May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Monday, April 25, 2016
Nonfiction Book Review: Wonders of Creation : Illustrations to Color and Inspire
Book Description:
Wonders of Creation explores the wonders of our created world though
detailed black-and-white illustrations—each one ready to be filled with the
hues of your imagination. From amazing Eden-esque gardens to the creatures God
made that still ramble through our world, this ninety-six-page book offers
hours of coloring inspiration and relaxation for any age.
Book Review:
Wonders of Creation is a beautiful
book that offers hours of coloring fun. Cindy Wilde and Pimlada Phuapradit created lovely renditions of God's glorious creation. I love the charming and whimsical
details of the drawings. Coloring pencils, markers, and crayons can be used on
the high quality paper. No doubt coloring these delightful pages will give
hours of relaxation. I also like that the artists included some less commonly seen animals. The only drawback are the double-sided pages if you want to frame the pictures. This would be a great book for a family to share or a gift for someone who loves nature. I received this book in exchange for a fair review.
Purchase your copy from Zondervan.
Purchase your copy from Zondervan.
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Nonfiction Book Review: The Mother Letters : Sharing the Laughter, Joy, Struggle, and Hope
Book
Description:
Mothering isn't easy. Some days you second-guess every decision. Some nights
you fall into bed in a haze of exhaustion. Yet even if you feel alone in the
struggle, there are mothers who have been there--right where you are now--and
they want you to know you are not alone. That's where The Mother Letters comes
in.
The Mother Letters began as a gift of encouragement. After Amber Haines had given birth to three boys in three years, her husband Seth realized the day-to-day details and drama of child rearing were overwhelming her. He secretly began collecting letters from other mothers across the world and gave these "mother letters" to her as a gift.
Amber and Seth have compiled these wise, honest, and sometimes hilarious letters into a beautiful book of hope and encouragement for moms everywhere. Their desire is that these words speak to you as they did to Amber, and that you hear "Me too. We can do this."
The Mother Letters began as a gift of encouragement. After Amber Haines had given birth to three boys in three years, her husband Seth realized the day-to-day details and drama of child rearing were overwhelming her. He secretly began collecting letters from other mothers across the world and gave these "mother letters" to her as a gift.
Amber and Seth have compiled these wise, honest, and sometimes hilarious letters into a beautiful book of hope and encouragement for moms everywhere. Their desire is that these words speak to you as they did to Amber, and that you hear "Me too. We can do this."
My
Review:
The
Mother Letters is a beautiful book written with honesty and insight. A variety
of moms contributed to Steve's efforts to bring together a lovely compilation
of instruction, compassion, and wisdom. I wish I'd had a book like this when I
was a young mother. Many of the moms talk about feeling discouraged and maybe
not being the best mom. Yet each mom's words, in the end, are encouraging and
uplifting. A wisdom I noticed repeated through the book— we learn so much from
our children. I can attest to that. I'm still learning from my
thirty-somethings. The Mother Letters
would make an excellent gift for Mother's Day, especially to moms who still
have children at home. Kudos to Seth Haines for recognizing how stressful
mothering can be at times. I received this book in exchange for a fair review.
Buy
your copy at Revell
books.
Saturday, April 23, 2016
He Made Beauty from my Mess
James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
On the way through town the other day, I noticed a
beautiful pink dogwood blooming. As I turned onto the street where I live, vibrant
purple and yellow pansies brightened the entry. Irises bloomed along the
highway and phlox spilled over rock walls and across flower beds. Each plant weathered
another winter. Leaves fell off, blossoms died, and the frost shriveled the
plants to nothing. Yet, the green sprouted through the dirt again and produced
beauty. They didn't give up.
James, Jesus' brother, speaks about what happens
when we go through trials and our faith is tested. 2015 was a tough year. I
suffered through some illness and diagnosis I wasn't particularly happy about. I
have chronic pain and feel flat out terrible, at times. But as much as I wanted
to give up at times, my faith didn't failed. Please understand, I've been discouraged.
I've even been angry, but because I know beyond a doubt that Jesus is real, the
Bible is true, the Holy Spirit works in me, and God loves me— I have faith that
God is using my circumstances to make me a stronger more faithful follower.
As much as I dislike pain, I find joy in my
circumstances and pray God uses me to help the people in my path. As a work in
progress the challenges will keep coming. My prayer is to find the beauty and hang
onto James 1:2-4. Praise God for creating beauty out of my mess.
Fiction Book Review: Song of Silence by Cynthia Ruchti
Book Description:
Lucy and Charlie Tuttle agree on one thing: they’re committed to each other for
life. Trouble is, neither of them expected life to look like this. While
Charlie retired early, Lucy is devoted to a long-term career . . . until the
day she has no choice.
Forced to retire from her position as music educator in a small Midwestern K-8 school, Lucy can only watch helplessly as the program her father started years ago disintegrates before her eyes. As the music fades and a chasm separates her from the passion of her heart, Lucy wonders if her faith’s song has gone silent, too. The musical score of her life seems to be missing all the notes.
When a simple misstep threatens to silence Lucy forever, a young boy and his soundless mother change the way she sees—and hears—everything.
Forced to retire from her position as music educator in a small Midwestern K-8 school, Lucy can only watch helplessly as the program her father started years ago disintegrates before her eyes. As the music fades and a chasm separates her from the passion of her heart, Lucy wonders if her faith’s song has gone silent, too. The musical score of her life seems to be missing all the notes.
When a simple misstep threatens to silence Lucy forever, a young boy and his soundless mother change the way she sees—and hears—everything.
My Review:
I've read several of Cynthia Ruchti's books and enjoyed them so much. Song of Silence has a good story line, but it just didn't resonate with me. I had a hard time feeling sorry for Lucy because she whines so much. Charlie, bless his heart, tries to help but just seems to get in the way. He's a bit distracted, although he's a very kind and loving man. Their children are a little too perfect, although it was good to see children who care for their parents. The kids seemed to save the day more than once. I liked what Cynthia was trying to do with the story, but felt there were too many coincidences. However I was happy to see the characters rely on God throughout the story. If you love music, or you're a musician, you'll probably relate to Lucy better than I. Although I enjoy listening to music I don't have the heart of a musician. Cynthia does paint pictures with her writing which, for me, made the book more palatable. I received this book in exchange for a fair review.
I've read several of Cynthia Ruchti's books and enjoyed them so much. Song of Silence has a good story line, but it just didn't resonate with me. I had a hard time feeling sorry for Lucy because she whines so much. Charlie, bless his heart, tries to help but just seems to get in the way. He's a bit distracted, although he's a very kind and loving man. Their children are a little too perfect, although it was good to see children who care for their parents. The kids seemed to save the day more than once. I liked what Cynthia was trying to do with the story, but felt there were too many coincidences. However I was happy to see the characters rely on God throughout the story. If you love music, or you're a musician, you'll probably relate to Lucy better than I. Although I enjoy listening to music I don't have the heart of a musician. Cynthia does paint pictures with her writing which, for me, made the book more palatable. I received this book in exchange for a fair review.
Click to enter a $150 prize package Music-Themed
Giveaway with Cynthia Ruchti
Friday, April 22, 2016
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Children's Book Review: Little One, God Made You Special by Amy Warren Hilliker. illustrated by Polona Lovsin
Book Description:
Little One,
God Made You Special, written by Amy Warren Hilliker and inspired by the New
York Times #1bestseller The Purpose-Driven Life, is a cute and cuddly
board book that let’s children know God made each one of us very special.
My Review:
As most parents, I believed my babies were perfect even when they made messes. In Little One, God Made You Special the mama and papa animals talk to their little ones in an adoring way. They show them how they're special, from their tiny chins to their big hearts. I like books like this one because I believe children are a special gift and need to know that God created them for a reason. We can't encourage our children too early or too often. Polona Lovsin's illustrations are lovely and add joy to this sweet book. I received Little One, God Made You Special in exchange for a fair review.
As most parents, I believed my babies were perfect even when they made messes. In Little One, God Made You Special the mama and papa animals talk to their little ones in an adoring way. They show them how they're special, from their tiny chins to their big hearts. I like books like this one because I believe children are a special gift and need to know that God created them for a reason. We can't encourage our children too early or too often. Polona Lovsin's illustrations are lovely and add joy to this sweet book. I received Little One, God Made You Special in exchange for a fair review.
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