New Testament Overview (Part 1) from Grapevine Studies (Schoolhouse Review Crew Review)

We received this for review purposes!

 

 Product Links: New Testament 1: Level 3 Birth of John to Jesus' Ministry and New Testament 1: Level 4 Birth of John to Jesus' Ministry

Vendor Information Link: Grapevine Studies

Age Appeal: Level 3 is for 10-12 years of age.  Level for is for those 12 years and up

Format: Downloadable PDF with 12 weekly lessons or 45 daily lessons

Price: Please go to the website for current prices.

Are you looking for a new and fun way for your children to learn about the Bible?  With Grapevine Studies, you and your children will read Bible verses, draw stick figures depicting certain aspects of those verses, learn memory verses, and more.

Our Experience: 

I was excited when we had a chance to review Grapevine Studies, because I wanted a new way for the children to learn and remember the Bible.

We reviewed the New Testament Overview (Part 1) with Level 3 for C and Level 4 for B.  We recieved the e-books for both of those levels and a teacher’s guide for me, which conveniently covered both of those levels.  We chose to do the daily lessons, which meant we did one page a day.  I would read the Bible verses, then I would draw the stick figures to show them what they looked like.  We would also look at the illustrations in the teacher’s guide, because they were much better than mine.  Since B was in Level 4, he had extra practice in finding information in a Bible Dictionary, Concordance, and Topical Bible.

Mama’s Thoughts:

• I think this is an excellent way for children to study the Bible, since they draw the important facts from each set of Bible verses.
• C and B had a fun time drawing the characters and listening to the Bible verses.
• I liked how the teacher’s guide included both levels.  The two levels flowed together so well, that I was easily able to instruct each of the children when they needed to work on different topics.
• I was glad that B would have experience using the difference Bible references.  We didn’t have a Bible Dictionary or Topical Bible at the time, but we used the excellent resources that are available on the internet.  He enjoyed looking for the information and writing down his answers. 
• I liked how each lesson took about 15 to 20 minutes.  Our family has always used the Charlotte Mason Method of learning, so this Bible study was perfect for us. 
• It was fun watching the children get their colored pencils out and select which the colors they would use for the day.
• The teacher’s guide was very helpful.  I was able to learn the teaching method, statement of faith, teacher and student goals, and the supply list.  There were also a lot of helping instructions how to teach the lessons.  I liked having the answers to each lesson with that specific lesson.

 

B’s Thoughts (boy, age 12, officially in sixth grade):   

I liked the New Testament Overview (Part 1) Level 4.  It was fun drawing the stick figures. 

I would recommend this Grapevine Bible study for kids my age and younger.    

 C’s Thoughts (girl, age 10, officially in fourth grade):

• I liked that there was a Student Drawing Page.  It was fun choosing the picture I liked best from that lesson.
• I think Grapevine Studies is a great way to learn about the Bible.  I thought that drawing stick figures was fun.

Dad’s Thoughts:

Dad was not available.

Mama recommends Grapevine Studies!

Social Media Links!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrapevineStudies/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrapevineStudy
Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/GrapevineStudy

   

Family Bible Study Time (October 6, 2014)- Week 1 will be Ephesians 3: 1-13

Hello everyone!  I have decided to change the name of this post to Family Bible Study from Prayer of the Week!.  This week we will be reading and working on Ephesians 3:1-13.

During the week I will be reading several verses a day, then I will be writing down my observations and how I can apply the verses in my daily life.  I will begin and end each day with a prayer.  At the end of the week I will share my thoughts and prayers in a blog post.

There are many ways you can get the entire family involved.  Here are some of my ideas.  Please share if you have any ideas!

• Have a specific time every day for Bible Study.  Whatever time works best for your family.
• Have your children read the verses with the Bible version that is best suited for them.  In our house we read the King James, NIV, NLT, and New King James versions.
• After you read the daily Bible verses, each person could say their observations and how they could apply the verses to their daily lives.
• You could pick a specific person for each day of the week to say the opening and closing prayers.

Please enjoy this Bible study.  I will be back on Saturday night with my thoughts and prayers from the week.

Until then!

Prayer of the Week! (October 5, 2014)- Ephesians 2:19-22 (A Bible Study for the Whole Family)

A couple of years ago I took part in a Bible study where we studied the book of Ephesians.  Once a week I would like to mention the Bible verses which were studied, give my observations and applications.  Finally, I will give you my prayer involving those verses.

Today will be Ephesians 2:19-22 (please the selection in your Bible).

Observations:

• All Christians are members of God’s house!
• Jesus is our cornerstone.

Application:

• I need to remember that all Christians are members of God’s house and to treat them accordingly.

Prayer:

Dear Lord,

Thank you for making us members of Your household.  We are to be there with the saints and Your Son is the cornerstone.  That is truly inspiring to be a part of that household.  I am very grateful for being a member.

Please bless me this week, so that I may do Your will as a member of Your household.

In Jesus’s name.  Amen

Hello everyone!  I have decided to change the name of this post to Family Bible Study.  Tomorrow I will be posting the verses that need to be read during the week.  I will also list some ideas that you can do to make this fun for the whole family.

Until then!

Prayer of the Week! (September 26, 2014)- Ephesians 2: 16-18

A couple of years ago I took part in a Bible study where we studied the book of Ephesians.  Once a week I would like to mention the Bible verses which were studied, give my observations and applications.  Finally, I will give you my prayer involving those verses.

Today will be Ephesians 2:16-18 (please the selection in your Bible).

Observations:

• There should be no hostility.
• We are reconciled to God.

Application:

• We need to remember that we have access to the Father through the Son.
• We are part of God.

Prayer:

Dear Lord,

Thank you for your Son.  It is only through him that we have access to You.  We are one with You.

Thank you for all you have given, may we be truly grateful.

In Jesus’s name.  Amen

Prayer of the Week! (June 26, 2014)- Ephesians 2:1-3

A couple of years ago I took part in a Bible study where we studied the book of Ephesians.  Once a week I would like to mention the Bible verses which were studied, then give you my prayer involving those verses.
Today will be Ephesians 2:1-3.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for You!
I will not be a child of wrath.  I will no longer follow the prince of the power of the air.  I will obey you.
I will pray daily for others and myself that we will not be that person.
In Jesus’s name.  Amen

Prayer of the Week! (June 12, 2014)- Ephesians 1:20-21

A couple of years ago I took part in a Bible study where we studied the book of Ephesians.  Once a week I would like to mention the Bible verses which were studied, then give you my prayer involving those verses.
Today will be Ephesians 1:20-21.
Dear Lord,
You have given us Your Son, Jesus.  It was not just for then, it was for now and in the future.  You are so powerful Lord and I thank you that You have done this for us.
Thank you! 
In Jesus’s name.  Amen

Prayer of the Week! (June 5, 2014) Ephesians 1:18-19

A couple of years ago I took part in a Bible study where we studied the book of Ephesians.  Once a week I would like to mention the Bible verses which were studied, then give you my prayer involving those verses.
Today will be Ephesians 1:18-19.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for the inheritance that you have given us.  Please help us to remember the glorious riches and the hope that is always there for us.
My heart needs to know and always remember the hope.  Thank you! 
In Jesus’s name.  Amen

Prayer of the Week! (May 29, 2014)- Ephesians 1:17

A couple of years ago I took part in a Bible study where we studied the book of Ephesians.  Once a week I would like to mention the Bible verses which were studied, then give you my prayer involving those verses.
Today will be Ephesians 1:17.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for your words of wisdom.  We do need to keep reading the Bible and praying.  If we do not do that we will not know everything You have to tell us.  We need the spirit of wisdom. 
Please help me to remember to read the Bible and pray many times during the day.
In Jesus’s name.  Amen

Prayer of the Week! (May 22, 2014)- Ephesians 1:15-16

A couple of years ago I took part in a Bible study where we studied the book of Ephesians.  Once a week I would like to mention the Bible verses which were studied, then give you my prayer involving those verses.
Today will be Ephesians 1:15-16.
Dear Lord,
Help me to remember to always pray for other Christian, especially the new ones.  They need prayers and help, so they can keep the faith.
Thank you for my faith in You.
In Jesus’s name.  Amen

Prayer of the Week! (May 10, 2014)- Ephesians 1:11-12

A couple of years ago I took part in a Bible study where we studied the book of Ephesians.  Once a week I would like to mention the Bible verses which were studied, then give you my prayer involving those verses.

Today will be Ephesians 1:11-12.

Dear Lord,

I thank you so much for being in charge.  It is hard for me though, because I am a person who likes being in charge of everything.  Please help me to yield to you, because I know it will make my life even better. 

I enjoy resting in you and knowing that you will be there for me.  Thank you so much.

In Jesus’s name.  Amen

Prayer of the Week! (April 24, 2014)- Ephesians 1:5-6

A couple of years ago I took part in a Bible study where we studied the book of Ephesians.  Once a week I would like to mention the Bible verses which were studied, then give you my prayer involving those verses.

Today will be Ephesians 1:5-6.

Dear Lord,

Thank you for always loving us and wanting to adopt us, but most of all thank you for sending Your Son, Jesus.  Without Him we would never be able to be with You in Heaven.

In Jesus’s name.  Amen

Come Back to Jesus- and Don’t Bring Your Blackberry by Tanya Logan (Review)

Come Back to Jesus- and Don’t Bring Your Blackberry

by Tanya Logan

(I received this book for review purposes.)

 

Genre- Christian / Bible Study

Publisher- WestBow Press

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 106

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- Paperback, $16.96, ISBN: 978-1-4497-8207-8

Are you too busy to enjoy your time with the Lord?  The Come Back to Jesus- and Don’t Bring Your Blackberry Bible Study, by Tanya Logan will help you gain your life back.  This six week study includes Bible verses, information from the author, and questions to help you realize what you need to do.   There is also a leader’s guide at the back of the book.

About the Author:

Tanya Logan is married and currently lives in Florida.  This is her fourth book.

My thoughts:  

I thought Come Back to Jesus- and Don’t Bring Your Blackberry, by Tanya Logan, was wonderful.  Everyone today needs to take part in a Bible study that is focused on helping people rest in the busyness of their daily lives.

This Bible study takes six weeks, with five days of study per week.  I enjoyed reading the lesson and answering the questions.  It made me realize that even as a stay-at-home mom, I am too busy and I need to take more time for God, my family, and myself.  It is not fun to have so many obligations and not be able to do something for fun, like play a game with the children.

I would recommend this Bible study to everyone.  We need know how to let go of work and the daily distractions of life to focus on God.  I plan on sharing this Bible study with the women’s group at my church.  Please find a copy of this study for yourself.  You will be blessed.

Informational and Purchasing Links:

Author website: http://tanyalogan.com/WomensBibleStudy.html

Book Website: http://www.comebacktojesusv.com/

Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/TanyaRDavis

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/tanyawriter

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyawriter/

You can purchase Come Back to Jesus–and Don’t Bring your Blackberry on Amazon.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received a free copy of Come Back to Jesus- and Don’t Bring Your Blackberry, by Tanya Logan to review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.  I am part of The CWA Review Crew.  All links were current when posted.

Faith-Joseph’s Story: A Novel and Christian Bible Study by Sandra Lea Hardage (Review)

Faith-Joseph’s Story: A Novel and Christian Bible Study

by Sandra Lea Hardage

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Nonfiction

Publisher- CrossBooks

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 320

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- Paperback, $14.99, ISBN: 978-1-4627-2783

Faith-Joseph’s Story, by Sandra Lea Hardage, contains a novel about Joseph and a Bible study.

When Joseph is seventeen his brothers sell him and he goes to live with the Egyptians.  By trusting in God, he is able to face the challenges that a foreign country gives him. 

The other part of the book includes a Bible Study and leader’s guide with topics like, temptations, forgiveness, and bitterness.

About the Author:

Sandra Lea Hardage and her husband have three grown children and eight grandchildren.  She has been a public school teacher, coordinator of different programs, Sunday School teacher, and more.

My thoughts:  Faith-Joseph’s Story, by Sandra Lea Hardage, was unique with the combination of the novel and Bible study.

I have never read a novel/Bible study combination before and I thought Hardage did a wonderful job.  I enjoyed reading Joseph’s story from the first person point-of-view.  It made his story more personal for me.

The Bible study was a great next step after reading his story.  It was very complete and I enjoyed reading the chapters from the Bible, summaries, and lots of thought provoking questions.  I was really glad there was an answer key at the back of the book.  I liked making sure I got the answers correct.

I would recommend this book to everyone who wants to learn more about Joseph and themselves.

Informational and Purchasing Links:

Author website with book trailer: http://sandrahardage.com/faith-josephs-story-a-novelchristian-book-study/

https://twitter.com/myfaithjourney

https://www.facebook.com/MyJourneyOfFaith

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/sandra-hardage/75/812/529

You can purchase FAITH Joseph’s Story on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received a free copy of Faith-Joseph’s Story: A Novel and Christian Bible Study by Sandra Lea Hardage to review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.  I am part of The CWA Review Crew.  All links were current when posted.

Zondervan’s KJV Homeschool Mom’s Bible (Schoolhouse Crew Review)

We received Zondervan’s KJV Homeschool Mom’s Bible for review purposes.

Product Link: KJV - http://zondervan.com/9780310431473

Vendor Contact Information: Zondervan

Age Appeal: Adult (Homeschool Moms)

Format: hardback book (ISBN: 978-0-310-43147-3)

Price: $34.99

Zondervan’s KJV Homeschool Mom’s Bible has 365 daily devotions written by Janet Tatman, who has more than 25 years of homeschooling experience.  Some subjects included are rest, money, pride, and many more.  There is a forward written by Vickie Farris, author and homeschool mom.  At the end of the Bible is a Topical Index.

Our Experience:

I was very interested in this style of Bible.  I have read Bibles with studies in them before and since I am a homeschool mom I thought this one would be perfect.  I would have a new Bible and Bible Study together. 

I had decided that I would read all of the daily readings, so I could give you the best review possible.  I did read them all and I can’t wait to read them again as part of my daily Bible study.  I also enjoyed having a topical index.  I can go back and pick the topic when I need specific encouragement.  I also have a list of my favorite devotions, so I can go back when I need to.

I also had Dad look at the Bible, so he could give his opinion from a dad’s point of view.

I Liked:

• I liked the description on the back of the Bible.  It described exactly what I found in the Bible.  I also thought the cover was pretty and eye-catching.
• I liked how much Janet Tatman put her heart and soul into this book.  Each day of the Bible study had her own personal experiences and I felt that I learned about her parenting and teaching styles.
• I liked how it could teach me about different ways to help my children grow as I teach them as a parent or a teacher.

I Disliked:

• I wish there would have been more scripture involvement with the Bible.  The first verse could have been one that the reader had to look up.
• I also wished sometimes that the personal stories had been finished, so I would have known how to deal with a similar situation.

What B (boy, age nine, officially in fourth grade) Liked and Disliked:

B did not take part in this review, because this Bible was for moms.

What C (girl, age seven, officially in second grade) Liked and Disliked:

C did not take part in this review, because this Bible was for moms.

Dad’s Call:

There is a growing trend to have bibles with devotionals or short one page articles using scripture to address a particular issue.  Janet Tatman has done this with The KJV Homeschool Mom's Bible.  The 365 devotionals (one a day) provide guidance, comfort, reassurance, and strength to Moms who homeschool.  This can be a big help when the day isn't going when the kids having an off day or even if the husband is off in his own little world not giving full support (or attention) to her.

The devotions address such topics as children, cheating, laziness, joy, rest, service, traditions, questions and more.  There is a topical index that alphabetically lists the many topics and tells you on which page or pages you can find them for quick look-ups.  Each devotional also has a prayer at the end and tells you the page number for where you can find the next day’s devotion.  This is a handy feature.

If you homeschool this would be a great addition to your library to support those facing the daily challenges of not only raising children but educating them as well. Janet Tatman did a fantastic job with The KJV Homeschool Mom's Bible. Get your copy today.

Mama highly recommends KJV Homeschool Mom’s Bible from Zondervan! 

1 Peter by Sue Edwards (Lesson 2)

Genre- Religion/Biblical Studies/Bible Study Guides

1 Peter: Finding Encouragement in Troubling Times by Sue Edwards

Published by- Kregel Publications

Copyrighted- 2011

Number of pages- 102

Age Group- Adult Women

Description of book- Paperback, listed price- $12.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4198

Link to Lesson 1.

Lesson 2- “Respond like a Bone-Dry Babe”

Lesson two has been thought provoking.  I really enjoyed studying Core 4 (“Love One Another") and Core 5 (Satisfy Your Craving”). 

I liked Core 4, because it shows that if we can truly love our neighbors then we are loving and obeying God.  In Core 5, I was captivated by the thought of spiritual milk.  Comparing it so much to a mother’s milk turned me off until I thought of a cow instead of a human mother.  We do need that milk, literal or figurative, and we will become much better Christians if we satisfy our cravings for the word of God (the spiritual milk).  These two cores has shown me a lot in how I need to grow in Christ, with how I treat others and how I study the Bible.  I need to make a daily effort to do both.  I need to reach out to at least one person to show them how much they are loved by me (and God) and I need to read the Bible, so I can better help those people and myself.  And I think I am going start in my own family and then work from there.

One thing that is concerning me as I am reading and doing this Bible study, is that it is taking much longer than an 1 1/2 just to do the Core sections.  In the introduction it said that this study would take that amount of time and I think it takes me around 1/2 an hour to do one Core.  I am hoping that as I become fluent in doing this Bible study that my time will improve, because I am running out of time in the day to do what I need to do, perhaps this is a sign I need to make more time for God.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received 1 Peter by Sue Edwards for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour. All links were current when posted. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

1 Peter by Sue Edwards (Lesson 1)

Genre- Religion/Biblical Studies/Bible Study Guides

1 Peter: Finding Encouragement in Troubling Times by Sue Edwards

Published by- Kregel Publications

Copyrighted- 2011

Number of pages- 102

Age Group- Adult Women

Description of book- Paperback, listed price- $12.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4198

Lesson 1

I was excited to learn about this study and participate for this is the first week and we have completed Lesson 1, which covered 1 Peter 1:1-12.

Sue Edwards has developed three levels of study: “core” questions, “digging deeper” questions, and “summit” questions.  Each level takes a great amount of time and resource dedication.  As the participant, we needed to pick the level that would work the best for us.  I have chosen the second level, “digging deeper,” because I have the outside resources of atlas, Bible dictionary, and concordance.

I really enjoy the way this book is laid out and I am doing one Core a day within each lesson.  And the Living Stone Story was a great addition.  I am looking forward to reading each one.

I can’t wait for Lesson 2!

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received 1 Peter by Sue Edwards for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour. All links were current when posted. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.