Children's Board Book Review: Angels in the Bible for Little Ones by Allia Zobel Nolan, Illustrated by Alida Massari

Book Description:

Angels in the Bible for Little Ones gives children a fascinating look into how powerful behind-the-scenes helpers interacted with Bible greats such as Abraham, Daniel, and Mary, acting as messengers, protectors, warriors, and more. This padded cover board book, written by bestselling author Allia Zobel Nolan and illustrated by Alisa Massari, brings eight stories from the Bible to life for little ones.

My Review:
Angels in the Bible for Little Ones is a lovely little book that introduces the Biblical concept of angels to children. I like how the author uses scriptural stories to draw word pictures of the angels who spoke to people like Abraham and the women at Jesus' tomb. She stays close to the Bible in her stories and gives the child an easy to understand message. Alida Massari's illustrations are colorful and inviting to little eyes. Even though this is a board book, it could be used in a teaching situation to tell children about God's messengers. This would be a great book to share at Easter, as well.  

Hope!

Artwork created with watercolor pencils and embroidery.

©PennyFrostMcGinnis

Naptime: A poem

I wrote this poem a few years ago after one of our grandkids told me I had a soft lap. 

Naptime

When I want to take a nap

I crawl up in my grandma’s lap.

Comfy,

Cozy,

Soft,

And sweet

Grandma’s lap puts me to sleep.

Z

  Z

    Z

      Z

©Penny Frost McGinnis

God's Gates

Psalm 100:4-5
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
    his faithfulness continues through all generations.

We were driving from the restaurant to my condo when my grandson, Zeke, piped up from the back seat. "Do you think God is looking at us?" My response. "Sure, I know he sees us every day. Why do you ask?" Zeke in his matter-of-fact way said, "Cause I see his gate. See it. It's where the sun is coming through the clouds." Sure enough, the sun shined between two billowing clouds. A few seconds later he said, "Me and my sister saw his big gate the other day. The sun really came down." Out of the mouths of babes.

Zeke was pleased that God was watching us. Happy that God's sun broke through the clouds and shone on us. Quite often, I'm reminded of God's love through my grandchildren. In their innocence they understand God's open arms. Adult lives can get messed up. Sin sneaks in or sometimes walks in boldly and causes chaos. Frustration rears its ugly head. Anger seeps out. It's easy to forget that God is right beside me, wanting to help if I just ask. This sweet little boy's reminder of God's presence fills my heart with joy. I praise God for his love and care. I'm thankful we have visible reminders of the One who loves us most.

No matter what your going through God is beside you. He wants to lift you up and give you hope. Just ask.

What other ways does God show himself to you?

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Have you been Binge Reading?

People binge watch television shows, several seasons in a row, one after another. When Downton Abbey was in its prime, I admit to binge watching the first two seasons so I could catch up with my daughter. Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu make watching show after show easy.

Maybe you've tried this fad of binging on television, but how about books? Many authors pen several books in a series. From my experience, I love reading a whole series. One after the other. I think the first set of books I binge read were the Cat Who books by Lilian Jackson Braun. She had not written all of them at the time, but I dove into the first 12 or 13, one after the other. You get to know the characters, that's for sure.

Recently, I've read two series with great enthusiasm. Melody Carlson's Dear Daphne books follow Daphne Ballinger on a roller coaster ride as she inherits her aunt's home with some interesting and unexpected expectations. The other series I've binged on, Deb Raney's Chicory Inn novels, has entertained me for hours. I've enjoyed following the lives of Grant and Audrey Whitman's family.  I'm about to finish book four this week, then I get to complete the series with book five. I'll write a review on that one in March. I highly recommend either series for great entertainment. Both authors write excellent stories filled with heart.

Have you been binge reading? If so, what books?

Nonfiction Book Review: The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines and Mark Dagostino

Book Description:

Are you ready to see your fixer upper?

These famous words are now synonymous with the dynamic husband-and-wife team Chip and Joanna Gaines, stars of HGTV’s Fixer Upper. As this question fills the airwaves with anticipation, their legions of fans continue to multiply and ask a different series of questions, like—Who are these people? What's the secret to their success? And is Chip actually that funny in real life? By renovating homes in Waco, Texas, and changing lives in such a winsome and engaging way, Chip and Joanna have become more than just the stars of Fixer Upper, they have become America’s new best friends.

The Magnolia Story is the first book from Chip and Joanna, offering their fans a detailed look at their life together. From the very first renovation project they ever tackled together, to the project that nearly cost them everything; from the childhood memories that shaped them, to the twists and turns that led them to the life they share on the farm today.

My Review:
I am a fan of the HGTV show Fixer Upper. If you're familiar with the show that focuses on a young couple who buy and flip homes for their clients, then you know Chip and Joanna Gaines. They bring a positive energy to the show and a sincere, self-deprecating truth through their story. The Magnolia Story also reflects their genuine and transparent lives. Their book shares their ups and downs in the restoration business along with a touch of their faith in God. I enjoyed reading about the way they met, their courtship, and the addition of each child to their growing family. If you enjoy a positive story about good people mixed with a large dose of reality, you'll like The Magnolia Story. For what it lacks in glitz and glamour, it spills over with hope and love. I purchased my copy from Amazon.