Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Comparison Girl

So a new book is hitting the shelves and it’s definitely one for self reflection and allowing God to grow us in the ways that may be uncomfortable and definitely humbling but absolutely necessary for our good and God’s glory.



Comparison Girl is a book for the girl who is looking to do something different so she gets different results in life.
It’s always easy to compare ourselves with others even if we don’t know them. It’s even worse when you compare yourself to perfection and Shannon shares her first hand experience on how the attempt at perfection (whether for yourself or for appearances) is just as big an issue as comparing yourself to the lady you follow on Instagram or the lady on Pinterest whose life you never really see but just the carefully curated highlight reel. 

This one that goes in the arsenal for when life gets to the point that I’m comparing or doing ministry for likes or I’m posting simply for likes rather than to simply share something good and beautiful and educating.

So here’s the fun part: a giveaway! 

Here’s the link:  

Women compare constantly—on social media, in their neighborhood, at church, even in the school drop-off lane. They glance sideways and ask themselves, "How do I measure up?" All this assessment feels like a natural way of finding a place in the world. But it pulls them into feelings of inferiority or superiority, guiding them into a trap of antagonism by the enemy.


Satan would like women to strive to measure up, constantly adding to a tally sheet that can't ever be balanced. The way of Jesus is completely upside down from that philosophy. Instead, he says the last shall be first--and the greatest are those who empty themselves, lay down their lives, and serve each other.
 
Through conversations Jesus had and parables he shared, Shannon Popkin has created a seven-week Bible study to address this tendency to compare and judge ourselves and others. Each chapter is divided into lessons, allowing women on a time budget to read a Bible passage, engage in a complete train of thought related to the topic, and then make the content personal--all in one sitting. And the informal teaching tone will make women feel like they're meeting with a trusted friend.


Suited for both individual and group study, Comparison Girl will guide women to leave their measure-up ways behind, connect with those around them, and break free from the shackles of comparison!
 

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Seeking Him

So here’s a new bible study that feels more like an experience journal by Nancy Demoss Wolgemuth and Tim Grissom.


So I’ll be honest I had no expectations going into reviewing this bible study because of the personal revival aspect in the title. I didn’t know if it would be super rigorous.
However, what I found is a journal of sorts. The questions in the study are first geared towards scripture then they turn inward. There’s also many passages for additional reading and study. Each week starts with the memory verse and going deeper passages. Then it goes into the study, which broken down into roughly 5 days per week. And studies through several topical passages that are meant to spark an internal revival in us.

I haven’t finished the study yet but I am confident in the writing of it and would highly recommend it for a women’s bible study group as the format of the study is much more conducive to group study (each week has a section to be completed with the group and if you’re doing the study solo you would likely just skip over that section) than to individual study.




Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this book through from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.


Wednesday, February 12, 2020

The Quiet (Crazy) Easter Day

I love these padded books. They are sturdy like board books yet have good story like a picture book.
And this is one that we enjoyed so much!


So as you can see its bright and colorful, which will hold any toddler or preschooler’s attention.

I like the story because it incorporates animal sounds which encourages my little audience to join in the story. They often get a good laugh from me making the animal noises as I read the book. And there’s almost a request for an encore performance. It’s a fun book to read to little ones who may not yet understand the full impact of the resurrection, but this book is a gentle introduction to our savior’s story. (They also have one about Jesus’ birth which is just as fun and colorful and full of animal noises to act out). 

I really like that this book takes the perspective that perhaps the animals were excited or maybe they somehow understood what was going on. And even if they did not, perhaps they were excited for God. As the Bible says that everything that has breathe worships Him, all creation worships Him. And animals are just as much God’s creation as I am. And they aren’t biased like humans are. So surely they worship God as a default. Their very existence is worship. And during those days, those who were sacrificed worshipped God in their death as well.



As always I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my HONEST opinion. And I am not required to write a positive opinion.

For All Who Wander

So here we have a new book by Robin Dance. What was uber  exciting about reviewing this book has been receiving the journey guide with it. Robin is an (in)courage author, which means she belongs to the same community of writers responsible for the (in)courage bible, devotional and a host of other books.



I love the color scheme of this book and the journey guide. I feel like its a navy with a hint of purple and journey guide itself is definitely purple. With the accent of red-seeded dandelion petals on it. And the full red-seeded dandelion on the cover of the journey guide. These books are 5x7 (roughly) so they are the size of the average book and can be thrown into your bag to take on the go with you.




At the core of this book is Robin’s own journey through life in coming into relationship with God. And the journey guide is a guide to help the reader understand our own journey through life in coming into relationship with God. The questions are very self reflecting to pull out the memories and get them on paper, to reflect on the life we’ve lived up until this point.

I’ll be honest, Robin has the stereotypical church background  (at least what she describes of it). She has been in the church her whole life, definitely as a result of her father’s promise to her mother (her mother passed away during her childhood, I cried). And she found the comfort that she needed as a child in going to church consistently no matter what, even if her dad didn’t go, he made sure she went. And from there her story unravels. I particularly sit up and dig in once she’s in the same space of life as me, a mom that’s trying to make it through broken sleep, many kids, and trying to live out the gospel I so readily try to share with others. She’s open with her questions to God. She shares the verses that have helped her. And she dares to bare her heart on the pages. And the journey guide takes us chapter by chapter on this journey with her, prompting us, well me, the reader to remember if I’ve felt like her, asked the same questions, or been in similar situations. It’s helping me to write my faith journey.

So my end take: TWO thumbs up. If you’re going to get the book, then do not miss out on the experience, get the journey guide as well. Let them help you through your journey as well. And answer the questions honestly.


{As always, I received this book from the publisher, B&H Publishing, as a member of this book reviewer community. I got it for free in exchange for my HONEST review.}

Tuesday, January 7, 2020

Real Change

Real change for students. I was expecting a bit more. However, I had to remember that this is a study meant for teens and young adults who seem to have a fairly short attention span, so they need to get the point across without taking up too much time or losing their attention. The book itself is less than 100 pages and and the study is less than half. It is very direct and to the point. Each week, has scripture, reflection sections and homework. Then the leader guide has pointers on how to conduct each week of the study and roughly how much time that is recommended to spend on each section each week.


So half the book is the actual study and the other half is the leader guide. The point of the study is to do internal change, transformation that leads to external change. There are six sessions in the study, which could be done one per week. The first four sessions are mostly internal change and the last two  sessions are where the internal work moves into external fruit that can be seen. And this is huge because Jesus said we will know them by their fruit and the fruit of our lives is what can actually be seen. So it doesn’t matter that Jesus knows my heart if the effects of knowing Jesus isn’t shown in my life. And THAT is the true purpose of this study to help the next generation produce fruit in keeping with being a follower of Christ.



(FYI, I received this book from the publisher, New Growth Press, in exchange for my honest review.)

Women of Courage

So perhaps, you have heard of the (in)courage bible. I received a free hardback copy of it last year for being a B&H reviewer. Well towards the end of last year, the same ministry released a 40-day devotional, Women of Courage. 


So for each day of this devotional, you will focus on a different woman of the Bible. Some of these women are very well known and others are less known but none the less worth learning about. And they are grouped together in the same manner as they are in the (in) courage bible. There are the women of beautiful brokenness, women better together, women of daily grace, women of leadership and the women of friendship. One thing I love about this devotional and it’s accompanying bible is the emphasis on these amazing women of the Bible and learning about them. There’s also much to learn. 

In my opinion this devotional is best used along with the (in) courage bible and is especially helpful when studying the women of the Bible. 


(As usual, I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.)

Children’s Book Review: God Made Me Unique

So here’s another children’s book from New Growth Press, this one is by Joni Earekson Tada. Joni is a well known author and motivational speaker. She’s known for being a champion of those itch advanced disabilities as she is also advanced disabled (a quadriplegic). I can see the motivation behind this book as she knows exactly how it feels to be different and to deal with discouraging thoughts.



This is a much appreciated book about the differences that are clear but sometimes children need to understand them so they can appreciate how their friends and classmates are different but to un that their differences is nothing to make fun of but something to celebrate. The story takes place in a church Sunday school classroom where all of the children have some disability or another yet the beauty is that their teacher is not allowing them to let it define them but teaching them how God’s Word defines them and call them beautiful and wonderfully made.


Highly recommend as we never know when our paths will cross with someone different from us but we always need to be ready for the resulting lesson.


(FYI, I received this book from the publisher, New Growth Press, in exchange for my honest review.)

Tuesday, December 31, 2019

End of the Year Round Up!


So here is our end of the year round up! I chose four books that stood out to me this year that I’ve reviewed! There are more and I’ll put their covers below! 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!


This was an awesome book on not just hospitality but on living out the gospel like the early church.

So I have this blossoming interest in home decor and renovations. This book along with Homebody by Joanna Gaines has totally fed this interest.

And this bible study was awesome. I love the idea of using food as a metaphor when discussing the Bible and so did Jesus. And Margaret Feinberg takes us on a good food discovery through the Bible.

Friday, December 20, 2019

Bible & Breakfast!

So, as I am learning mealtime and bible time can go hand in hand. And what better way than with Asheritah Ciuciu's latest book Bible & Breakfast.



31 days having Breakfast with Jesus. That is the promise of this book. As a mom, Ashertiah understands how hard it is as a mom to get consistent time in God's Word each morning. And one of the best features of this bible??
RECIPES!!! There's a recipe for each day that you spend with Jesus. This makes me happy because it is so easy to run out of new recipes to make and here are 31 new recipes.

Each day features several things:
  1. That day's recipe which is also illustrated and tells you if its "gluten-free," "kid-friendly," "freezer-friendly," or if you can meal-prep it.
  2. The morning snack, which is a quick 3-minute devotional.
  3. The feast which is a longer more in-depth study that is intended to really get us in the Word.




I love that from the beginning this book assumes that it is a we thing. That perhaps there will be a group of parents doing this study together or a group of girlfriends, or even a group of grandparents. I also love that she has both a short devotional AND a deeper bible study. That way even if I cannot sit down to study, I can at least grab a quick snack in the Word then come back during lunch or nap-time to sit, savor, and study the Word.  And it is hardback which means it can withstand being in the kitchen around little hands or some messes.


HIGHLY recommend. I am personally digging into this book starting January 1st to kick off my year. And I invite any and everyone to join me. You can grab a copy here




{A huge thank you to Moody Publishers for allowing to be a long-term member of its Blogger Program. As a member, I have received this book (along with many others reviewed on this blog) for free in exchange for my HONEST opinion.}

Thursday, December 19, 2019

NLT Illustrated Study Bible

So, after a while, we have a new study bible to review and my, my is it a beauty.
IT is the Blush Rose Linen NLT Illustrated Study Bible.

 Gorgeous Right?

It comes encased in a hard sleeve, which I've kept for storage purposes as I've learned cloth exterior bibles get dirty easy. One thing I noticed upfront was the blush rose bookmark ribbon, a very nice addition to this bible. I also noticed that it is slightly thicker than my NASB Life Application Study Bible. I want to attribute the thickness to the near verse by verse footnotes and many articles found throughout the bible. 

This short article on Greece and the Greeks show their impact on the world and therefore the culture of Israel (which was under Roman rule) at the time of Jesus' birth.

I also noticed that with Nebuchadnezzar's person background there's a running list of places in Scripture that make mention of him.

This article helps to understand the visions/dreams in the book of Daniel and their relation to each other as well as who they referred to in history. Something that always interested me is that the feet of the statue (iron mixed with clay) is rarely spoken of or given as much attention as the upper parts.

I have noticed that major players or authors of books get the full page character background page like Daniel and John do.

And as you can see these are all heavily illustrated and actually quite beautiful, even if somewhat inaccurate as to the racial appearance of the people of the Bible. They are still given white-washed appearances as if they are ignoring that Israel is in the Middle East and ancient Israelites are not as white-washed as today's Israelites and therefore should look Middle Eastern. 

I do appreciate the use of maps throughout the bible and not just in the appendix at the back like they are put right there in with scripture so you have that visual while reading. And that is invaluable.

This map is found in the book of Daniel and shows the Persian Empire at the time as well as the stretch of the Royal Persian Road which connected much of the kingdom. 

Then there are these short topical studies found throughout the bible that has cross-references to back up the study, which can be quite nice to read and study further as you may come across it while reading. 
As you can see this one is about justice and the God who gives justice. Throughout the short article, it gives scriptural references. Then in the column to the left, there are more scriptural references to read for further study.



I have to admit this is one of the best study bibles I have come across since my Life Application bibles. Don't get me wrong I like the CSB Study Bible for Women but its a bit narrow in its concept and does not have the same amount of articles and footnotes. I would highly recommend this Bible (it does come in other colors) to anyone looking for a good study bible. 


Big Thank you to Tyndale Publishers for creating this beautiful well put together bible and allowing me to review it.


Friday, November 22, 2019

The Moon is Always Round

Loss is hard. And just as it is hard on us adults, it is hard on children as well.
Simply written yet poignant in its message.

The Moon is Always Round  -     By: Jonathan Gibson
    Illustrated By: Jo Hox

Little Ben notices the changes in the sky with the weather and times of day but then he sees that the moon always looks to change shape, yet Ben's dad always reminds him that the moon is always round. Ben's mommy becomes pregnant with a little sister and through it all, the moon is always round. As the come to Ben's baby sister being stillborn, dad reminds Ben that while we do not understand what's going on the moon is always round. At the baby's funeral, dad explains that the moon is always round is means that God is always good. No matter what happens in life, when we do not understand why things happen, God is always good and the moon is always round.

After reading this book I nearly wanted to cry. How beautiful of words to illustrate such a timeless truth.  And then to read that the story is true and based on the author's family. Tears. After going through loss this year, I greatly appreciate this book.

Family, have this book in your library. Adopt this saying in your family. The moon is always round.
God is always good. 



{FYI: I received this book from New Growth Press, the publisher, in exchange for my HONEST opinion.}

New Children's Book Review: Why Do We Say Goodnight?

A common ailment to young children is a fear of the dark. Fear of the sounds and shapes of the night tend to plague children. And so here is a new book to address a fear of the dark.



Why Do We Say Good Night?  -     By: Champ Thornton



In this book, a mother and daughter are engaged in conversation about why they say good night especially since the daughter is afraid of the dark. The mother then explains why we say good night or that the night is good. She explains that while we cannot see well in the dark, God can and He is with us even while we sleep. 

Looking at the images, you can see the progression of the story from being fearful to no longer fearing the dark and trusting that God is there even while she sleeps.

This is a good and different book. It's the first book we have in our collection to deal with the fear of the dark, and considering I have had a few children to help cope with this fear I'm glad to come across and review this book.
Mamas of littles, go ahead and add it to your library.



{FYI: I received this book from New Growth Press in exchange for my HONEST opinion of the book.}

Habits for Our Holiness

Many are the number of books available on Christian Living. 
Rare is a book that puts different habits into one book (outside of the Bible).

Habits for Our Holiness: How the Spiritual Disciplines Grow Us Up, Draw Us Together, and Send Us Out - eBook  -     By: Philip Nation

So Philip Nation undertook the very high standards and responsibility of composing a book on the spiritual disciplines. He starts with actually loving Jesus and surrendering our lives to Him. 
The second chapter focuses on worship and not just in the manner of singing or rather listening to someone on a stage sing. Completely pleased with the way addresses this because people often think worship is just the beginning of Sunday service, the singing portion. But worship goes beyond that into the way we live and what we spend our time, affection, and resources on. 
The third chapter is on bible study. Praise God! And he makes clear the difference between devotions, basic reading and actual study of the bible. Yes, there is a difference. And unfortunately many I know get to devotions and because they may get a couple verses in the devotion, they stop there as if its a full meal and not a snack. 
Then the fourth chapter focuses on prayer. Yet another spiritual discipline that even I have to rein in. Prayer is a conversation with God, there's dialogue and too often we treat prayer like a monologue simply dumping on God then continuing on with our day OR treating Him like a genie (available to grant our wishes). 
The fifth chapter is on the discipline of fasting. Because it is something we are expected to do. Jesus doesn't say IF you fast but WHEN you fast, meaning it is supposed to happen. 
The sixth chapter covers fellowship. Again something else we are expected to do. We are expected to spend time with other believers in corporate fellowship and worship. Even if large crowds are uncomfortable, there are house churches (we need more of these) and bible study or belong groups, you can join. 
The seventh chapter addresses rest. Because there is a such thing as doing too much and even God rested.  
The eighth chapter focuses our attention on simple living. Something capitalist America struggles with. There's always the quest for more, more bigger, for better, for brand names. And there's the idea of being like the early church, live simple and be generous. 
The ninth chapter reminds us to serve. Jesus did not come to be served BUT to serve others. And we must also remember to serve others. 
The tenth chapter exhorts us to submission. Because that word is dirty, especially to women and almost always comes with a negative retort. Submission is to get under the mission, which is literally what we signed up for when we chose Jesus and when we get married. 
The eleventh chapter concerns spiritual leadership. Knowing that there is good and there is bad and we must always seek to serve God and lead people to God. 
And the final chapter like Jesus final instructions exhorts us to disciple-making. The end of the great commission is to make disciples. Our testimony can't end with us. And we have to help steward those we lead toward Jesus. Help then stay on the narrow path. 



READ AT YOUR OWN RISK. This is one of those books that once you read you're expected to act on what you know. Once you read and gain a base understanding of these spiritual disciplines, you will be held responsible for what you do or don't do.  And on that note, I do recommend reading. Especially new believers who may want and need a base understanding of these spiritual disciplines.
Remember: It's hard to do what you don't understand just like you can't love what you don't know.



{I received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest review.}

New Review: Adorned

So a fairly big name in the Christian arena of authors, especially those that write on upholding biblical marriage and womanhood is Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth. A release of hers that I'm just getting to read this year is her first book post-marriage: Adorned.
Beautifully written and well thought out.


Adorned: Living Out the Beauty of the Gospel Together  -     By: Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth

And yet it is not about marriage but about living out the gospel, per Titus 2 with the women around us. She gives the perspective of being both the older woman who seeks to exhort and the younger woman who accepts the exhortation.

The book is written in three parts with each chapter corresponding to part of Titus 2:1-5, 10. The end of each chapter has a section of questions for older women and one for younger women. It has the feeling of being read in a group or partner setting OR even used as teaching material for discipleship between women.
The first section focuses on submission to God and how that is fleshed out in a Titus 2 relationship. She starts with understanding that doctrine (regardless of what doctrine you adhere to) guides your beliefs and actions. She addresses teaching in the Titus 2 context, woman to woman, older woman to younger woman. I appreciate how she acknowledges that we are always in BOTH positions. Always in a position to learn and a position to teach. Even when we think we have nothing to teach, there is always some lesson you've learned that can be passed on to someone younger.
The second section focuses on being a woman under control. This is huge because we are in a culture where we have the liberty to do almost anything we want. But we have to understand and practice self-control; knowing that everything that I can do is not beneficial to us and much of it is harmful.
The third section focuses on our home. As we know part of Paul's advice is that older women instruct younger women in being wives and mothers. This is taking into account the older women are living in a manner that brings God glory and honor. And the last chapter focuses on tying it all together to be beautiful in God's eyesight.

So Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth's writings, in my experience, have always brought up some discourse or discontent from women, especially those who lean heavily feminist.
Generally, I enjoy the majority of her writing. And this book does not disappoint. It is very engaging and the questions at the end of the chapter beget us to sit still and reflect to see where we can improve. With her being a newly married woman, I will admit I was cautious in reading because there's so much she still has to learn but because she has spent much time in a Titus 2 setting and studying it, it gives her an advantage to be better prepared for marriage in a way that I was not.

I HIGHLY recommend for those who want to promote Titus 2 relationships among godly women, among the church. We need even the young women who are in college and pursuing God to reach back to the highschool aged women around them and help them pursue God as well so the younger generation sees that it is not just "old" women pursuing God.

{FYI: I received this book from Moody Publishers for free in exchange for my HONEST review.}

Sunday, November 10, 2019

New Review: Play to Their Strength

So our next book is a parenting book. I'm almost always up for reading someone else's take on parenting because as parents we don't know it all. And if someone has advice that can make me a better, more God-honouring parent then I'm all ears.

From the cover, this one promises both.


Play to Their Strengths: A New Approach to Parenting Your Kids as God Made Them  -     By: Analyn Miller, Brandon Miller

So in this book, we meet parents who have got it wrong then strove on how to get it right.  Their goal is to not parent from a place of fear but one of working to uncover what their children's gifts and talents are, then parent their children in such a way that nurtures those gifts and talents. Some practical tools they offer are to find the 5 e's (your child's enthusiasm, ease, excellence, energy, and enjoyment) regarding what your children are involved in; creating a vision board, which works with children the same way it does us, adults; and keeping an eye out for red flags that trigger frustration and keep parents from reacting and disciplining out of anger.

Then the last 80 pages of the book is the Bonus Playbook which helps parents actually used what they've read. There are practical tips to go with every chapter.

This book has been an interesting book to read, especially since we have five (5) children that span in an age range from 1 to 12. For me, Chapters 12 and 13 have been the most useful and implementor. I see this book as an ongoing reference book that would get a reread every so often for recharge. But all in all, I like their approach to parenting, its encouragement and cultivation at its best.
I also like that they encourage really learning our children and not taking the approach that we know them because we birthed them.


I definitely recommend this book to parents. 



{Also, please note that I received this book from the publisher, Harvest House, in exchange for my honest opinion.}

Saturday, November 9, 2019

God Made Boys and Girls

So here's another series of God Made books by New Growth Press.
This first book is about helping children understand gender from a godly perspective, which is hugely needed in today's society considering the constant discussion around gender and transgendered persons.


God Made Boys and Girls: Helping Children Understand the Gift of Gender  -     By: Marty Machowksi


The story starts revolves around a little girl named Maya who prefers to play sports like football at recess. She's also really fast. So fast that when they line up for recess, her classmate (a boy) remarks that if she keeps playing with boys then she'll turn into a boy. This sparks a discussion about gender and how it does not change because of what we do or how we act. Gender is a gift from God and even if you like to do things that are considered "boy-ish" it doesn't change that gift. Gender is what you're born with and it doesn't change. It's ingrained so deep in us, it goes beyond what we can physically see down into our DNA and cells.

Again!  New Growth Press does it again with another good book with a much-needed lesson.
This is definitely worth reading, especially those who may have children or even teens who are struggling with gender identity and as a parent, you want to take a God-honoring approach to discuss it. This book does that and points them back to Jesus.



{I received this book from the publisher, New Growth Press, in exchange for my honest review.}

Good News for Little Hearts: Gus Loses His Grip

Our third book in the series! Such a good series so far. Each one is just as good as the last. 
Each book takes place in Mulberry Meadow and introduces another animal family. We've met Henry and Tori, now we meet Gus. 

Gus Loses His Grip: When You Want Something Too Much  -     By: David Powlison
    Illustrated By: Jo Hox


Now Gus is a going through a sneaky phase. It starts with disobedience, eating candy in his room, which is a no-no. Then it delves into stealing candy at the market. All of this falls around Easter.
When Gus confesses to his dad he says he just had to have it (candy). So when he was offered a piece without any supervision he did what the kids next to him did, took more than he was told he could. Gus also confesses to eating candy in bed and hiding the wrappers knowing it was against the rules.

But the best part? His dad's response. His dad acknowledged what Gus did was wrong then self-reflected that even he as an adult needs to practice restraint and self-control. Then his dad tells him to return the candy, confess to the shopkeeper and apologize. 


Parents, a book that deals with disobedience, lying, and theft in a godly manner? Win!

Again add it to your home library for when the situation arises.


{I received this book from the publisher, New Growth Press, in exchange for my honest review.}

Friday, November 8, 2019

Good News for Little Hearts: Tori Comes Out of Her Shell

So we started this new series of books, we have 3 of 5 or 6 in the series.

Tori Comes Out of Her Shell: When You Are Lonely  -     By: Jayne V. Clark

While the first book dealt with loss and how to overcome grief. This book covers shyness and feeling lonely. And more specifically moving and being the new kid at school.

I so wish we had this book last year when we moved from Texas to North Dakota and our children were experiencing what Tori feels in this book. 

Tori's family moves to a larger log home and with that comes a new school, new friends and a new church. She also lands in Henry's class with Miss Minnick. She struggles with fitting in as well as being afraid of falling and being laughed at. Then comes Miss Minnick who helps Tori see Jesus as that invisible friend who's always with her. Then at church the message repeats. And at school the following week Tori meets Gertie Gecko who wants to have a shell like Tori so she wouldn't be exposed when she feels lonely. Tori is then able to pass along the message Miss Minnick gave her . Tori also invites Gertie to church. 

This message: tugs at the heart strings! Having a friend who just picks you up and holds you close is every child's wish even if they never say it and especially so for shy children.

OK, two books in and I'm starting to think this is just a must-have series.
Highly recommend for those with shy children.

Also, the pocket bible verses in the back (perforated so you have take them out) is AMAZING!


{I received this book from the publisher, New Growth Press, in exchange for my honest review.}

Good News For Little Hearts: Henry Says Good-bye

So we have TONS of new children's books to review from New Growth Press.
So Good News for Little Hearts is a very cute series that helps children address their feelings.

First Up: Henry Says Good-Bye

Henry Says Goodbye: When You Are Sad  -     By: Edward T. Welch
    Illustrated By: Jo Hox

This is one of the  BEST books. It deals with grief and how feelings are real and how many times we can be mean when they are grieving. Henry's pet ladybug dies while he is at school one day and he's so sad and grieving, that even at times he takes it out on his friends. But then his parents help him to address his sadness and to grieve. They have a memorial service for Lila and all of Henry's friends come to say their good-byes he starts to not be so sad because he realizes his friends loved Lila the Ladybug too. 

Parents, this book is good to just have. Keep it on the bookshelf because death and loss are inevitable and as parents, we have to help our children through the losses that are sure to come. Even if the good-bye isn't due to death but perhaps moving and having to leave behind friends and family, a loss is still loss and our children need our help navigating the waters.

A must-have.




{I received this book from the publisher, New Growth Press, in exchange for my honest review.}





Tuesday, October 8, 2019

New Workbook Review: Vol 1 & 2 of Bible Workbooks!

Here are two new bible workbooks, vol 1 is Old testament and vol 2 is New testament.




My first impression when they arrived: they were not what I was expecting. When I hear the word 'workbook', I expect it to be thorough in aiding in understanding. But these books were not so. They are extremely thin and flimsy (roughly only 70 pages in each book).



So once I opened these books I realize they are the republishing so to speak of book from 60 years ago, so I should not be too surprised at their lack of depth. 
My hope was to find workbooks that I could sink my teeth into. However, I find that I've found base level workbooks. Onse that seem to gloss over some books of the bible with a simple summary while having outlines and questions for others. Then I look at a book like the Psalms and it got all of 1.5 pages, I'm flabbergasted to a degree over the briefness and condensation of a book with over 100 chapters covering a wide range of topics.  

So then I head to the New Testament with hopes that since it is shorter maybe there is more meat found in its workbook. And there is the meat for the gospel and again brief condensation for every other book. 

Honestly, I want to say a waste of my time, but then again with children in my house. It is not a waste but I can pass along for them to use in their studies of the bible. I dare say it would also be sufficient for the new believer who would want to lay a foundation of the bible before more in-depth studying.



{FYI: I received these books from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.}


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