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| ISBN-13: 978-0824956479 Hardcover ~ Ages 4-8 Really good for ALL ages! Fold-out Sparkle Box included! |
My thoughts: Children are just naturally very "me centered;" and a season when there is gifting especially centered around the younger ones tends to motivate children to be very centered on what "I" will receive, "I want this," "Can I have that," etc. A wise parent seeks to direct the child's thoughts toward more of a "what I can do" and "what I can give" in order to raise them to be selfless and motivated toward those who need their help and not toward what can be done for "me."
In the story of the Sparkle Box, the parent has created a special gift box. Inside the box will be the deeds done for good. The secret is to get the child to put others first.... The child with no toys. The family with no food. The person with no winter coat. To get the child to look outside of himself and his personal wants and wishes.
In the weeks and days leading up to Christmas, Sam's Mom clothed the cold, feed the hungry, gave to the thirsty, etc. - but what did that have to do with Sam's sparkle box?
On Christmas morning they opened their presents and the Sparkle box - which was a gift for Jesus - was opened. Inside were slips of paper for each and every way they had been a light in the darkness by doing for others.
I really like that the story teaches children that they, too, can have an impact on helping those in need. That they have something they can give. I like that the books shows the gentle, sweet side of family life and interaction and involvement in reaching out to help others as a way to show their Christian love.
"You are the light of the world - like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see." Matthew 5:14
"The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'Website: http://www.idealsbooks.com/The-Sparkle-Box-Jill-Hardie/dp/0824956478
Matthew 25:40
THE SPARKLE BOX - Official Book Trailer from Ideals Books on Vimeo.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ GIVEAWAY ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The "Key" to this giveaway is...
HOW CAN YOU ADD TO YOUR SPARKLE BOX!
INTERNATIONAL - Begins Oct. 24 - ENDS Nov. 7 12:02 a.m. EST
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The "Key" to this giveaway is...
HOW CAN YOU ADD TO YOUR SPARKLE BOX!
INTERNATIONAL - Begins Oct. 24 - ENDS Nov. 7 12:02 a.m. EST
Please wait patiently while Rafflecopter opens
Author Bio
Author
Jill Hardie and her family began placing a gift for Jesus under their
Christmas tree as a way of bringing more meaning to the holiday. The
first time they opened His gift, the commercialism of the season melted
away and they felt a profound joy and peace. Jill hopes that The Sparkle Box will spark a new Christmas tradition, bringing light into thousands of lives.
Illustrator Bio
At a very early age, Christine Kornacki developed a love for painting and
bringing stories to life. After receiving a BFA in illustration from
the University of Hartford, her dreams of illustrating children's books
began to take shape. She spends her days painting in her studio, which
adjoins a charming cafe in New Haven, Connecticut.
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Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
For the spirit of Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI left a comment under the name Mike Davis and left a link back to this giveaway
ReplyDeleteI want to thank you for this giveaway-- it is a prefect gift to anyone
ReplyDeleteToday service works was picking up bread goods from Costco and delivered to the churches in our neighborhood then the single items,we deliver them to the elderly in the neighborhood
ReplyDeleteGood, Mike. We want to get folks on board the program of helping those with less than we have.
DeleteToday was not because I only want to but have to--One of the children that is a friend of the family has swelling of in the brain stem--Utah Med doesn't seem to know what the heck is going on--started with a pain in the left leg--I can't imagine what that family is going through--the worry of the unknown --And all we can do is pray,it makes me somewhat helpless.
ReplyDeleteThough we and those we know and love have sadness in their lives today we can rejoice with the promise that "joy comes in the morning." I pray that this child (unknown to me but know to God our Heavenly Father) will get relief from this pain and that the source of the pain will be eradicated. God is our Sustainer and our Hope.
Deletethank you--all will be Gods will and be done
Deleteas of today 10/28 So far as the day--just getting these kids ready for church--it has been a challenge today--but it will all be good at the end of the day. thanks
ReplyDeleteso another great day-- got a hold of a handy man to help put a ceiling fan back into the ceiling--of course I can't do it but I know people that will help out in a pinch
ReplyDeleteDouble header today---Soup Kitchen at the church and then clean up going back to church at 4pm to set up for the chilli feed and Harvest Festival for the community-- We get tons of kids-- lots of games and prizes, face painting, cookies--movies its just alot of fun--one of my favorite community events I get to help with. then tomorrow--back to church and clean it allllllll up --lol--life is good!
ReplyDeleteYou are a busy fellow, Mike. Good for you.
Deletelol not really-- I have to do something-- I can't work any longer--so this is all I have--but it all ok
DeleteOk already cleaned up at the church from last nights Harvest Festival--now off to Costco to pick up the day old bread goods for the soup kitchen ,and the elderly neighbors--this is going to be a long day
ReplyDeletememories of my Katie getting her Bronze pin for her KI and Chuck awarding it to her. God is good.
ReplyDeleteThis would make a great Christmas gift for my family
ReplyDeletetoday I am making sure that all I come in contact with know how thankful they are in my life and for all that I have -then I am spending the afternoon doing what I can to clean out the garden and spending time with my best friends.
ReplyDeleteHelped a 90 year old man with a difficult situation...
ReplyDeleteRhea Stogsdill Chladek