Christian Inspiration and Christian Book Reviews
Earth Day Dream
Parables for Kids
A children’s Earth Day adventure based on The Parable of the Sower.
Shirley Alarie’s latest children’s book begins her series based on biblical parables for children. Earth Day Dream follows the concept of the Parable of the Sower (Parable of the Soils).
Earth Day adventure based on Bible stories for kids
Daysa can’t wait to grow a beautiful Earth Day surprise for her mom. She throws her seeds on the path, then among rocks, and between rose bushes. But the flower bushes prove to be more difficult to grow than Daysa imagines.
Will she figure out the secret to growing her bushes before giving up?
Earth Day Dream stands on its own both as an Earth Day gardening adventure and as a children’s story that follows the Parable of the Sower (Parable of the Soils).
Learn More at Amazon
Earth Day 50th Anniversary
Supplemental material includes Earth Day facts and suggested actions, along with the actual Parable of the Sower, helping parents and educators maximize the dual impact of Earth Day Dream.
Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day on April, 22, 2020 by reading Earth Day Dream to your little ones.
For your Earth Day celebration:
Earth Day Dream includes a list of possible Earth Day activities. Be sure to tell the author your own Earth Day ideas or send photos of how you celebrate Earth Day 2020 for the 50th anniversary. Use the Earth Day Dream book to supplement your celebration. Earth Day Dream is perfect if you’re looking for Earth Day books for preschoolers, Earth Day books for kindergarten, or Earth Day books for children.
For Christian parents and educators:
Are you looking for parable examples or short bible stories for kids? Daysa’s Earth Day adventure is a bible storybook for kids that turns a complex concept into something young minds can understand. Next up is The Messy Son, based on the Parable of the Prodigal son. Daysa’s parable examples lay a foundation for little learners. Stay tuned for the release of The Messy Son by following Shirley Alarie on FindingGodAmongUs.com or Finding God Among Us on Facebook.
Author Signed Copies
Are you interested in a signed and personalized copy of Earth Day Dream? Email me at Shirley@FindingGodAmongUs.com and I’ll send you a secure link from Paypal and ask for your personalization information.
Other Shirley Alarie Books
My other children’s books include Daysa’s first adventure to heaven in Heaven is Better and three real-life stories about horses and animal rescue, based on real events at RVR Horse Rescue. My adult books tell the inspirational stories of two amazing women who are literally saving lives. The women whose amazing work is showcased in A Healing Haven and Hope in the Hood will inspire you to become a better person. Take a look!
Best Bible Version
Most Christians know that God calls us to read His Word. But, there are many translations, so what’s the best Bible version?
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 New International Version (NIV)
Versions of the Bible
You may have grown up reading a bible and are still using the version that was sanctioned by your church. That’s awesome! Keep up the good work!
I didn’t grow up reading the Bible, per se, but I was familiar with it through the readings I heard in church every week. I also knew the Catholic version of my church differed from the Protestant versions.
What are the Different Bible Versions?
So, what are the options for bible versions? What’s the best bible to read and understand? The following link to BibleStudyTools.com is a great resource if you want to compare the different bible translations in detail.
What are the most popular Bible Versions?
According to Wikipedia, the New Revised Standard Version is the version most commonly preferred by biblical scholars. In the United States, 55% of survey respondents who read the Bible reported using the King James Version in 2014, followed by 19% for the New International Version, with other versions used by fewer than 10%. The full article is HERE.
Need a list of Catholic versions? That’s HERE.
What’s the Best Bible Version for YOU?
A wise religious advisor told me that one of the most common questions she’s asked is, “What is the best version of the Bible?”
Her answer:
The best version of the Bible is the one you actually read.
How brilliant and simple!
Make Your Own Bible Comparison
A free online resource I love is BibleGateway.com. It has a simple, searchable biblical database and allows you to easily select among many bible versions.
Pick one of your favorite bible verses and visit Bible Gateway. Plug your verse in the search field, then select a biblical version. Read the verse from that version. Then select another version and read the resulting verse. Repeat. (Don’t have a favorite verse? Try using John 3:16 or Romans 8:28)
This simple method will show you several options quickly. Which version speaks loudest to your heart?
That’s your version. 🙂
Does it really matter?
Yes!
As an example, I’ve tried reading an old family bible that’s been collecting dust on our bookshelves for decades. Instead of feeling a connection, I felt frustrated. The older language doesn’t work for me. I’m too distracted by the “thee”s, “thou art”s, and “cometh”s. My simple mind needs simple (current) language or else I lose focus.
My New International Version (NIV) Study Bible was a gift and became the first version that my husband and I actually sit and read together (a link to it is at the end of this post). But when I recently picked up my teenage New American Bible (NAB – Catholic) that I retrieved from my parents’ house, my brain said, Ahhhhh. The large print and basic language instantly won me over.
So, what version will win you over? Do the comparison at BibleGateway and find out. If you purchase a Bible, consider the size of the book and the print size.
Does the Size of my Bible matter?
Smaller print size creates a more compact version for easier transport but can strain your eyes, becoming a potential reason to stop reading. Larger print means a larger physical size that potentially doesn’t fit on your bookshelf or in your handbag.
These points may seem silly, but they can make the difference between whether the Word will become part of your daily life or a paperweight that eventually gets buried in your pile of discarded books.
So, what’s the best version of the Bible?
Yes, the one that you’ll READ.
If you’re not reading the Word today, it’s time to find the right one for you.
Ready? GO!
Are you stuck? Are you looking for a new Bible?
Browse the current list of Amazon best-selling Bibles to see consumer reviews and descriptions.
The ‘study bible’ I mentioned earlier provides some explanation, context, and background information for particular chapters and verses. Below is a link to the one my husband and I use. Note – the personal size is compact, but the print size is pretty tiny – a little too tiny for my aging eyes. Also, I’d choose the hardcover version if I were buying it again.
What’s your favorite Bible version and why? How often do you read the Bible? Tell me in the comments.
Do you read Christian books to support your walk with Jesus?
Then check out our Christian Book Reviews! We’ll help you find your next great read.
Losing a Loved One
Losing a loved one is never easy. Although death is a normal part of our human existence that simply must be endured, we can find solace in the Bible to help carry us through the terrible pain and darkness.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 NIV
We can rejoice in the understanding that even though our loved ones are no longer with us, they’re basking in the glory of everlasting life.
Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
Luke 6:21 NIV
Jesus hasn’t forgotten you. He knows you’re hurting, He knows you’re suffering and He promises that one day He will turn your tears into laughter.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Matthew 5:4 NIV
Jesus promises to give us what we need. When we’re mourning, He promises what we need – His comfort. Listen to Him. Feel Him with you. He’s there.
My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.
Psalm 119:50 NIV
Jesus promised He came to save us. Let His Word preserve you. Pick a Gospel and read it from start to finish. Allow Jesus’ Word to revive you.
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3 NIV
Jesus is the bandage for your broken heart. He understands everything you’re feeling. He suffered terribly in life, too. Bring Him your pain, your grief, your fears, and your lonesomeness. He will bind those wounds.
My God turns my darkness into light.
Psalm 18:28 NIV
In a time of darkness, we can’t imagine seeing light again. Jesus will lead you from the darkness to light. You don’t have to know the path. Just follow Him.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4 NIV
The loss of a loved one is a dark valley, but Psalm 23 tells us we should not fear. Jesus is walking the path right alongside you.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18 NIV
When we’re brokenhearted, it’s sometimes hard to feel the presence of God. But He assures us, he’s close at hand to help us find our way.
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
Revelation 21:4 NIV
God has promised that when we enter His Kingdom, death, sadness, crying, and pain will be no more. Your loved one is already free to enjoy the goodness and the glory of heaven.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 NIV
Jesus will fill you with hope, joy, and peace if you believe in Him and follow Him. It’s a promise worth your eternal happiness and salvation.
When we turn to Jesus, we can find hope during hopelessness, joy during devastation, and comfort for our pain.
Turn to Him. He’s waiting for you with open arms.
Have you turned to Jesus after the loss of a loved one? How did He help you? Let me know in the comments!
Special thanks to Kathleen Fucci Ministries for the recommended Bible quotes. You can find many more in their article. They also offer excellent guidance and resources to help children suffering from grief.
Carry Each Other’s Burdens
Jesus calls us to share each other’s burdens. But what does it really entail? Help your loved one with three simple steps.
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2 NIV
Our human condition includes suffering of one sort or another. Jesus said we will fulfill His law by carrying each other’s burdens. Does that mean we’re called to solve everyone else’s problems? To drop our own lives to cater to the hurting?
No.
Carrying someone’s burden doesn’t mean ‘fixing’ things. If you’re someone who tries to fix everyone’s problems, you might benefit from my post on Stop Trying to Fix It.
Carrying each other’s burdens is actually pretty simple, but sometimes we lose sight of the basics during a time of crisis. Below are three simple steps.
1- Listen
Having someone actually listen with empathy is very therapeutic. You can’t solve everyone’s problems, but you can lend your ear. Keep your heart open and your mind engaged, and the right words will come to you as you show you’re listening and you care.
Conversation openers include:
- How are you?
- I’ve been thinking about you.
Then follow the cues as to how open the person wishes to be with you.
You can use simple sentences to show you’re listening and you care.
- I’m so sorry you’re going through this.
- I’m sure this is very difficult for you.
- I’m always here if you need an ear.
2- Be a Friend
Friendships are like precious jewels, especially when we’re suffering. But sometimes friends disappear when trouble hits.
Be that jewel for someone you love by showing up when they need it most.
There are so many easy ways to be a friend.
- Call – if it’s a close friend or family member.
- Cook them a meal.
- Invite them for a coffee.
- Take them to a restaurant for a meal.
- Go to a movie.
- Go for a walk together.
- Send a “thinking of you” card.
- Send a text asking how they’re doing.
- Leave supportive comments on their social media posts.
Putting forth any effort to show you’re thinking about someone and care about how they’re doing lightens their load, even for that instant.
3- Pray
Don’t forget about the power of prayer.
- Tell them you’re praying for them and actually DO it. (Make a visible prayer list. My husband and I use a dry erase board.)
- Offer to pray together. If this is difficult for you, keep it short and simple. Use these examples:
- Would you like to pray the ‘Our Father’ together?
- Do you mind if I pray the ‘Our Father’ for you? (for non-Christians)
- When you’re giving a hug, say a one-line prayer, such as, “May you feel God’s strength to help you carry this burden.”
Showing your care and concern is the way to share someone’s burden. Don’t let your discomfort stop you from extending an act of love. Jesus has asked you to share that burden.
How do you share someone’s burden? Let me know in the comments.
How to become a better Christian
Being Christian is about more than being a good person. It’s even about more than loving Christ. A Christian journey is a never-ending adventure.
Becoming a better Christian involves becoming the person Jesus has called you to be. Jesus loves you as you are, but don’t you owe Him your best self?
Isn’t it ‘Good Enough”?
We often get lulled into thinking that the Christian we are today is good enough. But a Christian who is truly striving to become the Christian he or she is called to be is never stagnant.
You go to church? Wonderful! You pray? Excellent! You love Jesus? Fabulous! But you shouldn’t think that’s enough.
We’re human, so there’s always something that we can improve. Where are you falling short? This really requires a serious look in the mirror. Only you (and God) really know what’s in your heart.
Looking in the Mirror
God requires us to follow His commandments. Are you following them? All of them? Or have you decided that what you’re doing is good enough? Do you keep holy the Sabbath? Are you honest on your taxes? Do you stop yourself from lusting after the hot girl/guy at the gym? Do you keep the green-eyed monster at bay when your coworker gets the promotion instead of you? Are you respectful to your parents – with regular calls and visits? Do you take office supplies home? Do you refrain from using the Lord’s name in vain?
Loving One Another
Jesus asked us to love one another as He loved us. Do you? You’d (hopefully) say you love your spouse, your children, and your parents. But do you act like it? Do you show it? Does your temper flair easily? Do you belittle others? Are you impatient? Are you stingy with the needy? Do you call bullies out or join in the jeers? Are you obnoxious on social media? Are you prideful? Do you harbor resentment? Do you leave your messes for others to clean up? Are you vain? Do you own up to your mistakes and apologize? Do you cast stones? Do you silently look down on people? Are you racist? Do you judge people?
You might enjoy my post Love One Another if you want to delve into this topic more deeply.
Being “Pretty Good” Isn’t Enough
It’s really easy to be tricked into thinking that because we’re “pretty good” Christians overall, that it’s good enough.
Instead, your goal should be to become a better person today than you were yesterday.
It’s just who I am!
One common misconception we have is that our personality traits are pre-wired and there’s nothing we can do to change them. While that’s true to some extent, it’s also a faulty view and an excuse to stay stagnant.
I’m a textbook case of this. For years, I told my husband that my short temper was “just how I am.” I truly believed it. I couldn’t control the quick fuse – it would pop off before I even realized what was happening. After years of denial, I finally realized that even though it was my nature, it didn’t mean I needed to stay that way.
With concerted effort to improve, I first started analyzing the things that were setting me off. Slowly, I began recognizing the feeling of the volcano lava shifting inside. Now, I’m starting to end a conversation (or walk away if I need to) as soon as the lava moves. My goal is to recognize the signs earlier and earlier, and ultimately change my reactions long before any eruption. I’m definitely a work in progress, but I’m not giving up. Jesus asks me to love. Exploding at my husband (or anyone) is definitely not loving.
Own Your Junk
I’ve revealed a skeleton in my closet to challenge you to own up to yours. Some people have a difficult time looking in the mirror and seeing themselves truthfully. Jesus sees you truthfully. There’s no fooling Him, so you’d best face any demons you’re trying to hide.
A true Christian’s goal is to please the Father, not try to get away with the least effort possible.
Becoming a Better Christian
The process of becoming a better Christian is simple in concept, but challenging in practice. Keep taking small steps forward and your reward will be an amazing relationship with Jesus.
Here are the steps you can take to becoming a better Christian:
Step 1 – Get to Know Jesus
Read the Gospels. Decide to live your life following Jesus’ example. He spells out the requirements for living a life pleasing to God in the Gospels.
Step 2 – Judge Yourself Against the Ten Commandments
Evaluate yourself honestly against the Ten Commandments. Challenge yourself to really abide by them. For example, one of my weaknesses is keeping holy the Sabbath. If I go to church for one hour but then spend another seven hours working at my computer or surfing on social media, have I kept it holy?
Step 3 – Assess Your Weaknesses and Change Them
Take a hard look in the mirror. The only way you can really improve is to make an honest assessment. Do you really know God? Do you have hate in your heart? Does jealousy or self-doubt eat away at you? Come clean about your real weaknesses. Bring them to Jesus and ask Him to help you improve. Work at it – daily. Keep moving your target to push for continual improvement.
Step 4 – Make God a Regular Part of Your Daily Life
Pray. Talk to Jesus. Praise God the Father. Sing along to worship music. Use Jesus as the friend, mentor, and guide that He is. Get to know Him. See and feel Him working in your life.
Step 5 – Repeat.
Being a good Christian is a lifelong endeavor of improvement. Keep working at it. Don’t be discouraged over your weaknesses. Remind yourself that Jesus loves you as you are, then vow to bring Him your best self.
How are you becoming a better Christian? Let me know in the comments!
Your Christian Superpower
What is your Christian Superpower? Are you using it?
“You can be anything you want to be” is a powerful motivational message, but the reality is, we’re each pre-wired with natural strengths. I’ve always felt making the most of the talents we’ve been given allows us to achieve our highest potential (and greatest satisfaction).
But, what is a Christian superpower?
Christian superpowers are our innate strengths that are used to keep God alive in today’s world. They’re how we serve Him. They’re the way we live as His disciples.
What’s your superpower?
Here are 5 examples of Christian superpowers. Where do you see yourself?
1- The Preacher
You know those people who have the gift of gab. The ones that strike up a conversation with a stranger and part as friends. These people are God’s mouthpiece. Once they hone their superpower, the “preachers” love talking about Jesus and find any reason to do it.
2- The Pray-er
Then there are the behind-the-scenes dwellers. The silent-types. But their quiet exterior belies a bustling world taking place within their mind. The superpower for these pray-ers is just that – to pray for others, to ask God to grant healing, forgiveness, blessings, and mercy on behalf of others. To ask Jesus to make Himself present to the lost and hardened. The power of prayer is incredible.
3- The Messenger
What about those who like to spread a message? Messengers don’t use the spoken word in the way preacher-types do. Messengers reach people using alternative communication methods. They’re social media aficionados, bloggers, podcasters, authors, musicians, and artists.
Messengers find artistic ways of bringing the Good News to others. The platforms they use may be solely dedicated to spreading God’s Word or may be coupled with another worldly objective. In any case, the creative talents they share with the world place a spotlight on Jesus.
4- The Servant
The epitome of servant superpower is Mother Teresa, my all-time favorite role model. Servants serve others. Maybe it’s through their profession, like counselors, nurses, educators, and fire fighters. Servants often volunteer, such as little league coaches or non-profit organizers.
Servants exemplify Jesus’ example and God’s goodness to others through their work.
5- The Samaritan
Are you the one who bakes for your sick neighbor, serves at the soup kitchen, visits people in hospitals or nursing homes, or fosters children? Do you find it easy to lend a hand, your heart, or your home? Good Samaritans find any and every way to be the hands of God at work on earth.
6- The Sunshine
Are you the amazingly positive type? People with the sunshine superpower find reasons to smile and brighten up any situation they face. Does your faith bring that smile to your face? Let people know when it’s God’s love and compassion that has you beaming. Give people you encounter a glimpse of the joy that being a Christian brings to your heart.
What are your Superpowers?
After reading this list, you may have discovered you have more than one superpower, since we’re usually blessed with multiple talents. Just remember that muscles get stronger as we use them. So too, our Christian superpower. As we flex those superpowers, we get more comfortable serving, we find it easier to reach out to others, and to listen to our calling.
Use your superpowers!
A typical Christian journey involves discerning, then following God’s will for our lives. Once you realize your superpower, it’s time to get busy doing the work God is calling you to do. Answering God’s calling will be one of the greatest thrills of your life.
Answering God’s calling
Now that you see your natural talents can be honed to serve God, it’s time to put them to use. If you’ve been looking for God’s calling for your life, look no further. He’s wired you to do His work with the talents He gave you. What better place to start serving?
What Christian superpower do you have? How are you using them? How do you plan to make better use of them? Let me know in the comments!
You might also be interested in my post about praying for God’s Will or Your Own and How God Answered Me.
Apply the Serenity Prayer to Your Marriage
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.
Every marriage can be improved, no matter the current state. Some of us are near wedded-nirvana while others are considering divorce.
Whatever your situation, the power to make change lies in your hands and the serenity prayer is a good reminder of how to keep perspective.
Let’s break it down and see how it applies:
God
First of all, this is a prayer. The term ‘god’ has come to mean any ‘higher power’, but I’m specifically referring to my Christian God, the One True God, God the Father, Creator of Heaven and Earth.
1- Allow God into your marriage. If you don’t know God, get to know Him. This post on Restoring your faith when you’re in doubt might be a good place to start.
2- Pray to God. Thank Him for the blessings you have in your marriage and ask for help to make improvements where you know they’re needed.
3- Pray with your spouse. Have each spouse pick an aspect of your marriage that needs improvement and pray for it together – just one or two sentences will do. Make this type of prayer a regular habit, for example, weekly or even daily.
Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change
What are the things you cannot change?
1- History
There’s no going back. Did your spouse wrong you? Were you a crappy spouse? Did you make poor financial choices? Did you rush into marriage?
No matter. You are where you are today. If you cannot accept the sins of the past, they’ll drive wedges into your marriage.
The serenity to accept the painful aspects of your history means you put them to bed. You stop talking about them. You stop bringing them up in arguments. Finally, you’ll stop thinking about them.
You cannot move forward while you’re still stuck in the past.
2- Your spouse
You cannot change your spouse. You cannot change your spouse. Let me remind you again. You cannot change your spouse.
It can be hard to accept this, and I attest to that. But remind yourself that no one’s perfect, that we’ll always have to deal with differences in personality, differences in priorities, and differences in likes and dislikes.
You married your spouse as he or she was. If you married a porcupine, don’t expect a cuddle partner, but be grateful you have an amazing protector. If you married a work-horse, don’t expect a spouse who’s home for dinner, but be grateful for the nice lifestyle it affords. In other words, your spouse has attributes that you love and others you don’t love so much.
But if you loved your spouse enough to say “I Do” then the things you loved outweighed the things that drive you bonkers.
Remind yourself of those things you love.
Courage to change the things I can,
What can you change?
You can change you. You can change your reactions to your spouse. You can change your mindset about your marriage and your spouse. You can change whether you see the good in your spouse or only the things that irritate you.
What if your spouse doesn’t change?
Your spouse may very well not change, although the changes you make may motivate your spouse to change, too.
Change is hard. Breaking established patterns is very hard. Giving up the way you’ve always done it can be scary.
Your courage to do it even though it’s hard, even though it’s scary, and even though it makes you vulnerable, can open the door to the unity, peace, and contentment in your marriage that you’ve always desired.
And wisdom to know the difference.
Each of us have a choice to make when we choose to take vows. One choice is to bring our best self to the marriage and work to improve ourselves for the betterment of our spouse and family.
But when things are getting off track, we need to set reasonable limits and expectations. There’s no room for abuse in any relationship, let alone a marriage. Being submissive doesn’t mean being a doormat. Love doesn’t mean tolerating abuse. Sometimes relationships are irreparable – at least until one spouse undergoes serious behavioral change.
You have the wisdom to know what a good marriage is and you either choose to improve your actions and reactions or you’re choosing to stay stagnant.
Work together
Apply the Serenity Prayer to your marriage. Pray it together. Use it as a tool to help you both work toward a better marriage. Be open and honest. Improving your communication opens the door to improving your marriage.
If you’re looking for a good book about creating a God-centered marriage, The Eden Concept: Marriage God’s Way may interest you. (Note: the book is based on the biblical marriage of Adam and Eve, and thus, is written for husband and wife couples only.) You can see my full review HERE:
Do you include God in your marriage? Do you and your spouse pray together? Tell me where God fits into your marriage. Fill up my comments with your insights!
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