Gifts to give to help Whisper the Word.... to children

Here are some of my recently published favorites!!


Beginner's Gospel Storybook Bible

This book is published by New Growth Press, and is half off for a few more hours today!  And free shipping!! You can also look inside at this website!

Direct Link: Today the price is $15 at this fabulous bookstore: wtsbooks.com

What I love about this book:

• designed for preschool ages, but would also be enjoyed by independent readers below grades 4 or 5, I think.  
• the illustrations, simple, realistic, but child friendly.  
• simple print, of different sizes and colors.  
• Statements of truth- mostly about God- each story has ONE!  like "God shows mercy to His people"  OR "God is the mightiest and the best."  
• Every story ends with a question that applies to the child: Like "Can you think of a time when you needed help?"  
• 52 stories in the square book- big enough to read aloud to a group, but not too bulky to take it with you!
• Every story has a learning concept that is age appropriate to also discuss as you read!  Like Big and Little or colors.  
• Great teaching- theologically appropriate and understandable- but real truth for kids who need it about our Savior and Rescuer- Jesus!!

The Biggest Story ABC: Kevin DeYoung

This book has been my go-to baby gift for the past few years.  It shares the story of the Bible in 26 pages with every letter of the alphabet.  If you are going to read a book over and over- this is the one you should memorize!!  

It's a great ABC book, with the letter underlined in the word in the sentence. It's simple and effective,and there is a book with more details called the Biggest Story for older kids, and even a DVD of the book.  This book will build a faith foundation and biblical literacy some people miss until they are adults!  

Published by Crossway, and sold all over the place online.  A great boardbook for young families.  

Bible Story Picture Books and a Book about Diversity!! 

I own all the published books on this page!  Accurate, engaging, and so much truth told!  

I just ordered the simplified board book version of this book. 

These books are scripture based, they are illustrated well with illustrations that come to life when you look at the page, and are great for Sunday School read aloud and reading at home alike.  

You can even download the pages from the website- and project at church for free!!  What a  neat way to read aloud a story.  

Gifts to help Whisper the Word-- first to yourself

Before you help a child in an emergency (think traveling by plane or boat) you have to equip yourself with the needed tools to be safe and able to be present for the child. 

If you want to improve whispering the Word to yourself- my blog recommends MANY books that help with being in the Word and learning & growing yourself.  If you aren't a reader, but prefer a more traditional sermon, I've benefited greatly from the teaching of my local church Anchor. As of posting, there are 153 messages going back four years- starting with Mark, then Daniel, Walking with God, Philippians,  1 Corinthians, Isaiah, Ephesians, and now Luke. 

If you want a video course, I suggest Emmaus Ministries  youtube page or the distance learning program.  If you are a podcast person, the Emmaus Podcast is a great choice.

As we whisper the Word to our children- those we parent, those we teach, those who call us Aunt or Uncle, or who we are a special family friend... there are so many great resources available to do it well and have support from great books and props. 

I'm a huge believer in every child learns differently and needs to be taught differently.  Some kids learn best by hearing, others by listening, most with movement, some need a visual, some need patterns, others need logic, some need repetition, some need to re-enact and play through a lesson, others need art or music. 

If you want to learn more about how to reach the kids in your life the way God created them to be as an individual who is diverse and stands out as a unique one that God blessed with different natural talents and strengths. 

Here are some items to add to your wish list: 

Books and Resources by Kathy Koch.  She is a former teacher, turned educational psychologist, now speaker to many about Celebrating Kids.  She's a believer and her resources stand above the rest.  I've heard her speak and I've launched a few books of hers, and hope one day to meet this author whom I view as a kindred spirit in philosophies about kids and education.   Every new book and project I seem to appreciate her even more!  So I am not an affiliate or anything just completely blessed by her work!

8 Great Smarts... and in 2020 she is launching a video course to help adults learn how to reach all 8 smarts.  I'm sharing first because it's main focus, is what I was talking about above, and I'm reading it now!





The first book I read of hers- is still a favorite and my husband (who doesn't read non-fiction much) loved this book as I shared from it when we traveled.  No More Perfect Kids by Jill Savage and Dr. Kathy Koch. 




This led me to her book- Screens and Teens- a great resource for finding balance with teens and their electronics-- something they consider a NEED not a want-- and often function like it is an extension of their body! 



Her most recent book (my review)- Start with the Heart pulls together a little bit of knowledge from all her books and is an amazing parent resource, that is right up there with Raising the Challenging Child, yesterday's post.  






What I love about Dr. Kathy is that she uses the Word to share her learning and make her point!  In her new video teaching, she even reminds us when thinking about our kids' strengths or our own- that some strengths can be used in not so good ways and calls them out as sin-- and encourages us to not use our smarts for sin! 

I'd also suggest if you are looking for books for children of all ages... WTSbooks.com has many options and their suggestions have not led me wrong yet, and they do awesome sales and ship quickly, and I normally can get free shipping! 

Up next resources I love for your children or grandchildren.... to whisper the Word!

Book Launch: Raising the Challenging Child

This book is co-written by experienced professionals.  Debbie Reed,  Karen Doyle Buckwalter, Wendy Lyons Sunshine (also author of The Connected Child with Karyn Purvis and David Cross). The Connected Child, resources from TCI, and Empowered to Connect training changed my ability to express my view of parenting all children, but especially of children from a hard place.  

These excellent resources are planted in a christian worldview, even though the books do not center on the Word-- concepts from the Jesus life and walk on earth are ever present, and the foundation of the books.  But this new books stands out above the Connected Child in that the formatting, scripts, and tips throughout the book, as well as the focused on one concept a chapter, make this new book my top recommendation to help parent children well.   

Here are some foundation concepts that I believe:

• Lead with Love
• Connect before you Correct
• Redirect before you Correct
• Nurture and Relationship come first
• Make eye contact, smile, engage your child or the child you are working with. 
• Show the child that he or she has your full presence- not your phone in hand or glances at the door, or distractions.  
• Be the calm that your child needs-- so that they can mirror your response. 
• Pray hard and ask the Holy Spirit to change your gut instincts, your sin nature natural response, or the response born out of your childhood or perceptions of the situation.  
• Practice the pause, take a deep breathe (encourage your child too), pray even without words, and then respond. 
• Respond not react
• Don't try to change the behavior in the moment, wait and have the conversation when you are both ready (not crabby, hungry, tired, exhausted.)  
• Love leads.... laughter stops anger, frustration as you can't laugh and be angry.  
• ....

This new book is available January 7th, 2020.... 

Get more info here:  https://www.raisingthechallengingchild.com/

Pre-Order today- Christian Book Distributors has the best price I found.   $12.99 as of 11/25/2019

I’m an avid reader of parenting and classroom management books for 20 plus years. This resource with the examples and scripts built in is exactly what tired weary parents and teachers need. The tips. Seal the deal.

This is the parenting book for the non-reader. Achievable. Simple. Clear to understand. Takes a heart focused on serving and growing kids to achieve. And do overs galore. Grace as it’s best modeled for us.

This is the parenting book for the reader. Well formatted. Clear strategies. A book to be read over and over to remind you that you are growing and improving as a parent and that it matters.

Whether you are parenting a child from a hard place, a neurotypical child, or a special needs child, this book brings all the best practice strategies of research alive and models them well with tips, scripts, and real life examples.

I rarely give a book five stars, but this book is well deserving of this high accolade! Pre-order it today.

Advent Reading: Ann Voskamp

Tis the time of year where everyone wants to know what to read for advent.  I'm always an optimistic advent reader and purchase books and read parts of them each year, but rarely do I read all of the advent books made for adults cover to cover the year I start it.   But I've long since forgiven myself for failing at this task, and reminded me that any reading I do blesses my heart, head, and soul, so I continue to over-achieve in options, and underachieve in 100% of anything.  But I press on, say I won't order any new ones, and maybe this year I won't!  But I do also go through them when I plan my annual Sunday School lessons from a different angle than last year for our kids program, so they get used!  And they bring me joy!

I will start my reviews of advent materials with Ann Voskamp.  At this page, you can see images, read chapter one of her adult book, print off coloring pages (detailed that my daughter loved at ages 7-8).

Anne has a unique style, it is NOT for everyone.  She is a former day-spring greeting card writer and it shows in her style with great flowing descriptions and lots of imagery.  Pretty sure she writes for the picture smart readers of the world.   What I have found attractive with her writing from 1,000 gifts on, is her honesty, vulnerability, and truth telling pointing us back to the Word of God over and over, in ways that make me pause, be silent, still, and reflect.  Her thinking on the pages of her book, on her website, in her many memes and post it notes for your soul beckon me to seek God with a holy and simple child like faith and reverence because He is always at work in my life, heart, soul, and mind.  No matter how broken, successful, pious or humble I come- He's there and helps me become more like Him because I'm drawn to His character and Word by this kindred spirit author who mentors me from afar.

Another great thing about Ann's books and blog, are the free printables that go along with her books- from coloring pages, coloring ornaments, memes, sticky notes for your soul, etc.  She provides it all free for her subscribers and her images are beautiful, and her words speak to my soul.

Her book for adults for advent is by far my favorite-- it's called the Greatest Gift- and each day there is a reading, scripture, a place to journal, and you can print out sticky notes for the soul- and I've been blessed by these year after year!

A sample Sticky Note: 

She also has a family read aloud that tells the Jesse Tree story day by day.  It's got a lot of print and text for each day, and many children struggle to sit through it all, but it's a gorgeous book, and I enjoy reading through the perspectives again and again.


Because it was a challenging read aloud, I suspect, came this next version- a book that opens up to be a tree- and there is a tiny book with short read aloud, and an ornament to hang on this tree that pops right out of the book each day.  It's gorgeous, simple and elegant.  At my house, flat surfaces to keep it on, are not always the easiest to find, so it's not the best fit for us, but I loan it out to others.

This year?  there is an affordable option of wooden ornaments made by Caleb Voskamp.  I ordered mine and think they have been shipped as a pre-order, or will be shipped Nov. 22. Isn't my husband the best gift giver?  He lets me purchase my own joys and I always tell the kids- Dad buys me the best presents- and give him all the credit- because he loves that I love the choosing as much as the presents- and lets me treat myself- and is happy!

There is also a Greatest Gift DVD series- but I've not seen it myself, but any of her videos are delightful, she speaks truth with a gentle, soothing voice, but she has a powerful message to bring.  

Bethany Partner Review: Encountering the Heart of God

This book is simple, yet causes me to pause, reflect, and wonder. 
The readings are short but the thoughts are powerful, deep, and resonate in your heart.

This book has a short daily read going chronologically through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation.  Each day ends with a concept or question, related the passage explained in the short paragraphs above. These concepts are either making the reader think about Who God is or think about How he/she is responding in light of how God has shown Himself in the event mentioned that day.   Then a brief prayer. 

I think the title reflects the theme and spirit of the book well- each day the reader thinks about God's heart for them.  And it works, each day you learn about the event, hear how God is present or at work, or how the man/woman in the event reflected, prayed, or connected with who God is in their life, and then you are asked to recall and fit these truths into your own life. 

I think this devotional would be a great one to read with my almost 10 year old daughter and start a conversation about how we see God in our lives.  I think it would be enjoyable for a long time believer to be refreshed with another perspective on the Bible. And I believe a new believer or faith seeker would gain a deep and intimate perspective of the God of the Bible- and meet Him in these pages, and I pray be moved to faith because of who He is and what He has and is doing in His people's lives. 



Blessed to partner with Bethany House and read this new book.  

Partner Book Review: Abide by Tara Cole

This book is a self published book by a new author.  Another author that I have enjoyed- Christie Thomas, Quinn Says Goodbye children's book author and blogger, introduced me to Tara Cole's blog and writing.  It's available on amazon, and there are pre-order bonuses available now- as self published books really aren't known til they are released for sales!  These are available until October 22, 2019.  

Abide was my word for the year a few years ago, and it's a concept that I have desired to keep in the forefront of my mindset.  John 15 speaks of  our need to abide in the Vine to bear fruit, and I have had seasons of my life where I've kept a piece of floral vine visible in my bathroom or bedroom to remind me to be in Him in all things.  So this concept is dear to my heart.  

I love this book.  It's not a traditional book in that you need to read it cover to cover or even read it in one sitting.  It's designed to remind you of or teach you 40 ways to abide in Jesus as you live your life.  

My favorite aspect of this book is that at the end of the book (and even in the 40 ideas she shares) it discusses ideas to use with your children to teach them at a young age to abide!  It's also divided into sections- Abiding in the Word, in Prayer, in Service, in Worship, and in Community.  

The author shares ideas and practical ways to improve your abiding in the Lord, and she suggests you read the book and implement one idea at a time- so one a day, one a week, etc.  She also provides a plan to try her idea from that chapter as it ends.  So it's very practical and simple to implement.  

My one wonder as I read through the book, appreciated her resources, but found that she refers to Christie Thomas's blog, e-books, and other books a lot more than a more researched and broader resource list.  But she also has some resources that she highlights that are different and are ones I've read or used and are excellent, and I've appreciated the materials Christie Thomas has shared since I started following her this past year.  So they are legit- but their obvious friendship could make some people suspect.  

Every chapter opens with a scripture, whispering the Word to the reader as you move on to another idea.  Her heart shows through often in her suggestions and sharing the struggles she's had, but how she's learned the value of remaining in the Lord and had to continue to choose to overcome the challenges.  But it's a relate-able helpful book!  I highly recommend it.  

Honored to read a pre-release copy provided by the author whom I am following and appreciating her blog as well since I found her a few weeks ago!  But I also went ahead and bought the kindle version to have on hand all the time!!

Partner Review: She Prays by Debbie Lindell

This is a great book to go through for 31 days- I plan to go through it again. I loved and appreciated the growth mindset and encouragement that I could improve my communication with God.  

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author writes with great insight, sharing personal experiences, and giving the reader tasks to apply her strategies and suggestions to pray and converse with God. I will re-read the book as I think the ideas are wonderful and can continue to be applied at deeper and deeper levels. She's a very down to earth writer sharing practical strategies she applies, and even touches of humor.

The book has four themes that were so helpful. She prays with Understanding, with Knowledge, with Trust, with Power. I loved the optimistic and positive, growth mindset way that the author encourages the reader that speaking with God, while it feels like a daunting task, is achievable in simple ways.

A favorite quote: "Your prayer life is the doorway to a place beyond your everyday, feet on the ground life, into a whole new and colorful world."

Thankful to have an advanced copy to read from the publisher. I enjoyed it and would say it's a great book to own.

Waterbrook-Multnomah Partner Book Review: Jesus in Me by Anne Graham Lotz

Rarely am I speechless.  Rarely do words fail me.  But I'm having a really hard time contemplating what to tell you about this new book by Anne Graham Lotz.  As one who wants our children to grow and be biblically literate young people, I have written lessons about the Holy Spirit and His role in our lives as believers.  But I agree with what Anne Graham Lotz says at some points in her new book, the more she sought to know about the Holy Spirit, the more there is to know, and knowing isn't enough, but living in these truths and the fact that God gives us Himself to live in us, guide us, lead us, work in us, equip us to change, even for intercession when words fail us. 

Her new book releasing September 30th for all, showcases so many levels and layers of the Holy Spirit.  Truly she has been gifted these words by the Holy Spirit to share with the world, who also needs to know, call on, walk with, and live in His presence. 

This book is excellent whispering truths from the Word of God through life experience, growth, an ongoing process, awareness, soul seeking, and utter dependence on the work of the Holy Spirit in her heart, soul and mind. 

Here are some meme's to help sample other's responses or quotes: 

This book is well written and easy to read, harder to process, and choose to follow the questions and suggestions that the author provides.  There are 27 chapters, divided into 7 themes, with a conclusion and some very helpful appendixes to encourage life change and application.  The chapters are short, pointed, and end with questions for your own personal application.  These questions really get to the heart and soul of living with the Holy Spirit in me.  And while easily understandable, the application and processing in me, will go on long after I've finished the book.  The perspective is much needed and for me often convicting.  

Some of my favorite illustrations to make the Holy Spirit graspable for children are shared in this book- engagement rings, seals, promise, guarantee, and I love that I have a new image.  That of the magnifying glass- the Holy Spirit is showing others that Jesus is in ME!!! 

This book would be an excellent book club or Bible study book.  It can be read cover to cover in a day or two, or it can be read a little at a time to help process and apply the truth shared.  But it should be read.  

Thankful to partner with Netgalley and Waterbrook-Multnomah to read an advanced copy of this book. 

Waterbrook Partner: God Gave Us the Bible 45 stories for Little Ones

I really like this Bible story book.  It is well done, attractive, educational, and beautiful.  The author and illustrator have done a wonderful job focusing on who God is, choosing 45 events from the Bible, and weaving in knowledge that is practical and vital for children to learn about who God is, rather than just being able to retell events.  Before the book ends, Mama bear reminds all the little forest friends that these stories are true.  Making sure they grasp that they actually occurred.  

Here is a more detailed review: 

What I liked about the book:

• Hardback book, with nice thick glossy pages, child sized for read with me- just over 7 by 8 inches. Designed for 3 to 7 year olds I believe it's well tailored for this age and stage. 
• 45 stories, tables of content, as well as story title page share the scripture passages the story is from. 
• Artist's renderings, are child friendly, warm, lifelike, detailed, and diverse.  
• The way who God is, and His promises to His people are woven into the retellings of bible events and into the questions and answers of the little animals.  It portrays who God is on many levels and across time.  
• For a book that an adult can read in less than an hour, maybe even a half an hour, there are key details woven into the retellings and thoughts of the forest animals.  
• A few women of the Bible are highlighted: Miriam, Queen Esther, Mary, Elizabeth, 
• Transitions are made and questions asked, as Mama Bear shares the Bible stories with little cub and his forest friends, if a question is asked on a Bible event page, they are framed in a paint box, and this works well to bring in the concept of who God is, across the lives of these historical people and today in the lives of forest friends.  
• Nice transition between the Old Testament stories and the New Testament Stories.  
• Use of the word sin for Adam and Eve doing what God said not to do.  
• Words that are defined throughout the text.  Genesis, sin, miracles, cistern,disciple,parable ....
• This book shares the gospel when talking about Jesus death and resurrection, as well as the gift of the Holy Spirit explained.  

What I wondered about the book: 

• Why when referring to God as He- it was with a little h, not a capital H.  I know it's just my personal preference.  
• Why there wasn't a stronger conclusion and suggestion to the readers that there is so much more of the Bible available, that this book only covers 45 of the Bible's events.  It ended focusing on God's love continuing in our stories with us. 
• How kids will interpret how God speaks to us today, "Through the Bible, through dreams, through thoughts that stick with us, and in other ways too."   I'd want to discuss this statement with any children I read the book to, as I'm not sure that they will interpret it accurately. 

Thankful to partner with Waterbrook Multnomah and read this advanced copy of the book releasing September 17, 2019.  

Moody Partner: Sharing Love Abundantly in Special Needs Families

I've found knowing about the five love languages to be so helpful as a wife, mom, and teacher.  So when I found out that Jolene Philo who blogs about special needs kids at Different Dreams mentioned that she was looking for parents to interview as part of a project. I jumped at the opportunity!

Here is an example of what the love languages are and how to live them out at home.  But with special needs children, many who are unable to express themselves accurately or at all, it can be much more challenging to implement the love languages in your home.  That's where this new version of the book comes in.

Overall Review:  This book helps you live out the most important fruit of the Spirit- Love.  It gives practical, fun, and personable ways to live in abundant love even when the one you love functions in a unique manner.  But more importantly, it is a great reminder for the reader that love is love and whether you are loving your spouse, neurotypical child, or special needs child, or friend, the focus needs to be on your heart and the receiver's heart and the goal needs to be attacked not as a fix, but as a way to have a connected, solid relationship with another human being.  Joy should be in this connection, in any love language and life.  This is the reason we chose to parent a child from a hard place who sought out love in the most unlovable ways.  We had the Holy Spirit equipping us to share unconditional love as our only real job.  

Things I liked about the book:

• Fast, easy read. (less than 2 hours even with interruptions)
• Design of the book- for special needs families- but also for teachers, caregivers, therapists, doctors/nurses, anyone who works with special needs kids. 
• Book formatting
• information extras: defines ABLE account, IEP, 504 in a grayscale box
• summaries: key questions or tips in grayscale boxes
• easy to read and refer back to: headings, subheadings, grayscale boxes, etc.   
• chapter summaries- some are: putting it all together, others are tips, or bulleted concepts to apply
• appendix of resources (those not included directly in the book text)
• diverse perspective- 40 families are represented in the stories of this book and their real life examples are the ideas.   
• Content of the book is beyond the love languages, it includes ways to enjoy and support your child and encouragement that it's not your job to fix anything about your child, but to love them well and remind their team of support people that this is the key to quality life and growth.  
• The truth: practical tips from experience shared about meeting your child's most important need- unconditional love.  
• New experts opinions shared and I have new resources to consult for support.  

What I wondered about or could be tweaked:

• I wanted even more time on ideas, strategies, tips from those in the trenches. 
• I was surprised at the time spent on loving your spouse, caring for your marriage, and caretaker care, but I do know that all of this truly needs investment even when there isn't time in the stress of parenting a special needs child, but you can love abundantly without your tank being full. 
• Lack of scripture and biblical input throughout the book

Some quotes/memes:

this book is a simple and effective tool...

Thankful to partner with Moody Publishing and have an advance copy to review. 

Waterbrook Partner: The Jesus Who Surprises Us by Dee Brestin

This book's premise is built on the passage in Luke where Jesus joined the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, and they didn't recognize Him.  I decided to review this book and bible study because this passage is dear to my heart, and I wanted to see how a book and Bible study was created from it.  I only remember reading one other book from Dee Brestin, this was her first well known book The Friendship of Women and I read it in high school.  So I don't remember much about it.  But I know that she has become a well known author and has several books and bible studies. 

Things I like about this book:

• Free videos to go with it, done by Dee Brestin with teaching she shares, as well as hearing from some of the 21 women who she piloted the study with before the book was published.  
• How the videos are done.  Dee Brestin's teaching style includes passion, joy, and she is pleasant to learn from.  They are between 10-14 minutes long.  
• It's a study that you can do alone, with a small group, or a large group.  
• It's all in one book.  You don't have to buy a separate study book. It even includes facilitator tips and notes.  
• The book could be read as a stand alone, and the book embraces the perspective of how to see God in your days.  She calls it a weekly God Hunt, and layers in different ways to be alert to God.  
• Bible Study goes through Jesus (often unknown) appearances in Genesis, Psalms, Isaiah, representing that Jesus is across the whole Bible.  
• You could easily do the study whether you had time to read the pages in between or not.  It's a five day plan, and it's achievable in a few minutes, but it's rich with questions that will help you think at a higher level about the scripture you are reading.  
• Quotes, references, and examples from many, many well known authors and theologians intertwined. 
• The book and study if taken to heart, require introspection and thinking more deeply about your mindset, actions, and beliefs to know the Lord intimately.  But the author leads you to this, and it builds from lesson to lesson well.  

Things that gave me pause or to consider: 

• this book seems written for those who have biblical literacy and know the Lord as Savior.  
• Dee Brestin uses sophisticated language and vocabulary, so not every woman may grasp what she's sharing.  (I'm a regular reader with an extensive vocabulary and paused at a few words new to me.)   
• the notes about the study completion might make some ladies uncomfortable (if they read them).  Notes about "the richest groups are when people have done their homework."  I know in our studies, we know this is best, but we know it doesn't always happen, and encourage women to come even unprepared, as they can still learn from the discussion.  

Thankful to partner with Waterbrook Multnomah and be able to read an advance copy of this book. 

Victory in Jesus: Bible Object Lessons About Jesus for Kids by Anne Marie Gosnell

I had the privilege of reviewing the first three lessons in this book.


Here's what I like about it:

• Good Bible Teaching- great ways to tell the events of Jesus life and key people, events, and elements included in the plan.  
• Materials Preparation extras provided. The author thinks like a teacher, and has prepared the 'extras' for you. On her website, you will find a poster for each lesson, maps to show locations, etc.  This is in her How the Book Works section at the start. 
• Author Notes/Tips: The author's note/opening before the lessons- when you are teaching a Bible story- she suggests you not just call it a story- this confuses kids- and is a literature term that they often associate with fiction- or untrue stories.  Use your Bible, have children use their Bibles! (Amen!)
• Geography included: Show the location.  Each lesson gives you the location of the Bible text you will be reading, and she will have maps shared on her website to use with the object lessons. 
• Background Notes provided - I took a little breathe when I read and I give you some notes to help put the story in place- thinking all these added details are going to make this confusing to read, but NO, I was wrong- She is a teacher, and she has pointed, simple statements that are really helpful!! But so simple and direct!  
• Background Notes- connect the Old Testament to this New Testament event, or to the event before this one.  Building the connections from the previous book of the Bible or event.  
• Simple objects- not things that will be hard to provide.
• Teacher Comment box- encouraging YOU to reflect on your delivery of this lesson- and plan to improve- plus a simple tip- like "Try to bring Jesus and Salvation into every lesson you teach."   

We must be kindred teacher friends- Anne Marie Gosnell plans a lesson that I love and would use on my own.  I love that she is succinct, to the point, and it's so simple to follow and the goal is present.

Things to tweak:

• Learning Target in Overview: I wish the goal/objective of the lesson was listed in the initial overview of the lesson.  It's in the opening paragraph, but is easily just read over, and I'm not sure some of our teachers (who are not trained teachers) would think- this is what I repeat over and over throughout the lesson.  And she ends the lesson part with a bold statement for the life application, and part of the goal is also to make clear a characteristic of God, but if it's not present til the end, will we all catch and value that aspect?  
• Object List: a list at the start of the book or on the website- that shares all the objects used in the lessons, so you realize that this book is for you, as those are common household things and easy to own or borrow.  
• Scripture References: In lesson two, the gospel was presented with verses, but those references weren't identified or shared, and if it's important for children to look at the passage where the event comes from, it would also be helpful to see scripture that isn't in 'stories' but is in letters or teaching from important people, come from the Bible.  
• Word Choice/Concept Choice in Life Applications.   As in any material finding the best phrase, descriptive word, etc to convey your point, varies from person to person. In the 2nd lesson, in life application, the author suggests that God wants us to make smart christians in how we read and think about His Word.  For my program and ministry, we have been emphasizing that we need to have a relationship with God that is personal, knowledgeable, and connected to both our head/heart.  So I would alter that sentence when I delivered the concept.  In the same lesson, she talks about Jesus wearing a "costume" since He was God and man.  I like this word choice and description on some levels, but also think that it could confuse children- thinking that it was pretend or something, as that is when kids wear costumes.  This one, I'm still pondering what I think about.  That's why this is my tweak.  

Thankful to partner with Future Flying Saucers and have an opportunity to review the first three lessons of the book before release.  I've already ordered the Old Testament book for this fall's sunday school lessons!  

Bethany House Partner Review: Exhale by Amy Carroll & Cheri Gregory

This book's subtitle is: lose who you're not, love who you are, live your one life well.  

The book is divided into these three categories and it works.  I read lots of spiritual growth/self help christian books, and this one stands out.  The biggest difference is that this book addresses our mindset, and directly encourages us to change our mindset.  But instead of describing a fixed versus growth mindset, as the world does.  The authors choose to suggest we have a new mindset.  And I see that new mindset as one who is a new creature in Christ, looking to God to lead not her own sin nature.  It's the age old struggle of old vs. new, but sin vs. living in Christ.  

Here are some memes to help share the thinking.  

The book shares biblical examples and scripture that fit the mindset we are to adopt.  It is well formatted as each chapter ends with one of the three subtitles and a breathe moment which is a suggestion of how to take the concepts and move ahead.  There are subtitles throughout the pages and it's so easy to read, not so easy to take the suggestions to heart, but I found them to be exactly what my heart and mind needs to grow.  

This book I really enjoyed, but at the same time I had a hard time picking it up.  As I got further and further into it, I figured out why.  This is a book that you can't just read.  It requires introspection.  Self analysis.  And it makes you accountable to think, process, and recognize your actions.  The authors even link you to their website with extra tools ready to print and use.  And my old nature didn't want me to stop and recognize things that could change, especially with self awareness and the power of the Holy Spirit.  It's a book that will be reviewed and reread over time.  It would also make a good Bible study for a group and the authors have created one as well.  Thankful to partner with Bethany House and review this very important new book for Christ following women. 

No Ocean Too Wide (McAlister Family #1 review Waterbrook & Multnomah Partner

Releasing to the world- June 25, 2019.  A great summer read!

This is my favorite book by this author (Carrie Turnasky) so far! What I really loved was the integration of faith, praying to God in the moment, with the history, the character development, and the relationships of this captivating historical fiction book. The way that Laura, Katie, and Andrew learned and strengthened their ability to depend on God is inspiring and helpful for the reader to have their thinking aloud as a model.

Based on a true story, the characters captivate you, and you hear from a few different characters perspectives throughout the novel, adding to your understanding of what's happening in their lives, and how it deepens their trust in God Now I'm waiting for book #2 to learn of other family members experiences and continue to enjoy the story and also the blessings of good character.

Learning about emigration from England to Canada of the children of poverty, the streets, or bad fortune. Carrie Turansky's newest series gives vivid description, images, and heartfelt emotion to this historical era similar to the US orphan trains. But something I knew nothing about.

This is a great read- and even my children grasp why I couldn't just stop reading at a few different points in the book when I shared why I needed to finish a few more pages- believable events but those that kept you reading. I received an advanced copy of the book from Waterbrook Multnomah thankful to partner and read books in advance. 

I don't share a lot of fiction books on my blog because they don't often connect with the whispering the Word theme in our lives. But this book did a great job thinking aloud about faith in life and experiences, and made it a great model for my own heart.  

Mama friends- I read this book in part at the pool.  It's been a long time coming in my life to be able to read fiction, know my kids are safe, and enjoy it.  But when your youngest is nine years old and brings a friend, I don't have to watch her every move at the waterpark, and I was able to read the book.  Your turn is coming too in the years of raising littles and we spread ours out with four years between kids, you too will get to read by the pool again one day.  

Niko's Night and Day connections for learning

Concordia has a preview on their website

Here are some questions that connect with the story.

Here are scriptures that fit the story from Luke 15....and the book theme

This is a great book for young children, families, Sunday School. 

Thankful to read a digital ARC.