The Berenstain Bears Discover God’s Creation: Book Review
The Berenstain Bears Discover God’s Creation
by Stan and Jan Berenstain with Mike Berenstain
I remember nights snuggled up next to my mother for the bedtime story. My usual pick was one of our many Berenstain Bears titles. I loved the Berenstain Bears! As a mother now, I am often reading aloud stories that my own children pull off the bookshelf. More often than naught, I am reading a beloved Berenstain Bears book at bedtime.
One of the things I have always loved about this series of books, is that each one has a lesson to be learned. The books are sweet and charming and fun. Kids just naturally love them! And moms can feel good about what they are reading.
The back of the book tells us…
Mama Bear pulls the plug on TV, and the Bear cubs are upset! What are they going to do now? All it takes is a peek outside for Brother and Sister to see that God has given them a beautiful world that is far more fun than the TV screen.
The Berenstain Bears Discover God’s Creation is no different. Published by Zonderkidz, this delightful little hardback book is filled with engaging prose. Mama Bear begins the book saying:
“It seems to me, you cubs watch much too much TV!”
I love that! I am one of those moms who severely limits my kids television viewing. And every afternoon that the sun is shining, I tell the kids to go outside. I want them to experience God’s creation on a daily basis and appreciate the gifts of nature. I think Mama Bear is pretty wise!
She continues (after the cubs protest) saying:
“Watching all that TV slush will surely turn your brain to mush. I will not argue. You have no vote. I will keep the TV remote.”
Mama Bear gets my vote! I actually keep our TV remote up all the time. The kids have to have specific permission to turn on the TV. This book will encourage your family to watch less TV and get outside more. If you have young children like I do, this book is surely one for the bookshelf.
A Year of Family Worship: The Bible Story
The Bible Story Books.
You have probably seen those blue hardback Bible Story books in the doctor’s office, dentist office, or hospital. I remember my mother reading stories from them while we sat for what seemed like hours in the waiting room at the doctors office when I was a little girl. We didn’t own a set of our own back then. Well, now I have a set of my own. In fact, in our house, we have several sets and even recently purchased a set for each of our children. We found used sets on ebay.
I highly recommend you purchase a set for your own home, if you have not already! The books authored by Arthur Maxwell, are written in a classic story like fashion. The illustrations are charming. But the most important thing about these books, would have to be that they teach you the Bible! They are perfect for children and parents alike! If you are a mom, like me, who didn’t grow up with a solid knowledge of the Bible and the stories, this 10 volume set is perfect! You will learn so much from just reading the stories.
From The Bible Story Book Website:
Imagine for a moment your family sitting down together for a regular Bible story at bedtime. That’s better than some silly—or disturbing—television program, isn’t it? And it’s a wonderful influence for good…
Each short, five-minute chapter in The Bible Story can help give your children the strength to stand up to the temptations they face. Each story can help build a foundation of values upon which your children can establish happy and successful lives.
- Easy to read and understand
- 411 stories in 10 volumes
- 1,200 color illustrations
- Stories are true to the Bible
You should visit their website, and learn more. And if you can’t afford the price of new books, get some used ones! They are usually in excellent condition! These books will be a welcome addition to your Family Worship time.
* * * * *
Each Wednesday, we will add a new post for A Year of Family Worship and you can do the same. Share your goals, experiences, and ideas for family worship with the rest of us!
If you don’t have a blog, you can add your comments in the comment section! You can read about A Year of Family Worship here. And you can see the 52 Weeks of Family Worship here.
If you do not have a blog… you can either post your ideas here in the comments or even join our Proverbs 31 Sisters Network and get a free blog that way!
Busy Mom’s Bible: Review
It’s funny how God works. Way back in October 2009 I was in a Bible book store and was looking at all the beautiful new Bibles wishing I could justify the expense of a new Bible when the one I have is perfectly good. In fact, the Bible I carry with me was given to me by my husband twelve years ago before we were even married. (Not to mention the dozens of Bibles in my home.) But I wanted something smaller and something prettier than the typical burgundy leather I already owned. And then I had the opportunity to review this Bible.
The Busy Mom’s Bible is just that. It is smaller, one of Zondervan’s new Slimline NIV editions. It is also a really fun and pretty pink, hot pink, and brown. This Bible is designed for busy moms who don’t have a lot of time to study, but who desire a closer relationship with Christ. It offers 52 devotions on topics that are near and dear to moms everywhere. Topics like God as the Creator, Disciplining Children, and Guilt.
These 52 devotions are broken up into three segments – 1 minute Readings, 5 minutes to Reflect and Pray, and 10 minutes for further Study. The format of the Busy Mom’s Bible is simple to use and definitely will make morning devotions easier for moms whose time is already stretched to the max.
In the back of the Bible you will find a concordance, maps, 10 minutes study index, additional 5 minutes Reflect & Pray, 5 minutes reading about Jesus, and 5 minutes reading about the women of the Bible.
One aspect that I really appreciate is that this Bible does not include commentary. I prefer to do my own study rather than rely on the opinions of a scholar whose theology I may not agree with. The words of Jesus are also printed in red. In all honesty, I do prefer the King James Version, but for ease of reading, the NIV doesn’t take a lot of concentration and thought.
This Bible is one I will be using quite often – especially when I am on the go. The size is perfect for traveling and carrying around.
Green Mama: Book Review & Giveaway
Green Mama: The Guilt Free Guide to Helping You and Your Kids Save the Planet
by Tracey Bianchi
Today is St. Patrick’s Day and I thought it would be fun to play around with the whole “green” theme with this book review and giveaway. A couple of weeks ago, Zondervan sent me a nice big box of Green Mama to review. I couldn’t resist having a big giveaway at the same time!
Green Mama is a book that will help you figure out ways to be more “green”. In other words, be kind to God’s creation.
The author, Tracey Bianchi, begins with a tale of how she went from being a thoughtless consumer to being a environmentally friendly mom living in the suburbs. I was slightly shocked by the mention of marijuana in the Introduction, but I realize that was the story of then – not now.
I am not a “tree hugging liberal.” Did I say that? I am what a lot of people would call “crunchy”. I took the quiz on Facebook and yes, it confirmed that I was indeed a “Crunchy Granola Mama”. Whatever that means.
- I am a vegetarian
- I cook nearly everything from scratch
- I gave birth at home
- I homeschool my kids
- I prefer herbal remedies to traditional medicine
- I have come to loath frivolous purchases
- I used cloth diapers
- I love camping in a tent and cooking over a campfire so much that I think I could just live in one forever
- I have a small organic garden
- I compost nearly everything I can
On the other hand, I really am just a regular mom. I live in a regular house in a neighborhood in a small town. I have regular kids. I live a pretty ordinary life. The reason I was interested in reviewing a book on how to be green was that even though I do not believe in global warming and I don’t think we need to control whether people drive SUV’s, I do believe that God has entrusted to us His creation to care for until He returns. So what does the author of Green Mama have to share with us? Bianchi encourages moms to do something. She says:
This book does not demand impossible changes for your life. You do not have to compost every banana peel, ditch your microwave, or convert to organic gardening to make a difference (although these definitely do help) You do not need dreadlocks or a hemp handbag. Instead, let’s look at the simple solutions that make the biggest differences. Like this one: Americans toss 60 million of those plastic water and beverage bottles into our landfills everyday. There is a cheap, family-friendly, and even money-saving solutions for this plastic problem: Drink froma reusable bottle. You can do this.
While you may not agree with everything in this book or feel that every idea is perfect for your family, you are certain to find many ideas about how you can be a better steward of this earth we share. Near the end of the book, Bianchi asks this question: “Am I part of the plan?”
This is a painful question, mostly because I think the answer is yes. The escape plan looks something like this. I start seriously considering what is truly important in my life. I limit what I own and need and want. I make educated decisions on what I buy and who I buy it from. I take the time to invest in renewable energy sources, limit my water use, turn off a few lights, and get some canvas bags. I teach my children that wrapping paper is not from the North Pole, and I take them outside on Christmas Eve to find a star. I teach them that Jesus loves them not for what they have but for who they are. I pray as often as I can about the harsh realities of this world… Becoming a Green Mama means we live in a way that honors God and other moms… So Green Mamas, be empowered. God is behind you and in front of you, and what is left of his glorious creation is all around you. Hug your kids, hug your friends, hug a tree; and you will help another mom across the world do the same. This is to live wisely and well. Green Steps:
- Plant a tree.
- Find responsible recyclers
- Pray.
Bianchi discusses everything from how to understand the “eco” language (What does natural mean anyway?) to celebrating the real meaning of Christmas. She will help you with the “I Want More” syndrome that seems to affect Americans everywhere. She will give you practical tips on how you and your family can be kinder to this earth. She will make you think.
* * * * *
If you would like a chance to win a copy of Green Mama by Tracey Bianchi, all you need to do is comment below! I have 10 of these books to give away! You must comment on the original post not on Facebook to be eligible to win!
Want Extra Chances to Win?
- Comment below.
- Join our Facebook group.
- Follow us on Twitter.
- Mention this on your blog.
Mention what you did in the comments below and you’ll get an extra chance for each one! Winner will be announced on March 31, 2010! Good luck!
L.O.V.E. Putting Your Love Styles to Work for You: Book Review
L.O.V.E. : Putting Your Love Style to Work for You by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott
I opened this book, turned to the first chapter and saw this quote:
“I love being married. It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.” – Rita Rudner
I am still laughing! Okay, so if you are married, you have probably realized by now that living with another person has its ups and downs. You both have those little quirks in your habits or personality that didn’t seem so glaring before the vows were said. So why do you behave the way you do? And why does he behave the way he does?
It has a lot to do with your personal LOVE style. Are you a Leader? An Optimist? A Validator? An Evaluator? I had a hard time deciding whether I am an Optimist or a Validator. I think I am a mixture of both. I married a Leader.
Wow! I have to say that as far as the personality descriptions – this book was right on! I loved the second part of the book best. It teaches you how to best LOVE your spouse with chapters titled “If You’re Married to a Leader,” “If You’re Married to an Optimist,” etc. This is a book you can read with your husband or just for yourself if your husband doesn’t like to read self-help books.
From the Back Cover:
The letters L.O.V.E. represent four personality dimensions that make up your personal ‘love style.’ Once you know your own love style and that of your spouse, you will be able to love him or her in a way that will help you get the love you need in return.
Relationship experts Drs. Les& Leslie Parrott stand on a mountain of research to show you how this single insight can draw you closer together. Never before have we had such an easy-to-use and scientifically proven tool for pinpointing each person’s approach to love. You’ll discover how much these dimensions inform your love style:
- L – Leader: The Take-Charge Spouse
- O – Optimist: The Encouraging Spouse
- V – Validator: The Devoted Spouse
- E – Evaluator: The Careful Spouse
The L.O.V.E. online assessment, in combination with this book, will show you how you are designed to approach everything from communication and conflict to sex and intimacy. This is not your typical marriage book. It’s a practical tool for learning how to express love to your spouse and feel truly loved in return.
I highly recommend this book to you married women out there. It will help you better understand your spouse. For more information you can visit the Parrotts website RealRelationships.com.
The Prairie Girl’s Guide to Life – Book Review and Giveaway
The Prairie Girls Guide to Life:
How to Sew a Sampler Quilt & 49 Other Pioneer Projects for the Modern Girl
This delightful little book is sure to win your heart if you love timeless wisdom, crafts, and recipes. The Prairie Girl’s Guide to Life by Jennifer Worrick is chock full of ideas to feed your pioneer’s spirit. Learn how to:
- predict the weather
- embroider a pillow
- bake a rhubarb pie
- make bread and butter pickles
- knit a shawl
- make a night cream
- braid hair
- prepare sweet cherries
- lay a fire
- pan for gold
- make rock candy
- braid a rug
- make candles
- spin yarn
- milk a cow
- and much more!
I wanted to share a particularly fun recipe from the book with you. When I was a kid, rock candy was such a treat! We would go down to the shops in Warm Springs, GA (close to where I grew up) and buy rock candy. So, when I saw this recipe, I knew I wanted to make it with my own kids.
Rock Candy
What you need:
- clean glass jar
- 6-inch ice cream sticks
- pencil
- tape
- 4 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- food coloring
In a saucepan, heat (but do not boil) 2 cups of the sugar and the water. Stir slowly until the sugar is completely dissolved. Gradually add a few drops of food coloring – your choice – and the remaining sugar, stirring continuously until all the sugar is dissolved.
Pour your colorful sugar water into a clean glass jar. Tape the sticks to a pencil and suspend them across the mouth of the jar so that the ends hang into the liquid.
Crystals suitable to eat will form in a hour and continue to grow for several days to a week. Pieces can be broken off and eaten after the first hour, but try to resist the urge to suck on them.
Although you may see modest results quickly, larger rock-candy crystals will take time to form. Good things come to those who wait, and pretty sticks of candy are yours to be had if you show a bit of patience.
Yields 12 ounces
I am fairly certain you will find a wealth of ideas here in this book. And, if you homeschool girls, this book is a perfect addition to your home economics course! If you would like to win a copy of this book comment here and on Friday of next week – February 5th – I will draw a name!
The Farm Chicks: In the Kitchen – Cookbook Review
When I received my copy of The Farm Chick’s In the Kitchen cookbook, I was so excited to sit down and pour over the recipes. You know how much I like to cook! This cookbook is not only filled with yummy recipes, it has stories, craft ideas, tips, and even an adorable apron stencil that can be used in so many ways! It’s one of those cookbooks you’ll want to curl up with on the sofa when the house is quiet and just read.
Being the apron loving, vintage homemaker that I am, one of my favorite ideas was: aprons from vintage sheets. Simply purchase vintage sheets (often selling for as little as $1.00 at the flea market) and use the fabric for your apron pattern.
Another sweet and inexpensive idea for decoration the kitchen was using ribbon or ric rac to edge your cabinet shelves. I loved this idea and plan to do this in my own kitchen. I wish I could share all of the delightful ideas with you, but you’ll just have to get your own copy of this book.
Some of the yummy recipes you’ll find inside include:
- Pumpkin Waffles
- Tangy Cucumber Cups
- Savory Sweet Potato Soup
- Asian Quinoa Salad
- Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
- Pecan Chocolate Chip Short/bread
- And many, many more!
I do, however want to share a few recipes with you. It was hard to choose a favorite, but these two are some of mine…
Sweet Onion Tartlets
I like to serve these as a side dish to our suppers from time to time! … Melissa
¾ cup butter, softened
1 3-oz. package cream cheese
1 cup all purpose flour
4 cups quartered and thinly sliced sweet onions (about 3 large)
2 tsp. sugar
½ tsp. salt
1/3 cup heavy cream
1 large egg
Make the crust: Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Combine ½ cup (1 stick) butter and the cream cheese in a medium size bowl and mix with a wooden spoon until smooth, Add the flour and miz until well combined. Scoop the mixture into 24 heaping teaspoonfuls and roll each into a ball. Press each ball into the bottom and up the sides of an ungreased mini-tart (muffin) pan; set aside.
Cook the onions: Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the remaining ¼ cup (1/2 stick) butter, stirring until melted; then add the onions, stir in the sugar and salt, and saute’ over medium-low heat until golden brown and caramelized – 20 minutes. Divide the onion mixture evenly between the 24 tartlet shells.
Bake the tartlets: Combine the cream and egg in a glass measuring cup and whisk until smooth. Pour into the tartlets, dividing evenly. Bake until the filling and crust are golden brown – 22 to 24 minutes. Transfer the tartlets from the baking pan to a serving plate and serve warm.
Apple Puff Pancake
Perfect for Sunday brunch! … Melissa
¼ cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
¼ cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 apple, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
5 large eggs
½ cup milk
½ cup all purpose flour
Dash of salt
Maple syrup or confectioner’s sugar for serving
Heat the oven to 425 degrees F. Place the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a 9 inch glass pie plate. Heat in the oven until the butter is melted and bubbly – 5 minutes. Remove from the oven, stir well and mix in the apple slices. Return to the oven and bake for 2 minutes. Meanwhile, combine the eggs, milk, flour, and salt in a blender or food processor and process until frothy – 1 minute. Pour over the apple mixture. Bake until the cake is puffed and the center is set – 18 to 20 minutes. Serve warm with maple syrup or sprinkled with confectioner’s sugar.
This charming cookbook would make a perfect gift for your mother, sister or best friend… or even yourself! You really must have this one on your shelf!
Creating an Intimate Marriage – Book Review
“There is no doubt in my mind that this book will disturb you, inspire you, give you some great ideas, and also help you realize (as if you didn’t already know this) that to bring more connection, intimacy, and spirituality to your marriage it will take a great deal of focus.” Page 11
Jim Burns’s host of HomeWord radio broadcast, uses his own marriage of 30 plus years, in his attempt to show us how to have a more intimate marriage. If you’ve longed for a more intimate marriage but struggled with the know-how, and implementation process this book is for you and your spouse. The author shows step by step the differences through Affection, Warmth and Encouragement (A.W.E.) method has made in his own marriage. If you are anything like me, when you are presented with the knowledge of what needs to happen there is often a gap in between actually implementing the changes. Not with this book, the author has Questions for me, Questions for us and a final set of questions called Heart-to-Heart HomeWork. These questions will spur even the greatest procrastinators into action. They get you asking, answering and sharing with your spouse. They also show ways of implementing the steps that need to be changed to have more A.W.E. in your marriage.
Mr. Burns has the reader concentrate on change. But wait, I know what you are thinking, “Yes, my spouse needs to change; I wish they would do this, or they need to stop doing that.” The author takes the reader and helps them realize that no change can take place unless, you, the reader is willing to make the necessary evaluations and changes first. Not our significant other. The author’s goal is to help the reader take a serious look at their own life, behavior within the marriage and than evaluate the necessary changes they can make first in the marriage. All the while using the A.W.E. method.
Jim Burns is the founder of HomeWord Radio Broadcast. He is a highly respected in youth ministry and family issues. He is the author of several books including “Addicted to God, Surviving Adolescence.” He also writes the popular “What’s Up With My Life?” column for Ignite Your Faith magazine. Jim graduated Magna Cum Laude from Azusa Pacific University, earned a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Princeton Theological Seminary and his Ph.D. in Religious Education from Greenwich School of Theology.
This book is written from the self-help marriage perspective. Based on similar books that I have read on this subject I would give this book a 5 on a scale of one to five, with five being the highest. It helps the reader take self-help to the next level by actually getting both spouses involved in the process all the while having them focus on personal change. With the A.W.E. method you will find affection, warmth and encouragement returning right away to the marriage relationship.
Review by Melissa Waters
Hugs, Hope, and Peanut Butter
Finding the Light Behind the Clouds
Hugs, Hope and Peanut Butter
by Marsha Mott Jordan, the creator of Hugs and Hope Foundation
Illustrated by Critically Ill Children
Who hasn’t been depressed or discouraged, weary from struggling with the difficulties we all face in life? Now be honest. We all have. Do you want to quit? Throw in the towel and walk away?
Well… this author understands exactly how you feel as she has faced many losses in her own personal life. She has dedicated this book to the special people in her life that she lost along life’s journey. Through her own losses and struggles, the author shares with us the one constant in her life, God. He has never left her or forsaken her, just as His word promises.
It is Marsha’s hope that as you read about her journey through life that you will learn from the lessons she’s learned.
Her amazing journey and the stories of those included within her book were all written to help the reader find hope, encouragement and perseverance in this race we all call life. Most of all she hopes you will learn to laugh and smile.
The lesson’s of her life and others that are written in this book share what God has for all of us as His children. Humor permeates the pages of this book, but don’t let that fool you there is Bible wisdoms shared within as well.
Some of the lessons we will see the author has learned are in pain, sorrow, and struggles. Some of the chapters include: I’m okay, you’re not okay, but that’s okay; Looking up; Learning to trust. Interwoven within each story you will find nuggets from God’s Word to shine the light of hope into the reader’s life.
Did you know that hugs reduce stress, tension and boost your immunity to sickness? They also raise your self-esteem and lowers blood pressure.
Marsha is also the creator of Hugs and Hope foundation. She began this non profit organization when her own grandson was burned badly. It was her heartfelt desire to put more joy into the lives of seriously ill and injured children. At the request of many of the parents who have received Marsha’s newsletter over the years, she put all her stories in book form.
So what are you waiting for grab your copy today and sit down with the Peanut Butter Queen and find hope again.
Review by Melissa Waters
On Higher Ground – Book Review
There is something about the beginning of a new year that begs us all to review the year before and set new goals for the coming months. I don’t have many “resolutions.” I routinely, throughout the year, set goals for myself. My main points of focus this year are:
Draw nearer to Him.
Get in shape – tone those muscles!
Eat even healthier.
Spend more time truly enjoying my family.
I have begun to read the book pictured above, Hind’s Feet on High Places written by Hannah Hurnard. This book was a gift from my mother, a truly godly woman. She read the book and so loved it, she bought a copy for me. This particular copy has a daily devotional to go along with the story which is written by Darien Cooper. Hind’s Feet on High Places is an allegory about a woman named Much-Afraid. I have only read the first few pages as yet, but I can see myself in Much Afraid, and I am sure you will see yourself in her as well.
It begans like this:
“This is the story of how Much-Afraid escaped from her Fearing reletives and went with the Shepherd to the High Places where “perfect love casteth out fear.”
For several years Much-Afraid had been in service of the Cheif Shepherd, whose flocks were pastured down in the Valley f Humiliation. She lived with her friends and fellow workers Mercy and Peace in a tranquil little white cottage in the village of Much-Trembling. She loved her work and desired intensely to please the Cheif Shepherd, but happy as she was in most ways, she was concious of several things which hindered her in her work and caused her much secret distress and shame.
In the first place she was a cripple, with feet so crooked that they often caused her to limp and stumble as she went about her work. She had also the very unsightly blemish of a crooked mouth which greatly disfigured both expression and speech and was sadly concious that these ugly blemishes must be a cause of astonishment and offense to many who knew that she was in the service of the great Shepherd.
Most earnestly she longed to be completely delivered from these shortcomings and to be made beautiful, gracious, and strong as were so many of the Shepherd’s other workers, and above all to be made like the Chief Shepherd Himself… ”
While I do not have crooked feet or a crooked mouth, I know I have shortcomings and have experienced shame in my life. I often feel of no use or not good enough to serve my Shepherd. I am looking forward to seeing what this book will teach me – bring out in me. I hope you will get a copy of it and find yourself in Much-Afraid – perhaps we can learn to be fearless together!
This new year, enjoy the moments you have, don’t spend time in needless worry and fear. Make this year the best you can, but don’t look back, sideways, or down. Look Up!
: Download the Spring 2010 Issue :
