Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Love on the Line Book Giveaway


OK, ya'll! Yes, I used to live in the South!  I thought I would give away another book that I reviewed last fall that has a Valentine theme- LOVE!  Be sure to follow the giveaway guidelines!  Enjoy!

WIN IT:  I am giving away Deeanne Gist's Love on the Line this month.  Giveaway ends Friday, February 10.  US only.



To enter: Be sure to click on all the links before filling out the entry form.



1. Make a comment on my review of Love on the Line. (required)
2.  Be a follower on my blog
3. Subscribe to my blog by email (link on blog)
4."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog). 
5. Post about this giveaway on another site (your blog, facebook,twitter, etc) (1 entry for every site) 



Bible in 90 Days!



I am so excited! Tomorrow I'm going to start my Bible in 90 days journey! I have been praying about this and last October I read all the testimonies and realized that reading the Bible in 90 days would be tough, but well worth it. I have read the Bible before, but not in such a short time. Please pray for me and also consider doing this one day yourself. I can't wait to tell you about my journey. One thing that has really stood out to me lately is prayer so I will be reading with my mind focused on prayer.

I'm really nervous that I won't be able to do it, but I know that I need to carve out my time to make it a priority!


I will be checking in with Aurie at Welcome to our Good Life.

Monday, January 30, 2012

I Love Your Presence Music Review and Giveaway!!

Be ready to be immersed in worship with Vineyard's Music "I Love Your Presence."  I absolutely enjoyed the beauty of this album as it brought me to a level of worship with Jesus.  Each song is live and evokes a sense of  awe for the One who loves us so much.  I really like the variety of music and artists who sing the songs.  I was drawn closer to God and I can't wait to really be in His Presence someday!

Vineyard Music
'I Love Your Presence
(iTunes release 1/10; physical release 2/7)

Vineyard Music


About 'I Love Your Presence':

I LOVE YOUR PRESENCE was recorded live at the Burn Bright: Worship and The Kingdom Of God conference, hosted by Vineyard Worship. Several hundred worship leaders and worshipers gathered in the Arizona desert to explore the nature of God’s kingdom through music and teaching with some of the Vineyard’s most gifted communicators and musicians. This inspiring collection of songs recorded live at the The Vineyard Church North Phoenix will immerse listeners in the powerful worship that was the highlight of the event. I LOVE YOUR PRESENCE reminds us to not just think of worship as singing songs, but also laying down our lives for Him. 

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."


Win it:  I am having a giveaway for this download music album.  Open to anyone and giveaway ends Wednesday, February 8.

To enter: Be sure to click on all the links before filling out the entry form.


1.(NEW)  Make a comment about my review in the comments below (you must then fill out the entry form for your entry to be counted!)
2. Be a follower on my blog
3. Subscribe to my blog by email (link on blog)
4."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog). 
5. Post about this giveaway on another site (your blog, facebook,twitter, etc) (1 entry for every site- see share buttons below) 





Friday, January 27, 2012

The Good Wife's Guide by Darlene Schacht Book Review



If you have ever read Darlene Schacht's blog Time-Warp Wife you will know that her passion is to encourage women to embrace their calling as a godly wife. I have so enjoyed Darlene's blog and now she has combined many of her "teachings" in her new ebook The Good Wife's Guide.  She wants each wife to be a help meet to their husband.  That is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your husband!  The Good Wife's Guide helps us to manage ourselves by making faith and family a first priority.  You must also learn to be unselfish and loving because by serving your family, you are serving the Lord!  Darlene gives many practical ways to be sure we are the right path for our purpose as wives. 

I really want to practice the principles in this book.  I was very excited to find a book that not only gave me what do, buy why!  One thing that I want to do is put up Bible verses in each room of my house that will serve as reminders of what God calls me to do.  Darlene lists these in her book.  I love how Darlene doesn't tell us what we must do, but what we are asked to do for the sake of the high calling of being a wife.  I think so many in this day don't realize how much a wife can be the anchor in the home and also be the helper of her husband.  There is also a large practical section where she outlines housekeeping procedures.  I have started using her methods and I'm amazed at what I have accomplished.  I highly recommend Darlene's new book!  Be a good wife!

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Sale at Family Vision Films!



Buy ONE film from Family Vision Films and get Homemaking 101 for only $9.95!!  This is only through Saturday!  Hurry!  What other films do they have?  Courageous, Tea With Michelle Duggar and Unplanned! 


Sunday, January 22, 2012

What a Son Needs from His Dad by Michael O'Donnell Book Review


What a Son Needs From His Dad: How a Man Prepares His Sons for Life by Michael O'Donnell is a book for fathers who want to raise their son in a godly way.  Michael shares how fathers are the first and greatest influence on their sons and they are the ones to guide and instruct their sons.  He examines different types of fathers- military dad, hypocrite dad, business partner dad, super spiritual dad and the the "real McCoy" dad.  What dad do you want to be for your son?  He lists 10 ways to foster a good working relationship for fathers to have with their son.  This book shares wisdom for work, play, discipling, choosing friends, being a good citizen, preparing for marriage and releasing your son into the world.

This book was very easy to read and was full of touching stories and wisdom gems for raising boys.  The role of the father is so important in a son's life.   This book is an excellent guide that is encouraging and really helps the father to make an effort to prepare their sons for life with a good foundation and godly principles.


*This product was provided to me free of charge by Bethany House Publishers for purpose of this review. This is my honest opinion of this book and no monetary compensation was received for my opinion.*

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Plan It Don't Panic Ebook Sale!!



 

Do you remember back in October/November when I did the Plan It Don't Panic Menu Challenge?  Well, it was sure a challenge for me, but I was able to do it.  Well, Stephanie from Keeper of the Home who planned that challenge has a great book that is available for a limited time at a SPECIAL price!

Her new book Plan It Don't Panic: A Complete Meal Planning Resource is now for sale!  From now until Monday, January 23 at midnight use code BACKONLINE to get the book for only $3.99 (PDF).  

Is meal planning really worth it? The answer is a resounding YES, if you want to:

  1. Stop spending too much money and start making the most of every grocery dollar
  2. Avoid the stress and panic of what to cook each night for dinner
  3. Serve your family more balanced, healthful meals (rather than resorting to convenience or compromise foods)

I hear time and again from both homemakers and women who work outside of the home how meal planning is the key that makes all the difference.
In fact, many of you probably already do meal planning, in some manner, to some degree.

But do you want to learn to do it better?

I'd love to help you learn how to:
  • Find the method of meal planning that will suit you and your family best
  • Tweak and perfect your meal planning style with unique tips and strategies
  • Make it easier to work around special/restrictive dietary needs
  • Become a grocery-shopping ninja and never go to the store without a genius plan in place for maximizing your money
  • Learn how leftovers can become your best friends in the kitchen
  • As well as how to store your recipes, easily find your favorites, plan for hectic times, and even what to do when you mess up...

Not only that, but this 82 page eBook also includes:

:: 4 weeks of real, whole food meal plans, complete with breakfast/lunch/dinner and recipe links
:: 11 printable planning pages including 3 different weekly planners, 3 monthly planners, a seasonal menu planner, grocery shopping checklist, pantry and freezer inventories, and a freezer cooking/baking day planning page.





Plan It Don't Panic: A Complete Menu Planning Resource
ONLY $3.99
Use code: BACKONLINE
Sale ends Monday, January 23 at midnight!

Friday, January 20, 2012

Tell Your Time: How To Manage Your Schedule So You Can Live Free!


Are you going crazy with your schedule like me and really want to get a handle on it and stop wasting time?  I sure do.  Well, Amy Lynn Andrews has written this book Tell Your Time: How to Manage Your Schedule So You Can Live Free.  Not too good to be true!   I was utterly amazed at this book and how quickly it could be read and implemented in my life!




SO, get your copy today for only $2.99.
Change your life and be happy!

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Win a Kindle Fire and a $50 gift card giveaway!!



Oh, how I wish I was the one giving this away, but I'm not, but Sparkling Reviews is!  So head on over to enter for your chance of this awesome prize!

Sometimes He Whispers, Sometimes He Roars by Marilynn Chadwick Book Review




Sometimes He Whispers Sometimes He Roars: Learning to Hear the Voice of God by Marilynn Chadwick is not only a book sharing about practical ways to make prayer a part of your daily life, but it's a book that shares what the power of prayer can do.  Marilynn is the co-founder and speaker for Women Under Construction and is also a pastor's wife.  She has spent over 10 years developing a powerful and effective way to pray.  Marilynn shares how September 11 spurred her on a journey to think beyond her world to a world in need of prayer.  As she prayed for specific people, she was able to see the results of her prayers by meeting some of those people.  Marilynn shows how to use a "chubby book" for daily prayers and explains a 21 Day Prayer Experiment.  She also shares little ideas like prayer triggers, prayer on demand (POD) and daily themes.  Included in the back of the book is an 8 week Leader's Study Guide and several other pertinent prayer resources.

I was absolutely fascinated by reading this book.  I really desire to have a better prayer life and I would love to see God work as I pray like He did in Marilynn's life.  She has some awesome stories that truly show how prayer can "work."  But most of all she aims for her readers to develop that connection with God.  I'm excited to do the 21 Day Prayer Experiment soon.  If you have a desire to walk closer with God and learn more about prayer, I highly recommend this book.  (It will go on my Must Read List for 2012)

*This product was provided to me free of charge by Simon & Schuster for purpose of this review. This is my honest opinion of this book and no monetary compensation was received for my opinion.*
 

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

A Mile In His Shoes DVD Review and Giveaway!!



From the director of "Angels In the Outfield" comes an inspiring story about a special boy with an amazing gift, and the coach who believed. Dean Cain and Luke Schroder star in the gmc movie based on the book "The Legend of Mickey Tussler".


A Mile in His Shoes (based on a true story) is about Mickey, who has Asperger's syndrome and who has a rare talent- he has a great pitching arm.  When he is discovered by Coach Murphy, his parents are reluctant to let him join the team.  The River Rats, a minor league baseball team in Ohio, is struggling when Mickey joins the team and almost replaces the other pitcher, Lefty.  As Mickey tries to fit in with the team and work around his disability, he is taken advantage of due to some jealousy from another player.  Mickey stays strong and proves he's a great athlete and the parents begin to see the potential of their son.

This was a very sweet movie of a boy who is given a chance to develop his talent and excel at it despite all odds.  The actors were very well cast and made the movie very enjoyable.  Between the music, baseball and determination, this story touched my heart especially the ending when the parents realized that giving their son this chance was the best decision they could make.  I love a movie that shows growth in character and presents good values.  A Mile in His Shoes is sure to win a place in your heart.



“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance
with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Win it:  I am having a giveaway for this DVD.  Open to US only and giveaway ends Wednesday, January 25.

To enter: Be sure to click on all the links before filling out the entry form.


1.(NEW)  Make a comment about my review in the comments below (you must then fill out the entry form for your entry to be counted!)
2. Be a follower on my blog
3. Subscribe to my blog by email (link on blog)
4."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog). 
5. Watch the trailer.
6. Post about this giveaway on another site (your blog, facebook,twitter, etc) (1 entry for every site- see share buttons below) 



Tuesday, January 17, 2012

The Christmas Singing by Cindy Woodsmall Book Review/Giveaway


Mattie Eash decides after having her heart broken by her boyfriend,Gideon, three years ago on Christmas Eve that she would find someone safe to love in Cindy Woodsmall's The Christmas Singing: A Romance from the Heart of Amish Country (Ada's House Series).  Mattie moves far away from Apple Ridge, Pennsylvania to live in Ohio with her brother after she finds Gideon holding an English girl and having him end their relationship.  She starts a successful bakery called Mattie Cakes.  She involves herself in the creativity of making cakes with her treasured notebook of ideas.  Mattie meets Sol and they begin a comfortable relationship.  After an accident occurs with her shop, she decides to move back home only until Christmas.  Mattie then runs into Gideon many times as he is the construction worker building her cousin's house.  His betrayal becomes exposed after he reveals a secret he had been holding for three years.  Can Mattie trust her heart to truly love or will she choose convenience?

This story had all the perfect elements: romance, mystery, Amish customs and food!  I always love it when a story that includes talk of delicious cakes also has recipes at the end.  I fell in love with Mattie and Gideon and their interactions.  I also was very intrigued by the insights of her sister in law concerning Mattie and Gideon's relationship.  By the end, I was crying (because I was happy).  There were some very heart warming moments and don't be fooled, the Amish are very romantic!  Enjoy this beautiful new story by Cindy Woodsmall.  

Here is a link to the FIRST CHAPTER.

*I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.*





WIN IT:  I am giving away The Christmas Singing by Cindy Woodsmall. Giveaway ends Sunday, January 29. US only.



To enter: Be sure to click on all the links before filling out the entry form.



1. Rate my book review. (required) (In order for me to do more book review for this program, I need to have my book reviews rated.)
2. (NEW)Make a comment in the post below about this review in the comments below (you must then fill out the entry form for your entry to be counted)
3. Be a follower on my blog
4. Subscribe to my blog by email (link on blog)
5."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog). 
6.Watch the trailer
7. Post about this giveaway on another site (your blog, facebook,twitter, etc) (1 entry for every site-see share buttons below) 







Friday, January 13, 2012

The Gospel Story Bible by Marty Machowski Book Review

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books.  A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured.  The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between!  Enjoy your free peek into the book!




You never know when I might play a wild card on you!









Today's Wild Card author is:




Marty Machowski





Illustrated by:








and the book:






New Growth Press (December 5, 2011)



***Special thanks to Audra Jennings – The B&B Media Group – for sending me a review copy.***




ABOUT THE AUTHOR:






Marty Machowski is a Family Life Pastor at Covenant Fellowship Church, a Sovereign Grace Ministries church in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, where he has served on the pastoral staff for twenty-three years. Marty leads Promise Kingdom, the children’s ministry of Covenant Fellowship. He is also the author of Long Story Short: Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God and the forthcoming Gospel Story Sunday school curriculum. He and his wife Lois and their six children reside in West Chester, Pennsylvania.






Visit the author's Facebook Page.




ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:








I have  never been the best at anything. This has given me the freedom to really enjoy alot of things; perfection is not on the line. So my drawing is not clean, my patchwork corners don’t really match up, and my cooking is always an adventure.  I was raised by a single mom who has an exhausting amount of creative energy.  My  brother and  I were taught how to create our own entertainment  and seek adventure in the everyday.


When I was in Jr High, both my parents remarried and let’s just say things have never been boring. A foster brother, two step sisters, and a half brother were added to the mix. I have aunts and uncles who have been beyond generous and helped raise me in many ways. I have been blessed to travel overseas and even live in Prague for six months. My dad and stepmom run a special needs home in Guatemala where I have spent time and really fallen in love with the culture. My brother and his wife run a shoe company out of Guatemala.  Everywhere I have been, even a dirt floor hut in the hills of Guatemala, there has been art: design and color. I believe as humans we are created in the image of The Creator, and so we all have some creative effort to put forth.


I have a BFA in Illustration because after all the studio classes one takes to finish an Art Education  degree, I found what I really like to do is draw. I doodle. Alot.


Presently, I am married with two little ones, living in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. I teach art part time at a sweet little christian school, grow tomatoes and beets, and sew or draw when I get the chance.


My first illustration project is coming out in the fall, 156 illustrated Bible stories in the “Gospel Story Bible” by Marty Machowski, published by New Growth Press.

Visit the illustrator's Website.





SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:






Sometimes it’s easy to forget Jesus in the midst of frantic schedules, family squabbles and conflicting priorities. For many Christians, God often becomes little more than an afterthought after days absorbed and depleted by the busyness of life. But the truth is that he is the hero of every story—including the mundane, ordinary ones we experience on a regular basis. That is why Marty Machowski beckons families to take time out from the daily grind to be transformed by the message of the Good News in his latest release, The Gospel Story Bible: Discovering Jesus in the Old and New Testaments (New Growth Press, November 2011).




Based on the ESV Bible, this uniquely illustrated Bible storybook uses 156 stories to present God’s plan of salvation in Christ from its opening narrative in Genesis to its finale in Revelation. This easy-to-read storybook written for children from preschool to high school introduces readers to many captivating people, places and events from the Bible’s Old and New Testaments. At the same time, Machowski skillfully connects the individual stories to the overall gospel narrative of how God redeemed a broken world through sending his son Jesus to save his people. Each story ends by connecting to Jesus and his gospel of grace. By sharing these Bible stories with each other, young and old will learn together the life-changing habit of recognizing the presence and workings of Christ in every moment of their day.




“The gospel is deep enough to keep the oldest and wisest parents learning and growing all their lives, yet simple enough to change the heart of the first grader who has just begun to read,” says Machowski. “That’s what makes The Gospel Story Bible ideal as a storybook for a preschooler, a devotional for a grade school student, a refresher for the adult believer or an introduction for the new one. Parents and children will learn together to read the whole Bible as one story, with one hero—Jesus Christ.”




Vibrant illustrations by A. E. Macha, child-friendly discussion questions and Scripture references accompany each story to help lead families in exploring the Bible. Parents and teachers will be delighted to discover how easily even a young child can understand the original text of a story that he or she has already come to love. A companion to the family devotional Long Story Short: Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God and the soon-to-be-released Gospel Story Sunday school curriculum (February 2012), The Gospel Story Bible is also a great resource for churches, Sunday school classes, home-schoolers and Christian schools who want to teach their children to apply the gospel to every situation and make Jesus the most important part of their everyday lives.




Product Details:


  • List Price: $29.99
  • Hardcover: 328 pages
  • Publisher: New Growth Press (December 5, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1936768127
  • ISBN-13: 978-1936768127





AND NOW...Some Sample Pages (click images to see them larger):

























































Here's my review:
The Gospel Story Bible: Discovering Jesus in the Old and New Testaments is beautifully illustrated and well written for children ages preschool to high school.  There are 156 stories starting in Genesis and going through Revelation. At the end of each story is a paragraph that connects that story to the gospel.  The stories are short and also include a "Let's Talk About It" section with three questions.

I was instantly struck by the quality and beauty of this hardback book with each page being a different vibrant color.  And each illustration is very colorful and intricate which is sure to catch a child's eye.  I really enjoyed the simple way the stories are told.  This book is a real treasure with the gospel threaded through each story until the end.  This would be a great family devotion book.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

The Everything Beans Book by Katie Kimball Discount Code!!

From Kitchen Stewardship:

Do you wish you could improve your family’s nutrition without breaking the bank?

Have you always wanted to use dry beans, but you’re afraid of the complexity of cooking them or just don’t have any good recipes?

  • Why are they healthy?
  • How do I cook with dry beans?
  • How do I cook and store in bulk?
  • What about picky eaters (the bean haters of the world)?
  • How do I avoid gas?
  • How do I get past the texture?
  • And of course, 30 recipes from appetizer to dessert, all spotlighting the most frugal and nourishing food I know: beans.
Beans, beans and more beans!
You’ll find recipes for homemade beans and rice, four styles, refried beans, wraps, Mexican fare, soups, pasta dishes, and even a dessert!

The only thing missing is homemade baked beans, just because I haven’t found a recipe I loved. (I do include links to two choices anyway.)


I worked hard with recipe testers to make sure even the most nervous newlywed, new to the kitchen, could cook with beans with ease. Every recipe also includes frugal tips and substitution ideas so those of you who like to play with you recipes have somewhere to start.

In essence, most dishes have enough extra versions that one could almost say there are 100 beans recipes in these 95 pages!

Beyond recipes, The Everything Beans Book also offers over 20 pages of information to facilitate your new love of beans and make sure you can cook with dry beans without any stress.

My thoughts:
When I first saw this book, I thought this book was strictly about BEANS, but it's way more than that.  There are recipes for wraps, sandwiches, soups, meatless, main dishes, sides, pastas and dessert!  REALLY??

Guess what??
Right now for ONE MONTH, Katie is offering MY readers a special discount for The Everything Beans Book: 20% off!

Get The Everything Beans Book by Katie Kimball
20% off until February 12 (Save $2)
Coupon Code: Beans20

Booking It January 2012


I think this is my 3rd year doing Booking It with Life As Mom! I have read LOTS of books these past few years since I have become a book reviewer which I never imagined I would do. My favorite things are reading and writing! However, this year I'm going to not read so many books and concentrate more on my family, but I will be reading, no doubt! So here are the books I have read for January:


Read my REVIEW of this FREE ebook!


Absolutely loved all 4 of these books!  I will be giving away the last three sometime this year.  Stay tuned!

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Homemaking 101 DVD on SALE!


Recently I reviewed Homemaking 101 DVD. This is a perfect gift for a new mom or for someone who wants to make a renewed commitment to homemaking! Jennifer is generously offering a 25% discount on Homemaking 101 until Wednesday, January 18! Pick up your copy today!

25% Discount until January 18
Coupon Code: TMM25


PS. Don't forget about the Pre-Order sale for Courageous! Save $7 before January 17. Click here to visit Family Vision Films