Recommendations
Yard Sale Deals: Children’s Books
I only had the opportunity to go to a few yard sales this summer with all the traveling, however, a couple of the ones I went to were awesome! Our family LOVES books! I have always encouraged the girls to read both with us and without us. They enjoy reading and we do our best to read to them every day as well.
One Saturday I went to a yard sale that was being given by a retired elementary school teacher. I didn’t get there until about mid-morning and she still had a couple big boxes of books. I picked up 49 children’s books for $3.50, making them 7 cents each. Most of the books were paperback, one was a Veggie Tales Devotional, a few hardbacks, and several beginning readers ones that are perfect for the girls as they continue to improve their reading skills.
The girls were VERY excited about the book on top, “Apple Trouble” because it was a book we read together a couple years ago from the library that they really enjoyed. Of course it was the first book I read to them when we got home from the yard sales. Other than removing the stickers with the teachers name on it and a few disinfectant wipes the books were as good as new. I purchased a couple crafts and some brown paper bags for activities from that yard sale as well which have come in handy over the summer with the girls. What great deals have you found at yard sales recently?
Song: “You Love Me Anyway” by Sidewalk Prophets
“You Love Me Anyway” is an encouraging song because nothing I do is good enough to earn salvation yet He chooses to love me despite all the mistakes I make . My attempts to do well are a far cry from perfection and some days I fail more then succeed at following Him. The following phrases of the song really stood out to me:
I am the thorn in Your crown
But You love me anyway
I am the sweat from Your brow
But You love me anyway
I am the nail in Your wrist
But You love me anyway
I am Judas’ kiss
But You love me anywayMagazine: “Family Fun” Magazine
We have been receiving the “Family Fun” Magazine for awhile now and love it! The girls have enjoyed picking out a variety of crafts and fun activities from the magazines. Each issue contains information and “how-to” demonstrations on crafts, recipes, activities, parties, family friendly articles and much more. If you are looking for a great family magazine packed full of ideas for the kids check this one out.
Free Audio Book: “Prayers: A Personal Selection” by Michael York
FREE Audio Book Download
For the month of September Christian Audio is offering a free download of their audio book . This month the audio book is “Prayers: A Personal Selection“ chosen and narrated by Michael York. Michael has chosen a variety of popular Christian prayers to be part of this audio book. If you have been wanting to listen to prayers during your devotionals or while driving then this is a great opportunity to listen to the book for free when you download it from Christian Audio in September. Make sure to submit your order by August 31, 2011 to get your free audio book. Thanks Christian Audio!
Song: “Here I am to Worship” by Michael W. Smith
I am thankful for the opportunity to go to church and worship with other believers. Take time today to look around you and worship life, creation, nature, or whatever makes you appreciate your Creator. He brings blessings into our lives in many sizes and shapes!
Book: “Who Do You Love?” by Margaret Wang
Several years ago my parents gave the girls Who Do You Love? by Margaret Wang and they still love it. I have read the book to them many times and now they can read it on their own. The book is encouraging for the kids because it goes through the variety of people in their lives that love them. This is a terrific book especially for younger kids as they are learning about the family members, (including siblings, parents, and grandparents). When the girls were little after reading the book we would talk about their grandparents and share memories. It is now great seeing them read it together and share memories with each other.
Love It – Skippies (Water Toys)
Our Skippies after a fun weekend in the ocean, still with some sand on them! My girls picked out a pool toy, Skippies by Fluid, to give to Daddy for his birthday a couple weeks ago and we got to try them out on our recent trip to Charleston. It was a BLAST playing with these floating discs!!!! I have to admit I was thinking of using the Skippies mainly for time in the pool because I thought we would lose them in the ocean with the waves. Since we didn’t have the opportunity to use them at the pool first we decided to test them in the ocean anyway. The whole family had a lot of fun playing with the “Skippies”! They floated really well, were bright colors which made them easy to spot in the water, and light weight so if one managed to hit you it didn’t hurt (we tested that theory, Jake even managed to hit me on the forehead one time). Plus they were easy to grab and throw even for the kids.
Several people in the water near us stopped us to ask about them. I was impressed with how entertaining they were and how easy they were to use even for our girls. It is a great time of year to check out these neat pool toys as the summer season begins to wrap up. They are not expensive and can provide a lot of fun entertainment for your whole family. I found them on clearance at our local Sports Authority when they were closing down the store on Laurens Road. I am looking forward to trying them out at the pool now that we tested them successfully in the ocean! They come in a pack of 4 and measure 3 inch in diameter. You can find them at Toy Splash!
“Love It” is a series of posts on items that I use regularly or seasonally in my household that I love! There are some items in our daily lives that make life more enjoyable, efficient, or just plain fun. I will be sharing with you some of the products that have been given to us (or to me) that have made it to the top of my list. It’s my way of giving a huge thumbs up!
Song: “Your Hands” by JJ Heller
The artist has a beautiful voice and this song is peaceful. I am thankful that even “when my world is shaking heaven stands…..and I never leave your hands”. There are seasons in my life with unanswered prayers for our family, for friends and extended family. My heart goes out to those who have gone through a rough season recently but I am confident that the Father is holding us in his hands and knows the exact plans he has for our lives.
Book: “Heaven is For Real” by Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent
A couple months ago my Mom left a book that she had recently finished for me to read called “Heaven is for Real” by Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent. “A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back” retold by his family. Colton was a little boy when he under went several touch and go surgeries. For several months after his release from the hospital he revealed things he saw in heaven during his brief trip there, including descriptions of heaven, characteristics of God, he even met family members he never knew on earth and many more neat pieces of information regarding heaven. It was fascinating and encouraging to read the book. The book shows the real struggles families encounter when their are going through a tough time. The Burpos family had a tough few months with a miscarriage, broken leg, kidney stones, a child in the hospital and more challenges along the way. I appreciate the openness from the family as they share their story and glimpse of heaven in the book. If you want a short and positive book to read regarding heaven you may want to check this one out.
Song: “The Motions” by Matthew West
When life gets busy it is easy to just go through the “motions”. Yesterday our Pastor discussed the topic of prayer and how we need to look at prayer differently. So many of us just go through the “motions” without even thinking about the deeper meaning behind prayer. Having the open channel of communication with our Heavenly Father is not only beneficial it is essential. It puts a whole new meaning on pray without ceasing! What “motions” are you just going through today? Take a few moments to quiet your heart and mind so you can focus on what’s important.
