The Sacred Thread (TV Docuseries from Angel Studios) - You Can Stream NOW! [Review & Giveaway]

The Sacred Thread is a cinematic documentary series exploring the Lord’s Prayer through the historical, cultural, geographical, and literary world in which Jesus first spoke it. Hosted by Brad Gray and featuring insights from scholars including N.T. Wright, the series takes viewers across biblical landscapes to uncover the deeper meaning and context behind one of the most well-known prayers in Scripture.

Through cinematic storytelling and accessible scholarship, the series invites audiences to see Scripture with fresh eyes and rediscover the richness, depth, and relevance of the Biblical text.

The Sacred Thread is now available to stream on Angel.

My thoughts:  As I watch each episode, I've been enthralled at the revelation that is brought to us as we listen to this outstanding narrator, traverse the land where these Biblical events occurred, listen to noted academics and scientists as they, too, reveal how the sacred thread is woven throughout The Lord's Prayer and the depth of insight that can be seen of God and His creation, of Jesus and His love for us, and of the Father's great love for us.

In the second episode I was particularly moved to hear how scientists expound on God's greatness in the infinitely small and the infinitely immense and that now science can see how atoms can jump from the most infinitely small to the infinitely large. This is a revelation that shows man how immense God is - just as Scripture says He is. (Note: My explanation of this leaves much to be desired in clarity. The episode was truly wonderful.)

I love how the narrator brings rich historical events, descriptions, and reasoning into this study of The Lord's Prayer as well. This along with the current academic studies and modern scientific correlation to Scriptural passages is truly revelational. This helps us grasp the context that this beautiful prayer was written in and helps us better understand the depth of the prayer.

Many of us have heard sermons breaking down the phrases of The Lord's Prayer, but I dare say that this docuseries, The Sacred Thread, will implant the beauty, the theological depth, the connectivity of you to God in a new and very special way.

I encourage my readers to WATCH this series. I believe it will be a real blessing to you to do so. Stream it on Angel now. Join the Guild to watch.

GIVEAWAY

$10 Amazon giftcard

         *Note: This giveaway is limited to US winners only*

$10 Amazon Gift Card "THE SACRED THREAD"-USA addresses only!

We can accept ONLY winners who have NOT won via another blogger's giveaway in this campaign. I will randomly select a 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place candidate to win. Publicist will determine their validity to win and only 1 winner can win the gift card via Chat With Vera. (Example: Winner #1 selected but it is determined that #1 has already been chosen on another blogger's campaign, so winner #2 then valid to qualify.) This is handled by publicist. Their decision is final. Notification is via the EMAIL that is REGISTERED in the GLEAM entry system.

DISCLOSURE: I received free access to Angel to view the episodes of The Sacred Thread to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine, alone. Giveaway prize is provided and distributed by publicist on behalf of Angel Studios as a promo for The Sacred Thread. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes or for prize distribution. #TheSacredThreadMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork @StreamingOnAngel #StreamingOnAngel 

"America, I'm So Glad You Were Born" by Ainsley Earhardt - Celebrating America's 250th Birthday - Children's book

Let’s Celebrate the land of the free and the home of the brave—together!

  

America, I'm So Glad You Were Born: Celebrating the Country We Love by Ainsley Earhardt & Illustrated by Kim Barnes - #1 Best Seller in Children's Books on the U.S.

ISBN: 9780310184225
Hardcover $21.99 USD
ZonderKidz Publishing | Buy

My thoughts:  This bright and colorful children's book captures the joy and excitement that children can experience as they celebrate the birthday of America. This year 2026 America celebrates its 250th birthday or anniversary of it's becoming an independent sovereign nation after declaring and fighting to gain it's independence from Great Britain.

This is a happy book! This is a bright, exuberant celebration of our American freedom and presented beautifully simple and joyfully so that children can comprehend. They will learn about freedoms. About achievements. About equality. The illustrations show a delightful mixed group of children that is indicative of the melting pot nature that is America's population. Handicapped children are engaging in activities right along with those without handicaps. Skin color and hair or faces don't matter. The joy is evident. 

A lovely, happy book.

About the book: Celebrate the heart and soul of America with #1 New York Times bestselling author Ainsley Earhardt’s all-new picture book! Just in time for America's 250th anniversary!

Join the parade, wave the flags, and light up the sky with fireworks as you and your little ones shout, “I’m so glad you were born, America!” This joyful and patriotic picture book celebrates the people, places, history, and values that make our country extraordinary.

Perfect for children and families, this beautifully illustrated book celebrates America’s rich heritage and traditions. From the founding principles of democracy and equality to the freedoms we cherish—like freedom of speech, religion, and opportunity—this book is a heartfelt reminder of why we’re so thankful for the U.S.A.

With fun rhymes, colorful scenes, and a spirit of celebration, America, I’m So Glad You Were Born is ideal for:

• Teaching kids about America’s history, values, and diversity
• Inspiring gratitude and pride in our country
• Celebrating Independence Day, patriotic holidays, or any day you want to honor America

Whether you’re looking for a meaningful gift, a classroom read-aloud, or a way to share your love for America with the next generation, this book is a must-have for every family’s library.

Let’s celebrate the land of the free and the home of the brave—together!

Where you can purchase a copy... https://amzn.to/3PzL6Dq 

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.  #america250 #americabornbook #ainsleyamericabook #ainsleyearhardt #zonderkidz @aearhardt @zonderkidz @FrontGateMedia

Exploring the tiny world around us: Children's books bring discovery to small ones (ages 3-7). [Candlewick Press]

Tiny Worlds: A Story About Appreciating the Small Things (A Gentle Picture Book That Celebrates Imagination and Grandparent Bonds) by Brittany Cicchese 

Hardcover $18.99 USD
Candlewick Press
ISBN: 9781536236521

My thoughts:  This is a  simply lovely book. A book that gently tells the loving story of a small boy's relationship with his caring grandmother. It is obvious that he frequents his grandmother's home as he has his own treasures placed prominently and easily available for him. The story explores his love of the small world - almost a fairy world - that in reality is a world that exists under, at the bottom of, and within our larger world. He sees the tiny world, and his eyes and mind are alight with the story that can be told of that particular tiny world.

Grandmother gently urges him out into the big, main world that is where he really lives. He eases himself off to the edges of the main, larger world. After awhile in the larger world, he desires to again begin discovering the tiny world that sits amongst his present location.

Whilst this is truly in essence a story of a boy who has a mind and eye to discover the hidden that is small and hard to know but that sits right among us in our larger world. It can be but a small step to envision that this little boy has such an introvert personality that his preference is his own world or a world of his own creation from the small hidden things that sit at our feet. His grandmother in her wisdom, gently eases him out into the big world this is his to discover, yet recognizes the need to still allow his settling back into his small world for play.

The author is the illustrator and she has created a beautiful rendering of these small worlds and the world around them and of the little inquisitive boy with his loving and wise grandmother. Beautiful.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the book: Grandma’s house isn’t that big, but there’s always enough room for a tiny world. . . .

An introverted child finds grandness in the small things around him in this heartfelt intergenerational story.

When a young boy visits his grandmother’s house, he doesn’t just see scraps of ribbon lying around, mushrooms clustered under a log in the forest, or shells hiding along the beach. He sees tiny worlds where pie tins become playgrounds, ants become farmers, and tide pools teem with life waiting to be explored. Tiny worlds are full of whimsy and imagination, but they have one problem: He seems to be the only one who sees them. While at first Grandma keeps trying to draw him out, to a busy park or the beach or the zoo, eventually she realizes that her grandson’s tiny worlds are big enough for her to meet him there. In her authorial debut, Brittany Cicchese offers a touching story and warm illustrations that celebrate the connection between a child and grandparent and encourage readers to appreciate the little things in life—and the sensitive souls who lead us to them.

Jayden Noticed by Carolyn Crimi & illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice

Hardcover $18.99 USD
Candlewick Press
ISBN: 9781536227307

My thoughts:  This is a sweet story of a family who moves from one home to another in a location that appears different in many ways to a young boy. As Jayden packs his beloved rock collection to take along on the move, he wonders.

When he arrives he finds a new rock that has a lovely shiny streak in it. Soon after he finds a new friend.

A lovely story of adjusting to changes in locations and discovering new friends.⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the book: With the help of a rock he’s collected, a child moving to a new house learns to embrace change and make a like-minded friend in this story celebrating our most thoughtful little observers.

Jayden notices everything. He notices the way the moon looks different every night as it peeks through the oak tree. He notices spiderweb wheels and egg freckles, mouse paws and rose petals. But most of all, Jayden notices rocks. Jayden collects a rock to go with everything: a homework rock, a Saturday rock, even enough wishing rocks to fill up a jar. But now that he and his family have moved to a different house, where the trees are too short, the color is off, and the mailbox is in the wrong place, will he find a rock to grant him courage—and help him make a new friend, maybe even a noticer like him? In a tender story for curious and observant little readers, Carolyn Crimi’s text joins with Shamar Knight-Justice’s expressive illustrations in a tale that offers comfort in the face of life’s many changes.

DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

Not Precisely Mr. Knightly (The Silver Teapot #2) by Carolyn Miller

ISBN: 9798891513303
Barbour Publishing
Paperback | $14.99 USD 

My thoughts:  After a very "slow read" start of this story, on about page 150 the story seemed to gain life and interest. I really attribute this inability to progress through the life and times of a young technology industry and creator of a dating app (a place online where folks put themselves on the market looking for someone with whom to socialize or date) to my own inert interest in dating apps and other such tools and communities on the internet. Is this the world we live in today? Sadly, it is so. But I digress. Back to the story......

As the story progresses, we meet two extended families who have known each other and socialized in their homeland of Australia throughout the childhood and school days of our primary characters - EJ, precisely named Emma Jane, and Jordan. The author is modeling the modern characters and storyline loosely along the lines of Jane Austin's stories. 

Jordan and EJ are both church attending Christians who let God lead them in their actions, choices, and daily living. Jordan seems to be the most dedicated Christian; and EJ has a real yearning for the glitz, glamour, plenty, and richness of affluent, successful living. She hopes that the dating app she and Jordan have jointly created with be her ticket into this rich world.

The dating app is about to go public; and in the tech world, this means opening it up for major investors and stockholders. This is where the richness of technology really antes up.  

And a rich investor enters the scene, Eric, who begins to wedge himself and his rich living and loose-living into that of sweet young EJ. 

Jordan worries. 

EJ is bedazzled. Eric is a charming sleaze. And a lot is on the line here - the dating app and more importantly, EJ's spiritual life.

The story is not precisely my cup of tea from start to finish since the tech world is not that interesting to me. But the story is a good one of redeeming faith. Right choices. Avoiding pitfalls, etc. Good families living good lives.

I can and do recommend.

About the book: Can the Matchmaker Find True Love?

Emma-Jane (EJ) Bennett and Jordan Knight are longtime best friends who codesigned the immensely successful dating app, Dream Match. Success starts to go to EJ's head when she gets caught up in the famous and money-hungry social circles and starts dating the son of a TV mogul. But Jordan's feelings have grown from friendship to more. He determines to protect her by exposing Eric Churchill for the two-timer he is, finally agreeing to attend a function with her at the Sydney Opera House. But his best intentions go awry when EJ is embarrassed and runs for the security of home, small-town roots, and The Silver Teapot Café, feeling like Jane Austen's chastised Emma--only without her Mr. Knightley.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. 

Guess How Much I Love You, Dad!: Father's Day Gift Edition by Sam McBratney & illustrated by Anita Jeram (Ages 2 to 5)

As Father's Day approaches, Moms around the World are looking for little gifts for their little ones to give "Dad"  on his special day. What better way to teach the art of giving to young children than to help them give to their Dad and to show love to the one who provides and protects?!?

ISBN: 9781536251845
Hardcover $16.99 USD

My thoughts:  In this new book that is now a lovely addition in the "Guess How Much I Love You" collection of children's books, Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare (Dad) have a conversation where they try to measure in a variety of ways just how big their love is for the other.

Of course, since Big Nutbrown Hare is much bigger than Little Nutbrown Hare, this is absurd as his measures are always much greater or bigger. But they persist. Until..... Little Nutbrown Hare says "...to the moon--and back."

This sweet book comes with its own gift card and wrapping paper. So Mom and the little one are all set for the big day when they show Dad "how much I love you."

About the book: The perfect gift for Father’s Day, with the beloved book, a card, and gift wrap all in one elegant package!

Solve all your Father’s Day gifting needs in one go with this stylish and convenient present! This special hardcover gift edition of the parent-and-child classic Guess How Much I Love You comes with a beautiful card and elegant blue wrapping paper, ready to gift for Father’s Day.

Guess How Much I Love You is an international bestseller and family favorite known for expressing love so big it can’t be measured. What better way to celebrate the father figure in your life than by telling him you love him—right up to the moon and back!

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy from Candlewick Press Publishing to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

The Sacred Thread is now available to stream on Angel.

 

The Sacred Thread is a cinematic documentary series exploring the Lord’s Prayer through the historical, cultural, geographical, and literary world in which Jesus first spoke it. Hosted by Brad Gray and featuring insights from scholars including N.T. Wright, the series takes viewers across biblical landscapes to uncover the deeper meaning and context behind one of the most well-known prayers in Scripture.

Through cinematic storytelling and accessible scholarship, the series invites audiences to see Scripture with fresh eyes and rediscover the richness, depth, and relevance of the Biblical text.

The Sacred Thread is now available to stream on Angel.

#TheSacredThreadMIN & @streamingonangel

Understanding the People, Places, & Things in the Bible - "The Explorer Bible Dictionary for Kids" [Review & Lifeway Giveaway Bundle]

 

Click Here to Purchase - $24.99 SRV
ISBN: 9798384532330
Holman Bible Publishers

About the Dictionary: The Explorer Bible Dictionary for Kids is intentionally designed to accompany the ECPA award-winning CSB Explorer Bible for Kids. ​​

Within its engaging, full-color pages, kids will interact with over 750 common Bible terms paired with concise definitions to enhance their understanding of the people, places, and things of the Bible. Fascinating images, illustrations, maps, and reconstructions are featured throughout to increase comprehension and help kids apply key terms and truths of the Bible. ​

This unique reference resource is perfect for use at home, church, or school and created to grow with your kids as they grow in Christ.​ 

My thoughts: Summer isn't just time for splashing in the pool, soaking in the sun, or whacking a ball out of the park time for kids. It means "down time" and time just being a kid. But kids still need tools at hand that will engage their minds so they don't get a case of brain-rot over the summer.   

Sometimes kids just want to kick back, lie down on the floor, prop up on a pillow and indiscriminately read through a dictionary or similar reference work. Surprised? Don't be! Kids are more real-information-oriented than you'd imagine. Short blips of information, and in a children's edition - the pictures, give them just the amount of chill-time information they want at that particular time. Unknown to them, they are also learning, educating themselves, and storing bits of information in their divinely given brain that has a huge amount of room for storage. 

Sometimes, we as parents, grandparents, educators, and theologians want to sit the children down with text books, Bibles, and dictionaries and give assigned tasks designed to educate them. We should also provide the means for some quiet, self-directed perusal of books so children can personally and quietly glean for themselves the treasures tucked away in the quiet turn of a page.

All these occasions are perfect times to have a copy of The Explorer Bible Dictionary for Kids on hand. Yes, I said, "Dictionary." This volume with attention snaring illustrations, colors that please the senses, information bits about interesting people, places and things are all neatly organized and presented. The dictionary will be a welcome addition to the homeschool library and the homes of those who attend private, parochial, or public schools. 

In today's world of technology, with computer, laptop, ipad, or phones on which we have billions of bits of data stored and available to us with a simple "click," few people think of a book - a "dictionary" - as a tool for learning. But a book filled to the brim with illustrations, colorful pages, snippets of information (definitions) all organized with easy-to-find information is a vastly important tool for learning. And kids can and do enjoy these books.

This is a great introductory Bible Dictionary to acquaint kids with the skill of seeking further information and descriptions of people, places, things in the Bible to aid in their better understanding of Scripture. I highly recommend.

The Explorer Bible Dictionary for Kids is intentionally designed to pair with the Explorer Bible for Kids, but it will work as a stand-alone book of reference or to use with other Bibles. I reviewed the Explorer Bible for Kids previously and you can read my review here. Purchase dictionary: click here.

🌟GIVEAWAY BUNDLE🌟

May 28 - June 11

Open to USA addresses only!

Explorer Bible for Kids + 

Explorer Bible Dictionary for Kids + 

Toddler Theology Series Bundle

Explorer Stickers & T-Shirt

Prize Bundle contents (1 winner all products): 2 copies of the Explorer Bible for Kids, 2 copies Explorer Bible for Kids Dictionaries, Explorer Bible Stickers, an Explorer Bible Tshirt, and the Toddler Theology Series set (6 books in set, picture below). 

On the entry form, be sure you name "Chat With Vera" as the blog that you entered from.

 CLICK HERE TO ENTER 

Toddler Theology Set - 6 books

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy of The Explorer Bible Dictionary for Kids to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Giveaway for the Theology Series Bundle is hosted by Lifeway Christian Resources and Lifeway will manage entries and award prize/s to winners according to their established guidelines. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes or awarding of giveaway prize/s. Many thanks to Lifeway for this opportunity. #ExplorerBibleDictionaryMIN #explorerbibleforkids #christianstandardbible #EBFK #learningathome #homegrownkids #splashintoscripture #scriptureforsummer