This devotional book for kids is filled with a year's worth of daily devotions! Each devotion begins with a verse followed by commentary written in first person, as if Jesus were speaking directly to the child.
Scripture references for further study are also included each day, which is perfect for older children and teens. As an adult, I also really appreciated the messages and often found God speaking to my heart through them!
The habit of spending time with the Lord on a daily basis cannot be formed too early. For children who need a good place to start, Tama Fortner's adaptation of Sarah Young's Jesus Calling may be the perfect book. Young's writings are comforting, full of practical help, and promote worship. Jesus is often presented as a friend--"I am your best Friend--pour out your heart to Me,"--but He is also presented as the Sovereign King. This book, therefore, is a perfect supplement for parents who are teaching their children to have both a personal relationship with God and also to worship Him as Lord.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Thomas Nelson Booksneeze program.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Cast of Characters
Max Lucado is a masterful Bible study author. Each chapter includes a scripture passage, an explanation of a Biblical principle we learn from that person’s life, and a series of questions for reflection and discussion. If you are seeking a text for a Bible study, this is perfect: someone can jump into any chapter and still participate fully. Lucado does a masterful job demonstrating that the same God who transformed people’s lives hundreds of years ago is still seeking the opportunity to change our lives today.
One of the finest qualities of this book is Lucado’s treatment of Biblical characters. Some people are tempted to represent these characters as perfect people, but they were people just like us, with a mixture of wonderful qualities and flaws. Despite their imperfections, God used them to accomplish great things for His Kingdom, just as He plans to use believers today. For example, Moses spent years hiding in the desert after murdering someone until God called him to lead His people into the Promised Land. Peter turned his back on Jesus when he was being led to His death, yet he was used to spread the gospel to many nations. Lastly, Paul was a vociferous enemy of Christianity who became an evangelist after a close encounter with God on a road in Damascus.
Contents:
Joseph - Joseph's Prayer; Matthew - Friends of Flops; Woman Who Washed Jesus' Feet - The 7:47 Principle; Mephibosheth - The Privilege of Paupers; Samaritan Woman - Two Tombstones; Mary, Martha, and Lazarus - Your Place in God's Band; Abigail - Barbaric Behavior; Paralyzed Man - Bright Lights on Dark Nights; John - I Can Turn Your Tradegy into Triumph; Paul - Hidden Heroes; Two Criminals - I Will Let You Choose; Moses - The Voice from the Mop Bucket; Joseph - When Crickets Make You Cranky; David - Facing Your Giants; Esther - Touching the King's Heart; Job - Where Man Covers His Mouth; Nicodemus - The Most Famous Conversion in the Bible; Jairus - The Sparkle from Eternity; Rich Young Ruler - The Affluent Poor; Sarah, Peter, and Paul - The Kingdom of the Absurd; Lazarus - The Final Witness; Peter - The Gospel of the Second Chance; Conclusion - Cast of Characters; Notes; Sources
One of the finest qualities of this book is Lucado’s treatment of Biblical characters. Some people are tempted to represent these characters as perfect people, but they were people just like us, with a mixture of wonderful qualities and flaws. Despite their imperfections, God used them to accomplish great things for His Kingdom, just as He plans to use believers today. For example, Moses spent years hiding in the desert after murdering someone until God called him to lead His people into the Promised Land. Peter turned his back on Jesus when he was being led to His death, yet he was used to spread the gospel to many nations. Lastly, Paul was a vociferous enemy of Christianity who became an evangelist after a close encounter with God on a road in Damascus.
Contents:
Joseph - Joseph's Prayer; Matthew - Friends of Flops; Woman Who Washed Jesus' Feet - The 7:47 Principle; Mephibosheth - The Privilege of Paupers; Samaritan Woman - Two Tombstones; Mary, Martha, and Lazarus - Your Place in God's Band; Abigail - Barbaric Behavior; Paralyzed Man - Bright Lights on Dark Nights; John - I Can Turn Your Tradegy into Triumph; Paul - Hidden Heroes; Two Criminals - I Will Let You Choose; Moses - The Voice from the Mop Bucket; Joseph - When Crickets Make You Cranky; David - Facing Your Giants; Esther - Touching the King's Heart; Job - Where Man Covers His Mouth; Nicodemus - The Most Famous Conversion in the Bible; Jairus - The Sparkle from Eternity; Rich Young Ruler - The Affluent Poor; Sarah, Peter, and Paul - The Kingdom of the Absurd; Lazarus - The Final Witness; Peter - The Gospel of the Second Chance; Conclusion - Cast of Characters; Notes; Sources
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Mind Your Mortgage
When I bought my first car, I made the novice's mistake of telling the salesman what I wanted my monthly payment to be, rather than focusing on getting the best cost of the car first. Needless to say, I got those low monthly payments, but at a high interest rate and higher total vehicle cost than was necessary. This mistake is repeated daily in the housing market -- with far more disastrous results.
Although this type of book is rather far outside my comfortable, mystery genre, I'm so glad I read it. In Mind Your Mortgage, Mr. Bernabe outlines the right process for making financial decisions surrounding your most expensive asset (or liability): your home. For example, he demonstrates the massive 417% return on investment for paying an extra $1,200 on your mortgage in lieu of buying that big screen TV that sparkles so invitingly. The text is filled with common sense guidelines, excellent examples of why those rules exist, and gimmicks to recognize and avoid. Like Crown Ministries, this book underlines an appropriate relationship with money, so we don't become slaves to debt. Moreover, the book offers suggestions to gain your freedom if you have already sunken into financial difficulty.
Whether you are about to buy your first home or your fifth, this handy guide demystifies the process of home-buying. Vocabulary is well-defined, steps in the process of obtaining a good loan are well-documented, and tactics to prepare you for all-important conversations with loan personnel are provided. Keep this book right on the living room bookcase, so it is close at hand.
Although this type of book is rather far outside my comfortable, mystery genre, I'm so glad I read it. In Mind Your Mortgage, Mr. Bernabe outlines the right process for making financial decisions surrounding your most expensive asset (or liability): your home. For example, he demonstrates the massive 417% return on investment for paying an extra $1,200 on your mortgage in lieu of buying that big screen TV that sparkles so invitingly. The text is filled with common sense guidelines, excellent examples of why those rules exist, and gimmicks to recognize and avoid. Like Crown Ministries, this book underlines an appropriate relationship with money, so we don't become slaves to debt. Moreover, the book offers suggestions to gain your freedom if you have already sunken into financial difficulty.
Whether you are about to buy your first home or your fifth, this handy guide demystifies the process of home-buying. Vocabulary is well-defined, steps in the process of obtaining a good loan are well-documented, and tactics to prepare you for all-important conversations with loan personnel are provided. Keep this book right on the living room bookcase, so it is close at hand.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
The Heart Mender
The Heart Mender: A Story of Second Chances was one of the best books I’ve ever read. From the very first page, I was absorbed in the fascinating story and barely able to put down the book. Andy Andrews masterfully weaves the historical tale of love, intrigue, and forgiveness.
While cutting down a tree on his property, Mr. Andrews discovers an old can that contains eight antique buttons, three photographs, a ring, and a medal. His quest to discover the origin of these items uncovers little-known World War II history as well as a story of the many kinds of love, including the forgiveness that one can only learn from knowing and loving God.
During World War II, German U-boats patrolled the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, sinking ships and intercepting Allied supplies. Far from their homeland, the German submariners obtained food and fuel from money-hungry American traitors and, sometimes, even came ashore to see movies. One submariner, wounded by a member of his own crew, washed ashore and was found by an angry young woman whose husband had already been killed in the war. The unlikely friendship between these two people leads them both to forgiveness and healing through faith in God.
Mr. Andrews provided a helpful Reader’s Guide to spur group discussion or invite further self-reflection on concepts such as symbolic imagery, the nature of decisions, the idea that “No Man is an Island”, the course of civilizations, and the power of forgiveness. Lastly, the author provided a “Where Are They Now” summary at the very end of the volume.
This book is an excellent transition for mystery or historical fiction readers who are ready to take a step toward reading for self-improvement and personal growth. One cannot read this book and be unchanged. Much like faith itself, it requires a decision and action. In this case, one is confronted with the following questions that demand a response: What does it mean to be a Christian? Who do I need to forgive? What people has God placed in my path for me to mentor and love? And, finally, what legacy do I want to leave behind?
While cutting down a tree on his property, Mr. Andrews discovers an old can that contains eight antique buttons, three photographs, a ring, and a medal. His quest to discover the origin of these items uncovers little-known World War II history as well as a story of the many kinds of love, including the forgiveness that one can only learn from knowing and loving God.
During World War II, German U-boats patrolled the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, sinking ships and intercepting Allied supplies. Far from their homeland, the German submariners obtained food and fuel from money-hungry American traitors and, sometimes, even came ashore to see movies. One submariner, wounded by a member of his own crew, washed ashore and was found by an angry young woman whose husband had already been killed in the war. The unlikely friendship between these two people leads them both to forgiveness and healing through faith in God.
Mr. Andrews provided a helpful Reader’s Guide to spur group discussion or invite further self-reflection on concepts such as symbolic imagery, the nature of decisions, the idea that “No Man is an Island”, the course of civilizations, and the power of forgiveness. Lastly, the author provided a “Where Are They Now” summary at the very end of the volume.
This book is an excellent transition for mystery or historical fiction readers who are ready to take a step toward reading for self-improvement and personal growth. One cannot read this book and be unchanged. Much like faith itself, it requires a decision and action. In this case, one is confronted with the following questions that demand a response: What does it mean to be a Christian? Who do I need to forgive? What people has God placed in my path for me to mentor and love? And, finally, what legacy do I want to leave behind?
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Friendship for Grownups
Lisa Whelchel, best known as Blair on the TV show The Facts of Life, has blossomed into a dedicated and insightful Christian woman. In the years since her acting career, she has become a speaker, author of several books, and mother of three children with her husband, who is a pastor. This book is an exploration of what she has learned about cultivating intimate friendships.
Ms. Whelchel is well known for her superb performance of the poised and strong character Blair, but she continued to portray that façade during her early life to protect her emotions in that relational minefield that surrounds childhood actors. It wasn’t until many years later that Ms. Whelchel had the faith and courage to be vulnerable with others. She is very honest about the stumbling in her quest to cultivate authentic friendships, before finding safe people with which she could share her most raw emotions. She generously shares her experiences and the wisdom she has earned to help other women learn to nurture genuine friendships without suffering the disappointments that she endured.
Ms. Whelchel wrote more than a memoire in this book: she provided an amazing appendix entitled “Practical Steps for Developing and Growing Friendships”. This appendix has suggestions and questions for reflections to practice the principles she shares in each chapter of the book. This guide would be excellent for women’s study group discussion as well as personal reflection.
Ms. Whelchel is well known for her superb performance of the poised and strong character Blair, but she continued to portray that façade during her early life to protect her emotions in that relational minefield that surrounds childhood actors. It wasn’t until many years later that Ms. Whelchel had the faith and courage to be vulnerable with others. She is very honest about the stumbling in her quest to cultivate authentic friendships, before finding safe people with which she could share her most raw emotions. She generously shares her experiences and the wisdom she has earned to help other women learn to nurture genuine friendships without suffering the disappointments that she endured.
Ms. Whelchel wrote more than a memoire in this book: she provided an amazing appendix entitled “Practical Steps for Developing and Growing Friendships”. This appendix has suggestions and questions for reflections to practice the principles she shares in each chapter of the book. This guide would be excellent for women’s study group discussion as well as personal reflection.
You Can Be Everything God Wants You To Be
This is Max Lucado at his most inspirational for young people. “Da Vinci painted one Mona Lisa. Beethoven composed one Fifth Symphony. And God made one version of you.”
This is a great book for anyone who wondered if God has a purpose for them, and what their purpose in life is. Max is a great story teller who brings us many short anecdotes to illuminate the scriptures that he uses for foundation. His message is positive and clear – God has a purpose for all of us. That purpose is one that we are not only uniquely qualified for already, but that we are destined to succeed in since we are gifted by God. Max’s book is uplifting and positive. Unlike those infomercials he doesn’t call on us to make an investment or change, but to look at our core God given gifts and values and to use them as we were born to and meant to.
I consider this book an introduction and a place to start a search for your life’s work. It’s a book that can be read in an evening, but will spark a flame that will want the reader to look deeper to find what God wants them to be.
This is a great book for anyone who wondered if God has a purpose for them, and what their purpose in life is. Max is a great story teller who brings us many short anecdotes to illuminate the scriptures that he uses for foundation. His message is positive and clear – God has a purpose for all of us. That purpose is one that we are not only uniquely qualified for already, but that we are destined to succeed in since we are gifted by God. Max’s book is uplifting and positive. Unlike those infomercials he doesn’t call on us to make an investment or change, but to look at our core God given gifts and values and to use them as we were born to and meant to.
I consider this book an introduction and a place to start a search for your life’s work. It’s a book that can be read in an evening, but will spark a flame that will want the reader to look deeper to find what God wants them to be.
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