Friday, November 21, 2014

INVENTORY CLEARANCE SALE!!




INVENTORY CLEARANCE SALE!!
My first book, Amazing Animals by Design, is being clearanced to make room for new items after Christmas. Makes a great Christmas gift! Right now, get a signed copy for:
Hardcover: $9.99 (normally $14.99)
Paperback: $5.99 (normally $8.99)
Shipping: $2 paperback, $4 hardcover, I'll let you know the exact amount if you order multiple copies.


Send a message to debrahaagen (at) gmail (dot) com if you'd like to order, and I will send you a paypal invoice.

Thank you!

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Write-your-own Thanksgiving Poetry Notebook FREE on Kindle!


This week's Knowledge@Kindle Freebie! Download and share!



Learn how to write nine different types of poems for Thanksgiving, and make a poetry notebook your family will treasure!

This notebook is suitable for printing or for using as a guide to make a notebook with your own paper if printing is not available.

Join our newsletter for weekly freebies at http://forms.aweber.com/form/22/1265944422.htm.

Happy Writing!  :-)

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Flyby Review: Kirk Cameron’s Saving Christmas

So there’s this new movie called Kirk Cameron’s: Saving Christmas that is coming to select theaters November 14 for two weeks only! 

GO SEE THIS MOVIE THIS WEEKEND!

We've all gotten tired of people telling us not to say "Merry Christmas" because it is offensive, right?  But does all the stuff we do to celebrate have anything to do with Christmas, anyway?  You've heard the arguments - the Church turned a pagan holiday into Christmas so they would have an excuse to celebrate it, the symbols are all pagan symbols, yada, yada, yada.  When I was a kid, our church building did not have a Christmas tree in it for several years because some of the members objected that it was a pagan symbol.

Now, some of you adamantly believe that we should not let all these symbols and material things get into our Christmas celebration, and that is fine.  Each family must do what they feel their faith has led them to do.  The fact is, however, that many of our Christmas symbols DID come about for Christian reasons that have everything to do with glorifying Christ.

Deuteronomy 11:18-19 says,
"Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." 
Holidays were originally given to the people by God as "Holy-Days," for the purpose of slowing down for a time, celebrating, and teaching their children the things about God they might forget over time.  Christmas is no different.  So visit Kirk Cameron at his sister's Christmas party and explore the origins of some of our favorite traditions.

In the review below this one, we talked about a children's video answering some of the same questions.  This one is for all ages, children through adults, and there's a lot of fun and humor along the way.  Unlike a straight documentary, this movie kept my interest from start to finish, and I will admit that although I have studied these things quite a bit before, I learned a few new things myself from this one.

I loved everything about this movie, from the characters to the sets.  There's a fabulous fireplace-and-Christmas tree scene where Kirk sits at the beginning of the movie.  I want to go there for my family Christmas pictures this year!!  We don't really believe there's any hot chocolate in that mug he swings around, but hot chocolate is always a nice touch!

 I'm not going to lie - part of the reason I wanted to review this movie, and why I liked it, is that Kirk Cameron is in it!  I liked him in  Growing Pains before I ever knew what his stand was, and with every project he does, I like him and admire him more.  I was privileged to participate in a teleconference with him and the other reviewers, and I love his passion for sharing not only Truth but the Joy of the Lord.  It was fun seeing his sister, Bridgette, in the movie with him.  (Hint, that's not really his brother-in-law, though - "Christian" is Darren Doane, director and co-writer of the movie.)

The only critique I would have for this movie?  Lose the winter beard, Kirk!  :-)

Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOSiZIgZ2JQCheck out the official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SavingChristmasMovieOfficial website: http://www.savingchristmas.com 
"Join me, and my family, and together let’s put Christ back into Christmas. We’ll dive head first into all of the joy, the dancing, the celebration, the feasting, the imagination and traditions that glorify the true reason for the season.” - Kirk Cameron 
Saving Christmas is a wonderful defense of Christmas traditions and is quite educational. Candy and I also enjoyed some good laughs. I pray that God will use it to His glory.” 

Happy Movie-Watching! 

Flyby Review: Why Do We Call It Christmas DVD

I have been privileged to review three items from Flyby Promotions in a short period of time, so I am bringing you all three reviews today.  There are some giveaways and Christmas gift ideas, so don't miss anything!  These reviews are getting me in the Christmas spirit a little early!

My kids really enjoyed the What's In The Bible DVD Series: Why Do We Call It Christmas DVD.

Hmmm, why do we call it Christmas?  Why do we decorate a Christmas tree?  Who was Saint Nicholas?  Do your kids know the answers to these questions and the origins of other Christmas traditions?  Would you like a fun way to teach them?

Some story books and DVDs endeavor to answer one or more of these questions with a story, but in this DVD, they are all tackled in an informative yet entertaining manner by intrepid newsman Buck Denver, who is having a Christmas party!

Created by VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer, newsman Buck Denver's job is to teach kids about the Bible.  If you love Veggie Tales, you'll love Buck Denver.  With the humor and Biblical accuracy we loved in Veggie Tales, he informs, educates, and entertains using modern computer technology interspersed with all the media WE loved as children:  big-mouth puppets, flannel graph, and popsicle-stick puppets to name a few.  There's even a purple sock monkey!  The artwork and music are not quite the caliber of the Veggie Tales videos, but that did not stop my 9yo from loving Buck Denver!

I highly recommend Buck Denver in Why Do We Call It Christmas? for anyone with children 10 & under.


About the movie: Approx. 60 minutesCutting down trees? Hanging stockings? Santa Claus? What do any of these have to do with Jesus' birthday?  More than you'd think! 
Join VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer along with intrepid newsman Buck Denver and all his friends on an amazing journey into the world's most popular holiday! Sure, you know the Christmas story. But do you know the story of Christmas? Don't miss the whimsical, educational, Christmical party to end all Christmas parties as Buck Denver Asks … Why Do We Call It Christmas? Contains the following topics:-Where do we get the word Christmas?-When was Jesus born?
-What do Christmas trees have to do with Jesus?
-Who is St. Nicholas?
-What is Hanukkah?
-Who is Emmanuel?
-Luke 2 Story
Official Website: Click here!
DVD Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkQOWkvE_VY
And yes, of course, we are giving away a copy of this DVD, too!  Enter enough giveaways, and you might have some of your Christmas shopping done!  Post here or on my Facebook page with a Christmas symbol or tradition about which you would like to know the origin.  The drawing will be held on Thursday, November 20.
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. 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.

Check out all the Buck Denver: What's in the Bible DVDS:


Happy Movie-Watching!

This post contains affiliate links.

 

Flyby Review: Noah Wordless Picture Book

I have been privileged to review three items from Flyby Promotions in a short period of time, so I am bringing you all three reviews today.  There are some giveaways and Christmas gift ideas, so don't miss anything!

First, I received a beautiful, hardcover, 64-paged, absolutely stunning picture book of the story of Noah.

The story of Noah and the Ark was always a fun one in Sunday School when I was a child.  Marching the animals up the ramp into the boat on the flannel graph, then adding the waves and pretending to make the boat sail on top of them.  It was just a fun Bible story.

As I grew older and studied more, I began to realize that the story of Noah was a pivotal one in the Old Testament.  It is one of the stories that many people say is simply not possible, and therefore the Bible must not be true.  Over the recent decades, however, more and more research has shown that the story is very possible.  And if it is possible, then it is even more likely that it is true.  Why?  Because it is unlikely that someone in ancient times would write a false story about something that did not happen that could be proven to be so possible in modern times.  Is that confusing?  Take the measurements of the Ark given in Genesis 6.  It has been demonstrated in recent times that not only could two each of all the known species of animals at the time fit into a vessel of that size along with eight people, but also that a vessel of those proportions would be excellent at navigating the tsunami-sized waves it was sure to encounter.  Now, if someone who had never built an ark of such a size, nor sailed it through enormous waves, nor loaded it with pairs of every known species of animal, were writing a fictional story for children, is it likely or even possible that the dimensions would be so fitting?

If, then, this incredible story is true, it is so much more likely that the entire Bible is true and literal.  And if it is true, what did it look like?  What did the ark look like?  What did the earth and its cities look like before the Flood?  What did the people look like?  What did Noah look like?  Noah was 500 years old when he started to build the Ark, and it took him 100 years to build it!!  I am in my fourth decade, and I've got to tell you that the responsibility of building a colossal structure on which my family's lives depended when I was past my fourth century would be a little intimidating!

In the wordless picture book Noah, Mark Ludy has asked these questions and has given us his own artistic interpretation.  "A picture is worth a thousand words," and he has given us an artistic novel demonstrating how these things may have appeared.  The beautiful illustrations have enriched my appreciation of the story and have made me look at some things in a different way.  He has used his outstanding, God-given talent to bring this amazing story to life for us.

My kids and I love this book.  Its interest spans all ages.  I'd love to have one for every story in the Bible!  It is lovely to keep on your school shelf or your coffee table.

I highly recommend Noah, by Mark Ludy.  It would also look lovely under the Christmas tree!

A hundred years before the Great Flood, a man named Noah came home talking crazy. God wanted him to build the biggest ship the world had ever seen. The future of humanity depended on it. How would his wife respond? What would the neighbors think? Was it even feasible?
This lavish reimagining of one of the greatest stories of all time will fascinate children and adults alike. Nuanced and playful, yet meticulous in following the biblical narrative, Mark Ludy’s world-class art digs deeper than the Sunday-school tale of cuddly animals, exploring noah’s relationship with his family, the natural world, God - and a formidable engineering challenge.
Immerse yourself in this stunning wordless epic. Whatever your age, you’ll never read this story in the same way again.
Bonus: Find Squeakers the mouse on every page! 
About the author:
Mark Ludy has written or illustrated eight children’s books including The FarmerThe Flower Man, The GrumpWhen I Was  a Boy I DreamedWhen I Was a Girl I Dreamed, and Jujo the Youngest Tribesman. When he’s not immersed in his sketchbooks, you’ll find him in schools promoting art and literacy. He lives in Colorado with his wife, daughter, and two sons.
Mark’s website: http://www.markludy.com  
Official NOAH websitehttp://www.plough.com/en/ebooks/n/noah

In addition, I have a lovely copy of Noah to give away!  Comment here or on my Facebook page with the name of your favorite picture book to enter the drawing, which will be held next Wednesday, November 19!
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. 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.

For more information on the story of Noah and the Ark and its modern-day research, see:









Also, if you'd like to use the picture book Noah as a Christmas gift, you may want to pair it with one of these for hours of fun:




Happy Picture-booking!

This post contains affiliate links.
 

Monday, November 10, 2014

Kindle Freebie and Newsletter

This week's Kindle freebie from Knowledge Box Central. Download and share!  :-)


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Happy Homeschooling!