Desired by God by Van Moody

It’s been a few years since I read Van Moody’s The People Factor, but its lessons have stayed with me, and the book has retained a spot on my ever-rotating bookshelves. So, when I saw this new book by Moody—Desired by God—my interest was immediately piqued. Now, after reading it, not only will it secure a space on my shelf but I’m off to the bookstore to find his other book, The i Factor.

This book does exactly what its name implies: shows readers or reminds readers that they are desired by God. The Everlasting, Almighty Creator.

The first of three sections is about covenants—reminding readers that God’s ideal is not the laws of Leviticus but the Garden of Eden, the covenant made with Noah, and the covenant made with Abraham. All designed to pursue us. The second section reminds of readers who God is. He is the Shepherd. He leads us to goodness, rest, and peace. He is accessible. He is present. He is our Helper. The third section reveals the gifts God gives to us, His beloved: forgiveness, hope, favor, and freedom.

Three characteristics that make this book stand out:

1.      Laced throughout the chapters and the book are real-life stories: of Kierkegaard and Regine, of an Auschwitz survivor searching for his girlfriend, of a mom befriending her son’s murderer.

2.      Moody writes this book so that people unfamiliar with the Bible can appreciate every reference. Instead of assuming his readers know the story of the Good Samaritan, for example, he includes, verbatim, the story from scripture. Because of this, this book is an evangelistic tool.

3.      This book could also be used for group study, because at the end of each chapter is a page or two of Points to Remember and Questions to Ponder.

Thank you, Moody, for showing us how, and to what extent, God desires us.

I recommend this book to others.

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The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.

“Night Night, Sleepytown” by Amy Parker and illustrated by Virginia Allyn

Amy Parker and Virginia Allyn have done it again: created a a medium-sized, puffy-covered board book that is sure to delight infants and toddlers who are already fans or are new readers of their books.

“Night Night, Train” was my favorite, but this new book “Night Night, Sleepytown” might take its place! I love that it picks up right where “Night Night, Train” left off (with the puppies waking up on the train and the toy train!) but readers who haven’t read the prequel won’t lose anything.

The rhymes, colored text, and vibrant pictures always make for fun reading experiences. The story is about the people of Sleepytown and how they help each other. This book teaches gratitude: each page mentions an integral person of the town (farmer, teacher, firefighter, etc.), and the readers thank each for what they do.

There is only one direct mention of God, but each page teaches gratitude, and I like how the last page features a church. The mice that appear here and there throughout the book are always fun to watch too! Fun for wee readers.

I recommend this book to others.

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The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.

I Can Only Imagine for Little Ones: A Friendship with Jesus Now and Forever by Bart Millard

“I Can Only Imagine for Little Ones: A Friendship with Jesus Now and Forever” written by Bart Millard (the singer of the hit song!) and Laura Neutzling, illustrated by Sumiti Collina, takes the same ideas and best aspects of the original children’s book and tweaks them to suit little ones.

The book is a spongy hardcover – sure to delight little faces and hands. The original version has a few more pages, pictures, and words, but this new version is enough for wee ones. It asks the same questions: Will Jesus play with me? Would He ride a bike? Jump in the lake? Play ball? Does God have a pet? The author asks the questions and leaves the answer to the imagination. Lots of opportunities exist for parents and kids to talk about possibilities of heaven as they read this book together. The book is full of rhymes which makes it fun for kids learning to read.

This book is a good length. Often, story books are too short, but this one keeps going for a meaningful and worthwhile read. The last page sums up the purpose/tone of the book nicely: “I can only imagine what my eyes will see when Your face is before me. I can only imagine . . .”

The illustrations span the full spread on each page and are clear, bold, colorful, happy, and engaging!

I don’t think both the original and this version would add variation to one bookshelf, but one of these books, each of these, makes a great gift!

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The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.

Golden Princess Sparkle Bible by Tommy Nelson

The Golden Princess Sparkle Bible by Tommy Nelson is one that girls—ages 6-12—will gravitate toward. It’s attractive as a book as well as a Bible. The mustard-yellow cover is eye-catching, and the white, glittery script is sure to make girls smile and tempt them to open the book. I love this! Girls surely will too.

The font is easy to read. The Bible is durable (hard cover) while begin easy to hold. Not too big, not too heavy.

The Bible has lots of features, most exciting being the 24 full-page, full-color illustrations of stories such as Jesus’ Baptism, The Good Samaritan, and Solomon & the Queen of Sheba. There is an occasion page for gift giving, key verses are highlighted, and there is a dictionary in the back where girls can look up terms that are bolded throughout the text. Another great feature is a section of Memory Verses in the back, and a section of God’s Promises. The Bible reference sections are very accessible and easy to use.

The translation is the International Children’s Bible. I’ve never read this translation before. I’m usually wary of modern translations, but this is neither a paraphrase nor a storybook. It is written at a 3^rd-grade level, which is fabulous! It is easy to read and reads like a Bible. Many of my favorite scripture passages read nearly the same in this version as they do in the NIV.

One feature that doesn’t seem to be explained is the use of highlighted passages. Several passages are highlighted throughout the text, and they seem to just be key verses. A nice touch.

I highly recommend this Bible!

http://booksneeze.com/blogger/resources/9781400203048

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.

10 Minutes in the Word Psalms by Zondervan

Like all of Zondervan’s gift books, 10 Minutes in the Word Psalms makes a crisp, handsome gift and boasts the same high quality of writing, insight, and publishing that Zondervan is known for.

This small, navy and white hardcover book is a welcoming devotional. From the cover, the reader feels an urge to open it and turn the pages. The book contains 46 devotionals. Each devotional includes the verses, a 1-2 page devotional thought, a prayer, and words for reflection.

One of this devotional book’s best features is that it makes the reader open his Bible. Each entry gives the reader a few Psalms to read. The reader is given an excerpt in the book but must open his Bible to read all of the verses.

This book offers insight such as “David made praying his career.” Much of this book references David—a man who models a relationship with God many of us would like to have.

I recommend this book to others.          

                                                                                            

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The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.

10 Minutes in the Word: Proverbs by Zondervan

Zondervan has done it again. Their gift books are consistently high quality, enticing, and gifts that make the giver feel proud to give. 10 Minutes in the Word: Proverbs is no exception. 

This small, green and white hardcover book is a welcoming devotional. From the cover, the reader feels an urge to open it and turn the pages. The book contains 46 devotionals (some Proverbs are covered in two days). Each devotional includes the verses, a 1-2 page devotional thought, a prayer, and words for reflection often containing another Bible verse.

As readers go through the days, they will read Biblical wisdom, gain historical context, and be introduced to outside connections. Definitely 10 minutes well spent.

I recommend this book to others.        

                                                                                              

http://booksneeze.com/blogger/resources/9781400203048

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.

God's Words of Life for Fathers by Zondervan

Zondervan’s gift books are always exquisitely crafted. This soft, handsome book is a smart gift for a dad.

God’s Words of Life for Fathers by Zondervan is 200+ pages of Bible verses topically organized, designed to encourage fathers in their mission here on earth. Topics include marriage, difficult times, communication, priorities, strength, identity, money, and more. Each topic includes a few pages of verses and concludes with a one-page devotional—my favorite part.

The Bible verses included are well-thought-out–they aren’t just the standard answers that people would expect to see.

This book was put together with much thought and consideration, and is a timeless gift.

I recommend this book to others.

http://booksneeze.com/blogger/resources/9781400203048

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.