'Tis the Season

A New Writing Gig

Hi,

I've joined a lovely group of ladies on the blog Putting on the New. I hope you'll take a look at this wonderful, encouraging site.

Finding beauty in everyday things,

Penny

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