Humble Heart a book of Virtues by Amy Meyer Allen

This book cover was so adorable I just had to ask to review it. Author Amy Allen is the writer and illustrator of this wonderful kids book. The book is essentially about 9 different adorable animals and each one has a story to tell about a virtue. The 9 virtues are humility, love, thoughtfulness, faithfulness, mercy, encouragement, comfort, courage and joy. These stories include simple yet adorable illustrations and a simple storyline. A parent or older sibling could read it to a younger child or it could be read by a beginner reader. Each virtue includes a definition, story, question and Bible verse.
I thought this book was a perfect way to introduce godly virtues to younger children. As a parent of 4 (3 boys) I am always trying to incorporate character training into their daily lives. Being able to present it in a way that is appealing and fun works well for children.
This book would make a perfect gift to a child or young family.

*This book was given to me by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Strawinsky by Hope Animation

 This is a half hour animation by David Hutter. ”. The story is based on a six episode fantasy series that was released as a Christian audio drama in the 1980s in Germany. It is about 4 talking animals that discover a mysterious house in the forest. The hero Strawinsky and his friends find some unusual inhabitants including a troll, cello and a blobish type creature as they explore the house. His friends get trapped in the library and Strawinsky must find a way to break the spell.

Inspired by Chronicles of Narnia, Disney Musicals and the Parables of Jesus, Strawinsky's message is clear. We are in a battle of the mind. We need to be careful what we put into it. In the animation it is the books we read(but would also include movies, music and the words of others).  We have a choice of what we put into our minds, we have a choice on who to serve (God or this world). There was one final message in this video; that I absolutely loved. It was the fact that we can always change and turn our lives back to God and let him lead us again (just as the cello did with the Scarlett Queen). 

I have seen previous Hope Animation videos such as Noah's Ark, A Christmas Journey, and (my personal favorite) Pilgrims Progress. Strawinsky did not disappoint. With very similar style and graphics as other Hope Animation videos it was a winner for me. Although it had similarities to other videos by Hope animation it had a unique and important spiritual message all on its own.  My family enjoyed it; especially the many musical pieces throughout the video(which made it more engaging with younger children). We had many interesting spiritual topics to talk about with our 4 children after viewing it.

Strawinsky would be a great tool for churches, children's groups, home schools or personal families. It would make a great gift for families with children. Don't forget to go to Hope Animation and check out their many other videos available.

*Hope Animation allowed me to view this video in exchange for my honest review.

David Sticker Book by Karen Williamson

With 4 kids growing up around here we love fun hands on book that teaches stories from the Bible.
This was a small paperback book with the story of David. The text was simple enough to challenge a beginning reader or it could be parent led. The illustrations were simple yet engaging. There were blank spaces for the stickers provided; so the child could put them in as the book was being read.

My youngest loved it. He enjoys the story of David and Goliath and this version was no different. However, he has a mind of his own and refused to put the stickers were they correctly belonged. Oh well, at least he learned a biblical lesson about David as he was usurping his own free will.

This book would be appropriate for younger children, in a Sunday School, home school or home setting.

*This book was sent to me by Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review.

Heaven Changes Everything by Todd and Sonja Burpo

 

I had the opportunity to read and review the devotional reader “Heaven Changes Everything” by Todd & Sonja Burpo.  This devotional has 42 chapters with some chapters written from viewpoint of Todd and others from the viewpoint of Sonja.  Todd and Sonja talk about many of their personal life experiences, struggles, and high points that become thematic chapters in this book.

 

The devotionals are great for personal usage or even for a basis for group discussion.  This would be a good devotional for high school age and up.  The reading itself is light and the chapters are short enough that it is not difficult to find time in busy schedule to read one chapter and reflect upon its content.  Each chapter includes an excerpt from the book “Heaven is for Real” and the excerpts tie with the theme of the chapter.  Each chapter does end with a verse and a short charge, activity, or quick recap.  Seeing Colton’s prayer at the end of the book is a touching reminder of having child-like faith.

 

This would be good devotional to have on hand for group or family discussions.  This would also be a great gift …especially for someone (or couple) with young children

*This book was sent to me by Booksneeze in exchange for my honest review. 

I am that I am: Tracing the Footprints of God by Judy Azar Leblanc

Cover and Title: The cover picture is not a bright color but it definitely fits the title and content of this book. The title most definitely reflects the purpose of the book. I felt that the description on the back cover summarized the book very well; though there could have been more reviews added to make the book more appealing to the reader.

General Description: This is a book all about one person/deity....God..I am that I am. The reader will learn about his covenants, parables, ministry, miracles and titles. The book is divided into 4 main parts. Those sections are divided into smaller manageable and easily readable sections. Bible verses, diagrams, pictures and charts are spread throughout the entire reading sections. The large bibliography section in the back is invaluable for further and more detailed study.

Likes: What I liked most about this book was the small sections. It made it easier to read with smaller amounts; since this book is very detailed and overflowing with information. This also made it easier for the "average Joe" to read this book(in other words not clergy or scholars).
I loved the fact that alot of the verses were written out in the text; this saved some time in looking them up. I found this book a valuable resource to understand our God at a greater depth.    

Dislikes: This book is definitely more for lay people, those of the clergy or students in this field of study. My purpose was to use this in my homeschooling with my highschooler, but I don't think that will be happening. This setback is not the fault of the author, but this optimistic mother.  
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

All in all this book is a great resource to explore God and the Bible more fully. It would make a great gift for your pastor, teacher, or Bible student. ISBN:978-1-936746-10-1

*  Disclosure of Material: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Upside-Down Prayers for Parents by Lisa Bergren

I have read several books by Bergren and again I am not disappointed with this one. Upside-Down Prayers for Parents consists of 31 devotions that are meant to be used over a period of 31 days. This devotionals purpose is to encourage parents to pray for their children in a way they may

have never considered before. "I pray you'll have to wait - and learn the value of patience. I pray you'll get so weary you give up - and learn that with submission comes strength. I pray you'll love a job - and know that your Provider has not forgotten you." These are just some of the titles in this upside down prayer devotional. Each devotion consists of  a prayer, applicable verse, content devotion, area to write a personal application and relevance for younger or older children.

This one was hard for me at first. To pray in such a way for the people I daily protect, love and guide was difficult; I felt like I was welcoming harm, sorrow, and pain to come to my children. As I made my way through the devotional I realized my children needed this type of prayer in their lives in order for them to grow as a Christian. I personally experienced several of these upside down prayers in my own life growing up and they made me the person I am today. I want my children to GROW in Christ, experience things and learn from them; learn what went wrong, learn about their heart attitude, learn about trusting in God's care; but that needs to begin in me (the Parent/ the example/ the teacher).

 

Take the time to pick up this one as a personal devotion or gift for a special parent in your life.

 

*This book was sent to me by Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review.

       

Show Me How to Share Christ in the Workplace by Larry Moyer

There are two types of Christians in the workplace. One who sees the workplace as their calling and one who sees their faith and work as coincidental. This is how Dr. R. Larry Moyer introduces his book “Show Me how to Share Christ in the Workplace” in his Show Me How-series.

Moyer does a great job in taking the reader through a natural progression of being a testimony in the workplace, to talking to others about spiritual things, to talking about Christ and the cross. Moyer does make it a point to repeatedly state that as an employee, you are being paid to work and must honor God by honoring your employer by not slacking on the job. With this being said, Moyer does give some very practical examples of opportunities of witnessing and sharing Christ.

Moyer ends each chapter with Key Points, which offers a brief summary and a few words that could be used for personal devotion or small group discussion. Moyer stresses how your testimony needs to be short and to the point. Moyer includes resources at the end of the book and even a sample testimony.

 

I was very surprised on how easy reading this book was compared to all the information that was being given. Based upon the writings in this book, I would also be interested in some of the other books in Moyer’s Show Me How-series.