And the Winner is....

Congratulations Lacey! Your number was drawn to win.

I'd Take Their Place if I Could

Psalm 31:12b, 14-18
I have become like broken pottery...
But I trust in you, Lord;
    I say, “You are my God.”
My times are in your hands;
    deliver me from the hands of my enemies,
    from those who pursue me.
Let your face shine on your servant;
    save me in your unfailing love.

As a wife and mom, I know what it feels like to have my heart become like broken pottery. Shattered in a hundred shards. I'd rather go through the pain and hurt my husband and children struggle with, than watch them suffer. Whether physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual— witnessing the hurt the people I love endure, breaks my heart. I'd take their place if I could.

God's servant David struggled, and lived a life of turmoil even in his dedication to God. At times his heart shattered over the suffering he endured. In the Psalm he broke down and cried out to his Father to deliver him. Whether he deserved it or not, he knew that God loved him unconditionally.

Romans 5:8 says "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Jesus understands our suffering and pain. God gave him the power to take the place of all who sin. Unlike me, who can't take the place of my loved ones, Jesus could and he did. How beautiful is that? Praise God for his unfailing love.

Children's Book Review and Give-away: Baby Wren and the Great Gift by Sally Lloyd-Jones, Illustrated by Jen Corace

Book Description:

The Baby Wren and the Great Gift, written by bestselling author Sally Lloyd-Jones and illustrated by Jen Corace, is a celebration of all the wonderful gifts God has given us. The tiny wren marvels at the incredible creatures around her, all the while wishing she had a special gift to share. As she takes in the beauty of the world around her, she discovers a unique talent that’s been inside her all along.

My Review:

Baby Wren and the Great Gift is absolutely beautiful, from the lyrical writing to the gorgeous illustrations. Have you ever looked at the people around you and noticed their amazing talent. Then wondered why you couldn't do what they could? Me too. And as much as I might enjoy listening to a talented pianist or seeing a mathematician solve a complicated problem, I get a bit discouraged. That's where we find Baby Wren. She's discouraged because all the creatures around her can do the most amazing things and she can't. Sally Lloyd-Jones' writing sings as she speaks through this sweet bird and travels with her on her journey of discovery. From page one, I was mesmerized by Jen Corace's illustrations. She knows where to add a perfect pop of color in the yellowness of the canyon. The pink sunset is breathtaking. While Baby Wren may be seeking her special gift, Lloyd-Jones and Corace have found theirs. I recommend this book to be read to pre-school through primary and read by intermediate age children. I also believe adults will enjoy this fabulous book as much as the kids. A must-have on the library's shelves. Five plus stars!

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

If you'd like to win a copy of this wonderful book, leave a comment. I'll draw a winner on Saturday, April 9.

Baby Wren and the Great Gift is ideal for:

• Children ages 4 to 8 years old and those who enjoy picture books
• Spring and Summer reading lists for beginner and emerging readers
• Curriculum with a focus on poetic and lyrical language for kids
• Back to School reading for children needing encouragement upon beginning school and fitting in
• Teaching resource supporting every child having a gift, strength or talent
• Bird lovers seeking books on Wrens and birds for children (Zondervan)

A Flower...

National Poetry Month-A Few Haiku

In honor of National Poetry Month, I've added some new haiku poems to my Haiku page. 

I enjoy the art of haiku, the brevity, and capturing a moment in words.

To learn more about haiku, visit Shadow Poetry. They also share info on other types of poetry. 

©Penny Frost McGinnis

And God Created Trees

 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

As Tim and I hiked through the nature preserve, we noticed a variety of trees budding for spring. The Bradford pears were in full bloom. Red buds were pushing out their deep lavender-pink blossoms, and soon the dogwood would flower in clouds of pink and white. A few days later my daughter, Sara, her two little ones and two of my other grandchildren trekked along the path at Sycamore Park. Along the trail were several old sycamore trees that had hollowed out over time. We also saw birch, oak, and maple trees preparing for spring.

A variety of trees make up a forest. Some provide shade, others food. Some stand out with their flowery beauty, while others are content to spread their leaves and bring shelter. And in all of them God is at work. He created every one of them for a purpose. Is it so different for people? We all look different. We all have abilities and gifts to share. Some of us may shelter, while others stand out.

I know this sounds simple and maybe even trite. But think about it. There are so many different people in the world, and God created everyone with purpose. Every tree in the forest grows alongside trees who are different and trees who are the same. They rise up in community and do the job God intended. Is it so different for people who receive their gifts from the Holy Spirit when they become believers in Christ? I'm thankful God made me unique, as I strive to share my gifts through writing.

As you embrace your gift, take one word of warning. Don't compare yourself to others. Comparison is detrimental. Seek your gift and God will bless you. He'll lead you into circumstances where your abilities and purpose shine. No gift is more or less than another. Every gift has purpose. Praise God he made us all different, with gifts to share.

Don't Say Thanks

Don't Say Thanks

They said I 

couldn't thank you

for the plants.

Bad luck they said.

Those old wives.

The ones who

hung over the fence.

Made up tales.

I'm not saying thanks-

so the black-eyed Susans 

and bleeding hearts 

may live. 

-PFM

After a conversation with a friend about the etiquette of not saying thanks for plants, I had to look up the source for such a belief.

"Never say thank you if someone shares their flowers or plant cuttings with you-if you do they (the plants) will die. (I've heard this one my whole life-and man is it hard not to automatically say thank you when someone gives you plants)"

See more at: The Blind Pig and the Acorn