Review: All In by Matthew West

Our family has been blessed to see Matthew West in concert at Winter Jam in the past. We've enjoyed his albums and our children often listen to them as they're falling asleep at night. So, we were very excited to receive his latest album, All In, for review.


The album has a more personal feeling, showing little pieces of Matthew's life. The Sound of a Life Changing tells the story of Matthew West's own call to music ministry.  Something Greater talks about his marriage at first, and then moves on to other issues as it discusses the sovereignty of God and His work in the world. Jesus & You is another song that shows his thankfulness for Jesus' grace in his life, and his wife's love. Becoming Me is a tribute to Moms - I'm not sure if it's to his mother or his wife, but it's beautiful. And of course, one of our favorite parts of his albums is the hidden track featuring his daughters - and we loved this one, too.

The songs on the All In album are:

• All In
• Broken Things
• Mercy is a Song
• Amen
• The Sound of a Life Changing
• Something Greater
• Jesus and You
• The Beautiful Things We Miss
• 1 Song
• Power Love Sound Mind
• Never Ever Give Up
• Dream Again
• Becoming Me
• You are Known

We were immediately familiar with the song, Broken Things, which was released this Spring and has had a lot of radio play. The entire album is enjoyable and uplifting, with Matthew West's Contemporary Christian style. It's hard to say which songs are my favorite because I like so many of them. I enjoy All In, Mercy is a Song, and I love the unique, upbeat style of Amen. Power Love Sound Mind speaks to me because anxiety and fear have played their part in my life, and I love the verse it's based on. Likewise, I love the message s of Never Ever Give Up and You Are Known. They encourage my heart and I know of others who would be blessed by the message in them. Keep fighting, don't give up, KNOW that God sees you, loves you and KNOWS you!

Our entire family is enjoying All In by Matthew West. This evening the majority of my family are seeing him in concert on his All In tour. I know they're going to be blessed!

April E.

Review: Patterns of Evidence EXODUS DVD

The Bible as historical truth is continually under attack. I cringe when I see documentaries coming on television that are about the Bible, the Holy Land, or any of our Christian holy days. I know that it likely is either going to present the Bible as mythological, or it's going to attempt to disprove the Bible.

Patterns of Evidence: EXODUS tells the story of Timothy Mahoney's journey to determine if the Biblical story of the Exodus is true or not. He starts out concerned that scientists were finding no evidence of an actual Exodus, and quickly becomes discouraged as he is told over and over by archaeologists in Egypt that there is no evidence for it. He realizes that if the story of the Exodus is not true, it brings the entire Bible into doubt.

Mahoney determines to follow the evidence, no matter what final truth it will unveil and continues to seek out experts and evidence on both sides of the argument. Through twelve years of interviews, trips to actual archaeological sites, visits to experts around the world, and lots of reading, he reaches the conclusion that the evidence for an actual exodus of Israelite slaves from Egypt does exist. Unfortunately, most scientists refuse to recognize this evidence since it isn't in the era they expect it to be in.

This documentary is extremely well-made. The camera work is excellent, the musical background is compelling, the interviews with experts are inter-mingled with the musings of the film-maker himself. My husband, myself, and my older children really enjoyed this documentary. I love that it affirmed the Bible as historical truth for my family. I know it will help to reaffirm the faith of others, just as this journey affirmed Timothy Mahoney's faith in the veracity of the Scriptures.

April E.

Review: Laura Story's Open Hands Album

Laura Story's music inspires and comforts. We hear it on the radio, and sing it in church services. Her new album, Open Hands, is no different.

We were already fans of Laura Story's contemporary Christian music style, and my family has been enjoying this latest album. Each of her songs speaks of the rich depths of a relationship with Christ, and His Steadfast Love. Open Hands describes the continual act of surrendering our life and dreams to God's will. Every Word You Breathe is a reminder to seek God's voice, to listen and cling to His Word each day.


I love how she works classic hymns into For the Love of my King and Awake My Soul. She keeps the hymn portion classic, inserting her modern verses between the hymn. It flows together so well. As a mother, my heart resonates with Give You Faith, a prayer that our children will have their own faith in God and a relationship with Him.

The entire Open Hands album is beautiful, uplifting, and so easy to listen to. If you're already familiar with Laura Story's music, you will want this CD. If the video I shared was the first time you'd heard her sing, and you enjoyed it, you'll love the rest of the album, as well. We're loving it! Now that I've had it to myself for a week, my daughter is raising her hand for her turn.

Stay up-to-date on Laura Story's music by following her on social media:

• http://laurastorymusic.com/
• https://twitter.com/laurastorymusic
• https://www.facebook.com/laurastory
• https://www.instagram.com/laurastorymusic/

April E.

Review: Amy Grant's New Tennessee Christmas CD

We love Christmas music at our house. We start listening to it long before Thanksgiving, and Amy Grant's Christmas albums have always been family favorites. So, I was excited to have the chance to review her new Christmas album: Tennessee Christmas. After all, it's been nearly 20 years since her last Christmas album was released.

Yes, the title song on the new album is a remake of her 1983 song, from A Christmas Album. Along with that familiar song, Amy sings some old familiar songs, as well as some original Christmas music. Some of the songs are co-written by Amy herself, and her friends and family join in the recording. The album includes some spoken thoughts from Amy between song, and it has an air of coziness, warmth, love, and friendship.

The new songs on the album are To Be Together, Melancholy Christmas, Still Can't Sleep, Another Merry Christmas, Christmas For You and Me, and December. These are all warm, mellow songs.

The old, familiar songs include Tennessee Christmas, White Christmas, Joy To The World, I've Got My Love To Keep You Warm, Baby It's Cold Outside, Christmas Don't Be Late, and O Come All Ye Faithful. This mix of carols and fun Christmas standards just sounds and feels like Christmas to me. 

My husband and I have this CD playing on repeat in our bedroom. It's perfect for bedtime, reading, and resting in general.

If you're a fan of Amy Grant's, or if you are just looking for some new Christmas music, listen to the videos. Tennessee Christmas would make a great stocking stuffer for someone you love, or yourself!

April E.

Review: Live on Forever by The Afters

My preteens and I are loving this CD. #christianmusic

A photo posted by April E (@elcloudapril) on Sep 22, 2016 at 7:10am PDT

I quietly turned on this album one afternoon, without any introduction or comment. Before the first song ended, my 12 year old asked me who it was. He loves it! My 15 year old son doesn't mind it, but he prefers metal rather than contemporary or alternative rock styles of music. My 8 year old son, 10 year old daughter and 17 year old daughter all enjoy the album, as well. Personally, The Afters haven't replace my favorite group, but I do enjoy the album.

The Afters. Live on Forever. #christianmusic

A photo posted by April E (@elcloudapril) on Sep 22, 2016 at 7:11am PDT

Live On Forever has ten songs on the album. My favorite of all the songs is "Wake Up My Heart", but "Eyes of A Believer"  and "Battles" are right up there next to it. The Afters' lyrics just speak to me.

"Stop my world, slow it down for a minute. Be my eyes, let me see why I'm in it. And wake up my heart, wake up my heart for You." ("Wake Up My Heart")

"Whatever battle may come, You know He's already won, (In the eyes) In the eyes of a believer." ("Eyes of a Believer")

"You’re going before me and oceans are parting. You’re fighting my battles. When my feet are failing and my heart is shaking, You’re fighting my battles"  ("Battles")

I love when I find God-honoring music that my children enjoy, especially my older children and teens. The Afters fit that perfectly! I think my sons have found their new bedtime CD, to play on repeat all night long! 




April E.

Review: Phil Wickham's Children of God CD

#childrenofgod is a wonderful new CD from Phil Wickham. Thanks #flyby for letting me review it. #christianmusic

A photo posted by April E (@elcloudapril) on Jun 3, 2016 at 5:23pm PDT

Although Phil Wickham is a worship leader with several previous album releases, I wasn't very familiar with his music. I've sung This is Amazing Grace with our church, but I didn't know it was a Phi Wickham song. I'm sure I've heard some of his other songs on the radio, and probably even sang along - but I didn't have any of his CDs until FlyBy Promotions offered me the chance to review his latest release, Children of God.

I enjoy music, but I'm not an expert at musical terms or genres. Personally, I found Children of God to be a wonderful album. I loved the meaningful and compelling lyrics. The music is beautiful and soothing, but with a driving beat that is catchy. It's perfect for listening to all day long - as you drive, while you work, and if you turn the volume down, even while you sleep.

I loved the Doxology remake, Stand in Awe, As It Is In Heaven, and Spirit of God. They are beautiful worship songs! I can just imagine singing them with my church congregation! There isn't a single song on the album that I don't like, but those are my favorites.

Songs from #childrenofgod by Phil Wickham. #flyby #review

A photo posted by April E (@elcloudapril) on Jun 3, 2016 at 5:28pm PDT

I completely recommend Phil Wickham's Children of God album! I'm not sure whether to call it contemporary christian, worship music, or what?? I think it's cross-generational, and if you enjoy the video I shared above, you'll love the entire CD!

You can purchase Children of God from iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, and other retailers.


April E.

Review: Your Family in Pictures by Me Ra Koh

Learn how to capture "Your Family In Pictures", thanks to Me Ra Koh. #familypics #photography #review

A photo posted by April E (@elcloudapril) on Jun 5, 2015 at 12:41pm PDT

Me Ra Koh has written a wonderful book that teaches you how to really use your camera to capture your family. Your Family In Pictures explains the different settings on your camera, how to find great lighting in your home, how to frame a photo, and how to capture your children in their natural environment and with relaxed personalities.

I found all of the photos and chapters in this book really inspiring! The examples of her photos, and her students' photos, do an excellent job of illustrating the points she's trying to make. I love all the chapters that give ideas for holiday pictures, family pictures, vacation pictures, etc.

I should have posted this review about two months ago. I finished reading the book that long ago, but I wanted to add some pictures of my own to the review. I enjoyed the book and felt like I could figure out the different settings on my camera with these explanations. I was challenged to take more photos on a regular basis of the kids in our everyday moments. That's where I ran into my first problem.

The examples in the book showed clutter-free photo-friendly spaces. Our homes is cluttered, with old paint colors, and poor lighting. We have toys in our living room, bookshelves everywhere, and whenever I did take photos, the kids either stopped acting natural, or it was too cluttered or dark. Obviously, I need to practice more.

Then I thought we'd need to do some outdoor photo shoots instead. Except it seemed when I had a free moment to take a picture, my daughters had messy hair or clothes I wouldn't really want in a picture. I discovered that in a large family, with a small home, I was going to have to be more purposeful and thoughtful about photography if I wanted good photos.

So, after several months, I finally decided I should post this review, without the photos I had been waiting on. It is a really good book, but it will take work, practice, and focus to improve your photography skills. It's manageable, and Your Family In Pictures can help you do it ... but it will take more than just reading the book. It will take time and effort to practice the techniques and improve your photography skills!

If you're already aware of how to use a DSLR camera, or how to get the best out of your Point-And-Shoot camera, this book also has some interesting and inspiring ideas for photographing your family. The book's many examples help get your creative juices flowing!

April

Disclaimer: Blogging For Books gave me a free copy of Your Family In Pictures, in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was received.

Review: Bible Dominoes Game from Kregel Publishing

I should have known when I asked to review Bible Dominoes that my 4 year old was going to love them. She loves board games in general, and especially those geared for preschoolers. But I was surprised by how much she enjoys the Bible Dominoes and how often she asks to play them with me.

We've been enjoying this simple game. The game came with a booklet of Bible stories by Juliet David and all the illustrations in the booklet and on the dominoes are by Jo Parry. I like that they aren't just Bible story pictures, but that the game teaches counting skills, as well as color-matching skills. When we play the game, she's always talking about color patterns she sees forming.

Unfortunately, she has started to think the point of the game is to make our shape look like the picture on the back of the box, so she doesn't play by the rules but wants it to all look like the box. I'm still working to help her understand every game will look different!

The dominoes are a nice size, about 5 inches long and are made of a very thick cardboard. They're brightly colored and the illustrations are really cute! At $9.99 for the set of 28 dominoes, they're a really affordable addition to your homeschool preschool or your Sunday School class. They're published by Candle Books, an imprint of Kregel and Lion Hudson.

We're loving the Bible Dominoes at our house! And honestly, I love that it's a game I can play with my preschooler that doesn't take a long time!

April E.

Disclaimer: This game was provided to me free in exchange for an honest review, by Kregel Publications. No other compensation was received.

The Family Toolbox and Heart Parenting

 

"Why didn't you do your chores?"  

                                                 "Are you listening to me?"

                                                                                         "Stop freaking out!  I'll get to it!"

If any of that sounds familiar, then you are not alone. All too often, those very things are heard in our home. We give directions, allow the children time to make the right choice and obey, come back to find they haven't chosen to obey, nag, question, lecture, and threaten to remove privileges. The kids respond with defensiveness, excuses, and blame-shifting. Soon we have two angry sides, instead of a family working together. 

 

Unfortunately, if we're truly being honest with ourselves, it isn't just the kids that need to change. We need to change the way we guide them, talk to them, and discipline them. We need to focus on reaching their hearts and not just on their outward compliance. But how do we change our own parenting? What specific actions do we need to take?

The Family Toolbox is a DVD/video-driven program that brings parents and teens together for constructive dialogue around significant issues of discipleship. (Note I didn't say discipline ... but discipleship, which goes so much further.) There are 8 video lessons with dramatized family scenes that can be used as conversation starters with our teens. But before sharing the family dramatizations with our teens, the parents should view them, as well as the 10-minute lesson for parents from Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN. These lessons give parents practical tools to use right away.

The accompanying workbook includes discussion questions for teens, as well as the parents. These lessons are not just targeted at the teens, but discuss ways that both parents and teens can improve. There are sixteen Life Success Principles that are practical and Biblically-based.

When my teens first saw the family dramas, they tried to turn them into a joke. They wanted to laugh about the teens fighting with parents, and the things that were said. We were able to get them past that by asking them to point out problems on both sides of the parent-child interactions. Allowing them to honestly and respectfully discuss ways that parents contribute to the problem, and humbly accepting their thoughts opens up a trust-channel that lets them hear your constructive criticism, as well. The goal is to improve the family team and open up discussions that change the heart, not just fix the child's behavior.

I will be honest. This can be hard for parents. We want to point out our child's disobedience and disrespect, but we don't easily  accept them pointing out our faults. If used appropriately, with mutual respect and a teamwork approach, this can change your family dynamics. We are still working through the materials, but I am learning a lot. We have taken parenting classes in the past and joked that we needed one for parenting teens. Well, here it is.

These lessons are not one-time fixes. Our kids may still continue to struggle or make poor choices. We will fall back into nagging or angry lectures, as parents. But these lessons give us a reference point for continued discussion and discipleship, and continued change. It is an ongoing process.

The family-use version costs $79.95 to download, or $99.95 (plus shipping) if you want to buy a physical copy. There are also packages available for churches or other groups, and more information can be found at the National Center for Biblical Parenting .

Review and Giveaway: Unstoppable with Kirk Cameron

Every human being has been faced with pain, trauma, unbelievable sadness and death.  If not in their own life, then in the life of someone they know and love.  At some point, we each wonder, "How can God let this happen?"  For some people, it becomes the breaking point - the point where they can no longer believe that God is good or caring.  The point where they turn their back and walk away.

Kirk Cameron has created this very personal documentary to help people see that God has a purpose and plan that is Unstoppable.  That everything that happens is used to shape us and to complete His ultimate plans.  Kirk shows us God's grace and love working from Creation, through the Fall, the Flood, Christ's death and resurrection, and still today.

The film alternates between beautiful re-enactments of Bible stories, moments of conversation with Kirk, and film footage from the funeral of a teenage family friend who lost the battle with cancer.  When the footage is of Kirk talking, it feels as if we are a friend visiting him, having a conversation.  He is in his home, drinking coffee, and telling a story.  He's telling the story of the Sandgren family, and their son's cancer.  He's telling the story of God and His grace.  He's telling the story of his own struggle with the age-old question "Where is God in the midst of tragedy and suffering?"

This film is Dove-approved for those over the age of 12.  The subject is tastefully handled with beauty and grace, but it is still a heavy subject for younger children.  The scene of Cain and Abel shows blood flowing on the ground, and blood splattered on Cain as he stands over Abel's body.  That is the only possibly inappropriate scene in the movie, the rest is just the serious nature of the topic.

Although my husband and I enjoyed the movie, and fully agreed with its theology, most of my teens would not enjoy this movie.  Perhaps if tragedy were to strike closer to home it would be more meaningful to them.  When my husband and I watched it, they all found other things to do.  It was too much of a documentary and too long to hold their attention.  But adults and teens who are struggling with doubts about God's goodness should find this movie enlightening, encouraging, and faith-building.

It would be wonderful if every church had a copy of this to loan to those struggling with this question.  It would be even better if one church in every community hosted a viewing of the movie and opened it up to everyone in the community. 

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED!  Jennifer was the winner!

GIVEAWAY:  Provident Films and FlyBy Promotions have provided one copy of the Unstoppable DVD for me to give one of my readers. 

Just leave a comment to enter.  Is there anyone in your life who would benefit from this DVD?  This is available to those in the United States and Canada only.  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.

You can earn an EXTRA entry by following my blog and leaving a second comment to tell me how you follow me.  (If you already follow me, just tell me how.)

Entries will be accepted until February 7, 2014 at 11:59 pm.  A winner will be drawn on February 8, and notified as soon as I verify their eligibility with FlyBy Promotions.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED!  Jennifer was the winner!

Visit the official website: http://unstoppablethemovie.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unstoppablethemovie

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/UnstoppableDVD

Thank you, and good luck!
April E.

"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.

Review: A Place To Belong worship CD by Lisa Troyer

Album: A Place To Belong: Circle of Friends
Artist:  Lisa Troyer

Lisa Troyer's album, A Place To Belong: Circle of Friends is a worship CD created to accompany her new book, A Place To Belong.  Each of the 8 worship songs speak of God's grace, His love, and His mercy. 

The songs on this album are all calm, with a warm, soothing sound.  The lyrics are uplifting and worshipful, sung beautifully by Lisa's full, rich voice.  Although each song is lovely, none of them really stood out to me as exceptional.  Each of the songs had a similar gentle sound and style. The album works well as an accompaniment to Lisa Troyer's book, but it doesn't really work as a stand-alone album. The songs would make good opening music for a Bible study group, or background music for a ladies' event. 

You can hear samples of the album playing at http://www.lisatroyer.com/ .  The music is available at iTunes,  lifewayworship.com , or your local Christian retailer. 

April E.

This album was given to me by The B & B Media Group, for review purposes.  I received no other compensation, and the opinions stated here are my own.