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Category: Product Reviews

My opinions on tools and resources for Children’s Ministry and Next Gen Ministry leaders

Hillsong Kids DVD – Can You Believe It!? {Review and Giveaway}

Kathie Phillips

Hillsong Kids "Can You Believe It" Review and Giveaway

If you’re like me, finding great music for your kidmin can sometimes be a challenge, depending on what you’re looking for.  For our elementary areas in particular, I usually stick with upbeat music that sounds up to date with voices that aren’t too childish (if children are singing the tracks).  Last year, I purchased a Spotify premium subscription (to eliminate ads that might be inappropriate) and created playlists for Sunday mornings and special events.  (In my opinion, this is a well-spent expense.)

Before we moved over to Spotify, I used some Hillsong Kids CDs for our kids’ worship (thankfully, they are on Spotify, so we’re able to enjoy our favorites).  The music was exactly what I was looking for – upbeat, relevant and fresh.  Recently, I was provided a chance to review their newest release and I couldn’t wait to take a listen.

A LITTLE BACKGROUND ON HILLSONG KIDS

Hillsong believes that teaching children to love God and others takes place in both the home and in the church. For this reason they seek to partner with parents (the greatest teachers of all!) and with church pastors and leaders, equipping them with great resources. Through fun experiences, meaningful music and ministry that encourages kids to participate, Hillsong Kids presents Jesus Christ and His Church in a relevant way, creating moments which children will never forget.

Their new kids’ worship DVD DOES NOT disappoint!!

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

“Can You Believe It!? – Songs of Truth” is both a question and a challenge… a statement of gratitude to a loving God and an invitation to explore the very foundations of faith. Classic songs like “My Best Friend”, “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” and “What A Beautiful Name” join brand new declarations of faith such as “As The World Shakes” & “Heaven Is Our Home”. We pray that this collection of fun and vibrant songs, help children around the world to declare biblical truths about God’s love and grace for them.

Check out this promo video!

WHAT I LOVED

The DVD featured upbeat songs and catchy beats, colorful and eye-catching graphics that will capture the attention of your elementary-age kiddos.  I think preteens will especially love it because it’s not baby-ish at all!  Some of the tracks are songs sung in ‘big church’ and played on Christian radio, so many of your kids might recognize them (even though they have slightly different arrangements).  The DVD features a good balance of praise and worship songs, allowing you the flexibility to offer both songs kids can move to as well as songs that can quiet them and focus them.

The DVD also includes music videos for the songs.  I’m not sure how I would use these in my context but I’m sure there are ways that you could incorporate them.  What I loved about the videos was that there was a lot of diversity represented – so glad to see that!

WHAT I FELT WAS MISSING

As great as the DVD is, it’s missing hand motions, so if you’re kids like doing hand motions during worship, you’ll need to add your own.  Also, navigating the DVD main menu was a little tricky at first but I eventually got the hang of it.  In addition, if you use the music videos, there are no lyrics that go along with that.

Overall, “Can You Believe It!?” is a perfect complement for Sunday mornings or midweek programming.  You will not be disappointed with this well-done, high quality product!

You can purchase the DVD here, BUT…

I am giving away a free copy!!

Enter to win a copy of the new Hillsong Kids DVD, “Can You Believe It!?” by emailing me at kidminspiration@gmail.com.  All entries should be received by 11:59 pm on this Thursday, November 22.  You’ll definitely want this in your music arsenal!

You can also enter to win by tweeting about the giveaway:

Enter to win Hillsong Kids’ new music DVD, “Can You Believe It!?”

Click To Tweet

The winner of this giveaway will be contacted via email and announced on our Facebook page on Friday, November 23.

“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 on the same blog, 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.

Meet Dorena Williamson, Author of “ColorFull”

Kathie Phillips 1 Comment

Friends, I am so very excited to introduce you to Dorena Williamson!  Dorena is the author of the brand new book “ColorFull: Celebrating the Colors God Gave Us“, which releases today, May 1st.  But Dorena isn’t just the author – she’s my aunt!!  I had the privilege of interviewing her recently and I am so excited to share her with you so that you can hear her heart behind this incredible book that you should grab for your ministry.

Colorfull: Celebrating the Colors God Gave Us

Tell my readers a little bit about yourself.

Hello! I am a PK turned Pastor’s wife, so church sometimes feels like my second home! Together with Chris I’ve raised four amazing kids who are now 24, 22, 17 and 14. Two are graduating this year so this is a season of celebration! My new adventure as a children’s author stems from 22 years leading and loving a multicultural church in the Nashville, TN area. On the side I’m a stylist with Evereve, a national company focused on heart filled styling for women. When I find leisure time, it’s spent reading, watching travel shows or dreaming about tropical places to visit!

Racial reconciliation has been a longtime passion of yours.  Was that the motivation for this book?

That was definitely a part of the formation of ColorFull. Over twenty two years of multicultural church leadership has cultivated a passion to help others experience God’s diverse kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven. Jesus invites us to enter the kingdom as children do, since they can teach us so much.

Tell us about “ColorFull”.  What is the story about?

ColorFull begins with something we all have in common: friendship and family. A grandmother uses a teachable moment to reinforce God’s truth, that creation’s colors AND our skin colors are all a part of God’s colorful design.

What was your process for writing this story?

The idea for ColorFull grew out of frustration! I saw companies like Mattel and American Girl expanding their doll lines to incorporate more varied skin tones. Yet, Christians diminish God’s glory by being ascribed to colorblind rhetoric. I wanted to lend a new voice to the conversation and help teach kids that every person’s color is a beautiful handiwork of God to be fully seen and celebrated. Once I signed with B&H, we got an excellent illustration husband/wife team to bring the words to vibrant life. I’m really excited about how it turned out!

What are the main takeaways you want people to walk away with from “ColorFull”?

1. We need to be talking to our kids about ethnicity & skin color!!

2. Reinforce God’s truth in this area while your kids are young; raise the importance level on this conversation; let go of colorblind rhetoric and instead teach God’s intention in diverse creation.

3. Find teachable moments to impart wisdom.

4. Relationships and proximity changes everything. What you read, who you spend time with, what activities you engage with all shape a worldview that not only appreciates God’s diverse kingdom but helps advance the work of justice and restoration.

You have a follow-up book, “ThoughtFull”, in the works.  Can you tell us a little about that?

Yes! ThoughtFull is book two in the series of three books. In this story, Ahanu, a Native American boy with Down Syndrome, models how to be ThoughtFULL – full of kind thoughts towards others. I hope this book reminds us that every person has value and is uniquely gifted!

Where can readers find “ColorFull”?

It releases May 1. Readers can order via my website and directly through LifeWay and Amazon.

Where can my readers connect with you on social media?

Facebook – Dorena McFarland Williamson

Twitter – @dorenawill

Instagram – dorenawilliamson

Website – dorenawilliamson.com

Friends, purchasing this book is such a great investment for the children and families in your ministry!  I am happy that Dorena has agreed to give away a book to one of my fabulous readers.  To enter, email me at kidminspiration@gmail.com with your response to the following question:

How do you celebrate the colors God gave us?

Responses should be received no later than 11:59 pm EST on Friday, May 5th.

Let The Little Children Come Bible Tracts {Product Review}

Kathie Phillips

Do you know what a ‘tract’ is?  So, in my neck of the woods, I haven’t heard that term or seen an actual one in 30+ years.  To be honest, I didn’t know they were still a ‘thing’, so when the opportunity came up for me to review Bible tracts and evangelism tools for children, I was curious to take a look.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Looking for ways to help children share the Gospel?Let The Children Come aims to provide effective gospel tracts and evangelism tools and resources for children.  It is the hope that these tools and resources will help you in conveying the powerful gospel message to children.  These tracts are all specifically designed to capture and hold the attention of children, while not distracting them from the core message of salvation through Jesus Christ.

The sampler pack I received contained 10 Gospel tracts and evangelism tools.  Each of the 10 tools is unique in how it should be used.  (Detailed instructions and video demonstrations can be found on their website.)  The 10 included tools fell into one of five (5) categories:

1. ANIMATED TRACTS (These tracts allow you to capture and hold the attention of children as you share with them the Gospel message.  You simply place the provided striped plastic sheet over the images and slowly slide it from left to right.  The images will begin to move!)

The tracts were pretty cool once I got the hang of it.  After a while, I realized that I was not holding the striped plastic sheet over the images close enough.  Once I did, the images really did come to life.  The kids will love that!

Check out the samples here:

John 3:16 Animated Tract

The True Story of Christmas Animated Tract

Where’s Everybody Going? Animated Tract

2. POP-UP TRACTS (Delightful pop-ups keep children engaged in your Gospel presentation and wonderfully illustrate the message of salvation in 3D.)

These tracts were fun to manipulate.  The pop-ups were cool and the tracts were colorful.

Check out the samples here:

The Most Amazing House Pop-up Tract

The Lost Easter Egg Pop-up Tract

3. FLIPABOUTS (Its fascinating folding mechanism keep kids interested!  You will fold the tract, turn and open as you read its contents.)

So these tracts took a little bit of time and patience.  I didn’t quite get the hang of it and it frustrated me.  If you plan to use these, definitely read the instructions, watch the video demonstration and practice ahead of time.

Check out the samples here:

John 3:16 FlipAbout English

Gospel Buttons FlipAbout

4. WEARABLES (These evangelism tools can be worn.)

There were 2 wordless bracelets included, both of which clearly explain the color-coded message of salvation.  The Silicone Salvation Bracelet and the Wordless Bracelet are perfectly sized for a child’s wrist.  The silicone bracelet easily slides on and the wordless bead bracelet is a craft that kids can put together with minimal adult supervision.

5. TRADITIONAL (This tool is a popular evangelism tool that most will be familiar with.)

This evangelism tool is one I’m familiar with and was trained to use as a teenage – the Wordless Book.  If you’re not familiar with it, it’s a handheld book version of the wordless bracelet.

MY THOUGHTS

All of the booklet-type tracts were all written in kid-friendly language and were visually appealing.  The variety of tracts and tools was also appealing to me.  With clear explanations and training, kids in your Sunday school class, VBS or ministry can be equipped to use these tools to share the Gospel.

LEARN MORE

Buy your sample pack today and check out these evangelism tools!

*Disclaimer:  The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.  I was not compensated in any way.

 

God’s Big Plans for Me Storybook Bible {Book Review and Giveaway}

Kathie Phillips

Enter to win Rick Warren's new storybook Bible, "God's Big Plans for Me"

There are a myriad of Bible storybooks on the market today.  The choices can sometimes seem overwhelming when trying to decide on one that’s just right for that special child in your life.  Today, I’d like to share one that is a great option to add to your child’s spiritual library.

Rick Warren’s newly released God’s Big Plans for Me Storybook Bible was absolutely delightful to peruse.

About God’s Big Plans for Me Storybook Bible:
God’s Big Plans for Me Storybook Bible illustrates the 40 foundational principles written in the #1 New York Times bestseller The Purpose Driven Life by Pastor Rick Warren. With child-friendly language, engaging illustrations, and a chronological approach, Pastor Warren introduces each Bible story with a theme that aligns with one of his foundational principles. He wraps up the stories with a closing thought targeted to early readers. The colorful illustrations and narrative tone bring these beloved Bible stories to life for readers young and old. God’s Big Plans for Me Storybook Bible has foil decoration on the cover.

My love for this book started at the very beginning, as in before the very first story.  Warren shares with readers how God has a plan for each of them and how to know that plan (reading God’s Word, the Bible).  He explains that each story will help answer the question: How does God want me to live my life?  

Each of the 40 stories begins with a short introduction about how the story that follows is part of the plan God has for their life.  These short explanations are worded in such a way that readers young and not-so-young feel drawn in.  At the end of each story, there is a ‘main point’ to think about, a Bible verse from the related story and a question to ponder.

Kids will love the beautiful illustrations, the kid-friendly language and size of the book, which is perfect for small hands.  This storybook is great for parents to read to their children or for older children to read on their own.  I would highly recommend it.

Zondervan has graciously given me a copy of God’s Big Plans for Me Storybook Bible to give away to one of my readers.  To enter to win, email me, telling me your favorite Bible story.  All entries should be received by 11:59 pm EST on Friday, November 17th.  The winner will be announced on my blog’s Facebook page on Monday, November 20th.  (If you haven’t already, be sure to ‘like’ my Facebook page.)

*Giveaway is open to US residents only.  The book cannot mailed to a P.O. box.

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 on the same blog, 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.

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