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Tuesday, August 31, 2010

That's Where God Is

The main reason I began this blog a little over a year and a half ago was to journal the journey our family is on and to give the grandparents, who live over 1,000 miles away, a way to keep up with our family.  Another tremendous blessing and joy I've discovered in my blogging journey is the opportunity to review books for publishing companies.  I receive these books and other media products for free from the publishing company in exchange for an honest review here on my blog.  I am also asked to post the reviews on a consumer website.  This thrills me to no end, because I love to read.

I have received a couple of children's books to review recently.  One of them is That's Where God Is by Dan and Ali Morrow.  It is illustrated by Cory Godbey and was provided to me by Audra Jennings with The B&B Media Group, Inc.  The book was published by David C. Cook.
I read this book to my son the day we received it in the mail.  He loved it.  The illustrations are colorful and eye catching.
That's Where God Is tells the story of a little boy who asks his Grandpa, "Where is God?"  His Grandfather sends the little boy on a mission to look for God during the following week.  Through the telling of this delightful story, the authors do an excellent job of exploring the many ways God can be discovered within the events of each day of the week.
In each two-page spread, a new day of the week is featured.  The little boy finds a different situation in which the he "finds" God.  A Scripture verse underscores that particular "sighting" and reveals further truths about God's character and redeeming power in our daily lives.
Not only does this book provide an amazing way to talk with your child about Emmanuel, God with us, but it provides a unique way to teach your preschooler the days of the week.  I am using it with Bentley's preschool work this year.
This book provides the opportunity for meaningful discussion with your child.  When we read the book through the first time, Bentley asked many questions.  That's Where God Is opens up a world of opportunity to talk with your child about creation, the power of a thunderstorm and how not to be afraid, to the way you share things with others, how you forgive, and how to show mercy.
In the end the Grandfather shares with the boy how God can be with him wherever he goes:
"You see," said Grandpa, "God wants us to be just like His Son, Jesus.  We can't do it on our own, but we can ask God's Spirit to come into our hearts and help us.  When we do that we know that God is with us wherever we go."
That's Where God Is begins a two-part series on spiritual formation for young children.  I can't wait for the second book in this series!  And maybe it's because this book was as much for me as it was for my child.  As a 39 year old woman, I need to be reminded to look for God in all of my days.  God used this simple children's book to convict me of how many times I "miss" God during my day.  I highly recommend this book for your children and for YOU!
"Lord, you have seen what is in my heart.
You know all about me.
You know when I sit down and when I get up.
You know what I'm thinking even though you are far away.
You know when I go out to work and when I come back home.
You know exactly how I live.
Lord, even before I speak a word,
You know all about it.
You are all around me.
You are behind me and in front of me.
You hold me in your power.
I'm amazed at how well you know me.
It's more than I can understand.
How can I get away from you Spirit?
Where can I go to escape from you?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there.
If I lie down in the deepest parts of the earth,
you are also there.
Suppose I were to rise with the sun int the east
and then cross over to the west where it sinks into the ocean.
Your hand would always be there to guide me.
Your right hand would still be holding me close.
Psalm 139:1-10, New International Reader's Version

That's Where God Is can be purchased from Amazon.

1 comments:

jodi said...

I enjoyed catching up on your blog this morning. I really like this book you reviewed and definitely want to get a copy for our home. What's funny too is that I had read Psalm 139 this morning in my quiet time, then read your version here. Cool! :)