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Finding Jesus on Upside Down Days: Family Devotions from the Barnyard
In Finding Jesus on Upside Down Days, Jill Miller gives heartwarming, intimate glimpses of her life on the farm. But more than this, as Jill takes care of her animals, enjoying what the Creator has made, God takes her upside-down soul and sets it right-side up.
Designed as a 52-week family devotional, readers of all ages and abilities will enjoy this illustrated collection of stories starring Jill's farm animals and pets. Each story has an accompanying Bible verse that reinforces the story's theme, encouraging the reader to see God in daily life. Readers will be able to comprehend the truths of the Bible in deep ways, to discover and experience Jesus, and to know his amazing love for them at a new level. Through reading these stories together, families will be drawn closer to Jesus and to each other.
In writing the stories, Jill had her adult daughter with autism and her grandchildren in mind. "I wanted my grandkids to love the things I love―most of all Jesus. I believe God gave me the ideas for the stories while I was in the barn with the animals doing the ordinary things and discovering a God that cares about all things! The fun, the hard and the crazy."
Designed as a 52-week family devotional, readers of all ages and abilities will enjoy this illustrated collection of stories starring Jill's farm animals and pets. Each story has an accompanying Bible verse that reinforces the story's theme, encouraging the reader to see God in daily life. Readers will be able to comprehend the truths of the Bible in deep ways, to discover and experience Jesus, and to know his amazing love for them at a new level. Through reading these stories together, families will be drawn closer to Jesus and to each other.
In writing the stories, Jill had her adult daughter with autism and her grandchildren in mind. "I wanted my grandkids to love the things I love―most of all Jesus. I believe God gave me the ideas for the stories while I was in the barn with the animals doing the ordinary things and discovering a God that cares about all things! The fun, the hard and the crazy."
- GenresChildrens
112 pages, Hardcover
Published October 23, 2022
2 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 24, 2023
"Cute as a bug's ear," is what my grandma would say about something that was charming, and delightful, and fun, all rolled into one. Well "Cute as a bug's ear" is what I'm calling this glossy 112-page hardback, "Finding Jesus on Upside Down Days: Family Devotions from the Barnyard" by Jill A. Miller. All 52 of these devotions are perfect for moms, dads, and grandparents to sit down with the young ones, snuggled up on the couch, and to read out loud. And the pictures will add to the attention-keeping and discussion.
Miller draws her short tales from a cast of furry and feathery characters in her barnyard, while she draws her points from the Bible. Each reading revolves around the Bible passage without being "preachy," and is illustrated mostly by her animals, herself, or a few of her neighbors and their animals. A majority of the stories will make you laugh or chuckle, though some will also bring you to meet the sadness of death. But all of them will leave readers - younger and older alike - a bit more appreciative for who Jesus is and what he does for his people. It was fitting how Miller didn't shy away from the sickness and death of one of her golden retrievers, Hessid, and the sadness she felt after. Those four chapters were touching, but also were significant in communicating important lessons about life and our emotions, especially for the younger audience.
All told, "Finding Jesus on Upside Down Days" was cute as a bug's ear! It will be a perfect addition to your children's books at home, or in the church nursery and library. And if you're wondering what age group it's written for, it seems to be written for younger kids who can sit in your lap or snuggle close. But, honestly, even drawing close to 62, I found it very enjoyable. I highly recommend the book.
Miller draws her short tales from a cast of furry and feathery characters in her barnyard, while she draws her points from the Bible. Each reading revolves around the Bible passage without being "preachy," and is illustrated mostly by her animals, herself, or a few of her neighbors and their animals. A majority of the stories will make you laugh or chuckle, though some will also bring you to meet the sadness of death. But all of them will leave readers - younger and older alike - a bit more appreciative for who Jesus is and what he does for his people. It was fitting how Miller didn't shy away from the sickness and death of one of her golden retrievers, Hessid, and the sadness she felt after. Those four chapters were touching, but also were significant in communicating important lessons about life and our emotions, especially for the younger audience.
All told, "Finding Jesus on Upside Down Days" was cute as a bug's ear! It will be a perfect addition to your children's books at home, or in the church nursery and library. And if you're wondering what age group it's written for, it seems to be written for younger kids who can sit in your lap or snuggle close. But, honestly, even drawing close to 62, I found it very enjoyable. I highly recommend the book.
March 23, 2023
My endorsement: “Our wonderful God uses ordinary parts of life like the changing of the seasons, our neighbors, and the animals we raise to encourage our hearts in him. He's always there showing us his love and lifting us up. In Finding Jesus on Upside-Down Days, Jill Miller shows us how to look outside of ourselves (how to just look outside at donkeys, dogs, goats, and friends!) and see Jesus there giving us his good word of assurance. Are there days when you need the Lord to put your heart right side up? Pick up this book and learn from Jill.”
November 11, 2022
Finding Jesus on Upside Down Days is a daily devotional book for families. This book follows the author, Jill on her adventures in her barnyard with her beloved animals. She shares lessons she learns from these adventures and things that happen that remind her of Jesus.
Jill is a grandmother and lives with her husband and daughter who is disabled. Her endearing animal crew consists of a couple of sweet donkeys, fainting goats (they really do faint!), a couple of pygmy goats, and several dogs.
This book was filled with some very sweet stories. My favorites were the ones about the fainting goats. These had me laughing! Jill doesn't shy away from sharing the hard stories though too This book deals with the death and lose of pets and sickness.
While I enjoyed this devotional for it's stories, I struggled with some of its applications. Jill talks about sin and how Jesus died to save us, but it never specifically talks about how not everyone is saved. She never talks about how not everyone is apart of God's family.
Here is an example of one of her quotes from the end of a daily devo:
"But I do know a wonderful Rescuer-One who is just perfect for the job. Jesus came to rescue you and me from sin, and because he did this, he also rescued us from death! You and I will live forever because of the greatest rescue ever!"
I just found this very unclear on the issue of salvation.
She does mention in one story about how Jesus knocks and we need to answer and let him in. This is the closest she gets to talking about salvation.
"He is knocking to come into our hearts and into our lives. But there is no doorknob on the outside of this door. The only way Jesus can come in is if we open up our door from the inside and invite him in. Some people are like Anaiah- they don't even notice someone at the door of their heart. I hope you notice Jesus knocking today. I hope you invite him in. And once Jesus comes into your heart, he begins to make you more and more like himself -glorious!"
I have some problems with this theology.
I know this is meant to be able to be read to littles and is simplified, but I feel like it isn't very clear who God's people are and the issue of what salvation truly is. Some of the nuances in this devotional were just a little concerning to me as a parent who wants my child to know clearly what it means to be saved.
Besides this, I found the stories to be so fun and there were some good lessons about friendship and doing to others as you would want them to do unto you. There were good reminds for the Christian, that God will provide for us and take care of us, and that he has our ultimate good in mind.
Seriously though, the fainting goats were my favorite and so endearing!
Jill is a grandmother and lives with her husband and daughter who is disabled. Her endearing animal crew consists of a couple of sweet donkeys, fainting goats (they really do faint!), a couple of pygmy goats, and several dogs.
This book was filled with some very sweet stories. My favorites were the ones about the fainting goats. These had me laughing! Jill doesn't shy away from sharing the hard stories though too This book deals with the death and lose of pets and sickness.
While I enjoyed this devotional for it's stories, I struggled with some of its applications. Jill talks about sin and how Jesus died to save us, but it never specifically talks about how not everyone is saved. She never talks about how not everyone is apart of God's family.
Here is an example of one of her quotes from the end of a daily devo:
"But I do know a wonderful Rescuer-One who is just perfect for the job. Jesus came to rescue you and me from sin, and because he did this, he also rescued us from death! You and I will live forever because of the greatest rescue ever!"
I just found this very unclear on the issue of salvation.
She does mention in one story about how Jesus knocks and we need to answer and let him in. This is the closest she gets to talking about salvation.
"He is knocking to come into our hearts and into our lives. But there is no doorknob on the outside of this door. The only way Jesus can come in is if we open up our door from the inside and invite him in. Some people are like Anaiah- they don't even notice someone at the door of their heart. I hope you notice Jesus knocking today. I hope you invite him in. And once Jesus comes into your heart, he begins to make you more and more like himself -glorious!"
I have some problems with this theology.
I know this is meant to be able to be read to littles and is simplified, but I feel like it isn't very clear who God's people are and the issue of what salvation truly is. Some of the nuances in this devotional were just a little concerning to me as a parent who wants my child to know clearly what it means to be saved.
Besides this, I found the stories to be so fun and there were some good lessons about friendship and doing to others as you would want them to do unto you. There were good reminds for the Christian, that God will provide for us and take care of us, and that he has our ultimate good in mind.
Seriously though, the fainting goats were my favorite and so endearing!
November 14, 2022
I am always on the lookout for great devotional that the whole family can utilize and when I found out about Finding Jesus on Upside Down Days: Family Devotions from the Barnyard by Jill A. Miller, I knew I needed to read it! Ms. Miller lives on a farm taking care of lots animals and her family. Through 52 devotion entries, Ms. Miller takes you into her world, telling the reader the inspirations and the lessons she has learned through her life on the farm. At the beginning of the book is a list of the “Cast & Characters” who are in the devotion entries. Each entry also includes a Bible verse to correspond with each entry.
Finding Jesus on Upside Down Days: Family Devotions from the Barnyard is one of my favorite devotionals I have ever read. I used Finding Jesus on Upside Down Days: Family Devotions from the Barnyard as part of my own devotional time. I love the stories, the Biblical applications, and the life applications that is in each devotion entry. I love how Ms. Miller’s writing is vivid and makes you feel as though you are on the farm with her as she is describing the story while explaining the Biblical application and pointing it to Jesus. I believe Finding Jesus on Upside Down Days: Family Devotions from the Barnyard has something for the whole family to take away from in their Family Devotion time. The devotions will hold young children attention due to the animal aspect of the devotions as well as learning about Biblical Truths. Older children will also enjoy the animal aspect of the devotions and the Biblical Truths are easy enough to understand, but powerful enough to help them grow in their Walk with the Lord. Adults will like it because of the Biblical Truths that are in the book and seeing their loved ones learning about Christ. I highly recommend Finding Jesus on Upside Down Days: Family Devotions from the Barnyard and believe everyone will be inspired reading this fun book!
I would like to thank New Growth Press for giving me a copy of Finding Jesus on Upside Down Days: Family Devotions from the Barnyard to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My review is also on my blog, Leslie's Library Escape.
Finding Jesus on Upside Down Days: Family Devotions from the Barnyard is one of my favorite devotionals I have ever read. I used Finding Jesus on Upside Down Days: Family Devotions from the Barnyard as part of my own devotional time. I love the stories, the Biblical applications, and the life applications that is in each devotion entry. I love how Ms. Miller’s writing is vivid and makes you feel as though you are on the farm with her as she is describing the story while explaining the Biblical application and pointing it to Jesus. I believe Finding Jesus on Upside Down Days: Family Devotions from the Barnyard has something for the whole family to take away from in their Family Devotion time. The devotions will hold young children attention due to the animal aspect of the devotions as well as learning about Biblical Truths. Older children will also enjoy the animal aspect of the devotions and the Biblical Truths are easy enough to understand, but powerful enough to help them grow in their Walk with the Lord. Adults will like it because of the Biblical Truths that are in the book and seeing their loved ones learning about Christ. I highly recommend Finding Jesus on Upside Down Days: Family Devotions from the Barnyard and believe everyone will be inspired reading this fun book!
I would like to thank New Growth Press for giving me a copy of Finding Jesus on Upside Down Days: Family Devotions from the Barnyard to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My review is also on my blog, Leslie's Library Escape.
November 23, 2022
Author Jill Miller’s 52 devotions from the barnyard make a fun, educational, and faith-building family adventure. Finding Jesus on the Upside Down Days is a grandmother’s interesting and educational narration of her barnyard stories. Miller relates her experiences to Jesus and His ability to turn our Upside Down days back upright.
Each ‘chapter’ is one or two pages long and includes Brad Woodard’s illustrations that are perfect for a children’s barnyard theme.
Most chapters include one or two related Bible verses that can either become prompts for conversation or simply help children associate the meaning of Bible verses to their daily life. As the reader gets to know Miller’s fainting goats, miniature Jerusalem donkeys, and dogs, they also learn about friendship, helping each other, and having a relationship with Jesus. Miller included the death of one of her beloved dogs, where she acknowledged her sadness and then kept on with life.
Finding Jesus on the Upside Down Days ends with Miller’s personal Christmas story that she relates to Christ’s birth. This ending makes Finding Jesus on Upside Down Days a good Advent devotional – that would be started 52 days before Christmas. It would also work well to read one per week, beginning at the start of the year and ending with the Christmas story. But really, the devotional can be used in any way the family (or teacher) sees fit.
This is definitely a devotional that families who love animals would enjoy.
New Growth Press hasn’t listed an age for this book on the Amazon listing. I suggest it’s best for ages 5+, but younger siblings could also appreciate much of it, too.
Each ‘chapter’ is one or two pages long and includes Brad Woodard’s illustrations that are perfect for a children’s barnyard theme.
Most chapters include one or two related Bible verses that can either become prompts for conversation or simply help children associate the meaning of Bible verses to their daily life. As the reader gets to know Miller’s fainting goats, miniature Jerusalem donkeys, and dogs, they also learn about friendship, helping each other, and having a relationship with Jesus. Miller included the death of one of her beloved dogs, where she acknowledged her sadness and then kept on with life.
Finding Jesus on the Upside Down Days ends with Miller’s personal Christmas story that she relates to Christ’s birth. This ending makes Finding Jesus on Upside Down Days a good Advent devotional – that would be started 52 days before Christmas. It would also work well to read one per week, beginning at the start of the year and ending with the Christmas story. But really, the devotional can be used in any way the family (or teacher) sees fit.
This is definitely a devotional that families who love animals would enjoy.
New Growth Press hasn’t listed an age for this book on the Amazon listing. I suggest it’s best for ages 5+, but younger siblings could also appreciate much of it, too.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews