The Damsel’s Files

Ideal Books to Read and Reflect on These Remaining Days of Lent

We only have few days before the sacred season is over and Jesus will be resurrected. In these remaining days of Lent, we should uplift our games and do our part as Christians to self-reflect and honor this holy season. Jesus went through a lot of agonies in order to save humankind from sin; thus, even when multiple generations have passed, we should strengthen our faith, be thankful, and be respectful to Him. However, our salvation wouldn’t be possible without God the Father, who brought His son to the world, and the Holy Trinity.

Moreover, literature has been always there to cater to our spiritual needs. There are many Christian books that center on Christian theology, Christian devotion, Christian allegory, and more. All of these kinds of books aim to help everyone to rebuild our spirituality, reflect on our actions, answer to His calls, recognize His ways, and get closer to Him. Thus, the titles below are among the most ideal books to read and reflect in these sacred days.

Stations of the Risen Christ: Resurrection Meditations by Frank Heelan

Frank’s book on Resurrection Meditations offers Christians a brand-new choice when it comes to devotion and worship. Heelan aims to encourage everyone to begin praying while following the acts and lessons of Jesus, especially right after he was resurrected. The Savior was crucified, died, and resurrected. But after he came back to life, Jesus appeared to hundreds of followers and taught them great learning including the gospel. Moreover, Stations of the Risen Christ: Resurrection Meditations features a short meditation after the 14 Scripture readings in order to inspire the Disciples of Christ to pray and obtain a more profound understanding of these heavenly mysteries.

Spirit and Life: A Franciscan Guide for Spiritual Reflection by Daniel Horan and Julianne Wallace

The book Spirit and Life: A Franciscan Guide for Spiritual Reflection by Danie Horan and Julianne Wallace was published by Koinonia Press last 2013. It is a guide book, personal journal, and devotional anthology of prayers that is intended for those who want to reflect and grow spiritually. The book contains a Scriptural resource with Franciscan spirituality and theology as its strong foundation. It is written to emphasize the spirituality of unity that holds the faith of Christians and leads the Franciscan customs. Hence, Spirit and Life is perfect for everyone who wants to have a better relationship with the Him and answer to His callings.

A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson

The reissue edition of A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of “A Course in Miracles” by Marianne Williamson was published by HarperOne in 1996. This bestselling book contains the personal reflections and insights of the author pertaining to the ways of showing love while also looking for inner peace. The author talks about how everyone can turn into a wonderful miracle worker through embracing God and through the manifestation of love in our lives. Whether the spiritual pain within the bounds of connection, career, or well-being, the author helps us see how love becomes a potent aspect of our lives.

The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael Alan Singer

This Amazon and New York Times bestseller book that was published in 2007 was written by Michael Singer. The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself provides you the most relevant and best answers to the questions relating to freedom, development, and inner peace. This book attempts to change your relationships with the world and yourself. Hence, you will soon see how much potential and ways you can try to stop the constant thoughts and feelings that restrict your consciousness.

The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren

This New York Times bestselling book was written by Pastor Rick Warren and was published in 2013. It helps the readers to get a better grasp about their life’s purpose. The Purpose Driven Life is not just a mere book because it is an instrument that will guide everyone on their spiritual path. Through this book’s guidance, people are given the chance to change their lives. There are different questions in life that will be gradually given answers by this book.

Exceptional Female Authors You Should Know

For the past years, literature has been there welcoming great and brilliant women that desire to express their emotions and d ideas to make a change. There are many books that were genuinely written to let out the voice of the oppressed and wronged while there are various novels that were sincerely written to show positivity amid tough times. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, Beloved by Toni Morrison, I Know Why the Cage Bird Sings by Maya Angelou, and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen are some of the remarkably written books by strong female authors.

Women and literature truly have that relationship where they bring the best out of one another. The former writing notable stories while the latter allowing them to be free and safe. So, to commemorate the International Women’s Month, listed below are the outstanding contemporary female authors that you should take note of.

W. Veronica Lisare

W. Veronica Lisare is the author of The Other Side of Fear: My Journey Into Perfect Love. She poured her heart out writing the beautiful novel expressing her thoughts and writing down her experiences to inspire people. The core motivation of her writing journey was to encourage people to put their faith and trust the Almighty Father and realize that their past will not rule their future. Lisare, moreover, is not just a great author but also a wonderful mom, grandmother, former nurse, and previous missionary who shares God’s word in any way that she can.

Judith Wright Favor

An amazing author who penned Sabbath Economics: A Spiritual Guide Linking Love with Money is one of the many things that describe Judith Wright Favor in the world of literature. Furthermore, Judith is known to be a spiritual counselor who works smoothly and sacredly along with pastors and inmates. She is also a teacher who loves witnessing the light dawn in the eyes of individuals as she provides stories, tranquility, and observation to difficult and troublesome topics. Another defining aspect about Favor is that she is a keen listener. She learned this skill from her mother and she executes this ability for quite a while now.

Monique Boyd

Monique Boyd is an accomplished career woman who wrote the thrilling romantic suspense novel Jasmine: A Woman of Color. For more than 30 years, Boyd has been on the office administration field serving between the Spirit AeroSystems and Boeing Company. She already got multiple certifications that strengthen her role in the career industry that she has chosen. What made her more notable is that she may have used her knowledge as a Senior Executive Assistant to a Senior Vice President for exactly 21 years to create a strong and impactful protagonist that has quite similar job description to her.

Alana Konieczka

Children’s book authors are among the most promising writers in literature and Alana Konieczka is one of them. She is the author of A Kid’s Love: Loving, Learning, Growing, book intended for children with an inspiring message. Alana has been part of the literary community for a long time now. She started of becoming an eager reader, then an amazing President of The Friends of the Library, and lastly a great author. Additionally, what she loved the most in becoming an author is hearing the feedback of the readers and knowing that her work is being used to teach children.

Jaime Fidler

Jaime Fidler is the author of the heartwarming poetry book titled Jaime’s Inspirations: Poems from the Heart & Mind. She is a published poet with works that have been inspiring people since their publication. In fact, two of her poems made it to the National Book of Poetry. The recognition of her works generated her drive to continue making exceptional and beautiful masterpieces. She currently resides on BC’s west coast, specifically on the little community of Aldergrove. Jaime is living with her two kids, whom both motivated her to produce her poetry book, and her two furry friends. Moreover, Jaime Fidler is wishing for her words and messages would move others and encourage them to find their own methods of coping up and taming different extreme emotions as well as the ups and downs of life.

The Lenten Season: Significant Days that You Should Know

Lent is an annual 40-day event commemorated by the Christian community from the different parts of the world. This is a time of preparation for the Easter. It is the fresh start that leads Christians to a journey to Easter, which is the time when Jesus was resurrected. This season essentially tells us to reflect and change. Christians are requested to genuinely and sincerely return to God, to decline to be satisfied for mediocrity, and to develop in friendship with God.

There are many ways to deepen our spirituality during this holy season. Fasting, the act of consuming lesser food is the most common activity observed by Christians. Abstaining from eating meat and giving material things to the less fortunate are also among the events done by the members of the Christian community. Since this is also time for reflection, reading Christian books is also a great way to look back on your ways and strengthen your faith in Him. Come Climb Towards God: Are You Hungry for God? is a powerful guidebook by Albritton that is really ideal to read this season.

Apart from the activities mentioned above, there also many practices that you should observe on this penitential season. Stations of the Cross, praying the rosary every day, doing acts of charity, spiritual reading, etc. are some of the best practices done in this 40-day. Many churches also offer special confession sessions to give opportunities for others to complete their penitential practices. Everyone is also encouraged mass on Sundays and special days of Lent. But if you still have little knowledge about the significant days of this holy season, then here is what you should know.

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent and the period of penance. It is a sacred reminder of the essence of reconciliation with the Lord. The ashes and fasting are two of the typical practices during this event. The ashes that came from the burnt palms utilized from the last Palm Sunday are given to Christians who attended the Ash Wednesday mass through drawing the shape of a cross on their foreheads.

Fridays of the Season

The Fridays of the season are not the usual normal Fridays where everyone looks forward for the weekend. During the Fridays, Christians, especially those who are 14 years old and above, are obligated to abstain from consuming meat to pay respect and observe the days of penance.

Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday is the indication that the the Holy Triduum starts in the evening through the celebration at the Last Supper of the Institution of the Eucharist. During the Last Supper, Christ shows the model for the Holy Communion. Jesus starts to foresee the happenings that would instantly take place, such the Judas’ betrayal, Peter’s denial, His death, and His resurrection.

Good Friday

Good Friday is the day where Christians honor Jesus Christ’s crucifixion. During the early period of Christianity, this particular Friday is deemed to be the day of sorrow, abstinence, fasting, and penance. It is considered as a vital day of the year, which the Christian community remembers the moment when Jesus had suffered and was crucified in order to save everyone from sin. 1 Peter 2:24 is one of the many bible verses that tackles the event that happened on Good Friday, “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

Holy Saturday

The day following Good Friday and preceding Easter is called Holy Saturday. This is the last day of fasting. Moreover, Jesus is in the tomb facing and conquering death. Christians often conduct a vigil to wait for Jesus’s resurrection. Protestant churches consider this day as the event of contemplation; thus, no special activities are conducted.

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday marks the resurrection of Christ. The Christian family celebrates His return and His triumph over death. During this day, we also honor the hope of salvation. Christian custom holds that it is Jesus who saved humankind from sins and His return from the dead symbolizes the anticipation that the followers can possess in their own resurrection.

Signs that You Are Being Catfished

Catfishing is not new and many people have become victims of this fraudulent act. Young and old alike have been deceived from by online predators. So, what does catfishing mean? Catfishing is a crime that occurs online when someone assumes a false identity with the intent to obtain money from the victim. These cybercriminals also catfishes people to earn their trust, gain sensitive information, and other personal information. The goal and common tactic is to develop a friendship, flirt or flatter the victim and then convince them to send cash or gift cards until they have drained the victims’ bank account.

Being too trusting in this deceiving world can become a bad thing. Imagine working hard to earn money and achieve financial stability, but end up penniless due to these fraudulent acts. Seniors are among the most trusting people in the world. They just have genuine and big hearts and other wonderful qualities. They are often genuine with big hearts and predators and other cybercriminals often see them as easy prey. Hence, as the caregiver for your elderly family member, you should educate them (and yourself) about catfishing and other online scams that might harm them.

As a caregiver, it is your responsibility to protect the vulnerable generation. Having knowledge of scams and methods cybercriminals utilize is as important as knowing your loved one’s medications. Take for example how Eleanor Gaccetta a sole caregiver for a loved one broke the age gap barriers and has communicated with her aged mother about independence and frauds to keep her safe — which you can read in her book One Caregiver’s Journey.

You can give them random but constant warnings about getting suspicious messages in their social media accounts and even in calls they receive by phone. The chat messages that are sent by strangers are from handsome men or beautiful women but few other details. Those messages should represent a red flag warning. Therefore being a caregiver doesn’t only mean that you have to assist them in their daily routine but also mean that you have to become their advisers with a constant eye on their online information..

Furthermore, listed below are the common red flags that you should take be aware of. If you have experienced these events, then you naturally put your guard up and become less trusting of people. Share these signs with your elderly loved one to recognize if someone is attempting to catfish them and share them often. Don’t forget to remind them to always keep communicating with you and seek your advice if they’ve experienced any of these red flags.

They have little information on their site, few pictures.
They decline your video chat invitation – phone doesn’t accept messages, can’t hear and can’t call.
They cannot send random selfies
They have few followers or friends
They don’t post that much
The have foreign addresses or are in the military.

They constantly reply to your text messages

They won’t answer your calls
They have amazing personal or career backgrounds
They don’t meet with you
They ask you for money

According to the FBI, there was an increase of over 18,000 grievances from the victims of internet fraud crimes in 2018 with an average of over $362 million lost resources, which is definitely more than 70% damages compared to the preceding year. The bureau’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) obtained reports from victims of varying ages and incomes; however, the common targets are the seniors, females, and widows.

If you knew someone who is getting suspicious interactions with strangers from the internet, you should definitely warn them. Also, don’t forget to inform your elderly loved ones about these predators. You should definitely advise them to never send any amount to those that they’ve met online, especially through wire transfer. Persuade them to never give out their bank information, card numbers, social security numbers and other sensitive data that revolves around finances. If ever you have fallen into the traps, immediately check your accounts if there were malicious transactions that were done and notify your bank about it.

When these events occur, never hesitate to contact your local police departments or reach out to the Internet Crime Complaint Center of the nearest FBI office in your area. If you are having trouble going to the physical offices because of the pandemic, you can contact them online through https://www.ic3.gov/ and www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field.

The Major Beliefs of Christianity: What You Should Know

Since we are commemorating the Lenten season, it is best to be reminded about the different beliefs of Christianity so that we can look into our Christian roots. There are more than 2 billion followers of this belief; however, these adherents are divided into the different aspects of Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant. Thus, Christianity has become the biggest religion in the world. Because of the diverse branches of the religion, there have been a variety of doctrines and liturgical customs within the Christian family. These groups may differ in ecclesiological manner when it comes to their outlook on the types of Christian denominations.

There are many Christian books that tackle the different parts of Christianity. There are books that center on devotional practices of Christians while there are also others that focus on Christian allegory. Christian theory on Beyond Mere Belief by Greg Van Arsdale is a great example of books that will draw you back and make you think of your Christian roots.

Moreover, there are many and diverse Christian beliefs that every followers must know and be reminded of. These convictions might have various interpretations and responses depending on the version and type of Scripture and traditions where Christianity is based. Hence, listed below are the common beliefs of Christianity that you should know.

Statement of faith

The statements of faith refer to the confessions of ecclesiastical beliefs that are also called creeds. They started as baptismal methods and were soon stretched during the 4^th and 5^th centuries’ Christological disputes to form into creeds. In this day and age, the Apostle’s Creed is the most broadly accepted doctrinal statement of the accounts of the Christian belief.

The widely known creed was created somewhere between the 2^nd to the 9^th centuries. Its main statement of faith is those of the Creator and the Trinity. Every teaching discovered in this particular creed can be tracked down to the present statements in the apostolic age. The Apostle’s Creed was clearly utilized as a rundown of Christian doctrine for the prospects for baptism in Roman churches. Listed below are some of the important points written in the creed.

There is a Holy Trinity composed of God the Father, Son of God, and the Holy Spirit
The death, pitch to hell, raising from the dead and uprising of Jesus Christ
The communion of saints and the sacredness of the Christian Church
The salvation of the believers and Judgment Day will happened during Christ’s second coming

Holy Trinity

As a Christian, you have definitely heard of the term “Holy Trinity.” The Trinity pertains to the concepts and disciplines that the one God is composed of three different and permanently coexisting beings, which are God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This unified Godhead has varying characteristics. The Father has no known origin; the Son is the offspring of the Father; and the Spirit stems from the Father.

The Trinity is a significant article of faith of Christianity. From the moment earlier than the Nicene Creed, Christianity upheld the three peculiar in nature of God as a descriptive affirmation of faith. Based on the doctrine, God isn’t split up in the manner that every individual has a third of the whole; instead, each individual is deemed to be entirely God. The differences are found in their connections, the Father as self-existent, the Son is the child of the Father, and the Holy Spirit emerges from the Father and Son.

Salvation

The contemporary Christian churches are more likely worried about the ways to save humanity from an omnipresent status of death and sin rather than examine the methods of Gentiles and Jews to be included in the family of the Lord. Furthermore, the outlooks of Christians regarding the scope of which people’s salvation is predetermined by the Almighty God vary from one another. Refined Christian theology puts the different essence on grace through teaching people are absolutely lacking in the ability of self-redemption; however, consecrating grace is irrepressible. On the other hand, Orthodox Christians, Catholics, and Arminian Protestants think that the act of utilizing one’s free will is essential to possess more faith in God.

Celebrating International Women’s Day: 5 Books by Remarkable Female Authors

The denotation of the word “woman” is a female human being that is already of legal age. For generations to generations, these remarkable women have fought their way to prove their skills, capabilities, and rights to the society. That fight for equal rights didn’t go to waste because at this century, women have been conquering different fields. You can see females getting recognized at science, medicine, technology, languages, art, and more. They are really great and talented beings.

Literature is also one of the platforms that honor women. Emily Dickinson, Mary Shelley, Margaret Atwood, Sarah Kay and among others are some of the top females that made literature a better place. So, in celebration of this year’s international women’s day, here are the top books that are authored by notable females that you should never miss reading.

Summit!: One Woman’s Everest Climb Guides You to Success by Lauren Bagley

If you are into fitness, then this book is the one to look out for. Summit!: One Woman’s Everest Climb Guides You to Success contains Laurie’s journey to the top of Mt Everest. Imagine climbing to the tallest mountain in the world? Only a strong and determined woman can do it. The book, moreover, is filled with Bagley’s promising insights and equipment for reaching sincere goals, objectives and wants. The author also provides a significant outlook on realizing essential pursuits and undertaking. Summit!: One Woman’s Everest Climb Guides You to Success shows a bit by bit guide with tales about the journey on climbing Mt. Everest and other inspiring stories.

Jasmine a Woman of Color by Monique Boyd

This stirring romance-suspense book is written by Monique Boyd. It was published by Page Publishing, Inc. last 2018. Jasmine a Woman of Color follows the story Jasmine Moore, an executive assistant. Her world started to take a turn after her significant other died. Instead of nurturing the grief of her husband’s death, she started to feel vengeful after knowing about all his affairs and unfaithfulness. As Jasmine tries to get the revenge that she thinks she deserves, she also found love and mystery. Would Jasmine get the happiness, love, and peace? Find out.

One Caregiver’s Journey by Eleanor Gaccetta

A woman is capable of conquering everything that comes her way, and that’s what Eleanor Gaccetta did. The caregiving journey of Eleanor was put into writing in order to inspire and guide those first-time caregivers to continue their job. Moreover, the moment that Eleanor Gaccetta’s had physical difficulties after she broke her hip, Ellie knew that she need to take good care of her. Thus, she embarked on a caregiving journey that lasted up to more than 9 years. This Pinnacle Book Achievement Award winner, One Caregiver’s Journey, is a memoir of how a career woman became an instant family caregiver.

The Ladybug and the Bully Frog by Caroleann Rice

Caroleann Rice perfectly penned a book that teaches not just children but also adults about the essence of friendship and cooperation. This children’s book also revolves around bullying and reminding the readers to always strive to be a buddy and avoid being a bully. The story follows a ladybug named Dot who went beyond her limits and faces the bully frog named Milton the Frog. She stood up to the bully so that others can also enjoy playing at the pond and create a harmonious and fun community instead of being stuck in a corner filled with fear because of the frog.

Patchwork: Conversations between Generations by Carol Wilson-Mack

This Indie Reader Approved book was published in 2020 by Readersmagnet. Patchwork: Conversations between Generations by Carol Wilson-Mack tells the story of the beautiful and amazing women during 1939-1959 in Bamberg, South Carolina. These women gathered together in the pursuit of closing the gap between generations through communicating with one another. During their quilting time, they started to share their stories of struggles where the others listen. Hence, Patchwork encourages the readers to eliminate the generation gap between these remarkable women through conversing. Both the elderly and youths should allow two-way communication to achieve their goal. Hence, both talking and listening are definitely essential to form a great conversation.

Keys in Writing an Outstanding Book

Being an author is a rocky journey to both enjoy and endure. With all the amazing books out in the market, the struggle to become the next bestselling author or achieve the same success as the others will start to emerge. These bumps on the road might either hinder or inspire you. But, what is important is that you continue your journey, strive as hard as you can, and touch a million of hearts through your remarkable story.

If you want to use your talents by creating an outstanding book that can live from one generation to another, then this might be the best time to start writing! We have listed below the best tips on how to write a promising novel that you might want to check out.

Think outside the box

Since there are already many books in the world of literature, what you need to do is highlight what sets your book apart and what makes it interesting. If you offer something that is out of the normal plots contained by most books in your genre of choice, then readers might patronize your work. Hence, start thinking outside of the box. This is beneficial because you will create a better and fresher theme that can uplift the quality of your book. Take for example From Science to Spirituality: Finding Spirituality in Science which is a Neil Griffen book about disciplines of science and religion that really shows how these two different fields coincide and are not at war. Hence, Griffen has really shown the readers something new.

Do a research

Whether your book is under fiction or nonfiction, conducting a research prior to writing is essential. The honesty and rawness in your work will convince the readers to engage more in your story. Apart from that, you can discover and explore brand-new and better ideas that can enhance the beauty of you work. With the wide array of real and factual information that you can find out and study, you can surely infuse them in your writing and absolutely bring your story into a clearer direction that you never thought existed.

Unite your concepts together

As a writer, you surely have tons of ideas in your mind that you want to form into a book. With these brilliant concepts, you must organize them so that you can get the bigger picture. Uniting these ideas is vital because it will help your targets to follow the main concept of your book as well as give them clarity. No reader would want to read a book with a poorly arranged stream of thoughts. If you want to really captivate the attention of the readers and produce an ideal book, then make sure to give the readers one topic at a time until at the main idea.

Start writing

You will never produce if you never try. Therefore, in order for you to create, you need to write. Those data that you have gathered from research and the concepts that you’ve organized will now be sewn into a remarkable book. Ensure that all the elements are there and the theme is being conveyed in a seamless and gradual manner. However, writing can become tough, especially when everything becomes draining and overwhelming. There are many deadlines to hit and drafts to save. All you need to do is to develop a writing routine and take time to let your creative juices to flow freely. Use that creativity and time to become productive and finish your manuscript on or before the deadline.

Take quick breaks

In everything you do, breaks are essential. Too much submerging into a task will only turn into pressure and self-destruction. It is either you finish your work or your work will finish you. There are times that procrastination hits you and you become demotivated. Perhaps what you need is a breather. When that time comes, start planning to do things that have nothing to do with writing. You can go camping, get some massage, eat your comfort food, bond with your family, and other things that remove your stress and frustration. After these breathers, you will feel more inspired and optimistic to write again.

Ideal Books to Read and Reflect in This Season of Lent

Lent has started already, which means that it is time to sacrifice and reflect. This season is a 40-day religious event that is observed by the Christian community. It is the time when Christians from different parts of the world honor the passion, death, and resurrection of the son of God, Jesus Christ. The most notable tradition during this season is the abstinence of eating meat of individuals age 14 years old and up during Ash Wednesday, God Friday, and every Fridays.

The most important thing to do during this vital time of the year for the Christian family is to think and reflect the purpose and meaning of being a disciple of Christ. When it comes to reflection, literature is here to aid you! There are many Christian books that can definitely help you value, improve, and grow your relationship with the Lord and become a better follower. Hence, listed below are the ideal books that you should check out during this season.

Fresh Fire: Spiritual Transitions That Lead to Total Man Rebirth by Mark L. Spell

This remarkable book was written by Mark L. Spell and was published in 2016. Fresh Fire: Spiritual Transitions That Lead to Total Man Rebirth aims to help you get a better grasp of the way that God’s Spirit works to unite every Scripture in your lives. By conveying God’s power, you will definitely see how this book becomes a bridge that will take you to the particular location in God where you come to discern and get the perks of knowing Him and becoming His ally. Moreover, Spell evaluates and elaborates the spiritual battles, Satan’s nature, and the way impure souls impact our daily lives.

The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

In 1995, The Cost of Discipleship was published. It was written by Dietrich Bonhoeffer and contains a foreword by Eric Metaxas. Even after how many years of publication, it is currently the #1 bestselling Christian historical theology book on Amazon. The author highlights our connection with Jesus’ teachings. Hence, this book is a captivating affirmation of the demands of surrendering and ethical constancy from an individual whose life and ideas were faultless articulations of a fresher kind of leadership based on the Gospel, as well as instilled with Christian humanism’s spirit and an innovative sense of civic responsibility.

Come Climb Toward God: Are You Hungry for God? by Marianna Albritton

Marianna Albritton penned this promising book titled Come Climb Toward God: Are You Hungry for God? that was published in 2013. This book is written for individuals who desire to comprehend His callings and to cultivate a better connection with Him. According to Albritton, there has been an existing urge to get to know Christ as a real human. On the author’s entire Bible-teaching years, she already has experienced teaching the “one.” Furthermore, this book will truly help you understand how wonderful it is to develop in the process and to answer His callings.

Journey to the Cross by Paul David Tripp

This book is ideal to read during the start of the lent season because it is a 40-day Lenten devotional book. Journey to the Cross was recently published by Crossway last January of this year. The author requests everyone to brush off their time for hustle and bustle in order to center their attention and times on Jesus Christ’s suffering and sacrifice. Each of the brief readings motivates us to follow the overflowing happiness that lies within Christ as we connect with the Savior better and travel with Him in a more intimate and faithful way during this Lenten period.

Three Keys to Our Relationship with God by Roslynn Bryant

Roslynn Bryant takes us on a journey of becoming closer to God. Three Keys to Our Relationship with God was published last year that recounts the personal narrative of how we can develop our connection with the Father Almighty with the support of faith in Jesus. This book provides great insights into how the son of God loved, followed, and trusted God the Father. Three Keys to Our Relationship with God is an honest and sincere account that gradually brings us to follow the methods of enjoying a Father-child bond with the all-powerful and loving God,

How Reading Fantasy Books Help Your Kids

Imagine having a child that is down to do everything; and, with everything, meaning all the things that come to his mind. It would be fun but stressful at the same time. The fickleness of his mind, activeness of his body, and shortness of his attention make parenting a little bit too hard. If you want to keep them entertained but learning at the same time, introduce them to books — specifically fantasy books!

Reading cam definitely brings them a bunch of amazing benefits. All you need is to be there to guide them in their reading journey and make sure that they understand every event in the story. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, A Wrinkle in Time, Matilda in Scots by Roald Dahl, The Song of Solomon the Snail, and Lizzie and Leopold are some of the best books that your kids should check out. There are really so many perks and learning that this type of book gives. But, if you are still wondering how reading fantasy books can help your children; here’s how.

They widen their imagination

Molding and developing your imagination is important, especially in kids. When your start engaging them with fantasy stories, they can start experiencing a whole new world full of magic and beauty; thus, making them generates their imagination a lot better. Their imaginative mind can influence their actions and creativity. As a result, the kids will be more enthusiastic and creative after reading the tales. Imagination enables the children, and even you, to discover the boundaries of the real world and surroundings to a realm of dreams that showcases creativity and fantasy.

They keep them entertained

Again, kids are full of so much energy and enthusiasm. The purity of their hearts and minds keeps them from controlling their actions and continue minding their own business. But, sometimes, too many physical activities might become unhealthy and bad for them. By introducing them to reading, you can keep them entertained and learning at the same time. Fantasy books do not only feature awesome environments but also cool characters. There are wide arrays of magical creatures and fantastic beings that can surely amaze the kids, put their imagination to work, and experience the fun.

They teach them valuable lessons

You may think that fantasy books only offer fun and magic. But, little did you know that behind those surreal and extraordinary things are valuable and significant lessons these stories try to teach to kids. Books teach readers a wide array of learning that they can bring into their journey through life. With the help of the extraordinarily beautiful tales, children will start to know, appreciate, and manifest kindness, bravery, gratitude, faith, politeness, honesty, and more. There are just so much values and substance that fantasy books convey, which make them more captivating and engaging.

They help develop their skills and abilities

Skills and abilities are important in this lifetime. If you don’t harness your skills and talents, you will never survive this harsh world. By reading fantasy, the kids might discover their hidden talents. The more they read, the more they become motivated to develop their skills. There are also instances that the kids are already starting to improve their abilities without them knowing it. A great example is communication, reading stories at such a young age can greatly improve the kid’s verbal and nonverbal communication skills. Listening abilities and vocabulary are also being developed, which are definitely beneficial as they grow older.

They ignite more inspiration

Fantasy is not only about enchanted, amazing, and supernatural tales that fascinate every kid from different corners of the world. These stories also do not only bring essential lessons but also ignite more inspiration to the readers. Kids love to dream; and, because of their fickle and innocent minds, they tend to change their aspirations in life easily. Reading fantasy might inspire them to look up and follow the same footsteps of the characters in the stories. For example, the inspiring story of Harry Potter who fought his way to protect his school, friends, and everyone in the wizarding world. The bravery, cleverness, and hard work of Harry motivates every kid to do the same.