FIRST Wild Card Tour: That's When I Talk to God

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card authors are:

Dan and Ali Morrow

and Illustrated by

Cory Godbey

and the book:

That's When I Talk to God

David C. Cook (April 1, 2011)

***Special thanks to Audra Jennings, Senior Media Specialist, The B&B Media Group for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Dan and Ali Morrow are parents of two wonderful daughters. When they’re not writing children’s books, they like to go on adventures around their Colorado home. They are the authors of That’s Where God Is (2010), their first children’s release.

Visit the authors' website.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:

Cory Godbey illustrates, animates, and writes for Portland Studios, a creative firm dedicated to telling great stories and pursuing excellence in art.

He has contributed to projects such as Zune Arts, Flight graphic novel anthologies, and has worked with many major publishers.

Recently, Cory was accepted in the acclaimed Society of Illustrators Annual.

Cory seeks to tell stories with his work.

He also likes drawing monsters.

Visit the illustrator'swebsite.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Targeted to children four to eight, That’s When I Talk to God mirrors the day of the typical child, creating an opportunity for readers to put the practices in the story to use in their own lives. Through beautiful illustrations and an engaging, familiar character, readers can relate to That’s When I Talk to God. Children will learn to go to God with their fears, their joys, their questions, and their desires. They will also learn the hows, whens, and whys of praying to the Lord in a way they can easily apply to their own experiences. And adults will be reminded to communicate the benefit, simplicity, and beauty of prayer.



Product Details:

List Price: $12.99
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 36 pages
Publisher: David C. Cook (April 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1434700186
ISBN-13: 978-1434700186

AND NOW...THE FIRST FEW PAGES (Click on the pictures to enlarge them!):

MY THOUGHTS AND REVIEW:
Bedtime prayers and mealtime prayers are quite common in Christian families. However, God wants us to pray continually/unceasingly. In this book, a girl learns from her mom that she can talk to God anytime, anywhere, and about anything. Throughout the day, she sees opportunities to talk to Him: when she wants to express her love for Him, when she is thankful, when she is sorry, when she wants Him to help others, when she needs Him to help her, when she meets people who don't believe in Him, and when she sins, repents, and needs to ask for forgiveness. Finally, she also learns that God talks to her...to us through His Word, other people, and our conscience. With simplistic but expressive illustrations, this book is a sweet book that encourages an open line of communication between children and God.

Pray and Give

PRAY

Today is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP). Please join me and other brothers and sisters in Christ in praying for the persecuted Christians and their persecutors.

Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the video.

1 Corinthians 12:26 "If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it." (In reference to the Body of Christ, the Church)

"Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering." Hebrews 13:3

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:18

We are free to believe in America (so far), but many Christians around the world are not.  Sadly, we often take our freedom for granted. Are we using our freedom to tell others about Jesus? We live a life of luxury here compared to many people in other countries. Are we sharing with those in need? Live your faith and your love out loud! Pray for courage and boldness, willingness and opportunity, grace and gentleness ...then go tell of God's love to all the world. In addition, please remember (not just today) to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering for our Savior, who are beaten for "loving Jesus", who risk all to serve the King of kings, who give up everything to follow the Prince of Peace, who sacrifice so that others can hear the Good News.

GIVE
I'd like to remind you that the Operation Christmas Child (OCC) collection week this year is Nov. 15-22.  If you're not familiar with OCC, please read here or visit here.

I encourage you to get your family involved with this wonderful project.  You will be spreading God's love in a tangible way to needy children around the world.  They will also get to hear the Good News.  "Your gift of love may be the door God uses to open a child's heart to Jesus Christ." (~Franklin Graham, President of Samaritan's Purse)

"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord JESUS Himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" Acts 20:35

~ Please visit here for the links to other Spiritual Sundays posts.

DVD Review and Giveaway: Really Woolly Kids Trusting in the Shepherd

This is a new DVD by DaySpring.  It features two stories about facing fear and learning to trust in Jesus, our Shepherd.  The theme verse for both stories is Psalm 23:4 (NLT), "Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid for You are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me."

In the first story, "Gracie's Ewe Scout  Campout," Gracie, the six year old lamb, is scared of the darkness at night during her Ewe Scout's campout.  Her grandma teaches her and her friends about Psalm 23:4/the Shepherd's protection.  Grandma Tabitha is a hip grandma with an iPhone and is not shy about dancing :).  In the second story, "Jacob's New Friend," Jacob (Gracie's brother), the seven year old lamb, faces fear and anxiety because of a new huge kid in school whom he accidentally pounces on.  His dad wisely advises him to look on the bright side and reminds him that he needs not to be afraid because our Shepherd is with us to guide and protect us. 
 
My 9 year old boy and I watched the DVD together.  Both of us enjoyed it.  The theme song, "Fear Not" is catchy, but the intro sounds very similar to a song from Jonah (VeggieTales).  The extra features include outtakes, deleted scene, trivia questions, sing-along song, and online Family Adventures info.  This is a cute, fun DVD that helps children learn God's Word and apply it in their daily life.  It's geared towards ages 6-12 but I think some younger kids would enjoy it, too.

You can watch the "Fear Not" music video at http://www.reallywoollykids.com/ .

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Really-Woolly-Kids/120680907979250?ref=ts

GIVEAWAY: I was given an extra DVD which I would like to give away to one of my readers. This giveaway is open only to U.S. residents.

To Enter: Leave a comment here sharing what Bible verse(s) helps you deal with your fears or your child(ren)'s fears.  Make sure you leave your email address or blog address, too.

For extra entries: 1. Read any of my posts (besides this one) and come back to comment about it here.

2. Follow me on Twitter (treasuredbyGod) and tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment here letting me know.

Deadline: October 31st at midnight (Pacific time)

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Friday's Fave Five #27

It's time for another Friday's Fave Five (hosted by Susanne at Living to Tell the Story).

My Fave Five this week include...
1. I had a great time at the Women's Conference at my church last Saturday.  The theme was "Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God" (Psalm 51:10).  The speaker was Georgene Rice.  She beautifully shared what a pure heart looks like according to God's Word.

2. I set up a page on Facebook called "Living for God".  All brothers and sisters in Christ are invited to join. I would love to see all Christ's followers around the world live radically for Him! To know Him more and to make Him known! Let's help encourage one another to live purposefully for God...to live and love like Jesus! Once you join, please click the discussions tab to participate in our current discussion. Please feel free to invite your friends to join, too.

3. Last night, I attended the “Make A Difference Tour 2010” concert from my home (watching the live concert which was held in Texas on my computer).  It was wonderful!   This tour's goal is to make a difference for children by helping to raise up sponsors for 25,000 children through World Vision.  Max Lucado set the goal in honor of his 25th year of publishing in 2010; he is donating 100% of author royalties from all Outlive Your Life products to benefit children and families through World Vision and other ministries of faith-based compassion. Max Lucado along with Michael W. Smith, Third Day, TobyMac, and Jason Gray are part of this tour.  Visit here to see if the tour will be near where you live.

4. Session 1 of Beginnings DVD can be watched here for free.  Eric Hovind presents a case to show that evolution has nothing to do with science.  Both creation and evolution are religions.

5. My family and I are passionately pro-life.  I love what Gianna Jessen shared in these 2 videos (Part I and Part II).  Please take time to watch them.  The message is so powerful and true!
Note: Please turn off my music playlist before starting the videos.

FIRST Wild Card Tour: Jackson Jones: The Tale of a Boy, an Elf, and a Very Stinky Fish

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Jenn Kelly

illustrated by:

Ariane Elsammak

and the book:

Jackson Jones: The Tale of a Boy, an Elf, and a Very Stinky Fish

Zonderkidz (August 6, 2010)

***Special thanks to Pam Mettler of Zonderkidz for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jenn Kelly lives in Ottawa, Canada, but her heart lives in Paris. Or Hawaii. She hasn’t decided yet. She is an undercover garden guru, painter, and chef, which has absolute nothing to do with this book. She won a writing award in grade 4, failed English Lit in university, spent many years writing bad poetry, and then decided to write a book. This is it. She is married to her best friend, Danny, and is mom to a five-year-old boy and a dog who worries too much. She embraces the ridiculousness and disorganization of life.


Visit the author's website.

Ari has worked as a freelance illustrator for a variety of projects, mostly in children’s media. Her specialty is character design and she most enjoys illustrating humorous and wacky predicaments.

She studied editorial and children’s book illustration at the School of Visual Arts in New York City and the DuCret School of Art in New Jersey. She uses a variety of media to create my images both traditional and digital.


Visit the illustrator's website.

Product Details:

List Price: $12.99
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 272 pages
Publisher: Zonderkidz (August 6, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310720796
ISBN-13: 978-0310720799

PLEASE CLICK THE BROWSE INSIDE BUTTON TO VIEW THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Z

Browse Inside

Browse

Info

Add

REVIEW:
This is a whimsical, funny children’s book (for ages 9-12 and any young-at-heart, fun-loving people). It takes you along on Jackson’s adventure in his Great-Aunt Harriett’s hair. Yes, it is wacky. It probably breaks oodles of grammar/writing rules. But it works. The author has a unique style of talking directly to the reader. So you’re keenly aware that you’re listening to someone telling you a story (as opposed to watching the action unfold on your own). She feels free to interrupt whenever and ask questions for you or address questions she thinks you might be having. (How did she know I was reading in bed at night?!?) A very cute/funny touch is the titles of the chapters and how weird some of the chapters are. I think she may have set a world record for the shortest chapter.

It’s...different. And it’s nice. (And I happen to think her writing style is temporarily rubbing off on me so if you don’t like the way this review is formatted or written...blame the book :).)

The author used the word “g-o-s-h” once. I don’t like any form of using God’s name in vain so that was somewhat disappointing.

But, besides that, this is a book that is easy to recommend because it is clean and silly. Who doesn’t need some silliness in their life now and then :)?

Review: The Boy Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews, Illustrated by Philip Hurst

Product Details
Format: Jacketed Hardcover
Trim Size: 8.60 x 11 x 0.50
Page Count: 40
Retail Price: $16.99
ISBN: 9781400316052
Publisher: Tommy Nelson
Author: Andy Andrews
Illustrator: Philip Hurst


My Thoughts and Review:The Boy Who Changed the World is a delightful children’s book that carries an important message every boy and girl should hear. The theme is “Everything you do matters.” The story begins with Norman Borlaug’s childhood and his accomplishment that helped save more than two billion people from starving. But was he really the boy who changed the world or was it Henry Wallace? Perhaps it was George Washington Carver or Moses Carver? Well, all of them had their parts in changing the world either directly or indirectly. This book shows children that God made each one of them special to make a difference in the world. Every decision we make...every action we take has far-reaching effects not only on us or people around us but also on others around the world. This book is based on the author’s book, The Butterfly Effect. The illustrations (water color paintings) are vibrantly beautiful. I wish the author or editor caught the mistake on the page showing George Washington Carver teaching Henry Wallace about plants. “On weekends, George would roam the fields and forests with the professor’s six-year-old son Henry, teaching the boy about plants and how many ways they could be to used help people.” The words “to” and “used” were transposed. I would recommend this wonderful book to every parent, teacher, child care, and library.

~I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through BookSneeze.com. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

FIRST Wild Card Tour:The Berenstain Bears and the Gift of Courage

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Jan & Mike Berenstain

and the book:

The Berenstain Bears and the Gift of Courage

Zonderkidz (April 9, 2010)

***Special thanks to Krista Ocier of Zondervan for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Stan and Jan Berenstain introduced the first Berenstain Bear books in 1962. Mike Berenstain grew up watching his parents work together to write about and draw these lovable bears. Eventually he started drawing and writing about them too. Mike is married to Andrea, and they have three children. They live in Pennsylvania, in an area that looks a lot like Bear Country.


Visit the authors' website.


Product Details:

List Price: $3.99
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Zonderkidz (April 9, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310712564
ISBN-13: 978-0310712565

PRESS THE BROWSE BUTTON TO VIEW THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Z

Browse Inside

Browse

Info

Add

REVIEW:
I like the new and improved Berenstain Bears series (Living Lights) by Jan and Mike Berenstain (son of Stan and Jan). "Living Lights Berenstain Bear books help children learn how God wants them to live every day." (from the back cover) In this book, Brother Bear and Sister Bear learned from the story of David and Goliath that even though David was small, he was very brave because he knew God was on his side and was watching over him. Later on when they face Too-Tall Grizzly and his gang, they display courage and they know that God was watching over them. At the end of the book, you will find questions for discussion and fun activities for kids to do. I think this new series is really cool. Check it out!

FIRST Wild Card Tour: The Berenstain Bears and A Job Well Done

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card authors are:

Jan & Mike Berenstain

and the book:

The Berenstain Bears and A Job Well Done

Zonderkidz (April 9, 2010)

***Special thanks to Krista Ocier of Zondervan for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Stan and Jan Berenstain introduced the first Berenstain Bear books in 1962. Mike Berenstain grew up watching his parents work together to write about and draw these lovable bears. Eventually he started drawing and writing about them too. Mike is married to Andrea, and they have three children. They live in Pennsylvania, in an area that looks a lot like Bear Country.


Visit the authors' website.

Product Details:

List Price: $3.99
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Zonderkidz (April 9, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310712548
ISBN-13: 978-0310712541

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Z

Browse Inside

Browse

Info

Add

REVIEW:
My kids grew up with The Berenstain Bears books. I used to read tons of them to my kids when they were younger. I did not like some of them that portrayed Papa Bear as an incapable leader who made all kinds of mistakes while showing Mama Bear as the rescuer who had more sense. Therefore, I'm so glad to see the new and improved Berenstain Bears series (Living Lights) by Jan and Mike Berenstain (son of Stan and Jan). "Living Lights Berenstain Bear books help children learn how God wants them to live every day." (from the back cover) In this book, Brother, Sister, and Honey Bear (the toddler) were supposed to be cleaning their playhouse but chose to play baseball, instead. Then Papa Bear points out to them what the Bible says about working hard, getting the job done, and enjoying your work. At the end of the book, you will find questions for discussion and fun activities for kids to do. I think this new series is really cool.

Book Review: This Little Prayer of Mine

Author: Anthony DeStefano

Illustrator: Mark Elliott
Summary: Author Anthony DeStefano’s adult books, The Prayers God Always Says Yes To and A Travel Guide to Heaven, have sold a quarter-million copies. Illustrator Mark Elliott’s cherished artwork has appeared in popular picture books and novels for young readers, including Gail Carson Levine’s ever-popular Princess Tales series.

Now, these acclaimed inspirational experts have come together to create This Little Prayer of Mine, a beautiful and alluring book designed to guide children into a very simple, real and expressive relationship with God.

Through engaging rhymes and alluring illustrations, This Little Prayer of Mine shows children—and their parents and grandparents—that complete dependence on God is what brings peace and fulfillment. It invites children to know and believe that God is always just a simple prayer away and that He longs to respond to them with a resounding, “Yes!”

Easy-reader format allows children to read alone, or with someone older, and encourages them to openly express their fears, thanks, and needs directly to God.

Author and Illustrator Bio:
Anthony DeStefano is the author of The Prayers God Always Says Yes To and A Travel Guide to Heaven. He has received prestigious awards from religious organizations worldwide for his efforts to advance Christian beliefs in modern culture.

Mark Elliott’s brilliant illustrations have appeared in popular picture books and novels for young readers, including Gail Carson Levine’s Princess Tales series. His acclaimed artwork delivers inspiration, wonder, and timeless beauty on every page.

My thoughts and review:
This is a sweet book that helps children see prayer as it should be: natural, relational communication with God. The rhyming poem is fun to read and easy to understand. The illustrations are remarkable. I’m glad to see that the author includes thanksgiving as part of prayer, not just asking God to do this and that for us. The book also teaches children to pour their hearts out to God (tell Him how they feel) and to trust in Him and His plan. It's a great book for parents or grandparents to read to young kids and encourage them to pray. Childlike faith is truly beautiful and pleasing to the Lord. This Little Prayer of Mine delightfully portrays childlike faith and the accessibility of our God. He always hears our prayers and He cares about every detail of our lives!

~This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

The Week in Words #1

"Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord." (Ephesians 5:8b-10)  We named our homeschool, "Children of Light Christian Academy."  We want our children to live their lives as children of light, bearing the fruit of the light and aiming to please God in all areas, including their learning.

"Day by day, dear Lord, of Thee three things I pray: to see Thee more clearly, to love Thee more dearly, to follow Thee more nearly day by day. Amen." ~ St. Richard of Chichester, 1197-1253
Isn't that a wonderful prayer?  That's my desire for each day, too.

"I will place no value on anything I have or may possess except in relation to the kingdom of Christ." "All that I am I owe to Jesus Christ, revealed to me in His divine Book." "Without Christ, not one step; with Him, anywhere!" ~ David Livingstone (Scottish physician, missionary, & explorer)
I love these 3 quotes from David Livingstone.  The first one is a challenge for us to examine how we view our possessions.  They should hold no value or significance to us if they do not help contribute to the kingdom of Christ.  "What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.  I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him." (Philippians 3:8-9a)

"The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul." ~Johann Sebastian Bach (He signed "SDG" at the bottom of his works (musical manuscripts); SDG = Soli Deo Gloria = Glory to God alone.)
I wish all musicians would share the same attitude/view as Bach.  I believe the aim of all that we do and say should be for the glory of God...to please and honor Him.  "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31)

"Be thou content to leave thy prayer in His hands, Who knows when to give, and how to give, and what to give, and what to withhold." ~Charles H. Spurgeon (from Morning and Evening, page164)
This quote reminds me to be content to leave my prayer in God's hands.  I need to let go of my burdens/concerns and rest in knowing that God is in control and that He wants what's best for me.

Friday's Fave Five #1

This is my first time joining the Friday's Fave Five meme.  It is hosted by Susanne at Living to Tell the Story.

My fave five this week:

1. God's unconditional, unfailing, everlasting love.
2. My one and only Valentine.  My husband is loving and romantic, kind and polite, funny and clever.  A rare gem/gentleman!
3. Celebrating Life Contest at Focus on the Family.  By signing up, you can win one of their prizes, which includes a free trip to Colorado Springs! So, support the message of Celebrating Life and win a cool prize...I love it :)!  The contest ends on Feb. 14th.
4. Free science DVDs for our homeschool.  I have not watched them yet but they look very interesting.  The negative thing is that they are probably based on evolutionary point of view.  I'm glad my children are  Biblically grounded on creation.
5. My fantastic giveaways:- Win a $50 Safeway gift card, Win a copy of Angels by Dr. David Jeremiah, Win one 18x24 poster print (to be made from your digital photo).

Thankful Thursday #13

 
This week...
1. I am thankful that I can pray to God anytime, anywhere, and about anything.  I'm so glad that He never gets tired of listening to our prayers.  I love the fact that our line of communication with Him is always open/available...24/7!  "Pray continually." 1 Thessalonians 5:17  "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16

2. I am thankful for rest...for sleep.  I am thankful that I hardly ever have trouble falling asleep.  I am very grateful that I can lay all my burdens at the feet of Jesus and rest in Him.  "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28  "Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens." Psalm 68:19

3. I am thankful that all my children enjoy reading.  I think once children learn how to read and acquire a love of reading, they can pretty much learn about anything they are interested in. 

4. I am thankful for soldiers and police officers who work tirelessly and sacrifice courageously to protect us.  Let's remember to pray for their safety and for their families.

5. I am thankful for God's protection (physical, emotional, mental, spiritual).  Whenever I look back at my past, I am so grateful to still be alive today :).  I fell into a manhole when I was little.  I desperately begged my mom to stop choking my neck/suffocating me (she was distraught about her failed marriage and temporarily was not in her right mind).  I almost drowned once.  I was close to getting run over by a vehicle several times (if you ever try to cross the streets in Bangkok, Thailand, you will understand why).  In Thailand, I traveled to school by bus and it's always crowded on buses; therefore, I usually ended up standing on the bus' steps (sometimes with one of my feet and/or part of my body hanging out into the traffic).  I had a high fever of 107 degrees F; my husband took me to the emergency room and the doctor there misdiagnosed me...(thinking that the fever was caused by heat exhaustion but I actually had a kidney infection).  I am sure there have been many more incidents that the Lord has protected me (even without my knowledge).  Regarding spiritual warfare, I am thankful that the battle belongs to the Lord, that He is on our side, and that He has given us the full armor for our protection.

"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:11-17

P.S. I'm hosting a giveaway (4 free movie tickets) on my HSB blog. The deadline is this Saturday. Hope you will stop by and enter :)!

Thankful Thursday #8

 
This week...
1. I am thankful for our niece's son who is turning one tomorrow.  He has been such a blessing...a bright sunshine in her life which is full of hardships and struggles.

2. I am thankful that my children have wonderful, God-fearing friends.  Few but fantastic :)!

3. I am thankful that my husband's wide angled glaucoma is not getting worse.  His eye pressure's test result on Monday was encouraging.

4. I am thankful that my children are not materialistic and they have learned that "it is more blessed to give than to receive."  Every year, they enjoy packing shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child and spending their money on Gospel tracts, Bibles, animals, etc. for native missionaries and needy families from Gospel for Asia's gift catalogs.

5. I am thankful for my Heavenly Father's unconditional and unfailing love.  He knows everything about me (my ugly side and all) and yet He still loves me :).  My earthly father was an alcoholic who physically abused my mom.  Eventually, my mom took my brother and me away from him.  Even when we were still living with him, we hardly ever saw him home (he was out drinking with friends and he also cheated on my mom).  Sadly, he does not know his own children; my brother and I do not really know him, either. (I did forgive him for everything.)  I'm so glad that my Heavenly Father knows and loves me.  And I know and love Him!

Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the video.

Pencil with a Purpose

This week, I'm sharing something different than usual :).  I wrote "Pencil with a Purpose" (see below) two years ago to encourage people to participate in the Operation Christmas Child (a project of Samaritan's Purse founded by Franklin Graham).  My kids get excited every year around this time. Why? They get to pack shoe boxes!!! Their boxes along with boxes from others will be given out to children around the world who are living in extreme poverty, in constant fear because of wars/fighting, or in disaster-struck areas. These simple gifts will brighten up the children's life with God's love, joy, and hope. These shoe boxes are also evengelistic tools; they give local believers the opportunities to tell children about Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, through Gospel literature and evangelism programs.

This is a wonderful project to get your kids involved in. Kids in America have so much to be thankful for, yet many take their plenty for granted. This is one of many ways we can share with others in need. For details (including how to pack a box and the location of the collection center near you), please visit https://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/ or call 1-800-353-5949. The collection week this year is November 16-23.  If you choose to make your donation ($7 for each box to help cover shipping and other project costs) online using a credit or debit card, instead of putting your donation in an envelope and placing it in your box(es), you will receive an EZ give label (one for each of your boxes).  The barcode on the label enables OCC to track each gift. You will receive an e-mail telling you the destination of your gift, along with information about Operation Christmas Child in that country.  Isn't that cool?  I was always curious about where our boxes traveled to.

By the way, there are so many ways we can give, especially near Christmastime. Many Christian organizations (ex: Samaritan's Purse, Gospel for Asia, World Vision, etc.) have gift catalogs available from which you can purchase lambs, cows, chickens, pigs, goats, fishing boat, Gospel literature, VBS material, wells, etc. for native missionaries and needy children/families. These kinds of gifts touch lives and make a significant impact. Giving (especially secret giving) is such a joy!

"If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain." Emily Dickinson

"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord JESUS Himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" Acts 20:35
__________________________________________________

Pencil with a Purpose

     Pick me...pick me, please! Yes! A 7 year old girl picked me and put me in a clear plastic box next to sweet-smelling candies and a beautiful rag doll. There are more things in this container: a box of crayons, a sharpener, Bible activity pad, a writing pad, bouncy balls, a yo-yo, a jump rope, a toothbrush, a tube of toothpaste, a purple comb, a washcloth with heart shapes all over it, several glittery hair clips, a pair of pink socks and a pair of white socks. Before the girl closed the lid, she placed an envelope addressed to Samaritan’s Purse, and a letter on top. Then her mom and she bowed their heads and prayed for the child who would soon receive this special gift.
    
     I have to admit...it’s a little crowded in the box but I’m glad it’s a clear plastic box. I can look out and see the world while having a fantastic adventure. First stop was a local church which was one of 2,000 drop-off locations nationwide. I could see rows and stacks of all kinds of shoe boxes and plastic boxes. Christmas music was being played in the background. I felt festive all of a sudden. From there I traveled in a huge semi-truck to a regional processing center where boxes were inspected and prepared for shipment overseas. Volunteers cheerfully checked each box to make sure that there were no used or damaged items, war-related items, chocolate (which can melt), liquids or lotions (which can leak), breakable items, medications or vitamins (no-no items). A lady looked in my box and she smiled at me (wasn’t she sweet?) These volunteers also took out the envelopes with the donation. Then they secured the boxes by using rubber bands. I was thankful for that because I didn’t want to risk falling out of the box and getting lost. Oh...what a nightmare that would be.
    
     Ooh...my next stop was at an airport. I got to be on a plane for the first time. Millions of box gifts were loaded onto ships and planes and delivered to more than 90 countries. I wondered what country I would end up in. How exciting!!! I was so excited and bewildered that I didn’t realize we were in the sky for over 10 hours. Finally, the plane landed and boxes were transported to a rural orphanage by a pick-up truck and by a motor boat, respectively. People speak a different language here. They speak Thai. I’m in Thailand...can you believe it? Tons of children gathered in a small room. The room was filled with excitement and anticipation. How lovely those smiles were! The National Leadership Team explained about the Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse and told the kids that these gifts were packed by caring people from several parts of the world who wanted to share the love of Jesus with them. They introduced the children to God’s greatest Gift of all–Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Then the team members distributed boxes along with Gospel booklets written in their own language to the orphans who were beaming with joy.
    
     I was anxious to see who would receive the box I was in. Then the moment came...when the box was handed to a long, black-haired 8 year old girl. She said, "Kawp Koon Kha" (thank-you in Thai). She quickly opened the lid and took out the items inside one by one. When she picked me up, she looked at the words on me: "Jesus is God’s Greatest Gift." She wanted to know what they meant so she asked one of the team’s staff. The man took the opportunity to share with her the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. She listened attentively. The man invited her to join in the children’s Bible study program after school. She said yes and was so happy (I could tell because she couldn't stop smiling). She also asked that same man to translate the letter she found in the box. She then sharpened me and started to write a letter to the girl who wrote her. She asked the man if he could translate her letter into English and send it for her. He assured her that he would. Now...do you understand why I’m a pencil with a purpose? What better purpose is there than to be used to share a message of God’s amazing love and to spread His joy? I know...my life is short but it has been well spent. Don’t you think? :)
                                                               
~Written by Urailak Liljequist
Copyright 2007
__________________________________________________
Please visit here for the links to other Spiritual Sundays posts.
Please visit here for the links to other blogs that are participating in the Operation Christmas Child Carnival.
Have a blessed week in the Lord, everyone!

Thankful Thursday #7

 

This week...
1. I am thankful that the Lord has been working in me/my heart, enabling me to more readily extend His grace, mercy, and compassion (much needed especially when I start to get frustrated and don't know what to do) towards my challenging child who is gifted but possibly have Asperger's syndrome (from what we've researched).  I have been praying for more patience and for wisdom regarding how to understand, teach, train, encourage, and discipline him.  I would greatly appreciate your prayers for us.

2. I am thankful for words of encouragement, words of appreciation, and words of edification from my family, friends (including online friends), and anyone.  I truly appreciate all your kind, honest, and uplifting comments.  Thanks for taking the time to touch people's lives with your words.

3. I am thankful for a warm shelter, warm showers, warm blankets, and warm food.  These things remind me to pray for the homeless.  How hard and miserable it must be for them, especially when it's cold, windy, and wet out!  I encourage you all to support your local homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and to have some food/water supplies and/or extra blankets, coats, socks, etc. available in your vehicles to give out to the homeless whom you may meet on the streets.

4. I am thankful that my children have embraced modesty since they were young.  Modesty is Biblical and beautiful. 

5. I am thankful that the Lord has blessed me through winning blog giveaways.  This month, I have won a book, a DVD, and a $25 e-gift card to an online printing store.  Speaking of giveaways, I am hosting one at my HSB blog.  You have a chance to win a Yoplait Kids Prize Pack.  Two winners will be randomly drawn this Saturday.  There are only 6 entries so far; therefore, you have a great chance for winning :).  Hope you'll stop by and enter!

Thankful Thursday #5

 

This week...
1. I am thankful that my sons have a thankful heart/attitude.  They appreciated the games, gifts, cards, cakes, ice cream, other treats, their relatives, family, and friends who came to their birthday party.  They remembered to thank everyone :).

2. I am thankful for my husband being the best dad/role model (besides Jesus) for our children.  He enjoys spending time (quality and quantity) with the kids.  The boys love playing sports with Dad and learning from Dad how to fix things, how to make fire, and other manly stuff; our daughter loves talking with Dad about God, the Bible, ministries, politics, world events, etc. and watching movies with Dad.

3. I am thankful for all the hugs and kisses from my husband and kids.  They are affectionate and I love that :).

4. I am thankful for our relatives and the relationship we have with them.  I'm glad that they always come to the kids' birthday parties and get along very well even though some of them were divorced and remarried.

5. I am thankful for all seasons. Each season displays God's wonders. If you would like to see the pictures I took around our property throughout four seasons, please click here.

Thankful Thursday #4

 

This week...
1. I am thankful that the Lord has enabled us to homeschool our children.  This is our 11th year and we would not have wanted it any other way.  We love homeschooling with all its ups and downs :).

2. I am thankful that my two sons are each other's best buddies.  They share a bedroom, talk about everything, discuss books they read, play together everyday, etc.  They sometimes get rough with each other but their brotherly love is evident.

3. I am thankful for our home and its location.  We are blessed to be living in the country, on a hill with a panoramic view of God's beautiful creation (forests, hills, sky), in a very quiet & safe neighborhood.

4. I am thankful for our family's Bible study and prayer time in the evenings.  We enjoy discussing what we read and learn from God's Word.

5. I am thankful that my husband and my children play piano.  My husband is a gifted piano player and composer.  My 16 year old daughter has been giving her brothers piano lessons.  One of my favorite things to do is singing praise & worship songs or hymns to the Lord with my husband while he plays the piano.

Thankful Thursday #3

 

This week...

1. I am thankful that my husband is diligent, hard-working, and handy.  He not only works hard outside the home (as a civil engineer), but also works hard at home (maintenance, caulking, painting, etc.) & around our property (taking care of the goats, the lawn, the fence, etc.).

2. I am thankful for my family's good health.  We rarely have to visit a doctor.

3. I am thankful for food...the variety of foods that we can eat.  The more I hear about other people's food allergies, the more I am thankful that our family members have not had severe food allergies yet.  I am allergic to hazelnuts and dairy products but that's no big deal :).  My husband is mildly allergic to eggs and dairy products.

4. I am thankful that the Lord has blessed our children with discernment.  They have shown us in words and actions Godly wisdom and discernment; they have stood firm in their faith and convictions.

5. I am thankful for brothers and sisters in Christ who take the Great Commission seriously.  Our family has a passion especially for reaching the unreached with the Gospel.  Alyssa, our 16 year old daughter, just made a video featuring one of our favorite Christian organizations.  Please take a look below and see how you can help make an eternal impact.  She also wrote a relevant article, Plentiful Harvest, for Growing In Grace (online) Magazine this month.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20

"He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." Mark 16:15

"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in?  And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?  And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?  And how can they preach unless they are sent?  As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"" Romans 10:14-15