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Can You Believe It!? – Songs of Truth {review and giveaway}

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As a Christian parent, some of the desires of your heart are to introduce your child to Jesus Christ, the Word of God and the beauty of fellowship with His people. Although the Bible is always the best tool to use to accomplish those goals, having additional resources that appeal to your child can help with the experience. Can You Believe It!? – Songs of Truth is the latest DVD and seventh album from Hillsong Kids that incorporates song and delightful videos that children will enjoy while growing in their faith.

Can You Believe It!? – Songs of Truth . . .

“both a question and a challenge… a statement of gratitude to a loving God and an invitation to explore the very foundations of faith.”

Hillsong Church is a contemporary church in Sydney, Australia that was founded by Brian and Bobbie Houston. The first introduction to the church, for many in America, was through its music ministry, Hillsong United. Some memorable songs include “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” and “What a Beautiful Name”. Both are included on Can You Believe It!?. The church’s ministry has extended its reach through Hillsong Kids with worship curriculum and more to assist parents, and church pastors and leaders with teaching children about the gospel.

Using a variety of songs and engaging videos, children will find themselves singing and dancing to the songs, and laughing at the corny jokes told by Funny Man Dan. Although the presentation is fun and at times silly, the content remains focused and directs children to “God’s love and grace for them.”

Along with some classic songs, you will hear a number of new and original ones like “As The World Shakes” and “Heaven Is Our Home”. We especially liked “We Came To Meet With You”, which is also Funny Man Dan’s favorite song.

Another special treat for both children and adults are the in studio interviews where you get to meet some of the worship leaders who minister through song on the Live In The Studio segments. The interviews are short enough to keep the interest of younger children. They are also ones teenagers and adults will enjoy, because you get to learn more about the meaning behind the songs and the people singing them.

If you are looking for a DVD everyone in your family may enjoy or a nice stocking stuffer for the Christmas holiday, Can You Believe It!? is a great option to fill both.

Can You Believe It!? – Songs of Truth has just been released and you may purchase your DVD now or even better, register to win a copy of the DVD. The only thing you have to do is tell me you want to win. There are also two other options to earn extra entries. Register now!


Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from Propeller/FlyBy Promotions (our sponsor) in the last 30 days or the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Don’t miss a thing! Subscribe to the Homeschool Roster blog and get our articles in your inbox!

©2018 Homeschool Roster. Article by Jennifer Smeltser. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the publisher http://www.homeschoolroster.com/.

Holy Roar by Chris Tomlin {review and giveaway}

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It has been two years since Chris Tomlin last released a CD and now he is back on the scene with Holy Roar.

Chris Tomlin has been writing music since the age of 14. He honed his skill on the guitar while listening to Willie Nelson songs. That early beginning was the start of a career that has spanned more than 20 years. Today, Tomlin is not only known as an accomplished guitar player and vocalist, but also a talented songwriter and worship leader. Along with selling “more than eight million albums and 11.3 million digital tracks with 16 #1 singles”, Tomlin has received several music awards that include an “American Music Award, three Billboard Music Awards, 21 Dove Awards, a BMI Songwriter of the Year Award and more“. He is also one of only four artists ever to receive the Sound Exchange Digital Radio Award for over one billion digital radio streams; the other three artists being Garth Brooks, Pitbull and Justin Timberlake. That may give you an idea of how his music has managed to not only touch people in the Christian community, but also has crossed into the mainstream sector.

Holy Roar is described as:

the freedom, the experience, the wonder of worship. It is seeing the church come together, hands lifted to God, pouring out our praise with an eternal song in our hearts. It’s every voice together, changing the way we worship.

The CD contains 12 tracks that stay true to what we always expect from Tomlin, which is music that causes us to raise our arms in worship to the Lord:

1. “Holy Roar”
2. “Nobody Loves Me Like You”
3. “Resurrection Power”
4. “Goodness, Love And Mercy”
5. “Satisfied”
6. “Impact”
7. “Praise Him Forever”
8. “Is He Worthy”
9. “Forever Young”
10. “I Stand in Awe”
11. “Praise Is The Highway”
12. “How Sweet It Is”

Some of the songs from Holy Roar that I really like are:

“Resurrection Power” and “Impact” are both songs you have probably heard played on the radio. They are great worship songs about the power of God.

I love the beat on “Satisfied”. This song will have worshippers bopping their head a bit while singing. Can we do that in church? Certainly!

“Is He Worthy?” and “I Stand in Awe” are characteristic Tomlin songs. These are the type of Tomlin songs that cause you to stand still right where you are, with your arms raised in private and personal prayer with God. This is happening all while you are in the midst of others doing the same (in church) or at home alone. “I Stand in Awe” and “How Sweet It Is” both touch my heart like Tomlin’s song “Good Good Father”.

The Holy Roar CD has songs you will enjoy listening to and singing along with, while driving in your car, as you are doing work around your home, and delight in hearing at your church during worship service.

Tomlin is all about bringing others together to worship and Holy Roar continues his ministry with praise and worship.

If you are a fan of Chris Tomlin, you may catch him in concert.

Holy Roar has just been released and you may purchase your CD now or even better, register to win a copy of the CD.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from Propeller/FlyBy Promotions (our sponsor) in the last 30 days or the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Don’t miss a thing! Subscribe to the Homeschool Roster blog and get our articles in your inbox!

©2018 Homeschool Roster. Article by Jennifer Smeltser. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the publisher http://www.homeschoolroster.com/.

When Jesus Was a Green-Eyed Brunette {review}

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book-LG-when-jesus-was-a-green-eyed-brunetteAbout the Book:
“When Jesus Was a Green-Eyed Brunette weaves heartwarming and miraculous stories of Jesus showing up in ordinary people, revealing that He knows us and is fully present in our everyday circumstances, especially in our difficulties. Those hurting and weary from worn-out religion are longing for a fresh touch from the living Jesus. Best-selling author Max Davis challenges us to do more than simply receive God’s grace—we need to allow grace to soften, change and shape us. As you read this book you will laugh, cry and come face-to-face with the living Jesus, much like Davis did, when he found Him living in a green-eyed brunette. As Davis puts it, “Jesus is very much alive today and still does incredible things—sometimes supernatural things—through us!”

Max Davis has already written more than 20 books and adds When Jesus Was a Green-Eyed Brunette to his repertoire. The book is a compilation of stories where people, including Davis, have “met” Jesus in the most unexpected places. The experiences have led to their lives being transformed. The stories are not exclusive to joy and happiness, but rather show God at work and the miracles that result. Readers are presented with real-life stories that people have walked through. There is joy and happiness, but there are also tears and pain.

I think one chapter title expresses the fact very well. “Bleeding All Over the Pages”, which comes with the warning: “Life without pain could really hurt you.”

As Christians, our purpose in life is not for us, but rather to share Jesus and the words of God. The faith (or not) we maintain through our experiences – the good and the bad – speaks volumes to others. When it comes to pain, although difficult, we should not become consumed by it. As a foot soldier for Christ, we need to take our experiences and be a blessing to someone else going through that same hurt. Despite the cuts (i.e. pain) we experience in life, Jesus is always free to us to accept and God is always there; He never leaves us. In the same chapter, Davis shares a number of “cuts” he experienced. Some cuts he mentions are receiving the news his 13-month-old son was deaf, a divorce he never wanted, the loss of a pastoral position and several years struggling to stay above financial ruin. Davis, as do the others whose stories he tells, overcome trials, but are blessed by God, because they or someone else allowed themselves to be used by God. They were not consumed by their experience, but rather kept their focus on God.

My mama said, “Alanna has been your savior twice ib your life,” Jesus is my Saviour, but I know what Mama means. The two times in my life when I was at a tipping point, God sent the green-eyed brunette to me.”

The green-eyed brunette is his wife, Alanna.

Davis reminds readers to not discount or challenge the experiences we go through, but instead to allow God to carry us through and work through our lives. In that way we share the love of Jesus, bless others and truly please Him.

About the Author:
“Max Davis is the author of over 20 published books and has been featured in USA Today and Publishers Weekly and has appeared on The Today Show and The 700 Club. He holds degrees in Journalism and Biblical Studies and is a much sought-after speaker for churches and organizations worldwide. He and his wife, Alanna, live on 50 beautiful acres in Greenwell Springs, Louisiana.”

When Jesus Was a Green-Eyed Brunette is available in paperback for $15.99.

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Tennessee Christmas {review and giveaway}

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{This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, read my disclosure policy.}

There is no denying it. Christmas time is here! That means celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, cherished time spent with family, trimming the Christmas tree, baking yummy treats in the oven and wrapping gifts. All of those experiences truly come to life with Christmas Amy Grant Tennessee Christmas (1)music playing in the background. The perfect CD that will help you set the tone this Christmas season is Amy Grant’s Tennessee Christmas.

It has been three years since Amy has released a CD and more than 16 years since she released a Christmas album. I would say, it is about time and that you will not be disappointed. Tennessee Christmas is the perfect gift from Amy to all of her fans (thank you Amy) as well as to those who may be new to her music.

Tennessee Christmas is personal to Amy and she “opens the door” for all to come inside and be a part of her family Christmas. Amy takes us from her childhood Christmas memories and carries us through to those she has experienced as an adult, with the selection of the songs she sings.

I have already listened to the CD several times, which includes the following songs:
“Tennessee Christmas”
“To Be Together”
“Christmas For You And Me”
“Melancholy Christmas”
“December”
“White Christmas”
“Joy To The World”
“I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm”
“Baby, It’s Cold Outside”
“Christmas Don’t Be Late”
“Still Can’t Sleep”
“Another Merry Christmas”
“O Come, All Ye Faithful”

You may see titles of some familiar songs, which Amy sings in her special fashion. In fact, Amy’s husband, Vince Gill, joins her in their rendition of “Baby, It’ Cold Outside”. I like that one. But, the one I really enjoy is the title selection, “Tennessee Christmas”, which she co-wrote with Gary Chapman more than 20 years ago. On this CD, Amy shares co-writing credits with others on “To Be Together”, “Melancholy Christmas” and “Another Merry Christmas”. My daughter and I also like “To Be Together” {listen to the song}.

You will enjoy looking through the snapshots from Amy’s Christmases that are included in the CD booklet. She sings one of her father’s favorite Christmas songs, “O Come, All Ye Faithful”. Christmas is a special time for Amy and she wants you to share your memories with her by uploading any videos you may have of surprising a loved one for the holidays. See an example.

”We’ll be making a compilation video and posting it to Amy’s socials (this specific video has not been announced yet though). Those chosen will be part of a compilation video that Amy herself will share on her large social media outlets!”

Use #TNChristmasSurprise! when posting to social media.

If you are in the Tennessee area, you may want to try to catch Amy Grant and Vince Gill on stage at the Ryman Theatre for their annual Christmas concert. Since I know some of you may not be able to make it to Tennessee, I have another way for you to enjoy Amy for Christmas. I have a CD copy of Tennessee Christmas” to give away. Would you like to win the CD?

You may also purchase Tennessee Christmas.


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©2016-2017 Homeschool Roster. Article by Jennifer Smeltser. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the publisher http://www.homeschoolroster.com/.

Bible Journal Kit {review and giveaway}

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{This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, read my disclosure policy.}

I have always had a difficult time writing in my books. So, I guess you can imagine when it comes to my Bible, that is a definite “no no.” Or, at least it was for a long time. For many years, my primary Bible remained clean (ex: no writing, no highlighting, no creased pages, etc.). It looked funny against the Bibles of others who had carefully taken notes, highlighted sections in multiple colors and dog-eared pages for easy access. If you really use your Bible as a study guide for life, it should not be clean. There should be a lot of notes and a variety of colors marking those important and favorite verses and passages you want to remember. A few dog-eared pages are also all right.

bible_journaling_kitThe Bible Journaling Kit by Ellie Claire encourages you to:

”Create a work of art on the pages of your favorite Bible. Draw, color, or journal your thoughts, dreams, and prayers. Highlight your favorite verses or the encouragements that speak to your heart with pencils, stickers, and tabs.”

Well, so much for a clean Bible, and for good reasons. The Bible Journaling Kit comes with the following:

  • 4 sheets of word stickers
  • 4 sheets of alphabet stickers
  • 24 tab stickers
  • 8 colored pencil twists
  • 1 journaling pen
  • 1 pouch with adjustable strap to fit Bibles of all sizes
  • 1 ruled page protector mat with tracing lines

Although you do not have to be an “artsy” kind of person to enjoy using the Bible Journal Kit, I did give the kit to my daughter. She has been spending more time in the Word (yippee- she also takes a lot of notes). If you have a child who needs encouragement (or even you) to spend more time reading God’s Word, having the Bible Journaling Kit will enhance your active investigation (learning more about God).

With the Christmas season right now, the Bible Journaling Kit would make a nice gift for someone special. Hmm, Christmas gift? Anytime gift? Would you like a chance to win a Bible Journaling Kit? You have two different opportunities.

It’s okay to write, draw and put stickers on your Bible pages. This Journaling Bible Kit encourages you to do that as you dig deeper into the Word.

Two Great Ways to Win!

#1 Giveaway: Be one of five winners of the Bible Journaling Kit from through Thursday, December 15, from Ellie Claire/ Worthy Publishing. Enter now.

#2 Giveaway: Homeschool Roster will open a giveaway on Monday, December 5, for you to win a copy of the Bible Journaling Kit. This giveaway is open to people in the continental U.S. only (No Canadian winners may be accepted).


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©2016-2017 Homeschool Roster. Article by Jennifer Smeltser. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the publisher http://www.homeschoolroster.com/.Enter now

Where Jesus Slept {review and giveaway}

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{This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, read my disclosure policy.}

where_jesus_sleptIt is Christmas time. Okay, well there are 40 more days until Christmas. The season and the holiday are two occasions I always look forward to each year. Along with the special food we eat, there are also movies and books that keep us entertained. Although I already have some favorite books, it is exciting when I am introduced to new Christmas books that eventually get added to our list. Where Jesus Slept by Norma Lewis and illustrated by Katy Hudson is one of those books.

My children are older, but we still enjoy read-alouds together. Occasionally, my children humor me and allow me to read a children’s book to them. Where Jesus Slept walks readers through a story that tells them about the birth of Jesus. The story opens placing us at the edge of the city of Bethlehem. We learn the Messiah has been born, which is a reference to the Bible verse Luke 2:10B-11. With each turn of the page, Lewis draws the reader closer to the actual event through written word. Moving from the edge of Bethlehem to the bed, the straw that lined it, the cow that shared the straw, the stable that sheltered the cow – all Where Jesus Slept. The story is told in a cumulative manner with each description that builds on top of the other. It eventually becomes a mouthful, but one you and your child will enjoy sharing together as you repeat the sequence and your child tries to remember the order of the new scenes in the story.

The pictures Hudson has drawn compliment the story Lewis tells. The colors are vivid and are ones that will capture the attention of a child who has probably heard the story of the birth of Jesus, multiple times. Although the story of the birth of Jesus is told often during the Christmas season, Where Jesus Slept is one book you may find your child pulling from their bookshelf for you to read anytime during the year.

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Guess what? Homeschool Roster has a copy of the Where Jesus Slept book for you to win.


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©2016-2017 Homeschool Roster. Article by Jennifer Smeltser. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the publisher http://www.homeschoolroster.com/.

Baby, Baby! {review and giveaway}

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One thing I miss now that my children are getting older is cuddling and enjoying a good board book together. I use to enjoy introducing language to them, their excitement of me reading to them and their little bitty fingers turning the thick board pages. That was always so much fun for them. Another thing I miss about that are the adorable stories that were contained inside of those board books. The babies are cute, the animals are cute and the books are usually “everything baby” just like the new board book story Baby Baby!, which is written by Diane Stortz.

PastedGraphic-1If a baby has ever been a part of your life, you may remember them being amazed at everything about themselves. From their feet to the toes on those feet, to their baby giggles and baby kisses. Everything they see and everything they are able to do is just so amazing and new to them. Stortz captures all of the new discoveries in Baby Baby! through rhyming and a whole lot of busy babies.

Before you open the book and begin reading, babies can enjoy looking at themselves in the mirror that appears on the cover of the book. Baby Baby! is a “mirror book”, so babies are not only able to watch what other babies do, they are able to watch themselves do whatever it is babies do.

Some of the activities you and your baby will enjoy while reading through the book are watching babies “wave, crawl, reaching, drinking, cuddling, winking and smiling.” Illustrations by Ailie Busby introduce your child to a number of babies and your baby just may see one who reminds them of themselves. You may make reading through the book even more exciting by having your baby do some of the actions, mentioned in the book, on their own. They will be amazed at their abilities.

Before you turn to the last page Stortz reminds your baby that they are “loved by God. The story finishes with a larger mirror that is framed with the words “Who does God love? God loves (insert your baby’s name) and a Bible verse. Jeremiah 41:3b “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” God loves everything about us from the time we were babies.

#BabyBaby, #FlyBy

Baby Baby! is now available for purchase for $7.99.

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Guess what? Homeschool Roster has a copy of the Baby, Baby! book for you to win.


Don’t miss a thing! Subscribe to the Homeschool Roster blog and get our articles in your inbox!

©2016-2017 Homeschool Roster. Article by Jennifer Smeltser. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the publisher http://www.homeschoolroster.com/.

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