Book: Just In Case You Ever Wonder + GIVEAWAY

About the book:

This book assures children of God's love through all their experiences—including during hard times such as being afraid of the dark or being bullied—and gives assurance that the parent was there when they were first born and will be with them even in heaven.

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From New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado comes Just in Case You Ever Wonder, the classic children’s book that has made its way into hearts and story times around the world. This award-winning book about the love between a parent and child

has sold 1.7 million copies, touching lives for more than 25 years; now includes new, breathtaking art from Eve Tharlet; is perfect for children ages 3–7; and reminds children of Jesus’ unconditional love.

Whether you have treasured this classic book for years or are reading it for the first time with your little ones, this timeless reminder of the love between a parent and a child—and ultimately, between God the Father and us—will come to hold a special place in your heart and home. Children long to hear they’re special and loved. Just in Case You Ever Wonder assures them that as they grow and change, in both good and bad times, you—and their heavenly Father—will always be on their 

side . . . just in case they ever wonder.

My thoughts:
What a beautifully done children's book!  I have enjoyed Max Lucado books for many, many years.  I appreciate the illustrations in this book as well as the message.

 As you can see from the cover, this is a beautiful book.  The message is just as special to tell our children, and we need to tell it to our children often.  As they grow they need to know that we are their parents (or grandparents) will be there for them no matter what. God has a plan and purpose for each child.

This book would make a great gift for a child in your life or to add to your personal library.

I recommend you share the message with your child.  It is a good reminder of God's love for us as adults too.


The book can be purchased here.

Click on this link to enter the giveaway!

I received a copy of this book from FrontGate Media for my honest review. Thank you.

#JustInCaseYouEverWonder

Have a day of blessings!
   Bethany

I'm Not a Scaredy Cat

Best selling author Max Lucado has a new children's book called I'm Not a Scaredy Cat A Prayer for When You Wish You Were Brave.

"I'm a big cat.  I'm a strong cat.  I'm not a scaredy cat....except when...."

This little cat has times when he is afraid like when "noises are loud" or when the slide made his "tummy flippy-flop."  When he is afraid he knows to pray.

The illustrations are wonderful.  I like the cute cat going through his various fears.

This book is appropriate for ages 6-10.  I feel it would be good for parents to read this book to have conversations with their children regarding their fears and how to handle them.  I think it is important for children to know what to do when they are afraid and this little cat is a good example to pray during those times.

I enjoyed this book and hope you will check it out for yourself.  Here is a link where it can be purchased.

There is a giveaway too!  I bet you know a little one who would enjoy having this in his/her home library!  Click here to enter the giveaway!

I received a copy of this book from the FrontGate Reviewers Program.  This review is my honest opinion.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!
   Bethany

Glory Days

About the book:
The wilderness. Maybe you know it well. 

The Israelites sure did. After all, they spent forty years wandering the desert. Victories were scarce. Progress was slow. They were free from Pharaoh but not free from fear. Saved but stuck. 

Sounds a lot like midlife misery. Caught in a rut. Stalled out. Running on empty. Are you mired in the same? 

You can name the day you became a Christian and escaped Egypt. But you can’t remember the last time you defeated a temptation or experienced an answered prayer. You’re fighting the same battles you fought the day you came to Christ. You’re out of Egypt, but Egypt’s not out of you. 

Isn’t the Christian life supposed to be better than this? 

Jesus offers abundant joy. Yet you live with oppressive grief. The epistles speak of grace. You shoulder guilt. You are more than a conqueror yet are commonly conquered by temptation or weaknesses. 

But there’s good news. With God’s help you can close the gap between the person you are and the person you want to be. Like Joshua and the Israelites, you can move from a wilderness existence into a promised inheritance. 

This is God’s vision for your life. You, at full throttle. You, as you were intended. You, as victor over the Jerichos and giants. You, minus the stumbles, hurts, and hate. 

You and your Promised Land life. 

New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado invites readers to leave the wilderness and discover a life defined by grace, refined by challenge, and aligned with a heavenly call. By studying the life of Joshua and the biblical book that bears his name, Lucado reveals God’s promises for every step and reminds readers that God still fights for them.

About the Author:
More than 120 million readers have been inspired by the words of Max Lucado. He lives with his wife, Denalyn, and their mischievous mutt, Andy, in San Antonio, Texas, where he serves the people of Oak Hills Church. 

My thoughts:
I have read many of Max Lucado's previous books.  I was interested in his new one called Glory Days.  It goes through the study of the book of Joshua, and I found this book to be encouraging.  It gave me a new perspective on the book of Joshua, and I want to go back and read this book of the Bible again with the thoughts from Lucado's book in mind.  There are great personal examples he uses with each chapter as you find in his other books, and his writing is very easy for reader to relate to what he is saying.  Also as is typical for many of his books, there is a study guide at the end with questions for each chapter.  I recommend this book to you and hope you benefit from it as I have.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.” 

Have a day of blessings!
 

You'll Get Through This

Book Description:

You’ll get through this.

It won’t be painless.

It won’t be quick.

But God will use this mess for good.

Don’t be foolish or naïve.

But don’t despair either.

With God’s help, you’ll get through this.

You fear you won't make it through. We all do. We fear that the depression will never lift, the yelling will never stop, the pain will never leave. In the pits, surrounded by steep walls and aching reminders, we wonder: Will this gray sky ever brighten? This load ever lighten?

My Thoughts:
I have enjoyed many books by Max Lucado.  When I saw the title and information about this new one, I knew I wanted to read it.  I felt it could be a beneficial reminder to me after the loss we have experienced in our family this year. I appreciate the reminders of this book through the life of Joseph that God is wish us. 

I have always like Joseph's story in the Bible and seeing how God had a plan for him from the beginning.  In this book, each chapter focuses on a different aspect of Joseph's story, and as I was reading I realized a few things about Joseph that I had not previously considered.  I think everyone can learn something from this book and it will be an encouragement to you with whatever is happening in your life. 

Max Lucado is a wonderfully gifted author and I'm sure this newest book will touch the lives of many who are hurting.     

Have a day of blessings!


I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®.

Grace

Have you read the new book by popular author Max Lucado?  It is called Grace. 

Book Description: 

Grace.

We talk as though we understand the term. The bank gives us a grace period. The seedy politician falls from grace. Musicians speak of a grace note. We describe an actress as gracious, a dancer as graceful. We use the word for hospitals, baby girls, kings, and premeal prayers. We talk as though we know what grace means.

But do we really understand it? Have we settled for wimpy grace? It politely occupies a phrase in a hymn, fits nicely on a church sign. Never causes trouble or demands a response. When asked, “Do you believe in grace?” who could say no?

Max Lucado asks a deeper question: Have you been changed by grace? Shaped by grace? Strengthened by grace? Emboldened by grace? Softened by grace? Snatched by the nape of your neck and shaken to your senses by grace?

God’s grace has a drenching about it. A wildness about it. A white-water, riptide, turn-you-upside-downness about it. Grace comes after you. It rewires you. From insecure to God secure. From regret riddled to better-because-of-it. From afraid to die to ready to fly.

Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off.

Let’s make certain grace gets you.

My thoughts:
I have enjoyed reading this book as I have enjoyed other books by Max Lucado.  He has so many good books, and this one is another good to add to your library.  I believe the message of this book will be well received by many readers because this is something we all can relate to....trying to be good enough or do more or be successful in order to earn God's love.  None of those things are needed though.  And that is the point of this book.  The reader is reminded of what grace is and gives examples of people (both from the Bible and other modern day examples) who have given and received grace.  Another thing about grace is that once we realize the magnitude of the grace we have been given, we need to show that grace to others.  This isn't something we can do in our human selves. 

I liked this quote in the book and want to leave you with this:
"You are loved by your Maker not because you try to please Him and succeed, or fail to please Him and apologize, but because He wants to be your Father." 

I received this book from the Book Sneeze reviewers program for my honest review.

Have a day of blessings!

Book review: Max On Life

I have finished reading Max On Life by well-known author Max Lucado.  In this new book, the author of 25 years answers 172 questions he has received.  These questions fall under the categories of Hope, Hurt, Help, Him/Her, Home, Haves/Have-nots, and Hereafter. Also included are both a topical index and a scriptural index. 

I enjoyed reading this book and found several questions I myself have often wondered in my life.  This would be a great gift book to give someone who needs some encouragement.   This is the kind of book you can pick up and read through or pick up and find answers to questions you may have using the handy topical index.  While this is a different style of book that others by Max Lucado, it is still very enjoyable to read.  I recommend this book to you.
 
Have a day of blessings!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”

Audio book: Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado

I had the privilege of listening to the audio version of a book called Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado. It was provided through the reviewer's program at christianaudio.

I had previously read this book and posted my review here. When I saw the audio version available, I knew I'd enjoy hearing it because I had enjoyed reading it so much. It was one I wanted to read again anyway and I figured I could learn something new by hearing it.

This book focuses on how we should be living our Christian lives...caring for others, seeing the needs of people, and praying to name a few. It is based on the book of Acts. It is very thought provoking for the listener and causes you to think about how you are living compared with how Christians really should live. I appreciate the real-life examples given by the author of people who are living out their faith in real-world situations.

The narrator, Dan Butler, was interesting to hear overall. At times I found his voice to be a bit monotone. He did a nice job reading this book and gave me the feeling he understood what he was reading, making it personal and not just words he was reading.

Have a day of blessings!

The audio version was provided through christianaudio Reviewers Program.

Book Review: One Hand, Two Hands

I warned you this was going to be a week of book reviews on my blog! I have a sweet children's book to share with you today. Be sure to check out the previous post as well to see my review of Max Lucado's new book Out Live Your Life.

One hand, two hands,
Five fingers, ten.
God, thanks, for my hands.
Please, use them again.

I am happy to share with you a new children's book by Max Lucado called One Hand, Two Hands. It is written with rhyming text and shows children a variety of ways that we use our hands every day all day long. The illustrations by Gaby Hansen are really fun and add to the enjoyment of this book in my opinion.

If you have a special little one in your life, I recommend this book for them. You will enjoy it together.

Have a day of blessings!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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

2010 Book #29: Out Live Your Life

I had the opportunity to read a new book by Max Lucado called Out Live Your Life.
From the publisher:
These are difficult days in our world's history. 1.75 billion people are desperately poor, natural disasters are gouging entire nations, and economic uncertainty still reigns across the globe. But you and I have been given an opportunity to make a big difference. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope? Infiltrated all corners with God's love and life? We are created by a great God to do great works. He invites us to outlive our lives, not just in heaven, but here on earth. Let's live our lives in such a way that the world will be glad we did.

My thoughts:
I always enjoy reading anything by Max Lucado. I appreciate his writing style and the message he shares through this writing. This book focuses on the book of Acts as a basic thought for each chapter as a guideline for how we should be living our Christian lives...caring for others, seeing the needs of people, and praying to name a few. At the end of the book is a discussion guide for personal reflection to apply what you have read to your own life.

One thing I didn't particularly like was the different Bible versions quoted. I think I would have preferred him stick with the same version throughout.

I saw this book on sale at Mardel if you are interested. Also it is important to note that 100% of the author's royalties are going to World Vision and other ministries. I enjoyed this book and am glad to be able to review it.

Have a day of blessings!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”

2010 Book #19: "You Can Be Everything God Wants You to Be" by Max Lucado

Book Description
God made only one version of you. He custom designed you for a one-of-a-kind assignment.

You are heaven's Halley's comet; we have one chance to see you shine. You offer a gift to the world that no one else brings. So find it and bring it! And when you do, both you and God will smile.

Yes, you can be everything God wants you to be.

My review: I received a book called You Can Be Everything God Wants You to Be by Max Lucado from Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze program to review. Parts of this book are taken from another of Lucado's books called Cure for the Common Life. It is a quick read and good book of encouragement I thought.

People around us have expectations that we are to choose a certain vocation or have a certain ministry. We need to do what we are made to do though, not what someone else tells us we should do for whatever reason. The main idea of the book is to find what you are good at doing and what you love and do that thing. It's not about the salary you make or being "higher up the ladder" than someone else. We need to find the thing we are good at and do that. One of the quotes I really liked in this book is: "Success is not defined by position or pay scale but by this: doing the most what you do the best."

I enjoyed reading this book and appreciated the encouragement from it. It would make a nice gift for someone who is graduating.

Have a day of blessings!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”

2009 Book #38: Fearless by Max Lucado

One of my favorite authors, Max Lucado, has a new book from Thomas Nelson publishers called Fearless. This release is perfect for the uncertainty and worries plaguing so many today. Each chapter focuses on a different fear we face in life. Some of these include fear of not mattering, fear of disappointing God, fear of not protecting my kids, fear of violence, fear of life’s final moments, and fear that God is not real.

The fears we face in this life are real. This book is a wonderful reminder, however, that through Christ we do not need to be afraid. Did you know that of the 125 imperatives of Christ in the Gospels that “21 urge us to ‘not be afraid’ or ‘not fear’ or ‘have courage’ or ‘take heart’ or ‘be of good cheer’ (page 10)? This is encouraging! I cannot say just how much I enjoyed this book and the timely message shared. One thing I appreciated was the relevant Bible verse at the beginning of each chapter. I highly recommend that you buy it and read it for yourself.

Another resource is a booklet called Imagine Your Life Without Fear. This wonderful resource would be nice to give to those needing encouraging word.

The website is also an additional resource to go along with this book.

"Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and also in me...I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am." John 14:1, 3 NLT

Have a day of blessings!

Remember to pray

I received a reminder to pray for President elect Obama in one of my comments (Thanks Amanda!) Also tonight I received an email from Max Lucado urging everyone to take a few minutes to pray on Inauguration Day, January 20. You can visit the link (click above on Max Lucado or in my side bar) to find a prayer guide and more information.
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"But if any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys giving to all people, so he will give you wisdom.”James 1:5

Beautifully Written....2009 Book #2: For the Tough Times

You don’t have to look far today to see depressing news. We can have hope though when we look to Jesus for our peace and answers. The book For the Tough Times by Max Lucado offers hope.

The book begins with a question asked by David in Psalm 11:3—“When all that is good falls apart, what can good people do?” I think at some point everyone has asked this question. What are we supposed to do during the hard times when nothing makes sense? We may question God or not know how to pray. We may feel lost, confused, and vengeful. In the chapters of this we learn we can put our hope in our Father’s love, and we can be triumphant through Him.

One point that struck me from this book is the importance of being still. It is hard to be totally quiet before God, yet in the midst of our pain and struggling, often the thing we need the most is to wait on Him, listening for His voice.

This is a short book with short, easy to read chapters. It would be a wonderful book to give as a gift to a friend who is suffering through a loss. I have read numerous books by this author and again enjoyed his writing. Anyone who reads this book really can take something away from it after reading.

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"We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him." I Thessalonians 4:14