Long Story Short by Marty Machowski

Long Story Short: Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God by Marty Machowski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Fabulous!

I love this family devotional book that can easily be made to work for a wide range of ages. The first reason being that it ties the Old Testament to the gospel! Too many family/kid devotionals just give stories rather then truly help kids connect with the Word of God. In this book, which gives you five, ten-minute devotions per week, there is at least one day when your reading a New Testament passage that connects to the Old Testament story line of the week.

The next reason I like this family devotional is that it's easy. And very simple, too. There are some suggest object lessons, but they are simple and certainly not mandatory for the kids to get the week's lesson. If you don't do it everything will still make sense.

And the third reason I like this book is because it's comprehensive. It incorporates reading Scripture, discussion and interaction, and prayer all together in an easy to follow format that really only takes ten minutes - if that.

In the words of Emily: "This book is fun!" And our family loves it!

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Christian parents know the importance of passing the gospel story on to their children, yet we live in a busy world filled with distractions. Schedules collide, there is homework and yard work and dishes and laundry, the car's oil should be changed, there are phone calls to make and before you know it, everyone is getting to bed late again.

The Bible can seem like a long story for an active family to read, but when you break it down into short sections, as Marty Machowski does, family devotions are easy to do. Long Story Short will help busy parents share with their children how every story in the Old Testament points forward to God's story of salvation through Jesus Christ. You won't find a more important focus for a family devotional than a daily highlighting of the gospel of grace. Clever stories and good moral lessons may entertain and even help children, but the gospel will transform children. The gospel is deep enough to keep the oldest and wisest parents learning and growing all their lives, yet simple enough to transform the heart of the first grader who has just begun to read.

Ten minutes a day, five days a week is enough time to pass on the most valuable treasure the world has ever known. Long Story Short is a family devotional program designed to explain God's plan of salvation through the Old Testament and is suitable for children from preschool through high school.

31 Days to Clean by Sarah Mae

31 Days to Clean by Sarah Mae
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

There are lots of books out there to help those who want a clean house, but I don't know of any others that break it down into such "bit-sized" bits for each day. I really appreciate and respect Sarah Mae's day-by-day approach to getting your home clean all the while keeping Christ at the center.

This book is balanced with helpful how-to hints, Biblical perspective for each day, and the why behind what we do to keeping our home clean. 31 Days to Clean isn't about making you fit into the perfect routine, it's about finding the right routine that fits your home, enables you to bless others, and most importantly - glorify God.

I really enjoyed this book and the encouragement it has to offer no matter what the state of your home. Anyone can read this book and find practical and useable ideas as well as spiritual truth to change your thinking concerning your home. For those who want to get your house in order, it is a great friend to walk you daily through the process. And for those who have already well established routines and order this is a great look into tweaking what you do and evaluating your heart motive in keeping a clean home.

And last, but far from least...did I mention how wonderfully short and sweet it is?! It only takes a moment to read the daily chapter and walk away invigorated with new perspective!

Free Reading

Grace To You is offering a free copy of the devotional reading book titled Drawing Near to anyone who has never before contacted their ministry.  If that is you, click  here.

If you have contacted them in the past, there is another offer for you but it expires tomorrow.  So click here fast!

30 Days to Taming Your Fears by Deborah Smith Pegues

30 Days to Taming Your Fears by Deborah Smith Pegues
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

I like the concept of 30 Days to Taming Your Fears - although I don't like the idea of putting an exact number on how long it should take one to tame their fears - but I think that this book on fear misses it's mark on getting to the heart of the matter. Deborah has provided a comprehensive look - day by day - of many of the fears that we face and has also provided many practical tips for overcoming them. But as someone well acquainted with fear, I know that these tips don't dig down deep enough to truly tame the fears that rise up within.

Shortly in to the book Deborah says "I believe with all my heart "that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (Roman 8:28) - even if I never comprehend what the "good" is. Therefore, I never asked, "Why me?" Because she leaves off verse 29 no one will ever be able to see the "good" in all situations - which is to grow more and more into the likeness of the Son, Jesus Christ, through the shaping and molding that all things in our life produces. It is faulty, surface level beliefs like this one that continue through out this book and while they may be informative and change your thoughts for a few moments, they do not change the core problem which in turn provides long term change.

It's a cute book with an appealing cover and title, but it's not one to read.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Deborah Smith Pegues, behavioral specialist and bestselling author of 30 days to Taming Your Tongue (more than 500,000 copies sold), sheds light on rational and irrational fears and offers readers a path of hope and assurance.

With her trademark clarity and practical wisdom, Deborah addresses spiritual, relational, physical safety, financial, and emotional fears with godly principles and straightforward helps. Each step of the way, she gives readers power over fear by helping them understand:

-the foundation of their fears
-God's perspective on their specific anxiety, fear, or phobia
-how to respond to fear triggers with information, awareness, and confidence
-ways to embrace healthy fears and to resist unhealthy ones
-how neutralizing their fears maximizes their life

This will be an invaluable resource for anyone walking the minefield of constant apprehensions who is ready to exchange fear for the peace which passes all understanding.

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This book was provided for review courtesy of Harvest House Publishers but the opinion expressed is my own.

Comforts from the Cross by Elyse Fitzpatrick

Comforts from the Cross: Celebrating the Gospel One Day at a Time by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Comforts From The Cross is beyond excellent!

I don't even know where to begin in writing a review because this book is that good. It is theologically deep, yet ever so easy to understand. It is intensely invigorating, yet overwhelmingly sobering. It is just what everyone needs to read.

Elyse takes you back to the foot of the cross to not only take another look, but to soak in the comfort found there. It is a place of utter suffering, yet a place of amazing love so deep that we must continually reflect upon it.

This book is a 31 day devotional that casts light on many scripture passages we take for granted. In short chapters - easy to consume in a only a matter of minutes - you will dig into the the depths of God's Word to walk away with a better understanding of His overwhelming love for us. This book is a celebration of what we have, yet fail to enjoy.

Comforts From The Cross is a book for the old or new Christian, the zealous or weary saint, the young or the old of age. No matter where you are on your journey through life with Christ you should take 5 minutes for the next 31 days to read this book. You won't regret it.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Daily comforts from the gospel of Christ provide busy Christian women with brief but deep reminders of how his truths powerfully connect to their daily lives.

Nothing comforts a woman’s soul more than a fully understood and embraced gospel. But many women aren’t finding solace in their relationship with Christ because they don’t see how his life, death, and resurrection connect with soccer practices and swim lessons. Besides, they just don’t have time to sit down and read a theology book, no matter how much they might hunger for God’s truths.

That’s where Elyse Fitzpatrick’s latest book comes in. Comforts from the Cross provides those well-intentioned women with bite-sized readings to remind them of their place in Christ and of his love and ministry in their busy lives. It also dusts off the facts of the gospel to show how ancient truths such as justification, sanctification, and redemption can free and enliven their souls every day. Even more, these five-minute celebrations of the gospel relieve readers of legalistic condemnation and empower them for joyful obedience by engendering fresh love for the Savior.

A perfect choice for gift-giving or personal encouragement, Fitzpatrick’s book helps active women grasp the practicality of the gospel message and experience its deep comforts.

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This book is published by Crossway.

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This book gets awarded with the To Read, Or Not To Read badge of distinction  - Best Of The Best - for the fact that because it is so good, it has been added to Mandy’s bookshelf!

A Woman Who Reflects The Heart Of Jesus by Elizabeth George

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

One of my favorite things about Elizabeth George is that she can take a complicated or deep subject and make it so practical and easy to apply to your own life. This book is no different.

A Woman Who Reflects The Heart Of Jesus explores 30 characteristics modeled for us by Jesus Christ and digs into how we too can "flesh them out" in our own lives. Each character trait is discussed in 1 short chapter that feels very much like a short devotional. You can get the discussion guide to give you homework or you can simple read a chapter a day and be refreshed by the reading alone. Elizabeth creatively goes back and forth between Jesus' example and applying it to our daily lives.

I personally enjoyed this amazing book and the way that each day I could focus on adding a new thought/trait to my life. After 30 days I saw growth in my life in several areas and would enjoy reading this book over and over again as I work more and more on all 30 character traits. I think this is one of Elizabeth's "easiest" books to enjoy because it is a little more "bite sized" than some of her other books. And as always you will be encouraged by her testimony and humble heart.

This is a must-read for any woman at any stage of life.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Elizabeth George has long been a favorite source of encouragement and wisdom for women who hunger to know how God desires for them to live. In her newest release, Elizabeth asks, “Where better can we learn about right character and conduct than Jesus Himself?”

There is much we can learn from this perfect life example: His generosity in caring for the needs of others, the abundance of His kindness and forgiveness even to His enemies, His persistence in watching over His own, and His willingness to give His all even though He had nothing.

Every woman who desires to…

* skillfully make the most of limited time
* give freely without expecting anything in return
* achieve all things in God’s strength and not her own
* let her light shine and glorify God

…will find a treasure trove of truths and applications that enable her to follow well in the footsteps of Jesus.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Harvest House Publishers but the opinions expressed are strictly my own.

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This book gets awarded with the To Read, Or Not To Read badge of distinction  - Best Of The Best - for the fact that because it is so good, it has been added to Mandy’s bookshelf!

Always by Melody Carlson

Always: A Teen Devotional by Melody Carlson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Always is the perfect devotional for a teen girl to tuck in her backpack to gain fresh perspective and realign her focus through out the day.

I appreciated how all 90 days are based on the Words of Christ. Melody sandwiches a challenging thought between scripture and tucks in a prayer starter as well as a one-line thought that wraps up the devotional in one sentence. This is a devotional book that will help teen girls to apply the truth of the Word of God to their daily life and see how it can impact there life now.

My only caution is that this not become the only means of digging into the Bible for girls. This is a great starter book, or additional book, but I hope not their only book.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

It can be difficult for teenagers to understand how Jesus’ words hundreds of years ago relate to their lives today. To help teens dig deeper, bestselling author Melody Carlson releases Always, a devotional for teens that focuses specifically on helping teenagers take the teachings of Christ and apply those to their own lives, actions, thoughts and faith.

With 90 days’ worth of devotional readings in Always, Carlson takes key passages of Christ’s teachings, commands and promises from Scripture, and unlocks them, verse-by-verse for teens.

The devotionals address topics including:
• Living with purpose
• Avoiding religious traps
• Understanding the true character of God
• Learning to cling to Christ
• The power of prayer
• Living as an example to others
• Setting the right priorities
• Embracing servanthood

Each devotional includes a short passage of Scripture followed by insightful explanations, ideas for application, and accompanying prayers that encourage readers to start studying the Bible for all its worth.

“I became a believer during my teen years,” Carlson says. “One of the things that I did was take my Bible and read only the words of Jesus. It was awesome. I realized that Jesus’ words truly were words of life—and they were just the words that my life needed.”

Now, in Always, Carlson helps today’s teenagers discover those same inspiring truths in ways that they understand and can apply to their lives. Always is the third and final volume in her series of devotionals for teenagers “Words from the Rock,” following True and Life.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Revell but the thoughts expressed are my own.

His Princess Girl Talk with God by Sheri Rose Shepherd {Giveaway!}

His Princess Girl Talk with God: Love Letters and Devotions for Young Women by Sheri Rose Shepherd

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Girl Talk With God is a bff and confidant for any young woman. It is aimed at teen girls, but I would recommend it for older teen girls (15 & up) and even younger college age girls. This well written, and easy to read, devotional type of book offers comfort, hope, and encouragement for those who have or do struggle with a wide range of issues. From beauty to bulimia, friends to fashion, dating to drugs, purity to popularity, Sheri Rose Shepherd offers refreshment for the heart of girls reading this book.

I appreciated how Sheri dealt with many issues in a short yet personal way. She got to the point, and the heart, quickly and effectively. My favorite part of this book were the love letters from God - letters written based upon scripture that applied the Bible to the heart and mind of the woman reading it.

This book is considered a devotional, although it's more encouragement than devotional, and does address topics that some may not want their daughters reading about yet or through this type of format depending on the parenting style. I think this book can be a great tool for teens and young women, but highly advise the parent to know what their daughter is reading before she begins to read.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

You're the daughter of the King!

Like a loving father, God holds you in the palm of His hand. He loves you no matter what you wear, what you say, what you've done, or how you feel. And He wants you to live a wonderful life.

In His Princess Girl Talk with God, Sheri Rose Shepherd helps you experience God's unending love for you through forty devotions. Sheri remembers what it was like to be a teen girl, and she connects your experiences with God's love. Through these stories, love letters from God, Scriptures, and prayers, you'll feel just how much God treasures you--His Princess.

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This book was provided courtesy of Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, and is available July 2010 at your favorite bookseller.

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GIVEAWAY:

I have 1 copy of this book to giveaway this week to 1 randomly drawn winner.  Leave a comment below (on this post) and be sure to include an e-mail or link to use to contact you in case you should win.  A winner will be drawn on Saturday the 14th of August.  U.S. address only, please!

UPDATE: Congrats to comment #4 (Genevieve) the winner of this book!

The Faith Dare by Debbie Alsdorf

MY REVIEW:

The Faith Dare is a challenge to live your life to the fullest within God's design for you.  This is more than a motivating book, it's a 30-day Bible study, too.

Beginning with a short introduction and explanation on what it means to live life with faith, you embark on a 30-day journey of growing in your relationship with Jesus Christ and challenging yourself to take the next step.  This month long study is broken into 3 sections: Live Up, Live In, and Live Out.

I enjoyed Debbie's style and presentation of the material.  It's simple and user-friendly for both small group or individual use.  The daily studies pack a powerful message to encourage and convict, but are still easy to do no-matter what your schedule is.  The dares are not scary or overwhelming as the name makes it sound, but are rather simple steps for putting into action what you learned.  Don't get me wrong, some of the dares may stretch you depending on your personality and testimony, but it's not a huge mountain to climb each day of the study.

There were parts of this book where I didn't always see eye-to-eye with the author, but overall it is a good study to work through personally or with a group of friends.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Debbie Alsdorf wants women to experience the radically transforming difference that 30 days can make in their lives. It’s what she calls the Faith Dare, in which she challenges women to develop the habit of focusing on God and living out their faith in every situation for 30 days.

Alsdorf, a popular author, speaker and ministry leader, equips women to undertake this 30-day challenge in her new book, The Faith Dare. To cultivate a lifestyle of daily, passionate faith, she helps readers learn, day by day, to develop habits that will help them connect intimately to God.

Every day, readers will be challenged to go deeper. Examples of the daily dares include:

o    Dare to live in the miracle of who you are.
o    Dare to believe in God’s power in all circumstances.
o    Dare to surrender to the process of change.
o    Dare to speak praise, sing praise, and live with confidence in God.

Readers will also learn practical ways of applying God’s Word to their own lives, whether it’s in their personal relationship with God, learning to surrender to self, or living out God’s love to others.
With a personalized study guide, including daily readings, affirmations and challenges, Alsdorf’s 30-day challenge helps readers learn to live out their faith like never before and discover the incredible difference 30 days can make.

AUTHOR BIO:

Debbie Alsdorf is the author of Deeper and A Different Kind of Wild. She is founder of the popular Design4Living Conferences and speaks with Hearts at Home. She is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and is director of women's ministries at Cornerstone Fellowship, where her Bible study is attended by hundreds of women every week. Alsdorf lives in California.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Revell and is available July 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.  The opinions expressed our my own.

Jesus Calling: Deluxe Edition by Sarah Young

Jesus Calling - Deluxe Edition: Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

The rich brown, imitation leather cover draws your finger tips to hold this book, open it's pages, and drink of the wonderful truth written inside. Tucked inside there are 365 daily devotions with deep thoughts that will have you meditating on them through out the day. After the devotional thought there are two to three scripture references listed for you to look up and read.

Jesus Calling is one of the simple books that will leave a big impact on your life. In 5 minutes a day you can focus your heart and mind on the Word of God in a very applicable way.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson in connection with booksneeze.com. The opinions expressed are my own.

Out of the Spin Cycle by Jen Hatmaker {GIVEAWAY}

Out of the Spin Cycle: Devotions to Lighten Your Mother Load by Jen Hatmaker

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Lighthearted.  Funny.  Occasionally hysterical.  Encouraging.  Comforting.

These are a few words I would use to describe this book by Jen Hatmaker. You will truly feel like you are taking a break from the "spin cycle" when you take time to read one of the many short chapters in this book.

As expected in a devotional, the chapters are short (mostly 2 pages) and are encouraging with an impacting message held in each one. Jen's stories were real and easy to relate to making you feel like you are having a good laugh with a friend. The main focus is motherhood and these 40 thoughts are great for any mother of younger children (Newborn to Jr. High).

The only reason this book did not get 4 stars in my opinion is that while containing a biblical perspective through the book, it did not always have scripture for each devotional thought. I personally would call this an encouragement book rather than devotional book. However, while I wouldn't use this for my daily time with God, I do think it makes for a great mid-morning, lunch time, or nap time pick-me-up that will bring both laughter and learning to your day.

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Available June 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

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GIVEAWAY!!!

To enter this giveaway you need to leave a comment & follow this blog through Facebook OR Google Friends.

A winner will be drawn using Random.org on Saturday June 19th.

What Happened to My Life? by Danna Demetre

What Happened to My Life?: Finding New Passion, Purpose, and Joy by Danna Demetre

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

What Happened To My Life? is a book that will help women find new passion, purpose, and joy in their life. Danna Demetre knows what it is like to be searching for those three things and now she is helping others to find it through this book and the included 40 day devotional.

I appreciated the honesty and vulnerability with which Danna wrote. She not only wrote about some important things, but openly shared how her own life has been changed. Encouraging doesn't even seem to begin to cover the refreshing content of this book! It is biblical, applicable, and helpful.

My favorite part of the book was the message she wove through the whole book about the importance of what we are feeding our minds. Danna excellently explains the power of scripture to change your life by transforming your mind. She does not give "just another program" but rather real answers for life change.

The 40 day devotional is simple to use for any woman at any stage of life. While the devotional thought is different each day, the application section keeps the same thread going through all 40 days to help you keep building as you establish new changes. It is easy to use and highly effective in being a tool to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ.

Whether you choose to do the 40 day devotional or not, the first 2 sections of this book are easy to read and wonderfully helpful, uplifting, and comforting. This book is a must-read in part or in entirety.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Though they may not voice their frustrations aloud, many women are faced with the aching feeling that their lives have fallen short of their hopes and dreams. Instead of joy and celebration, they seem filled more with frustration and heartbreak. ‘What happened to my life?’ they ask with disappointment.

Danna Demetre, popular conference and motivational speaker, knows that this scenario is all too common in the lives of women today. Many are reeling from broken relationships, unfulfilling careers and other personal disappointments, leaving them feeling discontent and empty. That’s why Demetre, also an accomplished author, has released her latest book, What Happened to My Life?, where she helps readers discover authentic and lasting joy—despite the dispiriting circumstances they may face.

What Happened to My Life? is a 40-day journey that teaches readers a few simple yet transforming life habits that will help them discover the joy and passion that God has in store for their lives. With daily devotionals and thought-provoking questions, readers will learn to break the cycle of discontentment.

As readers work their way through Demetre’s 40-day journey to joy, they will learn:

• How to fight discontentment in every situation
• What the Bible says about discontentment
• How to “walk in the Spirit” and rely on God's strength for joy that will last
• How other women have changed their lives using these principles

Demetre invites women to “Join me on a journey to discover the one thing worth pursuing, to implement a few simple yet transforming life habits, and to realize the incredible life God has for those who love him.”

Whether dealing with a life crisis or simply feeling that life is not all they'd hoped for, readers will find that this new book will help them discover authentic contentment and joy, regardless of their circumstances. And it will help them transition from simply surviving to truly thriving once again.

AUTHOR BIO:

Danna Demetre is an author and popular conference and retreat speaker. She is the president and founder of Women of Purpose, an evangelistic outreach ministry. Danna lives in San Diego, California, with her husband, Lew, and adopted 13 year-old grandson, Jesse. They also have three grown children and are expecting a new grandchild.

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This review book was provided courtesy of Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, and is available at your favorite book store starting in May 2010.

Dwelling In His Presence by Cynthia Heald

Dwelling in His Presence: 30 Days of Intimacy with God: A Devotional for Today's Woman by Cynthia Heald

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Dwelling in His Presence is a wonderfully refreshing and uplifting devotional for any woman of any age. This book is beautifully bound in an inviting cover and embossed title. Inside you will find 30 days of thought-provoking devotionals all drawing you to intimacy with God.

Each day is neatly organized and simple to work through with an encouraging opening devotional thought followed by a scripture passage to read and a few questions to think about. A quote and prayer prompt bring each day to a close to make this a delightful and insightful resource for women. You could easily use this book in 10 minutes a day and still enjoy something of substance.

Whether you want something to supplement your daily quiet time or to stand-alone for your time with God, I highly recommend this beautiful devotional to you.

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The review copy was provided courtesy of NAV Press.

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I Love God’s Green Earth by Michael & Caroline Carrol

I Love God's Green Earth: Devotions for Kids Who Want to Take Care of God's Creation by Michael Carroll

MY REVIEW:

I Love God's Green Earth is a unique devotional for kids ages 6 and up. And of course the parents who read it to their children will enjoy it, too. I appreciated the simplicity of the devotional format (only 2 short pages each day) and the variety in each day. Each day's devotional includes a great devotional thought based on a passage of scripture, some application steps and tips, fun facts or jokes, and a story or paragraph about a current "green" topic that coordinates with the theme of the day. While I can't say that I "loved" everything about the book, I would say that it was a fair mix of showing respect for God's creation and spiritual application. I personally thought this book was a neat resource for those who want to teach their children more about caring for the earth from a Biblical point of view.

Our family will try to make an attempt to watch our garbage output and show respect by picking up garbage that we see laying around.  What will this book encourage your kids to do?

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Kids love working on practical projects to help take care of the Earth; they are often the family’s biggest proponents of recycling. This book will attract those eco-friendly kids and teach them how creation care can actually draw them closer to God. Each devotion includes a Scripture verse, a “Connection” section to help kids apply both the biblical and environmental lessons, and a “What Can I Do?” section with a takeaway activity. Jokes and fun facts are also included throughout the devotion to make this book fun, informative, and interesting to readers.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers.

Devotions For Lent

Devotions for Lent by Credo Communications
 
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

BOOK OVERVIEW:

This little booklet is 6 weeks of readings, scripture, paintings and artwork, poetry, and reflection on Christ's work at the cross. It is short enough to use for a family (with older children) devotion time once a week or easily broken down into 5 readings per week. The introduction to this small resource gives several good ways to use and apply this book.

MY THOUGHTS:

I liked the concept of this small booklet and the way it helps you focus on Christ leading up to the celebration of Easter. If you "do" lent this is a great resource to encourage you along the way, and if not, it still provides some thought provoking reading for reflection.

I can not say that I loved this book, and I would not recommend it to everyone, but I do think it can be a very useful tool to help you reflect more on Christ over a six week time period at lent or at any time of the year. I like the mosaic feel to it, but some of the art work is a little different. Again, a good thing, but most likely not everyone's cup of tea.

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This book was provided for review courtesy of Tyndale.

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You can buy your own copy Devotions for Lent (Holy Bible: Mosaic) by clicking on this link.

God’s Little Princess Devotional Bible by Sheila Walsh

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

What girls doesn't like to be a princess at least at some point in her life? Now little girls can read how to be a princess in Sheila Walsh's God's Little Princess Devotional Bible. Little girls - specifically 4 through 7 - will love this book and moms will enjoy reading it to their little princesses!

It's jeweled cover makes a little girl gravitate toward it and inside each page is filled with either a devotional thought or one of the neat little features.

My daughters loved the Bible stories, the fun illustrations, and easy-to-do activities. We especially enjoyed the sections titled beauty tips and how it creatively teaches little girls to be beautiful in God's eyes over outer beauty.

This devotional Bible is a great addition to the bookshelf of any little girl and would be a great birthday gift.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of BookSneeze.com

The One Year Bible of Praying through the Bible by Cheri Fuller

The One Year Book of Praying through the Bible by Cheri Fuller

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Cheri Fuller has written and compiled a wonderful resource for those who want to read through the Bible and grow in their self-discipline of prayer.

The One Year Book of Praying through the Bible has a dated page for each day of the year that contains the Bible passages to be read, a selected verse from those passages, a short devotional, a prayer starter, and a thoughtful quote. The Bible plan includes an Old Testament passage, a New Testament passage, a few verses from Psalms, and a few verses from Proverbs for each day.

This book provides a well rounded plan for reading through the Bible in a year while offering focus on application and prayer. I would recommend this book to anyone who has not yet read through the Bible because it is simple to use, and also for the veteran of Bible reading because of the attention to application.

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I recommend more good devotionals for both kids and adults here!

Read & Share Bible by Gwen Ellis

Read and Share Bible: More Than 200 Best-Loved Bible Stories by Gwen Ellis

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thomas Nelson has created a children's Bible that has over 200 Bible accounts written in story format based on the International Children's Bible. The illustrations are bright and attention capturing while remaining accurate to Bible times.

Each Bible account/story includes a title, the passage it is taken from, easy-to-read text, and a thought provoking question at the end. I like the format and really have enjoyed using the questions to start good conversations with my 4 and 6-year-olds.

While, I personally would not use that as a Bible for my child, we do enjoy using it as a devotional book or for general reading. It is a good way to read Bible stories to young children ages 1 to 6.

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You can check out my other Devotional recommendations here.

The One Year Book Of Did You Know Devotions for Kids 2, by Nancy Hill

The One Year Book of Did You Know Devotions for Kids 2, Vol. 2 by Nancy Hill

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Have you ever wondered about how a frog helped to invent the battery? Or maybe better yet, is how that can relate to the spiritual life of a 6-10 year old?

You can find the answer on page 293 of The One Year Book of Did You Know Devotions for Kids, Vol. 2 by Nancy Hill. This year-long devotional for young elementary kids is not only fun and informative, but packed with a powerful Word of Scripture for each day. It is easy to do together with your child or let them read it alone.

The fun facts will get your children excited about coming back for more silly tid-bits and the devotional thought and verse for each day will challenge their young hearts and minds.

Did You Know Devotions, 2 is easy to use with clearly marked pages so that you can begin any time of the year and grow in your knowledge of fun facts...and more importantly in your knowledge of Jesus Christ.

We found this devotional book to be fun, interactive when done together, and applicable to the daily life of a child.

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The review copy was provided by Tyndale House Publishers.

The One Year Did You Know Devotions 2 (One Year Book)

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The One Year Devotions for Preschoolers 2 by Carla Barnhill

  The One Year Devotions for Preschoolers 2 by Carla Barnhill

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Several years ago I read through the first Devotions for Preschoolers and enjoyed it with my two daughters. And now with my son I am once again blessed by this simple book written for little ears and eyes.

Each page holds a dated entry for you to read as a devotional for your preschooler. A title and verse are followed by a short devotional thought and explanation that even a two year old can begin to grasp.

The adorable illustrations will have your attention captured along with your child's as they bring to life the words on the page.

At the bottom of each page is short sentence that sums it all up that you can use to remind your child through out the day of what they learned earlier.

My preschooler, Micah who is 2 & 1/2 as I write this review, loves this book and begs me to read it to him. He doesn't want to stop with just one day...he wants more! It's a book that we love to snuggle up with and spend talking in child terms about Biblical things.

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This review copy was provided by Tyndale House Publishers.

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