Ginny Owens, "Get In, I'm Driving" CD Review & Giveaway

Product:  "Get In, I'm Driving" CD

Artist:  Ginny Owens

Price:  $12.16 (Release Date 9/13/11)

Important Tidbits:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
iTunes

About the Artist: (from the website)
A three-time Dove Award winner, including the Gospel Music Association’s 2000 New Artist of the Year recipient, and multiple ASCAP Award winner, Ginny Owens has sold nearly one million albums. A top performer on the Christian radio charts with hits like “If You Want Me To,” “Free” and “I Wanna Be Moved,” among others, Owens’ music has impacted mainstream audiences at Lilith Fair, the Sundance Film Festival and the White House. Her music has received widespread film and television placement, including songs on the popular WB series’ “Roswell” and “Felicity.” Owens was featured on national television, including NBC’s “Today” and CNN, for her contribution to help rebuild New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. Born and raised in Jackson, Miss., Owens was discovering melodies on the piano almost before she could complete a sentence. Songs began to emerge from her fingers as the vision began to leave her eyes and by the age of three.  A degenerative eye condition left Owens completely blind.  Despite her physical challenge, Owens pursued a music career.  Songs provide a window into a world Owens can’t see and an outlet for her to express her thoughts and dreams. Owens’ unique musical style and inspirational lyrics continue to appeal to Christian and mainstream audiences alike.
In 2005 Owens launched The Fingerprint Initiative, a hands-on, non-profit organization designed to “bring hope to the world, one project and one touch at a time.” The organization has partnered with and raised money for groups such as Compassion International, International Justice Mission and Habitat for Humanity.

Song List:
1. Get In, I'm Driving
2. Mystery of Grace
3. Before You Fly
4. Rain
5. Joined at the Heart
6. Better Off
7. Lay It Down
8. Higher Ground
9. Daughter of Destiny
10. Better That Way
11. The Song

Our Thoughts:
I enjoyed listening to the CD.  Ginny Owens has a unique style and sound, kind of like a jazzy blues sound.  My 2 year old heard the CD and said that she liked it too.  I even caught her dancing and swaying to it.  So, it is great for young and old alike.  You can hear samples of the songs here.  Try them out.  You might just find a new Christian music artist to enjoy!

Disclaimer:
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 prodcuts 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 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

GIVEAWAY!!!!

Propeller has generously offered a CD to one of my lucky readers.  Please leave a separate comment for each entry. Winners will be selected at random on Sept. 18th.

1. Follow me on Google Friend Connect.

2. Follow me on Twitter.

3. Share contest on your blog and leave link in comments.

4. Share contest on Facebook and let me know.

THEO - Teaching Children God's Word - A Review & A Giveaway

Product:  THEO Presents DVD Episode 1 - Saving Faith

Price:  $4.99 for Digital Download

Age Range:  All Ages

Other Products:  DVD series, curriculum, books, and FREE iPhone/iPad app
Curriculum at Lifeway:  THEO Curriculum

Creator: Michael Joens

Facebook:  THEO Presents

Brief Intro:  from the website

 About "Saving Faith" -
Meet Theo, a kind English gentleman who knows a lot about the truths of God?s word. Theo is a theologian, and in this episode he teaches us what it means to have faith. There are many things people can believe in, but not all things are faith-worthy. To illustrate a life dedicated to believing in the right thing, Theo shares the example of Abraham. The Lord had favor with Abraham, and because of his faith he was greatly blessed. Coming Sept 13, 2011
 About Bonus Episode "Good News" -
In this bonus episode, Theo shares the good news – the gospel. He explains that we all fall short because of a problem called sin. All human beings have sinned and are in desperate need of a Savior. Jesus Christ is the Savior that came to redeem mankind from our sin which separates us from God. We must accept this free gift of salvation in order to have eternal life. Free Download!

You can pre-order THEO - God's Love DVD at Amazon right now.



Our Thoughts -

Funny thing, my daughters' first comment at the beginning was that the mice in the opening scene reminded them of the mice in Cinderella.   I think that is a bonus, familiarity helps children associate more with the show, to feel a familiarity to it.

I thought both of the cartoons were adorable.  Seriously!  Very cute and entertaining and endearing.  I just loved it.  The bonus episode portrayed the Good News of the Gospel in such a sweet and simple way.  My prayer is that many souls will be saved after viewing.   Saving Faith shares the story of Abraham and Sarah and the tremendous amount of faith they placed in their Lord God.  Oh, that I might have the faith of Abraham.

After viewing, I asked my daughters what they thought.  Let me tell you, if they don't like something - they will let me know without hesitation.  So this is a compliment of compliments.  My oldest said, "It was good.  But if something is going to be that good, it ought to be longer."  Too cute.  She was enjoying it so much, that she wasn't ready for it to end."

I am so excited about this series and can't wait to see what they will come up with next.  May God bless Michael Joens in this new adventure.

Disclaimer:
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 prodcuts 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 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

GIVEAWAY!!!!

Propeller has generously offered a DVD to 2 lucky readers.  Please leave a separate comment for each entry. Winners will be selected at random on Sept. 18th.

1. Follow me on Google Friend Connect.

2. Follow me on Twitter.

3. Share contest on your blog and leave link in comments.

4. Share contest on Facebook and let me know.

Rain, rain, go away.

I am guessing this is the mantra of many towns in New England.  So much destruction from the flooding of Hurricane Irene.  The cleanup and repairs will take so very long. 

The ground and rivers just can't hold any more rain.  So the rains of the past few days have led to more flooding in nearby areas.  Closed roads and bridges.  Cleanup efforts placed on hold.

So today's sunshine is such a blessing.  Such a beautiful sight.  And tomorrow is supposed to be more of the same.  More sunshine to dry the soil and allow the rivers time to recede. 

My prayers are with the families who have lost so much.  Their homes, businesses, and churches.  My heart breaks for each of them.  Please be praying for them during this time of such great loss.

This is a picture my friend took at her church, which was destroyed by Hurricane Irene.  If you would like to learn more and maybe even help, visit the church's website.

Civilize This - A Review

Product:  Civilize This

Price:  Varies depending on store

Age Range:  8 +

Company:  Griddly Games

Other Products:  Several other unique games

Brief Intro:  (from the website)

Hello Time Travelers! Explore the world’s cultures across time with the trivia game based on the award-winning Wise Alec™ Family Trivia Game. There are 300 questions to test your knowledge of Ancient, Medieval, and Modern cultures. Two levels of questions on each card let everyone from young scholars to history buffs play together. Plus, Wise Alec™ cards will have you doing tongue twisters, brain teasers, and fun exercises!

The cards from this game can also be used to expand your own set of Wise Alec™ Family Trivia Game.

My Thoughts:

First impression?  The case is really cool.  My 12 year old even mentioned how much she liked the case.  It is perfect for at home or for travel.  The game comes with a die and 4 decks of cards - Ancient, Medieval, Modern, and Wise Alec.

I love history, so this kind of game is right up my alley.  The questions are very hard, but I like it anyways.  Even if I do hardly ever get one right.  I see it as a challenge and if I get it right - Hooray! If I get it wrong - I have the chance to learn something new. 

The questions were very difficult for my daughters.  My 9 year old will play it, but she gets discouraged.  My 12 year old likes it a lot and asks to play it.  The recommended age is 8+, so this seems about right.  Each card has 2 questions, one for 3 points and a harder one for 7.  To even the playing field some, I give my daughters the 3 point questions and I take the 7 point questions (but still only give myself 3 points for correct answers).

The rules are very simple.  You roll a die and get a question based on the color you roll.  There is a also a "wild card" category, which gives you random points - plus and minus. The Wise Alec cards are one reason my 9 year old keeps going.  She gets points for cool things, like saying a tongue twister.

My overall opinion:  Hey, it is a history lesson in a box.  And my daughters are willing to play it. What is there not to like about that!  i recommend it.



Read more reviews. 


Disclaimer: I received this game free of charge to review, as part of the TOS Homeschool Crew. The above is just my opinion. Please remember that opinions may, and do, vary.