Michelle | By Quiet Waters

Indescribable, 100 Devotions about God and Science

December 6, 2017 By Michelle

This new devotion book by Louie Giglio is so exciting. Last spring I was introduced to the ministry of Louie Giglio when I was assigned to watch a series of dvds during training for my work at a local ministry. How he connects Scripture and science is fascinating, and inspiring. This devotion is based on Louie Giglio’s messages “Indescribable” and “How Great is Our God.” He wants this book to help kids discover the incredible creation of our indescribable God.

Indescribable, 100 Devotions about God and Science is a fun and inviting new book for children. It’s going to one that I read with my grand children when they visit.

As the title states there are 100 devotions, each with Scripture, photographs and illustrations and amazing facts. One can read the devotions from start to finish, or by topic. On page 7 there are pages numbers for all the devotions on animals, space, Earth and people. That way you can dig into what interests the child. I definitely can hardly wait for a grand to visit and to invite her to look at this book with me!

Thank you to FrontGate Media for this complimentary copy of Indescribable by Louie Giglio, in exchange for this blog post.

Hinds Feet On High Places

December 2, 2017 By Michelle

Hinds Feet On High Places by Hannah Hurnard…

Are you familiar with this story? Hinds Feet on High Places is a book that I’ve read a couple of times, most recently with my youngest daughter. The story of Much Afraid and the many characters she meets along the is charming and telling. I’ve found myself, and found examples of what I want to be within the pages of this beautiful story.

Tyndale has released a stunning mixed media illustrated edition of Hinds Feet On High Places that I am thrilled to have on our bookshelves. This book would have been wonderful to have while my daughter and I read the book. There were many conversations, and thoughts that would be wonderful to have record of!

“For the first time, this beloved Christian allegory is a mixed-media special edition complete with charming watercolor paintings, antique tinted photography, meditative hand-lettered Scripture, journaling and doodling space, and designs to color. As you read and connect with the story of Much-Afraid and her trials, the pages of this book become a canvas on which to chronicle your own story, struggles, and personal triumphs.”

I think this book would be a lovely gift, for yourself, or a fellow reader. Check it out at your local bookstore, or at Amazon.

Thank you to Tyndale Blog Network for this complimentary copy of Hinds Feet on High Places, in exchange for this blog post.

Unwrapping the Greatest Gift, A Review

December 2, 2017 By Michelle

Unwrapping the Greatest Gift

is an “entirely brand-new, rompingly-awed take on the Jesse Tree Advent tradition for Family Read-Alouds”

by Ann Voskamp

My family has read A Holy Experience, Ann’s blog, for many years. It was reading about her journey toward wholeness that spurred me onto the habit of daily counting the gifts in my own life.

Some years back she had a wonderful ebook available, a Jesse Tree adventure for families. Last year Ann’s book “The Greatest Gift” was in my hands. Now, this beautiful book for families is available.

This Christmas…

Unwrapping the Greatest Gift is a beautiful piece of art, full of art, and life giving words. Ann gives each of us the invitation to unwrap the greatest gift with our families, during the upcoming Christmas season. Included in the book are the instructions and encouragement to make, or put together a Jesse Tree, with the opportunity to purchase lovely ornaments through dayspring, or to print ornaments through her blog.

There are daily readings for the 25 days of December, leading up to Christmas morning. The daily readings include Scripture references, stories through Ann’s voice, discussion topics and activity suggestions for the family. The suggestions included activities which can be be done at home, maybe around the art table, and also outside the home. Outside the home the readers are encourage to seek out ways to give a taste of the greatest gift to others.

As I have said, this book is simply exquisite and I encourage you to stop by your local bookstore to take a look. Maybe you would enjoy unwrapping the greatest gift with your family this Christmas.

The Remarkable Ordinary

November 30, 2017 By Michelle

The Remarkable Ordinary, by Frederick Buechner

It is very likely that you might not see this, you like might seem to be the sum of very ordinary moments and your work might not seem to hold the significance you long for, but to Frederick Beuchner, the ordinary of life is remarkable.

This book, The Remarkable Ordinary, is only 120 pages, but it took me two months to read. This collection of mostly unpublished letters invite each of us to recognize that a remarkable life is happening, right here, right now. Buechner’s way of weaving words illuminated moments of my life that will keep me thinking for some time to come.

One of the things that I love about this book, and will likely find in other Buechner’s books, is that he doesn’t seem to be afraid to wonder, and appears quite alright with not having the answers.

“The deepest mystery of all, I think, is the one to which biblical faith points, which is the idea that we are made not only of matter that comes from the earth and stars, but we are made in the image of God. Whatever that means. I don’t know that means altogether, but I think it mans that we bear his mark upon us. Deep within us. The face of Christ is within us, his thumbprint is upon us. The world adds all sorts of things to that holy self that God made, but it still is there, thought we lose track of it in a million ways…” ~To See is to Love, to Love is to See, The Remarkable Ordinary by Frederick Buechner

Along with “The Remarkable Ordinary”, I was given “A Crazy Holy Grace” which I am looking forward to reading as the New Year arrives. These books were sent to me by HandleBar Publishing in exchange for my thoughts and this blog post.

Christmas Children’s Books, A New Favorite

November 29, 2017 By Michelle

There are many children’s book titles that live on my list of all time favorite books. Surely the many memories of snuggling up with my children over the years contributes to my love of children’s literature, but there are other reasons as well! There is something wonderful about finding a gem of a story, or rich and cheery illustrations, and being able to put that book into the hands of a child.

A new book that I am excited to have on my shelf is this one…

One Christmas Bear, written and illustrated by Anne Vittur Kennedy.

This counting book is delightful and cheery. Arctic animals and pops of color on a cold snowy background make for charming, uncluttered illustrations. Rhyming text tells the number story from 1 to 10 in a simple yet fun style.

I’m quite excited to tuck this board book away for Christmas 2018 when there will be some new little ones to snuggle up with and read to.

Thanks to FrontGate Media for this complimentary copy of One Christmas Bear, in exchange for this review.

Olaf Magnet Activity for the Fridge

November 29, 2017 By Michelle

I found some FUN Frozen inspired ideas for a toddler or preschool busy bag on the Disney Family website. My wheels are turning for the different ways these can be used to keep little ones busy! But I did print this one right away.

After printing the template, I roughly cut each piece out, then laminated the set.