Glory Song Review

   
     We love music in our house.....especially Christian music so you can imagine my

excitement when we were offered the opportunity to review Glory Song by Matt Redman.

Being a member of the FlyBy Promotion reviewers I received a free cd to listen to and give

my opinion. On this new praise and worship cd where Matt Redman teams up with other

worship singing friends.

     Glory Song Track List
      

1.   All Glory featuring Kierra Sheard

2.   Gospel Song featuring Guvna B

3.   Greatest Hallelujah

4.   Gracefully Broken featuring Tasha Cobbs Leonard

5.   One Day (When We All Get To Heaven)

6.   Redemption Ground featuring Madison Cunningham

7.   It Is Finished

8.   Questions (You Are Faithful)

9.   Still I Will Sing

10.Place Of Praise featuring Kim Walker-Smith

11.Hope Is Marching On

12.Simple Pursuit / Glory Song

13.Your Ways

     Available to preview and purchase today at
      
                    iTunes
                    Amazon (CD)
                    Amazon MP3)

     My Opinion
     
      I've really enjoyed listening to this cd at home and in the van as we're out and about.
Definitely it has a calming and soothing result on me while worshiping God and all He does for us. Highly recommend purchasing and adding Glory Song to your library.

     

Social Corner:

Gracefully Broken Top Of The Tower Live Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__haUJns_b8

Gracefully Broken (Lyric Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJNR0lxbIP4

Gracefully Broken (Song Story): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LeKJYkhIo8  

September = Hydrocephalus Awareness

HYDROCEPHALUS

What is Hydrocephalus?

     Hydrocephalus is commonly referred to as "water on the brain." The so-called "water" is actually cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), a clear liquid that looks like water and is produced in the 4 ventricles (cavities) of the brain, connected by narrow pathways.

Causes?

Hydrocephalus has a variety of causes including:

• congenital brain defects
• hemorrhage, either into the ventricles or the subarachnoid space
• infection of the central nervous system (syphilis, herpes, meningitis, encephalitis, or mumps)
• tumor

Hydrocephalus is believed to occur in approximately one to two of every 1,000 live births. The incidence of adult onset hydrocephalus is not known. There is no known way to prevent hydrocephalus.

Facts About Hydrocephalus

Although you may have not heard the word hydrocephalus (hi-dro-seff-a-lus), it is not an uncommon condition. Hydrocephalus has no ethnic or gender preferences – and it can develop at any time during gestation all the way through to senior adulthood.

Here are a few facts about Hydrocephalus:

• Hydrocephalus is one of the most common birth defects, each year one out of every 500 births results in hydrocephalus
• Another 6,000 children annually develop hydrocephalus during the first 2 years of life
• Brain injury occurs every 15 seconds in this country - and in some cases leads to the development of hydrocephalus
• There are approximately 75,000 discharges a year from hospitals in the U.S. with a diagnosis of hydrocephalus
• More than 50% of hydrocephalus cases are congenital
• 70-90% of children born with spina bifida also develop hydrocephalus
• CSF shunting procedures account for approximately $100 million health care spending in the United States alone - half of this amount is spent on shunt revisions
• In the past 25+ years, death rates associated with hydrocephalus have decreased from 54% to 5%, and the occurrence of intellectual disability has decreased from 62% to 30%
• Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus affects adults and can cause dementia, difficulty in walking and, urinary incontinence
• No statistics are kept (by our government), for those who develop

Signs of Hydrocephalus

Congenital Signs normally found in infants and children
EARLY	Enlargement of the head Irritability Lethargic	Feeds poorly/Decrease in appetite Recurrent vomiting Prefers to be alone
LATER	Distended scalp veins High-pitched cry Increased muscle tone	Enlarged and bulging fontanel "Sunset Eyes" (downward gaze)
Acquired Signs normally found in older children, teens, and adults
EARLY	Increased intracranial pressure Headache Decrease in appetite Lethargic Nausea Vomiting Double vision	Deteriorating mental capabilities Irritability Restlessness Personality changes Incontinence Difficulty in walking
LATER	Seizures

Please note that these are just the most common signs - and it doesn't mean that a patient who is suffering a malfunction will follow all these signs. And no two malfunctions are alike, although they may be similar.

Treatment?

The most common treatment for Hydrocephalus is to use a shunt.      

A shunt is a mechanical device designed to transport the excess CSF from or near the point of obstruction to a re-absorption site and it is implanted under the skin.
There are many different types of shunts, but there is no perfect shunt. The quest continues for one, the shunt manufacturers are always trying to achieve this goal.

Having a shunt is a lifetime commitment. Once a shunt is implanted, it is not a "one time" operation. Life expectancy of a shunt averages 10 years. However, a shunt can last 5 minutes to many years. It is wise to always be aware of the warning signs for a "shunt malfunction."

Shunt Malfunctions

If an obstruction or other problem is found within the shunt system, one or more components of the shunt may need to be replaced. When this occurs, surgery is necessary.

Some of the problems that can cause a shunt malfunction are:

• Infection
• Blockage
• Calcification or breakage of the catheters
• Separation (catheters may disconnect from the valve and reservoir unit)
• Valve is broken or stuck
• Wrong pressure valve (usually found in a fixed shunt)
• Catheter needs lengthening
• Over-drainage or under-drainage

     Jacob's come a long way in his short 18 years. He's had 4 brain surgeries due to Hydrocephalous

which I thought was a lot but we've met many that have had 50-100 and they are young.There is no

cure and many face constant headaches and everyday pains. We went to Hydrocephalous camp in

Texas a couple of years ago and learned we ARE NOT alone in this daily battle. We now have many

Hydro Warrior friends and their families to help along this journey.

     Though September's almost over I spread awareness anytime I can. Jacob is my HERO!!!

Thanks to

for the information I've shared.

The Secret of The Hidden Scrolls

     Have you looked for Bible stories for your child but either found them to be too babyish or to

advanced? Well there's a new series written for kids from ages 6-9 by M.J. Thomas and we were  

given the opportunity to review the first two books. The Secret of The Hidden Scrolls is a series of

kids book suggested for ages 6-9 but Jacob, 18 and I both had a hard time putting the first two books

down. M.J. Thomas wrote these books after trying find something that would help his nine year old

son discover the Bible and grow in his faith. His son, Peter, was assigned a book report and after

searching various sites and libraries Mr. Thomas told his son his dilemma finding a book for him to

do his report on. Peter asked his dad "Why don't you just write one"? That was the beginning of the

adventures found in The Secret of The Hidden Scrolls.

     Both of these books are published by WorthyKids/Ideals and can be purchased by going to their

site where you will be given several options of who these books can be acquired.

     These books take the reader back in time with Peter, Mary and their dog Hank to explore and

learn different Bible stories while they are staying with their great uncle. In

The Secret of The Hidden Scrolls: The Beginning (Book #1) these three are transported back in

time before Gods creation. They meet Michael, the angel, who tells them the rules and what they

need to do to solve the scroll's code to be able to go home. They find themselves witnessing the

creation of man, the world and all in/on it.....yes even that sneaky snake.

Jacob loved when the kids got to ride the rhinos and I would have to say Michael was one of my

favorite parts of this book because I could visualize what he looked like.

    

     The Secret of The Hidden Scrolls: Race To The Ark ( Book # 2) is a little more intense as there

are more clues for Peter, Mary and Hank the dog to find for solving the scroll. When they are first

transported back to the time of Noah they have a run in with some not so nice boys who have a wolf

for a pet. Eventually Peter, Mary and Hank the dog get away and find Michael the angel. They ask

Michael why he let them be in danger in the city with the boys. Michael responds with. "Remember

God is always with you". They have to help Noah and his family finish the ark and gather/load the

animals. There's always twist in the story to keep you on the edge of your seat. Jacob and I both

thought this was a good book with plenty of adventure.

What Did We Think?

     We both really liked both of these books and are ready for another one. They are short enough that

Jacob didn't feel like he would never reach the end. These books are great for independent reading

but I also think they would be awesome for a family read-out-loud. My father used to read books to

me even when I was able to read creating some good memories.

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Review of Captain Bayley's Heir

     After reviewing one audio theater cd for Heirloom Audio Productions I was thrilled

to get the opportunity to receive Captain Bayley's Heir to enjoy with my son. This audio theater is 

one of The Extraordinary Adventures Of G.A. Henty books and will keep you and your family on

the edge of your seat. G.A. Henty is the author of 122 books and his published works are estimated

to be around 25 million. G.A. Henty not only wrote about the adventures he lived them.

     Captain Bayley's Heir adventure begins with George writing a letter about his encounters along

the way to America's gold rush. He proceeds to tell Frank a young 18 year old curious, carefree

business owner of transporting folks across California that being a Christian isn't about what you do

for God but what He's done for you. Frank asks Mr.George to tell him the story he's writing so we 

are transported to England where the story of Captain Bayley's Heir begins. With this story there are

many twist and turns to keep you guessing what will happen next. Captain Bayley's nephew, Frank 

is accused of something and no one believes he's innocent so he feels the only thing for him to do is

go to America. God has His hand in Frank's life throughout the story but like many of us we don't

see it until later along the way. Frank makes his way in America and later returns to London hoping

to clear his name with the help of family. Captain Bayley's Heir ends leaving you wanting more and

Mr. George gives hints as to other stories to come.

What's Included

     This is a 2 CD audio drama set.

       CD 1

        1. A Grand American Adventure

        2. Our Story Begins In London

        3. Captain Harold Bayley

        4. The Westminster Boys

        5. A Real Fight

        6. Harry's History

        7. Dismissal

        8. America

        9. Abe, Rube and Dickens

      10. Danger On The Trail

     

      CD 2

       1. Indian Attack

       2. Disquieting News

       3. The Plot Thickens

       4. Prospecting

       5. Pay Dirt,Gentelmen

       6. Amazing Grace

       7. The Shootout

       8. Frank The Hero

       9. Investigation and Exoneration

     10. More Stories To Be Told, More Adventures To Be Had

     In addition to the two CD Christian audio drama we were given access to Live the Adventure Club

where various resources including chatting with other homeschooling parents, history lovers, etc. are

available. Access to the Library on  Live the Adventure Club  allowed us  to download the e-book

and study guide for Captain Bayley's Heir as well as read along with the script used for this heirloom

audio. We found the script very helpful while working on the study guide. The study guide makes a

great homeschool curriculum because it covers many things. Each set of questions for each track of

the cd's covers three areas to make the older students think and the younger student listen more

carefully while enjoying the Christian radio theater. The Listening Well Questions pertain to what

we had heard in the story. The Thinking Further Questions challenges you to investigate a little

further to determine an answer which may be totally different among everyone and that's fine. There's

a Defining Words section for every track where you can have your kids increase their vocabulary.

There's also Expand Your Learning found throughout the study guide that explains some history

not explained in the story. At the end of the study guide you'll find a list of other books that can be

read to learn more about Victorian England and the American West.There are also three Bible

Studies included, God's Grace, Becoming a Christian and Honoring Your Parents.

What Did We Think?

We loved it!!!We took it in the van and listened to it while running errands. The study guide was

a great way to have a great conversation with my son about what we listened to.

Recommendation

Great way to teach History and Bible. Definitely would recommend for ages 6+. This is my second

review for Heirloom Audio Productions and I have to say I wish I'd have known about them

long before now.

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IMAGINE The Great Flood

IMAGINE The Great Flood  by Matt Koceich Book Review

     There's not many book Jacob likes to read but he started reading this one without being

repeatedly asked. SCORE!!! Every now and then he would tell me some of what he had

read and that made me REALLY want to read it. I waited until he went to bed to snag it and

started reading it to find myself, an adult, unable to put it down. The recommended age for this

Bible adventure are 8-12 years old but Jacob's 18 and I'm ....we'll just say adult.

     The Imagine series is written by Matt Koceich, a schoolteacher and a missionary. He has added

some great clean Christian reading for children with his Imagine Series. His Imagine Series

books are published and available for sale by Barbour Publishing for less than six dollars

.       Knowing the title was IMAGINE The Great Flood I assumed water was involved but I wasn't expecting the great flood to be the one involving Noah's ark. A modern day 10 year old Corey

becomes part of save the animals 2 x 2 team after hitting his head. Corey is having to move from

Texas to Florida because of his father's job.He's having a hard time adjusting to the changes about to

happen in his life even with his moms talks and love. Before blacking out and waking up in

Mesopotamia  2400 B.C. a trip to the park with his mom and dog are all he can remember. Upon

waking he  meets/helps Noah's sons gather the animals for the ark which is not always an easy task.

Things and people he endures while in Mesopotamia come back as comforts and helps Corey cope

with the move to a new state,school,neighborhood and new friends.

     Jacob liked the book so much before he finished the first chapter he was asking me if we could

get the other books in the Imagine series. YES!!!We both keep talking about the giants called

Nephilim and how scary they must have been to Corey.I loved the way Matt wrote this book so that

it could be understood as things in life today are also connected to how life was in the past life. Corey

even tells the brothers that he knows what he's read in the Bible.

     Jacob was happy how Corey ended up back in current time with happiness and more

understanding that God has plans for all of us even if we may not like them at first. I felt like a proud

momma that he got this from reading this book.Jacob is a special needs young man so anytime he ask

for more books to read ,an actually reads them, I get excited.

So What Did We Think?

     Absolutely loved the way you get pulled into the story while reading. Jacob and I both liked that

it wasn't a long drug out read and we couldn't predict what was going to happen after reading a

couple of chapters. When we first saw we would be reading and reviewing

IMAGINE The Great Flood  we both thought it would be a book about a flooded river, town or a

great storm of recent not about Noah's Ark.

Recommendation?

     Both he and I would recommend adding IMAGINE The Great Flood to your library today.

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Unauthorized Review

When my sister started telling me about the Homeschool Review Crew she started with "There are games to review." Well that's all it took to get Jacob on board to do the various reviews and that's pretty much all I keep hearing about. "When are we getting to review a game Mom?" so I was excited when Chara Games gave us the opportunity to receive and review Unauthorized. This is a strategic Christian game that is fun for all who play. Having three boys in our family equals ALOT of board games and card games in our house. Unauthorized is a great card game that can go anywhere with you to be played. Unauthorized is suggested for players 12 and up and 6-12 players per game. This is a great game for large families, a group of friends, youth groups and/or homeschool groups. The game only takes between 30-45 minutes to play which is some good quality time to get unplugged and interact with friends and family. The game is designed with the concept of role-playing in the world with an underground church. Every game has a police officer and a pastor while every player is assigned a role with specific abilities.  The objective is to sway all the players to support the church or the state which is determined by the 'experience cards' and can change a players loyalty unexpectedly during the game. During the four rounds of play the game can go any way quickly. Keeping their supporters out of jail and getting the majority of loyalties is the churches goal while the state is trying to destroy and crush the church. For the church to win they have to have a majority of the group loyal to the church and at least one person NOT in prison. The state wins if the church doesn't reach its goal. What's Included
Rule Book Role Cards Dealer Reference Card Player Reference Card Experience Cards

The Rule Book is easy to read but I had a hard time wrapping my head around the written directions

(that's a me thing) so I watched this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhOdlch2XZU&t=7s

Unauthorized is by Chara Games which was founded by Patrick and Katherine Lysaght in 2014 to

design and publish Christian themed games.

Where Can I Get It?

Unauthorized is available for purchase through Amazon and at game stores for a very reasonable

price.

What Did We Think? We  thought it was a good game to play with a group. We lost power during Hurricane Irma for a day so we gathered up our hurricane snacks,drinks,flashlights and Unauthorized for a little fun. Our youth and children are going on a camping trip in a few weeks so we will be taking Unauthorized to introduce to our group. Excited to see what God has in store for them. To connect with Chara Games on Social Media Facebook
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Is There Anything Better Than Candy?Box Tract

It's that time of year....cooler weather,leaves changing color and Halloween.We have Trunk or Treat

at our church every year so I was excited about reviewing these Halloween tracts from

Let the Little Children Come. Is There Anything Better Than Candy?Box Tract is a great way to

share the gospel with children of all ages. These cute little pumpkins can be assembled easily by kids

so how you give them out can be assembled(with a little treat inside) or unassembled. There are

assembly directions on the sheet that are easy to follow even for me.

Each flap on the inside of the pumpkin tells of God's love and how  He sent Jesus to save

us and the steps to be with God eternally then  the last flap has a prayer to pray. Each flap is a

different color.

These tracts are available from Let The Little Children Come in packs of 20 for $15.95 and there's a discounted price the more packs you buy. So I will be handing these out at our Trunk or Treat but they could be used in Sunday School classes or even street evangelism.I know some adults that would be thrilled to receive this and you never know something as cute as a little pumpkin may be what leads them to the Lord. What Did I Think?
I love it!!Would and have told many friends and church family about this awesome product. I was given a pack of 20 to review but also received a cool little pouch with samples of other products they sale and they have some pretty awesome things. Social Media Link Facebook
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Some Thoughts

It's been over a week since Hurricane Harvey left it's mark on Texas and then Louisiana and my emotions have been all over the place. We have some personal ties with Texas after traveling there and attending Hydro Camp a few years back. I also have classmates from Florida that call Texas home so there have been a lot of prayers and worry. All of our Hydro friends and my classmates are SAFE and that's what mater because material things CAN be replaced. Many tears have been shed as I've watched the flooding, rescuing and volunteering and feeling of helplessness I feel about being able to help. Prayers are always needed and I CAN do that.

Jacob's wanting to go to Texas to help and I've told him if that's what God has for him to do it will happen in the mean time there are other ways he can help. He's been very "quite" and kinda staying to himself so I'm giving him his space. I'm blessed that he has a servant spirit. Yes as his mother at first I thought "I can't  let him go off to Texas" but then God laid it on my heart the if He has that plan for Jacob I have to be willing to have faith that he'll be fine. I will admit God has been "bopping" me with things a lot lately and I'm glad.
We've gone to Jubilee at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church the past 3 nights and a calming feeling has come over me every night listening to great music and preaching. This was Jacob's first revival and he really liked it.
So as you say prayers please remember the victims, rescuers and volunteers in Texas and Louisiana. There's another hurricane brewing out there so as we brace for its hit keep the east coast in prayers for safety. Hope everyone has a blessed day.

BIC® Velocity® Max Mechanical Pencil Review

We have had the opportunity to receive two BIC® Velocity® Max Mechanical Pencil free for use and review.I saw the pencils when they arrived and since then Jacob has taken claim to them. He's used mechanical pencils since about the sixth grade and swears by them. After using the  BIC® Velocity® Max Mechanical Pencil he has said he doesn't want any other pencils.
They have a wider eraser for those dreaded mistakes.Jacob was impressed with the lead not breaking,which is his usual complaint.These are sold in 2 pack with extra lead at local stores or online at various sites.Go try these awesome pencils or get some for the kids.