by Max Lucado is a common story, told by a common caterpillar.
Hermie and his friend Wormie believe that they are just common bugs, especially when they are surrounded by other bugs that are stronger, prettier, and better equipped than they are. However, there is something uncommon about them, and that is that they can talk with God. Each time their self-esteem is brought low, God assures them that He loves them and is not done with them yet.
This book made me think deeper than I expected. Hermie and Wormie sounded like whiners to me! But how often do we whine to God over and over and he is patient with us, just like these two. We always want what we don’t have! It takes faith for us to realize that God is in control and he has a special plan for us. The lesson Hermie and Wormie learn apply to us. This is what makes this a good book. Plus the pictures are cute! I recommend this book to all who struggle with feeling special.
The publisher, Thomas Nelson, has provided me with a complimentary copy of this e-book through BookSneeze®.
Showing posts with label Thomas Nelson Book Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thomas Nelson Book Review. Show all posts
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Thursday, August 4, 2011
One Hand, Two Hands by Max Lucado made my kids smile!
This is a story of little girl who, with the help of her stuffed animals, illustrates all the great things her hands can do. Her stuffed animals come alive as they dig in the dirt, play musical instruments, and tie shoes with their hands. The story reverently ends with thanking God, in prayer, for her hands.
This book is great for getting the kids moving. They can act out what is being read to them. The book starts out silly, but draws to a quiet ending. It is perfect for a daytime read or get- your- sillies-out before bed. The kids were drawn to the colorful, pastel drawings and the whimsical way it reads. This is a must have children’s book to teach the importance of using our hands for good.
Thomas Nelson publishing has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®.
This book is great for getting the kids moving. They can act out what is being read to them. The book starts out silly, but draws to a quiet ending. It is perfect for a daytime read or get- your- sillies-out before bed. The kids were drawn to the colorful, pastel drawings and the whimsical way it reads. This is a must have children’s book to teach the importance of using our hands for good.
Thomas Nelson publishing has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Learn about Jesus with the Read and Share DVD Bible
Learn about Jesus with the Read and Share DVD Bible
Kids of all ages will love this new Read and Share DVD Bible about the life and miracles of Jesus Christ. This is the third DVD in a wonderful new trilogy from Gwen Ellis’ Read and Share Bible. In this 30 minute video children learn about the ministry of Christ as he travels along the Lake of Galilee and around Nazareth. The key stories presented are of Jesus calling his disciples, Jesus healing sick people, the story of the loaves and fishes, the Lord’s Supper and of Jesus teaching others. The animation and vibrant colors keep children entertained while learning.
I highly recommend this DVD because it kept my children’s attention (ages 5,3,1), which means they were learning. I know they were learning because they asked questions throughout the presentation. The stories are told in a way that kids could understand without compromising the doctrine. The DVD is set up so you can also watch just the segments of each story if you wanted to teach one particular part. If you put the DVD in the computer you can print off coloring pages. This is an effective visual aid to help teach about Jesus. This movie is simple and doesn’t cover all of the events in Christ’s life and ministry, but it effectively highlights some of the major stories. This would be a great movie to watch on Sabbath.
Kids of all ages will love this new Read and Share DVD Bible about the life and miracles of Jesus Christ. This is the third DVD in a wonderful new trilogy from Gwen Ellis’ Read and Share Bible. In this 30 minute video children learn about the ministry of Christ as he travels along the Lake of Galilee and around Nazareth. The key stories presented are of Jesus calling his disciples, Jesus healing sick people, the story of the loaves and fishes, the Lord’s Supper and of Jesus teaching others. The animation and vibrant colors keep children entertained while learning.
I highly recommend this DVD because it kept my children’s attention (ages 5,3,1), which means they were learning. I know they were learning because they asked questions throughout the presentation. The stories are told in a way that kids could understand without compromising the doctrine. The DVD is set up so you can also watch just the segments of each story if you wanted to teach one particular part. If you put the DVD in the computer you can print off coloring pages. This is an effective visual aid to help teach about Jesus. This movie is simple and doesn’t cover all of the events in Christ’s life and ministry, but it effectively highlights some of the major stories. This would be a great movie to watch on Sabbath.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Find a tale of unwavering faith in Kabul24 by Henry O. Arnold
Find a tale of unwavering faith in Kabul24 by Henry O. Arnold
This is a harrowing tale of 24 individuals (8 Westerners and 16 Afghanis) that were placed under arrest with fictitious charges by the Taliban. This is their story of steadfast faith in the face of a very desperate and hopeless situation. They work for a Christian based humanitarian group called Shelter Now International. The story mostly follows the 8 imprisoned Westerners. This SNI team is dedicated to helping the poor and needy Afghans who live in Kabul. They are ultimately a thorn in the Taliban side because of their programs. The 8 westerners are looked upon by the Taliban as infidels, so once in captivity death looks to the ultimate end of them.
You read this book and simply cannot believe the injustice of what they are going through. Throughout the book the 8 never abandon their faith and trust in God. They still respect the Afghan people by recognizing that it is the government and not the people that hold them captive. The narrative makes you want to ask yourself if you could live through that and still have that devotion. Surprisingly, I found myself uplifted at the conclusion and enjoyed reading about each of the miracles that came about to ensure their rescue. If you remember this story from the media and would like the inside story or if you would love a Job of the Old Testament story then I recommend this book to you!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Fearless by Max Lucado
Max Lucado has invited you to “imagine your life without fear” in his newest book titled, “Fearless”. Each chapter is dedicated to fears that we face in this life. After describing the fear he tells us how we can overcome it with aid of God. The answer to all our anxieties and worries can be solved if we turn our hearts to God and allow him to enter our lives and guide our path.
I had a hard time getting into this book for two reasons:
1) I don’t live my life in fear. Even though a few of chapter could apply to my life, fear simply doesn’t play a role in how I live or handle situations.
2) It reads like a sermon. Granted he is a Minister. Hence, with some passages I would get lost in the meaning of words and miss the point we was making.
With that being said I did, in fact, like the book. This tome is geared, obviously, toward people who live with fear in their lives. Because this work provides insight and great ideas, I would also recommend this to counselors (professional or friend) who are working with fear laden people.
I had a hard time getting into this book for two reasons:
1) I don’t live my life in fear. Even though a few of chapter could apply to my life, fear simply doesn’t play a role in how I live or handle situations.
2) It reads like a sermon. Granted he is a Minister. Hence, with some passages I would get lost in the meaning of words and miss the point we was making.
With that being said I did, in fact, like the book. This tome is geared, obviously, toward people who live with fear in their lives. Because this work provides insight and great ideas, I would also recommend this to counselors (professional or friend) who are working with fear laden people.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Gain Perspective from Jones in Andy Andew’s book: The Noticer
The Noticer by Andy Andrews is a story of friendship, love, good advice and an old man with a suitcase. Jones is a man who seems to know everything about everyone and has his heart set on helping people see the bigger picture. This book begins with the author in despair during a turbulent time in his life. Then appears Jones, whose advice and caring ways turn his life around. Throughout the story, the author’s life crosses paths with Jones. Jones then tells of this newest rendezvous, which then the author records and turns into this delightful book full of nuggets of wisdom.
I would recommend this book to be on every book shelf. We are taught that with a little (or different) perspective our burdens can made light. This book is truly an inspiration to all of us, regardless of background or circumstances. Although, I was puzzled over who or what Jones was I realized that in the end it didn’t matter. People can be an answer to our prayers; it is not up to us to questions how, but why. There is plenty of great advice to glean from this uplifting and enriching novel.
I would recommend this book to be on every book shelf. We are taught that with a little (or different) perspective our burdens can made light. This book is truly an inspiration to all of us, regardless of background or circumstances. Although, I was puzzled over who or what Jones was I realized that in the end it didn’t matter. People can be an answer to our prayers; it is not up to us to questions how, but why. There is plenty of great advice to glean from this uplifting and enriching novel.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
The Wackiest, Wildest, Weirdest Animals in the World By Jack Hanna
The Wackiest, Wildest, Weirdest Animals in the World – Jack Hanna
In true Jack Hanna fashion comes a book that is a delight to read. In this book he describes 10 animals in each wacky, wild, or weird category. Each page includes a short bio, some fun facts and what makes that particular animal either wacky, wild or weird. There are a few snippets of the personal adventures that Jack has had with some of the animals.
I read this book to my 4 year old son, who got a kick out of the amazing pictures, amusing facts, and comical side notes. The book was set up in such a way that we were able to read about a few animals each night without losing his attention. The wording is more geared toward an older child, with little scientific vocabulary. He does well defining words, plus there is a useful glossary in the back. I really like how he mentions God. There are few animal reference books that talk about the ultimate Creator. The DVD showed bloopers from his TV show. That was entertaining, but wouldn’t add it to my favorites list. However, I would recommend this book if you enjoy reading about animals and knowing all their funny quirks!
In true Jack Hanna fashion comes a book that is a delight to read. In this book he describes 10 animals in each wacky, wild, or weird category. Each page includes a short bio, some fun facts and what makes that particular animal either wacky, wild or weird. There are a few snippets of the personal adventures that Jack has had with some of the animals.
I read this book to my 4 year old son, who got a kick out of the amazing pictures, amusing facts, and comical side notes. The book was set up in such a way that we were able to read about a few animals each night without losing his attention. The wording is more geared toward an older child, with little scientific vocabulary. He does well defining words, plus there is a useful glossary in the back. I really like how he mentions God. There are few animal reference books that talk about the ultimate Creator. The DVD showed bloopers from his TV show. That was entertaining, but wouldn’t add it to my favorites list. However, I would recommend this book if you enjoy reading about animals and knowing all their funny quirks!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Christianity Today: Faith and Pop Culture
In 2008, Christianity Today released another book in their study series titled Faith and Pop Culture. This book addresses the conflict between being Christian in a world overrun by entertainment. This study hoped to “facilitate lively and engaging discussion on the various facets of entertainment and how it connects to our lives as Jesus’s followers.”
I liked how each session was laid out. First you read an excerpt from Christianity Today about the topic to be discussed. Then the group did an ice-breaker activity, which led to questions about the issue. Then scripture passages were explored that connected to that issue. It ended with a forward thinking section or, in others words, what are going to do about it?
Because I personally did not agree with some of the CT articles presented, this produced a livelier discussion. I thought some of the issues did not relate well to the scripture passages. However, many of the questions were thought provoking and enlightening. Even though we have different ideas of ‘good’ entertainment, we found none of the questions to be offensive. The ice-breaker activities set the mood and helped the group feel more connected.
I would recommend this study if you’d prefer to do something light and entertaining. This helped me to better define my values when living in a world surrounded by pop culture.
I liked how each session was laid out. First you read an excerpt from Christianity Today about the topic to be discussed. Then the group did an ice-breaker activity, which led to questions about the issue. Then scripture passages were explored that connected to that issue. It ended with a forward thinking section or, in others words, what are going to do about it?
Because I personally did not agree with some of the CT articles presented, this produced a livelier discussion. I thought some of the issues did not relate well to the scripture passages. However, many of the questions were thought provoking and enlightening. Even though we have different ideas of ‘good’ entertainment, we found none of the questions to be offensive. The ice-breaker activities set the mood and helped the group feel more connected.
I would recommend this study if you’d prefer to do something light and entertaining. This helped me to better define my values when living in a world surrounded by pop culture.
