Favorites of 2010

Last night I began thinking of things from this past year that have been important to me. I had to laugh that so many of the words began with the same letter: Faith, Family, Friends, Films, Festivities, Flames, Finding...! Well, you get the point. My initial title for this note did make me giggle, but I decided it is inappropriate. Therefore, I was grateful when the word "Favorites" popped into my mind.

Faith: My faith becomes more important to me each year. This is the year I reluctantly decided leave a church family I still love dearly and move to another. I was so caught up in service to God that I was neglecting time with God. I also know myself well enough to know that I was not just going to learn to say no and step down from my involvement. I still have a long way to go in learning to rest in His presence and listen to His voice. (I do tend to talk way too much!) However, I am learning to seek Him and soak in His word. Prayer needs of others also is bringing me into more time spent with God.

Family: My "babies"are all in their 30s!! How did that happen so quickly? (Frankly, I still see a 16 year old when I look in the mirror....yeah, fantasy!!) My daughter remarried this year and is growing in her faith. My prayers are still with my sons to return to theirs, but I am proud of the people my children have become and have confidence that they will continue to evolve into the people God intends them to be.

The grandkids are rushing toward adulthood with amazing speed. Zac is driving!! I still see the little boy on his tricycle, but he will soon be a man and already shows a promise of maturity. Caitlyn is at the fun, frustrating, & fascinating age of fifteen. Cody is leaving behind the world of being a child quicker than I am ready for, but I am amazed at the young man he is becoming. Admittedly, there was the few weeks there when I broke out in hives every day when he got home from school...and he wasn't too thrilled to be around me either...but I believe we are going to be okay.

Friends: This is an absolutely amazing group of people who mean more to me than they could possibly realize. Some have been around for a lifetime...and I have the sheer pleasure of also being related to them. Some are people that I have met through the years and whether the relationship is one where we share details of our lives or one of a more casual nature, each is special to me. The third group are people I have never met. There are some I can share more detail with than I have shared with people I have known for over 50 years.....yet I never expect to meet them. (Perhaps that is the type that works best for me! LOL!) Whether I have known these friends since my entrance into the world, or they have just recently entered into my world, these are people I can talk to, pray for (& can ask them to pray for me), and rejoice in getting to know better. I hope you all know who you are and that I have let you know that I treasure you.

Films: What can I say? Beyond The Farthest Star!  Alright, seriously, there is no doubt that I am so excited about this film I talk of little else...and I couldn't begin to tell you why. Honestly...I don't know. :)
However BTFS and other faith-based films have become an important part of my life. On one hand it saddens me that we have become so entertainment saturated that simply telling others about Jesus no longer seems adequate. On the other, I see movies, music, & books as doors of opportunity to get a conversation started. I love to read, but I realize many do not. Music is my favorite form of worship...a song can bring me to the throne of God within seconds. But movies seem to weave a common thread with others. I like a variety with movies. I don't think the purpose of each faith-based film should be to lead others to Christ. I don't have the expectation of secular films to encapsulate their entire belief system within an approximately 2 hour time frame, so why should I expect Christian filmmakers to constrict themselves?

God did lay this industry on my heart. I know I probably drive many people up a wall as I promote a variety of films, but it seems silly for me to just sit around praying for the films and the people involved with them without sharing the news. Put it this way: If you feel something will make a difference in someone's life, do you tell them? Whether a film can help me share my faith with non-believers, clarify (whether about a person, an issue, whatever...), give a person something to think about,....or frankly, just entertain someone, how will people know if no one tells them? 

Festivities: Whether it is the most sacred of holidays that commemorate significant milestones in our beliefs (Christmas, Easter, etc.) to frivolous (Talk Like A Pirate Day, National Coffee Day...not sure if that is frivolous to me) to ones that give us both cause to reflect on our past and give hope to the future (any guesses here?), the festivities, celebrations, & holidays have given us an opportunity to share fun facts, favorites, fears, faith, friendship...and a common bond with one another. Hope to have many opportunities in 2011 to celebrate with y'all!!

Flames: What else, but.....my cooking...to use the term loosely. I noticed my most popular status updates were always when I mentioned my attempts to cook. While I do have the occasional success, I also have those moments with flames shooting out of the oven. My inability to boil water without some type of disaster still astounds me. I do want to thank some of you who were kind enough to believe that I merely lacked decent recipes. Some that I received did turn out quite well. Some looked promising, although my son constantly tells me that my ideas of "close enough" is usually no where near an adequate substitute. There are some I am still puzzling over: what is 'cake flour'? Let me leave this section with a quote I found written in my status updates that sums up this subject perfectly:
'I read recipes the same way I do science fiction. I get to the end and think, "Well, that's probably not going to happen!""

Finding: This refers to my recent attempts to clean out closets. No, I'm still not done!!!!! Once I packed away the reindeer antlers and nose.....THAT reminds me!! I never did come back and let people know about the nose. I lamented that I could not find my clown nose the day I discovered my reindeer antlers while cleaning. Well, I went to church with my daughter & family on Christmas Eve and red foam noses were being given to the children for them to wear while singing "Rudolph" during the program. I laughed and said that I needed one earlier due to the misplacement of my red nose, and they graciously gave me one!!!!! LOL! While I seldom feel the need to dress like Rudolph while cleaning (the closets were just particularly depressing)........now I can!!

Anyway...some of y'all may remember all of the plastic Easter eggs I kept finding! I am still finding them every where!! I apparently have bought dozens of the things over the years and just kept tossing them in the closet. Trust me, they are leaving my house.......in spite of the fact that I keep thinking of uses for them. I am also hoping I have found the last of my stashes of crayons, glue, & sticky notes. I doubt it, but I can hope. Who knows what all I may find before the forage through the closets is finished.

Facebook: Now, how could I omit this word? The previously mentioned topics would be futile and frustrating without the fun I have had here. Facebook has been at the center of so many aspects of my life, and I hope it will continue to be part of my life...but who know what the future holds.

Finally...thank you all for a fantastic year! May God bless each and everyone who has been a part of my life in 2010 and I hope 2011 is filled with love, life, laughter, & joy beyond belief!!!

I thank God whenever I think of you. My prayers for each are filled with joy! ~ Phil. 1:3-4
This is how I THINK I look!!!!!!!!!! LOL! A favorite photo from one of my favorite years.
November 1971 Goose Creek, SC
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I found this old Facebook Note that is special to me. It's easier to keep up with on Blogger than Notes.

Since 2018 was a "D" year (death, despair, disloyalty, discontent, depression, etc.) for the most part, it's more difficult to write about. I still have my joy... but happiness is harder to find. Of course, there were moments of delight, especially with Wyatt in my life. He and his big sister Audrey will need prayers and memories of their mom in the years ahead. And the assurance that their mom, Caitlyn, is safely Home... waiting to hold them again.

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Celebrating Sin

Celebrating and encouraging sin as a means of leading people to Christ has become the new norm. The important thing is to further your own agenda! Do not worry about the broken lives & people hurt; There's plenty of time to tell them about God's Word later.

Of course, impressionable children are being given a wrong message... but God is cool with leading children astray. Right? Not as long as it's used as a lesson in God's forgiveness and His offer of 2nd chances. You don't want them learning right from wrong and that sin has consequences. Nor does it matter than their upbringing is being placed in the hands of someone I would not trust to raise a cat. Or one who has proven she has no sense of loyalty.

The important thing is that you get what you want, you get to look like a person nurturing others (while ignoring that you are telling people lies about their sin and encouraging them to continue), and condemning people who disagree with your favorite "holier-than-thou" judgmental attitude.

It's really funny that you are so shocked I am opposed. The people I have confided in (so they can be praying for the children) are shocked and dismayed and absolutely stunned that you are not only complicit, but excited. They honestly believe your priority is the children. But your priority has always been yourself. This is simply the quickest way to get your house back to yourself. While I do understand, I could never risk the children's well-being. and, as much as I dislike the  behavior of the "adults" in the situation, encouraging immorality is just plain wrong. I feel sorry for the husband/best friend who was betrayed, but also for unbelievers whom you are encouraging to go against the word of God. I confess, I am still puzzled over your belief that this is a form of evangelism... but perhaps you do know, deep inside, that you are causing people to feel good about doing the wrong thing. Even more to the point, there are emotionally vulnerable people who have each lost a spouse... one through death, one through a recent divorce. Who in their right mind would be encouraging them to begin a new relationship... especially when their are young children involved? People have been popping in and out of their lives at an alarming rate and with some very poor examples being displayed. 

I pray that everyone seeks and finds God... and establishes a relationship with Him but I can not celebrate that which is wrong on so many levels. Even if there were no kids involved, this would be shameful. I do hate my own attitude is one of bitterness, but I am also very ashamed of you. You are narcissistic and delight in making those who disagree with you feel bad and unworthy.

(Obviously, this is something personal and meant for a particular person. I may regret things I have written... but I had to vent.)

Restoration Year - John Eldredge

Whether you have had a great year or one filled with many difficulties, the thought of a new year always brings to mind that there are changes we can make to transform us and to restore anything that needs healed or made whole. Restoration Year by John Eldredge (Ransomed Heart) is a 365-day Devotional designed to guide you on a year of restoration as you follow God for a richer experience with your relationship with God, and with other people in your life.

Each day provides Scripture and a short daily reading and ends with a prayer, a challenge or an inspirational message to further guide you along your journey. The steps you take will make a remarkable difference in your relationship with God. And, this will lead to a richer relationship with family and friends as you seek God first.

This is an embossed hardcover book with thick, easy-to-turn pages and an attached ribbon bookmark. It's easy to hold while reading, and since it's one page per day, most people should manage that well. My one complaint is no room for writing my own thoughts; there is some room in the margins of the book, but I would like a bit more space. This is a great devotional for a man, but also suitable for a woman or for a couple to read together. Published by Thomas Nelson.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers.com book review bloggers 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.”

Links:
Resoration Year - Thomas Nelson 
Ransomed Hearts website
John Eldredge and Ransomed Heart Ministries

Ellie Claire Devotionals

Devotions For A New Year

A new year will soon be here and a fresh new devotional can be a tremendous assest to your quiet time spent with God. Writing down your thoughts and prayers throughout the year is not only helpful as a way to focus your thoughts, but is a reminder at the end of the year of your deepening relationship with God. A devotional can signify a beginning, a end... but, most of all--- the journey.  

I had the pleasure of reviewing the following three devotionals from Ellie Claire (Worthy Publishing). 

PEACE BEGINS WITH ME
The end of a year always seems filled with holiday activities and an overload of memories as we look back. Many want to have a fresh start with a peaceful beginning to reconnect. Even the cover of this devotional looks calm and peaceful. Filled with Scripture that points the reader to the peace to be found in God and reminders of His strenghth and promise to be with us always. Using the prayer prompts, you can express your thoughts about how the Holy Spirit spoke to you daily through the Scripture and the anecdotal material included. You can purchase at Amazon or Barnes and Noble

TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS
Are you a music lover? If a song moves you into a deeper worship and praise experience, this is a devotional you will love. Each page starts off with a line from a familiar hymn... either traditional or contemporary that ties in with the daily devotion. That leads to Scripture to read that ties everything together in perfect harmony. There is plenty of room on the rest of the page to share your thoughts, prayers, and praises. This cover is my least favorite although I do love the color scheme. I would still buy this one for my personal use. Purchase on Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

THE EARTH IS THE LORD'S AND EVERYTHING IN ITThe cover of this one made me smile because it reminded me of a friend who loves peacocks. The inside is what counts, though, and I believe this should please anyone. This devotional have nature lover and those who delight in the creativity and beauty that surrounds us. The Scripture, devotional, and quotes will resonate with you as find beauty in our Creator and look beyond your own backyard to explore the possibilities God has in store. You can buy this at Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Each of these devotionals have:

• Lay-flat binding
• Archive quality, non-bleed paper
• Daily devotional with lightly ruled space for responses, lists, or journaling
• Full-color interior design
• Presentation page for personalization
• Foil, ribbon
• Closure band

I love Ellie Claire devotionals. The beautifully designed soft covers with gorgeous illustrations inside are inviting to use. I also appreciate that they are easy to keep open while writing in them... and no bleed-through. I did have a friend pop into my mind with 2 of the journals and plan to share them with those friends. Due to a year that did have wonderful events, like additional great-grandchildren, but also the tragic death of my beloved granddaughter... and other personal problems, the devotional on Peace is exactly what I need as I try to readjust to life. I recommend each of them.

I received these products courtesy of Ellie Claire and Worthy Publishing at no cost to myself in hopes that I would review them on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, but only for my honest opinion of each.

LINKS:
Ellie Claire website

Ellie Claire Facebook  

Ellie Claire Gifts Instagram

Worthy Publishing
Worthy Publishing Facebook

Worthy Publishing Instagram 

Worthy Publishing Twitter 

Holy Roar ~ Chris Tomlin/Darren Whitehead

Holy Roar is a small book, but not necessarily a quick read. The focus is on the 7 Hebrew words of praise and their specific meanings. Each chapter begins with one of the words with a pronunciation guide, definition, and an example of a Scripture where that specific word is used. Darren Whitehead, pastor of Church of the City in Nashville, then gives a personal story that gives an example of how the word is used that makes it much more relatable to people. Behind the Music is the section where musician/singer/worship leader Chris Tomlin tells the story behind some of his most well-known songs and how each is connected to a form of praise. Each chapter closes with a quote, several Scripture references that use the word (example, halal), and 5 questions to help with personal growth and reflection. The book is published by Thomas Nelson.

I wouldn't necessarily recommend this book for reading material, but I highly recommend it for personal growth and as a weekly or daily devotional for anyone wanting to learn more about prise and worship. It does have interest for just the casual reader but I believe you get a much better experience when you use it as an educational tool. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers 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.”

Can You Believe It? - Hillsong Kids

'Can You Believe It!? - Songs of Truth' is both a question and a challenge... a statement of gratitude to a loving God and an invitation to explore the very foundations of faith. Classic songs like 'My Best Friend', 'Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)' and 'What A Beautiful Name' join brand new declarations of faith such as 'As The World Shakes' & 'Heaven Is Our Home'. We pray that this collection of fun and vibrant songs, help children around the world to declare biblical truths about God's love and grace for them. (Amazon Editorial Review)

My Review: This Hillsong Kids DVD is a mixture of music, interviews, teaching moments and humor. Meant to explain the message of the Bible and the importance of church, topics included are the Bible, Church, living for God, and your need for a Savior. The material seems more suitable for elementary school children (7 - 11 years old). Of course, the music is wonderful for all age groups. I preferred the more well-known songs like "Oceans" and "What A Beautiful Name," but there were others that were enjoyable. I'm not a fan of some of the more upbeat pop type that would be more appealing to a child... but this is meant to be for children.

To be honest, I would have loved this as a CD or even if it had a 'Music Only' option on the DVD. Some parts of the adult interactions simply did not work for me, and the more teachable moments, while good, are not something I would listen to repeatedly. For a classroom setting, this is great, but I can't imagine wanting to hear the entire DVD frequently. Overall excellent material but not something I would watch often. The children in my life are all preschoolers and they lost interest whenever the music stopped also. So, definitely consider the age of the child when purchasing this product.

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 a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Kingdom Citizen - Tony Evans

Dr. Tony Evans offers a healthy dose of hope: the solution to our nation’s problems and unrest isn’t out of reach. The solution is here―and each one of us as Kingdom Citizens has a vital role to play.

Be assured that our God is greater than any challenge―and He has promised to equip His people. In Kingdom Citizen, you’ll discover how to respond in faith, in spite of a country and culture in decline.

Here is a powerful call to action for concerned Christians. Here is a call for unity and restoration. And here is strong assurance that each of us has the ability to walk justly, to seek truth, and to stand in the gap for our land. (Amazon site)

My Review: Kingdom Citizens is a short but insightful read on how we, as Christians, should have a role in rebuilding and restoring our relationship with God, the church, our nation, and our fellow citizens. Our country has been in turmoil for several years and it often feels as though we are on a brink of another civil war.

Pastor Evans reminds us to look at our nation's problems through a spiritual lens. We see the mess instead of focusing on how big our God is and leaning on Him. One example used in the book is Nehemiah and rebuilding Jerusalem. He turned to God first and then stepped out in faith, knowing God would move. Most of us worry, get angry, and/or try to figure out a solution. Then we turn to God to pray for his blessing or response to our requests.

This is an excellent book that reminds me of God's promises and encourages me to lean on Him. And... to take action, trusting God to clear the path and show me the way.

I received a copy of this book from the Tyndale Blog Program at no cost to me. However, all opinions are my own.

Finding Her Heart - Donna Wittlif

Only true love can help Allison conquer her Asperger's Syndrome and loneliness. Can she find it?

Allison is a talented artist, but she has no friends. The school psychologist diagnoses her with Asperger Syndrome. All she wants is to be understood and loved, but her life is a mess. Then she meets David, and his blue eyes and kind smile capture her heart. David, who makes her world seem so much bigger. David, who says he loves her. But does he? Or will a terrible secret concealed in this strange man's past dash her hopes of finding true love forever? She risks everything to find out the truth and to gain love.

A Christian romance for adult and young adult readers. A must-read for anyone who has ever been lonely. (website)

My Review: This is a new author for me, and the Asperger story line intrigued me, so I was eager to discover what Donna Wittlif had to say. Finding Her Heart is part of the Heart of the Family series.

A gifted artist at an early age, raised by a reclusive uncle and aunt, and friendless, Allie faced obstacles most of us cannot imagine. Her search for friendship, love, and happiness is one many of us seek, but her background and Asperger Syndrome do add to the challenge. Despite numerous setbacks, God's provision is always noticeable... even if she does not recognize it immediately.
 
In the beginning chapters I had several questions that I wanted answers to and that was a bit distracting, BUT... the answers did come and I became more caught up in Allie's unfolding story. The characters came alive for me and I found myself wanting to weep with the losses and celebrate the victories. Watching Allie's growth and strength of character with each development is a major encouragement for so many who will read this story. The people in her life, each there for a certain reason, were a good blend of people who cross into our lives and change it.

I don't want to give away any spoilers, so I will just leave it at... the book's ending was very satisfactory and a hopeful, encouraging way to end Allie's story. I highly recommend reading it for yourself.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, TCK Publishing, but was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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The Familiar Stranger

Sometimes the pain of losing a loved one is most profound and painful when the loss occurs among the living. When it's a person you have known literally her entire life... she's known you both inside and out--- yet your relationship is that of strangers. Worse, a stranger you are leery of being around for fear of emotional assault. I hear, "I love you" but, as I have always told my family (and everybody else), "Actions speak louder than words." I want to believe, but there is no evidence to back the claim.

I see her, but am nervous to approach. Speaking is even worse. Will I be treated as family or friend... or quickly be put in my place for daring to speak? It's like attempting to cross a minefield that contains both live ammo and duds; I may escape unscathed or I may endure emotional battle scars that are never allowed to heal. If she has to come to my house, it's almost always when she knows I am not home or probably asleep. So I hate to go to hers where she is obligated to be near me.

One of the hardest parts is that I have never known what I did wrong. I guess that makes me even more intolerable in her eyes. I know she is loved by many and has a reputation of being wise, caring, compassionate, giving, and willing to do anything for anyone and I am very proud of her. Sometimes I even get to be "anyone" but only enough to give me a tiny bit of hope. Goodness knows I am very far from being the person I want to be yet no one else on earth makes me feel like I should apologize for everything I do. Especially if that something requires her to spend time with me. Over the years I have learned to set emotional boundaries with everyone, but I do find a bit of ironic humor in the fact that the main person who most frequently tells me I should be more trusting of others is one of THE main reasons I don't trust people with my heart.

Although it breaks my heart, the familiar beloved face of one whom I would willingly lay down my life for avoids me as much as possible, I love her too much to force myself into her life. Unless she ever wants more, I will keep my distance from the familiar stranger I will occasionally see.

Caitlyn the Giver

Caitlyn was mischievous, beautiful, exasperating, opinionated, stubborn, optimistic, and more... but most of all she was a generous giver of time and resources.

The first time I noticed her desire to give was when she was about 3 or 4. She heard about the "March for Jesus" our church was participating in, which included a food drive. That afternoon she told me she needed bags. I walked into the kitchen to find my cabinets and refrigerator completely emptied. When I asked why, her reply was, "Jesus needs food!" 


A couple of years later, when she learned of the Building Fund for our new church building, she rushed down to the Sunday School class I taught and breathlessly exclaimed, "Quick! I need a quarter!" In response to my, "Why?" Caitlyn excitedly told me, "We're building a new church! Somebody has to pay for it!"


In 5th grade, I was not at all surprised to hear her class gathered the

most food for the canned food drive. My cabinets were emptied more than once. At least she did not grab the perishables or open containers this time.

Once she became a teen, my refrigerator was sometimes emptied because she noticed friends in my neighborhood had no food. She would also tell me of clothing needs because I volunteered at a local clothing ministry.

For several months, she would stop by my house before her Youth Group to ask for $5 to buy a drink. When I once asked why she needed that much, she explained that one girl who came never had money so she always bought hers too. 

As she became an adult --- a wife and a mother, her compassion grew even stronger. She would give to anybody who had a need if she had it to give... or knew of someone else who had it. A few months ago she became aware of Cullman's Little Pantry and encouraged others to donate food.

She genuinely cared about her friends, and even strangers she encountered. Caitlyn was the one person I could depend upon if I needed to go to the store, or my computer or phone worked on or just to see if I wanted to get out of the house for a bit. She was more than my grandchild, she became my friend. She was far from perfect, and we had some strong differences of opinions more than once, but I never doubted her generosity and love of me and others. I doubt the hole in my heart and life will ever be completely filled but the memories will encourage me to try to be more like her generous spirit... and to let her babies know the kind of mama they had.

Caitlyn Paige Burton Ross
Oct 3, 1995 ~ Sept 27, 2018

Little Women review

Little Women invites you to love and laugh together with your sisters, the women you are connected with through family and/or heart connections for this celebration of family and the deep bonds between sisters. This is not a faithful adaption of the original book, but a fresh look at the family dynamics in current times. Being released in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Louisa May Alcott's novel, I believe it will bring a whole new fan base. As much as I love the historical specs of the original, I believe this version remains true to the characters in the novel while bringing a story that relates to today's woman.

Featuring a strong cast of women including Jo (Sarah Davenport), Meg (Melanie Stone), Beth (Allie Jennings), Amy (Elise Jones), and Marmee (Lea Thompson), they remain faithful to the novel characters and have a sisterly comradery that works well onscreen. I also saw traits that were part of Louisa May Alcott's personality. She based Jo on herself and I think the modern-day Jo would still be like Alcott if she were living in the 21st century. I love the "Castles in the Air" that Marmee makes for each as she wisely encourages her daughters to remain true to themselves and their individual goals. I don't strongly identify with any of them, but see traits I love and dislike in each. 

The men of the film are also well cast. Laurie (Lucas Grabeel), Freddy (Ian Bohen), Papa March (Bart Johnson), and Brooke (Stuart Edge) are all strong, caring men who encourage these independent, strong "little women" to be themselves, fulfill their dreams and support their choices... and love them just the way they are. The character that is changed the most from the novel is Freddy Bahr, but I really like what the writers did with him. Just as the females had their strengths and weaknesses, the men did as well... but each was very loveable.

Little Women: A Modern Retelling was written and directed by Claire Neiderpruem. I was just as enchanted by her vision of the film as I was the first time I read the novel as a child. Two of my favorite retellings are Clueless (Emma) and 10 Things I Hate About You (The Taming of the Shrew)... and this film will be added to my list of film adaptations of classic novels. I loved it and plan to see it again. The themes of self-identity, purpose, loyalty, and family are important lessons for all. Even when the sisters did not always understand another's dream, each loved and supported one another.

Many thanks to LEV3L Digital for the chance to see this movie! 

Spirit of God Illustrated Bible

The Spirit of God Illustrated Bible brings to life more than 40 Bible stories that help readers understand that God’s Spirit has been with us since the beginning of time and continues to be with us today. From the glory of creation through the powerful letters of Paul, God’s Spirit is living in his people. Old and New Testament stories such as Adam and Eve, Abraham, Joseph, the Baptism of Jesus, and Pentecost come alive with dramatic illustrations by Fernando Juarez and moving text by Doris Rikkers. With a cover that sparkles and shines with foil, this is a special storybook Bible that will appeal to both children and parents alike. (Publisher's Description) 

MY REVIEW: This hardcover book is sturdy for a child's use and is filled with words of faith to help a child grow stronger spiritually. Each Bible story included has an emphasis on the Holy Spirit. I honestly don't remember seeing a children's book that is devoted to God - The Holy Spirit and I am very pleased with the contents of the book. Of course, there are many stories that children may already be familiar with, but there are so that are not taught frequently in children's church. 

The book is recommended for children 4 - 8 years old, and I agree that is a suitable age group. But, since all of my great-grandkids are younger than four, I edited to a shorter version while reading a story. This is still a solid foundation for them until they are old enough to sit still for the actual story in the book. They are simplified, but so were the stories I was taught in Sunday School 50+ years ago. My main quibble would be in calling it a Bible, but we also have toddler "Bible" board books in the house. The little ones are happy to have their own "Bibles" and they certainly are not prepared for the adult versions.

Published by Zonderkidz division of Zondervan, I will give it a 5 for being a good introduction to the Holy Spirit for the very young.

GIVEAWAY: You can win a copy of Spirit of God Illustrated Bible, courtesy of Propeller Consulting LLC & FlyBy Promotions, when you respond either on Blog Comments or Post Comments no later 11:59pm on Wednesday, September 26, 2018. Comment with #SpiritofGodBible.

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“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 on the same blog, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. The winner is subject to eligibility verification.

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