victoria 
Title: Iola: The Joy issue Created and published by: Abi Louise Price: £12 Best bit: It’s hard to pinpoint one thing, but the quality of this bookazine* is gorgeous, it’s fab to hold, the pages are thick and beautifully designed, there are no adverts and the images and articles are perfect for a relaxing, soul-soothing read. … Read more
Title: Advent Journal for All ages Author: Nick and Becky Drake from Worship for Everyone Illustrator: Connie Buck Published by: Worship for everyone and Gas Street Church Price: £7.99 each, two for £15, or 3 for £20 Good for: Anyone wanting a quick but real way to connect with God during Advent, especially those who would like four themed songs … Read more
Title: Camp survival Written by: Olly Goldenberg Published by: Children Can Price: £6.99 Useful for: children age 7-11 years old Best bit: Really funny story weaving age-appropriate Christian life choices for children into a choose your own adventure book! Worst bit: The cover image is fab and I was hoping for more similar pictures in the … Read more
I run a group for families which meets every other and week. We meet outside and explore nature together in fun ways for an hour or two, before the children play in the playground and the Mums stand and chat. For Christmas, I’m planning an outdoor party, something which follows the same format as our … Read more
I’ve been exploring J O Y in the Bible as part of my creation of a GodVenture Joy Box, and I thought I’d share some of the things I’ve discovered. COMPLETE JOY There’s quite a bit of talk about joy being complete, first in Deuteronomy 16:15, where the people are commanded to celebrate the seven Feast … Read more
Read the story from Matthew 2 or listen to it being read by David Suchet. Invite everyone to chat or think about the impact the star had on the wise men, what impact did it have in their lives? The sorts of things they might say include that: it guided them when they saw it, … Read more
Title: You are – a book of God’s promises By: Emily Assell and Lauren Copple RRP: £6.99 but £5.94 here Published by: Hodder Faith Young Explorers Available from: Eden and a host of other places Best bit: a board book with gentle, beautiful Biblical truths in it Worst bit: I might have put less Bible verses … Read more
Title: Tonight – a book of God’s bedtime promises By: Emily Assell and Lauren Copple RRP: £6.99 but £5.94 here Published by: Hodder Faith Young Explorers Available from: The Book Depository Blackwells and a host of other places Best bit: a simple way to read God’s promises over your child at bedtime Worst bit: I … Read more
Title: The Promise and the Light By: Katy Morgan Published by and available from The Good Book Company Best bit: 25 short chapters telling the story of Jesus’ birth in an imaginative, but true-to-the-Bible way, perfect for children aged 5-11 years old Worst bit: no pictures, and I would love an audio version! More thoughts: … Read more
Title: The Adventure of Christmas By: Ed Drew RRP: £6.99 Published by and available from: The Good Book Company Best bit: Short but meaningful daily Advent devotionals with a picture for each day and something for all ages – from under-fives to adults! Worst bit: Only a few creative activities for people with other learning … Read more
Psalm 136 starts with this familiar phrase: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.His love endures forever.” Maybe it’s familiar because it occurs in lots of places in the Bible, including 1 Chronicles 16, Psalm 33, Psalm 106 and is repeated every other verse all the way through the 26 verses of Psalm … Read more
I ran a couple of really fun parties during Lock Down and it’s definitely possible to keep it simple and therefore easy to run! Here are some keys to keeping it fun: Be intentional Before you start to plan your party, as with a face to face event, it’s crucial that you clarify what you’re … Read more