{Who Sang The First Song?} by Ellie Holcomb

I recently had the chance to review the A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E book by Ellie Holcomb (illustrated by Kayla Harren) Who Sang the First Song?  This book is Ellie's first book.

First, knowing Ellie's amazing Christian music heritage is just a plus. (I grew up hearing of Brown Banister's work!).  Add in her musical and motherhood experience and you have what you need for a beautiful book!

Much should be said as well for the beautiful illustrations by Kayla Harren in Who Sang the First Song?  Each page comes to life with the amazing pictures!

This book is perfect for bedtime reading or even bedtime singing. It would make an ideal gift for children ages newborn to age five.  After some repeated reading five year olds (even younger) may memorize the words and be able to "read it" themselves!

I was given a free copy for my honest review.

More Jesus Less Chaos ~ Book Review

I recently had the opportunity to read Sacred Holidaysby Becky Kiser.  This author was new to me, but apparently has quite a Facebook and blog following. In fact, refining the holidays and making them sacred was something new for me to think about.  Granted, I have thought about holidays and family traditions, but this book does offer a new perspective!

In Sacred Holidays, Becky, encourages the reader to take baby steps. I appreciate the fact that she shares that one cannot do it all and high encourages baby steps!  I love her all or nothing mentality that she figts to overcome.  Becky shares, “I’m the person who is either 5 percent or 155 percent in.” (page 20). Hence the need for baby steps!  

Becky also offers grace for those who start to refine their holidays. I love the tagline of the book, “Less Chaos, More Jesus”.  Becky shares, “…be flexible, give yourself grace, and find the way that the Lord unfolds for you.” (page 43).

This book offers several practical (and I’m ALLabout practical!) tips of suggested holiday ideas.  It is balanced with the idea of not to overwhelm! I can’t wait to look up the summer bucket list on her website!  

Becky does touch on the sometimes Christian “controversial” topics of Santa, the Easter Bunny and Halloween.  It was interesting to read her take on each and possibly agree to disagree, which the author graciously allows.  

It was interesting to reflect on the fact that “While our culture is very much removing the celebration of Christ from Christmas, it has very little intention of removing Christmas.” (page 126).  How do that impact how Christians respond?

I enjoyed reading Sacred Holidaysand appreciated the new perspective it offered.  Becky writes, “My greatest advice to you , as it is throughout this book, is to ask the Lord what this holiday should look like for you. Remember that you are forming a sacred way and that won’t happen overnight and be done perfectly in one season. One baby step at a time, one year after another.” (page 126).

I was given a free copy of Sacred Holidays by Becky Kiser for my honest review.