Hope of Nations - John S. Dickerson

In Hope of Nations, author John S. Dickerson, prize-winning investigative reporter, a frequent commentator, and pastor, offers a greater understanding of how and why the world is changing. In explaining the mindset of many of today's social justice warriors, Millennials in particular, Dickerson shows us where we are and where America appears to be heading. This will help many Christians know how to live like Christ in today’s society.
 
Political scandals, terrorist attacks, riots, and the bullying of those whom you disagree with politically are in the headlines daily. Before we can regroup from one disaster or area of division, another occurs. Each side seems to be completely blind to any point of view other than their own and truth is obscured, sometimes willfully, by the very ones whom we have always relied upon for an honest report of events. In these uncertain days, which often feel like the final days referred to in Scripture, we struggle to know which direction we will be heading in next. 

I have always considered myself to be a person willing to listen to other viewpoints, but calm discussions are becoming rare with the preeminence of keyboard warriors and nonstop coverage of world events via the internet. Dickerson's explanation of the mindset of younger, more liberal people did help me see things from their view a bit more clearly...even if I do still disagree. I have compared America to pre-World War 2 Germany many times, and the author and I are in agreement there. Since our perspectives are similar, many of the things he said made a lot of sense to me.

Calling this the Post-Truth Generation was clarifying, albeit sad, but did demonstrate that some changes have to be made within myself since what I see so clearly is missed by others younger than me. Overall I did really like the book and mentioned it several times on social media as I read. However, it also seemed to get a bit repetitive. I really liked it and do recommend it, but there were times I would have to lay it aside when things would run together a bit.

I received a copy of this book from Handlebar Marketing for review purposes. All opinions are my own and I was not required to give a positive review.

Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children - Jodie Berndt

In Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children: Trusting God with the Ones You Love, Jodie Berndt continues her Praying the Scriptures series with biblical prayers for your adult children, whether they are just leaving the nest, flying well on their own, or struggling to take off at all. With grace and wisdom, Jodie addresses cultural trends such as couples living together before marriage and young adults leaving the church, as well as the painful realities of loneliness, addiction, and mental health issues. With hope-filled words for the parents of the prodigal, she is particularly sensitive to the long-term prayers we offer, even as we doubt ourselves and grieve over our children’s choices.

 Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children is a small compact book that is easy to carry with you...but it packs a powerful message that you will want readily available. It can be hard to let go of our children when they physically move into adulthood, but parents never give up on praying for their "babies." Filled with anecdotal stories, each chapter ends with prayers for both the praying parent and for the adult child. Each prayer also has the Scripture book, chapter, and verse.

For your convenience, the book is divided into 5 parts:

• Praying for Your ADULT CHILD
• Praying for Your ADULT CHILD'S Relationships
• Praying through the MILESTONES in Your ADULT CHILD'S LIFE
• Praying for Your ADULT CHILD'S HEALTH, SAFETY and WELL-BEING
• Praying for Your ADULT CHILD'S VICTORY OVER TEMPTATION

Each of these parts are then divided into 4 or 5 chapters that touch on more specific topics. The only thing that would have made the book better, in my opinion, would be more room for making notes or journaling. But, if you already have a prayer journal, you can add the prayers and scriptures to it. I do recommend this book. Since I now have both adult children and adult grandchildren whom I pray for, this book will be put to use for years to come.  
 
Disclosure: I received this book free from Handlebar Marketing as part of their Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

May the Faith Be With You Bible

May the Faith Be With You Bible (Zondervan) is a full-text New Intertainional Readers's Version best suited for young readers ages 6-10. Using an outer space theme, this hard cover, compact sized, Bible points out that the highest, truest, and most rewarding way to a life of wisdom is apprenticing with the Ultimate Master himself---Jesus Christ. It also includes 24 full-color pages of content with pages titled "Ways of Wisdom," Use the Force," and "Master Moment." It's a convenient size to handle and the text is easy to read. In my opinion it is more suitable for 8 and up, but is also good for those who speak English as a second language.


I did love the space theme and cover, but I am fascinated by outer space...and it has a "In the beginning..." feel about it. The words seem a bit small, but are actually the same size as the Bible I had when I was 6. The children this Bible was designed for are probably not note-takers like me, so the lack of wide margins aren't going to be a big deal to most kids. However, if your child does like to make notes in the margin, this isn't the one for them. On the other hand, the colored pages are an extremely handy for young believers who aren't as familiar with stories, Scripture, and explanations needed to grow in faith. I also love the convenient dictionary in the back.

Handlebar Marketing provided a copy of this product for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

NIV Kids' Visual Study Bible

The NIV Kids’ Visual Study Bible, for ages 8–12, brings the Bible to life in four-color illustrated splendor. This study Bible includes a spectacular full-color interior featuring over 700 illustrations, photos, infographics, and maps on every page that visually represent key Bible information. Each page also features important facts located near the relevant verse. Intriguing facts; colorful, engaging maps; photographs; and illustrations make this a Bible they’ll want to explore.
Features:

• Over 700 four-color photographs, illustrations, infographics, and maps throughout
• Full-color design
• Book introductions, including important facts and an image to orient the reader
• One-column format with side bar study notes for ease of reading
• Presentation page
• The complete text of the New International Version (NIV) translation of the Bible
• Beautiful cover featuring gloss

My Review: This hard cover version of the Bible is visually appealing and appears to be well bound and sturdy. The negative for me is the very tiny print, but, I imagine that a larger size would make the book more cumbersome to handle, especially for a younger reader. There is room for notes on some pages, but not all. I do like room to take notes in my study Bible. I did expect a few more photos due to the intended age range, but I would not recommend this one for a child under 10. The thin pages may not be sturdy enough for the younger child, either.

The pages that have less room are filled with visuals and notes that illuminate the Scripture. The facts are fascinating and provide info that the reader might not realize in reading the story, or even when learning about a particular portion of Scripture in church. Again, though, they may be more suitable for 10 and up. I do love the maps, but have always loved maps in my Bible. My overall impression is positive, though, and I would recommend this Bible for a child who is ready to go more indepth is learning, especially as part of a home or church Bible study.  

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Handlebar as part of their bloggers book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions 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."

 

Love Letter from God: Bible Stories for a Girl's Heart

Love Letters from God: Bible Stories for a Girl's Heart is a heart-warming lift-the-flap picture book designed for girls. Written by Glenys Nellist, the book is filled with simple stories from the Bible with the focus on notable women ranging from the well-known Eve, Esther, and Mary, to the unnamed, yet important, servant girl of Naaman, the widow with the mite, and the Samaritan woman at the well. Lovely illustrations by Rachel Clowes present "snapshots" from the lives of these women that help to tell the story of each. And, of course, there are the 'lift-the-flap' Love Letters that lets children open and read special messages from God, just for them.

Naturally, these are a very simplified version of each woman's story, but a good basic introduction. I do like that Scripture references are given for more in-depth study as a child grows. There is also a simple Bible verse to go along with each story that can be easily memorized by even a younger child. The book is recommended for 4-8 year-olds, and I certainly would be cautious about letting a younger child handle the book. (I had to rescue my copy from the clutches of a one-year-old who really wanted to pull out a couple of letters). The letters from God are an affirmative reminder of God's love and that He wants to have a relationship with us.

I received a complimentary copy of this product from Handlebar Marketing in exchange for this review.

NIV Holy Bible for Girls, Journal Edition

The NIV Holy Bible for Girls, Journal Edition is a hard cover Bible with an attached elastic closure. Features include:

• Lines on each page for journaling and notes
• Thick paper perfect for any writing utensil
• A presentation page for gift giving
• A “How to Use This Bible” page to get started on the right foot
• Ribbon marker
• The complete text of the bestselling New International Version (NIV)

This Bible has a visually appealing turquoise cover (other colors are available) with designs and an attached pink elastic closure. I think it is very attractive and my 15 month old great-granddaughter, raced to pick it up, while exclaiming, "Ooooooh." The outside cover is the least important part of a Bible, but I think it is good to have a book that immediately attracts someone. It has a hard cover, which makes it a bit heavy, but I love the durability and the way it is bound.

The NIV translation is fairly easy to read and understand for most people, and is a very popular version. The print is a little small for me, but should be great for the average reader. However, I have no issue with the print size due to the room given on each page for journaling or note-taking. Not only is there room to make notes, but there are lines to make it easier. This Bible is intended for girls 8 and up, so I really like that it encourages making notes from an early age. The pages aren't too thin, but I encourage using colored pencils rather than highlighters to help avoid bleed through. 

As a first "grown-up" Bible for a girl, this is an excellent one. It is also suitable for teens and women, though, so don't let the "for girls" mislead you if you want to get this Bible for yourself. I do miss having maps and a concordance, but my personal preference is a study Bible. However, I do recommend the NIV Holy Bible for Girls, Journal Edition, especially if you like to jot down notes about a particular passage as you read it.

Thanks to Handlebar Marketing for providing me with a copy for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Of Stillness and Storm - Michele Phoenix

"of stillness and storm" by Michele Phoenix is, in her own words, "My hope is that this novel will be a cautionary tale..."

It took Lauren and her husband ten years to achieve their dream—reaching primitive tribes in remote regions of Nepal. But while Sam treks into the Himalayas for weeks at a time, finding passion and purpose in his work among the needy, Lauren and Ryan stay behind, their daily reality more taxing than inspiring. For them, what started as a calling begins to feel like the family’s undoing.
At the peak of her isolation and disillusion, a friend from Lauren’s past enters her life again. But as her communication with Aidan intensifies, so does the tension of coping with the present while reengaging with the past. It’s thirteen-year-old Ryan who most keenly bears the brunt of her distraction.

Intimate and bold, Of Stillness and Storm weaves profound dilemmas into a tale of troubled love and honorable intentions gone awry. (Thomas Nelson product description)

I have mixed feelings on this book. Phoenix did bring more layers to characters as the story enfolded, although my frustration with each also increased as I read. The story is thought-provoking, especially for families who feel the call to become missionaries, so mission accomplished as far as what Phoenix hoped to convey. Perhaps the clearer vision of the reader is what leads to my frustration with the book. I can't fault her for creating characters I don't particularly like, but I grew more annoyed rather than more empathetic. This is definitely not a "happily ever after" fairy tale, which is not a requirement for my enjoyment of a story, but I would have liked to have felt a bit more hope for the characters.

The writing itself is very good, and the story flows well and gains momentum toward a suspected conclusion. I confess, I wasn't sure HOW the author would arrive there, so I will not say predictable, but it was a conclusion that left me feeling empty. I can't judge the book based solely on my opinion of the characters, but neither can I say I loved the book. However, it is an interesting study of missionary life from a viewpoint one may not have fully considered. I have an opinion, but each person should be free to draw their own.

Thanks to Handlebar Marketing for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Easter Stories: Classic Tales For the Holy Season

Easter Stories: Classic Tales For the Holy Season, published by Plough Publishers, is a collection of favorite short stories from world renown storytellers such as C.S. Lewis, Leo Tolstoy, Oscar Wilde, Anton Chekov and more. Edited by Miriam Leblanc and illustrated with beautiful woodcuts by Lisa Toth, this anthology of short stories capture the true meaning and spirit of the Holy Week and Resurrection Sunday and are tales sure to be handed down from generation to generation. 

This book has a rich collections of stories that are steeped in the tradition of our Christian heritage. As expected with a collection of tales from various authors, some are more enthralling than others. That is also the joy of having a wide variety---there is something for everyone. Most are not likely to be as interesting to younger readers, but they will appreciate them as they mature in faith and ability to comprehend a more complex work of literature. Also, some of the stories are more deeply rooted in either Catholicism or Protestant roots that may be unfamiliar to certain readers. However, this gives the readers the opportunity to expand their knowledge. 

I received a free copy of this book from Plough Publishing through Handlebar Marketing in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Rasmus and the Vagabond

After running away from an orphanage, nine-year-old Rasmus finds the world a cold and unfriendly place until he befriends an extraordinary tramp called Paradise Oscar. Together they meet more adventure than they ever imagined, solve a mystery, and catch the culprits. Rasmus dreams of finding a family and a home someday. But when he does, will he be able to part with his new friend and life on the road? 

My Review: How did I miss this one when I was growing up? I remember loving Astrid Lindgren's Pippi Longstocking books, but can't remember if I read others by her. So, it was due to those memories that I agreed to review Rasmus and the Vagabond. No doubt this is a piece of classic children's literature and I am so happy I can now say I read it.

The characters are intriguing and the story captured me immediately. There are elements of suspense, comedy, hope, heartbreak, and adventure to keep readers of any age enthralled and to ignite the imagination. There are also great character traits displayed, along with the innocent mischief any child is apt to get into. This was a satisfying read from beginning to end and one that needs to stay in print for future generations.

I was provided with a free copy from Handlebar Marketing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Noah by Mark Ludy

Noah: The Wordless Picture Book by Mark Ludy is meant to appeal to both children and adults. Going deeper than the children's Sunday School version, the story follows the Biblical version and illustrates Noah's relationship with God, his wife, his children, the people around him and animals. The artwork is meant to reveal a picture of what was happening that bring a response from children and adults to further understand what was happening. The wordless format will develop both communication skills and imaginative story-telling while teaching or reaffirming the Biblical account of this event.

No doubt the illustrations are well done; Ludy is obviously very talented. I also like books that encourage children to use their imaginations. Of course, I do believe the Biblical account to be true, but it is just the basic account. I don't necessarily agree with all Ludy portrays, but I am also sure my views aren't strictly accurate. Some of the drawings did seem to dark for a younger child. I know we sugarcoat the story, perhaps too much, for young children, but a couple of the illustrations are a bit frightening for some kids. Of course, the true story is much more graphic and older kids and adults need to understand why the flood happened. So, beautiful artwork and great concept, but I think a parent would need to decide when a child could handle this.

I was provided with a free copy from Handlebar Marketing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.