Christmas Picture Books, Part 1

My favorite thing about Christmas besides the miracle of Jesus--the miracle of hearing from heaven following 400 years of silence--is the Christmas books. Yes, cuddling with my family for Christmas books is goodness and grace and joy all wrapped up in a cozy package. There are tears, giggles, hugs, deep sighs, deep gratitude. We make memories as stories fill our hearts and minds, bring us close together, and knit us strong into a united cloth that is family. Storytime always does this for us, but in December, it's extra special.

Here are six books--just the first installment. I pray you can find them at your library. Enjoy!

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski 

Synopsis by Booklist: "Christmas is pish-posh," grumbles Jonathan Toomey, the best wood carver in the valley. He's a Scroogelike recluse; but he's a gentle grouch, it turns out, and he hides a sad secret. He's transformed, not by Dickensian ghosts, but by an eager seven-year-old boy and his widowed mother who ask him to make them a Christmas creche. The story verges on the sentimental, but it's told with feeling and lyricism (he "traveled till his tears stopped" ). Lynch's sweeping illustrations, in shades of wood grain, are both realistic and gloriously romantic, focusing on faces and hands at work before the fire and in the lamplight. In a beautiful, elemental scene, the angry wood carver stands on the threshold of his home, disturbed by the gentle widow and her son who want his help and will transform his life. (text copyright 1995)

My Notes: Yes, I shared this book last year, too. I do not write either book or product reviews because it would take time I don't have to develop skill at writing them, but hear me when I tell you, you must have this book on your shelf every Christmas, okay? It has heart, humor, love, gentleness, bitterness, patience, self-control, sorrow, grief, healing, transformation, and joy, all wrapped up in a delicate, beautifully woven tale that will keep you coming back for more, Christmas after Christmas, and then some. Don't leave December without it!

Christmas Tapestry by Patricia Polacco 

Synopsis from Publishers Weekly: Polacco's (The Keeping Quilt) knack for spinning seemingly disparate characters and plot elements into personal yarns works to great effect in this holiday picture book, based on a "true story" told as a church homily. Jonathan resents his Baptist preacher father's reassignment from Memphis to a dilapidated church in Detroit, and he's dismayed when damage from a blizzard ruins months of planning to restore the building in time for Christmas Eve services. But the elegant-looking, bargain-priced tapestry he and his dad purchase to cover the damage miraculously brings about the reunion of an elderly Jewish couple separated decades earlier during the Holocaust. Though the tale slows in spots, Polacco's signature illustrations of swirling snow, the fine tapestry and numerous love-filled faces invite readers to linger. All ages. (Copyright 2002)

My notes: I love most of Patricia Polacco's work, and this didn't disappoint; it was a pleasure to read to my family. The children loved it! The coincidental events of the tale are a bit hard to believe, but an author's note indicates Patricia heard the story in two different religious settings, and adapted it to fit young readers, changing the setting to her home state of Michigan. 

An Orange for Frankie by Patricia Polacco

Synopsis: The Stowell family is abuzz with holiday excitement, and Frankie, the youngest boy, is the most excited of all. But there's a cloud over the joyous season: Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and Pa hasn't returned yet from his trip to Lansing. He promised to bring back the oranges for the mantelpiece. Every year there are nine of them nestled among the evergreens, one for each of the children. But this year, heavy snows might mean no oranges . . . and, worse, no Pa!
This is a holiday story close to Patricia Polacco's heart. Frankie was her grandmother's youngest brother, and every year she and her family remember this tale of a little boy who learned--and taught--an important lesson about giving, one Christmas long ago. (copyright 2004)

My Notes: This quickly became a classic in our house last year, and will reappear every Christmas. Just a beautiful story of giving and love and family cohesiveness. Don't leave December without it. A keeper and a sure favorite!

Just Right for Christmas by Birdie Black and Rosalind Beardshaw

Synopsis from Booklist: One Christmas Eve, a king purchases a bolt of cloth from an outdoor market: “That cloth is so red and soft and Christmassy!” Perfect, in fact, to make a cloak for the princess. What the king does not expect, though, is that the leftover scraps from the cloth, set outside the back door, hold an equal appeal for others. Before night falls, the castle’s kitchen maid finds the scraps and sews a jacket for her ma; a badger makes a hat for his pa; a squirrel sews gloves for his wife; and a mouse creates a scarf for her son. With its catchy repetitive phrases, this book is perfect for the preschool child or emergent reader, who can anticipate what will come next. The endearing mixed-media illustrations, often arranged on the page within a simple sewing pattern, effectively capture the joy of the season. The warm message of the closeness of family pervades both text and pictures, and the final two-page spread brings all the inhabitants together, ice-skating in their brand-new finery—a lovely communal touch. Preschool-Grade 1. (Copyright 2012)

My Notes: This story tickled me so! My girls too--so much so we had to close the book and start all over right away, it was so delicious! Loved the small repetitive part that my girls could join in on. Fun from start to finish, and I think the grade level could go beyond grade 1 easily. Even a fourth grader would smile at this. 

The Legend of the Christmas Stocking: The Inspirational Story of a Wish Come True by Rick Osborne

Synopsis: This wonderful Christmas tale, set in the late 1800s, shares the touching story of a young boy named Peter. He sells newspapers to help his family while his father is away at sea, and he’s been saving a bit of his earnings to buy a model schooner in the woodworker’s shop. But after Uncle Jim, the woodworker, tells him the story of St. Nicholas, Peter discovers the meaning behind the hanging and filling of Christmas stockings and learns a heartfelt lesson in kindness and generosity. Filled with the rich, realistic illustrations of Jim Griffin, children ages 4 to 8 will discover the depth of God's love shown through others as they learn the Christian meaning revealed in The Legend of the Christmas Stocking. Through imaginative and innovative products, Zonderkidz is feeding young souls. (copyright 2004)

My Notes: When I looked at the author's name, and saw the ZonderKids label, I thought...is that the Rick Osborne--author of a million and one Christian discipleship books for children? Yes, it is. This is a wonderful book too. My children were mesmerized by the legend of the Christmas stocking, and Peter's story is very touching and teaches self-sacrifice, hard work, and family responsibility. 

A Little Women Christmas by Heather Vogel Frederick (New in 2014)

Synopsis: A cherished holiday scene from a beloved classic comes to life in this festive, cozy picture book homage to Little Women.

It’s almost Christmas, and Jo March is determined that this year, unlike the last, there will be presents. It is in this spirit that she and her dear friend Laurie build a snow maiden for poor, sick Beth. The next day, Beth is thrilled with her present, and each of the girls, in turn, receives a little something from the others. But the best gift of all arrives when Papa, who has been away at war and ill, makes a surprise return home for Christmas dinner.

With a timeless message of goodwill and giving and stunning painted artwork, A Little Women Christmas makes a perfect gift for fans of Louisa May Alcott’s literary treasure as well as for anyone who appreciates the true meaning of Christmas. (copyright 2014)

My Notes: I was so excited to see this in the new book section! The paintings are beautiful and it really feels like a holiday chapter out of Little Women (with simpler prose). It's a short read so your little ones won't be antsy, but for Little Women fans it will feel too short. 

Update On Vanitha's and Pushparani's Hope: Giving Tuesday

I've written two posts about Compassion's Giving Tuesday, one of which celebrated Vanitha's story, the other detailing Pushparani's story. I wanted to update you on the giving as of 1:50 PM, Tuesday, Dec. 2. Our goal is $25,000 to fund a Child Survival Program Center in Gujarat, India by midnight tonight, and we're at $6,390 (26%)! Compassion International has passionate friends, so I know this will happen.

Please, challenge your family and friends to fund this phenomenal program. Share Compassion's links about the Child Survival Program, found here. Challenge your own children to pool their money and match what Mommy and Daddy give? Or challenge grandparents to match what the children give? Their hearts will soar, and yours too, and women and children just like in Vanitha's and Pushparani's stories will know Jesus, Hope, Love, and Joy, and be able to pass all of these miracles to others in their villages.

This is the way God chooses to work--he saves us and sets us apart for a purpose--and it isn't to serve ourselves. Praise God!

Vanitha and her child, courtesy Compassion International

Pushparani and her son, courtesy Compassion International

Vanitha's Story

Vanitha is a beautiful young woman from India.

Photo Courtesy Compassion International 

I must spend a few minutes telling you her miraculous story, for I know it will make your day--in a way most of the Internet just can't do today. Vanitha's is a story of God's power and love and redemption.

When she was just 13 years old, a man took Vanitha as his wife, knowing he was HIV-positive and Vanitha was not. Two years later, Vanitha became both a widow and a grieving mother on the same day. Alone and devastated, she was also HIV-positive. Her heart brimmed with sorrow, her spirit lacked hope.

She went to live with her parents and work in a factory, but still. she couldn't afford the HIV medicines she needed.

By the grace of God, three years later, a man fell in love with her, and asked her to marry him--a simple man, a rickshaw driver who knew of her condition.

Their families and elders did not think the union wise, due to Vanitha's condition, but Vanitha liked the man, and he cared for her very much, and would not be dissuaded. They married inside their house one day, before a picture of their god. They lived a simple life, in a one-room abode with an outdoor kitchen--an abode that leaked when it rained, forcing them to sleep in the auto-rickshaw on wet nights.

But they loved one another. Their hearts were united, but not their bodies, due to Vanitha's HIV status. Not only did bringing her husband physical joy seem out of the question, but bearing another child seemed out of the question, too, for Vanitha, who still mourned her son.

“I was a pain bearer. I gave it to everyone who loved me. Nothing good came from me. Now I could not give any joy to my husband. He made a sacrifice: his self,” Vanitha says. “One day my neighbor told me about the Compassion [program] run in a local church. They told me that something good would come from there. I went there to meet the staff and shared with them my problems. There was something different about these people. The sister who spoke to me had authority and love at the same time. I wondered who these people were and why they did such wonderful work without any benefit [for themselves].”

Quote Courtesy of Compassion International: http://blog.compassion.com/world-aids-day-2014-walking-dead/#ixzz3KigoN8MT

The next day Vanitha registered in the Child Survival Program, and the CSP workers put together a counseling session for the couple, which included a doctor who advised them on how to go about having a child in a safe and secure way. The staff and other mothers in the program prayed for Vanitha, and within months she conceived! And gave birth to a healthy child!

Vanitha, her husband and child, Courtesy Compassion International

"I was scared about the child. I had already lost a child, and the thoughts haunted me day and night. But the staff assured every time they visited my home that prayers never go unheard,” Vanitha recalls joyfully.

Vanitha speaks of the blessing Compassion has been to her. Her life seemed hopeless when at 15, her heart and mind were devastated.

“I was forsaken, abused and left to die. The pain in my heart was so unbearable that my body would fall down without any reason. I would sit and stare at the wall bluntly, without any reason. My god did not speak nor hear. Tears streamed down my cheeks every night. What a curse I was! If not for my beloved sisters at the [CSP program], I would be dead and gone,” Vanitha says.

A note from Compassion:

At the end of 2013 there were approximately 35 million people like Vanitha with the HIV virus. But they’re not alone.

For #GivingTuesday (December 2), we’re raising money to open a Child Survival Program (CSP) in Gujarat, India, like the one that assisted Vanitha and her family, to give other impoverished women like her a chance to be healthy moms and give their children a healthy start.

But we need your help to meet our $25,000 goal by the end of the day Tuesday! Learn more about our #GivingTuesday efforts and help us spread the word by sharing on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Instagram how you’re giving back on #GivingTuesday.

Help other women like Vanitha become healthy moms for #GivingTuesday.

Donate at this Compassion link for Giving Tuesday's Gujarat, India Child Survival Progam start-up.  This is a one-time, tax-deductible gift.

~ Update #1 At 9:40 AM, we're at $5,195, 21% of our goal. I know we will get there, by the grace of God! God loves Compassion. Thank you!

A Marathon of Thanks, Part 3

Psalm 100:4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

~ Children are my passion and in that I have a partner, Peter, and maybe Mary, too. They both love to bless children at church or here at home. I'm clinging to God's promises and praying that he teaches me boundaries fast, so I can pass on balance to my brood as they serve others.

~ Teaching four year olds regularly at church has been a good, solid learning experience. One aspect of the learning has been discerning what makes a Sunday School curriculum appropriate for preschoolers--something I've wrestled with for my students. The Gospel Project, a curriculum my church is locked into for another year, is not appropriate for preschoolers. I've worked with other preschool ages in the last two years as well, and I've gathered anecdotal notes in my mind for future reference, should I ever want to partner with my son Paul as he writes Christian curriculum.

When I was first told, upon volunteering in the children's department, that I would be teaching every other week, I thought it was a bad idea for my family for various reasons. I had read the welcome packet carefully and it didn't say how frequently a teacher serves, so I assumed it was once a month, which was typical in most churches. Once I knew the truth, I didn't feel like I could back out. But God knew what he was doing. I love my students and I'm always happy to see them, and Peter is too. Mary comes in occasionally, too, to work on her leadership skills. I'm filing away so much about how to teach the very young about Jesus, God, and faith.

~ When I first offered to watch my neighbor twice a week, it didn't seem like much of a stretch. Even my husband, who is always hesitant to add new responsibilities to our plate, didn't think it would be a big effort to add another child two nights a week. We already have this neighbor boy for AWANA nights and twice a month for Bible study. However, in our previous experiences with him--lasting not much more than 2 hours at a time--we hadn't seen the full range of behaviors and issues he struggles with. Adding him into the mix for 5 to 6 hours twice a week has changed our lives quite a bit. It's not a paid endeavor because I wanted to help my neighbor, not add another bill to her life. Nor did I think it a good idea to have a financial relationship with a neighbor. As such, if we feel we can't handle the situation, we can back out, but that would be devastating to our young friend, because he loves coming here. So we have discussed as a family how to make this work, where the boundaries should be, how to streamline the whole experience, how to minimize certain behaviors, etc.

One thing I've noticed is that when we are not serving our neighbor, we are enjoying each other more. We more keenly appreciate the blessing that is nuclear family, and we take note of the blessing that is sacrificial love--that is, giving up our ideal evening for the sake of another...our neighbor child and his working grandmother.

There are still times in that 6-hour segment that I wrestle with God, wondering why in the world I got myself into it. But the voice I always hear confirms that love is stretching. Love is hard. Love can be as a dull ache at times. But we don't love alone. And love doesn't leave us the same, but better.

~ I've been married 14 years. I can tell you we didn't bargain for special-needs children and the rocky ride they turn a marriage into. I'm thankful that my marriage is not defined by any one response, any one day, any one attitude. It's defined by a mutual love for Jesus Christ, and a mutual awe for His grace and mercy. It's defined by unyielding commitment. It's defined by hope. I'm thankful for my husband.

Tonight, I'm thankful for all the little journeys. The stretching of me as a wife, a mother, a teacher, a giver, a sharer of Hope.

A Marathon of Thanks, Part 2

Psalm 100:1-5 A Psalm for giving thanks. Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

Daddy

~ Mommy, Peter, Paul, Mary, Beth

~ new used van

~ my jobs

~ good food

~ children with similar interests (that would be college football--they just froze through a game in light snow at the local university)

~ affectionate children

~ clean water

~ Bible

~ good preaching at our church

Psalm 50:23 The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!”

Mommy

~ Jesus-following husband

~ four precious children who bless my socks off

~ warm blankets making for a cozy home

~ watching It's a Wonderful Life together on Thanksgiving, after the dishwasher was humming and the pans were washed

~ Christmas books, gathered Friday at the library. As I sat on the floor at the library, browsing the Christmas picture-book section, it was amazing the feeling I had that I had just done this yesterday--but it was last year! Twelve months gone in a blink. These last 12 were among the hardest months of my life, but sitting there looking at the books, the actual speed of life flabbergasted me. Grab the children close and savor the time with them. Cuddle with more books. Set aside the phones and tablets and perfection.

Look the one life we have in the face, and view it as an hour-glass gift. And it isn't just about enjoying the children, but impacting them for Christ too--about building the relationship facilitating that. Fathers may have the greatest impact on whether a child follows Christ, but a mother's love and devotion and daily discipleship probably speak more to how a child follows Christ. Mothers are a gift.

~ His mercies are new every morning; he gives courage enough, energy enough, wisdom enough for today, and asks us to give tomorrow to Him. He asks us to give sacrificially of our time, talents, money, growing us beyond who we in our flesh could become.

~ Ann Voskamp's Advent family devotional book coming in the mail: Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas (based on last year's The Greatest Gift devotional)

~ My son Paul writing his own Advent devotional. He's been busy with a clipboard, Bible, and various resources, and last night he led us in his first short devotion. He's a Bible scholar with an eye for writing curriculum--even homeschool curriculum. Maybe we'll be partners someday, and he can handle all the business stuff?

Lamentations 3:23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Peter

~ family

~ tree lights (Peter put the tree up early, distracting sister Mary from a serious wind/rain storm the previous Monday by filling the house with Christmas tree and ornament mess. It sort of worked, but she still wanted her throw-up bowl part of the time. Her storm phobia is far from gone, but will hopefully be dormant, giving us all a break during the snow months. Anyway, the tree, for the first time ever, was up three days before Thanksgiving. We had everything cleaned by Thanksgiving, which was good.

~ God

~ Legos

~ house

~ carpet

~ bed

~ couch

~ chairs

~ babysitting my neighbor friend

Paul

~ good food to relax with

~ hot wheels

~ brother

~ candy canes

~ Beth, that she always likes to play the games I make up

~ power of God to write Advent devotional

~ warm clothes

~ football tickets

~ pretty tree

~ playing piano, knitting

~ Jesus

~ toys


Mary

~ pretty ornaments

~ paper chain Paul made

~ paper star Paul made

~ my family

~ my sister, how she is so cute and she plays with me

~ nice comfy chairs and couch

~ working dishwasher, washer and dryer, heater

~ clean towels

~ lamps


Beth

~ my family

~ my ballet dancing (her own, not in lessons)

~ our home

~ my siblings

~ God

~ my toys

~ beautiful tree (actually, she's had her way with it, moving ornaments around, so it's pretty sorry looking right now. I let the tree be theirs and my notion of good-taste decorating go out the window, except when they try hanging lights everywhere to the point of madness. These are children who buy lights at garage sales and thrift stores, giddy for the day they can put them up. Mary's birthday is coming up and she wants a small fake tree for her bedroom, about up to her shoulder, which I will grant because it won't end up at Goodwill in less than a year like some toy will. My children's love for Christmas decor has endured year after year.

~ candy canes

~ cocoa

~ Mommy and Daddy

~ my sister, that she plays with me