Reading, Writing & Pondering

  Loneliness is widespread, even in a world where we’re constantly connected. Having lots of acquaintances or followers doesn’t necessarily mean having meaningful friends hips.   Make Friends With Anyone by Wayne Francis could be a helpful book for those who are wanting to make new friends in real life, not just on-line. Make Friends With Anyone starts out by explaining the foundations of friendship. The author is a pastor and he feels the Bible sets the foundation for friendships so the first part does have a lot of Scripture. This part felt rather abstract to me but I understand his point. Francis then expounds on the various depths of friendships. He uses visiting the ocean and beach as the basis for his depths of friendship. There are sunbathers, surfers, snorkelers, scuba divers, and submariners as his descriptors for types of friendships starting with the least in-depth to the most depth in relationships.  In the last section of the book, the author encourages the...

  Here's To Your Dreams! by Dave Hollis is a fun rhyming book that encourages children to dream and to learn that they can problem-solve.  When I requested this book, Here's to Your Dreams! I recognized the name as an author but otherwise I wasn't real familiar with Dave Hollis or his daughter, Noah. I have since learned that the author has passed away. I hope this book is a special keepsake for daughter Noah.  I like the bright illustrations in Here's To Your Dreams! From the photo on the dust jacket, I thought the artist did a good job of illustrating this father daughter duo. I also like the rhyming verse. I like that it encourages children to dream, to imagine, to learn to solve problems on their own. I like that it features a dad having tea with his daughter and dreaming together. Here's To Your Dreams! is a large 32-page book measuring about 10 1/2 inches square and has a dust jacket. It would be a fun book to read together with your child(ren) while having...

  Children often learn to fear making mistakes. Unfortunately, they often learn that perfection is important. You're Always Enough and More Than I Hope For by Emily Ley was written to help children realize that everyone makes mistakes and that they don't have to be perfect. This book was written to help children understand that they are loved just the way they are. You're Always Enough and More Than I Hoped For is a large, colorful book. It has 32 pages and is close to 9 1/2 by 11 1/2 inches. This colorful book is aimed at children ages eight and under, but I think it would be good for children up to age ten or so. So many children need affirmation that who they are is enough in today's world where social media can get a grip at an early age and the competition can begin in their minds.  I liked You're Always Enough and More Than I Hoped For in many ways. There is a lot to look at in the colorful illustrations. There are children of differing races and abilities. A...

I live in a college community in the Midwest. We have a lot of cultures and background represented in our community--and we have a problem with homelessness. I like finding books that help address issues that I can talk to children about. GraceFull by Dorena Williamson is a great book to help children understand the tough subject of homelessness.  Hope and Anna are friends at church. Anna's family is facing some challenges right now as her father lost his job. GraceFull briefly shares their story and talks about how we can help others facing similar struggles. This book also opens the door for more discussions at home or this book could be used in a group setting like a Sunday School class. The Parent Connection page in the page of the book makes sharing the book and learning through the story even easier as there is a correlating Bible verse and a series of questions to ask and think about together. I enjoyed GraceFull . Williamson's books are so good at helping kids se...

A War of Loves is a beautifully written, heartfelt autobiography offering hope to all of those seeking to reconcile their faith and sexuality today. Bennett shares his story and reflects on it in light of the Bible throughout the book. I truly appreciate his thoughts from all angles of the subject. Because we have a loved one that is gay and against Christianity because of it, my husband and I want to love him as Jesus would. I think reading this book has helped me to gain better perspective and to be able to offer more compassion. I see Bennett's heart toward serving Christ and sharing in such a way that the church and the gay community can both converse and reflect in a better way. Honestly, before the gay member of our family told us, we didn't know anything except what we heard on the sidelines of the discussion. After reading Bennett's book, I feel like I can better support our loved one. I also better know how to pray for him as a result of this book. I appreciate...