Brothers and Sisters

Phil. 4:1, 4-7
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Brothers and sisters!
Along with my parents, my siblings took good care of me. I was their baby sister, with eleven years difference between me and my brother (the youngest of my sister and two brothers.)  As we've all grown older we aren't together as much, but I know if I need anything they'll be by my side. We do live close enough together to spend some time on Thanksgiving with our mom at my brother's home. The day will be filled with food, fun, and talk of the memories we share. I'm thankful for the love and history I share with my siblings.

In Philippians, Paul speaks to his brothers and sisters in the church. He loves them and tells them how much he misses them. As Paul writes to his friends, I love what he pens. Rejoice, be gentle, trust the Lord, pray with thanksgiving. Oh what joy to have the peace of God cover the heart and fill the mind. I've gained many brothers and sisters in Christ through the years. We still share a love of Jesus. I'm thankful for the encouragement I've received from my spiritual siblings.

With Thanksgiving near, pray with me for brothers and sisters, those close at hand and those across the world. Praise God for relationships! 

The Very First Christmas: The Berenstain Bears by Jan and Mike Berenstain

Book Description:

Join the Bear cubs as they learn all about Jesus’ holy birth. From the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary to the visit from the three wise men, join Mama, Papa, Brother, Sister, and Honey as they discover the story of the very first Christmas.

My Review:
A classic retelling of the Christmas story. I am so happy that Mike Berenstain has continued his parents' work and new generations will enjoy the Bear family. The Bear cubs excitement about Jesus' birth will encourage children to embrace the beautiful story. Of course the illustrations are delightful. If you've enjoyed the Berenstain Bears add this sweet book to your library. If you haven't introduced them to your children, this would be an excellent start. 

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

The Legend of the Christmas Cookie by Dandi Daley Mackall, illustrated by Richard Cowdrey

Book Description:

The Legend of the Christmas Cookie tells the story of a young boy named Jack who learns from his generous mother the story behind the Christmas cookie. The family who began the tradition of baking the special cookies gave them to the needy and shared the story of the very first Christmas. This sweet holiday book offers inspiration for readers to become cheerful givers themselves and encourages them to share the true tale of Jesus' birth. A delicious recipe is included on the jacket flap so readers can make their own Christmas sugar cookies.

My Review:
This old-fashioned story, set during the Great Depression, is a breath of fresh air. Jack not only learns the history of Christmas cookies, he also sees what a blessing it is to help someone else. Richard Cowdrey's detailed illustrations compliment the story perfectly. Every year since my daughters were old enough, we've made homemade Christmas cookies. They're adults now with children of their own. Even though we cut our dough with plastic and metal cookie cutters, I loved reading the story of how the cookies were originally made by pressing dough in to hand-carved molds. I can't wait to read The Legend of the Christmas Cookie to my grandchildren before we make our cookies this year.

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Children's Book Review: The Ology: Ancient Truths Ever New by Marty Machowski, illustrated by Andy MacGuire

About the book: 

In the cellar of the old stone cathedral, Carla and Timothy uncover a life-changing treasure, a carefully wrapped ancient book known as The Ology. What adults might describe as a beautifully illustrated storybook of systematic theology, the kids discover to be a story of adventure, mystery, and wonder that leads them to the truth about God, themselves, and the world around them.

Truth is for kids, not just for adults! So The Ology gives kids of all ages a beginner's theology book to help them understand who God is and how we, as his children, relate to him. Arranged within a traditional systematic theological framework, each truth in The Ology is also connected to the larger redemptive story of Scripture. The doctrine of God, for example, is presented in the larger framework of creation, where the attributes of God are more clearly on display. The Ology takes abstract theological concepts and makes them easier to understand with the use of creative examples, illustrations, and analogies. The goal is not to say everything that could be said about a theological topic, but rather to share the key thoughts behind a theological concept. The Ology is a starting point to learning theology and aims to create a hunger and desire in children to learn more as they grow older.

Designed for six-year-olds through preteens, this flexible resource includes built-in adaptations for use with younger or older children, so that entire families can enjoy it together. Read The Ology to preschoolers, read it with grade-school kids, and let older kids discover the "hidden" truths by reading the corresponding Scripture passages for each section. However you read it, The Ology will give your children a gift that will last a lifetime---a solid foundation of life-changing biblical truth that will point them to the God who loves them and gave himself for them.

My Review:
The Ology is not a Bible story book. Instead it's a great tool for teaching children the truths of the Bible. Divided into ten chapters and seventy-one sections, the flexibility of the book lends to easy use and can be shared in order or by topic. Machowski uses easy to understand examples of common things children would understand to introduce concepts. He also includes a parent's guide, glossary, numerous scriptures, and a questions. The Ology is a good source for parents, teachers and anyone wishing to share the Bible with young people. This even a good resource for adults.

I don't see this as sit down and read through kind of book, but more as an open up and let's look at the concept type of book. The illustrations are beautiful and add pleasing aesthetics. There were a few concepts I differed on with the author, but even at that, they can be used as a jumping off point for discussion. I'm giving the book five-stars because the author took on a large task and did a meticulous job providing examples and explanations. Also the illustrators work adds so much to the text.

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.
Check out this preview!

A companion The Ology CD from Bob Kauflin and Sovereign Music will also be available.

Purchase a copy 

About the author:
Marty Machowski is a Family Life Pastor at Covenant Fellowship Church in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, where he has served on the pastoral staff for over twenty years. He is the author of the Gospel Story for Kids series, which includes The Gospel Story Bible, Long Story Short, Old Story New, and the Gospel Story Curriculum, as well as the Advent devotional and curriculum Prepare Him Room. He and his wife, Lois, and their six children reside in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Find Marty online: website, Twitter

Fiction Book Review: Every Girl Gets Confused by Janice Thompson

Book Description:

Katie Fisher and Brady James may be a match made in heaven, but that doesn't seem to guarantee them a happily ever after accompanied by angelic choirs. In fact, the sounds being heard at the bridal shop where she works are on the contentious side lately, as a bride- and groom-to-be try to mediate the growing rivalry between their basketball-obsessed families in the middle of play-off season. On top of that, Katie's parents are nagging her to get out of Dallas and come home to tiny Fairfield where her former boyfriend Carson is waiting for her, ready to rekindle their relationship. Oy vey! What's a girl to do? And will she ever be able to wear that gorgeous wedding dress she won?

My Review:
Thompson's second book in the series A Brides with Style Novel is as funny and enjoyable as the first one. One of the things I like about the series is the inclusion of several generations of Katie's family and the folks who work in the bridal shop. The interaction between the younger and older characters leads to some humorous and insightful scenes. Aunt Alva is my favorite yet I relate to Katie who contemplates what's best for her in her young life. Where should she live, who should she date, what should she do for a living? The tension between Katie and Brady threads throughout the book and adds to the sweet romance. If you enjoy romantic comedy, you'll love Janice Thompson's, Every Bride Gets Confused.  The series is a fun and relaxing read.  

Read more about Janice Thompson.

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Children's Book Review: Goodnight, Manger by Laura Sassy, illustrated by Jane Chapman

Book Description:

Goodnight, Manger, written by Laura Sassi and illustrated by New York Times bestselling artist Jane Chapman, tells the story of Mary and Joseph as they try to lull Jesus to sleep in the noisy stable after his birth. It's bedtime for Baby Jesus, but who knew a manger could be so loud? Mama, Papa, and all of the animals try to lull the baby to sleep, but between itchy hay, angels' joyful hosanas, and three kings bearing noisy gifts, it's just too loud. Until Mama finds a way for everyone to work together to shepherd Baby into peaceful dreams under the twinkling stars. With sweet, rhyming text in the style of Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site, Goodnight, Manger offers a unique twist on the classic manger tale, deftly weaving together the comforting and familiar routines of bedtime with the special magic and wonder of the manger story.

My Review
Laura Sassy's light-hearted rhyming text will delight little ones and encourage a giggle or two. Goodnight, Manger brings an interesting mix of characters to the stable. I love the angels Jane Chapman created. Her colorful illustrations bring the story to life. The cover is beautiful. In the book the wise men come to the manger. Although this works in the book, the Bible shows that they came much later. But that's a minor detail to a delightful telling of a night in the manger for baby Jesus. This would be a perfect story to read to children on Christmas Eve. 

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Let the Trees Sing!

1 Chronicles 16:33-34
Let the trees of the forest sing,
    let them sing for joy before the Lord,
    for he comes to judge the earth.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    his love endures forever.

Several times this week I've notice how beautiful the autumn skies are. One afternoon white wispy clouds floated against an azure blue sky. Walking into work I've been greeted by majestic pinks, reds, and dark blues painted behind the shadow of trees as morning wakes. Yesterday evening orange streaked across navy blue as the sun went to sleep for the day.

God is the most amazing artist. Just looking at his creation brings joy to my soul. I'm thankful for the natural world around me. Not a day goes by without me noticing something God has created. Walking out of work yesterday, I spotted holly bushes, with the crimson berries hiding among the waxy green leaves. Beautiful!

As Thanksgiving approaches I want to share some of my thankful moments. I would be remiss if I didn't include the wonder of nature and the artistry of the Creator.

I'm thankful for the changing seasons, the woods, the lakes and ponds, the ocean, the incredible array of flowers, the trees, the animals; all of the amazing life that exists around me. Praise God for all he's made.