May 012013
 

I’m not even sure I have the words to describe what a treasure family photos are to me. They are definitely one of my most important possessions.  My parents have never had a fancy camera, but they have always been faithful take a photographic journal of our lives.  I remember the excitement I would feel when we would pick up our envelopes of newly developed film and look through them.  I remember even more excitement filling the air when Mom would get all the photos labeled and put in a photo album.  I’m pretty sure I would spend hours pouring over those photos and reliving all the fun memories they captured.

Today, I capture photos of my own family in a couple different ways. I, of course, have my favorite DSLR, but I also have my iPhone for those moments that I don’t have my big girl camera with me.  I have managed to wrack up over 1,000 photos on my phone in just the first few months I’ve owned it!  Please tell me I’m not the only one.

Having a simple way to share digital photos with friends and family is so amazing (seriously, it takes only a few seconds to send a photo in a text or email), but what do you do with your photos after you take them?  Do they just sit in your phone ? Do you even think about printing them off? Yes, it is convenient to have your photos so compact and out of the way, but what about your kids and grandkids?  Will they have the fun experience of seeing printed photos, or will they only associate pictures with images on a screen?  There is just something about holding a tangible picture in my hand that takes my breath away.

This is where Groovebook comes in.  I discovered them a couple months ago, and I am so glad I did!  It is so simple to use, and you will have a little  printed book of 100 photos in your hand in no time!

You start by downloading their app to your mobile device, and follow their simple instructions to start uploading photos!  You sign up for a monthly subscription, where you get the book for free, and pay only $2.99 for shipping!  Seriously, it’s true!

I will tell you that these are not professional quality prints by any means, but phone photos aren’t usually professional quality, anyway!  I do love the fact that they print the date and time and sometimes the place that your photos were taken beside the photo.  No more hours of trying to figure out dates and write them on the back of your photos. . .  Also, if you decide you want to pass a few photos out, the pages are perforated for easy removal.

 To make this all even better, I have a coupon to share with you!  Use the coupon code below, and you will receive your first book for free. . .no shipping cost even!

Hop on over here to try it out, and let me know if you love it, too!

P.S.  I was not asked or paid by Groovebook to write this post; I just wanted to share a product that’s been helpful to me!

P. S. S.  I just asked my four year old if he likes having pictures in a book rather than on Mommy’s phone or computer, he replied, “Yes, that’s better.”  There you have it, you really should try it :)

Your book would make a wonderful Mother’s Day gift!

  ~ Written by Amy @ JerAmy 

Apr 182013
 
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Educational Apps

littlesanctuary~ Kim

Apr 022013
 

5 Heavenly Apps at Habits for a Happy Home Technology can definitely be used for heavenly habits. Amy recently showed us how she uses the voice memo iPhone app to help with scripture memorization. Little Sanctuary shares encouraging and challenging links from around the web. Kendra talked about being light on social media. Sherri challenged us with stepping away from the habit of the internet. And my husband has shared technology habits frequently.

Today I’m sharing five apps for heavenly habits:

  1. GloBible App – read Hodgepodgedad’s GloBible review at The Curriculum Choice. Available for Mac, PC, iPad and iPhone.
  2. Bible Gateway – available for iPhone, iPad, android, Kindle Fire.
  3. You Version – for use on many platforms.
  4. One Thousand Gifts – iPhone/iPad and android “How do you find everyday, amazing grace in the midst of deadlines, debt, drama, and daily duties?” Count gifts wherever you are.
  5. Instagram – well, this isn’t touted as a heavenly app but it can certainly be used for His glory! Capture all the blessings God has given you! A few of our authors are on instagram. Starting with the Jesus Team. We also have Hodgepodgemom, Amy Law, and Little Sanctuary.

**Bonus! 5 Totally Awesome Bible Apps for Kids

How do you use technology in a heavenly way? Or what is your favorite Bible app?

~ Written by Tricia

Mar 262013
 

Kim-littlesanctuary

 

 

Mar 052013
 

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.  But his delight is in the law of the LORD and on his law he meditates day and night.  He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.  Whatever he does prospers.

Psalm 1:1-3

Over the last couple years, my gracious God has been working in my heart about being more intentional with Scripture memory.  Oh, I’ve gone through spurts where I would come up with a system and regularly be memorizing, but then I have always fizzled out.  Last year, I heard about this book and devoured it as soon as I could get my hands on it.  It was so convicting, and at the same time so uplifting and challenging.  Who wouldn’t want to have large portions of God’s Words to us packed into our minds and hearts?!  The challenge, though, for a busy mom of two littles is WHEN to have time to sit down and memorize.  I tried writing verses on chalkbaords and scattering them throughout the house, and that worked for a while; but then came along those days when I would run out of time, or not be feeling well; and the chalkboards didn’t get updated…

…I hate to admit it…for weeks at a time.

 And then, I received this for Christmas.  I know, my Jeremy spoils me :)   The other day, I was once again gently reminded by my Jeremy of the fact that I REALLY need to get back into my Scripture memory again.  As I thought about how I could incorporate that into my days, I thought, why not use my phone?

I did some searching for Bible memory app, but none of them had exactly what I was looking for.  And then, I remembered that my phone already has an app to record voice memos!

I was so excited to find out how easy it was to record myself reading a passage of Scripture and then play it back over. . .and over. . .and over. . .and over again.

 I haven’t been doing this very long, but the benefits I am reaping are already great!  I memorize well when I hear something over and over again; so this is perfect for me.  AND, I normally play it back using the speakerphone; so not only am I hearing it over and over and over again, but so are my boys!!  My oldest is picking it up quickly!  So, why not pick up your smart phone and use it for something other than Facebook and Instagram?

Now, you may be saying “But, I don’t have a smartphone!”  The whole point of this, really, is to find a system that works for you and memorize!  I can assure you that it will reap benefits beyond what you can imagine!

  ~ Written by Amy @ JerAmy

Unit Studies by Amanda Bennett: Your Passport to Learning Adventures!