Complete Language Pack Spanish

Complete Language Pack Spanish
From DK Canada

About the Product

Combining the solid grounding of a practical language teaching course with the instant accessibility of a phrasebook, each Complete Language Pack is structured around simple conversations used in everyday situations. The courses cover basic vocabulary and grammar in sixty fifteen-minute daily units. Pronunciation guides and the audio CDs make speaking easy, and "cover and test" flaps and flashcards reinforce learning and make testing yourself fun.

Teaching what you need to know fast — arranged thematically, with simple conversations based on real-life situations, Complete Language Pack Spanish includes the bestselling 15-Minute Language Course, Visual Phrase Book, and three audio CDs.

With a pronunciation guide for every word and phrase, a two-way dictionary that provides ready reference on the go, and a phrase book including useful cultural tips, Complete Language Pack Spanish is ideal for both business and vacation travelers.

My Thoughts

Here’s another great resource to learn a new language in your spare time.   Complete Language Pack Spanish will guide you – 15 minutes a day – to learn Spanish for your next trip in Spain.   The book teaches European Spanish, which differs in pronunciation from the various dialects spoken in Latin America.    But even though this is not Latin America, I think it could give you a nice stepping stones to learn Latin American Spanish.

The kit comes with numerous tools; cds, book to accompany the lessons, easy grammar booklet as well as a visual phrase book.  The first two CDs contains the lessons you will find in the book.  In twelve weeks, you can covered all the basics conversational phrases to help you communicate with the people.   It only takes you five minutes a day for five days in a row to complete a lesson. In each lesson, you will get some warm ups, some say it exercises, introductory paragraphs as well as cultural or conversational tips.   You will also go through a review and repeat section for each lesson. 

The third CD is an audio guide to the Spanish Visual Phrase Book.   You can either listen to the CD alone or with the book.   This will help you to improve your pronunciation and build your vocabulary in the language.

The reason why I am interested in us learning Spanish is because we might have the opportunity to go back on mission trip in Dominican Republic and meet our three sponsored children from Compassion Canada.   Having the ability to converse with them would mean a lot for me.   Back in 2005, we went to visit the child we were sponsoring then.    We also had the privilege to visit his home and meet his parents.    He was five years old and was a delight to meet.   I sincerely hope that we could go back and meet him again as well as the two girls we are sponsoring.

 

I find learning another language to be a great skill to develop.  Not only you can have the opportunity to converse with others but you can feel more independent in venturing in the city you are visiting.    As homeschoolers, I think we need to expose our kids to other languages as much as possible.   Spanish being a language based on Latin I think it would be easy for us to pick it up as French is also based on Latin.  

I know that there is other products out there to help you learn Spanish but most often the price is ridiculously high.   This specific product is quite reasonable in price and the quality attached to it is impressive.   You can listen and repeat with the “teachers” without worrying about not being able to go back in the lesson.  Anytime you want you can listen again the lesson to practice or revise it.

I was able to upload the lessons without problem on my iPod.   Then you can take the book with you wherever you go and do a lesson when you have about five minutes.    I would not suggest to do it while you are driving unless you have gone through the lesson once already.   I find it beneficial to do the lesson once with the book so you can see the phonetic of the words at the same time.    Then you can redo the lesson multiple times during the day if you want to.

Complete Language Pack Spanish is great tool to help you learn a new language.   All you will need is to find a friend to practice with.    Once you know the basics, you can continue practicing with books or television if you want to.

Complete Language Pack Spanish is available at  your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: Thanks to DK Canada for sending me the above mentioned products for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Complete Language Pack French

Complete Language Pack French
From DK Canada

About the product

Combining the solid grounding of a practical language teaching course with the instant accessibility of a phrasebook, each Complete Language Pack is structured around simple conversations used in everyday situations. The courses cover basic vocabulary and grammar in sixty fifteen-minute daily units. Pronunciation guides and the audio CDs make speaking easy, and "cover and test" flaps and flashcards reinforce learning and make testing yourself fun.

Teaching what you need to know fast — arranged thematically, with simple conversations based on real-life situations, Complete Language Pack French includes the bestselling 15-Minute Language Course, Visual Phrase Book, and three audio CDs.

With a pronunciation guide for every word and phrase, a two-way dictionary that provides ready reference on the go, and a phrase book including useful cultural tips, Complete Language Pack French is ideal for both business and vacation travelers.

My Thoughts

I am impressed with the presentation and the French lessons on this product.    Yes the lessons are made with two French speaking people from France but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn something from it if you live in Canada and desire to learn French.    French Canadian is a bit different that French from France but nevertheless these CDs and books will be useful for someone willing to learn the language.

I couldn’t help but smile as I heard the “teachers” speaking English.  It was quite evident that it wasn’t their primary language.   Even when I speak myself people know that I am not English.    However, they are very professional, speak clearly and slowly, and will guide you through a series of exercises to learn how to communicate in French.

The pack comes with three CDs – two of them contain the lessons while the third one is in fact the visual phrase book CD.    Also included in the pack you will find an Easy Grammar, a Visual Phrase Book as well as the lesson book.   The Easy Grammar booklet provides useful information on the French grammar with sections on nouns and pronouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, conjunctions, prepositions, questions and a reference section on numbers, days, months and time. The Visual Phrase Book is very compact and can be carried everywhere you go when you are visiting a French country or Quebec.    Sentences and images are both listed in English and French to help you communicate at the restaurant, at the store or anywhere you go.  

The CDs and lesson book is broken down into five daily lessons over the course of 12 weeks.    Each lesson is specifically designed to last 15 minutes and you will have plenty of exercises to practice.   You will have warm ups, Say It exercises, introductory paragraphs, as well as cultural and conversational tips.    At the end of the week, you will have the opportunity to review and repeat the lessons.    I originally tested this product while driving and realized that though it is a nice to be able to listen to the CD while driving, it is quite difficult to check the book at the same time.   So I would suggest that you could practice in your car while driving but when they are suggesting that you look at the book it would be preferable that you do so when you are at home or during your lunch time at work.  

Here’s the list of the lessons from both CDs.

CD 1

Week 1  Introduction – Hello, relatives, my family, to be and to have

Week 2 Eating and Drinking – In the Café, In the restaurant, To want, Dishes

Week 3 Making Arrangements – Days and months, Time and numbers, Appointments, On the telephone

Week 4 Travel – At the ticket office, To go or to take, Taxi/bus/metro, On the road

Week 5 Getting About – About town, Finding your way, Sightseeing, At the airport

Week 6 Accommodation – Booking a room, In the hotel, At the campsite, Descriptions

CD 2

Week 7 Shopping – Shops, At the market, At the supermarket, Clothes and shoes

Week 8 Work and Study – Jobs, The office, Academic world, In business

Week 9 Health – At the pharmacy, The body, At the doctor, At the hospital

Week 10 At Home – At home, In the House, The garden, Pets

Week 11 Services – Post office and bank, Services, To come, Police and crime

Week 12 Leisure and socializing – Leisure Time, Sport and hobbies, Socializing

As you can see, this product covers everything you will need to travel and communicate safely when you go to a French country or province.

Though I smiled when hearing the teachers as I listened to it, I can see that this product was specifically designed for anyone wanting to be able to communicate easily with French people around them.    I also think it is a great way for practice a second language.   As you might know we are a French language family – but I must be honest and tell you that the kids have a tendency to speak English first.   Knowing this, I figure these CDs will help them to interact more in French and also expand their vocabulary.    While I was listening to the CD as I drove for a last excursion at the Agriculture museum with the younger two, my son Jérémy took the time to repeat at each lesson.    My daughter was a bit more stubborn but I figure that she has no choice than listen as well…     Reinforcing the French is one of my objective this year – and yes in case you are wondering we do speak French at home but when the kids play I always hear English…

Other Complete Language Packs are available at DK Canada – Italian and Spanish.  

The Complete Language Pack French is available for purchase at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: Thanks to DK Canada for sending me the above mentioned products for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

A Place to Belong CD

A Place to Belong CD
From Tricia Troyer

About the CD

Every woman needs acceptance, love and a place to belong.  That’s the underlying theme of the new music CD, A Place to Belong (Lifeway Worship) from singer/songwriter Lisa Troyer, president of Circle of Friends Ministries.    Refreshingly authentic and dynamic, the companion worship CD to Troyer’s recently released book, A Place to Belong: Out of Our Comfort Zone and into God’s Adventure (published at Barbour Publishing), tenderly draws women in a place of true freedom and belonging in the very heart of God. 

In her book, Troyer shares her own journey to acceptance as well as the story of a group of dynamic “women helping women” who call themselves the Circle of Friends.   Troyer encourages readers to form their own circle of friends, a safe place of truth and love where women can develop lasting relationships and discover together the purposes of God for their lives.

Obviously noticeable in both the book and CD is Troyer’s passion to lead others into the bottomless love of God.  This fierce desire compelled her to plunge deeply into the heart of the issues all women face, but most keep to themselves.  With tendencies toward depression, anxiety attacks and an eating disorder, Troyer knows firsthand the bondace of secrecy and shame.  “Living with a secret,” Troyer admits, “doesn’t make it go away.  It doesn’t change your heart.  As well hidden as you secret is, that is how deeply lonely you will be.  I’ve been there.  I know it’s true.”

The newly released companion CD reinforces her book’s admonition that there is complete freedom and acceptance to be found in the Father.   “The CD was birthed out of the knowledge that music is so often used by God to solidify a written and/or spoken message,” says Troyer.  “Dawn Yoder and I have been blessed by the friendship and songwriting partnership God’s given us, and song like ‘Let Us Bow Down’, ‘Lifting My Praise Up’ and ‘I Found Grace’ (Circle of Friends theme song) are reflective of how, by finding a place to belong, we are inspired to share encouragment, while keeping our focusing on worshipping in ‘Spirit and in Truth’.”

A Place to Belong has the potential of changing the way women think about themselves, about others and about doing God’s work in this world.  In both her book and worship CD, Troyer challenges women to connect to one another, comfort each other and affirm each other in using the gifts God has given them.  Ultimately, A Place to Belong offers a healing dose of real hope that life can be rich, life can have purpose and no woman need ever be alone.

www.findaplacetobelong.com

My Thoughts

I will admit that I have not read the book from Tricia Troyer so I can’t judge if this CD is indeed a companion of the book and if it reinforces the information within the book.  However, I can tell you how the CD impacted me.

The songs are a reminder that God is always with you no matter what goes on in your life.   I find the music and the genre of the songs are similar from one another.   However, this CD is perfect for reflection as well as taking the time to ponder on God’s provision in one’s life.    I would use it as a ambience CD while journaling or while taking time to pray.    Personally, I wouldn’t use it as I drive since I find the style of music a bit redundant.

The CD has what I would call smooth songs and might not be of interest to everyone.   I don’t mind having a few slow songs on a CD but having all of them that way was a bit too much for me.   But again, not everyone are like me and I am sure that this CD would be interesting for other women.   

The new Circle of Friends CD is available online at http://lifewayworship.com and iTunes.  It can also be purchased through your local Christian retailer.

Disclaimer: Thanks to B & B Media for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Rebecca St-James CD Winner

I have selected the winner using Random.org.

 

 

Congratulations to

 

She has 24 hours to get back to me with a mailing address.

Rebecca St. James “I Will Praise You”

Rebecca St. James has recently released a new collection of worship songs with I Will Praise You.   Throughout the CD the listeners will recognize the warm voice of Rebecca and will follow her steps in being in the presence of God.

I received this CD last week and listened to it over the week-end.   If you are expecting anything else than worship songs, you will be disappointed as this CD is essentially a collection of worship songs that Rebecca St. James consider herself as “her most personal recording to date.”

We listening to the CD while we were on our way to visit the Maple Bison Farm, an hobby farm, of someone we know.    The music reminded me a bit of the previous worship CD that Rebecca St. James has released a few years ago.    It is more slow than what her “regular” cds would be.   Not as peppy either.   It is a worship album after all.  

Personally I like these kind of music especially if I drive for a long time.   My husband on the other hand doesn’t.    He is more in the Christian rock/electronic music.    It is funny how we are wired differently on our music tastes.    We will each tolerate the other’s preferences for a little while but then we need something else.  *grin*

This CD is a mix of songs that will help you worship God as you go through your daily tasks.   For me, I could see myself listening to this while cleaning, drawing, creating cards or scrapbooking.    Worship music inspire me to create something.     I would describe this CD as being a bit more mellow that what Rebecca has previously released.   Not everyone will like it though.    But if you like what Rebecca has done in the past, I would suggest that you give it a try.  

You can listen to the first three tracks from the I Will Praise You CD by going to the listening party at   http://rsjames.com/listeningparty.   And if you share on twitter and/or facebook  you will have the privilege of listening to the entire album.

Listen to Rebecca explaining her song “Shine Your Glory Down”.

GREAT NEWS!

One of my readers will win a copy of Rebecca St. James latest CD – I Will Praise You.

To participate, watch the video above and tell me where Rebecca is while doing the interview.   This entry is mandatory.   Don’t forget to include your email address in the comment.

NOTE: EMAIL MUST BE INCLUDED IN EACH ENTRY!

EXTRA ENTRIES

1) Follow Rebecca St. James on facebook and let me know about it.

2) Subscribe to my feed on the left side of this blog and let me know about it.

3) Register via email to receive the latest reviews I’ve done directly to your emails and let me know about it.

4) Like Canadianladybug Reviews! on facebook and tell me about it.

5) Follow Canadianladybug Reviews! on twitter and like me you twitter name.

6) Follow Canadianladybug Reviews! with Google Friends on the left side of this blog and tell me about it (3 entries). Enter three times in the comment section!

7) Tweet about this contest and give me the link about it. (One entry per day!)

8) Blog about this contest and give me you link (3 entries) – Give me your link and enter three times in the comment section.

Don’t forget to include your email for each steps. No email means I will have to pick someone else. I need to be able to contact you if you win! Random.org will be use to determine the winner. You will have 24 hours to contact me and give me your mailing address so I can send it to my contact which in turn will ship the PJ Tots products to you!

Open to Canadian and US residents ONLY.

Deadline: April 20, 2011.

I Will Praise You is available at your favorite provider of Christian music, even at amazon.ca.

Disclosure of Material Connection:   I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.   I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s  CFR, Part : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements an Testimonials in Advertising.”

Fun For The Whole Family Hour

Fun For The Whole Family Hour  - The Chronicles of Narnia The voyage of the Dawn Treader.
Created by Group Publishing

What is it?

We have an exciting new family ministry resource: Fun For-The-Whole-Family Hour.
Group Publishing has teamed up with Walden Media and Twentieth Century Fox to bring you this wonderful one hour event designed to get families talking about their faith as they grow closer to each other & Jesus. It includes never-before-seen clips from the new Narnia movie: Voyage of the Dawn Treader, coming to theaters in December 2010.

How Do I Use It?
Churches get to choose their level of adventure! They can use it for:

• Sunday morning
• Wednesday evening
• OR Blow it out for a Special Church-wide Family Event

What's the Benefit?

• Helps bring families closer to each other and Jesus
• It's easy - only requires one trained leader and a couple volunteers
• It's a great complement to Group's High Seas Adventure VBS
• It's affordable. Churches purchase a Church Kit and each family needs a family kit. If desired, churches can sell event tickets for the cost of the family kit alone. What an affordable family outing!

What are the Components?
Church Kit: Contains leader trifold, media pack (Clipart CD and Song & Promo DVD), sample Family Pack (music CD & secret water reveal map)
Family Pack: Contains music CD and secret water reveal map!
Publicity Poster Set (pkg of 5): Churches can post these all over the facility to get the word out about their exciting family event!

My Thoughts

Pssst!   Can I tell you a secret?   The new movie of Narnia based on the book The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is coming out on December 10, 2010 in 2D, ReadD 3D and Digital 3D.   Okay.   Okay.   Maybe you already know about it.   But did you know that there is a product out that could be used in your church’s family ministry?   Yes it is true!   The Fun For-The-Whole-Family Hour is available through Group Publishing.

This wonderful product has been designed in such a way that….   Also your church can purchase a sample family pack for every family in the church so that the discussion and fun can continue at home!

The clips are quite short and a leader’s guide is included in the book.   Music, drama as well as fun activities complete the whole fun hour that you can organized at your church.   Everything is included – ideas, music, video clips, clip art, poster, powerpoint with the lyrics of the song, publicity.  

I think it is a wonderful idea to involve all the families of a church in a fun event for everyone.    Check it out at http://familyhour.group.com !

This review was possible because I received a free Fun For The Whole Family Hour from B&B Media.

Fun For the Whole Family Hour is available at any Christian bookstore.  You can also get a family pack for each family within your church.

Adventures in Odyssey Volume 52: Cause & Effect

Adventures in Odyssey Volume 52: Cause & Effect
Produced by Focus on the Family
Published at Tyndale

What is Adventures in Odyssey?

It’s all-new Adventures in Odyssey episodes in volume 52, Cause & Effect. Join Eugene and Matthew as they investigate why the clock tower at City Hall seems to be stuck at 11:45. Could it have something to do with the anniversary of a lost love from twenty years ago? Barrett couldn’t be more excited about getting the lead role in the school play. But when his first practice is interrupted by a mysterious booming voice, Emily Jones must investigate the “phantom of the school play.” Also, perfect for the fall season, are stories on Thanksgiving (A Thankstaking Story) and Christmas (White Elephant Gift).

Adventures in Odyssey is fun and exciting audio entertainment that teaches quality character traits and ignites the imagination of all who listen. Imagine, Discover, and Grow with Adventures in Odyssey.

http://www.whitsend.org/ 

My Thoughts

Adventures in Odyssey is part of my daily routine when we go to swimming lessons.   We have about 30 minutes of drive to go and another 30 minutes to come back home.  Most of the time, my kids ask to listen to an Adventures in Odyssey and they have grown to love the characters and to enjoy the adventures.  

When I got the opportunity to review the latest volume of the Adventures in Odyssey, I jumped on it.   I knew that my kids would love this as much as I would.   Honestly, it gives me peace of mind when I am driving – especially when I am in the traffic while coming back from the swimming lessons.

With Adventures in Odyssey you can be certain that there will be a lesson to learn from with each episode.   In this specific volume the kids will learn about sin, fear, fasting, friendship, trust, being thankful, responsibility, honesty, why only God has true power, how your sin can find you out as well as the true meaning of Christmas.

As you can see, this particular volume arrives at a proper time during the year with Thanksgiving and Christmas fast approaching (actually for us in Canada, Thanksgiving is this coming week-end…  so it is just around the corner).    Adults can also learn much from these radio shows and you can use them as a teaching moments for your kids as well.   Every time we listen to one particular episode, we have great discussion about what happened and the lesson taught.

This is definitively not our last Adventures in Odyssey.   I suspect that more of them will find their way to our household/vehicle.   In the meantime, I personally want to hear the episode about fasting.   I have friends who fast food on a regular basic.   Personally I have trouble to do so a whole day.    I am quite curious to hear what our beloved characters from Adventures in Odyssey will have to say about it. 

Four CDs are contained in this package.   Also included is a bonus material  which is a video glimpse into sound effect recording in the Foley Studio.  As homeschoolers, the kids always love to discover how things are made and having a video on sound effect is priceless – especially when it is about a show that they LOVE!

This review was possible because I received a free Adventures in Odyssey Volume 52: Cause & Effect from Tyndale.

Adventures in Odyssey Volume 52: Cause & Effect is available everywhere for about 25$ even at  amazon.ca.

Picture Smart Bible

Picture Smart Bible
Created by Dan and Juanene Peters
http://www.bibledraw.com

About the Product

Pictures work in these Bible lessons because they honor the picture-smart intelligence that all children and adults are created with. This is one of eight smarts we can use when teaching and learning.

Children with picture-smart or spatial strengths naturally think in pictures with their eyes. Because our young generation has been raised with visually engaging digital technology, many of them have this strength. That’s why the Bible activities using this approach are perfect for them.

Even if it’s not one of their strengths, all children do have the ability to think in pictures. The Picture Smart Bible will help these children use an intelligence they normally wouldn’t rely on. Therefore, it’s ideal for these kids, too.

Comprehension, retention, application, and enjoyment all improve when your picture intelligence is used.

Using pictures is refreshing for me even though I’m not very picture smart. My comprehension of how details fit together and how Bible heroes relate improves. My ability to remember details and history is enhanced. I always see something new in a book that I thought I knew because the pictures bring things to life in new ways.

The Picture-Smart Bible is a perfect stand-alone curriculum or supplement to something else you’re using. Learning with pictures works!

Who are Dan and Juanene Peters?

Dan and Juanene have a passion for the word of God. Having advanced in the field of graphics and marketing, in a rather surprising move, God impressed them to start a Christian school. Dan, who is an ordained minister, served as associate pastor and school administrator for 20 years, teaching Bible to both children and adults.

My Thoughts

When I discovered this product, I was quite curious about it because not only it was teaching the Bible from cover to cover but it was incorporating art at the same time.   So I asked if I could review the product and I got a positive answer.   I had the choice of reviewing the books which were getting re-printed (so a delay was expected) or the CD which would allow me to print as many copies as I needed for our homeschool.   With four kids and myself, I figure the CD would be more appropriate for our family.

When I got the CD, I immediately printed the section concerning the Bible as a whole.   In that section we learned that the Bible is God’s inspired, that it was written over 1600 years, that over 40 authors recorded God’s Word, that three languages were involved and that the theme of salvation is found over and over again in the Bible.   The Bible is also a bestseller throughout the World.    This lesson also covered the fact that it is a lamp to our feet, it is a sword, that it is known as the bread of life, that reading and meditating on the word will help us growth our mind and much more.   It also gave a summary of all the books in the Bible and divided them into the two testaments and the different types of books (Law, History, Poetry, Prophets for the Old Testament and Gospels, Letters, History and Prophecy for the New Testaments).

When I embarked in this adventure, I had high hopes in the receptivity of my kids.   I had read that it was more appropriate for grade 4 and up kids but part of me was hoping my kids would be different.   I got quickly reminded that I shouldn’t expect perfection from the younger ones.    I know Jasmine wouldn’t be able to trace so I had printed the full page for her so she can color while we go through the lesson.   We had to do the lesson in two days but I think in the future I will spread it in three or four days.    Jérémy, age 4, had no problem to trace the page but when came the time to color it, he had lost his interest.   I think that next time, I will print the full page for him and ask him to color the parts as we go through the study.   Dominic, age 6, had a bit of lack of motivation at one point due to the fact that I was trying too much.  In the end, he said he enjoyed learning more about the Bible and wanted to do more of the lessons.   Alexandre, age 9, was eager to learn and discover more about the Bible.   He had the most facility with the lesson and look forward to do more as well.    He really enjoyed it.   He was also able to remember the scriptures learned from Awana last year when we came upon some of the ones he had learned.    He was very happy to be able to recite them without problem.

Below, are the pages we have done during our lesson on the Bible as a whole.   You will be able to see the differences between the kids.    Mind you, now that I know the attention span of my younger ones, I will adapt the future lessons accordingly.

Mom	Alexandre - age 9
Dominic - age 6	Jérémy - age 4
Jasmine - age 2 1/2

Would I recommend this product? Absolutely.  Not only is it a wonderful way to learn the Bible for children in an homeschool environment, but it can also be a fantastic tool for Sunday School, Christian Schools, and whole congregations as well.    The kids are not the only ones who can learn from this product, adults will benefit from it as well.

The Picture-Smart Bible is available directly from the website - http://www.bibledraw.com.   Other products can be purchased but the Picture-Smart Bible prices are as follow:

• Old Testament Manual for  $59
• New Testament Manual for $51
• Both OT and NT Manuals for $99
• CD of OT and NT Manuals (PC and Mac) for  $75
• OT and NT Manuals and CD for $130
• OT and NT download  Introductory offer for $59

This review was possible because I received a copy of the CD of OT and NT Manuals of the Picture-Smart Bible from the creators of the product.

Preparing for Adolescence

Preparing for Adolescence products
Written By Dr. James Dobson
Published at Gospel Light

The Products

Preparing for Adolescence CD Pack

How to Survive the Coming Years of Change Contains one parent CD with a message from Dr. Dobson regarding the use of the material. James Dobson interviews three couples who have gone through the "preparing for adolescence" process (with comments by some of their children.) Six additional CDs contain content from the best-selling paperback book, Preparing for Adolescence. An additional CD answers questions teens ask most in order to equip parents to spark discussions with their teens. The CDs can be used as an audio replacement for the book content when desired. There are 8 CDs which are approx. 60 min each.

Preparing for Adolescence Family Guide and Workbook

How to Survive the Coming Years of Change This workbook is designed to accompany and reinforce the best-selling book Preparing for Adolescence and the Preparing for Adolescence Family CD Pack. The workbook contains 20 lessons, designed for one-on-one parent and child sessions. It helps parents present the content of the Preparing for Adolescence book in a user-friendly way to the children. The Family Guide is purposefully designed to be a parent/child shared resource. The manual contains 20 lessons, approx. 10 minutes each.

Who is Dr. James Dobson?

James C. Dobson, Ph.D. is founder and chairman of the board for Focus on the Family. His internationally syndicated radio program, Focus on the Family, is heard daily by more than 200 million people. Dr. Dobson is featured in Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare, and has authored many best-selling books including, Emotions: Can You Trust Them? and Preparing for Adolescence. He and his wife, Shirley, have two grown children and reside in Colorado. 

My Thoughts

This year we are going through changes in our family life.  Since last Friday we have now a tween in our household and three other kids are following the footsteps of their oldest brother.  

Consequently, it made us realized that we might not be ready for adolescence.   And knowing that Dr. Dobson has a wonderful product for both parents and teenager, I requested the opportunity to review the Preparing for Adolescence CDs and Family Guide and Workbook.  To my delighted surprised, I received both through the mail without knowing if I would be granted this request.   Thank you Gospel Light!

The series has been done for kids ages 10-14 years old depending of the level of maturity.   Dr. Dobson himself strongly suggest to go through this series while doing a small trip with the child going through puberty.  I so love this idea and planning is something we like to do.  So we can now planned for next year when our oldest will turn 10 years old. 

The CDs can be used at home or during a special trip with the young person.   We are planning a special trip with Dad for the boys and a special trip with Mom with our daughter when the time comes.  The CDs will help you have a conversation with your child about topics such as  growing up, sexuality, drugs and alcohol, inferiority, love and identity.  I like the way the CD set is setup.  The first CD is for parents only and will prepare you on what to expect and what to say.   This CD is encouraging for parents and gives you ideas, suggestions as well as helps you to remember your own passage through puberty.

Cds 2 to 7 are for young people and for parents together on various topics.   These are perfect for the special trip I mentioned above.  Then the last CD is for parents to listen and contains answers to questions your child might ask.  It is an optional CD which you have to review BEFORE going on that special trip with your child.   Pretty neat don’t you think?

The family guide & workbook contains discussion starters as well as activities and ideas that will help you talk about the issues found in the CD.   This workbook is linked to the book or the CD.  However, at the beginning of the workbook it is suggested to go see the corresponding CD segments at the back of it and the list is not there.   It is a bit disappointing I find.   I have contacted the publisher about this missing information and I am confident that they will send me the listening guide for the CDs. 

As for the activities included in the workbook, I can say that I wished I had had something like that when I was going through the teenage years.   I think it would have helped me to deal with a multitude of emotions and events.

I think Preparing for Adolescence is a curriculum that should be in every household.   This will help not only the young men and women to go through a hard period of time but also it will help parents to prepare to the roller-coaster years of adolescence.

Also available in this series are the book itself and the group guide which can be used in a church setting.

This review was possible because I received a copy of Preparing for Adolescence CD Pack and Preparing for Adolescence Family Guide and Workbook from Gospel Light.

Preparing for Adolescence Family Guide: How to Survive the Coming Years of Change @ christianbook.com

Preparing for Adolescence: How to Survive the Coming Years of Change -audio CD @ christianbook.com

Brenton Brown - Adoration CD

Brenton Brown – Adoration CD
Survivor Records - Released Feb 23 2010

About the album
Survivor Records are pleased to announce the release of Brenton Brown’s inspiring, challenging, and infinitely appealing new album, Adoration.

Featuring co-writes with Paul Baloche (“Our God Saves” & “Because Of Your Love”) and re-recordings of Brenton’s classics “Holy Holy” and “All Who Are Thirsty”. There is also a soon-to-be-classic song “Thousand Stars, as well as the stunning title track, “Adoration”, reflects the strength of support for Brenton’s music these days.

After a recent run of magazine covers, awards (including one from ASCAP recognising the popularity of Everlasting God), and generally increasing buzz, there’s a fresh excitement about Brenton and his music.

http://www.brentonbrown.com/

Who is Brenton Brown?

Like everyone, Brenton Brown has an unusual story. He grew up in Cape Town, South Africa. He studied in Oxford, England. And now lives in Malibu, California. So how did this all happen? Brenton first came to the attention of the wider church, as one of the young worship leaders on the first Vineyard UK recordings, Come now is the time and Hungry.

His songs “Lord Reign In Me”, “All Who Are Thirsty” and “Humble King” joined songs like “Come Now Is The Time”, “Be The Centre” and “Hungry”. It wasn’t a bad start to a recording career! But though these were his first recordings as a solo artist, Brenton had been leading worship in his home town in South Africa for a number of years.

“The Lord got a hold of me while I was studying politics and law in Cape Town. After being confronted by the power of the gospel at a Bible study, I threw my lot in with a vibrant, multicultural church on campus while I continued to study politics and law at University.” Growing up during the demise of Apartheid made questions of social justice an obvious academic choice for Brown.

His studies went well and four years later he was on his way to Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. It was here he would encounter the Vineyard Movement and a style of worship that would affect churches across the nations. It was also here that he would participate in the recordings spear-headed by Brian Doerksen.

After finishing his studies in politics, philosophy and theology at Oxford university, and his recordings with Brian Doerksen, Brenton began work as the worship pastor for the local vineyard church in Oxford, accepting a worship leadership role for the Vineyard movement in the UK as well. Three records followed in as many years, Surrender (which included the Doerksen co-write, “Your Love Is Amazing”), Holy and Doing The Stuff (released as in the US).

Brown’s future with the Vineyard movement in the UK seemed assured and lay out before him. But life took a dramatic turn. Brown fell ill with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and was forced to leave his position as worship pastor and take a sabbatical in his South African home town. It was there that he married Jude - also ill with CFS. Faced with the career limitations his illness imposed on him, the decision to record a solo project with Survivor Records seemed a wise one. Two years later, Everlasting God was released with Survivor and with Sparrow in North America. The co-writes “Hosanna (Praise Is Rising)” and “Everlasting God” seemed to strike a chord with the church.

Following a ministry trip that a team from the Malibu Vineyard had made to Cape Town many years before, Brenton had visited California off and on ever since. Realizing that a change in pace and lifestyle might assist their recovery in 2005 the Browns reluctantly left London and their home church of Holy Trinity Brompton for California. Since then they have been welcomed into the Horizon family of churches and have travelled across the States and beyond leading worship in churches as far afield as Sweden and Korea. 2008 saw the arrival of a baby daughter called Bella, and Brenton’s second solo project, Because Of Your Love. Brenton has been fortunate enough to have his songs recorded by Chris Tomlin and Lincoln Brewster. He has five songs in CCLI’s top 100.

My Thoughts

Thanks to Graf-Martin I’ve discovered an artist that I didn’t know and that I quite enjoyed the songs while I listened to the CD for this review.

I would define this CD as a worship CD with a punch. Some songs are more dynamic while others are slower. The words of the songs praise the Lord of Creation and our Father in Heaven. It recognizes His love for us, our need for the Holy Spirit and how amazing our God is on various levels in our lives.

The songs I particularly enjoyed were Because of Your Love and Come Let Us Return on which I was more moved to express my worship to my Lord and Saviour.

While I was listening to this CD, my 9 year old son was in the living room and reading. He came to me and told me that he was really enjoying these songs. He told me that he loved this CD very much and I quote “it is very good, I like them a lot”.

The songs will stir something in you to seek God and come to Him in reverence. I have indeed discovered an artist that I didn’t know off and I recommend my readers to step out of their music comfort zone and purchase this CD.  It’s good to discover something new on the market that will help you expand your musical taste!

This review was made possible because I received a copy of Brenton Brown Adoration CD from Graf-Martin.

Brenton Brown Adoration CD is available at a CD store near you!

The Jesus Book

The Jesus Book
By Stephen Elkins
Published at Thomas Nelson

About the book
The Jesus Book introduces kids to the life, teaching, wonder, and amazing love of Jesus.

Often kids know about Jesus but don't have a relationship with Him. This book offers kids "everything you need to know about God's Son" and encourages a lifelong relationship with their Lord. Divided into Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How sections, it offers clear explanations and easy understanding for young hearts. It will teach them things like who Jesus is: Jesus is God's Son, and He is also my friend. Where is Jesus? He lives in heaven, but He also lives in my heart. How does Jesus act? He acts with kindness and forgiveness, and He wants me to be like Him. The book also includes an audio CD with over an hour of songs about Jesus. This is a must-have for every child!

Who is Stephen Elkins?
Stephen Elkins is an author, musician, and record producer whose work has been nominated for the prestigious Grammy Award and is president of Wonder Workshop. Among its achievements, Wonder Kids spent 100 consecutive weeks on Billboard's Top Kid Audio Chart. Elkins also is the author of the chart-topping Read and See DVD Bible, 100 Bible Stories, 100 Bible Heroes, and the acclaimed Word & Song Bible.

My thoughts
I find the book very colorful and attractive for children. The pictures for each subject are well thought and represent quite well the scriptures and the subject. This book is a help for children to grasp completely who Jesus was and what he did when he was walking on Earth. It is divided in 7 sections which will tell the kids who Jesus is, what he did, what he taught, when it happened, where it happened, why it happened and finally how it happened.

I think it is important for children to understand all the reasons why Jesus came and how everything fell into place for him. Yes children know the bible stories but sometimes they lack the explanation of the why, how or when… This book brings it all. It even gives them some maps to visualize Israel and Jerusalem. You will also find a little timeline for them to go through. Each subject of reading concerning Jesus gives more information for the kids to understand various words, situation, and history events and so on. For example, the children will learn what a parable is, what is baptism, what is repentance, what is love i.e. an action word, what is ministry and much more. They will also be asked to discover where some cities and where some specific landscapes are located on a map.

A CD containing more than 30 songs about Jesus is also included with the book. You will find songs like Deep and Wide, What A Friend We Have in Jesus, I Will Make You Fishers of Men, Amazing Grace and many more. The songs are sung by children. The CD was a nice addition to the book since the songs relate to the main subject of the book which is Jesus.

This book is great to introduce in more details the children to Jesus and his purpose on Earth. It is written in simple words and the images are very attractive. You can reinforce the reading with the CD which gives praise to what Jesus did for us.

The Jesus Book can be find everywhere even at amazon.ca and indigo.ca

Word of Promise Next Generation New Testament MP3

Recently I had the opportunity of reviewing the Next Generation New Testament MP3 CDs. This is a dramatic version of the New Testament with a cast of young talent like Cody Linley, AnnaSophia Robb, Jordin Sparks, Cobin Bleu, Alyson Stoner, and Sean Astin. Also part of the cast are Max Lucado and his daughter Jenna who present the various books of the New Testament. Jenna is also a speaker of the Revolve Tour.

Today’s youth is wired like there is no tomorrow. The media is part of their culture. They live, eat, sleep with the internet being part of their life. YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, texting, you name it, they know about it. When I look at teenagers or young adults almost all of them have a MP3 player. At age 40, I still have to say I don’t own one myself. We do have one in our truck but I don’t carry it around. Anyhow, this new version of the New Testament is perfect for this generation of multi-tasking and very entertaining. The producers taught of using artists they would know from various hip shows that they watch. How genius is that? To complete the production of this new version of the New Testament, you will have many Hollywood special effects like water splashing on a boat, fire crackling in the night, and many more.

I must admit I was very impressed with what I heard so far. It is well done and it brings you directly in the stories in the New Testament. My kids are not quite at the age of listening for an extended time but they were listening during our 2 hours trip over the week-end. We are planning to use these wonderful resources during our trips to go to the trailer or during our yearly trip with the trailer. This version of the New Testament brings a breath of fresh air while you listen to it. It is very dynamic and easy to understand even for our own children. And it presents the gospels and the letters of Paul in simple words. It actually uses the International Children’s Bible (ICB) as a base. We own the comic book version of the ICB and my oldest really enjoys it.

We haven’t had the time to listen to the whole Next Generation New Testament because we don’t own a MP3 player in the house. However, both our vehicles have a MP3 player so we can listen to it while driving. I think it is a wonderful way to spend time with God don’t you think?
The set includes 24 hours of audio drama going through the whole New Testament. There are 3 MP3 CDs and a bonus Behind-The-Scene DVD containing interview with the actors. This version is also available in a CD format.

The website of the Next Generation Bible (http://www.wordofpromisenextgeneration.com/html/index.html) contains many interesting information for your youth. Casts bios, freebies, 40-day listening plan and even a downloadable sample, there is lots of goodies for everyone! I think Thomas Nelson is offering a wonderful product for the youth and the young at heart. Hey! I am enjoying it and I am forty years old. Check it out at your Christian bookstore!

The set is available at Christianbook.com for 14.99$ US or at indigo.ca for 39.18$Cdn when you have the ireward card.

Let's sing about the book we love! Let's discover Bible Story Songs...

When I first heard from Bible Story Songs I was wondering what it would bring to my home school. Being part of the crew helped me to discover new vendors that otherwise I wouldn’t have been exposed too. This vendor gives the opportunities for kids and families to learn about the bible through songs about it. What a neat idea! Bible Story Songs initially started when two moms wrote songs to match some lessons from a summer Bible camp. The kids would pick up the songs easily and remember them for a long period of time. I know that singing is a good way to learn because I personally remember some songs that I used to sing in the girl guides and believe me when I say it has been ages since I sang them….

So I was more than curious to hear what was on my The Bible CD which covers stories from the Old and New Testaments. Honestly I have mixed feelings about the CD after we listened to it. Don’t get me wrong, the songs are pretty peppy and teach about the bible but I feel that they are a bit too much on the choir side for my taste. However, my oldest son loves it end enjoys listening to it which means a lot to me. After the CD is for educational purposes and while hearing the songs my kids will learn more about the bible.




What I particularly like about this CD is that before each song, they give a scripture or a little explanation about it. It also presents various books of the Bible in a creative way. The CD I received contains 32 songs about the Old Testament and the New Testament. You can also get sheet music and song books from their website. Other CDs available are Matthew 1, Matthew 2, Matthew for young singers, Moses 1, Moses 2, Moses for your singers and David. To hear some samples of the CD, simply go to http://www.biblestorysongs.com/songs.htm and look for The Bible CD songs sampler in the middle of the page. The CDs are available for 9.99$US directly from the vendor site.