The Book Thief

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is the story of a young girl, Liesel Meminger, living in Nazi Germany during World War II. As Liesel and her brother make the journey to live with foster parents, he dies along the way. At her brother's gravesite, Liesel snatches her first book- The Grave Digger's Handbook. It becomes a treasured possession, even though she cannot read or write. 

Liesel moves in with her foster parents, Rosa and Hans Hubermann, and soon meets Rudy Steiner, a boy who becomes her best friend. Liesel learns to read, and continues stealing books, including one banned by Hitler.

When Max Vandenburg, a Jew, shows up at the Hubermanns door, the family risks their lives to hide him in their basement.

The Book Thief is a popular book club selection. The novel contains the themes of courage, love, loss, abandonment, guilt, and the power of words which was my favorite theme of the book. Proverbs 18: 21 says, "Death and Life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." Words have the power to save and heal; words also have the power to destroy. Liesel both loves words and hates words. She witnesses the destruction of Hitler's words, and she experiences the healing, comforting words of her foster father.

The novel is appropriate for teens and adults. It presents opportunities for dynamic dialogue between parents and teens. Zusak masterfully uses strong imagery. The book contains curse words and violence (in the form of beatings). It's worth reading!

The Book Thief was released as a movie in 2013.

Have you read The Book Thief? Who is your favorite character and why?

February's Choice: Mimi & Grandpa's Book of the Month

After World War II, Joseph Stalin blocked the Allies access to West Berlin, Germany. The Allies responded by air lifting food and supplies to the people. Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot, by Margot Theis Raven, is the true story of American pilot, Gail Halvorsen, who flew over Berlin dropping gum and chocolate candy to children affected by the blockade. Mercedes watched the sky, waiting.. hoping... for chocolate.

I chose this uplifting story because it's about demonstrating courage and kindness to help desperate people. It's about doing the right thing, even when it's hard. It's also the story that inspired "Mimi & Grandpa's Book of the Month."

Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot was a 2003-04 nominee for the Texas Bluebonnet Award, a 2004- 05 Children's Crown Honor Book, and a 2006 Bill Martin Jr. Picture Book Award nominee. 

What story inspires you?

Valentine Prayers - A Special Touch

Children, of all ages, love receiving mail!  I send greeting cards to each grandchild regardless how near or far away they live. The dollar store is my favorite place to purchase nice cards for a low price.

For a special touch, I personalize each card with a unique, handwritten prayer.  Here are three tips for writing prayers to include in your greeting cards:

1.  Acknowledge an attribute of God such as loving, faithful, good, merciful, or powerful.

2. Give thanks for the recipient, and for their character, gifts, talents, or abilities. 

3. Ask the LORD to help the child be or do something, such as "Be kind to family members" or "Obey their parents."

  Here's an example of my Valentine Prayer:

Mighty God, you are our all-powerful Creator. Thank you for Buddy. Because you are a good God, you have a good plan for his life. Help Buddy to love you, and to love and be kind to others. Amen.

(Ephesians 4: 32).

 

Because my grandchildren are young, I keep each prayer short and simple, using vocabulary they know. As they grow, I can lengthen my prayers for them. I also like to include the Scripture references for  Bible verses I prayed. When the child reads these Scriptures, it helps them develop an awareness that you are praying God's Word. As they learn and memorize Bible verses, they too can pray God's Word.

Blessings to you and yours on Valentine's Day!

To whom will you send a Valentine card? Why is this person special?

Kindness Every Day

Random Acts of Kindness Week is February 9- 15, 2015. The RAK Foundation's purpose is to inspire a culture of kindness in schools, homes, and communities. Being kind is a good thing.

"Random" means "proceeding, made, or occurring without definite aim, reason, or pattern." It can also be defined as "odd and unpredictable."

God's not random.  He has prepared good works for me (Ephesians 2: 10). He gives me multiple opportunities throughout the day to extend kindness. It's my responsibility to be still and listen to His voice.

Since my kindness "fail", I've been more attentive to the Holy Spirit's nudges.  After a delightful conversation with a nurse practitioner, the LORD prompted me to give her a hug. So I did. 

Develop the holy habit of showing kindness, not just one week a year, but every single day. 

Abba Father, thank you for your lovingkindness! Thank you for your forgiveness, and for sacrificing your one and only son on our behalf. Give us an awareness of the opportunities you provide  to show kindness to our family, friends, and  strangers. Help us model kindness to our children and grandchildren. May kindness become our daily habit. Amen.

 It's always a good day to show kindness. How has someone shown kindness to you?