Favored Reviews is dedicated to the spiritual inspiration of the
entire family.Whether it is through authors,
books, artist, music, food, gift ideas or products, you can trust that the
reviews are open, honest and safe for all viewing.
Browse through the selections on the right or use the topical or
search guide conveniently provided.
Be sure to follow Fay on social media or her other blogs for updates,
and tell someone about Favored Reviews by clicking on the share tabs on this
page.
Would you like to know the Living God that I know? Click
on “Tell
Me About Jesus” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior.
Note: Emphasis may be given in some scriptures to show clarity or understanding
and is not to take away from the inspirited Word of God.
*Unless
noted, the names in articles are changed to protect the individual(s) privacy.
When
used, the words satan or devil are not capitalized deliberately, because we
give him no place in our lives.
Disclaimer: Article information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental
or physical issues but is geared toward spiritual awareness.
Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.
Disclaimer Notes: Results may
vary due to lack of belief.
Unless noted, scripture reference
in series was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway.
Image credit: Creative Common License if not
specified.
When
I'm in the market for children's books there are certain things that must make
it to my "got to have this" book list, especially if it's for
education purposes.
For a start, the cover must "pop" off the page and jump out at me. It
has to grab my attention visually and overtake anything around it. If you were
in a bookstore, Elvy's beautiful book for children called "Butterfly" would
do just that.
I
had come in contact with Elvy's work through another writer, and she asked if I would review her book.
I'm extremely selective about the books that I review, so as a favor I checked out some
details and fell in love with the entire landscape of this piece from cover to cover.
Simply put … in the case of
"Butterfly" the picture does speak a thousand words, it's that
beautiful. When my friend introduced me to the writings of Elvy, I was the one being blessed!
Before
the reader even opens the book we become engaged with what's happening on the
cover.A
little boy is relaxing in a hammock with his sandal shoes on the ground in a
garden-like setting.
While enjoying his book on butterflies what does he
encounter? A butterfly flutters by and dances around his head,
bringing the words he is reading to life.
As
we open the over-sized book, the author reminds us of a wonderful quote from
renowned author, E.G. White.
"There
is health and happiness for children in the study of nature;
and the impressions made will not fade out of
their minds, for they will be associated with objects that are continually before
their eyes."
The
first few pages are bursting in full color with nothing written on them only
stirring the imagination of the reader. The novelist begins to tell the story
as we imagine the transformation of the caterpillar to a glorious Blue Morpho
butterfly.
The
life of a butterfly unfolds on each page as we encounter various butterflies
and how they journey from child to child and yard to yard.
The
words are few but cause the reader to engage with the activities that take
place in each scene. Little eyes must study every detail painted across the pages
if they are to find visions of butterflies wherever their focus takes them.
Look
high as fluffy butterfly clouds blow by. Look low for chalk drawings on the
path where we walk. As the children are playing, each doing their own thing,
they witness the butterflies coming to bid them welcome. Butterflies are
everywhere and with each child they meet, they are received with joy and
wonder.
The
brilliant rainbow of colors is a feast for the eyes painting a portrait of
delight on every page. I love how the story flows as if we're following the
butterflies as they travel around town, dropping in on the children wherever
they can be found.
There
is an underlying message and tone that reflects not only physical nature, but
the nature of God. The butterflies live and thrive among the birds and bees,
flowers and trees. However the message that the butterflies demonstrate is that
God loves everyone. Oh, if we could see that through the eyes of a child like these little ones do in this story.
A
child will envision every word as a literal movement of the eleven butterflies
they see. Although the words are not all for young readers having not been
exposed to them (ages 3+), this book leans toward the creative and developmental side of
the learning experience. Practical exercises in colors, object identification,
matching, counting are part of this interactive learning book.
In
the final pages where the children gather with raised hands, they all wish
their playful time with the butterflies didn't have to end.
Closing
notes are directed to the parent or educator to engage the child(ren) in
several activities. There are two activities I found that kids would enjoy
along with an adult.
1
- The author suggests that we reveal each page to identify the specific eleven
butterflies throughout the book, highlighting the Blue Morpho on each page.
2
- I don't know if the author intended this, but I believe it was purposed in
her heart not to leave out any child. Another fun activity is for the young
reader to go back and identify each child from the group page and see if they
can remember what each child was doing when their winged friend entered their
playtime.
"Nature's
pages" have found a delightful way to engage both the child and adult with
whimsical and beautiful illustrations. It
captures the beauty of God's creations in nature and the innocence in the heart
of a child.
I
would highly recommend this book to be added into the creative design of any
child's educational library whether at home or school.
Although this is available in eBook format, I would greatly suggest the printed version. You won't be disappointed!
Maybe
you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have
His favor in your life also. Click on “Tell Me” for
more information on becoming a child of the Savior.
Scripture
reference if used taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Gateway Bible.
Image credit: Elvy P. Rolle, author
Image Link: Amazon
Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.
Messiah, Savior, Lamb
of God, Prince of Peace, Light of the World and Son of God are only a few of
the majestic names of our LORD Jesus beautifully spelled out in colorful array
for this exclusively designed Christmas card.
A few years ago I gave Names of Jesus cards and loved the outside so much that I framed it for display as part of my holiday decorations. It is one of my most favorite cards that I've ever sent to family and friends.
You too can share your love for
Christ by giving cards that declare the matchless name of Jesus.The box includes 20 cards with an inscription
and the Bible verse Philippians 2:9-10 NKJV.
“Therefore God also
has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name,that
at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in Heaven, and of those on
earth, and of those under the earth.” (Philippians 2:9-10 NKJV)
Names of Jesus Christmas cards inside view.
It’s a great time to
take advantage of Christmas cards boxed sets sales.Enjoy Christ centered cards featuring
scriptures, inspirational messages and beautiful full color artwork. Order early for guaranteed sales prices.
When this product information came to my email I couldn’t
wait until it was released to the public. For years I've loved having my own version of the Elf on the Shelf wondering where the little guy will show up each day. Even as an adult my plushy friend has brought pleasure into our home setting a tone for the day. Well, if you like
Elf on the Shelf like I do, you will love Shepherd on the Search making it a new Christian
tradition in your holiday family fun!
Dayspring® happily launched the Shepherd on the Search:
Finding CHRIST in Christmas Advent Activity Play Set, written by husband and wife team Josh and
Lindsey Helms.
The Christmas Advent Activity Play Set shares the retelling of the true
story of the birth of Jesus Christ through the angels told in Luke 2 of the Bible.As soon as the good news was given they (the "shepherds") set
foot toward the little town of Bethlehem to seek out the newborn KING.
Page by page children can follow along with the plush Shepherd doll
that is accompanied by the fully colored hardcover storybook beautifully illustrated by
Jonathan Bishop.
The Shepherd’s journey can be retold year after year as
it begins each Christmas season and ends on Christmas day when the shepherd
finds Jesus in the manger.
Each night for the advent countdown to Christmas, an adult hides the shepherd in the most unusual places making the hide-and-seek hunt more exciting as Christmas day approaches. To help the household get on board with the activity, include the kids by giving everyone in the family an opportunity in hiding the toy shepherd boy.
Be creative by hiding him in the cookie jar, prop him up on a staircase or bookshelf. You can even have him popping out of a holiday stocking or place him near a doorway to greet the guests with his festive and cheery smile.
Come
morning the child(ren) then go on a search to locate their beloved plush friend. For weeks the family will enjoy the journey of finding the Shepherd who goes on a quest for the Babe in swaddling clothes lying in a manger.
“And behold, an angel
of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and
they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said
to them, 'Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy
which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
And
this will be the sign to you: You
will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly host praising God and saying:
“Glory
to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
As the holiday draws near, each night move the Shepherd doll closer to
the manger which has already been placed under the Christmas tree.
Finally on Christmas
morning place him at the manger location. letting the children know that the search is over and the Shepherd has found the newborn KING who has come to save the world.
Activity Set Includes:
Shepherd on the Search Manger Scenes
Soft Plush Shepherd Boy Toy Doll
Full Color Pages in Hardback
If you are a believer and parent, you will like how this story directs children to the true
meaning of Christmas and to the Savior Jesus Christ. It's an opportunity to explain why we give presents and celebrate the birth of the Savior.
As a teacher of the gospel I look for ways to share the message of Jesus throughout the community. Let me encourage you to keep CHRIST in Christmas, by sharing Shepherd on the Search at a library or classroom story time reading.
Pastors and church leaders, if you want to win kids to Christ, you need to find a way to get them involved with a project that will keep them coming week after week. Shepherd on the Search will do that. Have children bring their friends to Sunday School each week during the month of December to help find the Shepherd at church. You could even give the child who has brought the most guests their very own Shepherd on the Search kit as a prize for the best servants heart for Jesus.
This year Christmas falls on a Sunday! What a perfect opportunity to bring lambs of all ages to the true SHEPHERD.
Although children and adults will delight in the
suspense of finding the Shepherd exciting, the goal is to teach our kids that
the holiday is all about Him and that’s the joy of Christmas.
Where will the Shepherd show up in your house?
It's time to start a new family tradition. Make Shepherd on the Search a part of your Christmas this and every year!
Would you like to know the Living God that I
know?Click on the above tab “Tell Me” for more
information on becoming a child of the Savior.
Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.
Scripture
reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Gateway Bible. Image:
CBD and @DaySpring Disclaimer
Notes: Review is that of site author Favored1 and may not necessarily be
that of the book author.
Labels: Children’s Books, Bible Stories, Christmas Stories, Interactive Books, Book and Toy, Books, Children, Shepherd, Bethlehem, Birth of Jesus Christ, Products, Christmas, Children, Christian Books for Children, Favored Reviews, Favored1, Shepherd on the Search, Dayspring, Educational Toys #DaySpring #ShepherdOnTheSearch Children's Books, Picture Books
When I was invited to review CJ’s new book for an honest
review I was delighted, especially since I drink so many smoothies.Being a vegetarian I am always looking for
more recipes for healthy living and was able to add several more to my diet
from this book.
Since cinnamon is already a part of my regular intake to
help increase brain function and curb sugar cravings, the cinnamon smoothie
recipe was one that I knew I’d enjoy. Something else I considered is that the drinks can be made with or without the protein mix; however, many vegetarians are glad to add it because this is something usually missing in our diets.
I think my favorite recipe is “Giddy Up Granny.”Although I’m not keen on that name (some of
the other names are quite fun), I like the ingredients especially since I use
spinach in almost every smoothie I drink.Some of the combinations like in the ChocChocaramel Almond D-Lite recipe I would have never thought
of putting together.
The reader must
keep in mind that these beverages are geared to the sports-minded lifestyle (as
in running).These are great drinks, but
remember what you are trying to accomplish with each one you select.
There are a few
drawbacks you may want to consider if you’re trying to cut calories. Although healthy, some of these smoothies may not necessarily
help you reach that desired weight loss goal unless they are used as replacement meals, because many
are high in carbohydrates (and/or fat). The
CocoMint
Christmas Cheer and Cuconut Craving recipes are lower in calories, fat, carbs
and in protein.
Also keep in
mind the level of protein in each smoothie if you are on certain medications.
If you are on Warfarin or other blood thinner medications of that type, consult
your doctor before drinking any protein shake/smoothie. Protein drinks may clear the medication from
your blood stream and could cause serious blood clotting.(We know this from personal and medical experience.)
The author does mention that he uses a Vitamix blender,
but doesn’t recommend any certain one to be used.I use a Montel Williams LWHME HealthMaster Elite Blender but any
high power one will work fine.
His recipes also call for Garden of Life® RAW protein
powder, but we are not given any information about the product.I researched to find out that the company has
a large range of products and this one is organic, non-GMO, vegan, gluten,
dairy and soy free (which is a benefit for those going through menopause).
The RAW Fit line is
designed for weight loss when used properly, but is quite pricey at over $5.00
a packet (not including the other ingredients). Regular “RAW” products are half
the price and can be purchased in a larger size.
An added bonus in the 64 page book, is the additional link sponsorship
information listed at the end for those interested in digging deeper into this
lifestyle.
The photographs are inviting drawing you in to “try” each
smoothie for yourself.Plus I like how
the author includes a bit of information or “tips” to help add to the overall
smoothie experience to the consumer.In these new 24 smoothie recipes, CJ uses a
vast variety of fruits and vegetables to satisfy the palate so that you don’t
get bored of drinking the same thing on a daily basis.
Although I am not a runner, I believe that these Smoothies for Runners recipes
can benefit anyone, especially if they are trying to improve their overall
eating habits. Check it out and let me know what you think.
Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I
know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.Click “Tell Me” for more
information on becoming a child of the Savior.
Image: Amazon. Content and Other Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.
Scripture
reference if used is taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Gateway Bible. Disclaimer Notes: Review is that of site author
Favored1 and may not necessarily be that of the manufacturer/author of book in review.
Eat to Run Smoothies for Runners; CJ Hitz; Favored Reviews, Health, Book Review, Products, Favored1, Exercise, Sports, Christian Non-Fiction
Favored Reviews is dedicated to the spiritual inspiration of the
entire family. Whether it is through authors,
books, artist, music, food, gift ideas or products, you can trust that the
reviews are open, honest and safe for all viewing.
