In Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing, Sally Lloyd-Jones takes Bible accounts and accounts from the lives of well known Christians, breaks them into small, bite-sized pieces that children can easily comprehend, and then ties in Scripture that shows God's great love, grace, and mercy towards us.
Each devotional page contains two to three small paragraphs that discuss a specific Bible account or a simplified biography of a well known Christian from history and relates the account to the particular biblical principle being focused on that day. The reading is followed up by a verse or paraphrase of a verse that completes the reading.
For instance, on page 186, the biblical principle is that faith in Christ brings light. The author briefly explains that most people believe faith is blind, but God's Word says the opposite. She goes on to show how John Newton, the author of the hymn "Amazing Grace," explained the change in his life with the words, "I once was blind... but now I see!" The selection ends with a reading of John 8:12.
Each devotional page contains two to three small paragraphs that discuss a specific Bible account or a simplified biography of a well known Christian from history and relates the account to the particular biblical principle being focused on that day. The reading is followed up by a verse or paraphrase of a verse that completes the reading.
For instance, on page 186, the biblical principle is that faith in Christ brings light. The author briefly explains that most people believe faith is blind, but God's Word says the opposite. She goes on to show how John Newton, the author of the hymn "Amazing Grace," explained the change in his life with the words, "I once was blind... but now I see!" The selection ends with a reading of John 8:12.
At the end of the book, there is a "Bibliography and Sources- (or More Things to Think About)" section with a list of where the author sites direct quotes from others (C. S. Lewis, D. L. Moody, and Jonathan Edwards, to name a few) that were used throughout the book.
The presentation of this book makes it perfect to give as a gift. The leather bound edition comes in an illustrated box that matches the illustrations inside the book.
What I Like: Each devotional in Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing is short (most being one page)
but holds a lot for one to think about.
is short (most being one page)
but holds a lot for one to think about.
For me, one of the highlights of Sally Lloyd-Jones books has always been the illustrations. Once again, Sally Lloyd-Jones has teamed up with Jago (the illustrator of The Jesus Story-book Bible), who does not disappoint! The illustrations are a perfect match for the devotional of the day. Recalling the illustration brings to mind the passage for the day, and vice versa.
What I Dislike: I liked everything about this book.
Overall Rating:
Excellent.
Age Appeal: The publisher states the age range at juvenile. I think children 5-12 years old
would enjoy this book.
Publisher Info: Zonderkids, 2012; ISBN: 978-0-310-74338-5; paperback (leather bound), 224 pgs., $22.99
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