C.H. Spurgeon's Morning Devotional
Wednesday April 2, 2025

"He answered him to never a word."-Matthew 27:14
    
    He had never been slow of speech when He could bless the sons of men, but He would not say a single word for Himself. "Never man spake like this Man," and never man was silent like Him. Was this singular silence the index of His perfect self-sacrifice? Did it show that He would not utter a word to stay the slaughter of His sacred person, which He had dedicated as an offering for us? Had He so entirely surrendered Himself that He would not interfere in His own behalf, even in the minutest degree, but be bound and slain an unstruggling, uncomplaining victim? Was this silence a type of the defenselessness of sin? Nothing can be said in palliation or excuse of human guilt; and, therefore, He who bore its whole weight stood speechless before His judge. Is not patient silence the best reply to a gainsaying world? Calm endurance answers some questions infinitely more conclusively than the loftiest eloquence. The best apologists for Christianity in the early days were its martyrs. The anvil breaks a host of hammers by quietly bearing their blows. Did not the silent Lamb of God furnish us with a grand example of wisdom? Where every word was occasion for new blasphemy, it was the line of duty to afford no fuel for the flame of sin. The ambiguous and the false, the unworthy and mean, will ere long overthrow and confute themselves, and therefore the true can afford to be quiet, and finds silence to be its wisdom. Evidently our Lord, by His silence, furnished a remarkable fulfillment of prophecy. A long defence of Himself would have been contrary to Isaiah's prediction. "He is led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth." By His quiet He conclusively proved Himself to be the true Lamb of God. As such we salute Him this morning. Be with us, Jesus, and in the silence of our heart, let us hear the voice of Thy love.
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Friday, November 7, 2014

Sweet T and the North Wind Book Review Blitz


Title: Sweet T and the North Wind
Author: Cat Michaels
Illustrator: Irene Jahns
Publication Date: October 28, 2013
Publisher: Independent
Pages: 36
Recommended Ages: 5 to 10


Summary:  Last time a powerful North Wind blew across the lakes, strange things happened. And the winter when Tara turns ten years old, the North Wind blows sharp and the lakes freeze solid by Thanksgiving. Old-timers from the village warn everyone to take care. Tara, or Sweet T as Grandma calls her, is tired of being cooped up indoors on this coldest winter day, and she tries to make the best of the situation. But when Tara makes a wish that is dearest to her heart, T’s ordinary afternoon leads to an hour of magic that takes her on a journey of discovery and a ride she’ll never forget. This gentle story of a family across the generations weaves enough magic and whimsy to interest children. It also subtly raises the real-life issue of aging. “Sweet T” entertains while opening the door for children to discuss, in an age-appropriate way, the illness of a beloved family member.

This is a nice adventure story with a twist of fantasy as Tara's scooter attempts to take her back to wonderful times with her family.  I would recommend it for probably 3-5 graders.  A beautiful story to help build new readers confidence in chapter books.  It isn't a long story with long chapters.  It is short and sweet and will take you on a delightful fun adventure.  I definitely enjoyed the imagination ride into Tara's memory.  Couldn't ask for a more delightful winter time read.  


The Buzz About the Book

“This children’s book is lovely to read and the artwork is gorgeous. I’m looking forward to more books from this author.” ~ 5 Star Review, Shirley, Amazon

“Sweet T and the North Wind by Cat Michaels is an adventurous story with whimsy and magic that enchant. The author tickles the creative and imaginative thoughts of young readers.  The illustrations are beautiful and bright, and they both enhance the story and breathe life into the characters and the scenes.” ~ Mamta Madhavan, Readers’ Favorite

“This is a wonderful story! Writing and illustrations are very nice! I bought two copies, one for myself and one for my class. I’m working with 5th graders and we’re practicing writing our own stories and I’ll be using this book to encourage them to keep writing.” ~ 5 Star Review, Pati, Amazon

About the Author: Cat Michaels

Cat Michaels AuthorCAT MICHAELS is a writer, small-space gardener, choral singer, and digital dabbler who started writing stories in fourth grade and hasn’t stopped since.
She spins tales of everyday life, with a twist of magic or mayhem, that open young minds to new ways of looking at the world.  With more than two decades helping students from kindergarten to college overcome the challenges of learning disabilities and Asperger’s syndrome, Cat’s books encourage students to use their imagination and problem-solving skills as they enjoy reading.

Watercolor artist Irene A. Jahns illustrates Cat’s Sweet T Tales.  This series of chapter books for early readers follows the adventures of three sisters.  Book 1, Sweet T and the North Wind, is available in print and will debut as an e-book in winter 2014.  Book 2, Finding Fuzzy, a You-Decide Tale of a Lost Friend, where children write or draw the story’s ending, earned second place honors in the Purple Dragonfly Book Award.

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About the Illustrator: Irene Jahns

IRENE JAHNS grew up in a family of artists and formalized her skills with a degree in art and M.S. in human learning and human development, University of North Carolina-Charlotte.  She has been a working/exhibiting artist as well as an art educator for many years.  Irene was an organizational development instructor as a management consultant in the business world for twelve years before returning to art instruction as the head of graphic design for a community college.


an ecopy of this book was provided in exchange for my honest review by....
  MDBR Book Promotion Services

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1 comment:

  1. Cat MichaelsNovember 23, 2014 at 7:48 PM

    Thanks for discovering Sweet T and her North Wind magic. I appreciate your review and insights into T's gentle messages about family, love and the power of imagination.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for adding a Scrap of your Life.

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