tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51674930015657598732024-03-13T13:02:27.557-04:00Blog Carimy random thoughts... book reviews... and other fun stuffCarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18391379562173688208noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167493001565759873.post-44477442542350039842013-09-24T23:36:00.001-04:002013-09-24T23:59:30.705-04:00Every Waking Moment - By Chris Fabry<div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Every Waking Moment is a story about</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Treha, a custodian in an assisted living facility, who has an incredible gift. She has a unique ability of relating to the elderly patients and helping those who might be considered lost to find their way back. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Devin is filming a documentary about the residents at Dessert Gardens, the same nursing facility where Treha works. After an unlikely meeting, Devin becomes interested in Treha's extraordinary ability and shifts the focus of his documentary to tell her story. As details are revealed, the documentary begins unlocking her past.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The chapters alternate between Treha's story and scenes from the documentary. Having the documentary interspersed throughout the novel was an great idea, but I thought it was a bit confusing and the scenes were often unrelated to what was going on. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I have enjoyed other books by Chris Fabry, but this one was just ok. Treha is an interesting character, but I found the details of her life to be too unrealistic, and I just couldn't get into this plot.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: justify; ">Disclosure of Material Connection: A</span><span style="text-align: justify; ">s a book reviewer I received this book free from Tyndale House Publisher for my review. The thoughts I have expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review. 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."</span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: justify; "><br></span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: '.HelveticaNeueUI'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">http://mediacenter.tyndale.com/downloads/press_kits/EveryWakingMomentAuthorQ&A.pdf</span></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-45MnhqJQojY/UkJa2kYssII/AAAAAAAAAHQ/j54PvBacEFo/s640/blogger-image--1184241475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-45MnhqJQojY/UkJa2kYssII/AAAAAAAAAHQ/j54PvBacEFo/s640/blogger-image--1184241475.jpg"></a></div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18391379562173688208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167493001565759873.post-81596533229915073702013-06-01T17:00:00.001-04:002013-06-01T20:38:48.005-04:00Confessions of a Raging Perfectionist - By Amanda Jenkins(Learning to be Free)<div><br></div><div>Confessions of a Raging Perfectionst is a story of one woman's battle with perfectionism. Self-proclaimed raging perfectionist, Amanda Jenkins, shares candidly her addiction to perfection, from an addiction to diet coke to obsessive list keeping. Jenkins shares honestly and transparently with a bit of humor interspersed throughout this book. </div><div><br></div><div>As an avid list keeper and a bit of a perfectionist myself, I was intrigued by the title of this book. This is not necessarily a book about perfectionism, but rather a collection of personal experiences from the author. Although it is relatable at times, there was nothing exceptional about it.</div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: justify; ">Disclosure of Material Connection: A</span><span style="text-align: justify; ">s a book reviewer I received this book free from Tyndale House Publisher for my review. The thoughts I have expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review. 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."</span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-size: 14px; text-align: justify; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Times; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); "><br></span></span></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ym5Rm1-hBYw/Uapg3GbAg_I/AAAAAAAAAG0/ZPxZZ6ibft0/s640/blogger-image--385359327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ym5Rm1-hBYw/Uapg3GbAg_I/AAAAAAAAAG0/ZPxZZ6ibft0/s640/blogger-image--385359327.jpg"></a> </div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18391379562173688208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167493001565759873.post-2575425877390262262013-04-19T00:38:00.001-04:002013-04-19T00:40:16.746-04:00By Faith, Not By Sight- By Scott MacIntryeThe Inspirational Story of a Blind Prodigy, a Life-Threatening Illness, and an Unexpected Gift <br />
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Scott MacIntyre was born blind. The doctors have no explanation for his blindness. By Faith, Not by Sight is an account his inspirational personal journey through blindness, kidney failure, and a growing music career.<br />
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MacIntyre is a piano player, best known for his appearance on American Idol, as the first blind contestant to break into the top ten on the show. Prior to auditioning for Idol, Scott was a child prodigy, who graduated high school at age 14, was a Marshall scholar, and then traveled to London to pursue music, until at 20 years old, his kidneys failed. <br />
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This book is a candid account of an aspiring young musician and his faith despite hardships. MacIntyre's story gives readers a glimpse into his life, shares details about his blindness, and focuses on his experience with kidney failure and facing the possibility of a transplant. Scott McIntyre may be blind, but he is also a guy choosing to live by faith, not by sight.<br />
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Disclaimer: As a book reviewer I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-m0VgSl5JR-c/UXDKMV1_fHI/AAAAAAAAAGc/wOINOYaJqL0/s640/blogger-image--63538122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-m0VgSl5JR-c/UXDKMV1_fHI/AAAAAAAAAGc/wOINOYaJqL0/s640/blogger-image--63538122.jpg" /></a></div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18391379562173688208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167493001565759873.post-32757267206545896732013-03-21T23:36:00.000-04:002013-04-19T00:41:32.426-04:00I Still BelieveA Memoir - By Jeremy Camp</h2><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I Still Believe is an inspirational memoir from well known Christian recording artist Jeremy Camp. This is his story of growing up in a Christian home, living in poverty, and his spiritual journey after loosing his first wife to cancer. Despite all his pain after Melissa's death Camp can honestly say he still believes.</span><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lpjhb2jSRxo/UUvL86JH6rI/AAAAAAAAAGI/BJlxpFFRJNg/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lpjhb2jSRxo/UUvL86JH6rI/AAAAAAAAAGI/BJlxpFFRJNg/s320/image.jpeg" ssa="true" width="212" /></a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Just weeks after his wife's passing Jeremy felt God calling him to pick up his guitar again. At the time, Jeremy did not necessarily feel like worshiping, but ten minutes later he had written the lyrics for the track "I Still Believe." In this song Camp calls out to God "I still believe in your faithfulness."</span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Through this book fans will enjoy getting a glimpse in to Camp's personal life, and discovering the inspirations for his lyrics and the stories behind these award-winning songs. I Still Believe is a story of pain, loss, and most of all hope. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">For more information visit </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://www.jeremycamp.com/IStillBelieve">www.jeremycamp.com/IStillBelieve</a>.</span></div></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I also received a copy of Jeremy Camp's recently released CD "Reckless." This CD of 11 worship songs including the title track "Reckless" challenges listeners to be Reckless for Jesus. The lyrics are encouraging and the music is typical Jeremy Camp. Fans of his previous music will not be disappointed. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Disclosure of Material Connection: A</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.234375); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.234375); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.300781); -webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">s a book reviewer I received this book and CD free from Tyndale House Publisher for my review. The thoughts I have expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review. 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."</span></span></div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; width: 68.25pt;" valign="top" width="91"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.234375); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.234375); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.300781); -webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</h2>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18391379562173688208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167493001565759873.post-82605742524595703252012-11-12T00:57:00.000-05:002012-11-12T00:57:23.202-05:00Our Favorite Sins: The Sins We Commit & How You Can Quit - By Todd Hunter<br />
Our Favorite Sins, by pastor Todd Hunter, is a book about overcoming temptations and gaining victory over sin. The book cover claims this book to be"the essential guide for beating temptation."<br />
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A recent study by the Barna<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z1aY2xN4J3w/UKCEZv3Ic1I/AAAAAAAAAF0/5tvEjogDo0w/s1600/_140_245_Book_582_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z1aY2xN4J3w/UKCEZv3Ic1I/AAAAAAAAAF0/5tvEjogDo0w/s1600/_140_245_Book_582_cover.jpg" /></a> Group revealed that the top five temptations are anxiety, procrastination, gluttony, media addiction, and laziness. Hunter explains how temptations and desires work to produce sin within us and claims we sin is based in our disordered desires This book describes what "our favorite sins" are but doesn't offer much practical advice to combat them. Instead the auhor recommends we can steer clear of temptation by reordering our thoughts, feelings, and desires and by wanting and becoming passionatly focused on God. </div>
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This was a boring read and ultimately not something I would recommend. I was hoping for some useful advice or new insights about sin, but unfortunately this book did not deliver. As a book reviewer, I felt obligated to finish this book for my review, otherwise I would not have continued reading. </div>
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. 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 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div>
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Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18391379562173688208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167493001565759873.post-61595283126771230412012-05-30T22:08:00.000-04:002012-05-30T22:08:31.588-04:00As One Devil to Another - By Richard PlattA Fiendish Correspondence in the Tradition of C. S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters<br />
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As one Devil to Another is the debut work that C. S. Lewis’s biographer, and contains a series of letters from senior devil Slashreap to his new protégé Scardagger, as he mentors on how to win a soul and keep it from Heaven. The book claims to be written as if C.S Lewis himself wrote it, and is very similar to Lewis' book the Screwtape Letters. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wyXYkdmZcIY/T8bOJujYMKI/AAAAAAAAAFY/Sr5jc4h9a0I/s1600/978-1-4143-7166-5.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wyXYkdmZcIY/T8bOJujYMKI/AAAAAAAAAFY/Sr5jc4h9a0I/s320/978-1-4143-7166-5.gif" width="212" /></a>This book is fiction but will give you a very real glimpse at the disturbing work of the devil. It will give you something to ponder, and help you to remember that the devil is real and will use any tool possible to capture your soul. If you are a fan of the Screwtape Letters you might enjoy this book, but it is so identical to the original work that you might feel as if you've already read it. However, if you like this genre of diabolical correspondence, I recommend The Ishbane Conspiracy by Randy Alcorn. Alcorn's book, which was also modeled after The Screwtape Letters, includes correspondence between demons as well as a plot woven between the letters. The other two books are simply written as letters without much plot.</div>
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Please read either book with caution and prayer. Do not let the devil use this genre of books to deceive you as to who the real adversary is.</div>
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As a book reviewer, I received a copy of this book from the publishers. The publisher has also given me an additional copy of this book to give away to one lucky winner. <strong>Please comment on this post to enter a random drawing for this book. </strong><br />
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Tyndale Blog Network book review blogger 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 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."<br />
<br />Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18391379562173688208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167493001565759873.post-30644301410389524152012-01-16T22:09:00.002-05:002012-01-16T23:33:24.094-05:00The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge - By Tony Dungy & Nathan Whitaker "This year, dare to be uncommon every day."<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d9G-2R2X5iQ/TxTl--gAuXI/AAAAAAAAAFA/--PY7r0FoJs/s1600/uncommon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d9G-2R2X5iQ/TxTl--gAuXI/AAAAAAAAAFA/--PY7r0FoJs/s320/uncommon.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
In this one year daily devotional, Super Bowl champion coach, Tony Dungy, challenges you to be more than the world is calling you to be, to live a life of integrity by daring to be "uncommon." Each devotion includes Scripture and closes with an Uncommon Key - an
application or action to implement based on what you've just read.<br />
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Insightful daily readings focus on the following themes: Core, Family, Friends, Potential, Mission, Influence, & Faith. Coach Dungy does an excellent job speaking honestly and encouraging you to action through the uncommon keys. Football fans and athletes alike will enjoy this book. <br />
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I love that Coach Dungy is outspoken about his faith. That itself is an uncommon thing. Coach Dungy is the Tim Tebow of coaches. I am enjoying the devotions and look forward to becoming more "uncommon" this year. Are you ready to take the challenge, and dare to be uncommon too?<br />
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To view the author video or get more information check out the following links:<br />
www.coachdungy.com/index.php/the-one-year-uncommon-life-daily-challenge/<br />
www.coachdungy.com<br />
www.tyndale.com<br />
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The publisher has given me an additional copy of this book to give away to one lucky winner.<br />
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the
publisher through the Tyndale Blog Network book review blogger 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 : "Guides Concerning the Use
of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."<br />
<br />Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18391379562173688208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167493001565759873.post-54278496894419027352012-01-16T13:17:00.000-05:002012-01-16T21:11:45.266-05:00Smitten - by Billerbeck, Cobble, Hunt, & Hunter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The major industry in Smitten is closing leaving the residents worried about their town's future. Then one woman gets an idea to capitalize on the towns name and turn Smitten into a romantic tourist destination. Will the town residents get behind this idea, and will the tourists come?<br />
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Follow four of the Smitten women through each of the novellas as each woman has an opportunity to find love and become Smitten along the way.<br />
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I have read three of these authors before and was looking forward to this book. However, I did not like the storyline and thought it was a bit cheesy and predictable. It was a fun idea having four authors who are also great friends themselves write each of the four characters, but I just wasn't "Smitten" by it.<br />
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Disclaimer: As a book reviewer I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18391379562173688208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167493001565759873.post-39870776799398948692011-11-23T12:41:00.001-05:002011-12-12T21:50:55.503-05:00Dug Down Deep - By Joshua HarrisUnearthing What I Believe and Why it Matters<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--MSuEhX3ta0/Tua9S4zI1EI/AAAAAAAAAEM/qse_TPcjDOQ/s1600/dcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--MSuEhX3ta0/Tua9S4zI1EI/AAAAAAAAAEM/qse_TPcjDOQ/s1600/dcover.jpg" /></a>Many Christians are just going through the motions, unsure of what they believe, unable to articulate the details of their faith, maybe just going to church, but not digging any deeper. But in this book, Harris challenges us to dig down deep.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Harris shares candidly about his own beliefs and explains the meanings of words like orthodoxy, theology, and doctrine. These words are not always common in today's churches. I admit that prior to reading this book I couldn't define these words myself.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">If you are ready to dig deeper in your own faith, read this book.</div>Disclamer : As a book reviewer I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18391379562173688208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167493001565759873.post-21574930211929977252011-10-27T21:26:00.008-04:002011-10-27T22:39:48.927-04:00Heaven is for Real for kids - By Todd & Sonja Burpo<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back. As told by Colten Burpo to his parents. Illustrated by Wilson Ong.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hQrohubH_IM/TqoRFhp3wjI/AAAAAAAAAEE/kPAbifUsSbY/s1600/_140_245_Book_463_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ida="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hQrohubH_IM/TqoRFhp3wjI/AAAAAAAAAEE/kPAbifUsSbY/s200/_140_245_Book_463_cover.jpg" width="198" /></a>After an emergency appendectomy, three-year-old, Colten Burpo shares this amazing story of his time in Heaven. In this children's adaptation, based on the best selling book Heaven is for Real, Colten shares details about Heaven just for kids. He explains what Heaven is like, and tells of how Jesus really, really loves the children!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Each page is beautifully illustrated and includes a Bible verse. Colten shares a very special message: Heaven is for real, and you're going to like it!<br />
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</div>Disclosure: As a book reviewer I received a free review copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18391379562173688208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167493001565759873.post-16665876651856812172011-09-13T23:47:00.005-04:002011-09-20T18:03:21.850-04:00One Call Away - A Memoir - By Brenda Warner<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Answering Life's Challenges with Unshakable Faith</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jBTDLoM4ato/TnAcOdqoDsI/AAAAAAAAAEA/JRBHbhhWy_4/s1600/_140_245_Book_482_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jBTDLoM4ato/TnAcOdqoDsI/AAAAAAAAAEA/JRBHbhhWy_4/s320/_140_245_Book_482_cover.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Brenda Warner is the wife of NFL star Kurt Warner, the mother of 7 children, a registered nurse, a former marine, and Vice President of the First Things First Foundation, the organization she co-founded with her husband. This is her story of facing life's challenges with faith. Brenda shares candidly her struggles through divorce, betrayal, a deadly tornado, single motherhood, and parenting a child with disability. Her journey takes her from receiving food stamps, to being married to a wealthy football superstar.<br />
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After her first marriage fails, Brenda decides she wants a husband who shares her faith, but instead she ends up dating Kurt Warner, who was not a believer at the time. Kurt eventually becomes a Christian, they get married, and he goes on to have a successful football career. I am not much of a football fan and wasn't a big fan of the book either. Even though this story has a happy ending, it isn't a good idea to become seriously involved with someone who doesn't share your faith.<br />
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I liked that Brenda shares openly and honestly about what she has dealt with. However, I felt that the book sends a mixed message. Brenda made some poor choices early on. She does not talk specifically about how God saw her through those difficult times. In fact it seems like her faith is an after thought, and not her main focus. But this book shows that God can still bless someone even after they have made mistakes and God really is only one call away.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
Disclosure: As a book reviewer I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. </div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18391379562173688208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167493001565759873.post-8118058872317094222011-08-23T23:22:00.004-04:002011-08-23T23:47:27.308-04:00A Place Called Blessing - Where Hurting Ends and Love Begins - by John Trent with Annette Smith<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--k-zhliSWIk/TlRzeLWQd5I/AAAAAAAAAD8/zhQV3bwpmjg/s1600/_140_245_Book_445_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--k-zhliSWIk/TlRzeLWQd5I/AAAAAAAAAD8/zhQV3bwpmjg/s320/_140_245_Book_445_cover.jpg" width="210" /></a>Josh is orphaned at age 4 and put into foster care. After a tragic accident three years later, he is labeled as "unadoptable" and raised in a group home. A Place Called Blessing is the story of how Josh puts his life back together after a difficult upbringing. His life is changed by an unlikely friendship with a new co-worker named Mike, when Mike's mom offers him the a room to rent. In their home, Josh receives unconditional love, and the gift of a blessing for the first time in his life.</div><br />
A Place Called Blessing is a quick enjoyable book you can read in one sitting. It is a fictional follow up to the book "The Blessing" by Dr. Trent and Gary Smalley, which identifies the five elements of the biblical blessing that every person needs. Through Josh's story of redemption and blessing, readers are shown how to give the gift of a blessing to others. This is a wonderful, feel-good book, that will inspire you make your home a place called blessing.<br />
</div>This book ends with a invitation for you to be a part of the Blessing Challenge - One million people choosing to change the life of one child - their child!<br />
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Disclosure: As a book blogger I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18391379562173688208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167493001565759873.post-6557904129574304062011-06-08T23:18:00.001-04:002011-06-08T23:21:18.911-04:00The Waiting Place by Eileen ButtonLearning to Appreciate Life's Little Delays. <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CFKKS52jHtc/TfAz-L0Y4TI/AAAAAAAAAD0/hT4fj-t2PZU/s1600/_140_245_Book_440_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CFKKS52jHtc/TfAz-L0Y4TI/AAAAAAAAAD0/hT4fj-t2PZU/s1600/_140_245_Book_440_cover.jpg" t8="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We all spend time just waiting. The Waiting Place is a collection of stories from the author's life. It reads more like an auto-biography, than a self-help book. I was expecting a lecture on the importance of patience, or not letting life pass you by while you wait. Instead, Button shares her message very subtly through examples of waiting from her own life. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This would be a good book to read while you are waiting. Though it was not what I expected, Button is a great story teller. I enjoyed the unique perspective and glimpse into the life of a preacher's wife. She wonders why her life is defined by her husband's career and not her own. Though she is a teacher and a mother she is always introduced as the pastor's wife. In the Waiting Place, she shares numerous stories, both humours and emotional, from different periods of waiting and reminds us that some of the most priceless gifts can be discovered while waiting for something else. </div><br />
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Disclaimer: I received this book free through the booksneeze book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18391379562173688208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167493001565759873.post-89267975235898681012011-06-06T22:37:00.001-04:002011-06-06T22:54:12.256-04:00Praying for Your Future Husband - By Robin Jones Gunn & Tricia Goyer<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Preparing Your Heart for His</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4zML40V_HBQ/Te2BwVdczUI/AAAAAAAAADw/5pJ2JM2fJAs/s1600/cover9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4zML40V_HBQ/Te2BwVdczUI/AAAAAAAAADw/5pJ2JM2fJAs/s1600/cover9.jpg" t8="true" /></a>This is a book filled with stories and wisdom about marriage and the benefits of praying for your future spouse. Both authors share candidly their pain, struggles, mistakes, and of course prayers. The did an excellent job of blending scriptures, prayers, and other woman's testimonies along with their own experiences</div><br />
As a married woman, I read this book not for myself, but to encourage my daughter and all the other single girls I know. I wish I had been praying for my own future husband before I got married. I would have liked to own a copy of this book back then too.<br />
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My daughter was 4 years old when she asked me how we would pick her husband and I told her we would pray about it. I originaly intended to wait until she was older, but instead she was anxious to start praying for him right away. It is a blessing to watch her pray and to be praying with her for her future husband.<br />
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I would recommend this book to any teenage girl or unmarried woman. This book could also be used as a guild for mothers to encourage and pray with their daughters.<br />
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Disclaimer: As a book blogger, I received a free copy of this book to review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.<br />
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</div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18391379562173688208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167493001565759873.post-28116920299323358162011-05-06T19:49:00.001-04:002011-05-06T20:19:59.735-04:00Daddy Dates By Greg Wright<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eF4Y4OJOp6M/TcR_5PnQHmI/AAAAAAAAADs/Zd0t01vwDps/s1600/_140_245_Book_381_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eF4Y4OJOp6M/TcR_5PnQHmI/AAAAAAAAADs/Zd0t01vwDps/s1600/_140_245_Book_381_cover.jpg" /></a>Four Daughters, One Clueless Dad, and His Quest to Win Their Hearts: The Road Map for Any Dad to Raise a Strong and Confident Daughter</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Greg Wright, father of four teenage daughters, developed a plan to spend time with and get to know each of his girls through what he calls "daddy dates". In this book he shares his personal experiences and outlines some practical steps a dad can take to initiate dates to get to know his daughter and stay engaged in her life. <br />
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Wright started taking his girls on dates when they were between 6 and 10 years old. He wanted to teach his daughters respect, confidence, and what to someday expect on a date. He would call his daughter up to ask her out to a unique date planned for that girls interests and personality. Some of the dates were fancy, other dates were casual, but each date included some time talking with his daughter, listening to her, developing a trusting relationship and getting to know her better. <br />
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My favorite story is when Wright describes his first date with his 9 year old daughter. He brought her flowers, held doors for her, and took her to a nice dinner. Afterwards she was so moved by the date, she started to cry, and told him she never felt so special. <br />
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I definitely recommend this book. It is a quick read that offers a lot of practical ideas. It's simply one dad sharing what has worked for him. Greg Wright recognizes the significant role a father plays in his daughter's lives and is using "daddy dates" to nurture that special relationship. <br />
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Disclaimer: I received this book free through the booksneeze book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18391379562173688208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167493001565759873.post-44745497496800590912011-02-24T23:23:00.002-05:002011-02-24T23:33:05.702-05:00Mere Churchianity - By Michael SpencerFinding Your Way Back to Jesus-Shaped Spirituality<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DjXyppqYgh0/TWcueNWMNhI/AAAAAAAAADE/E9WIh98y6U8/s1600/cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" l6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DjXyppqYgh0/TWcueNWMNhI/AAAAAAAAADE/E9WIh98y6U8/s1600/cover.jpg" /></a>Michael Spencer, known on his blog as the Internet Monk asks, "Have you left the church in search of Jesus?" Spencer says, "In seeking to be a "good" Christian, I was deserting the truth that there is no gospel for "good" Christians, because the Lamb of God was nailed to an alter for those who are no good at pretending to be good. The exhausting effort to be a good Christian denies Christ. If you insist on securing your own holiness and acceptability, you disqualify your-self from receiving anything from Jesus. He came to the earth to save sinners, not good Christians."</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>While I loved this book, I'm not sure I agreed with everything he says. This is the type of book that really makes you think about things. I liked that he challenges Christians to focus on the main point of the gospel which is Jesus. I don't think we need to leave the church, or "churchianity" to do this. The church is not perfect. But sadly, sometimes the church can start selling you "the church" and not Jesus. Instead, Spencer recommends what he calls "Jesus-shaped spirituallity".<br />
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Disclaimer: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah as part of their Blogging for Books program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18391379562173688208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167493001565759873.post-1380273715622077392011-02-19T04:24:00.003-05:002011-03-04T00:11:45.361-05:00The Principle of the Path - By Andy StanleyHow to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBOnBWEC218/TV-MRUDgsEI/AAAAAAAAAC8/ofmCQ_MmpW8/s1600/_140_245_Book_293_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBOnBWEC218/TV-MRUDgsEI/AAAAAAAAAC8/ofmCQ_MmpW8/s1600/_140_245_Book_293_cover.jpg" /></a>What if there is a single unifying principle that governs what happens not only on the highway but in every area of life? Andy Stanley calls it the "principle of the path". He also claims that embracing the principle of the path is the key to avoiding regret. This is really a very simple principle, and yet it is what I would consider un-common sense. Direction - not intention- determines your destination. The choices that we make all lead to consequences. Andy Stanly relates this to being on a path and reaching your destination based on the direction of the path. If you want to reach a certain goal or destination you need to be on the right "path" by making choices to support your goal. I originally thought this was a self-help book, but in Chapter 1 Andy Stanly clearly states, "This is not a self-help book. I'm not offering you a formula. I'm not going to provide you with seven steps. My intention is to bring your attention to a dynamic that is operating in the background of your life." This book was good, and this principle is true! I wish I had followed this principle earlier in my own life. Divorce, bankruptcy, foreclosure, and most other heartaches are the result of a consistent pattern of bad choices. If you want to change your direction read this book. The Principle of the Path also includes a 25 page study guide at the end of the book for group study or individual reflection.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Disclaimer: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Booksneeze.com Book Review Blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18391379562173688208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167493001565759873.post-90498050885956451652011-02-19T04:21:00.003-05:002011-04-03T03:50:17.154-04:00Couples Who Pray - By Squire Rushnell, Louise DuArt<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nM3GtvX28HQ/TV-LE74aD8I/AAAAAAAAAC4/5DUFtqLYEiI/s1600/_140_245_Book_299_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nM3GtvX28HQ/TV-LE74aD8I/AAAAAAAAAC4/5DUFtqLYEiI/s1600/_140_245_Book_299_cover.jpg" /></a>The Most Intimate Act Between a Man and a Woman<br />
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In this book celebrity couples share how a commitment to prayer has made a difference in their marriages. Research presented in the book <span class="text_exposed_show">claims prayer will improve your relationship and decrease your risk of divorce. The book challenges couples to commit to praying together daily for 40 days.</span><br />
</div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><span class="text_exposed_show">You don't really need to read the book, just start praying together for at least 5 minutes a day. If you take this challenge you can see for yourself how prayer works! I believe praying together as a couple is a fantastic idea. I liked the concept of this book much better than the book itself. The book was poorly written, and did not offer any practical advice on prayer. This is not a book for deep spiritual growth. It is mostly just a collection of stories about prayer from minor celebrities.</span><br />
</div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><span class="text_exposed_show">The book didn't say how having children factors in to praying. I think only one couple mentioned praying with kids. </span><span class="text_exposed_show">My husband and I don't usually pray alone together, but we pray as a family every day. Since reading this book we have started praying as a couple too. </span><span class="text_exposed_show">I definitely recommend praying together. I do not recommend this book.</span><br />
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Disclaimer: As a reviewer I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.<br />
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</div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"></div></div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18391379562173688208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167493001565759873.post-36210740011875618402011-02-19T03:58:00.001-05:002011-02-19T04:00:34.961-05:00The Truth About Dating, Love, & Just Being Friends - By Chad Eastham<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mjD9rZ6Jzaw/TV99Ns7ezlI/AAAAAAAAAC0/e8mx4mejfQo/s1600/_200_360_Book_336_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" j6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mjD9rZ6Jzaw/TV99Ns7ezlI/AAAAAAAAAC0/e8mx4mejfQo/s200/_200_360_Book_336_cover.jpg" width="128" /></a>I reviewed this book for Thomas Nelson to receive a free copy. This is a book to give teenagers real facts and faith based advice about the topics of dating, love and just being friends, just like the title suggests. The book includes advice, statistics, quizzes, and a few fill in the blank exercises. The information was good, but I really enjoyed Eastham's style and thought his wit and personality would speak to teens at a level they would understand. I also liked the random facts at the start of each chapter. This book would be a good starting point to discuss real issues teens are facing. I would recommend teenagers read a book like this before they start dating. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span data-jsid="text">Disclaimer: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Booksneeze.com Book Review Blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.</span></div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18391379562173688208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167493001565759873.post-41629215428559477762011-01-25T22:04:00.000-05:002011-01-25T22:04:52.984-05:00If God is Good - By Randy Alcorn<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j79JVIRi1iA/TT-CwNGv2VI/AAAAAAAAACs/qLYQTXxBky8/s1600/cover2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j79JVIRi1iA/TT-CwNGv2VI/AAAAAAAAACs/qLYQTXxBky8/s1600/cover2.gif" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I am currently reviewing "If God is Good" for Waterbrook Multnomah. In this book Randy Alcorn answers the profound question "How can there be a God if suffering and evil exist?" </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
"If God is Good" is a scripture-based look at what the entire Bible says about evil and suffering. Alcorn also includes insight and stories from people who have lived through suffering and evil and yet continue to remain strong in faith. The information is excellent, and the amount of research that went into this book is very impressive. At 494 pages, I think the size of the book may be a bit overwhelming, however it covers all aspects and delves deep into this topic. At the end of the book is a scripture index that lists seven whole pages of scriptures referenced in this book. <br />
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How can we reconcile a good and all-powerful God with the terrible evil and suffering we see in this world? Read this book to find out. <br />
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Disclaimer: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah as part of their Blogging for Books program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18391379562173688208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167493001565759873.post-69179457660871813862010-12-07T21:34:00.000-05:002010-12-07T21:34:52.725-05:00Under the Overpass - By Mike YankoskiA Journey of Faith on the Streets of America<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_j79JVIRi1iA/TP7tiO2PyVI/AAAAAAAAACk/8GcZiyZzZ-0/s1600/cover.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_j79JVIRi1iA/TP7tiO2PyVI/AAAAAAAAACk/8GcZiyZzZ-0/s200/cover.gif" width="135" /></a>Mike Yankoski and his friend Sam decide to become homeless, choosing to live on the streets for 5 months in 6 different major cities as a test of faith and opportunity to see the homeless through new eyes. This is a true story account of their experiences befriending the homeless, sleeping under bridges, and facing rejection nearly everywhere they went. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I reviewed this book for Waterbrook Multnomah. I find the concept of choosing to be homeless for so long a bit much. I would never try this, but the experience did make a pretty interesting book. It was an enjoyable and eye opening read. I think it is important to realize how we treat those who are less fortunate than us, so we might treat them with dignity. This is a book that will change the way you view the homeless that you encounter. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span data-jsid="text">Disclaimer: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah as part of their Blogging for Books program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.</span></div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18391379562173688208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167493001565759873.post-65746778106438432132010-11-16T23:07:00.001-05:002010-11-16T23:15:04.685-05:00Heaven is For Real- By Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent<span data-jsid="text">A Little Boy's Astounding story of his trip to Heaven and Back.</span><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_j79JVIRi1iA/TONWpNkJBkI/AAAAAAAAACY/G7yom1G6Rv8/s1600/_140_245_Book_273_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_j79JVIRi1iA/TONWpNkJBkI/AAAAAAAAACY/G7yom1G6Rv8/s1600/_140_245_Book_273_cover.jpg" /></a><span data-jsid="text">Five days after his appendix bursts, 4 year-old Colten is rushed to emergency surgery. Later he describes to his parents sitting with Jesus while watching his operation, meeting his great-grandfather in heaven, and other details he could not possibly know. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span data-jsid="text">This book was very interesting. I enjoyed the simple perspective on Heaven from a child's point of view, and the fact that </span><span data-jsid="text">God could use a 4 year old boy to tell others about Heaven. The boy's father, Todd Burpo, is a pastor who believes his son really was in Heaven, and claims Colten's story matches the Biblical account of Heaven. </span></div><br />
<span data-jsid="text">Though I had my doubts on whether or not this story was true, it's hard to beileve a child of this age would be able to make up such an account. It seemed like a miracle that Colten was able to remember so many details, especially months after the experience, when he recalls what happened. This is not a typical book on Heaven simply because of the unique perspective from a child.</span><br />
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<span data-jsid="text">Disclaimer: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Booksneeze.com Book Review Blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.</span>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18391379562173688208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167493001565759873.post-26794111588203487792010-10-13T20:36:00.001-04:002011-03-04T00:16:53.437-05:00Adventures in Booga Booga Land - Volume 1 - DVDJoin Marty the Monkey and Gerard the Giraffe, two zany best friends, as they embark on three adventures. Each episode is 15 minutes long and presents one the parables of Jesus.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DPpfUWyFwzQ/TXB1T98a1QI/AAAAAAAAADI/3LSu_wdinjk/s1600/_140_245_Book_269_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DPpfUWyFwzQ/TXB1T98a1QI/AAAAAAAAADI/3LSu_wdinjk/s1600/_140_245_Book_269_cover.jpg" /></a>Episode 1. So this is Booga -Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Episode 2 : Marty's Sandcastle - Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Episode 3: No Light in the Lighthouse - Parable of the Lamp under the Bowl</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This video lacks any real substance and Jesus is not mentioned other than on the cover claiming that the stories are from the Parables of Jesus. I watched this video with my 5 year old daughter and she thought it was okay, but admitted it's not her favorite. I was not impressed with this video. I don't think it stressed the lesson of the parables and it is a loose interpretation of each story. It is good for entertainment, but not for teaching the Bible. I would suggest for ages 5-8.</div><br />
Disclaimer: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Booksneeze.com Book Review Blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18391379562173688208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167493001565759873.post-30027662706594709702010-08-24T01:32:00.000-04:002010-08-24T01:32:56.111-04:00Angel Song- By Sheila Walsh & Kathryn CushmanWomen of Faith Novel of the Year. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_j79JVIRi1iA/THNRhhmqVmI/AAAAAAAAACI/UBdoqb_q7SY/s1600/_140_245_Book_225_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_j79JVIRi1iA/THNRhhmqVmI/AAAAAAAAACI/UBdoqb_q7SY/s320/_140_245_Book_225_cover.jpg" /></a>After her sister dies, Ann just can't get the tune her sister was humming out of her head. God begins to reveal Himself to her through her sister's friends and a 12 year old neighbor boy who actually believes he sees angels. When this beautiful melody keeps returning to Anne, she realizes it just might be the angel's song and she begins to see the real presence of angels around her. <br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">If you like Christian romance this book is okay. I found it to be a bit too predictible, and not contain enough substance. Overall, I wasn't impressed enough for it to be my pick for Novel of the Year. Although Anne believes in Angels, she is only starting to trust God. It wasn't much deeper than that. </div><br />
Disclaimer: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Booksneeze.com Book Review Blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my ownCarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18391379562173688208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5167493001565759873.post-37495217335613166532010-05-16T23:17:00.001-04:002010-05-16T23:18:46.507-04:00God's Promises for Girls by Jack Countryman & Amy Parker<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j79JVIRi1iA/S_C1e7SFdRI/AAAAAAAAACA/Ii0AmcMeUEg/s1600/Gods+promises.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j79JVIRi1iA/S_C1e7SFdRI/AAAAAAAAACA/Ii0AmcMeUEg/s320/Gods+promises.jpg" wt="true" /></a>This is a cute, small, hardcover, devotional book just for girls with promise verses from the International Childrens Bible. I chose to review this book so I could give it to my daughter when I was done. Each topic is covered on a two-page spread with a poem, selected Bible verses, and illustrations to match the theme.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I would recommend this book for girls age 5 to 10. I love the message of this book. God's promises for girls makes a great bedtime devotional, and is also a good way for children to learn or memorize scripture. This book offers encouragement from God's word to every little girl at times when she needs reasurance. There is also a companion book for boys called God's Promises for Boys.</div><br />
Disclaimer: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Booksneeze.com Book Review Blogger 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18391379562173688208noreply@blogger.com0