Two books landed in my mailbox lately – one for adults and one for kids. Both make for wonderful summer reading if anyone is looking to add to their reading list.

We all want to be happy and we start pursuing happiness from a young age. Yet happiness can only successfully be attained when pursued and found in the right place, the only place – in God.

In The Good Life, Dr. Derwin L. Gray, brings this challenging question:

“What if happiness is found by gazing into the face of God in Jesus Christ, and walking in his path of light, life, and righteousness?”

(from page 7)

He then brings us to the very words of Jesus Himself known as The Beatitudes (found in Matthew 5:3-12). Through this portion of Scripture, Dr. Gray brings to light the way to learn, live, and pattern of lives.

Each portion of The Beatitudes is unpacked, bringing understanding to the words of Christ, and making them easily applied to our lives today. Each chapter includes a prayer, questions for reflection, and then final things to remember.

A few of my favorite takeaways include the following:

“Jesus is teaching us that the good life is only for beggars. Only for those completely dependent on God to provide every single thing we have. Only for those who hope in him alone.” (page 36)

“Suffering produces endurance. Endurance leads to proven character. Proven character produces hope because the love of God is poured into our hearts.” (page 54)

“Humility is placing yourself under the grace, glory, and mission of God.” (page 95)

“The good life looks like a life of repentance, forgiveness, mercy, and serving the hurting.” (page 115)

“Mercy is God presenting himself to us in the middle of our mess.” (page 136)

“Grace empowers us to grow in holiness.” (page 159)

“Becoming a peacemaker comes from the overflow of being empowered by God the Holy Spirit to live a righteous and merciful life.” (page 188)

“In God’s sovereign goodness, he will take persecution and use it to teach us how to rely on him to provide.” (page 214)

This is an easy to read and hard to put down sort of book, sure to be enjoyed by all.

~*~*~

Our granddaughter loves reading books, animals, and having flaps to open.

The Great Farmapalooza, written by Jill Roman Lord and illustrated by Kelly Breemer, is sure to quickly become her new favorite book.

As the sun comes up, each of the barnyard animals give thanks and praise to God.

The book is made of sturdy cardboard. The illustrations are bright and whimsical with the happiest of animals sure to grab every child’s attention. There are eleven flaps to open which will keep children engaged and anticipating each turn of the page.

The story will introduce a child to eight different delightful animals who each praise God for something different. Children will learn to praise God for several things each day:

• for creating them in their own special way,
• for His perfect love,
• for His goodness,
• for His perfect provision and
• for shelter.

This is a book which children will want to hear again and again while they learn to celebrate God for His matchless wonders each day.

The book makes a wonderful gift sure to be enjoyed by both children and parents.

**I was provided a copy of each of these books by B & H Publishing Group.  All opinions are honest and my own.  This post contains affiliate links.  If you click through and make a purchase, I will receive a small percent at no additional cost to you.

Today I am joining … Let’s Have Coffee and Booknificent Thursday .