Deus Misereatur

  "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

  Our Father, you who are a father to the fatherless, helper to the helpless, defender of those who are defenseless. You see that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves. Please keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, so that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to our bodies and from all evil thoughts that that may assault and hurt our souls! We remember these who are tackling and being tackled by specific trials (…). May it please you to calm, compose, and clear them according to their particular needs. Give them enduring patience under their sufferings and a satisfactory ending to all their afflictions.   Please safeguard our country, as well as all other nations in our world, including Kosovo, Kuwait, and Kyrgyzstan. Also, we implore you to direct the hearts and minds, deliberations and decisions of all the world leaders in your ways of justice and truth on behalf of the favored and ill-favored, the mighty and meager, and the powe