Thank you, God, for blessing me: A Book Review

Thank you, God, for blessing me by Max Lucado, illustrated by Frank Endersby.

What a delightful little book for beginning readers! Beautifully illustrated to capture the imagination and interest of young children, “Thank you, God, for blessing me”” is a lovely way to introduce the concept of showing and expressing gratitude to God. It places thankfulness right at the heart of everyday life – reminding readers that the simple, common things of daily living can be the cause for praise and the source of blessing. This children’s book is perfect for reading to the youngest infant, but also suitable for older children who may want to read it for themselves.

Young readers easily connect with the rhyming prayer of Hermie, the very cute caterpillar. Hermie is a loveable little character that Lucado uses to convey clear, concise, doctrinally-sound, Biblical truths to even the youngest of his readers (and those who read to them). The length of the book is just right – long enough to be jam-packed with sound teaching and short enough that the children will want to read it again and again – and again!

The chunky little book with its sturdy board covers is easy for little hands to hold and delightfully attractive to look at. Frank Endersby’s illustrations are cute and colourful, with detail that invites the young reader to explore and discover, taking them on an adventurous and satisfying journey through a day in the life of Hermie.

Readers can always rely on Max Lucado to present a strong spiritual message, and Thank you, God, for blessing me definitely does not disappoint on this count.

I would not hesitate to recommend this book to families with young children, and would suggest that it could just as readily be tucked into any welcome-baby gift as it would be well-received by toddlers and children as old as five or six years of age.

Definitely a five-star book!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html>: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Hibernation is not good for the soul - or the blog!

Where have I been for the past three years?

Why did I allow myself to hibernate like that?

Hibernation is good for bears but I don’t think that my cyber-hibernation has done me any good at all!

Far from waking refreshed (though perhaps somewhat famished) after an extended siesta, I’m emerging from my den feeling rather slothful and a tad embarrassed for having hidden away for so long. I not only slept through the winter but I also let several other seasons slip by. I failed to appreciate the beauty of the springs, the joy of the summers, the wonder of the autumns and the crisp chill of the winters. What marvellous experiences have gone unnoticed while I was in retreat? Physically, I did not go anywhere, but if the dates on this blog are anything to go by, my mind has certainly been somewhere else!

I will admit that, despite failing to fulfil my commitment to write, and forgetting my pledge of accountability, the past three years have brought some special joys to me – in the shape of four precious new grandchildren, bringing the total to six special little people in my life – the oldest of whom is yet to turn five! It is truly a blessing to see the growth and development of these lovely children – the offspring of my own precious two daughters who I love so much, and of whom I am so very proud! God has indeed blessed us through our family … our children and our children’s children … so Biblical!

I do not consider myself to be old (although my children and grandchildren might have other opinions!) but I have reached the stage in my life where I truly endorse what the writer of Proverbs had to say about families: “Children's children [grandchildren] are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children” (17:6).

I thank God for his blessings, especially those that he sends in the form of people who are near and dear to me. I love them so much. I just pray that I will be constant in my example of godliness and holiness, so that, as a family, we will continue to share in the joy that comes from following Christ.