Atlantic Puffin

©Penny Frost McGinnis

One of my favorite birds is an Atlantic puffin. Puffins live along the northern Atlantic. They bob on the ocean in the coldest of weather and nest in the summer on island rocks along Maine's coast. 

©Penny Frost McGinnis

Since I've started embroidering again, I tried my hand at making my own puffin. I like how it turned out. 

Are there birds you enjoy seeing?

Book Review: Garden Of Eden Coloring Book

Book Description:

God created humans in his image and likeness and put it in a garden. In the Garden of Eden Coloring Book, you will find beautiful biblical scenes for coloring, relaxation, and delight. This book, with eighty-four pages, is an invitation to use all the creative potential that God has given you to create and to escape from the stressful activities of everyday life. Unleash your imagination, relieve your stress, reflect on biblical messages and see how good it feels. Appeals to all ages looking for a unique coloring experience.

My Thoughts:

The Garden of Eden Coloring Book is filled with pages of beautiful drawings focusing on the creation. I like the scripture references throughout the pages that relay God's steps in creating our world. Anyone who enjoys coloring or wants a relaxing activity will like this book. The only drawback I find is the pictures are on both sides of each page. So it would work great with colored pencils but not markers. My favorite picture is the beautiful sea turtle. I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Children's Book Review: Snuggle Time Psalms by Glenys Nellist, illustrated by Cee Biscoe

Book Description:

Did you think the book of Psalms was only for adults? Think again! Snuggle Time Psalms, written by Glenys Nellist and illustrated by Cee Biscoe, is the perfect way to introduce little ones to the poetry book of the Bible. This padded cover board book uses simple concepts, rhyming text and adorable art to help children engage with the Psalms. Beginning with “Bedtime Peace” and ending with “Wonderful Me!” this collection of fifteen bedtime poems enables young children to discover the One who holds them in his arms, leads them like a shepherd, created them just as they are, and cherishes them with a love that never ends ... snuggle and see!

My Thoughts:
I am a big fan of Glenys Nellist's books. She writes lovely and engaging prayers and poetry. I enjoy them as an adult and highly recommend them for children. In Snuggle Time Psalms she shares a short verse then gives a rhyming prayer. The prayers talk about things a child might think about; fear in the night, being scared, love and friendship. This would be a great book for an early reader to keep by their bed. And it would be wonderful to read with your little one before they go to sleep. Cee Biscoe has created precious illustrations that make the book even more beautiful. Children will love her sweet rendition of animals and nature. If you are looking for a way to share God's love with a child, this is a great pick. I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Let There Be Peace

Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

This week I don't have any fun stories or beautiful descriptions of nature. Instead God has set on my heart the desire to write about what it means to have a change of heart. Much of what I see on television, read in newspapers, and click through on social media tell stories of sadness, violence, negativity, name-calling, and frustration. People ask when will this stop? What can be done to change the darkness that surrounds society?

The Bible tells me that the world will have unrest. We'll deal with sorrow and violence. But the words of Paul show me change can be made. Not by a bunch of people who sit around and discuss their differences, but by people who have a change of heart. When Christ rules the heart—truly takes over and moves in—the heart is filled with peace. Kindness abounds, love rules, and people care. Until we hit our knees, ask God for forgiveness, then turn our lives over to Jesus the darkness of the world will win. The only answer is Jesus. He is the way, the truth, and the life. And he promises eternal life.

As for me, I gave my life to Jesus many years ago. Because he fills me with his Spirit, I aspire to show kindness and be a positive influence. I love the Lord and I ask him to work through me to make a difference. Who's with me?

Praise you Lord for your Son and the believers who are the church!

The Lady of the Lake District

Have you ever been asked, "If you could have lunch with a famous person, still living or passed away, who would it be?" One person I'd enjoy chatting with over a cup of tea is Beatrix Potter, the British illustrator and writer who brought us the delightful tales of Peter Rabbit, Mr. Jeremy Fisher and Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle.

When she was a young girl she sketched her pet rabbits and other animals and plants around her home. She delighted in nature and appreciated beauty. As an adult she persuaded publishers to look at her artwork and eventually the delightful creatures we know and love today were published.

Beatrix' family often visited the Lake District of England in the summer. Once she was an established artist and author, she left her life in London and purchased a farm in the Lake District, where she raised Herdwick sheep. She married William Heelis and embraced the farming life.

Happy 150th Birthday, Beatrix!

Pray and Let Go

Children's Book Review: School Time Blessings by Mike Berenstain

Book Description:

It’s time for the new school year to begin and all three Bear cubs are excited and a little nervous too. When challenges and fears almost get the better of the cubs, Mama and Papa step in and remind Brother, Sister, and Honey that with their support, prayer, and God’s love they will each have a great year!

My Review:

Summer is winding down and school is just around the corner. And the Berenstain Bears are ready to help make the transition a little easier. Mike Berenstain has continued his family legacy with this delightful new book, School Time Blessings. This is a perfect book to read with your children before school starts, especially if they go to a public school or preschool. I like the way he incorporates prayer and scripture for reassurance in the story. Kids will love the latest Berenstain tale and will learn from the family's solution of how to calm the fears of a new school year. I received this book in exchange for a fair review.