Book Club: Book Review of See the Good

I received a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. For more information, please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page. Thank you.

One of my more considerable challenges has been moving from being overly pessimistic to being optimistic. I have spent time working on gratitude journals and found those to be helpful in seeing the good in each day. Because of this challenge, I thought reading and reviewing See the Good: Find Grace, Gratitude, and Optimism in Every Day by Zach Windahl would be useful for my own personal journey. I was looking forward to reading See the Good because I do believe "perspective changes everything," as the back of the book reads. In the end, I do not think this book was the right fit for me, though.

About See the Good 

"After almost losing his mother to cancer and wrestling with his own faith, Zach Windahl learned to take whatever life threw at him and chose to be joyful." 

This inspirational paperback book is 234 pages long with twelve chapters and an appendix of 52 gratitude journal prompts. Windahl addresses his ideas in two parts: changing the way we see and how to live it out. In the first part, he discusses changes in technology, our roles on Earth, the differences between creation stories, celebrations, and what Jesus was really like (according to the author). In the second part, he offers several concrete examples through his own anecdotes. He shares several lighthearted stories in his quest to help you make changes in your personal life. 

While See the Good offers a few specific and direct quotes from the Bible, the author often just shares stories without direct quotes. One example he gives about how we can change our perspective is from the Old Testament. In this example, he demonstrates that the worth of God's people changed as He brought them out of Egypt. 

My Thoughts 

I shared earlier that I feel that this book was not right for me. I went into reading and reviewing See the Good with an open mind, but after a few pages, I found myself writing down things I did not like or I did not agree with. But first, let me share what I did like about See the Good: 

• The font choice and size made it very easy to read. 
• As someone with limited time, I found the layout of the book (chapters, subheadings, etc.) made it easy to pick and read. 
• Zach Windahl shares personal stories with no hesitation. By the end of the book, even if I didn't agree with him, I felt that I knew him and could speak with him in person. 
• If you are looking for a way to think about your perspective of the world, See the Good asks a lot of questions which get you thinking. 
• There are some clear, specific ways listed to help you change your perspective. 

My problems with See the Good revolve around references to individuals, sources, and popular topics in the news and world. I do not necessarily agree with the perspective offered by the author on each subject, and I find some of the sources are not credible. These are my personal opinions, so others may not have the same issues as I did.

There was also one instance where I was amazed at a word choice. From the book: "You can quote Bible verses all day, but if you have a crap creative story, it doesn't matter" (95). While I understand that 'crap' is not the worst word ever written or spoken, I was taken aback by its use in a Christian book. As I wouldn't want my children using it, I don't want it in a Christian book I am reading, either. 

Another point of difference is in regards to the author's perspective on pranks. He shares two pranks that he and his friends did when they were teenagers. I don't think pranks are very funny. They don't really fit into my sense of humor. The pranks mentioned were not really harmful, but I still don't think that Jesus would be laughing along with them, as the author suggested. Again, this all comes down to perspective.

In the end, did I find the book interesting and useful? Yes, See the Good made some good points. I think it would be helpful for other Christians who, while they need to look for more optimism, have a different outlook than me. I do believe that Windahl really wants his readers to change their perspective. As the back of the book states: "But choosing to put our focus on the good leads to profound benefits that come from seeing life as an amazing gift from the One who loves us best." Through the whole book, he directs us back to God and Jesus, and that is very important in any Christian inspirational book.

Book Club: Book Review of Where the Blue Sky Begins

 

I received a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. For more information, please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page. Thank you.

I've been steering myself away from fiction – other than children's fiction – for a while now, except for historical fiction. Why? After my mom's death, I found that most modern-day fiction was too close for comfort. I decided to give Where the Blue Sky Begins by Katie Powner a chance, mostly based on the cover (which is quite lovely). Maybe I should have read the book description. This one definitely tugged at my heartstrings.

About The Book 

Eric Larson is sent to a rural Montana town, Tukston, by his uncle to work in his uncle's financial company. This is supposed to be the stepping stone for Eric's advancement within the company. Eric thinks he will work there during the summer and then be recalled to Seattle and the larger branch of the company. Of course, everything does not work out the way the confident and handsome Eric thought it would. Things move beyond his control after an accident. 

The second main character of Where the Blue Sky Begins is Eunice Parker. At forty-six years old, Eunice has given up on her dreams of becoming a veterinarian or animal rescuer as she comes to terms with a terminal illness. One of the things she has determined God wants her to do before she dies is to seek the forgiveness of several people. She created a bucket list of names and sought to meet with each of them.

Before Eunice can meet with those she wishes to, she is run off the road by Eric on her scooter. Through some good fortune and fast-talking, Eunice convinces Eric to drive her to her destination. These trips – both long and short – help a bond between the two form. As a native of Tukston, Eunice knows everyone in town, whereas Eric is a likable stranger.

Everything does always work out for Eunice as she seeks forgiveness, but through her attempts, Eric learns more about faith and God. He begins to change his outlook on his own goals with his uncle's financial company. Things change for both Eunice and Eric and those around them. 

My Thoughts 

The very first chapter of Where the Blue Sky Begins pulled me into the story. I wanted to know more about why Uncle Jack wanted his nephew Eric to see the town of Tukston. What was so intriguing about this small rural town? Who would Eric meet in the town? How would they change each other's lives? 

From Eunice's first appearance on her scooter, I didn't really think she would play much of an integral role. (I really need to start reading the book jackets.)  I am very glad that Eunice turned out to be Eric's next-door neighbor, and that she had the courage to ask him to help her accomplish the tasks on her bucket list. The friendship that developed between the two of them was a delight to read about – even with all its bumps.

The declining health of Eunice was difficult for me, as most illnesses and deaths have become over the months since my own mom died. I also find I get really attached to well-written characters, so I did not want to see Eunice's failing health or Eric having to cope with it. The author, Powner, did a fine job of handling these difficulties. 

One thing I realized after I started to write this review is that this book did not mention or incorporate the events of 2020. For that, I am very grateful. So many fiction books (and non-fiction books) that I have read published since 2020 have had to make mention of or incorporate the events into their book. It was so nice to read a book that didn't discuss masks, lockdowns, etc.

I really enjoyed Where the Blue Sky Begins. I would recommend the book to those who wish to read a good story that revolves around relationships strengthening and those who find themselves. We also see characters grow and develop into better people. Personally, I would love to see what happens to Eric. Does he stay in Tukston? And what about some of the other minor characters in the novel? How do they change after the end of the novel? 

Book Club: Book Review of The Bible Recap Discussion Guide

 

I received a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. For more information, please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page. Thank you.

I have had the pleasure of reviewing several books by Tara-Leigh Cobble here at A Mom's Quest to Teach over the past several years. And I've enjoyed using the Bible reading plan that goes along with The Bible Recap for a couple of years now. So I was very excited to see a new book to help me dig deeper into the Bible and read God's Word. I've added The Bible Recap Discussion Guide to my new daily reading regime. 

About The Bible Recap Discussion Guide 

This lovely, green-covered paperback book is designed to help your Bible study group discuss the entire Bible with weekly questions. The fifty-two weeks of the year are spread out over 117 pages. Each week has eight to eleven questions for you and your group to discuss. Each week has specific questions for the Bible readings for those days, but there is one question repeated each week: "What is your favorite thing you read about God's character in your God Shots from this week?" 

While you could use many of the other resources that are part of The Bible Recap series, this discussion guide can be a stand-alone resource. The Journal and Study Guide would be helpful, but you can answer these questions verbally or in your own notebook. The only part where you would need something beyond this Discussion Guide is when you are asked about the "God Shot." As is explained at the beginning of the book, this term refers to the "snapshot" of God's character or attributes from that day's reading. It is explored further in The Bible Recap book and podcast. 

The table of contents lays out which books to read each day. You can read the entire Bible in one year, chronologically, using the table of contents or the other resources very easily. Or you and your group can pick a spot in the Old or New Testament to start and refer to the appropriate questions by referencing the table of contents. 

My Thoughts 

As I mentioned before, I have read and reviewed other works by Tara-Leigh Cobble. I have found the different books very helpful in more fully understanding the Bible. And I love that I can read the entire Bible in a year, chronologically. 

When I want to go further than my daily readings, I can pick up the Discussion Guide. These questions really help me focus on the different books of the Bible I am reading. For example, this week, I am reading Week 46, which contains the following readings: 

• Matthew 27; Mark 15
• Luke 23; John 18-19
• Matthew 28; Mark 16
• Luke 24; John 20-21
• Acts 1-3
• Acts 4-6
• Acts 7-8 

Some of the questions include: 

• Read Matthew 27:46 aloud. What do you think Jesus is communicating through this statement? 
• What new thing did you learn from the story of Jesus' resurrection in this week's reading, or what stood out the most to you? Why? 

I love questions that ask you think about what new thing you have learned. No matter how many times I have read through the entire Bible, I am always discovering something new. It is nice to have a reminder to stop and think about it frequently. 

I would recommend this book to those who wish to dig deeper into God's Word. It would be perfect for any Bible study group – large or small – or even just for a church leader to help direct them when asking their congregations questions.

Looking for more reviews of books by Tara-Leigh Cobble? Check out mine at A Mom's Quest to Teach. 

Book Club: Book Review of The God Shot by Tara-Leigh Cobble - "The God Shot is a high-quality, 216-page hardcover book with a ribbon for you to track your place."

Book Club: Book Review of The Bible Recap Journal - "The Bible Recap Journal is a 384-page paperback book where each day of the year has one page devoted to it." 

Book Club: Book Review of The Bible Recap Study Guide - "The Study Guide is very easy to navigate and to use." 

Book Club: Book Review of The Bible Recap - "While The Bible Recap is less scholarly and provides more of an overview of the Bible, I think I am going to thoroughly enjoy using it this coming year to read through the Bible chronologically." 

 

Crafts: Praying for our Leaders

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Loving, Learning, Living, and Leading are all important things to teach our children in a Biblical Worldview. How can we do these things in our own lives? How can we be purposeful in the way we love as God taught us? How can we focus on learning about God and His world? How do we live our lives according to the Bible? And how can we lead others as God would want us to?  Over the course of four days, The Canadian Schoolhouse's Virtual Family Retreat: A Purposeful Life has touched upon these four areas. The whole family has a place in this virtual retreat. There are special speakers addressing both homeschooling moms and dads, crafts for your children, devotions, giveaways, and more. 

I want to start with several questions... Who are our leaders? Who has come before us in the Bible? Where can we look for leadership? How can we be leaders? 

We may not answer all these questions in this post, but I would encourage you to think about them as you create your craft, as you pray for our leaders, and as you read your Bible. 

Today's craft is inspired by a quote from Hebrews. 

"Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the Word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." Hebrews 13:7

Remember those who serve as your leaders – those who lead your family, your church, your town, your province, and your nation. This verse in the New Testament helps us to remember the leaders of our church. And we can also remember the leaders of today.

Materials 

Today, we are going to make a simple craft that will help us to pray for our specific leaders. So, let's gather our materials! You will need two paper plates – the cheaper ones are perfect for this craft. You will need a pencil and markers (or you can use crayons or colored pencils). 

• Two paper plates
• Paper fastener 
• Pencil 
• Scissors
• Markers
• Notebook paper to list names 

Steps 

1. After you get your materials together, write down the names of the leaders who you want to include. Depending on where you live, you will be writing down the names of different people or even different titles. 

2. After you have your list of leaders, split your paper plate into three equal sections.

3. You will cut away one section for the top paper plate. Make sure when you cut away, you leave enough space around your paper fastener hole so it will not tear. 

4. Then, you will use your marker to make lines for each section. 

5. After the sections are divided, write the names of the leaders in the sections. You can add as much or as little decoration to your prayer plate as you want. Decorations can be complicated or just squiggly lines. 

6. Add on the top plate, "Today we pray for our church leaders and our ____________."

7. As you spin the prayer plate, you see the names you have written of your different leaders. Find a specific time during the day to pray for them.

What are the names of your leaders? Who can you pray for today?

Crafts: Purposeful Living – Bring a Light into Your Home

 

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I have been sharing crafts and activities that I designed and created for The Canadian Schoolhouse's Virtual Family Retreat: A Purposeful Life. If you are homeschooling, this is a wonderful virtual retreat for you! From devotionals focused upon the Bible verses that inspired these crafts and activities to special guest speakers, there is something for everyone. 

The focus of the retreat this year has been living a purposeful life. So, how can we be more purposeful in our lives? How can we remember that God will be there to guide us? 

Let's look at today's Bible Verse, and then I will share about two different crafts we can make to help us remember these things and the verse.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 ESV

Today, we can make two different versions of the same craft. We can make it so our craft looks like a light bulb or an oil lamp. 

Materials 

• Coffee Filter (two, if you are doing both versions of the craft) 
• Pencil
• Markers
• Spray bottle
• Scrap paper 
• Tape 
• Laminating supplies

You will need at least one coffee filter (two, if you want to make both versions of the craft), a pencil, markers, a spray bottle for water, scrap paper (the markers will bleed through the coffee filter), and – for displaying your artwork – tape.

Steps 

1. You can either sketch your picture using a pencil and then draw it with markers or you can go straight to the markers. I took inspiration for my light bulb from a piece of clip art online. You can be as creative as you want. 

2. I recommend you color the entire picture in because you want to make sure that there is plenty of ink from the markers for the final step in the craft project. 

You can use the traditional colors for the light bulb or pick out others that will complement the room where you will hang your sun catcher when you are finished. 

When I drew my oil lamp, I started with the markers. I wanted to leave enough room for the cup and the flame. 

At the top and bottom of my picture, I wrote out Psalm 119:105 along with the month and year. You could write out the entire Bible verse if you leave enough room. BUT...I recommend saving the writing for after you use the spray bottle. 

3. You want to spray the coffee filter with water from your spray bottle. The coffee filter should be wet but not soaking wet. Do this over a piece of scrap paper. The ink from the markers will run. You want to make sure you spray where you want the ink to spread but NOT where you don't want it to spread. 

4. After my pictures were dry, I was able to add a few more touches. When my oil lamp picture was done, I needed to add a few lines for definition. I simply used the same markers and drew the shape I wanted to see. I also tried to fix November 2022 but it didn't turn out as neat as I wanted. But that is okay...because crafting, art, etc. is not always perfect. It is all a learning experience. 

5. When you are done (and the coffee filters are dry), you can hang them in your window. 

If you want to make sure they last for years, you can laminate them. I've done that in the past with pumpkins and snowflakes we created, and they are so nice in our windows year after year. 

Depending on how much sun the window gets, your artwork may fade over time. But that is okay because you can make more! 

Where will you hang your finished artwork?