Book Review IF JESUS CAME TO MY HOUSE by Joan Gale Thomas

If Jesus Came to My House (reillustrated)








ISBN 978-0-06-083942-0
HarperCollins Children: Harper Blessings
Text copyright © 1951 by Joan Gale Thomas
Illustrations copyright © 2008 by Lori McElrath-Eslick
9.25x9.5 inches (24 cm)
Hardcover/Dustjacket
40 pages
Retail: $16.99

Review: This is a gentle book, personal and warm. It is the message for children in rhyme of how Jesus comes and meets us right where we are, as we are. The boy sees Jesus as he as, a boy made in God's own image.

I recommend this book.

IN THE SECRET PLACE FOR GOD AND YOU ALONE J Otis Ledbetter Book Review

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. ... Isaiah 43:10 KJV

Book Review
Reviewed by babamarusia

In the Secret Place for God and You AloneJ. Otis Ledbetter, Author
Lifechange Books
Multnomah Publishing, Sisters OR
1-59052-252-4; 978-1-59052-2523

Recommended Book

J. Otis Ledbetter has written an exceptional little book called In the Secret Place for God. It is a place to go and be alone with God and think, a shelter from the problems of life, a place to make decisions, a time to truly hear what God has to say to you and you only.

My first secret place was a pine tree in northern Minnesota where I would climb up and sit on a branch just to think. I was a young teen at the time, and I liked the idea of being close to my family where I could hear and see what was going on as though from a distance. Now my place is an antique bed—where again I must climb up to get in. The mattress is cushy-soft and the springs squeak, and God and I come together spiritually in a very special way.

From the very first word I was captured into Pastor Ledbetter’s story, as he told of how there was a little room where no one else would go except him in the church his father pastored. I can tell you as a former church musician that the children of clergy and workers can end up spending a lot of time there.

In this brief book, only 89 pages in length, is a good clear laying out of the importance of having a place to go and be alone with God, how to use discernment in life changes, when to take a problem to your secret place and when to share it with someone, and how Satan can play a role in undermining assurance and comfort. The book ends with specific Scripture to think upon when you close the door on the world and retreat within your safe harbor.

The fact of the matter is that if you are not anywhere near where your secret place is located, having this book along and reading it and using the Bible verses can be a help in retreating within as though you and God were the only two around.

The book will easily fit into most purses, a briefcase, computer bag or backpack. It is for teenagers and adults. It is a wonderful gift to give for a confirmation, adult baptism, graduation, or on a visit to someone who is troubled in any way. The cover is warm and inviting in muted sage greens, and is suitable for both men and women.

J. Otis Ledbetter lives in Clovis, California. He is the senior pastor of Sonrise Church and the cofounder of the Heritage Builders Association, a ministry of Focus on the Family. He has authored six books.

I recommend this book.

Babamarusia is Mary Katherine May, owner of Quality Music and Books, an online and retail Christian book, music and gift store. QMB also carries history, biography and classic literature in both new and used editions, as well as used homeschool books.

EXPRESSIONS SERIES Helen Steiner Rice Book Review

The Expression Series ... The Poetry of Helen Steiner Rice

The EXPRESSIONS SERIES from Barbour Publishing was a blessing from the moment I set my eyes on one of the books. Gentle color themes and softly brushed illustrations that are pleasant to look at are carried throughout the book, and are a comfort in themselves.

The content of the books is the best of the poetry written by Helen Steiner Rice companioned with inspirational Bible verses. The Expression Series books are for people going through difficult times, the grieving, the ill, and also for those who need a little pick-me-up from the stresses of everyday life.

Maybe the Lord has laid someone’s name on your heart today. Maybe it’s time to call that person to just say hello and “I care.” Maybe it’s time for a visit, with or without a little gift. Maybe it is time to share an Expressions book – a thoughtful gift that will continue on as a tangible reminder of God's presence where your phone call or visit leaves off ...

The Expression Series is on sale at www.QualityMusicandBooks.com and also at our retail store, Quality Music and Books in Osseo Minnesota.

Review SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI by Joyce Denham 9781557255716

Saint Francis of Assisi
Ages 5-10











Joyce Denham, Author
Elena Temporin, Illustrator
Paraclete Press, Publisher
ISBN: 9781557255716
Release Date: February 2008
Retail Price (Softcover): $9.99 QMB Price $8.99

BOOK REVIEW

I recall making a comment recently in conversation to someone who isn’t Christian, it went something like this. “You look out at the world and see objects. When I look out my window I marvel at all that God has created.” Here is the essence of St. Francis love for all that exists in the world, coming from God, a God of love who as creator made all that our earth holds.

St. Francis joyfully denied all that was his and would be his in the future out of love for God. He lived a poor life, owning nothing, and desiring to give the little that he did have to others. It is the life of the rich man in Scripture who could not divorce himself from all that he owned in reverse. Then after giving all up but life, what joy Francis experienced! What freedom to do the Lord’s work was his!

Saint Francis of Assisi was written by Joyce Denham and illustrated by Elena Temporin. It is published by Paraclete Press in Massachusetts. You will find simple, almost childlike illustrations that will spark children and adult imaginations alike. I found particularly beautiful the last pages that showed red poppies grown in the grass.

With clear, easily understood text, the story is laid out in short units that each contain a title as with chapters—but they're not chapters. I recommend taking the time to read this to children so that they can imagine St. Francis’ life while looking at Temporin’s excellent illustrations. It may get a bit long for young children to sit through in one session, but because of the way the story is presented, you can read a portion and then return later. Or, it may be a good bedtime book—reading one unit each night until finished.

This edition of Saint Francis of Assisi would make an excellent gift for special occasions such as birthdays and church holidays. I recommend it as a gift on the event of a first communion. Although no longer a child, I enjoyed the book too!

I recommend this book.

Saint Francis of Assisi is now on sale at Quality Music and Books in Osseo, Minnesota, and also on our website. Click Here to go directly to our book listing.

Quality Music and Books
208 Central Avenue * Osseo, MN 55369
(763) 424-2425
Store Hours: 11-8 Tuesday - Thursday, 9-5 Saturday, Closed Sunday & Monday
website: www.QualityMusicandBooks.com