Monday, October 24, 2016

10/24/16 - Today's Moment of Truth: Devotions to Deepen Your Faith in Christ by Lee Strobel and Mark Mittelberg - Book review


Why Do We Believe What We Believe?

Leading apologists Lee Strobel and Mark Mittelberg present 180 insightful devotions that will give you daily infusions of spiritual truth while deepening your knowledge of the evidence for Christianity. Each devotional is based on scientific, historical, or biblical facts that will bolster your confidence in Christ. You will be inspired, encouraged, and equipped to “give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15). Practical takeaway will allow you to put this confidence and knowledge into action. You’ll emerge with a deeper understanding of why you believe what you believe. In the process, you’ll find your love of truth—and your passion to share it—growing each day.

You may remember Lee Strobel's The Case for..., he and Mark Mittelberg, author of The Contagious Church, have worked together on this devotional.  So not only will you get easy background on why we believe what we do, but scripture, further thinking and truth for today.  The contents reveal any topical index you would need for the 180 devotions.  The devotions are interesting, concise and thought provoking.  One that sticks in my head is the 6 E's of the Resurrection; Execution, the Empty Tomb, Eyewitnesses, Early accounts, Extra Biblical reports, and the Emergence of the church all points to the truth of the Resurrection.

The hardcover handles well and the devotional has a ribbon to mark your spot.  This devotional may be used individually, within a small group or as a family devotional. 
I received a complimentary copy of this devotional from BookLook Bloggers for an honest review.

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

10/18/16 - Hidden in my Heart Scripture Memory Bible NLT - Stephen Elkins (Editor) - Book review for Tyndale House Publishers

The Hidden in my Heart Memory Bible is a wonderful addition to any family.  The age range for the Bible is 6 - 10 years of age, however, it can be useful for any person wanting to memorize scripture.  The highlighted scriptures are one hundred core verses to memorize in any of the three translations of the Bible; the New Living Translation, the New International Version and the King James Version.  The songs you can download feature the core verses.

Scripture memorization grounds, kids in the faith, equips them for the future, and solidifies relationships with Christ, family, and others. The Hidden in My Heart Scripture Memory Bible was created to encourage kids not only to read God’s Word, but also to hide it deep within their hearts. One hundred of the Bible’s core verses have been set to music by renowned children’s author and songwriter Stephen Elkins. The 100 songs include a variety of genres and are available in the New Living Translation, New International Version, and King James Version, and all songs are free with the purchase of the Bible. Additional interactive features encourage school-age kids to engage with the Word in every place of their life.  

What songs have you memorized?  The ABC song?  Twinkle, Twinkle little star?  Jesus Loves Me?  Will you ever forget them?  No you won't because you have learned them by the song.  This Bible allows your children to do the same thing with beloved scriptures.  Truly not only can children use this Bible for memorization, adults can too.  Are there some scriptures that you would long to "hide in your heart"?  This Bible is for you...and your family.  

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.

Sunday, October 2, 2016

10/2/16 - 365 Pocket Morning Prayers: Strength and Joy to Begin Each Day by David R. Veerman - a book review for Tyndale House Publishers

Each morning when you rise, take a moment to talk with God about the day ahead. Ask Him to prepare your heart so that you can be ready to face any challenge that comes your way. 365 Pocket Morning Prayers can guide this time of life-changing conversation and help you express your needs and concerns to God. Don’t worry about what the day will bring. Instead, release your troubles and concerns into God’s care by reading and meditating on the prayers featured in 365 Pocket Morning Prayers. Begin your day with joyful anticipation, trusting that God is in control of your life and wants only the best for you.

Veerman is the owner of The Livingstone Corp., a company devoted to helping Christians and Christian organizations improve ministry effectiveness. He currently presents Understanding Your Teenager seminars across the country.
 
This leather bound book feels so good in your hands.  It's wonderful to start your morning with a prayer and scripture.  You can use this as your morning devotions or anytime your mind wanders and you need help with prayer.  There is a topical index in the back of the book.  It will also fit in your purse, book bag or briefcase.  The days in the book are numbered and not dated so you can start anytime.  Each day you have a full page prayer with half pages for weekends.  The book cover is beautiful with a palm tree and a few seagulls and it has a ribbon book marker so you won't lose your place.  I'd recommend this pocket, morning prayers to anyone.  It will truly give you strength and joy to begin each day with.

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review..


Saturday, October 1, 2016

10/1/16 - The Jeremiah Project Part 1-The Scrapbook by A. J. Foltz - Book review for Book Look Bloggers

The Jeremiah Project Part 1—The Scrapbook is a user-friendly study that you cannot afford to miss. It’s like finding a few more pieces to that big puzzle of life. Some of us have a good start at putting it all together, but the picture of life becomes a little clearer and makes more sense after spending some time with Jeremiah. You will find insightful information as he, by appointment from God, delivers wisdom, comfort, and strength that will get many through the upheaval in our world. 

About the Author


As a new and upcoming author, A.J. Foltz is a career Christian who has undergone a lifetime of God's training on and off the Christian field. Foltz has been married for thirty-three years and raised three children.

The Jeremiah Project Part 1 will help you dive into the first ten chapters of Jeremiah with in-depth study and background scriptures that are needed as a history lesson.  With this study you will gain insight into the book of Jeremiah as he was one of the major prophets called by God. This study is probably used best for personal growth and not a Bible study with a group.  You are given suggestions, questions and subjects to meditate on.  You will see the prophesy unfold of Jerusalem's destruction.  I liked how the study propelled me into a deeper understanding of the book of Jeremiah which initially I had found intimidating.

Grab your Bible, this study, some paper and pens and jump into a prophet of God.  I'd recommend this book to Christians that have been in service to the Lord for a few years.  I would not recommend this as a Kindle eBook because I think this distracted me from sitting down with a hard copy of the book and doing the exercises within.

I received this book from the Book Look Bloggers for an honest review.

Saturday, September 24, 2016

9/24/16 - Gratitude: A Prayer and Praise Coloring Journal by Tyndale - Book Review for Tyndale



Gratitude: A Prayer and Praise Coloring Journal invites you to bring creative journaling and the calming act of coloring into your quiet time with God. This beautifully designed interactive prayer book from Tyndale’s Living Expressions collection helps guide your thoughts as you pray about concerns such as health, overcoming stress, personal relationships, and more. Gratitude gives you a way to celebrate and give thanks to God for the many blessings he provides. Filled with over 100 designs to color, plenty of space for journaling and sketching, and 40 needs-based prayers, Gratitude helps you express your devotion to God with your whole heart!

I am so blessed to have received this book for review.  The cover is amazing.  Not only is this a hardcover book but Tyndale has added an extra support to aid in coloring.  There are heart-felt prayers, scriptures of encouragement, space for journaling and the most fun part...coloring pages!

This is one from Tyndale's Living Expressions collection.  Gratitude is small enough to fit in your purse or briefcase.  It would be wonderful to use on your lunch break or to settle back in a comfy chair and color, pray or reflect (or all three).  Some of the pages are in black and white to give you the opportunity to express yourself and some of the pages have some color already added to jump start your creativity.

Tyndale's Pinterest page has downloadable coloring pages to whet your interest.

I have many coloring books and journals, none like this.  I would recommend this book to anyone that likes to color or would like to have a prayer and praise journal.

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.  I am very grateful for them for that.

Saturday, September 17, 2016

9/17/16 - Sunday Suppers by Karen Mordechai review for Blogging for Books

KAREN MORDECHAI, a photographer and stylist, is the founder of Sunday Suppers, a Brooklyn-based food community and blog that has won many accolades, including a 2013 Food and Wine Digital Award, top food blog by Saveur, and #6 in Babble.com’s Top 50 Design Blogs. Karen’s work is regularly featured in the New York Times, Martha Stewart Living, Remodelista, New York magazine, and more. She lives with her husband and daughter in Brooklyn, New York.

Sunday Suppers is a beautiful cookbook from the simple gray cloth cover to the beautiful photographs within.  The recipes are sophisticated and look delicious.  The recipes are more for the city dweller with ingredients that may not be readily available in all areas of the country.  Sunday Suppers gives you recipes for Morning, Lunch and Supper.  The recipes can be used for dinner parties or intimate gatherings.

Foodies would love this cookbook.  Even those of us that don't live in or near a city can grab a few recipes from the book.  The cookbook is lovely and I would recommend it to anyone.

I received this book for free from Blogging For Books Program in exchange for my honest review.

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

8/24/16 - The Wired Soul: Finding Spiritual Balance in a Hyperconnected Age by Tricia McCary Rhodes book review for Tyndale Blog Network

The Wired Soul: Finding Spiritual Balance in a Hyperconnected Age by Tricia McCary Rhodes is a Christian, Spiritual growth book that is written for our high-tech life.  It is for those who struggle to pray, to read the Scriptures and to be still to know that God is God. She is the author of several books and she and her husband founded New Hope Church in San Diego.

This book is very interesting and well written AND, if you're like me, will step on your toes. I finished reading the book a few weeks ago and I think my toes are still bruised.  Ok, if you find it hard to concentrate reading the Scriptures or your mind wanders when you try to pray, but if you hear the ding of a device two-rooms away, better put on your steel-toe shoes.  When I read a book for review I don't normally write in it, not this book.  I have gathered so many useful tools that I have started to put some in place.  Here are a few tips that may help you (oh yeah, and me) grow closer to our Savior:  slow reading and deep thinking, meditation, prayer and contemplation.  Seems pretty simple right? Then you try it! Get this book!

I received this book for a fair and honest review.  I would have gladly paid as I have received a generous amount back in knowledge.

Sunday, August 21, 2016

8/21/16 - The Duck Commander Faith and Family Bible - NKJV - BookLook Bloggers

The Duck Commander Faith and Family Bible are the New King James version of the Bible. Executive editors are Phil and Al (the beardless one) Robertson from the hit series Duck Dynasty. This Bible includes 125 articles by Phil and Al along with a special welcome note. It also includes a topical index, reading plans and supplementary scripture references.

Duck calls may be their business; but for Phil and Al Robertson, Jesus Christ is number one in their hearts. The Set Your Sights articles are core values that the Robertson's live by; Faith, Family, Fellowship, Forgiveness, and Freedom. There is an index of the twenty-five or so "issues of life" showing where it is addressed and where each of the core values is applied to the topic. Also in the index is the ABC's of salvation along with a scripture verse that applies. The Bible is packed full of extras from the Robertsons. I like the typeface and durability of this Bible. I would recommend this Bible to not only fans of the show but to everyone.

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.”

Friday, August 12, 2016

8/12/16 - Book review of Bodie by Anne Sweazy-Kulju

I loved, loved, loved this book. While reading it I got near to the end and I didn't want to read anymore because I didn't want it to end.  This author knows how to lay out a plot, introduce characters that you'll remember and keep you wanting to stay up until the break of dawn to read.

Two sisters, unbeknownst to each other, were having the same reoccurring dream of a murder in Bodie, California.  The two sisters, Lara and Lainy had survived foster care but knew next to nothing of their family's past.  There memory was regressed by a therapist and then their world turned upside down. There destination was a ghost town in California where they wanted to find out more about this unsolved murder that took place years ago.  That meeting with the therapist/psychic started a chain reaction of hired guns chasing them, mining executives fearful of their cover-ups and the therapist wanting to tell their story.  It is a whirlwind of excitement throughout this book.

I love the characters, the paranormal aspect, the history and the well written plot that is based on a true story.  I would recommend this book to everyone from 8 to 80.

I received this book from the author for an honest review.



Thursday, July 14, 2016

7/14/16 - When God Whispers Your Name by Max Lucado - Book review

When God Whispers Your Name by Max Lucado is an inspirational read. Those familiar with Max Lucado's writings won't be disappointed.  If you are unfamiliar with Max Lucado, you will be delighted with his down-to-earth writing and wit. Not only is his writing witty but inspirational. Max Lucado is co-pastor of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, TX.

 

When God Whispers Your Name will remind you that God knows you. God knew you when you were being knit together in your Mama's womb. He knows every hair on your head, and he has them counted! He loves you with such love that is hard to comprehend, He sent His Son to die for your sins. There are so many places in the book that need a highlighter. Let me quote the Pastor with my favorite.

 

IT’S QUIET. It’s early. My coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming.

In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met.

For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day’s demands. It is now that I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I’m free to choose. And so I choose.

I choose love . . .

No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.

I choose joy . . .

I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical . . . the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.

I choose peace . . .

I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.

I choose patience . . .

I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I’ll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.

I choose kindness . . .

I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.

I choose goodness . . .

I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.

I choose faithfulness . . .

Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.

I choose gentleness . . .

Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.

I choose self-control . . .

I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek his grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.

 

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.”

 

 

 

Thursday, June 30, 2016

6/30/16 - Review of Red Roof Inn, Georgetown, IN

        Stuck in the Red Roof Inn, Georgetown, Indiana. This parking lot is so filthy that my dog, Max's, leash has gotten me and my clothes very dirty. They have boxes of stones in the front drive. When questioned about the pool being closed the owner said it has been closed for five years, five years! The grass hasn't been cut in a long time. There is no breakfast of any sort served and I probably wouldn't eat from here anyway.  A can of soda is $1. From what I have read online that this location has gone through renovations recently so some of this dirt is understandable, but the renovation is done on the inside, now work on the outside.


    I hope the Red Roof Inn hasn't gone the way of Motel 6 with me. I won't ever stay at a Mo 6 again, #nomo6. I would try another Red Roof Inn, but not this one.