Let Food Be Your Medicine

Don Colbert, M.D., New York Times best-selling author of The Seven Pillars of Health and What Would Jesus Eat, provides proven tools, based on current research, for good health, an alert mind, and a longer life.

My thoughts: Dr. Don Colbert opens up about his own journey to becoming healthier and overcoming health problems that left his doctors telling him he would never walk again, only to have his muscles heal themselves and prove them wrong.
With the modified Mediterranean diet, Dr. Colbert goes through the basic principles and how changing the way one eats can help promote health and a better way of life. I love that a lot of what he talks about just makes sense, though I don't know that I am totally won over to all aspects of his diet. I do appreciate the recipes that are included in the book to help jump start the diet and give one ideas on what to eat and when.
This is an excellent book to pick up if your new years resolution is to become healthier!
I received this book from Worthy in exchange for my honest review.

The Best Christmas Gift Ever!

A new VeggieTales board book about the true meaning of Christmas
In this festive VeggieTales book, the Veggies are celebrating Christmas—decorating the tree, singing carols, and exchanging gifts. But in the middle of all the activity—though it’s so much fun to give and receive presents—the Veggies all know that the greatest gift of all was God’s gift of Jesus, his Son. Children will love the colorful art featuring their favorite Veggie friends. Parents can use this book to introduce little ones to Jesus’ birth as the reason we rejoice at Christmastime.

My thoughts: My daughter was thrilled to get this book in the mail a while back! She loves Veggie Tales, so we have read this one just a few times.;) I love the message it has, how it is simplistic and easy for young ones to understand. The book is done in classic Veggie Tale fashion, so kids of all ages should love it. Since it is a board book, I think it is geared more towards babies and toddlers.
If you love to give books during Advent, this one would be a fun one to add to the pile!
I received this book from Worthy in exchange for my honest review.

The Berenstain Bears: Book of Prayers

This new prayer book for toddlers features Mama and Papa Bear, Brother, Sister, and Honey. Nearly 50 simple rhyming prayers cover a typical day and the typical worries of a young child. From waking in the morning to going to sleep at night, from thanking God for a meal to praying for His comfort when afraid, the prayers will help little ones see that any moment is a good moment to talk to God. With its soft padded cover and convenient size, the book is the perfect way to teach children about prayer and the ways God cares for us each day.

My thoughts: This is an adorable books for prayers to use from morning until night! My daughter is a huge fan of the Berenstain bears, so she is always grabbing this one (especially when we read a few books before bedtime) and wanting me to read it to her. There are quite a few prayers in here, which I like, since they conver a variety of topics. We don't usually make it through all the prayers in one setting, which I think works well with this book.
The illustrations are adorable and it is a hit with the youngsters at our home!
I received this book from First Look in exchange for my honest review.

God made the sun/ God made the Moon

An engaging die-cut board book that introduces little ones to the concept of sunlight and daytime

God Made the Sun is a celebration of God's gift of daytime to the world. Beginning with the first rays of sunlight and moving through the day, this book reminds little ones that God's love shines on us just as the sun shines on the earth. With its lyrical rhythm, sweet illustrations, and novelty die-cut feature, the book will serve as a welcome reminder of God's presence in our lives.


An engaging die-cut board book that introduces little ones to the concept of moonlight and nighttime

God Made the Moon is a celebration of God's gift of nighttime to the world. Beginning with the first sleepy yawn and ending with a bedtime prayer, this book reminds little ones that God's love shines on us just as the moon shines on the earth. With its lyrical rhythm, sweet illustrations, and novelty die-cut feature, the book will be a welcome addition to any child's bedtime rituals.

My thoughts: My daughter is in love with this set of board books! She loves to have them read to her, in part because of the colorful pictures and also because of the die cut to the pages. I think she likes that the sun or moon shrinks and is on each page. I enjoy the lyrical text and that one features a girl, while the other one has a boy, making them perfect for my daughter and son!
I received these books from Worthy in exchange for my honest review.

Priceless

The powerfully compelling novelization of the major motion picture by Joel and Luke Smallbone of the band for King & Country.
James Stevens was, at one time, a good man with a great life. After the tragic death of his wife and losing custody of his little girl, James is at the darkest crossroad of his life. Angry, desperate, and unable to hold down a steady job, he agrees to drive a box truck on a shady, one-time trip cross country for cash—no questions asked. When he discovers what he is delivering is actually a who, the questions in his mind begin haunting him mercilessly. James becomes an unlikely hero who must fight to save the lives of two young women and finds himself falling in love with one of them.
Can love, strength, and faith redefine his past and change the course of his future?

My thoughts: This book is heartbreaking on so many different levels! I was surprised by all the twists and turns in the story that I didn't see coming. The story sheds light on some issues that go on right under our noses, human trafficking and modern day slavery. This book shows how a slippery slope can start, but that there is hope and a way to turn things around. I look forward to the movie!
I received this book from Worthy in exchange for my honest review.

The Bard and the Bible

I am not usually one for devotionals, since I like to read a book all the way through and then move on, but I have to say that I have enjoyed this one! It is interesting to see the devotions that are a mesh of scriptures from the King James and quotes from Shakespeare. This is such a fun and unique devotional! It would make a perfect gift, especially for English majors.;) Though, this is an excellent devotion for people from all walks of life, as there is something for everyone in its pages.
I received this book from Worthy in exchange for my honest review.

Outcry

OUTCRY declares that local churches are at the heart of Christianity and you can make a difference in your community.

The OUTCRY tours were born out of a desire to be the lights and sounds of the greatest movement in the world: the local church. While studies and critics may indicate a decline of the local church, Ryan Romeo's Outcry attests that the movement is only increasing. It's time we band together to empower the local church to influence the surrounding culture. It's you. It's us. Stand behind the church Jesus gave His life for. The part you play in your local church matters. You are an integral part of bringing God's story to all corners of the world. God's church isn't finished! Her best days are ahead.

Includes contributions from:
- David Crowder
- Jenn Johnson (Bethel Music)
- Pat Barrett (Housefires)
- Chris Llewellyn (Rend Collective)

My thoughts: This is an excellent book to get the reader excited about the church. I loved reading Ryan's thoughts on how the church is messy and made up of imperfect people, but it is also incredibly beautiful too. His message is one of hope, which I needed to hear again. I think he is right that the best days are ahead of the bride of Christ.
I received this book from Worthy in exchange for my honest review.

God Made You Just Right

Here is a message that every parent will want to share with his or her child: You're brilliantly created and there's no one else like you! With easy-to-understand descriptions and simple, rhyming text, Jill Roman Lord shares the message that God created each of us in just the right way in a manner that even the youngest child will understand. Bright and engaging illustrations from Amy Wummer pair perfectly with the text and enhance the appeal of the book.

My thoughts: I enjoyed reading this book with my daughter, since it has such an important message in it for little ones to hear! The illustrations are adorable and I love the text and how it flows. The book does a great job of having children from all nationalities in it.
I received this book from Worthy in exchange for my honest review.

The Stream

The Stream provides the refreshing life-giving water that must begin to flow freely if we are to restore freedom and rebuild America before it's too late.

Robison's focus for 2016 and beyond is the restoration of the Christian faith and the renewal of an America whose foundations have eroded. The Stream charts a clear path to personal revival and spiritual revolution in our culture, values, morals, and in government.

My thoughts: This book is excellent! I like how James Robinson presents his thoughts in a concise manner, with scripture to back it up. I also like that he wove early American history into the book as well. I appreciated that he didn't shy away from some of the more difficult subjects that go hand in hand with politics and Christianity. This book is full of common sense and was just an excellent, easy to read book. I highly recommend it!
I received this book from Worthy publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Busy, Busy

What a fun book to pull out for Spring! All the animals are busy and even Mommy is busy working in the garden. But, never to busy for some time with her little one. My daughter and I love the colorful illustrations and all the animals that this book goes through. It is such a fun book to pull out after the slowness of Winter has passed! The text is sweet and I love the adorable pictures. I like that the book has some different animals in it, like a mole and peacock.
I received this book from Worthy in exchange for my honest review.

Suddenly Single Mom

Raising your children alone may not have been your plan, but these 52 encouragements will support and inspire you to thrive in your new role.

Raising your family on your own can be heartbreaking, lonely and hard to navigate. Suddenly, you are the one who has to have the answers. Remembering that God is always with you and that His love is faithful can give you the confidence to face whatever this new life brings. With a foundation of helpful Scripture verses, each message shares a story, a survival tip and a prayer.

Readers will find a faithful companion in this book as they encounter each new experience and learn to embrace their new role. Jeanette Hanscome shares 52 encouraging insights gleaned from her first year as a single mom to two boys. She shares very real struggles and triumphs, from learning to stand on her own to knowing when to ask for or accept help, and deals with both the emotional and the practical challenges of raising her children on her own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jeanette Hanscome is an author, writing teacher, speaker, and busy mom. Her work has been featured by Focus on the Family, Standard Publishing, Walk Thru the Bible, and Lifeway. She enjoys cooking, knitting, reading, studying the Bible, and spending time with her two incredible sons. Jeanette was born with a rare vision disorder called Achromatopsia, which means she has no color vision, is extremely light sensitive, and has visual acuity in the legally blind range. Jeanette lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.

My thoughts: This is such a wonderful resource! I love that Jeanette is open and honest about her struggle with raising two boys after becoming suddenly single. The devotions are set up nicely, with a scripture, the author's personal experiences, a prayer, a thought to consider, a Scripture passage to look up, and a survival tip. This is the perfect devotional for Single mothers! If you aren't a single mother, but know some, then this book would make a perfect gift to encourage those mothers!
I received this book from Worthy publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Expectant Blessings

Written from a mother’s heart and born out of a mommy’s desire to connect with her unborn baby, these powerful prayers, devotions and original poems will touch the heart of both mother and baby alike

My thoughts: This was such a fun devotion for me to read, especially with expecting a little blessing of my own soon. I appreciated Susanna opening her heart to expecting mothers. I could relate to basically all of the thoughts she shared! The prayers for one's unborn baby, experiences with sharing your exciting news with loved ones, and dealing with all the emotions that come with pregnancy. It's such a special time, dreaming of the new little one.
This would make a fun baby shower gift!
I received this book from Worthy in exchange for my honest review.

My Mother's Quilts

Inspired by thirty family heirloom quilts, each devotion depicts the enduring legacy of faith, family, and tradition. Rich, personal, sometimes heartbreaking, often funny, each reading provides a lesson and encouragement from the faithful women who crafted the quilts.
Full color photographs of each quilt show the style and artistry of each beautiful work. The quilts, sewn by several generations over more than one hundred years are as unique and lovely as the hands that created them. The oldest was buried to keep safe during the Civil war and the author's mother created the newest in the last years of her life.

My thoughts: I love the idea of centering a devotion around quilts and the history that they can provide! While I am not a quilter, I do like to sew and can appreciate the work that goes into a quilt. With all handmade gifts, there is a lot of love and beauty that goes into a piece.
Quilters will be delighted with this lovely devotion, since the author does a wonderful job putting the devotions together, and the pictures are enjoyable to see. I love the history that is included!
I received this book from Worthy in exchange for my honest review.

Bedtime Snuggles

This book is an adorable book to read with your little(s) at bedtime, with it's sweet rhymes that go along with the illustrations of different farm and woodland creatures, ending with a mother snuggling her little child. My daughter enjoys pulling this book out when it is time to get ready for bed! It is a great book to help your little one wind down and prepare for bedtime.
I received this book from Worthy publishers in exchange for my honest review.

The Berenstain Bears' Easter Blessing

An engaging lesson from the iconic Bear family about the true blessing of Easter-the Resurrection of Jesus. Stan and Jan Berenstain launched the Berenstain Bears books in 1962 with The Big Honey Hunt. Since that time, more than 365 Berenstain Bears books have been published, making it one of the best-selling children's series ever. Today, more than fifty years later, Mike Berenstain continues his parents' tradition of creating warm and engaging stories featuring the lovable Bear family--Papa, Mama, Brother, Sister, and Honey--now in a board book format. In The Berenstain Bears' Easter Blessings, the cubs learn about the many blessings in their lives, and especially the greatest blessing of all-the Resurrection of Jesus on Easter. The short, simple story and well-loved characters provide toddlers with a perfect introduction to this very important Christian holiday. Ages 2 to 5.

My thoughts: I loved the Berenstain Bears' when I was a young child! So, I am thrilled to see some new titles coming out to share with my own children. This board book is a great way to talk about Easter blessings with one's children, especially the greatest gift of all: Jesus Christ. My little girl has enjoyed my reading this book to her countless times already! I think it would make a wonderful gift for Easter Sunday.
I received this book from First Look in exchange for my honest review.

End Times and the Secret of the Mahdi

Striking parallels exist between the "Beast" of Revelation (the Antichrist) and the prophetic figure in Islam known as the Mahdi. Muslims view the Mahdi as a great savior who will lead a revolution and establish a global Islamic empire over the West. Both the Antichrist and the Mahdi are associated with the end times and the Judgment. Both possess political, military, and religious power, and both head up a one-world religion. How this affects Americans today is revealed in Youssef's prophetic The Secret of the Mahdi.

My thoughts: While I didn't agree 100% with this book, I did find it to be thought provoking, well written, and easy to get through. Michael Youssef does a fabulous job of putting together scriptures, true stories, quotes, and personal encounters to make this book flow nicely and come together. I like how he uses the book of Revelations as the main focal point through the book, while drawing from other scripture verses. While the end times are a weighty subject, I appreciate the overall message is one of hope (which, is really how it should be, but it easy to focus on the negative). This is an excellent book to read through or study with a group.
I received this book from Worthy in exchange for my honest review.

Reaching Your Prodigal

Prodigals come in many forms. We often think of the defiant ones as prodigals, but there are other types that break our hearts: embarrassing, intellectual, lukewarm, and religious prodigals. The word prodigal means "wasted." Like the younger son in Jesus' parable, many of our loved ones are wasting their lives. Learn how to love them no matter what form of "wasted" they choose.

My thoughts: This is an excellent book! I love how this book offers a message of hope for parents or loved ones dealing with a prodigal. I like that Phil Waldrep gets to the heart of the issues that families deal with when a loved one strays from what they are taught, whether it is a parent, grandparent, or sibling. I also like that he makes some wonderful points about the guilt one might feel and how people have their own agency, though it is good to uncover past hurts and ask for forgiveness. This book is excellent to read on your own or with a study group, since there is plenty to think over or discuss.
I received this book from Worthy in exchange for my honest review.

All Things Bright and Beautiful

A joyful, artistic rendering of a favorite childhood hymn. God's touch can be seen everywhere: in the rivers and streams, in the forest and its creatures, and in each of us. And nowhere is this more lyrically celebrated than in the words of "All Things Bright and Beautiful," first published by Cecil Frances Alexander in 1848. Here, artist Katy Hudson brings new joy to this mainstay of churches and Sunday school classes with her fresh and engaging watercolors. Readers will be swept along as they follow three young children who delight in a day filled with the discovery of "all things bright and beautiful.” This striking book is a beautiful reminder that every good thing we see is from God. Ages 4 to 7.

My thoughts: My daughter and I love this gorgeous little book! It is a great way to work with young children on the words to the song by the same title. I adore the illustrations, since they match the words perfectly as they show God's beautiful creation through the eyes of a family on a camping trip. My daughter just may wear this one out, since she asks me to read it to her quite often.:)
If you are looking for a good way to teach children about God's creation, then this book is a beautiful way to go about it.
I received this book from Worthy publishers in exchange for my honest review.

The Sparkle Box

The moving story of an uncommon gift and how giving to others shows a little boy the true meaning of Christmas. Sam is so excited about Christmas! He’s thinking about his Christmas list, anticipating holiday parties, and puzzling over one very mysterious gift—a sparkly box sitting on the mantel above the fireplace. In the midst of the festivities, Sam and his family participate in various acts of kindness to others. On Christmas morning, when Sam finally opens the Sparkle Box, he finds only slips of paper that record the family’s good deeds. Sam’s parents explain that the things that they’ve been doing for others are, in fact, a gift for Jesus—for Jesus said that whatever we do for the least of these, we do for Him. This heartfelt story will inspire readers to adopt this faith-centered tradition in their own homes, using the included Sparkle Box.

My thoughts: I have mentioned before how I love to have a stack of Christmas books for the kids around this time of year, to help re-iterate what Christmas is really about. I'm thrilled to add this one to my stack! It is an excellent story of a young boy who learns about acts of kindness and how to keep the holidays from being just about the presents that one receives. I love that it comes with a sparkle box, so families can start their own tradition of performing acts of kindness as a way of giving back to the Lord.
I received this book from First Look in exchange for my honest review.

Some of my other Christmas favorites for kids:
M is for Manger


A Star for Jesus


The Story of Christmas

God Speaks

No matter how familiar or unfamiliar you are with the Bible, God Speaks will bring its timeless truth alive as you view it with fresh eyes and apply its restorative power to your life.

Far from a dusty old book of do’s and don’ts, the Bible is a relevant and eternal message of love and reconciliation that holds the power to shape society and transform lives. Dr. Craig Evans, a consultant on Mark Burnett and Roma Downey’s blockbuster miniseries The Bible, unfolds Scripture with compelling clarity. God Speaks will equip you to provide answers to skeptics’ questions about the Bible’s true message.

By taking readers on a journey through each part of the Bible, God Speaks…

Examines the Bible as a force for progress in economics, justice, charity, and human rights
Explores the Bible’s power to shape culture and transform individual lives
Extols God’s deeply resonant message of forgiveness and hope for all
Equips readers with tools to understand Scripture to apply its ever-enduring precepts to daily living

My thoughts: This is an excellent book that will inspire readers to look at the Bible as a timeless classic, one that still applies to us today. I like that Dr. Evans starts in Genesis and works through the Bible with a simplicity that will inspire all ages to look at the Bible differently and to encourage the reader to go pick up the Scriptures and experience them for ourselves.
I received this book from Worthy in exchange for my honest review.