The Crippled Lamb

It's been a while since I've done a book review, and today I read this little book to Princess.
It seems it was written especially for me.
It is about a lamb who is crippled and often feels left out and alone.
But it turns out that God has a special plan for the lamb because he is different.

This is a message I think we all need to hear,
and is especially important to teach children
because children always seem to go through periods of insecurities.
All of us were created with a weakness.
And God can use us through our weakness for His glory.
But I think I liked this little reminder today more than sweet Princess.
I loved this little book.

"Take a good look, friends, at who you were when you got called into this life. I don't see many of "the brightest and the best" among you, not many influential, not many from high-society families. Isn't it obvious that God deliberately chose men and women that the culture overlooks and exploits and abuses, chose these "nobodies" to expose the hollow pretensions of the "somebodies"? That makes it quite clear that none of you can get by with blowing your own horn before God. Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ. That's why we have the saying, "If you're going to blow a horn, blow a trumpet for God." 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, The Message

Oh, amen to that passage.

Mrs. Rosey Posey and the Fine China Plate

Wow! I have been really excited when I stop in the local Christian bookstore about the new "I Can Read" series by Zonderkidz. So many options for a such a little price. We picked up this book at a Christian discount store at the beach. It is a great story with great illustrations, based on 2 Timothy 2:21, which says, "If you stay away from sin you will be like one of these dishes made of purest gold - the very best in the house - so that Christ himself can use your for his highest purposes." I am not sure what version that is from, I am used to the NIV which says, "If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work." I have been delighted to read this book about being "set apart." It gives a very biblical reason about why parents sometimes need to say no, to keep their kids "set apart" for God and His purposes. Princess LOVES this book - she considers it to be a bible story, and it is a parable of sorts. This book is by Robin Jones Gunn, author of the popular Sisterchicks series (which I've never read and may have to try now). Currently, there are three other Mrs. Rosey Posey books in the series. Happy reading to your children!

Mommy Do You Love Me?

Before I begin this review, I just wanted to say that I have been so blessed by your comments and your support of my blog and the "Praying for their Footsteps." Thank you for the emails and comments you have left me saying you will pray. I am blessed by you.

"Mommy Do You Love Me?" by Jeanne Willis, Illustrated by Jan Fearnley, 2008

I love this book because it shows the child reading the book that no matter what he does, mommy will always love him. It is about a mother hen and her chick. The chick does various things to see if mommy will still love him, and mommy always says she still does. She says, "Sometimes you make me mad, and sometimes you make me sad, but no matter what you say or do, I will always love you."

I find books like this one really speak to my daughter's heart. It is a message that I have to continually let her know. I don't think that it is a "Christian" book, but unconditional love is a Christian message. We are only able to love our children unconditionally because Christ loved us first. So I highly recommend this book. Also, the illustrations are absolutely beautiful and aid in the story telling, especially for the little ones. Great book!

Pete & Pillar: the big rain

My first book recommendation for kids is "Pete & Pillar: the big rain" by Jeffery Stoddard. Pea got this book for Easter. It has become a favorite of Princess's too, so it is good for boys and girls alike, though I think it is more favorable for a little boy. It is a story of friendship between a hauler and a digger. Through a simple story, it teaches children about the importance of genuine friendship and the sacrificial love of Christ. Christ is not mentioned in this story, but a sacrifice is made, and the premise is based off of John 15:13, which says, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." You have an opportunity through this story to tell your children about His perfect friendship with them. As for the recommended age for this book: Pea does not always sit through it, and Princess adores it, so I am of the opinion that ages 3 and up will enjoy this book, though it really depends on your child, and you know your child best. It is also a good picture book for a younger child, and you can discuss the story through pictures instead of reading every word. Happy Reading to your kids!