Dinosaurs

Have you ever wondered where dinosaurs fit into the scheme of things?

Have you ever wondered if there really were fire-breathing dragons?

Have you ever wondered what to tell your kids when they ask you these very questions?

Before you quickly run off with the standard science class answers, perhaps you should consider the alternative...

God

Two great books that speak to the "God-alternative" are:

Dragons or Dinosaurs? 

by Darek Isaacs

The Great Dinosaur Mystery  

by Ken Ham

Both are informative books that address when God created dinosaurs and how dragons really aren't the mythical creatures we tend to think they are.

I had my highlighter going the whole way.

If you are looking for more child-friendly books on the same topic, try these:

Dinosaurs of Eden

by Ken Ham

The Great Dinosaur Mystery and the Bible

by Paul S. Taylor

The Wonders of God`s World: Dinosaur Activity Book

by Earl & Bonita Snellenberger

Reading on...      

Soul Surfer

by Bethany Hamilton

2004

Ages ago, I heard about a young surfer who’d lost her arm in a shark attack.

I’d also heard this girl was back surfing again.

With one arm.

Then I heard this young, one-armed surfer girl was a Christian.  

And, I thought, that’s interesting.

Then I forgot about her.

This summer, however, I was reminded about Bethany Hamilton when my mother asked if I’d seen her movie.

No.

I checked the DVD out of the library.

Now, I’ve seen the movie, Soul Surfer, three times.

And I’ve read the book, also called Soul Surfer, on which the movie is based.

Soul Surfer was written about a year after the shark attack, when Bethany Hamilton was about 14 years old.

The book itself is not very long and it’s an easy read. That said, it is well-written and certainly encouraging. 

And, I should add, convicting.

I think what touches me the most about Bethany Hamilton’s story is how she trusted in God’s promise in Jeremiah 29:11,

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

And His promise in Romans 8:28,

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

Wow.

So the question I must ask myself is this:

Would I have the same trust if I went through a heart-wrenching trial of my own?

Reading on...

City of Orphans

by Avi

2011

As I’ve mentioned (see here), I love reading middle grade novels.

Without fail their vivid descriptions, fast moving storylines and fully developed characters grab hold of my attention and give it a ride.

City of Orphans is a middle grade novel. 

Honestly, I only pulled the book off the shelf because the author, Avi, is a star in my eyes. 

He's still shining.

City of Orphans takes place in New York City during the late nineteenth century and tells the story of Maks Geless, his family, a homeless girl named Willa, and a trouble-making street gang called the Plug Uglies.

Maks is a “newsie”. 

He sells newspapers from the street corner.

And if he doesn't make enough money, his family doesn't survive. 

That's where the Plug Uglies come in, and an unfortunate incident where his sister is accused of stealing a gold watch from a patron at the Waldorf Hotel.

This book was an interesting read, capturing the life and hard times of New York City in 1893. And it certainly held my interest with the tension and unbelievable generosity woven into the family ties of Maks’ home life.

It's amazing how even a middle grade novel can make one think.

Maks’ family made me question the level of my generosity.

Am I willing to give when I have enough?

Am I willing to give when I only have a little?

Am I willing to put the needs of another before my own?

Reading on...