Night Night Blessings by Amy Parker

In today's world, one thing that is lacking is gratitude. We take for granted all that God has provided for us. Night Night Blessings, by Amy Parker, helps a child to recognize God's blessings in the big and little things that are a part of  his every day experiences.  From the time the child in the book opens her eyes in the morning, until she closes them again at night, she expresses thanks to God for everything from syrupy pancakes to twinkly stars at night along with everything in between like friends, pets, toys, family, bubble baths, and bedtime routines. All these blessings let the child know, as the last page states, that God is watching from above. I think it is a sweet book that can encourage a child to recognize God's blessings throughout his or her day. This book, at the end of the day, could provide an opportunity for parents to ask their child what things they are thankful for.

The book itself is a slightly padded board book that is colorful yet subdued. The illustrations, by Marijan Ramljak, have a "soft" almost water colored appearance. The book seems sturdy which would allow a child to "read" this book on his own without fear of tearing pages. The story is written in rhyme which children seem to enjoy.

I look forward to reading it to my own grandchildren the next time they are over. Because it is a board book, I would recommend it for preschoolers. As a bedtime book, it certainly could lead into a bedtime prayer to thank God for the many blessings in that day and maybe begin a new habit of recognizing God's blessings and thanking Him for them all through the day.

I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Stumbling into Grace by Lisa Harper

Spritual truths can often be found in every day situations if your eyes and ears are open to the Lord. Lisa Harper does a wonderful job portraying truths of God's Word through humorous stories and life events that she has found herself stumbling through.  Stumbling into Grace: Confessions of a Sometimes Spiritually Clumsy Women, is composed of personal stories, a passage of Scripture, and thoughts that tie them together. The chapter concludes with Personal Reflection and/or Group Discussion Questions along with a final opportunity to dialog back with God in a "journal entry" applying the truth of that chapter.

Lisa shares stories divided into the categories of "Real Life," "Real Gifts," and "Real Growth."  As Chrisian women, we deal with things like fear, things that bind us, things that hurt us, people who need forgiveness, loneliness, disappointment, and the list can go on.  While some women appear to have it all together, I, like Lisa Harper, am often spiritually clumsy.  Whether we get it the first time, or if God has to pick us off the floor again, we can learn to walk with grace even if we have to stumbling into it occasionally!

If you are looking for an easy read that can also make you think, this book may be for you. Though she sometimes "contemporizes" the Scripture part of the story, the truth remains the same.  Read this book and then allow the Lord to teach you through your every day life experiences!

I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”