May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Story Description:
My Thoughts:
Suzanne Woods Fisher's story delves into the tragedy of adults who, often by no
fault of their own, never learned to read. Reminiscent of Catherine Marshall's Christy, a beloved telling of
Appalachian life, The Moonlight School
tells the tale of Miss Lucy, a young lady from the city, who learns, with some
surprise, life in the mountains has a beauty all its own. I particularly
enjoyed the story of Brother Wyatt and his heart for the folks in the
mountains. A variety of characters sprinkled through the story have lived
fascinating lives. Cora's story, based on the real person who started the
moonlight schools is inspiring. I truly enjoyed every bit of this book,
including a thread of mystery. I agree with the description I found on Amazon—as I finished the last pages, I thanked God for the privilege
of reading. As someone who worked in an elementary school library and as a
volunteer in my daughter's first grade class, I'm accustomed to the excitement and
delight little ones share when they learn to read. To read about adults who
found satisfaction in the written word thrilled my heart. I received a
complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are
completely my own.
Luke 2:6-7
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
As an
American consumer, I used to make Christmas way too complicated. The shopping,
the decorating, the baking exhausted me. For the past several years, I've
stepped back and made an attempt to simplify. Less presents, decorating with
the items I hold dear, and more focused time in the kitchen. I confess—I love Christmas. But what I love the most about this
beautiful holiday has less to do with the gifts, baubles, and cookies and more
to do with the people.
First being—Jesus—the babe in the manger who grew to be
a King. Even as King, he lived a simple existence as he walked this earth. His
life reflects the love and grace he gives. I praise God for sending his son to
us.
Second being—my husband—we go through this life together encouraging
and loving one another. For this I am so thankful.
Third being—our family—our
children and their families, my mom, our siblings, and the
many who connect, love, check in on, and surround Tim and I with their love. I
appreciate them so much.
Fourth being—friends—dear friends I've reconnected with
from college and the many friends made through the years. Our neighbors who
wave a friendly hello when we walk the neighborhood. My writing friends I've met
on social media from all over the world. The church filled with folks who walk with us on our spiritual journey. Thank you.
Fifth being—the folks we are yet to connect with—those God will place in our path.
All these
people bless our lives. I thank God for each one.
As I reflect
on this strange, stressful year, I thank God for Jesus and for you.
May the New
Year bring joy, peace, and hope as we celebrate the babe in the manger and look
forward to a new calendar filled with wonder and adventure.
Here's to a Happy New
Year!
Luke 2:6-7
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave
birth to her firstborn, a son. She [Mary] wrapped him in cloths and placed him
in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
Bumping
along on a lowly donkey, nine months pregnant, Mary prepared for the birth of
her son, Jesus. She made the journey with her betrothed, Joseph, to the town of
Bethlehem where they'd be counted and registered to pay taxes. Towards the end
of a pregnancy, most women are mighty uncomfortable. I can't imagine riding a
donkey on rough roads and bouncing around. But, Mary's faith trumped her
discomfort.
Womanhood
arrived early in Mary's day. History determines her to be anywhere from
fourteen to seventeen, a child in our culture. Yet her love for God matured and
grew in her few years. The angel, who delivered the news that she'd give birth
to the Messiah, recognized this young woman's faith.
Mary, being
the faithful servant, accepted the angel's proclamation with grace and trust.
Trust plays
a huge part in Jesus' birth. Joseph trusted enough to wed Mary. God trusted the angels to deliver his
messages. The shepherds trusted the angels and ran to see the baby. And Mary
trusted God with the glorious phenomenon of Jesus' birth.
As Mary
bumped along, she must have wondered what came next. But she moved forward as God called
her. She birthed the baby in a stable, most likely a cave where the animals were
fed and watered. Hopefully, she had clean straw and fresh water. Regardless,
Mary welcomed her child with joy that night.
As you think
about the troubles of 2020, the inconveniences, the losses, the illness, think
about Mary. In her discomfort and what was likely a troubled time for her, she
moved forward with trust and faith. Regardless of what's behind us, let's keep
our eyes on Jesus and celebrate the joy of this season.
Stop for a
few moments and breathe in the spirit of the season. Capture the essence of joy. Then breathe out and share his hope.
Celebrating Christmas is a bit different this year.
Not as many gatherings, masked up to shop, not enough hugs.
Maybe your family has been hit with illness.
Maybe you work in the medical field.
Maybe you've lost someone dear.
Maybe your school shut down.
But maybe somewhere, in all this mess, we can search and find some good.
Reflect on time with family, the opportunities to help others,
the quiet times, the noisy times, and the tough times that made us stronger.
Rejoice in the love of Jesus as you celebrate the season.
Luke 2:15-18
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one
another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the
Lord has told us about.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in
the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what
had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at
what the shepherds said to them.
Have you
ever seen an alpaca?
Sometimes
confused with a llama—their ears are more rounded, their bodies
are smaller, and their fur is shaggier. In October, Tim and I visited an alpaca
farm. The comical looking creatures, with their floppy hair, stood in the field
beside the Alpaca Meadows gift and wool shop. A lovely lady greeted us and
welcomed us into her store. After a little too much shopping, she offered to
show us her animals. If it hadn't been so muddy, we could have taken one for a
walk, instead, we tromped through the water-logged field for a close-up
experience. One of the alpacas, who is blind, came right to her caretaker. She
trusted her and allowed us to pet her fuzzy head, because she knew her shepherd.
In Luke chapter two, sheep trusted their shepherd and the shepherd trusted the Lord.
When the
angels appeared to the shepherds, fear struck them, until the angel told them
not to be afraid, but to trust. Once the shock of seeing and hearing the angels
sunk in, they hurried off to see the baby the angels proclaimed. Imagine—they arrived at the manger, a tiny baby lay in the arms of
his mother, and he is proclaimed the Messiah, the one they'd been waiting for.
No doubt the shepherds stood in awe. They'd heard God's promise of a Savior but
never expected to have the honor to be chosen to see him.
When they
left the manger, they didn't jog back to their hill. Instead, they shared the
good news—a Savior is born—the Messiah is here—we've seen him with our own eyes.
Jesus came
to the world to save us from evil and sin. He entered this world as a babe in a
manger. Smelly, stinky shepherds visited first, not kings or priests, but
everyday workers who spent time tending. And they spread the word "Jesus
is born" to everyone they saw.
From the
beginning of Jesus time on earth, God used ordinary men and women to spread the
gospel. He still does today. We don't need a fancy degree or title to be a
shepherd for Jesus. We just need to know how much he loves us.
Go tell
everyone that Jesus lives and loves them. He wants the world to know.
The Beginner's Bible Little Lamb's Christmas: A Finger Puppet Board Book
Book
Description:
Introduce babies and toddlers to the Christmas story told through the eyes of
little Lamb. Children will love listening to the story of Jesus' birthday and
play with the adorable, plush lamb finger puppet included.
The
Beginner’s Bible Little Lamb’s Christmas brings the story of Jesus' birth
to life from a new and fun but faithful retelling. Readers will follow little
Lamb from the hillside to the manger where he celebrates the arrival of God's
only son.
Featuring vibrant
art from the beloved The Beginner's Bible, this chunky, durable board book with
finger puppet is perfect for parents to share with their children. It makes an
adorable stocking stuffer or wrapped gift.
My Review:
Little Lamb is excited he gets to visit baby Jesus at the manger. Told in
simple text, Little Lamb introduces children to the reason we celebrate
Christmas. I like the interactive element of the lamb finger puppet as he tells
the story on each page. What a fun way to share Jesus' birth with little ones. This
would be a great stocking stuffer or teaching tool for toddlers. I received a
complimentary copy of this item. Opinions expressed in this review are
completely my own.
Over
in a Stable by Suzanne Nelson (Author), Aleksandar Zolotic (Illustrator)
Book Description:
Over in a Stable, written by award-winning author Suzanne Nelson, is a
beautiful and engaging Christmas read-aloud for you and your little ones that
tells the story of the nativity, featuring the memorable counting and cadence
of the beloved classic poem “Over in the Meadow.”
Children ages 4 to 8 will enjoy counting aloud from one little drummer boy to ten little children.
Over in a Stable features vibrant illustrations from artist Aleksandar Zolotic, showing the animals and people who gathered to celebrate the arrival of baby Jesus on that miraculous night in Bethlehem
Over in a stable, though the hour was
growing late,
grazed one mother sheep and her
fleecy lambs eight.
“Give,” said the mother. “We
give,” said the eight.
And they gave their hay to make a bed
to rest a King so great.
With a shiny
cover that features glitter accents, Over the Stable is a treasured
picture book your family will cherish for many years.
My Review:
Over in the Stable is a beautiful
counting book that celebrates the birth of Jesus. The words of Suzanne Nelson and
illustrations of Aleksandar Zolotic marry together for the perfect book to
share on Christmas Eve before the little ones are tucked in. The animals in the story have such sweet, beautiful faces. This would also be a great book
to use in Sunday School or Junior Church. I can see Over in the Stable becoming an annual holiday favorite. I
received a complimentary copy of this item. Opinions expressed in this review
are completely my own.
Luke 1:28-33
The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The
Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what
kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be
afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and
give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and
will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the
throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants
forever; his kingdom will never end.”
An angel carried hope to a broken
world.
How do you picture an angel?
In my mind's eye I see
cherub cheeks, ringlets in their hair, and bright eyes. Their tiny barefoot feet
poke out under crisp white gowns. Each one stands erect and they sing the most
beautiful melody. But the angels in the Bible weren't cute little cherubs, they
were pictured as fierce warriors, men dressed in white, some bigger than life.
God created angels
to minister to his people. In the Bible, angels prepared for spiritual combat,
while others delivered divine messages. Either way, they are prepared to battle
for and care for Jesus' followers.
Before Jesus
was born, they led the brigades to prepare the way for the King of Kings. In
the Christmas story these men God sent to earth, visited Joseph, Mary,
Zechariah, and the shepherds. They showed up to spread the good news of hope,
joy, and love.
You see, God
sent the angels with purpose. Our world is broken. God's people need heavenly
beings to fight for us, assist us, and speak to us. God asked his angels to spread
God's words. I've not seen an angel (that I know of) but I believe they dwell
among us. They minister to God's people even as they did in biblical times.
Read the
Christmas story in Matthew and Luke and focus on the angels, find the joy they
shared as hope for our weary world.
Book Description:
There’s Often a Fine Line Between a Criminal and a Saint
Constable Jackson Forge intends to make the world safer, or at least the streets of Victorian London. But that’s Kit Turner’s domain, a swindler who runs a crew that acquires money the old-fashioned way—conning the rich to give to the poor. When a local cab driver goes missing, Jackson is tasked with finding the man, and the only way to do that is by enlisting Kit’s help. If Jackson doesn’t find the cabby, he’ll be fired. If Kit doesn’t help Jackson, he’ll arrest her for thievery. Yet neither of them realize those are the least of their problems.
My Review:
Constable Forge has a good heart that gets him into trouble. Kit has the wiles
of a fox. The pair set out to solve a crime in the City of London. Griep sets
the scene in this mystery, with quirky characters, dodgy streets, and historical
description. Jackson and Kit don't know who to trust, so they have to depend on
instinct and faith, as they search for the brain behind the crimes. If you
enjoy stories set in the Victorian era, you'll want to read The Thief of Blackfriars Lane. I admire the tenacity of Kit and the dogged
determination of Constable Forge. Join them as they track the missing cabbie.
I received a complimentary copy of this item. Opinions expressed in this review
are completely my own.
Book
Description:
Let’s get ready to snuggle! This highly engaging sequel to the bestselling and
beloved I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug! imagines all the cozy, warm
hugs little ones love to receive on cold, blustery days.
The story
encourages parents and grandparents and their children and grandchildren to
giggle and play as they cozy up for their own celebration of the winter season.
Imagine who might stomp, sled, and swish through the snow to give a warm hug in
these whimsical rhymes and sweet, playful illustrations.
My Review:
As I read I'm Going to Give You a Polar Bear
Hug, the snow was falling outside my window. Winter is a magical time for
children, a let's build a snowman, make snow angels time. So why not be
creative and play polar bear hug in the winter wonderland of pretend with
"a shivery, quivery, forty below hug." Caroline B. Cooney, known for
her young adult novels, has created a lovely, rhyming story celebrating the
importance of hugs. In this fun story, the child is hugged by all kinds of
animals, at the end, the little one shares a hug with someone special. Tim
Warnes colorful illustrations show the story's whimsical words in bright,
energetic drawings. This is a great read for 4 to 8 year olds and would make a
wonderful holiday gift. Snuggle up with your little one and share a polar bear
hug. This book will delight children and adults. I received a complimentary
copy of this item. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Matthew
1:19-21, 24-25
Because Joseph her [Mary] husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want
to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But
after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a
dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home
as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She
will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he
will save his people from their sins.”
Joseph trusted the Lord.
As a child, I
heard the story of Jesus' birth. We learned of the trek to Bethlehem, angels
singing, shepherds visiting, and of course Mary giving birth to the baby Jesus.
I imagined the animals surrounding the manger, the sheep baaing and cows
mooing. But I didn't give much thought to Joseph. In the story, he knocks on
the inn keeper's door and he leads Mary to the stable. I knew he was present,
yet he disappeared into the background.
What I've learned since:
Thank
goodness the angel gave Joseph the low down on God's plan. On hearing the
angel's words, he could have run the other way. Joseph could have laughed in the
angel's face. Instead, he chose to trust God's plan. His faith overcame his
fear.
This year
the holidays don't seem the same. Some traditions may not happen. Gatherings
may look different. Illness may hamper plans. The sadness and stress of 2020
may drag us down. Yet as we celebrate Jesus' birth, let's delight in the Lord
with faith like Joseph. He tossed his fears aside and trusted in God. If Joseph
could do that in his circumstance, surely we can too.
I pray as we
head into the Christmas season, we consider Joseph's faith and his trust in God.
Click to tweet: Faith like Joseph
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.
Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to
come to repentance.
Linus, of Charlie Brown fame, starts
each day with a fresh blanket.
 |
| Photo by Maggie Wickline-Jowers |
On the days
I fail miserably, I bow my head as the sun sets and ask God to forgive me.
And he does.
The Lord
gives second chances. His patience amazes me. I would have been done with me a
long time ago. Not God. He calls me to repent when sin strangles me and drags
me to the ground. He reminds me how much he loves me and wants me to understand
I'm not alone. Instead I'm loved and accepted as his child.
I'm thankful
for sunrise, a new beginning every morning. I'm even more thankful for sunset,
a time to reflect on my day and seek God's grace.
Jesus calls
everyone to repent, to throw off the burden of sin, and follow him.
If you
haven't accepted Jesus love and grace, he asks us to hear his word (or read it),
believe he is the son of God who died and rose to life, confess our sins,
repent (turn away from a life chasing sinful things toward a life of hope and
joy), be baptized and receive the Holy Spirit (our comfort and guide,) and be
obedient.
Jesus loves us and wants us to live a life of
abundance.
Book Description:
Set adrift on the tides of fate by the deaths of her parents and left wanting
answers, Laura Callaway now lives with her uncle and his disapproving wife in
North Cornwall. There she feels like a castaway, always viewed as an outsider
even as she yearns to belong.
My Review:
Cornwall's coast
is fascinating, especially to Laura Callaway. Although she feels like an
outsider in her new home, she fills her days helping others and working to
return lost flotsam and jetsam to the rightful owners. On the day she discovers
a man who has washed ashore, her life changes. Julie Klassen has done her
research in this interesting story of love and loss. I found the characters
compelling and the setting remarkable. Although the book was a bit slow, the
story is well written. Klassen goes into detail to make the reader feel the
chilly coast and the heartache Laura carries. If you enjoy historical fiction
set in England, this is the book for you. I received a complimentary copy of
this item. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Psalm 95:1-2
Come, let us sing joy to the Lord;
let us shout aloud to the Rock
of our salvation.
Let us come before him with thanksgiving and
extol him with music and song.
Raise a hallelujah!
In the fall of 1975, I joined several other 18 and 19 year-olds on the campus of Kentucky Christian College. Fresh out of high school, we prepared to join the ranks of freshmen in higher education. I knew a few of my fellow classmates and met a slew of new friends. We gathered at least twice a week for campus worship, where we heard preaching and raised our voices together in praise. One song touched our class more than any other, It is Well With my Soul. To this day it's my all-time favorite hymn.
Fast forward
40 years—several from our class gathered for a reunion. What a joy to
meet with these longtime friends. We ate and chatted, then had a time of
worship. And guess which song we all wanted to sing. It is Well, because even after all these years, we know whatever life
brings, our souls rest in the Lord.
The words of
the hymn may seem old fashioned, but they translate into peace, hope, and joy
for our troubled souls today. With all the grief, frustration, discontent,
doubt, and temptation, God is still watching out for us. Jesus still offers
grace and salvation. The Holy Spirit still lives and breathes in the souls of Jesus'
followers.
When I feel
down, I plug into music that praises the Lord, and then I sing like nobody's
listening. I'm thankful for the music written to praise the Lord, whether a
psalm, a hymn, or a contemporary piece. Thank you, Lord for musicians.
Come before
him with thanksgiving and song!
Item Description:
Spread joy and
inspiration with twenty-four colorable postcards to send to friends and family
(or enjoy yourself!), from the creators of the Whatever Is Lovely coloring
book.
Featuring inspirational quotes and beautiful artwork from the
award-winning Whatever Is Lovely coloring book, this set of
twenty-four detachable, colorable postcards offers a peaceful escape from the
stress and busyness of everyday life. Quotes from contemporary voices, familiar
hymns, and Scripture are included on the back of the cards.
Each card has a splash of metallic ink, so they are pretty enough to send
before being colored. That way, you can color them yourself or let the
recipient have all the fun! You might even decide to keep them yourself to
display in your home!
Artists of all ages will enjoy coloring and displaying these beautiful cards!
My Review:
The Ink &
Willow postcards come in a cute book where they can be removed one-at-a-time or
kept to enjoy. Although the cards have designs that can be colored with pencil
or markers, the touches of gold make them beautiful on their own. Each card is
beautifully designed with a drawing and an inspiring quote. I'll enjoy sending
these to friends and family. These would make a lovely gift or a sweet surprise,
with each postcard sent. The paper is high quality and great to color on. The
back of the card continues the sentiment with room for an address and a
message. I received a complimentary copy of this item. Opinions expressed in
this review are completely my own.
Book Description:
Harper Dupree has pinned all her hopes on a future in fashion design. But when
it comes crashing down around her, she returns home to Fairhope, Alabama, and
to Millie, the woman who first taught her how to sew. As Harper rethinks her
own future, long-hidden secrets about Millie's past are brought to light.
In 1946, Millie Middleton--the daughter of an Italian man and a Black
woman--boarded a train and left Charleston to keep half of her heritage hidden.
She carried with her two heirloom buttons and the dream of owning a dress
store. She never expected to meet a charming train jumper who changed her life
forever . . . and led her yet again to a heartbreaking choice about which
heritage would define her future.
Now, together, Harper and Millie return to Charleston to find the man who may
hold the answers they seek . . . and a chance at the dress shop they've both
dreamed of. But it's not until all appears lost that they see the unexpected
ways to mend what frayed between the seams.
My Review:
Wow! What a wonderful story. The Dress
Shop on King Street captures the tension of the time period in the
1940s-60s, then slips on to modern day to tell an incredible story of courage,
despair, and hope. I absolutely love Millie and Franklin's story as Millie
traverses the world of a white person, whose heritage speaks differently. At
times Millie's story breaks my heart and makes me angry because of the unfair
world she lives in, but she perseveres. Harper's search for the future she
dreams of leads Millie and her into Peter's life. The story that tumbles out of
the past and crashes into the future is one filled with untold secrets,
regrets, and hope, always hope. I also enjoyed the sewing references and the tale
of the buttons. I'd love to see Harper's gorgeous creations. Ashley Clark did a
beautiful job stitching the eras together and giving Harper a clear understanding
of what it takes to follow your dreams. 5+ stars. I received a complimentary
copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all
circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Into the woods we go.
Beyond the forest
we trekked through, Lake Erie roared. Leaves scattered across the trail, under an
overcast sky. We dodged puddles as we hiked along the North Loop on Kelleys
Island. From an opening in the woods, we spotted the alvar, a rare ecosystem
along the coast, made of limestone, very thin soil, and scant vegetation.
I've experienced
times in my life when resources were thin like the soil on the alvar. Other
times my physical being felt weak or my spiritual life fell short. In all of
those times, the Holy Spirit reminded me God is enough. Trust me, I struggled.
I didn't just glide through without doubt and fear, but my Lord provided the
resources, the strength, and the desire to plant my spiritual roots deeper.
With faith
and hope, I believe with all my heart—God
is enough. When I fall on my knees and seek his forgiveness—God is enough. When
I worry and fret—God is enough. He provides all my needs, if I am willing to
ask him and trust him.
Believe God
is enough, even in times of doubt and despair. He loves us more than we
understand.
Book Description:
Does one good turn deserve a murder?
Despite all her good intentions to focus on a healthy lifestyle and leave crime solving to the professionals, Andi Grace Scott has run right smack into another investigation--literally. Who’d have thought caring for stray cats and a healthy morning beach run could lead to murder?
Andi Grace
has found another body and a young woman who needs help. Solving this puzzle
will come with a cost. This time, catching the killer will require Andi Grace
to confront her past relationships and truths about her deceased mother.
My Review:
I love Andi Grace Scott. Despite wanting to live a simple life, she winds up in
the middle of a murder investigation, again, and helps a young woman with a
rough past. And who wouldn't love Marc Williams, Andi's patient and attentive
boyfriend. There were some surprises and twists I didn't expect, which makes
the book that much more appealing. Bag of Bones, the third Low Country Dog
Walker mystery is a great story. It's one of those series, when I finish
reading, I miss the characters and hope there's another book coming. I have
enjoyed all of Jackie Layton's Low Country Dog Walker books. If you enjoy cozy mysteries,
you'll love Jackie Layton's books. I purchased this copy, and all opinions are
my own.
Book Description:
My Review:
I love this heartwarming story of hope and forgiveness. Gerrit Laninga spent
years working the family dairy. The whole time he carried guilt. When he
finally lets go of the farm, he's faced with what to do with his life. He loves
his wife Hannie, but lots of mending needs to be done. In comes Rae Walters, a
self-driven teenager who needs to stick with The Plan. These two go on a path
that leads them to self-examination and discovery. Katie Powner's debut is
beautiful. This is a great read as we go into the season of thanksgiving. I
enjoyed the country setting and all the characters who matter to Gerrit and
Rae. If you enjoy books with a redemptive thread and a family/community theme,
you'll love The Sowing Season. I
received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review
are completely my own.
