Beauty in Today 1/20/16

Snow-again!

Snow covered the ground this morning and continued to come down all day. I've always loved snow. It gives the world a clean crispness. No matter how I feel, if I step out into fresh snow and feel the flakes touch my face, joy flutters inside me. Sounds crazy, I know. But I just love snow. 

Our dogs do too. Olive decided to have a snack and eat the snow.

Pre-K Book Review: Snuggle Time Prayers by Glenys Nellist, illustrated by Cee Biscoe

Book Description:

Snuggle Time Prayers, written by Glenys Nellist and illustrated by Cee Biscoe, is a perfect bedtime collection of fifteen prayers. This padded cover board book will help children settle down at bedtime and remind them of their blessings as they draw closer to God.

My Review:
Glenys Nellist has written beautiful rhyming prayers for little ones. Parents will enjoy sharing these with their children. I love that there's a Bible verse that introduces each prayer. Children will love Cee Biscoe's lovely illustrations. The sweet animals are endearing. If you have a pre-schooler you'll want to buy this book. Snuggle Time Prayers is a precious avenue to share God's love.

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Children's Nonfiction Book Review: Lots of Knock-Knock Jokes for Kids by Whee WInn

Book Description:

New from Zonderkidz, here’s a collection of knock-knock jokes that is both hilarious and wholesome. Lots of Knock-Knock Jokes for Kids is sure to send every kid you know to his knees in a breath-stealing, side-splitting, uncontrollable fit of giggles. It’s that funny. And with more than 350 jokes, the laughs are sure to never quit.

This collection provides fun for the whole family and includes bonus Q& A jokes and riddles too!

My Review:
My grandchildren and I had a great laugh from the jokes in this book. I didn't know there were so many knock-knock jokes. We like the way the book is divided into sections, such as, Name Jokes, Food Jokes, Holiday Jokes and more. I asked the kids which ones they liked best. They both replied "the food jokes." When my daughter came in, my granddaughter read several of them to her. This book can be great fun for all ages and a fun family activity.

Chapter Book Fiction Book Review: London Art Chase and A Dolphin Wish by Natalie Grant

Natalie Grant's Glimmer Girls Series

Join twins Mia and Maddie and their sidekick little sister, LuLu, as they travel the country finding adventure, mystery, and sometimes mischief along the way. Together with their famous mother, singer Gloria Glimmer, and their slightly wacky nanny Miss Twist, the sisters learn lessons about being good friends, telling the truth, and a whole lot more. Recommended for ages 8-12.

London Art Chase, Book 1

Book Description:
In London Art Chase, the first title in the new Faithgirlz Glimmer Girls series, readers meet 10-year-old twins Mia and Maddie and their adorable little sister, LuLu. All the girls are smart, sassy, and unique in their own way, each with a special little something that adds to great family adventures.

There is pure excitement in the family as the group heads to London for the first time to watch mom, famous singer Gloria Glimmer, perform. But on a day trip to the National Gallery, Maddie witnesses what she believes to be an art theft and takes her sisters and their beloved and wacky nanny Miss Julia, on a wild and crazy adventure as they follow the supposed thief to his lair. Will the Glimmer Girls save the day? And will Maddie find what makes her shine?

My Review:
When I was a young girl, I would have loved this story. And I think young girls today will enjoy the adventure as the Glimmer Girls travel the world. Natalie Grant gives readers a peek into the world her family lives in as she bases the characters on her family. In London, the reader will learn about Trafalgar Square, Big Ben and the National Gallery as they follow the girls on the trail of a thief. Throughout the story, the girls learn about prayer and trusting God. This would be a great book for a mom and daughter to read together. 

A Dolphin Wish, Book 2

Book Description:

In A Dolphin Wish a three-night stop in the city of San Diego seems like it might be just the break the girls need—lovely weather and great sights to see. That is until they hear animal handlers at “Watery World” talking about the trouble they’ve been having keeping the animals in their habitats. Mia and her sisters cannot resist a challenge and they talk Miss Twist into another visit to the educational amusement park to search for clues as to what or who is helping the animals escape.

My Review:
In this second book of the series, readers will enjoy following the girls around Watery World as they explore the world at sea. The story is both educational and uplifting with a mystery in the mix. One of the things I like most about the Glimmer Girls books, is the emphasis that each girls has her own personality, talents and desires. And they learn about what it means to follow God, obey their parents, and love each other.  

I received both books in exchange for a fair review.

Fiction Book Review: Mermaid Moon by Colleen Coble

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Fiction Book Review: Mermaid Moon by Colleen Coble

Book Description:
Mallory's mother died fifteen years ago. But her father's last words on the phone were unmistakable: "Find . . . mother."

Shame and confusion have kept Mallory Davis from her home for the last fifteen years, but when her dad mysteriously dies on his mail boat route, she doesn't have any choice but to go back to Mermaid Point.

Mallory believes her father was murdered and childhood sweetheart Kevin O'Connor, game warden in Downeast Maine, confirms her suspicions. But Kevin is wary of helping Mallory in her search. She broke his heart---and left---without a word, years ago.

When Mallory begins receiving threats on her own life---and her beloved teenage daughter, Haylie---their search intensifies. There's a tangled web within the supposed murder, and it involves much more than what meets the eye.

As answers begin to fall into place, Mallory realizes her search is about more than finding her father's killer---it is also about finding herself again . . . and possibly about healing what was broken so long ago with Kevin. She just has to stay alive long enough to put all the pieces together.

My Review:
Colleen Coble's books rock. Her new Sunset Cove series beginning with The Inn at Sunset Cove, left me wanting more. The coastal Maine setting lends itself to mystery and intrigue. In the latest novel, Mermaid Moon, the twists and turns kept me up too late. And I loved it.

Going home after being away for a long time and under stressful circumstances is never easy.  After Mallory receives a phone call, her journey home tests her faith, her ability to forgive herself, and her feelings for people from the past. As I read the story and thought I knew who did it, another twist turned the corner and made me doubt my conclusion. The book held me in suspense right to the end.  The romantic touches and the beautiful setting added appeal. If you enjoy suspense, you'll love Colleen's latest book.  

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.  

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1J0PXVl

About the author: 

USA Today bestselling author Colleen Coble has written several romantic suspense novels including Tidewater Inn,Rosemary Cottage, and the Mercy Falls, Lonestar, and Rock Harbor series. Her books have sold more than 3 million copies.

Connect with Coble: website, Twitter, Facebook

Life is Good...

Galatians 5:16-23

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Jack in the Pulpit

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;  idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions  and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 

As a woodsy, nature loving person, I enjoy looking at the Life is Good t-shirts and hats. I even have one with my orange Jeep on it. Much of the time life is good. But too often life is just plain hard. I struggle with decisions, whether to speak up or keep quiet. Whether to be angry or let it go. Whether to stand up for Jesus or hide in the shadows. Sin bombards our world. Satan runs around pushing temptation at people.  Where do I go for protection?

We sing a song at church about welcoming the Holy Spirit in. As a follower of Jesus, the Holy Spirit dwells in me. He grieves when I sin, and rejoices when I bear His fruit. God gives everyone who accepts Jesus as Savior the gift of the Holy Spirit. I love that the Spirit is a gift. He's given out of love from the Father. I rely on the Spirit to make decisions, to encourage my faith, and to help me produce the fruit Jesus longs for me to bear. Praise the Lord for the Holy Spirit!

Children's Book Review: Big Dreams Big Prayers Bible for Kids

Book Description:

The Big Dreams, Big Prayers Bible forKids, NIV includes the complete New International Version (NIV) of the Bible along with devotions, prayers, and highlighted verses to help kids pray and listen for God’s answers to their prayers.

My Review:
Sometimes prayer is a difficult concept to understand. The Big Dreams, Big Prayers Bible begins with an excellent explanation of what prayer is and how to talk to God. Throughout the scripture you'll find devotions written just for kids. They speak about prayer and give great examples and explanations children can understand. In the back you'll find a list of the devotions and the page number they're on. There are also three reading plans to engage the reader in doable segments. I really like the journal pages in the back where the reader can write down prayer requests and keep track of the answers. Each Bible book has a brief information page. This is a great Bible for students age 10+. Five stars.

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.