Baby, Baby!

Baby, Baby!

Written By: Diane Stortz

Illustrated By: Ailie Busby

Book Overview:

A yawn, a giggle, a sweet little kiss - each moment of a baby's life is full of discovery and wonder. This short rhyming poem is a celebration of just that, ending with a gentle reminder that Baby is always loved by God.

My Thoughts:

 I enjoyed reading through this book. It made me think about when my boys were younger.  They would have loved the mirror at the end of the story.  This would be a great addition to a Sunday school class of one and two year old's. This book would be perfect for their attention span. This book would make a great baby shower gift. I love the message, its a good one at any age, "I have loved you with an everlasting love." Jeremiah 31:3b 

To learn more about the author and purchase a copy of this book, please click here.

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one of the products mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog, thanks to FlyBy Promotions.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

night night, Farm

night night, Farm

Written By: Amy Parker

Illustrated By: Virginia Allyn

Book Overview:

When the sun sinks low down on the farm, the animals are all tuckered out from the day's adventures. Join these adorable farm animals in pajamas as they say night night to the farm, to their mommies and daddies, and to God. Your little ones will sleep until the rooster crows knowing that the God who made them loves them so. 

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed reading this story with my boys. They are a bit older than the target age range for this book but they still enjoy listening to me read to them.  This would be great for a toddler.  The book is full of bright pictures and lots of animals. It would be great for teaching about animals and the sounds they make as well. I love the underlying message of parents taking care of their children, and how we all communicate in a different way, but it doesn't make what we have to say any less.

"Disclosure (In accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255: "guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this product in exchange for this review and post. These opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. "

Me Too

Me Too 

Experience the God Who Understands

Written By: Jon Weece

 
 Book Overview:

Your life is filled with pressure and pain and heartache and disappointment. So was His.

If you’ve ever tried to pick up the shattered pieces of your life and put them back together again without help, you know it’s an impossible task. When you lose your job, when divorce divides your family, when a loved one commits suicide, or when cancer claims a friend, it’s easy to lose perspective and abandon hope.

According to Jon Weece, Christianity does not require you to smile through your pain, much less praise God for tormenting you. God doesn’t enjoy your suffering. But he does understand it—and he knows exactly how to fix it.

That’s what Me Too is all about: A God who turned the ugliness of the cross into a spectacle of eternal beauty. An all-powerful Lord who will do the same with the pain of this world. An eternal Father who specializes in wiping away tears and putting you back together again. If you’ll allow him.

My Thoughts:

There are so many words floating around today. In most cases we relate to one another with our words.  I have learned of the significance of two simple words, but when put together have a powerful meaning.  The two words are, me and too.  When somebody connects with us by using those words, sometimes it can feel like they are throwing us a rope, something to hold on to and hope with, a guide so we know where to go.  Other times it can seem those words act as a life preserver, keeping us alive - literally and figuratively as we seek out help. This book was difficult for me to get into, but I stayed the course, and boy am I glad that I did.  He touched on a lot of struggles that we face in this life.  The chapter on suicide stood out the most to me.  I liked how he addressed many different perspectives, ultimately keying in on how many times it comes about because of untreated mental illness and depression. I would like to share a quote from the chapter that stuck with me, "Suicidal thoughts might provide the greatest "me too" opportunity for us to love people where they are and as they are. God wants us to lighten people's emotional loads: "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Gal. 6:2) Shared joy is double joy, but shared pain is half pain." There is so much I underlined in this book and quotes that I shared with others. I would recommend this book, it is a relatively easy read in that it can be picked up and read randomly, any chapter, or in order.  There are some deep, thought provoking sections, but some light and humorous spots as well.  It won't go too far from my desk, as some parts of it I would like to revisit soon.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Return to Joy

Return To Joy

Finding Healing in the Arms of Your Savior

Written By: Bev Desalvo

Overview:

Pain. Abuse. Neglect. Abandonment. These issues lie just under the surface of our lives. So we stuff the ache, paste on a smile, and make the forced march to church on Sunday. Bev DeSalvo has been there. A child of abuse, the wife of a pastor, and a women's ministry leader, she saw no way out of her anguish. But God invited her on a journey. And her life has never been the same. Return to Joy includes a 10-week Bible Study.

My Thoughts:

Wow! I don't know where to begin. I started reading this book and couldn't put it down.  It grabbed my attention and held it, all through the 200+ pages and once complete left me thinking, 'that's it?'  I wasn't ready for it to end.  I will be going back to re read this book for sure.  This book doubled as a bible study as well.  At the end of each chapter were questions for reflection. A lot of questions, all separated so that if you wanted to use them for daily reflections you could.  There were a lot of scripture references. This book was easy to relate to, even if you haven't experienced the same trials she has, we all need healing from time to time. I know a few people who would benefit from this book and I will be passing it along to them to read. This was a very deep book, full of many points of reflection. One quote that stood out to me, "If we aren't broken by the love of God, we cannot become vulnerable and love others from our hearts. We can't truly love without being wounded and hurt by someone. We cannot allow God's love to flow through us as long as we have our protective walls in place."  Being somebody who isolates and builds those walls mighty high, this initially felt like a sharp jab to the chest that left me feeling winded, but then also challenged me to be more aware of it and reach out to others instead of adding more bricks to the top of the wall.  I feel like I highlighted or underlined the entire book and wrote my own book in answering the questions as the bible study. I highly recommend this book to anybody who is hurting or confused and is trying to, "Return To Joy." This book made me feel like joy is possible, regardless of the struggles you have faced.

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.

With My Eyes Wide Open

With My Eyes Wide Open

Written By Brian "Head" Welch 

Book Overview:

He left KoRn to help himself. He went back to help others. And along the way, he nearly lost everything.

A life-changing spiritual awakening freed Brian “Head” Welch from a stranglehold of drugs and alcohol and prompted him to leave the highly successful nu-metal band KoRn in 2005. What followed was a decade-long trial by fire, from the perils of fathering a teen lost in depression and self-mutilation to the harsh realities of playing solo and surviving the shattering betrayal of a trusted friend. In this intensely inspiring redemption saga, perhaps most inspiring is Brian’s radical decision to rejoin KoRn and reconcile with the tribe of people he once considered family in the metal music scene.

Brian returned to his musical roots with a clear head and a devoted heart. Though his story is wild, hilarious, and deeply poignant, the message is simple: God will love you into the freedom of being yourself, as long as you keep the relationship going and never, ever quit.

My Thoughts:

I enjoy reading.  I really enjoy reading that gives me the opportunity to step into somebody elses shoes and try to look at life from their perspective. I didn't really know much about the band KoЯn prior to requesting this book.  I was intrigued by part of the overview that talked about his struggles with a teen lost in depression.  Being somebody who struggles with depression, I was curious.  I enjoyed reading the book.  Brian "Head" Welch from the band KoЯn has had his own run with depression.  I like how this book clearly shows us that nobody is immune from making mistakes but that everybody can find forgiveness.  Brian had his fair share of difficulty, some from the choices he made, and some from the devil trying to get him off track.  I know the book was mostly about Brian and its his comeback story, personally I am wondering if his daughter Jennea has any plans on writing a book.  That is one I would definitely want to read.  Jennea ended up going to a girls boarding school for a time while she became more self confident and stronger as she fought back against depression.  I would love to hear more of her story.  I like how the book ended, more like a to be continued because really Brian just brought us up to where he was as of publishing it.  I like that it included a letter from Jennea at the end of the book.  I would recommend this book to somebody who likes to get an inside picture of people they look up to or to somebody who is a die hard KoЯn fan. Ultimately it is a story of redemption, for the individual and for the band.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

All Things Bright and Beautiful

All Things Bright and Beautiful

Written By Cecil Frances Alexander

Illustrated By Katy Hudson

Book Overview: 

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all. 
First published by Cecil Frances Alexander in 1848, this favorite hymn has become a mainstay of churches and Sunday school classes everywhere. Here artist Katy Hudson brings new joy to the words with her fresh and bright watercolor style. Readers can join in the fun as they follow two little girls and their brother on a day filled with the discovery of all things bright and beautiful.

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed reading this book with my boys.  One of my boys is 9 and one of them is 5.  While my boys enjoyed it, I do feel that it would be a book geared more towards younger children. In the past I have volunteered in a Sunday school class setting with two year olds.  This book would be great for that kind of setting. I think it would hold their attention because of the bright colors and the children all throughout the story are young.  It would be great for naming animals as well. I like the message that this book conveys.  A simple, yet profound reminder that we can find God's touch everywhere we look, including the people who grace our path. 

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one of the products mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog, thanks to FlyBy Promotions. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Life We Never Expected

The Life We Never Expected

Hopeful Reflections on the Challenges of Parenting Children with Special Needs

Written By Andrew and Rachel Wilson

Book Overview:

What do you do when hard or painful circumstances turn your world upside down, resulting in a life you never expected? Andrew and Rachel Wilson grappled with this question after both of their children were diagnosed with regressive autism. Refreshingly honest, this book explores the highs and lows of raising children with specials needs, reflecting on the broader question of how to cope with suffering of all kinds. Sharing personal stories from their lives and encouragement rooted in the truth of God's Word, Andrew and Rachel highlight lessons they've learned related to fighting for joy and thriving in the midst of trials--ultimately pointing readers to Christ, the One who promises to make all things new.

My Thoughts:

I enjoy reading books!  I really enjoy reading books that give me a different perspective on the struggles that others may live with.  These could be the struggles of the person or the struggles of those who care for them.  While the difficulty faced may feel different, each is being affected by one main conflict. Seldom do we ever want any kind of prolonged difficulty in our life or the life of those we love, yet that remains out of our control and in the hands of the Almighty. This book is written by parents who had a vision in their minds eye that turned out to be very different than what God had planned.  They are parents of two children with autism. The layout of the book made it very easy to read a long, to pick up and read even if you only had a few minutes of time to do so.  I finished the book in 2 days...I was hooked! The book is separated into five cycles and each cycle has five subheadings: Weeping, Worshiping, Waiting, Witnessing, And Breathe.  Some of the wisdom shared among these pages could be applied to more than just raising children with special needs. One quote that I decided to write down in my little note book for future encouragement, " If what you think you have is greater than what you think you deserve, then that's where thankfulness comes from.  If what you think you deserve is greater than what you think you have, then that's where bitterness comes from." I really enjoyed the section titled, "The Unresolved Why," it talked about the unanswered why's that we have when we endure suffering or hardship. I can't tell you how many times I have wondered why something is or isn't happening.  In the end why it happened, or didn't happen is of little importance.  Knowing why doesn't always change the feelings surrounding the struggle. I like the way Andrew said that we may never know what the answer is to that question but we can always know what isn't, it isn't because God doesn't care or doesn't love us or is distant. I will conclude this review with one more of my favorite quotes from the book, "So if you're mired in despair at the moment, wondering how you're going to get through the week, let alone the year, it's worth bearing in mind that, in all probability, it won't always be like this.  The old dreams die, but new ones form.  The clouds close in, but the sun finds a way, eventually, of breaking through."  I highly recommend this book!

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one of the products mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog, thanks to FlyBy Promotions. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Unashamed

Unashamed: Healing Our Brokenness and Finding Freedom From Shame

Heather Davis Nelson

Overview:

Shame is everywhere.

Whether it's related to relationships, body image, work difficulties, or a secret sin, we all experience shame at some point in our lives. While shame can manifest itself in different ways—fear, regret, and anger—it ultimately points us to our most fundamental need as human beings: redemption.

Shame never disappears in solitude, and Heather Davis Nelson invites us to not only be healed of our own shame but also be a part of healing for others. She shines the life-giving light of the gospel on the things that leave us feeling worthless and rejected, giving us courage us to walk out of shame’s shadows and offering hope for our bondage to brokenness. Through the gospel, we discover the only real and lasting antidote to shame: exchanging our shame for the righteousness of Christ alongside others on this same journey.

My Thoughts:

Once I picked this book up, I couldn't put it down. I was not quite sure what to expect when I read the title.  I guess I always thought about shame as something that you got as a result of wrong behavior. I felt it was linked to one specific thing and when forgiveness was offered and accepted that the shame would slowly fade. I thought of it on a large scale, I never knew how many different ways that shame could effect us. There are a few things that I struggle with (who am I fooling by saying a few?!?!) and it was neat to gain a different perspective on those feelings, a perspective that I would have never thought about if it weren't for this book.  For example, I struggle feeling like I just don't matter to people, that I could disappear and nobody would notice, and when I don't show up for bible study and never hear anything, it confirms those feelings.  I found this quote from the book very enlightening, "Shame always wants us to believe that we are invisible, unseen by others, that we have no voice, and that we do not deserve to be noticed." I never would have made the link that shame was part of what was contributing to those thoughts. I also really enjoyed the chapter on social shame. I feel like underlined and/or highlighted that entire chapter. One point that she made that I really liked was about how Jesus' closest friends on earth abandoned him during his hour of greatest need. Feeling like an outsider, that really resonated with my heart. Another thing about this book that I really enjoyed were the questions at the end of each chapter.  Those questions would make this book the perfect candidate for a recovery group or a small group study. The questions aren't too intense but really bring your focus back to the main idea of the chapter and allow for open dialogue with others.  I highly recommend this book, I will keep it at the front of my bookshelf and revisit it often for inspiring quotes and encouragement.

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one of the products mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog, thanks to FlyBy Promotions. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

My Mother's Quilts

My Mother's Quilt

Devotions of Love, Legacy, Family and Faith

Written By: Ramona Richards

About the Book:

A quilt is love that serves a purpose. 

The devotions in My Mother’s Quilts are inspired by family heirloom quilts, some more than 100 years old. With humor and sincerity, Ramona Richards shares her memories and lessons learned from the quilters whose legacies live on in their work. Rich, personal, sometimes heartbreaking, often funny, each reading provides a lesson and encouragement from the faithful women who crafted the quilts. Together, these devotions depict the enduring legacy of faith, family, and beloved traditions. Includes full color photographs of each of the 30 quilts!

My Thoughts:

Whenever a new book arrives at my doorstep, I feel like a little kid on Christmas morning.  I am filled with anticipation as I open the package and eagerly read the back cover.  I will admit once I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down.  I enjoyed the rich color pages and beautiful pictures of the handmade quilts.  I have always been intrigued by quilts, one time I was feeling ambitious and thought I could make a patchwork quilt out of a lot of scraps of material that my great grandmother used to make me outfits when I was a little girl.  I don't think I went any further than gathering all the scraps.  A lot more goes into making quilts than I ever realized. I enjoyed reading this book and hearing about how each quilt had a special meaning.  I also like how the author linked it to something important with regards to faith or our spiritual journey. This devotional would be great for somebody who is busy.  The devotions are short and sweet and to the point, but so deep and profound. I was grateful to have the opportunity to read this book.  The neat thing about this book is that they are currently hosting a contest, and one lucky winner will have the chance to win one of the quilts that are featured in this book. Enter for your chance to win....a Friendship Quilt

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one of the products mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Mother & Son

Mother & Son The Respect Effect

Written by:  Emerson Eggerichs, PhD

Love is important, but it is respect that is the key to your son’s heart.

The idea of moms respecting their sons may sound alien to some, but it seems to ignite curiosity across the board. It is easy to relate to the need for all of us to feel a mother’s love, but is that the same thing as respect? Even for young boys, the effect of respect is nothing short of astounding when applied properly.

Moms yearn to learn anything that better helps them with their sons. After all, they love their boys, but many find them more difficult to parent than their girls, especially from age four and up.

What makes this all the more urgent is that moms are coaching fathers to love their daughters, but no one has said boo to moms on specific ways to show respect to their sons, at least not in a way that is applicable and fully explained. All realize that little girls need daddy’s love, but who is strongly promoting the truth that little boys (and big ones) need Mom's respect? No wonder mothers feel left in the dark on this topic.

Just as Emerson Eggerichs transformed millions of marital relationships with a biblical understanding of love and respect, he now turns these principles to one of the most important relationships of all, a mother and her son.

My thoughts:

I enjoyed reading through this book.  I have always found it interesting to hear of so many titles about fathers and daughters.  I twas refreshing to read a book about sons! I enjoyed reading the personal accounts of what a mom would say and then seeing a response.  I also enjoyed the fact that they gave us ways to encourage our sons!  Growing up with mostly sisters, sometimes I think my boys will relate or share in the same way that I saw my sisters share.  I did have one brother, he reminds me constantly that 'guys are different.' And this book also confirmed that!  This book really provided a lot of insight for me.  I will most likely keep it near the front of my book shelf so that I can refer back to it in the near future!

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one of the products mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Bridegrooms

The Bridegrooms By: Allison Pittman

Tragedy hits the Allenhouse family on a hot summer night in Ohio when a mother of four vanished. Eight-year-old Vada virtually grew up overnight and raised her three younger sisters while her father lost himself in his medical practice in the basement of their home.

Now, Vada is a grown woman, still making her home with her father and sisters. Her days are spent serving as an errand girl for Cleveland’s fledgling amateur orchestra; her evenings with Garrison Walker, her devoted, if passionless, beau.

Dizzying change occurs the day the Brooklyn Bridegrooms come to town to play the Cleveland Spiders and a line drive wallops the head of a spectator. The fan is whisked to the Allenhouse parlor, and questions swirl about the anonymous, unconscious man.
Suddenly, the subdued house is filled with visitors, from a flirtatious, would-be sports writer to the Bridegrooms’ handsome star hitter to the guilt-ridden ballplayer who should have caught the stray shot. The medical case brings Dr. Allenhouse a frustration and helplessness he hasn’t felt since his wife’s disappearance. Vada’s sisters are giddy at the bevy of possible suitors. And Vada’s life is awakened amid the super-charged atmosphere of romantic opportunity.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

To purchase a copy of this book please click here.

 

Forget Me Not

Forget Me Not by Vicki Hinze

Crossroads Crisis Center owner Benjamin Brandt was a content man—in his faith, his work, and his family. Then in a flash, everything he loved was snatched away. His wife and son were murdered, and grief-stricken Ben lost faith. Determination to find their killers keeps him going, but after three years of dead ends and torment, his hope is dying too. Why had he survived? He’d failed to protect his family.

Now, a mysterious woman appears at Crossroads seeking answers and help—a victim who eerily resembles Ben’s deceased wife, Susan. A woman robbed of her identity, her life, of everything except her faith—and Susan’s necklace.

The connections between the two women mount, exceeding coincidence, and to keep the truth hidden, someone is willing to kill. Finding out who and why turns Ben and the mystery woman’s situation from dangerous to deadly. Their only hope for survival is to work together, trust each other, and face whatever they discover head on, no matter how painful. But will that be enough to save their lives and heal their tattered hearts?

To purchase a copy of this book please click here.
This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

Home Beyond The Sun

Home Beyond The Sun
Home Beyond the Sun is the story of two girls, Jenna (Melyssa Ade) a 22-year old American teacher and the other, Chu Lee (Molly Sayer) an eight-year old Chinese orphan. Together, with the help of the Lord and the guidance of His Word, they overcome the adversity of prejudice, persecution, and political oppression to find solace and protection in the bosom of a Christian family. This extraordinarily moving feature explores the social and political realities of China today. Produced, written and directed by award winning filmmakers of faith, this movie will enthrall the heart, elevate the spirit, and expand the awareness of committed men and women to these challenges. In this deeply committed visual adventure, the creative fire of Christian love warms the hearts of rebels with a 
                                         cause.

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This movie was very inspiring.  It also made me stop and count my blessings.  I can not even begin to imagine being thrown in jail for reading/possessing a bible.  That is beyond me.  I also can't begin to imagine what it would be like to have to give my baby up just because of the sex of that child.  This movie was a real tear jerker...it had a bit of suspense and action and really kept me interested right to the end.  I would recommend this movie to my friends and family members!

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To purchase a copy of this movie please click here.
"Disclosure of Material Connection: I recieved one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in teh hope that I would mention it on my blog.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good of my readers.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions' 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonial in Advertising."

This Little Prayer of Mine

Author Anthony DeStefano’s adult books, The Prayers God Always Says Yes To and A Travel Guide to Heaven, have sold a quarter-million copies. Illustrator Mark Elliott’s cherished artwork has appeared in popular picture books and novels for young readers, including Gail Carson Levine’s ever-popular Princess Tales series.

Now, these acclaimed inspirational experts have come together to create This Little Prayer of Mine, a beautiful and alluring book designed to guide children into a very simple, real and expressive relationship with God.

Through engaging rhymes and alluring illustrations, This Little Prayer of Mine shows children—and their parents and grandparents—that complete dependence on God is what brings peace and fulfillment. It invites children to know and believe that God is always just a simple prayer away and that He longs to respond to them with a resounding, “Yes!”

This Little Prayer of Mine appeals to readers from all different faiths. Easy-reader format allows children to read alone, or with someone older, and encourages them to openly express their fears, thanks, and needs directly to God.

This book was provided for review by Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Company.
To purchase a copy of this book please click here.

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My little one has recently become a fan of books and enjoys listening to stories.  I enjoyed reading this book to him as it helped reinforce the importance of prayer.  He enjoyed the bright colors and the 'toys'!  The book was not too short and not too long, it held the attention of our almost 3 year old for the entire story!

Dancing with My Father/Mother-Daughter Duet REVIEW

                                                Let Your Soul Dance with Delight in God

Do you sometimes feel victimized by circumstances? Are you overwhelmed by weariness, fear, or discouragement? Do you wonder, Where can I go to claim the promise of Jesus that my joy could be made full?

When trusted author and mentor Sally Clarkson noticed a lack of joy in her own life, she realized how easy it can be, especially for women with overloaded to-do lists, to feel weighed down by drudgery and disappointment. But rather than slogging through her days, Sally wanted to know the delight of God's presence. She began prayerfully exploring how to cultivate deep-rooted joy even in the midst of difficult seasons.

In this warm and wise book, she invites you to experience for yourself what happens when you trust God to lead you into a life of anticipation, passion, and purpose.

Weaving biblical insights with real-life stories that reflect every Christian woman's deepest longings, Dancing with My Father reveals how any woman, in any circumstance, can daily live in beauty and grace, joy and peace.

This book was provided for review by the Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Company.
To purchase a copy of this book please click here.

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A harmonious relationship is possible

When your daughter was born, you had a thousand hopes and dreams for her. . .including that one day you'd be best friends.
But as life unfolds, even the best intentions go awry. There are so many challenges on the journey to adult friendship that the reality is fraught with friction and frustration. Thankfully, a harmonious relationship with your daughter is possible.
Written by a mother and daughter who have successfully navigated the minefield from distance and tension to acceptance and friendship, Mother-Daughter Duet helps moms open wide the door of communication so that daughters want to walk through it. Filled with personal anecdotes and based on proven principles, each chapter offers timeless wisdom as well as a daughter’s perspective. Often these principles apply to daughters-in-law as well.
The relationship between mothers and daughters is intense, personal, complex, and unique. But you can have the loving, authentic bond you always dreamed of—when you learn the mother-daughter duet.

This book was provided for review by the Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Company.

To purchase a copy of this book please click here.

Revolve 2010

I enjoyed reading through this Biblezine. It was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publishing Group. It is set up in a seventeen magazine style only bible addition. It is unfortunate that this can't be a monthly subscription. It is great with the info they learn and activities and quizzes but just seems like it would be incredible if it could span the whole year via a monthly subscription.

Either way I am sure my 18 and 14 year old sisters will want to be borrowing it!

This book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publishing Group.

This book can be purchased here.

Hear No Evil Blog Review

If you’ve ever had the opening bars of a song transport you back in time or remind you of a pivotal spiritual moment, Matthew Paul Turner’s honest—and frequently hilarious—musings will strike a chord. Straightforward and amusing, Hear No Evil is Turner’s “life soundtrack,” a compilation of engaging personal stories about how music—and music’s ability to transform—has played a key role in his spiritual life.

Groove along on his journey as young evangelical Turner attends forbidden contemporary Christian concerts, moves to “Music City” Nashville, and dreams of becoming the Michael Jackson of Christian music.

Cosmic and compelling, keen and funny, every page is a new encounter with the people, places, and experiences that have taught the music-editor-turned-author some new things about God, forced him out of his comfort zone, and introduced him to a fresh view of grace along the way.

If you would like to purchase this book please click here.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Love & War

What the Eldredge bestsellers Wild at Heart did for men, and Captivating did for women, LOVE & WAR will do for married couples everywhere. John and Stasi Eldredge have contributed the quintessential works on Christian spirituality through the experience of men and the experience of women and now they turn their focus to the incredible dynamic between those two forces.

With refreshing openness that will grab readers from the first page, the Eldredges candidly discuss their own marriage and the insights they’ve gained from the challenges they faced. Each talks independently to the reader about what they’ve learned, giving their guidance personal immediacy and a balance between the male and female perspectives that has been absent from all previous books on this topic. They begin LOVE & WAR with an obvious but necessary acknowledgement: Marriage is fabulously hard. They advise that the sooner we get the shame and confusion off our backs, the sooner we'll find our way through.
LOVE & WAR shows couples how to fight for their love and happiness, calling men and women to step into the great adventure God has waiting for them together. Walking alongside John and Stasi Eldredge, every couple can discover how their individual journeys are growing into a story of meaning much greater than anything they could do or be on their own.

This book was provided for review by Waterbook Multnomah Publishing Company.

To purchase a copy of this book please click here.

Mom's Bible

Mom’s Bible: God’s Wisdom for Mothers gives women an awareness of just how precious and vital they are in God’s plan for the family.

Available in the New Century Version and drawing on solid Bible teaching, it encourages women at every stage of life to strengthen their relationship with God. A perfect gift for Mother’s Day, birthdays, or whenever it’s time to say “thank you” to a special mom.

To purchase a copy of this bible please click here.
This bible was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publishers.

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I am really enjoying the layout of this bible.  I love the fact that is compact and not too heavy and can easily be carried around with me!  There were two things that I absoultly loved about this bible - the insights, and the questions.  I enjoyed the insights that are, in a sense magnified. The end of the bible it has a section titled "Answers to Questions Kids Ask,"  it seems that will probably be a handy source sometime in the near future!

The Imposter DVD Review

The Imposter

I must say I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this movie when I requested it. 

It's arrival came at perfect timing, a Friday afternoon.  My husband and I had nothing to do all weekend and we were looking forward to just relaxing.  This movie, though a bit long, contained many great messages.  One thing that I really enjoyed about this movie was that it was real. One of my major gripes about movies is how unrealistic they are when dealing with struggles.  Now I know that it is like that because it is a movie, but sometimes the "happy endings" come a little too quick.  I like that this movie kept it real.  It sent the message, that just because somebody is willing to change, it doesn't mean that everybody is just going to jump up and down and go on with life as if nothing ever happened.  This movie also sends the message that sometimes it is about making the choice to change on your own, regardless of how many people try to help you change, until the choice is yours the change won't happen.  While the movie deals with drug abuse and infidelity it also deals with change and forgiveness and love.  It begs the question to anybody and everybody who watches it, "Do you believe?"

This movie reminds me of the age old adage that goes something like, "Love the sinner, hate the sin." 

I strongly encourage you to pre-order this move as it is a must see! To pre-purchase a copy of this movie please click here.

I recieved the product mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog.  Regardless, I only recommend prodcuts or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part  255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonial in Advertising."