Book Review-God Gave Us So Much by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Before I officially "begin" my book review - yes, He did! This collection-God Gave Us So Much - includes three stories - God Gave Us the World, God Gave Us Love, and God Gave Us Heaven. In this story, an inquisitive little polar bear asks her family members to answer questions about the world, creation, love, and Heaven.

This book is perfect for any curious child in your life. The author easily answers some of life's difficult questions, questions that my own inquiring child has asked. And the author easily gives the "right" answer. Because the main character is a polar bear, the questions she asks relates to other animals she encounters. When fishing, she expresses frustration that the otters are scaring the fish away. The grandfather responds by telling Little Bear that "God wants us to show the otters love...He wants us to show everyone his love." (Example from God Gave Us Love) Or Little Bear expresses surprise that there are many different types of bears that live in different parts of the world, evident that there are many different cultural groups of people around the world (example from God Gave Us the World.) To answer why the bears would live in different places, the Mama Bear responds, "Because they like their homes best. It's where God put them. God gave us this great big, wide world and a whole bunch of different bears with different fur and different families."

The illustrations are delightful. I also really appreciate that extended family relationships are featured in the book (Grandpa and Grandma in addition to Mama and Papa and twin siblings.) Finally, not only is the book for children, there are lessons that I know I need to be reminded of like, "Our best stuff doesn't weigh anything at all-stuff like love, family, friends, and faith." (Example from God Gave Us Heaven).

A perfect treasury for our own little treasures!

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Book Review-Love and War Devotional for Couples by John and Staci Eldridge

After having child #3, Greg and I knew we needed to make each other and God a priority in our married lives. So, when I saw the devotional Love & War Devotional for Couples by John and Staci Eldredge I was excited. I know the authors by name and have heard of their other books (Wild at Heart and Love & War). Perhaps if I had read Love & War first I might have known what to expect. However, I don't believe it is necessary to read Love & War before embarking on this devotional.

We are in week 2 of this 8 week devotional, and feel like it is mediocre. When I envisioned us completing a devotional, I thought it would lead to compelling and heart-felt discussions after each day's reading. This book, however, doesn't have that element. The devotions are short (2 and a half pages at most), which is great because in the busyness of life it can be done without it being a chore, or complaints of being too tired to complete it. And although I wouldn't want a devotional to be a chore, I do want there to be a discussion question or two about that day's devotional allowing for us as a couple to interact. The guidance that questions would allow would be appreciated! The devotional does have an exercise to complete at the end of each week, which does allow for discussion and is definitely thought-provoking:
Week 1's exercise is:
What scenes from favorite movies or books have captured your heart over the years? It is good to remember. Linger with that question and ask God what it is about those stories that drew you to them. What songs, what stories, what moments have awakened the deep desires of your heart? Does your spouse know your favorites? Do you know your spouse's? Why don't you ask? What does this tell you about your hearts?

Additionally, each day there is a Bible verse to read and a prayer to recite. The prayers are poignant, however, they are written in singular form. I thought this was a devotional for couples?!? This further supports my thoughts that although this devotional is for couples, it's not necessarily for couples to complete together! We adapted though!

Although this devotional is average, we will continue to work our way through it. It is better than what we were doing before-which was nothing. As we continue the devotional, we may be further challenged, and maybe discussions will naturally take place about what we've read. I suppose one way to do that is to ask God to give us the questions to ask each other so stimulating conversations can take place.

DISCLAIMER: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.