Fullness of Joy

Fullness of Joy, by Daniel Ragusa

3/60 | Started 12.27.24 • Finished 01.14.25 | 4.5 stars

In this short yet punch-packed volume, author Daniel Ragusa helps the reader trace how the presence of God shows up through the covenants, beginning in the garden of Eden and consummating in the new heavens and the new earth. I received this for Christmas from my dear husband, who commented that maybe it was a bit late, given that the subtitle is "A Biblical Theology of God With Us," and therefore seems to be about the incarnation. But it's so much more than that. I did find it to be a little technical at times, and there were a lot of quotes and footnotes, etc., but overall it was an encouraging read, and one I will probably return to each year around this time as a reminder of God's presence with me as part of his body.

Riding the Pony Express

Riding the Pony Express, by Clyde Robert Bulla

2/60 | Started 11.14.24 • Finished 01.08.25 | 5 stars

"The story is about a boy named Dick whose father rides for the Pony Express. An Indian boy named Little Bear and Dick become friends. Dick rides for the Pony Express because his father gets shot. I was happy when Dick survived, shooting his father’s pistol."

Carolyn, age 7

Little Christmas Carol

Little Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens

1/60 | Started 12.02.24 • Finished 01.08.25 | 5 stars

This adaptation of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol is a delight. It's a basic retelling of the classic story, with a few small adjustments to the language, and a changing of the characters to animals. Joe Sutphin's illustrations bring it to life and Carolyn really enjoyed it. Sold in hardcover with a marking ribbon, it's essentially heirloom quality from the get-go. A great way to expose younger children without getting them in over their heads with Dickens's verbosity. Highly recommend!