Wordle John 3:16

Reflections of God's Holy Land: A Personal Journey Through Israel

Reflections of God’s Holy Land: A Personal Journey Through Israel
By Eva Marie Everson and Miriam Feinberg Vamosh

“In Israel, in order to be a realist, you must believe in miracles.”
David Ben-Gurion (p. 18)


Written by two friends, a Christian from the United States and a Jew from Israel, this “arm chair tour” of Israel illustrates miracles, both ancient and modern.

As the two friends move from the Judean Wilderness to the Garden Tomb, the women journey not only in miles but in depth of heart and kinship. Two unlikely traveling companions. Two women bonded in search for what they hold holy.

Through the eyes of the two friends, we come to the Western Wall, a sacred place of prayer for centuries. We see men dressed in traditional religious garb while others wear khaki shorts and athletic t-shirts. The history is fascinating (“Did You Know?”) but Eva Marie Everson’s insights (“Reflections”) stir the soul.

At Beersheba’s well, we wonder with the authors, “…how deep I’m willing to go each day to find water from the stream.” (p. 33)

At the Field of Boaz, we understand that when one traveler cannot enter Bethlehem safely, the other will not go. Like Ruth and Naomi, they are not parted.

This book is not just beautiful and inspirational, it touches the soul. It tells of miracles of the past while creating hope for the future.

Reviewers Notes:

One of my favorite sections of the book is the story of when Rebekah sees her future husband for the first time. When translated from the original Hebrew, Genesis 24:64 “…says that when Rebekah saw Isaac, she fell off the camel!” Later in this section, the author asks, “When was the last time your Heavenly Bridegroom knocked you off your camel?” (pp. 30-33)

Reaching for Answers to Crohn's Disease

by Martha Kalichman, R.N.

Imagine a prescription for a devastating disease that is simple, relatively inexpensive, without side effects and effective long term.

Author Martha Kalichman did just that when faced with her fifteen year old daughter's diagnosis of Crohn's Disease. She called upon her knowledge as a registered nurse, her interest in medical research and her faith to find a better answer than those currently offered. In this reader-friendly narrative, Martha shares the journey her family traveled in search of better choices than the current harsh medications.

The result is an incredible discovery that is backed by medical research. Written in conjunction with a pediatric gastroenterologist, J. Rainer Poley, M.D., who completed his residency at the Mayo Clinic and now practices in North Carolina, this powerful little book contains Martha's story and guidelines for this "prescription." Medical references are provided for those interested in looking into the research themselves.

Reaching for Answers to Crohn's Disease will live as a trailblazer for improved health and quality of life for sufferers of this potentially debilitating disease.

This book is available from http://www.amazon.com/ or http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

Paperback: 104 pages
Published: July 2008
ISBN-10: 1414111762
ISBN-13: 978-1414111766

Cooking Around the Calendar with Kids: Holiday and Seasonal Food and Fun

by Amy Houts

"So Much More Than A Cookbook"

"So Much More Than A Cookbook", a statement on the back cover of "Cooking Around the Calendar With Kids", is an accurate description of this delightful resource. The introduction explains the reasons for our food choices including weather, holidays, location, harvest times, and family traditions.

The author uses the simple means of cooking to incorporate a variety of important skills for children. These skills range from learning about healthy eating, kitchen safety, sports nutrition and the changing seasons to spending quality time with family.

Children are taught to give of themselves (while also raising self esteem) by making simple holiday food gifts such as honey butter, spice mix, soup mix, or chocolate chip cookies in a jar. Each page is 'jam packed' with simple, healthy recipes and wonderful ideas.

This book is a valuable resource for anyone in contact with young children whether a child care provider, parent, grandparent or next door neighbor.

Read Aloud Bible Stories: Vol. 1

by Ella K. Lindvall

Not Your Traditional Children's Bible Story Book!

This series is by far the best of the best. The stories and illustrations are fabulous!
Children often find the illustrations in other Bible story books scary or weird. While the illustrations are true to the times in terms of dress, they are exaggerated in size, yet simple. For example, Zaccheus, "who was to little to reach high things..." is shown as a small man in HUGE chair. (p. 6-7)

The text is delightful! For example in "The Boys and Girls and Jesus," the children come to see Jesus as part of families, i.e. "Every day lots of daddies and mommies came to hear Jesus talk. Grandpas and grandmas and friends came, too. Some days - there were too many people to get inside a house. Then, the daddies and the mommies and the grandpas and the grandmas and the friends stood right out in the sunshine..." (p.71-74)

Great for older children to read to younger children. The best part is adults will enjoy this book too!