52 Little Lessons from A Christmas Carol Review

 About the Book 

Gold Medallion Award-winner Bob Welch crafts 52 nuggets of Bible-based wisdom from one of the most popular novels of all time, A Christmas Carol. For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child Himself. No space of regret can make amends for one life s opportunity misused. God bless us, every one.

The lessons and stories from the beloved novel A Christmas Carol point to bedrock values we all share. Award-winning author Bob Welch takes readers deeper into the nuances of this classic by Charles Dickens. From the miserliness of Scrooge to the innocence of Tiny Tim, 52 Little Lessons from A Christmas Carol will inspire readers to live for what really matters, not only at Christmas, but all year long." (Goodreads)

 My Thoughts

This book ended up being way better than I expected. Bob Welch is gifted in writing short yet to the point "lessons" that tie A Christmas Carol in with Biblical standards. I agreed with a lot of the thing written, such as the love of things and money, which is obviously something Scrooge has a problem with, is also in the Bible. I would say you need to know the story line of A Christmas Carol to fully enjoy this book. He does a quick reminder bit at the beginning of the book, but I still recommend reading the book by Dickens. 

One of my favorite parts is when Bob writes about how the holiday season brings out he best in people. Everyone seems to be kinds etc. Then afterward, it seems as if now the holidays are over we can go back to being grumps. He talks about how really silly this is and how we really need to be like this all year. There were a lot of great points made in this book and I highly recommend!

Five stars. 

"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for free in exchange for an honest review."

 

Such a Beautiful Time of Year

 These pictures are some that my grandma took. She's got a good eye for beauty!

Black Earth Review

 About the Book 

In this epic history of extermination and survival, Timothy Snyder presents a new explanation of the great atrocity of the twentieth century, and reveals the risks that we face in the twenty-first.  Based on new sources from eastern Europe and forgotten testimonies from Jewish survivors, Black Earth recounts the mass murder of the Jews as an event that is still close to us, more comprehensible than we would like to think, and thus all the more terrifying. 
      The Holocaust began in a dark but accessible place, in Hitler's mind, with the thought that the elimination of Jews would restore balance to the planet and allow Germans to win the resources they desperately needed.  Such a worldview could be realized only if Germany destroyed other states, so Hitler's aim was a colonial war in Europe itself.  In the zones of statelessness, almost all Jews died.  A few people, the righteous few, aided them, without support from institutions.  Much of the new research in this book is devoted to understanding these extraordinary individuals.  The almost insurmountable difficulties they faced only confirm the dangers of state destruction and ecological panic.  These men and women should be emulated, but in similar circumstances few of us would do so. 
      By overlooking the lessons of the Holocaust, Snyder concludes, we have misunderstood modernity and endangered the future.  The early twenty-first century is coming to resemble the early twentieth, as growing preoccupations with food and water accompany ideological challenges to global order.  Our world is closer to Hitler's than we like to admit, and saving it requires us to see the Holocaust as it was -- and ourselves as we are.  Groundbreaking, authoritative, and utterly absorbing, Black Earth reveals a Holocaust that is not only history but warning. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

This is quite the book. I was surprised at how much info is packed into this book. I like the perspective on Hitler and the little known facts about that time. I liked reading about the parts before the war and how the world seemed to be. I also think this book takes the common ideas that we seem to have read before and add more facts about the Jews, the concentration camps, and all of the people involved in that time. I also think it's important that it's not just a history that is forgotten on not realized. As things change over time, it's important that our children and their children know what happened. 

This book is in depth and if you aren't interested or don't like history this book will be difficult for you to read.

"I received this book for free from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review."

The Legend of the Christmas Cookie Kid's Review

About the Book

New artwork by New York Times bestselling illustrator Richard Cowdrey, this Christmas book tells the story behind the meaning of the Christmas cookie.

The Legend of the Christmas Cookie tells the story of a young boy named Jack who learns from his generous mother the story behind the Christmas cookie. The family who began the tradition of baking the special cookies gave them to the needy and shared the story of the very first Christmas. This sweet holiday book offers inspiration for readers to become cheerful givers themselves and encourages them to share the true tale of Jesus' birth. A delicious recipe is included on the jacket flap so readers can make their own Christmas sugar cookies.

About the Author

Dandi Daley Mackall is the author of over 450 books. She still can't believe she gets to write for a living, helping children of all ages grow spiritually. Dandi and her husband, Joe, both write from rural Ohio, where they're blessed with three children and a variety of horses, dogs, and cats.

About the Illustrator

Richard Cowdrey's favorite things to draw and paint are the things that reflect the awesomeness of God and His creation. From vast landscapes to the littlest bug on a leaf, Richard marvels at the beauty in the details. Richard's bestselling children's books include Legend of the Candy Cane, Bad Dog, Marley and A Very Marley Christmas. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

This is the perfect book to explain to your kids why you make cookies for the holidays! I had never heard of this story before and I loved it! The illustrations are fantastic, and kids will love the little puppy that is also in the book. Cookies are made to tell others about the real Christmas story of Jesus being born. You make cookies in the shapes of angels and shepherds and camels and then you share what you have made. While sharing this delicious treat you tell the story about what the shapes mean and the story behind the birth of Christ. Such a great idea and a good thing for kids to think about. Making your holiday treats can be more than just giving out sweets, meet your neighbors, and tell them the story!

"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for free in exchange for an honest review."

The Lost Heiress Review

About the Book

Brook Eden has never known where she truly belongs. Though raised in the palace of Monaco, she’s British by birth and was brought to the Grimaldis under suspicious circumstances as a babe. When Brook’s friend Justin uncovers the fact that Brook is likely a missing heiress from Yorkshire, Brook leaves the sun of the Mediterranean to travel to the moors of the North Sea to the estate of her supposed family.
The mystery of her mother’s death haunts her, and though her father is quick to accept her, the rest of the family and the servants of Whitby Park are not. Only when Brook’s life is threatened do they draw close—but their loyalty may come too late to save Brook from the same threat that led to tragedy for her mother.
As heir to a dukedom, Justin is no stranger to balancing responsibilities. When the matters of his estate force him far from Brook, the distance between them reveals that what began as friendship has grown into something much more. But how can their very different loyalties and responsibilities ever come together?
And then, for a second time, the heiress of Whitby Park is stolen away because of the very rare treasure in her possession—and this time only the servants of Whitby can save her. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I was super excited to read this book. I love the cover and the overall story line idea. I think the book starts off good, it kept me interested for the first few chapters. Then things got slow for me and it was a challenge for me to finish. There is a mystery and the characters are pretty well developed, it just seemed to drag out for me. I know lots of other people really enjoyed this book but I couldn't get into it. I like how it ends and I still think it was a creative plot line. The author started this book when she was a little girl and it's so exciting that she was able to finish and publish it years later.

For those that love this time period you will enjoy it, it just wasn't for me.

"I received this book from Bethany House for free in exchange for an honest review."

Thank You, Lord for Everything Review

About the Book 

 

A new padded board book with cheerful and upbeat rhymes that teaches children to be thankful.

A comfortable and relaxing rhyme tells the story of God's great blessings in this padded cover board book. P.J. Lyons' engaging text and Tim Warnes' playful illustrations remind readers how much they have to be thankful for.

Love surrounds you, beauty, too. Notice how God blesses you! Clap your hands, shout and sing: Thank you, Lord, for everything.

Thank You, Lord, For Everything, is a sweet and gentle rhyme-perfect for bedtime, quiet time, and anytime in between. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

This is a great kids board book! Kids need board books, less confetti that way. Children are bound to play with books, and this board book is colorful and fun. The main concept is reminding children they need to be thankful and in particular thankful to God. In play and breakfast and all day long. 

Ages 4-8 (or younger!) 

"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for free in exchange for an honest review."

The Finishing School Review

About the Book

In today’s world, our pursuit of a life well lived gets squeezed out by the silliest of things: binging on Netflix or ice cream, shopping trips for things we don’t need, bad habits we can’t seem to get a handle on and so much more. Valerie has been there despite knowing what she wanted for her life. Actually do it though? That’s the real challenge.

After gobbling up all the non-fiction and self-help books her donut-filled belly could handle, she decided it was time to put her knowledge to use and start actually living it out. The result has been a refining process that has drawn her closer to God and produced the sweetest fruit in her life. You will hear about Valerie’s journey filled with failures and victories and find practical tips to apply to your own pursuit of holiness. You will find homework at the end of each chapter that includes a worksheet to put real change in motion for your own life as well as recommended books to further study those topics that really test you. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I got this book and had no idea what to expect. I love the cover and the back cover copy intrigued me. I'll be honest, I haven't finished this book yet. Why? Because it's so good! I have been taking it slow, letting her ideas sink in, and making it to where I do actually apply what I am reading. This book has some great insight and I like how Valerie uses a lot of the Bible as a resource. There is a website where you can download the worksheets that she mentions in the book for free. They are a great companion. Simple things you have to think about like goals, and what your distractions are that take away from God are what this book is about. Writing these things down in an organized way is actually quite helpful. 

While reading this book I am certain that Valerie and I could sit for coffee and talk for hours as if knowing each other for years. Her thoughts and ideas are so very similar to my mind which is why I like this book so much. I feel like she is someone who gets it and decided to go for it.

 Here is one of my favorite quotes which I had to underline in my copy: "Our lives should be radically different because of Christ who lives in us. To often they don't look different. And that's not God's fault. It's our laziness." (pg 3)

This pretty much sums up the book and she actually has great ideas on how to change this in our lives.

So needless to say I think this is a great book and I do recommend! You should also check out her blog and website! valmariepaper.com

"I received this book from Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review."

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1K9ghpY

About the author:

Valerie Woerner is owner of Val Marie Paper. She and her husband, Tyler, live in Louisiana with their daughter, Vivi Mae. The Finishing School is her first book.

Connect with Valerie: website, Twitter, Instagram

Ending Your War With Yourself

"And beloved, if our own consciences (our hearts) do not accuse us-if they do not make us feel guilty and condemn us-we have confidence (complete assurance and boldness) before God."

 -I John 3:21

How often I've called you in love and in tenderness. How often I've sung over you in the night and rejoiced over you in the day. And yet, how often I've heard you curse yourself. How often I've heard your private battle cry against yourself!

Why? Have I waged war against My beloved? Have I instructed you to hurl rebuke and angry insult at My chosen (you)? Am I to wear the uniform of the enemy and take sides against My own?

NEVER!

I am He who calls you to the glorious kingdom of peace and righteousness. I am the One who gives you new life, who yanks sin and hatred from you. 

Would you accuse Me of sending you that which I freed you from? When you came, holding your heart out to me. 

I lifted you up into My own heart. I see you as a RARE and PRECIOUS GEM fitting perfectly in the Father's resplendent heavenly crown. 

I am making a gem out of you. 

I am creating a new heart in you.

And now you war against that very heart, You devaluate the jewel of God. 

Peace I give you, my dear one. Peace to be yourself, and to enjoy being yourself. 

To speak kindly of yourself is to humble yourself. 

To hold yourself in esteem is to humble yourself. 

To be gentle with yourself is to hold Me in esteem. 

Because you love Me, end the war with yourself.  

-Laura Ebel (Romans 8:1, 31-39)

These words were given to me many years ago by a dear friend. 

I think as women it is hard to remember this. 

We criticize ourselves and each other without even meaning to. Consider these words against your own thoughts and actions. 

End the war with yourself. 

God Gave Us Sleep Kids Review

 

About the Book

Little Cub is having so much fun building an igloo with her friends that she doesn’t want to stop for bedtime! Who needs sleep when there’s fun to be had? Mama patiently answers her child’s questions as she puts her to bed, explaining the importance of daily rhythms of work, play, and rest. As they talk through the fears that come with nighttime—and work through Little Cub’s endless stalling tactics—our favorite bear learns to realize that God gave us sleep as a vital gift.


“God gave us rest so we have energy for our day, and patience to enjoy it. And so we have quiet time to listen to him.”

This charming addition to the best-selling God Gave Us series, with its Arctic characters and relevant message, will help all little ones prepare for a peaceful night’s rest. (Goodreads)

 My Thoughts

What a cute book! This book is perfect for families who are trying to bet their kids to sleep all night. The story also goes over how God wants us to get rest so we are kind for the following day and not grouchy. My favorite part is when they pray for good dreams and not to be scared of nightmares. So this book covers a few issues that kids have when it comes to sleeping and reminded me the importance of sleeping too!

I love all of Lisa's children's books and this one is one of my favorites! I can't wait to share with my littles. 

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for free in exchange for an honest review."

 

To Everything A Season

 

 

Ecclesiastes 3 (NKJV)

3 To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:

² A time to be born,
    And a time to die;
A time to plant,
    And a time to pluck what is planted;
³ A time to kill,
    And a time to heal;
A time to break down,
    And a time to build up;
⁴ A time to weep,
    And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn,
    And a time to dance;
⁵ A time to cast away stones,
    And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace,
    And a time to refrain from embracing;
⁶ A time to gain,
    And a time to lose;
A time to keep,
    And a time to throw away;
⁷ A time to tear,
    And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence,
    And a time to speak;
⁸ A time to love,
    And a time to hate;
A time of war,
    And a time of peace.

⁹ What profit has the worker from that in which he labors? ¹⁰ I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied. ¹¹ He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.

¹² I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, ¹³ and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God.

Gather Around the Amish Table Cookbook

About the Book

Straight from Amish kitchens to yours, this cookbook offers favorite family recipes and charming stories from Amish and Mennonite cooks. Bake the pecan rolls that taste best after an ice-skating party, or try the hoagies that a community sold to help an Amish family with hospital bills. Discover the cocoa cupcakes with instructions to “stir by hand” that one young cook took literally, or whip up the whoopie pies that one Amish woman took to market in her horse and buggy.

These cherished recipes speak of comforting traditions, lively communities, and strong Christian faith. Gather your family around the table to sample the nourishing fare and trademark charm of the plain people. In the words of one cookbook contributor: “Bake someone happy!” (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

Amish food is so very delicious. They use basic ingredients but make really unique dishes that I never would have even thought of. Most of the recipes have a little story to go with them. Simple instructions, such as: wrap leftover pizza in foil for kids to take to school so they can heat them up on the wood stove. This made me smile because I grew up with a wood stove. There are also instructions on how to feed 180 men for a barn raising, you have to appreciate communities such as that! Anyway the book  has given me new ideas, such as different chowders, desserts, and ways to cook potatoes.

 The only thing is that there really aren't very many pictures. I realize me saying that sounds silly, but in this day and age there are A LOT of cookbooks and some make more sense to me because of the many pictures.

So this is a great book if you are looking for some yummy Amish recipes!

Five Stars.

"I received this book from Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review."

Incorporate Amish cooking traditions this fall in your kitchen with Lucy Leid's Gather Around the Amish Table. Straight from Amish kitchens to yours, this cookbook offers favorite family recipes and charming stories from Amish and Mennonite cooks. Gather your family around the table to sample the nourishing fare and trademark charm of the plain people. In the words of one cookbook contributor: “Bake someone happy!”

Get your fall baking underway with an Amish baking basket giveaway from Lucy and MennoMedia!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Gather Around the Amish Table
• An Amish baking basket full of goodies

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 29th. The winner will be announced September 30th on the Litfuse blog.