The Great Farmapalooza by Jill Roman Lord — Book Review

What’s a farmapalooza?  Well, according to author Jill Roman Lord, it is a host of animals making a joyful noise unto the Lord!  This sturdy 8″x8″ board book is filled with colorful illustrations depicting common farm animals, along with the sounds they make.  There are 11 flaps which toddlers will love to open in order to discover the animal hidden inside.  Each animal is grateful to God for both what they have and what they are.

This book will certainly appeal to young children,  and can be easily used by parents as a tool to teach the names of animals, the sounds they make, and the concept of thanking God for everyday blessings.

My only concern is the size and weight of the book.  Some children will find it a bit heavy and unwieldly.  It will probably be best used sitting on the parents lap with some help turning pages.

VERDICT:  4 STARS.  Nothing unusual, but attractive and fun.

If you would like to purchase this book follow the link below:

https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/the-great-farmapalooza-P005824877

The Lutheran Ladies received a free copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review. Disclaimer pursuant to FTC 16 CFR part 255.

For other books for children see these posts:

Great and Small Prayers for Babies — Book Review

GraceFull by Dorena Williamson — Book Review

The Silent Noisy Night by Jill Roman Lord — Book Review

The Quiet Crazy Easter Day by Jill Roman Lord–Book Review

 

 

Saints Gathering Together

In church last Sunday we sang this well-known “Thanksgiving” hymn which speaks to me about the strength we find in gathering together as saints of God.  You may be surprised to learn something about its’ history!  It is actually of Dutch origin and refers religious persecution which occurred long before the first Thanksgiving.  The melody can be traced back to 1597.  It began as a folk song but was transformed into a hymn dealing with overcoming religious persecution on January 24th 1597.  That was the date of the Battle of Turnhout, in which Prince Maurice of Orange defeated the Spanish occupiers of a town in what is now the Netherlands.  At this point, the Dutch Protestants, who were prohibited from worshiping under the Spanish king, Phillip II, celebrated the victory by borrowing the familiar folk melody and giving it new words.  “We Gather Together” connoted a heretofore forbidden act—Dutch Protestants gathering together for worship.  It first appeared in print in a 1626 collection of Dutch patriotic songs.  Listen to the words and give thanks for the blessings we receive when we gather together.

Hey Fatty

I know that’s rude, in my defense I’ve only said that to my dog. And so far, since I’ve kept my tone loving, she doesn’t mind at all. (I really do love my dog, I just have a twisted sense of humor.) But call a person that and O M Goodness, it’s on. Do I have a point? Well yeah, people are obese and they’re sensitive about it. Me too I might add. No one has to point out to me my extra weight. I’m well aware. How’d I get that way? Did I stuff my face way to much? No, not really. Although I admit I’m not always great about what I eat. My main problem is a lack of activity. I went from fairly active, to not so much. (My injury had a lot to do with that.) So it’s hard, harder than it might be for other people. But that’s OK. That’s my normal. This is me. Would I like to loose weight? Of course. What’s my point again? Fattys like me might not be as lazy as they look.

Maybe sometimes that person we’re looking at has a story. Maybe we’re more than what we look like. God told Samuel that he saw human hearts, He said he saw past our bodies. And I’m both glad and concerned when I hear that. I’m glad he sees past my crippled body, and I hold out concern for what I know is a dingy heart I hold.

That being said, there’s an obvious increase in obesity in this country. Sometimes, we do need to remember we eat to live. Not live to eat. And moderation applies to food as well as politics. Sometimes a weight issue is rightly attributed to overindulgence. God provides well for us, and we need to thank Him for it. That might mean showing some discipline and gratitude. Discipline through restraint, and gratitude through sharing with those less fortunate.