The Life We Never Expected {#FlyBy Giveaway!}

Andrew and Rachel Wilson know what it means to live a life they never expected.  As the parents of two children with special needs, their story mingles deep pain with deep joy in unexpected places.  With raw honesty, they share about the challenges they face on a daily basis -- all the while teaching what it means to weep, worship, wait, and hope in the Lord.  Offering encouragement rooted in God's Word, this book will help you cling to Jesus and fight for joy when faced with a life you never expected.   (excerpt from the back cover of the books)

Andrew and Rachel have 2 children.  Both with autism.  When I read the sample on Amazon, I knew I HAD to read this book and jumped at the chance to review this book from #FlyBy!  Andrew and Rachel Wilson drew me in from the very first chapter.  I marveled at these parents who were living a life of joy against unsurmountable odds.  How did they stay so focused on the positive?  While I don't have children with special needs there are days where I still cannot stay encouraged...how did they do this?

Their book, The Life We Never Expected takes you through 5 cycles of weeping, worshipping, waiting, witnessing and breathing.  Each cycle shares a personal story (many of which are, in hindsight, very funny, others are very humbling), how they found joy in Christ, how they shared their joy and stories with others, and how they, on some days, just barely got through it.  Their faith is so strong throughout the book and they lean heavily on the Lord and rely just as much on their family and friends.

I would really recommend this book to anyone.  If you have a child with special needs, this book can hopefully help you to find joy in your circumstances and realize you are not alone.  I read this to get a better understanding of what families who have children with special needs go through on a daily basis.  It was eye opening...and exhausting.  Everything from a lack of sleep and eye-contact to dealing with the state on education plans, medical issues, and more.

If you are interested in reading the sample, find the excerpt of the first chapter of The Life We Never Expected on Amazon!  #lifeweneverexpected

You can also enter to win a copy right here on Swinging On Small Hinges!  Use the Giveaway Tools below to enter, contest closes on Monday, July 11th at 11:59pm.  Good luck!

Entry-Form

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

When Calls the Heart Season 2 Premier! {FlyBy Giveaway!}

The series is inspired by Janette Oke’s bestselling book series about the Canadian West. “When Calls the Heart” tells the captivating story of Elizabeth Thatcher (Erin Krakow), a young teacher accustomed to her high society life, who receives her first classroom assignment in Coal Valley, a small coalmining town where life is simple, but often fraught with challenges. Lori Loughlin plays Abigail Stanton, a wife and mother whose husband, the foreman of the mine, along with a dozen other miners, has just been killed in an explosion. The newly widowed women find their faith is tested when they must go to work in the mines to keep a roof over their heads. Elizabeth charms most everyone in Coal Valley, except Constable Jack Thornton (Daniel Lissing) who believes Thatcher’s wealthy father has doomed the lawman’s career by insisting he be assigned in town to protect the shipping magnate’s daughter. Living in a turn of the century coal town, Elizabeth will have to learn the ways of the frontier if she wishes to thrive in the rural west on her own.

Do you love Janette Oke??  I do!!  I didn't know there was a tv series based on her books until a couple of weeks ago.  I was thrilled to watch the sneak-peak season premier of season 2 of When Calls the Heart.  Taking place in Canada, When Calls the Heart, follows the story of Elizabeth Thatcher, an inexperienced teacher who receives an assignment in remote Coal Valley.  In Coal Valley life is quite different than the elite circle that Elizabeth is accustomed to.  She keeps company with Jack (who apparently kissed her at the end of season 1 and I missed it!).  Jack is a Mountie (SWOON) who was initially unhappy at being assigned to Coal Valley specifically to watch over Elizabeth.  When an explosion in the mine kills several miners the widows are forced to work in the mines to make ends meet.    It is then that they discover that the explosion may have been due to negligence and short-cuts in safety that the mine owner condoned.  As we enter season 2 a trial is underway to get to the bottom of what happened and clear the names of the men who were killed.  Problems with the trial are exacerbated when a female prosecutor arrives and finds the judge fraternizing with the defense.  Things go from bad to worse as their only witness is "bought out" and changes his story on the stand.

This has been such a good show!  I have NOT seen season 1, but I scrounged around to find it and it is available on Netflix!  I can't wait to go back and see what I missed.  You can catch Season 2 airing April 25th on Hallmark channel!!  Don't miss it!

But!  Guess what!  If you are a lucky winner here on Swinging On Small Hinges YOU can win Season 1 on DVD!!  (And then you can loan it to me!  LOL)

Enter using the Giveaway Tools below.  (Ends April 30th).

Entry-Form

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

The Berenstain Bears' Please & Thank You Book {Flyby Giveaway!}

We LOVE the Berenstain Bears!  My kids have always loved the books and then recently the TV show!  Mama & Papa always have important character lessons to teach their cubs and we always get to learn along with them.    In this new little board book by Ideals Children's Books we enjoy peeking in on the bear family once again.  This time we are learning the importance of manners.  Specifically remembering to say, Please, Thank You and You're Welcome!

In The Berenstain Bears’ Please & Thank You Book, little readers are introduced to the importance of manners, through gentle reminders given to Brother, Sister, and Honey as they await their milk and cookies. The short story and well-loved characters provide toddlers a perfect introduction to valuable life lessons and routines.

Board books are a welcome addition to the Berenstain Bears collection.  I sure wish we had had these when my girls were younger.  They are so sturdy and perfect for toddlers hands!  This book is short, sweet and gently introduces children to the importance of manners.  The pictures are the same as your children will remember from previous books but these newer books are all written by Stan & Jan's son, Mike.  Mike carries on the tradition of Bear Country perfectly!

Thanks to FlyBy I get to give away a copy of this board book to a Swinging On Small Hinges reader!  Yay!  Giveaway ends midnight, March 6th.  Enter using the Giveaway Tools below...  Please?  And Thank You!

Entry-Form

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Rasmus and the Vagabond GIVEAWAY! {FlyBy Review}

Welcome!  I just had the opportunity to review this awesome book by Astrid Lindgren called Rasmus and the Vagabond.  First of all, a quiz.  Question:  Who was Astrid Lindgren??  If you don't remember I'll jog your memory...

Remember this fun and crazy little girl?  Yes!  She's Pippi Longstocking!  Did you know that Astrid Lindgren is the author of the Pippi Longstocking adventures?  She is!  Somehow in my mind I never considered that the author of Pippi actually wrote other books!  (I must live in a hole!)  After i read more about Astrid Lindgren I discovered that she has written a LOT of books, some of which we have read as part of our homeschool...and I didn't even realize who she was!

Anyway, Yes!  Astrid Lindgren had written another adorable book called Rasmus and the Vagabond and I'm excited that I get to tell you more about it!

In this story Rasmus is a small boy in a dreary orphanage in Sweden.  One day a husband and wife arrive at the orphanage to pick out a child.  Rasmus hopes that this might be his opportunity for a real home and a mother and father, but his friends scoff at him.  "Only girls with curly hair get picked" they said.  Against all hope Rasmus hopes and hopes and is brutally disappointed when the girl, with curly hair, is chosen.  Rasmus decides he has had enough and runs away.  Meeting up with a tramp named Paradise Oscar, Rasmus learns how to be a vagabond and decides that this might be a decent way to live the rest of his life...  Or is it?

A chance meeting with some criminals sends Rasmus and Paradise Oscar on an unexpected adventure with even more unexpected results!

This book was well written, same style as Pippi Longstocking and the Children of Noisy Village.  An easy read for an adult, perfect read-aloud for ages 5+ and independent readers 4th grade +.   You can learn more about this book and get purchasing information by visiting the official website!

Official Website: 
http://www.plough.com/en/ebooks/qr/rasmus-and-the-vagabond

Now, for the giveaway!  I'm so thankful to FlyBy Promotions for providing a copy to giveaway to one lucky reader of Swinging On Small Hinges!  You can enter using the giveaway tools below.

Giveaway ends Tuesday, February 10th at midnight!

Entry-Form

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. 

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Susie's Hope {FlyBy Review & Giveaway}

Based on the true story that successfully passed Susie’s Law in North Carolina, which seeks stricter punishment for animal abusers, Susie’s Hope brings to life the inspirational relationship between pit bull attack survivor Donna Lawrence and Susie, a pit bull-mix puppy found beaten, burned and left for dead. Recognizing reflect and abuse were to blame for the tragic attack that nearly claimed her life 10 months earlier, Donna resumes the battered animal and accepts her as family. Together, they learn to heal, love and forgive as they lead a historic effort to seek justice and protection, not only for Susie, but all animals. 

Thank you so much to FlyBy for giving me a chance to review this movie!  What a pleasant surprise!  If I had seen Susie's Hope on a shelf there is no way I would've picked it up.  No way.  In my heart I knew this movie would be a tragic tear-jerker and I would feel depressed afterward.  Not so!  While this is what I would consider a "1 tissue movie" it was in no way depressing.   Inspiring, uplifting and motivating are much more descriptive!

In this movie Donna and her husband Roy are expecting a child.  With the intent to name this sweet baby Susie they begin plans to decorate a nursery.  It is during this time that Donna, who is very soft hearted, becomes aware of a pit bull who is being neglected.  Trying to be helpful and get the dog some water she ends up being viciously attacked.  Upon waking in the hospital she learns that she lost her baby and nearly her life.  She is told that the complications from the attack are so severe that she will never be able to have a baby again.  (This is the part where I needed the kleenex!)

Not one to be down for long Donna finds a pit bull mix puppy in the park who had been set on fire and left for dead.  Desperate to save this puppy Donna, who names the dog Susie, starts Susie's Miracle Fund to raise money to save the dogs life.  As Susie and Donna begin the healing process together Donna begins to seek justice for Susie and all abused dogs everywhere.  Pushing for better laws to protect innocent animals.

About Susie:

Susie was found nearly dead in Greenfield Park in Greensboro, North Carolina on August 20, 2009. Just a puppy, Susie had licked the face of her owner’s newborn baby. Her owner became violent—she was beaten so severely her jaw was broken. That wasn’t enough, though. She was then set on fire and left for dead. Incredibly and against all odds Susie survived. Donna Lawrence adopted her two months later. Susie is now a trained therapy dog and event won the American Humane Association’s American Hero Dog this year!

I enjoyed this movie!  I think you would enjoy it too!
Thanks to FlyBy Promotions I get to share 1 copy with a Swinging On Small Hinges reader too!  You can enter using the Giveaway Tools below!  Thanks for stopping by!

Entry-Form

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

#JohnOnNetflix Lumo Project -Gospel of John {FlyBy Review}

In principio erat Verbum et Verbum erat apud Deum et Deus erat Verbum.  -John 1:1

FOUR GOSPELS. FOUR FILMS. ONE JESUS STORY. FOR EVERYONE.

Have you heard about this yet? 
It's called the Lumo Project it is playing now on Netflix!

What is it?
"The Lumo Project is a ground breaking, multi-language biblical film resource transforming the way we discover, study and engage with the life of Jesus through the four New Testament Gospels: redefining the standard of visual Biblical media... The Lumo Project encompasses four feature-length films – one for each Gospel account – that revolutionize the way we experience the story of Jesus and the world of First Century Palestine in which he lived."

"For the first time on screen, the Lumo Project takes the actual four individual Gospel texts as its script, word for word, unedited. We use the very latest historical research to recreate Palestine of the First Century as authentically as possible. We break with the stereotypical tradition of a westernised Jesus and his life story and present it as it really was 2000 years ago. The Lumo Project is a versatile educational resource that can be seen and heard by a truly global audience as it can be dubbed into any version and any language."

I had an opportunity to preview this movie and for the first 5 minutes I thought "This is so weird, they are just reading the Bible to me..." after 10 minutes I thought "This is so amazing! They are reading the bible to me!"  I was so impressed!  You need to check this out!  It is a perfect companion to your scripture reading this holiday season!  You can find it on Netflix. 

It looks like this:  

It's unfortunate that it doesn't have very good reviews so far.  It does move a little slow, but then, the Bible isn't always full of action and drama!  I think you should give it a chance...it is definitely different but it is very good and the text comes straight from the Bible.

You can find out more about The Lumo Project by visiting any of the links below! Have fun!

https://twitter.com/TheLumoProject

http://instagram.com/thelumoproject

https://www.facebook.com/thelumoproject

Thanks for stopping by!

Treasury of Bible Stories {FlyBy Reviews & Giveaway!}

We love storybooks that rhyme!  Some of our favorite books are Dr. Suess because of the rhyming and rhythm of reading them.  I think things that rhyme are easier to remember and simple to memorize too!  Of course we also have enjoyed many Bible storybooks...  I have to admit that when I initially saw this book I groaned to myself and thought, "Ugh, not another Bible storybook!"  We were getting a bit burned out from the sameness of Bible storybooks for preschoolers.  BUT!  It was with great surprise that we read this new book, Treasury of Bible Stories - Rhythmical Rhymes of Biblical Times by Kelly Pulley and LOVED it!  I mean, really loved it!  This is not your average Bible storybook.  It rhymes the whole way through!  I don't know how Kelly Pulley did it, writing poems like this must be such a labor of love. 

Anyway, here is a little snippet to give you a feel for the book:

Then Moses went to see the king,

his brother went there, too,

with God's instructions what to say

and also what to do.

They told the king, "Our god has said,

'now let My people go.'"

The king said, "I don't know your God.

Go tell Him I said, 'No!'"

This quickly became Maggie's (age 4) favorite book.  

She asks for it every night and could be found toting it around the house looking at the pictures!  It does a great job of holding her interest and her recall is pretty good too!  I really think that things that rhyme and have rhythm really help kids learn!

Speaking of pictures.  I thought they were so adorable.  Maggie liked them too.  Kayley (age 8) thought their bulging eyes were somewhat concerning.  She said she thought it made them "look totally crazy."  LOL.  I don't know, I still think they are awfully cute.

You can check out the book trailer here:

Now the fun part!  Thank you to FlyBy I get to giveaway 1 copy of this cute book to a reader of Swinging On Small Hinges! Enter using the Giveaway Tools below!

Entry-Form

You can also purchase this book through Christian Book Distribution for $14.99 (price subject to change without notice).

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

The Marriage You've Always Wanted by Gary Chapman {FlyBy Book Review and Giveaway!}

Ever since I have read the book The Five Love Languages I have viewed author Gary Chapman as a relationship guru!  In our family we often refer back to the five love languages as we try to work out our differences with each other.  It really was a life-changing book.  Fast forward several years and now Gary Chapman has authored many more books, each dealing with the difficulties we face in our relationships.  I have enjoyed several in the past including The Five Love Languages of Children, The Five Love Language of God, A Marriage Carol and The Four Seasons of Marriage.  Each one has been a great read!  Thanks to Flyby Promotions I get to read another book by Gary Chapman called The Marriage You've Always Wanted.

In this book Gary Chapman first focuses on the "why" of marriage focusing mainly on our relationship with God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost as our example of unity in purpose and how, with God, we can have the same oneness in our marriage when we create a trinity of God-Husband-Wife.  From there, in the next chapters Chapman addresses common relational problems like why won't they change, what does love really look like, why won't they listen to me, who is responsible for what, decision making, financial battles and even intimacy in our relationships.  Each chapter ends with a "Your Turn" where you are given several tasks to complete before moving on to the next chapter creating an opportunity for you to journal and dig deep to discover how to create the marriage you have always dreamed of.

While Gary Chapman offers a lot of tasks to complete that you should do "with your mate" he makes it quite clear that your marriage CAN change even if you cannot get your spouse on board with you at this time.

I thought this was another great, well-rounded read by Gary Chapman!

For more details about this and other books, visit Gary Chapmans website below.   Oh!  And I should mention that he offers free downloadable study guides on his website for his books.  I'll be taking advantage of those for sure!

Visit the official website: http://www.5lovelanguages.com/resource/the-marriage-youve-always-wanted/

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/5LoveLanguages

twitter: https://twitter.com/drgarychapman

They even have small group curriculum available: http://experience.5lovelanguages.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: DR. GARY CHAPMAN

Author, speaker, pastor, and counselor.  Gary Chapman has a passion for people and for helping them form lasting relationships.  He is the best-selling author of The 5 Love Languages and the director of Marriage and Family Life Consultants, Inc.  Gary travels the world presenting seminars, and his radio programs air on more than 400 stations.  

Just in time for Valentine's Day, enter to win a copy of Gary Chapman's The Marriage You've Always Wanted below!  Giveaway ends Valentines Day, February 14th at Midnight.  Good Luck!  :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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 iton 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 accordancewith the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”