Imagine...The Ten Plagues by Matt Koceich

Imagine...The Ten Plagues
by Matt Koceich

ISBN-13: 9781683223801
Paperback: 112 pages
Publisher: Barbour Books
Released: March 1, 2018

Source: Bought.


Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
The last thing fourth-grader Kai Wells remembers is being confronted by a bully on her walk home from school. What happens next can't be explained as Kai finds herself on the run for her life in ancient Egypt! An exciting adventure series for kids ages 8 to 12.


My Review:
Imagine...The Ten Plagues is an adventure story for ages 8 to 12. It's only very loosely based on the Bible account about the Exodus and didn't stay true to details given in the Bible. Even the historical details consisted only of a brief description of Egyptian clothing and temple and several mentions of how primitive things were. The characters were poorly developed, and little motive is provided. For some reason, Kai is protected by the first Egyptian who sees her even though this brings harm to him. Kai risked her life to help a Hebrew girl, and for some reason the Egyptian guards become obsessed with capturing or killing Kai. Kai isn't affected by the plagues, and we never learn why. And so on.

The focus was more on Kai trying to escape the Egyptian guards than on the Bible account of the plagues or the reason for them. There's only a brief mention of Moses confronting Pharaoh in the distance for the first plague. In the story, the plagues never affected the Israelites, but that protection didn't actually happen until the flies (Exodus 8:22). Many of the plagues happened at the wrong times and after only minutes (at most hours) had passed since the last plague, unlike the biblical account (Exodus 7:25, etc.). The Israelites were portrayed as living in a huge tent city near the Egyptians rather than in houses in a separate region (Exodus 12:22), and the firstborn died in the middle of the day rather than at midnight (Exodus 12:29). The Israelites left their tents behind as they fled and could be seen from that spot as they immediately escaped through the parted Red Sea. No army was after them, only two Egyptians chasing after Kai (Exodus 14). You get the idea.

While Kai did call out to God to help her when attacked, she concluded, "...the longer I'm in your world, the more confidence I find to believe in myself." She isn't in awe of what God's doing to prove His power or even how He's protected her but is pleased that she can face armed adults and survive. Sorry, but I didn't like the story and wouldn't give it to kids.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Imagine...The Great Flood by Matt Koceich

Imagine...The Great Flood
by Matt Koceich

ISBN-13: 9781683221296
Paperback: 112 pages
Publisher: Barbour Books
Released: August 1, 2017

Source: Bought.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
The last thing ten-year-old Corey remembers was the searing pain in his head after falling while chasing his dog Molly into the woods. What happens next can't be explained as Corey wakes up and finds himself face-to-face with not one but two lions! An exciting, brand-new epic adventure series for kids ages 8 to 12.


My Review:
Imagine...The Great Flood is an adventure story for ages 8 to 12 and targeted at boys. It's only very loosely based on the Bible account about the Flood. Corey wakes up to see Shem leading lions toward the ark using a magical staff. Shem asks Corey to help him go out to where animals are gathering and lead them some distance back to the ark. But evil giants try to prevent them, threatening Corey's life, even leaving him in a pit to die. The focus was on the giants more than the ark or Noah. Corey sees how God has helped him against the evil attackers and decides to trust Him with the unknown future.

The characters were poorly developed, with only Corey showing some depth. The cover is deceptive as Corey was not on the ark during the Flood but is left behind. Genesis 7:9 says that the pairs of animal kinds came to the ark, so Corey wouldn't have needed to travel to help gather every species. Also, in this story, the rain began before all the people and animals were on the ark rather than God closing the ark's door 7 days before the rain started (Genesis 7:9-10,16).


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

The New Weather Book by Michael Oard

The New Weather Book by Michael Oard ISBN-13: 9780890518618 Hardcover: 96 pages Publisher: Master Books Released: April 1st 2015

Source: Bought.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
- Did you know the hottest temperature ever recorded was 134° F (56.7° C) on July 10, 1913 in Death Valley, California?

- The highest recorded surface wind speed was in the May 3, 1999, Oklahoma tornado, measured at 302 mph (486 kph)!

- The most snow to fall in a one-year period is 102 feet (3,150 cm) at Mount Rainier, Washington, from February 19, 1971 to February 18, 1972!

From the practical to the pretty amazing, this book gives essential details into understanding what weather is, how it works, and how other forces that impact on it. Learn why storm chasers and hurricane hunters do what they do and how they are helping to solve storm connected mysteries. Discover what makes winter storms both beautiful and deadly, as well as what is behind weather phenomena like St. Elmo’s Fire.

Find important information on climate history and answers to the modern questions of supposed climate change. Get safety tips for preventing dangerous weather related injuries like those from lightning strikes, uncover why thunderstorms form, as well as what we know about the mechanics of a tornado and other extreme weather examples like flash floods, hurricanes and more. A fresh and compelling look at wild and awesome examples of weather in this revised and updated book in the Wonders of Creation series!


My Review:
The New Weather Book is an educational book about the weather aimed at homeschoolers. The author writes from a biblical (young earth creationist) viewpoint. The book has three levels of information for each chapter: I think that Level I is for grades five and six, level II is for grades seven and eight, and level III is for grades nine through eleven. The author started off by talking about how weather is created (temperature differences, Earth's rotation, etc.). He talked about the factors and technologies that go into making a weather forecast, the water cycle, the different types of clouds and how they form, warm fronts and cold fronts and how they interact, dewpoint, and fog. He explained what creates thunderstorms, lightning, thunder, hail, tornadoes, hurricanes, snow, sleet, and freezing rain. He also explained the differences between watches and warnings and provided safety tips for dealing with different weather situations. He ended by talking about climate changes in the past, different factors that might create global warming (not necessarily things humans can control, either), and the Genesis Flood and the Ice Age. There's a poster in the back that illustrates different types of severe weather. The book is full of amazing, full-color pictures. Overall, I'd recommend this is an interesting, informative book.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

The New Ocean Book by Frank Sherwin

The New Ocean Book by Frank Sherwin ISBN-13: 9780890519059 Hardcover: 96 pages Publisher: Master Books Released: February 20th 2017

Source: Bought.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
The oceans may well be Earth's final frontier. These dark and sometimes mysterious waters cover 71 percent of the surface area of the globe and have yet to be fully explored. Under the waves, a watery world of frail splendor, foreboding creatures, vast mountains, and sights beyond imagination awaits. Learning about the oceans and their hidden worlds can be exciting and rewarding the abundance and diversity of life, the wealth of resources, the latest discoveries, and the simple mysteries that have intrigued explorers and scientist for centuries. A better understanding of our oceans ensures careful stewardship of their grandeur and beauty for future generations, and leads to a deeper respect for the delicate balance of life that God created on planet Earth.


My Review:
The New Ocean Book is an educational book about the oceans aimed at homeschoolers. The author writes from a biblical (young earth creationist) viewpoint. The book has three levels of information for each chapter: Level I is for grades five and six, level II is for grades seven and eight, and level III is for grades nine through eleven. The book started by showing a map of the oceans and explained some basic information about oceans. The author then talked about how people have studied the oceans throughout history (from bottles to satellites), the different parts of the ocean (from the shoreline to the abysmal plane), and things like what's in seawater, how we have used seawater to make salt, where seawater comes, how freshwater comes from the oceans, and how icebergs are formed. He explained how the tides, waves, currents, whirlpools, tsunamis, and hurricanes work. He also talked about modern fishing practices, making energy from ocean tides and winds, and mining in the ocean. He talked about the different ocean zones and the types of animals found there as well as coral reef inhabitants and how the reefs grow or can be damaged. He ended with a chapter talking about how the Genesis Flood affected the oceans and how ocean life survived the Flood. There's a poster in the back that illustrates the different ocean zones and some animals found in them. Overall, this is an informative book full of excellent, full-color pictures.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

The Mineral Book by David McQueen

The Mineral Book by David McQueen ISBN-13: 9780890518021 Paperback: 96 pages Publisher: New Leaf Released: December 19th 2014

Source: Bought.

Book Description from back of book:
The Mineral Book is a part of the best-selling Wonders of Creation Series! It has been developed for multi-level teaching, with special color-coding on three skill levels. This educational resource is filled with full-color pictures and illustrations, and can be used in the classroom, for independent study, or homeschool settings.

Created to make mineralogy accessible to beginners, students, and hobbyists as well as learn about the order and beauty of minerals shaped by the Creator and find out the properties of minerals, where they can be found, and how they are used, along with fun facts. Includes a 24-inch, full-color pull-out poster!

Minerals are a gift of God’s grace. Every day we touch them, seeing the diamond in an engagement ring or a copper chain with a cross on it. Minerals are touched on in video games like Minecraft® and Mineral ValleyTM, making them more a part of our daily experience.

Salt, one vital mineral, helps maintain the fluid in our blood cells and is used to transmit information in our nerves and muscles. Also, Jesus told his followers that we are the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13), something thus needed for health and flavor. Here is a God-honoring book that reveals the first mention of minerals in the Bible, symbolic usages, their current values in culture and society, and their mention in heaven.


My Review:
The Mineral Book is an educational book about minerals aimed at homeschoolers. The authors write from a biblical (young earth creationist) viewpoint. The book has three levels of information for each chapter: a brief, basic introduction for young readers, a more advanced level with extended vocabulary, and an even more detailed level. The book started by talking about where we find minerals, both in the Bible and on the earth, and how we get and use minerals. The author then talked about what a mineral is, how to identify a mineral (including how to begin your own collection), mentions of minerals in the Bible, valuable minerals, and how geological creation research uses minerals to accurately date the world. There's a mineral identification guide at the end which included information like luster, specific gravity, color, hardness, streak, and crystal symmetry. There's also a periodic table of the elements and a poster. In each chapter, there were several minerals that were featured and included information like where it is found, what it is used for, fun facts, and mentions in the Bible. Overall, this is a interesting book even for adults and I think tween's and teens would really enjoy it.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

Searching for Truth by Tim Chaffey, Colin Dyer

Searching for Truth by Tim Chaffey, Colin Dyer (Illustrator) ISBN-13: 978-1683440338 Paperback: 72 pages Publisher: Master Books Released: April 15th 2017

Source: Bought the book.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
In a cultural climate that exalts personal preference above all else, here is a dramatic, visually stunning story that addresses issues and concerns of utmost importance as life meets truth. Discover why the Bible can be trusted as God’s Word, including its prophetic revelations, evidence of the supernatural, consistency over time, and the scientific and historical accuracy of its text. What makes the Bible unique and its account of truth different from all other religious writings is discussed through thought-provoking questions.


My Review:
Searching for Truth is a graphic novel. It uses a simple fiction story to present the gospel and some reasons to believe Christianity. Several college students are taking a course on world religions and get into a discussion about why one of them still believes in Christ. They bring up objections to Christianity that the professor has given, and the Christian provide a response. They cover topics like: are there errors in the Bible, is the Bible an accurate copy of the originals, is it scientifically and historically accurate, etc. They cover some of the evidence for the Bible, then the gospel is presented and one of the characters accepts Christ. The illustrations were colorful and realistic in style, and the comic format was quick and easy to read. Overall, I'd recommend this for tweens, teens, and adults who like this style.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

Noah Drake and the Dragon Killer by Ben Russell

Noah Drake and the Dragon Killer by Ben Russell ISBN-13: 9781540358080 Paperback: 176 pages Publisher: Createspace Released: Nov. 10, 2016

Source: ebook review copy from the author.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Noah Drake loves dinosaurs and would like to dig up dinosaur bones someday. Then he discovered that real dinosaurs might still be around! While on vacation to Lake Champion with his family, he hears stories about Champ, a lake monster. He'd love to capture Champ, just like he captures dinos on a video game he enjoys. But he starts to rethink things when he meets two men who are set on killing Champ for fame and fortune. Noah Drake And The Dragon Killer is a middle grade to young adult story that teaches creation. You'll enjoy Noah Drake if you like Jonathan Park!


My Review:
Noah Drake and the Dragon Killer is a Christian middle grade adventure novel. The story follows a family during their eventful vacation to Lake Champion, where some of them see the local sea monster (Champ) and encounter some dragon hunters. Noah would love to capture Champ--like on a video game he plays--but the dragon hunters are out to kill Champ for fame and fortune. The "good guy" main characters were engaging while the "bad guy" characters were largely comical.

Several characters were Christians who believed that God created dinosaurs about 6,000 years ago and that we knew them by the name "dragons" until the 1800s. There was also a simplified explanation of why a character didn't believe in evolution. There was no sex, gore, or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this fun, engaging story.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Scripture Memory Songs for Kids and Families CD

Scripture Memory Songs for Kids and Families CD by Jennifer Shaw Released: May 19, 2015 Website: JenniferShaw.com

Source: Review copy through a publicist/The Adams Group.

Description from Singer's Website:
This album includes 30 word-for-word Scripture memory songs (NIV) plus 9 bonus Christian-themed kids songs! These songs were all developed for use in a Vacation Bible School curriculum for Faith Covenant Church in Westerville, OH. Each of the mini-albums is for a different year with a different themed play. There are five Scripture songs per year, one for each day of VBS, plus bonus theme songs and roll calls for the classes.

The Scripture songs are all word for word from either the 1984 or the 2011 New International Version (NIV) of the Bible and include the references. They have since been used by Sunday schools, Christian schools, other VBS programs, homeschoolers, and families, and we hope they are a blessing to you too!


My Review:
Scripture Memory Songs for Kids and Families CD has songs for memorizing scripture which are suitable for grade-school aged kids but they can be enjoyed by the whole family. The songs contain word-for-word Scripture from the NIV, so kids can understand the words they're memorizing.

The songs sound like songs; they're not just verses repeated several times with music in the background. Each song is unique sounding, so you learn the verse if you learn the song. Some scripture memory albums I've listened to have such similar-sounding music that the tune doesn't automatically trigger the words that go with it.

I really liked the verses that she picked for memorization; they're verses that will serve kids well throughout their lives. I highly recommend this resource to those who want help memorizing Scripture.

You can view which verses are included and listen to some samples at Jennifer Shaw's website.


If you've listened to these songs, what do you think about them? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the CD in the comments.

10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know by Kari Kampakis

As a member of Amazon Vine, I'm able to review books through them, but--as I understand the terms--I'm only allowed to post my review on Amazon. Because I liked this book, I'm posting a description of the book here with a direct link to my review on Amazon.

10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know by Kari Kampakis ISBN-13: 9780529111036 Trade Paperback: 224 pages Publisher: Thomas Nelson Released: November 4, 2014

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
When Kari Kampakis wrote a blog post in July 2013 titled "10 Truths Young Girls Should Know," the post went viral and was shared more than 65,000 times on Facebook. This nonfiction book for teen girls expands on these ten truths, including:

Kindness is more important than popularity. People peak at different times of life. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable-- otherwise you'll never stick to your guns. You weren't made to worship yourself. Today's choices set the stage for your reputation. Learn to listen to the whispers of God over the megaphone of public opinion.

Teen girls deal daily with cliques, bullying, rejection, and social media nightmares. Kari Kampakis wants girls to know that they don't have to compromise their integrity and future to find love, acceptance, and security. This book is filled with practical advice, loving support, and insightful discussion questions that will help young girls navigate a broken world and become the young women God made them to be.

My Review: Link to my review on Amazon.

Adventure Bible Handbook by Robin Schmitt & David Frees

Adventure Bible Handbook by Robin Schmitt & David Frees Illustrated by Craig Philips ISBN: 9780310725756 Hardcover: 240 pages Publisher: ZonderKids Released: October 8, 2013

Source: Review copy from the publisher provided through BookSneeze.com.

Book Description, Modified from Booksneeze:
A fun and exciting journey through the Bible told in comic book style for kids ages 9-12. Companion to the bestselling Adventure Bible.

The Adventure Bible Handbook leads tween boys and girls across the Holy Land and back in time. Four siblings travel with their archaeologist father to the Holy Land. When he disappears, the children try to find him by joining an offbeat tour group. The group visits ancient cities, important geographical sites, and experiences biblical times firsthand—traveling back in time with the help of some RSPs (Really Smart Phones) and all sorts of wacky modes of transportation.

It’s a fast, fun adventure through some of the greatest Bible stories to learn what life is really all about.


My Review:
Adventure Bible Handbook is a Bible overview combined with some comic book, time-travel action. It's a companion to the Adventure Bible by Zondervan, which I think is a real Bible with kid-friendly study inserts. Since this book is mostly a summary of the Bible, I'm not certain why it's needed if the child has a kid's study Bible as well. It seemed more like a book to use to get a child who doesn't know the Bible interested in reading the full stories in the Bible.

The comic book part is a story about some kids trying to find their father by, of all things, taking a time-traveling tour of the Holy Land. Lucky for them, he's time-traveling, too. The main focus, though, seems to be their seeing events from the Bible so they will decide to follow Christ at the end.

As they travel through events taken from each book of the Bible, the reader is given a summary of that event or book in text above the comic section. Some events are illustrated using comic-book style and others by using pictures of modern-day remains or of paintings previously done of the event. There are some maps, Bible facts, and cultural background information, but mainly it's a summary of the main events of the Bible.

Despite the theme of traveling through time, they generally didn't mention dates. I think this was smart idea because a lot of dates are under dispute. They treated Genesis as real history, and this is one area where they didn't mention dates.

I did notice some minor errors, like page 26, "In Old Testament Times, the oldest son inherited everything." (The firstborn sons inherited a double portion, but not everything.) The information also seemed a bit simplistic. I'd think that church kids in their tweens would already understand what sin is or could tackle what the Ten Commandments really are instead of a modified, modernized version for young kids. But if you're looking for a fast summary of the Bible "spiced up" with the addition of a comic book adventure, then this does the job well enough.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Even Donkeys Speak by Mary McDonald

Even Donkeys Speak by Mary McDonald ISBN: 9781595890535 Trade Paperback: 131 pages Publisher: Gospel for Asia Released: 2007

Source: From Gospel for Asia.

Book Description from GFA website:
This children's book is a collection of stories taken straight from the mission fields of South Asia. As you read these exciting tales of God at work, you and your youngsters will feel as if you are right there with these believers, following the Lord amid the steaming jungles and cold mountain villages of Asia.


My Review:
Even Donkeys Speak is a collection of true stories that are written for children, but they can also be fully appreciated by teens and adults. Each short story is an account of how God is at work in India, from helping a young man learn English (which he struggled with) so he could become a missionary to miraculous healings that led families to follow Christ. Each story is a quick read and gives glory to God. I'd highly recommend it to anyone who'd like to teach their children more about missionary work in India, how God is at work there, and how God can use any situation for His glory.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: A link to read an excerpt on Amazon using Look Inside.

Digging Up The Past: Genesis 3-11 by Kay Arthur & Janna Arndt

Digging Up The Past: Genesis 3-11 by Kay Arthur & Janna Arndt ISBN-13: 9780736903745 Trade Paperback: 224 pages Publisher: Harvest House Publishers Released: November 15, 2001

Source: Bought from my local Christian book store.

Book Description from Back Cover:
Join inductive dig team members Max, Molly, and archeologist Uncle Jake in their latest action-adventure as they uncover what happens after God creates a perfect world.

You'll sift through Genesis chapters 3-11, using tools like hieroglyphic decoders, pottery shard puzzles, and scientific experiments. Does the world stay perfect for long? Discover the truth about some of the world's big "firsts"--the first marriage, first sin, first murder, first civilization, and first genealogy. And have we seen the last of the dinosaurs? Come along for a second-to-none adventure!

Set your compass for site Genesis, where digging up the past holds the key to a future of growing in God's Word. Recommended for ages 9 to 12.


My Review:
Digging Up The Past is a Bible study of Genesis chapter 3 through 11 for tweens (ages 9 to 12). It has an archeology theme with an story involving Max and Molly running throughout. The child reads a chapter in Genesis (which is provided in the back of the book with plenty of space for marking important things) and then goes through a series of questions and puzzles that lead them to think over the important things that happen in that chapter. The authors also tied in related New Testament verses.

I thought the questions brought out good points, and I liked that the focus remained on discovering what the Bible says. The word scrambles, word finds, mazes, crosswords (with the word found by looking up a verse), and other puzzles were fun (even for me, an adult!). I think the skill level needed to solve the puzzles was just right for the age range, but I no longer have anyone that age to test this book on. The answers to the puzzles were in the back of the book.

The authors' treat Genesis 3-11 as an accurate record of historical events that really happened. Overall, I'd recommend this children's Bible study. I think it's one that children will actually enjoy doing, and I appreciate that they didn't lessen how much was learned in the process of making it fun.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Books.

Book Review: That is SO Me

That is SO Me: 365 Days of Devotions by Nancy Rue Trade Paperback: 464 pages Publisher: ZonderKidz Released: Sept. 2010

Source: Advanced Reading Copy provided by the publisher.

Book Description from Back Cover, slightly modified:
Here is the devotional tween girls been waiting for: a place for everyday inspiration for everyday tween girls. On this 365-day journey through the Bible, discover topics that will have you saying “That is SO me!” over and over and over again. Featuring interactive quizzes, activities, prayers, and journaling prompts written by favorite Faithgirlz!™ author Nancy Rue, this meaningful devotional is just for girls and tackles the issues that you face each day.


Review:
That is SO Me is a year-long daily devotional for girls ages 9-12. It's written in a conversational, engaging tone and is good at giving examples of how the application parts would work out in modern, tween girl life.

There were 52 weeks with 8 entries per a week: one under the "Week #__" heading to introduce the week's theme and then one for each day of the week. The day entries included activities (quiz; ask someone; think about; talk with God; listen to God; do what you've learned; and share it). The devotional was divided into four parts of 13 weeks each. Part One was about learning more about God. Part Two was about how God sees us. Part Three was about how God transforms people's lives (by following the stories of 13 people in the Bible). Part Four was about how God wants you to act.

Overall, the devotionals taught good lessons and engaged the reader in a way that they would probably try to do the activities suggested and apply the lesson rather than just read it.

However, I did have some concerns. The first eight weeks were a summary of the events in Genesis. This was a good idea, but sometimes she skipped events or incorrectly summarized a passage. Sometimes it was obvious she was trying to make the passage fit her week's theme, but other times I couldn't see why she changed or added to what Scripture said. After those weeks, she used verses from throughout the Bible that actually fit the theme...but the problem of slightly inaccurate summaries persisted, though it was less frequent. Also, I sometimes didn't agree with how she explained the meaning of a verse.

For example, on Week 2: Tuesday, she interpreted God's curse on the serpent in Genesis 3:15 as "he made it so women and their kids would always hate snakes. That accounts for the creepy feeling you get when you even see a python on TV. God knew the source of the evil, and he took away some of its power. It's still there, and it will sneak up on you and 'strike [your] heel" But you can also 'crush [its] head" (verse 15). God made it so that you can stamp it out whenever it tries to get to you." But that verse refers to Satan and the Messiah, not everyone.

Another example is from Week 49: Sunday when she modernized the parable about forgiveness found in Matthew 18:22-35. She has a teacher give a girl an extra day to pay her large debt but the teacher revokes the extension when she sees the girl demand that her friend pay back a small debt. I can see a girl reading it and thinking, "But Late Girl was just trying to raise the money to pay the teacher the next day! How unfair!" To be more accurate to the parable, Late Girl shouldn't have had to pay her way anymore so that she had no pressing reason to demand her friend pay up.

Despite my concerns, I'd suggest this devotional to tween girls that normally wouldn't do devotionals.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt from Week 49: Sunday
Sunday

"If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." Matthew 6:14

If you dare to walk past her, she curls her lip and sniffs the air like she's smelling rotten eggs. Yet you're supposed to forgive her? Why?

Jesus knew we'd need to understand the reason for forgiving people who treat us like pond scum. He explained that if we don't forgive other people, no matter what they do, God won't forgive us no matter what we do. He used a story (Matthew 18:22-35) which, in modern terms, goes something like this:

A girl hasn't turned in her money--thirty dollars--for the class field trip. It's the last day and she's forgotten again. The teacher says she's sorry, but Late Girl can't go. Late Girl cries and begs and the teacher gives her one more day. Happy again, Late Girl dashes out of class that afternoon and runs into a friend.

"Hey," she says to Friend. "You owe me a dollar for that Coke I bought you last week."

When Friend asks for more time to get the money, Late Girl says, "No way. Give it to me now, or we're not friends any more."

The teacher overhears that conversation and tells Late Girl she can forget about going on the field trip. If she can't forgive Friend a debt of one measly dollar, she doesn't deserve an extra day to get her thirty bucks in. End of discussion.

That's how it works with God too.

Do That Little Thing: QUIZ
This could be tough (but remember, Jesus doesn't do easy). Make a list of people you haven't quite forgiven for doing hurtful things to you or somebody you love. Think about grudges you're holding, people you refuse to speak to ever again, memories that make you mad all over again, just thinking about them. Don't worry if your list is longer than your arm. By the end of the week, it may be erased completely.


Read some more of the devotionals.