Saturday, January 25, 2014

BOOK REVIEW: Pirates on the Farm

I recently read PIRATES ON THE FARM to my kids to get their opinion of it. Its my newest review book and, since its a children's book, why not ask the children? So, the three of us  sat on the couch and snuggled together so we could all look at the colorful pictures together. 

I asked my 11-year-old son what he thought of it, and he said he loved it. What boy doesn't love a funny book about pirates! I  asked him to rate it between 1 and 10, with 10 being the best book ever. He said he would give it an 8.

I think I can agree with that.

The book shares a message about loving our neighbors (Luke 10:25-37); about befriending those who are different than us; about giving people a chance; about sharing God's love with those who need it most. It conveys this message in a fun way that is appealing to ALL ages.

Before reading the book to your kids, I do suggest looking up the vocabulary words in the back of the book. Many of the words are difficult to read and understand. (Examples:  doubloons, hardtack, scrimshaw, and seadog). Its interesting to learn the definitions to these pirate-loving words. In that sense, the book can be used as an educational tool. However, smaller children may have a harder time "getting it." 

Overall, it is a fun book with a good message. A great conversation starter!

Disclosure: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission.



Friday, January 17, 2014

My Favorite Hymn

I love rich, wholesome words; and I love music. When the two are put together, it becomes an amazing combination that can touch hearts like nothing else can. It becomes a song.

In the past, I have been asked what my favorite song is, and I could never choose. There are so many that touch my heart deeply. But, I especially love Christian songs that bring encouragement to me in some way. In fact, earlier this year, I made a list of 20 DIFFERENT SONGS that encourage me.

I have also been asked what my favorite hymn is. Hymns are another type of prayerful song, typically sung in worship services with other Christians, that are meant to specifically express honor and praise to God. Matthew 26:30 tells us that Jesus and his disciples sang hymns together.

After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. (NAS)

I decided to try and pinpoint which old hymn speaks to me the most.

First, I asked my family members what their favorites are...

My husband's favorite hymn is: GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS
My Dad's: BLESSED ASSURANCE
My Mom's:  GENTLE SHEPHERD
My Father-in-law's:  HOW GREAT THOU ART
My Brother's:  THE OLD RUGGED CROSS
My Grandma Mac's was: BECAUSE HE LIVES

I love ALL these hymns. They are wonderful and speak volumes. But, I can't say that any of them are my absolute favorite. When I was a little girl, the first hymn I ever learned (and I believe it was also my brother's first hymn he learned) was The Old Rugged Cross, so that was my favorite for many years. But, as time went by, I realized it was only my favorite because I knew all the words to it. Of course the words are GREAT; but, it just wasn't MY hymn - the one that I could really say fit my life the most. It has taken much thought for me to figure it out, but this is what I finally came up with...

Written by:  Horatio Spafford 

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul. 

Refrain:
It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

Refrain

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

Refrain

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

Refrain

But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!

Refrain

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

Refrain

If you are interested in hearing the story behind this hymn, here is an interesting

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

BOOK REVIEW: Praying for Your Husband from Head to Toe

I had a book once that I highly recommend to other wives called "The Power of A Praying Wife."   It is a great book by Stormie Omartian. It gives examples of prayers to pray for our husbands in the various areas of his life. I loaned it to a friend of mine a few years ago, and told her to keep it as long as she needed it. It has not been returned yet, which is fine, so I figured I might just need to go buy another copy of it someday. Then, I was given the opportunity to review "Praying for Your Husband from Head to Toe" by Sharon Jaynes.

This book by Jaynes is similar to Omartian's book in that it gives prayer examples. However, it is also very unique in the way it lists the prayers. The author explains what it means to pray for your husband from head to toe, mapping out 16 different areas to concentrate on. Then, there is a 30-day guide to follow, which can help develop consistency in your prayers, and teaches you HOW to pray for your man, using Scripture as a guideline.

I will still continue recommending Omartian's book to other wives, but this one by Jaynes is just as good. In fact, if you are looking for a NEW way to help you deepen your prayer life, be more consistent in praying for your husband, and want to strengthen your marriage, I highly recommend it. To put it simply, I like it, and will continue using it.

Take a peek at CHAPTER ONE, and see what you think!

NOTE:  I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.

Thursday, January 2, 2014