The Jesus Series: Life and Miracles: Read and Share DVD Bible

The Jesus Series: Life and Miracles: Read and Share DVD Bible takes the pages of the Read and Share Bible. There are 8 stories included in this DVD that together come to a 30 minute presentation of Jesus' ministry along the shores of Lake Galilee and the villages near Nazareth. The animation and storytelling is geared towards kids.
I watched this with my 3 year old son. I was impressed that it held his attention for a good length of time, but not through all of it during one sitting. However, later in the day he asked to watch it again, so I was glad to see that he enjoyed it.
I was pleased with the storytelling. I thought the voices, music and animation were all well done. While I already have my own vision in my mind’s eyes of how things actually played out. I was happy to see that Jesus appeared and sounded friendly and welcoming. It was interesting to see how the creators imagined how the stories took place with emotions, timing and facial expressions. I think the length of the stories was appropriate to keep kids engaged while including key passages from the scriptures. I like having another DVD that my kids can enjoy and that I know is teaching them about Jesus

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program

Plan B by Pete Wilson

Pete Wilson sets out to give some perspective and some guidance for when things don’t work out the way we thought they would. It focuses on how much of our lives don’t follow our prescribed plan and that we aren’t the only one that is going through these types of situations. Pete writes in a very easy to read style with lots of examples.
While I believe that Pete is really trying to give people hope, I was disappointed with most of the book’s content. In the end of chapter 1 he says “So maybe, just maybe, there is some wisdom in these ancient scriptures that could help you answer the “What now?” question. Maybe there are some truths that will unlock hope in your life once again.” This is the pervasive attitude for most of the book and the last chapter. While I see that Pete is trying to sympathize with people who are dealing with doubt and struggling with life, he offers little in terms of solid Biblical truths that truly do give hope, comfort and ultimately a peace that passes understanding. The only redeeming chapters that do this are chapters 10-13. Then the last chapter returns to the attitude of as Pete puts it, “why do bad things happen to good people.” As Christians we need to remember that no one is righteous and the right question is “why do good things happen to bad people.” Then, while looking to the cross and Jesus we find abundant grace and mercy that is new every morning.
I read this book hoping for some insight in helping people who are dealing with life’s struggles as well as dealing with my own. To these ends I found the book lacking.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program

Bible Jumble for Kids

Bible Jumble for Kids is intended for kids age 8 and older. It contains 200 puzzles that will teach them about Bible stories and characters. It contains traditional jumbles, mystery person jumbles, jumble detective, jumble criss-cross, find the fumbles and Bible passage jumbles. Each section starts in the beginning in Genesis and moves through the Old Testament and into the New Testament. There are clues or hints given for each one and answers are found in the back.

I have never reviewed a book like this before. I was intrigued by it as I have kids, I like fun facts and I like games. So I thought it would be a good fit and it was. We have had a fun time going through the puzzles and found it to be engaging as adults and potentially stimulating for fun Bible stories based on the people and themes that are the answers for the jumbles. Definitely more fun time are ahead and I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for some fun games with the family.

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.