'Lifestyle of today’s family’ is at the heart of new product’s development

Rushed families who want to connect with their children have a new resource in Mary Manz Simon’s The Anytime Bible (978-0-439-65127-1), to be published by Scholastic in partnership with the American Bible Society in January. The 320-page book with an interior spiral binding will retail for $14.99.

Simon said she created this Bible product to give families who are always on the go a resource that allows them to share the Bible with their children, whether at the kitchen table, in the car or at bedtime.

After numerous books in “The Power of a Praying … ” series for youth and adults, best-selling author Stormie Omartian has produced a lively and instructional picture book for kids. The Prayer That Makes God Smile (978-0-736-92314-9, $15.99) will release from Harvest House Publishers on Jan. 1.

With a vivacious writing style complemented by the bright artwork of Shari Warren, Omartian assures children ages 4 through 8 that God loves them and that He shows it in many ways—through their families, and by providing for them and listening to their needs, cries and desires. Warren also illustrated Omartian’s 2007 Harvest House picture book, What Happens When I Talk to God?

Rotational design uniquely combines cross and ichthus fish emblems

A unique artist interpretation of two symbols of the Christian faith is the foundation for several companies’ gift, jewelry and home décor lines.

Jac Cavness, a Texas high school art teacher, is a sculptor and the creator of a series of Eyevolver Studio sculptures that undergo a rotational transformation from one Christian design into an entirely new one.
Cavness’ first design in the marketplace is CrossFish, which Roman has co-branded as “Dimensions of Christ.” Roman introduced the line in its January markets, but production delays pushed shipping back to June.

Based on initial retailer response, the company added three new SKUs. The existing line consists of a 6-inch figure, wood photo frame, desk cube, musical glitterdome, ornament in gold or silver with easel display, cell phone dangle, bookmark, key chain, women’s pendants in gold- or silver-plated metal, men’s silver-plated pendant, gold- or silver-plated earrings, a glass ornament ball, a plastic and metal bracelet, and gold- or silver-plated bracelets.

January introductions will include a lapel pin in gold-plate and silver-plate finishes ($8.50), gift-boxed dangling earrings in gold-plate and silver-plate finishes ($12), a gift-boxed pendant in gold-plate and silver-plate finishes ($16.50), a combination of art glass and metal dangle ornaments ($9.50) and a CrossFish figure in velvet bag ($8.50).

The “Dimensions of Christ: CrossFish” collection “offers a unique presentation of the story of the life of Christ ... the hardship of Christ’s life on Earth and also celebrates the glory of His resurrection and eternal life in heaven,” said Jeanne Acheson, director of product development for the giftware brand for Roman.

In a 90-degree rotation, the piece changes from a vision of the cross, when viewed from the front, to the ichthus fish mark when turned on the side.

Carson Home Accents is licensed to introduce a coordinated line of Eyevolver windchimes and windspinners with the CrossFish design, beginning in January. Current licensees include collectible company Mr. Christmas for mechanical musical ornaments and jewelry maker Stuller for fine jewelry in 14-karat and 10-karat gold and sterling silver.

For further information on these licensed products, call Roman at 630-705-4600, or visit www.roman.com; call Carson Home Accents at 800-888-1918, or visit www.carsonhomeaccents.com; call Stuller at 800-877-7777, or visit www.stuller.com; or call Mr. Christmas at 800-467-9627, or visit www.mrchristmas.com.

The Sonflowerz—a Colorado-based sibling duo—has been playing music for nearly 10 years, but only recently signed a record deal. The pair’s debut, All Over the World (8-94228-00172-3, Avista Records), which was independently financed prior to signing the deal, will be distributed by Provident-Integrity beginning this month.

But the dominoes really started to fall after the duo won awards at the Gospel Music Association’s “Music in the Rockies” competition last summer, taking home trophies for best vocal duo and overall vocal group. Since then, the pair has recorded its first serious album, scored a record deal and has seen several singles show up on the Christian radio charts.

San Antonio progressive rockers' debut album offers 'grace' message

Josh Engler grew up in an RV with missionary parents, traveling the country, building and repairing churches. These days, the 25-year-old San Antonio resident occasionally works for a homebuilder and still travels as a missionary of sorts. Engler fronts Abandon, a five-piece progressive rock band that makes its major label debut Jan. 27 with Searchlights.

Abandon’s members—with the exception of Josh’s brother, Justin—met while leading worship at a church in San Antonio, but their career outside the church got a boost when a ministry stumbled across the band’s MySpace page.

The ministry that contacted the band was The Seven Project, a moral education program for public schools that’s affiliated with the Assemblies of God. The Seven Project puts on public school assemblies that address six big issues teens face, including drugs and sex. The seventh—students’ need for Jesus—is addressed at an off-site, non-school-sponsored assembly that features music by Abandon.

Popular author and TV preacher gives hope for readers in hard times

John Hagee, author of the best-seller Jerusalem Countdown, delivers a message of hope to readers in Life’s Challenges, Your Opportunities. The pastor of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio aims to provide answers in the book for the significant questions of why God allows suffering and why bad things happen to good people. The author himself knows a little about life’s setbacks, having undergone open-heart surgery in October.

In the book, Hagee first explains the God-given destiny that is available to each person.