This is an unusual "read" in the best kind of way.
I am enjoying this conversational invite to life around the table.
A mix of stories and recipes and truth.
"What I'm finding is that when I'm hungry, lots of times what I really want more than food is an external voice to say, 'You've done enough. It's OK to be tired. You can take a break. I'll take care of you. I can see how hard you are trying.' There is though, no voice that can say that except the voice of God." p.70-71
You can read along this summer with (In) Courage Bloom. I received a copy of this book for the purpose of review.
This little (gift) book is an easy and happy read. The author writes about a gift that changed him forever. His little daughter gave him a plastic donut from her toy kitchen. He noticed that his joyful response to her "gift" of love inspired repeated joyful giving. Plastic Donuts is a fresh look at giving/tithing/offering to God (who "needs" nothing) but is thrilled with the joyful heart of the giver.
Jeff Anderson worked as a certified public accountant before becoming a day trader in the stock market. In 2003, he joined Crown financial Ministries, eventually serving as vice president for generosity initiatives. After studying the Bible's teachings on giving, he founded
Acceptable Gift, the organization behind his speaking, consulting, writing, and online resources.
I received a copy of this book for the purpose of review.
As I read this beautiful book, this song is on repeat in my head...(it is old-time King James-yish language. If you have not heard it is worth taking the time to read every verse!)
many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
-O Lamb of God, I come!
I don't know how many Billy Graham (revivals) I heard/watched (even on Spanish tv). Every one the message is the same. God loves you. He died for sinners. Come to Jesus!
In Nearing Home Billy Graham writes of life, faith and finishing well. He talks about the difficulties being 93 can bring. You can hear the tender love for his wife Ruth who passed away a few years ago. He talks about the difficulties of getting/being old. About not retiring from life. And a lot about heaven. I'm glad I took the time to read this.
Growing older with grace is possible for all who will set their hearts and minds in the Giver of grace,
the Lord Jesus Christ."
Billy Graham, the world-renowned author, preacher, and evangelist has delivered the gospel message to more people face-to-face than anyone in history and has ministered on every continent of the world. Millions have read his inspirational classics, including ANGELS, THE SECRET OF HAPPINESS, PEACE WITH GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, HOPE FOR THE TROUBLED HEART, and HOW TO BE BORN AGAIN.
I received a copy of this book for the purpose of review.
This is a "sweet" collection of out-of-control life squeezed out
"lemon" stories that have been
stirred by the power and sweet HOPE of God.
Author Don Jacobson shares "lemon drops" of insightful encouragement at the end of many of the chapters. God Makes Lemonade is all about God WITH us. Emmanuel.
Even when we do not "see" him. A perfect by-the-pool summer read!
I received a copy of this book for the purpose of review.
is sweetly illustrated and prepares baby/toddler for "night-night" time.
This book include four Little Blessing stories
Bedtime Blessings
Thank You God!
Blessings Everywhere
God Loves You
The theme is giving thanks to God. Sometimes these little books minister as much to the parents as the child ☺. After all, we all need to be reminded that
"Yes, Jesus love me
the Bible tells me so...!"
I received a copy of this book from Tyndale Kids for the purpose of review.
From the sparkly covered front, to finding the star on each page, this is a fun interactive read. Adorably illustrated...your little one will quickly love Willow. By the end of the book children will "get" the value of waiting and be cheering Willow on to make the right choice.
The first book in the series: Can't-Wait
Willow!
Willow is so excited that the Over-the-Top Circus has finally come
to town! The only problem is, that when left to her own devices, she can’t say
“no” to some good things. On the way to the show, she is distracted by enticing
treats and fun that she just can’t turn down. Willow arrives late and is sad to
find that, not only has she has run out of time, but money, and she won’t be
able to enjoy the pink cotton candy she’s been dreaming of. Willow is given
valuable advice and a second chance and is ultimately taught the lesson that
sometimes in life you have to say “no” to good things to end up with something
great!
About the Illustrator: Thanks to her
first grade teacher, who recognized her superior skills in drawing a robin,
Luanne Marten has been drawing, painting and sketching ever since. She is a
great experimenter and has a fresh, whimsical approach to bring her characters
to life.
Website: The author's website has great
resources to support the book, including a printable poster with 'Ways to Shine
Bright,' as well as reward chart you can use at home with your
children. Visit: http://www.alwaysshinebright.com
About Shine Bright Kids:
The Shine Bright Kids series provides children and their families with a relevant framework to help instill solid values and teach the importance of making good choices. The principles that will be explored include: using good judgment, taking responsibility, having a positive attitude, and demonstrating perseverance.
Pictures of you and
your family enjoying Can't-Wait Willow! are encouraged on Facebook
and Twitter! :)
"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
and with it the realization that in the frozen-cold-sit-by-the-fire
I accepted books to review...
Now that it is so welcoming-sometimes-blue-sky-breezy and beautiful to be outdoors...
well, not so much reading going on.
These 3 books shared the theme of being exactly
"who" God has made you to be, right in the middle of the circumstances He plants you in.
What's Your Mark? is a modern creative celebration of individuals from all times of life
that are making a difference in the world. A few examples:
Katie Davis started with one goal...to "love well". "It's the tiny moments of saying yes that make for an extraordinary life". Read more at Amazima Ministries.
Caitlin Crosby "We are all in need...beautiful stories waiting to be seen and told." TheGivingKeys.com
Ann Voskamp"It's only when you know how much you've ridiculously received grace that you start to ridiculously extend grace." A Holy Experience
Debbie Morris is a pastor's wife who shares the grace lessons she personally learned from studying the women of the Bible. This book is a comforting and peaceful read. The "blessed" part comes when we understand that in life's struggle + joy God is very intentional in loving us. Each of our little stories have a purpose in HIS story.
In Freefall to Fly Rebecca Lyons shares her personal story of taking the "risk" to bloom in the circumstances God plants you in. She shares that sometimes the journey God takes his children on includes pain, brokenness, fear, depression. These are in fact reminders that He loves broken people and that He IS the strength of the weak.
I received copies of these books for the purpose of review.
