Hi,
I've joined a lovely group of ladies on the blog Putting on the New. I hope you'll take a look at this wonderful, encouraging site.
Finding beauty in everyday things,
Penny
Monday, November 30, 2015
Friday, November 27, 2015
The Best Gift
Ephesians 2:8-10
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Black Friday, the craziest Christmas gift shopping
day of the year. Some of my nieces love going. They enjoy the thrill of the
hunt. I'm content to do a little online shopping, or maybe wait for cyber Monday.
My husband would tell you, I'm a bit painful to shop with. I put items in the
cart, take them out, put more in, take it out and usually end up with what I
chose in the first place. And yes I do that online, too. I've never been
particularly good at choosing gifts, but I try my best to find something the
recipient might like.
I've received many wonderful gifts through the
years, but there's one that's changed my life. Jesus gave his life to save me
from the deprivation of this world. His death and resurrection gives me the freedom
to live with peace and joy even amidst the despair and worries of life. Having
Jesus in my heart gives me the hope of eternal life in heaven. I love
Christmas, the gift giving reflects the best gift God gave. And that's a beautiful
thing.
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Monday, November 23, 2015
Nonfiction Children's Book Review: The Rain Wizard: The Amazing, Mysterious, True Life of Charles Mallory Hatfield by Larry Dane Brimner
Book Description:
In December 1915, San Diego’s leaders claimed the town’s reservoirs were nearly
dry. Knowing the city would not survive and grow unless it had water, they
hired Charles Mallory Hatfield, whose skills at making rain were legendary. But
when torrents and torrents of rain came, disaster struck. Roads were closed,
people drowned, and dams burst. The town elders blamed Hatfield and refused to
pay him. Was Hatfield really a rain wizard, or simply a fraud? Renowned author
Larry Dane Brimner examines the man and the myth by relying on personal
recollections from growing up in California, as well as extensive research.
Readers will be captivated by Hatfield—a man once known as the Frankenstein of
the air—and his secret rainmaking formulas. Includes author’s note, source
notes, and bibliography.
My Review:
I received The RainWizard in a box of books to review for Boyds Mills publishers. Unfamiliar
with the Charles Mallory Hatfield and his attempts to make rain, I was curious
to read his story. Along with the a great job portraying Hatfield and his
brothers, Brimner touched on others who attempted to control the weather. Although
much of the story takes place in San Diego, the concept of a person trying to create rain with chemicals will engage readers. This well-written, brief history would be a
good start for a young person interested in weather, science, or American history. A
seldom addressed piece of scientific history, this would be a nice addition to
a school or public library.
I received this book in exchange for a fair review.
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Children's Nonfiction Book Review: Think, Act, Be Like Jesus: A Believe Devotional for Kids by Randy Frazee
This 90-Day devotional, written by Oak Hills Church pastor Randy Frazee, is
part of the church-wide Believe campaign and encourages children to follow the
footsteps of Jesus. Think, Act, Be Like Jesus; A Believe Devotional for
Kids shares the message that the more you believe, the more Jesus can
change you from the inside out to become the best person you can be.
My Review:
This a great devotional book for tweens and teens. I like the layout that shares a scripture, story and explanation, and a prayer. Each devotion ends with a positive action that encourages the reader to show their love for Jesus. Steve Adams' illustrations are interesting and give a good reflection of each theme. The book is divided into sections that offer enough writings to help the reader understand each concept. This would make a great Christmas gift. And could be used for family devotions.
This a great devotional book for tweens and teens. I like the layout that shares a scripture, story and explanation, and a prayer. Each devotion ends with a positive action that encourages the reader to show their love for Jesus. Steve Adams' illustrations are interesting and give a good reflection of each theme. The book is divided into sections that offer enough writings to help the reader understand each concept. This would make a great Christmas gift. And could be used for family devotions.
I received this book in exchange for a fair
review.
Saturday, November 21, 2015
The Goodness of God
Psalm 9:1-2
I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my
heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and rejoice in you;
I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and rejoice in you;
I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.
"And although it be not always so plentiful,
as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from
want, that we often wish you partakers of our plenty."-Edward Winslow
After a long difficult voyage, arrival in an
unfamiliar land in the cold of December, and a devastating loss of family and
friends, the Mayflower travelers settled into their new habitat. Try to imagine
spending months on a ship, no showers, no comfortable bed, illness, and sea
sickness. Then landing in the wilderness, with no house to move into and no
grocery store to shop in. These courageous folks spent the winter trying to
stay alive, spring and summer they were literally building their small colony,
and fall harvesting what they'd planted. Finally in November 1621, 53 Pilgrims and
90 Native Americans gathered together to give thanks for the harvest, good
health, new friends, and the stored up provisions for the winter. Life had been
backbreaking for the past year, yet they found reasons to say thank you to God.
This Thanksgiving I have much to be thankful for.
I rejoice in the blessings, the stresses, the difficulties, and the beauty of
life. I am thankful the Pilgrims paved the way for the freedoms I have today. Thank
goodness for the Native Americans who helped the Pilgrims survive.
God has given so much and yet I thank him so
little. I'm glad for this holiday as it reminds me to be appreciative and give
gratitude to my Lord and Savior, Jesus who gave his life for my salvation.
I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!
Winslow,
Edward. "Mourt’s Relation." Pilgrim Hall Museum. Pilgrim Hall
Museum, 1621. Web. 21 Nov. 2015. <http://www.pilgrimhallmuseum.org/>.
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