The Best Gift

Ephesians 2:8-10
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Black Friday, the craziest Christmas gift shopping day of the year. Some of my nieces love going. They enjoy the thrill of the hunt. I'm content to do a little online shopping, or maybe wait for cyber Monday. My husband would tell you, I'm a bit painful to shop with. I put items in the cart, take them out, put more in, take it out and usually end up with what I chose in the first place. And yes I do that online, too. I've never been particularly good at choosing gifts, but I try my best to find something the recipient might like.

I've received many wonderful gifts through the years, but there's one that's changed my life. Jesus gave his life to save me from the deprivation of this world. His death and resurrection gives me the freedom to live with peace and joy even amidst the despair and worries of life. Having Jesus in my heart gives me the hope of eternal life in heaven. I love Christmas, the gift giving reflects the best gift God gave. And that's a beautiful thing.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Nonfiction Children's Book Review: The Rain Wizard: The Amazing, Mysterious, True Life of Charles Mallory Hatfield by Larry Dane Brimner

Book Description:

In December 1915, San Diego’s leaders claimed the town’s reservoirs were nearly dry. Knowing the city would not survive and grow unless it had water, they hired Charles Mallory Hatfield, whose skills at making rain were legendary. But when torrents and torrents of rain came, disaster struck. Roads were closed, people drowned, and dams burst. The town elders blamed Hatfield and refused to pay him. Was Hatfield really a rain wizard, or simply a fraud? Renowned author Larry Dane Brimner examines the man and the myth by relying on personal recollections from growing up in California, as well as extensive research. Readers will be captivated by Hatfield—a man once known as the Frankenstein of the air—and his secret rainmaking formulas. Includes author’s note, source notes, and bibliography.

My Review:

I received The RainWizard in a box of books to review for Boyds Mills publishers. Unfamiliar with the Charles Mallory Hatfield and his attempts to make rain, I was curious to read his story. Along with the a great job portraying Hatfield and his brothers, Brimner touched on others who attempted to control the weather. Although much of the story takes place in San Diego, the concept of a person trying to create rain with chemicals will engage readers.  This well-written, brief history would be a good start for a young person interested in weather, science, or American history. A seldom addressed piece of scientific history, this would be a nice addition to a school or public library.

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Children's Nonfiction Book Review: Think, Act, Be Like Jesus: A Believe Devotional for Kids by Randy Frazee

Book Description:

This 90-Day devotional, written by Oak Hills Church pastor Randy Frazee, is part of the church-wide Believe campaign and encourages children to follow the footsteps of Jesus. Think, Act, Be Like Jesus; A Believe Devotional for Kids shares the message that the more you believe, the more Jesus can change you from the inside out to become the best person you can be.

My Review:
This a great devotional book for tweens and teens. I like the layout that shares a scripture, story and explanation, and a prayer. Each devotion ends with a positive action that encourages the reader to show their love for Jesus. Steve Adams' illustrations are interesting and give a good reflection of each theme. The book is divided into sections that offer enough writings to help the reader understand each concept. This would make a great Christmas gift. And could be used for family devotions.

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Beauty in Everyday Things

The Goodness of God

Psalm 9:1-2

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;
    I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
 I will be glad and rejoice in you;
    I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.

"And although it be not always so plentiful, as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want, that we often wish you partakers of our plenty."-Edward Winslow

After a long difficult voyage, arrival in an unfamiliar land in the cold of December, and a devastating loss of family and friends, the Mayflower travelers settled into their new habitat. Try to imagine spending months on a ship, no showers, no comfortable bed, illness, and sea sickness. Then landing in the wilderness, with no house to move into and no grocery store to shop in. These courageous folks spent the winter trying to stay alive, spring and summer they were literally building their small colony, and fall harvesting what they'd planted. Finally in November 1621, 53 Pilgrims and 90 Native Americans gathered together to give thanks for the harvest, good health, new friends, and the stored up provisions for the winter. Life had been backbreaking for the past year, yet they found reasons to say thank you to God.

This Thanksgiving I have much to be thankful for. I rejoice in the blessings, the stresses, the difficulties, and the beauty of life. I am thankful the Pilgrims paved the way for the freedoms I have today. Thank goodness for the Native Americans who helped the Pilgrims survive.

God has given so much and yet I thank him so little. I'm glad for this holiday as it reminds me to be appreciative and give gratitude to my Lord and Savior, Jesus who gave his life for my salvation.

I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

Winslow, Edward. "Mourt’s Relation." Pilgrim Hall Museum. Pilgrim Hall Museum, 1621. Web. 21 Nov. 2015. <http://www.pilgrimhallmuseum.org/>.

Children's Novel Review: Andi Unstoppable (An Andi Boggs Novel) by Amanda Flower

Book Description:

Andi Boggs and her best friend Colin Carter are at it again … in this third book of the Andi Boggs series, Andi Unstoppable, school has begun for the two Killdeer middle schoolers and the science teacher has a great idea! He is an expert birder and wants his class to share in the fun. In a birding group with Colin and her biggest school rival, Ava, Andi sets out to be the first student in class to spot the elusive Kirtland warbler but ends up spotting the town’s resident ghost instead!

Together with her friends, Andi takes on another small town mystery—is the legend of the ghost of Dominika Shalley more than just a story? And does her sudden appearance have anything to do with the holes the friends find in the Shalley graveyard as they look for the rare bird?

My Review:
I haven't read the first two novels in the Andi Boggs series, but I can tell you I enjoyed the third one. This mystery can be read as a stand-alone, but I think the kids who read it will want to read the others as well. Amanda Flower knows how to write an engaging book for intermediate through middle graders. The characters are delightful and have just enough spunk to seek out answers without getting into too much trouble. Andi Unstoppable sets Andi and her friends Colin and Ava in the woods searching for a mysterious bird. But that's  not the only mystery they need to solve. Even though the plot involves tales of a ghost, the supernatural isn't the emphasis nor the truth. If you're looking for a fun, entertaining read for your children, I'd recommend the Andi Boggs books. I might even read the other two myself.

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.