Whit's End Mealtime Devotions

"Whit's End Mealtime Devotions" is a compilation of 90 devotions based around family mealtime, put together by Focus on the Family. Each devotion offers a prayer for mealtime, which is short and perfect for young children who can learn to memorize some of their favorite prayers. Each devotion then offers an "appetizer", which is some fun fact(s), trivia, or a short story/activity that relates to mealtime.

Each devotional also offers what is labeled as the "main course", which discusses how Biblical principles or a particular Bible story can be tied into your life. It offers a story, suggests reading, and offers follow up questions that the whole family can take part in. Then, there is also the "table talk" section of the devotionals, that offers discussion questions based on the earlier sections in the devotional. Lastly, the devotional offers the "vitamins and minerals" section, which is a bible verse that coordinates with the topics discussed in the devotion.

What I thought was great about this book is that is encourages family time, and open discussion. The devotions are well written, and are simple enough for even young children to be able to understand and take part in. I also liked the Bible verse at the end of the devotion, which encourages memorization for children as well as adults.

I would highly recommend this devotional to any family looking to incorporate a devotion into their daily routine. What's great about this book is that it helps children learn a variety of mealtime prayers, and also encourages family interaction over the Bible!

FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.

The Briarpatch Gospel

"The Briarpatch Gospel" by Shayne Wheeler is a book that challenges you to go where you normally wouldn't in order to experience God's grace, healing and love. Most of us understand that life isn't always sunshine and roses, and that sometimes following God's plan for us means experiencing pain, disappointment, and failure. What I took away from Shayne Wheeler's book was that it is these experiences that allows God to really show us what we are made of, and that we need Him. Wheeler covers topics such as doubt, courage, faith, and truth through this book, revealing through personal experiences God's plans still exist even through our own suffering and disappointments.

What I liked about this book was that it was written on a topic that we can all relate to. We all know suffering and disappointment and have experienced it on some level at one point or another, whether it be financial, spiritual, professional, or in our home lives. I thought that the premise of the book was well constructed, and well thought out. I would have liked to see more Biblical tie ins to support the book, though, honestly. I also thought that at times the thoughts in the book were detached from one another.. From chapter to chapter at times, it doesn't feel like the book is connecting.

Overall, a good book with a good premise. I would give this one a 3/5.

FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an honest review. I was not under any obligation to write a positive review.

One Year Father-Daughter Devotions

"The One Year Father-Daughter Devotions" by Jesse Florea, leon C. Wirth, and Bob Smithouser is a compilation of devotions meant to be shared between father and daughter. The daily devotions are relatively short, but offer a short story that ties into a Biblical principle. For example, one of my favorite devotions talks about hair (and what young girl isn't interested in her hair?) - it talks about famous people who are recognized for their hairstyle, and then goes on to talk about the Biblical stories of Samson and Absalom.

After the story and Biblical explanation, the devotion offers a "Daddy-Daughter Time" that gives suggestions for discussing the topic of the devotion, and help strengthen the bond between father and daughter. For example, the hair devotion prompts father and daughter to look at old photos and see old hairstyles, and discuss how their hair affects their opinion of themselves. It also asks father and daughter to share a special fact about themselves that not everyone would know.

The final part of the daily devotion is a Bible verse that ties the entire devotion together.

I thought that this book would be great for middle school age girls and their dads. The daily devotions are relatively short - only about one page each, so it would be easy to fit in before bedtime, or over breakfast. It offers a lot of great advice and Biblical wisdom, and would make a great bonding time for dad and daughter.

FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.

"Walking On Water When You Feel Like You're Drowning"

"Walking On Water When You Feel Like You're Drowning" by Tommy Nelson and Steve Leavitt is a Biblical approach to helping people deal with anxiety and depression. Nelson and Leavitt tackle the difficult issues of causes of anxiety, obsessiveness, and depression and how biblical perspective can aid in the healing process.

This book tells personal stories of those struggling with one or more of these issues which helps the reader feel like they aren't alone in their troubles. There are constant references to Scripture and these references give inspiration and hope.

I thought this book offers a pretty comprehensive look at anxiety, depression, and obsessiveness. Chapters tackle issues such as: "What's Going On In My Mind?"; "What's Going On In My Spirit?"; "How Did I Get Here?"; and several chapters on recovery and healing.

Overall I think this book was a great resource for those struggling with anxiety or depression. This would also be a great resource for loved ones of those going through these issues as it gives a comprehensive overview of these issues and really can help you understand.

FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

What About Heaven?

"What About Heaven" is a children's book by Kathleen Long Bostrom (Illustrated by Elena Kucharik) that explores what Heaven is in kid-friendly language, but with Scriptural reference. What I liked about this book is that it explores Heaven from an exciting and happy viewpoint, perfect for helping children to understand the concept of what Heaven is. The text of the book is written in a rhyming scheme, and uses simple, easy to understand language, perfect for young children. As the book starts to explore Heaven, it notes where in the Bible the corresponding passages can be found, which I liked.

The illustrations are bright and cheerful, and tie in well with the story itself.

I thought this book was wonderfully written - the perfect book for young children to start understanding what Heaven is all about. I would recommend this book for ages 4 and up - my daughter loved it!

FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.

Tyndale Rewards!

One of my favorite publishers, Tyndale, has launched a brand new program that offers rewards for signing up, reviewing their material, and referring friends. Completing each of these activities earns you points, and points can be redeemed for books and Bibles. The best part is that the points levels to redeem for gifts are so reasonable, and they have some great titles! You can sign up for this awesome program, plus score 25 free points just for the signup here:
www.tyndalerewards.com/signup/?pc=3l9s-olpj-278l-baxi

Little Angels Bible Storybook

Roma Downey's "Little Angels Bible Storybook" is an absolutely adorable children's book. "Little Angels" retells many of our most loved Bible stories using kid-friendly language, and couples that with stunningly vivid illustrations. This book begins with the story of Creation in Genesis, and ends the Old Testament stories with the story of Jonah. The New Testament stories begin with the birth of Jesus, and ends with Jesus' promised return in Revelation. What I really like about this book is that it has stories from both the Old and New Testament, so it is more like a complete storybook for young children. The stories themselves are relatively short, which works well for younger children who may not have a long attention span. The print is very large, so it would be perfect for children who are learning how to read on their own. Each story is only two or three pages long, followed by a page that helps the child relate to the story, featuring an "I Can" that uses everday situations for children and related them to the moral of the story. This page also features a bible verse and short prayer related to the reading. The illustrations in this book are absolutely beautiful - vivid and colorful, and relevant to the story featured. I loved that this book is hardback, with children I've found hardback books to wear less with young children.

Overall I think this book is perfect - my four year old LOVES it, and it is the perfect bedtime story book for her. I would recommend this book for ages 3-7.

FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from Tyndale House Publishing in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.