The One Year Devotions for Active Boys

Active boys are something I am quite familiar with.  At ages 7, 9, & 11, mine keep me on-the-go!  I think this is a good devotional for their age group.  (pre-junior high) Each devotion is one-page long and numbered with a specific day of the year. 

The components of each devotion are:

*A few paragraphs containing a story/lesson.

*Some type of activity: a craft, puzzle, weird facts, experiment, quiz, or jokes related to the topic.

*A prayer prompt.

*A scripture

The activity section is what makes this devotional different than others I've seen.  My younger boys enjoy the weird facts and jokes.  My oldest likes the puzzles.  None of them are too fond of the crafts.  So while each activity might not appeal to each child, there is enough variety to appeal to different personalities.

Having a devotional geared toward boys and their need to "do" something is a great idea.  It's an extra incentive to open the book each day and set their mind on God's truth!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

The Quick-Start Guide to the Whole Bible (review)

This reference resource helps the reader answer these 2 questions for each book of the Bible:  "What does it say?" and "Why does it matter?".  Within an average of 3 to 4 pages, the authors describe the setting/background, a summary of the main points/events, and some thoughts as to the significance of each book.

Most study bibles contain summaries to introduce each book.  If you have a study bible, you may not feel that this book is necessary.  However, different authors may add unique thoughts, or word something in a new way.  I like to read various perspectives and ideas on the text I'm studying.  The "significance" section is key for me - what's the point in reading if I can't apply it to my life or understand why it matters? Even though I have a study bible, I want a collection of other resources that I can refer to and glean insight from - which is what I am using this book for.

The language in this resource is easy enough for most people to grasp - no need to get a theology degree first.  I also like how when describing major themes and events presented in a book, the authors provide Scripture references so that it can be easily located.

So if you'd like a good reference book that helps you see the big picture, and is much less detailed than a commentary - this may be what you are looking for!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

Revolutionary by Krista McGee

Revolutionary is the final book in the fictional Anomaly trilogy by Krista McGee.  If you enjoy recent movies/books like The Hunger Games and Divergent - this is a series you should check out!  You will find similar themes such as teens breaking the status quo to do what's right.  But you can also be assured that there are no "questionable" scenes in this story that parents might find inappropriate.

I find it difficult to review a fictional book without giving away any of the plot, but I will do my best.  The series as a whole is about a group of scientists who decided the best way to solve the world's problems was to wipe the slate clean and start over with a generation devoid of emotions.  The main character is an anomaly.  She is on a journey of discovery that finally leads her to fight for the freedom of humanity.  That is essentially the focus of this book - how to stop the bad guys and free the world.

Positive Lessons:

• How to trust in God when He seems distant
• Overcoming jealousy in order to work together
• Forgiveness
• Self-Sacrifice

I did find myself hoping for a little more in the conclusion of this story.  There was a weird love triangle theme that I could have done without.  I was also hoping that the main character would see God come through in a way that only He could. (I can't say any more than that without revealing too much...sigh.)

Bottom Line: The book (and the entire series) is entertaining and appropriate for teenagers.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.