Children's Book Review - Rosie and Scamper

Rosie and Scamper is the first book in the four book series "Sonrise Stable," by Vicki Watson. It is a sweet series that, in the words of the author, are "stories about family, friendship, horses, and a great God who works all things in our lives for good." 

While learning to ride at Sonrise Stable, eight-year-old Rosie dreams of the horse shows she will win with her pony, Jet. Two years later, nothing is exactly the way Rosie planned it -- she's riding a new pony, Scamper, and learning that life isn't always easy. But it's as Rosie reaches out to the new girl next door that she truly begins to see that God works all things together for good in our lives.

Sonrise Stable is owned by Rosie's Grandma, (and names Sonrise - not Sunrise - to give "Grandma" a chance to share her faith.). Grandma is a strong horsewoman who loves God. Rosie loves to visit Grandma and learn about horses, but her adventures also give Grandma lots of opportunities to teach Rosie about Jesus. 

This series would be wonderful for any young girl who loves horses, adventure, or reading about other girls. The main character in the series is 8, but the book is written at higher reading level. I would recommend this book for 9-12 year olds, or for the advanced younger reader. If you have a hard time finding reading material for your advanced reader that is appropriate for her age, this would be the perfect book. It is also great if you are a parent or grandparent who likes to read chapter books to your younger kids.

My daughter enjoyed Rosie and her adventures, and I think the young girl in your life would too.

Kelly Combs is a Christian wife, mom, writer and speaker. You can learn about Kelly by visiting her website at www.kellycombs.com

I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

Are You a Singing Hypocrite?

Has this every happened to you? You're at church, singing a praise song, and suddenly as you really pay attention to the words, you realize they don't reflect your personal life at all. You realize that you have become a singing hypocrite.

This happened to me a few Sundays ago. We were singing "As the Deer," and as we sang I realized that what I was saying didn't match my life.

"You alone are my strength, my shield." God ALONE, my strength? I am most likely to pull myself up by my won boot straps, than to lean heavily on God to be my strength.  My shield? Do I allow God to protect me? Or do a live a calculated and careful life, trying hard to keep out of harms way, protecting myself. I live a safe life. Do I trust God...alone...to be my strength and shield?

"To You alone may my spirit yield." Yielding to God alone? I think I'm more like the Apostle Paul who said, "I do not understand the things I do. I do not do what I want to do, and I do the things I hate."  It seems I yield to the things I shouldn't, yet when God tells me to do something - my stop sign comes out. I lack the trust to truly yield to God.

"You alone are my heart's desire." God alone as my heart's desire? Then why I am running to the coffee and dark chocolate all the time? If you were to ask me my heart's desire I might say being a mom, writing a book or seeing my future grandchildren grow up as heart's desires. God, ALONE, as my heart's desire? I've got some work to do.

So that was when I realized I was a singing hypocrite. Or am I? Maybe that was a divine moment with the Holy Spirit to change me. Maybe that was the moment where I stopped being a hypocrite, and started focusing on God, alone. Maybe that was the moment where I stopped singing a song, and started singing a prayer. How about you? Are you ready to stop singing about it, and start living it?

Kelly Combs is a Christian wife, mom, writer and speaker. You can learn about Kelly by visiting her website at www.kellycombs.com