What’s on Your Child's Reading List?

 

Children’s Books by Connie Wohlford      

What’s on your child's Reading List? 

How about some books about Jesus — or a unique animal character? 

Do your children (ages 3-11) know about things that happened to Jesus as an infant? And, what about captivating events before during and after Jesus crucifixion? 

Or perhaps the young ones in your life would enjoy unique stories about that odd creature, a rhinokaroarus, named Gerald. 

Please consider the stories I wrote for my grandchildren which have evolved into delightful, informative books for all children to enjoy—even grown up ones. And, hey, each book comes with a FREE reproducible word puzzle! 

Though each is a stand-alone book, the four books about Jesus are connected by a parallel donkey story. The adorable donkeys, Gil (meaning joy), Elpis (means hope), and Kavod (meaning glory), affectionately help captivate young readers and listeners. 

Watercolor illustrations, by Virginia artists, Molly Keller and Lesley James, beautifully carry the stories along.  

Then for entertainment with a moral twist enjoy the rhinokaroarus stories. Delightful illustrations, by Virginia artist, Ken Henderson, help convey the story of Gerald, whose unfortunate life changing experience brings him a best bud and some unusual adventures. 

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Book lengths are between 20-30 pages. Each book comes with a FREE word puzzles which challenge and are enjoyed by children who are old enough to write as well as adults. These puzzles may be copied as much as you wish for repeated use and/or group use, such as in Children’s Church, VBS, homeschool, Christian school, etc.

 I invite you to take a look at my children's books:

Joy Comes to Bethlehem- (Temporality Sold Out) - Meet the lovable donkeys, Gil, and her little one, Elpis.

Journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem with Joseph, Mary, and Gil. Experience the sad goodbye of Gil & Elpis as well as the danger and the drama along the way. See the faithfulness of God and the amazing birth of His Son, Jesus.

Again, read of the birth of the Savior. Enjoy the setting & the perspective of these faithful beasts of burden carried along with the beautiful full color illustrations by Virginia artist, Molly Keller.

 

At eight days of age Jewish boys experience the custom called “Bris Milah,” and their names are recorded in the Hebrew records. Go with Joseph and Mary as they take Jesus to the home of a rabbi for His own ceremony. While walking along the dusty road, Mary & Joseph each recall the most unusual way in which they came to name their baby son. Their faithful donkey, Gil alerts them to an alarming danger at the Rabbi Jonathan’s courtyard. 

Meanwhile, back in Nazareth, the young donkey, Elpis, is still missing her mama, Gil, but continues to be comforted in a very special way. So, join in with these wonderful characters of the Bible & learn about the infant life of Jesus. Young & old alike take pleasure in gaining insight into these early days of the King of kings, artfully captured in the story & illustrations in His Name is Jesus.

 

He Is The ONE - As was tradition, at 40 days of age little Jesus is taken by His parents to the Temple to be dedicated to Yahweh. There an amazing thing happens. Share the surprise and wonder with Joseph, and Mary when strangers, Simeon and Anna, recognize Jesus as the long awaited Messiah. 

Their faithful donkey, Gil (whose name means hope), accompanies the Holy Family to Jerusalem. While Gil waits outside the temple, her thoughts turn to her own little one, Elpis (pronounced el-peese’), who is back in Nazareth. On this eventful day, Elpis’ jolly fun with her buddy, Buzi, turns into a painful tumble. Join in to see how the little donkey deals with her ordeal with her Mama so far away

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The Lord Has Need of YOU - Join donkeys, Elpis & her little one, Kavod, and experience the last days of Jesus’ life on earth prior to His ascension. Having known each other since childhood, Elpis and Jesus are uniquely reunited.

Through the eyes of these loveable donkeys, see the Bible account of Jesus’ earthly life from His triumphal entry into Jerusalem to His ascension back to Heaven after rising from the dead. It includes several occurrences during Holy Week and thereafter.

 Walk alongside Elpis and Kavod and share in the joy of knowing Jesus on a personal level. Feel the sadness of His crucifixion. Then rejoice with the donkeys, the disciples, and others at the resurrection of the Jesus, the Messiah. Stand amazed with them at the risen Lord as He ascends to Heaven, rejoicing at the promise of His eventual return.

This account is carried along pictorially with the beautiful watercolor paintings of Virginia artist, Lesley James. Children and adults alike will be blessed by her art, by the story of Jesus, and by the personal challenge to step out in faith because the Lord has need of you.

 

You’re A What?! ~Every once in a while, a story or character comes along that is different−really different−from anything else you find on a shelf of children’s books. 

 Gerald, the star character in You’re A What?! is just that−different.  He is a captivating creature who has been dealt a ruthless blow, having experienced a collision with life that changed everything. He suddenly finds that he has become a “rhinokaroarus” (pronounced “ry-‘nock-a-roar-us”). “A What ?!@#?!”  you might ask. The author, herself, did not invent the word, “rhinokaroarus.”  It was made up by her father. She and her brothers heard it on a regular basis.  Amidst his destress, Gerald is befriended by a funny badger named, Banjo, whom every reader or listener will come to adore.

                    

Make It A Happy Day  ~ That, one of a kind, creature, Gerald, sets out on an adventure with his new friend Banjo, the badger. Through a bit of conflict, they really do find a way to make it a happy day. Just ask the fish! The 6 friendly trout get to experience the good and the bad when they encounter the odd-looking Gerald and the clash with Banjo. 

Artist, Ken Henderson’s captivating illustrations help to carry the story along.

 

Thanks for considering my books for the children in your life. 

Let me know—if you would like to order a signed and personalized copy of one or more of my books?

The Lord has Need of You is the only one of these books available on Amazon but if you would like a signed copy, get it through me.  

You can contact me via email or Facebook message:

author@conniewohlford.com https://www.facebook.com/ConnieWohlfordAuthor/         

 PayPal or credit card.  Sales Tax added, in Virginia.  Nominal fee for shipping.

FREE SHIPPING on orders of 4 or more books shipped anywhere in continental USA 

 All of my books are 100% Made in U.S.A.

©Connie Wohlford 2020 

Today – A Special Day for Jesus

Today – A Special Day for Jesus                  

Do you know what today is? <><> Yes, it’s February 3^rd. <><> And there are other things going on much more important than the Super Bowl.

It’s the anniversary of a special day for Jesus, at forty days old; a special day for Joseph and Mary; and THE VERY BEST DAY in the lives of an old man and an old woman.

Let me tell you about it.

If, in fact, Jesus' birthday is December 25th, then February 3rd would have been the day Joseph and Mary took Him to the Temple to be dedicated—forty days after His birth. 

The Gospel writer, Luke, tells of the miraculous event. My book, He Is The ONE, also tells the story along with a parallel donkey story, to help captivate children's attention. It also features full color illustrations by artist, Molly Keller.

I wrote this story because I wanted my grandchildren to know the wonder-filled account of Jesus' dedication. It’s one of my favorite Bible stories and one that is rarely shared. I did not learn it in Sunday School. I learned it as an adult when I simply read through the Book of Luke. 

You might want the children in your life to know this story as well. You can read it in the second chapter of Luke’s Gospel. (And you can purchase my book and also enjoy the accompanying illustrations.)

Here is an excerpt from He Is The ONE:

     “As Mary busied herself with preparations for their trip into The Holy City, she imagined what Jesus’ dedication would be like. She thought about the Jewish Law regarding the dedication of a first-born son. Now that Jesus was 40 days old, it was His time. According to the Law, every boy baby, who is the first child born in a family, shall be called holy to the Lord, and is to be dedicated to the Lord in a special way. An offering of two young pigeons or two turtledoves is to be brought to the temple and given to the priest.

 “So the little family made their way to Jerusalem to present Jesus to the Lord, according to the Law of Moses. *”    *Luke 2:22-24

When Joseph, Mary, and Jesus arrived at the Temple amazing and unexpected things happened. 

Many years earlier, God had told a man named Simeon and a woman named Anna that they would live to see their Messiah—the Promised One of Israel. On this special day, it happened. (As far as we know Simeon and Anna did not know one another.) 

When Joseph and Mary brought Jesus into the Temple court, the Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon and to Anna that He was the One. There He was, lying in the arms of His mother—this tiny forty-day old baby. To everyone else in the area He was just another infant being dedicated that day.

Here’s another excerpt from He Is The ONE:

     “The gospel writer, Luke, said that Simeon “took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: ‘Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your Word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.’” *   *Luke 2:28-33

Today in the United States is Super Bowl Sunday and we too will be watching the big game and chowing down on some fun food. But, let’s be mindful that before any sport the most important thing in our lives is our relationship with Jesus. Let’s learn all we can about Him and teach our children the amazing events of His life.

If interested in ordering a copy of He Is The ONE, ($10.50 + shipping + in VA, sales tax), contact me via email: author@conniewohlford.com.  Also, let me know if you want an info sheet about all of my books. Thanks so much and God bless you!

Thanks for reading my blog. Your comments are welcome.

©Copyright 2019 Connie Wohlford

If Jesus’ Birthday Really is December 25th, Then Today (January 2) is a Special Day

If Jesus’ Birthday Really is December 25^th, Then Today (January 2) is a Special Day

If Jesus’ birthday really is December 25^th, (which it very possibly isn’t) then today, January 2, is another day to commemorate regarding His life. Today would be the day when Joseph and Mary would have had little eight-day old Jesus circumcised and His name would have been officially recorded.

One passage in the Bible tells of this occasion. “And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb” (Luke 2:21 NKJV).

Joseph and Mary were following the instructions God had given Abraham nearly 500 years earlier. The origination of the Covenant of Circumcision is recorded in Genesis 16:12.

In my children’s book, His Name Is Jesus, I wrote of this event. I’m sure you wonder how a children’s book could be written about Jesus’ circumcision. I asked God that same question when I felt lead to take on the task. He answered my prayer beautifully.

In His Name Is Jesus I tell of a special ceremony that took place when Jesus was eight days old. My focus is on His name and how God sent the angel, Gabriel, to Mary and to Joseph to pronounce His birth and what His name was to be.

In the First Century, the parents of an eight-day old boy would have a rabbi, or other qualified religious leader, come to their home or they would take their son to that man’s home, for the ceremony. Because of their lower social standing, Joseph and Mary probably took Jesus to the person’s home.

In my book, Joseph and Mary take Jesus to the home of a rabbi named Jonathan. I describe the occasion this way:

“The rabbi performed the rite called Bris Milah and asked Joseph for the name of the baby.

From "His Name is Jesus," by Connie Wohlford

 “’His name is Jesus,’ was Joseph’s reply. Joseph and Mary smiled at one another.

“When Rabbi Jonathan looked at the face of this little baby Jewish boy, what did he see? He saw the face of a little baby Jewish boy, just as he had seen many times before and would see many more times in the future. He was clueless to the fact that before him lay his own Messiah, the Son of the Covenant, the literal Son of Yahweh, Who created heaven and earth. If he had known that here lies the King of kings and the LORD of lords, likely he would have been completely undone.

“But no, to him, this was one of many baby boys that he would encounter as a rabbi Moleh, who is one who performs the Halakah ceremony.

From "His Name Is Jesus," by Connie Wohlford

“Afterwards, the rabbi’s secretary asked Mary and Joseph each for the names of their parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents, as well as where they were all from …” 












I hope you were blessed by reading the Bible account, from Luke, and my expanded narrative of Jesus’ eight-day old experience. 

From "His Name Is Jesus," by Connie Wohlford

If you’re interested in purchasing the book, His Name Is Jesus, or any of my books, please contact me via email for additional information.  author@conniewohlford.com     

Your comments are welcome.  

*His Name Is Jesus, by Connie Wohlford, Copyright 2013, pages 12-13.

©Copyright 2019 Connie Wohlford

The December Gospel of Luke Challenge – Looking at Luke Look at Jesus: Dec. 2 – Luke 2

The December Gospel of Luke Challenge                     

  – Looking at Luke Look at Jesus: Dec. 2 – Luke 2

Thanks for joining this challenge. The goal is simple—Learn Jesus. 

There are twenty-four chapters in the Gospel of Luke. The challenge is, beginning on December 1, read Luke 1. Then on each day through Christmas Eve, read the corresponding chapter with that day’s date. If you’re just now starting, jump right on in.

For additional enrichment, journal or simply list the highlights of each day’s reading. I will share my own notes some days. My journaling will be hand written in a notebook and I won’t always have time to type it into the computer and post it. When I can, I will enjoy doing so.

An introduction and further explanation can be found in my blog post of November 28, 2017.  

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December 2 – Luke 2: 

 

First: pray, thanking God for Jesus and for His Word. Second: read Luke 2, if you haven’t already. Third: record meaningful highlights in a journal or tablet.

Here are my own notes as I read and meditate on Luke 2:

v. 1-2 – The decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all should be registered. This took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. Luke meticulously sets up the timing and political backdrop. 

v. 3 – All people went to register in the city of their origin

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v. 4-5 – Joseph took his betrothed wife, Mary, left their home in Nazareth and went to Judea to the city of David (Bethlehem), to be registered. Mary was with child. 

v. 6-7 – While there, “she brought forth her first born Son, wrapped Him in a manger, because there was not room for them in the inn” (v.7).

Side note: For more details of the account of the birth of Jesus, read the first few chapters of The Gospels of Matthew and Mark.

v. 8 – It was night and shepherds were out in the fields keeping watch over their flocks.

v. 9 – An angel of the Lord appeared and the glory of the Lord shone around them. They were afraid.

v. 10-11 – The angel said, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

It’s thrilling that the angel said that a Savior has been born “to you,” making his pronouncement personal to those lowly shepherds.

v. 12 – The angel tells how they’ll find the Babe.

v. 13-14 – Suddenly a whole multitude of angels appeared praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth good will toward men!” (v.14).

v. 15–16 -  When the angels went away the shepherds said, “Let’s go ...” They hurried off and “found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger” (v.16).

v. 17-18 – When they left they told others about the Child and those who heard marveled. 

v. 19 – “But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

v. 20 – Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen.

From the book, His Name is Jesus by Connie Wohlford

v. 21 – When Jesus was eight days old, Joseph and Mary had Him circumcised and His name was recorded. Jesus was the name given them by the angel before He was conceived. 

Still today the official recording of the child’s name is a part of the circumcision ceremony, which is called the brit milah. I wrote about this in my book titled, His Name Is Jesus.

v. 22- 24 – When Jesus was forty days old Joseph and Mary took him to the Temple in Jerusalem to be dedicated to the Lord. This was all done in accordance with the Law of Moses.

v. 25-27 – The old man, Simeon, had been told by God that he would live to see Messiah. The Holy Spirit came upon Simeon and when he went to the Temple he recognized Jesus as his long awaited Messiah. 

From the book, He is the ONE, by Connie Wohlford

v. 28-32 – Simeon took baby Jesus up in his arms, blessed God and said: “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation...” (v. 29-30).

v. 33 – Joseph and Mary were amazed. 

v. 34-35 – Simeon blessed them and said, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel...”

v. 36 – The elderly woman, Anna, a prophetess who served God faithfully, came in and instantly recognized Jesus as Messiah and gave thanks to the Lord. 

In my book, He Is the ONE, I wrote about these amazing happenings on Jesus dedication day.

v, 39-40 – Joseph and Mary took Jesus and returned to Nazareth, “And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him.”

v. 41-42 – Joseph and Mary went to Jerusalem every year for the Feast of the Passover. Luke tells about the time when Jesus was with them at the age of twelve.

v. 43-44 – When they were ready to return home Jesus lingered behind but His parents didn’t know. They figured He was with other members of their group. After a day’s journey they couldn’t find Him.

v. 45-47 – They returned to Jerusalem looking for Him. After three days of searching they found Him in the Temple sitting among the teachers. “And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers“ (v. 47).

v. 48 – When His parents saw Him, they were amazed. Mary said, “Son, why have you done this to us? Look, your father and I have sought You anxiously.”

v. 49 His answer: “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”

v. 50 – They didn’t understand.

v. 51 – They all went home to Nazareth and Jesus was subject to them. Mary “kept all these things in her heart” (v. 51). 

v. 52 – “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”

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There we have it—the second chapter of the Gospel of Luke. Thank you for joining in on this December challenge. I pray you’ll being blessed in it.

Your comments are welcome below. All who read will enjoy hearing about the highlights of Luke 2 from your perspective. 

God bless you as you meditate on the wonder of the birth and early days of our Lord. And, like Mary, keep these things in your heart as you experience this Christmas Season.

 ©Copyright 2017 Connie Wohlford