Fool Moon Rising

Fool Moon Rising
Written by Kristi and T. Lively Fluharty
Published at Crossway

About the book

Through this illustrated tale about the moon stealing the sun's glory, children learn about the importance of humility and the dangers of pride.

This rhyming, rollicking tale tells of a crime of cosmic proportions: the moon, blinded by pride, fails to see the true source of his abilities-the light provided by the sun. He boasts of his ability to shine, to change shape throughout each month, and to swell the tides. One day, overwhelmed by a piercing ray of sunshine, the moon repents of his pride and changes his ways, and from that point on he is happy to reflect the sun's light.

This beautifully illustrated book introduces the concept of humility to children. Readers will be reminded that everything we have, including our gifts and talents, is from God. Just as the moon learns to boast only of the sun, children-and their parents-learn that to boast of anything other than the Son is utter foolishness.

My Thoughts

This cute little story will teach your kids about the importance to recognize that everything we have is a gift from God himself.  He has equipped us with talents in order for us to be able to advance His Kingdom.   As we often say in our church “It’s not about us, it’s all about Him!”.

The text is easy to read even for a child who is just getting comfortable in reading.   It can be read by the child itself or by the parent.   It’s an excellent book to encourage snuggle time on the couch with your kids!  The illustrations are bright and goes well with the text.   The book is all about how we can get blinded about pride and that in the end it is better to be humble and give the glory back to God in our life.

At the end of the book, you will learn some fun fact about space and its exploration.   You will also get a reading comprehension section where you can ask specific questions to your child in order to determine if she/he has understood what the book was about.

It’s a cute book to give as a gift for a baby shower, a child dedication or baptism or for a first birthday.

Fool Moon Rising is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

The book is also available on the Kindle.

  

Disclaimer: Thanks to Crossway for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Wondrous Works of God

Wondrous Works of God
Written by Starr Meade
Published at Crossway

About the book

“Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
for his wondrous works to the children of man!”
PSALM 107:8

We want our children to know the God we love and worship, but communicating abstract truths about God can sometimes be difficult. It's good for us and for our children that God wants to be known. So he doesn’t simply tell us what he’s like; he shows us in the stories of the Bible.

As the sequel to Mighty Acts of God, this volume tells 90 more stories from the Bible, beginning with the account of God creating Eve and ending with the epic visions in Revelation. Each story highlights an aspect of God’s character and includes a helpful discussion guide to help the whole family see and understand the wondrous works of God!

My Thoughts

In 2010, I had the opportunity to review the book Mighty Acts of God from Starr Meade.  So imagine my delight when I received her newest book from Crossway not too long ago.  It is a marvelous hardcover book which can be used as a family Bible story book.   

Over 90 stories are contained in the book.  Stories from the Old and New Testaments.  Each story is based on specific Scriptures from the Bible which are highlighted at the beginning.  You can decide whether or not read these Scriptures but I strongly suggest that you do as it will give your child the habit of digging into the Bible.    Then you can read the story.   A specific scripture is also highlighted and I would like to suggest to repeat this one numerous times during the day.  When your child is very young, repetition is the way to learn.  When the child is older, ask him/her to repeat herself the words in an effort to instill memorization of the Scriptures.  At the end of the story, you will see a section titled “AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE…” which will encourage you to discuss and do things based on the story read.  

I have found on my homeschool journey that the best way of learning is the following: reading, listening, repeating and doing.   It applies also in our spiritual life at any age.    The illustrations in the book will also help your children to visualize the stories.   These illustrations are fabulously made and are bright in colors.   

Wondrous Works of God is the perfect book to give for a baby shower, a child dedication or a baby baptism.    It will provide great teaching opportunities for new parents who want to raise their child in the ways of God.   It is a precious book that will help you build the cornerstone of faith in your child.

Wondrous Works of God is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

     

Disclaimer: Thanks to Crossway for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Coming Home

Coming Home
Written by Max Lucado
Published at Crossway

About the book

Twin brothers Arion and Argo are scared. They have spent most of their lives shipwrecked on the lonely, gray island of Terrene with their ship's captain, and now he is leaving and they cannot imagine life on Terrene without him. He is going to Bluestone, a place where the birds always sing and the grass is ever green. He tells them he is going to prepare a place for them in Bluestone. Then he will come back for them, and they will all go to Bluestone together.

Though Bluestone sounds like a wonderful place, the boys find it difficult to wait for the captain on Terrene. The island is so gray that it is hard for them to imagine the vibrant colors of Bluestone. Soon they grow tired of watching and waiting for their captain, and it is hard for them to remember his voice. Can they really believe that he will come back for them? To do so they must have faith-they must see with their hearts, not their eyes.

Will the captain really come back for Arion and Argo like he promised? And will the boys be ready for his return?

My thoughts

This book is an allegorical tale about the second coming of Jesus Christ.   We all know that Jesus has went to prepare a place for us in Heaven.  But how long will it take?   He can come anytime and all we have to do is to be prepare.  

Waiting can be hard.   How do you react when you have to wait longer than planned at the doctor’s office.  Most of us can get annoyed, angry and even loose our temper.    Still waiting is part of our earthly life as well as our spiritual life.   How do you live your life?   Do you look at the world and think that it isn’t that bad after all?  Do you pursue God on your daily activities?   Do you stop and think before engaging in some activity?   Do you think “Just this once….” when you know deep down that it isn’t what God require of you.

Our Lord always follow through in His promises to us and He will come back someday.   It is important that our children realized that and that God forgives our bad decisions as well.  This book will tell you about this.   However, I also realized that not everyone will be able to get into Heaven and I guess I would have expected seeing this in a more realistic way in the book.   The notion is there subtle – the creatures in the forest.   Still the lesson is there – be careful not to believe what others might tell you.   Stick to your Christian worldview and be prepare to stand strong in the midst of being bombarded with other ideas.

The book is an interesting adaptation on how Christ will come back to us one day.   The illustrations are stunning and the story written by a great teacher.   It would make a great addition to your family library.

Coming Home is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

     

Disclaimer: Thanks to Crossway for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Discipline of a Godly Young Man

Discipline of a Godly Young Man
Written by R. Kent Hughes & W. Carey Hughes
Published at Crossway

About the book

Point blank, this is a punchy, no-holds-barred book for young men. Laying out the challenge to be disciplined, godly, and sold-out for Jesus, the authors talk about purity in your thought-life, cultural pressure, and perseverance as a Christian. Let father and son Kent and Carey Hughes help you live a life of integrity and become the man God is calling you to be.

Who are R. Kent Hughes & W. Carey Hughes?

R. Kent Hughes (DMin, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is senior pastor emeritus of College Church in Wheaton, Illinois. He has authored numerous books for Crossway, including Disciplines of a Godly Man, and is the series editor and a contributor to the popular Preaching the Word series. Hughes is also a founder of Simeon Trust, which conducts expository preaching conferences throughout North America and worldwide. He now lives in Washington state with his wife, Barbara, and is the father of four and grandfather of an ever-increasing number of grandchildren.

CAREY HUGHES (MTh, Moore College, Sydney) is senior pastor of Christ the Redeemer Church in Spokane, Washington, and former Junior High director at College Church in Wheaton.

My Thoughts

Are  you ever wondered how you can instill disciplines into your son who is growing up and starting to become more independent?  How can you encourage him to read his Bible on a regular basis?  How to make sure he chooses godly friends?  How to ensure that in everything he does he will persevere and work hard?  For a first generation Christian it can seem an enormous task to see that your sons are trained according to God’s will.   This book will cover every aspects of living – relationships, soul, character, ministry, discipline.  All things that I consider essential is growing with God to become the man that He want my sons to become.   Here’s the chapters included in the book.

1. Discipline in Everything!
2. Discipline for Godliness
3. Discipline of Purity
4. Discipline of Friendship
5. Discipline of Mind, I: Refusal
6. Discipline of Mind, II: Filling
7. Discipline of Devotion
8. Discipline of Prayer
9. Discipline of Tongue
10. Discipline of Work
11. Discipline of Perseverance
12. Discipline of Church
13. Discipline of Giving
14. Discipline of Witness
15. Discipline of Ministry
16. Grace of Discipline

Initially written for youth in the hopes that they learn the ropes of Christian living, I think this book would be a great reading for parents and youth alike.   It could also be used for a young men group study in your church.   Each chapter are organized like this:  read the text on a specific discipline, ponder on the food for thought, and apply what you have learn in your life by accepting the challenge at the end of the chapter.   Sometimes you will also have the opportunity to check out resources from the website www.GodlyYoungMan.org – More specifically on the subjects of the mind, the tongue, witnessing, purity, and devotion.

I also think that this book is a great tool to include in your homeschool as it will help you train your sons to become what God has in plans for them.    My two oldest sons already have the discipline of reading their Bible daily but I know that sometimes it could be easy to skip some days.    Besides there are other disciplines that I want them to work on for the years to come.    Slowly they are learning the discipline of working hard and of perseverance, the discipline of giving and serving whenever they can.   I guess it helps that they are part of AWANA as well.   I strongly believe that parents should be the primary teachers for this kind of things.  Please don’t take this wrong, I do find youth group important as well but if this is the only place where they get teaching on how to behave and be a man of God, that isn’t enough.    So I would like to suggest that parents go through this book with their sons as a way to connect and learn more about developing godly disciplines in their lives.   

I strongly believe that developing disciplines in your day-to-day life is essential to stay on the right path.   This book will give you tools to train your sons in doing so.  God has a big plan for them and you are stewards in training them to become the man that He wants them to be.  Will you take up the challenge and step up to the plate?   If so, consider Disciplines of a Godly Young Man to be the tool you will use to do so.

Disciplines of a Godly Young Man is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

    

It is also available for the Kindle.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Crossway  for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Big Truths for Little Kids

Big Truths for Little Kids – Teaching Your Children to Live for God
Written By Susan Hunt & Richie Hunt
Published at Crossway

About the book

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Deuteronomy 6:6-7a

Your children are a blessing from God. A gift that brings an abundance of joy and the privilege of teaching them God's ways. When they're young their potential to learn is amazing. And because actions and beliefs go hand in hand, the lessons they learn from you now will shape their lives forever.

This wonderful book, with its easy-to-use story format, can help you teach the basic truths of the Christian faith to your children. They'll learn right along with Caleb and Cassie that God's ways are the best—and that even as kids, they can live for His glory every day.

Who are Susan Hunt & Richie Hunt?

Susan Hunt is the women’s ministry consultant for Christian Education and Publications. She is also a mother, grandmother, pastor’s wife, author, and the former director of women’s ministries for the Presbyterian Church in America. Hunt has written a number of books, including Spiritual Mothering and Big Truths for Little Kids.

Richie Hunt is the children’s and youth minister at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Dallas, Georgia. He has served in children’s and youth ministry for almost 20 years and is a husband and father.

My Thoughts

This book is interesting to instill devotion time for little ones.  

Before each stories, a series of questions and answers are written so you can ask your child to evaluate his level of understanding of the Bible truths.  At this point, you will have to encourage your child to memorize the answers to these questions.   Personally, I would prefer that the memorization encouragement would be more linked to the Scriptures – as my kids are learning to do in AWANA.  

The goal of this book, it to read a store each day.     Once you have read the devotional story with your child, you can discuss it with the suggested questions in the Let’s Talk section.   These questions will help your child to take the time to think about the story and how it glorifies God.   Ultimately, it will help him/her to see how this story can apply in life in general.

At the end of the devotion, a Let’s Pray section highlights a specific scriptures and a way to pray about it.   I would also encourage your child to memorize the scripture depending of the age he/she is.    If the child is 3 or 4 I would shorten the Scripture but for kids age 5 and up I don’t have any problem to help them memorize the whole scripture depending of the length of it.

Each stories have some illustrations helping to visualize the context and the characters.   I am a bit disappointed that these illustrations are not in color.   I think it would have made the book more interesting for little kids.   

This book is an interesting introduction on how devotions can be done for children.   It will give them a good starting point on how to do it in the future.

Big Truths for Little Kids  - Teaching Your Children to Live for God is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Crossway for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

ESV Grow Bible

ESV Grow! Bible
From Crossway

About the Bible

The ESV Grow! Bible is designed specifically to reach children ages 8–12 for the time between when they use a children’s Bible and a more advanced Bible. Coupling the full ESV text with many helpful features, this is a Bible that young students can call their own.

The ESV Grow! Bible comes with all-new features to help children learn and understand God’s Word. Nearly every other page features a “W Question”, boxes answering the who, what, where, when, or why of a text—basic questions a child might have while reading. Introductions to each Bible book, charts, and maps help young readers understand the themes, characters, and context of Scripture. 45 “Cross Connections” explain how certain Bible passages point to Christ and 90 “4U” sections explain and apply texts to the child’s life. In addition, articles about Jesus and the teachings of the Christian faith help children understand important theological concepts.

Children will find the ESV Grow! Bible full of interesting features and parents will appreciate that their kids can explore the full Bible text themselves. A perfect Bible to transition from the Seek and Find Bible to the Student Study Bible, the ESV Grow! Bible connects young readers with the beauty and majesty of God’s Word.

My Thoughts

As parents, we find it important that our kids have a good Bible that they can read daily.   It is a discipline that we are trying to instill to them and that will be beneficial for the rest of their life.    It’s not easy to have the discipline to read daily in your Bible but if you train your kids early in age, they will more than likely continue later in life.

So as soon as our kids are able to read independently, we have a small tradition in our home.   The child will go out one-on-one with dad on a special lunch and is given his own Bible.   One that he will read regularly – and I as their homeschool teacher will ask them often if they did their devotions.    It’s literally the first thing that my two oldest sons will do in the morning after getting up.   

The ESV Grow! Bible is a wonderful Bible for tweens to take the habit to read daily.    The reading is easy as the translation is a bit easier to understand than an NIV Bible and every now and then you will have interesting information in the pages.    Colorful images are also included in the Bible.   Even in the text, the titles as well as the chapters of the books are in color.   

The more I check into this Bible, the more I find it appropriate for children ages 8 to 12.    It is definitively a great way to learn more about God and His incredible love for us!  

Features of this bible are almost limitless…  

• Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How – special boxes can be found throughout the Bible and will give you more interesting tidbits of information on real people, places, and life in Bible times.
• 4U (For You) – the 4U boxes will help the child to understand what certain passages mean personally for him or her.
• Cross Connections – These are verses that remind the child that Jesus’ death on the cross, and rising from the grave, connects us back to God and gives you forgiveness, life, and salvation.
• Articles and Charts – These will give information on how to better understand God’s Word in life.
• Section and Books Introductions – This Bible is divided in six sections.   Each section begins with an introduction of the books.  Similarly, there is an introduction for each of the books as well.    These introductions provide a big picture of the contents.
• Glossary – At the back of the Bible, a handy glossary can be found to define the words that the child might not know.
• Timelines and Maps – Discover timelines to see the history of salvation and observe colorful maps to see where the events took place.  These can be found at the back of the Bible as well.

Let me give you an example of a section found in this amazing Bible.    In the book of Judges you will find a 4U box at chapter 15 that will let your child think about Samson and superhero skills.   See the image below to see what it is all about.  

You can also download an excerpt on the Crossway website if you want to see more of it.

As you can see the ESV Grow! Bible is packed with interesting information that will help your child to grow to love the Lord and encourage him to dig deeper in His Word.

It is definitively a Bible to consider for your children.   I would strongly encourage parents to teach their kids to daily immerse themselves in the Word of God so that they can discover how much He loves them.  The ESV Grow! Bible is a great tool to guide them toward daily devotions and a wonderful stepping stone toward reading a more in-depth study Bible in the future.

The ESV Grow! Bible is available in hard cover as well as in TruTone purple or blue.  You can find it at your favorite bookstore, even AMAZON.CA.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Crossway for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

The Barber Who Wanted to Pray

The Barber Who Wanted to Pray
By R.C. Sproul
Published at Crossway

About the book

This imaginative tale, based on a true story, begins one evening with Mr. McFarland leading family devotions. When his daughter asks him how she should pray, Mr. McFarland shares a 500-year-old story—a story about a barber and his famous customer.

Master Peter is a barber well known to all in his village. One day, when Martin Luther the Reformer walks into his shop, the barber musters up the courage to ask the outlawed monk how to pray. Dr. Luther responds by writing a letter to the barber (a letter that we know today as the book, A Simple Way to Pray!). The barber’s life is changed as he encounters a model for prayer by using the Lord’s Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and the Apostles’ Creed.

R. C. Sproul’s beautifully illustrated story will engage children and help them learn to pray according to the Bible. Dr. Sproul’s unique gift for explaining complex truths will make this a treasured book to be returned to time after time—a delight for both children and their parents!

My Thoughts

Imagine that you are a small child and that you are listening to your father praying one night.   You are ashamed at your own prayers because his are so beautiful.    You asked him to teach you how to pray in ways that will make Jesus happy.   That’s how the story start as you peek into an evening of devotions and singing in the McFarland family.   The father immediately proceed to tell the story of The Barber Who Wanted to Pray.

This story is apparently 500  years old and will tell you how Luther wrote his book titled A Simple Way to Pray.  The barber of the village was curious on how he should pray and while tending to his famous customer, he asked questions to him.   Dr. Luther responded by writing a letter to him which is now a book today!    As he encounters a prayer life based on the Lord’s Prayer, the Ten Commandments as well as the Apostle’s Creed, the life of the barber is transformed.

The book is a pleasure to read and to look at.   The illustrations are fabulous and reminds me paintings.   The story is inspiring and will encourage you (and your kids!) to develop a life of prayer.

At the end of the book, you can also read the Ten Commandments, the Lord’s Prayer as well as the Apostles’ Creed.  

If your kids express an interest in learning more about prayer or you simply want to develop this precious spiritual discipline in their lives, I think this book will be a great insight on what prayer is.  

The Barber Who Wanted to Pray is available at your favorite bookstore, even amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Crossway for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Most Important Thing You’ll Ever Study

The Most Important Thing You’ll Ever Study: A Survey of the Bible
Written by Starr Meade
Published at Crossway

About the product

The Bible is often neglected or weakly emphasized in the education of our children. However, author Starr Meade contends that God's Word is the most important thing a Christian will ever study. This introductory overview of the message of the Bible encourages middle and high school students to explore God's Word for themselves. Available in multiple volumes or as a set, The Most Important Thing You'll Ever Study leads young teens through the story of the Bible chronologically, teaching them about important themes and topics, such as the role of God as the main character of his own story and the relationship between Scripture's divine inspiration and human authorship.

Students can either use the text as a supplementary companion to their own reading of Scripture, or they can simply use the study guide to move through the Bible from beginning to end.

FULL SET: 978-1-4335-1182-0, $54.99

Volumes 1 & 2, (Old Testament with answer key vol. 5): 978-1-4335-2028-0, $32.99

Volumes 3 & 4, (New Testament with answer key vol. 5): 978-1-4335-2045-7, $32.99

Volumes 1 & 2 (Old Testament): 978-1-4335-2024-2, $27.99

Volumes 3 & 4 (New Testament): 978-1-4335-2032-7, $27.99

Who is Starr Meade?

Starr Meade served for ten years as the director of children's ministries in a local church and taught Latin and Bible for eight years in a Christian school. A graduate of Arizona College of the Bible and the author of a number of other books, including Training Hearts, Teaching Minds, Meade currently teaches home school students. She and her husband make their home in Mesa, Arizona, and she is mother to three grown children and three grandsons.

My Thoughts

One fall day, I receive an heavy package from Crossway containing not one, not two but five books in the same series. The Most Important Thing You’ll Ever Study has arrived at our door. At first I didn’t know what to expect from this survey of the Bible. Books one and two cover the Old Testament while Books three and four will bring you through the New Testament. Book five on the other hands contains the answers to the questions in the first four books.

I’ve decided to go through the books with my oldest son, Alexandre who is 10 years old. Though the books are geared for kids older than him, he is doing so well in his Awana and he is more mature than other kids his age. So we are going through these slowly and surely as it is above and beyond his current workload in our homeschool.

Though I must say that so far he is doing much better than me as he has an incredible memory. He has worked on learning the books of the Bible in Awana and it was easier for him to recall them while answering the questions.

I think these books are fabulous and that every Christian should go through them for personal development and to understand the Bible a bit better. It could be perfect also for a study group while you go through the Bible to learn more about it. These books will make your dig in your Bible to answer the questions in the study section and then after each section you will have to go through a small test.

Studying the Bible is one of the most important things in life I find. I know I lack on this aspect since I became a believer late in life. But I want my kids to be fully equipped and enjoy studying the Bible for the rest of their life. Going through these books will not only teach them to read the Bible and understand it but they will develop a growing love to spend time with God as well.

I pray and hope that they will continue to learn more about God and will follow Him all their lives.

The Most Important Thing You’ll Ever Study: A Survey of the Bible is available at your favorite Christian bookstore.

Disclaimer: I received the full set of books for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Give Them Grace

Give Them Grace:  Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus
Written by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick & Jessica Thompson
Published at Crossway

About the book

How are parents to raise children so they don’t become Pharisees (legalists) or prodigals (rebels)? It’s all about grace-filled, gospel-driven parenting, says the mother/daughter team of Elyse Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson. Christian parents, in their desire to raise godly children, can drift toward rule-centered discipline. There is, however, a far more effective method—a grace-motivated approach that begins with the glorious truth of God’s love for sinners.

In Give Them Grace, parents will learn how to connect the benefits of the cross—especially regeneration, adoption, and justification—to their children’s daily lives. Chapters address topics such as our inability to follow the law perfectly, God’s forgiveness and love displayed at the cross, and what true heart obedience looks like. Fitzpatrick and Thompson also discuss discipline, dealing with popular culture, and evangelism as a way of life. Parents will find this book a great resource for raising grace-filled, Jesus-loving kids.

Who are Elyse M. Fitzpatrick & Jessice Thompson?

Elyse M. Fitzpatrick holds a masters in biblical counseling from Trinity Theological Seminary. She is a member of the National Association of Nouthetic Counselors, is a retreat and conference speaker, and is the head of Women Helping Women Ministries. Fitzpatrick has authored nearly a dozen books, including Because He Loves Me.

Jessica Thompson is a member of an Acts 29 church and has been homeschooling for the past two years. She is married and has three children.

My Thoughts

I need to be honest with you – I had trouble all summer to get into this book.   The title is appealing and the subject of the book seems interesting, however I tried multiple times over the summer to read this book and I just couldn’t get into it.   

The book is divided into two part – Foundations of Grace and Evidences of Grace.    Each chapter ends with a reflections time with a series of questions that will help you follow the lead of the Spirit in reflecting on what you have read.

Somehow this book has not spoken to me whatsoever.    I even brought it on our mini-vacation recently and still couldn’t get into it.    I suspect that in this time in life, this book is not what I need.   

However, even though this book has not been a positive title at this moment for me it doesn’t mean that it will be the case for you.  My suggestion would be that you go spend a couple of hours at your local bookstore and sit down with the book to read.   If you immediately get into the chapter you are reading, then I would purchase it if I were you.    It could be also an interesting book for a book study for moms at your local church.   I like the fact that there are questions to answers at the end of each chapter.  There are even questions at the end of the book for you to reflect on what you have read through your journey in this book. 

Give Them Grace is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: I received the product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Seek and Find Bible

Seek and Find Bible (ESV)
Published at Crossway

About this Bible

Published in partnership with Concordia Publishing House, this new full-color children’s Bible combines the complete ESV Bible text with more than 120 new, vibrant illustrations of major Bible stories. Accompanying each full-page illustration is the Bible story itself, clearly and accurately retold for young readers—and for the parents, grandparents, and teachers who read to them. Each story includes a Key Bible Verse to memorize, Additional Readings for discovering more of the story throughout the Bible, and simple Reflection Questions to help children begin to understand and apply God’s Word. Colorful icons make it easy for young readers to see where each story is found in the Bible text and to locate the illustration that goes with it.

In addition, dozens of Bible characters are profiled throughout the pages, and color call-out sections provide illustrated facts about important Bible objects, structures, and places. Each Bible book begins with a child-friendly introduction, highlighting the important characters and themes found in it.

The ESV Seek and Find Bible is the ideal first “real” Bible for pre-readers and young readers, ages 5 to 9, to grow up with. It is also a wonderful resource for parents to use in family Bible reading and for teachers who teach the Bible to young children.

• More than 130 full-page, full-color illustrations
• Simple Bible story retellings for each illustration
• Age-appropriate introductions to each Bible book
• Key Verses to memorize
• Illustrated profiles of more than 50 major Bible characters
• Illustrated facts about Bible objects, structures, and places
• Reflections Questions for children, parents and teachers

My Thoughts

This bible seems to be fun to read for a child.   It is geared for kids ages 5 to 9 years old but to be honest I think it should be for ages 8-12.

The Bible has two colors highlighting the books names and chapters as well as the subtitles you find throughout the Bible.   The colors are subtle and in the pastel tones.  These colors  are relaxing for the eyes I find.

You will also find character profiles as well as specific sections telling a story on some of the characters.  Following this story, the child will have a seek and find where he/she can find the section in the Bible where this story is located, a key verse that could be memorized, three key questions to help the child to ponder on what he/she has read as well as related Bible readings to deepen the study.

It contains the complete ESV Bible text which makes it easy for kids to understand.   I don’t know much about the ESV version.  Personally in our house, our kids are introduced to the NIV with AWANA and the NLT at home/church.    

This Bible can be used by Sunday School teachers as well as the scriptures are indeed easier to comprehend.

Finally, this Bible would also become a wonderful gift for a communion, confirmation or for a baptism. 

The Seek and Find Bible is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Crossway for sending me the featured product for review purpose. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

The Organized Home Schooler

The Organized Home Schooler
Written by Vicki Caruana
Published at Crossway

About the book

A veteran educator offers spiritual and practical advice to families on how to become more proficient in educating their children. This book discusses issues such as time management and the use of space to aid in a more clutter-free life.

Who is Vicki Caruana?

Formerly a public school educator, Vicki Caruana frequently speaks at homeschool conventions and leads workshops while also homeschooling her two sons.

My Thoughts

I wonder if there is an homeschooler out there that is fully organized.   I find that in my four years of homeschooling so far I have improved but there is still much improvement in getting organized.   My biggest organizational lack is more than likely following a schedule properly.

Nevertheless, there is always room for improvement in my life as a wife,mother and homeschooler.   So when I got the copy of The Organized Home Schooler into my hands I was quite intrigued and curious about it.   I immediately started to read it.  

The author starts with the basics which is making you dig in your Bible to discover interesting scriptures on organization.  After this chapter, you get thrown in the  reasons of being organized as well as various chapters on getting organized with your time, space, supplies & materials, paperwork, and family.    She also gives you plenty of example based on her own life.  Each chapter concludes with a check list to help you review the information from the chapter with a quick glance on the page.   So far I am savouring this book.   I am taking my time to read it as I know that I could improve on various levels of organization – at home, planning for a trip, in the RV…. you name it.

But before finishing my review of this book, I would like to share how I tackled the paperwork linked with our homeschooling.    To avoid having to keep too many papers from the work the kids are doing every years, I decided to scan them and saved them on my laptop (which is backed up on a regular basis).    This permits me not to have to swim in lots of papers in my office (because I already have tons of paper to keep for the business and our household)…   The kids didn’t want to throw they creations and we came to the agreement that we will keep some for their memory books, scan or take a picture of the rest before it goes in the recycling.    This way everyone is satisfied and my kids know that they will get a copy later in life.   For workbooks, I keep some and scan the rest.   For example, all the work that my oldest do on Easy Grammar can be scanned and then recycled.  However, his work with Math U See will be stored (even though I scan the  certificate of accomplishment).  

I am still a young homeschooler and I love reading this kind of book every once in a while just to be updated on the new things going on or to get encouragements. The Organized Home Schooler is the kind of book that will encourage you to get better at what you do.   One way for an homeschool to be on top of things is to be organized.   With this book you can identified the areas where you need improvement and apply the suggestions the author has.

The Organized Home Schooler is available everywhere, even at amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Crossway for sending me the featured product for review purpose. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the sponsor in any way.  All opinions expressed here are only my own.

God’s Mighty Acts in Creation

God’s Mighty Acts in Creation
Written by Starr Meade
Published at Crossway

About the book

Nature reveals majestic truths about God—truths that help us know him better. God’s Mighty Acts in Creation helps children recognize those wonders, and what they tell us about their Creator.

As Starr Meade, author of Mighty Acts of God, guides young readers through the six days of creation, she points to how creation displays the wisdom and power of God. She also helps readers explore and apply other references to nature in the Bible by answering questions such as: What did Jesus mean when he claimed to be the true vine? How is all flesh like grass, and how should that affect the way we live? What was God revealing about himself when he made the sun stand still for Joshua? Each reading includes a key verse, stimulating questions, and engaging activities, all geared toward elementary-aged children.

Whether parents use this book for family devotions or children read it for themselves, all will learn how God’s glory, wisdom, sovereignty, and power are revealed in all of creation. This is a companion volume to God’s Mighty Acts in Salvation.

Who is Starr Meade?

Starr Meade served for ten years as the director of children's ministries in a local church and taught Latin and Bible for eight years in a Christian school. A graduate of Arizona College of the Bible and the author of two other books, including Training Hearts, Teaching Minds, Meade currently teaches home school students. She and her husband make their home in Mesa, Arizona, and she is mother to three grown children and three grandsons.

My Thoughts

This book is interesting.   While going through the creation order, the author is writing little devotions for kids ages 8 to 12.    I know my kids will enjoy these little devotions and learn from it at the same time.

As homeschooler it is important for me to find devotions where you can learn something at the same time.   Mighty Acts of God in Creation is just like that.   The devotion starts with scriptures as well as a two pages telling you more about the subject mentioned in the title.    At the end of the devotion, a little section titled “As for me and my house…” will guide the child or your family into experiments or questions to help to understand what has been read.

From what I have read so far, I am pleased with this little book.   It will become a part of our homeschool in the new year.    There are 45 devotions in this book but it can be spread on a few months if you do two or three per week.

God’s Mighty Acts in Creation is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Crossway for sending me the featured product for review purpose. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the sponsor in any way.  All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Family Driven Faith

Family Driven Faith – Doing What It Takes To Raise Sons and Daughters Who Walk With God
Written by Voddie Baucham Jr.
Published at Crossway

About the book

More teens are turning away from the faith than ever before: it is estimated that 75 to 88% of Christian teens walk away from Christianity by the end of their freshman year of college. Something must be done.

Family Driven Faith equips Christian parents with the tools they need to raise children biblically in a post-Christian, anti-family society. Voddie Baucham, who with his wife has overcome a multi-generational legacy of broken and dysfunctional homes, shows that God has not left us alone in raising godly children. He has given us timeless precepts and principles for multi-generational faithfulness, especially in Deuteronomy 6. God’s simple command to Moses to teach the Word diligently to the children of Israel serves as the foundation of Family Driven Faith.

This bold book is an urgent call to parents--and the church--to return to biblical discipleship in and through the home.

Who is Voddie Baucham?

Voddie T. Baucham Jr. is the preaching pastor of Grace Family Baptist Church in Spring, Texas. Author of Family Driven Faith and The Ever-Loving Truth, Baucham is also a sought-after Bible teacher and conference speaker. He and his wife, Bridget, have four children.

My Thoughts

Seems to me that all the big names are writing/speaking about the same thing lately.   But it is a subject of matter that need to be reminded over and over again.   Consequently, I welcome such books/talks in my life so I don’t sit down and relax a bit because life goes by so fast.   My kids need a constant reminder of God and need to have parents who are willing to remind them daily of the biblical worldview.

Many parents leave the biblical teaching to the church.  Unfortunately, more and more now we realize that it wasn’t enough as older children are leaving the church when they get to high school and college.   What is missing?   What went wrong?

This book will help parents to realize what needs to be done and encourage them to raise their children biblically in a fallen world.   It is not easy to do so but perseverance will bring success.

Voddie is down to earth and writes beautifully to make you understand the importance to be involve in the home when it concerns biblical teaching.   The more you read the book, the more precise the author is and he is encouraging you to take a step and guide your own children.  

I like the way the author writes.  He has clear and recent examples.   At the end of each chapters, he also has a little section titled Take Action which gives you ideas and actions to do with your family.  

I find it important that parents take the initiative and be responsible when it comes to teaching the Word.   I myself was not raised in a Christian home.   I grew up in a catholic state of mind but going to church only at Easter and Christmas as well as important steps like First Communion and Confirmation (and while visiting my maternal-grandmother as well).   I always had a picture bible and my maternal grand-mother was a devout person.   But honestly, I missed a lot.   And when I became a Christian I was scared to death on how to pass the faith to my own kids.   Well, it’s not complicated really.   You just need to be open and make sure your kids understand God and what He is doing in our lives.   It is amazing how much they can understand!   From teaching the Word and living it in our house, our kids are following God with all their heart.   They understand the importance of giving to the poor and participate actively in what we can do for them.   Recently, we did a shopping spree at the grocery store and bought food for the local food bank.   The kids were able to select some of the food and were there when we brought the supplies.    They even got a tour of the facility.   Another time, while we were having a garage sale, my oldest wanted to do something for the people in Haiti and decided to held a lemonade stand and asked for donations for Haiti.    The kids were polite asking people and the results were above their expectations.

Family Driven Faith is a must have for any family – especially those who are wondering how to bring back their kids on the right path.  It is never too late.   You can do something about it.

If you are interested and want to explore the book more before buying it, you can read the first chapter here.

The author himself is discussing the book in these videos on the Family Driven Faith Channel.

This review was possible because I received a copy of Family Driven Faith from Crossway.

Family Driven Faith is available everywhere even at amazon.ca.

Mighty Acts of God – A Family Bible Story Book

Mighty Acts of God – A Family Bible Story Book

Written by Starr Meade and Illustrated by Tim O’Connor
Published at Crossway

About the book
"Do as David did. Don't do as Saul did. Follow this Old Testament person, but not that New Testament person." That's what you may find in many Bible story books. In Mighty Acts of God Starr Meade takes a new approach to teaching the Bible to elementary school aged children: she focuses not on characters in Scripture, but on God. Each of the ninety Bible stories included focus on a particular character trait or truth about God, emphasizing that God is the main character in every Bible story.

Each story in Mighty Acts of God is retold in lively, modern-day language from a Reformed perspective, and is followed by an application section with several discussion-sparking questions and prayer points. By moving chronologically through both the Old and New Testaments, parents and children glimpse the person of God as one of consistency, vibrancy, passion, and love.

Designed for families with children ages four through ten, this Bible story book takes a panoramic, chronological look at the character of God.

Who are Starr Meade and Tim O’Connor?
Starr Meade is a graduate of Arizone College of the Bible and the author of Training Hearts, Teaching Minds and Keeping Holiday. She currently teaches homeschool students in Mesa, Arizona.

Tim O’Connor has illustrated various Christian children’s books, including My Bedtime Anytime Storybook and My Pajama Bible.

My Thoughts
My first reaction when I received this book to review was “Crossway do publish lots of Bible Story books lately.” Honestly I didn’t know what to expect from this new Family Bible Story Book. But I must say that I am quite surprised and pleased with it.

You will find definition of words that as Christian we used often like grace, sin or predestine for examples. You will have a key verse to learn together as well as the reference of the story in the Bible. The stories themselves are more like devotionals based on the Bible and written so that the kids can understand it better. Finally each story is completed with suggestions on how to discuss and apply the lesson learned. And these suggestions are interesting. For example, one of the things to do as a family is to consider together some problem areas where God does not seem to be doing anything and the pray for God to work in these situations and ask Him for grace to trust that he is working, even when we don’t see it.

As a homeschooler I can see using this book throughout a year with one story per week. This book is a wonderful addition to your personal library. It can also become a wonderful gift for young families.

This review was possible because I received a copy of Mighty Acts of God from Crossway.

Mighty Acts of God is available everywhere even at amazon.ca and indigo.ca.

The BIG PICTURE Story Bible

The BIG PICTURE Story Bible

Written by David Helm
Illustrations by Gail Schoonmaker
Published at Crossway

About the book
No child is too young to begin learning about the greatest love story of all—God’s love for his people, as portrayed in the Bible. David R. Helm and Gail Schoonmaker collaborate to create a beautifully illustrated book of Bible stories especially for children, written with simplicity. Rather than simply retelling the most familiar short scenes from the Bible, this book presents the “big picture”—the unified story running through the Old and New Testaments. This delightful book will help children learn the Bible’s whole story and begin to appreciate the fulfillment of God’s promise to his people.

The Big Picture Bible Story Book is perfect for parents to read to their children, and eventually, for children to read on their own. It is an excellent way to introduce them to a book that will guide them through all of life.

Who is David Helm?
David Helm serves on the pastoral staff of Holy Trinity Church, a multi-congregational church in Chicago. In addition he is the executive director of The Simeon Trust, which partners with churches to train men for gospel ministry. In this capacity, he leads workshops on biblical exposition to promote practical instruction in preaching. Helm is the co-author of The Genesis Factor (with Jon Dennis) and a contributor to Preach the Word: Essays on Expository Preaching.

Who is Gail Schoonmaker?
Growing up, Gail Schoonmaker loved to draw pictures depicting the songs and stories she heard in church. She earned a B.A. in art from Wheaton College and makes her home in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood with her husband, Keith, and their four children.

My Thoughts
What an interesting concept. The BIG PICTURE Story Bible is indeed a BIG book. You should have seen my face when I received the package from Crossway with the book to be reviewed that month. It was heavy and huge. I was thinking: “What in the world did Crossway have sent this time?”

But it was a nice surprise in the package. The Big Picture Story Bible is a delight to read with the kids. The colourful images are simply fantastic and out-of-the-ordinary. Every now and then you will get a picture of people looking up in the sky as though God is looking down on them. Sometimes, they are crying out to Him, other times they are rejoicing for what He has done. These illustrations were definitively a different way to look at God’s Word for sure.

Even the text is different to other picture bibles we have seen in the past. It will take the reader from Genesis to Revelation and will bring parts of the Bible to life. Sometimes, you will even read a perspective not often seen in the children’s picture bibles.

My kids enjoyed reading this story bible. They commented on the illustrations and thought it was very interesting to see the people looking up at you while reading it. My oldest son even took the book and sat one afternoon to go through it. He was very impressed with the whole book in general.

This wonderful book would be a great gift for a child you know or simply as a baby shower gift.

This review was possible because I received a copy of The BIG PICTURE Story Bible from Crossway.

The BIG PICTURE Story Bible is available everywhere even at amazon.ca and indigo.ca.

Big truths for Young Hearts: Teaching and Learning the Greatness of God

Big Truths for Young Hearts: Teaching and Learning the Greatness of God
Written by Bruce A. Ware
Published at Crossway

About the book
Equips parents to guide their young children through all major doctrines in an understandable, chapter-a-day format.

Sure, it’s easy to teach your children the essentials of Christian theology when you’re a theology professor. But what about the rest of us?

With Big Truths for Little Hearts, Bruce Ware, (you guessed it!) a theology professor, encourages and enables parents of children 6–14 years of age to teach through the whole of systematic theology at a level their children can understand. Parents can teach their children the great truths of the faith and shape their worldviews early, based on these truths.

The book covers ten topics of systematic theology, devoting several brief chapters to each subject, making it possible for parents to read one chapter per day with their children. With this non-intimidating format, parents will be emboldened to be their children’s primary faith trainers—and perhaps learn a few things themselves along the way.

Who is Bruce A. Ware?
Bruce A. Ware is the president of the Evangelical theological Society in 2009 and professor of Christian Theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has written numerous journal entries, book chapters and book reviews, and has authored God’s Lesser Glory, God’s Greater Glory, and Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

My Thoughts
Last month, I have won the prize for bloggers at Crossway which was 25$ on the online store. After much thinking, I choose a book and funny enough I had picked the next book that will be sent to bloggers. I was told about this and was able to select another book since I was going to receive Big Truth for Young Hearts shortly after.

When I first became a Christian – some 12 years ago – I started thinking about how I would teach my kids about God and Jesus Christ. I worried a bit about it simply because I wasn’t coming from a Christian family. I would have to learn from scratch almost. My husband on the other hand had been raised with some Christian values.

I didn’t have to worry because to explain the basis of Christianity it is quite simple. However, when you come to more theological aspects of things, anyone might wonder where to start. Well, I am happy to tell you that someone already thought about it and wrote a book for you.
New on the market is Big Truths for Young Hearts written by Bruce A. Ware. The book is supposed to encourage and enable parents of children 6-14 years old to teach through the theology in an understandable, chapter-a-day format. However, I find that 6 years old might be a little too young… especially for children for which the attention span might be short. I can see myself doing a chapter-a-day with my 8th year old son who is able to concentrate on things that is read to him. However, my soon-to-be 6 year old son would have difficulties.

Nevertheless, I decided to dig into this interesting book to discover more about it. The chapters are divided in 9 sections; God’s Word and God’s Own Life as God, God as Three in One, Creator and Ruler of All, Our Human Nature and Our Sin, Who Jesus Is, The Work That Jesus Has Done, The Holy Spirit, Our Great Salvation and The Church of Jesus Christ. As you can see, it is not easy subjects to talk about with children. But questions might arise about some specific one like - What is the trinity? What is sin? What is baptism? And so on.

I find that the author explains in simple terms as well as with illustrations the concepts approached in this book. I see our family using this book as part of our homeschool year and I am planning to sit down with my oldest son during the nap time and go through this book slowly. I want to make sure that he will understand the theology presented in the book. Not only will he learn more about God but I suspect that I will too.

To top it off, at the end of each chapter, you will find some questions to help you discuss the chapter with your child. There is also a memory verse which you can decide to learn as a family together. What a great way to instill a good habit in our children and in ourselves. The Bible does mention about keeping God’s word in our heart.

On this Remembrance Day, I was doing my chapter of the book Power of a Praying Woman and wrote on facebook about Psalm 103 and the reasons to praise God. Funny enough while digging in Big Truths for Young Hearts that day, I come across the chapter God Provides All good Things in the World which also mentions Psalm 103. Is it a coincidence? I think not because in the struggles we are experiencing with our business we need to be reminded to praise Him in all circumstances – no matter what is going on. I definitively got a confirmation of my previous lesson when I read that chapter.

I strongly recommend Big Truths for Young Hearts for any families who want to give a solid base of theology to their children.

Big Truths for Young Hearts is available everywhere even at amazon.ca and indigo.ca.

This book was provided for review by Crossway.

A Family Guide to the Bible

A Family Guide to the Bible
By Christin Ditchfield
Published at Crossway

About the book
All Christian parents want their children to gain a better understanding of God’s Word, but many of them are still searching to completely understand the Bible themselves. How can they confidently share what they believe with their families?

A Family Guide to the Bible takes readers on a fun and exciting tour through all sixty-six books of the Bible and offers parents, grandparents, and teachers a better understanding of the Scriptures so they can help the children in their lives know what is in the Bible, where to find it, and how it all fits together. As Christians become more familiar with God’s Word, they will gain greater confidence as they share what they believe with their family and friends, help answer questions concerning the Bible, and encourage others to grow deeper in their walks of faith.

Who is Christin Ditchfield?
Christin Ditchfield is the host of the syndicated radio program “Take It to Heart!” heard daily on stations across the United States, Canada, Central and South America. She is a popular conference speaker and author of more than 40 books. Her articles have appeared in numerous national and international magazines, including Focus on the Family, Today’s Christian Woman, Sports Spectrum, and Power for Living.

My Thoughts
I took the time to explore and compare The Family Guide to the Bible before writing my review. The two books I used for the comparison part are: What the Bible is all About by Dr. Henrietta C Mears and Willmington’s Bible Handbook.

A Family Guide to the Bible is a wonderful tool to own in your house so that you can get more information about every single book of the Bible. However, I must confess that I am a little disappointed with the depth of the information in the book. I was expecting more details and so on but it isn’t the case. It gives you a good overview of the books found in the Bible with information related to the book (author, audience, setting, story and message), a key verse or passage, a section which give you more information on how this is related to the rest of the Bible, Words to know with definitions on specific words found in the book, a section called Did you Know? with information concerning this specific book, and a section titled Making the Connection in which you can read some specifics related to this book and history.

Now, if you are looking for something more complete and exhaustive, I would definitively go with one of the two that I have used to compare A Family Guide to the Bible. However, if you are only looking for something to introduce yourself and your kids to the books of the Bible in more details than what you can found in a study Bible, this book would be perfect. I know that I will use it in my homeschool because the two other books are a little bit too complicated to understand for children. As parents it is our primary responsibility to teach our children about God and His Word. This book will help you to give more details about each book you will find in the Bible. It is perfect to introduce your children to biblical studies. It is never too young to start to learn more about God and His Word.

A Family Guide to the Bible published at Crossway is available everywhere even at amazon.ca and indigo.ca.

What He Must Be... If He Wants to Marry My Daughter

What He Must Be… If He Wants to Marry My Daughter
By Voddie T. Baucham Jr.
Published at Crossway

About the Book
All parents want their daughters to marry godly young men. But which qualities, specifically, should they be looking for?

What will you say when that certain young man sits down in your living room, sweaty-palmed and tongue-tied, and asks your permission to marry your daughter? What criteria should he meet before the two of them join together for life? What He Must Be… If He Wants to Marry My Daughter outlines ten qualities parents should look for in a son-in-law, including trustworthiness, a willingness to lead his family, an understanding of his wife’s role, and various spiritual leadership qualities.

Author Voddie Baucham follows up on his popular book Family Driven Faith with this compelling apologetic of biblical manhood. By studying the principles outlined in his book, parents who want their daughter to marry a godly man—as well as those who want their sons to become godly men—will be well equipped to help their children look for and develop these God-honoring qualities.

Who is Voddie T. Baucham Jr.?
Voddie T. Baucham Jr. is the preaching pastor of Grace Family Baptist Church in Spring, Texas. Author of Family Driven Faith and The Ever-Loving Truth, Baucham is also a sought-after Bible teacher and conference speaker. He and his wife, Bridget, have four children.

My Thoughts
I was a bit surprise when I received this book. I first saw the title – What He Must Be… If He Wants to Marry My Daughter – and laughed. You see my little girl is only 19 months right now. I thought it was funny because she was so young and far away from the dating/getting married years. But after I started the book, I realized that it wasn’t only a book about what to look for in the young man who will catch her heart but also for us to train our own sons to become strong men of faith and loving husbands.

The major problem these days is that many people get married without taking the covenant seriously. And when we are not happy or just plain dissatisfied, we divorce and try to found someone else. The truth is nobody is perfect and we need to work at our marriage. I like the view of the author on the fact that marriage is a ministry and raising our children too – we need to instill in them a love for God and a willingness of seeking Him.

The author has definitively some interesting views but sometimes I feel as though it is just too much. For example, in the section where the guy must be a leader – I agree with the fact the ultimately the man should lead his family especially when important decision are made. Don’t take me wrong, I think we as spouses can voice our concerns and thoughts about it but the final decision need to be made either both agree on it or if there is disagreement I think the man should listen to his spouse and then decide for the better or for the worse. However, when it concerns who should stay home and who should work – I don’t think that only the guy should work and only the woman should stay home. We live in a time where anything could happen. If for whatever reason, the woman could have a job which pays more and the guy is able to pitch in the house and care for the children – why not? For example, we own a business and if by any chance contracts don’t come in for whatever reasons, I am prepared to apply to work for the government (just I like I was doing before). Would I like it? No. But when it means you keep your home and there is food on the table – I won’t hesitate a minute and do it. I know my husband will do a great job caring for the kids and even homeschooling them. On the other hand, knowing how the young man thinks about the headship in a marriage is important. If he overvalues it, then you can prevent the future abuse of your daughter and her children. It’s important to be aware of that.

I am still reading the book and pondering on what is written. I discuss it also with my husband when I am not agreeing about something – and I am glad that my husband thinks like me. The author also brings the issue of women pastors in the book. I know it is a touchy subject of conversation for some of you but personally I see no problem to it.

However, even though I disagree with some comments made in the book, I love the idea of the strengths and weaknesses of the young man and work with him to strengthen the parts that need to be stronger before there is a marriage. Yes it is important that our daughter marries a Christian man who is prepared to lead like Christ and be committed to her and our future grandkids. I hope and pray that he will be a protector, a provider, a priest and a prophet within his own family. I pray that he is raised within a Christian family and if it isn’t the case that he won’t hesitate to ask for guidance from us. I also pray that my own sons become the kind of future son-in-laws that will take care of their wives and children. I know I am blessed to have such a husband in my own life and I am thankful for the upbringing he got from his parents. Thanks mom and dad in law. I love you!

The contents and the first chapter as well as the back cover of the book are available at Crossway. Simply click on the link for Crossway in the beginning of my review.

What He Must Be… If He Wants to Marry My Daughter is available everywhere even at amazon.ca and indigo.ca.

Book Review: What Does the Bible Say About That?

About What Does the Bible Say About That?
Most kids don’t realize it, but God’s Word has a lot to say about the things they care about. Covering more than 300 everyday topics in conversational, engaging, one-page units, 8 to 12 years old will get biblical perspective on many topics like homework, dieting, anger, sports, classmates, puberty, siblings, self-confidence, friendship, integrity, knowing God, etc.
Each page of the book what the topic has to do with the Bible, what the Bible says about it, and how the Bible’s teaching applies to the reader. Also, you will find 200 original cartoons that illustrate some of the topics.

Who is Carolyn Larsen?
Carolyn has written forty books for children and adults. She is a mother of three who combines humor and experience in writing on biblical topics. She is best known as the author of the Little Girls Bible Storybook line, which has sold 1 million units.

What do I think of What Does the Bible Say About That?
Love it. It's another wonderful book from Crossway. It’s simple and direct so that my oldest can understand the topics without problems. It gives some scriptures to relate to as well as some food for thought on each subject. There is also a prayer at the end of each topic so the child can talk to God about what he/she has just read. I can see ourselves using this as a devotional during our next school year. The topics are real for 8-12 years old and very down to earth.

While scanning the Table of Contents, I saw a topic on dancing. I was curious with what the author would write on this because our church is a church who worships God on electronic music and people don’t hesitate to dance if they want to. I was glad to see that Carolyn view of dancing is the same as ours. We don’t allow suggestive dancing as we think it is improper.
At the ages where influence from others is strong, we need to rely on God’s word to stay strong and firm. This little book will helps our kids to dig more into the Bible and to understand how it relates to today’s problems as well as how to live your life.

My only question mark regards a topic that I think should have been included in the book. When you look at the table of contents, you can see a topic about boys. Having three boys myself, I thought this is probably a topic specific for boys. I was wrong… This topic is for girls only! So I decided to check to see if there was something similar for boys under the topic Girls. Nothing. I checked a little bit more in the Table of Contents and found nothing specific for boys only… Mmmm!

So here’s what I would have written about the topic of girls.

What Does the Bible Say about Girls?
This one is for boys only. Some of you are not interested in girls whatsoever and others are starting to see them more. The feminine gender was created by God to complete the male. Girls are a beautiful creation. They can be vulnerable at times and it’s your duty as a boy to protect them and help them when it is needed.

What the Bible Says

Husbands love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
Colossians 3:19

Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
1 Peter 3:7

It (love) always protects, always trusts, always hopes,, always perseveres.
1 Corinthians 13: 7

And you husbands must love your wives with the same love Christ showed the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by baptism and God’s word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man is actually loving himself when he loves his wife. No one hates his own body but lovingly cares for it, just as Christ cares for his body, which is the church.
Ephesians 5:25-29

Time to Face the Facts
Like it or not, someday you will want to get married and a woman will enter your life. But in the meantime, you need to respect the girls around you and take care of them. The girl of your life will complete you and become your companion. She and you will grown close to each other and support each other. To prepare yourself you need to learn to care and respect them. Be yourself when you talk to them and be honest. Always make sure they feel secure in your presence and that they can trust you.

Today I Will…
Thank God for girls. Make a commitment to God that you will respect the girls around you, be nice to them as well as protect them if circumstances arise.