The Berenstain Bears: Hugs and Kisses Review



By Jan & Mike Berenstain
Published by Zondervan


Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the Berenstain Bears with puzzles, activity pages, and more than 50 reusable stickers in The Berenstain Bears Hugs and Kisses Sticker and Activity Book.
Featuring Papa, Mama, Brother, Sister, and Honey and the rest of the Bear Country gang, kids are sure to have loads of fun as they help Sister Bear through a maze to find her Valentine, solve word puzzles with Brother, color with Honey Bear, and a whole lot more!

About The Book

There are over 50 reusable stickers in this colorful sticker and activity book. It's so bright and colorful. Simply a fun loving creative adventure. There are matching activities, mazes, word searches, and many coloring pages. There are codes to figure out what the Bible says about love. Kids will love finding hidden objects, too. Overall, it's a great engaging book for little ones to explore. I especially like the educational activities that deal with math solutions and recognizing patterns of same and different. This is a very entertaining book for celebrating Valentine's Day and every day! The book is great for gift giving, too.

5/5 stars. Highly recommend! 


Happy Reading!

 -- LadyD
 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Victory Over Temptation

Victory Over Temptation l LadyD Books




Corruption and sin are so rampant and obvious you and I have to deal with it, starting with ourselves. Let's face it, so many temptations are all around us. Jesus in His early ministry gives us a clear example of how to have victory over temptation in our lives. Hebrews 4:15-16 and Luke 4:1-13.

Truths Regarding Temptation


  1. Did you know that temptation is not a sin?
  2. Temptation can always be overcome. 1 Corinthians 10:13
  3. Temptation doesn't mean that you are outside God's will.
  4. Any temptation is a lifelong battle. (pride)
  5. Temptation can come from:
           Satan.
           The world system.
           Our sinful desires. 1John 2:16

Temptation Defined:

An appeal to act in a way which is inconsistent with the plans and purposes that God has for your life. An implied deception is believed that a greater good is to be derived from following the way of disobedience. How true it is to hear the prayers of a mother of a prodigal crying out to God for his or her return... repentance.

God's work and God's word will be the focus of the enemy's attacks. God's will may lead to difficult times in the wilderness. God's strategy for victory is reliance on His power and His truth. 

Victory Over Temptation


Victorious Over Temptation

Do you seek the heart of God? To triumph remember to have:

  • A Faith that is Changing You.
  • The right Application of God's Word.
  • Submissive Heart to the Holy Spirit.
  • Consuming Desire to Imitate Christ in Everything
  1. Prayer and Fellowship
  2. Moment by moment connection with God
  3. Meditation/Study of the Word of God
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.2Peter 1:3

He will support us to take up the daily practice of repentance to become over-comers.  Overcomers will sit with Him on His throne, as He overcame and sat on His Father's throne. (Rev. 3:21)

As the lack of Godly character is being exposed in our candidates before the election, I pray for our nation and also for my own heart... That greed, pride, deceit, lust, anger, jealousy not be found. May we continue to immerse ourselves in God's word and make changes to avoid temptation. Colossians 3:23 

Have a spiritual partner. Ecc. 4:9-12
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
Colossians 3:16
Final Thoughts

Yes, we are tempted and sadly, we sometimes give in to temptation. We sometimes indulge our selfishness. Our sins damage us and they injure those around us. Mostly, our sins break God's heart.

So, to realize full forgiveness and healing flow from the cross is a wonderful thing. Your life can be full of peace, of joy, of hope in sins forgiven.

Happy Reading and Happy New Year!

 -- LadyD

 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

App Review: FotoJet

Christmas card: FotoJet



FotoJet is an online app for photo collage, graphic design and photo editing. There are so many beautiful templates to choose from. You'll find the process in making your own cards an easy one. Using your own photos and uploading them from your computer takes no time at all. While your family photo is in place, you can change templates and see which one fits your needs the best. It's easy to play around with font size and style, too. Since Christmas is coming, you will find many Xmas card designs and stickers for you to use. 

Photo Editing: FotoJet

I have been making Christmas cards with family grouping pictures and also using my piano student's photos to add to my Facebook posts. You can add text or delete them. Designing cards is a fun way to make an invitation to your next holiday party!

Photo card: FotoJet


I highly recommend this great photo collage and graphic design app. There are so many options to choose from and I think you'll be pleased with the finished results. I know I am!

5/5 stars.

Here is a quick access: https://www.fotojet.com/features/photo-card/christmas-card.htm

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

 -- LadyD

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

365 Devotions for Finding Rest: Review

365 Devotions for Finding Rest

This beautiful book is just what I needed! Have a peek if you are need of rest! I have reviewed many devotionals over the years and I really love this one.


Book Description

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

—Matthew 11:28


Rest. You crave it. Your body needs it. Your tired soul longs for it. But in the madness of your day-to-day rush, how can you possibly find it? Truth be told, when life’s demands overwhelm us, the first thing we sacrifice is our own rest. But God has a different plan for us: He made us to enjoy deep, reviving refreshment in Him. 365 Devotions for Finding Rest will guide you in a yearlong journey toward embracing His rest in your life. You’ll be amazed as God’s peace and restoration transform you.

Book Intro


"Rest. What happens when you hear that word? Do you immediately dismiss the idea, thinking it will never happen for you? After all, you think, my life is too busy for me to take a break and rest. Or does your heart cry out in longing? Does your body crave a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of your days? Does your entire being desperately desire rest?

Book Review


A beautiful hardcover devotional is sure to please everyone on your gift-giving list. It is very well organized with wonderful bold titles highlighted in blue. There is a scripture index in the back of the book. On each page are insightful, encouraging snippets that will leave your soul refreshed, hopeful and renewed. Most importantly, the scriptures will give you a word picture of what rest looks like and you'll embark on a journey experiencing rest for the soul!

5/5 stars. Highly recommend. Purchase book, here.
I received the book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.

The Friday #56

"Average Americans spend 87 percent of their time indoors and 6 percent of their time in an enclosed vehicle."
"Lord, it's hard to go outside during colder months. Remind me to rest in Your beautiful creation." -- Christina Vinson


"Lord, You are good to me, and I turn to you for rest." -- Christina Vinson
Happy Reading!

 -- LadyD
 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

God is for the Alcoholic: Review


Back Cover

" I discovered this for myself at the conclusion of a two-year drunk when I picked up a Bible in a Texas prison more than sixteen years ago. I have seen it proved over and over again in the lives of men and women in every stratum of our society. There is hope for the alcoholic and his bewildered, suffering family." -- Jerry Dunn
These are the words of the author. From years of practical experience, Jerry Dunn outlines the course - and the cure. The road up from the abyss may be long and difficult, but it is there, plainly marked and simple to follow. God provides the way of escape. God Is for the Alcoholic points the way. 

God is for the Alcoholic

My Thoughts

There are three parts to the book, with 5-6 chapters under each segment. It can be somewhat of a painful journey but along the way, I think you'll discover some points to ponder that will give you that 'Ah-hah' moment...

Part 1


  • Understanding Alcoholism
Part 11

  • Five Ways To Help The Alcoholic

Part 111


  • Five Ways The Alcoholic Can Help Himself
I think it is the best book on the market for personal information to help you understand the many complexities of friends and family members who suffer deeply from addictions, especially alcohol. It is raw and truthful, insightful and hopeful. I highly recommend it. 5/5 stars!

It is interesting to note that history reveals that sixteen civilizations have fallen because of drunkenness.

    About the Author

Happy Reading!

 -- LadyD
 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Book Review: God Bless My Friends


God Bless My Friends: Hannah C. Hall l LadyD Books



Book Description

Friendship is one of the most important things of the world, and sometimes it looks different than you might expect! God Bless My Friends celebrates all kinds of friendships and helps little ones see the value in being a friend.
Can a giraffe be friends with a mouse? Would a monkey play with a tiger? No matter if they’re big or small, friends are a gift from God! God Bless My Friends shows some unlikely animal buddies learning important lessons about how our friends can be different than us, how to be kind, how to share, and how to help others.
Featuring sweet, rhyming text from Hannah Hall and adorable artwork from Steve Whitlow, who illustrated the previous bestsellers in the God Bless line, God Bless My Friends uses surprising animal combinations to show children that friendships do not always look a specific way. Help your little one learn the importance of being a friend to all kinds of people, including ones who are different from them, through the sweet and simple rhyming verses. God Bless My Friends



Book Review

Children love animals and inside the durable board book covers, you'll find a bunny, skunk, monkey, tiger, panda, duck, goat, turtle, giraffe, mouse, pig, and raccoon. The rhyming text points to the fun of having friends and doing things together, like playing ball, jumping and eating together. Very engaging activity for little ones to point to the ladybug and little bee on each page. It's never boring to go on an adventure with someone who is taller or smaller than you. Kindness matters.

5/5 stars. Loved it. Highly recommend. I received the book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.

God Bless My Friends
   
About the Author
 -- LadyD 
“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Streams in the Desert Dedication

Streams in the Desert: LadyD Books




On my bookshelf, you'll find 2 copies of Streams in the Desert. The 1997 edition, Streams in the Desert (edited by James Reiman and I have an old hardcover version that is copyrighted, 1925. The book is written by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman.

The book is about private devotional reading for the family. It's been the best-selling daily devotional book for more than fifty years.

Streams in the Desert offers...


  • 365 inspired meditations of encouragement
  • Practical directives for inner peace and certainty
  • A tried formula for successful living

"As he read the letter, his face was the face of a victor. No, mamma, didn't I tell you?" came from the depths of a heart that never doubted, that, "against hope, believed in hope" that the stamp album would come. While he was trusting, grandma was working, and in due season faith became sight."
What I love the most about this beautiful devotional is the dedication. I want to share it with you now...

Dedication to the Updated Edition

To Aaron, my second-born son. You have endured a great deal this past year: a sudden brain aneurysm and massive hemorrhage, surgery, and an on-going recovery period. Yet through it all, you have been a joy to all of us who love you and evidence of God's loving protection. You have not complained but have been a living example of the Spirit of God having His perfect way in the heart of a child of His. May the Lord continue to use your life as a testimony to others of Christ's enduring power and grace.


Sometimes the Lord's way is hard,Leading through many stresses and storms;But Satan's harsh touch is barred,And God's character He surely forms.
Though you nearly tasted death,You've learned how God sovereignly spares;He renewed your life and breath,Displaying how graciously He cares.
Yet today still unrevealed,He has made for you a perfect plan;Just follow the path He's willed,And you'll soon become a godly man. -- James Reimann
 More Devotional Reviews




Do you have a copy on your bookshelf?


Happy Reading! -- LadyD 
 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Shaken by Tim Tebow: Book Review

Shaken by Tim Tebow: Book Review


"Shaken Discovering Your True Identity in the Midst of Life's Storms" by Tim Tebow is an encouragement to us all! The author's second book points us to discovering our true identity in the midst of life's storms. From my past experiences in talking with Junior Seau and John Carne of the San Diego Chargers, I have not felt such warmth and compassion (like a young Timothy in the Bible) sharing from his heart the ups and downs he has experienced lately. Folks, this superstar in just like you and me.

To say everyone loves Tim Tebow is simply not true. The media went after him for 'taking the knee,' and I can recall numerous intense negative reports. What I found by Tim's example in facing the darts 'on print' and through the airwaves was to take heart and be strong. Knowing that all the shattered dreams (the high and low days) were working for his good in trusting Christ. The 'nay-sayers' cannot extinguish the light shining through Tim.

In my opinion, the book should be required reading for everyone. It's about character building. It's about not letting success or failure define you but knowing who you are in Him and following God's plan (what really matters). I admire Tim's convictions and there are many lessons from the book that I can apply to my own faith journey as well. 

I'm happy the Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow is receiving more accolades in sports, playing pro baseball. Truly, he is getting the nod of approval from the Lord in fulfilling his destiny in sharing the gospel of Jesus to the world. Well done, Tim!

5/5 stars. Highly recommend. He hit the ball out of the park with this one!

Tim Tebow: Shaken l LadyD Books Review


My Favorite Review



“Shaken is everyone’s story. All of us know what it is to experience the best of days and the lowest of days. For Tim, he’s lived those days in public. I have the privilege to call Tim my friend and can tell you that with him, what you see is what you get, which seems rare these days! I appreciate how real and raw Tim is with his own struggles. In Shaken you will find great encouragement for your own life and faith.”
—Chris Tomlin, worship leader and songwriter

My Favorite Chapter

We must cease striving and trust God to provide what He thinks is best and in irst stepwhatever time He chooses to make it available. but this kind of trusting doesn't come naturally. It's a spiritual crisis of the will in which we must choose to exercise faith. -- Charles Swindoll

My Favorite Line


"God is greater than your heart."

Tim Tebow: Book Review l LadyD Books


The Friday #56

I like what Martin Luther King Jr. said: "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole starcase."

About The Book

Who are you when life is steady? 
Who are you when storms come?
 
Most of us have been on the receiving end of rejection, a broken dream, or heartbreak. And while this is not an easy space to go through, when we are grounded in the truth, we can endure the tough times.
 
In this powerful book, Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow passionately shares glimpses of his journey staying grounded in the face of disappointment, criticism, and intense media scrutiny. Following an exceptional college football career with the Florida Gators and a promising playoff run with the Denver Broncos, Tebow was traded to the New York Jets. He was released after one season. 
 
In Shaken, Tebow talks about what he’s learned along the way, building confidence in his identity in God, not the world. This moving book also features practical wisdom from Scripture and insights gained from others who have impacted Tebow in life-changing ways. 
 
Though traveling hard roads is not easy, it’s always worth it!

Shaken

Tim Tebow photo


About the Author

Tim Tebow is a two-time national champion, first round NFL draft pick, and Heisman trophy winner. After playing in the NFL for the Denver Broncos and the New York Jets, Tebow joined the SEC Network. In addition to his role on SEC Nation, the network's traveling road show, Tebow also contributes to a variety of other ESPN platforms. Through everything, Tim's true passion remains the work of the Tim Tebow Foundation which he began in 2010. The foundation's mission is to bring Faith, Hope, and Love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need. The foundation is fulfilling that mission everyday by serving thousands of deserving children around the world.
A.J. Gregory photo

A.J. Gregory is known for over thirty-five book collaborations, some New York Times bestsellers, with fascinating high-profile figures from celebrities to scientists. She is also the author of two books, Messy Faith and Silent Savior, which chronicles finding faith in the middle of unavoidable and sometimes harsh realities. A.J. calls New Jersey, and her husband and three kids, home. Learn more at www.ajgregorybooks.com.
Two reasons why you should buy a copy (or two) of Shaken today:

1) Shaken is a great read! Get the scoop on Tim's time in the NFL...some of the challenges he's faced...and how his identity has stayed grounded in in God and not in this world!

2) Shaken makes the perfect gift! Give the gift of faith, hope, and love to your son, daughter, mom, dad, grandparent, coach, teacher, pastor, minister, neighbor, or friend!



New from Tim Tebow, Shaken. Get the book!!

Follow Tim Tebow on FaceBook.





Thank you, WaterBrook Multnomah for the privilege of receiving a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. Thanks to Daniel Decker for the opportunity to be on the promotional team!

Happy Reading! -- LadyD

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

The Dynamic Studio: Book Review


The Dynamic Studio l LadyD Books

I am a firm believer that piano lessons were never meant to be boring!! Love this book!


About The Book

How to keep students, dazzle parents, and build the music studio everyone wants to get into.
Practice Revolution author Philip Johnston looks at 93 different elements of traditional music teaching that are desperately in need of an update for today's students.
From motivation systems to resourcing, repertoire selection to the practice treadmill, unconventional scheduling to simply how to make a studio more fun, The Dynamic Studio is another explosion of ideas from the world’s best-known writer on music teaching.


"In most of the ways that count for anything, they're actually from the same planet."
"This disjuncture  between what our training has prepared us for and who we are actually working with has very real consequences for music teachers individually and the profession as a whole.

My Review

It's a different day! As we recognize the times they are a changin'... So is our fresh approach to piano teaching! The author captures the vision perfectly here! Get a breakthrough on the old, static way we do things to springing forward to having a dynamic studio. When this goal grabs ahold of you, engaging students will become the main focus here. My favorite line in the book, "It's your studio; you decide what happens." You'll come away with a feeling of being recharged as you change things around in your studio. Get the book. It doesn't disappoint! Your passion for teaching will continue to soar and your teacher-student relationships will grow successfully in helping them to enjoy all kinds of music their entire lives! I found The Dynamic Studio to be a positive, refreshing change for piano teachers!

5/5 stars! Highly recommend!

For more information, visit Philip Johnston's website,
www.insidemusicteaching.com

Piano Students: LadyD

Piano Students l LadyD


Skywatch Friday

Golden Sunrise l LadyD Books

Doesn't feel like Fall here in SoCal. temps have soared to 100!!

Chili Rellenos and Corn Salad: LadyD Books
Corn Salad & Chili Rellenos


Happy Reading and SkyWatching!

-- LadyD

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

The Bear Who Wasn't There: And The Fabulous Forest

The Bear Who Wasn't There: And the Fabulous Forest l Book Review

Congratulations! I won the book on LibraryThing. Thank you, Katie Martinez!

Here's what others are saying:

"Bear’s search for himself doesn’t matter so much as the charm of Lavie’s storytelling voice as he narrates it . . . Erlbruch gives the bear big, puzzled-looking eyes and a lovable grin. He lives in a forest made of ornate trees seemingly lifted from vintage engravings, whose delicate lines play off Bear’s dumpy figure. Bear’s encounters with various characters—the Turtle Taxi, the Penultimate Penguin—feature gentle wordplay and Lewis Carroll–like paradoxes . . . Everything is new to Bear, and his discoveries will delight readers."
--Publisher's Weekly, Starred Review

The Bear Who Wasn't There: And the Fabulous Forest

Product Details


  • Age Range: 3 - 7 years
  • Grade Level: Preschool - 2
  • Hardcover: 48 pages
  • Publisher: Black Sheep (October 4, 2016)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1617754900
  • ISBN-13: 978-1617754906

About The Book

One day, a few minutes after Once Upon a Time, a bear awakes to find he has lost something very important: himself! He sets out into the Fabulous Forest to find himself, using only a few clues scrawled on a piece of paper: the bear he's looking for is a nice bear; he is a happy bear, and he's very handsome too! These sound like pretty good qualities to Bear, and so begins his memorable journey. With the help of Fabulous Forest critters like the Convenience Cow, the Lazy Lizard, and the Penultimate Penguin, Bear finds that he himself is just what he's been looking for all along: a nice, happy bear--and handsome too!

Book Beginning

Once upon a Time, there was an Itch.
Simply, an Itch.
It wasn't a very big Itch.
It wasn't a small Itch, either.
It was a medium-size Itch.
And the Itch wanted to scratch.
Once upon a Time.



Bear Illustration: Wolf Erlbruch

THE MORE I LOOK
THE LESS I KNOW
IF TREES AND FLOWERS GROW
WHEN I'M NOT LOOKING.

Book Illustration: Fabulous Forest l Wolf Erlbruch
Lost, yet moving Forward in The Fabulous Forest.

Book Review


Brilliant work with a masterful  balance of musical wordplay and beautiful, detailed golden pictures! The book is perfectly written for a child's imaginative understanding and the poetic prose will delight adults also. You see, the main character is a very positive bear who is happy and nice. Oh, and he's handsome, too! He seems to have forgotten himself and sets out on a journey moving forward to finding himself with the help of Turtle Taxi. The story moves along quite nicely as the author introduces bear to some fabulous forest friends; Convenience Cow, Lazy Lizard, and Penultimate Penguin. Ah... the path of self-discovery is a beautiful thing!  You'll feel so at home with this one. Get it and guaranteed, you will want to read it every night at bedtime. It's that great. Bravo!

5/5 stars! Highly recommend! Delightful! Love it!

Book Illustrations: Wolf Erlbruch

About the Author

Oren Lavie has green eyes, long curly hair, and relatively cold feet. He was born in June, one week behind schedule, and has been trying to catch up ever since. He likes to sleep late but does his best writing early in the morning, which is why his best writing so rarely gets done. Oren is a musician, director, and author of children's books. His debut album, The Opposite Side of the Sea, was released worldwide to critical acclaim, winning him the prestigious ASCAP Foundation Sammy Cahn Award for his lyrics. The music video for "Her Morning Elegance" was nominated for a Grammy Award and became a YouTube hit. Oren wrote "A Dance 'Round the Memory Tree" for The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian movie. The Bear Who Wasn't There is his first book to be published in the US.

Wolf Erlbruch is one of Germany's most renowned illustrators; his work is respected and loved around the world. Among his many awards, Wolf has received both the Gutenberg and the German Children's Literature Award, as well as a Hans Christian Andersen Illustrator Award. His previous book, Duck, Death and the Tulip, sold more than 100,000 copies and was published in nineteen countries.
Happy Reading!

 -- LadyD
“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Unsolved Miracles: Book Review

Unsolved Mysteries: LadyD Books


About The Book

Nothing shows God's awesome love and power like a miracle. Unsolved Miracles are an extraordinary collection of uplifting stories that reveal God's wondrous and endearing love. Women and men of all ages will be inspired by tender answers to prayer and incredible events that can only be explained as miracles of God. The book features contributions from popular Christian authors such as Max Lucado, Billy Graham, James Dobson, David Jeremiah, Chuck Colson, Joni Eareckson Tada, and more. This paperback release of the popular original is likely to convince even the most hardened skeptic of the reality of miracles. For book purchase, Unsolved Mysteries.

Friday #56

"She wanted to get the name of the woman who had relieved her fear on the telephone. "I'd like to thank her," she explained to Collyn's teacher.

The teacher looked at Lynne in bewilderment. "But you couldn't have spoken with anyone," she said.

"Oh, but I did," Lynne assured her. "You can ask my older boys. I was frantic until this woman assured me that Collyn was fine."

"Mrs. Coates, that would have been impossible," the teacher insisted. "We put a sign on the door, locked the building, and moved the children before the tornado struck. There wasn't anyone here.

"And don't forget - our phone lines were destroyed. No call could have gotten through - or been answered."

Angels have been called our "companions in a storm." The Coates family knows, in a special way, what that lovely promise means.

Book Review

Truly a book that will lift your spirit! So many moving passages within the pages to refresh your thirsty soul. Recorded true stories shared by famous authors and pastors will encourage your faith. For sure, so many of us can testify to angels ministering to us in our time of need... Some visible and others not seen but behind the scenes. After reading numerous accounts of visiting angels affecting changed lives, the reader can decide if, in fact, the accounts shared here are believable or merely coincidental. Get the book. You will not be disappointed.

5/5 stars. Recommend.

About The Author

John Van Diest has been a book publisher for more than twenty-five years and has traveled the world as an advocate for Christian literature. He lives with his wife, Pat, in Oregon.

So, what are you reading this week?

 -- LadyD

 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis