Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

The Hammer of Hope

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“The Hammer of Hope” by Katie Jo Hook is a beautiful book filled with truth. This children’s book starts with the biblical story of Noah building the ark, continues to Joseph working as a carpenter and raising a special son, and ends with Jesus’ death and resurrection. Each story is woven together with the hammer being an important tool.

Like the hammer, our lives are a tool God uses to build our trust in His plan and give hope to others around us.

I was honored to endorse this book: “In ‘The Hammer of Hope,’ Katie Hook shares the gospel message in a way kids will understand. Her rhythmic words mimic the subtle beat of a simple hammer building faithfulness and hope in people’s lives. I could see this book becoming a family’s favorite read-a-long story.”

About this book

“The Hammer of Hope” is a 40-page paperback book published by Morgan James Kids (September 2019). It’s aimed for kids 6 to 12 years old, but my younger daughter (who turns 4 this week) loves the rhythmic words and beautiful pictures. As a mom, I love resources that prompt questions about Jesus like this story does. It’s available on Amazon, Katie’s website, and other bookstores.

About the author

Katie Jo Hook and I attended the same college – go, Murray State – but I got to know her when she and her husband lived a couple of apartment buildings down from Greg and me during our first year of marriage in Lexington, Kentucky. At Murray State, she double majored in elementary education and special education. She grew up a preacher’s kid and lived in a ministry where she saw the grace of Jesus Christ change lives. After teaching special education and having three children, God is continuing to use her life to tell people about Jesus. She lives in southern Illinois. Learn more about her and her projects on her website.

About the illustrator

Nathan Corbit is an artist native to southern Illinois. He received his bachelor’s degree in art education at Southern Illinois University and his master’s degree from the University of Nebraska. He lives in a small community with his wife and three children. Along with making art, he also teaches.

*****

I received a free, advanced copy of this book as a gift for endorsing it. But I really love it and my kids actually read it.

More truth from Slugs & Bugs

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When I heard Randall Goodgame, who created Slugs & Bugs family music, had two new children’s books, I knew I needed to have them. Randall’s creative work has influenced our family and, at this point, I want whatever he creates to be in my kids’ hands, minds, and hearts. (I’ve shared about Slugs & Bugs music in many other posts around here.)

“Who Will Play with Me?” is a story about fun and friendship and “Are We Still Friends?” is a story of forgiveness. Both incorporate biblical lessons, reference beloved Slugs & Bugs’ songs & characters, and use few words and many pictures to tell stories.

“Are We Still Friends?” is a story that brings to life Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” When Doug the Slug accidentally eats all of Sparky’s flavor-blasted pizza chips, Doug lies to cover it up, and the hilarious search for the chip thief begins! But when Doug admits the truth, he must apologize to Sparky. Come along as the friends learn that friendship is about forgiveness and trust, along with a good dose of shared laughter.

This book is particularly timely for our family as one of our kids’ has had some trouble with lying, which also happens in the story, and this is a good reminder that relationships can be broken but forgiveness is possible.

Philippians 2:3 says, “In humility, value others above yourselves.” That’s the message of “Who Will Play With Me?” That book also brings to mind Slugs & Bugs’ The Wagon song. In this book, Doug the Slug is thrilled to discover an awesome red wagon at the playground, but soon he is feeling pouty because he can’t find a friend to pull him while he rides. But when he decides to think about someone other than himself and pull Sparky the Lightning Bug instead, Doug learns that being a good friend is even more fun.

Now that I’ve given these books to my kids, I’m guessing my 9-year-old boy and 3-year-old girl will read them often in the days to come. Of course, my 12-year-old girl may even pick them up because Slugs & Bugs is certainly part of her childhood too.

About the books

Published by B&H Kids, they’re both 64-page hardback children’s books available on the Slugs & Bugs website, Amazon, and other places books are sold. Learn more about the books and music at slugsandbugs.com.

About the author

Randall Goodgame is a singer/songwriter and the creative force behind the family music brand, Slugs & Bugs. He has recorded eight solo albums and contributed to numerous others. He has written songs for Veggie Tales, Caedmon’s Call, Andrew Peterson, Jason Gray, Jill Phillips, Eric Peters, and other fine people. He lives with his wife and kids in Nashville.

*****

I bought these books with my own money, thanks to a friend of mine who was at a homeschool conference where they were available in late April. I do recommend them to you and your family, but nobody asked me to say that.

Joyfully surrendering

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When I saw this book’s title and author, I knew I needed to read it: “Joyful Surrender” by Elisabeth Elliot.

I’ve been in a season of learning to live (more) faithfully. For me, that’s looked like letting go, trusting God to be in the details, noticing needs and meeting them, serving those around me, and recognizing the value of where God has me right now. Obviously, it’s been a process of surrender to the control I naturally I want. It’s a lesson I have to work on over and over again because all my ESFJ, Enneagram 1w2 ways are quick to kick in.

Then I noticed the subtitle of the book: 7 Disciplines for the Believer’s Life.

I’m glad this book caught my eye because it’s a breath of fresh air in this do-it-all, be-all-you-can-be culture. It’s like sitting down with a kind, wise friend who is willing to tell you where she’s been and what she learned along the way. Elliot writes about discipline, freedom, obedience, and sovereignty in conversational tones that draw the reader in and point to Jesus.

“We are required to take the risk, move, trust God, make a beginning. This is what Jesus always asked of those who came to Him for help of any kind. Sometimes He asked them to state their case (“What do you want me to do?”), to affirm their desire (“Do you want to be healed?”), and often to do something positive (“Stretch out your hand.”) before He could do His work. There had to be evidence of faith, some kind of beginning on their part. The first baby step of faith is followed by a daily walk of obedience, and it is as we continue with Him in His Word that we are assured that we are, in fact, called and having nothing to fear.” – Elisabeth Elliot in “Joyful Surrender”

Living faithfully has shown me the glory in joyfully surrendering. But I have a lot to learn and I’m grateful for this guide – the author, her words, and our Creator – to teach me.

About the book

In our age of instant gratification and if-it-feels-good-do-it attitudes, self-discipline is hardly a popular notion. Yet it may be one of the most important lost virtues of our time. In “Joyful Surrender,” former missionary and beloved author Elisabeth Elliot offers her understanding of discipline and its value for people of all times. She shows readers how to discipline the mind, body, possessions, time, and feelings; overcome anxiety; change poor habits and attitudes; trust God in times of trial and hardship; and let Christ have control in all areas of life.

Elliot masterfully and gently takes readers through Scripture, personal stories, and observations of the world around her to help them discover the understanding that our fulfillment as human beings depends on our answer to God’s call to obedience.

There are 14 chapters, which read like encouragement written from a friend.

  1. Created, Cared for, Called
  2. Discipline: The Answer to God’s Call
  3. How Do We Know We Are Called?
  4. Under Orders
  5. Grace, Book, Spirit – And One Thing More
  6. A Sovereign God and a Man’s Choice
  7. The Discipline of the Body
  8. The Discipline of the Mind
  9. The Discipline of Place
  10. The Discipline of Time
  11. The Discipline of Possessions
  12. The Discipline of Work
  13. The Discipline of Feelings
  14. Exchange: My Life for His

This book was originally published in 1982 and again in 2006 under the title “Discipline,” but Revell Books recently published this repackaged edition, which is a 176-page paperback book.

About the author

Elisabeth Elliot (1926-2015) was one of the most perceptive and popular Christian writers of the last century. The author of more than twenty books, Elliot offered guidance and encouragement to millions of readers worldwide.

*****

I got a free copy of this book to review from its publisher Revell Books. These opinions are my own. If you looking for other wise encouragement, I also really love reading through Elliot’s “Keep A Quiet Heart,” which is a compilation of devotional-type essays. https://amzn.to/2DhksHe