Showing posts with label giveaway. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Review of "Grace Bible for Kids"

Momentum Influencer Network invited me to review the Grace Bible for Kids.

I accepted their invitation because I believe this Bible is filling in a gap and will help children who have Dyslexia read the Bible in a much easier and helpful way.

Here are some words from Momentum about this beautiful book: Created in partnership with Holman Bibles, 2K/DENMARK and Cambridge University, the CSB Grace Bible for Kids is designed to enhance readability for kids with all levels and varieties of dyslexia and other reading challenges.

The CSB Grace Bible for Kids features innovative and academically tested typeface, layout, and design principles. These principles include distinct letter forms and added space between letters, words, lines, and paragraphs.

Dyslexia shouldn’t keep kids from reading the Bible. And now, it doesn’t have to! Help every kid experience the truth of God's Word with the CSB Grace Bible for Kids.

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My Review of Grace Bible for Kids:

There are so many things to love about this Bible!

I love the beautiful blue cover that feels soft and smooth to touch. I like the multicolored cross symbol on the front cover. I like the “Grace Bible for Kids” logo on the bottom left of the front cover. I like how the lime green lettering on the book’s spine contrasts with the blue leather material and is accented by orange lines that neatly divides the text.

I like the “How Can the Bible Help You” page on the left side that I saw as soon as I opened the Bible. I like how they presented the help in sections. For example: When you feel “Afraid” they advise you to read Isaiah 41:10 and Hebrews 13:6.

I like how the first few pages have information that serve as a guide to help the reader effectively study the Bible. Such as: “Studying Your Bible” and “Bible Skills” and “Test Your Bible Knowledge” and “Favorite Bible Stories”. There’s even a section titled “How Do I Have Quiet Time with God” and the words beneath that title show you to do that effectively.

The font on every page is larger than the standard and very easy to read.

This Bible is a true gem that caters to kids with Dyslexia and would make a meaningful Christmas gift for the child in your life who struggles to read.

~*~

Enter the Giveaway via Rafflecopter, for your chance to win a copy of this Bible:

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f8dcb68c502/?

Note: This giveaway contest is only for residents of the USA.

~*~

Learn more: https://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/purchase-the-csb-grace-bible/

Christmas gift shopping ideas: https://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/holman-gift-guide/

Disclosure: Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

#GraceKidsBibleMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork @christianstandardbible and @bhpub

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

My Review of "Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart" devotional by Lysa TerKeurst

I was delighted to receive an offer from Momentum Influencers Network to participate in a book promotion campaign by reading Lysa TerKeurst’s new devotional "Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart: 50 Devotions for Sleeping Well in a World Full of Worry", and writing a review!

Lysa is one of my favorite Christian authors. She only writes nonfiction in the Christian Living category. This is the first devotional I’ve read that was written by Lysa and her guest writers. It was a wonderful read!

I’m happy to share my review with you but first, here’s a word from Momentum Influencers Network about Lysa’s new book:

God not only has the whole world in His hands; He's holding the details of your life in His faithful hands as well.

What lies heaviest on your heart as you lay your head on your pillow? Are paralyzing fear and anxiety stealing tomorrow's peace? Listen to this invitation from Jesus: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28 NIV).

Experiencing this kind of rest won't come from escapism, more vacation days, or stuffing our feelings. Jesus Himself provides rest to our weary souls. While He may not always fix everything right away, we can fix our thoughts on His Word. In doing this, we can sleep at night with ease knowing that God has it all under control. Through the pages of “Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart”, written by New York Times bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst and her friends at Proverbs 31 Ministries, you will be equipped to:

- Quiet fearful and anxious thoughts that always seem to be the loudest before bedtime by incorporating the Bible into your nightly routine.

- Find relief from the stress of daily obligations and pressures through 50 encouraging devotions and guided prayers written by women like you.

- Release the heaviness you feel about hard situations in your life so you can wake up refreshed and walk into the next day with courage.

Learn more at www.ClearMindPeacefulHeart.com

~*~

Now, here’s my review of "Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart" by Lysa TerKeurst:

Reading this devotional book is like sipping a cup of lemon balm tea. It quiets your mind and soothes your soul as it provides encouragement for your heart.

It truly lives up to its mission to help you focus on God and His Word, not the craziness and catastrophes happening in our world today. I found that reading one of these devotionals every night before going to bed helped me to focus on all the hope given by Jesus Christ. Hope for a hurting world. It was beautiful!

I appreciate how Lysa had guest writers to help fill the pages of this book with their real-life stories and experiences served to the reader in devotional format. It was encouraging to read something different by a new writer each day. Not everybody is the same. So I believe that having different viewpoints from a variety of writers helps to reach a wider audience of readers.

Each devotion in this book was refreshing and well-written. I also appreciate the interior and exterior graphic designs that make this book not only attractive but complete. If you’re struggling with chaos and losing your sense of peace, I encourage you to read this book, and also read the best book (The Holy Bible) prayerfully. God will meet you on those pages and provide comfort.

If you have not read this devotional yet, I encourage you to buy it online or in a local bookstore. Perhaps even ask if your local library carries it and if not, request that they make it available to borrow because it effectively addresses a felt need for so many people in our world today!

~*~

Giveaway Contest:

Enter this giveaway contest for your chance to win a $5 Starbucks gift card! Open the link below to enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway contest widget here:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f8dcb68c499/?

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Disclosure: Many thanks to Harper Collins Christian Publishing for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

#ClearMindMIN #clearmindpeacefulheart #newbacktoschoolroutine #MomentumInfluencerNetwork @tnzgift @lysaterkeurst @proverbs31ministries

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

My Review of "Encountering God Study Bible" and a giveaway too

My Review of the Encountering God Study Bible: Insights from Blackaby Ministries on Living Our Faith (NKJV)

When Momentum Influencers Network (MIN) contacted me with the opportunity to read and review the Encountering God Study Bible produced by Blackaby Ministries, I signed up within a few minutes because I know what a powerful affect reading their nonfiction book, Experiencing God, had on my spiritual life. I was eager to delve into this study Bible and glean gems from my reading.

I’m ready to share my review with you but first, a word from MIN: The Encountering God Study Bible is the crowning work of the Blackabys. Featuring their trusted approach to Bible study, this Study Bible includes:

• Notes highlighting how God might choose to encounter you in His Word

• Notes explaining ideas, events, people and places in the text

• Word studies, character studies, and biographical sketches of figures from church history

• Notes to help you navigate current cultural issues

• Order your copy of the Encountering God Study Bible today!

And a word from Amazon.com featuring the back cover copy of this book: “Encounter God through the Scriptures as you are guided by the wisdom and experience of the Blackaby family. The deepest need of every human heart is to encounter God. To meet with God, to be changed by Him, and to become more like Him as a result. For decades, the Blackaby family has dedicated their ministry to helping believers address this deepest need. Now you can learn from their insights to experience deeper encounters with God as you develop a regular routine of Bible reading and study in the Encountering God Study Bible.

The Encountering God Study Bible is the crowning work of the Blackabys. Featuring their trusted approach to Bible study, explanatory notes, word studies, biblical character sketches, historical encounters with lives of exemplary faith, articles highlighting the creative nature of God, and other articles defending the faith, you will be encouraged to see that you can encounter God in His Word—and that He wants to encounter you through it.”

Now for my review:

I admire and support the ministry of the Blackaby family because it is clearly God-given which makes sense why their written works and other aspects of their Christian ministries are so transformative to the consumer.

According to Wikipedia, “Henry T. Blackaby was a Canadian evangelical pastor who was the founder of Blackaby Ministries International. Most known for his bestselling study called Experiencing God, he also authored many other books and articles. His books have been translated into more than 40 languages.”

My first introduction to the Blackaby Ministries team was when my dad bought a copy of the nonfiction book, Experiencing God, for my birthday more than a decade ago. This written work changed my life and helped me get to know God on a more personal level. Now I can say that their recent release, Encountering God Study Bible is doing the same for me and all who read it but in a much more powerful way because they’re delving deeper into the source of all joy and instruction: God’s Word (The Holy Bible).

I enjoyed the extra features in this Study Bible, such as the articles written by Daniel Blackaby that highlighted God’s creative nature. I appreciated the way Mike Blackaby defended the unshakable truths of faith in God via the articles he wrote. The explanatory notes throughout this study Bible were very helpful in encouraging me to gain a deeper understanding of God’s Word. The word studies, character studies and bios of church history figures were very educational. I liked reading the introductions to each book in this Bible and discovering why it was important to help me encounter God.

There are so many wonderful features in this study Bible such as the reading plans, concordance, and index to word studies. All these features work together to help the reader encounter God as they read His Word.

I cannot say enough about how wonderful this Encountering God Study Bible is and what an impact it’s made on my life. If you are seeking the meaning of life and feel lost or feel like you need to connect with God, look no further than this Bible. Purchase a copy and pray to God before you read, asking God’s Holy Spirit to guide your study of His Word then open the Bible and be transformed!

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Giveaway details: MIN is giving away one physical copy of the Encountering God Study Bible! Please note: This is limited to winners who live in the USA only.

Enter the giveaway contest via this link below to Rafflecopter:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f8dcb68c497/?

~*~
Disclosure: Many thanks to Harper Collins Christian Publishing for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

#EncounteringGodStudyBibleMIN #EncounteringGodBible #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Thursday, April 25, 2024

My Review of the "Unsung Hero" movie and a giveaway for you

My Review of Unsung Hero (movie)

Today, I have another movie review for you and a giveaway contest at the end of this post! Momentum Influencers Network asked me to watch an early screening of a new movie they are promoting: Unsung Hero.

Here’s the synopsis of Unsung Hero with words from Momentum:

When David Smallbone's successful music company collapses, he moves his family from Australia to the United States in search of a brighter future. With nothing more than their six children, their suitcases, and their love of music, David (for KING + COUNTRY's Joel Smallbone) and his pregnant wife Helen (Daisy Betts) set out to rebuild their lives from the ground up. Based on a remarkable true story, a mum's faith stands against all odds; and inspires her husband and children to hold onto theirs.

~*~

Now for my review:

Unsung Hero is a captivating story on screen that will reel you in from the start and keep you hooked all the way to the end.

It’s the story of the family behind famous music group “for KING + COUNTRY” and popular singer Rebecca St. James. This is a behind-the-scenes look into everything they went through to become who the world knows them to be today.

A special feature of this film is the faith element. It was wonderful to see how when times got tough, the Smallbone family got going! They didn’t give up. When they moved from Australia to America, they went from rich to poor but they got creative, starting a successful lawn and house cleaning service. Little did they know then that one of their rich and famous clients would open more than just the door to his home—he’d open the golden door to their future fame!

While this movie showed us how two famous Contemporary Christian Music artists made it to the world stage with their songs playing on the radio and in concert halls around the world, it also showed us the backbone of the family—Helen.

Daisy Betts played Helen Smallbone. She is the wife of David and mother to their seven children including Joel Smallbone from “for KING + COUNTRY” and Rebecca St. James. Helen’s dream was to be a wife and mother—roles that she took very seriously. No matter how hard life got when they first moved to America, she not only made the best of it, she made it fun—turning every day into and adventure and every need into a prayer. God didn’t disappoint! He delivered miracles to the Smallbone Family, starting with Kay Albright who they met in church.

Candace Cameron Bure—famous for her roles in Hallmark movies and on Great American Pure Flix—played Kay Albright. Kay was a woman of faith with a big heart. She felt led by God to help the Smallbone Family not just survive but thrive. Throughout the movie, Kay and her husband were like real-life angels for Helen and her family. They showed up for them in ways that were truly God-ordained though sometimes it irritated David Smallbone.

Joel Smallbone from “for KING + COUNTRY” played the role of his father, David Smallbone. No stranger to the screen, Joel put on a very convincing performance—successfully showing the how the mountain highs and valley lows of his family’s journey impacted them, especially him. There were scenes in this movie that showed David so low that he couldn’t get out of bed. But when he was able to climb out of depression, he was a fighter for his family. I love how his story went full-circle but I cannot share details without spoiling the plot.

Finally, Kirrilee Berger played Rebecca Smallbone (later known as the famous Rebecca St. James). I admired how they showed her to be so humble about her gift for singing and so devoted to ministering to the world through music and being a witness for Jesus Christ. I understood her pains and disappointments but that made her victories at the end all the more worth it. Yet another detail I cannot go into depth about without giving away the storyline.

Curious to know more? Go see Unsung Hero in theaters starting April 26, 2024!

~*~

More words from Momentum:

Watch the trailer for Unsung Hero:
https://youtu.be/CoLmPx9kuvc?si=IKyPlg872ySlWeLC

Buy tickets to see Unsung Hero in theaters:
UNSUNG HERO | Official Website | April 26 2024

Watch Jean’s interview with Luke Smallbone from "for KING + COUNTRY":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QfJOigc0kQ

Visit the official movie page for Unsung Hero:
Unsung Hero | Coming To Theaters April 26

~*~

A Giveaway Contest for you:

Momentum Influencers Network would like to give a $10 Amazon gift card to the winner of this giveaway contest! Please note: This giveaway is limited to U.S. winners only.

Here is the Giveaway Contest link:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f8dcb68c496/?

Disclosure: Many thanks to Kingdom Faith Marketing Services, LLC for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

#UnsungHeroMIN #UnsungHeroMovie #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Friday, February 23, 2024

Ordinary Angels (movie) review and a special giveaway just for you

My Review of Ordinary Angels (movie)

Today, I have another movie review for you and a giveaway contest at the end of this post! In case you didn’t know, Great American Pure Flix is like the faith-based version of Netflix. It works the same way the difference is in the content that points you back to Jesus Christ and shows you how much The Creator of the Universe loves you!

Great American Pure Flix is a one-stop shop for faith and family-friendly movies and shows where you can confidently stream in your home with the entire family. With new premium and exclusive original entertainment choices every week, Great American Pure Flix streaming service has the largest variety of high-quality, curated, positive, encouraging, wholesome movies, series and kids' content in one service.

Great American Pure Flix VIP Ambassador program asked me via Momentum Influencers Network to review a new movie Ordinary Angels.

Here’s the synopsis of Ordinary Angels with words from Momentum: Based on a remarkable true story, Ordinary Angels centers on Sharon (Hilary Swank), a fierce but struggling hairdresser in small-town Kentucky who discovers a renewed sense of purpose when she meets Ed (Alan Ritchson), a widower working hard to make ends meet for his two daughters. With his youngest daughter waiting for a liver transplant, Sharon sets her mind to helping the family and will move mountains to do it. What unfolds is the inspiring tale of faith, everyday miracles, and ordinary angels.

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Now for my review:

Hilary Swank played Sharon perfectly. She came across was a party girl who drowned her sorrows in booze and forgot about tomorrow. At the beginning of this story, she was all for living in the moment and being the life of every party. It takes her best friend to convince her to attend a meeting for alcoholics and that is the catalyst that changes her life because in the meeting the group facilitator challenges everyone to live for a bigger purpose. Soon after, Sharon reads a story in the newspaper at a local store that inspires her to help. The story is about a little girl who needs a liver transplant. She makes it her mission to help this little girl live. It becomes the purpose of her life and it starts when she meets the girl’s dad (Ed) at the family funeral.

Alan Ritchson played Ed. When he meets Sharon, he looks very guarded because it is as clear to him as it is to the viewers of this movie that Sharon is on the Hot Mess Express. He lovingly and very protectively steers his daughters away from her with a polite goodbye. But Sharon is determined to make a difference in his family life and it helps that the youngest of Ed’s two daughters liked Sharon from the moment they met at her mother’s funeral.

Watching the story unfold is like being on a rollercoaster that takes you through highs, lows, twists and turns but always gives you a safe landing. Ordinary Angels is based on a true story which makes the movie even more inspiring! The acting was superb. I especially loved how every time Ed needed to take his daughter to the hospital for urgent care, he made light of the situation so as to not upset her, by saying “Want to go on an adventure?” Each and every time her eyes lit up and her little angelic face shined when she enthusiastically replied, “Yeah!”

This movie had heartwarming and endearing moments but it also didn’t shy away from the hard stuff such as the pain Sharon faced privately over the years trying to reconcile with her estranged son. But despite all the trials and tribulations the characters in this movie face, the producers did a great job of bringing everything together in the end in a way that was so touching.

I think you’ll love this movie. But don’t take my word for it. Go see it for yourself!

~*~

More words from Momentum:

Buy tickets today to see Ordinary Angels in theaters starting February 23, 2024!

Don’t miss this powerful film, based on a true story! You’ll leave feeling inspired to be an angel to people in your own community! Help us make the impossible possible. Every $1 you donate eliminates $100 in medical debt. Together with RIP Medical Debt, we aim to erase $10,000,000 in medical debt relief. The gift of debt relief is life-changing—and every dollar makes a difference. #OrdinaryAngelsMovie #KingdomStoryCompany ordinaryangels.movie/rip

Watch the trailer for Ordinary Angels:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXTEFyoaGDU

Official website for Ordinary Angels (movie):
https://ordinaryangels.movie

Buy tickets to see Ordinary Angels in theaters:
https://tickets.ordinaryangels.movie

~*~

Final Notes:

Enter the giveaway contest via the Rafflecopter link below for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card. This is limited to U.S. winners only.

Here is the Giveaway Contest link:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f8dcb68c490/?

Disclosure: Many thanks to Kingdom Faith Marketing Services, LLC for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

#OrdinaryAngelsMIN #OrdinaryAngelsMovie @KingdomStoryCompany @Lionsgate

Thursday, November 9, 2023

A Wonderful Movie Worth Watching this Christmas holiday season

My Review of "Journey to Bethlehem" movie

Today, I have another movie review for you and a giveaway contest at the end of this post!

Momentum Influencers Network asked me to review the movie/musical Journey to Bethlehem. This is a movie from Sony AFFIRM Films. I watched this beautifully told, encouraging, educational and inspirational film before it was released. This movie—truly a musical—was so good! I’m eager to share my review with you. First, I’d like to describe the storyline in the words of talking points from Momentum then I’ll share my thoughts (review).

Here’s the synopsis of the movie with words from Momentum and me: A young woman carrying an unimaginable responsibility. A young man torn between love and honor. A jealous king who will stop at nothing to keep his crown. This live-action Christmas musical adventure for the entire family weaves classic Christmas melodies with humor, faith, and new pop songs in a retelling of the greatest story ever told—the story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus. A unique new entry into the collection of holiday classic movies, this epic Christmas musical is unlike any before it.

See Journey to Bethlehem in theaters beginning November 10, 2023.

~*~

Now for my review:

Journey to Bethlehem is a movie/musical that’s worth its weight in gold.

The storyline was smooth, the acting was superb, the music was engaging and hats off to the Director of Photography for making such a beautiful film! This movie is one that most Bible-reading people will know well because it tells the story of Jesus Christ in how He came to Earth born of a virgin (Mary) to save the world.

Antonio Banderas played King Herod. He did a very good job of portraying the king as a menacing, self-absorbed, evil ruler who only cared about power not people. Milo Manheim played Joseph. He was very convincing in his portrayal of this character, especially the scenes where Mary told him she’s with child and he didn’t believe her at all. He also showed a heroic side several times when he saved and protected Mary later on in the movie. Fiona Palomo played Mary (the Mother of Jesus Christ). Her performance was compelling. Palomo really captured the innocence and bravery of Mary that rang true to how The Holy Bible portrays her in Scripture. Joel Smallbone played Antipater and his real-life wife Moriah played Deborah. They are musicians in real-life, talents that helped them play their part in every time they had to sing and dance in this musical. Lecrae played Gabriel (the angel who told Mary she’s going to carry Jesus Christ). He had humor mixed in with the sacred in his role. I liked how he balanced both while maintaining the seriousness of his part in this film.

The directors of Journey to Bethlehem, with the support of everyone involved, did a marvelous work in bringing the “Story of Jesus” as they call it in Christian circles—especially during the Christmas season—to life. Yes, they took some creative license in their storytelling, as expected, but it was still wonderful!

If you’re looking for a film to see this weekend—or anytime this year or in the future—that’s as educational as it is inspirational, watch Journey to Bethlehem.

~*~

Final Notes:

This is a perfect movie to invite your friends and family to! Buy tickets today at https://tickets.journeytobethlehemmovie.com/

Listen to the soundtrack album:

https://journeytobethlehem.lnk.to/soundtrack

Give the gift of giving and make someone’s Christmas brighter by providing tickets for Journey to Bethlehem: https://fandango.egifter.com/journeytobethlehem

See the movie trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFXcEWalXBI

This movie, Journey to Bethlehem, reminded me two Christmas songs:

“Not that Far from Bethlehem” by Point of Grace
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrajpqBgsg0

“His Plan” by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GeC7q2R248

A Giveaway just for you: The giveaway is a chance for you to win two free tickets to see Journey to Bethlehem in theaters. We can only accept U.S. winners.

Here is the Giveaway Contest link:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f8dcb68c477/?

Disclosure: Many thanks to AFFIRM Films, Inc. for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

#JourneyToBethlehemMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Thursday, September 7, 2023

My Review of CSB's Life Counsel Bible and a special giveaway for you

Momentum Influencers Network sent a copy of the CSB Life Counsel Bible to me and asked me to write a review of it. Before I share my review, read these words below from the professionals of Momentum:

Whatever you’re facing, the Bible has something to say. The CSB Life Counsel Bible contains articles from leading biblical counselors that will give you the tools you need to take action and find hope through all of life’s storms.

Featuring over 150 articles on topics related to marriage, parenting, relationships, mental health, and so many more—this Bible is like having a complete biblical counseling toolkit in one resource!

The CSB Life Counsel Bible features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible. The CSB captures the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture’s life-transforming message and to share it with others.

I’m really excited to share with you an amazing new biblical counseling resource created in partnership with Holman Bibles and New Growth Press. The Life Counsel Bible provides practical wisdom for all, equipping readers with biblical truth and counsel on a wide range of topics and tough life issues.

Life Counsel Bible features include:

· More than 150 full-length articles from respected Christian counselors and scholars on topics like anxiety, depression, abuse, sexuality, marriage and divorce, parenting struggles, finances (full list available at lifecounselbible.com)

· Callout quotes placed near each article provide truth, hope, and encouragement to apply to life.

· Over 100-word studies focusing on key words applicable to personal healing, growth, and counsel.

· Book introductions including “Circumstances of Writing,” “Structure,” “Contribution to the Bible,” and a special “Truth for Healing” section with an overview of key truths related to healing from each book of the Bible.

· Wide margins for notetaking and journaling

· Robust page-end cross-reference system with over 25,000 cross-references connecting Scripture from Genesis to Revelation

· Easy-to-read 9.5-point type size

· Presentation page for gift-giving (this makes a great wedding/parenting gift!

Visit the official website for this Life Counsel Bible: https://lifecounselbible.com

~*~

My Review of the CSB Life Counsel Bible:

When I received this Life Counsel Bible, I had planned to give it away to someone who I thought would be encouraged by reading it. However, as I opened the clean, crisp cover and explored the pages of this beautiful book, I realized that person who needed to be encouraged was me! After reading only a few pages, I knew then and there this book is a keeper. So I kept it and started studying it that same day. A few weeks later, I’ve grown more in my faith walk with Jesus Christ because of the abundant resources in this book.

Of course, you can grow spiritually when you read most versions of God’s Word but this Bible is different because of its unique add-on features such as the ones listed above. I found the articles written by Christian counselors and scholars to be very helpful because they addressed real-life issues like abuse, anxiety, depression and finances.

I appreciated the wide margins that made room for me to take notes. The font was smaller than the standard 12-point you’re used to in other publications but the 9.5 point type size in this Bible was easy to read.

For those who want to go deeper into God’s Word, this Bible offers over 25,000 cross-references connecting Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. I found that to be helpful.

I liked the introductions for each book in this Bible from Genesis through Revelation. It set the stage for what I was about to learn before reading each book and chapter within.

Overall, this Bible is practical, informative, inspirational and amazing! Those are all qualities in every true version of The Holy Bible but this Life Counsel Bible is unique to those who need additional, modern-day resources to provide counsel in their life.

I plan to buy another copy to give away someday soon to help encourage those in need.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. #LifeCounselBibleMIN #lifecounselbible #christianstandardbible @christianstandardbible @bhpub

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Enter the giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a $10 Amazon gift card! *Note: The giveaway contest below is limited to residents of the United States. Here’s the entry link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f8dcb68c464/?

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

The story behind "Overcoming Father Wounds" (book) by Kia Stephens

Dear Reader of my "God is Love" blog,

Today, I'm featuring my author friend Kia Stephens on the release date (March 7, 2023) of her first published book, (Overcoming Father Wounds: Exchanging Your Pain for God's Perfect Love). It is traditionally published and available for purchase in bookstores and online.

Join me in wishing Kia a "Happy BOOK birthday" today!

Read on to discover why she wrote this book.

Enter the giveaway contest at the end of this post for your chance to WIN a copy of Kia's book!

Happy reading!

~*~

Why Does God Allows Women to Have Father Wounds
A guest post by Kia Stephens

There was a season in my adult life where I felt betrayed by God. I could not understand why He created men and women with a desire to be fathered only to allow father wounds. It just didn’t make sense. How could a loving God allow it?

Prior to this time in my life I had not been angry with God. In fact, I tried (unsuccessfully) to follow all the rules. I went to church every Sunday and Wednesday. I didn’t curse, lie, cheat, drink, or steal. I did everything I thought I was supposed to do. Subconsciously, I began to view Christianity as a contractual relationship where my performance was payment for answered prayers. However, when my prayers went unanswered I became disillusioned with God.

He became a cruel manipulator, sitting high and crafting painful experiences at will. God knew I would struggle, spending years in a perpetual cyclone of low self-esteem, anger, lust, depression, shame, and guilt. Why didn’t He just step in to alter my life? He could have. God in His infinite power could supply every newborn baby girl with a loving father in an instant, but He doesn’t.

Why?

Does He not care?

Is He not concerned about the pain of millions of women (and men) all over the world?

I was not the first person to ask these questions. It was a repackaged version of, “Why does God allow suffering?” Sickness? Death? Murder? Rape? Abuse? How can these horrible realities continue to persist in the presence of the Almighty God? Frustrated and questioning, I stepped into the ring and boxed with God for years.

I swung punches and He countered with gentleness. I blamed Him and He loved me unconditionally. The final bell sounded and I went to my corner, defeated by a compassionate God.

What I Learned:

● Christianity is not rule-worship and God can’t be pimped.

I am not a perfect Christian (That does not exist). I am flawed, broken, and in desperate need of a Savior. My relationship with Jesus Christ is a passionate expression of my gratitude for Him embracing a sinner like me. It is not a list of rules I follow with the expectation that Christ will do what I say in return.

The Bible says in Galatians 2:20 (NIV): “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

● Everyone has trouble (even fathered women).

In this life no one gets a pain pass. Even if a girl grows up with the love and affirmation of her father she will still have challenges to overcome. No one lives a life void of difficulties.

The Bible says in John 16:33 (NIV): "... In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

The Bible says in Matthew 5:45 (NIV): “...for He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”

● Christ himself suffered for my sake (first).

If Christ bore rejection, shame, betrayal, loneliness, and pain beyond comprehension. How can I expect not to have my own share of suffering?

The Bible says in 1 Peter 2:21 (NIV): "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps."

● Suffering does not change the nature of God. Period.

God loves me infinitely. I cannot predicate His love for me on what He does or does not do.

The Bible says in Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV): “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”

● God has the power to fill every void in a woman with father wounds.

The reality is, there are many things I will never do with my earthly dad. But I have the opportunity to spend a lifetime and eternity being loved by my Heavenly Father.

The Bible says in Psalm 27:10 (NIV): “Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.”

● Suffering has a purpose.

My “why me” mentality has turned into a “why not me” outlook. If I had not experienced growing up without my father I would not be writing the very blog post you are reading today. There is purpose in my pain, and yours too.

I don’t know what your fatherless experience has been but I do know none of your tears will be wasted! God will take the broken pieces of your life and make them a beautiful portrait for others to view. You were not fathered for a purpose that only God knows. I encourage you to take your boxing gloves off, step out of the ring and allow God to be the Father you long for.

The Bible says in Romans 8:28 (NIV):
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those (fatherless daughters) who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

~*~
Author Bio:

Kia Stephens is the founder of Entrusted Women, which she created to equip Christian women communicators of color.

A contributing writer for iBelieve.com, Beloved Women, Proverbs 31 Ministries, and Crosswalk, she is a recurring speaker at She Speaks, the Beloved Women's Conference, and the Entrusted Women's Conference.

Kia's writing has been featured on (in)courage and Ann Voskamp's blog. She has also been a featured guest on the Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast, Chrystal's Chronicles with Chrystal Evans Hurst, Better Together with Barb Roose, and The Dream of You Podcast with Jo Saxton.

~*~

Here's what people are saying about Kia’s book:

"There's something remarkable about the way a person's pain can be transformed into purpose. In Overcoming Father Wounds, Kia Stephens speaks from the faded scars of her own story and is a compassionate guide to all who carry father wounds of their own. Kia's book is both personal testimony and practical treatise; her words offer hope and healing. Words that help us discover the power of a heavenly Father's love." Jo Saxton, leadership coach and author of Ready to Rise

"Kia has given us a powerful, gospel-soaked healing balm for everyone who knows the pain of father wounds. In Overcoming Father Wounds, she helps us identify them, heal from them, and shift our mindset to hope and health. This is a must-read!" Alli Worthington, author, speaker, and founder of The Coach School

"This book is going to help so many women--coming from complicated relationships with fathers to deeply painful ones. Even Daddy's girls like me didn't escape unintentional wounding. You'll be highlighting this one and buying a copy for a friend." Lisa Whittle, bestselling author of The Hard Good, Bible teacher, and podcast host

"Kia Stephens's voice is one that is needed now. She writes with compassion, wisdom, and vulnerability, leading women into the tender places of their own hearts. With deep insight, Kia takes the reader's hand and walks her into the truth--you can face the wounds you received, in the light of a loving Father who is better than you dared to hope. Healing is available. Read this book and Kia will show you the way." Stasi Eldredge, New York Times bestselling author of Captivating

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Words from Kia and her publicist:

The world is full of women who have been hurt, neglected, rejected, or abandoned by their father. They may feel like every aspect of their life is affected by that broken trust. Even their relationship with God can feel tenuous, but there is hope.

In this vulnerable book, Overcoming Father Wounds: Exchanging Your Pain for God’s Perfect Love, author and speaker Kia Stephens shares her own story of father wounds, along with eye-opening examples from wounded women in Scripture who were transformed by the love of God.

With great compassion, she helps readers identify their father wounds and offers practical tools to help them overcome insecurity, low self- esteem, perfectionism, and trouble connecting with God as their loving heavenly father.

“The good news is, for every woman who’s ever contemplated what it would be like to have a different father, whether real or imagined, there is an exchange that is possible...the type of swap I’m referring to is an uneven exchange of father wounds for the extravagant love of God the father,” says Stephens.

Women who read this book will:

-Identify ways they have been impacted by their father daughter relationship

–Identify lies they believed because of the hurt and rejection from their father

-Identify scriptures to refute the lies they have believed
-Gain practical tools for forgiving their father

-Identify helpful ways to develop a relationship with God as their spiritual father.

~*~
Buy Kia’s book on: Amazon or BAM!

~*~
Connect with Kia:
Facebook Author page: https://www.facebook.com/KiaNicolStephens/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KiaNStephens
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kianstephens/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KiaStephens

~*~

Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, February 24, 2023

PureFlix Show Review: A Thousand Tomorrows

My Review of Episode 2 from Karen Kingsbury’s series,

A Thousand Tomorrows:

Today, I have another Pure Flix show review for you and a giveaway contest at the end of this post! In case you didn’t know, Pure Flix is like the faith-based version of Netflix. It works the same way, but the difference is in the fact that the content on Pure Flix points you to Jesus Christ and shows you how much The Creator of the Universe loves you!

Pure Flix is a one-stop shop for faith and family-friendly movies and shows where you can confidently stream in your home with the entire family. With new premium and exclusive original entertainment choices every week, Pure Flix streaming service has the largest variety of high-quality, curated, positive, encouraging, wholesome movies, series and kids' content in one service. Pure Flix is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Pictures Entertainment, alongside AFFIRM Films.

Pure Flix VIP Ambassador program asked me to review Episode 2 of A Thousand Tomorrows. This show is based on a book from #1 New York Times best-selling author Karen Kingsbury. They say, “Only God knows how many tomorrows we have left. In the dangerous and competitive rodeo world, how will Cody and Ali make the most of their time together?”

This was the focus for Episode 2: As Ali’s health declines, her determination to keep competing catches Cody’s eye. What will her stubbornness to pursue her dreams cost?

Now for my review:

Episode 2 of A Thousand Tomorrows

“I don’t want to be normal. I want to be different. I chose this.” –Ali Daniels

I’d say this quote is the driving force for Ali’s story. She’s bold, brave, determined and dying. Ali is also the one woman who Cody wants that everyone is saying he cannot have.

Cody is the hero of this story. From the start, you will see why he is angry at his dad to the point where he refuses to follow in his footsteps by playing high school football. Instead, he grows up to be a bull rider who uses his anger as the driving force that helps him win every time.

Carl Joseph is Cody’s younger brother who has a disability. He is the reason why Cody’s dad walked out on his family and Cody has never forgiven his dad for making that decision. Cody is close to his brother and very protective of him.

Ali, the heroine of this story, is privately battling an life-threatening illness. Her health starts to decline in this episode and her parents try to intervene. But she’s bent on riding horses in the rodeo and making it to the major competition in a few months. Ali caught the eye of Cody but she’s not like the girls he usually dates. Ali is a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and wants to do relationships God’s way, so she invites him to Cowboy Church.

Meanwhile, Ali’s Mom wants more for Ali than just the rodeo circuit. She tries to convince her daughter to take a break to enjoy a normal life in all the good and healthy ways. One of Cody’s best friends (Trey) is pursuing Ali and this causes a rift in their friendship. Also in this episode, Cody’s father, Mike, keeps trying to get in touch with him but Cody resists.

This is a well-crafted storyline. After watching it, I wanted to continue on to the next episode to see what happens next! The actors do a great job of staying in character and making their roles believable. The rodeo circuit scenes are true to real-life. It made me wonder if the actors used stunt doubles for those scenes. I sympathized with Ali’s sickness. I disagreed with Cody’s anger but could understand why it so hard for him to forgive his dad. I was on Ali’s Mom’s side because I want Ali to be healthy and happy and not be so focused on her dream that it causes her death. I definitely will watch the rest of the episodes in this series on PureFlix soon!

Karen Kingsbury is one of my favorite authors. It’s an honor to watch this series on PureFlix about her book of the same title (A Thousand Tomorrows). I’d recommend this series to anyone who needs to be taught the blessing of faith, family and forgiveness.

Themes of this movie included:

· Sacrifice

· Supporting your spouse

· Making hard decisions

· Making each day count and living each day to the fullest

· Death, grief, loss

· Chronic illness and being a caregiver

· There is freedom in faith

A Thousand Tomorrows is a faith-based series based on the book of the same title by Karen Kingsbury that will introduce you to Pure Flix, prompt you to join and watch it. Once you’re a member of Pure Flix, you’ll find more content to view that will encourage your heart. So don’t delay, join today!

Watch the movie trailer for A Thousand Tomorrows:
https://www.pureflix.com/movie/a-thousand-tomorrows

Before you go, enter this contest for your chance to WIN a FREE 3-month Pure Flix subscription! Note: This giveaway is limited to U.S. residents only. The giveaway starts today and ends on Feb. 28. If you're participating in the giveaway for A Thousand Tomorrows, please note that we cannot accept winners that have won a Pure Flix subscription in the last six months.

Here is the Giveaway Contest link:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f8dcb68c439/?

Disclosure: Many thanks to Pure Flix for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. #AThousandTomorrowsMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Romantic Reads: Anchor My Heart

Story behind the story Anchor My Heart by Sara Beth Williams

My life, since February of 2018, has been in major upheaval. Way before the pandemic began.

Three family deaths occurred within six months of each other. My brother moved 2,000 miles away. My dad endured five surgeries in five months. I began to have symptoms of anxiety.

By the way, all of this occurred a year after I’d penned most of what is now Anchor My Heart.

Anchor My Heart tells the story of Matt Lawson and Tara Pierce. Matt has lost everything. In the wake of a life-altering tragedy, anxiety from his childhood rears its ugly head, making it difficult to cope with reality.

I don’t like to throw the term anxiety around lightly. I didn’t really acknowledge that I had anxiety for over a year.

Now that I have had three years to reflect, I realize that anxiety has always been part of my life, to some extent. Instances throughout college which I couldn’t truly explain, now make so much more sense, in light of my ability to self-reflect.

Back to Anchor My Heart: Before completing any of first three manuscripts, I had never experienced real, raw, intense grief, until the year When Hearts Collide was published. It is a book that also deals with grief.

Before Anchor My Heart, I’d never experienced any major anxiety. But God, in His infinite wisdom and love and knowledge, prompted me and inspired me to write these stories that deal so heavily with grief and anxiety because He knew. He knew I was going to walk through the same experiences. It almost felt like a future me had written journal entries to the past me.

In 2019, I returned to my third manuscript after about three years, combed through Matt’s experiences again, revised, enhanced the emotional reactions based on experiences I was still having throughout that year and then sent it off to my editor. It was raw, beautiful and romantic, but had a terrible title. I knew I had time to fix that.

In March 2020, as I was going through one of my mom’s old journals which has a nautical theme, I found this verse: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” (Hebrews 6:19 NIV)

The words anchor and hope stuck with me for months. As I waded through edits from my critique group, and later my editor, I knew the theme of my book was finding hope through extreme trials. But that hope isn’t just plain wishful thinking. I knew, for these two characters, it had to be an assurance in something greater than themselves.

I strongly believe God brings revelations to us at just the right time. For me, reading that verse in early 2020 was exactly when I needed to read that verse. Not any sooner. Not any later. This verse has been a blessing to me throughout 2020. But that could be an entire blog post in itself.

After some back and forth brainstorming with my editor and other author friends, we came up with this title: Anchor My Heart.

I absolutely adore this title for so many, many reasons.

I sincerely pray that when you read through Matt and Tara’s journey, you find hope, too, in knowing that strong assurance anchored in the One (God) who holds all things in His hands.

~*~
Author Bio:

Sara Beth Williams is a wife, mother of two daughters, and temporary caretaker of a lovable old lady pit and a spunky Pomeranian-Shih Tzu mix. She lives in Northern California.

When she's not held hostage by the keyboard, she enjoys music, teaching, reading and spending time with her family.

She is all about connecting with readers!

~*~
Book Blurb for Anchor My Heart:

In the aftermath of tragic loss, worship leader Matt Lawson is grappling debilitating anxiety. The blessings he’d taken for granted—a dream job, a woman he couldn’t wait to spend the rest of his life with, and his God-given musical talent have crumbled at his feet, leaving him reeling in despair, unable to face the wreckage of the life he’d envisioned for himself.

Tara Pierce is ready to put past hurts behind her as she prepares to graduate college and take a leap of faith in her career. When Matt’s grief causes him to isolate himself from everyone he knows, she refuses to stand idly by and do nothing. She has traversed similar terrain before. No one deserves to travel that road alone.

Unexpected attraction flares as Tara reaches into the sea of Matt’s grief and helps ground him in reality. But Matt’s not ready to give himself away again. Can Tara risk her heart and their friendship and let God step in to heal where she can’t?

~*~
Buy Anchor My Heart on Amazon

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Connect with Sara Beth:

Amazon / Goodreads / Bookbub/ Facebook / Instagram / Twitter/ Website / Newsletter

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Note to the readers from Sara Beth:

There is a Pre-order Prize Pack Giveaway Available for Anchor My Heart!

Enter to win a grand prize pack full of books and bookish swag. THREE winners will be chosen in all. All chosen winners will be invited to join me on a Zoom coffee or tea date.

Pre Order Anchor My Heart HERE

Click here to find out all the info you need to enter to Win

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

My most recent podcast interview

Hope*Writer Laura Conrad interviewed me about my devotional book that I wrote!

Listen below...

Ascolta "Tuesday's Talk with Author Alexis A. Goring" su Spreaker.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Celebrate Lit blog tour featuring Bill Crowder's book "Before Christmas"

Welcome to my blog's stop on Bill Crowder's Before Christmas book tour!

Read my review of his book below and remember to enter the giveaway contest toward the end of this blog post.

Enjoy!

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My Review:

Before Christmas is a book with a lot of heart.

The author, Bill Crowder, has penned a nonfiction story about the greatest story ever told!

The book is well-written but a bit too heavy on backstory from the author's life and overloaded with factual information that slowed me down as a reader.

The author's storytelling style did not hold my attention. I found myself stopping, pausing and re-reading sections of this book to make sure I understood because some of the information went over my head.

However, this is not to discourage you from reading this book. There is an audience for this book who will be helped and inspired by reading it. Though I do love Jesus Christ and enjoy reading about His birth, life and mission to save humanity, this portrayal of His great mission did not strike a chord with me.

There are many good points about this book: The author writes well. The editing is flawless. The descriptions are very detail-oriented. The factual information, while heavy at points, is theologically sound (as far as I can tell) and the author's heart for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ shines through this book!

I would recommend this book to new believers in God and for those who do not know Jesus Christ.

Readers who already know God and follow Jesus Christ may enjoy learning more about Him in this book but again, it just wasn't my cup of tea. However, that is nothing against the author because he has produced a good final product.

So don't be deterred from reading his book! Give it a chance.

*Celebrate Lit provided me (Alexis A. Goring) with a complimentary copy of this book, Before Christmas, by Bill Crowder. My opinions in this book review are my own.

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About the Book

Book: Before Christmas

Author: Bill Crowder

Genre: RELIGION / Holidays/Christmas & Advent

Release Date: October 2019

Embrace the majesty of the Messiah

Bill Crowder invites you to explore the backstory of the first advent. He brings you on a journey into the very heart of God, to a greater understanding of what it means that “the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world” (1 John 4:14).

Walk through Scripture to see and know Jesus in a richer way. Examine His character as God, His relationship with the Father, His appearances in the Old Testament, and more. Understand how these pre-Bethlehem truths lead into the Savior’s birth and the events of that first Christmas—and, most importantly, how it all comes together in God’s great story of redemption and rescue.

You’ll embrace the majesty of the Messiah and celebrate Christ’s birth with renewed joy and wonder.

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

Bill Crowder, who spent over twenty years in the pastorate, is vice president of ministry content at Our Daily Bread Ministries. He is a contributor to Our Daily Bread and the author of nine books, including My Hope Is in You, Seeing the Heart of Christ, and For This He Came. He and his wife, Marlene, have five children.

More from Bill

During my years as a pastor, I found Christmas and Easter to be challenging.

Certainly I love those seasons (for very different reasons), but finding creative ways to retell these important stories was often difficult. But, at one such season I realized that the story we tell at Christmas is not really the whole story.

By entering the story at Nazareth or Bethlehem, we enter too late. We can’t simply start with the Baby in the manger—we need to go back. Before time began. To the eternal Christ.

Unless we seek to understand Him, we’ll never fully appreciate who He was and why He came. That is the Christmas story. – Bill Crowder