The Best News

Romans 8:37-39
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I can't even comprehend how much God loves me.

If you've ever had a pet who is part of your family, you know how much you love them. Our Rosie May is a family dog, not just for Tim and me, but also for our children and grandchildren to enjoy and learn from. When we drove her home from my niece's house, we circled around to let her meet our grandchildren. Of course she was a wee pup then. Now she's almost full grown as a seven-month-old and has integrated into our lives as if she's always been here.

In those few months she's lived with us, she's shown her loyalty, but she's also chewed on a book, shredded papers, and had accidents in the house (thankfully just a few.) Yes, I get frustrated, but no matter what, I love our beautiful, kind-hearted, caring pup. She's part of our family, and I know she loves us.

Everyone wants to be loved, and I have good news, great news really. In Romans, the writer shares the amazing promise of God's continuous love. Once I chose to follow Jesus and believe His truth, God has poured out his love on me. Yes, I make mistakes, I sin, and at times I've doubted, but His love draws me back in. Nothing will separate believers, from the love of their Father, God. Nothing. I stand amazed at the love the Father pours over His family.

He calls every person to Him. He wants everyone to acknowledge Him as God. God loves and wants everyone to love Him back.

Seek Him and discover the most incredible love you'll ever experience.

Children’s Picture Book Review: Candace’s Playful Puppy by Candace Cameron Bure, illustrated by Christine Battuz

Book Description:
Candace’s Playful Puppy is for every boy or girl who has ever wanted a dog and every parent who knows the responsibility that goes along with caring for a new pet. Written by New York Times bestselling author and actress Candace Cameron Bure, laugh along with this story of a little girl who visits a pet shelter to adopt a cuddly new dog and comes home with a rambunctious pup instead.

Candace’s Playful Puppy is a picture book for ages 4 to 8 that teaches kids:

How to be faithful to your commitments

To never give up when you face a tough situation

That patience is a skill that takes a lot of practice and hard work

When Candace’s new pup, Freckles, doesn’t pay attention to her instructions, Candace’s patience is tested and her excitement over the new pet quickly fades. Freckles escapes … but ends up making a muddy return. Candace realizes that being a great dog mommy isn’t as easy as she thought.

My Thoughts:
Candace Cameron Bure has written a thoughtful story of a little girl who needs to understand the commitment needed to take care of a puppy. Candace expects an easy-going cuddle puppy, instead she takes home a pup who loves to run and get into things. This sweet story is a great one to read to a child who’s preparing to adopt a pet. It will help them understand the responsibility of owning a puppy, and the frustration that sometimes comes from having a pet who doesn’t listen. Christine Battuz’s delightful illustrations add fun and entertainment to the story. And make sure to watch for Harry the hamster on each spread. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

 

Children's Middle Grade Fiction Review: Wish by Barbara O'Connor

Book Description:

A touching story about a girl and her dog, perfect for young animal lovers.

Eleven-year-old Charlie Reese has been making the same secret wish every day since fourth grade. She even has a list of all the ways there are to make the wish, such as cutting off the pointed end of a slice of pie and wishing on it as she takes the last bite.

But when she is sent to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina to live with family she barely knows, it seems unlikely that her wish will ever come true. That is, until she meets Wishbone, a skinny stray dog who captures her heart, and Howard, a neighbor boy who proves surprising in lots of ways. Suddenly Charlie is in serious danger of discovering that what she thought she wanted may not be what she needs at all.

From award-winning author Barbara O'Connor comes a middle-grade novel about a girl who, with the help of a true-blue friend, a big-hearted aunt and uncle, and the dog of her dreams, unexpectedly learns the true meaning of family in the least likely of places.

My Review:
I'm so glad my friend recommended this book. The Blue Ridge Mountain setting is beautiful. The story heartwarming. Filled with wonderful characters, the further I read in the story, the more I fell in love with the children in this book. Even though Charlie has a rough row to hoe and a tough exterior, she wormed her way into my heart. I don't want to give away too much about Howard, but we all need a friend like Howard. And who wouldn't love a skinny stray dog who wanders into your life? Wishbone is just the thing Charlie needs to soften her heart and keep her life on the new track she has to walk. One thing I learned from Charlie—so many crazy ways to make a wish. This is a lovely well written story that stays with you a while. I purchased a copy of this book.