Friday, April 29, 2016

Is Belief Enough?

Hebrews 11:1-2
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.

We sat in on a Super Saturday architecture class with our granddaughter. The teacher, an architect, shared a video with the students of how a foundation is built. They watched with interest as a cement mixer sloshed the gravel, sand, water, and cement around to make concrete. The teacher went on to explain that the concrete wasn't strong enough to hold the skyscraper up by itself. So the construction workers laid heavy wire mesh at the base and poured the concrete over it. This small change made a huge difference in the strength of the foundation.

That got me thinking about faith. I've known many believers who went through difficult times. Instead of giving up, they clung to their faith and marched through the fire. But what if instead of faith, the person only had belief. Believing might be like the concrete. It's not strong enough by itself. But with faith mixed with belief a strong foundation is built. It's not enough to just believe God exists. I have to have faith and know beyond a doubt that God knows me and loves me, that everything comes from Him. I didn't see the creation come into being, but I believe and have faith that God created our world. I didn't see Jesus raise from the dead, but I know he did. I believe, I have faith, and I trust. Praise God for faith that's the foundation for life.


I Love the Lord


Thursday, April 28, 2016

Win a copy of the Inheritance


Children's Board Book Review: Counting Blessings by Eileen Spinelli, illustrated by Lee Holland

Book Description:
Children count along from 1 to 10, following the sweet rhyming text by beloved author Eileen Spinelli and the cute and cuddly illustrations by Lee Holland. Along with counting, this padded cover board book teaches children to see the blessings in life. With whimsy and joy, Counting Blessings captures the attention of young children, filling their minds with numbers and their hearts with happiness.

My Review:
I can count on Eileen Spinelli to deliver an enjoyable rhyming text that's fun to read to my grandchildren. In Counting Blessings, which is more than a counting book, she leads the child through numbers 1 to 10 then goes on to name many blessings like, "snow to dance in and songs to sing." My favorite blessing in the story is, "Six books beside your chair." What reviewer wouldn't love that. The bunny in the story is adorable thanks to Lee Holland's delightful illustrations. They're the kind of drawings that make me go ahhh— charming and colorful. The sturdy board book pages, simple text, and bright illustrations make this a perfect book for little ones. I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Purchase a copy at Amazon.

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Children's Book Review: Adventure Bible, Wild About the Bible: Sticker & Activity Book

Book Description
The Adventure Bible comes to life with puzzles, activity pages, and 50 reusable stickers in the new Wild About the Bible Sticker and Activity Book. Featuring Bible time heroes and their adventures, activities are fun and engaging and will entertain as well as teach young children about familiar stories in the Bible.
Heroes and adventures include Creation, Noah, Moses, Esther, and the parable of the Lost Son.


My Review:
Adventure Bible, Wild About the Bible is a great way for children to learn about the stories and people who lived during Bible times. The book is full of puzzles and pictures to color. David Miles drawings are inviting and enjoyable. Two pages of stickers come with the book. This would be a great book for car rides, quiet time, or learning more about Bible stories. I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Buy a copy from Zonderkidz.

Monday, April 25, 2016

Poem: Pink Dogwood in the Cemetery©


Nonfiction Book Review: Wonders of Creation : Illustrations to Color and Inspire

Book Description:
Wonders of Creation explores the wonders of our created world though detailed black-and-white illustrations—each one ready to be filled with the hues of your imagination. From amazing Eden-esque gardens to the creatures God made that still ramble through our world, this ninety-six-page book offers hours of coloring inspiration and relaxation for any age.



Book Review:
Wonders of Creation is a beautiful book that offers hours of coloring fun. Cindy Wilde and Pimlada Phuapradit created lovely renditions of God's glorious creation. I love the charming and whimsical details of the drawings. Coloring pencils, markers, and crayons can be used on the high quality paper. No doubt coloring these delightful pages will give hours of relaxation. I also like that the artists included some less commonly seen animals. The only drawback are the double-sided pages if you want to frame the pictures. This would be a great book for a family to share or a gift for someone who loves nature. I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Purchase your copy from Zondervan.