Max Lucado's wisdom on God's Grace

Max Lucado is no stranger to God's grace and has shared personal stories and wisdom he has gained through a number of writings since 1990.  His name and writings are sprinkled throughout every Christian and some secular bookstores in America.  This imitation leather bound volume contains snippets from eighteen of his published works, all dealing with the subject of God's grace.  There is one reading for every day of the year coupled with a scripture verse pertaining to that day's devotion.

It would appear this book has been previously published under a different cover.  However, the soft leather-like binding on this volume is beautiful to both touch and look at as well as makes it easy to hold and to lay flat, unlike its hard bound counterpart.  I also love that the pages are a soft ecru color, making thevolume appear timeless.  The print is large, making it easy to read no matter your age.  There is also ample blank space on the page if the reader wishes to make his own notes on his/her journey with grace or how the scripture spoke to him/her when read.

What's not to love about this book?  I have long enjoyed reading and listening to Mr. Lucado and I am grateful for a devotional book by him that is applicable to my daily life, contemporary, and easy to read in just a few minutes yet the message contains enough substance to be pondered throughout the day.  Whether you are looking for a new devotional book to begin the New Year or a gift idea, I would highly recommend Grace for the Moment by Max Lucado.   I did receive this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and was in no way obligated to write a positive one.

History of cultural sayings

Ella Frances Sanders has brought us a book of sayings from all around the world and how each originated as well as its meaning.  The only one I was totally familiar with was "Mind your p's and q's" which she says originated around the time of the printing press, warning those who set type to be careful since the letters were so similar.  I have heard another origin so now I don't know which one to believe.  Guess it is time to do my own research.  Some of the other sayings have similar meaning to ones we use in English so it is interesting to see how they originated in what may have been their initial language.

Each saying is illustrated in whimsical ways and has a brief explanation regarding how it originated in its country, some of which are quite humorous.  To be honest, there were languages I was totally unfamiliar with such as Farsi and Ga so the volume allows you to expand more than just your knowledge of the quotes if you want to dig a bit deeper as I did. At approximate 6x8" in size, the hardback book is a really nice gift size or one to place on a small table to pick up and read one or two at a time.  As for me, I will use it in the classroom to introduce students to different cultures and languages.

I did receive this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and was in no way obligated to write a positive one.

God's love is evident everywhere

Through nature, small acts of kindness, and scripture, evidence of God's love is everywhere we look if we just have the eyes to see.  Encouraging a young child to truly see what is around him and know that God is the center will follow him into adulthood and create the habit of intentionally looking for evidence of His love.  Through short poems, prayers, and brief scripture, Jean Fischer has published a tool to start using with the smallest of children to develop just such eyes.

I originally chose this book because I have loved Precious Moments since I was a teen, collecting more than my fair share of the figurines and even topping my wedding cake with one.  I love the fact that Fischer used these adorable whimsical children and animals to illustrate the fact that evidence of God's love for us is all around us.  The fact that this volume is in a sturdy board book format makes it perfect for little hands and is light enough in weight for those hands to carry.  The rhythm of the rhyming poems will delight children and the scripture chosen for each poem is short enough that even very young children can memorize and begin to hide God's word in their heart. 

If you are looking for a gift for children ages 2-6, I don't think you can go wrong with Little Book of God's Love by Jean Fischer.  I did receive this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and am in no way obligated to write a positive one.  Thank you, Ms. Fischer, for the reminders of how much God loves each of us and renewing my love for Precious Moments.