REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Spirit of God Illustrated Bible

Let me introduce you to a new, illustrated story Bible, sweetly written by Doris Rikkers, and colorfully illustrated by Fernando Juarez. Before you start thinking, "Oh, its just another Bible storybook for children," let me tell you what's unique about this one.

The Spirit of God Illustrated Bible uses over 40 short stories, presented in a way that helps readers understand how God’s Spirit has been with us since the beginning of time and continues to be with us today.

The book starts out with the account of Creation, where it says in Genesis 1:2, "Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters." (NIV) From there, we are taken through many of the accounts in the Old Testament - some of which will be new stories to the children (and even the adults) who read them. Then, after the building of the temple in Jerusalem is completed, we are taken into the New Testament where we are taught about the life of Christ, and the birth of the church. 

In my opinion, this storybook is a unique way of presenting the Bible to children of all ages, while also being appealing (and educational) for adults.

For more information and to view a sampler, click the "landing page" here:

THE SPIRIT OF GOD ILLUSTRATED BIBLE 

GIVEAWAY:  I am happy to be able to give away a copy of this bible to one of my readers. If you are interested, you will need to do ONE of two things - either make a comment on this blog post and make sure I have a contact e-mail for you, or make a comment on the Facebook post on HHMRH MINISTRIES PAGE where I will contact you via private message if you are the winner. For all those who comment, a random drawing will be held on Saturday, September 22, 2018, at 8:00 p.m. Central Time.
 
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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 a prize from our sponsor Propeller/FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

TRUST #32: Remember His Wondrous Works (GUEST: Carolyn McIntosh)

At the end of July, before taking a blogging break, I gave a list of  TRUST posts that had already been published: TRUST #29:  A REVIEW OF TRUST POSTS 

In that post, I asked you all to share what your favorite posts have been to that point, or share a testimony of how these posts have impacted you.

My mom, the wonderful and great encourager that she is, jumped at the chance to write a note and share her thoughts with all of us. Here is what she wrote: 

One of the TRUST blogs Vicky has written, and I enjoyed, was the one about remembering how God has helped us in the past - TRUST #4:  Remember How God Has Helped You in the Past

In my late 30's, I was going through a real hard time emotionally. During that time, Vicky (a teenager then) made me a homemade verse card. It was Isaiah 41:13 - For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. I still have the card some 35 years later in my living room and I still read it, reminding me He does help us through rough times. It has become one of my favorite Bible verses. 

I also like Hebrews 13:5 - I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. Since losing my husband 16 months ago, this verse I say often. It is a promise I am never alone. There have been many things I have needed to do and, because of Him, I don’t have to do them alone. He has been there to help provide through my family and my church family. He is there to help me, and will continue to be there. He cares for the small things as well as the bigger ones. We have an awesome God!   ~ Carolyn McIntosh (Mom)

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Tori Kelly "Hiding Place" CD

You may know her as a fairly new pop-artist whose debut album "Unbreakable Smile" was released in 2015. You may remember her as the voice of "Meena the elephant" on the animated film SING. But, what you may not know is that TORI KELLY has had a lifelong passion for gospel music.

With the help of her manager, Scooter Braun, the L.A.-based singer/songwriter connected with Kirk Franklin, a 12-time Grammy Award-winning gospel artist and one of Kelly’s musical idols. “I flew to Dallas and Kirk showed me a few songs he’d written, and I fell in love with all of them,” says Kelly. So, with its R&B-infused take on classic gospel, Ms. Kelly's newest album, Hiding Place, will be released on September 14, 2018. It presents what Franklin refers to as “hope-pop.”

Kelly says, "One of the things I want for this album is for people to feel uplifted and encouraged when they listen." She goes on to say, "I want them to know that, no matter what they’re going through, there’s a God who loves them so much and so unconditionally, and there’s always a reason to feel hope. That’s what I really believe in, and I want everyone out there to hear my heart."

As I listened to the CD, I definitely noticed the R & B style, which is not my favorite style of music. However, Ms. Kelly has a beautiful voice, and the lyrics to each of the 8 songs bring out the importance of being real with God and with placing our faith, hope and trust in Him. My favorite is "Souls Anthem," the last song on the album. Check out these lyrics:

Teach me how to love you. Show me how to trust you,

more than with my words or with a song.

No, it's not been easy to live life down on my knees,

but with faith I know I'll carry on.

There is more to see than with my eyes.

Fear sometimes can leave me paralyzed.

I realize that I'm not in control, 

yet it is well with my soul.

The enemy's against me, arrows all around me, 

never knew the fight would last so long.

In seasons of depression, I plead for your protection.

Make me right, I'm tired of being wrong.

Every time there's hope, it seems to die, 

and the voices all around they feed that lie.

Everything I see tells me to let go, 

yet it it well with my soul.

This fight I'm in is not of flesh and blood. 

The weapons that I need are in your love.

Lord, don't you ever let me go, 

You make it well with my soul. 

GIVEAWAY:  I am able to give away a copy of this CD to one of my readers who are in the United States. If you are interested, do one of two things - either make a comment on this blog post and make sure I have a contact e-mail for you, or make a comment under the Facebook post on HHMRH MINISTRIES PAGE where I will contact you via private message if you are the winner. For all who comment, a random drawing will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2018, at 8:00 p.m. Central Time. 

Here is a video of Ms. Kelly singing "Never Alone." 

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 a prize from our sponsor Propeller/FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

TRUST #31: Ideas to Help Grandparents Share their Faith with their Grandchildren

Grandparents tend to have a special kind of love for their grandchildren, and can often have a significant impact in their lives. So, since today is Grandparent's Day, this TRUST post is for all of you grandparents who have the great opportunity of passing along your faith to your grandchildren.

As a grandparent, consider some of these ideas that may help encourage your grandchildren to live a life of faith:

1. Pray for them on a regular basis, and also be sure to TELL them you are praying for them.
2. Ask them HOW you can pray for them.
3. Teach them how to pray and/or take them to church with you, if their parents will allow it. (It's always important to be respectful of the parents wishes.)
4. For young ones, read stories to them that tell of God's love for them.
5. For grandchildren of ALL ages, share stories from your own life about times when prayers have been answered, or when you needed to TRUST God to help you through a difficult situation. Share your stories in person, or over the phone; or go one step further and record them on a cassette tape, or ask someone to video tape you telling your stories. What a special gift that would be!
6. If you enjoy writing, take the time to write your faith/trust stories in a notebook or journal in your own handwriting. This would be another great gift to give to the generations that follow you! Or, you could type up an entire memoir and get it self-published. If that is the direction you choose to go in, my friend Linda has a lot of helpful information on memoir writing over at her blog:  SPIRITUAL MEMOIRS 101

I am thankful for the blessing of wonderful parents and grandparents who have impacted my life with their faith. Here are a just a few photos of our kids with the grandparents who have shared in their lives over the years. These loving grandparents have not only talked about their faith, but have also shown by their actions what it means to live a life of TRUSTING in the Lord.

At Robin Hood Woods Campground with Grandma & Grandpa S. - July 2004

On our church playground with Grandma & Grandpa Mc. - 2005

Various photos with Grandma & Grandpa S. in 2007

Playing at a park while visiting Grandpa & Grandma Mc. - August 2009

Visiting Great Grandma Mac in her home - June 2011

Celebrating the Holidays with Grandpa & Grandma S. - 2013

Various photos with Grandma & Grandpa Mc. in 2014

Both sets of grandparents at our house for a visit - August 2015

Mother's Day with Grandma Mc. - May 2018

Visiting a covered bridge with Grandma & Grandpa S.  - May 2018

HAPPY GRANDPARENTS DAY!


Psalm 92:14-15 (NIV)

"They will still bear fruit in old age, 

they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, 

“The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, 

and there is no wickedness in Him."

TRUST #30: He Will Carry Us Safe to Shore

I'm finally back after taking a one-month blogging break. How are you doing with placing your TRUST in the Lord?

While I was on my break, my family took a mini-vacation with David's parents to St. Joseph, Michigan. I was excited to see the lighthouses there along Silver Beach; and even more excited to tour the bigger lighthouse and climb to the top of the tower.

I love lighthouses. I'm sure I got the interest in them from my dad, since he was a huge fan of them also. I thought of him a lot as we were walking out on the pier and, I admit, a few of my tears were shed. He would have loved being there, and I wished I could have shared those moments with him. But, I'm thankful I was able to share the experience with my husband, our son, and David's dad. I was in awe at my first, up-close look at a lighthouse.

What is it about lighthouses that are so intriguing? For one, they are beautiful, have interesting architecture, and they come in all different sizes, shapes, and colors. But, more than that, they are great reminders of how God is a beacon for us in times of trouble. A lighthouse is lit up when it is dark or stormy to help navigate boaters safely to the shore. In the same way, God cares for those of us who TRUST in Him. He provides the light that navigates us through troubled waters, bringing us safe to shore.

What exactly does that mean? Does it mean nothing "bad" will ever happen to us? Does it mean we will never get hurt or scared? No. It means when we are lost, or going through a hard time - rough waters - the Lord is there to guide us and help lead us to a place of peace. Internal peace.

Hold that thought as you listen to and/or read the lyrics to My Lighthouse, a song by the Christian group Rend Collective. (JJ introduced us to this song when he came home from working at Youth Haven Bible Camp this summer).

MY LIGHTHOUSE 

LYRICS

In my wrestling and in my doubts
In my failures You won't walk out
Your great love will lead me through
You are the peace in my troubled sea
You are the peace in my troubled sea

In the silence, You won't let go
In the questions, Your truth will hold
Your great love will lead me through
You are the peace in my troubled sea
You are the peace in my troubled sea

My lighthouse, my lighthouse
Shining in the darkness. I will follow You
My lighthouse, my lighthouse
I will trust the promise
You will carry me safe to shore (oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)
Safe to shore (oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)
Safe to shore (oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)
Safe to shore

I won't fear what tomorrow brings
With each morning I'll rise and sing
My God's love will lead me through
You are the peace in my troubled sea
You are the peace in my troubled sea

My lighthouse, my lighthouse
Shining in the darkness, I will follow You
My lighthouse, my lighthouse
I will trust the promise
You will carry me safe to shore (oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)
Safe to shore (oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)
Safe to shore (oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)
Safe to shore

Fire before us, You're the brightest
You will lead us through the storms
Fire before us, You're the brightest
You will lead us through the storms
Fire before us, You're the brightest
You will lead us through the storms
Fire before us, You're the brightest
You will lead us through the storms

My lighthouse, my lighthouse
Shining in the darkness, I will follow You
My lighthouse, my lighthouse
I will trust the promise
You will carry me safe to shore (oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)
Safe to shore (oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)
Safe to shore (oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)
Safe to shore

Songwriters: Gareth Gilkeson / Chris Llewellyn
My Lighthouse lyrics © Capitol Christian Music Group

  TRUST in the promise that
He will carry you safe to shore.

A FREE E-book to Help Teach Children About Gratefulness

Materialism, selfishness, and feelings of entitlement are being instilled into our children through the culture we live in. It is important to teach them, while they are young, to be grateful for the blessings God has given them, and to be generous in sharing those blessings with others.

Compassion International has a way to help teach these important lessons with their new e-book, Goggles of Gratefulness. It is a sweetly illustrated, 20-page book about a little bird who had an ungrateful attitude. Then, she had a change of heart while visiting a needy family member.

Download it for FREE at this link:

FREE E-BOOK:  Goggles of Gratefulness 

TRUST #29: A Review of TRUST POSTS

I will be taking a blogging break through the month of August, and will plan to be back with more TRUST posts on September 2nd. Until then, take some time to read through the first 28 weeks again; and, if you get a moment, I would love to hear from you. Please share what your favorite posts have been so far, or share a testimony of how these posts have impacted your walk with the Lord. Thanks for reading.  ~Victoria

TRUST #1:  Focus for 2018: TRUST
TRUST #2:  My Unexplained Pain
TRUST #3:  God Works All Things for Our Good
TRUST #4:  Remember How God Has Helped You in the Past
TRUST #5:  Trust in God's Love for You
TRUST #6:  Trust God's Decision on Leaders
TRUST #7:  A Simple Plan to Help Us TRUST More and Worry Less
TRUST #8:  Trust God to Meet Your Needs (Carolyn McIntosh's Story)
TRUST #9:  He Never Leaves Us Nor Forsakes Us (Daneille Snowden's Story)
TRUST #10:  Following God's Lead (Charity Vanderhoof's Story)
TRUST #11:  Trusting Christ with a "Death Sentence" (Mike Phillip's Story)
TRUST #12:  The First Moment of Real Trust in God
TRUST #13:  Trusting God to Help Us Find Our Way (Daniel McIntosh's Story)
TRUST #14:  Trust God to Listen to Your Heart
TRUST #15:  How to Trust in God When You Don't Know How
TRUST #16:  Trusting God When Your Family Turns Against You (Rein Schmidt's Story)
TRUST #17:  Prayers Can Show Our Trust
TRUST #18:  What Faith Means to Me (Guest: Carolyn McIntosh)
TRUST #19:  "Trust" Quote from Chip Ingram
TRUST #20:  Romans 15:13
TRUST #21:  Twila Paris "Do I Trust You?"
TRUST #22:  "Trust the Engineer" (A Quote by Corrie TenBoom)
TRUST #23:  A Father Who Can Be Trusted
TRUST #24:  Allowing Our Son to Go and Do
TRUST #25:  Trusting in the Reliability of God's Word
TRUST #26:  Lauren Daigle "Trust in You"
TRUST #27:  EL is 2 Years Seizure-Free
TRUST #28:  'Tis So Sweet to TRUST in Jesus

TRUST #28: Tis So Sweet To TRUST in Jesus

This lovely old hymn was written by a young missionary in 1882 after a heartbreaking, life-altering event took place. She wrote the words shortly after she watched her husband drown while trying to rescue a young child. Read the lyrics here, and click on the title to hear the tune:

'TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS
By: Louisa M.R. Stead

’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,

And to take Him at His Word;

Just to rest upon His promise,

And to know, “Thus says the Lord!”

Refrain

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!

O how sweet to trust in Jesus,

Just to trust His cleansing blood;

And in simple faith to plunge me

’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

Refrain

Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,

Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking

Life and rest, and joy and peace.

Refrain

I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,

Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;

And I know that Thou art with me,

Wilt be with me to the end.

Refrain

TRUST #27: EL is 2 years Seizure-Free

Look closely at this photo and you can see people on top of the big rock. These people went on a journey to climb that rock in order to focus on the beauty around them. It reminds me of the climbs we have taken in life with our daughter, EL. Not physical climbs as we see in the photo; but emotional, developmental, and spiritual climbs - all due to EL's various health issues. Each climb we have taken has been used to help us exercise our faith, and to help us focus on the beauty around us.

It has been awhile since I have given an update on EL. Thankfully, that means she hasn't been having any major health issues lately. Yay! In fact, her last seizure was on July 15, 2016, two years ago today. After that seizure, her Pediatric Neurologist added an additional medication, which seems to have been the one that was needed to stop the seizures.

She started seeing a different Neurologist in February of this year - one that see's adults. We like her, and are happy her office is only an hour's drive from us instead of two. Next month, we will go back for a 6-month checkup and discuss weaning EL from the first medication she started taking and will see how things go.

Watching your child suffer through health issues is heartbreaking, to say the least. Through it all - her autism, her anxiety, her epilepsy, and her pituitary tumor - God has been a refuge for us. He has given us the wisdom, patience, and the strength we have needed for each and every climb we've come to. That is what TRUSTING in God can do.

TRUST #26: "Trust in You" by Lauren Daigle

Lauren Daigle has a way of putting beautiful expressions of worship to music. I love this song she co-wrote about TRUSTING in the Lord. It reminds me that God is my strength and comfort; my firm foundation. He goes before me and is with me through every mountain and every valley; and I can be assured that His plans for my life are always good, even when things don't happen in the way I think they should.

TRUST IN YOU

(Click on the title to hear this song)

Letting go of every single dream
I lay each one down at Your feet
Every moment of my wandering
Never changes what You see
I try to win this war
I confess, my hands are weary, I need Your rest
Mighty warrior, king of the fight
No matter what I face You're by my side

When You don't move the mountains
I'm needing You to move
When You don't part the waters
I wish I could walk through
When You don't give the answers
As I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You

Truth is, You know what tomorrow brings
There's not a day ahead You have not seen
So let all things be my life and breath
I want what You want Lord and nothing less

When You don't move the mountains
I'm needing You to move
When You don't part the waters
I wish I could walk through
When You don't give the answers
As I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You
I will trust in You

You are my strength and comfort
You are my steady hand
You are my firm foundation
The rock on which I stand
Your ways are always higher
Your plans are always good
There's not a place where I'll go
You've not already stood

When You don't move the mountains
I'm needing You to move
When You don't part the waters
I wish I could walk through
When You don't give the answers
As I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You
I will trust in You
I will trust in You
I will trust in You

Songwriters: Lauren Daigle/ Michael Farren / Paul Mabury

Trust In You lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Essential Music Publishing, Capitol Christian Music Group