Big Dreams and Powerful Prayers Illustrated Bible: 30 Inspiring Stories from the Old and New Testament by Mark Batterson, illustrated by Omar Aranda

Book Description:

Big Dreams and Powerful Prayers Illustrated Bible, written by Mark Batterson, the New York Times bestselling author of The Circle Maker, presents 30 inspiring stories from the Old and New Testament that will help children understand and embrace the power of prayer in their everyday lives. With Scripture references from the NIrV and stunning illustrations from Omar Aranda, this powerful book will touch the hearts of young readers and help connect them to God. Short Prayer Points after each story encourage children to talk to God and allow him to work in their lives.

Prayer changes things. It brings us closer to God and allows us to communicate with the One who loves us most.

My Review:
One of the most important elements of following Jesus is prayer. Teaching children about the many facets of this powerful communication may be complicated. Mark Batterson's book is filled with Bible stories, examples and explanations, simple prayers and verses that help explain the wonder of talking to God. Children will enjoy the colorful well drawn illustrations. Big Dreams and Powerful Prayers would be a great tool to use in Sunday School or for family devotions. Sometimes understanding the Bible can be overwhelming, this could even be a great tool for adults who are new to following Jesus. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Finding my Hygge in Jesus

Psalm 62:1-2

Truly my soul finds rest in God;
    my salvation comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
    he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

I enjoy winter.

While people around me dread the cold and gray, I snuggle in for a time of coziness. I understand the person who needs to drive in bad weather not liking winter. I know the grayness of Ohio Valley winters can cause depression. Yet, I embrace January and February as if they arrived just for me.

Tucking in for winter. photo by Penny Frost McGinnis

 I've been reading about the Danish practice of hygge (pronounced hoo-guh.) Because they are short on daylight and long on winter, the country of Denmark has embraced creating a cozy atmosphere within their homes. Hygge isn't something you can buy. Family and friends snuggle in with candles, fireplaces, good books, blankets, hot tea, coffee and comfort food. 

Simple things in life. Sounds good to me.

Evidently, I've been practicing hygge for years without realizing it. As I write, my (fake TV) fireplace crackles and my gingerbread candle burns. Blankets cover the chairs and my Christmas tree still twinkles.

Even as I practice hygge in my home, and enjoy the tucked in feeling, how do I create that well being in my heart. Finding the joy, hope, and peace I need come from Jesus' love for me. He's my rock, the one who offers comfort when my heart hurts. He's the one who embraces me and cares for me when sadness fills my day. Jesus draws me in to a place of rest. He throws away fear and replaces doubt with trust.

In Jesus, I find respite from the weariness of life. As much as I love the holidays, they wear me out and throw me a bit off track. January gives me time to renew my spirit. To snuggle in and walk my path with God, once again.

Take the time to reconnect with Jesus. Put on your slippers, sit by the fire, sip your coffee, dust off the Bible, read the word's of Jesus and pray.

Winter Rest

Go in Peace

John 14:25-27

“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

It's hard to let go.

Change takes courage.

Acceptance requires acknowledgement.

Some days I feel like I'm at the center of a hurricane, and I want to tuck in and wait out the storm. But I can't. Instead, I wrap my raincoat around me, pull up my hood and head into the eye. But I don't march in alone. The Holy Spirit walks with me. Jesus holds my hand. In the midst of change, difficulty, and acceptance, I travel with the One who fills my heart with peace.

Before he died, Jesus spoke to his disciples about a future on earth without him. As you might expect, they didn't understand he was about to change the course of history. They wanted him to stay. But he couldn't. God called him to fulfill a purpose, to give his life as a sacrifice for sin. As he prepared the disciples for his death and resurrection he spoke with assurance. Major change was about to occur. The revolution had begun.

Jesus left the disciples with a mandate. " Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." Perfect words to recite, as we march into a new year.

Go forward with Jesus' peace in your heart.

2020

2020

A fresh day.

An uncharted month.

A pristine year.

An untouched decade.

                             Pray.

                             Read.

                             Dream.

                                  Play.

                                  Listen.

                                  Observe.

                                           Love.

                                           Enjoy.

                                           Praise.

                                                 An untouched decade.

                                                 A pristine year.

                                                 An uncharted month.

                                                 A fresh day.

                                                 2020

Happy New Year!

My Response

Colossians 3:12-15
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

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

My first response was anger.

I'm not usually an angry person. I prefer to live a peaceful life. But when someone hurts the people I love, I get mad. Sometimes, rightfully so.

But I've learned the anger that fills me, also drains me.

More than once, I've had to tamper down my gut reaction and replace my ire with calm. Instead of agitation, I ask God to bring peace.

During the week between Christmas and New Year's Day, I tend to contemplate what the new year will bring. This week I'm not considering what's going to happen, but how I will respond. You see, I may not like what someone says to me or circumstances that come my way. I may not be able to change what happens. But, I can change my response.

If I truly let Jesus rule my heart, I'll also let him guide my emotions and my reactions. 

"God, fill me with compassion, kindness and peace."

If there is someone you need to forgive, make the new year a clean slate and offer forgiveness. If someone made you angry, go to them and resolve the issues. If someone broke your heart. Consider your response with prayer.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. -Romans 8:28