Give Books This Christmas

Still looking for presents for those hard-to-buy-for family members? These books will make great Christmas gifts for anyone on your list!

Multiple Blessings (Hardcover)
By Gosselin & Carson
Zondervan
ISBN: 978-0310289029, 187 pages

Three years after giving birth to twin daughters, Kate and Jon Gosselin became pregnant again—with sextuplets. Kate’s candid and emotionally-charged book chronicles the exhausting challenges she and Jon faced from the time the babies were conceived through the first two years of their lives, and the faith it took to get through each day.

Kate Gosselin tells the amazing story of how she and her husband, Jon, have survived the overwhelming odds of birthing not only twins but also sextuplets in three years, and how they continue to strive every day to honor Christ while he teaches them to thrive in spite of emotional, financial, social, and physical exhaustion.

Multiple Blessings is a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining read. It’s well written, detailed, and touching. I’m a fan of Jon & Kate Plus 8 (the reality TV show that records the Gosselin’s busy and unconventional life), so I was a bit worried that the book would basically be the “written version” of the TV show. Not at all. The book gives us details the TV show never has, and I was blessed and inspired by the extent of the Gosselin’s faith and trust in God. I’m happy to recommend this book, and to let folks know that Multiple Blessings would make a terrific Christmas gift.  *Reviewed by Paula Friedrichsen, a writer and speaker who lives in Central California with her family. Visit her Web site at www.PFMinistries.com.

The Greatest Words Ever Spoken: Everything Jesus Said about You, Your Life, and Everything Else (Hardcover)
By Steven K. Scott
WaterBrook
ISBN: 978-1400074624, 544 pages

Haven’t you wished you could ask Jesus any question and get his immediate help with the biggest problems you face? Now you can.

For the first time ever, all of the statements Jesus made in the New Testament have been brought together and organized under more than 200 topics. When you want to know his will in a specific area of life, or you’re seeking the answer to a perplexing question, or you are desperate for his encouragement, comfort, or wisdom–you can easily find the help you need.

The moment you turn to the appropriate topic heading, you will have access to the breadth of Jesus’ teaching on that subject. You can also use this book as a guide for studying Jesus’ wisdom on any topic of interest, such as prayer, forgiveness, eternity, anger, temptation, relationships, grace, or knowing God.

In The Greatest Words Ever Spoken Steven K. Scott, best selling author of The Richest Man Who Ever Lived, has done what no author before him has done; compiled and organized every word of Jesus into 200 topics. This substantial book (over 500 pages) is beautifully designed and expertly organized. It would make the perfect gift for pastors, teachers, bible students, or really just any Bible-loving Christian who loves to study God’s word!   *Reviewed by Paula Friedrichsen, a writer and speaker who lives in Central California with her family. Visit her Web site at www.PFMinistries.com.

Generation G: Advice for Savvy Grandmothers Who Will Never Go Gray
By Marty Norman
Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 978-0785228127, 186 pages

Advice from the heart of a rather hip and savvy Baby Boomer grandmother offers insight for grandmothering in the twenty-first century. 

This handbook provides encouragement for grandmothers with the real issues they face today. Seven sections of essays challenge grandmothers to become healers, peacemakers, repairers of the breach in families, and to celebrate life transitions and aging. Topics, both humorous and serious, range from the importance of choosing a name, waiting at the hospital, and getting wrinkles to blended families, step-grandparenting, in-laws, boundaries, and dying. 'Generation G' will inspire grandmothers to realize their calling is great and their gift, of themselves, essential.

Beautifully written and even a little poetic at times, this book is arranged into essays about growing older, motherhood, and becoming a grandparent. It offers gentle advice, enjoyable and humorous personal stories, and lighthearted encouragement for those women who find themselves transitioning from motherhood to grandmother-hood.  Generation G would make a unique and delightful Christmas gift—and the price is right too! *Reviewed by Paula Friedrichsen, a writer and speaker who lives in Central California with her family. Visit her Web site at www.PFMinistries.com.

What In the World Is Going On?: 10 Prophetic Clues You Cannot Afford to Ignore (Hardcover)
By Dr. David Jeremiah
Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 978-0785228875, 257 pages

Is the current economic and political crisis actually prophesied in the Bible? If so, what are we to do about it?  It is hard to piece together all this information in a way that gives a comprehensive picture of what the end times will look like. That's why so many theories abound. And that's why Dr. David Jeremiah has written 'What In the World Is Going On?', a unique book that cuts through the hundreds of books and numerous theories to identify the essential 10 most important bible prophecies. There is no other book like this.  You'll find it the ultimate study tool for understanding the future. You'll have a greater sense of comfort that, even in these crazy times, God is indeed in control. If bible prophecy as always been a mystery to you, Dr. Jeremiah's book will help you solve the mystery.

I’ll admit that I thought twice about putting What in the World is Going On? on my suggested list of books that would make great Christmas gifts. I mean, a book about Islamic terrorism, the anti Christ, and Armageddon doesn’t seem all that Christmassy, right? But then I got to thinking about how topsy-turvy and upsetting our current economy, culture, and world at large is—and it made perfect sense to suggest this book as a Christmas gift. I found it riveting, easily digestible, and eye-opening. Whether you’re buying for a serious Bible student, pastor, or just your average Christian, Dr. Jeremiah’s What in the World is Going On? offers readers knowledge, insight, and best of all hope! *Reviewed by Paula Friedrichsen, a writer and speaker who lives in Central California with her family. Visit her Web site at www.PFMinistries.com.

For The Kids on Your List: Check out these great new titles for children!

• Historical data & timelines
• Animals in Scripture
• Art inspired by the Bible
• Maps of key places and journeys

The Reindeer Chronicles: The Great Candy Cane Caper
By Joe C. Watson
Xulon Press
ISBN: 978-1-60647-006-0, 112 pages

What is life like at the North Pole? A new children’s book gives insight into the magical Christmas village where Santa, his elves, and his reindeer prepare to distribute presents on Christmas Eve.

The Great Candy Cane Caper is the first book in The Reindeer Chronicles series, written by author Joe C. Watson. The novel centers around two young reindeer, PJ and Zipper, who are learning to fly so they can one day pull Santa’s sleigh like their elders.

The two deer enjoy their carefree life in the village until they are approached one day by a stranger, Baddey Twoshoes, who entices them with a promise to make them famous. What the two reindeer do not know is that Twoshoes has developed an evil plot to ruin Christmas, and he plans to use them to help him pull it off. From there, the countdown is on to see if the reindeer will realize their mistake in time to save Christmas. Along the way, the two young deer learn valuable lessons about honesty and responsibility.

Illustrated Children's Bible
Envoy House Publishers
480 pages

Is there anything meaningful under the Christmas tree?  In the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, the distractions of holiday preparations can easily eclipse the truth at the heart of the celebration: Emmanuel, God with us.  This Christmas, parents can bring the true meaning of Christmas into focus by placing a special gift under the tree—a colorfully illustrated Bible from a series that has reached an estimated 240 million people in 160 countries.

Envoy House Publishers is introducing a brand new illustrated version of the New Testament just in time for Christmas gift-giving.  “Many kids think the Bible has small text and no pictures, and if there are pictures, they’re probably boring.  Our version brings kids the New Testament and selected Old Testament passages filled with illustrations that make it easier to read,” says Envoy House Publishers President David Hunt.  “The presentation is simple, effective, and captivating.”

This new version of the New Testament is the latest product in The Most Important Story Ever Told (MIS) series, which originated with the creation of a 32-page presentation of God’s plan of salvation.  Each individual book of the Bible includes an introduction to the book and writer, background facts, and interesting details to look for in the following pages.  It also includes a section that challenges memorization of key scriptures, a map where kids can discover where Jesus did different things, and a dictionary that explains words essential to understanding our faith.  This is a fun and easy way to come to know God and start reading the Bible.

Because the MIS New Testament, along with all other MIS children’s products, is always wholesale priced, it is only available directly from Envoy House Publishers.  To place an order, and to view a complete list of products, visit http://www.mostimportantstory.net/mis-product-details.php?id=135.

Sydney Claire: A Girl ’n Grace in the 1960’s
By Pam Davis
Authentic Publishing, 80 pages
ISBN: 978-1-934-068-78-6