"The Story of King Jesus" - A New Children's Book Review

Looking for a beautiful book about Jesus to share with your family?  Try "The Story of King Jesus" by Ben Irwin to discover the Bible stories captured in short prose and colorful illustrations that come to life from God's beginnings to contemporary times.  

A nonprofit Christian publisher based in Colorado Springs, David C. Cook offers a unique opportunity for adults to connect with children with "The Story of King Jesus."  Reading the familiar passages, author Ben Irwin manages to provide families with a new way to share the Gospel.  As I expected to be re-reading God's message, I found that as I followed the story, what appeared in the illustrations offered a completely separate picture-story.  Check it out!  Scattered among the illustrations, by Nick Lee, are pictures of separate stories!  I find it a magical opportunity to read along AND tell God's stories at once.  Each image provides yet another Bible message.

In Mr. Irwin's "Note to Parents," he says this:  "In the Bible, when the Israelites wanted to pass their faith to the next generation, they shared their ancient story of rescue; 'We were slaves of Pharoah in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand' (Deuteronomy 6:12). Stories have the power to nurture children's curiosity and to engage their imaginations."  As the scenes unfold, parents have a unique opportunity to tell even more stories from scripture with the pictures skillfully scattered throughout.  What a magical way to bring the Bible to life for the next generation of believers to then experience and someday share with their own families!

When I asked my own next generation, 10 year old Levi, if he would recommend "The Story of King Jesus," he said "Definitely!"  

So too does this 49-year-old-gray-haired-blogging-hott-mama of four!  I definitely encourage others to share "The Story of King Jesus" with children!  Interested in receiving a copy?  Please comment or message me to be entered to receive a complimentary book from David C. Cook.  

Dazzling Diamonds, Royal Rubies, and Boney Elbows? A Book Review of "Treasury of Bible Stories"

One can not open a "Treasury of Bible Stories" without expecting a few jewels, among them diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, right?  So just how, you may ask, did this 49-year-old-grey-haired-PD blogging-hott-mama-of-four manage to find within this treasure chest of Bible classics a load of boney elbows?  Hummm...just ask Levi, my 9 year old!

I was happy to read and review this darling collection of classic Bible stories to share with you.  When it arrived from David C. Cook, I immediately snuggled up with my 9 year old at bedtime and cracked open the cover of this colorful treasure of all our Bible favorites.  From "A Wall of Water," the towering tale of Moses crossing the sea to "Food for a Fish," a 'whopping' story of Jonah, Levi and I were mesmerized by this unique clever collection of Bible tales.

Author, Kelly Pulley, is an expert at "rhythmical rhymes of Biblical times".  He manages to take familiar stories of our favorite tales from Daniel in the Lion's Den to the beautiful Resurrection Story and convey them in clever lyrical rhyming verse.  I was impressed as I read with ease his combination of words and how they effortlessly read aloud with my son, almost as if by magic.

Assisting our ears was a colorful depiction of a Bible journey.  The illustrations in Pulley's "Magnificent Tales" series will entertain parents and young readers alike.  Perhaps it was just my 9 year old in all his boyhood that immediately recognized an unusual theme that carried across every character drawn:  boney elbows!

Do you want to know something strange?  I never noticed it!  However, Levi barely heard the first page when he said "Mom!  Check out those boney elbows!"  And he was right.  The characters do have some circular appendage on each and every elbow (and knee!) joint.

Asside from this unusual comment from my child, we thoroughly enjoyed the delightful collection of rhyming cover to cover!  So much that I plan to share my copy with my newest family member.  Meet my great-niece, adorable Adalaide!


Isn't she a gem!?  Which got me thinking.  A book like "Treasury of Bible Stories" is so much more than the retelling of a story we moms have heard a million times.  It takes these old stories and uniquely rhymes them for a moment we will share with what is our true treasure:  our children.  Kinda sorta makes me wish my Levi was three months old again.

So gather up your little diamonds in the rough and shower them with the magic of "Treasury of Bible Stories" by Kelly Pulley.  For the gift of God's book for us is meant to share!

And I am sending a copy to Adalaide today!  Her big brother Nathaniel, a first grader learning to read this year, will enjoy this series of Magnificant Tales too!  (I wonder if he will notice the bone structure like his cousin...)  For yours, just click here or register to win a free copy from David C. Cook by commenting on this page.

AHA by Kyle Idleman - A Book Review of The God Moment that Changes Everything

AHA by Kyle Idleman arrived in my mailbox from David C. Cook a few weeks ago for me to review.  As I pulled it out of the package, I was instantly intrigued by it's dark cover with a lightbulb illuminating the title "AHA: Awakening. Honesty. Action."

Okay, so a lightbulb!  This 48-year-old-grey-haired-PD bloggin-hott-mama-of-four LOVES those "lightbulb" moments, don't you?  Nerdy reader that I am, I couldn't wait to experience a book full of "AHA" experiences.  Have you ever had one?  My hotthbby, Dan, and I have.

This may sound crazy (I can see Dan's eyeballs rolling now), but in March of 2003, we experienced an "AHA" moment in the literal sense; and by that I mean lights-a-flashing!  During a Sunday Service at First United Methodist, I was surprised by a voice from God telling me that He had a baby for us.  This was especially funny to me since those fancy city doctors told us that we would never, EVer make a baby all by ourselves, no matter how much we practiced. ;-)

But what does a doctor know, right?  After running to Food Lion early that Monday morning for a pregnancy kit, I called Dan at work saying that he needed to come home RIGHT AWAY!

Well, several hours later (I'm serious.  It was supper time!), Dan shows up and I take him privately to our bathroom to show him the "positive" line.  We are pregnant.  And my ever-loving, University of Maryland School of Engineering Graduate, business-owner, smarty-pants says to me, "What does that mean?"

Duh, right!

Ever the crazy schedule Dan had with his contract with Chevron, he packed the next morning for a business trip to Atlanta while I headed to the doctor's office for a blood test.  After a nervous wait from giving blood, I drove to meet Dan for lunch before he flew south,... again.  On the way, traveling 75 mph east on I70, my doctor's office called to confirm.  We were pregnant!

As we sit over chicken and a pickle sandwiches in Chick-fil-a, we are amazed at this news!  Dan then proceeds to give me my hardest ever assignment.  Don't.tell.anyone (till I get back)!

Seriously?  Okay.  He flies off to Atlanta and I drive back to Berkeley Springs.  The next day, I am babysitting my two nieces and grandma is over.  With a housefull of family, I quietly hide some pretty amazing news.  Late in the evening as we get all ready for pajamas, guess what?  Our electricity goes out.

Darkness.  Complete and utter blackness in our house.  With four little ones running around, we manage to test every light possible.  Nope, nothing, nada.  With nothing but flashlights, I get the girls off to bed.  We are all sitting in a dark house when I get a call that Dan will be home early.  Woohoo.  A little while later, Dan pulls up the drive and enters a dark house full of family.  Parents snuggle sleeping nieces home as Grandma also leaves late at night.

We are alone in a dark house, with, I remind you, some pretty amazing new news.  As things settle, I rise from my favorite chair to welcome him home with a kiss.  The instant, and I mean to the milisecond, our lips meet....  every light in the house (dramatic pause) comes on!  AHA!

It's 11:45 p.m.  The house is lit up like 4th of July fireworks, the television blares, the dishwasher starts!  Dan looks at me.  "Did you tell them?"  "No. I waited for you."

"Are there places in your life where you would like to experiene an aha! moment?  A moment of truth that renews your heart and mind bringing transformation?  Read AHA by Kyle Idleman and share your lightbulb, "the God moment that changes everything".  As I began reading, I first thought it would be yet another instructional manual for revealing and recognizing God's transformation.  Initially, I was even bummed a bit by his choice of the story of the Prodigal Son.  You see, the Prodigal Son story is probably my least favorite of all Bible stories for many reasons.  I continue to wait for the next chapter.  Maybe I even expected the author to reveal what the Bible does not; like what happens AFTER the celebration?

Rather, Mr. Idleman's narrative reveals God's relentless love for us as He waits for each to return from the "distant country" of sin.  Even when we are close to God, Kyle forces the question "where exactly is your heart?"   Reading this book provided me with an "AHA" epiphony, questioning the distance my heart truely is from God, maybe yours too.  Even when the closest to Him, my heart can be lost in the "distant country" of my crazy, busy mom-life.  I relish my literal AHA moment with God.  As the father in the story celebrated his son's return, God shares with me a celebration (a baby) for waiting for His blessings.

A Review of "Not Of This World" by Lisa Chan from this 48-Year-Old-Grey-Haired-Hott-Mama-of-Four

Lisa Chan, wife of Frances Chan (author of one of my favorite books, Crazy Love), returns for the third installment of her True Beauty Films, "Not of This World".  

Following "Be Still" and "Deny Yourself", this final video "invites women into an authentic conversation about God's Word."  Lisa weaves her teaching with scripture intertwined with the real life story of another woman's hardships and struggles.

Here is what I liked about "Not of This World":
* Practical Scripture - Lisa beautifully backs up every point she makes with Biblical scripture.  She offers key points from His word to encourage us to live a life in Christ.

*  Personal Reflection Guide - "Not of This World" offers a unique booklet with scripture and thought provoking questions.  It is eye catching and artistic in its' presention; leaving room for personal input and reflection.

*  Personal Story - An incarcerated husband, a mom reveals her path from the depths of sin to salvation.  Lisa melts the story of a young mother with a toddler and, while nine months pregnant, encounters loud knocks as the police take away her husband.  Be sure to watch the "Back Story," which puts it all together.

"Not of This World" is beautiful.  It is eloquent, artistic, and clever; filled with warmth and emotion, providing a direct connection to the love of Jesus.  The answers are all there.  So, why have I been edgy all day after viewing Lisa's final "True Beauty" film?

Here's what I think happened.  You see, when you watch "Not of This World" as well as Lisa Chan's other films, you will see beautiful people in lovely surroundings.  The moms, no matter what struggles they encountered, are dressed to the hilt in perfect hair and make-up, in neat organized surroundings or striking outdoor settings.

Since I am human, what do I do?  Well.... I start comparing.  What.am.I?  Like in the title, I am a barely five feet tall, freckled-faced, five pounds heavier, chaotic household, Parkinson's blogging, 48-year-old-grey-haired-(not-so)-hott-mama-of-four!  I haven't experienced incarceration, abuse, or poverty.  I am stuck in this world with school shopping, sports activities, piano lessons, grocery shopping.  Where, exactly, can I relate to Lisa's "True Beauty" series?  Tell me.

Then it struck me.  God thinks I am beautiful.

Interested?  Just let me know and I will include you in a drawing for a free copy of "Not of This World" from David C. Cook or click here to purchase your copy.

And the Winner Is.....!

Rick Coffinbarger!  Thanks so much to Rick and all who participated in my first ever book review give-away! It was fun not only reading the book but also getting to share a copy of TROPHY CHILD by Ted Cunningham with you.  Rick will be receiving his free copy from David C. Cook soon.  Trophy Child Book Review was fun to read and write about.  Yes, I'm a book nerd.  Are you?

I just want to also thank all those who "liked" my new "Excuse Me, Can I Tell You Something" page on Facebook.  When I agreed to review the book, I wasn't sure how to do the give-away.  In case you are wondering, we put all names in a hat and 7 year old Levi Hott drew out Rick's name.  Simple as that!  (And,  here's a picture of the hat!  It's from the Washington Nationals baseball game.)

Now, it's on to my next endeavor attempting to have people comment to the Department of Veteran's Affairs on Parkinson's Disease and TBI's.  Praying that you and "Excuse Me, Can I Tell You Something?" will spread the word.

If anyone is still kinda curious about Trophy Child, check out The Spice over on GoGirls! or click here:
The Spice February 2013

Trophy Child Book Review

Right in the heat of the holidays, I received a message from the social marketing folks for the publisher, David C. Cook.  Apparently, they wanted to know if I would be interested in previewing a new book by Ted Cunningham called TROPHY CHILD.  "Hummmmm... that could be interesting," was my thought, "I'm a bit of a book nerd anyway.  Plus, I just finished The Hobbit."  All I need to do is post a blog about the book later in January then I could give away a free copy.  I needed something extra to do just about as much as I needed a hole in my head.  So.... I said, "OK!"

What?  Am I crazy? (Don't answer that, Dan! (My "hotthubby"!).  I barely have a moment to read books for my own pleasure; so now I had just agreed to add another task to my busy plate during the holidays.  In what seemed like merely a millisecond  the pdf file of the book arrived on my laptop.  Wow!  How does that happen.  So, I began reading.

Shortly after, a package arrived in the mail of Trophy Child.  Cool.  Now I can throw this new book in may bag on my way to basketball and get to reading.  Let's see.  This is somewhat of a busy week.  It's the beginning of Levi's biddy buddy basketball; Violet's JV Girls Team has two games this week; Isaac has a piano lesson after school today; Social Studies project titles are due Wednesday at Warm Springs Intermediate School; Violet needs her deposit to go to The Rock in January; Levi has a spelling test; Isaac lost his book for Mr. Jones, again; someone else has canceled for Jingle Jam (the church's community Christmas Program) and costumes need to be arranged; plus, Christmas is less than two weeks away.

Does this chaos sound familiar?  Arriving at the gym to watch Levi and seven other second graders, I was thinking how much "fun" it is to sit in the gym for yet another basketball adventure while looking ahead to my week, we were scheduled for activities every.single.night.  With a moment to spare, I dug in my purse and cracked open my new copy of Trophy Child. A little distracted thinking about how long- legged (and super long haired) "blondie" Violet's practice was going and if she was able to run with that stinking cold she has that won't go away, I settled in for 90 minutes at the gym and turned over my fresh new book for the first time.

"The Anti-Tiger Mom Book" is written across the back.  Wonder what that means.  Hummmmm.... look at that.  There is a graphic of a child, girl with long hair down to her butt, shooting a.... yes, you guessed it!  Basketball!

"Excuse me, can I tell you something?"  Alright God.  What is it this time?  Isn't it funny how, when you least expect it, God manages to literally (yes, "literally" in this case), place something in your hands when you most need it.  If you ever feel like sometimes you are sinking in a sea of scheduling while drowning in parenting perplexities, Trophy Child reaches out like a hand to rescue you with insight on how to manage these moments to "help you create a home where our children find success in following their heavenly Father."

First of all, I came to realize that I am the epitome of the "Tiger Mom."  Yes, this is hard to admit; but I will just come right out and say it to you all, "Hello, my name is Angie Hott and I am a Tiger Momoholic!"  Aaaaaaah.  There, that feels so much better.  Not only that, after reading Trophy Child, this parent is also the product of being an adult "trophy child".  Are you?

Like other "tiger moms," I often become concerned about the success of my children's academics. Gauging their performances, I guess, is a direct reflection of my intellect, right?  Wrong!  So then, why do I obsess and fret over each spelling test, algebra assignment, report card.

Being vertically challenged (I barely make it to five feet), the fact that Violet has expressed interest in athletics is entirely new territory for me.  Of the hundreds of sporting events I have attended over the years, I never paid attention to a basketball game in my life.  Now, I watch every second eagerly, biting my nails, hoping for Violet to get that shot so she too can be a basketball star.  Levi too.  The same goes for any race or gymnastics event.

And don't even get me started about music!  Sometimes, I feel like Amy Duncan on "Good Luck Charlie"  Please don't tell anyone this, but if any of my four kids end up Broadway Stars, well, this 48-year-old-grey-haired-mama-of-four will split a seam for sure!  I guess this is why I get so disappointed when our Isaac refuses to play piano.

When I get all uptight about whether Levi knows his spelling words or if Isaac is ready for the Social Studies Fair, I try to remember what Aunt Tammy said years ago when her first baby was getting ready to graduate from high school, "I can't wait to see what God is going to do with her!"

And now, I understand.  Reading Trophy Child revealed that, yes, I really am doing some things right.  In fact, I was able to pat myself on the back a few times and, to my suggestion, hotthubby Dan also read it.  The author, Ted Cunningham, also shed light on what makes us a trophy child as well as how to work at "seeing your children embrace their full potential as children of God."

After all, isn't that a parent's ultimate goal!  I guess sometimes we all need to be reminded.  Trophy Child does this in a gentle way with Mr. Cunningham's parenting stories, guidance, easy family devotionals, and suggestions to prepare our kids for something greater than themselves:  a reflection of God's love!

To conclude, I pray that you give Trophy Child your consideration.  I have included the clip from the marketers as well as their press release below.  Finally, if you are interested in reading Trophy Child, please let me know either with a private message, comment, or simply a quick "like" or "share" of this post here or on facebook.  David C. Cook will select a single reader to forward a free copy.  And, just so you know, I do not receive any monetary compensation by participating; however, I do feel that it is important, as a parent, to remember that God has given these children to us to steward them to be all that God has created them to be.  Not us.

"Grrrrrrrrrrrrowl!"  Now go and stop being Tiger Parents.  There are enough of them in the stands already!

TROPHY CHILD
Saving Parents from Performance,
Preparing Children for Something Greater
Than Themselves
TED CUNNINGHAM
Written for every mom who helps too much with homework
just to impress the teacher and every dad who takes credit for
his daughter’s soccer success, Trophy Child will give parents the
encouragement they need to nurture their kids into who God
created them to be.
Our culture’s obsession with achievement often leads parents to
form expectations for their kids based on the world’s standards, not
on the Bible. As a result, their kids feel they can never measure up.
Trophy Child will help modern Christian parents create a home
where children find success in following their heavenly Father’s
leading for them—and readers know the joy of seeing their
children embrace their full potential as children of God.
T H E   A U T H O R
Pastor  Ted Cunningham founded Woodland Hills Family
Church in Branson, Missouri, where he lives with his wife
and two children. A graduate of Liberty University and Dallas
Theological Seminary, he is the author of Young and in Love and
has coauthored several books with Dr. Gary Smalley, including
!e Language of Sex and Great Parents, Lousy Lovers.