I Can Do It!

Philippians 4:12-13
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

I just finished reading a book titled The Queen of Katwe authored by Tim Crothers. In this true story I met a young woman named Phiona who basically had nothing. She and her family lived in a shack in the slums of Uganda. They were fortunate if they could scrape together one meal a day. Their shack often flooded and left them with even less. Then a man came to the village and taught the children to play chess. Phiona had no idea what chess was, so the teacher had a four year old student show her what the pieces were and how they moved. Then Phiona took off. She embraced the game and before long was competing and winning. Giving her the means to help her family.

Phiona was a sincere, faithful follower of Jesus. She knew what it was to have nothing and knew what it was to have plenty. She took care of her family and continued on her journey as she embraced the gift God bestowed on her. I admit, I was a little uncomfortable as I read about Phiona and her family's living conditions. I felt bad for them. But the more I read of this amazing young lady's life, the more I recognized her incredible faith and determination to serve God. She kept her eyes on Jesus as she used her gift for good.

Phiona's story has stuck with me and reminded me to be thankful, to appreciate what I have, to use my gifts for Jesus, and to seek him in all things. Praise God for people who serve and love Him no matter what!

Nonfiction Book Review: Queen of Katwe by Tim Crothers

Book Description:
One day in 2005 while searching for food, nine-year-old Ugandan Phiona Mutesi followed her brother to a dusty veranda where she met Robert Katende.

Katende, a war refugee turned missionary, had an improbable dream: to empower kids in the Katwe slum through chess—a game so foreign there is no word for it in their native language. Laying a chess­board in the dirt, Robert began to teach. At first children came for a free bowl of porridge, but many grew to love the game that—like their daily lives—requires persevering against great obstacles. Of these kids, one girl stood out as an immense talent: Phiona.

By the age of eleven Phiona was her country’s junior champion, and at fifteen, the national champion. Now a Woman Candidate Master—the first female titled player in her country’s history—Phiona dreams of becoming a Grandmaster, the most elite level in chess. But to reach that goal, she must grapple with everyday life in one of the world’s most unstable coun­tries. The Queen of Katwe is a “remarkable” (NPR) and “riveting” (New York Post) book that shows how “Phiona’s story transcends the limitations of the chessboard” (Robert Hess, US Grandmaster).

My Thoughts:
The Queen of Katwe is both a heartbreaking and awe inspiring story. As I read the first chapters, my heart ached for the people in Uganda, especially Phiona who lives in the slums. But even though her life is made up of sheer day-to-day survival, her love of family and faith in God sustains her on her incredible journey. Phiona is an amazing young lady who has an amazing aptitude for the game of chess. The more I read of Phiona's story, the more I rooted for her to learn and win. She's blessed to have a young man, Robert Kantende, who cares about the children of Katwe. He's an exceptional example of courage and encouragement. Tim Crothers does a great job telling Phiona's story. He gives enough background to help the reader understand the circumstances without being maudlin. I enjoyed seeing the world through Phiona's eyes as she experienced much of it for the first time during tournament travel. My overall favorite part of the story is the thread of truth that ties it all together. Phiona trusted God no matter what her circumstances. I'd like to see this on the reading list for middle school or high school students. It's a perfect example of integrity, grit, hope, and endurance. I received this book from Buzzplant in exchange for a fair review.

To learn more check out Phiona's story.

Watch the trailer for The Queen of Katwe, coming from Disney in September.

They are Sunshine

©Penny Frost McGinnis

Atlantic Puffin

©Penny Frost McGinnis

One of my favorite birds is an Atlantic puffin. Puffins live along the northern Atlantic. They bob on the ocean in the coldest of weather and nest in the summer on island rocks along Maine's coast. 

©Penny Frost McGinnis

Since I've started embroidering again, I tried my hand at making my own puffin. I like how it turned out. 

Are there birds you enjoy seeing?

Book Review: Garden Of Eden Coloring Book

Book Description:

God created humans in his image and likeness and put it in a garden. In the Garden of Eden Coloring Book, you will find beautiful biblical scenes for coloring, relaxation, and delight. This book, with eighty-four pages, is an invitation to use all the creative potential that God has given you to create and to escape from the stressful activities of everyday life. Unleash your imagination, relieve your stress, reflect on biblical messages and see how good it feels. Appeals to all ages looking for a unique coloring experience.

My Thoughts:

The Garden of Eden Coloring Book is filled with pages of beautiful drawings focusing on the creation. I like the scripture references throughout the pages that relay God's steps in creating our world. Anyone who enjoys coloring or wants a relaxing activity will like this book. The only drawback I find is the pictures are on both sides of each page. So it would work great with colored pencils but not markers. My favorite picture is the beautiful sea turtle. I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Children's Book Review: Snuggle Time Psalms by Glenys Nellist, illustrated by Cee Biscoe

Book Description:

Did you think the book of Psalms was only for adults? Think again! Snuggle Time Psalms, written by Glenys Nellist and illustrated by Cee Biscoe, is the perfect way to introduce little ones to the poetry book of the Bible. This padded cover board book uses simple concepts, rhyming text and adorable art to help children engage with the Psalms. Beginning with “Bedtime Peace” and ending with “Wonderful Me!” this collection of fifteen bedtime poems enables young children to discover the One who holds them in his arms, leads them like a shepherd, created them just as they are, and cherishes them with a love that never ends ... snuggle and see!

My Thoughts:
I am a big fan of Glenys Nellist's books. She writes lovely and engaging prayers and poetry. I enjoy them as an adult and highly recommend them for children. In Snuggle Time Psalms she shares a short verse then gives a rhyming prayer. The prayers talk about things a child might think about; fear in the night, being scared, love and friendship. This would be a great book for an early reader to keep by their bed. And it would be wonderful to read with your little one before they go to sleep. Cee Biscoe has created precious illustrations that make the book even more beautiful. Children will love her sweet rendition of animals and nature. If you are looking for a way to share God's love with a child, this is a great pick. I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Let There Be Peace

Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

This week I don't have any fun stories or beautiful descriptions of nature. Instead God has set on my heart the desire to write about what it means to have a change of heart. Much of what I see on television, read in newspapers, and click through on social media tell stories of sadness, violence, negativity, name-calling, and frustration. People ask when will this stop? What can be done to change the darkness that surrounds society?

The Bible tells me that the world will have unrest. We'll deal with sorrow and violence. But the words of Paul show me change can be made. Not by a bunch of people who sit around and discuss their differences, but by people who have a change of heart. When Christ rules the heart—truly takes over and moves in—the heart is filled with peace. Kindness abounds, love rules, and people care. Until we hit our knees, ask God for forgiveness, then turn our lives over to Jesus the darkness of the world will win. The only answer is Jesus. He is the way, the truth, and the life. And he promises eternal life.

As for me, I gave my life to Jesus many years ago. Because he fills me with his Spirit, I aspire to show kindness and be a positive influence. I love the Lord and I ask him to work through me to make a difference. Who's with me?

Praise you Lord for your Son and the believers who are the church!