Sunday, March 28, 2010

What’s In The Bible?


A new video series has hit the market this month.  Phil Vischer, the creator of VeggieTales is pumped up about the new message of his series that centers on biblical theology presented at a child-friendly level.  The concept of What’s In The Bible? was God-driven.  It’s evidence that God is patient and He works things together for our good.
Check out Phil Vischer’s testimony about What’s In The Bible? and catch his vision to see a true understanding of the bible develop in the hearts and minds of children.
My family recently had the privilege of viewing an advanced copy of episodes 1 and 2.  Each of the episode combat  the educational problems of teaching the Bible in a format that pushes children to go deeper, while respecting the attention span of young children.
What can you expect from What’s In The Bible?
Adorable puppet characters tackle heavy questions like “What is the Bible?” “What’s it about?” and “Why should I care?”
You’ll meet quirky characters like Buck Denver the “Man of news”.  Buck Denver is the Anchor Man for Jelly News.  He has a wonderful segment titled Big Questions With Buck Denver.  In the segment he presents a montage of kid’s responses to tough questions.  I always enjoy the simple poignancy of a child’s answers.
Along with Buck Denver, children will meet Chuck Wagon.  He is a blue puppet from the Bible Belt who strums his guitar and explains the Bible in song.
Also, meet the Sunday School Lady.  She is a “professional” Sunday school teacher who travels with her magic flannel graph.  I love her!  She’s hilarious and a great throw back to the old school kid’s church.
Ian and Clive are twin explorer/ safari puppets that add humor, distract a little with silly elements, and ask just the right questions to keep kids focused.
Dr. Schniffenhousen is a scientist who looks at the surface of things while the Sunday School Lady jumps in and dives deeper.
Captain Pete the Pirate leads children through the history of the church.  He’s very informative.
Pastor Paul the puppet is on hand to answer some tricky questions.
Brother Louie is a jazzy theologian who loves scat.  He’s so cute!
Michael, Agnus, and Winnifred are peripheral characters that are viewing the show and making little comments along the way.  Michael is a little boy puppet who is a  passenger in his mom’s minivan watching the DVDs on a tv screen on his way to Grandma’s.  Agnus is a cynical old lady in pearls who is hanging out at home with her friend, Winnifred waiting for American Idol to come on.
The characters of What’s in the Bible each have funny and  engaging personalities that children are sure to love.
Children will learn about  how the Bible is made.  They’ll learn about the 66 books of the Bible using over 40 authors written over 1600 years.  The explanations of the Septuagint, Apocrypha and the differences between the Catholic and Protestant Bibles are handled in a very fair and neutral historical perspective.
Great questions are asked about what the bible is all about.
In Episode 1: In the Beginning children will learn how to listen to God’s voice and not others.  It covers creation and Genesis while explaining sin and how to avoid it.
Episode 2: Let My People Go! covers the topics of salvation, and redemption.  This episode also debunks some of the confusing myths about the bible presented in the DaVinci Code and other fictional accounts.   The plan of God’s rescue from our sin is laid out within the stories of the patriarchs.
I highly recommend What’s In The Bible? Phil Vischer is extraordinarily gifted at presenting the gospel to children.  Great job Phil!  Just stay away from the sew at home fabrics. ;)
Thanks for checking out my review.  Keep reading for some great freebies and a give away!
Click the link below to access free coloring pages!  Bust out the crayons and introduce your kids to Buck Denver. . . and friends!
If that’s not enough of a freebie, I have been given two gift certificates which I will be happy to send to two lucky readers!
The certificates may be redeemed at your local Christian bookstore for one free copy of What’s In The Bible? My winners will either receive a certificate for Episode 1: In The Beginning or Episode 2: Let My People Go!
How can you win?  Very simple.  Just comment on this post by six (Central Time) Monday, March 29th.  Please include your name, e-mail address, and the ages of your children.  *You do not have to include your child’s name (as this may be sensitive) just include age.  I will do a random drawing and announce my winner on Monday night.  Isn’t that simple?  Don’t miss out on the chance to win one of these great new DVDs!
Official Stop On The What's In The Bible Blog Tour
To get more information please visit:
*This DVD was a complimentary product given to me in exchange for my honest review.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Start Here: Doing Hard Things Right Where You Are


 
Start Here Doing Hard Things Right Where You Are  by Alex and Brett Harris reads like a manual for their previous book, Do Hard Things.  Where the first book inspires teens to be more than society expects, Start Here continues the talk by examining ways to start doing hard things.  The book discusses some of the hurdles that one may face to get an idea going.
I was astounded and blessed by the wisdom that these young men share.
I’m no teenager, (I’m 30 in fact!), yet this book has inspired and convicted me.  Their cautions on pride really stepped on my toes.  I think fear of being wrongly proud has actually held me back in some of the hard things I’ve tried to do.  Now they have equipped me with a safeguard for my heart by examining and explaining how to handle pride when it rises up in you.
I was also very impressed with their views on the difference between business and fruitfulness.  Wow was I ever convicted!
What makes this book especially cool is that Alex and Brett share real life stories of teens that have taken the concept to Do Hard Things and applied it in their lives.  From these stories Alex and Brett build their foundation for Start Here
Readers will find practical advice, timely wisdom, a list of 100 suggestions of hard things to try, discussions for deeper study of each chapter, and a greater motivation to stay faithful to their God-given callings.
Start Here is an excellent book for teens, or anyone taking the mission to go deeper with God and do the things he calls them to with excellence.
Awesome book!  Check it out here.
*This book was provide for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.