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.”

 

 

 

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.

10/14/14 - Tyndale House Publishers book review - Abraham by Charles Swindoll

Abraham, one nomad’s amazing journey of faith by Charles Swindoll offers more than just Abraham’s journey, it offers ways to stay in tune to God’s timing.

I found this book to be very interesting even though I was familiar with Abraham’s journey.  Pastor Swindoll adds life to the story.  He includes timelines and tells us the present day area that Abraham and Sarah traveled.  He shows us the bald truth about Abraham’s journey, warts and all.  Abraham, like many of us, gets impatient; at times wanting to run ahead of God.  But one thing for certain, God will do what He says and He will do it when He does.  We can’t rush Him nor can we hide from Him.  Abraham found out that God even hears our subtle untruths, Sarah was kinda Abraham’s sister but utmost, she was his bride.  Pastor Swindoll lays out the ungodliness of Sodom and Gomorrah and their destruction, and why.  We see the looking for a bride for Isaac and the way Ishmael was blessed.  We follow from the time he was Abram to the end of Abraham’s life.

This is a wonderful book that would be interesting for any reader, believer or nonbeliever.

I received this complimentary copy from Tyndale House Publishers.

10/14/14 - Tyndale House Publishers book review - A Robertson Family Christmas By Miss Kay Robertson

A Robertson Family Christmas is a warm, fiction book by Miss Kay.  If you are familiar with the Robertson’s, Duck Dynasty and Duck Commander; you will enjoy this book.

This novella is based on real Robertson family Christmas traditions.  Hunter Clark misses being with his Dad and brother.  He lives with his mother who has entered him into a contest to spend Christmas with the Robertson’s; and he won.  He doesn't even know these people and had to read about them before he leaves Chicago to head to the deep-south of Louisiana.  Korie Robertson opens her home and her heart to this young man that at first doesn't fit in.  Miss Kay teaches him to cook, “The” Duck Commander takes him on a duck hunt and Hunter finds love and the true meaning of Christmas spending time with this crazy bunch.

This is a heart-warming novella that will put you in the Christmas spirit.  Any age will enjoy this story and be blessed.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers.

10/14/14 - BookLook Bloggers book review - The Southern Foodie's Guide to the Pig By Chris Chamberlain

Chris Chamberlain has written a masterpiece of pig.  Chris writes for many southern newsletters or blogs from his Nashville, TN base.  He has hit a home run with this cookbook.

This is not only a cookbook; it is a lesson about the hog and also reviews of southern restaurants where you can get some good pig.  The pictures are so tasty looking you can almost smell the aroma.  I grew up on a farm until I was 8 and went to a few “hog killings” myself but I sure learned a lot more from this book.  The Southern Foodie’s Guide to the Pig not only showcases the pig; it showcases the good things that go with the pig.  You’ll see recipes for hush puppies, corn bread, cinnamon pull-apart bread and he even has a recipe of the rub to use on a whole hog.  You will find recipes for drinks, breakfast, bread, soups and salads, side dishes and desserts.

If you like pork, here is your recipe book.  Calling it a cookbook or recipe book seems so cheap compared to what is in this book.  I highly recommend this book to any cook of pork.  Go pig!

I received this book from BookLook Bloggers.

10/13/14 - Bethany House book review - Look and Live: Behold the Soul-Thrilling, Sin-Destroying Glory of Christ by Matt Papa

Look and Live is a very honest, soul-searching book.  Matt Papa has a way of writing that takes you to where he was/is.

Look and Live will bring you back to looking at Jesus and living.  What you spend the most time thinking and worrying about is what you are worshiping.  We've taken our eyes away from God.  Gaze upon the glory of God; He wants to spend time with you.  Look and Live will guide you into the how.  Our lives are so busy, we need to take time out of our busy schedule and Look and Live.

I’d recommend this book to everyone that can read.  We all need to spend more time with God.  Matt Papa is a blessing and he has blessed us with this wonderful book.

I received this book from Bethany House, a part of Baker Publishing Group.

10/12/14 - Blogging for Books book review of Meat and Potatoes by Rahm Fama

Meat and ‘taters is right up my alley.  Rahm Fama cooks up a wonderful cookbook specifically with Meat and Potatoes.

When I saw this book to review I jumped on it.  My husband, David, is a meat and ‘taters kind of guy.  The pictures in this book are mouthwatering.  As Fama says, “Simple recipes that sizzle and sear”.  He was the host of Food Network’s show Meat & Potatoes.  The book is laid out in complete meals; a meat and at least one side dish.  Even the side dishes look great.  In the introduction to the book you will learn about the cuts of meat and also how to prepare them.  It will make you look in the pantry or go to the store to get started on tonight’s dinner.

This is a beautiful cookbook with beautiful, mouthwatering pictures. You’ll find yourself wanting to lick the pages, no seriously, you will.

I received this cookbook from Blogging for Books.