Christmas Greetings from BABY ELI ~ A "Jesus Loves You!" Book Review ~ Update on LD

"I will praise Thee: for Thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation."
Psalm 118:21
(KJV)

As many of you know, we started out the year 2017 with some very troubling news.
My niece, Kristen, who was expecting a baby, had a blood clot that had traveled into her lung,
and she had collapsed at the Emergency Room.
What followed were many months of me asking you, dear friends, to lift her and her little unborn baby in prayer.
You were faithful to pray.
And, GOD!
He was faithful to answer in such a miraculous way.

The result ended up being one of the major highlights of the year, when on July 5th, one super-special little man, named Eli, made his grand entrance into our family and lives.

(You can see his very first picture and read about that happy day, by clicking HERE.)
It is hard to believe that over five months have passed since little Eli's arrival,
and, now, he is enjoying his very first Christmas!

Isn't he just a little doll?
I keep saying he just gets cuter by the day!
Oh, friends!
We are SO grateful to God for this precious little bundle of joy,
and each time I think of him, I am constantly reminded of the amazing miracle God performed,
in answer to all of our prayers.

Things could have turned out so differently, and I never, ever take what God did for us for granted.
He is such a dear baby, and oh, the brightness he brings into this world!

Today, he decided he would try to get out of his chair, while no one was looking!

(Or so, he thought...)

This is what happened when he realized he was caught red-handed!!!!

Oh, my word!
That face!!
He is downright hilarious and has such a personality!!!
What a dollbaby!
We will never cease praising God for the way He intervened on behalf of this little guy and his Mommy.
She still has some residual health concerns, but, thankfully, for the most part, all is well, praise God!
He is so faithful!!

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I've never done book reviews on this blog in the past, but when someone reached out to me recently and asked if I would review a book called, "Jesus Loves You!", I couldn't refuse.

Any way that I can spread the message of His love...well, that is a-okay with me!

So, I got the book in the mail, and I just had a chance to sit down and read it tonight.

This is my honest review, and I received no compensation.

At first glance, I thought this book would be geared towards very young children and could be used as an introduction to who Jesus is and His love for them.

However, when I got into the reading of the book, I realized that the writer refers to events that happen much later in life and are more of a mature nature.

There are references to asking a girl to dance, a "first romantic kiss", a painful relationship break-up, a "co-worker who you thought was totally cute", and marriage to "that cute co-worker".

The author also refers to aging parents.

My personal opinion is that the book may not be age-appropriate for small children.

Small children cannot relate to the seasons of adolescence, adulthood, and old age,

and I don't think they would, at that point, find the content relevant.

The intention of the message of the book is that Jesus loves us so much, and He remains with us all throughout life.

Through the good times, the bad times, and all times in between, He is there,

steadfast and unmovable.

The book is written in a very basic way, and I think young children could understand the words, but the intended message would definitely be best received by those who have experienced life, firsthand, and who have already walked through the stages mentioned.

The illustrations are simplistic, but colorful, bright, and attractive.

It is 13 pages long and is a quick read.

All in all, I would most recommend this book to older teenagers and adults who are learning about Jesus for the first time.

The book is published by Lighthouse Christian Publishing and can be purchased HERE.

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I also wanted to share an update on my brother-in-law, LD, who is battling stage 4 lung cancer.

He has had pneumonia for an extended period of time, and is still in much need of prayer, 

as he continues more radiation treatments and will soon start chemotherapy.

We truly appreciate all of the prayers you have prayed on his behalf, and we are still believing God to send the miracle he needs.

Thank you so much for continuing to pray for him!

UPDATE AT 6:25 PM:

LD is at the emergency room in very serious condition.

PLEASE PRAY!!

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In closing, I wanted to share one of my new favorite Christmas songs.

I think this is the first year I remember hearing this song, and oh, my, as I listened to the choir singing it at church the other night, I was so moved.

The message just makes me cry.

It is so beautiful.

I hope you can listen to this version by "4 Him" I found on youtube.

A Strange Way To Save The World - 4 Him

I hope all of you are enjoying this wonderful Christmas season!!
I love and appreciate each one of you dear readers, and I am praying for each one of you as I type these words.
Merry Christmas!!!