One Hand, Two Hands

In his classic style, Lucado gives us another treasure. This time he has written a book for children. Just like his other books, this one has a message about how to serve others.

One Hand, Two Hands is filled with catchy, rhyming phrases. The print is large and colorful. My five year-old granddaughter and 3 year-old grandson enjoyed listening to the story. They also enjoyed reading along and picking out the rhymes. The story is just the right length for little children.
T
he book’s illustrations are delightful and colorful. They show a little girl and her animal friends in every day situations using their hands. My grandchildren could relate to those. The illustrations add to the upbeat flavor of the book.

As a parent and grandparent, I am very pleased with Lucado’s work for little ones. It is fun to read and can spark a discussion on how we can each use our hands for service, both young and old. At the end of the book Lucado lists simple way hands can be used to help others. As a teacher of Sunday School for young children I can see where I could use this book to reinforce the message of service for others too.

I recommend this book for preschool-kindergarten age children.

Please note that Thomas Nelson Publishing has provided me a complimentary copy of this book for my review; however, the opinions are my own. I have not been required to publish a positive review.

A Way to Rediscover the Bible


I set out looking for a bible that would be easier to read and understand than my New American Bible. I found it in The Voice (New Testament). This version kept the perspective and unique qualities of the original gospel writers but used a style that was easy to follow.
The layout of this Bible is the same as others. It starts with the Gospel of Matthew and continues on with Mark, Luke and John, Acts and the Letters. What is different about this Bible is the format. While it retains the Bible narratives I am used to, it retells them in the language of modern times.
Each chapter and verse is written for ease in reading and understanding. Using modern day language helps to simplify the meaning. There are often inserted explanations of passages which I found to be very helpful. Sometimes passages were written in a “script” style, almost as if reading a play. This made for very interesting reading. I can see where this could be used in Bible studies, with children and teens and other times when you want to make the Bible stories come alive.
The Voice was written by a team of writers consisting of pastors, writers, poets, and other artists. This gives a balance to the interpretation and style of the passages. I found that it helped me to become excited about reading the Bible again. I would recommend this Bible to anyone who would like their Bible passages readable, enjoyable and understandable. I can't wait for their Old Testament version!

Wordless Wednesday


Moon over our backyard.

Wordless Wednesday




A heap of fun!

Thoughts for Tuesday

I saw this quote and wanted to share it with you.


"I’ve learned that happiness comes in different forms. It can be found in the blackest thunderclouds or when the earth is withering from heat. It is also in the warm rays of the sun in the midst of pouring rain. It is in the first green leaf of spring peeping out of the cracked bud of a poplar tree. It is in the little white petal working itself out on a branch of an apple tree. It is in the darkness of the night sky with thousands of twinkling stars. It is in the tender look of a loved one. It looks out through shining eyes in family photographs."

it is everywhere
find happiness right where you stand

Lidia Evgenevna Shmakova