Priceless memories on a budget

While the day is not yet upon us, I know it won't be long before my daughter will be planning the day of her dreams.  While I want her to have a day that she will remember forever because of how special it made her feel, we will definitely be on a budget and can in no way complete with all the wedding shows she faithfully watches when she has school breaks on TV!  Nor do I want to feel pressured to "keep up with the Joneses".  But is it possible to have the "day of your dreams" for under $5000?  I am still going to have to wait to see if my daughter jumps on board with the idea but Priceless Weddings for Under $5000 by Kathleen Kennedy has given me the tools to at least consider options rather than my daughter having to work for years to pay off her wedding just like many work to pay off school loans.  Perhaps she will be able to work within the budget we allow her?

I loved the testimonials in the beginning of the book.  So many "how to" books are theory so it is wonderful to know that someone has actually made this work.  You may not be able to have a wedding that will be written up in the Post or featured on Four Weddings but I think if you follow the guidelines and prioritize what you really do want, a budget of $5,000 could be enough.  The key, as usual, is who you know.  Do you know someone who can make your wedding cake?  Take photos?  Alter your dress?  Is spending thousands on a dress a priority for you or is something more affordable an option? 

I guess some of the suggestions just won't work for many people but weddings used to be a time when friends and family all worked together to make it happen and be such a special day.  If that time has passed, perhaps you won't find much use for several of the ideas. However, personally, I would like to see those days return.  Even if you don't have family and friends ready to roll up their sleeves and help with your day, I think reading through the book offers a bride and her family much to consider and covers all the areas of planning the day of your dreams.  You won't discover any magical formula but you will find wise options in one place with advice and thoughts given by someone who has more experience that I or anyone else I have access to.

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.

Perfect for Easter baskets

Ri












Written by Dr. Rick Warren's (The Purpose Driven Life and pastor of Saddleback Church in CA) daughter, Amy, Little One, God Loves You is a reminder to the smallest of children that God loves them, that you were created for HIS family, helps you grow, and then encourages your child to be helpful and show love wherever they go, not forgetting to thank God for His love and care.

The book is a sturdy board book format with sweet watercolor illustrations by Polona Lovsin.  The illustrations remind me of ones in my own children's book when I was a child.  The baby bunny has the sweetest of faces.  I think this book will be a wonderful addition to first Easter baskets this spring.  I will forever be a fan of board books that make it easy to for a child to grasp and "help" with the reading by turning the pages.  No need to concern your self with torn pages either.  Published by Zonderkidz.

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

8 precious Bible stories for your little one

From Adam and Eve to Noah, David, Jesus' birth and parables, My Bedtime Story Bible allows parents to introduce their children to God's love and provision no matter how small.  The volume contains 8 Bible stories in a sturdy board book format with two bright, colorful watercolor illustrations for each story by Daniel Howarth.  Meant to be used as you tuck your little one in, each story ends with a special Good night and a suggestion as to what to thank God for in your prayers.

I love the smaller size of the book, making it perfect for little hands. Board books were always a hit with my children when they were small because I didn't have to worry about clumsy little hands tearing pages.   This book will make a wonderful addition to any children's library or a special add-in to a baby gift. 

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

Risen--movie to novel

Clavius, a Roman soldier, was present when thief and murderer Barabbas was captured and taken prisoner after being part of the death of many Roman citizens. After the people choose to release Barabbas and encourage the crucifixion of Jesus, Pilate instructs Clavius to be the one to make certain the deaths of the two thieves and King are complete before darkness.  Arriving at Golgotha, something seems different from the other crucifixions.  Even the centurion on guard doesn't appear quite himself.  Once it is finished, Pilate fears the Followers of Yeshua my attempt to steal the body.  When the body does disappear, Clavius begins a quest that at first appears one just to find the body but instead he is led on a journey for Truth.

Widowed Rachel is on the streets when the two thieves and Yeshua are led through the city, bearing their own cross.  Yeshua's flesh has been torn and ripped away, not from the typical whipping but something more severe than is common.  When he falls at Rachel's feet from the loss of blood and weight of the cross, she looks into his eyes full of more pain than she had ever seen. 

The skies grow dark.  The earth trembles.  Could this Yeshua be more than the Judean he appears to be?

Angela Hunt has given us yet again a compelling and heart wrenching novel but this one is different from any of the other works of hers I have read.   I have read a couple of her Biblical women accounts but this work puts you right in the thick of the crucifixion and resurrection.  The novel is told from the perspective of both Clavius and Rachel with chapters alternating between the two.  The often overlap when Clavius and Rachel become lovers. (Probably not for teens even though nothing happens that is blatant.) While not word for word Biblical truth, the novel takes the reader into the days following the Resurrection and gives you a glimpse what it MAY have been like should you have lived through those days. 

When I first started reading the novel, I stumbled over some of the account from Clavius' perspective.  A little technical regarding armour and the people in command but either I got used to it or that challenge only occurred in the first chapter or so because it was much easier reading from that point forward.  Rachel's language and actions were a bit more contemporary than I expected for Biblical times but then, with new translations, perhaps that won't stand out to others.  Her refusal to remarry and live on her own don't seem that typical for the time period. That isn't completely a criticism because those characteristics made her easy to relate to.

Overall, I really liked the book and would recommend to adults only.  Since the book followed the film, I am certain Ms. Hunt was obligated to follow the story line but was excellent in allowing the reader to use their imagination.  I do wish Clavius and Rachel could have married rather than being lovers but again, book followed script writers Kevin Reynolds and Paul Aiello.  Timely in its release, I only hope the book and film cause each viewer and reader to examine the scriptures.  I particularly enjoyed the account of the crucifixion as odd as that might seem.  Ms. Hunt portrayed the event well and brought to light the thoughts of the centurion on hand.

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..

Legend of the Easter Robin

The Legend of the Easter Robin by Dandi Daley Mackall and illustrated by Richard Cowdrey is the story of Tessa watching a robin build her next then lay eggs and then caring for them.  Tessa worries when the weather turns cold, fearing the eggs will not hatch but her grandmother tells her to "trust the one who watches the sparrow and robins" but it does little to relieve Tessa's concerns.  Dying Easter eggs together, Tessa's grandmother shares the Pennsylvania Dutch legend of how the robin got its red breast and that a robin is a reminder of Easter itself.  What follows is a beautiful reminder of how God takes care of his creatures, no matter how small.

The story appears to be a reprint from 2010 with a different illustrator who also painted the charming illustrations for The Legend of the Candy Cane.  Based on the look of the cover, I applaud the author's choice in reprinting as I think this cover and illustrations more appealing to children.   Centering around Tessa's compassion and her grandmother's contagious faith, this story is destined to become an Easter time favorite for families.  Hardbound with a cover to match, it is sturdily bound and the dust cover can be removed without losing the cover artwork since they are the same.

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.

Following Jesus for little ears

From Creation to Revelation and what heaven will be like, Judah and Chelsea Smith have shared stories from the Bible perfect for introducing your little one to God and his precious son, Jesus.  Each short story is scripture based with the reference, one to two pages in length and is accompanied by a prayer or scripture in some cases.  Interspersed throughout the stories are "I Will Follow Jesus" pages which contain Biblical truths such as how much God loves you and you can talk to him, how you are part of God's family if you love Jesus, and how Jesus knows how difficult it is to do the right thing all the time and is with you to help you.  The volume ends with asking the reader if they want to follow Jesus and how to do it and then share their news with someone else who loves Jesus.

I think this book is perfect for non-readers and young readers alike either to begin or end their day with a reminder of God's love for them.   Used as a devotion, the stories are short enough to keep a child's attention and the artwork adds plenty to look at while they listen.  Of all the stories, Zacchaeus has to be my favorite.  I don't know that I can explain why so make sure you turn to page 128 to see it when you pick up your own copy.  One of the most comprehensive children's Bible story books I have reviewed and definitely the only one I remember that ended with encouraging the reader or listener to accept Jesus as their Savior.

Because it is a children's book, I appreciate the slickness of the pages, making them easier to wipe should sticky or dirty fingers get ahold of it.

Perfect for a birthday or shower gift, this book was given to me from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  I was in no way obligated to leave a positive one.

All Aboard the Ark board book

"Sun is high.  Rain is coming.   God calls out.  We come running." begins All Aboard the Ark, a newly released board book by Zonderkidz.  The sing-song rhymes will appeal to small children and the catchy rhymes are sure to have children "reading" along with you. The board book format is perfect for little hands and can withstand the wear and tear sure to come from children ages one to three which is my recommendation as an audience.  My favorite part is definitely the illustrations though--sweet pastel water color whimsical animals and ark.  Even while being tossed to and fro on the ark, the animals are all smiles.  The only part that goes away from scripture is when the animals are all in a tub taking a bath together. Cute, but not scripture.

I will recommend this book as a start to introducing your child to the story of Noah and Ark. However, as your child is able to handle more wording, move on to a book with greater detail of the story. I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and was in no way obligated to write a positive one.