by Kimberly | Oct 3, 2015 | Books, parenting, Shepherding Children
If there was one name that most of the world knew, both Christians and non-Christians, it would be Billy Graham.
Billy Graham, nearer to the end of his earthly life than at the beginning of it, has ministered to millions with the truth of the Gospel. He has no doubt had such an impact on so many children throughout his ministry. And now there is a devotional for grade school children that bears his name.
What I like about God’s Good News Bible Storybook is that variety of Bible stories included in it. There are some that aren’t included in other story books for children. I wonder how often people get to the battle of Jericho or David and Goliath and don’t know anything in the Bible after that until you get to the birth of Jesus.
In the stories you are given nicely illustrated photos which will especially help keep the attention of younger children, if you are attempting family devotions with a variety of ages of children (aren’t most of us?). In each, you are given the Bible passage, and I would encourage you to open up a real Bible and read it out of there with your children – and let them read it for themselves. And in most, you are given a short devotional from BIlly Graham – encouraging devotion to God and the telling of the Gospel.
This would be a great addition to your books for family devotions. Great for school age children.
If you would like to win a copy from Tommy Nelson (who sent me this book in exchange for this blog post and review, all opinions are my own), then all you have to do is answer the question: how would you like to encourage your kids in evangelism? Might be with their kids at school, or taking them on mission trips when they get older, or doing neighborhood activities that engage other kids with the gospel.
by Kimberly | Oct 2, 2015 | Books
I don’t think I’ve ever had and loved this type of cookbook – and I know now what I’ve been missing.
Cardamom. Pepper. Cinnamon. Cloves. Nutmeg. Etc.
All bound together in a photo-medium (only downfall, I love photos and the ones in it are amazing), story and explanation rich and colorful (a huge bonus), recipe infused cloth that is begging me to get a mortar and pestle. I don’t have one but if I were to have one I would want this one or maybe this one.
Like I said, the photos are gorgeous, I just wish there were more. I love the voice of this cookbook. The recipes would stretch me out of my comfort zone in what I usually cook – but it makes me want to.
I’m thankful for Blogging for Books for sending this to me for the review, and to Samantha Seneviratne for writing it.
And just possibly – I might be making the Coffee and Cardamom Shortbread for this wknd. Why not?
by Kimberly | Sep 27, 2015 | Bible, Books, illustrated faith, Kids r Readers 2, parenting, Shepherding Children
Illustrated Faith 1-2-3
When our children are small, we teach them many important things to do: tie their shoes, brush their teeth, look both ways before crossing the street. We teach them how to go to the potty, drink from a cup, and use a fork. We teach them how to do so many things that are crucial for life.
Sometimes we forget to teach them important spiritual disciplines to help them get to know the God who created them. The most important one we can teach them by both example and instruction is reading the Bible. And what a better way to teach them how to read – then to read the Bible.
Why do we need to teach our children to read the Bible?
- The Bible is God’s voice to us today. He breathed the Bible into life. He used common sinners to record what the Spirit breathed. This was written down and kept for us for all of forever. This is by far the main way he chooses to communicate with his children today. It is how they will know what is right and wrong. It is how they will know what God is like. Psalm 119 tells us so much about the importance of knowing the Word of God.
- The Bible tells them how they were created. Even from a young age, our children will be bombarded with many deceptions about who they are. God created them in His Image and it is crucial they understand that. They were created beautifully and wonderfully: no matter the skin color or chromosome count, or their family status. Psalm 139 and Genesis 1 tells us that.
- The Bible tells them why they were created. All of creation exists for one reason: to bring glory to God. God created human beings in his image so we could reflect the grand glory of God to the world. Isaiah 43 clearly illustrates that truth.
- The Bible helps us get to know God. There is no person we need to know better than God. And we can know God by reading His Word. We can know his actions, his character, and his truth. We can know His plan for salvation. Psalm 19 and the Gospels illustrate this.
These are just the simple basics of why we need to teach children the Word of God. We need a book on teaching Spiritual Disciplines to our children – anyone know of one. I guess I could write it if someone is willing to publish it. Any takers?
Tommy Nelson just released a 365 Read Me a Bible Story for young school age children and gave me a copy to giveaway. What a great way to get them in the habit of reading the Bible and learning God’s truth. It has fun pictures, a Bible passage for each day of the year, and a short recap of that story. What I would like to see is some follow-up questions that will help parents engage with their children during family discipleship time.
The most important thing to remember is that children are going to learn by your example. If they see you reading your Bible, living it out, memorizing it, quoting it, then they will hopefully desire to know the Word as well. We can pray that God would give them a heart like his – that desires to know God intimately through his Word.
If you would like to win a copy of this Bible story book from Tommy Nelson – tell me which of the 4 reasons listed above is the most important to you – and why and maybe how you are teaching your children that.
by Kimberly | Sep 26, 2015 | Books
I am always reading. And I thought yesterday – that reading is probably one of the best way to educate yourself or better yourself on a budget. Traveling I think is the best way to educate yourself – but our budget doesn’t allow for that right now.
So, I read. And I don’t read as much as I would like. Well, I guess I do read every day – but it is the 5 Minute Read and Share Bible, or Goodnight Moon, or The Going to Bed Book, or other kids books that I’m reviewing for different sites.
What I’m reading right now for my prayer life is the Mark of a Man for praying for my husband. It is an older book by Elisabeth Elliot. Short chapters that I can then journal through for him.
For me, I’m reading French Women Don’t Get Fat – a look at how to enjoy food for pleasure – but not to excess.
And for a book review for a theological journal – 7 Women – which is going to be great!
What are you reading – and what should I be reading?
by Kimberly | Sep 24, 2015 | Books, creatives
If you haven’t been in a Michaels are read blogs you may not know this – but coloring books are back. No, not for kids – but for adults. Mostly women who want to have a creative outlet. Coloring books are definitely a new thing in the adult coloring world – and may be here for at least a little bit – and one of the fads I love.
My friend Karisse is doing them and I love hers because they are simple and based on Scripture for the most part of really cool quotes that she likes.
Blogging For Books had one I chose by Daria Song. I really loved the prettiness of the book, but for me it was a little too detailed. I like to color to relax and just think and do nothing. When I have to be that detailed in my coloring (I like coloring inside the lines) then it isn’t as relaxing for me.
I can’t wait to do some more though and keep the coloring trend alive!
by Kimberly | Sep 18, 2015 | Books, Kids r Readers 2
Because there is more time to read books!
I love books and I love fall, so there you go.
Almost every night I have the privilege of putting my boys to bed. My favorite time with them is right before bed time when I take the time to read stories with each one of them in their rooms. I start with my younger and we read three books. Then I move on to my older son and we read two books. I love holding them, reading with them, laughing with them, and praying over them. Such a sweet bonding time.
So, what a great thing to combine both my love of books and love of Fall with a new book by Tommy Nelson that I was sent to read with my children and to pass on to you. This great board book continues a series of season books that show furry “lions” (my sons overall word for most animals) having fun as families doing Fall activities.
You will love it.
How do you win this book – you ask? Tell me your favorite fall activity to do with your children? Ours: going to a pumpkin patch!
