shawl Companion Review

When I was given the opportunity to review The Crocheted Prayer Shawl Companion: 37 Patterns to Embrace, Inspire, and Celebrate Life I jumped at the chance.  I don't personally wear a lot of shawls, but I do make some to give away at times.  Besides, who turns down a free pattern book?

If you are involved in a prayer shawl ministry, this is a book you should have in your library. If you are simply a lover of shawls, this book will inspire you to join a ministry!

This book is so much more than just patterns, although 37 of those are included for some beautiful shawls that range from beginner to advanced and simple to complex. It includes the story behind the creation of the prayer shawl ministry, as well as a wonderful "where to begin" section. This includes helpful topics such as choice of colors and their symbolism, how to chose which yarn for your pattern, the spiritual component of each shawl, packaging ideas and so much more. If you are new to making prayer shawls this section was written just for you. There are even some pointers that experienced shawl makers may have forgotten or never considered.

I enjoyed the full color photographs of each shawl as well as the detailed information for each pattern such as skill level, finished measurements, and yarn suggestions. I found the pattern instructions to be easy to follow as well. I do wish that the crochet abbreviations chart had been included at the beginning of the book rather than the end to assist novice crocheters. (The book uses standard abbreviations determined by the Craft Yarn Council of America). A chart is even included for the Standard yarn weights to assist you in finding the perfect yarn.

What I enjoyed most though is that each pattern includes a little something written by the pattern designer whether it be the story behind its creation or some tidbit to help you with the pattern. In addition there are letters interspersed throughout the book from those who make these shawls with stories about their gifts.

The book closes with ideas on how to start your own local prayer shawl ministry. The patterns are worth it, the instructions are worth it, the letters are worth it. Don't pass this one by!

While I did receive this book from the publisher, there was no expectation of a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Until next time,

Keys of the Kingdom Review & giveaway!

 &

Have you heard of this game before?  I hadn't, at least not until Left Behind Games sent me a copy to review.  Let me fill you in...

While shopping at my local Family Christian Bookstore I noticed a Charlie Church Mouse Bible Adventure game for kindergarten.  (Think Reader Rabbit with a good Christian theme)  I grabbed it thinking it would be a great game for Princess A who has recently taken an interest in the computer.  I knew it would be advanced for her but I figured we could play it together.  After playing a few times I looked up Left Behind Games and discovered that they also offer Preschool:Charlie Church Mouse.  So I emailed the company and explained what had happened.  I offered to review the preschool edition in exchange for the program.  They agreed and asked if I would be interested in reviewing other titles also.  Of course I agreed. 

Fast forward a couple of weeks and here I am telling you about Keys of the Kingdom.  This at first appears to be a very simplistic game.  The object, move the key box and the lock box until they meet.  As you progress it gets more and more difficult. Boxes are placed in your path that you must eliminate by touching it with another block of the same color. Sometimes you must move the boxes to create a path that you can manuever. Sometimes cantilevers are involved. What at the beginning seemed overly simple became a task that required planning and forethought.

After you successfully complete this task you are taken to a scroll screen where a Bible verse is printed and is read to you.  Then you move on to the next level. 

Another plus is that on each Bible verse page there is a link that says "know God". When you click this link you are taken to a page (http://www.dontbeleftbehind.com/pages/knowing-god.html) that lists the Four Spiritual Laws from Campus Crusades for Christ.  Basically, God loves you, sin separates you from Him, Christ died so that we can connect with God, and we must choose to receive this gift.  While the explanation may be a bit advanced for younger children, it can open doors for mom and dad to talk to them about God and His Son. 

I began playing one afternoon with H.  Several hours later the entire family was taking turns on levels and offering advice as they got more difficult.  We are now on level 80+ after several days of play and are still enjoying playing it.  The creators were even kind enough to include a link for each level that takes you to a solution page.  (Yes, we have had to use the link on occassion and I promise we are intelligent people!) 

This game is rated E for everyone and I have to say that everyone in my family enjoys it, even Princess A.  Despite the fact that we are at levels to advanced for her to be any help, she still has to chime in when someone moans as they realize they have made an irreversable move and must start over and she rejoices as we complete an especially difficult level.

And the good news for you?  I am offering up a copy of Kindergarten:Charlie Church Mouse to one of my United States readers.  To win you need to leave a comment below.  For an extra entry you can follow this blog (be sure to tell me in a separate comment).  Want even more entries?  Link to my blog on your Facebook or send out some Tweet love.  Be sure to leave separate comments for that as well.  The winner will be chosen by random on April 1st (no April Fool's prank here!)  Check back to see if you have won!

And the winner is.........Lissa who said "This sounds like a wonderful game for my daughter!"

Until next time,

Booga Booga Land review

It has been a while since I have done a review.  Hope you don't mind a new one. 

Adventures in Booga Booga Land the first in what appears to be a series that follows Marty the monkey and Gerard the giraffe on their island home of Booga Booga. Both characters end up living adaptations of parables told by Jesus and learning a lesson as they go.


This DVD covers the parables of the workers in the vineyards, the wise and foolish builders, and the lanp under a bowl.

What I liked, the DVD cover gives you the scripture verses for each parable so you can direct children to the Bible for discussions. While I know the parables and may have been able to point them to a book, I would have had to search for chapter and verse.

The parables are retellings, with characters doing every day things that my children recognize. The characters and situations engaged my 2 year old and she very much enjoyed watching them.

What I don't like, Marty is disrespectful (calls someone a cheapskate in the first parable, refers to shop teacher in another episode by saying "I know where to find a 'square'), impetuous and in my opinion not a good role model. He doesn't really have "ah-ha" moments in which the viewer can obviously see that he has learned a lesson about how his behaviour/actions were wrong. For me, Marty is a huge turn off. Young children are very quick to imitate what they see and hear and I don't want my daughter imitating Marty!

I won't buy any of the other adventures (if released for sale) for my daughter to watch. I feel like the premise is good, the setting is good, the parables are great, but Marty needs to either be more respectful or show some remorse!  We will stick with VeggieTales!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Until next time,

The Prophecy Answer Book Review

 
The Prophecy Answer Book is a 194 page book that attempts to answer various questions the average person may have concerning Biblical prophecy in a simple question and answer format.  Most of the questions are concerning the "end times" with questions such as "When will Israel be invaded?" and "What is the difference between the Rapture and the Second Coming?".

This book attempts to cover a LOT of ground in just a little space and time.  If you are looking for some in depth answers, this isn't the book for you.  However, if you are just starting to delve into a study on Biblical prophecy, or are curious about what the Bible says about it, this would be a good starting point.

The questions are answered in 1/2 to 1 pocket sized page for the most part.  Only a few answers take more than that.  Because of that I felt like I was left hanging.  However most answers include scripture references that could begin a deeper understanding of what is going on.  Some questions, such as "Does oil hold a key to the prophetic events of the future?" are strictly an opinion answer.  Jeremiah even ponders "What do oil and the Garden of Eden have in common?"  (A really interesting and thought provoking answer here that I had not really considered before but makes sense.)

Do I recommend this book?  Depends on what you are looking for.  A starting place for end times study?  Then yes.  An understanding of end times prophesy in one book?  No.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://booksneeze.com/> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Love,

Read and Share DVD review

My most recent product to review was the The Jesus Series: Life and Miracles: Read and Share DVD Bible.  I really love this series for the kids, getting my first DVD as a $5 bonus item from Family Christian Bookstore.  The latest DVD is just as good.

This is the last DVD in The Jesus Series.  Separate videos cover the birth and death of Jesus and this one focuses on Jesus' ministry along the shores of Lake Galilee and the villages near Nazareth.  Jesus calls His disciples to Him, feeds 5,000 people, heals the sick, teaches about God’s kingdom and introduces the Lord’s Supper. Unlike previous DVD's in the series, this one is not broken into short segments but is done as one continuous story.

The first time I took a long car trip with baby A, J and H we popped the video in.  All 3 of them were mesmerized by the story and were very attentive.  H even stopped to ask questions (mommy, who is that supposed to be?  A Pharisee dear, Ciaphas I believe.)  It is rare that a single movie entertains the baby and J but this one definitely did.  This will stick around for quite some time.  I liked that it was an accurate portrayal, even if some of the stories felt a little short to me.  The animation kept the kids attention.

This goes on my recommended list!

Love,

Beautiful Things Happen...

Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God by Sheila Walsh is the most recent book I received from Nelson publishing to review.  In this book Sheila writes about her struggle to face life after being hospitalized for depression.  Many of her friends abandoned her afterward and she struggled with figuring out how she could continue to serve God with this following her.  Each chapter discusses a different area she had to face and includes anecdotes about how others affected her life and her journey as well as truths about God's view based on Bible sources.

I had no idea who Sheila Walsh was before I read this book, so I had no preconceived opinion of her as a woman or a Christian.  From what I read she has done a tremendous job of overcoming what seemed to be an insurmountable obstacle to her.  The book is easy to read, but I didn't find it very enjoyable.  Perhaps because I felt no connection to the author, perhaps because I have had to face a similar battle but didn't have as many of the hang ups about it as she did.  It took me a very long time to complete this book because I just felt like the author was talking at me.  It felt like an "all about me" type of story.

Now, I am not saying this was a bad book, and I am sure that there are many people out there who would benefit greatly from her words, from knowing how she overcame her fears, how she learned to trust God.  I just couldn't relate to her and as a result did not enjoy the book.


Love,


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://booksneeze.com/> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Free Book

     "I am a fanatic about freedom.  And I' fanatical about coming at you hard in this book.  I'm tired of seeing people beaten down by the word's systems and by religion.  I'm sick of seeing people live safe, predictable lives while their God-given passions die.  I hate the assumption that getting close to God means more rules and restrictions.  No more.  God's offering real freedom.  Get yours."
      This is what is on the cover of the bright orange book that has been sitting beside my bed for the last week or so.  The title is Free Book and it is written by Brian Tome, a pastor of CrossRoads church.  Now, I had never heard of the church or Brian Tome before reading this, but let me say I am really impressed.  The over riding purpose of this book is to assist you in finding the freedom that Christ came to give us (Galatians 5:1).  Tome uses Biblical truths, an honesty that most have never heard, and real life examples to illustrate the path.
     I really looked forward to receiving this book in the mail.  I barely had the package open before I started reading it...and after the first two chapters I put it down.  I felt like Tome was giving a false view of freedom - God says you should be free so don't worry about consequences just do what you want to.  But I had agreed to read the whole book, so I picked it up and began chapter 3... and had a hard time putting it down after that.
     In chapter 3 Tome starts to get to the truth of the matter, to receive freedom, you have to submit.  To be free you have to give up things you may not want to give up, to be free you have to change and reality is that most of the time change isn't easy and you will probably not like it.  But he explains that it truly is freedom, and how that truly is freedom.  I found myself nodding my head in agreement frequently.  I was reading passages aloud to my husband, to my children, even to my pastor.  As a matter of fact I am passing the book on to him tomorrow and plan to read it in its entirety to my husband (who hates to read) and have K read it as well.
     Tome does a wonderful job of just talking to you.  He is real, he is honest.  He is so honest that he even shares with you his own mess ups.  Tome doesn't pull the "I am a pastor and have been a good boy my whole life" card and wave it in your face.  Instead he says "Yeah, I made some mistakes in my life just like you, maybe even worse than you, but let me tell you what happened".
     If you really want to find Biblical freedom, knowing that you probably will still have problems and issues in the future, that freedom doesn't mean perfection or an easy life, then read this book.  Curious about what I mean, read this book. 






Love,

Jesus Lives book review

I realize it has been a while since I have done a book review.  It really isn't that I haven't been reading, just that none of them have really been all that worthy of review.  Then I received this book, Jesus Livesby Sarah Young.  This isn't a sit down and read it through book, more like a devotion book or a resource book, but it is one that has really strengthened my relationship with Christ.

This book is divided into 46 different themes of Jesus life, from adversity, to grace, to worship.  Each theme includes at least 1 devotion/letter on the topic as well as scripture verses concerning it as well.  That is pretty much the nuts and bolts of this book.

I found, as I read through the book, that each devotion spoke to me.  They are written as if they were letters from Christ himself, and each one is full of His love.  They each seem to touch on real life, and are personal.  For instance one devotion under "trials" begins "When life gets really difficult, don't jump to the conclusion that I'm not on the job.  Instead, be glad you are in the thick of what I experienced.  Accept your ordeal as a spiritual refining process, with Glory just around the corner."  This is actually a verse from I Peter, however Sarah Young's writing style makes you feel as if you are reading the words written in a personal letter rather than a verse from the Bible.  She brings to the page the reality of scripture being more than just words on a page, but a love letter to each of us.  Ms. Young simplifies this by gathering up verses with a similar theme and placing them together in smaller "letters" to us.  She even goes so far as to italicize the scripture verses in each devotion/letter to illuminate what is truly God's word and what is her additions.

While this is not a replacement for scripture study, it is a great resource for any Christian, but especially new Christians, to assist in personalizing the Word to our situations and feelings.  The subtitle "seeing His love in your life" is definitely apt and appropriate.






Love,

Sunflowers on the Bookshelf - the Noticer

I don't know if you noticed or not, but down the page a little on the right hand side is a little box that announces that I am a Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogger.  (Still a book review blogger just took down the box!)  "Okay," you are thinking, "so what?"  I don't know if I have shared with you or not the fact that I love to read.  Actually, love probably isn't a strong enough word.  For years reading was a huge part of my life.  On average I read about 1 novel a week.  Growing up I used it as an escape from reality.  Now I use reading as a way to put reality into perspective.  I tell you this as an introduction to something new I have started.

I don't know how many of you are readers, quite a few of you I hope.  Not because it makes a difference to me, but because I know it can make a difference in your life.  Anyway, I plan to start reading and reviewing at least one book a month with you.  If there is enough interest in it, I may even start an online discussion group as I have always wanted to be a part of a book club and it is REALLY hard to get one organized right now.

So, to start this off I want to give you a taste of a book review.  Now, I make no reviewing the book and really don't get anything out of it other than a book to read from the publisher.  I will be honest at all times in my reviews.  For November I read The Noticer: Sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective.by Andy Andrews who apparently also wrote The Traveler's Gift: Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success which I have not read. (But I want to now!)  The basic story line is that a man of indeterminate age and race visits a town dispensing wisdom that ultimately causes people to change their lives for the better.

The main character, Jones, has a Christ-like quality about him.  He seems to be there when people need him most to help them see things the way they really are.  Jones assists the narrator first, who at the time was homeless with no hope of any other future.  Jones calls himself a "noticer".  He notices things that should be apparent to everyone if they only had the right perspective.  Throughout the story he shares his perspective on how to be truly successful, how to keep from getting divorced before you even get married, how to value your life and so much more.

This story is full of quotable wisdom.  I found myself copying and pasting so many things (I was reading the e-book version) to save and print out that I lost track of the number.  I would read a chapter and say to myself, "I think this is my favorite chapter" only to finish the next and think the same thing.  Each chapter is it's own little story addressing one area of life.

One chapter addresses how we view and express love.  As I was reading it I thought of the 5 Love Languages as it had a similiar feel and we had just done a study on it at church.  However I enjoyed Andrews analogies better.  You are either a cat (physical touch), a canary (quality time), a puppy (words of affirmation), or a goldfish (favors and deeds).  Although Andrews didn't go into nearly as much detail about each as he could have, he covered enough the reader understood and had an "aha" moment about each.

The chapters are brief, with the entire book (10 chapters) encompassing only 156 pages.  However, I think that is perfect.  A person can read one chapter in a short amount of time and meditate upon it.  I gleaned inciteful advice and inferred many life applications of my own.  As Jones would say, it is all a matter of perspective, something that definitely needed adjustment in my life.  As a result I very much recommend this book.  I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed reading it.  The writing is a bit simple at times, and I found myself occasionally skipping over sentences or paragraphs to "get to the good part" but I tend to do that with many books that I read.  I am an inpatient reader!  LOL.  If you decide to read it, please let me know what you think of it.







The next book I plan to read is Jesus Lives by Sarah Young.  It is a devotional gift book.

Love,