Hidden City Poems of Urban Wildlife from Eerdmans Publishing [Review & Giveaway]

My thoughts:  This is a beautiful book! Simply stated free verse gently draws lovely word pictures of little critters and plants that are scattered in sparse abundance in cities large and small. The illustrations are stunning, detailed, and beautifully colored depicting the beauty of this Hidden City that is right beneath the surface where we walk, travel, abide in our homes and offices.

A city teaming with life - insects, critters, plants all teaming with life as we go about our own lives in our tall buildings, on our paved streets and cement sidewalks, our graffiti colored walls, and our houses with picket fences.

There is vibrant life hidden amongst our dwellings. The book lets us all know that wildlife doesn't exist solely in ever diminishing forests. It exists in our cities and is somewhat hidden.

A beautiful book to be shared with a child you love. Frankly, adults will love reading and perusing this simply stated and beautifully illustrated picture book. Do seek one out and enjoy.

About the book:  A poetic book highlighting everyday nature

The perfect blend of science and poetry, Hidden City demonstrates that nature can thrive anywhere, even in highly populated areas. IGanimals and plants featured in the book.

Coupled with beautiful collage illustrations, the poems in Hidden City offer readers the perfect reminder to notice and care about their environment. 

GIVEAWAY

Begins June 8

ENDS July 1 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only

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DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by Eerdmans Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own, alone, and are freely given.

I CAN ONLY IMAGINE - The #1 Inspirational Movie of the Year (available Digital & Blue-ray Combo Pack™ & regular DVD) [Review & Giveaway]

My thoughts:  I had heard about the song "I Can Only Imagine" and had not heard it but I knew that there was a lot of hype about it and many, including some in my family, loved it.

In this movie about the composer and writer of the song, I was absolutely moved, perhaps stunned is a more apt expression, at the abusive childhood that the young man endured. So to me, the DVD or movie is about God's rescue, protection, redemption, and loving care as experienced by Bart Millard.

I highly recommend this for it is highly emotionally powerful and will touch hearts and bring joy at God's grace.

About the movie: Dennis Quaid and Trace Adkins star in this inspiring true story behind MercyMe’s beloved hit song. Running from a troubled home life and a broken relationship, Bart Millard (Finley) found escape in music. Hitting the road in a decrepit tour bus, Bart and his band MercyMe set out on an amazing journey none of them could have ever imagined, in this uplifting, music-filled movie that beautifully illustrates the power of forgiveness and God’s love.

The home entertainment release of "I Can Only Imagine" features over 3 hours of extras including 7 deleted scenes, 7 in-depth featurettes, an audio commentary, and more!

The #1 Inspirational Movie of the Year Comes Home on Digital on June 5 and Blu-rayTM Combo Pack and DVD on June 12

NASHVILLE, Tenn (April 30, 2018) – Experience the uplifting story that shares the power of forgiveness when I Can Only Imagine arrives on Digital June 5 and on Blu-rayTM Combo Pack (plus DVD and Digital), DVD, and On Demand June 12 from Lionsgate and Provident Films. Directed by the Erwin Brothers (October Baby, Moms’ Night Out) and written for the screen by Jon Erwin & Brent McCorkle, the film tells the incredible true story behind Christian band MercyMe’s iconic, history-making song “I Can Only Imagine.” Starring in the film are up-and-coming Broadway star J. Michael Finley (“Les Miserables”) and Golden Globe® nominee Dennis Quaid (2011, Best Actor – Limited Series or Television Motion Picture, The Special Relationship; 2003, Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture, Far From Heaven), as well as Trace Adkins (The Lincoln Lawyer, Traded), Priscilla C. Shirer (War Room), Cloris Leachman (The Last Picture Show, Spanglish), and Madeline Carroll (Flipped).

GIVEAWAY

DVD of "I Can Only Imagine" movie™
Begins June 6

Ends June 21 at 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Buy Click Here  

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.

Using natural Real Time Pain Relief® products for those aches and pains [Review & Giveaway]

Source your pain relief from natural ingredients and with a company that's been around awhile

What is your process of dealing with pain? The key is to begin with the less invasive to your body and proceed until pain relief is attained.

Use of heat and cold: 

• Some pain responds to ice packs or cold packs that apparently slow the swelling and inflammation that are associated with overuse and injury.
• Use of warm heat packs delivers comfort and relief to injured areas. Good for stiffness and the pain associated with stiffness. 

Use of topical applications such as creams, lotions, and roll on liquids:

• Creams, lotions, and roll on applications with "heat" or "peppers" tend to stimulate the surface nerves and cause a sensation of heat to the area. This provides a relief that is complex involvement of mind and surface nerve sensations overriding the deeper source of pain. Effective in some cases. Con: can cause irritation to sensitive skin.
• Menthol based creams, lotions, and roll on applications whose main ingredient is menthol which is a nasal sensory as well as a topical sensory product that seems to provide relief. Effective in some cases. Con: can have an offensive scent for when you are away from home. 

Ingestion of Over the Counter medications: Aspirin, Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) - Cons: Some cause irritation of stomach and bowel, acetaminophen can cause liver damage, and NSAIDs can cause bleeding.

Prescription medications: Pills, patches, liquids - These are the "big guns" and care must always be taken. Con: some can be addictive.

So where does that leave you when you are hurting?

Once you have tried the heat/cold treatment, you have the option of a topical over the counter and all natural homeopathic product line - Real Time Pain Relief®.  Some products they have graciously provided for me to try for my personal aches and pains and those of my husband include:

Real Time Pain Relief®: Sports Cream, MAXX Pain Relief lotion & MAXX Bath Bomb, & Hemp Oil Plus

 

My thoughts on the products: 

Bath Bombs: Maxx Bath Bomb and Gentle Bath bomb are the two options.  The Gentle Bath Bomb  uses peppermint extract instead of peppermint oil so that there isn’t any cooling effect. The cooling in MAXX is minimal but for some too much. These do not smell of peppermint. They have a very pleasant scent. The Gentle Bath Bomb is pleasantly scented, though not "perfumed," the water becomes silky smooth and it was very relaxing to de-stress using this product. My skin felt wonderful in the bath and afterward and I felt relaxed and fresh.

Hemp Oil Plus Topical Lotion: I've used this product several times. The Hemp Oil Plus topical lotion is pleasant to use and I have used it at the base of my neck, on my shoulders, and lower back. I felt the pain and discomfort I was experiencing decrease. Last evening shortly before bedtime, my back began aching in earnest and I had shooting pain/spasms going down both legs. This usually portends a rough night. I decided to try the Hemp Oil Plus. I applied it liberally to my lower back and down both legs (sides). I did NOT have a rough night and the spasms went away. I attribute it to this product. Only time will tell is that is what helped, but I was totally impressed and this is a product I will definitely utilize to give it a full opportunity to ease my senior citizen aches and pains.

MAXX Pain Relief: I used the MAXX Pain Relief to relieve my husband's chronic back pain (from fractured disc and other old age back problems). He said he thought it helped some and I know he didn't complain while using it. So that's a plus! I found it to have menthol scent and the feeling of heat that menthol provides. I used it when my back was just a little achy but I was headed out to run errands. I might need some help preventing backache. It seems to have helped since I finished my errands with no sign of backache.

Sports Cream: I find that as a senior citizen, I have aches and pains when I awake in the morning. Sitting a long time also brings them on. And as a senior that tries to care for her health and bones and muscles, I frequent a local gym for some cycling, treadmill, and strength building. It sometimes brings on a bit of muscle and join soreness later in the day and even the next day. The Real Time Pain Relief® Sports Cream is a ramped up cream for weekend warriors and day-in-day-out athletes who experience muscle fatigue, soreness, and just simple body stress that hurts. The verdict is still out on my son's use of the Sports Cream as he is doing intensive prep for a major outdoors even later this summer. Will try to give his "take" on the product, too.

I definitely keep topical creams, lotions, and roll on products in supply so I can simply reach for them. There are a few from drug stores I've come to rely on, but I think these Real Time Pain Relief® products can certainly, and perhaps even better, take care of these discomforts for me.

They can be ordered online through their website or even Amazon (Real Life Pain Relief®). Doing a quick check, I found that even Walmart carries the products online.

GIVEAWAY

WINNER TO RECEIVE: Real Time Pain Relief® Sports Cream, MAXX Pain Relief lotion and MAXX Bath Bomb, and Hemp Oil Plus

Begins June 6

Ends June 30 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only

a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary products from RTPR (Real Time Pain Relief®) to facilitate this review. Any opinions expressed are solely my own and are not influenced by RTPR to render a positive review. It is to be understood that these are over the counter medications in the line of homeopathic treatments and no medical claim is made by myself endorsing these medically as to effect or ingredients. I simply used the products and commented on my experience.

Cornerstones: 200 Questions and Answers to Learn Truth by Brian Dembowczyk

Age 6 - 12
Hardcover 160 pages
BH Kids Publishing
ISBN: 

My thoughts:  Some churches teach catechism which is a system of questions and answers about God, sin, the church, etc. These churches require or encourage learning the catechism prior to attaining membership into the church. While Baptist and other churches don't require or encourage the learning of catechism for membership it is not wholly a bad idea to learn these basic doctrinal  facts and ave them fixed in one's mind.

My thinking is that the introduction of the content of the children's book Cornerstones: 200 Questions and Answers to Learn Truth has the potential to utilize the concept of "catechism" without the formality. It is somewhat akin to a devotional guidebook. It provides an opportunity for children and parents to take time to address, one at a time, the truths each question/answer brings forth. They have supporting scripture.

The book's "chapters" are topical and include: God (30), Creation (20), Sin (20), Jesus (20), Salvation (20), The Bible (30), Discipleship (40), The Church and Last Things (20). The colors are basic background colors for each "chapter." (numerals refer to questions in each topical chapter) Example of material:

"In the Beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1

1. 
Q.What is God?
A.God is creator and ruler of everything.

2.
Q.Can we now that God exists?
A. Yes, we can know that God exists from evidence in nature and in the Bible from an inner sense that tells us He does.

3.
Q. How many Gods are there?
A. There is one true God, and only He deserves worship.

The illustrations are done in beautiful "tiles" and also have a look of stained glass. The Middle East where the Bible originated is known for it's beautiful mosaic art and I think it is quite fitting to illustrate this children's book in this style. The colors are strong and yet softly hued. There is a soft intensity to the illustrations. This is a beautiful book.

Cornerstones is a wonderful introduction for children to understand theology in a simple yet with a good deal of depth.  I highly recommend this as a treasure to use in the home of Christians.

About the book:  How can parents teach kids to know God's truth? By asking and answering the right questions.

For centuries, parents have used the ancient method of learning and reciting questions and answers to teach the core doctrines of the faith. This beautifully designed book uses this regular rhythm of asking and answering to introduce children to spiritual truths and spark a hunger within them to know God even more.

Through 200 questions and answers, Cornerstones covers such principles as God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, sin, redemption, the church, restoration, and more. The whole family can use the book together, or children can use it on their own since each question and answer is written to make these foundational doctrines accessible.

Ask these right questions, and give your children the right answers on how to truly live their lives for God.

DISCLOSURE:I was provided a complimentary copy by BH/Lifeway Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own are are freely given.

How to Trick the Tooth Fairy by Erin Danielle Russell and illustrated by Jennifer Hansen Rolli

My thoughts: The illustrations and colors of this children's book are charming. I love the depth of the blues and pinks. I love the big-eyed and beautifully drawn Kaylee and Tooth Fairy. But my love and fascination for this book virtually end at that point.

I see this story as delivering a message that pranks can get out of hand resulting in disastrous situations. True. I see the characterization of Kaylee as a precocious little girl whose behavior is simply out-of-hand and who has not been taught that pranking to the level in which she engages is wrong.

Then the Tooth Fairy being another prankster with magical properties combating or warring with Kaylee to go prank-to-prank up against each other simply demonstrates competitive meanness on the part of both characters.

The positive side of the story is that it can be a teaching tool for parents, teachers, and librarians to show how pranking one another is simply not to be done. I can see placing the book in school and public libraries. I do not recommend it be part of a child's home library because too frequent reading or ogling of the book could encourage a child's desire to engage in similar behavior.

About the book: From the coauthor of Dork Diaries comes a witty and engaging picture book about a prankster who wants to pull off the best prank of all—pranking the Tooth Fairy! Kaylee loves pulling pranks: from dropping water balloons on passers by to even tricking Santa Claus, she’s a prize-winning prankster! 

But is she the Princess of Pranks? No! That title is held by none other than the Tooth Fairy. But when Kaylee loses a tooth and the Tooth Fairy goes about her usual tooth-taking business, Kaylee pranks her with a fake frog. As Kaylee and the Tooth Fairy try to out-prank one another, things get way out of hand, until the two finally see eye and eye and decide to share the crown!

About the Author: Erin Danielle Russell has been writing stories since she learned how to spell. When she grew up, she became coauthor of the New York Times bestselling Dork Diaries series with her mom, Rachel Renee Russell. She currently lives in Virginia with her husband, Jacob, and her spunky teddy bear, Stanley. When Erin’s not writing or daydreaming, she likes to cook, travel, play video games, and watch cartoons.

About the Illustrator: Jennifer Hansen Rolli grew up with lots of siblings who were waiting around corners with a trick or two up their sleeves. Today she lives with her own pranking family in Newtown, Pennsylvania (which is really a very old town). She is the author/illustrator of the picture books Just One More and Claudia and Moth. You can find more of her work at jenniferhansenrolli.com.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy provided by MMPublicity on behalf of publisher and author to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own, alone and are freely given.

Worldview Study Bible - CSB Version from Holman Bibles [Bible Review]

NOTE: It would take a Biblical scholar to truly evaluate the content of a version of the Bible verse by verse and also to evaluate the study notes included with said version. I do not purport to have such qualifications.

BIBLES/Christian Standard Bible/Reference
ISBN: 9781433604348
Navy Leather touch©
$69.99 USD

My thoughts: Study Bibles have basically two portions.... 1) The Biblical text or "The Bible," and 2) The study aids including cross referenced Bible verses, essays, commentary on specific subjects or verses, and maps. The most important of the two is the Biblical text or holy scriptures. While I prefer the King James Version, I understand today's readers often prefer a version such as the Christian Standard Version of the Bible for its readability. Scholars conclude that the CSB stays true to the original. I leave that interpretation and evaluation to scholars.

This is a beautifully appointed bible that has a soft leather-touch cover with great flexibility. The print is pretty standard in size though some might wish for larger typeset. I don't care for the comments sections that have grey background and smaller text. This presents a hardship when reading. I would opt to remove the grey background. For a modern version, the CSB is probably top ranked. The wealth of essays included present a variety of topics that are great for reading, referencing, and formulating a Christian Worldview.

Review by my son:

Pros:

• CSB Translation is very readable.  Flows well.  
• CSB Translation and publishing company are very reliable and true to scripture.
• Maps are in color and easy to understand. 
• I like how verses are separated by the paragraph or by train of thought.  
• The New Testament has each portion of a chapter titled or headed by subject. (See Matthew chapter 6 for example)
• The world view notes are excellent for studying different world views held up against God’s word.

Cons:

• I wish this edition had red lettering for the words of Christ.
• The map with Paul's missionary journeys has two colors that are so similar that it is difficult to distinguish between them.
• I wish the typeset was slightly larger.  This Bible reviewed is of the standard font edition, and it is difficult to read if you are beyond middle age.

Conclusion: Overall I am excited to receive this Bible and will cherish it.

Version

The Christian Standard Bible Worldview Study Bible is first and foremost a Christian Bible including all 66 books of the Bible - Old Testament and New Testament. The version is Christian Standard  which "features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible (CSB). The CSB stays as literal as possible to the Bible's original meaning without sacrificing clarity making it easier to engage with Scripture's life-transforming message and to share it with other." (from the promotional material of this Bible)

What is the "Worldview Study Bible"?

Verse commentaries help understand and interpret meaning (at bottom of pages with greyed background).
Center column references direct readers to other similar or associated portions of the Bible.

My thoughts: First of all one must understand what a "worldview" is and specifically what a "Christian worldview" is. A worldview is the basis by which one interprets each and every event and action that happens in the world or the method by which one makes decisions about how one will live their life. A Christian Worldview entails a person's looking at events and actions in the world from a Christian perspective and making his or her decisions about life and how they react to events and actions from a Biblical viewpoint.

From the product: The CSB Worldview Study Bible features extensive worldview study notes and articles by notable Christian scholars to help Christians better understand the grand narrative and flow of Scripture within the biblical framework from which we are called to view reality and make sense of life and the world. Guided by general editors David S. Dockery and Trevin K. Wax, this Bible is an invaluable resource and study tool that will help you to discuss, defend, and clearly share with others the truth, hope, and practical compatibility of Christianity in everyday life.

Study aids or materials (not actual Scriptural text) are included in this edition of the CSB Worldview Study Bible 

Hefty Bible but nice and flexible

• Extensive worldview study notes
• Over 130 articles by notable Christian scholars
• Center-column references
• Smyth-sewn binding
• Presentation page
• Two ribbon markers

My thoughts about the Bible's layout of notes and study helps. 

The extensive study aids, essays, etc. are no doubt quite valuable and would benefit new believers as well as those established in their faith. For a study Bible this would be highly beneficial. 

Some well-known verses comparing CSB and KJV (borrowed from https://www.eden.co.uk/blog/csb-side-by-side-comparison-p128899)

John 3:16

[CSB] “For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

[KJV] “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Jerehmiah 29:11

[CSB] “For I know the plans I have for you” ?— ?this is the Lord’s declaration ?— ?“plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

[KJV] “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

Psalm 23:1-2

[CSB] “The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need. He lets me lie down in green pastures”

[KJV] “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures”

Romans 12:12

[CSB] “Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.”

[KJV] “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;”

Genesis 1:1

[CSB] “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

[KJV] “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”

Find it on Lifeway - click here

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy of this CSB Worldview Study Bible was provided by the BH Blogger Review Program on behalf of Holman Bibles/BH/Lifeway to facilitate this review. Opinions expressed are mine and my son's and are freely given. 

Lovely Himalayan Pink Crystal Salt Lamp (#Natural Salt Rocks) Night Light with Butterfly Metal Basket

Lamp in a darkened room at night

My thoughts: 

I have seen the lovely pink salt lamps being used and have admired the soft light and ambience they give a room and wanted to try one out in my home. This small night light with pretty metal cut butterfly design and the inserted pink salt rocks is simply lovely. I leave it on 24/7 simply for it's lovely effect. 

The value of such a lamp to aid as an air cleaner to aid in one's allergies and also to improve one's mood will be an added reason to use one or more in one's home. I am totally enjoying this little lamp and look forward to the possibility of healthy benefits as well.

Find it on Amazon - click here  

Product Information from Amazon: 

Glow of lamp in daytime in a room with plenty of daylight

• HIMALAYAN SALT LAMP: 100% pure natural Himalayan salt rock from the deep underground mines in Pakistan are the only source of true Himalayan pink salt. Himalayan salt is the cleanest form of salt available.
• UNIQUE DESIGN: When the butterfly shape crystal salt lamp lights, the dreamy soft halo will make you feel romantic, cozy, peaceful and relaxed. 
• FUNCTIONS OF CRYSTAL SALT LAMP: it can help to release the negative ions steadily, adsorbing the airborne dust and particles to alleviate air pollution and naturally adjusting and restraining the high frequency electromagnetic waves generated by electrical appliances. It can also help to relieve the pressure, relax yourself, make you calm, sleep well and improve your allergies and your mood.
• SIZE: 3.3 L x 4.9 H inch

DISCLAIMER: This is a #sponsored post. Opinions about product are my own and freely given. Product was provided at a reduced price to facilitate this review.