Michelle - 3/153 - By Quiet Waters

New Books on the Children’s Shelf

October 23, 2018 By Michelle

As my youngest children are all now older teens, the titles on the bookshelves have gone through changes. That said, we still have two shelves full of old friends, our favorite children’s books. I often receive books to review on By Quiet Waters, and in that endeavor a few gems have been added to the children’s shelf.

Two of these gems are “The Cow Said Neigh!” and “Tiggy Iggy Goes on an Adventure“.

The Cow Said Neigh!

The first book is “The Cow Said Neigh!” by Rory Feek. Illustrated by Bruno Robert.

The Cow Said Neigh! is a charming fun story. When I first read it, I felt that it ended too abruptly, that it was unfinished. But the more I read and think about it, I love that the author left the story this way. The farm is left in “chaos” and… the reader is left to think about it and add his or her own spin to the story. I find it hilarious. It should be fun to read with my youngest grandson as he grows and see how he responds to the story!

My copy of this book is hardback, and I do think it would be better as a board book. This book is definitely more appropriate for the youngest kids, and for that lot we need more durability! So if you are interested in this book, I recommend that you choose the board book version.

A series of coloring pages have been designed for The Cow Said Neigh! and you can find them here. Also, there is a giveaway for a free copy of this book. You can enter here. The Cow Said Neigh! was sent to me by Front Gate Media, in exchange for this review.

Tiggy Iggy Goes On An Adventure

Next, Tiggy Iggy Goes On An Adventure by Eileen K Fant and Jonathan Fant

This book has actually been in our home for about a year. Miss Joyness has kept it on the nightstand beside the bunk beds because it is a favorite of hers. We read it pretty regularly, and love to sing “the song” together.

In this story, Tiggy Iggy goes on an adventure with his friend Esmerelda, and learns a pretty important lesson about friendship and acceptance.

The story is charming and engaging. We particularly love the song and have added some of our own lines. The illustrations are delightfully bright and cheerful.

These two books have passed the test and made it onto our family’s bookshelves. Check out your local library to enjoy these books for yourself. There are affiliate links throughout the post if you would like to purchase the books. You can read my affiliate disclosure here.

Prayers for the Battlefield

October 4, 2018 By Michelle

Life can be described as a battlefield. While I am not one to be in that camp, I do agree we face battles daily. Recently I was introduced to this book, Prayers for the Battlefield and I am happy to share it with others.

As you can see, this book has a beautiful cover.

And the actual book is equally beautiful. Filled with encouragement, instruction, and prayers, this book is one I am excited to share with the moms of my grandkids.

Prayers for the Battlefield is divided into 6 sections. There is a topical index at the end of the book, so you can look up a prayer for the struggle you need God’s help in.

The prayers in this book are a good guide and I would encourage others to use them to develop one’s own prayers. Already having this habit in place, I did find it a little awkward to pray another person’s prayers.

Heidi St. John

Heidi St. John is a speaker, author and blogger at The Busy Mom. She has infused this new book with Scripture and I hope that it become another tool for Mothers and Grandmothers to lift up each other and the next generation in prayer.

Thank you to the Tyndale Blog Network for this free copy of Prayers for the Battlefield by Heidi St John

Affiliate Disclosure

Sponsor Selfie Day 2018, Why Sponsor a Child?

September 15, 2018 By Michelle

Sponsor Selfie Day

Maybe you’ve seen a lot about Sponsorship through Compassion International on social media lately. Maybe you’ve seen the tag “sponsor selfie day” and wondered what it’s all about. I want to share what sponsor selfie day means to me, a little about my 24 years of experience sponsoring children.

Long Term Commitment

I first started sponsoring a child in 1994. As a young single mom, I just felt a tug to do something. I realized that some might not have even the basics that I was able provide for my daughter. At the time, I didn’t realize that I had made a long term commitment. When I married my husband, he joined me in the sponsorship of Edgar, until Edgar graduated from school and the Compassion program. And then we sponsored more children.

Now more than 20 years later I’ve seen sponsorship in action. A couple of my daughters and I have traveled to meet our sponsored children. I have seen what sponsoring a child does for a child, a family and a community. And with amazement and joy, I can see what involving ourselves in the lives of these kids has begun to do in each member of my family.

It is pure joy to sponsor Alys, pictured here, and Alisson, in the picture at the top of the page. Despite the difficulties these girls and their mommas face daily, sponsorship means they are not alone. I have linked arms with these mothers, the teachers, and the pastor of their local church. Together we each do our part to give Alys and Alisson, the opportunity to each reach her God ordained potential, to walk out of poverty and to fully live.

If you are interested in linking arms with a family and a church for a child growing up in poverty, please check out Compassion International , comment below, or email me at michelle at byquietwaters.com

I am happy to answer questions or help you sponsor a child, in Jesus name.

How to Tell a Great Story, by Guideposts

September 14, 2018 By Michelle

Do any of my readers currently read, or remember Guideposts? Guidepost publications were always at the home of one of my grandmothers, and from time to time my mother had them in our home. Occasionally I would pick up one and always enjoyed the stories.

How to Write a Great Story

Recently I became aware that Guideposts is still around, and that they offer a master class in writing a great story! The instructors of this master class are Edward Grinnan, Colleen Hughes, Amy Wong, Rick Hamlin, and Jim Hinch. These are Guideposts top editors, with many years of experience between them.

Each video lesson builds up on the previous lesson. The lessons cover the structure of a story, the elements of a story, and so much more, including my particular need…. “just start writing”. The lessons also go indepth in character development, developing a reliable narrator and technical specifics.

My Thoughts

It is with great appreciation that I write about this course. As one who loves to write and wants to offer encouragement and hope through writing, I know I have much need to grow in skill and technique. I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to participate in this class, and to even be in place of considering to offer a story for publication in the future. That may be the best I can say about the course, it has given me tools to improve, and inspiration to dream.

You can read what others are saying about this class, here.

If you are interested in the Guideposts Master Class “How to Write a Great Story”, here is a link to the details.

This course was originally offered to me for review, and in exchange for this blog post. There are no other affiliate connections in this post.

A Well Nourished Lunchbox

September 8, 2018 By Michelle

Meal planning for a Cross Country runner can feel like a marathon! As my daughter’s cross country career takes on a greater role in her life this year, I am learning more about what it takes to not only prepare healthy meals, but to create a well nourished lunchbox.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Runner Girl’s weight began dropping in recent weeks, so she downloaded an app to track her food and nutrition intake. It has been a surprise to find out that she isn’t getting nearly enough protein nor carbs. We had a good conversation on the way to school one morning this week. It was decided that I need to go back to making her breakfast and packing her lunches. This shift will actually allow Runner Girl more time to eat in the morning, and help her focus on the more necessary things in her life (like school and lowering her 5K time) while I research and correct the nutritional deficiencies in her diet.