Veggie Tales Book: Pirates, Mess Detectives, and a Superhero

My kids have loved VEGGIE TALES since the 1st episode came out on VHS. So, when I had the chance to review a new Veggie Tales book "PIRATES, MESS DETECTIVES, AND A SUPERHERO," I took it!

Karen Poth is the author of this book. It is a hardback, colorful book that includes three Level 1 readers into one. A fun book for parents to read aloud to their kids; or it can give some fun reading practice to beginning readers as they read on their own. More accomplished readers would enjoy it also!

The first story, "Pirate in Training," shares how Junior Asparagus didn't like school and wanted to play all day long, like a pirate. The pirates explained that it was hard work to be a pirate also, and that school can open up doors you would never be able to walk through without an education.

The next story is "Larry Boy and the Mudslingers." It's a creative story about anger and forgiveness.

Then, "Listen up, Larry" is a detective story that explains the importance of listening when someone is talking to you.

I give the book a thumbs up. All three stories have good moral standards shared in a fun, simple way; and the illustrations are nicely done. So, if you and your kids enjoy Veggie Tales, this would be a good book to pick up.

NOTE: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review program. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

Thrive

Are you thriving?

My favorite contemporary Christian artist is CASTING CROWNS.  I've been listening to their newest album THRIVE over the past week and, as always, I am not disappointed in the music or the lyrics. Their albums always bring encouragement to me. Here's a little sample from 3 of their new songs...

From the title song THRIVE:
We know we were made for so much more than ordinary lives
Its time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thrive

From the song JUST BE HELD:
So when you're on your knees and answers seem so far away
You're not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your world's not falling apart, its falling into place
I'm on the throne, stop holding on and just be held

From the song YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE:
I want to know You more
I want to make You known
I want this world to see
That You're alive in me
Jesus, You're the only One
Who can right every wrong
You are the only One
Who can calm every storm

From the Casting Crowns Website:
God didn’t put you here just so you could survive through hard times. He put you here to thrive, to dig in and to reach out, and this record is an effort to draw a picture of what a believer, a follower of Jesus, would look like if they dug into their roots and understood God and themselves more.” ~Mark Hall

All of the songs are based on Scripture, and the verse chosen for the title song is Jeremiah 17:7-8, which says: Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD And whose trust is the LORD. For he will be like a tree planted by the water, That extends its roots by a stream And will not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, And it will not be anxious in a year of drought Nor cease to yield fruit.

Are you trusting in the Lord?
Are you planted by the Living Water?
Are you continuing to thrive, even when the heat tries to destroy you? 

 

BOOK REVIEW: Bible Stories for His Beautiful Princess

What a sweet book! BIBLE STORIES FOR HIS BEAUTIFUL PRINCESS is written by bestselling author Sheri Rose Shepherd, and adorably illustrated by Shelley Dieterichs. The book is medium-sized, easy to handle, and uses lots of little girly colors like pinks and purples to make it appealing to all little princesses. 

There are 37 short chapters, so that’s enough for more than a month’s worth of devotionals. Each devotional starts with a verse from God’s Word; then the main text has a couple of short, easy to read paragraphs that coincide with the verse; then there is a short prayer; and, finally, a "Princess Jewel" which is a simple truth/summary of what was just read.

At the end of the book, there is a "letter from God" that shares what a special treasure your little girl is - a beautiful princess in God’s eyes. Then, the final section is a salvation prayer that can be used if needed.

I can see that the main purpose of this book is to share how much God loves and cares for His children and how He wants them to know Him better. It’s a special book written for the special little girls in your life. It would make an excellent Easter gift!

Disclaimer: Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I have shared my own opinion.

BOOK REVIEW: Let There Be Light

The Biblical creation of the world is presented in a unique way in LET THERE BE LIGHT, written by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and illustrated by Nancy Tillman.

Each of the pages in this children’s book include original illustrations which are accompanied by a few words of text. With those words, the author describes what God (our Creator) made on each of the 6 days of creation. Then, he also shares how God rested on day 7, and how He was very pleased with his work.

The illustrations are beautifully done, and have little surprises interspersed throughout the pages. For example, a vague figure can be seen among the clouds or in the center of the sun on some pages, representing the Creator no doubt. It was fun to look at the pages and try to uncover the hidden pictures.

I would say the book is good to share with the little ones in your life. The only criticism I have is something my husband pointed out to me:  The end of the book has the potential to cause confusion regarding the creation of Adam and Eve, the first people. While the text speaks of the creation of man, the illustration shows several children rather than an adult male and female couple. So, this would need to be discussed with your children as you read it to them. Also, the book does not include any Scripture references.

It is probably best suited for ages 4-8, but kids of various other ages could enjoy it also. It can bring about interaction, discussion, a time of learning about the days of Creation, and a time of togetherness.

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program (previously known as Book Sneeze). I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

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.

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...

IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL

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

10 MINUTE VIDEO.

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.

Top 11 Posts from 2013

Starting at #11, here are the "He Holds My Right Hand" Top 11 Posts from 2013.

(Note:  I am doing 11 instead of 10 because there were a couple of posts that had the same amount of views.)

#11  20 SONGS THAT ENCOURAGE ME

#10  EL's 3rd MRI

#9  CANCER JOURNEY #11:  Losing My Hair 

#8  EL's 2nd MRI

#7  CANCER JOURNEY #25:  I Made it to the Chemo Finish Line

#6  CANCER JOURNEY #24:  Sometimes I Can't Explain How I Feel - And it's Okay

#5  UPDATES ON MY BLOOD CLOT AND EL'S MRI

#4  A POSSIBLE TUMOR FOR EL

#3  CANCER JOURNEY #26:  Good News and Bad News

#2  CANCER JOURNEY #1:  Finding a Lump

#1  BLESSING OTHERS THROUGH MEAL MINISTRIES

Happy New Year, Everyone! Thanks for reading!

One Word for 2014

I recently came across a new idea about New Years resolutions that I wanted to share:

"Resolutions are rarely kept, and goals are easily forgotten; but, ONE WORD sticks!"

This quote came from the ONE WORD video (see below). Take a couple minutes to watch it. Then, you can also check out the ONE WORD website to learn more about this new idea. On the website, you can also get a FREE Action Plan that will give you guidance in discovering what YOUR word is for the new year. (There is a book available for purchase, but you don't need to buy the book in order to get the Action Plan.)

If I had done this last year, my one word would have been easy to decide:  PERSEVERANCE. This past year (2013) has probably been the most difficult year of my life. Not just because of my cancer (although that played a BIG part), but from various other reasons as well. Yet, I held the Lord's hand through it all and persevered under trial.

To find my word for 2014, I took a little time to reflect on the past year and then pray about what my word should be for this year. It finally came to me. My one word is PURPOSE.

There is a reason why I survived cancer; but, more than that, there is a purpose for my life here on earth. So, when I feel discouraged, or disappointed, or inadequate, or am simply trying to make a tough decision, I need to remember what my purpose is:

• My purpose is to love and support my husband (Genesis 2:18; Titus 2:3-5 See verses below)
• My purpose is to be a teacher and caretaker to my children (Deut. 6:7; Titus 2:3-5)
• My purpose is to serve the Lord diligently, and with gladness (Psalm 100:2)
• My purpose is to try my best to be an encouragement to others (1 Thess. 5:11; Heb. 3:13) 
• My purpose is to glorify God in all I do (1 Cor. 10:31)

ONE WORD can create "clarity, power, passion and life-change." It can also takes the stress out of trying to live up to a New Year's resolution. Yes, goals are good, and should be considered. But, with just one word to remember, I can think about it through-out the year to help bring me back into focus when its needed.

Give it a try! And, if you decide to do it, I'd love to hear what YOUR one word is for the new year, too!

----------------------------

Genesis 2:18 - Then the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him."

Deuteronomy 6:7 - and you shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.

Psalm 100:2 - Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing.

Titus 2:3-5 - Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips, nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, [to be] sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be dishonored.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 - Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing.

Hebrews 3:13 - But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is [still] called "Today," lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

1 Corinthians 10:31 - Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

BOOK REVIEW: Knowing God By Name

GIRLFRIENDS IN GOD is a non-denominational ministry that uses women to encourage and equip other women in their spiritual journey.

Sharon Jaynes, Gwen Smith, and Mary Southerland are the co-authors of a "girlfriends in God" devotional called KNOWING GOD BY NAME.

I thought this was a unique devotional that is a product of some good, Biblical research. The authors take 8 weeks to introduce us to 40 different names for God, and what they each mean.

FOR EXAMPLE:

• ELOHIM means "the Creator"
• EL ROI means "the God who sees"
• EL ELYON means "the most high God"

For 5 days of each of the eight weeks, there is a Scripture reference, a short devotional, and a prayer. Then, on day 6 of each week, there is a time for reflection and going deeper with God.

I haven't finished reading the entire book but, what I have read so far has been interesting and thought-provoking. I look forward to reading more.

To get a sneak peek, you can download Chapter 1 HERE. Check it out!

I received this book free of charge from BLOGGING FOR BOOKS for review purposes. The opinions expressed are my own.