Monday, November 30, 2015

Song of the Stars by Sally Lloyd-Jones

Song of the Stars by New York Times bestseller, Sally Lloyd-Jones, and illustrated by Alison Jay is a board book about the celebration of all creation as they eagerly await the birth of Christ. The animals, trees, oceans and even the stars are anticipating letting the entire world know that God's promised Son, the Creator of ALL living things has been born! "It's Time! It's Time!"




My Review: Of course I loved the story. As a follower of Christ, I want to share the story of his birth with the little ones I love and I do like the sense of anticipation and excitement that builds as the author and illustrator demonstrate how all of creation rejoiced and celebrated the birth of Jesus.

But I thought the book structure was meant more for tinier hands to hold and the words were more appropriate for the 4-7 year old audience that it is meant to reach. It is a good book, but I guess my expectations in seeing the size had my expectations prepared for  the words to be geared more toward a toddler with a more limited vocabulary. So, it is more of a visual thing for me. I had my 1 year old great grandson in mind since it was a perfect size. But, his attention span would not last through a reading. By the time he is old enough to appreciate the words more, he is more apt to think of smaller board books as "baby books." Don't love it, but I did like it. It should be sturdy enough to hold up until he is old enough to sit still for a reading.


**I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Sally Lloyd-Jones is a leading writer of inspirational books for children. She is the author of three bestselling children’s Bibles, including the Gold Book Award-winning Baby’s First Bible and, most recently, the Moonbeam Award Winner and ALA notable, The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name. She has written many picture books for children, including the critically acclaimed New York Times bestseller How to Be a Baby: By Me, the Big Sister. Sally was born and raised in Africa, was schooled in England, and now lives in New York City. She can be found at www.sallylloyd-jones.com.

I'm Happy For You... by Kay Wills Wyma

Do you find yourself measuring your value against your friend’s house, body, marriage, resume, paycheck, organic garden, or Pinterest-worthy holiday décor, and coming up lacking? Do your college roommate’s Instagram snapshots bear little resemblance to the scene at your house this morning?

Excessive comparison and competition sap our energy and steal our joy. Our friends become our audience and judges, and our kids become part of our brand. Add social media’s constant invitation to post and peruse, and it’s no wonder that we’re left exhausted, discontent, and lonely. Thankfully, there is another way!

With  refreshing candor and humor, Kay Wyma shares her experiences with comparison living and offers readers the simple remedies that helped her and her family reboot their perspective and discover freedom, authenticity, and joy.

My Review:
I'm Happy For You (Sort Of...Not Really): Finding Contentment in a Culture of Comparison by Kay Wills Wyma touches on something we all struggle with to some degree at one time or another: COMPARISON. Since the dawn of mankind, we have looked around and noticed that we did not have something someone else had. No matter how content you may be, there is most likely times you look at someone else and wonder why you don't have what they have, go where they go, or get to do the things they do. And, with the social media being such a major part of our culture, envy can raise its ugly head frequently. I confess I have envied others...and been stunned if someone sometimes says they envy me.

However, Wyma brings this out in a humorous style that makes you laugh at her family anecdotes, but also at yourself and your own moments of envy. There are also a few lessons to be learned along the way. Quite often the "A-HA Moment" comes when it is one of her children working through their own feelings, and sometimes it is when she catches herself worrying about what others may think or if she has completely failed as a parent. Sidebars and inserts from others provides insights from others who struggle.

For those who are looking for a Bible study or great spiritual insight, this book isn't it...and wasn't what I was looking for anyway. However, it was obviously written by a person who lives out her faith and has the same struggles we all have. I am also planning on checking out her blog and look forward to reading more books by her. 


SOCIAL • CORNER






"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.” Deadline to enter is December 4 at 2pm CT.

Thursday, November 19, 2015

No Fear by Tony Perkins

No Fear: Real Stories of a Courageous New Generation Standing For Truth  is a timely book for a world that is increasing becoming gripped in fear with growing violence and unrest all around us. Written by Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council, this book is filled with examples of ordinary people who courageously stood up for what was right and true in the face of opposition. Perkins then correlates the modern person with a familiar Biblical story. We often forget that many of our Biblical heroes were ordinary men and women whom God used.


These stories are familiar to many of us due to media coverage and endless debate on social media, but are told with less hype and slant. There is a tremendous difference in those who boldly are looking for a fight and those who have to test the courage of their convictions when their rights are being assaulted. No Fear is a book written to encourage Christians. It is not a backlash at nonbelievers nor a battle cry to deliberately choose to fight with those in opposition. This is more of a series of short stories of people of conviction and courage that can be read over a period of time. Not my favorite style, but it was well written, and each was a good reminder that trusting in God and being in the center of His will is what His followers are called to do. It is good for personal use or for a discussion group.

Disclaimer:
I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review. However all thoughts and opinions are my own.




Tony Perkins tells the stories of young Christians who took a stand for truth in the face of intense opposition. These unlikely heroes will show you the dramatic influence one person can have in seeking fairness, justice, and compassion in a nation. The book also draws you back to the heroes of the Bible who stood up for God in their own day and culture, modeling the same brand of courage that is needed today.
  - See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?work=247070#sthash.0q13ZJwH.dpuf
Tony Perkins tells the stories of young Christians who took a stand for truth in the face of intense opposition. These unlikely heroes will show you the dramatic influence one person can have in seeking fairness, justice, and compassion in a nation. The book also draws you back to the heroes of the Bible who stood up for God in their own day and culture, modeling the same brand of courage that is needed today.
  - See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?work=247070#sthash.0q13ZJwH.dpuf

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

A NIght of Art & Film! Kinkade Presents "Beyond the Farthest Star"



A Dallas Evening of Art & Film with Patrick Kinkade, Zac Kinkade, Andrew Librizzi, Benjamin Dane and the STARS of Beyond the Farthest Star! Watch the film • See the Thomas Kinkade painting inspired by the BTFS story! Advance Tickets Online Only: https://gathr.us/screening/13368