P is for Psalm

A psalm, according to Merriam-Webster, is a sacred song or poem used in worship. Knowing that David was a musician in his younger years, it makes sense that he would have so many songs and poems that would be written down for generations in the Bible. Although he didn’t write every Psalm, I still think he enjoyed writing songs and poems and praising God. I enjoy reading through Psalm and besides Psalm 23 my favorite passage is Psalm 100 (even though it’s not clear who wrote this Psalm).

Psalm 100 ~ “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.  Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”

Reading through the book of Psalm will give you encouragement and help you get through hardships. When I am going through a difficult time, I pick up my Bible and turn to read a Psalm.

Do you have a favorite Psalm?

I’m linking up with:

K is for Knowledge

I was scrolling through Facebook yesterday and came across a post on the Living Proof Ministries with Beth Moore page. It was a post that mentioned that Beth was going to make it her goal to memorize the book of Galatians next year. At first, I just scrolled by, but then God kept whispering to me that I should go back to that post and read it and watch the video. So, I did and have committed to memorize the whole book of Galatians in 2018.

I haven’t memorized any verses since I was in Bible college, so I’m not sure how this will go, but like Beth says, failure isn’t in play here. We need to meditate on what we are memorizing and draw closer to God.

I figured I will have to memorize approximately three verses a week to get to my goal by the end of next year. It seems very doable and I will end the next year with a lot more knowledge of God. I think knowledge will also be my word for 2018. I am committed to memorizing all five chapters of Galatians in twelve months.

If you would like to also try to memorize Galatians, Beth Moore has created a special Facebook page for updates and encouragement.  Let me know if are joining in on this challenge. The one thing I am most looking forward to is reading and meditating on each verse as I commit it to memory.

I am linking up with:

The Beginner’s Bible ~ Review

My five year old daughter loves going to church. She loves learning about God and loves praying for others. She loves reading and learning about the different people in the Bible. She has a regular Bible but has not really done anything with it yet, since she is just starting to learn how to read. She also loves when anyone sits down and reads stories to her, stories with a lot of pictures. I didn’t tell her we were going to review a Bible story book, so when The Beginner’s Bible from Zonderkidz arrived, she was so excited! She immediately wanted me to read a story to her. It was a week before Christmas when the Bible arrived, so I chose to read her the Christmas story.



The Beginner’s Bible was originally published in 1989 and quickly became a best seller. This Bible storybook has over 90 stories from the Bible and includes an illustration on each page. It is a beautiful hardcover book with over 500 pages. The stories that are included are short and easy to read. It is the perfect book for a 4-8 year old. The illustrations in The Beginner’s Bible have been redesigned and make the stories come alive with their 3D appearance. The stories in the Old Testament covers from Creation to Jonah. The stories in the New Testament covers from Jesus’ birth to Jesus’ coming (Revelation). There is a two page content section in the front, so it is easy to find your favorite story. And there is also a dictionary (in the back) to help young children understand what some of the words mean.



I have been reading several of the stories from The Beginner’s Bible to my daughter since we have received it. After looking at the website and finding so many helpful printables and activities, I am planning to use the story book in our homeschool day. There are several activity (coloring sheets, mazes, matching, etc) sheets that can be printed for home use. There are also other resources that can be used with The Beginner’s Bible. I’m planning to use the recommend reading page that lists what stories to read during different times of the year. I also plan to print off several of the coloring sheets and other printables to use during our Bible time.



We, my daughter and I, have really enjoyed reading from The Beginner’s Bible. My daughter loves all of the illustrations. I have not ever had the opportunity to have seen one or read from it and I’ve always heard great things about it. I am glad to have finally had the opportunity to receive one and share the best stories from the best Book with my daughter. I am looking forward to when she can read the stories herself (to me). I also pray that she will treasure this Bible story book and always have the love for God and the Bible that she has at 5 years old. When asked what her favorite story is, she says, “All of it!”

Scripture and a Snapshot ~ Christmas

Christmas Scripture Copywork

Enjoy this Christmas Scripture Copywork (in cursive) page from Luke 2 (KJV).

Click on the picture above to print the page.

Scripture and a Snapshot ~ 12/4/16

(Click on the image to make it bigger)

Scripture Verses

I am need of some encouragement right now and what better way than to turn to the One who will always be with us and encourages us.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
~ I Cor. 15:58

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
~Psalm 46:1

Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
~Psalm 55:22

I just wanted to share a few of the many verses that have touched me and has been of a help to me over the last few days.

Grapevine Studies ~ Review

Finding a Bible curriculum that is fun and engaging is sometimes a difficult task. I had heard of Grapevine Studies in the past, but never used their product. I wasn't sure it would be fun for my older three kids. So when the opportunity came up to review Grapevine Studies, I chose to go with something my five year old daughter might like. Little did I know how much of an impact it would have on her. I chose to review New Testament Overview Part 1 (Beginner: John to the Apostles). I received the physical product of both the student book and the teacher book.

What is Grapevine Studies?

Grapevine Studies is a method that is used to engage the student by helping them to remember the stories through a stick figure drawing. This method "sticks" with the child as they hear or read the story, draw the story, and review the story. They can learn and retain so much by this method.

What is New Testament 1: Beginner John to the Apostles?

This study takes a preschooler or kindergartner through the New Testament. The story is chronologically presented from John's birth to the beginning of Jesus' ministry.  You are able to choose how to do the Bible study, either weekly or daily. The lessons are short and only take about 15 minutes each day to present. The supplies needed for the student are student book, Bible, and colored pencils. The supplies needed for the teacher are the teacher book, Bible, Bible dictionary, and dry erase board and markers.

How we used the books:
We received the physical books from Grapevine Studies. The books came already hole punched which I was surprised when I saw that. It helped make it easier to add to a notebook. I did the lessons three times a week with my (just turned) five year old. I didn't know if she would be able to do the drawings by herself, but they are simple stick drawings and she has done a great job so far. I sit beside her and let her look at the teacher copy. Each time we did the lesson, I would read the Bible passage for the day to my daughter. We then discussed the story and the people who were in it. Next, my daughter would draw the figures into the student book. And lastly, we reviewed the lesson for the day. It is fun, short, and simple. And my daughter is remembering each person when we do the reviews from the day before.

So, want to know what we think about Grapevine Studies?
My daughter and I give this Bible curriculum five stars! We love it! My daughter loves it and looks forward to Bible class each time. She has learned and retained so much through these lessons. I will continue on with Grapevine studies and will order some of them for my older children as well.

Wrap-up:
We reviewed the physical copies of the student book ($12.50) and the teacher book ($22.50). The physical copy of the student book is for one child only. If you have more than one child you want to use this curriculum with, they offer a family ebook that can be used for more than one child in your own family.

Be sure to read what other crew members thought about Grapevine Studies by clicking on the image below. There are different levels of different products that were reviewed.








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Verse Of The Week ~ Christmas

The 2, 3, and 4 year olds dressed up for our Christmas candlelight communion service at church yesterday. My 4 year old daughter was chosen to be Mary.

Verse of the week is hosted by Counting Pinecones

Verse Of The Week

Verse of the week is hosted by Counting Pinecones

Scripture & a Snapshot is hosted by a glimpse of our life

Confessions of a Prodigal Son ~ Review

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this DVD by Family Christian in exchange for an honest review. This post may also contain affiliate links.

Growing up, I always loved hearing the story of the prodigal son. So, when I first heard that there was a movie being made about the prodigal son, I started checking it out. It looked like it was going to be a great movie, so I added it to my to buy list. Also, I found out that this was written by a homeschooled young man whose mother just happened to be Sally Clarkson. I love Sally Clarkson!

About the movie:
Confessions of a Prodigal Son is about a son who wants to leave his parents and live life on his own. His parents agree and give him some money. He then has to prove he can manage on his own for two years before receiving the rest of his money from his parents. He runs around with the wrong crowd. He friends a beautiful girl who is on her own journey to find answers.

My Review:
I loved this movie! Although the acting is sometimes not great and some parts may have moved a little slow, this movie was great overall. I really wish they would have shown more at the end when the prodigal son returns to his family because I feel that is the most important part of the story. This movie was great at portraying a modern day prodigal and would be great to show to high school students or above. I was hoping it would be more family friendly, but I am going to wait to show this to my children until they are a little older. Overall I give this movie 4 stars!

Watch the trailer below and go buy yourself a copy from Family Christian:

My Favorite Bible Verses ~ L

Psalm 19:14 ~ Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

John 14:1 ~ Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

Psalm 39;4 ~ Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is: that I may know how frail I am.

Psalm 24:7 ~ Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.

Jeremiah 17:18 ~ Let them be confounded that persecute me, but let not me be confounded: let them be dismayed, but let not me be dismayed: bring upon them the day of evil, and destroy them with double destruction.

Psalm 31:17 ~  Let me not be ashamed, O Lord; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.

Growing Your Faith ~ 7th Grade Devotional Book Review

*Disclaimer: I received a free  copy of  7th Grade Devotional~ Growing Your Faith  from Family Christian in exchange for an honest review. This post may also contain affiliate links.*

I am always trying to find a good devotional for my 7th grade son. I've wanted to find something that doesn't take a lot of time and something that is geared for his age group. Enter the 30 Day Devotional: 7th Grade by Lars Rood. Family Christian offered this devotional to us to try it out. 

About the devotional:
This 30-day devotional for seventh grade students offers helpful guidance on dealing with and understanding yourself and others as you grow in your faith. Each devotion includes a Think About section, a God Thought, and an Active section that encourages you to apply key truths in the devotion. The book also features interactive elements to talk through pieces of this with friends, family, youth leaders and other adults.

There are three sections in the devotional which are as follows;
~ Owning your faith, shaping your faith
~ Maturing in mind, shaping your thoughts
~Maturing in body, shaping the whole you

How my son used this 30 day devotional:
My son used this book during his personal devotional time each day. He read through the little story for each devotion, read any scripture that accompanied the story, and answered the questions for the devotional. 

What my son thought about this devotional:
My son liked that the stories and passages were short and didn't take a lot of time. He also said that the questions the author asked made him think. I was able to look through the devotional before giving it to my son and I liked that the stories were written especially for middle school age children. The questions make them think (and open up to parents) and the passages are relevant to the stories.

This devotional is only $6.99 and available in store at this time (not online). 

I also have a giveaway for a $10 Family Christian Appreciation Certificate. Enter using the rafflecopter below. 



a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Favorite Bible Verses ~ K

I took a few weeks of blogging through the alphabet.
I am now to the letter K.

Here are some verses that I pray will help you.

Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. ~ Psalm 34:13

Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. ~ Psalm 100:3

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. ~ Proverbs 4:23

Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. ~ Jude 1:21

Proverbs 31:30 ~ Free Printable

The verse I memorized for January 15 with Beth Moore is Proverbs 31:30. It's such a great verse that I decided to make a printable of it. I made some different ones you can choose to print.

A PDF without the border.

A PDF with a border.

A JPG with a border.

My Favorite Bible Verses ~ J

Psalm 26:1 ~ Judge me, O Lord; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the Lord; therefore I shall not slide.

Proverbs 19:29 ~ Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.

Matthew 4:7 ~ Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

Luke 3:16 ~ John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.

Hebrews 13:8 ~ Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

My Favorite Bible Verses ~ I

If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth. ~ I John 1:6

I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. ~ John 14:18

If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. ~ John 15:18

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace. ~ Ephesians 1:7

Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth. ~ Psalm 31:5

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. ~ Proverbs 3:6

My Favorite Bible Verses ~ H

Proverbs 10:12 ~ Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

Matthew 10:8 ~ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils:freely ye have received, freely give.

I Peter 2:17 ~ Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

My Favorite Bible Verses ~ G

Ephesians 6:24 ~ Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.

Psalm 116:5 ~ Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.

Psalm 145: 3 ~ Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.

John 4:24 ~ God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

My Favorite Bible Verses ~ F

~ Isaiah 41:10 - Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of  my righteousness.

~ John 3:16 -For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

~ Ephesians 2:8 - For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.

~ 2 Timothy 1:7 - For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

~ Isaiah 9:6 - For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.