Thanks to God

 Thanks to God for my Redeemer, thanks for all Thou dost provide!
Thanks for times now but a mem'ry, thanks for Jesus by my side!
Thanks for pleasant, balmy springtime, thanks for dark and stormy fall!
Thanks for tears by now forgotten, thanks for peace within my soul! 

Thanks for prayers that Thou hast answered, thanks for what Thou dost deny!

Thanks for storms that I have weathered, thanks for all Thou dost supply! 

Thanks for pain, and thanks for pleasure, thanks for comfort in despair! 

Thanks for grace that none can measure, thanks for love beyond compare!

Thanks for roses by the wayside, thanks for thorns their stems contain!

Thanks for home and thanks for fireside, thanks for hope, that sweet refrain!

Thanks for joy and thanks for sorrow, thanks for heav'nly peace with Thee!

Thanks for hope in the tomorrow, thanks through all eternity! 

1. 
2. "Gratitude produces deep, abiding joy because we know that God is working in us, even through difficulties." ~ Charles Stanley 

What are you thankful for on this last day in November? 

Psalm 92:1-5

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night, Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound. For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands. O Lord, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep. 

1. 
   

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!!  

Psalm 107: 1-2, 8-9, 43

“O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the Lord.”

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite, (if not my favorite) holidays. I love that we as Americans have a day set aside to reflect and remember that all the blessings we enjoy come from our loving Father. Some things I am grateful for today: 

~ getting to spend Thanksgiving with Lauren at our campus parent's house

~ trials and pain God has used in my life to help me become like him

~opportunities to grow in self-control and patience

~three days off of school

~the blessing of being a child of God

~the comfort of the Holy Spirit

~the privilege to enter boldly into the throne of grace

~the blessed assurance that Jesus is mine 

~beautiful hymns of thanksgiving and praise

~lovely friends

~a good night's rest

~cool, sunny fall weather

~warmth of a fire

~laughter

Psalm 33:1-5

Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright. Praise the Lord with harp: sing unto him with the psaltry and an instrument of ten strings. Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise. For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth. He loveth righteousness and judgement: the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

“Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; 

Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.” 

I would love to hear: what are some things you are grateful for today? 

How are you celebrating Thanksgiving? 

Hope you all have a wonderful day! 

love,

Ashley

Psalm 145:1-3

“I will extol thee, my God, O King; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever. Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.” 

The Wonder of Creation ~ Book Review

 

About the book:

Well-known for his powerful and highly visual messages about science and the Bible, Louie Giglio has a passion for inspiring kids to notice, enjoy, and marvel at God's creation. In The Wonder of Creation, children will find new delight in God's creativity with 100 devotions that explore:

• animals—from honeyguide birds to flying snakes to white rhinos
• space—from black holes to volcanic moons to gamma-ray bursts
• people—from optical illusions to brain freezes to our immune systems 
• Earth—from rainbow rivers to blue lava to flowing glaciers                                                    
• and much, much more!

With engaging illustrations and striking photography, this fun and informative book is ideal for children ages 6–10. Each of the 100 devotions features a scientific fact or an easy activity for exploring faith, a short Bible verse, and a closing prayer.

With a beautifully bright and colorful cover and a ribbon bookmark, The Wonder of Creation

• is ideal for science-loving kids, Bible-loving kids, and any child ready to go deeper in faith
• continues a well-loved devotional series that has impacted over a million children, parents, and teachers
• includes informative content call-outs inviting kids to "Explore the Wonder"
• makes a great addition to a homeschool STEM curriculum or a bedtime reading routine
  
  

As kids explore this awe-inspiring devotional, they'll be amazed at the many wonders God has made! 

#WonderOfCreationMIN #thewonderofcreation
#MomentumInfluencerNetwork

My thoughts: 

This is a colorful, easy-to-read kids book full of cute illustrations. Each devotional is two pages long with a Bible verse, an application to go along with it, and a prayer. Each one also has an "Explore the Wonder" box which contains an interesting fact about an aspect of creation, whether it be space, animals, plants, or humans. One downside to this book is that all the verses shared are from various versions. However, it is easy to cross out the verses and write the correct ones so children can memorize them. I would recommend that parents read the book with their kids so they can answer questions kids might have. Also, though it mentions God in each devotional, I didn't notice the gospel clearly laid out (it was mentioned, but somewhat muddled), so adults might want to incorporate it as they read to children. 

Giveaway:

 To enter to win one copy of the The Wonder of Creation, leave a comment below! The giveaway is limited to the U.S. only, and will end on December 4th. 

Purchase the book here: https://www.indescribablekids.com/

Many thanks to HarperCollins Christian Publishing for providing this product/product

information for review. Opinions are 100% my own. I did receive the product in

exchange for this review and post.

"Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens. Let them praise the name of the Lord: for he commanded, and they were created." ~ Psalm 148:4-5

 

Happy Veterans Day!

Happy Veteran's Day! 
I just wanted to take a minute today to thank all the veterans who have served our country. I am very thankful for them and their sacrifice. What a blessing to be able to remember and honor them today. Praise  to the Lord for allowing us the privilege of living in the land of the free truly because of the brave. 

O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife, 

Who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life! 
America! America! May God thy gold refine, 

Till all success be nobleness, and every gain divine. 

Drop a note in the comments! Are you celebrating in a fun, special way today? 

Lamentations 3:22-25 

"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassion fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him." 

Homespun Devotions: Volume 1 ~ Book Review

 A cheery hello to you! Happy November! 

It's been quite a while since I've shared a book review, so today I am thrilled to introduce you to Cheryl Smith's brand new book, Homespun Devotions.

About the book: 

Christian living is like a quilt—multi-colored scraps of wisdom gleaned and assembled one stitch at a time. We learn as we go, as the common thread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is woven throughout the everyday moments, events, and situations we encounter. Only He can tie the pieces together and create something of beauty that will serve to warm the hearts of others and surround them with His grace.

"Homespun Devotions: Volume One" begins a series of books that record the piecing together of many of the stories of my life and the rich spiritual truths God has imparted along the way. As you read these homespun narratives of family, love, marriage, motherhood, friendship, and the music that is such a part of my heritage, you will discover glimpses into moments of the soul-searching and intense struggles I have experienced while journeying to a place of complete surrender to the One who bled and died for me.

I point you to no denomination, religious group, or sect—only to the foot of the cross of Jesus Christ, where redemption, restoration, healing, and peace still freely and lavishly flow. He loves you with a never-ending, unconditional love—I pray you embrace this truth afresh and with a deeper persuasion as you read.

My thoughts: 

I loved this book! I had planned on reading through it slowly, one devotion a day, but instead I read three or four a day! Each devotion is around a verse and Mrs. Smith inserts a personal story that shows how God has used it in her life to help her grow closer to him. I came away feeling very encouraged in my faith and was reminded of simple, yet essential truths from God's word. The devotionals are encouraging and very timely, and I will definitely be reading this book again in the near future. I'd highly recommend this book to every Christian, young and old, who desires to have a deeper walk with God and who wants to be encouraged in the Lord. 

*I received this book from Mrs. Smith in exchange for a review. All thoughts are my own.*

Click here to purchase Homespun Devotions. You will be so blessed. 

Visit Cheryl Smith's blog here.

To purchase her other book, Biblical Minimalism, click here.

Malachi 3:16 ~ "Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name."