A Chat with Authors Crystal Bowman & Michelle Lazurek

, by

Greetings from Sarah Sundin! Today I have a double treat for you—a joint interview with beloved children’s book authors Crystal Bowman and Michelle S. Lazurek, who teamed up to write their latest book! Welcome, Crystal and Michelle! Please tell us about your book, Who God Wants Me to Be. Four ambitious young girls explore different careers as they trust God to become who he created them to be. Each girl imagines three different careers as they follow their desires and interests while wanting to help people, animals, and make the world a better place. I love this! Michelle, what inspired…

Read More

Book Review: I Love You to the Stars

, by

I Love You to the Stars by Crystal Bowman: As we age, we joke about being forgetful or having a senior moment. But when memory loss is the result of dementia or Alzheimer’s, it isn’t funny anymore. With the Baby Boomer population aging, dementia is on the rise. It is estimated that 1 in 10 adults over the age of 65 has some form of dementia. This debilitating disease affects not only the person, but the extended family as well. How do parents explain to their children that Grandma or Grandpa no longer knows their name? Children are sad and…

Read More

A Chat with Author Crystal Bowman

, by

Davalynn Spencer here, welcoming children’s book author Crystal Bowman to tell us about her board book, My Arms Will Hold You Tight. Crystal, please give us a thumbnail sketch of your featured book. Adorable animal babies and their parents share the tenderness of heartfelt love through various playful activities, as well as comforting hugs on days that are sad. Parents can snuggle and cuddle with their little ones as they turn the pages to read the lyrical text.   What a delightful title, Crystal. Why did you write this book? I’m enjoying my seven grandchildren and love those early years of…

Read More

2021 Spring New Releases

, by

2021 Spring New Releases Author: Crystal BowmanTitle: My Arms Will Hold You TightPublisher: TyndaleRelease: January 2021ISBN-13: 978-1496446220Genre: Board BookLink to Book: https://www.tyndale.com/p/my-arms-will-hold-you-tight/9781496446220 Author: Roseanna M. WhiteTitle: Dreams of SavannahPublisher: Bethany HouseRelease: January 5, 2021ISBN-13: 978-0764237478Genre: Historical RomanceLink to Book: https://www.roseannamwhite.com/books/stand-alone-novels/dreams-of-savannah Author: Becky HarlingTitle: How to Listen so Your Kids Will TalkPublisher: Bethany HouseRelease: January 5, 2021ISBN: 978-0764237218Genre: NF/ParentingLink to Book: http://beckyharling.com/store Author: Caryl McAdooTitle: Duplicity at the Lowell HousePublisher: Peaceable PublishingRelease: January 11, 2021ISBN-13: 979-8569032020Genre: Mystery, HistoricalLink to Book: Amazon Only Author: Molly JebberTitle: Maryann’s HopePublisher: Kensington Publishing GroupRelease: January 26, 2021ISBN-13: 978-1420150674Genre: Historical Fiction/AmishLink to Book: https://www.mollyjebber.com/maryannshope.html Author: Grace…

Read More

As Seasons Change

, by

Watching the summer season come to an end, and autumn follow, reminded me once again that God is in control. He is the one who sends the rain, the snow, and the sunshine. He directs the clouds and the wind and determines the temperature. Though people may try to predict the weather based on meteorological patterns, they cannot control it. Only God can. God is a God of order. Since the beginning of time, God established day and night and seasons. He made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down (Psalm 104:19).   Every…

Read More

Book Review: I Love You to the Stars – When Grandma Forgets, Love Remembers

, by

I Love You to the Stars — When Grandma Forgets, Love Remembers is a new picture book published by Kregel Publishing. Inspired by a true story, a young boy enjoys having his grandma and her dog live with them. Soon Grandma gets forgetful and needs to live in another home, but the love they have for each other remains the same.   And here’s a review reprinted with permission from Xochitl Dixon: In Crystal Bowman’s I Love You to the Stars, readers are introduced to a close-knit family facing the heart-breaking decline of a loved one who suffers from dementia. Bowman’s gentle tone…

Read More

With Thanksgiving

, by

  Anxiety is running high these days—riots in the streets, political confusion, and a silent virus  infecting the world. It’s enough to make anyone lose sleep. But Jesus reminds us to cast all our cares on him (1 Peter 5:7). He also invites us to ask for anything in His name (John 14:14), and He will grant it. In a world that seems hopeless, Jesus is our hope. In a world that seems helpless, He is our helper. In a world of anxiety, He is our peace. As I’m reading Bible verses and devotions to help me listen to God,…

Read More

Praising God in Uncertain Times

, by

  We are living in uncertain times. A global pandemic is not something we are used to coping with. When life changes quickly it often causes anxiety and fear. But the one constant we have is that our Almighty God never changes. Knowing and believing that God is greater than our circumstance gives us hope and peace. In Psalm 150:2 the psalmist writes, Praise Him because He is greater than anything else. That means God is greater than our worries and fears. He is greater than our circumstances. And He is greater than a global pandemic. One of the best…

Read More

Blue Skies Above

, by

  Our winter season in Michigan has been mild. No subzero temps or newsworthy blizzards to report. I am grateful for that. But the heavy, gray clouds that linger for days and even weeks, make me feel like I am trapped in a colorless dome. Last week we flew to Texas to visit my daughter’s family. Shortly after takeoff, the plane penetrated the thick mass and ushered us into an atmosphere of endless blue sky and brilliant sunshine. It was a mood-altering moment that brought joy to my soul. Most of us face difficult circumstances now and then. The weight…

Read More