Children's Book Review: My Christmas Stocking: Filled with God's Love by Crystal Bowman, illustrated by Claudine Gevry

Book Description:

What happens on Christmas Eve while children sleep? "Their stockings are filled up with candy and toys, and happy surprises for good girls and boys." A kindhearted man hid a gift in a stocking, long ago. He did it to "remind everyone of the Gift that God sent." Christmas stockings help us remember God's love.

My Review:
If you hang stockings in your home at Christmas, My Christmas Stocking is the perfect book to tell children where the tradition started. This is a sweet board book that tells the story of St. Nicholas and ties in his love for Jesus and his desire to share that love. I appreciate the books that retell the true life of St. Nicholas and emphasize the giving instead of the getting. 

Stockings are still a big part of tradition for my children and grandchildren. This will be passed on to my youngest grandchild on Christmas this year.

The bright, happy illustrations add merriment to the story and will attract a toddler's attention. And I like how the book is in the shape of a stocking.

FictionBook Review: The Christmas Joy Ride by Melody Carlson

Book description:

Miranda did not put adventure on her Christmas list, but thanks to her eighty-five-year-old neighbor Joy, that's exactly what she's getting this year. When Joy tells Miranda that she plans to drive an old RV decked out in Christmas decorations from their Chicago neighborhood to her new retirement digs in Phoenix--in the dead of winter, no less--the much younger Miranda insists that Joy cannot make such a trip by herself. Besides, a crazy trip with Joy would be more interesting than another Christmas home alone. Unemployed and facing foreclosure, Miranda feels she has nothing to lose by packing a bag and heading off to Route 66. But Joy has a hidden agenda for their Christmas joyride--and a hidden problem that could derail the whole venture.

My Review:
I thoroughly enjoyed The Christmas Joy Ride. Not your typical holiday tale, this book is an adventure in the true spirit of Christmas giving. Melody Carlson writes with humor, reality, and whimsy. Joy is one of the most delightful characters I've read. After raising daughters, I appreciate seeing the growth and changes in Miranda as she takes on challenges and conquers fears. Take a break from all the craziness of Christmas and read The Christmas Joy Ride. It will refuel your tank.

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than two hundred books with combined sales of more than six million. She is the author of the bestselling The Christmas Bus, The Christmas Dog, Christmas at Harrington's, and The Christmas Cat. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series and Finding Alice. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com.

Twenty-three Years

My husband and I celebrated our 23rd anniversary yesterday. Yep, we got married on Halloween. Not because we love the holiday, but because that particular Saturday fell between basketball and football seasons, and Tim was a coach. Our kids enjoyed throwing candy corn at us (for both of us, it was a second marriage.) Let me tell you, those sweet little pieces of candy hurt when they're hurled through the air.

After 23 years of crazy, raising kids, working jobs, moving several times, we chose to have a quiet dinner and a movie celebration. We reminisced a bit and ate an enjoyable dinner. Then we went to see a movie, The Intern. Robert DeNiro plays an older retired gentleman who takes an internship in a hip young company. Anne Hathaway plays the young, up and coming CEO and founder of the company. Without giving away the plot, I'll just say I enjoyed watching a movie that gives value to the older generation. 

We enjoyed a lovely day, then got to set the clocks back for an extra hour of sleep. 

Fiction Book Review: Keeping Christmas by Dan Walsh

Book Description:

For the first time since their children were born, empty nesters Judith and Stan Winters spent Thanksgiving without the kids, and it's looking like Christmas will be the same. Judith can't bring herself to even start decorating for the holiday; her kids always hung the first ornaments on the tree, ornaments they had made each year since they were toddlers. Sure, the ornaments were strange-looking--some were downright ugly--but they were tradition.

With Judith refusing to decorate the bare spruce tree in their living room, Stan's only hope for saving the holiday is found in a box of handmade ornaments . . .

My Review:
When I started reading Keeping Christmas, I almost closed the book. The story hit too close to home. But I'd promised to review it, so I opened to the page I stopped on and kept reading. I'm so glad I did. Dan Walsh has written a heart-warming story about the empty-nest years of life. I appreciate that Judith's husband and friends don't discard her emotions, instead they rally around her to try and help. With a few surprises and lovely holiday scenes, this short novel is a sweet, humorous read just in time for Christmas.

I received Keeping Christmas in exchange for a fair review.

Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of several books, including The Unfinished Gift and The Restoration Series with Gary Smalley. He has won three Carol Awards, and three of his novels were finalists for the RT Book Reviews Inspirational Book of the Year. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Dan served as a pastor for twenty-five years. He lives with his wife in the Daytona Beach area, where he's busy researching and writing his next novel. Learn more at www.danwalshbooks.com.

Won't You Be My Neighbor

Matthew 22:36-40
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Farmers Mural in Wilmington, OH

I didn't grow up in a neighborhood, but I knew my neighbors. We lived in the country on five acres where I could roam the woods, fish in the pond, and read on the front porch. More than a few times I remember my dad welding machinery for the local farmers who lived nearby. A couple of times I helped bale hay. I learned about sheep and goats from the farm on the hill. When we weren't working on something, all the kids got together and played softball, tag, and hide and seek. We were neighbors who watched out for each other, visited, and cared. We loved the folks around us.

Jesus knew about neighbors. He loved the people who surrounded him. When asked which commands to follow, he was clear in his answer. Love God, love people. This is not just an Old Testament law, but also words spoken by the prophets, reiterated in the New Testament. Love God with all I have and have compassion for the people around me. Not just neighbors who live next door, but people who weave in and out of my life. It's not easy sometimes, as I'm sure it's not easy to love me at times. Never-the-less, I continue to obey Jesus. Praise God for his love and for his commands.

Children's Book Review: Thank You, Lord, for Everything by P.J. Lyons, illustrated by Tim Warnes

Book Description:

Love surrounds you, beauty, too.

Notice how God blesses you!

Clap your hands, shout and sing:

Thank you, Lord, for everything.

A comfortable and relaxing rhyme tells the story of God’s great blessings in this padded cover board book. P.J. Lyons’ engaging text and Tim Warnes’ playful illustrations remind readers how much they have to be thankful for.

My Review:
This soft-cover board  book is perfect for little hands and as a read aloud. The little bear in the story is so enthusiastic, his thankful attitude will rub off on the reader. They'll be repeating the thank you chorus along with the reader. What a positive example.

P.J. Lyon's sweet poetry, "Jeweled flower, stained glass wing..." paints a delightful picture of bear's day. Children will enjoy Tim Warnes' soft and colorful illustrations. I love reading rhyming books to my grandchildren. I'll definitely share this one with them. Thank You, Lord, for Everything is a great book for Thanksgiving or as a Christmas gift. 

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Nonfiction Book Review: Best Hair Book Ever!

Best Hair Book Ever!

Book description:

We’ve all had bad hair days—be it hair that won’t curl or is way too curly, a cut that won’t grow out fast enough, or a do that just feels like an absolute don’t even after hours of pinning and spraying. But we have good news for you. Inside Best Hair Book Ever! are killer tricks and tips on having amazing hair every day, from the best cut for your lovely locks to simple-yet-stunning updos and gorgeous styles, and even the secrets guaranteed to make your hair behave. So put down that straightening iron and pick up this book! -From the editors of Faithgirlz and Girls' Life magazine.

My review:
This entertaining hair book for tweens and teens is filled with tips and tricks to have a good hair day every day. Along with instructions on braiding and styling, the authors encourage girls to embrace the hair God gave them. Whether curly, straight, thick or fine, there are ideas for every young lady. I like the pages that explain the different hair types and face shapes that show the reader the best ideas for them. Rather than focusing on looking sexy, the Best Hair Book Ever! shows girls how to have healthy hair that fits their lifestyle. This is a fun book for moms and daughters to share. Keep it in mind as a great Christmas gift bundled with some cute hair accessories.

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Out of the Forest

An Author's Love for Jesus and Writing: Meet Joi Copeland

Joi's desire to write began like many others, at an early age. She loved writing short stories as early as fourth grade. During her college years, she wrote stories that depicted where she was on her journey with Jesus. In 1999, she married her best friend, Chris, and put writing aside to focus on building her family. Her three boys kept her busy for many years. After moving to Colorado in 2008, Joi was encouraged by her sister, brother--in-law, and husband to pick up her writing once again.

Not long after that, her first novel, Hope for Tomorrow, published by Comfort Publishing, was released, followed by Hope for Journey. The third and final book in this trilogy, Hope from the Past was published and released in June, 2013. She's written two novellas, Christmas Rayne and Sheriff Bride, Rob's Story. Her short book, Letters of Love, hit closer to home for her than any other she'd written so far. Actual letters from her grandfather to her grandmother while he was stationed in China during WWII became the center of this fictional novel.

Joi continues to write. Her love for stories allows her to come up with many different themes. Though, hope and forgiveness seem to be one of the constant themes in her writing.

Joi makes her home in Denver, Colorado, with her husband and three boys. On occasion, you can find her sitting at Starbucks with her laptop working, or enjoying coffee with a friend. She not only writes, but is currently employed with Executive Scheduling Associates where she spends much of her time filling up calendars.

The most important decision of her life happened March 18, 1990, when she accepted Jesus as her personal Lord and Savior. Following Him has been a journey, and not always an easy one, but she's never regretted it. She feels like the disciples when Jesus asked if they were going to turn away also. Their response, like hers, was this, "Where would we go?" That's exactly how she feels. Jesus has been her life for over twenty years, and will continue to be so as long as she lives.

Her prayer is through her writing, you will come closer to Him as she has through so many Christian authors.

One huge recent development this year was God's calling for Joi and her family to move to Ireland to church plant. It's an exciting time in her life, and she prays she will continue to write once overseas. Those stories will be focused on redemption and hope to a society that has lost its hope. Joi and her family will be church planting in Ireland, building disciples for Christ, and raising ambassadors to the nations.

For more information on that or on any of Joi’s books, contact her at booksbyjoi@copelandclan.com.

Visit her on Facebook or her author page 

The Road Not Taken

Psalm 23:2-3
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

What path should I take? One of my favorite poems is Robert Frost's The Road Not Taken. A man walking along the woods comes to a Y in the road and wonders which path to take. He talks about the yellow of the forest, I imagine a beautiful autumn day with the breeze waving. One path he describes has marks of wear, where another may have trod. But he chooses the one with grass still green and leaves untouched, the one less traveled. He even considers that he might come back to take the other road someday, but doubts that because one road leads off to another. In his final words, he claims that the road less traveled has made all the difference.

I used to think I related to the poem just because I wanted to be different. Take the less traveled road because no one else did. But I believe there was a deeper stirring in my soul. God's Holy Spirit encouraged me to swim with the salmon. Take the less traveled path. So I chose to follow Jesus. His road isn't easy, there are bumps and curves but I know with all my heart His road leads to joy and abundant life, both here on earth and in heaven. By following the trail He's created for me, I accept my role in life and intertwine with the people He wants me to meet. And it has made all the difference. Praise God for leading on His path.

Children's Book Review: A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest by J. A. Myhre

About the book: 

Mu, a ten-year-old orphan, has lived his entire life in the heart of Africa. For as long as he can remember he has served in the household of a great-uncle where he is unloved and ignored. In his drudgery-filled life, Mu has little hope of happiness, and little hope that anything will ever change.

But one day, everything does change. On his way to draw water one morning, Mu is astonished when a chameleon greets him by name and announces that they will embark on a quest together. And what a quest it turns out to be! Mu faces danger and finds unexpected allies as they journey through a fascinating and ever-changing landscape.

My Review:
My favorite character in the story is a chameleon named Tita who guides Mu through the mountains and valleys of Africa. The two encounter natural elements that hinder their path as well as evil soldiers. They also find animal friends along the way. I wanted to like this story because it does introduce the reader to Africa. And the adventure is great. But I cannot endorse this book due to a violent scene, I found unnecessary, even though the purpose is explained at the end of the story. If you buy this book for a child, please read it first and see what you think. 

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

About the author: 

J. A. Myhre serves as a doctor with Serge in East Africa where she has worked for over two decades. She is passionate about health care for the poor, training local doctors and nurses, promoting childhood nutrition and development, and being the hands of Jesus in the hardest places. She is married to her best friend and colleague Scott, and together they have raised four children for whom many of her stories were written as Christmas presents.

Find Jennifer online: website

Book Review: Love You More Than Anything by Anna Harber Freeman, illustrated by Jed Henry

If you enjoy reading aloud to your children, you'll love this little gem. At the end of the story ask them to fill in the blank, "love you more than..."

A family of chipmunks celebrates the love they share as they do life together. Anna Harber Freeman's delightful rhyming book is perfect to read to your little ones. As the family scampers to the park they repeat the phrase "Love you more than..." and fill in the blank with everything from ladybugs to chocolate cake. Jed Henry's charming illustrations reflect the joy and fun-filled day the family shares.

Fiction Book Review: A Question of Destiny by Anita Higman

Book Description:
Lucy O’Brien is about to be given ten million dollars and a chance to live a life she never imagined. Will this new found wealth be Lucy’s undoing, or can she rise above the temptations within high society and choose to become a nobler version of herself? And will the solitary Andrew Whitfield—a man who watches over Lucy as she adapts to her new lifestyle—cause her to close the door on her dreams or be the key that opens the rest of Lucy’s destiny?

My Review:
When I read Anita Higman's stories I can almost hear her telling the tale. Her unique voice shines through in her quirky and lovable characters. I especially enjoyed Lucy  because of her positive, no-nonsense attitude. She spoke her mind in the midst of people she wasn't familiar with. And did it in a loving manner. Andrew's story warms the heart as he's overcome some tough obstacles. A Question of Destiny reminds me of an old fashioned love story with an ounce of whimsy and an extra measure of sweetness. If you're looking for a relaxing read, this one fits the bill. 

Book Review: Faithgirlz Bible NKJV

Description:

Every girl wants to know she’s totally unique and special. This Bible says that with Faithgirlz sparkle. Through the many in-text features found only in the Faithgirlz Bible, girls will grow closer to God as they discover the journey of a lifetime.

Features include:

• Book introductions—Read about the who, when, where, and what of each book

• Dream Girl—Use your imagination to put yourself in the story

• Bring It On!—Take quizzes to really get to know yourself

• Is There a Little (Eve, Ruth, Isaiah) in You?—See for yourself what you have in common

• Words to Live By—Check out these Bible verses that are great for memorizing

• What Happens Next?—Create a list of events to tell a Bible story in your own words

• Oh, I Get It!—Find answers to Bible questions you've wondered about

• The complete New King James Version (NKJV) translation

• Features written by bestselling author Nancy Rue

My Review:

Faithgirlz Bible is the perfect gift for pre-teens and teens. I especially like the features that make the scriptures approachable. Through the "Dream Girl" segments young ladies are encouraged to think about and imagine what people went through in their time. The "Oh, I Get It" sections help girls understand concepts that can be somewhat difficult.

The pink and purple illustrations and feminine designs make the book appealing. Introductions of each book give information to help the reader understand who wrote the book, where and when the events took place, the characters they'll meet, and the lessons and connections the reader's will find.

I wish I'd had a Bible like this for myself and my daughters. I recommend Faithgirlz Bible for young ladies ages 10+.

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Changing

Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

The leaves, they are a-changing. As the green fades and the reds, oranges, and golds hang like jewels from the branches, I once again stand in awe of God's creation. On my drive to work, I take in the amazing changes on the hills that surround us. While I'm excited to see the season gradually fade into the next one, I'm not a huge fan of change in general. I get a little nervous when plans are altered. I struggle a little when I'm told I have one more new thing to learn for work. I need to adjust and that rattles my confidence. When life throws a curveball what do I do?   

I turn to the one I can depend on. Jesus. He never changes. He's the same every day. His love and compassion stay steady. When Peter betrayed him, Jesus kept loving him. Even though religious leaders mocked him, he continued to speak to sinners. Against the custom of his day, he spoke to women in a respectful manner. Jesus made changes happen, yet he remained the same. He's the one consistent anchor. No matter what kind of crazy day I've had, I can open my heart and pour out my prayers to the one who always cares. As the leaves change, I know Jesus stays the same. For this I am thankful. Praise God for Jesus.

Sit & Watch

Fiction Book Review: The Splendor of Ordinary Days by Jeff High

About the book: 

The pastoral charm of small-town Watervalley, Tennessee, can be deceptive, as young Dr. Luke Bradford discovers when he's caught in the fallout of a decades-old conflict.

After a rocky start as Watervalley's only doctor, Luke Bradford has decided to stay in town, honoring the three-year commitment he made to pay off his medical school debts. But even as his friendships with the quirky townsfolk deepen, and he pursues a romance with lovely schoolteacher Christine Chambers, several military veterans' emotional wounds trigger anger and unrest in Watervalley.

At the center of the clash is the curmudgeonly publisher of the local newspaper, Luther Whitmore. Luther grew up in Watervalley, but he returned from combat in Vietnam a changed man. He fenced in beautiful Moon Lake, posting "Keep Out" notices at the beloved spot, and provokes the townspeople with his incendiary newspaper.

As Luke struggles to understand Luther's past, and restore harmony in Watervalley, an unforeseen crisis shatters a relationship he values dearly. Suddenly Luke must answer life's toughest questions about service, courage, love, and sacrifice.

My Review:

Since I had not read any of the  Novels of Watervalley, I ordered the first, More Things in Heaven and Earth, and second one, Each Shining Hour from the library and read them before I opened The Splendor of Ordinary Days. Jeff High's writing is a dream to read. The emotion and explicit description are so well done I felt like I was living in the small town. I found all three books relaxing and enjoyable. Book three, laced with mystery and romance, can stand alone, but I'd recommend reading all three; simply because they're good. I'm hoping there's a fourth book soon. The only down side I can find is some of the language; I'd rate the series PG-13. The stories are not overtly religious. Instead they're a glimpse into the lives of Christian folk and a few skeptics who are trying to live everyday lives in the midst of a small town, country atmosphere. For me the stories are refreshing and reminiscent of my growing up years.

Purchase a copy

About the author: 

After growing up on a farm in rural Tennessee, Jeff High attained degrees in literature and nursing. He is the three-time winner, in fiction and poetry, of an annual writing contest held by Vanderbilt Medical Center. He lived in Nashville for many years, and throughout the country as a travel nurse, before returning to his original hometown, near where he now works as an operating room RN in open-heart surgery. He is the author of the Watervalley novels, including More Things in Heaven and Earth and Each Shining Hour.

Connect with Jeff: website, Twitter, Facebook

I received The Splendor of Ordinary Days in exchange for a fair review.

Love, Trust, Paddle

Love everybody, trust a few, paddle your own canoe. 

Nonfiction Book Review - Just Show Up: The Dance of Walking Through Suffering Together by Kara Tippetts & Jill Lynn Buteyn

Kara Tippetts was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. You may remember that during her illness she reached out to Brittany Maynard as a voice against assisted dying. Kara's story involves more than dying; her story reflects the life and love of family and friends.

Kara and Jill joined forces to write about their difficult journey. These two young women shared a give and take friendship while Kara went through cancer treatment and eventually hospice. You might think Jill did all the giving and Kara all the taking, but that would be wrong. Through their fresh, new relationship each one learned from the other and depended on each other, as well as a slew of friends God set in their path.

Just Show Up is the most honest book I've ever read. Both authors bared their souls and wrote about the hard times, the good days, the laughter, and the tears. Most of all they shared their journey as a transparent story for the reader to experience in full. Many of Jill's chapters are prefaced by the notes she wrote in reaction to Kara's blog posts, but never mailed. As a relatively new friend of Kara's she shares the insecurity she felt as she plodded her way through giving. Kara gave excellent and raw insight into what it's like to be the person receiving the gifts. As I read the book, I witnessed an amazing faith.

This is not a my friend's sick, let's take a casserole sort of book. This is an inside look at what it's like to live out the end of life with a friend and the friend's family. This is a practical guide about when to call ahead, when to volunteer to watch the kids, and when to send a prayer up and remain quiet. As I read Just Show Up my heart went out to the women who circled around Kara and gave of themselves.  But at the same time, I saw how these young mothers were blessed beyond measure because they trusted God and just showed up. Five star and highly recommended.

The late Kara Tippetts was the author of "The Hardest Peace" and blogged faithfully at mundanefaithfulness.com. Cancer was only a part of Kara's story. Her real fight was to truly live while facing a crushing reality. Since her death in March 2015, her husband, Jason, is parenting their four children and leading the church they founded in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Read Kara's blog.

Jill Lynn Buteyn is the author of "Falling for Texas," an inspirational novel, and a recipient of the ACFW Genesis Award for her fiction work. She has a bachelor's degree in communications from Bethel University. Jill lives near the beautiful Rocky Mountains with her husband and two children.

Connect with Jill: website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

Read more about Just Show Up

I received Just Show Up free in exchange for a fair review.

Wait for It...

Romans 8:25
But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait patiently.

Small tan chapel

When I got home from work, I was all set to write a devotion about the beauty of the changing seasons. I opened my computer and prepared to search for a scripture. I popped open Google Chrome to get to Bible Gateway and lo and behold, I had no signal. No wi-fi, no anything. I tried reconnecting and rebooting. Nothing. Let me say this, I thought about taking a walk before I settled in with the laptop. I probably should have but I saw a window of quiet time where I could get a little bit of writing done. I wanted to write and post this devotion and a book review that's due tomorrow. Instead I called the cable company, who couldn't help me over the phone, and scheduled an appointment with them for Saturday morning.

Two things in this world try my patience more than anything else, a car problem or a technology issue. I like my laptop, I have access to so much through the internet. But, when the connection doesn't work, I'm frustrated. I enjoy posting on my blog and on Facebook. I like being connected to friends and family. What I don't like is trying to be patient when my resources stop working. But I've learned from a young age that one of the fruits I'm supposed to produce as a follower of Jesus is patience. At times I struggle. Yet, I still try. For now I'm going to close the lid on my laptop, enjoy the beautiful weather and work on my patience. Praise God for his patience with me.

What tries your patience? I shared mine :)

Autumn

Goodwill Finds

I found this gem at Goodwill today. A Homer Laughlin Oven Serve baking dish.

I'm excited because I already have two small pieces and two pie plates that belonged to my mom.

All the pieces but one are the green embossed collection. The other piece has colorful flowers on top. I've always loved these dishes and am so glad mom gave them to me.

I also found this cute teapot.

My Heart Breaks

1 Peter 4:12-16
 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in as much as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 

As part of my job as the marketing manager in our library, I follow Twitter so I can tweet and retweet college and library activity. On Thursday, I checked the feed and as I glanced through the list of words, my heart froze when I saw the headlines. Another mass shooting. This time at a community college. Later I found out the shooter asked what the victims believed. If they were Christians, he pulled the trigger.

My heart breaks for the families of the ones who died and for the perpetrator's family. I'm distraught by the hate, the tormented mindset, and Satan's victory. People ask, "When will it stop?" It won't. We live in a world filled with sin. But even in that there's hope. Christians will be tested. All over the world people are tried due to their faith. But what we have in Jesus gives us hope. Hope of salvation. Hope of heaven. Hang on to that. Praise God for perseverance.

Please pray with me for the folks in Oregon and those affected by this tragedy.

October

Simple Things

A simple box of blocks, painted bright colors. 
What better way for a little one to have fun. 


"The most simple things can bring the most happiness."

Izabella Scorupco

God First

Children's Book Review: The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible for Little Ones

Mike Berenstain has continued his parents, Jan and Stan's legacy, by continuing to create Berenstain Bear books. The Bears have spent years teaching children positive lessons. In this storybook they are sharing stories of the Bible, including Noah's Ark, The Good Samaritan, and the story of Jesus resurrection. This book for little ones is based on The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible and features eight stories from the Old and New testament.

I love the bright, cheerful illustrations used to tell the stories. You can't go wrong with the Berenstain Bears. Mike chose eight stories from the Bible often taught to little ones. He simplifies the stories yet keeps them full of faith and hope. The board book is easy for little hands to hold. This would be a great book to read to a young child snuggled on your lap or sitting on the floor in Sunday School. I recommend this book for children aged eighteen months to five years old. 

I received The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible for Little Ones from Booklook Bloggers in exchange for a fair review.

Lack Wisdom?

James 1:5-7
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 

Each day on my way to work, I pass the senior living apartments that sits at the bottom of the hill. A small pond with a spraying fountain enhances the property. As I drove by one morning my thoughts ran to the fountain of wisdom that must be living in those homes. My grammy shared her wise words with me on many occasions, just as my mom shares with my daughters and me. It's a travesty when young people don't take the time to listen to grandparents, great-aunts and uncles, or any experienced person  in their lives.

When I read the scripture, I see that God values wisdom. James tells me if I want wise thoughts, ideas, words-- ask God. As a faithful believer, I know God answers me and shares with me what I need to know. I don't know how many times I've sought out God for wise words to give my children, and he's answered. Believe me, if not for Him I would flounder. Each week as I write these devotions, I pray for God's guidance and many times when He's given me words, someone contacts me and tells me I wrote just what they need. That's all God not me. As a follower of Jesus, be bold and ask with confidence for wisdom. God will provide. Praise God for his wisdom!

Book Review for Parents and Children: God Made All of Me: A Book to Help Children Protect Their Bodies by Justin S. Holcomb & Lindsey A. Holcomb

Description:

God Made All of Me starts from the fundamental truth that God created everything and applies that truth---the doctrine of creation---to kids and their bodies. It equips parents to talk with both boys and girls about their bodies and to help them understand the difference between the appropriate and inappropriate touch of others. God Made All of Me allows families to build a first line of defense against sexual abuse in the safety of their own homes.

My Review:

The authors have done a great job writing a book that opens the door to educating children about their bodies and safety. Justin and Lindsey Holcomb use scripture to introduce children to the idea that God made them as amazing and wonderful people. In the story Mom and Dad teach their children through conversation about their bodies, from nose to toes. As the parents teach the kids they are in charge of their own bodies, they assure them it's okay to say no, to tell, and to not keep secrets. At the end of the book the authors included an excellent guide for parents on how to protect children from sexual abuse.

Unfortunately, parents need to prepare their children to protect themselves. God Made All of Me opens the door to this difficult conversation. The authors do an excellent job through text and pictures explaining how God created them and what parts of the body are private. And they teach that if they don't want any part of their body touched, it's okay. The authors have education and experience which makes them a valuable resource for the topic. This book is a necessity, a copy should be in every parent's and/or caretaker's library.  5+ stars

I received God Created Me in exchange for a fair review.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1j72kTN

Connect with Justin:website, Facebook, Twitter

Connect with Lindsey online: website, Facebook, Twitter
http://litfusegroup.com/author/jlholcomb

God Made Madagascar

Genesis 1:20-25
And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.” So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the fifth day.

And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind.” And it was so. God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.

I was watching WildKratts with my grandson the other day. The main characters, Chris and Martin traveled to the island of Madagascar off the coast of Africa. They introduced viewers to lemurs, chameleons (they change color!) and hissing cockroaches, now that's quite an array of creatures.  If you aren't familiar with the show, it's on PBS and teaches kids about animals. I enjoy the show as much as Eli because I've always been fascinated with God's creation. When I think about it, I'm in awe of the multitude of animals He's made.

Almost every day I see deer, squirrels, rabbits, and red-winged blackbirds on the wooded rural campus where I work. I spend time with our dogs, who are so smart and loyal. I may not be able to debate a scientist about how the world came to be but I know without doubt that God created everything. Through faith I believe. Faith is the evidence of the things I cannot see and the things hoped for in Jesus. God's fingerprints appear everywhere, on all of his design. Praise God for his amazing creation!

the sunflower

sunflower

waves on tall thin stem 
good-bye summer, welcome fall--
view from the porch

Laugh!

The Fog Settled

Romans 4:7-8
“Blessed are those
    whose transgressions are forgiven,
    whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the one
    whose sin the Lord will never count against them.”

September, the time of year when the temperatures are dithering between summer and fall. On a cool morning this week, the dip in temps resulted in a soft fog that settled over the village. As I drove to work I enjoyed the beauty of the low hanging cloud as it touched the trees still green with summer and covered the surrounding hills with a blanket of dew. 

The fog reminded me of the times I've asked God to pour his peace over my family, friends, or someone I don't even know. Or the times I've prayed for a person to feel God's arms around them and his love enveloping them. As I looked at scripture about how God covers people, I read Romans 4 and discovered this quote from the Psalm. God surrounds me with much more than his love and peace. He rains down his grace on me. He's forgiven me and continues to forgive. I am blessed to know my Savior has given me a fresh start and left my past behind. Praise God for grace! 

A Trip to Put-in-Bay

South Bass Island Lighthouse

I write about finding beauty in every day things. Some days are easier than others. Over Labor Day weekend Tim & I took a road trip to northern Ohio. We'd never been to South Bass Island. From Port Clinton, we hopped on the Miller Ferry and traveled across the choppy waters of Lake Erie. From there we took a golf cart and buzzed around the streets of Put-in-Bay and through some of the natural area. South Bass is a more lively island than Kelley's with more eateries and activities. My favorite part was seeing the lighthouse. I can add one more to my list. South Bass Lighthouse was first lit July 10, 1897. It's now owned by Ohio State University and is no longer a working light.  

Perry's Peace Memorial

I loved all the flags.

Sailboats are always beautiful.

Love this old beauty.

 I'd like to hear the stories the old Victorian homes on the island could tell. The widow's walk at the top probably had women pacing, waiting for their husbands to come home from their boats. I picture summertime on the wrap around porch with wicker furniture, ladies in long skirts and hats and children romping in the yard while lemonade is served. It's fun to dream.

Children's Book Review: Thankful by Eileen Spinelli, illustrated by Archie Preston

Bestselling author, Eileen Spinelli, exemplifies what it means to be thankful. Throughout her delightful rhyming book, the waitress, the fireman, the dancer, the poet and many other folks give thanks for what they do. Archie Preston's charming illustrations make this a perfect read aloud to young children and a great reminder to adults on how much we have to be grateful for.

As a children's librarian, I read many of Spinelli's books to young listeners. I do believe this is one of my favorites. The simple language, the people she chose as examples, and the beautiful rhythm make me want to read Thankful out loud over and over. Mr. Preston's illustrations match the story so well. I like how he flows one page into the next from the gardener to the fireman and how the ballerina reappears in scenes. His whimsical, colorful paintings will keep a child's attention and delight the adult reader. Even though this is a book for all seasons, I plan to take it to our family's Thanksgiving dinner and read it to all the children. 

Eileen Spinelli's website