A Christian Life through Humor

Although the Bible does not "tell us so" I am pretty sure Jesus laughed in his lifetime...........and I know that I have said more that once that God sometimes has a strange sense of humour when it comes to events in my life and the world.  Surely he had to have been laughing up a storm when he designed the Platypus!

A college friend, Randy Ray, recently published a book that looks at his life and his Christian life through humour tinted glasses.  Randy is a professor at West Texas A&M University in the Department of Communications.

His book, Thank The Lord For Leroy is a wonderful experience! 

"What do a pink van, ice cream, too many hats, and a speeding ticket have to do with our relationship with Christ? At first glance, one might think, Not much. In Thank the Lord for Leroy, author Randy Ray walks us through his journey in life with some off-the-wall and amusing stories. These stories are sometimes insightful, often thought-provoking, but always humorous. He introduces us to things like an iron-stealing ferret, what it's like to fall into an orchestra pit, and-very importantly-why donuts are so much better than bagels. Ray also describes what it is like when a math-avoiding parent meets that inevitable day when a child needs help with math homework. From experience, Randy tells what it is like to start a Christian band, sign a record deal, and embark on the craziness that comes with being on the road. He also takes a lighthearted and poignant look at Christian marriage and family. Through it all, his off-beat friend Leroy provides him with a "friend who sticks closer than a brother" -even if, at times, you wish he didn't!"

Thank Thank The Lord For Leroy will be a great addition your book collection and it also makes a great gift!

Kids are Readers Too!

I wanted to share a couple of "children's" books with you.  Both can be read by young readers but they also lend themselves well to be read to the child!

There are a LOT of children's books out there, some are silly stories, some just stories, and others teach a lesson or educate kids.  I think that both of these fit into an "education" category but one that the kids and the parents can enjoy.

Engineering Elephants by Dr. Emily Hunt and Dr. Michelle Pantoya is a fun book with short verse and colourful illustrations that explores engineering fields.

Engineering Elephants
(click able link)

"As engineering professors, we have both been teaching at the university level and conducting research in nanotechnology and engineering education for several years. After having our families, we have discovered that there is a lack of children's books on engineering geared toward young children ages 4-8. Engineering education is a growing issue in our nation, and all research points towards engaging children in engineering concepts when they are at these young, impressionable ages. We have developed this children's book on engineering targeted for ages 4-8 based on experiences that we have had in engineering education and research. Our goal with this book is to show children some exciting things that engineers design and engage them through humor and their own creativity."

Oil People by Natalie Bright is one that can be read to a child but it is probably more for a reader in grade school.

Oil People
(click able link)

"Exploring for crude oil 101: Meeting the people who bring you American energy. From the back-breaking labour of drilling to the precision of seismic interpretation, these workers represent a varied workforce of family owned businesses to skilled scientists; a specialized group who have devoted their life's work to the discovery of crude. Filled with photos, you can meet the workers, tour the job site, learn what's in a 42-gallon barrel, discover the early ages of drilling, and find out what makes this global product so important. Step into the fascinating world of crude oil."

These are both great books that will introduce the child to the world of Engineering and the world of Petroleum.

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**crossing fingers**

The website is "published" and we have content on the majority of the pages, a few are still "under construction" but they that is more so because we are still searching.  Hint, Hint............................If you know of any authors, movies, or books that will fit in these categories then PLEASE use the Contact Us form to tell us about them or use the Reply here!

Texas Treasures and Jewels

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Welcome

Welcome to the Birth of Texas Treasures and Jewels!  No, we have no jewelry.......well at least not at this time.  Chief purpose of this blog (and our website) is to CONNECT you with Texas Authors, Books/Movies/Music about Texas or set in Texas!

Now of course we do know just a few of these but ya'll got to remember, Texas is a DARN BIG state and we can't possibly know them all!

We would LOVE to hear from you about your favorite Texas author, book, movie, or music.

Just give us a "reply" here on the blog and we will get your fav's a spot!