How Was the Birth? 52 Weeks of Family Scripture Memorization

As we focus on our Savior's birth this month of December, I thought it would be fitting to end our 52 week scripture memorization journey with verses that point our children towards Jesus!

If you have kids, do you remember their births?  Surely you do, even if only a few faint memories.  After all, after hearing the gender of your child, their weight and height and then their name, everyone wants to know "How was the birth?"  Some of us details people want to know even more details...what was your labor and delivery room like, were the nurses nice, what did you eat, did the doctor show up on time?  

OK, mostly women ask those kinds of questions.  But those are the things we think about.  I mean, I remember obsessing over whether I would have a private room or have to share with someone I didn't know.  Or whether the bathroom was in the room or down the hall.  Or if a shower or better yet, a whirlpool tub, was at my disposal.  You know, the important things! ;)

But Mary.  Well, she was unlike the rest of us I imagine.  We cannot know what the scripture does not tell us, but I would imagine that the only details she cared about were that she was giving birth someplace safe and warm.  And that her baby, God's son, was healthy.  The little details paled in comparison.  Because only one detail mattered.

THE DETAIL!

God's own son, Jesus, was born!

And the wise men and shepherds- bet they didn't ask a thing.  I would imagine all they could do was bow at His side and worship Him.

Shouldn't we?

Blessings,

Lumo Project's Gospel of John- Review

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

Every year our family reads through the Bible together.  And every year it is my prayer that the scripture will be real to them.  That it will touch their hearts and they will "see" clearly through the words of the writers of each individual book.

But let's face it, that is easier for some than for others.  Many people, in order to really understand what they read, need visuals - pictures of some sorts.  And unless you are using a child's illustrated Bible, that often does not happen.  And often with many those, you lose much of the original text. Unfortunately, when you turn to movies of the Bible you often end up with over dramatized scenes, loosely translated or followed scripture, or poorly done animation.  It can get annoying.

The folks at Lumo Project must have been annoyed as well.  Because what they are doing in ingenious.  Really!

They have taken the four gospels from the New Testament and made them into full length films using scripture and scripture only.  I have had the privilege of watching the Gospel of John and I must say I was enthralled.

Where do I even start?

While a narrator reads the book of John, beautiful scenes are shown in the background.  While it is being loosely acted out, it is not a word for word dramatization.  Imagine a general overview with some scenes being more specific.  You can see characters interacting with each other and talking, but you really do not hear the words being spoken.  All you hear are subtle background noises and the narrator reading.

The few times you do to hear a few words spoken, you realize they are not being spoken in English! Authenticity at its best. To add to that authenticity, the film was shot in Morocco and features rural countryside and authentic villages that make you feel like you are standing in the middle of first century Palestine.  Characters are not blond-haired, blued-eyed Americans dressed up for the parts.

For families watching this movie, be aware that blood and some violence is depicted.  I would personally advise you review it before showing it to your elementary age children as it could upset sensitive children.

The cinematography is simply stunning in this movie.  There were a few times I realized I was paying more attention to what was being acted versus what was being said.  That's a visual learner for you! ;)

Also specific to these films is that you can choose from three versions to watch- NIV, King James, or Spanish.

The Gospel of John is available on Netflix to view and is 2 1/2 hours long.  Grab a cup of tea and your favorite snack and settle in for while.  You will not be sorry!

The Gospel of John can be found on social media!

https://twitter.com/TheLumoProject

http://instagram.com/thelumoproject

https://www.facebook.com/thelumoproject

Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace Junior Book giveaway!

Yep, it's the B word again!  B-U-D-G-E-T

This time though you can relax, because this lesson is for your kids!

We have read several Dave Ramsey books in our married life and I am getting ready to facilitate his highschool and college program for our teens in my local co op.  Good stuff!  Recently I had the opportunity to buy several of those resources at a sale price, including Financial Peace Junior, which I intend to teach my 7 year old in the spring.  Check out the special pricing for it now, as well!

Unfortunately the boy is one step ahead of me.  Included in the package I received were 6 CDs entitled Junior's Adventure.  Show my boy a CD and he considers it his.  So immediately he went to his room with them in tow and has been listening to them since.  Over and over again.  And over!  He loves them!

Here's what the web site says about them-

Your children can join Junior in his life adventures! Transform their futures with these colorful and entertaining books by teaching them how to handle money now.

From working and saving to giving and spending, these wonderful stories will teach real life ‘stuff,’ and the stories are so fun your children won’t even know they’re learning!

Each book is illustrated by award-winning cartoonist Marshall Ramsey.

Recommended for kids ages 3–10.

We love them so much that I am giving away a Junior's Adventures Boxed Set to be shipped to you just in time for Christmas!  I know your children will enjoy reading these cute stories while you get in a lesson or two about money management.  It is never too late to learn!

For your chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below!

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Blessings, Michele

*I was not compensated in any way for this post.  The thoughts and opinions are my own.*

What's in the Bible? - Review & Giveaway!

I love when we can find a movie that entertains AND teaches at the same time.  If I can find one that teaches the Bible, even better!

I have heard a lot about the What's in the Bible? series, but only this past week had the opportunity to actually watch one.  I have to admit I was a little skeptical about a show with puppets.

I was pleasantly surprised and I now see why so many rave about this series!  Buck Denver Asks...What's in the Bible, Vol. 10: Jesus is the Good News, is centered around the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  This 66 minute video is broken down into two parts and can be either watched as a whole or in two, 25 minute sittings. This witty yet informative video is narrated by Veggie Tales creator Phil Vischer.

The first section, entitled God's Perfect Timing, focuses on the 400 year span between the Old Testament and the New Testament and how Jesus arrives at just the perfect time. The second part, The Messiah Has Come, discusses the life and ministry of Jesus.

What I loved about this DVD-

• While entertaining, this is not just a cute reenactment of a Bible story.  Instead, with the help of some cute puppets, creator Phil Vischer teaches about the Bible.  Think Sunday School lesson with a twist.  I love the interaction between Phil and the puppets.  It is cute without being cutesy and entertaining without being full of fluff.  
• It is challenging. This first part of the lesson talks about the "fullness of time."  Not a simple concept, but explained very well.  The death of Jesus is also discussed in a serious way, with the puppets acknowledging how sad it was.  Don't get me wrong, humor abounds, but only in appropriate places.
• Music!  Yes, there is some singing involved.  While I know that is not for everyone, my music-loving 7 year old enjoyed the songs.  
• They stay true to the scripture.  No glamorized stories or additions here!

Be sure to check out the What's In the Bible? website for additional activities for kids and current specials!  You can also sign up for church curriculum to go with each episode.


YOU can win a copy of What's in the Bible- Volume 10: Jesus is the Good News!  Just enter the rafflecopter below!
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"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 the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Dolphin Tale 2- Review

Have you heard the buzz?  Dolphin Tale 2 is getting ready to be released by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on December 9th on Blu-ray combo pack, DVD and Digital HD in stores across the country.  ($35.99) Pretty exciting stuff for the millions of fans that fell in love with the famous dolphin, Winter, from Dolphin Tale!

 If you are one of the few like me that have not see Dolphin Tale, let me catch you up a bit.  (Lucky for you, my kids have seen it!)  Clearwater Marine Aquarium  is a true to life facility dedicated to the rescue, rehab and release of injured marine life.  Winter, the feature dolphin, came to the facility severely injured and eventually had to have her tale amputated.  While fictitious in some ways, the movie tells the story of how she was rescued and then rehabilitated with the help of a prosthetic tail.

The movie became an instant hit and inspired people all over the world, not only for animal rehab, but for people who had lost limbs as well.  Winter became a symbol of strength and determination, and she inspired amputees to live life to the fullest.  A special webcam was even set up so people could watch Winter from their own home.

Enter Dolphin Tale 2!  In it, Winter has lost her companion, Panama, and has lost interest in food and socialization.  Because of laws meant to protect dolphins, if she does not find another compatible dolphin to reside with, she is at risk of being moved to a different facility.  That's where Hope comes in!

Hope is a tiny female dolphin that was rescued by Clearwater Marine Aquarium much as Winter was.  Their story is one that will have you cheering and wanting to visit them!  So sweet!

One of the first things that stood out to me about this movie was that while a sequel of sorts, you can watch it without ever having seen Dolphin Tale.  Not that I would recommend it, of course!  But is is possible.  It may take you a few minutes to figure out how some of the characters fit together, but you will be able to follow the story well.

The second thing I loved about this movie it that it truly is family friendly.  We are pretty strict about our movie choices here and this one passed with flying colors.  Ages 7 to adult watched and we all loved it!

The last thing that stood out to me was that this is a movie that shows compassion played out as well as the acceptance of others.  In the movie, as well as in the special features that shows live footage, amputees are a natural, yet powerful part of the story.  I would imagine that, especially for younger kids, seeing someone "like" them would be reassuring and inspiring.

All of the original cast returned for this sequel, to the delight of those that loved them in the first movie, and a special appearance is made by surfer Bethany Hamilton.

“Dolphin Tale 2” Blu-ray Combo Pack contains the following special features:

·         Dolphin Tale 2: Underwater Magic Dolphin Tale 2: True Story

·         Look Who's Running The Show

·         Bethany Hamilton Meets Winter

·         Dolphin Tale 2: The Mission

·         Cozi Zuehlsdorff - "Brave Souls"

·         Gavin DeGraw - "You Got Me"

·         Blooper Reel

Good music, good theme, and two dolphins that will capture your heart.  It is no wonder that the release of Dolphin Tale 2 on DVD is so eagerly awaited!  This would make a great addition to your Christmas List for friends and family!

You can find Dolphin Tale 2 on Facebook!