Tag Archives: Kregel Publications
The Bible Detective
Do you like hidden pictures?
Do you like to learn facts, especially about the Bible?
Then, grab a copy of The Bible Detective, which will keep you busy for hours. This book is intended for early readers, but an adult will be intrigued with the Bible story, the included Bible facts, and the urge to find the hidden objects as well as the wily fox in every scene! Each turn of the page opens up to a large scene of a Bible story. The scene is detailed and bordered by Bible facts and hidden objects to find.
The pages are a little busy, but a Bible puzzle search book is a better alternative to keeping your child busy in front of the television or with video games. This is the best way to encourage reading in your child. You know they are learning something beneficial to their spiritual health.
Enjoy!
I received a copy of this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review.
Young detectives will never tire of this picture-search puzzle book. Readers can pore over 17 cleverly illustrated scenes of Bible events to find the answers to the questions posed on each page. Some puzzles involve looking for details of everyday life, others highlight things that happened in the Bible stories–offering hours of fun to readers as they search for the answers.
With lots to find, this kind of picture book is particularly great for reluctant readers and visual learners, helping all children get an overview of the Bible’s history and content as they super-sleuth their way through the book. Warning: may be addictive!
Hot Button Issues: Dating, Internet, Drug and Sexuality Editions
Raising teens is no laughing matter. When my kiddos first entered junior high, I became nauseated. I was just a junior high student myself… (Actually, it seemed like just yesterday, but it’s been 20+ years.) I don’t want my kiddos to grow up. I’m afraid of everything that they’ll encounter. I worry that they may be pressured into making unwise decisions.
Instead of worrying, I realize I can do something to help them make wise decisions. No, I can’t shadow them at school. (Wouldn’t they be mortified!) I can, however, educate myself, prepare them with that same knowledge, then pray that the Holy Spirit will guide them through their days away from mom.
So, how do I educate myself? What do I teach them?
I came across a series of books that are just wonderful for this. They are call the Hot Button Series consisting of:
- The Drug Edition
- The Internet Edition
- The Dating Edition
- The Sexuality Edition
This author really has won my approval. She doesn’t let what the world thinks change her mind when it comes to doing things God’s way. I have a wonderful example and teacher in this lady. Each book encourages you not to preach at your kids. They turn their hearing off when you do, so it’d be wise to watch how you’re presenting your argument wisdom.
Let me share with you what I liked about each edition that I read.
Hot Buttons: The Drug Edition
Not only will you, the parent, learn how to identify the signs of drug use, you’ll also learn how help your teens make the decision not to use drugs. You’ll learn how to train them to actually say “No” when invited to try drugs. Reading about the affects and signs of drug use may seem boring, but it’ll possibly save your teen’s life if you take the time to read this book.
Hot Buttons: The Internet Edition
Pornography makes me sick, and the though of my son watching it mortifies me. No, he hasn’t as far as I know, but I really haven’t protected him from it, either. In this edition, you’ll discover how social media, predators, pornography and other methods used by Satan are within a keystroke’s reach of your teen while they are on the internet. Reading this book will encourage you (as it did me) to not be so free in letting your teen explore the internet unsupervised.
Hot Buttons: The Dating Edition
I’ve told my daughter one thing over and over. Having a boyfriend only leads to one thing — sex. That is true in most case. You like a guy. You start dating or going together. You start kissing. That gets boring, so you move on to touching, which leads to set. None of this touching is intended by God outside of marriage. So, why have a boyfriend when it will only lead to a sinful sexual relationship? (That was my spill. I’ll continue with the book now.) The author and I agree on dating, for sure. Although, it may make your teenager mad or seem like an outcast at school, it really is for his or her benefit, should you decide to read and apply this book.
Hot Buttons: The Sexuality Edition
Purity is minority in this world today. However, your teenager can hold on to his or hers longer than the norm, if you, the parent, educate yourself and teach your teen the importance of purity. Also, covered in this section are the issues of birth control, homosexuality, and self-control. These are important issues to be discussed with your teen.
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The parent-teen study guide in the back of the book encourages you, the parent, and your teen to read God’s Word and pray together and hopefully your teen will be encouraged to make wise decisions with what he or she has learned. There are scenarios provided that will help your teens walk through possible situations and decide ahead of time what their decision will be.
I received a copy of each of these books from Litfuse Publishing in exchange for my honest review. I also received an extra copy of two of the books from Kregel Publications, which may be used in a future giveaway.
About the Books
Nicole O’Dell helps address the Hot Buttons in teens’ lives before the issues become problems
From dating to drugs, modesty to purity, morals to popularity, teens face all sorts of tough issues. How teens respond to these hot-button issues can have lasting effects on who they want to be and who they actually become. What if parents can help their teens prepare for these hot buttons-before the issues become a problem?
The uniquely packaged Hot Buttons Series is an accessible, quick-reference resource that parents can use to equip their children to make the right decisions, even in the face of peer pressure and outside influences. More than just another how-to manual, Hot Button Dating Edition offers practical real-life situations that parents can read and discuss with their preteens. Topics include: physical activity, missionary dating, and violence/abuse in dating relationships.
Author, mom, and broadcaster, Nicole O’Dell provides short scenarios followed by three or four responses that a teen might choose in that particular situation. Parents are then encouraged to help their children explore the issue, ask questions, and discuss the options, so when a similar situation comes up in real life, the teens are already prepared to respond.
Hot Buttons Dating Edition offers practical real-life situations that parents can read and discuss with their preteens. Topics include: physical activity, missionary dating, and violence/abuse in dating relationships.
Hot Buttons Internet Edition helps parents prepare their teens for online challenges they may face. Topics discussed include: internet activity, file sharing, social networking, and internet predators.
Hot Buttons Drug Edition braves the scary world of substance abuse, equipping parents with facts, warning signs, and real-world scenarios on: alcohol; Marijuana and other drugs; inhalants; and prescription drugs.
About the Author
Youth-culture expert, Nicole O’Dell is the host of Choose NOW Radio: Parent Talk and Teen Talk and the founder of Choose NOW Ministries, dedicated to guiding teens through tough issues and helping parents encourage good decisions.
As an author, O’Dell writes both fiction and nonfiction. Her popular YA fiction includes the Diamond Estate Series and the Scenarios for Girls interactive books that feature alternate endings, allowing young girls to decide the outcome for the main character. Her nonfiction for teens includes Girl Talk, which she wrote with her two daughters based on their popular advice column.
O’Dell, resides in Paxton, IL, with her husband and six children-the youngest of whom are toddler triplets.
Find out more about Nicole.
My Pop-Up Bible Stories
If you’re the mother or teacher of a preschooler or child younger than that, you’ll find this pop-up story book will grab your kiddos’ attention as you tell the stories in God’s Word.
I first chose this book because I thought it’d make a good Bible story book for my preschool classroom at church. The book presents five Bibles stories, each page turning to a new story. The page’s scene pops out to grab the child’s attention. The book will even stand up to display the scene, instead of having to use the felt board for visuals. The Bibles story is short, but a preschool teacher could easily create a full Sunday school lesson from it. I like that the Scripture reference is included with each story.
Then, I discovered that I’d be having a baby this year. This book will be a short and easy read for my baby and even when he’s toddling around. I will have to keep his little hands off the pop-out objects of course, but I think my lil’ boy will enjoy the colorful pictures and pop-out objects.
Thanks to Kregel Publications for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
About the Book
With a pop-up scene on every page, children will cherish this selection of favorite storiesfrom the Old and New Testaments. From the moment Baby Moses is found floating in a basket among the bulrushes to Jesus’ stilling of the storm, children will be captivated by Daniel Howarth’s remarkable illustrations as each story pops off the page.
About the Author
Juliet David has written many children’sstories and Bible activity books. Her other interests include painting, music, and traveling to Israel and other Biblelands. This experienced author lives in London with her family.
Finding Encouragement in Troubling Times {1 Peter Study}: Week 4
It’s Week 4 in the Finding Encouragement in Troubling Times study I’m participating in.
{Miss Week 1? Miss Week 2? Miss Week 3?}
About the Book
It’s easy for Christians to be strong in their faith when they are comfortable–in their church, in a small-group, in their family. But what happens if they are faced with prison, poverty, and pain? Life is more demanding than ever before. Finances are tight, relationships are stressed, and disappointments are common. Why is it so hard to stand up for God during these troubling times?
The letter of 1 Peter was heard by women who knew times like these. This newest addition to the Sue Edwards Inductive Bible Study series digs into 1 Peter and takes a look at the stories of real women–past and present–to teach today’s woman how to stand faithful to God regardless of her trials, however severe.
About the Author: Sue Edwards (MA, Dallas Theological Seminary; D.Min., Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) teaches full-time in the Christian Education Department at Dallas Theological Seminary. She has more than twenty-five years of experience teaching, pastoring, and directing women’s ministries. In addition, Sue speaks at retreats, conferences, and seminars across the country. She is the coauthor of Women’s Retreats and New Doors in Ministry to Women, and the author of the Sue Edwards Inductive Bible Study series.
This Mom’s Review: Week 4
This week’s study was hard to swallow. I am at fault for teaching vengeance to my children. They’ve seen me get mad and say how I’m going to get back at someone, more than once.
So, why am I shocked, when I see my children acting out the same scenario, just with a different offender? I never acted out my vengenance, I was just blowing off steam. Yet, that doesn’t matter. My children learn from my example! Ouch! I will be reading this week’s Scripture {1 Peter 2:11-25}, so that they can see God’s way of doing things!
Slowing down to really look at this Scripture, God’s way actually makes sense. Looking at all the time I’ve wanted to get revenge – and maybe did – the outcome wasn’t good. Either the retaliation kept escalating as it went back and forth or I just let bitterness linger within so long that I became unhappy and hateful all the way around.
We can actually shock people when we are nice and choose not to retaliate. Sometimes the shock can even lead to someone wanting to know why our response was so different, and that’s when we have the prime opportunity to lead that person to Jesus Christ! I want these opportunities! I wonder how many I’ve lost over the years, because I chose to be selfish and vengeful.
One thought the permeates my heart is this: If Jesus chose to withstand physical suffering {torture}, then why can’t I withstand the mild sufferings and trials that have come my way?
I am looking forward to Week 5!
I received a copy of the above study book from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review.
Finding Encouragement in Troubling Times {1 Peter Study}: Week 3
It’s Week 3 in the Finding Encouragement in Troubling Times study I’m participating in. {Miss Week 1? Miss Week 2?}
About the Book
It’s easy for Christians to be strong in their faith when they are comfortable–in their church, in a small-group, in their family. But what happens if they are faced with prison, poverty, and pain? Life is more demanding than ever before. Finances are tight, relationships are stressed, and disappointments are common. Why is it so hard to stand up for God during these troubling times?
The letter of 1 Peter was heard by women who knew times like these. This newest addition to the Sue Edwards Inductive Bible Study series digs into 1 Peter and takes a look at the stories of real women–past and present–to teach today’s woman how to stand faithful to God regardless of her trials, however severe.
About the Author: Sue Edwards (MA, Dallas Theological Seminary; D.Min., Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) teaches full-time in the Christian Education Department at Dallas Theological Seminary. She has more than twenty-five years of experience teaching, pastoring, and directing women’s ministries. In addition, Sue speaks at retreats, conferences, and seminars across the country. She is the coauthor of Women’s Retreats and New Doors in Ministry to Women, and the author of the Sue Edwards Inductive Bible Study series.
This Mom’s Review: Week 3
I feel excluded or out of place sometimes. Looking at this selection of Scripture (1 Peter 2:4-10), I am reminded that many rejected Jesus, too. Knowing that Jesus faced this same challenge, I am encouraged to continue on in my fight to be a wife and mom that glorifies God and minister to my family in the way the God is calling me to. By ministering, I don’t mean preaching at them; I mean serving and loving as Jesus did in his ministry on earth, as well as sharing the message of salvation with others.
While the author uses the word priest through this week’s study, I like to replace her word with minister, as described above.
In verse 9, we are called four things: chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, and a peculiar people. As I look up the definitions of some of these words, I need to ask myself if I am truly living up to these four things. Am I behaving like God’s chosen? Am I ministering to others? Am I living a holy life? Am I living a life that draws attention toward Christ and not away from Him?
I think the biggest distraction I have is thinking I’m not good enough to share God’s message with others. The funny thing is, it’s true. I’m not good enough. Yet, his message is! I don’t need to pad His message or put on an pre-show. I just need to share God’s message first by how I’m living and second by sharing Scripture with others!
I thank God for showing me in His word that He loves me and has a great work for me – despite me and my mistakes and weaknesses.
I am looking forward to Week 4!
I received a copy of the above study book from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review.
Finding Encouragement in Troubling Times {1 Peter Study}: Week 2
It’s Week 2 in the Finding Encouragement in Troubling Times study I’m participating in. {Miss Week 1?}
About the Book
It’s easy for Christians to be strong in their faith when they are comfortable–in their church, in a small-group, in their family. But what happens if they are faced with prison, poverty, and pain? Life is more demanding than ever before. Finances are tight, relationships are stressed, and disappointments are common. Why is it so hard to stand up for God during these troubling times?
The letter of 1 Peter was heard by women who knew times like these. This newest addition to the Sue Edwards Inductive Bible Study series digs into 1 Peter and takes a look at the stories of real women–past and present–to teach today’s woman how to stand faithful to God regardless of her trials, however severe.
About the Author: Sue Edwards (MA, Dallas Theological Seminary; D.Min., Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) teaches full-time in the Christian Education Department at Dallas Theological Seminary. She has more than twenty-five years of experience teaching, pastoring, and directing women’s ministries. In addition, Sue speaks at retreats, conferences, and seminars across the country. She is the coauthor of Women’s Retreats and New Doors in Ministry to Women, and the author of the Sue Edwards Inductive Bible Study series.
This Mom’s Review: Week 2
After doing Week 1, I was afraid I would lose interest in this study. However, Week 2 dug into some issues that concern me! {Sounds like I’m being selfish wanting things to be all about me, doesn’t it?!?}
Week 2 discusses the mind, love and cravings. The Lord really convicted me during this study. I have lost my way over the past year. Being mad at others in church and in general life has caused me to become bitter and my spiritual growth has went in reverse.
I really miss the one-on-one time with God. I miss being able to lean on Him, which was my own fault. This week’s study reminded me of the need to get close to God through daily interaction (Bible and prayer).
I was also reminded of the fact that I need to love others the way God loves me! A big challenge, but we have someone else’s strength to carry us through, right!
I am looking forward to Week 3!
I received a copy of the above study book from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review.
Finding Encouragement in Troubling Times {1 Peter Study}: Week 1
I’ve been invited to participate in a 9 week Bible study and you’re invited to join me each week as I share what I’ve learned. First, let me share the book with you.
About the Book
It’s easy for Christians to be strong in their faith when they are comfortable–in their church, in a small-group, in their family. But what happens if they are faced with prison, poverty, and pain? Life is more demanding than ever before. Finances are tight, relationships are stressed, and disappointments are common. Why is it so hard to stand up for God during these troubling times?
The letter of 1 Peter was heard by women who knew times like these. This newest addition to the Sue Edwards Inductive Bible Study series digs into 1 Peter and takes a look at the stories of real women–past and present–to teach today’s woman how to stand faithful to God regardless of her trials, however severe.
About the Author: Sue Edwards (MA, Dallas Theological Seminary; D.Min., Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) teaches full-time in the Christian Education Department at Dallas Theological Seminary. She has more than twenty-five years of experience teaching, pastoring, and directing women’s ministries. In addition, Sue speaks at retreats, conferences, and seminars across the country. She is the coauthor of Women’s Retreats and New Doors in Ministry to Women, and the author of the Sue Edwards Inductive Bible Study series.
This Mom’s Review: Week 1
The first week-long lesson is based around 1 Peter 1:1-12.
While some of the subject matter was familiar to me and I could answer the study questions with no hesitation, other parts of it caused me to have to read the Scripture over a few times. The author doesn’t spill a lot of her opinion or commentary. She allowed me to use my own noggin – I even had to leave a few questions blank because I didn’t quite understand what was being asked.
I’m hoping to return to the Scripture in a few days and see if I can answer the questions. I’ll admit that my head has been clouded lately, so it just may be the fact that I’m not giving God my full attention.
What I did learn is that this is not my home and that I will face struggles and trials while here on earth. How I respond to those struggles and trials is my choice. God is an active resource in our lives, waiting for our cue for Him to guide, strengthen and even bless us. I learned what the blessings and benefits of belong to Christ are. Do you know what they are?
Playing Hurt: A Guy’s Strategy for a Winning Marriage by Brian Goins
About the Book:
The Story of Noah’s Ark Storybook and Wall Clings [Sunday School Resource]
I teach the four- and five-year olds in Sunday School. I find that they are more likely to listen when I share pictures or other visual props. More so, they love to help build the story on the wall. Sometimes, we use the felt board; other times we use the wall and good ol’ clear tape.
My newest Sunday School resource is a storybook with wall clings included. As I read the story written on the pages, my students see the characters in vibrantly colored scenes.
The wall clings can be re-positioned on the wall as the students decide on the best place to place them. The main wall cling is the ark with some animals already in place, giving the students a visual idea of Noah’s ark. Smaller wall clings of the rainbow and animals are provided to allow the children to take turns placing them on or near the ark.
While I did receive this in exchange for my honest review, I am looking forward to building a library of these wall cling Bible stories for my classroom.
From the Publisher
The story of Noah and his ark is one of the most beloved stories in the Bible. With this deluxe set, kids can use the wall clings to recreate the awesome scene of all the animals boarding the ark. As they read about Noah and his adventure, children can stick the vinyl clings on any painted wall to retell the story. The clings peel right off, so kids can rearrange them however they choose–over and over again.
About the Author
Lori C. Froeb lives and works in Westchester County, New York. As a children’s book editor, Lori has had the opportunity to write many books for kids–which she finds both challenging and rewarding. Lori tries to carry God’s promises with her every day and it was a blessing to write this book. Her other titles include A Child’s Book of Parables, The Acorn and the Oak Tree, and The Newborn King puzzle book.
About the Illustrator
Luana Rinaldo has authored and illustrated many pictures books for babies and children. Her work has been translated into more than 14 languages. Luana’s illustrations have also appeared in magazines and on greeting cards and children’s clothes. Luana lives and works in Zurich, Switzerland.
Disclosure: Affiliate links included in this post.
From the Garden to the City: The Redeeming and Corrupting Power of Technology
About the Book:
Believers and unbelievers alike are saturated with technology, yet most give it little if any thought. Consumers buy and upgrade as fast as they can, largely unaware of technology’s subtle yet powerful influence. In a world where technology changes almost daily, many are left to wonder:
- Should Christians embrace all that is happening?
- Are there some technologies that we need to avoid? Does the Bible give us any guidance on how to use digital tools and social media?
An experienced Web developer and writer on technology and culture, John Dyer answers these questions and more by walking through the story of the Bible and introducing key ideas about how technology and culture interact. Dyer first analyzes the biblical, theological, and philosophical foundations of technology and then studies several examples that show how technology can influence the spiritual life. For youth pastors, college-aged readers, and anyone interested in understanding how technology fits with faith, From the Garden to the City fills a gap for biblically-informed literature in a technological world.
About the Author:
John Dyer (BS, Texas A&M; ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary) is director of Web development at Dallas Theological Seminary. He has published articles in Collide Magazine and Christianity Today and authors the blog donteatthefruit.com. From the Garden to the City is his first book.
This Mom’s Review:
Awaiting the arrival of this book, I wondered just how much the author would bash cell phones and the internet. I use both excessively and I honestly didn’t want to hear it. Yes, my curiosity got the best of me, so I decided I’d read the book.
I liked this book!
I thought technology began somewhere in the last hundred years, but the author took me on a road trip back to the beginning of time to prove otherwise. Who knew that technology is nothing new! The connection made between technology and God were quite interesting. The shovel, who made many ‘appearances’ in the book, provided me with a visual understanding of the information presented in this book. You have to read the book to know what I’m talking about!
There is no black or white answer. Included in the book is a list of questions based on the four parts of this book – Reflection, Rebellion, Redemption & Restoration – that can help the reader make smart decisions regarding the usage of the technology present in his or her own life.
Disclosure: I received this book in exchange for my honest review. As one of my readers, you can sneak a peek of the book.
