My Favorite Children's Book is Now a Movie

During my childhood and even college years, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs was my favorite children's book. In fact, when my sister Hannah was in 4th grade, I read it to her class on National Reading Day.

Now this book has been turned into a movie! The story is going to be much different than the book, but I'm sure Hannah, Vince, the boys and myself will be there as soon as it comes out this Fall.

The Little Engine that Could

One of the activities that Grafton and I love doing together is reading books.  I happen to love Children's Books (which is a good thing since my degree is in Elementary Education) and started reading to him when he was only 4 months old.  

Every night at bedtime I let him choose two books for us to read. He will usually pick the same two books every night for a few weeks and then move onto something new.

His current favorite is the classic "The Little Engine that Could" by Watty Piper.

I love reading this to him because it is the first book I remember my kindergarten teacher reading to me.  As a five-year-old, I was so impressed by the little engine who took on the almost impossible task of pulling heavy train cars filled with toys and food for children over a mountain when all of the "important" engines scoffed at them and went by.

I am still inspired by this story because it reminds me of the power of the spoken word.  Even though this task seemed impossible, the little engine kept saying, "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can" until he reached his destination.

There have been several times in my life when I have been faced with tasks that seem too difficult.  That's when I recite Philippians 4: 19 "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me."  I cling to this verse the same way the little engine clung to his simple saying.

I love how the Lord teaches and encourages me in the midst of basic mother & child activities. Who knew you could get a spiritual lesson out of "The Little Engine that Could"?

This makes me excited to find out what Grafton's next favorite bedtime story will be!

I Highly Recommend this Book

Left to Tell is not a book I would have chosen to read on my own because of its intense subject matter. However, my book club chose this for our current reading selection so I decided to give it try. I am glad I did!

It's the true story of Immaculee Ilibagiza, a young woman who lived in Rwanda during the genocide in the mid-90's. She survived by hiding in a 4 foot by 3 foot bathroom of a pastor's house with 7 other women for 3 months! What makes her story so incredible is the way that God remained close and faithful to her during this horrific time.  He definitely was her "refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble" Psalm 46:1.

Reading this book helped me to put my own trials into perspective, encouraged me lean on the Lord like never before, and understand the freeing power of forgiveness.