The Healer's Apprentice

From the minute I picked up The Healer's Apprentice, I couldn't put it down. This medieval romance, by Melanie Dickerson, is the first book in a long time I have read from start to finish in one sitting (much to my family's dismay). Styled after Gail Carson Levine and Shannon Hale, but written from a decidedly Christian perspective, The Healer's Apprentice is a tale of acceptance, forbidden love, and surprising twists of fate.

When Rose is apprenticed to the town healer, she breathes a sigh of relief. Now she won't be forced into marriage. However, when handsome and serious Lord Hamline is injured, and Rose is the only one available to stitch him up, she nearly faints. Despite his pain, Lord Hamline is quite taken with Rose. Since he has been betrothed to a princess since childhood, he cannot act on his feelings. He is even more distraught when his attentions cause his rogue of a brother, Lord Rupert, to notice Rose.

In all her decisions, Rose must decide between following her fickle feelings, or following the guidance of Frau Geruscha and the Bible. Rose must choose to trust God for her future, before she can experience peace and find her true calling.

What I Like: In this gripping story, full of twists and turns, I like the realistic portrayal of Rose's emotions and struggles best. She is flattered by the glamorous Lord Rupert, but feels drawn to Lord Hamline, even though he is betrothed. Rose wants to follow Christ and make Frau Geruscha proud, but she questions their wisdom. Rose suffers real consequences when she disobeys, and I think many readers could learn from her mistakes.

What I Dislike: There are a couple of instances of characters asking for a physical sign to determine God's will. God always answers obviously in the book, but I would be concerned readers would try similar experiments, without such clear results.

Also, the font is very small.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: Young Adult (14-21)

Publisher Info: Zondervan, 2010; ISBN: 978-0-310-00000-0; Paperback, 262 pages, $9.99

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Special Note: There are a couple of alarming scenes where Rose and her friend Hildy are accosted by men in town. At one point, the evil Moncore curses Rose, and causes her to have vivid, demonic nightmares.

The Hear-Me-Read Bible

In recent years, Christian publishers have really begun filling a gap by offering a small line of books for early readers. However, it's still difficult to find a decent early reader Bible. That's where The Hear-Me-Read Bible by Dr. Mary Manz Simon comes in.

Containing 18 Bible stories (reprints of separately published, slim early reader books), the text is in large type and features short sentences. Each story is told in 25 words or less. The illustrations are large and engaging. At the beginning of each story, a word list is offered, as is educational advice to parents from the author.

The Bible stories included are: Creation, Noah's Ark, the Tower of Babel, baby Moses, Jericho, David and Goliath, Jonah and the big fish, the birth of John the Baptist, the first Christmas, Jesus feeding the crowd, the Good Samaritan, Mary and Martha, Jesus blessing the children, Zacchaeus, Jesus entering Jerusalem, the first Easter, and Jesus filling the nets. Here's an example of the text, from the story of Noah:

"Look at Noah. Noah was God's helper. God said to Noah, 'Make a boat. Make a big boat. I will send a big rain,' said God. Hurry, Noah! Hurry! Drip, drop. Hurry, Noah! Hurry! Make a big boat. Drip, drop. Drip, drop. Drip, drop, splash! Noah was God's helper."

What I Like: My 5 year old was really excited to have a Bible she can read herself. This is an attractive book, with plenty of interesting, cartoonish illustrations. The text is ideal for beginning readers. Most kids will find some words challenging, but plenty of easier words are included, too.

What I Dislike: I really only have two small complaints about this book. One pops up during the story of David and Goliath. Instead of saying King Saul offered David his armor, the author writes that a "soldier"offered his armor. My only other complaint is the way the book ends. Although we never learn why Jesus died and was put on the cross, we do learn about his resurrection. Then, the last story in the book is about Jesus telling the disciples where to fill their nets. This seems like such a weird way to end the book. Did Jesus come alive again just to tell his friends where to fish?

That said, this book clearly isn't meant to replace a child's "read-to-me" Bible. Although this book covers a lot of famous Bible stories, the text is necessarily limited. Think of this as a supplemental Bible designed to give your kids their first experiences in reading the Word every day.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: 4 - 8.

Publishing Info: Concordia, 2010; ISBN: 978-0758618894; hardback, 352 pgs., $14.99

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Special Info: Read our reviews of other books by this author, including some of the "Hear-Me-Read" thin chapter books reprinted in this Bible.

The Bible for Young Children

For a speed through of the Bible, The Bible for Young Children is an attractive option. Offering a quick, simple overview of the Bible, this book by Marie-Helene Delval begins with a simplified version of creation. God creates light, the sky, moon, stars, plants, birds, and animals. Then, skipping over the creation of humans, Delval writes: "God gave the earth to men and women and their children so they could love there and make it even more beautiful!"

This story easily segues in the story of Noah: "But then people became mean, so mean that God was sorry that he had given them the world." But the story of Noah doesn't flow so smoothly into the next story: Abraham and Sarah. In fact, there is no transition at all between the two stories. Noah's story ends. Turn the page. Abraham's story begins. There is no break of any kind.

The rest of the book proceeds in this manner, running one famous Bible story into the next, mostly without transition. We learn about Jacob and the "ladder of light," baby Moses, Moses and the burning bush, God parting the sea, Moses receiving the Ten Commandments, Samuel, the anointing of David, David and Goliath, King Solomon asking for wisdom and building God's temple, Jonah, Daniel and the lions, Isaiah predicting Jesus' birth, Jesus' birth (at it's very simplest: "This great king came - the Son of God! He was a baby, born in a stable. Mary was his mother, and he was called Jesus."), a brief explanation of Jesus choosing his disciples, the parable of the lost sheep, a brief explanation that Jesus healed people, a brief explanation that some people loved Jesus and called him the Son of God but others wanted to kill him, and a brief explanation of Jesus' death and resurrection. The book ends:

"Jesus is alive forever! Jesus is the light that is stronger than the darkness!"

What I Like: I have never read a more fast-faced overview of the Bible for young children. Delval covers the basics, giving kids an almost instant idea of what is in the Bible. (Although not necessarily what the Bible is about; more on that in a moment.) The illustrations by Gotting are a bit dark in color at times, but they are refreshing, impressionistic, and less "dumbed down" than what's offered in many children's Bibles.

What I Dislike: I wish there were better transitions throughout the book. If the author could not transition via words, some sort of visual break would have been helpful. I also wish more emphasis was put on Jesus, even in the Old Testament stories. I'm also not thrilled with the portrayal of Jesus - it leaves out the most important part of the Gospel. According to Delval, Jesus' message was simply: ""Listen to the good news! God loves you all! You are his dear children!"

I also find it odd that the author mentions the Ten Commandments a couple of times, but never tells us what they are. (The accompanying illustrations show the Commandments in Hebrew, not English.) Also, there are times when the text is borderline inaccurate. For example, Delval says the Hebrews had to "work like slaves" for the Egyptians. In fact, they worked exactly like slaves because they were slaves. In another example, when writing about the resurrection, the author says Jesus rose "in the morning." This makes it sound like he wasn't dead for three days.
Overall Rating: Despite the downsides to this book, I rather like the "speed through" aspect of it, and think it makes an interesting introduction to the Bible. On this basis, I give it a rating of Good.

Age Appeal: 4 - 8.

Publishing Info: Eerdmans, 2010; ISBN: 978-0802853837; hardback, 96 pgs., $16.50

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Special Info: See our reviews of other books by this author.

Dark Sons

The parallel stories between the biblical Ishmael, and a teenager named Sam are the focus of this novel by award winning author Nikki Grimes. Dark Sons, written in free verse, is a study of both biblical and modern times.

Ishmael, always struggling with his role in Abraham's family, tries to bond with his father. He finds it difficult to watch his mother live an unappreciated life of servitude. One of the poems that stood out to me is entitled Half and Half:

"Half Chaldean.
Half Egyptian.
Half slave.
Half free.
Half loved.
Half hated.
Half blessed.
All me."

Ishmael and his mother Hagar are exiled after Abraham's aged wife Sarah is able to conceive. Seemingly alone with no one to plead their cause, they must learn that God is their refuge, the only father that Ishmael can depend on.

Sam is an African - American teen whose father leaves his mother for a young Caucasian woman. Sam wrestles with both his love for his father, and his bitterness against him for leaving their family. When his father and his new wife have a child, Sam grows to love his brother, and realizes that with the Lord's help, he will make it through this terrible time in his life. Sam reads the story of Ishmael and realizes that they are very alike:

"We're brothers,
two dark sons ...
adopted sons of a Father
who hears. it's all good.
You made it
in the end
and so will I."

What I Like: Nikki Grimes intricately weaves her words into masterful free verse. The poetry in this book is packed with emotion, and reading it drew me in like I never imagined it would. I read it from start to finish in one sitting.

What I Dislike: There are several instances of profanity in this book. Sam also says at one point, "I order myself to stop imagining Dad and Rachel rubbing up on each other around the corner ..." I really think the book could have been just as effective without these things which would make me think twice before letting a young teen read this.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: The publisher says 12-14, but I think this book is more appropriate for older teens because of the adult issues covered.

Publisher Info: Zondervan, 2010; ISBN:0310721458 ; Paperback, 208 pages; $7.99.

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Special Info: Parents should be aware that adult issues are covered in this book. There are also some instances of profanity and a sexual reference.

We've reviewed more books by Nikki Grimes. She also has a website which you may enjoy browsing.

Petunia Pepper's Picture Day

Petunia Pepper’s past record of pictures is positively pathetic. Problems like puffy hair and pink eye pop up year after year, spoiling each snapshot. This year, Petunia promises herself to finally look perfect on Picture Day.

Petunia Pepper’s Picture Day, written by Cathy Breisacher and illustrated by Christian Elden, follows second grader Petunia Pepper’s progress as she plots to preserve her prettiness for that all-important school picture. However, her plans go ker-PLOP as she plods, plunks, and plows through a progression of mishaps. In the end, she pursues and preserves a run-away poodle. Petunia’s exploits leave her looking a mess … but her perseverance also plants her picture on the front page of the local paper. At the day’s end, Petunia discovers that inner beauty is the real prize.

The plot earns extra points for how P words are placed in the story. Those piles of Ps put Petunia Pepper’s Picture Day in a prime position to teach alliteration!

At the conclusion, the author includes a letter to readers about how God loves us all just the way we are created… and how we can perceive everyday as an opportunity for a PERFECT picture day.

What I Like: I looked at this book first as an educator. The religious aspect is gentle enough to make it well suited for the public school setting. I would love to use it in my classroom. At the same time, the letter at the end appeals to those who want to further explore the scripture and ideas cleverly embedded in the story. The alliteration makes it a great tool for teaching both reading and writing. As an added bonus, the illustrations were bright, appealing, and, simply put, adorable. Both children and adults will be drawn (no pun intended) to the “cuteness” of the them.

What I Dislike: Nothing

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 4-8 years

Publisher Info: Warner Press, 2010; ISBN:978-1593173975; Hardcover, 32 pages; $14.99

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Special info: Visit the illustrator's website.

You might also like:

God Loves Us Little One

We Do Remember You

Written by Steve butler and illustrated by Grace Mayfield, We Do Remember You aims to help families grieving the death of an infant or child. Not only does it provide a picture book for families to read to surviving children filled with questions, it also offers ideas for tangible ways to act out their grief.

A group of children gather in Heaven. Some of the children died as babies and some as older children. One doesn't remember being born; she never met her family and never received a name. The story follows their discussion. One by one they share how their families on Earth remember them. Here are some of the ideas shared:

• Regular visits to the cemetery, sometimes bringing flowers or singing lulabies
• Planting and tending a special tree or rose bush
• Inviting friends for a remembrance dinner and prayer time
• Working at a children's camp, creating crafts that the deceased child would like
• Donating items to the church nursery or children's ministries
• Writing poetry

The story concludes with one of the children in Heaven praying at the same time as her brother still living on Earth. United, they thank God.

Nearly filling the pages, the illustrations match the text with softness and tranquility. They appear to be a combination of colored pencil and watercolor.

The author provides a number of wonderful resources at the back of the book. These include a large number of websites that offer additional books and/or support groups for families who have lost children in various stages of life or pregnancy. He has also quoted poems and prayers of encouragement and remembrance

What I Like: The tone is warm, loving and gentle. It's a comforting story that is sure to help those in the tides of grief. I like the ideas presented. I think it is important for families, especially children who have lost siblings, to feel free to express their grief in tangible ways. This book is a wonderful catalyst toward that end. I especially like all the resources and poems at the back of the book. They're absolutely beautiful!

What I Dislike: The illustrations do not look professional. Some parts offer great detail and technique, but other parts seem distorted and disproportional. Their inconsistencies and lack of quality greatly distract from the overall appeal of the book.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: The publisher doesn't specify. I would say 3-10.

Publisher Info: Enheart Publishing, 2009; ISBN: 0965489981; Paperback; 48 pages; $12.99

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Special Info: The children in Heaven are pictured as angels . Most are wearing diapers and sit on floating clouds. All have wings.

Nana's Tomato Patch

When Tyneisha falls asleep at Nana’s (grandma’s) house, she finds herself in the middle of a jungle with her brother Trevor. Actually they’re just in Nana’s Tomato Patch, but it feels like a jungle because they’ve been reduced to the size of insects. They must work together, along with some garden insects, to figure out a way to get back to Nana’s house.

In the process of doing so, they learn valuable lessons about trusting in God for guidance and cooperating with each other. They remember these lessons after they wake up.

Nana’s Tomato Patch, written by Jackie Alley with Shawna Lippert and Kalli Dow, is a book with two parts. The first part is the story about Tyneisha and Trevor; the second part is the TNT devotionals. TNT stands for Tyneisha-n-Trevor.

There are 30 devotionals, each one focused on a different aspect of Tyneisha and Trevor’s adventure in the garden. Each devotional features a blurb about some part of the story. This is followed by a Bible verse, a thought, a question, a challenge, and a blessing, all of which relate to that part of the story.

Black-and-white pencil sketches are used in the first part of the book to illustrated parts of the story.

What I Like: I like the idea of having a short story followed by devotionals related to the story. Parents can make this an interactive book by working through the devotionals with their children.

What I Dislike: Unfortunately, the writing of the story was a bit weak and the dialogue was somewhat stilted and unnatural. It distracts somewhat from the story although the message still comes through.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: No age group was given, but this type of book would appeal to a wide range of children, perhaps 5-12-year-olds. The younger ones will enjoy having the story read to them; older ones can read it themselves. Then, the whole family can join in and study the devotionals together.

Publisher Info: Tate Publishing, 2009; ISBN: 9781606045800; Paperback, 107 pages, $10.99.

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The Big Bible Storybook

The Big Bible Storybook, edited by Maggie Barfield, includes 188 Bible stories. Using dialog and first-person retellings, the text naturally encourages young children and adults to share quality time learning about biblical characters and events.

The stories, each just one or two pages long, are divided into chapters based on the main characters or theme. For example, the book begins with "God the Maker", a chapter that includes 10 stories about creation, the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve and the fall of mankind. The other chapter divisions are:

• Noah (3 stories)
• Abraham and Isaac (4 stories)
• Jacob and Joseph (7 stories)
• Moses and Joshua (10 stories)
• Gideon and Deborah (3 stories)
• Ruth and Samuel (5 stories)
• David and Solomon (11 stories)
• Elijah and Elisha (8 stories)
• Hezekiah and Josiah (5 stories)
• Jeremiah and Ezekiel (6 stories)
• Daniel and Esther (6 stories)
• Jonah (2 stories)
• Nehemiah (5 stories)
• Jesus is born (8 stories)
• Meeting Jesus (19 stories)
• Stories of Jesus (12 stories)
• Jesus is amazing (14 stories)
• Jesus, the best friend (10 stories)
• Jesus is alive (17 stories)
• Friends of Jesus (8 stories)
• Paul's adventures (13 stories)
• With God, for always (2 stories)
  

Aside from the interactive nature and child-friendly text, the book's great appeal comes in the illustrations. Rather than drawings, this book features colorful photographs of plush characters in still settings. The soft fabrics and faces are warm and inviting. It's exactly what children this age want to see.

A table of contents at the front and the index at the back aid readers in finding specific stories or passages quickly.

What I Like: The format is perfect for young children. The stories are just the right length for toddlers and preschoolers, but the chapters are cohesive enough and longer, which is perfect for lower-grade children! My kids LOVE this book! The photographs and the included dialog make the book a perfect catalyst for role play. My kids (ages 5 and 6) will have me read story after story while they act them out, even pulling Daddy and Grandma into the scenes. Of course, I appreciate the inclusion of Bible references with each story. This book spends a good deal of time telling the stories of the prophets. It's wonderful, something that not many children's books do.

What I Dislike: The binding could be stronger. My copy hasn't broken or fallen apart ... yet. I see warning signs and I am concerned about its lifespan, especially with the wear and tear children put on these books. My kids are 5 and 6; I'm sure the book would not have lasted this long if they were younger.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 4-8, though I think children as young as 2 would enjoy it.

Publisher Info: Candle Books, 2009; ISBN: 0825474248; Hardback; 256 pages; $18.99

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Whitney Stows Away on Noah's Ark and learns how to deal with peer pressure

Whitney Stows Away on Noah's Ark and learns how to deal with peer pressure is written by Therese Johnson Borchard and illustrated by Wendy VanNest. This book is a part of the Emerald Bible collection.

I've never read any of the other books in this collection, but the Prologue nicely explains what has happened in Whitney's life before the book begins. Whitney is in fifth grade, and she has recently moved from Michigan to Illinois. She has also just dealt with the death of her beloved Nana, whom she was very close to. Before Nana died, she left Whitney her very special Emerald Bible. This Bible allows Whitney to experience Bible stories firsthand.

Whitney succumbs to the peer pressure of her classmates in making fun of Pat Chan, a student who is very conscientious about his note taking in class. Although she feels a twinge of guilt when she joins in, she doesn't want to publicly take a stand in defense of Pat. Worse yet, her own notes are barely legible, and she could really use Pat's help. She realizes a little too late that she should have stuck up for Pat when she knew it was the right thing to do.

Turning to Nana's Bible, Whitney travels back in time and gets to meet Noah. She hears Noah being ridiculed and misunderstood by those around him. She even gets to board the ark with Noah, his family and the animals. She realizes that it is hurtful to be the subject of ridicule.

When Whitney travels back to present day through Nana's Bible, she does the right thing and calls Pat to apologize for not standing up for him and for what was right. He surprises her by offering to share his notes with her and help her study.

What I Like: This is a really imaginative way to tell a Bible story. I like Whitney's point of view, and the lessons she learns throughout the story are brought out clearly. The drawings rendered by Wendy VanNest add a lot of interest to the story. There are just so many books about Noah's Ark that it was so nice to read one that approached the story from a different angle.

What I Dislike: There isn't too much to dislike about this sweet book, but I must confess that I am bothered by the concept of a "magical" Bible.

Overall Rating: Very good

Age Appeal: 9-12

Publisher Info: Paulist Press, 2000; ISBN:0809166747 ; Paperback, 77 pages; $5.95.

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Special Info: We've reviewed other books in the Emerald Bible series. You can read those reviews here.

Angels in the Bible

Written by Elaine Murray Stone and Cathy Gustavson, Angels in the Bible begins with an introduction that seeks to answer basic doctrinal questions about angels. Such as:

• What are angels?
• Are they male or female?
• Are they always good?
• When were angels created?
• Are there different kinds of angels?
• Where did the idea of angels originate?
• Do we worship angels?
• Where do we get our information about angels?

After answering these questions, the authors retell the major Bible stories in which angels appear. The twenty-three chapters are divided into two sections: Old Testament and New Testament. They cover familiar stories -- such as Jacob's Ladder, the Fiery Furnace, and Mary, the mother of Jesus -- and stories less familiar to children -- such as Hagar, Zechariah, and John's Revelation.

Simple line drawings by Frank Sabatte provide occasional illustrations. Completely in black and white, they feature pen and ink style with cross-hatching techniques.

What I Like: This title clearly seeks to eliminate myths about angels and replace those beliefs with accurate information founded on the Bible. I especially appreciate the emphatic assertion that we are not to worship angels. The book is very well organized. I like that the chapters are short and that each includes references for further study. If kids want to know more, they know exactly where to look.

What I Dislike: I don't like the illustrations at all. They lack detail and are just odd and distracting. Fortunately, there aren't many of them, just one for each three- to four-page chapter.

More importantly, the introduction, which covers doctrine of angels, is quite ecumenical. That is to say the text equally considers beliefs, traditions and sacred texts from different denominations and religions. It combines sources from Judaism, Catholicism, Protestantism and Islam. Because of this, the information provided is noncommittal and may be considered biblically inaccurate by some. PLEASE NOTE: this criticism is only of the introduction. Reason concludes that the book is built upon the introductory doctrine, but I didn't notice this problem throughout the chapters. The main text consistently follows beliefs set forth by the Roman Catholic Church.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: 9-12

Publisher Info: Paulist Press, 2006; ISBN: 0809167298; Paperback; 80 pages; $7.95

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Special Info: This title makes a wonderful resource specifically for Roman Catholic believers. You may also be interested in our reviews of other books by this author and our reviews of other books about angels.

Healthy Living for Kids

I'm a first-time mom - yes, a paranoid, worrying first-time mom. You veteran moms can remember those days, no doubt. I am constantly concerned about getting enough vegetables, dairy, and protein in my child's diet, and making sure she's as active as she can be. I'm in the "green" generation, too. I am worried about exposing my child to VOC-laiden paint, and other harmful environmental toxins and chemicals. I'm concerned about vaccinations, SIDS, autism, childhood obesity, swine flu, and countless other diseases, illnesses, and dangers. That's it - we're never leaving the house again!

That might be going a bit overboard, but my biggest concerns for my child are that she learns to love her Creator early in life, is healthy, vibrant, and able to enjoy just being a kid. I am constantly trying to figure out good ways to enrich her body, mind, and soul. So for this month's column, I went in search of good, biblically-based, engaging healthy-living books for children - books that encourage kids to live healthy lives. I contacted most of the major Christian publishers (and some not-so-major ones) to see what they had either already published or were planning to publish that falls into that category. And...I came up dry! I was extremely surprised. I thought that in an era where Cookie Monster only eats cookies as a "sometimes food," there would surely be engaging books for kids on eating healthy and being active, from a biblical perspective. Nope!

When you look on Amazon, under the Christian books for children, there is no category for health. You will find the same thing at CBD. There are plenty of books that talk about a child's relationship with God (which is wonderful - don't get me wrong), but no books about what that means for our bodies, imaginations, etc. As a publishing industry insider, I have to say that I was definitely disappointed.

However, after a lot of digging, I did happen to find one book (for kids) that talks about taking care of yourself. While it is published by a Christian publishing house in the U.K. and distributed here in the U.S. by another Christian publisher, the book itself is not necessarily written from a Christian perspective. So, if you don't mind that it's not necessarily Christian in its presentation, it is a solid little book for children about being healthy.

Growing Strong: A Book About Taking Care of Yourself (978-0-7459-6158-3, Lion Books, paperback) talks about everything from staying clean and getting a good night's sleep, to exercising and eating well. According to the description on Amazon, "the basic aspects of leading a healthy life are all addressed in this informative look-and-learn picture book. Each image is accompanied by a brief caption that describes how simple tasks can help bodies and minds develop to their fullest potential." The book is a companion to another handy little book for kids about caring for the planet: Growing Green: A Young Person's Guide to Taking Care of the Planet (978-0-8254-7825-3, Lion Books, paperback).

Even though Growing Strong is not necessarily "religious," I think it's the sort of book that can help springboard conversations with children about why we are suppose to take care of ourselves, and why it's important to treat our bodies as a temple. But I think that could be said of most mainstream, secular books on the topic, as well. So, while we wait for more biblically-based healthy-living books for children (hello, publishers!), we can still couple the available non-religious resources with Scripture and solid parental wisdom.

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control . . ."—1 Corinthians 9:24-27a (ESV)

". . . offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship."—Romans 12:1b (NIV)

"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."—1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV)

"For this is the will of God, your sanctification: . . . that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor . . ."—1 Thessalonians 4:3a, 4a (ESV)

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship."—Romans 12:1 (ESV)