Fun Kids Devotional

God Gave Us the Bible: 45 Favorite Stories for Little Ones is a very well done, hardcover introductory Bible for parents to read with their young children.  The kids will enjoy the pictures, which gives the parents the ability to talk about the page and what is happening as well.  The pages are glossy and thicker, which makes the book look and feel more attractive.

There's an interesting twist as it's Mama Bear who gathers her cubs and forest friends to tell them the story of God's love as we see in the Bible.

The goal was to highlight 45 foundational (author's opinion) passages which make a difference and young ones need to know about.

Overall, this is a kid friendly book which parents and grandparents will enjoy reading to children.  

Here's another picture from the book to show the fun nature of the book.

I received this from WaterBrook in exchange for an honest review.

Something Does Need to Change!

In his book, Something Needs to Change: A Call to Make your Life Count in a World of Urgent Need, David Platt has written in impassioned book about his journey, literally and spiritually.  Platt goes on a life changing journey and invites the reader to go along with him and discover needs which we do not see in the USA.

Platt prepared physically and spiritually for his journey to the rugged Himalayan mountains and trails.  Once there, he couldn't help but see the rampant poverty, human trafficking, the hunger, the waste and more problems than he realized in one area.  This led to a life changing experience because of the personal crisis he was experiencing.  This is what Platt sought to chronicle in this book which is very different than his others.

As the title suggests, Platt discovered that Something Needs to Change.  His hope is to challenge the readers to look at the world through the eyes of Christ.  To see a world which is broken and in desperate need of help.  As Platt writes, he is moved and moves the reader to consider how to bridge faith in Christ with social justice.  The two are not mutually exclusive.  You can sense the passion in the words of Platt.

Overall, this is a very moving and powerful book.

I received this book in exchange for a honest review.  

Simple, Yet Deep

In their book, MAY IT BE SO, Justin McRoberts and Scott Erickson have written a powerful, easy to read, yet, take it slow book about the Lord's Prayer.  It's a simple book, following the progression of the Lord's Prayer, but there are so many stopping points that this becomes a deeply introspective book.

I've had to stop on many occasions just to slow myself down and think and feel what the Lord is calling for me to do and how to act in my life.

After phrase of the Lord's Prayer, there a few pages of thoughts and notes, then comes the good stuff . . . as there are simple pictures and simple comments, such as - -

• May I more clearly see my filters, blinds spots and biases, so that I might recognize goodness, truth and beauty beyond them.
• May those I love know it unquestioningly.
• May I come to see those living around me as neighbors, and may the word neighbor come to mean "beloved."

Many of these made me stop and pause and reflect on their words.  This is powerful, simple, yet very thought provoking book.  Which I highly recommend.

I received this book from Waterbrook Press in exchange for an open and honest review.

Priceless Keepsake!

Dear Grandchild, This is Me is a priceless book.  It is a gift from a grandparent or grandparents to their grandchild.  It is the grandparents who answer the questions in the book and give this to their grandchild.

Some of the questions are so great, because as a child you don't often remember what your favorite snack or favorite toys were.  The book can be modified and added to by the grandparent, as well.  It's a great way to look back at your family, family tree, your history, which is so important to so many people. 

There are letters that the grandparents can put into special envelopes in the book too.  It's a fun book, well done, and is a hard cover book as well.  The colors are great, engaging and fun.  I also like the fact that the grandparents writing is contained in the book which is a great way to remember their unique penmanship.

I would highly recommend this book.

I received this book from Waterbrook Press in exchange for an honest and objective review.

Practical Reminders for Parents of Teens

This is really a pretty easy review.  I quickly read through the first 5 chapters of RAISING SUCCESSFUL TEENS in one sitting.  This is a very practical book!  It is straight forward, without fancy and crazy illustrations.  Jeffrey Dean has written an important book which Christian parents need to read.  He doesn't pull any punches.  He explains the role of the mother, as well as the role of the father.  He talks about the importance of the family unit.  He does speak to single parent families.  He is relevant on his topics, including chapters on media, cell phones, dating and sex.  He has an addendum in the back of the book which should have been moved closer to the front about boys respecting girls/women.  That's an important and relevant topic, not to be tucked away in the back of the book (not that Jeffrey was trying to hide it, but it could have been included in other sections)

Overall, this is an excellent book, which I highly recommend. 
I received this book from Multnomah Press in exchange for an honest review.

I'm Possible!

The book, I'm Possible: Jumping into Fear and Discovering a Life of Purpose, by Jeremy Cowart was an excellent book.  The book is about 220 pages in length and is an easy read, yet, filled with great encouragement and motivation.  The book is about taking risks and embracing who God has called you to be.  Hence the title, I’m Possible. 

Jeremy was really a less than average student who hadn’t found his way in school.  His grades were not very good, yet his parents believed in him and who he could be.  However, Jeremy found he had a passion for art and his parents encouraged him to explore the arts.  As they say, the rest is history.

Along his journey, Jeremy shares his successes and those times where he did not succeed.  Yet, he learned and encourages the reader to explore who God is calling them to be so they could find fulfillment in their lives.

Jeremy is encouraging throughout his book, which was helpful.

Overall, I would recommend this book, especially to those who are struggling with living in the hum-drum aspects of life.

I received this book from booklookbloggers in exchange for an honest review.

Jesus Calling Devotional

If you are searching for a quick, easy to read, but moving devotional to help you better understand and experience the call of Christ in your life, then this devotional is a great starting point.  Sarah Young has a way with words and devotionals.  This is no exception.  In this devotional, Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence, she has another devotional which will help you draw closer to the One who calls you.

There is a devotional for everyday, and there are 3 scripture passages at the end of the daily reading.  The devotions have a personal feel to them.  In a sense, you feel as if Jesus is the One who is penning these words.

There is also a cloth cover which makes this even more attractive to be given as a gift, especially with Mother’s Day coming up.

I would highly recommend this devotional.

I received this devotional from Booklook bloggers in exchange for an honest review.

A Journal of Grace

In her journal A Standard of Grace, Emily Ley gives the reader and journaller some food for thought.  Or better yet, some grace for thought.  On the back cover she states, "I will hold myself to a standard of Grace, not perfection."  That's a powerful statement since too many of us are self condemning.

This journal is an attempt to help the reader to write down some of the more positive aspects of what is occurring in their lives.  The journal is designed to help readers to discover their hopes and dreams as they spend time reflecting upon their current stage of life. 

The journal is divided into 52 weeks of 2 devotions per week.  As with most journals, the reader can go at whatever pace works for them.  There are short devotions and scriptures throughout the book.  The pages are thick and filled with colored pictures as well, which makes this a very attractive book.

Overall, this is an excellent journal for women focusing on giving themselves . . . grace.

I received this book from booklookbloggers in exchange for an honest review.