Full of Joy

You guys, this book is ADORABLE! It's perfect for both of my children (son- just turned 3, daughter- 1 1/2). Not only is it suitable for them because it's a board book (Can I just send a shout out to whoever invented board books?!), but the content is beautiful. As I've shared before in book reviews, having a book that shares the values of the Bible, and the love of Jesus in words that speak directly to toddlers is thrilling as a Mother. "How Big Is Love?" expresses what love is in such a cute, catchy, and understandable way to kids. I especially appreciate the author, Amy Parker, taking a page in the story to praise Fathers- their strength, and their love. My son would say his favorite part of the book is looking for the cricket on every page, thanks to the Illustrator, Breezy Brookshire. It's a fun way to keep him involved, while the message of God's love subconsciously flows through his mind, into his heart. I give this book five stars!

The concept of books written for children about Hero's from the Bible is excellent. I appreciate any resource that can be used to teach my children about the Bible. Author Victoria Kovac, and illustrator David Ryley created a book I believe best suited for elementary age children. While reading the Daniel book to my toddler-age son, I had to leave out a lot of the story. Since he's so little, I don't like to read stories to him that focus on bad dreams and wicked men. The use of words like, "Israel, Babylon, Jerusalem, and conquer" cause my son to be uninterested. He really likes the pictures, so if I share my own version of the Daniel story with words he understands, he will stick with it. I have attempted to read the Miriam story to him several times, but he's only been interested in hearing it one time. I think he simply likes hearing about Daniel because Daniel is a boy! Again, I don't like reading stories to my young son that include words lik...

My 2 1/2 year old son's motto in life seems to be, "Full Speed Ahead!" at every moment. He is a boy with  loads of energy, enthusiasm, and passion. He loves to have fun, and sometimes gets himself into quite a pickle doing so. Needless to say, when I sat down with him to read, "First Virtues- 12 Stories for Toddlers" by Dr. Mary Manz Simon I didn't have high expectations he would pay much attention. I have to tell you, he was hooked by the first page! In fact, I was able to read the first 4 1/2 stories to him before he was ready to get down. I believe what kept his attention the most were the animals in the stories. He loves animals, and enjoyed seeing them interact with each other. After he hopped off the couch, I continued reading the book. I was personally struck by the, "Parent Connection" section that appeared after each different virtue represented through a different animal. These sections give parents small bits of practical ...

  Dear Priscilla,   If I could, I would invite you to my home for coffee and cake (a German tradition I’ve adopted from my hubs) midafternoon while my babies are (hopefully) napping sometime very soon. I would share with you how very important your Bible study, “The Armor of God” has been deep down in my soul these last several months. You have taught that my mind, will, emptions, and conscience are the sum of my soul (Pg. 71). Each of these levels have desperately needed protection from the enemy’s schemes, and you have taught me how to fight. If you came over and sat at my table, I would tell you this. Thank you, Priscilla. Thank you for writing The Armor of God, and using it to teach me how to fight for freedom in my walk with Jesus on a very practical level. The book started out with readers being instructed to write out the most difficult people, problems, and circumstances being faced. It was eye-opening, to say the least, to find out these dire situations ...

Outside of the Holy Word of God, I’ve never been more moved, taught, or ignited by a book in my life. A few weeks ago, I sent that exact sentiment to Beth Moore via Twitter. I just about fainted with glee when I saw a text on my phone indicating BETH MOORE herself had actually replied to my Tweet. I was downstairs with the kids, letting our dog Jovie out when I saw it. I began jumping up and down with excitement, which the kids loved. Any chance they get to jump with Mama is a welcomed opportunity! My “Audacious” journey started back in early fall when God clearly led me to attend one of Beth’s simulcasts with the same title. I’ve already written about the powerful work God has done in me as a result of Beth’s message that day, but God’s work in me has boldly continued throughout the pages of her book. Beth writes in a way that makes me feel like she is sitting at Starbucks across the table speaking directly into my heart. She writes like she knows my deepest struggles, fears, an...

Over the summer a group of friends and I went through Kelly Minter's Bible Study, What Love is . Kelly mentioned her struggle with fear in the book, and suggested her previously written study, No Other Gods . I jumped right on it, and another friend joined in! No Other Gods is part of The Living Room Series . (Not to be mistaken with her stand alone book by the same title.) Kelly not only teaches readers how to dive deeply into Scripture, but she teaches how to do it within the context of community. Having dinner together, playing music, or lighting a candle can really set a relaxing and inviting atmosphere to the gathering. I fully believe in that concept, but at this phase of life it doesn't work too well. My friend and I consistently met up at Dunkin Donuts (free coffee every Monday if Penn State wins!), away from the baby chaos at home, and we found that environment to be just as sweet. Coffee + Donuts + Bible study = a win, win, win! ...