When the leaves begin to turn and the temperatures cool, my heart sings. On our walks with the dogs, I've noticed the rich shades of purple and gold in the weeds along the ditches and woods. But nothing beats the beauty of the reds, oranges, and yellows I look forward to in the fall. The trees cycle through their process. Chlorophyll breaks down and pigments mix in and create the abundance of color. As autumn progresses the leaves tumble to the ground and carpet our walking paths. Trees are a fascinating part of God's creation. They provide shade, wood for furniture and paper, sap for maple syrup, and limbs for climbing.

As I walk in the woods I am amazed by the tall oaks and maples. The beautiful dogwood brings me joy. As much as I love the science of trees, I'm more fascinated with the Bible verses that talk about the forest singing for joy. 1 Chronicles 16:33, Isaiah 44:23, and Psalm 96:12 all talk about the trees giving praise to their creator. And I'm sure in their own way they do. The splendor of fall has to bring joy to God. He made them and they're showing off their beauty just for him.

If the trees can stand tall and rejoice to the Lord. Shouldn't I? Life gets tough. Days are hard. Weeks seem long sometimes. But even in discouragement, I want to praise God. He made me. He takes care of me. He loves me. Praise and joy to the one who created the forest!
Posted by Penny McGinnis at 5:06 PM No comments: Labels: forest sing to God, praise, the Lord, trees

Children's Bible Review: NIrV Love Letters from God Holy Bible

What if a child could read his or her own personal mail from God? The NIrV Love Letters from God Bible will invite kids to do just that! This full-text Bible in the New International Reader’s Version (NIrV) is a perfect way to introduce children to God’s Word and his great love. With 80 love letters from God written especially for the reader, children will see Bible stories and themes come to life and learn just how much they are loved by their Creator. Each love letter also contains a very special Bible verse, entitled God’s Wonderful Words to You. Much more than a mere memory verse, each carefully chosen promise will be God’s very own personal words of love, encouragement, and hope, and are highlighted in the text. The love letters will culminate in an invitation for the children to write their own RSVP to God.

The first thing I noticed when I opened the box and pulled out this Bible was the inviting cover. Just seeing the lovely illustrations on the front made me want to open it. Inside I found an explanations of the NIrV version and why the publisher chose to use this edition. There is also a page of contents, a presentation page, and colorful maps. But the real beauty is in the "Your Love Letter from God" pages and the colorful inserts that give the reader explanations of Biblical principles. The letters from God are written by Glenys Nellist, who has written several beautiful books for children. There is also a place for the reader to write a letter back to God and a place in the back for notes. This would be an excellent Bible for a child who has given their life to Jesus or one who wants to learn more. I'd go so far as to say, an adult would enjoy the book as well.

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.
Posted by Penny McGinnis at 7:18 PM 2 comments: Labels: Glenys Nellis, Love letters from God Bible, NIrV

Every Leaf Posted by Penny McGinnis at 7:30 AM No comments: Labels: autumn, bittersweet, emily bronte, leaf What's Expected? Praise God that he knows what's best for me!

Have you had expectations and found out God had a better plan?
Posted by Penny McGinnis at 9:39 AM No comments: September Wanderings In our September travels, we headed north toward Port Clinton on Lake Erie. We lodged at the Great Lakes Motel, a throwback from the 1970s, in the town of Fremont, Ohio. There we found a clean room and kind innkeepers.

From Fremont we sped up to Port Clinton to check out the lighthouse that's been replanted back to its original home. The lighthouse, still in stages of reconstruction, stood on a small beach where undisturbed shells decorated the sand. A quiet walk along the water accompanied by ducks and geese lent itself to a peaceful respite.

While in the vicinity, we stopped by The Tin Goose for a bite to eat and then visited Kelleys Island, always a favorite. The relaxed atmosphere was the perfect way to spend a day. We hiked through The Scheele Preserve to a lovely beach. Then we pressed on to loop around the island and view some of the historical homes. On our trip home we wandered into the delightful little town of Gibsonburg. That is after we found a way to detour around the Labor Day Parade in Fremont (which took me straight back to the streets of my hometown, when the locals tossed candy from the firetrucks and the marching band played the school song.)

Nostalgia is a precious thing filled with the memories of emotion. The town of Gibsonburg drew me back to the 1960s and 70s, with a touch of modern. But more about that later...
Posted by Penny McGinnis at 7:33 PM No comments: Labels: fremont, kelleys island, lighthouse, port clinton, travel

When Did Jesus Leave the Room?

When did Jesus leave the room? I'm at a funeral. I'm staring at the television watching the twins towers fall. I'm reading news on Twitter, appalled by things parents do to their children. I'm at the doctor's office and he mentions cancer. I'm at home with my blinds drawn, huddled in depression. I'm at work...and the list goes on. This could be any of us wondering where Jesus is in all of the suffering and pain. But Jesus didn't leave. He's been with me all along. Maybe I turned my back on him. Or I forgot he was there. Or I blamed him. But he didn't leave. Instead he held me when I cried. He comforted me when I needed it most. He hung in with me, even when I yelled at him. Jesus doesn't leave. I do. I take a step away, a leap over the edge, or withdraw into myself. Yet he whispers in my ear, "Don't be afraid. I'm right here. And I'm not leaving."

I love Jesus and he loves me. There are times I long to be with him in heaven and shove this world behind me. But guess what. He's with me here. He will never leave me or forsake me. Praise God for his constant care.
Posted by Penny McGinnis at 10:21 AM No comments: Labels: do not be afraid, fear, God, Jesus

YA Fiction Review: Gilt Hollow by Lorie Langdon Wow-I'm not sure where to begin with Gilt Hollow. First of all, it's obvious Lori Langdon poured her heart into her writing. She's created a funky college town as a perfect setting for the town of Gilt Hollow. Her characters are vibrant and deep. And the story left me breathless at times. All of that being said, it's been awhile since I've read young adult literature. I was somewhat surprised to find a sprinkling of curse words and a few heated kissing scenes since I received this book from a Christian publisher (Blink, Zondervan). I'm not going to get on my soapbox, but felt the cursing wasn't necessary and the kissing scenes could have been toned down. I was pleased with the theme of forgiveness and how it played out including some references to God. The book is written for older teens (15+) and deals with violent circumstances and teen romance. Lorie is also the co-writer of the Doon series. I received Gilt Hollow in exchange for a fair review.
Posted by Penny McGinnis at 8:55 PM No comments: Labels: forgiveness, gilt hollow, lorie langdon, ya literature

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Restore me with Joy!

Posted by Penny McGinnis at 5:35 PM No comments: Labels: Jesus, joy, lily pad, restore

Monday, September 12, 2016

Christmas Fiction Book Review: The Christmas Angel Project by Melody Carlson What I thought:
It's only September, but I'm already reading Christmas books. That's what happens when you're a reviewer. I've enjoyed every Christmas book I've read by Melody Carlson. But I'm not sure I can put into words the excellence of The Christmas Angel Project. Not just because I love Christmas books, but because this is one of those books that makes a difference. Melody has created four real women with legitimate problems. Through loss and sadness they find hope and joy as they learn to lean on God. My favorite line from the book spoke volumes to me, "Sometimes we have to let our dreams go in order to allow God to bring them back to us—in his way and his timing." This is a perfect Christmas read to inspire the celebration of the giving spirit of the holiday season.
Posted by Penny McGinnis at 7:00 PM No comments: Labels: angels, Christmas, generosity, giving, goodwill, Melody Carlson

Saturday, September 10, 2016

The Waters Churned and Tossed I sat on a limestone boulder along the bank of Lake Erie with my husband. The waters churned and tossed fishing boats up and down while waves crashed on the shore. Despite the rough surface and the strong wind, the people in the fishing boats held tight and waited for the perfect time to drop their lines. Around the corner of the lake we spied a man who cast from the shore. He watched as his line bobbed in the surge of the unsteady swell.

Two of the first disciples Jesus called were fishermen by trade, Peter and Andrew. They knew how to catch fish, but they didn't understand what Jesus meant when he said he wanted them to fish for men. With great patience Jesus taught them. He showed them through kindness, mercy, and example how they could teach people about Him. He showed them through his stories and words of truth how they could interest people in learning more about Jesus and the salvation he came to bring. As a follower of Jesus I'm called to be a fisher of men, one who tells others about my Savior and King. He's prepared me with the Bible as my guide and prayer as my aid. He's given me determination, understanding, and perseverance. I remember singing the song in vacation Bible school, "I will make you fishers of men, if you'll follow me." As a child I didn't really understand the meaning of those words. But as a believer in Jesus I know now that I need to hang on in the storms and keep casting my line. Praise God for Jesus and his gift of love!
Posted by Penny McGinnis at 8:56 PM No comments: Labels: fishers of men, Jesus, Lake Erie, water

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Nonfiction Book Review: Answers to the Most Important Questions About the End Times by Dr. John Hart

The end times can be confusing, or even troubling, as we struggle to understand such things as when Christ is coming back, who the Antichrist will be, when the tribulation will occur, and how to interpret biblical prophecy. If you are curious, confused, or fearful about any of these things--this book is for you.

Dr. John Hart clearly and respectfully offers easy-to-understand answers, letting you know exactly what God's Word says--as well as what it doesn't say--about the end times. This slender volume answers the most frequently asked questions, then explores how those answers affect you, your family, and your friends. I requested the Answers to the Most ImportantQuestions About the End Times in hopes of finding a book that would give me a better understanding of a topic that can be confusing. Dr. John Hart does a good job laying a foundation with scripture plus a timeline of events that lead up to and happen after the rapture. The timeline is not one that is set in stone, but rather a guideline for a better understanding of possible events. He also does a good job giving definitions of terminology as well as a breakdown of the happenings in the book of Revelation. If you have questions about the end times and would like some basic information as well scripture references, this is a good place to start. I am not endorsing that everything on the book is gospel, because I am not an expert on the topic, but I do believe Dr. Hart has made a great effort to understand these biblical principles. I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for a fair review.
Posted by Penny McGinnis at 5:25 PM No comments: Labels: dr. john hart, end times, revelation

A Labor of Love A labor of love. I can think of a few. Taking care of my babies, even when they made messes. Cooking meals for special occasions—birthdays, holidays. Editing a friend's written work and being honest about needed changes. Helping a child with homework. Doing the laundry and the dishes. Walking the dogs. When done with a caring heart and a positive attitude, anything can become a labor of love.

In America we celebrate Labor Day as a way to show appreciation for the folks who work each day and contribute to the economy of our nation. As part of the church let's celebrate the many who labor in love without any expected return. They teach, preach, sing, watch over little ones in the nursery, organize programs and events and so much more. Paul thanks God for the people of his time who worked for the Lord. I want to thank all those who work and volunteer in the church today. May we continue to pursue work produced by faith, labor prompted by love, and endurance inspired by hope. Praise God for the opportunity to work for Him.
[null, null, {"document_url": "https://www.pennyfrostmcginnis.com/2016/09/", "unformatted_src": "https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wo5AgWMDGxc/V-7S3VSbhNI/AAAAAAAAMsA/0jgF-IueBEgevZswva-ykYXPb6oH4oX0ACLcB/s400/IMG_5774.JPG", "src": "https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wo5AgWMDGxc/V-7S3VSbhNI/AAAAAAAAMsA/0jgF-IueBEgevZswva-ykYXPb6oH4oX0ACLcB/s400/IMG_5774.JPG", "formatted_filename": "IMG", "rendered_width": 300, "rendered_height": 400}, null, null, {"document_url": "https://www.pennyfrostmcginnis.com/2016/09/", "unformatted_src": "https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--nK_h3gJEvE/V-xPkQz5RaI/AAAAAAAAMqM/nIE4nem95AwRoWRtjaaFycg6aWIzRXVUwCLcB/s400/Letters%2Bfrom%2BGod%2BBible.jpg", "src": "https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--nK_h3gJEvE/V-xPkQz5RaI/AAAAAAAAMqM/nIE4nem95AwRoWRtjaaFycg6aWIzRXVUwCLcB/s400/Letters%2Bfrom%2BGod%2BBible.jpg", "formatted_filename": "Letters Bfrom BGod BBible", "rendered_width": 252, "rendered_height": 400}, null, null, {"document_url": "https://www.pennyfrostmcginnis.com/2016/09/", "unformatted_src": "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lSLx2izdfhY/V-hlsNakvGI/AAAAAAAAMmk/S-fDJrDKJfsEI3NpBAQ5ed-INqJMm6YLQCLcB/s640/every%2Bleaf.jpg", "src": "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lSLx2izdfhY/V-hlsNakvGI/AAAAAAAAMmk/S-fDJrDKJfsEI3NpBAQ5ed-INqJMm6YLQCLcB/s640/every%2Bleaf.jpg", "formatted_filename": "every Bleaf", "rendered_width": 640, "rendered_height": 480}, null, null, {"document_url": "https://www.pennyfrostmcginnis.com/2016/09/", "unformatted_src": "https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dRjtU19mAKA/V-gz5tV2S5I/AAAAAAAAMlw/dVRvV0Dt6MsWnIj7tgIPtB0WgcSa8CYpQCLcB/s400/kit%2Bkat%2Blucy.jpg", "src": "https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dRjtU19mAKA/V-gz5tV2S5I/AAAAAAAAMlw/dVRvV0Dt6MsWnIj7tgIPtB0WgcSa8CYpQCLcB/s400/kit%2Bkat%2Blucy.jpg", "formatted_filename": "kit Bkat Blucy", "rendered_width": 258, "rendered_height": 400}, null, null, {"document_url": "https://www.pennyfrostmcginnis.com/2016/09/", "unformatted_src": "https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bEqaI2RMFxM/V-aBn1vxNzI/AAAAAAAAMkQ/Ml_FRfHHPlQuXpCL00FuLt3XGZ56j8jIgCLcB/s400/IMG_5776.JPG", "src": "https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bEqaI2RMFxM/V-aBn1vxNzI/AAAAAAAAMkQ/Ml_FRfHHPlQuXpCL00FuLt3XGZ56j8jIgCLcB/s400/IMG_5776.JPG", "formatted_filename": "IMG", "rendered_width": 300, "rendered_height": 400}, null, null, null, {"document_url": "https://www.pennyfrostmcginnis.com/2016/09/", "unformatted_src": "https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nHncaNRrBZ4/V-HG82TYTPI/AAAAAAAAMho/A5oneVCGgmcMCzdO8m0depF-wudlVkxVACLcB/s640/three.jpg", "src": "https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nHncaNRrBZ4/V-HG82TYTPI/AAAAAAAAMho/A5oneVCGgmcMCzdO8m0depF-wudlVkxVACLcB/s640/three.jpg", "formatted_filename": "three", "rendered_width": 640, "rendered_height": 172}, null, null, {"document_url": "https://www.pennyfrostmcginnis.com/2016/09/", "unformatted_src": "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--4WIRqaRKqQ/V91RQ5TDDGI/AAAAAAAAMfM/N6met3B7W1MWzhwBveAQ50EphnHd88MNwCLcB/s320/IMG_4518.JPG", "src": "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--4WIRqaRKqQ/V91RQ5TDDGI/AAAAAAAAMfM/N6met3B7W1MWzhwBveAQ50EphnHd88MNwCLcB/s320/IMG_4518.JPG", "formatted_filename": "IMG", "rendered_width": 320, "rendered_height": 240}, null, null, {"document_url": "https://www.pennyfrostmcginnis.com/2016/09/", "unformatted_src": "https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uOJhMXfm8yk/V9nxRDyMtRI/AAAAAAAAMdo/EZqJ9zIwI7AutarHEJVyr6rBoi_tu2VfQCLcB/s320/gilt%2Bhollow.jpg", "src": "https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uOJhMXfm8yk/V9nxRDyMtRI/AAAAAAAAMdo/EZqJ9zIwI7AutarHEJVyr6rBoi_tu2VfQCLcB/s320/gilt%2Bhollow.jpg", "formatted_filename": "gilt Bhollow", "rendered_width": 320, "rendered_height": 320}, null, null, null, {"document_url": "https://www.pennyfrostmcginnis.com/2016/09/", "unformatted_src": "https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pgc1rR6LXCk/V9czKdJ8ISI/AAAAAAAAMbk/bUmnDWbgMZc8mfFoNXRi8bBen8bDs7eQACLcB/s320/christmas%2Bangel%2Bproject.jpg", "src": "https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pgc1rR6LXCk/V9czKdJ8ISI/AAAAAAAAMbk/bUmnDWbgMZc8mfFoNXRi8bBen8bDs7eQACLcB/s320/christmas%2Bangel%2Bproject.jpg", "formatted_filename": "christmas Bangel Bproject", "rendered_width": 207, "rendered_height": 320}, null, null, {"document_url": "https://www.pennyfrostmcginnis.com/2016/09/", "unformatted_src": "https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aW254eCYcek/V9SrHCP4ZyI/AAAAAAAAMZ4/TAyM_ov6RAA4-2h3y4OvaJFCDZtW7JbLQCLcB/s320/IMG_8481.JPG", "src": "https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aW254eCYcek/V9SrHCP4ZyI/AAAAAAAAMZ4/TAyM_ov6RAA4-2h3y4OvaJFCDZtW7JbLQCLcB/s320/IMG_8481.JPG", "formatted_filename": "IMG", "rendered_width": 320, "rendered_height": 240}, null, {"document_url": "https://www.pennyfrostmcginnis.com/2016/09/", "unformatted_src": "https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4pmvoSkhc0o/V9SrHO3qTyI/AAAAAAAAMZ0/MCCysCgw3hwpNJ2WHIr13VrmYtYs7RurwCLcB/s320/IMG_8516.JPG", "src": "https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4pmvoSkhc0o/V9SrHO3qTyI/AAAAAAAAMZ0/MCCysCgw3hwpNJ2WHIr13VrmYtYs7RurwCLcB/s320/IMG_8516.JPG", "formatted_filename": "IMG", "rendered_width": 320, "rendered_height": 240}, null, null, {"document_url": "https://www.pennyfrostmcginnis.com/2016/09/", "unformatted_src": "https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jfESkQAQ3-U/V9CFRs0vVII/AAAAAAAAMWU/IXAawfYHL-s8sjfmOUqmiMlVICGSVDumwCLcB/s320/answers%2Bend%2Btimes.jpg", "src": "https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jfESkQAQ3-U/V9CFRs0vVII/AAAAAAAAMWU/IXAawfYHL-s8sjfmOUqmiMlVICGSVDumwCLcB/s320/answers%2Bend%2Btimes.jpg", "formatted_filename": "answers Bend Btimes", "rendered_width": 207, "rendered_height": 320}, null, null, {"document_url": "https://www.pennyfrostmcginnis.com/2016/09/", "unformatted_src": "https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sG-uGHcK4QQ/V8oOWqlzN7I/AAAAAAAAMRo/AgMiI3JdwmsONtA3BHe3s1bjTiilfMtMgCLcB/s320/100_2664.JPG", "src": "https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sG-uGHcK4QQ/V8oOWqlzN7I/AAAAAAAAMRo/AgMiI3JdwmsONtA3BHe3s1bjTiilfMtMgCLcB/s320/100_2664.JPG", "rendered_width": 278, "rendered_height": 320}, null, null, null, null, null, {"document_url": "https://www.pennyfrostmcginnis.com/2016/09/", "unformatted_src": "//3.bp.blogspot.com/-VNfyimzR8S8/V5lY95-kI1I/AAAAAAAALm4/Ay9-eg81drUFLv_5_1JWcc78hbPvJArRwCK4B/s390/hollyhocks%2B1%2BThess.jpg", "src": "http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VNfyimzR8S8/V5lY95-kI1I/AAAAAAAALm4/Ay9-eg81drUFLv_5_1JWcc78hbPvJArRwCK4B/s390/hollyhocks%2B1%2BThess.jpg", "formatted_filename": "hollyhocks B BThess", "alt_text": "Lead a Quiet Life", "rendered_width": 293, "rendered_height": 390}, null, null, null, null, null]