VeggieTales' Robin Good DVD / Review and Giveaway

Robin Good and His Not So Merry Men

Release Date: March 6, 2012

Running Time: 45 minutes

Lesson: Handling Hurt

The story goes something like this: A long time ago, in the faraway town of Bethlingham, roved a band of merry men, led by the fearless Robin Good. Their mission: to help people by fundraising from the rich and giving to the poor!  But when a greedy Prince starts stealing the townspeople’s hams, donations are down and Robin’s friends take off and decide to give robbing from the rich a try. Feeling rejected, Robin thinks things can’t get any worse, until he finds out that the ham-hoarding Prince has also captured his friends. Can Robin overcome his own hurt, rescue his friends and restore the townspeople’s hope?  Find out in this fun Veggie story where kids learn that there’s no hurt too big for God!

VeggieTales' Robin Good and His Not-So-Merry Men  is a fun parody that features plenty of high-energy, family-friendly music, including a new Silly Song with a theme that was selected through a recent Facebook fan contest. 

The DVD starts out with “Lenny and The Lost Birthday” which is an adorable short episode about Lenny (Junior Asparagus) who thinks everyone has forgotten his birthday.  He goes through his day hoping someone--anyone--will remember it's his birthday! When it's obvious no one does remember, he's very hurt, and a little mad. His mom, realizing that her boy is hurting, explains why this year his birthday is one day later than usual...it's Leap Year!  Mom is able to convey to Lenny through the song, Things Will Get Better, that he's loved everyday, no matter what happens, by her and of course by God! 

The silly song on this DVD, Bubble Wrap, brings the "BITS"-- Boys in the Sink--back out of the crisper with a fresh style make-over, but with the same awesome vegetable boy band sound which we love!

The animation is beautifully done, and the music is great.  But as a parent, what I still love the most about VeggieTales is that they continue to write stories with messages I can (and do) resource when teaching my own children lessons about applying our Biblical worldview to our daily lives! Does God really care when I'm hurting?  Does He really listen to me when I'm feeling all alone?  Is there ever a hurt too small or too big for God?  You can bet your kids have these questions!  Heck, I've asked these same questions...!!  Whether or not you think raising a child "takes a village", I certainly (still) appreciate the Biblical truths that VeggieTales continues to teach kids through their stories! 

Robin Good has released in Christian retail as well as most big-box retailers.  You can also hop over to the VeggieTales site and order your own copy, today!  Keep in mind that Easter is rapidly approaching and this DVD would be a great addition to any one's Easter basket! 

I'm giving away a copy of Robin Good to ONE person who comments on this blog, under the comments section! This contest will end on April 2, in time for the winner to enjoy this movie for Easter!  Comment...go ahead...it's that easy!!!

**I was provided with product for review. All views and opinions with regard to this product or the company which produced this product are my own and were not influenced by any third party. **

Healthy Choices in the New Year...

My friend, Joanna Faillace, who is a Certified Bible Health Coach has sent me this very informative article! I'm pleased to share it here on my own personal blog, in its entirety!  If you have questions for Joanna or if you're interested in making some healthy changes this new year... please follow her on her website!  She's a wonderful, Christian woman, with a heart that desires to help people get physicallt healthy in Christ!

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New Year Tips for a Super-Naturally Healthy Family!

By Certified Biblical Health Coach, Joanna Faillace

 “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19- 20 

OUT WITH THE OLD! IN WITH THE NEW!

To ring in the New Year, have a family prayer meeting and ask God for wisdom and guidance as you seek a healthier lifestyle for your family. Here are some dietary tips to help you:

 Decide not to buy processed junk foods that are void of any nutritive value and make it your goal, as much as possible, to buy organic foods which are whole foods that are made without any artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, high fructose corn syrup, toxic pesticides, chemically engineered feed, growth hormones and antibiotics. Read your labels and choose not to buy foods that contain toxic preservatives like MSG and ones that are genetically modified (GMO.)

 Switch from conventional milk to organic, whole milk that is least processed and is not treated with dangerous growth hormones and antibiotics.

 Don’t buy chemically bleached white bread, white rice and white sugar as these are high glycemic, “man-made” foods that cause your blood sugar to spike, and set off the hormone, cortisol, which is likely responsible for junk food cravings that your body will just store as fat! Do buy organic, whole grain breads, organic brown rice and organic cane sugar for baking.

 In place of chemically toxic, artificial sweeteners such as Splenda and Aspartame which can cause a host of side effects like migraines and hyperactivity, use all natural and enzyme rich, raw honey and organic maple syrup for sweetening coffee and tea.

Buy organic coffee as the leaves have not been sprayed with toxic pesticides! The extra investment is worth it, for your health’s sake! 

These are some easy and highly effective dietary tips that will work greatly to get you and your family on the road to supernatural health and wellness this New Year!

TURN OFF THE TV-TURN ON THE PRAISE! 

It is very difficult, if not impossible, to establish a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere in our homes when we are surrounded by multiple television sets constantly blaring away and with noisy video games being endlessly played! I believe the devil uses these as major distractions and stress inducers by causing family members to be angry and disrespectful and to be tempted to watch ungodly programs that do not glorify Christ! One of the best reSOULUTIONS we can make as parents is to TAKE ACTION!  Take the “controllers” away, turn off the TV’s and video games and turn on the praise tunes! Setting an atmosphere of praise and worship through Christ-centered music brings the family unit into blessed harmony and with a renewed focus!  

 RING THAT DINNER BELL TOGETHER!

God made whole, nutritious foods designed to keep us supernaturally healthy! Unfortunately, man has altered God’s perfect foods drastically by adding artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, high fructose corn syrup, toxic pesticides, chemically engineered feed, growth hormones and antibiotics. Because of our Typical American Diet loaded with these chemically processed foods, there is so much sickness and disease running rampant in families everywhere. I truly believe that God is challenging families to reverse their fast foods habits and get back into the kitchen and do some down home cooking with the whole, unprocessed foods he’s created! Family time in the kitchen can be really fun and educational! Assigning age-appropriate tasks to our children sparks a healthy interest in cooking, builds self-esteem and helps them to develop a sense of responsibility in caring for their bodies, which the Bible says are God’s temple! Some of our most valuable lessons and treasured memories come from cooking in the kitchen with Mama! 

EXERCISE FOR LIFE!

If you are financially able, prayerfully consider making an investment into a family membership at your local gym. This is another excellent way to strengthen the family bond and to ensure that everyone is getting consistent exercise that will help tremendously to ward off stress, fatigue, obesity and disease. Daily exercise also produces positive, mood-boosting endorphins in our brain that helps to create a joyful state of mind! If you cannot financially afford a gym membership, than you can always schedule daily walks in your neighborhood, or visit a local park or just get outside and have a ball and shoot some hoop with your kids!  Another idea is to buy a set of inexpensive hand weights to keep those arms strong and toned! Whatever you decide, a daily exercise plan will help your family to be responsible in caring for their bodies and to achieve life-long supernatural health and wellness!

Here are some Super-Naturally Healthy Meal Tips for Busy Families:

For Breakfast: Make all natural, fruit smoothies the night before and freeze them in individual cups! In the morning, all you have to do is take them out of the freezer and let them thaw a bit and your family has an instant, supernaturally healthy breakfast treat that will strengthen their immune systems and keep their bodies powered up until lunchtime! 

For Lunch: Protein rich, turkey sandwiches made with fresh baby spinach and garden ripe tomatoes on whole grain, fiber rich bread go a long way in providing complex carbs that our bodies need to stay powered up daily! To increase daily calcium levels, add a string cheese and a cup of organic, creamy, whole milk yogurt with probiotics and fresh berries for immune system protection. For a supernaturally healthy beverage, serve freshly squeezed juice, or boxed or bottled juices that are free of artificial flavors, chemical colors and toxic preservatives.

For a mid- afternoon energizer! Have a cup of freshly brewed, organic green tea with mint and add a teaspoon of raw honey.

For Dinner:  Grill up some barbeque chicken tenderloins right on the stove top in a grill pan! Everyone can help by creating a big, green salad loaded with lots of colorful veggies! Make your own easy, delicious and nutritious salad dressing without having to worry about store bought dressings that contain sulfites that could very well cause migraine headaches! Adding a warm loaf of organic, Sourdough bread served with real, creamy butter always hits that hungry spot!

 For Snacks: Prepare healthy, serving-sized snacks such as cut up fresh fruit, organic trail mix, and whole grain crackers with cheese the night before for school lunches or family road trips. That way, mornings can be less stressful and you’ll be able to get on the road in peace knowing you have already prepared a healthy alternative for your kids, especially, as you drive past the fast food and doughnut shops!

For easy, delicious and supernaturally healthy recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for your family, check out my Super-Naturally Healthy Families Cookbook available on my web site at www.supernaturallyhealthy.net.

How Montessori Failed Our Autistic Son

It's almost the time of year when parents start looking at alternative school options for their kids.  I know we started this research around this time, last year, ourselves.  There's so much to check out that it can become a daunting task, and one in which you may desperately desire to get an unbiased opinion about the school, teachers and IF it's going to be a good fit for your child.

Our son is high functioning on the autism spectrum.  Not Aspergers, mind you, but high functioning with a normal IQ.  He has behaviors that go hand in hand with autism, like ADHD, some sensory issues, and anxiety.  If you're the parent of a child who's on the spectrum, you'll already understand that there's no one-size fits all for our kiddos.  Just like each of them have specific needs, each of them require specific environments to help enrich their over-all education/socialization needs.

I have been homeschooling my son since Kindergarten.  Our public school options back in California meant that he would be "resourced" for most of his academics.  Meaning he would be pulled out of his mainstream classroom to a resource/special education room with other kids who had learning disabilities.  It sounds doable on one level, but with all the education budget cuts that had taken place, we were left with one special education teacher, a big resource room, and several kids who performed on a variety of levels academically.  After hearing the odds that appeared to be stacked against him in public education, we chose to home school. 

Upon moving to Tennessee, I spent countless hours researching schools, both public and private. I liked that we lived in a county that promoted inclusive education; meaning they would keep kids with special needs in the mainstream class with the help of an aide, as long as they were able to stay up with the class and not disrupt the learning environment with behaviors.  Tricky, since I knew he was going to be anxious going from a one-on-one learning mode to having 30 other kids in class.  And, like many homeschoolers already know, we're pretty laid back about needing to use the restroom, asking questions, talking, and even getting up and roaming the house if need be.  Staying on task with a kid on the spectrum many times means going out of the box with options to bring them back into a focused state.  Traditional classrooms can't function like this, obviously. 

It was at this point we started researching alternative education options.  We were told by our new therapist that if he got more socialization opportunities, it would help in his over-all social development.  Not really understanding how we would facilitate this growth from the outside looking in, we delved into looking at feasible options.  And by feasible I also mean affordable.  Let's face it, private schools, especially the ones that would have staff who knew special ed, are expensive.  I kept telling myself. "we can't put a price tag on anything that would help (our son)."  But really, there are some wonderful schools out there that would take me going back to a full time nursing job just to pay the tuition.  While that wasn't off the table, entirely, we found what we thought might be a good and affordable alternative: Montessori!

There's some good information written about the Montessori method of learning, and how it helps kids who learn differently. There are good write ups on how Montessori allows kids to learn at their own speed, never pushing them to a level of anxiety, but also taking into consideration the whole child.  It sounded lovely!  It sounded too good to be true. And for us, it was.

I'm not here to bash Montessori schools.  Just like in any other alternative education environment, there are good fits and bad fits.  I'm just writing to tell you that not all assumed good fits will actually pan out. 

First, you must know that if your child is NOT self motivated, this may not be a good learning environment for him.  There are some kids who love the idea of learning and who can't get enough knowledge.  Our son, if given the choice of playing or reading will always-without hesitation-choose playing!  Plus he's smart enough to see when teachers try to combine the two, and will (and did) balk at the whole idea!  This particular learning environment increased his anxiety, caused him to wander the halls (because that's evidently ok with this particular school) and take many 20 minute bathroom breaks.  His teacher, who supposedly came with a degree in teaching special education, handed my son off to a teacher's aide, who had NO experience with autism and who was left frazzled at the end of the day from not having the necessary skills to effectively communicate with him. 

I think what I became the most irate about, was that Montessori gives the kids about a 6 week time frame to "adjust" to their new surroundings.  That makes sense.  But what does not make sense is that they NEVER ONCE communicated with either myself or my husband about our son's personal transition, his behaviors, or their concerns.  Hey, if it "takes a village", maybe bringing in mom and dad as part of the equation might be a good idea???  Just a thought...

In the end, my son didn't like going to school and they didn't feel like they could meet his needs.  Mostly because the teacher's aide decided that she no longer wanted to work full time.  It was a disaster! Our only experience was one of resentment, anger and frustration.  Our son, who gained absolutely NO SOCIALIZATION skills from this awful experience was brought back home, and I'm once again home schooling him.  He's now a happy, well behaved child...who has many friends and playmates.

Socialization is something that is better serviced when parents can get involved anyway.  People, even mutli-degreed professionals, who tell you differently do not always have your child's best interest in mind. 

Parents, you KNOW your own child.  His gifts, his limitations, his needs and his potential.  Think very stongly before entrusting your precious child to an educator or learning institution that sells you on the fact they are a perfect fit for your child.  Maybe they are!  But pray for discernment and then trust that inner voice!

I'm So Thankful that Mary said, "Yes"...

Growing up Catholic, I remember a lot of emphasis being placed on the importance of Mary, the mother of Jesus.  Yes, in some ways I felt that there was a sort of worship of Mary that was expected. Biblically, I disagree that anyone except the Trinity is worthy of worship.  But now that I'm an Evangelical Christian--a bit non-denominational mixed with a sprinkling of Protestant seasoning-- I am saddened that many in the church want to totally ignore the importance that Mary played in the whole scheme of salvation.  She's much more than what many give her credit as being.  Like it or not, she was the mother of the Lord Jesus, the Christ.

We must remember that Mary said "YES".  She was a sinner, just like you or I.  She needed a Savior, just like we do.  But she had a choice when she was approached by the Angel Gabriel that fateful day.  She could have chosen the path that was a lot easier. Mary, a young girl, who knew that she would have been questioned about infidelity and her lack of chastity the rest of her life (which unlike today was a pretty serious offense, punishable by stoning), chose without too much hesitation to be the handmaiden of the Lord.  She chose to give up the social comforts that living under the radar of public scrutiny would have afforded her.  All this because she loved God, and trusted Him. And remember, God chose HER, too.  Out of all women, He chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus!

If you were approached today by a Heavenly messenger, and asked to do something for God that would take your life off of its current course; knowing that what you were asked to do would bless others but make your life a lot harder...how would you answer that calling?

We must also remember that Mary, yes 100% human, deserves our respect as the mother of Jesus.  She was not merely a vessel, anymore than I was a vessel for my own children.  I am their mother.  Mother's know their children's hearts. They stay up at night with them when they're sick.  They wipe their tears when they fall or have a heartbreak.  They put the needs of their children ahead of their own, and love them unconditionally--and forever.  Now, imagine you are the mother of Jesus.  Knowing prophecy, and knowing that He would have to die save the world; That his purpose for coming to Earth was that of the perfect sacrificial lamb for the whole world's sins.  Can you imagine what she must have held deep in her heart?  As a mother of two sons, I can only partially imagine...but even just imagining, it's too painful.

While I choose to not worship Mary as a deity of any kind, I respect her so much!  I love her so much!  And one day, when I get to Heaven, I hope to tell her how grateful I am that she said, YES.

How Important to You is the Issue of Faith When Choosing a President?

If you live in the United States of America, you’re aware that we have a Presidential election coming up next November. You’re probably keenly aware of this fact due to the mudslinging that has already started among the Presidential contenders. And sadly, it’s only just begun!


It can be argued that a candidate’s character, and world view is just as important as where they stand on fiscal and social issues. Maybe even more so. As Christians, we are supposed to see, speak and act in accordance to our relationship with God. We seek future leaders who live in that same accordance, and who do not bare false witness against their neighbor. That’s a biggie if you watch any of the debates!

This particular election cycle has brought on discussions of individual faith, and for some, a deep concern about what a candidate’s faith might mean to their Presidency.

When John Kennedy ran for the Presidency against Richard Nixon in 1960, there was a deep anxiety in the country about his Roman Catholic heritage and the potential for clerical intrusion into presidential decision making. What did Kennedy do during the closing weeks of the campaign to allay the fears of Christian and other voters who were not Roman Catholic?

On September 12, 1960, Kennedy addressed 300 Protestant ministers of the Houston Ministerial Association. He made three major points: he believed in an America where separation of church and state is absolute; no religious body should impose its beliefs on the general populace or the public acts of its officials; his decisions as president would be based on good public policy, not sectarian doctrine. The key sentence was:

“I am not the Catholic candidate for President. I am the Democratic Party's candidate for President who also happens to be a Catholic. I do not speak for my Church on public matters - and the Church does not speak for me.”

Some 50 years after that address, President Kennedy’s words are still being debated among church leaders and political candidates. A big question that’s still being debated is, did Kennedy separate himself from his Christian/Catholic faith so much, that it made it clear that whatever decisions he would face as President would not be influenced by that faith?

Many feel that Kennedy, in his speech, did not necessarily divorce faith or the Christian frame of reference from the public square; rather, he rejected claims of church authority upon his conscience and the public interest. He said:

“But if the time should ever come -- and I do not concede any conflict to be even remotely possible -- when my office would require me to either violate my conscience or violate the national interest, then I would resign the office; and I hope any conscientious public servant would do the same.”

Just how important is it to you that the President’s character and all decisions once in office be shaped by their world view? Please take a moment to think about this one: Can an honest, fair, person of integrity, without a personal faith in God successfully hold the office of President of the United States?

Holiday Survival Tips

I love Christmastime!  The lights and decorations are magical. There is a brotherly love that fills the air. The kids are all behaving nicely because "Santa Claus is watching"... and to that genius who invented Elf on the Shelf-- I love you! Yes it's our feel-good time of the year.  But, the holidays can also be some of the most stressful times as well.

We may be forced to celebrate this time of year with people who we may not even want to be in the same room with.  Yes, sometimes we are related to these knuckleheads, and sometimes they are our co-workers.  Either way, how does one get through a holiday party without starting World War III?

Simple.  Hold your tongue!

There will be ample time after the holidays to confront your nasty brother.  If it's a co-worker that rubs you the wrong way, the last thing you need to do is start something that will end you up in the human resources department on Monday...having to explain your way out!

Another simple rule:  If you lose your inhibitions to tell the world what you REALLY think of them at 2 glasses of wine... only allow yourself ONE glass.

Keep this holiday season focused on what we are truly celebrating; the anticipation and celebration of our Savior's birth!  Oh yeah... and that whole "Peace on Earth" thing, too!

Merry Christmas!

Why DO We Call it Christmas, anyway???

It's Christmastime! Buck Denver and his friends are starring in a brand new DVD, "Buck Denver Asks, Why Do We Call it Christmas?" --And you're going to love it!

While most Christmas shows are entertaining, only Phil and his friends can pull off being  “edutaining”.  I know that’s not a real word– so don’t try it on Words With Friends– but I can’t think of a better word to describe this incredibly entertaining and super educational Christmas show.  Phil Vischer explains it beautifully during his intro to the show when he says, “We all know the Christmas Story, but do we really know the story of Christmas?”  

   

As the show begins, we find Buck Denver feeling a little confused about why there are so many holiday traditions tied into celebrating Jesus’ birthday. Why do we drag trees into our homes and decorate them? Where did the tradition of hanging stockings by the fire come from? Why is Santa Claus even a part of Jesus’ birthday, anyway?  With the help of Sunday School Lady and Marcie, Buck sends out invites to all of his friends, hoping they can make it to his cabin in Indiana for a Christmas party.  Along the way, we see that it’s not only Buck who’s a little confused about where all the different Christmas traditions have come from.

You and your kids will truly appreciate how lovingly accurate each of these sometimes tricky questions are handled.  As you’ve come to expect from What’s in the Bible?, this show is witty, heart-warming and just plain fun to watch! And of course, the kids will get a beautiful lesson about the birth of Jesus–the REAL reason we celebrate Christmas! Look for some great new songs mingled together with some of your traditional holiday favorites.

I personally appreciated that kids with sensory integration issues won’t find this DVD overly stimulating, like some popular shows on TV. The songs aren’t obnoxiously loud with a lot of percussion and the movement of the characters is well regulated and not jerky or rapid.  The colors are bright and the story will hold their attention.  For the kiddos who love facts, this DVD is a goldmine!

If your family’s like mine, you probably already have a nice-sized Christmas movie library.  You’ll definitely want to add this DVD to your collection! It’s one that can be enjoyed by the whole family throughout the season!

I'm giving away a copy of, "Buck Denver Asks, Why Do We Call it Christmas?" For a chance to win this DVD, in the comment section below tell me what it is you love the most about Phil Vischer's newest series, "What's in the Bible?" If you haven't seen the series yet... just say that.  Winner will be randomly selected on Friday, November 24. 

Why Do We Call It Christmas? is now available in the WITB online store or in your local Christian bookstore.

I was given a copy of this DVD in order to review it. I have received no other compensations for this blog post. All opinions written here are mine.