For all you LEGO Lovers: BRICK BUILDERS ILLUSTRATED BIBLE Review and Giveaway! (Ends 12/18/18)

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Hi friends!

If you or your kiddos are LEGO lovers, I have the neatest Bible to tell you about today! The BlogAbout Blogger Network generously sent me two copies of BRICK BUILDERS ILLUSTRATED BIBLE ; one to review and one to give away to a reader!  Read on for more about this charming illustrated story Bible for kids…and keep an eye out for the chance to enter to win a copy.

 

 

What is the BRICK BUILDERS ILLUSTRATED BIBLE?

 

It’s a wonderful story Bible from ZonderKidz illustrated with cartoon pictures of LEGO-like brick-built characters, perfect for kids (and their families!).  Written by Emily Danner and illustrated by Antony Evans, BRICK BUILDERS contains 36 short stories retold for children, with colorful shapes and brick-built figures that will appeal to any child who loves brick building toys.  This Bible’s stories include 15 Old Testament and 21 New Testament ones, beginning with Creation and concluding with Revelation.  Each story begins with the “address” of the actual Bible chapter, then tells the story in words and vivid, bright brick-built illustrations.  Then, each story concludes with a “Building Block” take-away from the story; ideas and lessons that children can grab onto and understand for their own lives.  This makes it perfect for both reading aloud to smaller children, and even for early or older readers to read on their own.  Clever mentions of the word “built” are woven in in various stories…reminding us that God built and made us and the whole world, and is still creating in us and in our own lives.

 

 

In the BRICK BUILDERS ILLUSTRATED BIBLE, you’ll find some familiar and favorite stories and characters from the Old Testament:

• Abram (Genesis 15)
• Moses (Exodus 2-14)
• Naomi and Ruth (Ruth 1-4)
• Elijah (I Kings 18)
• Daniel and the lions (Daniel 6)
• and more

 

The New Testament stories focus mostly on Jesus and many of His interactions with others, as well as some accounts of others closely connected to Jesus (like Mary, John the Baptist, and the disciples).  Readers will encounter:

• Jesus, the Loaves, and the Fish (Matthew 14)
• Jesus and Lazarus (John 11)
• Jesus and the Lepers (Luke 17)
• Jesus and the Last Supper (Luke 22)
• Jesus and the Tomb (John 20)
• The Disciples are Filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2)
• and more!

 

The stories included in this children’s Bible do an excellent job of laying out the redemptive story of God’s involvement with and love for people.  Starting with creation and then the fall, the Old Testament stories continue with men and women and their relationships with God, and the way God calls them, works with them, and enables them to follow Him.

The New Testament stories begin with the Annunciation, and continue with Jesus’ birth and the events surrounding it.  Then, we meet Jesus as an adult, and see His ministry, leading of His disciples, and see His healings and callings.

 

 

The BRICK BUILDERS ILLUSTRATED BIBLE tells the story of Jesus’ betrayal, death on the cross, and resurrection in short, compassionate stories that children will be able to understand; as well as the reasons He died for us all.

 

 

 

And, it doesn’t end there…we get to see the disciples at Pentecost…and the promise of Jesus’ return!

All of these stories are vividly and beautifully illustrated with what I imagine are computer-drawn images of brick-built characters and landscapes.  They look so real that you’ll imagine you’re looking at actual brick creations!

THE BRICK BUILDERS ILLUSTRATED BIBLE would be a lovely and wonderful gift for the little ones in your life this Christmas.  And…keep reading for your chance to win!

 

Enter to Win!

The BlogAbout Blogger Network kindly provided one copy of BRICK BUILDERS ILLUSTRATED BIBLE for one FINCHNWREN reader to win!  (No LEGOs, just the Bible! :))  Just click on the pink “Enter here!” link below.  That will take you to a Giveaway Tools entry form, where you can enter to win in a variety of ways.  Giveaway closes on 12/18/18.  Best wishes!

Enter here!

 

Enjoy!  –Wren

 

 

DISCLAIMER:  From time to time, FINCHNWREN may receive a free product or service in exchange for our honest opinions expressed in our blog. We are not required to write a positive or glowing review, nor are we additionally compensated for these reviews. We share our own opinions, and our family’s opinion, of these products. We’re disclosing this in accordance with FTC regulations.

BELOVED Devotional for Young Women Review & Giveaway (Ends 12/10/18)

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Are you looking for a new devotional for young women?  FlyBy/Propeller Promotions kindly sent me Lindsay A. Franklin’s newest book, Beloved: 365 Devotions for Young Women to review.  It has been a pleasure and an encouragement to read and use this book in my own daily Bible reading times.  And I’ll be able to share a copy of Beloved with one FINCHNWREN reader, because FlyBy also provided a copy for me to give away!

 

 

About Beloved

Have you ever wished you had all the Bible information about women all in one place?

If so, you will love Beloved!

Beloved is Lindsay A. Franklin’s newest devotional for young women.  It contains a full year’s worth of daily devotionals (yes, 365!) in a beautiful hardback book that’s sized at just over 7″ x 5″.  It’s sturdy and has a nice heft, but it’s just right for holding or opening up in a lap or on a desk.  The pages are a creamy white with black text, a lovely pink, green, and yellow floral border, and journaling lines at the bottom of each page.  And, its subject matter is perfect for young women (but really, women of all ages will love it).

Franklin has delved deeply into the Bible and has drawn out the life stories and experiences of about 60 biblical women, both named and unnamed.  Then, she penned devotionals with life direction, lessons, and Scriptures that young (and older!) women can learn from.  The stories and choices Franklin explores are not just the good and beautiful ones, interestingly enough; because we can learn not only from women’s positive choices, but the negative ones, as well.

 

In Beloved, you’ll find meditations on the lives of many women, including:

• Rebekah, Rachel, and Leah
• Delilah
• Jael
• Shiphrah and Puah
• Rahab
• Hannah
• Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth
• Abigail
• The Shunammite woman
• and so many more, including meditations on the Proverbs 31 woman!

 

 

While this book is designed with a reading for each day of the year, I often read several pages at a time for the purposes of this review.  I found my reading times so rich, beautiful and encouraging.  Each daily devotional is tied to a verse (or collection of verses) of Scripture.  So, it’s very easy to turn to those verses and read an entire Bible section or chapter to get the expanded story of the women being discussed, alongside the devotional passage.  Each day’s reading is concise yet still full of wisdom and understanding.  Franklin is able to, quite effectively, connect these ancient women’s experiences to the things we need to know and live by in our own present day.

 

Some of my favorite readings…

…came from most unexpected places.  Like these words, about Lot’s wife:

“We never get to hear words directly from Lot’s wife in the Bible.
She doesn’t have one line of dialogue, so it’s hard to know who she might have been.
But, because of her ultimate end, she has gone down in history as an example of
what happens when we look backward instead of forward.”  (p. 43)

But I also loved these words about Sarah (Abraham’s wife), whom we’d consider a better example than Mrs. Lot:

“We can draw strength from examples like Sarah’s story. She wasn’t perfect
in her patience or in her belief that God would follow through for her,
but we don’t tend to be perfect in those areas either. We have the benefit
of being able to see Sarah’s whole story, many millennia later, and so we can
easily understand that God works out his will in his timing. It takes strength
to be patient, but letting God’s plan unfold is always worth the wait.” (p. 35)

 

Or, these beautiful words drawn from the life of Samuel’s mother, Hannah:

“The long-term solution is to understand that we aren’t created for comparison.
You were created with unique gifts to use, particular trials to overcome, and
specific triumphs to celebrate. When you embrace your own path and avoid
falling into the comparison trap, you can find contentment, as well as the
motivation to be the very best you possible.”  (p. 198)

 

For many years, I spent much of my Bible study time on the Epistles, Psalms, or Proverbs.  Sometimes it’s comforting (and instructive) to read the actual instructions that the Bible has for us.  However, it can be just as rich and absolutely as valuable for us to observe the lives, choices, mistakes, and faithfulness of different Bible persons.  Beloved is wonderful to read; to stop and take some time each day, and to look at these ancient women.  If we stop for a moment, to look, read, and pray, we can grow and become more equipped in wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and maturity as we seek to follow Christ.  Definitely check this book out.  It is so worth your time, and worth the time of the young women you parent and mentor!

For more information, click on the Zondervan link below:

http://www.zondervan.com/p/beloved-devotional/

 

 

And…I have one copy of Beloved to give away!

Simply click on the pink “Enter here!” link below.  That will take you to a Giveaway Tools form, where you can enter to win a copy in a variety of ways.  The giveaway will close 12/10/18, and one winner will be selected from all entries.  Best wishes!

Enter here!

 

Enjoy!  –Wren

 

 

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

 

Practice Your Lettering, Illumination, and Artsy Coloring! Ellie Claire’s Art Journal Trio (Review)

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Are you someone who loves Bible journaling?  Coloring, painting, or drawing?  Writing quotes in lovely calligraphy?  Or just taking moments here and there to express your own unique form of creativity?  If you can answer “yes” to any of these questions…or even if you don’t feel that you even are particularly creative, but would like to learn to be…you are going to love the books I’m sharing with you today!  Worthy Publishing generously provided some of their newest Ellie Claire publications for me to use and review.  They sent me copies of these lovely art journals, entitled Faith & Lettering Journal; The Illustrated Word (An Illuminated Bible Coloring Journal); and Illuminate Your Story Journal.  I have had hours of creative time, fun, and enjoyment with them.  Let me tell you more!

 

Each of these books is a sturdy, hardback book that’s perfectly-sized for the lap or table.  They have fun textures on their covers, touches of fabric or embossing here and there.  Two have pencil or pen holders on their spines, and one has a ribbon bookmark and a stretchy elastic band to hold it closed.  Although the page thicknesses vary somewhat, they all contain beautiful creamy pages with a nice heft.  Illustrations of different types (according to whether the book is for lettering, illuminating, or coloring) pepper the pages, and there are grids, dots, and journal lines to guide your work.  They are beautiful inside and out and are just a pleasure to look at, or to work in!  And now that I’ve given you an overview of the books, I’d like to show you some of the features of each journal.

The Faith & Lettering Journal

If you’ve ever lurked around Pinterest, you’ve probably seen the italic, unusual lettering that people are doing right now in their Bibles or Bible journals.  Have you ever wondered how on earth they wrote so beautifully?  I have.  And I’ve even worked on practicing a simple italic alphabet.  But that’s still pretty far from the lettering I’d love to learn how to do.  Faith & Lettering Journal to the rescue!  This book includes:

• Full-page quotes and Bible verses on colorful painted backgrounds
• Pages of alphabets, doodles, and flourishes with lots of room for you to practice
• Illustrated verses with spaces for you to trace, practice, and repeat
• Empty pages with dots or grids for you to write your alphabets or verses in
• Directions and instructions to help you gain mastery in lettering

 

 

This is an example of the full-page, colorful quotes and facing blank journal pages throughout the book.  One night I wondered if I could copy the lettering on the adjacent page….and lo and behold, I did!  It was really fun and not too difficult.  I simply worked in pencil (and eraser) word by word and line by line.  Then, I got some gold tempera paint and a very skinny paintbrush and filled in the letters.  (You can see a photo of me painting the gold in the trio pictures below).  In this book, I used mostly pencil (don’t forget the eraser and a good sharpener so your pencil point stays sharp), tempera paint, and thin paintbrushes.  The paint never soaked through the pages, which means you’ll always have a fresh canvas to attempt!

 

 

The Faith & Lettering Journal provides a huge variety of alphabets, verses, and lots of instructions for both the novice Bible journal student and the more experienced one.  You don’t have to work the book in order.  Just page through the journal, find something you’d like to try, and jump in!

You can find the Faith & Lettering Journal at the following links:

Amazon: http://bit.ly/WhittenAmazon
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/FaithAndLettering-BN 

 

The Illustrated Word

The Illustrated Word (An Illuminated Bible Coloring Journal) might just be the most beautiful coloring book you’ve ever seen.  Its images are taken from the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., which has a quite fascinating collection of historical Bibles, fragments, Books of Hours, and art inspired by the Bible.  In The Illustrated Word, you’ll find images, verses, prayers, and art from a variety of these sources.  The reproduced images are rich and colorful, and the coloring pages taken from these are verses with incredible art, historical images with intricate borders, or even redrawn pictures that resemble stained glass windows.  Lined blank pages round out the journal, so you have spaces to write your thoughts, prayers, or descriptions of the art you’ve created.

Some of my favorite pages included scenes from the book of Esther (taken from an old parchment scroll from Israel), images from a Book of Hours from the 1300s, and a commentary on the Apocalypse from 1420.  How encouraging to think of believers who loved art and God’s Word throughout the ages!  And, to have reproductions and journaling pages of these is a pretty amazing benefit of living in our own day and age.

 

 

This journal is printed on thick, creamy pages.  The art media that worked best for me as I created in The Illustrated Word were tempera paint and brushes, or paint pens (my favorite).  I used colored pencils and they looked just fine, but they honestly didn’t provide the vivid colors that I felt these pages deserved.  I even tried my tube watercolors; while the colors looked fantastic on the pages, some of the color did bleed through.  Colored markers are also a great idea, plus they have the fine points you’ll need for some detail.

You can purchase The Illustrated Word at:

Amazon: http://bit.ly/Illustrated-Amazon
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/Illustrated-BN

 

Illuminate Your Story Journal

Have you ever heard of illuminated pages?  The short answer is that monks would copy prayers and Scriptures into handwritten books.  Sometimes these were Bibles, and sometimes Books of Hours (prayers and Scriptures with illustrations).  What they often had in common were illuminated (decorated, ornate paintings) first letters.  These would often be an enlarged letter, surrounded by a painted and golden square, which would be the first letter of the prayer or Bible chapter.  These were often given as gifts from a prospective groom to his fiancee, or to other members of well-to-do families (since literacy in the Middle Ages was generally confined to those and to priests, monks, or clergy).

The Illuminate Your Story Journal was captivating to me, because I had just taught a lesson on Books of Hours to my elementary art class this fall (and had them illuminate their own initials)!  And, this journal even has a short lesson on illuminated art at the beginning, as well as a list of materials and instructions.  You’ll also find practice pages so that you can learn to create illuminated letters.  Each letter of the English alphabet has two decorated (and quite different) versions to draw.  Step-by-step directions and squares are given so that users can draw both the letter and ornate decorations around it, as well as a grid of dots to help you utilize the space.  You’ll find nice thick pages and a wealth of creative ways to illuminate letters.

 

With this book, I used my gold paint pen, a no. 2 pencil for the original and practice drawings, and colored pencils to color in the letters and decorations.  Colored markers and a fine-tip black ink pen will round out all you need to make beautiful illuminations.  (Although, as always, I love using tempera paint in these books!  For some reason tempera lays nicely on the pages and makes vivid color without sinking through to the other sides of the paper.)

Check out these links to find Illuminate Your Story Journal:

Amazon: http://bit.ly/Illuminate-Amazon
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/Illuminate-BN

 

In closing…

I have absolutely loved using these books myself.  Whether it has been just looking at them on my table, paging through the illustrations, or actually diving in and creating (or attempting to create! :)) beauty, I’ve found them to be such a joy.  Working in these journals has allowed me to step aside to a quiet place.  It has not only produced peace in me as I’ve focused on doing just one thing, creatively; it has lifted my spirit as I’ve been able to notice more of the beauty of the Lord, His Word, and His creation.  What a blessing!

Check these beautiful journals out.  They’d make a wonderful gift for friends or family; for teachers or Bible study groups; or even for you, yourself!

Enjoy!  –Wren

 

DISCLAIMER:  From time to time, FINCHNWREN may receive a free product or service in exchange for our honest opinions expressed in our blog. We are not required to write a positive or glowing review, nor are we additionally compensated for these reviews. We share our own opinions, and our family’s opinion, of these products. We’re disclosing this in accordance with FTC regulations.

Our Fall Recap of High School Chemistry with Bridgeway Academy (Plus a coupon AND a giveaway valued at over $80!)

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We have been so fortunate to partner with Bridgeway Academy again this year for another of my son Jackson’s high school courses.  Last year Jackson took Apologia Biology with Bridgeway and had an exceptional experience (PLUS got his high school biology and lab credits!) throughout the year.  For this, Jackson’s junior year, he is taking their FYC Chemistry with Lab, which is in Bridgeway’s Live Online Classes category for high school students.

Keep reading for more on our chemistry experience PLUS a giveaway and a discount code for you!

 

How do Bridgeway Academy’s Live Online Classes work?

Bridgeway Academy excels at providing fascinating online classes for students using certified teachers, exceptional curricula, and top-notch web technology.  Each week, students meet in an online classroom where they’re able to connect with instructors and fellow classmates to learn, collaborate, and complete assignments.  Following each’s week’s online class, students read, work on projects, write, and (in the case of the science courses) perform experiments at home.  In addition, Bridgeway Academy‘s Moodle site enables students to take tests, submit assignments, work on course content, and view their grades.  Students need a computer, high-speed internet, and a headset with an attached microphone in order to attend these live online classes.

 

FYC Chemistry with Lab

Bridgeway Academy‘s FYC Chemistry with Lab course is designed for high school students and is taught in a regular school year (fall and spring semesters).  Completing the course provides 1 1/2 credits for the course and the lab work.  This chemistry class is taught by a certified science teacher (as well as a high school advisor for Bridgeway), Melissa Lindahl.  We purchased the textbooks for the course, which are the Integrated Physics and Chemistry Textbooks and Activity Books from Paradigm Accelerated Curriculum.  (We are only using the chemistry texts from this set which comprise a full year’s course; the physics texts would cover a year’s worth as well.  But we’re not taking physics this year so we don’t need that portion!)  Because experiments are part of this course, we also purchased Bridgeway Academy’s Chemistry Kit and Lab Manual.

Each week, Jackson attends a virtual class online with Mrs. Lindahl and his classmates, who are from all over the U.S.  The class lasts for an hour and a half.  Mrs. Lindahl teaches the week’s material.  She also spends time in class covering some additional chemistry equations (math).  Then, for the rest of the week the students have reading assignments, activity book Q&As, fill-in-the-blanks, and short essay questions to do.  There are also experiments assigned that students complete at home, and record in their lab manuals.  Most of the materials utilized in the experiments are in the lab kit (except for some household products like distilled water). Tests and quizzes are administered online.

 

Our Experiences

We have, truly, loved everything we have done with Bridgeway Academy.  Their classes are well-organized, well-taught, and are both effective and challenging at appropriate age levels.  Josh spends about an hour working on and studying chemistry each school day.  He spends more time on chemistry than he does on most of his other homeschool subjects (except for math, perhaps).  That is not that surprising, honestly; chemistry is a subject that requires substantial effort from its students.

From September through mid-November, this class has covered the following topics:

• The periodic table of the elements
• Chemical symbols
• Lavoisier and his list of elements
• Sulfur, carbon, graphite, coal, platinum, zinc
• Alloys
• Cobalt, nickel, manganese, molybdenum, tungsten
• Gases and the atmosphere
• Hydrogen, humidity, and barometric pressure
• Balancing equations (and other chemistry math equations)
• Acids, bases, and pH

He has also completed several experiments.  (They haven’t been too freaky.  But they have included chemicals that required careful use and gloves, as well as meticulous cleanup afterwards!)

He is learning a LOT in this class.  It is interesting and challenging at the same time.  The experiments effectively illustrate the principles being taught.  And frankly?  High school chemistry is so not my area of expertise.  I am grateful for a teacher who can teach this subject to my son!

I am also appreciative of Mrs. Lindahl’s responsiveness.  I emailed her several weeks ago about a difficulty Jackson was experiencing with the math equations they were learning.  She responded really quickly, understood our concerns, told me that there were other students experiencing the same thing, and that she planned to address these issues in class.

 

Here’s what Jackson has to say about his chemistry class: “The weekly class is put together incredibly well.  The teacher explains things well.  The interaction between the teacher and students is well-balanced.  The schedule is good.”  He likes his teacher and his classmates, and the time he spends with them each week.

Again, from the homeschool mom’s perspective, I am so happy that Jackson is able to take Bridgeway Academy‘s high school chemistry class.  I just have so little to offer in this arena!  And since the colleges in our state require high school chemistry class and lab on entering students’ transcripts, we really needed this.  I can rest assured that Jackson is getting an excellent education in chemistry; something that I would have been quite challenged to provide.

 

And, Bridgeway Academy has a coupon for you to use!

Bridgeway Academy is happy to provide a 15% OFF one of their classes, when you use the coupon code FINCHDEC18!  You can register now for spring semester classes; registration for those closes December 15, 2018.  Check out the Live Online Classes by following the link.  Then when you register, just enter the code FINCHDEC18 for 15% OFF the course price!  (This does not apply to textbooks or materials, just the courses themselves.)

Perhaps you, like me, find that there are courses that your homeschool student needs to take that are just not in your skills set.  Or, maybe your homeschool needs a breath of fresh air and you think that an online class might really benefit your student.  Or perhaps your elementary, middle school, or high school student would enjoy an online class with students from all over the country.  There are many reasons that Bridgeway Academy could be amazing for your family.  Check out the course link above.  I’m certain that you’ll find something captivating!

 

And Bridgeway Academy and FINCHNWREN have a giveaway for you to enter!

We’re so happy to cohost this fun giveaway!  With the fall school semester heading to a close, and the holidays right around the corner, we thought it was the perfect moment for our readers to get the chance to win a #Pampering Gift Set!  (We’ve definitely got a blue and pink theme going here!)  One FINCHNWREN reader will win the following goodies:

• A gorgeous, soft, pink big-knit infinity scarf from Old Navy (valued at $16.99)
• A blue, pink, and white plaid flannel throw (sized 50″ x 56″) from Old Navy (valued at $10)
• A chunky wooden verse block plaque with Psalm 143:8 scripted on it ($4.99)
• Blue peacock fleece socks (also) from Old Navy (valued at $5)
• Vanilla Bean Noel Fine Fragrance Mist from Bath & Body Works (valued at $14)
• OPI Nail Lacquer in refreshing blush pink “Let Me Bayou A Drink” (valued at $10.50)
• Bridgeway Academy’s beautiful blue travel mug (valued at $15)
• Renee Green’s funny & encouraging new book, The Breaking Point

This #Pampering Gift Set giveaway will run from 11/27/18 through 12/15/18.  To enter, just click on the pink “Enter here!” link below.  That will  take you to a Giveaway Tools entry form, where you’ll be able to enter in a variety of ways.  When the giveaway closes on 12/15, one winner will be selected and contacted. Best wishes—and don’t forget to check out Bridgeway Academy‘s amazing classes for your student!

Enter here!

 

Enjoy!  –Wren

 

DISCLOSURE:  From time to time, FINCHNWREN may receive a free product or service in exchange for our honest opinions expressed in our blog. We are not required to write a positive or glowing review, nor are we additionally compensated for these reviews. We share our own opinions, and our family’s opinion, of these products. We’re disclosing this in accordance with FTC regulations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

#Holiday HoHoHo Giveaway Hop ~ FINCHNWREN’s Beauty Bag Giveaway! Ends 12/5/18

Hi friends!

I’m joining in a fun blog hop for the upcoming holiday season!  The Review Wire Media and Chatty Patty’s Place are co-hosting the #Holiday HoHoHo Giveaway Hop from 11/21/18 through 12/5/18.  Tons of bloggers are participating and each one has a giveaway that you can enter with prizes worth at least $20 (and up!).  I’m enclosing the link to the #Holiday HoHoHo Giveaway Hop page (where you can see all the giveaways) as well as my own giveaway’s link below.  Scroll down for my holiday Beauty Bag Giveaway!

 

 

One winner will receive all of these fun goodies!  Here’s what’s included:

• Ecotools Lash & Brow Duo bamboo brush
• Tarte full-sized Cheek Stain in Blissful
• Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover mini
• Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer mini
• Ulta Brow Gel mini in Clear
• Clinique Happy Perfume Spray mini
• Tarte Vitamin Infused Lip Gloss mini in 40 Winks
• Hello Konjac cleansing sponge in Pure White
• Clinique white vegan leather zippered makeup bag with embossed square

 

Here’s another look at all the goodies that will be inside the makeup bag:

 

 

How to enter!

Simply click on the pink “Enter here!” link below.  That will take you to a Giveaway Tools entry form, where you can enter in a variety of ways.  Giveaway closes on 12/5/18.  One winner will be selected from all Giveaway Tools entry form entries.  Best wishes!

Enter here!

 

 

And, there’s more!

The FINCHNWREN Beauty Bag Giveaway is part of a big giveaway blog hop!  The Review Wire Media and Chatty Patty’s Place are cohosting the #Holiday HoHoHo Giveaway Hop!  Tons of bloggers are hosting giveaways on their own blogs to celebrate this, and you can find them all and enter to win!

Just click on the link below to be taken to the blog linkup page where you’ll find tons of great giveaways to enter!

 An InLinkz Link-up

 

Enjoy!  –Wren

Enter to Win Hillsong Kids’ “Can You Believe It?” DVD! (Review & Giveaway-Ends 11/21/18)

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Hello friends!  I have a neat giveaway for you today that you will love if you have kids, work with kids, or enjoy Hillsong and their worship songs.  FlyBy/Propeller Promotions provided a free copy of Hillsong Kids’ new worship DVD for kiddos to review…as well as one DVD to give away to one FINCHNWREN reader!  Read on for more about this fantastic worship DVD for kids and families.

 

 

What is Hillsong Kids’ “Can You Believe It?” DVD?

It’s a great combination of Hillsong Kids worship songs, combined in both music videos and studio recordings, along with some fun extras.

In our family, we’ve been fans for years of kids’ worship DVDs.  We own a number of them and we’ve used them in family worship, for singing along, and for just playing enjoy in our home.  And, we adore Hillsong worship music.  So, when I heard about this Hillsong Kids DVD, I was definitely interested; it seemed just like something we’d use and love!  And, I was right.  This DVD includes music videos starring kids with fun narratives and dance, as well as studio versions of 14 songs.  It also has a fun You-Tube-ish video interview called “Funny Man Dan presents “Can You Believe It?”” which introduces kids to the purposes for the DVD and worship songs as well as some of the singers/worship leaders from the songs.  There are also Lyric Videos which have the words to each song (great for learning them!)

 

 

Songs include:

Some you probably know (like “What a Beautiful Name”) and others that you might not be familiar with yet, but will love, like:

• “I Give You My Hallelujah”
• “Ask Seek Knock”
• “This Is Living”
• “My Best Friend”
• “As the World Shakes”
• “You Know Me”
• and 7 more

There is a sweet song led by a 16-year-old female worship leader called “Little Life” that I loved.  Here are some lyrics from it:

“My little hands together pray to You
My little feet together follow You
I lift my eyes and look to You
And my heart will love You”

We also loved the cheerful and upbeat “I Give You My Hallelujah”:

“You’re doing a new thing
Making my heart sing
Bringing colour to this brand new day

It’s never been clearer
You draw me nearer
You’re always with me and You’re here right now”

And another wonderful one, “You Know Me”:

“All Your thoughts about me, Oh God
Outnumber the sand
Outnumber the sand
You know me inside out
Outside in”

 

And, lots of other fantastic songs.  You may not only want to sing along or listen; “Can You Believe It?” may just make you want to dance!

 

 

What we thought

We listened to and watched this DVD in several ways.  We used it in family worship one Sunday morning when we were ill and not able to attend church.  I also have listened to it/watched it on my DVD with earbuds when my family was working on other things.  I was not surprised to find it a fantastic worship experience!

I found this music just so uplifting and worshipful; songs that remind us and establish us in the truths of God’s love for us and how He is always with us; that we are always walking with Him.  We enjoyed both the joyful and exuberant music videos (starring kids) and the studio versions of the songs, which feature both a kids’ ensemble and teen/adult worship leaders and musicians.  I think that kids, tweens and teens will be encouraged to see young people involved in leading worship.

We only found one drawback to the DVD which is more a technical issue than anything with the content.  In our other kids’ worship DVDs, you can just play all the worship videos in a loop.  For some reason, you have to hit “Play” on each and every song in this DVD.  Still, it’s worth it; just know that you just can’t set it to play and let it go.

In addition, kids will love seeing other kids starring in the music videos!

 

Who would enjoy “Can You Believe It?”

Families with small children or tweens especially.  Children’s Sunday school ministries.  Anyone with little ones who either loves Hillsong music or loves to have great worship music going in their homes!

 

More about Hillsong…

Hillsong believes that teaching children to love God and others takes place in
both the home and in the church. For this reason they seek to partner with
parents (the greatest teachers of all!) and with church pastors and leaders,
equipping them with great resources. Through fun experiences, meaningful
music and ministry that encourages kids to participate, Hillsong Kids presents
Jesus Christ and His Church in a relevant way, creating moments which children
will never forget.

Buy link for “Can You Believe It?”

 

Now–your chance to win!

I have one copy of Hillsong Kids’ “Can You Believe It?” DVD to give away to one FINCHNWREN reader!  Just click on the “Enter Here!” link below.  That will take you to a Giveaway Tools entry form, where you can enter to win in a variety of ways.  Giveaway closes 11/21/18 and winner will be selected and contacted following that.  Best wishes!

Enter here!

 

Enjoy!  –Wren

 

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Win Chris Tomlin’s new CD “Holy Roar”! Review & Giveaway (CLOSED)

#sponsored #partner

CONGRATULATIONS to winner Gracie M! Gracie will receive the Holy Roar CD.  Thanks to everyone for entering!

Hello friends!

I have a fantastic new giveaway and review to share with you!  Propeller/FlyBy Promotions sent me a free CD to check out…and they’re providing another one for one special FINCHNWREN reader to win!  This time, it’s worship leader Chris Tomlin’s newest, Holy Roar.  Read on for more!

We have loved Chris Tomlin’s worship music for years.  In fact, you’re probably familiar with a lot of them!  Like “How Great Is Our God,” “Here I Am to Worship,” “I Will Rise,” “God of Wonders,” “Holy is the Lord,” “Everlasting God.”  Or one of my personal faves, “Famous One.”  (I LOVE that!)  Chris has always penned and recorded songs which help listeners focus on God’s incredible qualities while enabling them to enter into a place of worship.

What you’ll find in Tomlin’s newest, Holy Roar

Holy Roar contains 12 new songs performed by Chris (or, in two occasions, with other artists).  The album as a whole reflects the songwriting and performance styles we’ve come to associate with this worship leader.  You’d definitely recognize this as a Chris Tomlin album.  The songs include:

• the title track “Holy Roar”
• “Satisfied”
• “Goodness, Love and Mercy”
• “Is He Worthy?
• “Praise is the Highway”
• and more

The focus of this album is very much upon God and His goodness.  This time, however, I see a lot that centers on our personal experiences with God and how God interacts with us, as a loving Father and Savior to His own children.  God is not that heavenly clockmaker (as the early Deists would have described him) who winds up the universe, steps back, and lets it run down without any more interaction from Him.  No, He creates, He intervenes, He expresses, He loves us both corporately but also individually.

 

Some of my favorites…

I enjoyed the entire album, for sure.  But some of the songs in particular grabbed my heart and wouldn’t let go.  Like “Nobody Loves Me Like You,” which says:

Morning, I see You in the sunrise every morning
It’s like a picture that You’ve painted for me
A love letter in the sky
Story, I could’ve had a really different story
But you came down from Heaven to restore me
Forever saved my life

Or, the incredible words of “Is He Worthy?”:

Is anyone worthy? Is anyone whole?
Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll?
The Lion of Judah who conquered the grave…
Is He worthy of this? He is

I also love “Praise is the Highway”:

The rocks will cry out
The oceans will roar
The mountains will bow to the name of the Lord
He is our God, He will be praised

 

In conclusion

Holy Roar is another fantastic CD for anyone to add to a personal worship collection.  This album will encourage you, help you to quiet your soul, and enter into a beautiful time of worship.  Check it out!  Or…enter to win a copy!

And the giveaway!

I have one copy of Holy Roar to give away to one winner!  To enter, simply click on the pink “Enter Here!” link below.  That will take you to a Giveaway  Tools entry form, where you’ll be able to enter to win in a variety of ways.  Giveaway will close 11/5/18.  Best wishes!

Enter here!

 

How to purchase:

Visit this link to purchase your own copy (if you’re not the winner!): https://christomlin.lnk.to/HolyRoarQW

 

 

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

From time to time, FINCHNWREN may receive a free product or service in exchange for our honest opinions expressed in our blog. We are not required to write a positive or glowing review, nor are we additionally compensated for these reviews. We share our own opinions, and our family’s opinion, of these products. We’re disclosing this in accordance with FTC regulations.