40 Days to Better Living: Optimal Health

Scott Morris

(Church Health Center)

One of many resources available from the largest faith-based clinic of its type in the U.S., this volume provides clear, manageable steps to achieve maximum overall health through life-changing attitudes and actions. Although the approach of Optimal Health may seem simplistic to some readers, the accountability factor and clear focus may be necessary for persons requiring more discipline to make needed lifestyle changes. And, the 40-day plan makes it a good companion for this season’s Lenten journey.

The book’s colorful and inviting layout, practical advice, biblical encouragement, and stories of real people who’ve taken the same journey make it quite approachable. Each week’s section begins with a one-page real-life story and then follows this progression:

Day 1 = Beginnings

Day 2 = Directions

Day 3 = Goals

Day 4 = Expectations

Day 5 = First steps

Day 6 = One step forward, one step back

Day 7 = Celebration

Each day’s section starts with a short morning reflection, followed by practices in the 7-step model -- faith, medical, movement, work, emotional, family and friends, and nutrition -- and ends with an “evening wrap-up” and a prayer.

The Beginner’s Bible Book of Prayers

(Zonderkidz)

Constructed of durable, padded board, this book is good for parents and their preschoolers to use together at bedtime or for the children to use while sitting in “big church.” The 20 short prayers, accompanied by humorous, cartoon-like illustrations in vibrant colors,  are helpful in teaching children how to pray while introducing them to Scripture and Bible characters and modern-day application of key concepts such as gratitude, hard work, forgiveness, wisdom, listening, courage, friendship, purpose, peace, sharing, kindness, security, honesty, love, contentment, happiness, generosity, patience, God’s family and prayer

Little Lion’s Bible/Little Lamb's Bible

(Zonderkidz)

With a soft, fuzzy, plush cover – complete with an adorable face and ears appropriate for said animal – each of these small books would make a nice gift for the upcoming Easter season. Children ages 2-5 could proudly take the books to church or other places and learn from them the basics of 10 Bible stories. Written in their language using rhyming text, and enhanced by colorful, delightful illustrations, they teach children that they are loved and cared for by God.

The Pocket Bible Doodle Book

(Zonderkidz)

What a great activity book for young children to use during “big church” or in other places requiring them to be still and quiet! It invites older preschooler and lower elementary age children to draw, imagine, color and dream as they learn Bible stories. 

This simple little book comes in a choice of colors – green and blue – and offers unfinished black-and-white drawings and humorous text that introduce most of the classical Bible stories. The patriarchal narratives, 10 Plagues and other Old Testament stories are especially inviting. 

Especially commendable is the face that the images allow much opportunity for self-expression and interpretation among the artistically-inclined, but the prompts also help less-creative youngsters feel successful with their work.

Shimmers of Light

By Chuck Queen

(Resource Publications)

Advent invites us to remember and anticipate, but also to celebrate the presence of Christ in the present. To aid in this celebration, Chuck Queen offers “shimmers of light” such as gratitude, hope, renewal, a world made whole, divine love, transforming grace and deeper joy.

He explains in the introduction to his book: “It is my hope that amid all the glitter, glamour, gladness, and grief of the Christmas season, you will find some shimmers of light in these spiritual reflections that will enlarge your vision of God’s kingdom, expand your love for all persons, and evoke your creative participation with God’s project to heal and transform our world.”  

With this goal in mind, Queen’s “shimmers” are less tied to Christmas themes and therefore provide challenges appropriate for other times of the year. He ably weaves together scriptural wisdom, theological reflection, pastoral insight, and illustrations from film, literature and contemporary experience that could be used in sermons or as devotional reading.