Are You a Lifelong Learner?

Matthew 11:29
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

It's that time of year again.

On Wednesday, the first day of the 2023-24 school year, I spent the day in Sara's first grade class. Those bright little students took in a lot of information. They got refreshers on how to go through the lunch line, play at recess, organize their desks, and they got to pick out books from the Grammy Penny crates. Sara had them do a drawing activity, that they'll write about this week, and a fun marshmallow story that showed them how to be quiet and respectful in the hallway. All-in-all they had a wonderful first day.

Whether public school, homeschool, private school, college, trade school, or any other learning, being a student takes work and being the teacher takes preparation. Hopefully, when the two meet, a great learning experience happens.

I've worked in the public library, school library, and college library. My mom always said I never stopped going to school. In a way, she was right. I'm a lifelong learner, always seeking to gain knowledge and wisdom about something. Maybe something as simple as what kind of butterfly or flower I saw.

The most important learning I have ever experienced is what I've learned from the Bible. God's word teaches so many lessons, insights, and ways to live. There is no education more important. Jesus wants me to listen and apply what I've heard and read. I'm so thankful God prepared a book I could read and study that teaches life lessons, offers encouragement, shares so many types of literature, tells remarkable stories, and leaves me wanting more. Some say the Bible is boring, but I disagree. It's fascinating.

I choose to read a few verses a day and ponder and pray over it and discover what God wants me to hear and learn. That way I'm not overwhelmed, and I remember it better. How do you approach reading the Bible?

Be a lifelong learner of God's word.

Seek His Truth

Luke 24:45-49
Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

I’m a little late to the game.

A couple of months ago, my daughter and grandson asked me if I had watched The Chosen, a television series depicting the life of Jesus and the disciples. They told me how much they enjoyed it, so I tuned in. I soon discovered I’d been missing out on one of the best portrayals of the Bible I’d seen. The show closely follows scripture and reveals the lives of the men and women who followed Jesus as well as the ones who denied him as the Messiah.

To see them and relate to them left me wanting more of Jesus and His experience with people. Although I read about them in the Bible, seeing the actors portray the disciples and give credence to their faith, and yes, their confusion at times, makes the stories I’ve heard for sixty years more believable. Matthew, the tax collector, portrayed as anxious and intelligent, writes everything Jesus says down on parchment. Peter is emotional and ready to fight for Jesus, while Thomas questions everything, and John keeps a cool head. Mary Magdalene’s heart shines after Jesus heals her and forgives her.

I don’t usually enjoy television that tries to portray the Bible, but The Chosen, so far, has captured the scripture and portrayed the men and women as believable.

I’m sharing this because in my heart, Jesus is as real as you and me. To see Him portrayed on the screen as a kind, caring man who bears the ultimate burden has increased my faith. We all know God moves in mysterious ways, and for me it has been through diving into my Bible as I watch The Chosen, checking references and moments against scripture. Because I long to grow in my faith every day, I’m open to opportunities for the Holy Spirit to fill me. Did I mention the grandson who loves this show is thirteen? A teenager. And that makes my heart sing. I’m so glad I can share this with him.

This isn’t an endorsement for the show, but rather one more way I’ve found to connect to scripture. Maybe it’s for you, maybe it’s not, but I urge you to continue to find what does make you want to read God’s word and talk to Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you delve into His word and seek His truth.

Walking With God

James 4:7-10

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Have you ever walked away from God? 

There was a time, years ago, when I inched farther and farther away from God. Let me tell you—it was a dark and lonely place. I went through the motions—going to church, praying empty prayers, and smiling when I didn’t feel like it, then God pounded on the door of my heart and called me to come back home. He pursued me, and I answered. I grieved over the distance I’d placed between God and me, over the sins in my life, and the sorrow in my heart. You know what? God opened His great big, beautiful arms to me and welcomed me back to Him. Ever since that day, I’ve not stepped away again. Instead, I’ve found comfort, peace, strength, joy, and hope in the arms of the Lord, and He has blessed me with opportunities to share His great love.

The book of James holds many nuggets of wisdom and truth. “Come near to God and He will come near to you,” is a promise I can count on. I’ve experienced His closeness in my life, and I’m thankful for God’s constant presence. I’m also thankful for Jesus and His grace, for forgiveness and His unfailing love.

In this month of Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for the Bible which gives me wisdom, God who holds me close, and Jesus who gave His life for my sins so I can someday meet Him in heaven.

This world is not an easy place, but with the Lord by our side, we will thrive.

Draw close to God and He will draw close to you.

The God-breathed Word

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

...and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

The Bible speaks to our hearts.

photo from pixaby

In a book launch team I am part of, I was asked which of the four seasons is my favorite. For anyone who knows me well, you know I answered winter. I also love spring when beautiful flowers bloom, summer when I swim with my grands, and of course fall, a gorgeous time to be outside appreciating the colorful leaves.

Yet, winter remains my favorite because it is a time of peace. When snow blankets the ground and the nothing has touched the pureness, I’m reminded of 1 Thessalonians—my life verse. I love quiet, and strive to lead a quiet life. I try to mind my own business, unless God lays on my heart to speak up. I work with my hands, either on the computer, with arts and crafts or around the house. Tim and I depend on God, daily. He is the one who provides us opportunities to work and grow.

Do you have a life verse, a scripture that speaks to your heart about everyday life? Is there a scripture God has placed on your heart? One you strive to follow? There are many verses in the Bible I rely on for wisdom and guidance. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord..., “ John 3:16, the book of James, the Psalms. 

We have so many wonderful, life-changing scriptures at our fingertips.

God has given us the gift of the Bible. Have you read any scripture today?

2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

He Strengthens our Hearts

Following Jesus is not for the faint of heart.

The good news is, God will strengthen us. 

Bible reading, prayer, and relationship build spiritual muscles that include our hearts.

I pray He strengthens your hearts as we live for Him.

 

Scribbled on my Heart

Proverbs 3:3-6

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

The word tablet has a very different meaning today.

It's interesting how, through the years, the definition of words has changed. When I was a child, I rested on a blanket in the yard and watched the clouds float past. Now I save my stories, devotions, and book reviews to an invisible cloud I can access from my computer or phone. In college I listened to my professor drone on and on, now a drone flies in the sky (with those clouds I mentioned earlier) and snaps photos. The birds in my trees tweet in the morning, so do my friends on Twitter. The tablet I mentioned is an electronic device I use to connect with social media. Wow!

In the Old Testament, people often wrote the words from scripture on a small scroll, tucked it into a tiny box, and tied the box to their heads, arms, or necks. That way, they could remember God's intervention at the time of Exodus, and his promises to them.

I scribbled Proverbs 3:5-6 on the tablet of my heart years ago. Trust in the Lord. In this world with its sorrow, blessings, sadness, and joys, what else could I do? For the one thing that never changes are the promises and love of God. He calls me to trust him no matter the circumstances. He asks me to seek him, whether through scripture, prayer, or the new Bible app my daughter showed me.

I may still watch the clouds and listen to the bird's tweet. But I can also use the new tools God gives me to seek him and glorify him.

What have you written on your heart?  

Follow the Best GPS

Psalm 121:1-2
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
 where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
 the Maker of heaven and earth.

I’m thankful for GPS, Global Positioning Systems, like Google Maps.

Although I’ve improved with age, I tend to be directionally impaired. Before GPS saved me from my wandering ways, I depended on a map or written directions. I still prefer landmarks to highway numbers, and I still get my left and right mixed up. But I’ve learned to listen to the little voice inside my phone as she speaks directions, and I’ve learned to read road signs.

Years ago, before GPS was an app on our smartphones, we owned a box we’d attach to the dash, I think it was a Garmin. I named her Vera. Vera took me wherever I needed to go, unless I didn’t listen.

The key to overcoming my impaired directional instincts was paying attention and following Vera’s lead.

As I wander about in life, I need direction. When I go off on my own, I get lost and stumble. But when I lift my eyes to the one who leads my way, I follow a better path. There may be roadblocks or construction, but Jesus walks me through it. He’s not going to take me on a trail that leads to destruction. Instead his voice gives me the guidance I need on the rocky roads of life.

He whispers to me from the Bible and answers my prayers. He speaks to me through trusted family and friends and helps me navigate choppy water.

Jesus is the best GPS, God’s Perfect Son, to follow. He will never lead us down the wrong path. Instead, he’ll guide us on the road God created us for.

Seek Jesus as he maps out the road to heaven.

Expected or Unexpected: Am I Ready

1 Peter 3:15-16
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 

April 21, 2021 surprised us with about two inches of snow. When Tim told me to look out the window and see the surprise, I had mixed feelings. I love snow, but I adore the beauty of spring. Now the plants that thrived with green wore white coats, and crystal crowns. I hadn’t covered my plants, yet my lovely lavender tulip survived the unexpected chill, as did the columbine. Many of the flowers who peaked from the ground could endure the weather, because their roots dug deep and their stems had soaked in sun. God created spring flowers with durability, for all kinds of weather.

The unexpected snow made me wonder how prepared I am. 1 Peter says to be ready to give an answer for my faith, and Matthew 24:42-44 says to prepare my heart for Jesus second coming.  

When I’m traveling, I fill up my fuel tank and pack a bag of snacks. Both prepare me for the trip. But how do I ready myself for the time someone asks me about Jesus and my faith? I fill my heart and mind with the wisdom of Jesus and the scripture. I eat the words of the Bible in order to fill my spiritual tank and increase my understanding of God and grace.

Even as I prepare for the unexpected, what about the expected. I know Jesus will return to this earth to take his children home, even though I don’t know the day or hour. Even in not knowing the time, I know he’s coming. I want to have my heart ready. The hope I have in God and the promise of eternal life bolster me as his words feed me.

I may not know when Jesus will return. I may not be on this earth any longer, regardless, my heart and soul need to be ready for that glorious day.

Be ready for the unexpected and the expected. Jesus is coming again.

Whatever is Lovely

Philippians 4:8-9
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

A penny for your thoughts.

As the snow flew and the ice pelted the ground, I browned hamburger in my soup pot. I crushed stewed tomatoes and chopped potatoes. The mixed vegetables cooked in the microwave, while I prepared the rest. With salt and pepper, I mixed all the ingredients with tomato juice and set the pot to simmer.

What if I’d added dirt or dried, crunchy maple leaves? How about an old shoe or a stinky sock? Disgusting… right? I wanted the soup to be edible and tasty, but if I’d added something other than the delicious vegetables, no one would partake of the soup.

In the times we’re living, what am I allowing into my brain? Or my heart? Like my soup, am I adding ingredients that will make me sick? Not just physically, but heartsick.

With the news and social media constantly throwing drama, pessimism, gloom, and despair at us, how do we fight back?

Paul encouraged the Philippian church to think about positive, uplifting things, instead of negative and stressful. The apostle worked to set a positive example for his friends. He focused on what’s true, pure, and admirable.

Paul’s words make me pause and consider what I allow into my head and heart. Am I contemplating God’s truth or the thoughts the media spouts? Am I reading, watching, or listening to things that encourage and glorify God? Does my heart fill with joy as I take in these things? Do I delight in the lovely?

And how do the things I think about bless others?

I need to answer these questions and determine whether I’ll have the peace of God in my heart or stress and anxiety.

Strive to embrace God’s hope and peace.

Click to Tweet: Think on these things...

Guard Your Heart and Mind

Our minds hold an incredible amount of information. 

We process and reason, memorize and learn.

We choose what goes in and what comes out.

Feed your mind the word of God, so that...

"... the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

-Philippians 4:7

 

Bible Review: NIV, Beautiful Word Coloring Bible for Girls by Zondervan

Book Description:
Girls will get creative through coloring and journaling in the NIV Beautiful Word™ Coloring Bible for Girls. Included are pencils to color, blend and shade the

detailed line art surrounding hundreds of inspiring verses. This Bible gift set is perfect for the special young girl in your life and will become a cherished keepsake full of personalized creative expressions of faith.

Features include:

• Complete text of the accurate, readable and clear New International Version (NIV)
• Over 600 verses illustrated in ready-to-color line art
• Four colored pencils
• Six sheets of stickers designed for girls
• Thick white paper for writing and doodling
• Lined, wide margins for notes and reflections
• Satin ribbon marker
• Beautifully debossed and screen-printed cover
• Exclusive Zondervan NIV Comfort Print® typeface in a readable 8-point print size

Using the accurate, readable, and clear New International Version (NIV) text makes the Bible accessible and easy-to-read for kids. The NIV is the result of over 50 years of work by the Committee on Bible Translation, who oversee the efforts of many contributing scholars. Representing the spectrum of evangelicalism, the translators come from a wide range of denominations and various countries and continually review new research to ensure the NIV remains at the forefront of accessibility, relevance, and authority. Every NIV Bible that is purchased helps Biblica translate and give Bibles to people in need around the world. 

My Review:
This Bible has some great features. The books of the Bible are listed in the order we are familiar with as well as in alphabetical order, making access easy. Girls can read the tips for Bible journaling and learn how to make this a great Bible reading experience. The illustrations are inviting, and there is room for notes in the margins and the back. The white pages with the black ink is printed with an easy to read font. The cover is sturdy, colorful, and well made. The colored pencils twist out from the top and come in four colors: blue, red, purple and yellow. The stickers offer encouraging messages on flat finish paper, for easy coloring. This would make a lovely gift for twelve years and up. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Joy of Discovery

Proverbs 2:1-6

My son, if you accept my words
    and store up my commands within you,
turning your ear to wisdom
    and applying your heart to understanding—
indeed, if you call out for insight
    and cry aloud for understanding,
and if you look for it as for silver
    and search for it as for hidden treasure,
then you will understand the fear of the Lord
    and find the knowledge of God.
For the Lord gives wisdom;
    from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

I love learning.

I wasn't fond of school, but I enjoyed the process of discovering new and interesting things. Even as a child, I challenged myself to study the Little Golden Guides to identify butterflies and flowers. Recently, I found a couple of these timely little books in one of the local park shops. I bought them for nostalgic reasons, plus I still enjoy identifying God's creatures. The fields and woods that surrounded my childhood home offered a fascinating classroom for my curious mind. I'd trudge through the field looking for insects, especially butterflies. Along with my love of nature, I enjoyed arts and crafts. I embroidered and sewed from a young age then as an adult I've added quilting and needle felting to my repertoire.

As I've aged, my curiosity has grown. Not just with my hobbies, but with my desire to dig up nuggets of wisdom in the Bible. As I open God's word, I long to understand the teachings. The scripture says I should seek out understanding and insight as if I'm searching for a buried treasure. Once I find even a grain of the knowledge God offers, I need to tuck those words into my heart.

Through his words of wisdom, I have come to understand what it means to fear the Lord. I've asked myself at times why I should fear the one who loves me. My answer: I fear the Lord with a respectful fear, he is all knowing and all powerful. He's my Father, and I trust him.

Seek God's wisdom and he will give you knowledge and understanding.

Training for the Race

1 Timothy 4:7-8

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 

He ran the race.

In the 1970s and 80s my husband, Tim, ran marathons; those twenty-six mile races created for people with great endurance. I can't imagine having the determination or fortitude to take on such a challenge.

But he did. He prepared every day right up to the race. He practiced until the running became a habit. Some days he prepared his muscles with a fifteen mile run at the pace he'd do in the marathon. Other days, he called recovery days, he slowed his steps and ran a shorter distance. Some days he sprinted. He varied his exercise as he created the habit of daily runs.

Over the last two years, Tim took another challenge. The doctor wanted him to lose weight. And he did. He changed his eating habits and started walking every day, at least five miles. He lost over seventy pounds.

Physical training is valuable.

Godly training is golden. It infiltrates every aspect of life. Which exercise pumps up spiritual muscles? Praying, reading the Bible, taking a walk and appreciating God's creation, sharing Jesus with children or a friend, listening to praise music, and attending church (in person or online.) And breaking bad habits—like self-doubt, fear, and worry.

Godly training looks different for each person.

Just as Tim made a habit of running every day to prepare for the race, we work to make a habit of learning more about Jesus and praying as we run with God.

Is there a habit that might bring you closer to Jesus? Or one that keeps you apart?

Help for the Anxious

1 Peter 5:6-9

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

The more people I talk to, the more I hear anxiety rearing its ugly head. Even if you don't suffer from anxiety, the state of the world right now could raise anyone's insecurity to a new level.

I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder several years ago. Because I want to live a peaceful life, I practice different methods to keep my anxious thoughts at bay.

On a daily basis I remind myself there are things I simply cannot control. Those are the things I have to let go. I have to. If I don't let them go, they bury me like an avalanche.

Instead of lugging my worries around in a wheel barrow, I pray. I ask God to cart around my anxiety for me. He carries our burdens if we ask.

I read Bible verses every day. They ground me and remind me I have a Father who loves me. Even if I only read one verse, I'm reminded I have hope.

I talk to my family and friends. Find someone who understands.

Yes, I also work with a doctor to keep the receptors in my brain working properly.

If you have a family member or friend with a lot of anxiety. Be patient. These are trying times, and they may be overwhelmed. I think we all are.

Love your neighbors. Help the ones who can't help themselves. Lift each other in prayer to the One who cares.

Here are some Bible verses that help to calm and give hope. Hang them on your door, the refrigerator, the mirror. Focus on the promise of hope.

Psalm 33:20-22
We wait in hope for the Lord;
    he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice,
    for we trust in his holy name.
May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,
    even as we put our hope in you.

Isaiah 40:29-31
He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.

Romans 15:13
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.

The Breath We Breathe

Isaiah 55:10-11

As the rain and the snow
    come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
    without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
    so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
    It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
    and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

I love trees in every season; budding leaves, full shade, riots of color, and bare branches.

A magnificent maple tree stood, like a guard, by the end of our gravel driveway. That tree provided shelter for me as I waited on the school bus. In the summer, I'd play in the welcoming shade. No matter the season, the maple spread its massive branches overhead.

I remember looking up through the limbs at the gorgeous red and gold leaves as they danced in the sky. For a child, that was pure magic.

According to Botanical Gardens Conservation International there are more than 60,000 species of trees in the world. God created every one of them with purpose. In the spring, flowering trees like dogwood and redbud spread across the Appalachian Mountains. In summer and fall folks harvest fruit from apple, pear, banana, and coconut trees, to name a few. In winter, the evergreens provide shelter for cardinals and all their friends.

Most important, trees give us oxygen; the very breath we breath. They soak in the rain with their roots and reach toward the sky to the sun, in order to share their gift with us.

These beauties remind me to bury my roots deep in God's word. The Lord provides all the nourishment I need, through the scripture, his people, and his grace. As the oaks and palms do, I reach toward heaven, through prayer and praise to God's son, Jesus, then take a deep breath and inhale his love.

God gave every tree a purpose. If he cares that much about the forests, just think how much he loves us.

God's Gifts

John 17:1-5

After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:

“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began."

Pretty Place, NC

My first thought as I read these words:

Jesus is praying to his Father, God, and I have the privilege to read my Savior's words over 2,000 years later. All I can think is wow! God has given us a gift. Actually, more than one.

First and foremost, God sent Jesus to this crazy place called earth. He knew we needed someone willing to offer his life for our sins. A few verses earlier in John 16, Jesus reminds us, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Jesus knew we needed hope because we'd experience difficulty of all sorts. Physical, emotional, mental and yes, spiritual. At times, I'm exhausted on all counts. I want to curl into a ball and hide. But, Jesus who loves us more than we can imagine, reminds me of the hope, the joy, the peace that waits for me in heaven. The sheer thought of the hope of heaven tugs me up and pushes me forward.

This old world may get me down, but my Father lifts me up through his word, that second  beautiful gift He's given us. The Bible offers comfort and peace, knowledge and wisdom. Jesus' words amaze me as I realize he stood before the people, all those years ago, and spoke out loud for all to hear. Those same words, often printed in red, still speak to my heart today.

May all glory be to God, who loves us.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 1 Peter 5:8-9

Finding my Hygge in Jesus

Psalm 62:1-2

Truly my soul finds rest in God;
    my salvation comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
    he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

I enjoy winter.

While people around me dread the cold and gray, I snuggle in for a time of coziness. I understand the person who needs to drive in bad weather not liking winter. I know the grayness of Ohio Valley winters can cause depression. Yet, I embrace January and February as if they arrived just for me.

Tucking in for winter. photo by Penny Frost McGinnis

 I've been reading about the Danish practice of hygge (pronounced hoo-guh.) Because they are short on daylight and long on winter, the country of Denmark has embraced creating a cozy atmosphere within their homes. Hygge isn't something you can buy. Family and friends snuggle in with candles, fireplaces, good books, blankets, hot tea, coffee and comfort food. 

Simple things in life. Sounds good to me.

Evidently, I've been practicing hygge for years without realizing it. As I write, my (fake TV) fireplace crackles and my gingerbread candle burns. Blankets cover the chairs and my Christmas tree still twinkles.

Even as I practice hygge in my home, and enjoy the tucked in feeling, how do I create that well being in my heart. Finding the joy, hope, and peace I need come from Jesus' love for me. He's my rock, the one who offers comfort when my heart hurts. He's the one who embraces me and cares for me when sadness fills my day. Jesus draws me in to a place of rest. He throws away fear and replaces doubt with trust.

In Jesus, I find respite from the weariness of life. As much as I love the holidays, they wear me out and throw me a bit off track. January gives me time to renew my spirit. To snuggle in and walk my path with God, once again.

Take the time to reconnect with Jesus. Put on your slippers, sit by the fire, sip your coffee, dust off the Bible, read the word's of Jesus and pray.

Children's Book Review: Bible Gems to Remember Illustrated Bible: 52 Stories with Easy Bible Memory in 5 Words or Less by Robin Schmitt (Author), Kris Aro McLeod (Illustrator)

Book Description:

Scripture is filled with “gemstones”—concise statements of five words or less that hold great value, meaning, and power. Bible Gems to Remember Illustrated Bible, written by 

Robin Schmitt and illustrated by Kris Aro McLeod, takes children through 52 stories from the Bible, each featuring a powerful gem from Scripture to memorize.

God can accomplish amazing things with just a few words. Imagine what he could do in the heart of a child who memorizes and meditates on these short “gems” of wisdom from the Bible.

Enhanced with beautiful gemstone illustrations throughout, the Bible Gems to Remember Illustrated Bible gives readers 52 powerful verses from Scripture—one for each week of the year—to read, reflect upon, and put into practice. By the end of the year, children will have learned more than 52 easy-to-memorize Scripture verses!

My Review:
Bible Gems to Remember is a lovely book filled with colorful illustrations. But more importantly, the book is full of wonderful short verses for little minds to learn and remember. The premise of the book will work well with small children. Read them the story, show them the pictures, then teach them the verses. This is the perfect Bible for little ones to discover God. This could be shared in Sunday School, home devotions, or one-on-one with your favorite child. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zonderkidz. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Children's Book Review: Brick Builders Illustrated Bible

Book Description:

The Brick Builder’s Illustrated Bible uses the popularity of brick-building pieces to engage children with the Word of God. With bold, colorful illustrations by Antony Evans and child-friendly text, over 35 beloved stories from the Old and New Testaments come to life. Readers will travel from Genesis to Revelation as they read stories like Creation, Noah’s Ark, David and Goliath, the Birth of Jesus, and Jesus Walks on Water. And each story contains a “Building Block” takeaway for kids to help them apply the biblical principal to their own lives. What better way to bring the family together than with the Brick Builder’s Illustrated Bible, perfect for readers of all ages.

My Review:

My grandkids love building with Legos. When I saw this book, I had to see what it was about. From beginning to end, the bright, bold illustrations blew me away. I love the designs of the characters and the expressions on their faces. They fit perfectly with the well done Bible stories. My favorite feature in the book is the take-away. After each story is a section called "Building Block," a call to action that echoes the wisdom in the story. This would make a great gift for any child who likes to build. You could also use it in Sunday School to emphasize a lesson or in family devotion time. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zonderkidz. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Children's Book Review: Seek and Explore Devotions for Kids by Yvonne H. Van Ee, PhD & Michael Williams, PhD

Book Description:

The Seek and Explore Book of Devotions is a full-color, interactive journey through every book of the Bible—365 days (plus one for leap day!) of reading and hands-on activities, like journaling, crosswords, word searches, puzzles, and more. During each week, your child will learn about one or two books of the Bible in short, easy-to-handle activities. Whether reading, writing, drawing, crafting, moving, or going out into the world, kids will learn about the Bible, God, and themselves. By the end of this interactive journey, your child will have a better understanding of the Bible as the story of God’s people and his love for them. Perfect for a child to use on his own, as a family, in a classroom, or even in a Sunday school setting, this devotional is unique and engaging for ages 6–10.

My Review:
I like the premise of Seek and Explore. The illustrations are engaging and fun. The devotional activities are varied. I'm not convinced a six to eight-year old would be able to use this book to the full extent. But with an adult or as a family, this would be a great addition to devotion time. For independent use, nine to twelve might be a better target age. The activities look enjoyable and will help the child have a better understanding of the scripture. I especially like the devos that are more like a puzzle than the writing activities. I can also see this as a good home school tool to prompt Bible discussion. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zonderkidz. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.