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Mar 01, 2013
Mar 01, 2013
One of the things I love most about Christian fiction is the wholesomeness of the message you find tucked between the pages of an amazing novel. You d...more
One of the things I love most about Christian fiction is the wholesomeness of the message you find tucked between the pages of an amazing novel. You don't have to worry about questionable material or language because when it's written by trusted Christian authors, you are truly in for a treat. Now Abingdon Press has partnered with best selling author Barbara Cameron to bring you an added bonus, a Bible Study geared for women using one of Barbara Cameron's best selling novels as the stage. If you haven't read Her Restless Heart by Barbara Cameron, it's fine because the Bible Study book uses excerpts from the novel to help women understand our motivations sometimes for acting the way we do. Being overly busy, having issues with finding the time to get everything all done and even for finding love and acceptance from our family and friends.
Since April 22nd, Abingdon Women and Barbara Cameron have teamed up using Facebook to host a weekly online Bible Study working through the study a week at a time. Using videos and online conversations it has created quite a virtual Bible Study in a unique way. There are reflection questions to garner conversations about those items I mentioned above using the characters Barbara created in her novel as perfect examples of our need to find love and acceptance. Sometimes we are people pleasers, sometimes we are so busy attempting to do it all, we find ourselves coming up short on taking time out for ourselves without feeling guilty. Barbara calls that simply being restless. I know I can relate to that since my entire upbringing consisted on taking care of my family. My own family divorced when I was sick and being the oldest most of the responsibility feel on my shoulders to help my mom out as much as I could.
This was a role I didn't have a choice in and had to step into it because I loved and cared for my mom and my family. However looking back through Barbara's help through this study I realized I had some unresolved issues in missing out on my own childhood. I strived in doing more to gain the need for love and acceptance from my mother instead of finding a way to connect. Even to this day looking back on almost 50 years of my life, I can see the path I have worn with striving to do more while desperately searching for these needs in all my personal relationships. I know I didn't like doing it but wasn't sure how to find a way out.
Through this personal look at the characters in Barbara's book I could see myself relating to her character of Mary Katherine, who lives a typical and simple Amish lifestyle on her family's farm. Her father has a quick temper and harsh tongue and without realizing it, is taking a toll on Mary Katherine's self esteem. She doesn't have much of a role model in her mother since her mother is submissive and and meek. She doesn't speak up against her husband when he belittles Mary Katherine with his words and actions. Mary Katherine seeks the love and acceptance in her grandmother Leah who teaches her the value of her own self worth in ways she hasn't seen before.
I received Her Restless Heart: A Woman's Longing for Love and Acceptance by Barbara Cameron compliments of Abingdon Press and Abingdon Women for my honest review and received no monetary compensation for a favorable one. This is such a great study because I honestly feel so many women not only feel this way, but struggle to find a way out of this behavior to find the love and acceptance so many of us desire in our relationships. Each week of study in this book begins with a Scripture for the week and an excerpt from the novel, setting the stage for the five readings that follow. Each day's reading may be completed in about 20-30 minutes. As you work your way through these readings, you will encounter additional excerpts from the novel offering insights related to the respective themes, commentary on selected Scriptures, and personal application.
The interactive format guides you through the material, providing questions for reflection and response throughout each reading. You will have the opportunity to share some of these responses when you gather with your small group or online study group. Writing your thoughts in the space provided will prepare you for your weekly group sessions as well as capture the insights you are gaining on your journey.
Each day's reading concludes with an "As You Go" suggestion for the day - a question to ponder, a Scripture to consider, or some action to take. Then, at the end of each week's readings, you will find a special "About the Amish" section, answering common questions about Amish customs, traditions and practices. So if you feel discontent or unhappy with where you are or unsure about where you're headed, you might want to pick this book up. You can even join the online study already in progress and use it to go back to the beginning when it started in April and gain some much needed insight. I know it has had a profound way on my own personal life and I now feel more at ease in finding the love and acceptance I need in all my relationships. This study rates a 5 out of 5 stars. I only hope more authors will do this in the future. There is so much we can gain for using the fictional accounts we find our the novels we read to help us work through whatever issues we have in our lives. (less)
Since April 22nd, Abingdon Women and Barbara Cameron have teamed up using Facebook to host a weekly online Bible Study working through the study a week at a time. Using videos and online conversations it has created quite a virtual Bible Study in a unique way. There are reflection questions to garner conversations about those items I mentioned above using the characters Barbara created in her novel as perfect examples of our need to find love and acceptance. Sometimes we are people pleasers, sometimes we are so busy attempting to do it all, we find ourselves coming up short on taking time out for ourselves without feeling guilty. Barbara calls that simply being restless. I know I can relate to that since my entire upbringing consisted on taking care of my family. My own family divorced when I was sick and being the oldest most of the responsibility feel on my shoulders to help my mom out as much as I could.
This was a role I didn't have a choice in and had to step into it because I loved and cared for my mom and my family. However looking back through Barbara's help through this study I realized I had some unresolved issues in missing out on my own childhood. I strived in doing more to gain the need for love and acceptance from my mother instead of finding a way to connect. Even to this day looking back on almost 50 years of my life, I can see the path I have worn with striving to do more while desperately searching for these needs in all my personal relationships. I know I didn't like doing it but wasn't sure how to find a way out.
Through this personal look at the characters in Barbara's book I could see myself relating to her character of Mary Katherine, who lives a typical and simple Amish lifestyle on her family's farm. Her father has a quick temper and harsh tongue and without realizing it, is taking a toll on Mary Katherine's self esteem. She doesn't have much of a role model in her mother since her mother is submissive and and meek. She doesn't speak up against her husband when he belittles Mary Katherine with his words and actions. Mary Katherine seeks the love and acceptance in her grandmother Leah who teaches her the value of her own self worth in ways she hasn't seen before.
I received Her Restless Heart: A Woman's Longing for Love and Acceptance by Barbara Cameron compliments of Abingdon Press and Abingdon Women for my honest review and received no monetary compensation for a favorable one. This is such a great study because I honestly feel so many women not only feel this way, but struggle to find a way out of this behavior to find the love and acceptance so many of us desire in our relationships. Each week of study in this book begins with a Scripture for the week and an excerpt from the novel, setting the stage for the five readings that follow. Each day's reading may be completed in about 20-30 minutes. As you work your way through these readings, you will encounter additional excerpts from the novel offering insights related to the respective themes, commentary on selected Scriptures, and personal application.
The interactive format guides you through the material, providing questions for reflection and response throughout each reading. You will have the opportunity to share some of these responses when you gather with your small group or online study group. Writing your thoughts in the space provided will prepare you for your weekly group sessions as well as capture the insights you are gaining on your journey.
Each day's reading concludes with an "As You Go" suggestion for the day - a question to ponder, a Scripture to consider, or some action to take. Then, at the end of each week's readings, you will find a special "About the Amish" section, answering common questions about Amish customs, traditions and practices. So if you feel discontent or unhappy with where you are or unsure about where you're headed, you might want to pick this book up. You can even join the online study already in progress and use it to go back to the beginning when it started in April and gain some much needed insight. I know it has had a profound way on my own personal life and I now feel more at ease in finding the love and acceptance I need in all my relationships. This study rates a 5 out of 5 stars. I only hope more authors will do this in the future. There is so much we can gain for using the fictional accounts we find our the novels we read to help us work through whatever issues we have in our lives. (less)
Notes are private!
none
0
1
not set
May 19, 2013
May 19, 2013
Paperback
1451607792
9781451607796
5.00
2
May 07, 2013
May 28, 2013
If you were writing a story about your life up to this point, how would it begin? "Once upon a time," or "a long, long time ago," or "in a faraway lan...more
If you were writing a story about your life up to this point, how would it begin? "Once upon a time," or "a long, long time ago," or "in a faraway land," or "happily ever after?" Just hearing these words offers a sense of excitement and expectation, a sense of anticipation. A story is about to unfold, and those key words tell all we need to know about the kind of story it will be. As we explore ways to see our lives as one grand story, we're going to realize that all the parts - the good parts and the bad, the trouble and the heartache, the disappointment and the discouragements we face - are important to the story, and, as we already know redemption is coming.
In the latest inspiration novel from best selling author Debbie Macomber, Once Upon A Time, she invites readers to take a journey into their own story, the story of their life. Most of us would never think our own story is worth reading much worth sharing, but that is where you are wrong. As Debbie encourages the reader throughout this book to take a look at different parts of our life, back to our favorite part of growing up, our childhood home, room or town; to look at we loved most about growing up, perhaps a family tradition that even now you carry into your own family, or a memorable time in school you have never forgotten. When we look back at the smaller pieces one at a time, she encourages the reader to pick up a journal and begin to write these thoughts down. Maybe it's a place you love to go for some unknown reason, she encourages you to dig deep to understand what the draw might be. Who were the main characters in your own life? Perhaps siblings, relatives, friends or even a stranger has impacted your life so much you will never forget them.
Working her way through the book chapter by chapter much like writing her own books, she encourages the reader to spend some time looking back at their life. It might surprise you to see just how much amazing details and stories you would have to share. This is the point of this book. To encourage you to begin your own story, a legacy, a way to share what impact you have made in this life, the things that are important to you. What about your name? Who picked it out, why, what significance does your name mean? Does that have any impact on the person you are today or what the desires of your heart are?
Debbie works through this novel with the reader as if you're having an intimate conversation with her. From sharing her own stories or stories that have impacted her own life, you feel as if you're on this journey together. I even love the idea of using this book if you're thinking about writing your own book, fiction or not, to help you through the process of putting ideas together on character development or settings. This is also a great book to encourage you to begin journaling your own family stories, perhaps as a basis to interview your grandparents and see what they have to share. Life stories are important. They are important to God.
"Without memory, we'd have to relearn everything every day. Without memory, we'd forget who we are and where we've been. Without memory, we'd lose faith because we'd forget the faithfulness of God."
I received Once Upon A Time by Debbie Macomber compliments of Howard Books, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review and received no monetary compensation for a favorable one. This one will forever have a permanent home on my library shelf at home because I plan on referring to it quite a bit. My husband and I are even now chronicling our parents lives so we can keep their stories alive long after that have passed away so we can share them with future generations. This book is an exceptional tool to use for just that purpose and perhaps for creating your own personal legacy. I rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars and gives you insight on just how interesting your own life really and truly is. Perhaps there is even a happily ever after waiting just for you!(less)
In the latest inspiration novel from best selling author Debbie Macomber, Once Upon A Time, she invites readers to take a journey into their own story, the story of their life. Most of us would never think our own story is worth reading much worth sharing, but that is where you are wrong. As Debbie encourages the reader throughout this book to take a look at different parts of our life, back to our favorite part of growing up, our childhood home, room or town; to look at we loved most about growing up, perhaps a family tradition that even now you carry into your own family, or a memorable time in school you have never forgotten. When we look back at the smaller pieces one at a time, she encourages the reader to pick up a journal and begin to write these thoughts down. Maybe it's a place you love to go for some unknown reason, she encourages you to dig deep to understand what the draw might be. Who were the main characters in your own life? Perhaps siblings, relatives, friends or even a stranger has impacted your life so much you will never forget them.
Working her way through the book chapter by chapter much like writing her own books, she encourages the reader to spend some time looking back at their life. It might surprise you to see just how much amazing details and stories you would have to share. This is the point of this book. To encourage you to begin your own story, a legacy, a way to share what impact you have made in this life, the things that are important to you. What about your name? Who picked it out, why, what significance does your name mean? Does that have any impact on the person you are today or what the desires of your heart are?
Debbie works through this novel with the reader as if you're having an intimate conversation with her. From sharing her own stories or stories that have impacted her own life, you feel as if you're on this journey together. I even love the idea of using this book if you're thinking about writing your own book, fiction or not, to help you through the process of putting ideas together on character development or settings. This is also a great book to encourage you to begin journaling your own family stories, perhaps as a basis to interview your grandparents and see what they have to share. Life stories are important. They are important to God.
"Without memory, we'd have to relearn everything every day. Without memory, we'd forget who we are and where we've been. Without memory, we'd lose faith because we'd forget the faithfulness of God."
I received Once Upon A Time by Debbie Macomber compliments of Howard Books, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review and received no monetary compensation for a favorable one. This one will forever have a permanent home on my library shelf at home because I plan on referring to it quite a bit. My husband and I are even now chronicling our parents lives so we can keep their stories alive long after that have passed away so we can share them with future generations. This book is an exceptional tool to use for just that purpose and perhaps for creating your own personal legacy. I rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars and gives you insight on just how interesting your own life really and truly is. Perhaps there is even a happily ever after waiting just for you!(less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
May 14, 2013
May 14, 2013
Hardcover
1937756726
9781937756727
5.00
1
Feb 07, 2013
Feb 07, 2013
"We live in an amazing world. Rich variety is expressed in our food, clothing styles, architecture, languages, occupations, and religious expressions....more
"We live in an amazing world. Rich variety is expressed in our food, clothing styles, architecture, languages, occupations, and religious expressions. Yet, despite our diverse cultures and the unique ways we human beings spend our days, we all strive for all that life might offer.
In this search for life - full, real life - many grasp for individual moments of fulfillment and consequently live in a never-ending quest. A cruise or exotic dinner promises pleasure but ends quickly without any sustained satisfaction. Surely life is more than chasing moments! Life leaves many of us empty in the end. No one should neglect the question to find out whether life has ultimate meaning. The question is this: "Will I live life or simply exist?"
The classic phrase "the blind leading the blind" identifies a key obstacle preventing the enjoyment of life's true meaning. Long before most people ever ask the right questions about life, they're already following the same path as nearly everyone else. Leaders tend to groom those who come behind them to follow in what they have learned from those who went before. No one knows, if, why, or how the path they're on will lead to a truly fulfilled life. Few are brave enough to consider that so many could be so wrong.
The essence of what Jesus came to do is expressed in his statement, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10b). Jesus invites each of us to "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it" (Matthew 7:13-14)."
In the book, Chasing Moments by Ed Malone, the reader is invited into the journey of just what the difference is in having a meaningful and abundant life. Far too often people strive to get to the next level in their life assured that once they arrive, happiness will follow. Only when they arrive, they find the moment fleeting at best and are still mystified to wonder where their happiness went. This book walks the reader through the hows and whys of a Christian relationship with Jesus and offers a self assurance that the happiness we seek will never be found in this life, but in the one that lies once we breathe our last breath here on Earth.
If you have ever wondered where true happiness is found, I would strongly encourage you to take a look at this powerful but simple book that details the purpose of why Jesus Christ's life and death was important and how we can each take a step in the right direction to assure ourselves of an eternal home that can only be found with a belief in Jesus Christ.
I received Chasing Moments by Ed Malone compliments of Deep River Books and Bring It On Communications for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review. I picked up this book myself to read because I felt like I was going through a dry spell in my own spiritual walk and wanted to draw a deeper meaning to the value of my life and my purpose here. I already know that no matter what I have in this life, it will never be enough. The better job, the bigger house, more money in the bank will alleviate certain fears in your life, but happiness can never come from wanting more but in doing more for others who need the very help you can offer. Trust me, the impacts in doing those things are life changing and memorable in ways I can't describe. All I know is the more you do them, the more you want to keep on doing them. People feel that they would do more to help others if they won the lottery or made more money, but why don't you help people now with what you can. Make a difference now in small ways than waiting for the big moment that may never come. Perhaps God is simply waiting to see how you handle the small things before launching you into bigger ones. I easily rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it to those in need of spiritual awakening or even spiritual refreshing. (less)
In this search for life - full, real life - many grasp for individual moments of fulfillment and consequently live in a never-ending quest. A cruise or exotic dinner promises pleasure but ends quickly without any sustained satisfaction. Surely life is more than chasing moments! Life leaves many of us empty in the end. No one should neglect the question to find out whether life has ultimate meaning. The question is this: "Will I live life or simply exist?"
The classic phrase "the blind leading the blind" identifies a key obstacle preventing the enjoyment of life's true meaning. Long before most people ever ask the right questions about life, they're already following the same path as nearly everyone else. Leaders tend to groom those who come behind them to follow in what they have learned from those who went before. No one knows, if, why, or how the path they're on will lead to a truly fulfilled life. Few are brave enough to consider that so many could be so wrong.
The essence of what Jesus came to do is expressed in his statement, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10b). Jesus invites each of us to "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it" (Matthew 7:13-14)."
In the book, Chasing Moments by Ed Malone, the reader is invited into the journey of just what the difference is in having a meaningful and abundant life. Far too often people strive to get to the next level in their life assured that once they arrive, happiness will follow. Only when they arrive, they find the moment fleeting at best and are still mystified to wonder where their happiness went. This book walks the reader through the hows and whys of a Christian relationship with Jesus and offers a self assurance that the happiness we seek will never be found in this life, but in the one that lies once we breathe our last breath here on Earth.
If you have ever wondered where true happiness is found, I would strongly encourage you to take a look at this powerful but simple book that details the purpose of why Jesus Christ's life and death was important and how we can each take a step in the right direction to assure ourselves of an eternal home that can only be found with a belief in Jesus Christ.
I received Chasing Moments by Ed Malone compliments of Deep River Books and Bring It On Communications for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review. I picked up this book myself to read because I felt like I was going through a dry spell in my own spiritual walk and wanted to draw a deeper meaning to the value of my life and my purpose here. I already know that no matter what I have in this life, it will never be enough. The better job, the bigger house, more money in the bank will alleviate certain fears in your life, but happiness can never come from wanting more but in doing more for others who need the very help you can offer. Trust me, the impacts in doing those things are life changing and memorable in ways I can't describe. All I know is the more you do them, the more you want to keep on doing them. People feel that they would do more to help others if they won the lottery or made more money, but why don't you help people now with what you can. Make a difference now in small ways than waiting for the big moment that may never come. Perhaps God is simply waiting to see how you handle the small things before launching you into bigger ones. I easily rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it to those in need of spiritual awakening or even spiritual refreshing. (less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
May 05, 2013
May 05, 2013
Paperback
4.17
6
Jan 01, 2013
2013
When hard times strike, and they always do, it helps to share them with friends and family. Sometimes it provides wisdom when the answers we seek fail...more
When hard times strike, and they always do, it helps to share them with friends and family. Sometimes it provides wisdom when the answers we seek fail to come; sometimes it's a shoulder to cry on when grief and loss are too much for one pair of shoulders to bare the burden alone; other times it's to provide hope when the situation in front of us is simply too much for us to deal with. In the latest inspirational book that is slated to be part of an ongoing series, author Don Jacobson, is compiling those stories that show what happens When God Makes Lemonade from the lemons life deals us. These short stories written by real people teach us all and encourage us that even though we can't always see the good in our storms, God brings about life changing experiences so we might encourage and help others out along the way.
Don Jacobson begins the book with his own personal story of just how God walked with him when his life literally hung in the balance. Picking up his shotgun and taking a spare moment to venture off into the woods to try it out, Don was more than amazed when his gun malfunctioned and he ended up shooting himself. Failing to leave word behind to his wife of his intentions, his only companion was his dog, Big Boy. Not knowing how bad things really were, he heard the voice of God guiding him along the way. What happens next is something you'll have to pick up the book and read for yourself.
"The stories in When God Makes Lemonade are from everyday people who are surprised by unexpected sweetness in the midst of sour life circumstances. Why true stories? Because they give us hope, and in these difficult times, most of us don't need to be told to work harder - we're already working as hard as we can! What we need most is to be reminded that God is here working all things together for good.
So if you're struggling beneath the weight of unemployment, depression, broken relationships, an unexpected death, or any of life's other difficulties, don't give up!
Though the settings, names and outcomes are unique in each lemonade story, they all say the same thing - you're not alone!
Yes, stuff happens in life, but so does lemonade, and when it does, it's as refreshing as a cold drink on a hot August day. May you find that kind of refreshment in the stories you read in this heartwarming book, and may God bless you with the courage you need to hold on." (Pg 18.)
I received When God Makes Lemonade by Don Jacobson compliments of B and B Media Group and Thomas Nelson Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review. The best part about this book is that each story is unique and each one provides the reader an opportunity to walk in the shoes of each author and see what the long term result was. Too often we think that no one understands just what we're going through, but this book provides friendship in knowing we are not alone in our personal struggles. Sometimes it gives us perspective that others have it worse than what we are dealing with. The best part is the opportunity to share your own story on When God Makes Lemonade's website. Who knows maybe you're story will be published in the next book and the struggles you deal with now, will be used to help someone else who reads them find the light at the end of their own dark tunnel again. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars!(less)
Don Jacobson begins the book with his own personal story of just how God walked with him when his life literally hung in the balance. Picking up his shotgun and taking a spare moment to venture off into the woods to try it out, Don was more than amazed when his gun malfunctioned and he ended up shooting himself. Failing to leave word behind to his wife of his intentions, his only companion was his dog, Big Boy. Not knowing how bad things really were, he heard the voice of God guiding him along the way. What happens next is something you'll have to pick up the book and read for yourself.
"The stories in When God Makes Lemonade are from everyday people who are surprised by unexpected sweetness in the midst of sour life circumstances. Why true stories? Because they give us hope, and in these difficult times, most of us don't need to be told to work harder - we're already working as hard as we can! What we need most is to be reminded that God is here working all things together for good.
So if you're struggling beneath the weight of unemployment, depression, broken relationships, an unexpected death, or any of life's other difficulties, don't give up!
Though the settings, names and outcomes are unique in each lemonade story, they all say the same thing - you're not alone!
Yes, stuff happens in life, but so does lemonade, and when it does, it's as refreshing as a cold drink on a hot August day. May you find that kind of refreshment in the stories you read in this heartwarming book, and may God bless you with the courage you need to hold on." (Pg 18.)
I received When God Makes Lemonade by Don Jacobson compliments of B and B Media Group and Thomas Nelson Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review. The best part about this book is that each story is unique and each one provides the reader an opportunity to walk in the shoes of each author and see what the long term result was. Too often we think that no one understands just what we're going through, but this book provides friendship in knowing we are not alone in our personal struggles. Sometimes it gives us perspective that others have it worse than what we are dealing with. The best part is the opportunity to share your own story on When God Makes Lemonade's website. Who knows maybe you're story will be published in the next book and the struggles you deal with now, will be used to help someone else who reads them find the light at the end of their own dark tunnel again. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars!(less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
May 02, 2013
May 02, 2013
0849947553
9780849947551
4.75
4
Mar 19, 2013
Mar 19, 2013
I've been a huge fan of The American Bible Challenge since it's premiere because not only is it fun, but they raise awareness of some great charities...more
I've been a huge fan of The American Bible Challenge since it's premiere because not only is it fun, but they raise awareness of some great charities that are vying for the chance to win money to help out their causes. Yet for me, it's even more personal. It drives me back to my Bible. A chance to study in a completely new and fun way like never before and the best part of it is, that I can get my entire family involved in the process. For me, anything that makes learning fun, garners my interest and that's why I can't wait to share The American Bible Challenge - A Daily Reader by Troy Schmidt with you!
There are 9 weeks of Daily Bible Challenges backed into this wonderful hardcover book, and yes, the answers are included in the back. I found myself challenged in so many areas, knowing some things about what I remembered about things like the building of God's temple, but I missed out on the details. Something God finds important and also included in the Daily Bible Challenge. It draws you more into the Bible to understand, just why is all this stuff important anyway, and I was amazed at just how important the small details in my own life are relevant to God. He's all about the details!! Look closely at anything He has created and you can see this just all about a instant big bang. God really planned the way our lives are, and everything He has created and breathed life into.
The best part about this book is that is can be done in little over 15 minutes and still last forever. The Daily Reader makes this study more relevant in terms we can all understand, from social media, to catching the latest catch phrase to make interpeting the Bible scriptures easier for kids to understand.
For example defining why prophets were necessary back in the old days (Old Testament) asking a rabbi in Jerusalem traveling to Iran, walking into downtown Tehran, and saying, "Hey, get your act together, or God is going to destroy you." Probably not the best plan. This is what God was calling Johah to do in preaching his message of repentance to the people of Nineveh, the capital city of the Assyrian Empire, who were, at the time, oppressing the Israelites. So Jonah did what any sensible Israelite would do: he ran and caught a ship going to Tarshish, which was in exactly the opposite direction of Nineveh.
If you are truly looking for a way to make your devotions or Bible Study more fun, I would highly encourage you to pick up a copy of The American Bible Challenge - A Daily Reader by Troy Schmidt! It will take things to a whole new level and one that would make a youth study or Vacation Bible Camp more fun for everyone!
I received The American Bible Challenge - A Daily Reader by Troy Schmidt compliments of FlyBy Promotions and Thomas Nelson Publishers for my honest review and did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable one. If you're like me and are looking for fun ways to get together with your family and incorporating God's Word into it, then trust me, PICK THIS ONE UP! I rate this one a 5 out of 5 fun stars!!!(less)
There are 9 weeks of Daily Bible Challenges backed into this wonderful hardcover book, and yes, the answers are included in the back. I found myself challenged in so many areas, knowing some things about what I remembered about things like the building of God's temple, but I missed out on the details. Something God finds important and also included in the Daily Bible Challenge. It draws you more into the Bible to understand, just why is all this stuff important anyway, and I was amazed at just how important the small details in my own life are relevant to God. He's all about the details!! Look closely at anything He has created and you can see this just all about a instant big bang. God really planned the way our lives are, and everything He has created and breathed life into.
The best part about this book is that is can be done in little over 15 minutes and still last forever. The Daily Reader makes this study more relevant in terms we can all understand, from social media, to catching the latest catch phrase to make interpeting the Bible scriptures easier for kids to understand.
For example defining why prophets were necessary back in the old days (Old Testament) asking a rabbi in Jerusalem traveling to Iran, walking into downtown Tehran, and saying, "Hey, get your act together, or God is going to destroy you." Probably not the best plan. This is what God was calling Johah to do in preaching his message of repentance to the people of Nineveh, the capital city of the Assyrian Empire, who were, at the time, oppressing the Israelites. So Jonah did what any sensible Israelite would do: he ran and caught a ship going to Tarshish, which was in exactly the opposite direction of Nineveh.
If you are truly looking for a way to make your devotions or Bible Study more fun, I would highly encourage you to pick up a copy of The American Bible Challenge - A Daily Reader by Troy Schmidt! It will take things to a whole new level and one that would make a youth study or Vacation Bible Camp more fun for everyone!
I received The American Bible Challenge - A Daily Reader by Troy Schmidt compliments of FlyBy Promotions and Thomas Nelson Publishers for my honest review and did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable one. If you're like me and are looking for fun ways to get together with your family and incorporating God's Word into it, then trust me, PICK THIS ONE UP! I rate this one a 5 out of 5 fun stars!!!(less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Apr 22, 2013
Apr 22, 2013
Hardcover
0849948436
9780849948435
4.06
17
Feb 12, 2013
Feb 12, 2013
" I make no claims to being a good golfer, but I readily confess to being a golf addict. If you know of a twelve-step program for the condition, sign...more
" I make no claims to being a good golfer, but I readily confess to being a golf addict. If you know of a twelve-step program for the condition, sign me up. "Hi, I'm Max. I'm a golfaholic." I love to play golf, watch golf, and on good nights, I even dream golf.
Knowing this will help you appreciate the extreme joy I felt when I was invited to attend the Masters Golf Tournament. A pass to the Masters is the golfer's Holy Grail. Tickets are as scarce as birdies on my scorecard. So I was thrilled. The invitation came via pro golfer Scott Simpson. Each player is given a certain number of passes and Scott offered Denalyn and me two of his. (If there was ever any question about Scott's place in heaven, that gesture erased the doubt.)
So off we went to Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, where golf heritage hangs like moss from the trees. There you find the green where Nicklaus sank the putt. The fringe where Mize holed the chip. The fairway where Saranson hit the approach shot. I was a kid in a candy store. And like a kid, I couldn't get enough. It wasn't enough to see the course and walk the grounds; I wanted to see the locker room. That's where the clubs of Hogan and Azinger are displayed. That's where the players hang out. And that's where I wanted to be.
A guard stopped me at the entrance. I showed him my pass, but he shook his head. I told him I knew Scott, but that didn't matter. I promised to send his eldest child through college, but he didn't budge. "Only caddies and players," he explained. Well, he knew I wasn't a player or a caddie. Caddies at the Masters are required to wear white coveralls. My clothing was a dead giveaway. So I left, figuring I'd never see the clubhouse. I made it all the way to the door but was denied entrance.
Many people fear the same will happen to them in heaven. They fear being turned away at the door. A legitimate fear, don't you think? We're talking about a pivotal moment. To be turned away from seeing golf history is one thing, but to be refused admission into heaven is quite another.
That is why some people don't want to discuss heaven. It makes them nervous. They may be God-fearing and church-attending people but still nervous. Is there a solution to this fear? Need you spend the rest of your life wondering if you will be turned away at the door?
According to the Bible, it is possible to "know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you have eternal life" (1 John 5:13 MSG). How? How can any of us know for sure?
Curiously, it all has to do with the clothing we wear." (pg 10-11).
Written in a comfortable style that is uniquely Max Lucado, Beyond Heaven's Door takes the reader through an amazing way to assure you that when this life is over, if you have clothed yourself in Christ, then you will have eternal life the instant you close your eyes when this one ends. No more worry or doubt will cross your mind when you rest in the assurances that after reading this and following the simple steps Max provides, you can be assured of your final destination.
The book not only tells us how to get to Heaven but assures us that even when our loved ones pass away here, as believers their life is only so much better than we could have ever dreamed or imagined. Taking all of his references and information directly from the Bible, Max makes the entire trip towards Heaven, a personal one. You truly feel like the words from this book are like words from a trust and close friend and I believe that is where the appeal in all of Max's books I've been honored to read comes from.
I received Beyond Heaven's Door by Max Lucado compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers for my honest review and received no monetary compensation for a favorable review. This one is a must read for anyone who really wonders what lies beyond death's door and is looking for the absolute truth before it's too late to make that decision to accept Christ. This book also provides comfort for those of us left behind when a believer dies and shows us in a small way just what is on the other side waiting for all of us that accept Jesus Christ into our lives. An unforgettable book and well worthy of 5 out of 5 stars. (less)
Knowing this will help you appreciate the extreme joy I felt when I was invited to attend the Masters Golf Tournament. A pass to the Masters is the golfer's Holy Grail. Tickets are as scarce as birdies on my scorecard. So I was thrilled. The invitation came via pro golfer Scott Simpson. Each player is given a certain number of passes and Scott offered Denalyn and me two of his. (If there was ever any question about Scott's place in heaven, that gesture erased the doubt.)
So off we went to Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, where golf heritage hangs like moss from the trees. There you find the green where Nicklaus sank the putt. The fringe where Mize holed the chip. The fairway where Saranson hit the approach shot. I was a kid in a candy store. And like a kid, I couldn't get enough. It wasn't enough to see the course and walk the grounds; I wanted to see the locker room. That's where the clubs of Hogan and Azinger are displayed. That's where the players hang out. And that's where I wanted to be.
A guard stopped me at the entrance. I showed him my pass, but he shook his head. I told him I knew Scott, but that didn't matter. I promised to send his eldest child through college, but he didn't budge. "Only caddies and players," he explained. Well, he knew I wasn't a player or a caddie. Caddies at the Masters are required to wear white coveralls. My clothing was a dead giveaway. So I left, figuring I'd never see the clubhouse. I made it all the way to the door but was denied entrance.
Many people fear the same will happen to them in heaven. They fear being turned away at the door. A legitimate fear, don't you think? We're talking about a pivotal moment. To be turned away from seeing golf history is one thing, but to be refused admission into heaven is quite another.
That is why some people don't want to discuss heaven. It makes them nervous. They may be God-fearing and church-attending people but still nervous. Is there a solution to this fear? Need you spend the rest of your life wondering if you will be turned away at the door?
According to the Bible, it is possible to "know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you have eternal life" (1 John 5:13 MSG). How? How can any of us know for sure?
Curiously, it all has to do with the clothing we wear." (pg 10-11).
Written in a comfortable style that is uniquely Max Lucado, Beyond Heaven's Door takes the reader through an amazing way to assure you that when this life is over, if you have clothed yourself in Christ, then you will have eternal life the instant you close your eyes when this one ends. No more worry or doubt will cross your mind when you rest in the assurances that after reading this and following the simple steps Max provides, you can be assured of your final destination.
The book not only tells us how to get to Heaven but assures us that even when our loved ones pass away here, as believers their life is only so much better than we could have ever dreamed or imagined. Taking all of his references and information directly from the Bible, Max makes the entire trip towards Heaven, a personal one. You truly feel like the words from this book are like words from a trust and close friend and I believe that is where the appeal in all of Max's books I've been honored to read comes from.
I received Beyond Heaven's Door by Max Lucado compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers for my honest review and received no monetary compensation for a favorable review. This one is a must read for anyone who really wonders what lies beyond death's door and is looking for the absolute truth before it's too late to make that decision to accept Christ. This book also provides comfort for those of us left behind when a believer dies and shows us in a small way just what is on the other side waiting for all of us that accept Jesus Christ into our lives. An unforgettable book and well worthy of 5 out of 5 stars. (less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Apr 19, 2013
Apr 19, 2013
Hardcover
145167502X
9781451675023
4.50
6
Apr 02, 2013
Apr 02, 2013
If you could sit down with the people you most admire and ask just one question, what would you ask?
I think this one question has been the basis for...more If you could sit down with the people you most admire and ask just one question, what would you ask?
I think this one question has been the basis for opening up communications with just about every conceivable method, from verbal, social media sites, and even self exploration. There is so much thought that goes into that one question and then the other half lies in the possibility of asking just one person anything you ever wanted to know, so you know the question has to be well thought out.
In his latest book, One Question by Ken Coleman, he is able to do what most of us only dream about, asking one important question to the person who would have the most impact with their answer, experts in the field so to speak. When you have the ability to ask only one question, it really strips away the unnecessary stuff and allows you to get to the heart of what you really want to know. Ken Coleman is the talk radio host of the Ken Coleman show and has been showcased on virtually all the major news networks and radio shows, such as Fox News, The O'Reilly Factor, Good Morning America and many, many more, making him one of broadcasting's rising stars.
Albert Einstein once said, "To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old problems from a new angle, requires creative imagination and marks real advance in science." Great questions are often the keys that unlock possibilities for human advancement. The truth has been proven again and again throughout human history, as great interviewers from Bob Costas to Barbara Walters have captivated audiences and ignited imaginations.
In a world where the messages of public figures and politicians are carefully crafted by publicists and media consultants, we often receive only partial pictures and manipulated facts. The right questions uncover truths we might not otherwise know. They pull back the curtain on the wizard and give us a more accurate view of reality. Other people often tell us only what they want us to know or perhaps what they think we want to know, but no what we really need to know. Great leaders, in their memoirs, often share the stories they want to offer rather than the ones you'd like to hear. When you hear speeches by political candidates, they might disclose their answers to the problems they want to address but not the ones you care about. A great question is a surgeon's scalpel that cuts deep below the surface to tap into the issues behind the issues.
In this book, Ken Coleman asks that one important question to business leaders, celebrities, religious figures, best selling authors and music icons. It is amazing how the right question - just one solitary question - can yield an unforgettable answer cram-packed with insight, wisdom, and encouragement for every stage of life. Ken hopes that through this book, these answers might inspire you as much as they have inspired him, and perhaps they'll encourage you to answer your own nagging question. After all, the secret of a killer interview is not just in the asking; it's also in the answer.
I received One Question by Ken Coleman compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster Publishers for my honest review and did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable one. This book is such a valuable resource of wisdom for all circumstances and walks of life. There are chapters pertaining to Succeedding, Surviving, and Sustaining, in which he asks questions from such notables like John McCain on Courage, Michele Bachman on Criticism, Dave Ramsey on Starting Over, Andy Andrews on Influence, Tom Ziglar on Reciprocity, Tony Robbins on Fulfillment, and Jimmy Carter on Passing the Torch, just to name a handful. There really is something here for everyone and one that I know I'll be referring to quite a bit. It's like having all this wisdom at your fingertips whenever you need an answer to any question you may have in dealing with life. In my opinion, this one rates a 4.5 out 5 stars. (less)
I think this one question has been the basis for...more If you could sit down with the people you most admire and ask just one question, what would you ask?
I think this one question has been the basis for opening up communications with just about every conceivable method, from verbal, social media sites, and even self exploration. There is so much thought that goes into that one question and then the other half lies in the possibility of asking just one person anything you ever wanted to know, so you know the question has to be well thought out.
In his latest book, One Question by Ken Coleman, he is able to do what most of us only dream about, asking one important question to the person who would have the most impact with their answer, experts in the field so to speak. When you have the ability to ask only one question, it really strips away the unnecessary stuff and allows you to get to the heart of what you really want to know. Ken Coleman is the talk radio host of the Ken Coleman show and has been showcased on virtually all the major news networks and radio shows, such as Fox News, The O'Reilly Factor, Good Morning America and many, many more, making him one of broadcasting's rising stars.
Albert Einstein once said, "To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old problems from a new angle, requires creative imagination and marks real advance in science." Great questions are often the keys that unlock possibilities for human advancement. The truth has been proven again and again throughout human history, as great interviewers from Bob Costas to Barbara Walters have captivated audiences and ignited imaginations.
In a world where the messages of public figures and politicians are carefully crafted by publicists and media consultants, we often receive only partial pictures and manipulated facts. The right questions uncover truths we might not otherwise know. They pull back the curtain on the wizard and give us a more accurate view of reality. Other people often tell us only what they want us to know or perhaps what they think we want to know, but no what we really need to know. Great leaders, in their memoirs, often share the stories they want to offer rather than the ones you'd like to hear. When you hear speeches by political candidates, they might disclose their answers to the problems they want to address but not the ones you care about. A great question is a surgeon's scalpel that cuts deep below the surface to tap into the issues behind the issues.
In this book, Ken Coleman asks that one important question to business leaders, celebrities, religious figures, best selling authors and music icons. It is amazing how the right question - just one solitary question - can yield an unforgettable answer cram-packed with insight, wisdom, and encouragement for every stage of life. Ken hopes that through this book, these answers might inspire you as much as they have inspired him, and perhaps they'll encourage you to answer your own nagging question. After all, the secret of a killer interview is not just in the asking; it's also in the answer.
I received One Question by Ken Coleman compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster Publishers for my honest review and did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable one. This book is such a valuable resource of wisdom for all circumstances and walks of life. There are chapters pertaining to Succeedding, Surviving, and Sustaining, in which he asks questions from such notables like John McCain on Courage, Michele Bachman on Criticism, Dave Ramsey on Starting Over, Andy Andrews on Influence, Tom Ziglar on Reciprocity, Tony Robbins on Fulfillment, and Jimmy Carter on Passing the Torch, just to name a handful. There really is something here for everyone and one that I know I'll be referring to quite a bit. It's like having all this wisdom at your fingertips whenever you need an answer to any question you may have in dealing with life. In my opinion, this one rates a 4.5 out 5 stars. (less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Apr 07, 2013
Apr 07, 2013
Hardcover
1476735859
9781476735856
4.26
74
Apr 02, 2013
Apr 02, 2013
"My name is Crystal McVea, and in 2009 I died and went to heaven.
"How is that for an icebreaker?
"I am sharing that story with you, in this book. I kn...more "My name is Crystal McVea, and in 2009 I died and went to heaven.
"How is that for an icebreaker?
"I am sharing that story with you, in this book. I knew God's plan for me was to share what happened with as many people as I could. Now, are there people out there who will think I'm a fraud, or a religious nut, or crazy? I'm sure there are. The truth is, I know my story is hard for some people to believe. I know what I went through is beyond the realm of what we can experience on Earth. But I also know that this book deals with the biggest and most important question of them all: Does God exist? Is there a heaven? What is God's plan for us? Why are we even here?
"I certainly don't pretend to have all the answers. In fact, I still have plenty of questions. Nor am I claiming to be anyone special. But what happened to me did happen, and now I know - after a lifetime of not knowing - that God does exist. He gloriously, beautifully, wonderfully does exist.
"And since God told me to share my whole story, that is what I'm doing - even though much of my story is painful and not always pretty. You will learn as you get deeper into this book that for most of my life I lived with terrible shame and horrible secrets. For the longest time I hated myself and believed I was worthless, and as a result made so many bad choices.
"But it's important to realize who I was in order to understand who I became. Some of what I describe about my time in heaven may be familiar to you from other accounts of people dying and coming back - the quality of the light, the shimmering entranceway, the presence of angels - but some of it probably isn't. Everything I describe is absolutely, 100 percent how I remember it - that has always been my one and only rule for sharing my testimony. Nothing is embellished or exaggerated even the tiniest bit. What I describe is what I experienced, nothing more or less.
"What I can say is that the things God showed me were simply astonishing in their power and impact, and now the reality of God's presence bursts forth from my heart every day. The truth is, I was more alive in those nine minutes than I have ever been in all my years on this Earth. I can only hope that through my descriptions, however inadequate they may be, you will feel even a fraction of the power and the impact and the absolute glory of what I experienced." (pg 4-5).
In the book, Waking Up In Heaven, author Crystal McVea shares her experience not only of her incredible nine minutes in heaven standing alongside God, but also the testimony of her entire life before and after that moment. It is painful to know and read how her childhood was and how often times, these things go on right next door and we never know it's going on. The people we may interact with may have stories similar to Crystals but we can never know unless we are willing to get to know them more and have them peel back the layers of shame and pain to reveal the person they really are on the inside. The book toggles back and forth between the moments of Crystal's experience in Heaven with chronologically walking with her from her childhood to the present through the chapters.
I received Waking Up In Heaven by Crystal McVea and Alex Tresniowski compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publisher for my honest review and received no monetary compensation for a favorable review. I was excited to read this book because it's not just another book about a person's experience of dealing with a life after death encounter, but also incorporates a memoir of Crystal's life. It's not always easy to hear stories that aren't the happily ever after fairy tales, but then again, most our us have stories in our own closets we aren't willing to let anyone see. I applaud Crystal for taking the step to share her life story as well as her after life story with readers. The time she shares of her heavenly experience is one I have always imagined it would be. Difficult to capture in words that pale in their description in human terms and one is which I look forward to sharing in one day. I rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it to anyone who questions if God exists and what Heaven will be like!(less)
"How is that for an icebreaker?
"I am sharing that story with you, in this book. I kn...more "My name is Crystal McVea, and in 2009 I died and went to heaven.
"How is that for an icebreaker?
"I am sharing that story with you, in this book. I knew God's plan for me was to share what happened with as many people as I could. Now, are there people out there who will think I'm a fraud, or a religious nut, or crazy? I'm sure there are. The truth is, I know my story is hard for some people to believe. I know what I went through is beyond the realm of what we can experience on Earth. But I also know that this book deals with the biggest and most important question of them all: Does God exist? Is there a heaven? What is God's plan for us? Why are we even here?
"I certainly don't pretend to have all the answers. In fact, I still have plenty of questions. Nor am I claiming to be anyone special. But what happened to me did happen, and now I know - after a lifetime of not knowing - that God does exist. He gloriously, beautifully, wonderfully does exist.
"And since God told me to share my whole story, that is what I'm doing - even though much of my story is painful and not always pretty. You will learn as you get deeper into this book that for most of my life I lived with terrible shame and horrible secrets. For the longest time I hated myself and believed I was worthless, and as a result made so many bad choices.
"But it's important to realize who I was in order to understand who I became. Some of what I describe about my time in heaven may be familiar to you from other accounts of people dying and coming back - the quality of the light, the shimmering entranceway, the presence of angels - but some of it probably isn't. Everything I describe is absolutely, 100 percent how I remember it - that has always been my one and only rule for sharing my testimony. Nothing is embellished or exaggerated even the tiniest bit. What I describe is what I experienced, nothing more or less.
"What I can say is that the things God showed me were simply astonishing in their power and impact, and now the reality of God's presence bursts forth from my heart every day. The truth is, I was more alive in those nine minutes than I have ever been in all my years on this Earth. I can only hope that through my descriptions, however inadequate they may be, you will feel even a fraction of the power and the impact and the absolute glory of what I experienced." (pg 4-5).
In the book, Waking Up In Heaven, author Crystal McVea shares her experience not only of her incredible nine minutes in heaven standing alongside God, but also the testimony of her entire life before and after that moment. It is painful to know and read how her childhood was and how often times, these things go on right next door and we never know it's going on. The people we may interact with may have stories similar to Crystals but we can never know unless we are willing to get to know them more and have them peel back the layers of shame and pain to reveal the person they really are on the inside. The book toggles back and forth between the moments of Crystal's experience in Heaven with chronologically walking with her from her childhood to the present through the chapters.
I received Waking Up In Heaven by Crystal McVea and Alex Tresniowski compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publisher for my honest review and received no monetary compensation for a favorable review. I was excited to read this book because it's not just another book about a person's experience of dealing with a life after death encounter, but also incorporates a memoir of Crystal's life. It's not always easy to hear stories that aren't the happily ever after fairy tales, but then again, most our us have stories in our own closets we aren't willing to let anyone see. I applaud Crystal for taking the step to share her life story as well as her after life story with readers. The time she shares of her heavenly experience is one I have always imagined it would be. Difficult to capture in words that pale in their description in human terms and one is which I look forward to sharing in one day. I rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it to anyone who questions if God exists and what Heaven will be like!(less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Apr 05, 2013
Apr 05, 2013
Hardcover
0805427848
9780805427844
4.25
180
Dec 31, 2003
Jan 15, 2004
Once in a while you find a really great novel to read. One that changes your perspective on how you view this life, but the way we walk through it. Th...more
Once in a while you find a really great novel to read. One that changes your perspective on how you view this life, but the way we walk through it. Then there is the aspect of just what happens when we die. Do we see our loved ones again? How can we possibly grasp the wonders of what awaits us in heaven one day? How do we cope with the grief and loss of a loved one while we have to walk the rest of the journey through this life without them?
I think James Bryant Smith did an exceptional job at not only explaining the concepts of what Heaven may in fact look like, but more important explaining why despite all our faithful acts of kindness here on Earth and our prayers, that sometimes God takes people from us anyway. Doesn't seem like a caring God after all does it?
In the novel, Room of Marvels, Tim Hudson, a well known author of Christian Living books, is a man who is struggling to find purpose in life and a reason to keep his faith in God after the multiple losses of first his only daughter, his best friend and then his mother. These all happened over the course of a couple years and even though Tim still has his wife and son, he struggles with coping with these losses. Despite all the good things he believes he has done, he still wonders how God can take people like his daughter when she had only yet to begin her life. How some days it's a miracle just for him to take a breath. How will he ever be able to move forward in his grief and retain what little faith in God remains.
Tim checks in to St. Stephans Episcopal Monastery for five days in attempt to find some answers to deal with his loss. When he meets with his assigned spiritual director, Brother Taylor during his stay he finds the questions he asks him about his purpose for coming to the monastery a bit challenging. He wants to know what is going on with Tim's relationship with God, and it brings to the surface the anger Tim is feeling about God taking away his loved ones before their time. Tim tells Brother Taylor that despite the fact he writes books telling people how good God, how they should turn their lives over to God, how merciful, just and fair God is, he doesn't believe it anymore.
The advice that Brother Taylor shares with Tim probes deep into the places of his heart and cause him to rethink his losses. He advises him to search his heart and spend some time in silence and wait for God to share some insights into his question of faith. When Tim heads back to his room and before he falls asleep, he asks God to speak to Him, to send him an angel, and then as he sleeps he dreams of being transported to a place on a train. Tim's dream takes him to Heaven where he sees what impact his life has had on the people he interacted with during the time he has been on Earth. He gets an opportunity to renew his faith by learning things from his childhood and even seeing how his life impacted people he had never met. The most impactful lesson I took away from Tim's encounter was dealing with our loss of those we love.
As Tim is talking with Jack and is struggling with the deaths of his loved one and his anger at God, and Jack tells him, "the pain you are feeling is the pain of loss. Your heart is crying out to have them back. This may sound harsh, but think about this Tim, because it is part of our healing. What sort of friend or father or child would you be if you thought so much about your affliction and so much less about their happiness? When we cry, 'Come back,' it is all for our own sake. We never stop to consider whether their return, if it were possible, would be good for them. We want them back in order to restore our happiness. But in truth, we could not wish for anything worse for them. Having once gone through death, to come back and then, at some later date, have their dying to do all over again."
Tim realized that a large part of his grief was really selfish. He wanted them to come back, to walk through the door and resume their lives, to let him have just one more day with them. He realized that his desire was for his own happiness and not theirs.
I received this book through my own purchase because I love books like The Five People You Meet in Heaven or Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. This is the perfect book for someone who has recently experienced a loss and is struggling with their grief and in moving forward in dealing with life without them. I found even though I have experienced a loss, it wasn't like the loss of someone I was close to. This book for me, gave me a different perspective on the impacts we make in the lives of people by the smallest thing we do. It teaches us that we can't earn our way into God's grace and mercy by the things we do or struggle to live a perfect life. This is truly a life changing book for those times in your life when you question if there is something more to the life you're living. It's inspirational, its a healing balm to a grieving and hurting heart and one I can see talking about and rereading many times as I need a solid pick me up in my own walk of faith. I would rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and would high recommend that EVERYONE read this one! It really will change your life!!(less)
I think James Bryant Smith did an exceptional job at not only explaining the concepts of what Heaven may in fact look like, but more important explaining why despite all our faithful acts of kindness here on Earth and our prayers, that sometimes God takes people from us anyway. Doesn't seem like a caring God after all does it?
In the novel, Room of Marvels, Tim Hudson, a well known author of Christian Living books, is a man who is struggling to find purpose in life and a reason to keep his faith in God after the multiple losses of first his only daughter, his best friend and then his mother. These all happened over the course of a couple years and even though Tim still has his wife and son, he struggles with coping with these losses. Despite all the good things he believes he has done, he still wonders how God can take people like his daughter when she had only yet to begin her life. How some days it's a miracle just for him to take a breath. How will he ever be able to move forward in his grief and retain what little faith in God remains.
Tim checks in to St. Stephans Episcopal Monastery for five days in attempt to find some answers to deal with his loss. When he meets with his assigned spiritual director, Brother Taylor during his stay he finds the questions he asks him about his purpose for coming to the monastery a bit challenging. He wants to know what is going on with Tim's relationship with God, and it brings to the surface the anger Tim is feeling about God taking away his loved ones before their time. Tim tells Brother Taylor that despite the fact he writes books telling people how good God, how they should turn their lives over to God, how merciful, just and fair God is, he doesn't believe it anymore.
The advice that Brother Taylor shares with Tim probes deep into the places of his heart and cause him to rethink his losses. He advises him to search his heart and spend some time in silence and wait for God to share some insights into his question of faith. When Tim heads back to his room and before he falls asleep, he asks God to speak to Him, to send him an angel, and then as he sleeps he dreams of being transported to a place on a train. Tim's dream takes him to Heaven where he sees what impact his life has had on the people he interacted with during the time he has been on Earth. He gets an opportunity to renew his faith by learning things from his childhood and even seeing how his life impacted people he had never met. The most impactful lesson I took away from Tim's encounter was dealing with our loss of those we love.
As Tim is talking with Jack and is struggling with the deaths of his loved one and his anger at God, and Jack tells him, "the pain you are feeling is the pain of loss. Your heart is crying out to have them back. This may sound harsh, but think about this Tim, because it is part of our healing. What sort of friend or father or child would you be if you thought so much about your affliction and so much less about their happiness? When we cry, 'Come back,' it is all for our own sake. We never stop to consider whether their return, if it were possible, would be good for them. We want them back in order to restore our happiness. But in truth, we could not wish for anything worse for them. Having once gone through death, to come back and then, at some later date, have their dying to do all over again."
Tim realized that a large part of his grief was really selfish. He wanted them to come back, to walk through the door and resume their lives, to let him have just one more day with them. He realized that his desire was for his own happiness and not theirs.
I received this book through my own purchase because I love books like The Five People You Meet in Heaven or Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. This is the perfect book for someone who has recently experienced a loss and is struggling with their grief and in moving forward in dealing with life without them. I found even though I have experienced a loss, it wasn't like the loss of someone I was close to. This book for me, gave me a different perspective on the impacts we make in the lives of people by the smallest thing we do. It teaches us that we can't earn our way into God's grace and mercy by the things we do or struggle to live a perfect life. This is truly a life changing book for those times in your life when you question if there is something more to the life you're living. It's inspirational, its a healing balm to a grieving and hurting heart and one I can see talking about and rereading many times as I need a solid pick me up in my own walk of faith. I would rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and would high recommend that EVERYONE read this one! It really will change your life!!(less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Mar 22, 2013
Mar 22, 2013
Paperback
1623331218
9781623331214
4.80
5
Apr 01, 2013
Apr 01, 2013
How do you deal with traffic jams, lost keys, bills to pay, unruly children? Feeling tense already just thinking about any of those or even all of the...more
How do you deal with traffic jams, lost keys, bills to pay, unruly children? Feeling tense already just thinking about any of those or even all of them? What about when it comes to work, dealing with office politics, lack of respect, unemployment or time management? How about things that seem completely out of control like noise, pollution, harsh lighting or crowds? Add in holidays, peer pressure, addictions, college, divorce, marriage, aging, emergencies and grieving? Hopefully you aren't dealing with all of these during this time in your life, but if you like most of us, you are dealing with one or two if not a handful of these. So how do you deal with them without going postal, taking medications, or even running away?
We all have secrets that have helped us deal with any of these issues and yet there are some that seem to be professionals at handling things so smoothly they are like the water on a duck's back while we sit back, stare and look at them in complete awe! Now, there is a great collaboration between Shawn and Ron Kilgarlin put together in a great resource to deal with all of those items I've mentioned above in Past Tense: Daily Tools for Putting Stress Behind You - For Good!
This book is packed with 24 subcategories that will enable you to find a different way to deal with problems that you have come across or perhaps are going through right now. Each of these chapters takes a closer look at some of the specifics that would fall in that category and offer a different way to look at them from a more positive impact. For example in the chapter dedicated to Being Productive, you'd find advice on making plans, taking breaks, using calendars and planners, lists and eating and sleeping habits. There are so many great resources tucked away that the authors refer to such as ways to pay for college, signing up for free online training resources, and financial advice. There is simply so much to cover I can't list them all.
Some of the topics I found interesting were taking a walk in the rain and why it makes you feel so good if you do it. I've loved the rain since I was a child and often have been criticized in the past for simply wanting to sit outside for a good soak, but did you know there are some surprising health benefits to just being outside when it rains? Did you ever hear anyone mention allergies when it rains? Perhaps there was a great reason for Gene Kelly to be so happy just Singin' in the Rain! It all deals with negative ions. People get the same benefits by sitting next to a bubbling stream, waterfall or at the beach.
"Fireproof doesn't mean the fire will never come. It means when the fire comes that you will be able to withstand it." ~ The character Michael Simmons in the movie Fireproof (2008)
"An inch of time is an inch of gold, but you can't buy that inch of time with an inch of gold." ~ Chinese Proverb.
Along with each topic are some great quotes dealing with the subject from some equally famous people, so if you're like me, a LOVE a great quote, this is a definite added benefit. There are references to great authors, speechwriters, Bible scriptures, movies and more that you will be using this book as a resource not only to help you manage your own stress level but role modeling it for those that you come into contact with every single day. It seems so simple when you read them but it's a wonderful resource to have them all collected in a wonderful book. I highly recommend this to family's, manager's and any one struggling with dealing with anything that life hands you. I know this has benefited me greatly and left me with more than one smile on my face and plans to reduce stress in areas where I am still challenged. Can't wait for another rainy day!
I received Past Tense: 365 Daily Tools for Putting Stress Behind You - For Good by Shawn and Ron Kilgarlin compliments of Pump Up Your Book Tours for my honest review and think this is a wonderful self help resource in that it deals with virtually everything you can think of including Postpartum Depression, Addictions, Heartaches, Peer Pressure, School, Faith, Holiday Stress, Friendship, Love, Community and Neighbors, Health and Fitness and so much more! This will be a resource, I know I will be referring to for quite some time and has a permanent place on my library shelf. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it for anyone looking for some great options on dealing with stress in a more positive way!(less)
We all have secrets that have helped us deal with any of these issues and yet there are some that seem to be professionals at handling things so smoothly they are like the water on a duck's back while we sit back, stare and look at them in complete awe! Now, there is a great collaboration between Shawn and Ron Kilgarlin put together in a great resource to deal with all of those items I've mentioned above in Past Tense: Daily Tools for Putting Stress Behind You - For Good!
This book is packed with 24 subcategories that will enable you to find a different way to deal with problems that you have come across or perhaps are going through right now. Each of these chapters takes a closer look at some of the specifics that would fall in that category and offer a different way to look at them from a more positive impact. For example in the chapter dedicated to Being Productive, you'd find advice on making plans, taking breaks, using calendars and planners, lists and eating and sleeping habits. There are so many great resources tucked away that the authors refer to such as ways to pay for college, signing up for free online training resources, and financial advice. There is simply so much to cover I can't list them all.
Some of the topics I found interesting were taking a walk in the rain and why it makes you feel so good if you do it. I've loved the rain since I was a child and often have been criticized in the past for simply wanting to sit outside for a good soak, but did you know there are some surprising health benefits to just being outside when it rains? Did you ever hear anyone mention allergies when it rains? Perhaps there was a great reason for Gene Kelly to be so happy just Singin' in the Rain! It all deals with negative ions. People get the same benefits by sitting next to a bubbling stream, waterfall or at the beach.
"Fireproof doesn't mean the fire will never come. It means when the fire comes that you will be able to withstand it." ~ The character Michael Simmons in the movie Fireproof (2008)
"An inch of time is an inch of gold, but you can't buy that inch of time with an inch of gold." ~ Chinese Proverb.
Along with each topic are some great quotes dealing with the subject from some equally famous people, so if you're like me, a LOVE a great quote, this is a definite added benefit. There are references to great authors, speechwriters, Bible scriptures, movies and more that you will be using this book as a resource not only to help you manage your own stress level but role modeling it for those that you come into contact with every single day. It seems so simple when you read them but it's a wonderful resource to have them all collected in a wonderful book. I highly recommend this to family's, manager's and any one struggling with dealing with anything that life hands you. I know this has benefited me greatly and left me with more than one smile on my face and plans to reduce stress in areas where I am still challenged. Can't wait for another rainy day!
I received Past Tense: 365 Daily Tools for Putting Stress Behind You - For Good by Shawn and Ron Kilgarlin compliments of Pump Up Your Book Tours for my honest review and think this is a wonderful self help resource in that it deals with virtually everything you can think of including Postpartum Depression, Addictions, Heartaches, Peer Pressure, School, Faith, Holiday Stress, Friendship, Love, Community and Neighbors, Health and Fitness and so much more! This will be a resource, I know I will be referring to for quite some time and has a permanent place on my library shelf. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it for anyone looking for some great options on dealing with stress in a more positive way!(less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Feb 18, 2013
Feb 18, 2013
Hardcover
0061778737
9780061778735
3.90
260
Feb 19, 2013
Feb 19, 2013
If you have a family more than likely you have heard of the term, the Sandwich Generation. This is what society is defining the lifestyle most of us a...more
If you have a family more than likely you have heard of the term, the Sandwich Generation. This is what society is defining the lifestyle most of us are living or will be living soon. If you have children still living with you or children that had once left that are back living at home as well as taking care of aging parents living with you, welcome to the term, Sandwich Generation.
No longer are adults looking forward to the Empty Nest, because it seems like children are returning as well as parents in what some have called Life Boating. A way to make it through life now, that was unheard of before. Whether for economic reasons or simply as a temporary situation, the way we were raised has now changed to incorporate this changing lifestyle. Technology has advanced to the point that physical exercise is now just walking to the car and back as you run errands for now. Take for example you latest family get together whether its just dinner or a holiday celebration, tension is now common place for most. We see our families falling apart more than appearing strong than ever before. Where did the change begin that makes us wonder just how dysfunctional are families really are? What is the secret sauce that holds families together? What are the ingredients that make some families effective, resilient, functioning, happy?
Maybe it's because those problems are gnarlier. Navigating nap time is child's play compared to navigating screen time. How do you teach your kids discipline while making sure they have fun along the way? Is it possible to develop timeless values in a 24/7 world that prizes novelty and coarseness? How do couples find time to nurture each other while spending so much time nurturing our kids? These days, the old rules no longer apply, but new ones have yet to be written.
So Bruce Feiler introduces some interesting concepts to delving into these questions in his latest book, The Secrets to Happy Families. In it, he realized that most of the ideas have been hiding in plain sight. He took a course from the founder of the Harvard Negotiation Project on how to fight smart. He visited ESPN to find out what the best coaches know about building successful teams. He worked with Green Berets to design a perfect family reunion. He got some advice from Warren Buffet's banker about how to set up an allowance, and sat down with top games designers in the Silicon Valley to see how we can make family vacations more fun.
I have to say I was a bit skeptical at first have a strong Christian background that some of the ideas may not be for everyone. Using the TV Series, Modern Family as his model for the new dynamics for families, he shows that no matter what is happening in the show, they always come together before the end. I don't think life is quite that simple. But nonetheless I gave some of his ideas a shot and was surprised by the outcome of establishing family meetings once a week and how the suggestions he provides has made living together with adult children returning to our home once again a fully functioning and do I dare say it? Happy? Yes, our meetings have been a huge success, and not only that every single member feels empowered and we are teaching them valuable life skills they will take into their future careers in effective team leadership, negotiating and building winning teams all with positive thinking.
There are such valuable insights based on the diversity of the research Bruce Feiler has completed and while not everything will work for everyone, this has been one of the first book's I've read that really got me excited to try out these new dynamics within my own family and still incorporate our traditions and biblical values alongside them. I received The Secrets to Happy Families by Bruce Feiler compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review and have to give this one a high 5 out of 5 stars!!! There is truly something in here for everyone and you don't have to read it from front to back and simply move to the areas that may be causing some chaos in your own home. Either way, I think this is a must read book for today's ever-evolving family!(less)
No longer are adults looking forward to the Empty Nest, because it seems like children are returning as well as parents in what some have called Life Boating. A way to make it through life now, that was unheard of before. Whether for economic reasons or simply as a temporary situation, the way we were raised has now changed to incorporate this changing lifestyle. Technology has advanced to the point that physical exercise is now just walking to the car and back as you run errands for now. Take for example you latest family get together whether its just dinner or a holiday celebration, tension is now common place for most. We see our families falling apart more than appearing strong than ever before. Where did the change begin that makes us wonder just how dysfunctional are families really are? What is the secret sauce that holds families together? What are the ingredients that make some families effective, resilient, functioning, happy?
Maybe it's because those problems are gnarlier. Navigating nap time is child's play compared to navigating screen time. How do you teach your kids discipline while making sure they have fun along the way? Is it possible to develop timeless values in a 24/7 world that prizes novelty and coarseness? How do couples find time to nurture each other while spending so much time nurturing our kids? These days, the old rules no longer apply, but new ones have yet to be written.
So Bruce Feiler introduces some interesting concepts to delving into these questions in his latest book, The Secrets to Happy Families. In it, he realized that most of the ideas have been hiding in plain sight. He took a course from the founder of the Harvard Negotiation Project on how to fight smart. He visited ESPN to find out what the best coaches know about building successful teams. He worked with Green Berets to design a perfect family reunion. He got some advice from Warren Buffet's banker about how to set up an allowance, and sat down with top games designers in the Silicon Valley to see how we can make family vacations more fun.
I have to say I was a bit skeptical at first have a strong Christian background that some of the ideas may not be for everyone. Using the TV Series, Modern Family as his model for the new dynamics for families, he shows that no matter what is happening in the show, they always come together before the end. I don't think life is quite that simple. But nonetheless I gave some of his ideas a shot and was surprised by the outcome of establishing family meetings once a week and how the suggestions he provides has made living together with adult children returning to our home once again a fully functioning and do I dare say it? Happy? Yes, our meetings have been a huge success, and not only that every single member feels empowered and we are teaching them valuable life skills they will take into their future careers in effective team leadership, negotiating and building winning teams all with positive thinking.
There are such valuable insights based on the diversity of the research Bruce Feiler has completed and while not everything will work for everyone, this has been one of the first book's I've read that really got me excited to try out these new dynamics within my own family and still incorporate our traditions and biblical values alongside them. I received The Secrets to Happy Families by Bruce Feiler compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review and have to give this one a high 5 out of 5 stars!!! There is truly something in here for everyone and you don't have to read it from front to back and simply move to the areas that may be causing some chaos in your own home. Either way, I think this is a must read book for today's ever-evolving family!(less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Feb 16, 2013
Feb 16, 2013
Hardcover
1401322786
9781401322786
3.78
23,879
Sep 2012
Sep 04, 2012
"A man sits alone in a cave.
His hair is long. His beard reaches his knees. He holds his chin in the cup of his hands. He closes his eyes. He is liste...more "A man sits alone in a cave.
His hair is long. His beard reaches his knees. He holds his chin in the cup of his hands. He closes his eyes. He is listening to something. Voices. Endless voices. They rise from a pool in the corner of the cave. They are the voices of people on Earth. They want one thing only. Time.
Sarah Lemon is one of those voices.
A teenager in our day, she sprawls on a bed and studies a photo on her cell phone: a good-looking boy with coffee-colored hair. Tonight she will see him. Tonight at eight-thirty. She recites it excitedly - Eight-thirty, eight-thirty! - and she wonders what to wear. The black jeans? The sleeveless top? No. She hates her arms. Not the sleeveless. "I need more time," she says.
Victor Delamonte is one of those voices.
A wealthy man in his mid-eighties, he sits in a doctor's office. His wife sits beside him. White paper covers an exam table. The doctor speaks softly. "There's not much we can do," he says. Months of treatment have worked. The tumors. The kidneys. Victor's wife tries to speak, but the words catch. As if sharing the same larynx, Victor clears his throat. "What Grace wants to ask is....how much time do I have left?"
His words - and Sarah's words - drift up to the faraway cave, and the lonesome, bearded man sitting inside it. This man is Father Time.
You might think him a myth, a cartoon from a New Year's card - ancient, haggard, clutching an hourglass, older than anyone on the planet. But Father Time is real. And, in truth, he cannot age. Beneath the unruly beard and cascading hair - signs of life, not death - his body is lean, his skin unwrinkled, immune to the very thing he lords over. Once, before he angered God, he was just another man, fated to die when his days were done. Now he has a different fate: Banished to this cave, he must listen to the world's every plea - for more minutes, more hours, more years, more time.
He has been here an eternity. He has given up hope. But a clock ticks for all of us, silently, somewhere. And one is ticking even for him. Soon Father Time will be free. To return to Earth. And finish what he started." (pg 3-4).
In The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom, we are immersed in the lives of two people who one man has been asked to intervene and help in their quest for more time in very different aspects of their lives. It takes the reader into their own personal question of what are they doing with time, are they wasting it, do they value it the way they should, and how can they begin to change their seconds and minutes moving forward. There are truly so many things to take away from this book in retrospective and great quotes worth keeping. I know for me, I'll be taking this one out time and time again to make sure I am living my life as it should be, a gift, that's why it's called the present. I would easily rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and makes the perfect gift for those that wish things were different or as an inspiration to make their lives truly better beginning today!(less)
His hair is long. His beard reaches his knees. He holds his chin in the cup of his hands. He closes his eyes. He is liste...more "A man sits alone in a cave.
His hair is long. His beard reaches his knees. He holds his chin in the cup of his hands. He closes his eyes. He is listening to something. Voices. Endless voices. They rise from a pool in the corner of the cave. They are the voices of people on Earth. They want one thing only. Time.
Sarah Lemon is one of those voices.
A teenager in our day, she sprawls on a bed and studies a photo on her cell phone: a good-looking boy with coffee-colored hair. Tonight she will see him. Tonight at eight-thirty. She recites it excitedly - Eight-thirty, eight-thirty! - and she wonders what to wear. The black jeans? The sleeveless top? No. She hates her arms. Not the sleeveless. "I need more time," she says.
Victor Delamonte is one of those voices.
A wealthy man in his mid-eighties, he sits in a doctor's office. His wife sits beside him. White paper covers an exam table. The doctor speaks softly. "There's not much we can do," he says. Months of treatment have worked. The tumors. The kidneys. Victor's wife tries to speak, but the words catch. As if sharing the same larynx, Victor clears his throat. "What Grace wants to ask is....how much time do I have left?"
His words - and Sarah's words - drift up to the faraway cave, and the lonesome, bearded man sitting inside it. This man is Father Time.
You might think him a myth, a cartoon from a New Year's card - ancient, haggard, clutching an hourglass, older than anyone on the planet. But Father Time is real. And, in truth, he cannot age. Beneath the unruly beard and cascading hair - signs of life, not death - his body is lean, his skin unwrinkled, immune to the very thing he lords over. Once, before he angered God, he was just another man, fated to die when his days were done. Now he has a different fate: Banished to this cave, he must listen to the world's every plea - for more minutes, more hours, more years, more time.
He has been here an eternity. He has given up hope. But a clock ticks for all of us, silently, somewhere. And one is ticking even for him. Soon Father Time will be free. To return to Earth. And finish what he started." (pg 3-4).
In The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom, we are immersed in the lives of two people who one man has been asked to intervene and help in their quest for more time in very different aspects of their lives. It takes the reader into their own personal question of what are they doing with time, are they wasting it, do they value it the way they should, and how can they begin to change their seconds and minutes moving forward. There are truly so many things to take away from this book in retrospective and great quotes worth keeping. I know for me, I'll be taking this one out time and time again to make sure I am living my life as it should be, a gift, that's why it's called the present. I would easily rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and makes the perfect gift for those that wish things were different or as an inspiration to make their lives truly better beginning today!(less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Dec 20, 2012
Dec 20, 2012
Hardcover
1451678568
9781451678567
4.46
13
Dec 04, 2012
Dec 04, 2012
"The centerpiece of this book is the collection of charming, heartfelt, and astonishing letters I have received from people like you who have taken th...more
"The centerpiece of this book is the collection of charming, heartfelt, and astonishing letters I have received from people like you who have taken the time to share their life-altering godwink stories.
These warm letters reaffirm that godwinks happen to everyone. We just need to learn how to see them, allow them to unfold, and accept them as direct, person-to-person communications from God to each of us.
As you'll see, every note, buoyant with enthusiasm, is from someone like a new friend of yours who tells you that those so-called coincidences you've been dismissing really do mean something. And you need to pay special attention. They are like unopened gifts that have been placed on your doorstop.
If you're like me, you will also be impressed at how every joy, every hurt, and every worry you encounter has already been written about in the Bible. Godwink Stories simply draws upon the parallel between the letters of real people and the wisdom God had others write into the ancient Scriptures three thousand years ago.
Godwink Stories can be read in various ways. You may decide to read the book cover to cover. You may wish to place it on your nightstand to read one bite-size mini-chapter per week for fifty-two weeks. Or you may just want a pick-me-up-story that fits your need of the day. Godwink Stories is cross-referenced by category - suiting your desire to peruse a letter that speaks to a time of sorrow or your appetite for an uplifting bedtime story. " (pg 9-10).Each story is linked with a specific biblical scripture that ties the letter to the Bible, along with an insightful information that is geared to make you think about a situation before you read the letter.
Some of the categories you can search for are Times of Sorrow, Medical, Heartfelt, Angels, Don't Quit, Divine Alignment, Just In Time, Love Stories, Uplifting, and Prayer. You are geared to find something to inspire you at just the right moment or perhaps encourage and share a story with others in need. This is truly a gift that you can give at anytime of the year and would make the perfect Christmas gift. I received Godwink Stories: A Devotional by Squire Rushnell and Louise Duart compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster Publishers for my honest review.
If you love books like Chicken Soup for the Soul but geared for more faith based and inspirational readers, than this is the perfect book for you. I chose to read mine like a great dessert, a little bit at a time each night and there is truly something geared to make you smile, sigh and even reflect on your life or the life of someone you know. I personally rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars. The one story that really hit home for me this week in particular was called "Can I Trust God to Look Out for Me?" It talks about how so many times it feels as if everything is going wrong and often times we wonder where is God in all of this. The scripture reference was 1 Peter 5:8 " Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Too often times we look to God for the blame when it's the enemy we should be pointing our finger at. It reminds us through three separate letters of others in the same circumstance as you, that if you've gotten into the habit of fortifying your daily life with prayer, you'll find yourself better prepared for an emergency when it comes. (less)
These warm letters reaffirm that godwinks happen to everyone. We just need to learn how to see them, allow them to unfold, and accept them as direct, person-to-person communications from God to each of us.
As you'll see, every note, buoyant with enthusiasm, is from someone like a new friend of yours who tells you that those so-called coincidences you've been dismissing really do mean something. And you need to pay special attention. They are like unopened gifts that have been placed on your doorstop.
If you're like me, you will also be impressed at how every joy, every hurt, and every worry you encounter has already been written about in the Bible. Godwink Stories simply draws upon the parallel between the letters of real people and the wisdom God had others write into the ancient Scriptures three thousand years ago.
Godwink Stories can be read in various ways. You may decide to read the book cover to cover. You may wish to place it on your nightstand to read one bite-size mini-chapter per week for fifty-two weeks. Or you may just want a pick-me-up-story that fits your need of the day. Godwink Stories is cross-referenced by category - suiting your desire to peruse a letter that speaks to a time of sorrow or your appetite for an uplifting bedtime story. " (pg 9-10).Each story is linked with a specific biblical scripture that ties the letter to the Bible, along with an insightful information that is geared to make you think about a situation before you read the letter.
Some of the categories you can search for are Times of Sorrow, Medical, Heartfelt, Angels, Don't Quit, Divine Alignment, Just In Time, Love Stories, Uplifting, and Prayer. You are geared to find something to inspire you at just the right moment or perhaps encourage and share a story with others in need. This is truly a gift that you can give at anytime of the year and would make the perfect Christmas gift. I received Godwink Stories: A Devotional by Squire Rushnell and Louise Duart compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster Publishers for my honest review.
If you love books like Chicken Soup for the Soul but geared for more faith based and inspirational readers, than this is the perfect book for you. I chose to read mine like a great dessert, a little bit at a time each night and there is truly something geared to make you smile, sigh and even reflect on your life or the life of someone you know. I personally rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars. The one story that really hit home for me this week in particular was called "Can I Trust God to Look Out for Me?" It talks about how so many times it feels as if everything is going wrong and often times we wonder where is God in all of this. The scripture reference was 1 Peter 5:8 " Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Too often times we look to God for the blame when it's the enemy we should be pointing our finger at. It reminds us through three separate letters of others in the same circumstance as you, that if you've gotten into the habit of fortifying your daily life with prayer, you'll find yourself better prepared for an emergency when it comes. (less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Nov 26, 2012
Nov 26, 2012
Hardcover
1451607881
9781451607888
3.24
49
Feb 07, 2012
Feb 28, 2012
"For me and the millions of people across the planet who had or have it much worse than me, a recurring questions is "What's the point?"
For many of ou...more "For me and the millions of people across the planet who had or have it much worse than me, a recurring questions is "What's the point?"
For many of our fellow human beings in indescribable pain, it's natural to contemplate any and all ways to end such unbearable and unrelenting pain. Sometimes the black abyss just beyond the edge of the cliff looks like the answer. The only answer.
"What's the point?"
For some who are beaten down by the ravages of poverty and life, there is no point. Unless we can magically transpose ourselves into such people's horrific lives, then we have no business judging them. Sympathize, empathize, and help. But unless they commit crimes against civilized society, judge not.
As someone who has encountered some of the worst that life has to offer, I would only tell those standing at the edge of that abyss and considering the worst to step back as I did.
I would tell them - scream at them - that there is a point. There truly is. And that point, at least for me, is faith" (Pg 188).
In the book, Rolling Pennies in the Dark by Douglas MacKinnon, his is truly a memoir with a message. A message about what it's like to grow up poor, without food for days at a time, raised by parents who's goal in life was to find their way into the next Vodka bottle and forget about the 3 children they had. It's a harsh reality that springs to life on the pages of this book that really make you take a hard look at those you encounter on the streets or schools sometimes. That life isn't as easy for some as it is for others and those without, grow up thinking that their life is about as normal as it's supposed to be. They just have to keep trying to move forward in anyway they can. It is truly unforgettable.
Being a huge book lover, I find myself challenging myself to step outside my favorite book genres and read memoirs to see a different side of life than the one I had growing up. It's passages like this one that really make a connection for me:
" As we were driving, I noticed a hardcover copy of The Wizard of Oz lying on the floor at my feet. Having nothing better to do than watch my dad's head slip closer and closer to the steering wheel on the way to a drunken mini-coma, I picked up the book and started reading the first page. By the end of the night, I had read the entire book.
For me, it was magic. By reading The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, I was able to magically and instantly transport myself far away from the hunger, dirt and uncertainty that were my life. Because of the talent and gift of an author, I was able to immerse myself in written words that possessed a very real and tangible healing power. To me, it was nothing short of a minor miracle.
As long as there were words on a page, I had the opportunity to travel back in time, across vast oceans, to mythical lands, or into outer space. I had the chance to escape and give my battered mind a much-needed reprieve." (Pg 34-35).
I received Rolling Pennies in the Dark by Douglas MacKinnon compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I think we all need to read books like this, if nothing more than to open our eyes up to the people around us that we may encounter who desperately need help in any way we can. We come from a nation that is truly blessed and the reality is, that is we all worked together, there would be no more homeless people, orphaned children, and people doing without anymore. I would encourage you all to read this amazing memoir and see if it doesn't truly impact you in a powerful way. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars. (less)
For many of ou...more "For me and the millions of people across the planet who had or have it much worse than me, a recurring questions is "What's the point?"
For many of our fellow human beings in indescribable pain, it's natural to contemplate any and all ways to end such unbearable and unrelenting pain. Sometimes the black abyss just beyond the edge of the cliff looks like the answer. The only answer.
"What's the point?"
For some who are beaten down by the ravages of poverty and life, there is no point. Unless we can magically transpose ourselves into such people's horrific lives, then we have no business judging them. Sympathize, empathize, and help. But unless they commit crimes against civilized society, judge not.
As someone who has encountered some of the worst that life has to offer, I would only tell those standing at the edge of that abyss and considering the worst to step back as I did.
I would tell them - scream at them - that there is a point. There truly is. And that point, at least for me, is faith" (Pg 188).
In the book, Rolling Pennies in the Dark by Douglas MacKinnon, his is truly a memoir with a message. A message about what it's like to grow up poor, without food for days at a time, raised by parents who's goal in life was to find their way into the next Vodka bottle and forget about the 3 children they had. It's a harsh reality that springs to life on the pages of this book that really make you take a hard look at those you encounter on the streets or schools sometimes. That life isn't as easy for some as it is for others and those without, grow up thinking that their life is about as normal as it's supposed to be. They just have to keep trying to move forward in anyway they can. It is truly unforgettable.
Being a huge book lover, I find myself challenging myself to step outside my favorite book genres and read memoirs to see a different side of life than the one I had growing up. It's passages like this one that really make a connection for me:
" As we were driving, I noticed a hardcover copy of The Wizard of Oz lying on the floor at my feet. Having nothing better to do than watch my dad's head slip closer and closer to the steering wheel on the way to a drunken mini-coma, I picked up the book and started reading the first page. By the end of the night, I had read the entire book.
For me, it was magic. By reading The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, I was able to magically and instantly transport myself far away from the hunger, dirt and uncertainty that were my life. Because of the talent and gift of an author, I was able to immerse myself in written words that possessed a very real and tangible healing power. To me, it was nothing short of a minor miracle.
As long as there were words on a page, I had the opportunity to travel back in time, across vast oceans, to mythical lands, or into outer space. I had the chance to escape and give my battered mind a much-needed reprieve." (Pg 34-35).
I received Rolling Pennies in the Dark by Douglas MacKinnon compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I think we all need to read books like this, if nothing more than to open our eyes up to the people around us that we may encounter who desperately need help in any way we can. We come from a nation that is truly blessed and the reality is, that is we all worked together, there would be no more homeless people, orphaned children, and people doing without anymore. I would encourage you all to read this amazing memoir and see if it doesn't truly impact you in a powerful way. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars. (less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Nov 10, 2012
Nov 10, 2012
Hardcover
1400203988
9781400203987
4.55
77
Oct 16, 2012
Oct 16, 2012
"Sometimes our obedience to Jesus Christ costs others."
I know if you're a Christian, most of us can agree with that statement. Simply put following Je...more "Sometimes our obedience to Jesus Christ costs others."
I know if you're a Christian, most of us can agree with that statement. Simply put following Jesus can cost us the lives of people who were once in our lives or often times keep people from truly getting to know us. Sometimes just the label of the term "Christian" is enough to steer people in the opposite direction. So just how do we keep on the path we are intended, while the world around us falls apart and points the fingers in our direction often times?
Jesus said it Himself, that persecution would follow those of us that take us the cross and follow Him. He never promised that the path would be smooth and beautiful along the way there, but there would be a cost involved. Is it one you have considered taking? Is it one you have questioned whether the effort is truly worth it in the end?
In the book, Everything by Mary Demuth, she illustrates some of those changes believers face on their walk of trying to be the best we can in virtually everything we do as Christians. She writes this book as a fellow struggler who is learning that what we think about God matters, how we allow Him to reign in our hearts matters, and how we obey Him in the moment matters. It all matters. Everything. Author and speaker, Mary DeMuth has been abused, foreclosed, abandoned, and betrayed. She has been pressed and drained till it was too much and it was enough to bring her to surrender piece by piece. In this book, she illustrates how she did it and hopes to encourage you wherever you are at in your walk right now.
Each chapter in this book includes a timeless quote or scripture reference from the Bible, a personal story from Mary's life, how she incorporates that into the Christian walk and what the Bible has to say about that situation, along with some discussion questions to draw you deeper into your own personal study or perhaps in a small Bible study group. There are chapters dedicated to worry, healing, dealing with your own thoughts, money issues and growing as a Christian. There are countless pieces of wisdom contained with these pages and ones that you will want to capture, notate and highlight to help encourage you when the storms of life come calling.
I received Everything by Mary DeMuth compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and TLC Book Tours for my honest review. Even great running cars need a tune up every now and then to keep it in the best shape it can be and to help keep it running smooth. As a believer in Christ, I truly believe that books like this one, are designed to encourage us and keep us running smooth and to keep up in the best possible shape we can be in our personal walk of faith in Jesus Christ. I encourage you to pick up a copy of Mary's book today and even use it for personal study or more importantly in a small church group Bible Study! I personally rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars.(less)
I know if you're a Christian, most of us can agree with that statement. Simply put following Je...more "Sometimes our obedience to Jesus Christ costs others."
I know if you're a Christian, most of us can agree with that statement. Simply put following Jesus can cost us the lives of people who were once in our lives or often times keep people from truly getting to know us. Sometimes just the label of the term "Christian" is enough to steer people in the opposite direction. So just how do we keep on the path we are intended, while the world around us falls apart and points the fingers in our direction often times?
Jesus said it Himself, that persecution would follow those of us that take us the cross and follow Him. He never promised that the path would be smooth and beautiful along the way there, but there would be a cost involved. Is it one you have considered taking? Is it one you have questioned whether the effort is truly worth it in the end?
In the book, Everything by Mary Demuth, she illustrates some of those changes believers face on their walk of trying to be the best we can in virtually everything we do as Christians. She writes this book as a fellow struggler who is learning that what we think about God matters, how we allow Him to reign in our hearts matters, and how we obey Him in the moment matters. It all matters. Everything. Author and speaker, Mary DeMuth has been abused, foreclosed, abandoned, and betrayed. She has been pressed and drained till it was too much and it was enough to bring her to surrender piece by piece. In this book, she illustrates how she did it and hopes to encourage you wherever you are at in your walk right now.
Each chapter in this book includes a timeless quote or scripture reference from the Bible, a personal story from Mary's life, how she incorporates that into the Christian walk and what the Bible has to say about that situation, along with some discussion questions to draw you deeper into your own personal study or perhaps in a small Bible study group. There are chapters dedicated to worry, healing, dealing with your own thoughts, money issues and growing as a Christian. There are countless pieces of wisdom contained with these pages and ones that you will want to capture, notate and highlight to help encourage you when the storms of life come calling.
I received Everything by Mary DeMuth compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and TLC Book Tours for my honest review. Even great running cars need a tune up every now and then to keep it in the best shape it can be and to help keep it running smooth. As a believer in Christ, I truly believe that books like this one, are designed to encourage us and keep us running smooth and to keep up in the best possible shape we can be in our personal walk of faith in Jesus Christ. I encourage you to pick up a copy of Mary's book today and even use it for personal study or more importantly in a small church group Bible Study! I personally rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars.(less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Nov 05, 2012
Nov 05, 2012
Paperback
1416544836
9781416544838
4.00
4
Oct 02, 2012
Nov 06, 2012
For those of us that have been married for any length of time, we are bound to come to an impasse of sorts. Call it a disagreement, a conflict, an arg...more
For those of us that have been married for any length of time, we are bound to come to an impasse of sorts. Call it a disagreement, a conflict, an argument or even a fight, but they are bound to happen. No one can simply agree on everything all the time. Even those in personal relationships can nod their heads yes, that this is simply a part of a relationship. However in marriage those issues are likely about, money, sex, in-laws, and kids. But what if instead they could simply be about trust, respect, intimacy and understanding? Is it possible that conflict in a marriage could be a good thing? I think the answer is YES!!! I personally believe that unless you have conflict, you can't grow.
In the book, Fight Your Way to a Better Marriage, Dr. Greg Smalley, author and Executive Director of Marriage at Focus on The Family, takes a deep look into how these conflicts within our marriages can lead us to deeper intimacy in our relationships. He takes readers into his own struggles in his marriage and shows us how some of those fights didn't produce the desired results and how he has subsequently learned from them in an effort to show us how we can grow from our own situations. The book illustrates the following areas I am sure you can relate to:
Breaking old ineffective patterns
Ways to guard against being too comfortable or too complacent, which breeds mediocrity and boredom.
Reduction of tension as emotions are vented and stress is released.
Higher levels of marital satisfaction every time you manage conflict well.
Dr. Greg Smalley show cases just how we are programmed to react when someone or something pushes our buttons and how we can change how we have always reacted to those times. Maybe it's one of these situations:
The drive-through line is too long at your favorite coffee place or fast-food restaurant.
You wake up to dirty dishes in the sink (One of mine).
Your favorite TV show or game didn't record.
There's a long wait at the doctor's office.
Someone cuts in line.
Your child tracks mud or spills something on your clean floor.
A driver tailgates.
Feeling a little stressed? Perhaps you can even add a few items to this list. Dr. Greg Smalley shows us how we can often times store that up and unfortunately release this irritants on our spouse when they had no control over them, what I like to refer to as a silent, ticking time bomb, just waiting for the right light to our fuse. The best part about this book is we can change how we react to things and work towards making things better in our relationships. The road is never easy but the results are well worth it in the end.
I received Fight Your Way to a Better Marriage compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I am always looking for ways to improve and make my own personal marriage better and some of the ideas, Dr. Smalley shares is bound to hit home for some of you. You begin to see ways to improve things on your own end, instead of simply handing the book to your spouse telling them they desperately need to read this. We all need to be personally responsible for dealing with our own issues in marriage and working together I think, we can all grow and have the marriage we have always imagined if were are willing to try. I rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars. (less)
In the book, Fight Your Way to a Better Marriage, Dr. Greg Smalley, author and Executive Director of Marriage at Focus on The Family, takes a deep look into how these conflicts within our marriages can lead us to deeper intimacy in our relationships. He takes readers into his own struggles in his marriage and shows us how some of those fights didn't produce the desired results and how he has subsequently learned from them in an effort to show us how we can grow from our own situations. The book illustrates the following areas I am sure you can relate to:
Breaking old ineffective patterns
Ways to guard against being too comfortable or too complacent, which breeds mediocrity and boredom.
Reduction of tension as emotions are vented and stress is released.
Higher levels of marital satisfaction every time you manage conflict well.
Dr. Greg Smalley show cases just how we are programmed to react when someone or something pushes our buttons and how we can change how we have always reacted to those times. Maybe it's one of these situations:
The drive-through line is too long at your favorite coffee place or fast-food restaurant.
You wake up to dirty dishes in the sink (One of mine).
Your favorite TV show or game didn't record.
There's a long wait at the doctor's office.
Someone cuts in line.
Your child tracks mud or spills something on your clean floor.
A driver tailgates.
Feeling a little stressed? Perhaps you can even add a few items to this list. Dr. Greg Smalley shows us how we can often times store that up and unfortunately release this irritants on our spouse when they had no control over them, what I like to refer to as a silent, ticking time bomb, just waiting for the right light to our fuse. The best part about this book is we can change how we react to things and work towards making things better in our relationships. The road is never easy but the results are well worth it in the end.
I received Fight Your Way to a Better Marriage compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I am always looking for ways to improve and make my own personal marriage better and some of the ideas, Dr. Smalley shares is bound to hit home for some of you. You begin to see ways to improve things on your own end, instead of simply handing the book to your spouse telling them they desperately need to read this. We all need to be personally responsible for dealing with our own issues in marriage and working together I think, we can all grow and have the marriage we have always imagined if were are willing to try. I rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars. (less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Nov 04, 2012
Nov 04, 2012
Hardcover
1433676605
9781433676604
4.47
70
Sep 01, 2012
Sep 01, 2012
"If you would have told me fifteen years ago I would be working on a book about my Christian walk, I would have laughed. And so the story goes, right?...more
"If you would have told me fifteen years ago I would be working on a book about my Christian walk, I would have laughed. And so the story goes, right? God has a way of redefining our expectations.
It has been a labor of love to walk back through some writing published over the past four and a half years on my blog, Bring the Rain. The blog began as a way to keep family and friends informed as we walked through the pregnancy of our fourth daughter, Audrey Caroline, who we only got to have with us on this earth for a few short hours. I blogged through the brokenness and hurt, clinging to God's Word and a community emerged. Somewhere along the way I began to consistently get e-mails from people asking if there was some way to combine my more devotionalesque entries into book form. Mended is the fruit of that vision, and I hope it blesses you and reminds you how loved you are by your Creator. Has something convinced you that you aren't a worthy recipient of His love? Where are the distractions and the noise of life getting in the way of your walk with Him?
Whatever calls our name louder than the voice of Jesus needs to be identified as an obstacle in our walk. Life is busy and days are short. We don't take the time we need to let our souls breathe. I want to invite you into my little corner of the world for a few minutes of your day and ask you to sit with me in silence. There's no wrong way to read Mended. Go at the pace that matches how God is speaking to you. But as you start, let me suggest that you carve out a half hour out of the madness each day and let's talk about the way He loves us in spite of ourselves.
My hope is that will be a resource that leads you to pray and dig deeper into His word. I have given you some prompts to help with this along the way, whether you are reading alone or with a trusted friend or spouse. Each entry has a focused Scripture, a devotional, and then some brief application ideas." (pg 2).
In the book, Mended: Pieces of a Life Made Whole by Angie Smith, she incorporates her own stories as a way to help the reader look into their own life circumstances and be challenged to see how God can heal all those broken places and renew us in ways we might never have imagined. This would be a perfect for a women's small Bible Study to help heal the areas within us all that remain broken and make us feel less than perfect, when God's whole purpose is restoration in our lives. I think the way Angie has utilized her own stories creates a bonding of sorts with what women can relate to on their levels. The overachiever, the one never feeling worthy enough, the ones whose past is holding us back from the future God has imagined for us. This book does just that and more and one I highly recommend!!!
I received Mended: Pieces of a Life Made Whole by Angie Smith, compliments of Shelton Interactive and B and H Publishing Group for my honest review. Far too often, as women who are busy in families and marriages we place our own needs far below others and this book helps heal those places and makes us better equipped to deal with those challenges that women face. I rate this book a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. (less)
It has been a labor of love to walk back through some writing published over the past four and a half years on my blog, Bring the Rain. The blog began as a way to keep family and friends informed as we walked through the pregnancy of our fourth daughter, Audrey Caroline, who we only got to have with us on this earth for a few short hours. I blogged through the brokenness and hurt, clinging to God's Word and a community emerged. Somewhere along the way I began to consistently get e-mails from people asking if there was some way to combine my more devotionalesque entries into book form. Mended is the fruit of that vision, and I hope it blesses you and reminds you how loved you are by your Creator. Has something convinced you that you aren't a worthy recipient of His love? Where are the distractions and the noise of life getting in the way of your walk with Him?
Whatever calls our name louder than the voice of Jesus needs to be identified as an obstacle in our walk. Life is busy and days are short. We don't take the time we need to let our souls breathe. I want to invite you into my little corner of the world for a few minutes of your day and ask you to sit with me in silence. There's no wrong way to read Mended. Go at the pace that matches how God is speaking to you. But as you start, let me suggest that you carve out a half hour out of the madness each day and let's talk about the way He loves us in spite of ourselves.
My hope is that will be a resource that leads you to pray and dig deeper into His word. I have given you some prompts to help with this along the way, whether you are reading alone or with a trusted friend or spouse. Each entry has a focused Scripture, a devotional, and then some brief application ideas." (pg 2).
In the book, Mended: Pieces of a Life Made Whole by Angie Smith, she incorporates her own stories as a way to help the reader look into their own life circumstances and be challenged to see how God can heal all those broken places and renew us in ways we might never have imagined. This would be a perfect for a women's small Bible Study to help heal the areas within us all that remain broken and make us feel less than perfect, when God's whole purpose is restoration in our lives. I think the way Angie has utilized her own stories creates a bonding of sorts with what women can relate to on their levels. The overachiever, the one never feeling worthy enough, the ones whose past is holding us back from the future God has imagined for us. This book does just that and more and one I highly recommend!!!
I received Mended: Pieces of a Life Made Whole by Angie Smith, compliments of Shelton Interactive and B and H Publishing Group for my honest review. Far too often, as women who are busy in families and marriages we place our own needs far below others and this book helps heal those places and makes us better equipped to deal with those challenges that women face. I rate this book a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. (less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Oct 24, 2012
Oct 24, 2012
Paperback
0310315441
9780310315445
4.68
38
Nov 02, 2012
Nov 20, 2012
"It all began quite spontaneously, unintentionally. One of those things God grows up in the most unexpected places.
A friend dared me to start countin...more "It all began quite spontaneously, unintentionally. One of those things God grows up in the most unexpected places.
A friend dared me to start counting one thousand things I loved. I took the dare, accepted the challenge, kept track of one thousand things, one thousand gifts - a thousand graces - on a quiet, unassuming blog. Before I knew it, thankfulness to God began to fully change me.
What I actually found - startling! - was more daily wonder and surprising beauty than I ever expected. And in a few short years, this daily hunt for God's grace, His glory, had ushered me into a fuller life. A life of joy! Over the past several years, I've listed over four thousand gifts...and I continue. Once one has begun, has tasted and known He is God, who can stop giving Him glory?
I wrote a book about this gratitude journey called One Thousand Gifts. I didn't start with any specific steps, but through this intentional, daily practice of giving thanks, I found myself on a tranformative journey that affected every aspect of my life - including all the broken places." (pg 9).
In her latest book, One Thousand Gifts Devotional, by Ann Voskamp, she teaches the reader how to go about their own practice of noticing the blessings of God around you through sixty reflections that chronicle her own discovery, each one like a singular tree in a lush forest of grace. She teaches you through sharing her own glimpses into God's grace will be the perfect companion and encourage you on your own prayerful discovery of a lifestyle of Christ-focus and communion. Of how extravagantly God loves you and how desperately you need Him every moment. Most of all, Ann hopes that these entries expand your view of the endless and matchless grace of an overflowing God. In the back of this book are plenty of space for journaling your own thoughts and for beginning your own list of one thousand gifts.
I received One Thousand Gifts Devotional: Reflections on Finding Everyday Graces by Ann Voskamp compliments of Shelton Interactive and Zondervan Publishing. Having read Ann's first book, One Thousand Gifts and visiting her blog, I was inspired in my own personal way to begin to notice the small things we take for granted every single day, much like Ann has done. It truly shows us all just how much God is working in our lives, if we are only willing to stop, notice them, and thank God for them. It really does change your daily outlook on life. I easily give this book a 5 out of 5 stars. If you haven't taken the time to visit Ann's blog or to read One Thousand Gifts, you might just want to do that as well. It truly is inspirational. (less)
A friend dared me to start countin...more "It all began quite spontaneously, unintentionally. One of those things God grows up in the most unexpected places.
A friend dared me to start counting one thousand things I loved. I took the dare, accepted the challenge, kept track of one thousand things, one thousand gifts - a thousand graces - on a quiet, unassuming blog. Before I knew it, thankfulness to God began to fully change me.
What I actually found - startling! - was more daily wonder and surprising beauty than I ever expected. And in a few short years, this daily hunt for God's grace, His glory, had ushered me into a fuller life. A life of joy! Over the past several years, I've listed over four thousand gifts...and I continue. Once one has begun, has tasted and known He is God, who can stop giving Him glory?
I wrote a book about this gratitude journey called One Thousand Gifts. I didn't start with any specific steps, but through this intentional, daily practice of giving thanks, I found myself on a tranformative journey that affected every aspect of my life - including all the broken places." (pg 9).
In her latest book, One Thousand Gifts Devotional, by Ann Voskamp, she teaches the reader how to go about their own practice of noticing the blessings of God around you through sixty reflections that chronicle her own discovery, each one like a singular tree in a lush forest of grace. She teaches you through sharing her own glimpses into God's grace will be the perfect companion and encourage you on your own prayerful discovery of a lifestyle of Christ-focus and communion. Of how extravagantly God loves you and how desperately you need Him every moment. Most of all, Ann hopes that these entries expand your view of the endless and matchless grace of an overflowing God. In the back of this book are plenty of space for journaling your own thoughts and for beginning your own list of one thousand gifts.
I received One Thousand Gifts Devotional: Reflections on Finding Everyday Graces by Ann Voskamp compliments of Shelton Interactive and Zondervan Publishing. Having read Ann's first book, One Thousand Gifts and visiting her blog, I was inspired in my own personal way to begin to notice the small things we take for granted every single day, much like Ann has done. It truly shows us all just how much God is working in our lives, if we are only willing to stop, notice them, and thank God for them. It really does change your daily outlook on life. I easily give this book a 5 out of 5 stars. If you haven't taken the time to visit Ann's blog or to read One Thousand Gifts, you might just want to do that as well. It truly is inspirational. (less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Oct 24, 2012
Oct 24, 2012
Hardcover
0446538574
9780446538572
4.36
198
Jan 01, 2007
Sep 11, 2012
I know you've heard the saying before, "you are what you say!" Yet how often do we take the time really to consider just what we are saying most of th...more
I know you've heard the saying before, "you are what you say!" Yet how often do we take the time really to consider just what we are saying most of the time. It reminds me of another saying when dealing with others, I used to hear from my mom, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say it at all!" How true those sayings really are.
Just the other day a great friend of mine got some incredible news that would mean the world to her family that was facing huge financial difficulties as well as some health issues for her husband. When God came through for them in a very powerful way, I was the first person she called. I was super excited for her because I knew what a burden had been lifted off their shoulders. Then she told me something interesting. She said she was also having doubts that perhaps the reason these things were happening was because the health issue facing her husband was going to turn out well and that's God's way of preparing her for the worst. How funny the enemy is when in the midst of God's glory he is still trying to plant seeds of doubt when we should be celebrating the joys. I reminded her to simply trust God and take it one day at a time. I also reminded her that the words that we speak because the water for the seeds we plant in ourselves. So what you want to grow will become the words you speak, we in fact are watering those seeds of doubt instead of the seeds of joy in this particular situation.
These are just a handful of the insights you will glean from Joyce Meyer's new book, Change Your Words, Change Your Life. There is actually an entire chapter devoted to just what my friend was encountering and so the advice and words of wisdom I shared with her, really hit home. It changed her perspective and really made her think about what she was saying. Joyce reminds you that what you think becomes what we often say. Instead of speaking those negative thoughts which we know don't come from God, we are breathing life into the lies the enemy is planting. This book will really help change your life. It always begins in our minds, our thoughts which eventually become our words, so which seeds will you begin planting today? What kind of fruit are you looking to harvest for God's kingdom and glory?
I received Change Your Words, Change Your Life by Joyce Meyer, compliments of Faith Words, a division of Hachette Book Groups for my honest review. There is so much to help you on the path that will literally change your life in this wonderful hardcover book. Some of the chapters deal with "How to Be Happy," "When to Talk and When Not to Talk," "Speaking Faith and Not Fear," "Do you Really Have to Give Your Opinion?" The Corrosion of Complaints," and so much much more. We all know how hard it is sometimes to hold our tongue when someone offends us or we get upset in fact the Bible is clear we are instructed to do just that. With this book as your guide, and Joyce's straight to the point message, you are bound to find improvement with reading this and applying it to your daily life. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and will be referring to this one A LOT!!!(less)
Just the other day a great friend of mine got some incredible news that would mean the world to her family that was facing huge financial difficulties as well as some health issues for her husband. When God came through for them in a very powerful way, I was the first person she called. I was super excited for her because I knew what a burden had been lifted off their shoulders. Then she told me something interesting. She said she was also having doubts that perhaps the reason these things were happening was because the health issue facing her husband was going to turn out well and that's God's way of preparing her for the worst. How funny the enemy is when in the midst of God's glory he is still trying to plant seeds of doubt when we should be celebrating the joys. I reminded her to simply trust God and take it one day at a time. I also reminded her that the words that we speak because the water for the seeds we plant in ourselves. So what you want to grow will become the words you speak, we in fact are watering those seeds of doubt instead of the seeds of joy in this particular situation.
These are just a handful of the insights you will glean from Joyce Meyer's new book, Change Your Words, Change Your Life. There is actually an entire chapter devoted to just what my friend was encountering and so the advice and words of wisdom I shared with her, really hit home. It changed her perspective and really made her think about what she was saying. Joyce reminds you that what you think becomes what we often say. Instead of speaking those negative thoughts which we know don't come from God, we are breathing life into the lies the enemy is planting. This book will really help change your life. It always begins in our minds, our thoughts which eventually become our words, so which seeds will you begin planting today? What kind of fruit are you looking to harvest for God's kingdom and glory?
I received Change Your Words, Change Your Life by Joyce Meyer, compliments of Faith Words, a division of Hachette Book Groups for my honest review. There is so much to help you on the path that will literally change your life in this wonderful hardcover book. Some of the chapters deal with "How to Be Happy," "When to Talk and When Not to Talk," "Speaking Faith and Not Fear," "Do you Really Have to Give Your Opinion?" The Corrosion of Complaints," and so much much more. We all know how hard it is sometimes to hold our tongue when someone offends us or we get upset in fact the Bible is clear we are instructed to do just that. With this book as your guide, and Joyce's straight to the point message, you are bound to find improvement with reading this and applying it to your daily life. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and will be referring to this one A LOT!!!(less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Oct 12, 2012
Oct 12, 2012
Hardcover
0983589720
9780983589723
4.19
27
Jan 06, 2012
Jan 06, 2012
" But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Against such things there...more
" But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23
Do you ever wonder if there is a God out there that really and truly cares about what you're going through? If you're simply going through all the motions, there where are all the blessings? Feel like you're crossing through yet another parched desert alone?
Fear not, for God is with you, all the way to the end of whatever valley you are enduring in your life right now. There are certainly times where we begin to wonder where it's all going and is the journey even worth it and a great resource to pick up is Deanna Nowadnick's book, Fruit of the Spirit. Written as a short story to encourage her sons, it quickly became a longer book but now one that can inspire you as you endure your own walk of faith. In the end, God will bring about a great harvest as long as we don't lose heart along the way. This one came to me, at just the perfect time where I was wondering where God was in all of my own long walk of faith in one of the darkest trials in my life.
I was encouraged and refreshed as I read through this book. I found myself feeling called back into an oasis of sorts with God for some quiet time and reflection, as well as inspiration, endurance and faith. In the end, I hope we can all show through our own personal trials, the perfect fruit of walking with God along the way. A great reminder that He never leaves us or forsakes us, it's often us that walk away from Him. The great news is He is always watching and nearby!
I received this book compliments of Deanna Nowadnick for my honest review and think this is the perfect thirst quencher to go hand-in-hand with your Bible to help bring you through those dark valleys to rest upon the mountain tops when the time is right. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it for those of you looking for some encouragement along your desert walk of faith!(less)
Do you ever wonder if there is a God out there that really and truly cares about what you're going through? If you're simply going through all the motions, there where are all the blessings? Feel like you're crossing through yet another parched desert alone?
Fear not, for God is with you, all the way to the end of whatever valley you are enduring in your life right now. There are certainly times where we begin to wonder where it's all going and is the journey even worth it and a great resource to pick up is Deanna Nowadnick's book, Fruit of the Spirit. Written as a short story to encourage her sons, it quickly became a longer book but now one that can inspire you as you endure your own walk of faith. In the end, God will bring about a great harvest as long as we don't lose heart along the way. This one came to me, at just the perfect time where I was wondering where God was in all of my own long walk of faith in one of the darkest trials in my life.
I was encouraged and refreshed as I read through this book. I found myself feeling called back into an oasis of sorts with God for some quiet time and reflection, as well as inspiration, endurance and faith. In the end, I hope we can all show through our own personal trials, the perfect fruit of walking with God along the way. A great reminder that He never leaves us or forsakes us, it's often us that walk away from Him. The great news is He is always watching and nearby!
I received this book compliments of Deanna Nowadnick for my honest review and think this is the perfect thirst quencher to go hand-in-hand with your Bible to help bring you through those dark valleys to rest upon the mountain tops when the time is right. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it for those of you looking for some encouragement along your desert walk of faith!(less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Oct 02, 2012
Oct 02, 2012
Paperback
1938499018
9781938499012
4.80
5
Jun 17, 2012
Dec 31, 2012
"The only reliable way to be truly guided by God is to assimilate the Word of God to your character...Scripture reveals God's will only if we allow Hi...more
"The only reliable way to be truly guided by God is to assimilate the Word of God to your character...Scripture reveals God's will only if we allow His Holy Spirit to apply it to our circumstances." ~ Oswald Chambers.
Have you ever wondered what it means to discern God's Will for your life? How can you hear His call? The word discernment comes from two Latin words: discernere (to perceive) and discretis (to separate). To discern God's voice and will is to converse with Him. In both Hebrew and Greek, the word will means "to yearn." When we say, "Lord, Your will be done," we are asking God to infuse His deepest yearnings into our spirit and alter the circumstances of our lives in order that we may grow. God sees beyond our past and knows our secret desires, even those desires yet to be born. "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express" (Romans 8:26, NIV).
As you seek to discern and do God's will, ask the following questions:
Will this course of action use my gifts, talents, and passions?
How has my previous experience prepared me for this task?
Will this new opportunity cause me to be more loving?
Is this an expansion of my influence for God?
Will I feel more fulfilled and have a greater sense of inner peace?
Who will benefit from my actions?
What will it cost me and my family?
Is this a time sensitive opportunity?
We often complicate the business of knowing God's will, but His word is clear: "And You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13, NKJV) Those who seek and ask, hear His voice. The devotional stories in this book, illustrate how others have heard God's call and heeded his voice. My prayer is that you, too, will learn to recognize God's voice so that you will be able to both discern and to do his will." (pg 9-10).
In this wonderful inspirational book, My Father's Business connects some well known celebrities and tells us their personal story of how they were able to discern what God's will was for them in their own lives despite what others felt about their decision. For example the story of Walt Disney following his dream to build a magical theme park for families. He had it all planned out in his head, but those around him saw it as merely a large piece of dirt and sage filled land. Walt had to help them "see" his vision. Along with this story that reader is taken into the Bible, to the prophet Joel who spoke of a vision he had when God would pour out His Spirit on His people and infuse them with new visions. As the conclusion of each chapter, there are some study questions for the reader to dig into the Bible deeper for more understanding on what it means to work towards God's will in your life and some opportunities to pray for others along the way.
I received My Father's Business by Eddie Jones compliments of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, The Kindred and The Vessel Project for my honest review. I've always been a fan of using short stories like Jesus used parables to define life lessons for us. These stories that Eddie Jones have compiled are much like modern day parables for us to discern and move us forward in finding out what God's will is for us in our own lives. This can be used for individual or small group Bible study's or merely for your own enjoyment. There are numerous quotes from Oswald Chambers at the beginning of each chapter to inspire you to further introspection. I easily rate this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars.
(less)
Have you ever wondered what it means to discern God's Will for your life? How can you hear His call? The word discernment comes from two Latin words: discernere (to perceive) and discretis (to separate). To discern God's voice and will is to converse with Him. In both Hebrew and Greek, the word will means "to yearn." When we say, "Lord, Your will be done," we are asking God to infuse His deepest yearnings into our spirit and alter the circumstances of our lives in order that we may grow. God sees beyond our past and knows our secret desires, even those desires yet to be born. "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express" (Romans 8:26, NIV).
As you seek to discern and do God's will, ask the following questions:
Will this course of action use my gifts, talents, and passions?
How has my previous experience prepared me for this task?
Will this new opportunity cause me to be more loving?
Is this an expansion of my influence for God?
Will I feel more fulfilled and have a greater sense of inner peace?
Who will benefit from my actions?
What will it cost me and my family?
Is this a time sensitive opportunity?
We often complicate the business of knowing God's will, but His word is clear: "And You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13, NKJV) Those who seek and ask, hear His voice. The devotional stories in this book, illustrate how others have heard God's call and heeded his voice. My prayer is that you, too, will learn to recognize God's voice so that you will be able to both discern and to do his will." (pg 9-10).
In this wonderful inspirational book, My Father's Business connects some well known celebrities and tells us their personal story of how they were able to discern what God's will was for them in their own lives despite what others felt about their decision. For example the story of Walt Disney following his dream to build a magical theme park for families. He had it all planned out in his head, but those around him saw it as merely a large piece of dirt and sage filled land. Walt had to help them "see" his vision. Along with this story that reader is taken into the Bible, to the prophet Joel who spoke of a vision he had when God would pour out His Spirit on His people and infuse them with new visions. As the conclusion of each chapter, there are some study questions for the reader to dig into the Bible deeper for more understanding on what it means to work towards God's will in your life and some opportunities to pray for others along the way.
I received My Father's Business by Eddie Jones compliments of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, The Kindred and The Vessel Project for my honest review. I've always been a fan of using short stories like Jesus used parables to define life lessons for us. These stories that Eddie Jones have compiled are much like modern day parables for us to discern and move us forward in finding out what God's will is for us in our own lives. This can be used for individual or small group Bible study's or merely for your own enjoyment. There are numerous quotes from Oswald Chambers at the beginning of each chapter to inspire you to further introspection. I easily rate this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars.
(less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Sep 26, 2012
Sep 26, 2012
Paperback
0745962769
9780745962764
4.24
21
Oct 01, 2012
Oct 01, 2012
Does your child love those "search and find" books? Like Where's Waldo? How about something a bit more fun and challenging with an amazing message tha...more
Does your child love those "search and find" books? Like Where's Waldo? How about something a bit more fun and challenging with an amazing message that is geared to young children about the Bible, both Old and New Testaments alike, with a built in Bible Study message? Sound like a great book for your child or one you know? Then this is the perfect book for them.
Bible Detective by Peter Martin and illustrated by Peter Kent, takes your children through animated pictures of some of the most amazing Bible Stories like Noah, the slaves of Egypt, Moses, the Law and the Tabernacle, the Death of Jesus, A Fishing Town on Lake Galilee just to name a few, and create a colorful picture along with a list of things to search for in the bigger picture, like a man chasing a donkey, spot 2 Roman soldiers patrolling the lakeside, find 6 baskets of fish, How many cattle are drinking by the lake? Spot Jesus teaching along with picture illustrating what those objects look like, so it's even for those children just learning to read to have fun with.
Along with each illustrated search and find picture in the book are scripture references so you can take your children on a biblical journey before working on the activity together. It draws a parallel to something your child can relate to and give you more opportunity to discuss what you just read together and draw you both deeper into God's Word. It also provides a time line so you can see how each event relates to the life and times discussed in the Bible so your child can get an understanding of how they are each related to specific times in the Bible.
At the end of the book are the answer guides so if you are struggling to come up with where something is in the bigger picture, this can guide you to provide some encouragement and clues to your child so they can find it themselves and feel a sense of accomplishment along with your help! Also a bonus search is to try and find the wily fox in every scene, much like the Waldo character! I think this is a great book that you can use to introduce your children to Bible study's in a fun and creative way.
I received Bible Detective by Peter Martin compliments of Kregel Publications for my honest review and couldn't wait to begin finding things on my own when it first arrived. Some things are easy to find and others require a bit more searching, so it's the perfect blend of fun for children from ages 5 and up. As you exercise your brain solving the puzzles, you and your child will become real experts on the fascinating setting of some of the Bible's greatest stories. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait to share this with my readers!(less)
Bible Detective by Peter Martin and illustrated by Peter Kent, takes your children through animated pictures of some of the most amazing Bible Stories like Noah, the slaves of Egypt, Moses, the Law and the Tabernacle, the Death of Jesus, A Fishing Town on Lake Galilee just to name a few, and create a colorful picture along with a list of things to search for in the bigger picture, like a man chasing a donkey, spot 2 Roman soldiers patrolling the lakeside, find 6 baskets of fish, How many cattle are drinking by the lake? Spot Jesus teaching along with picture illustrating what those objects look like, so it's even for those children just learning to read to have fun with.
Along with each illustrated search and find picture in the book are scripture references so you can take your children on a biblical journey before working on the activity together. It draws a parallel to something your child can relate to and give you more opportunity to discuss what you just read together and draw you both deeper into God's Word. It also provides a time line so you can see how each event relates to the life and times discussed in the Bible so your child can get an understanding of how they are each related to specific times in the Bible.
At the end of the book are the answer guides so if you are struggling to come up with where something is in the bigger picture, this can guide you to provide some encouragement and clues to your child so they can find it themselves and feel a sense of accomplishment along with your help! Also a bonus search is to try and find the wily fox in every scene, much like the Waldo character! I think this is a great book that you can use to introduce your children to Bible study's in a fun and creative way.
I received Bible Detective by Peter Martin compliments of Kregel Publications for my honest review and couldn't wait to begin finding things on my own when it first arrived. Some things are easy to find and others require a bit more searching, so it's the perfect blend of fun for children from ages 5 and up. As you exercise your brain solving the puzzles, you and your child will become real experts on the fascinating setting of some of the Bible's greatest stories. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait to share this with my readers!(less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Sep 23, 2012
Sep 23, 2012
Hardcover
1439190658
9781439190654
4.81
16
Sep 04, 2012
Sep 04, 2012
If you are a believer, then I am sure you understand that prayer is a part of a Christian's life. That there is a power to prayer and it's a direct li...more
If you are a believer, then I am sure you understand that prayer is a part of a Christian's life. That there is a power to prayer and it's a direct line of communication for us to God. Yet so many of us wonder just how to pray or if our prayers are even worth it. Often times we find ourselves resorting to prayer as a last ditch effort when everything else fails and hardly believe that anything will change when we do. So how can you be assured that God hears our prayers, how can we tell if God is speaking to us, how do we know if our prayers fall in line with God's will instead of it being simply a wish list or to do list for God to act in our lives?
In the latest book by senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta and best selling author, Charles F. Stanley, he begins to answer these questions and such much more in The Ultimate Conversation: Talking with God Through Prayer. In this book, Charles Stanley answers the questions that all of us as believers have often wondered along with great stories from the Bible and scripture to encourage us in just what our prayer lives should be and what we should be doing on a daily basis. Topics include why you can trust God's character, how the Holy Spirit helps you pray, how to win your battles on your knees, how to pray for others and God's ultimate goal in speaking with you. You can help but be encouraged through this book as I found myself in desperate need of prayer when this book arrived. Just in the first chapter alone, I was immediately comforted.
At the conclusion of each chapter it closes with a prayer guiding the reader in the next step in working toward learning more about the will of God and in using prayer. This will definitely help you grow deeper in your relationship with God and enable you to understand just how simple and powerful adding to prayer to your daily walk will change not only your life, but even the lives of those around you that not only request your prayers but in some cases never ask. Lives can be changed in the most simple response to anything in a Christian's life. We need to make this a first response to our lives in all situations instead of a last minute desperate plea. See how your own life can be profoundly impacted today by picking up a copy of The Ultimate Conversation today!
I received The Ultimate Conversation compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review and think this is a MUST HAVE for any believer. There is so much knowledge to work this into a Bible Study for a personal or even a small group Bible Study to grow in your personal faith with Jesus Christ today! I rate this resource a 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait to see the growth and changes in my own personal walk with Jesus. (less)
In the latest book by senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta and best selling author, Charles F. Stanley, he begins to answer these questions and such much more in The Ultimate Conversation: Talking with God Through Prayer. In this book, Charles Stanley answers the questions that all of us as believers have often wondered along with great stories from the Bible and scripture to encourage us in just what our prayer lives should be and what we should be doing on a daily basis. Topics include why you can trust God's character, how the Holy Spirit helps you pray, how to win your battles on your knees, how to pray for others and God's ultimate goal in speaking with you. You can help but be encouraged through this book as I found myself in desperate need of prayer when this book arrived. Just in the first chapter alone, I was immediately comforted.
At the conclusion of each chapter it closes with a prayer guiding the reader in the next step in working toward learning more about the will of God and in using prayer. This will definitely help you grow deeper in your relationship with God and enable you to understand just how simple and powerful adding to prayer to your daily walk will change not only your life, but even the lives of those around you that not only request your prayers but in some cases never ask. Lives can be changed in the most simple response to anything in a Christian's life. We need to make this a first response to our lives in all situations instead of a last minute desperate plea. See how your own life can be profoundly impacted today by picking up a copy of The Ultimate Conversation today!
I received The Ultimate Conversation compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review and think this is a MUST HAVE for any believer. There is so much knowledge to work this into a Bible Study for a personal or even a small group Bible Study to grow in your personal faith with Jesus Christ today! I rate this resource a 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait to see the growth and changes in my own personal walk with Jesus. (less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Sep 20, 2012
Sep 20, 2012
Hardcover
1616386975
9781616386979
4.54
26
Feb 10, 2010
Sep 04, 2012
Some people believe that there is no harm in watching a scary movie like, Paranormal Activity. I mean it's not real, it's just a movie. Other's think...more
Some people believe that there is no harm in watching a scary movie like, Paranormal Activity. I mean it's not real, it's just a movie. Other's think there is nothing wrong with the Wiccan religion, or witchcraft as long as your intention is to help and not harm people. What about watching shows like The Ghost Whisperer or Ghost Hunters? Is there any danger in what you are watching? How about horoscopes, tarot cards or innocent toys like Magic 8 balls or Ouija boards?
The truth is there is more to these than just simply being movies, television shows or an innocent interest in them. All of these have a basis in the occult and no one can tell you more than a reformed witch, now Christian wife and mom who exposes what that lifestyle is all about in her latest book, Escaping the Cauldron! Kristen McGuire now shares her chilling interest in witchcraft, spells and the ghost haunting investigations she used to be a part of for more than eight years. Along the way, she shares just how Satan captures the interests and how most people believe there is no harm in dabbling in them. How wrong they are! Using scripture to highlight what God's perspective is in all of these things, the reader is in for a chilling reality check and can see for themselves just how prevalent and accepted these practices are becoming and what we as believers can do to help those that are lost and struggling.
When I received the offer to review this book, I knew I had to read it. Mostly because as a young child, I could relate to the very same things that drew Kristen into the occult and how innocent the lure can be. Like her, my interest began as a way to find fulfillment for being a lonely child growing up while my parents were going through a divorce, and since my mom worked, I spent time looking for things to do. It began in the public library looking at books on spell casting and witchcraft with the intent of making good things happened. I would later find myself on the chilling end of Satan's lure but was saved when I turned my life to Christ.
I received Escaping the Cauldron by Kristen McGuire compliments of Glass Roads Public Relations for my honest opinion and think every single Christian parent needs to read a copy of this. Like Kristen, there are ways that your children and teens can be hiding this and this is a great resource to know what signs to look for to see if your child is dabbling in the occult. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars because we can't pretend the stuff that is happening around us and on TV and the movies is not affecting us in negative ways. I applaud Kristen's efforts for sharing her testimony and can only see this as a benefit to those who are trapped in the lure of the magical world. (less)
The truth is there is more to these than just simply being movies, television shows or an innocent interest in them. All of these have a basis in the occult and no one can tell you more than a reformed witch, now Christian wife and mom who exposes what that lifestyle is all about in her latest book, Escaping the Cauldron! Kristen McGuire now shares her chilling interest in witchcraft, spells and the ghost haunting investigations she used to be a part of for more than eight years. Along the way, she shares just how Satan captures the interests and how most people believe there is no harm in dabbling in them. How wrong they are! Using scripture to highlight what God's perspective is in all of these things, the reader is in for a chilling reality check and can see for themselves just how prevalent and accepted these practices are becoming and what we as believers can do to help those that are lost and struggling.
When I received the offer to review this book, I knew I had to read it. Mostly because as a young child, I could relate to the very same things that drew Kristen into the occult and how innocent the lure can be. Like her, my interest began as a way to find fulfillment for being a lonely child growing up while my parents were going through a divorce, and since my mom worked, I spent time looking for things to do. It began in the public library looking at books on spell casting and witchcraft with the intent of making good things happened. I would later find myself on the chilling end of Satan's lure but was saved when I turned my life to Christ.
I received Escaping the Cauldron by Kristen McGuire compliments of Glass Roads Public Relations for my honest opinion and think every single Christian parent needs to read a copy of this. Like Kristen, there are ways that your children and teens can be hiding this and this is a great resource to know what signs to look for to see if your child is dabbling in the occult. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars because we can't pretend the stuff that is happening around us and on TV and the movies is not affecting us in negative ways. I applaud Kristen's efforts for sharing her testimony and can only see this as a benefit to those who are trapped in the lure of the magical world. (less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Sep 20, 2012
Sep 20, 2012
Paperback
143367906X
9781433679063
4.29
17
Sep 15, 2012
Sep 15, 2012
"The story is told of a battle where the flag bearer got so far ahead of the regiment that the officer called back to headquarters and asked, "Shall w...more
"The story is told of a battle where the flag bearer got so far ahead of the regiment that the officer called back to headquarters and asked, "Shall we bring the flag back to the regiment?"
The commanding officer said, "No, make the regiment catch up with the flag!"
Today we need young people with the hearts of warriors; people who will run to catch up with the flag Christ carries ahead of us. People who won't turn back. But the responsibility to mentor those young people falls to me, to my generation. During our Disciple Now weekend in 2012, Tally Wilgis, pastor of one of our church plants in Baltimore, was our greatest speaker. Talley asked the students, "How many of you know for certain that one of your parents has led a person to Christ in the last year?" Out of the 250 students, only 12 stood in agreement.
In a church filled with "Bible-believing" people, it's hard for me to imagine we are that apathetic about sharing our faith. It is a denial of the Great Commission and a bad example for you, our next generation. Faith works or it is not faith. Faith gives evidence by what it does.
Unless the people of my generation take time to equip you, our young people, with spiritual courage, the church is just one generation away from extinction. In this book, I explore the examples of people in the Bible who displayed great courage when playing it safe would have easier. Each section begins with a segment of Joshua's story of courage and throughout we explore other leading examples of courage in the Bible, Esther and Moses, Daniel and Jesus - each story challenges us to keep moving forward. They cause us to examine our priorities and deal with anything that brings fear to our hearts. They call us to have a faith that matches our mountains.
If we can raise up an army of courageous soldiers for Christ, we can once again recapture that adventuresome faith of biblical days and win the world for Christ. It's not too late. We need to step out in faith! We need to be courageous! We need to do it now!" (pg 1-3)
In the book, Courageous Teens by Michael Catt and Amy Parker, the challenge for this next generation is laid out for teens to rise up and become empowered to lead the world in whatever capacity they can to Jesus Christ. Written by the creators of the movie Courageous, each chapter opens with a scene from the movie, and then moves on to a specific Bible passage to reference the chapters contents that lay out how to develop a courageous heart with a passion and call to follow Christ. The chapters close with some thinking questions.
This book would be an incredible resource to use in youth groups, church camps and Bible Study's to enable this next generation to be equipped in what is to be expected, how to develop courage, how to face an unknown future, creating the courage to lead on all levels, how to become a humble hero, how to do what's right when faced with what's wrong, and so many more topics. I am super excited to share this with our youth pastor so he can use it with middle schoolers and high school students to inspire them to be a positive change in the world. There is even a resolution pledge, much like the one listed in the movie Courageous that teens can sign showing their commitment to follow through on what they have learned through this book!
I received this book compliments of Handlebar Central and B & H Publishers for my honest opinion and can't wait to see how this generation can be equipped to carry on the Great Commission with boldness, courage, and all the right tools to be successful in sharing their faith and their personal testimonies. I easily rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars and look forward to working within my own family and church to encourage our youth in the right direction when it comes to their faith. I look forward to hearing more stories of just how God will use this resource to help our younger generation prepare for the future. (less)
The commanding officer said, "No, make the regiment catch up with the flag!"
Today we need young people with the hearts of warriors; people who will run to catch up with the flag Christ carries ahead of us. People who won't turn back. But the responsibility to mentor those young people falls to me, to my generation. During our Disciple Now weekend in 2012, Tally Wilgis, pastor of one of our church plants in Baltimore, was our greatest speaker. Talley asked the students, "How many of you know for certain that one of your parents has led a person to Christ in the last year?" Out of the 250 students, only 12 stood in agreement.
In a church filled with "Bible-believing" people, it's hard for me to imagine we are that apathetic about sharing our faith. It is a denial of the Great Commission and a bad example for you, our next generation. Faith works or it is not faith. Faith gives evidence by what it does.
Unless the people of my generation take time to equip you, our young people, with spiritual courage, the church is just one generation away from extinction. In this book, I explore the examples of people in the Bible who displayed great courage when playing it safe would have easier. Each section begins with a segment of Joshua's story of courage and throughout we explore other leading examples of courage in the Bible, Esther and Moses, Daniel and Jesus - each story challenges us to keep moving forward. They cause us to examine our priorities and deal with anything that brings fear to our hearts. They call us to have a faith that matches our mountains.
If we can raise up an army of courageous soldiers for Christ, we can once again recapture that adventuresome faith of biblical days and win the world for Christ. It's not too late. We need to step out in faith! We need to be courageous! We need to do it now!" (pg 1-3)
In the book, Courageous Teens by Michael Catt and Amy Parker, the challenge for this next generation is laid out for teens to rise up and become empowered to lead the world in whatever capacity they can to Jesus Christ. Written by the creators of the movie Courageous, each chapter opens with a scene from the movie, and then moves on to a specific Bible passage to reference the chapters contents that lay out how to develop a courageous heart with a passion and call to follow Christ. The chapters close with some thinking questions.
This book would be an incredible resource to use in youth groups, church camps and Bible Study's to enable this next generation to be equipped in what is to be expected, how to develop courage, how to face an unknown future, creating the courage to lead on all levels, how to become a humble hero, how to do what's right when faced with what's wrong, and so many more topics. I am super excited to share this with our youth pastor so he can use it with middle schoolers and high school students to inspire them to be a positive change in the world. There is even a resolution pledge, much like the one listed in the movie Courageous that teens can sign showing their commitment to follow through on what they have learned through this book!
I received this book compliments of Handlebar Central and B & H Publishers for my honest opinion and can't wait to see how this generation can be equipped to carry on the Great Commission with boldness, courage, and all the right tools to be successful in sharing their faith and their personal testimonies. I easily rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars and look forward to working within my own family and church to encourage our youth in the right direction when it comes to their faith. I look forward to hearing more stories of just how God will use this resource to help our younger generation prepare for the future. (less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Sep 18, 2012
Sep 18, 2012
Paperback
1400203937
9781400203932
4.11
38
Sep 11, 2012
Sep 11, 2012
"It's full of romance, that old place. I'd like to live in it." ~ Mary, on the night she and George throw rocks and make wishes at the old Granville H...more
"It's full of romance, that old place. I'd like to live in it." ~ Mary, on the night she and George throw rocks and make wishes at the old Granville House.
This is the quote from Chapter 19, titled " Don't look for What is, but for What May Be" in the book, 52 Little Lessons from It's A Wonderful Life by Bob Welch. In this chapter, the reader is reminded of how vastly different George and Mary view their world; for George at 12 years old working the soda fountain he informs Mary where Coconuts come from, "Tahiti, Fiji Islands, the Coral Sea!" Mary has no idea where they come from, she just wants chocolate ice cream while George wants to go exploring.
But here's the thing about Mary Hatch: She knows what matters. She has keen insight. Imagination. Initiative. Intuition. Perspective. And, when you boil it right down, wisdom. And what it all seems to tell her is this: the grass isn't necessarily greener somewhere else. Why not, instead, take what you have right now, right here, and make the most of it?
We first see that in the soda shop scene. Forget the ice cream. Forget the Fiji Islands. What Mary wants, among other things we can assume, is to grow up and marry George Bailey. It may only be puppy love, but when Mary whispers into George's bad ear, "I'll love you till the day I die," we're witnessing the initiative of a young woman who knows something good when she sees it. Never mind that this model comes with its deficiencies; the kid can't hear out of one ear since he jumped into that icy pond to save his brother. Despite George's weaknesses, Mary sees something special in him. Mary sees potential in things where most see only weaknesses, like God does with us. He doesn't care as much about where we've been as where we are going. About what we look like now as what we might look like in the future. About the defeats of yesterday as what might be our victories of tomorrow. With Him, all things are made new. Even decrepit folks like us." (pg, 74)
This book takes readers back to their favorite Christmas classic and teaches us through the movie, It's a Wonderful Life, how God wants us to learn things through His word to make us better people. I am so excited to share this treasure with you through my review and since there are 52 lessons captured in this book, there is one for each week, but I had to read them all. Such classic lines are quoted to open each of the chapters, and we are taken back to specific clips in the movie to see things we didn't know were there, little nuggets of pure Godly wisdom that when applied can change our perspective on things much like how Mary Hatch views the Granville House that is abandoned and in a state of complete disrepair. George doesn't even want to live in it as a ghost but Mary sees the potential of what good be.
We are reminded that it's far too easy to focus on how bad things look instead of simply changing our perspectives and seeing the greatness that is there instead. Mary's ability to take what life has given her and she makes the most of it. Quite simply, Mary teaches us that the best things in life are simple things that surround us, especially when coupled with our imaginations. Then we can exploit those things for goodness. And with God's help, to make it more than anyone else could have imagined.
I received 52 Little Lessons from It's A Wonderful Life by Bob Welch compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers for my honest review and HIGHLY RECOMMEND this one to anyone who is a fan of It's A Wonderful Life. There are such amazing things tucked inside this wonderful book, fun movie facts, and life lessons that are bound to keep the Christmas spirit going inside us all year long. I easily rate this as a 5 out of 5 stars and will definitely keep this one near me all year long for reference and a constant reminder of what is good in our lives everyday if we are simply willing to find it.(less)
This is the quote from Chapter 19, titled " Don't look for What is, but for What May Be" in the book, 52 Little Lessons from It's A Wonderful Life by Bob Welch. In this chapter, the reader is reminded of how vastly different George and Mary view their world; for George at 12 years old working the soda fountain he informs Mary where Coconuts come from, "Tahiti, Fiji Islands, the Coral Sea!" Mary has no idea where they come from, she just wants chocolate ice cream while George wants to go exploring.
But here's the thing about Mary Hatch: She knows what matters. She has keen insight. Imagination. Initiative. Intuition. Perspective. And, when you boil it right down, wisdom. And what it all seems to tell her is this: the grass isn't necessarily greener somewhere else. Why not, instead, take what you have right now, right here, and make the most of it?
We first see that in the soda shop scene. Forget the ice cream. Forget the Fiji Islands. What Mary wants, among other things we can assume, is to grow up and marry George Bailey. It may only be puppy love, but when Mary whispers into George's bad ear, "I'll love you till the day I die," we're witnessing the initiative of a young woman who knows something good when she sees it. Never mind that this model comes with its deficiencies; the kid can't hear out of one ear since he jumped into that icy pond to save his brother. Despite George's weaknesses, Mary sees something special in him. Mary sees potential in things where most see only weaknesses, like God does with us. He doesn't care as much about where we've been as where we are going. About what we look like now as what we might look like in the future. About the defeats of yesterday as what might be our victories of tomorrow. With Him, all things are made new. Even decrepit folks like us." (pg, 74)
This book takes readers back to their favorite Christmas classic and teaches us through the movie, It's a Wonderful Life, how God wants us to learn things through His word to make us better people. I am so excited to share this treasure with you through my review and since there are 52 lessons captured in this book, there is one for each week, but I had to read them all. Such classic lines are quoted to open each of the chapters, and we are taken back to specific clips in the movie to see things we didn't know were there, little nuggets of pure Godly wisdom that when applied can change our perspective on things much like how Mary Hatch views the Granville House that is abandoned and in a state of complete disrepair. George doesn't even want to live in it as a ghost but Mary sees the potential of what good be.
We are reminded that it's far too easy to focus on how bad things look instead of simply changing our perspectives and seeing the greatness that is there instead. Mary's ability to take what life has given her and she makes the most of it. Quite simply, Mary teaches us that the best things in life are simple things that surround us, especially when coupled with our imaginations. Then we can exploit those things for goodness. And with God's help, to make it more than anyone else could have imagined.
I received 52 Little Lessons from It's A Wonderful Life by Bob Welch compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers for my honest review and HIGHLY RECOMMEND this one to anyone who is a fan of It's A Wonderful Life. There are such amazing things tucked inside this wonderful book, fun movie facts, and life lessons that are bound to keep the Christmas spirit going inside us all year long. I easily rate this as a 5 out of 5 stars and will definitely keep this one near me all year long for reference and a constant reminder of what is good in our lives everyday if we are simply willing to find it.(less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Sep 15, 2012
Sep 15, 2012
Hardcover
141659731X
9781416597315
4.50
4
Sep 04, 2012
Sep 04, 2012
"Who's Got A Ticket?
Remember those ticket machines you see at bakeries and ice cream shops? The sign that says TAKE A NUMBER, and when you come in, yo...more "Who's Got A Ticket?
Remember those ticket machines you see at bakeries and ice cream shops? The sign that says TAKE A NUMBER, and when you come in, you grab that little ticket and stand around, trying to find something to do, until the clerk calls out your number. You hand the guy your ticket, give him your order, and then all in a rush you're done and out of there.
Well, the moment you were born, you grabbed a ticket. And no matter how you spend your time kicking around in this world, finding something to do, at some point you're gonna have to give up that ticket. You're done, and you're out of here.
Bam.
Just like that.
You see, it doesn't matter if you're a hero to your grandson. It doesn't matter if you're a boy who beat cancer as a baby, a grandmother who cooked unbelievable lasagna, or even the famous golden boy of the political world. You are going to die. And you don't know when.
As they say in the movies, "Nobody gets out of here alive." (pg 4-5)
The question is, what do you believe happens after you die? Is there a heaven and a hell? Is there life after death? Is there a God? Are these second chances after we die? Do we have a soul, and what does it look like? What qualifies a person to get into a heaven? What does Jesus have to do with it all?
In his latest book, Frank Santora, fills readers in with the most amazing analogies that you can't help but understand the meaning to everything he discusses in After You Die. He begins the book with analyzing if there is life after death and what happens to our bodies when we die. Unlike most people believe, humans are not machines. We can not simply be restarted like a car when we stop running. No amount of food, water and oxygen, the three vital things all humans need to survive will help once we are dead. So what really happens?
As close to end time events as I believe we are, this book is a compelling read to anyone who wants to know what happens when we stop breathing. Contrary to popular opinion we only have two choices of where we end up when we die, heaven or hell. There is no in between place, and hell is not where you will spend time partying it up with all your friends. No one should ever want to wind up there. So what can you do to make sure you don't? You will have to pick up a copy of this book to find out more, but a great place to start is in church asking Jesus Christ into your life as your personal Savior, then you will want to make sure you spend your time learning more about God, heaven and where you will be spending an eternity, cause it's going to be amazing for those of us that will be going. Do you know where you will be going after this life ends? I would encourage you to not wait if you don't know. You're ticket may be up before you know it!
I received After You Die by Frank Santora compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster Publishers for my honest review and have to say this is one of the best books that explains things in such a great way, everyone can understand. It even contains some points that atheists will often argue against such as Big Bang versus Intelligent Design. Like I stated earlier, the stories and analogies that Frank Santora uses makes this a useful tool that anyone can relate to no matter how young or old you are. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and think that every single person should pick up a copy of this book, especially those that wonder what happens after we die! It's a compelling look into our futures!(less)
Remember those ticket machines you see at bakeries and ice cream shops? The sign that says TAKE A NUMBER, and when you come in, yo...more "Who's Got A Ticket?
Remember those ticket machines you see at bakeries and ice cream shops? The sign that says TAKE A NUMBER, and when you come in, you grab that little ticket and stand around, trying to find something to do, until the clerk calls out your number. You hand the guy your ticket, give him your order, and then all in a rush you're done and out of there.
Well, the moment you were born, you grabbed a ticket. And no matter how you spend your time kicking around in this world, finding something to do, at some point you're gonna have to give up that ticket. You're done, and you're out of here.
Bam.
Just like that.
You see, it doesn't matter if you're a hero to your grandson. It doesn't matter if you're a boy who beat cancer as a baby, a grandmother who cooked unbelievable lasagna, or even the famous golden boy of the political world. You are going to die. And you don't know when.
As they say in the movies, "Nobody gets out of here alive." (pg 4-5)
The question is, what do you believe happens after you die? Is there a heaven and a hell? Is there life after death? Is there a God? Are these second chances after we die? Do we have a soul, and what does it look like? What qualifies a person to get into a heaven? What does Jesus have to do with it all?
In his latest book, Frank Santora, fills readers in with the most amazing analogies that you can't help but understand the meaning to everything he discusses in After You Die. He begins the book with analyzing if there is life after death and what happens to our bodies when we die. Unlike most people believe, humans are not machines. We can not simply be restarted like a car when we stop running. No amount of food, water and oxygen, the three vital things all humans need to survive will help once we are dead. So what really happens?
As close to end time events as I believe we are, this book is a compelling read to anyone who wants to know what happens when we stop breathing. Contrary to popular opinion we only have two choices of where we end up when we die, heaven or hell. There is no in between place, and hell is not where you will spend time partying it up with all your friends. No one should ever want to wind up there. So what can you do to make sure you don't? You will have to pick up a copy of this book to find out more, but a great place to start is in church asking Jesus Christ into your life as your personal Savior, then you will want to make sure you spend your time learning more about God, heaven and where you will be spending an eternity, cause it's going to be amazing for those of us that will be going. Do you know where you will be going after this life ends? I would encourage you to not wait if you don't know. You're ticket may be up before you know it!
I received After You Die by Frank Santora compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster Publishers for my honest review and have to say this is one of the best books that explains things in such a great way, everyone can understand. It even contains some points that atheists will often argue against such as Big Bang versus Intelligent Design. Like I stated earlier, the stories and analogies that Frank Santora uses makes this a useful tool that anyone can relate to no matter how young or old you are. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and think that every single person should pick up a copy of this book, especially those that wonder what happens after we die! It's a compelling look into our futures!(less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Sep 11, 2012
Sep 11, 2012
Paperback
145166351X
9781451663518
4.00
5
Sep 04, 2012
Sep 04, 2012
So many times we can never understand something until we literally walk in someone's shoes ourselves. What would your life be like if you could never...more
So many times we can never understand something until we literally walk in someone's shoes ourselves. What would your life be like if you could never see the things we take for granted every single day, the sunsets, the faces of our children or husband, the beauty of the flowers in the gardens? How would your life change?
"Through the antenna of my senses I reconstitute the simple but essential daily joy of being alive. As dog and master quietly sneak their way out of the room and go downstairs without disturbing the sleeping woman. The coffee pot is on a timer, and that first taste of joe is as delicious to this morning runner as a complex burgundy. With the dog's harness and leash in place and my running shoes on, we step outside to assess the morning. My nose defines the weather report. June gloom, it tells me. The fog is in. Probably won't life until early afternoon. There is a pervasive moisture in the air, but rain is unlikely at this time of the year.
Hey, what's that? Somebody cut their grass yesterday, and Mrs. Martin's early-season roses have just begun to open. I hear the whack as the paperboy - maybe the last of his breed - throws papers from a bike as he passes by and I call out a morning hello.
Just before we leave the house my voice-actuated clock tells me that it is 5:15, so I know that it's still more dark than light. No problem; Edison guides me perfectly. His senses are far more capable than mine. He pauses at curbs as we move through the neighborhood and easily traverses around garbage cans and other objects, never failing to notice any loose, wet leaves that just might cause his master to slip or fall. In all of his concentration he is completely focused on our mutual goal.
We move down a long hill, our pace quickening almost a sprint, and reach the top of a cliff, finding the path that will take us down onto the sand, and we hear it - the rhythmic pulsation of the Pacific's surf as it rolls onto the land. I stand, for a moment transfixed by the sound, counting the seconds of the wave's intervals. Today they are at nine seconds between the breakers. That means low tide - perfect for running. The roar is like a cannonade in a war zone as sand and surf compete for their place on God's terra firma.
At high tide, the sound is very different. Outgoing sand jousts with incoming waves like two great heavyweights in a championship fight. The punch is dull but devastating, thudding into the body of the land. Tidal change, weather conditions, curvature of the earth, and the capricious nature of the sea have actually created fifteen different kinds of waves I'm blessed to listen to and understand, though their differences can often be subtle. But if you listen - ah, if you listen - their various signatures will be clear." (pg 18-19).
In the book, As I See It by Tom Sullivan, the bestselling author teaches us sighted readers, the way he sees his life. Not as a label but as a privilege to view his world in a way that is so much different than the one we see everyday. He shows the reader that he has such an appreciation for the things we take for granted every single day, the beauty in the sunsets, the vibrant colors of the rainbows, the sight of a beautiful blooming rose, and shows us how we can appreciate them in new ways through his biography. Tom has been born blind, so he hasn't had the opportunity to see the things he so beautifully describes in his book. How much courage he possesses to try new things most of us have no excuse not to try, like skiing or bungee jumping, he truly inspires you in ways you never imagined until reading this book!
I received As I See It by Tom Sullivan, compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster for my honest review. If you feel like life has become routine and dull, lacking in newness, then this would be a perfect book for you to read. Just spending time in the first few chapters, has given me such encouragement to put some of my old fears to rest and take a dive into trying new challenges in a new light. This one truly is an inspirational read and easily rates a 5 out of 5 stars. (less)
"Through the antenna of my senses I reconstitute the simple but essential daily joy of being alive. As dog and master quietly sneak their way out of the room and go downstairs without disturbing the sleeping woman. The coffee pot is on a timer, and that first taste of joe is as delicious to this morning runner as a complex burgundy. With the dog's harness and leash in place and my running shoes on, we step outside to assess the morning. My nose defines the weather report. June gloom, it tells me. The fog is in. Probably won't life until early afternoon. There is a pervasive moisture in the air, but rain is unlikely at this time of the year.
Hey, what's that? Somebody cut their grass yesterday, and Mrs. Martin's early-season roses have just begun to open. I hear the whack as the paperboy - maybe the last of his breed - throws papers from a bike as he passes by and I call out a morning hello.
Just before we leave the house my voice-actuated clock tells me that it is 5:15, so I know that it's still more dark than light. No problem; Edison guides me perfectly. His senses are far more capable than mine. He pauses at curbs as we move through the neighborhood and easily traverses around garbage cans and other objects, never failing to notice any loose, wet leaves that just might cause his master to slip or fall. In all of his concentration he is completely focused on our mutual goal.
We move down a long hill, our pace quickening almost a sprint, and reach the top of a cliff, finding the path that will take us down onto the sand, and we hear it - the rhythmic pulsation of the Pacific's surf as it rolls onto the land. I stand, for a moment transfixed by the sound, counting the seconds of the wave's intervals. Today they are at nine seconds between the breakers. That means low tide - perfect for running. The roar is like a cannonade in a war zone as sand and surf compete for their place on God's terra firma.
At high tide, the sound is very different. Outgoing sand jousts with incoming waves like two great heavyweights in a championship fight. The punch is dull but devastating, thudding into the body of the land. Tidal change, weather conditions, curvature of the earth, and the capricious nature of the sea have actually created fifteen different kinds of waves I'm blessed to listen to and understand, though their differences can often be subtle. But if you listen - ah, if you listen - their various signatures will be clear." (pg 18-19).
In the book, As I See It by Tom Sullivan, the bestselling author teaches us sighted readers, the way he sees his life. Not as a label but as a privilege to view his world in a way that is so much different than the one we see everyday. He shows the reader that he has such an appreciation for the things we take for granted every single day, the beauty in the sunsets, the vibrant colors of the rainbows, the sight of a beautiful blooming rose, and shows us how we can appreciate them in new ways through his biography. Tom has been born blind, so he hasn't had the opportunity to see the things he so beautifully describes in his book. How much courage he possesses to try new things most of us have no excuse not to try, like skiing or bungee jumping, he truly inspires you in ways you never imagined until reading this book!
I received As I See It by Tom Sullivan, compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster for my honest review. If you feel like life has become routine and dull, lacking in newness, then this would be a perfect book for you to read. Just spending time in the first few chapters, has given me such encouragement to put some of my old fears to rest and take a dive into trying new challenges in a new light. This one truly is an inspirational read and easily rates a 5 out of 5 stars. (less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Sep 05, 2012
Sep 05, 2012
Hardcover
1616267437
9781616267438
4.24
42
Sep 01, 2012
Sep 01, 2012
For all you J.R.R. Tolkien fans and Christians looking for a great new devotional just in time with the release of the movie, The Hobbit, comes Ed Str...more
For all you J.R.R. Tolkien fans and Christians looking for a great new devotional just in time with the release of the movie, The Hobbit, comes Ed Strauss' The Hobbit Devotional: Bilbo Baggins and the Bible. I was so thrilled to see what this book would contain, I knew I had to review it. Being a Christian, I was more than excited to see how chapters of the book The Hobbit would be blended together in 60 different devotional lessons that could be completed once a week.
Each devotion begins with a reading from a chapter in the Hobbit and ties in such great teaching with the Bible such as one such lesson on wisdom. In the book, the Hobbit, the elves are the race of beings that the Hobbits or even Gandalf will consult because they are basically immortal, so their wisdom comes from being around so long and their life experience. The devotion picks up and tells the reader how wise it is to use the sage wisdom that comes from parents and grandparents not because things are so different between their time and ours, but because they have been seasoned by life's experiences. It teaches us that not everything is so easily learned in our age of technology.
Sound scripture from the Bible accompanies each chapter, story and shows how in our current lives these lessons are still vital to the Christian walk. One such chapter "Checking Things Out" deals with the secrets hiding within the caves from the Hobbits and how vital it was for the party to thoroughly search the cave before deciding to stay the night. One never knew if there was danger lurking nearby or perhaps a trap set, and one time the dwarves Kili and Filir reported back they had found the perfect dry cave. Even Gandalf himself searched the cave and was assured they were good for the night. Suddenly in the middle of the night, goblins rushed out and seized the travelers and their ponies and vanished back inside the mountain.
The lesson goes on to teach how easy it is to be fooled by our present day circumstances, while some are easy to see others are difficult to expose. Con artists lurk not only in the financial world but also in religious settings. Jesus likened these deceivers to wolves in sheep's clothing (Matthew 7:15) and Paul cautioned Christians not to be "tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive." The lesson goes on to warn the readers that some traps are capable of fooling even the veterans and we have an obligation to warn others to watch out for it.
This book is filled with great lessons for the die hard Hobbit or J.R.R. Tolkien fan and is bound to be a great discussion point for youth group and church leaders as well as we near the release date of the Hobbit on the big screen. This book is bound to make learning from the Bible fun in a completely new way and makes the life lessons more relevant when you can relate them back to not only the story of the Hobbit but back to the Bible as well.
I received The Hobbit Devotional: Bilbo Baggins and The Bible by Ed Strauss compliments of Barbour Publishing and Net Galley for my honest review. My entire family have had so much fun sharing biblical insights along with our love for the Lord of the Rings Trilogy as well as the Hobbit and I can easily rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars. This book is available in paperback and eBook formats from your favorite book retailer. (less)
Each devotion begins with a reading from a chapter in the Hobbit and ties in such great teaching with the Bible such as one such lesson on wisdom. In the book, the Hobbit, the elves are the race of beings that the Hobbits or even Gandalf will consult because they are basically immortal, so their wisdom comes from being around so long and their life experience. The devotion picks up and tells the reader how wise it is to use the sage wisdom that comes from parents and grandparents not because things are so different between their time and ours, but because they have been seasoned by life's experiences. It teaches us that not everything is so easily learned in our age of technology.
Sound scripture from the Bible accompanies each chapter, story and shows how in our current lives these lessons are still vital to the Christian walk. One such chapter "Checking Things Out" deals with the secrets hiding within the caves from the Hobbits and how vital it was for the party to thoroughly search the cave before deciding to stay the night. One never knew if there was danger lurking nearby or perhaps a trap set, and one time the dwarves Kili and Filir reported back they had found the perfect dry cave. Even Gandalf himself searched the cave and was assured they were good for the night. Suddenly in the middle of the night, goblins rushed out and seized the travelers and their ponies and vanished back inside the mountain.
The lesson goes on to teach how easy it is to be fooled by our present day circumstances, while some are easy to see others are difficult to expose. Con artists lurk not only in the financial world but also in religious settings. Jesus likened these deceivers to wolves in sheep's clothing (Matthew 7:15) and Paul cautioned Christians not to be "tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive." The lesson goes on to warn the readers that some traps are capable of fooling even the veterans and we have an obligation to warn others to watch out for it.
This book is filled with great lessons for the die hard Hobbit or J.R.R. Tolkien fan and is bound to be a great discussion point for youth group and church leaders as well as we near the release date of the Hobbit on the big screen. This book is bound to make learning from the Bible fun in a completely new way and makes the life lessons more relevant when you can relate them back to not only the story of the Hobbit but back to the Bible as well.
I received The Hobbit Devotional: Bilbo Baggins and The Bible by Ed Strauss compliments of Barbour Publishing and Net Galley for my honest review. My entire family have had so much fun sharing biblical insights along with our love for the Lord of the Rings Trilogy as well as the Hobbit and I can easily rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars. This book is available in paperback and eBook formats from your favorite book retailer. (less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Sep 03, 2012
Sep 03, 2012
Paperback
0736937781
9780736937788
4.60
10
Aug 01, 2012
Aug 01, 2012
Do you believe we are living in the last days? Do you believe that the rapture of the church will be happening in this lifetime? What about what is ha...more
Do you believe we are living in the last days? Do you believe that the rapture of the church will be happening in this lifetime? What about what is happening in the Middle East in regards to the threats against Israel by her enemies and threats to "wipe it off the face of the Earth?"
If you've never taken the time to read the Bible and gain some understanding of where we are at in regards to the fulfilling of Bible Prophecy, now is the time! I've gained some study in the past in the book of Relevation and in understand the symbolism found there but I had the opportunity to review, The End Times in Chronological Order by Ron Rhodes and found this to be an amazing study to work through. In fact, I got my husband involved and we literally dove into the Bible through this book working through not only the book of Revelation in the Bible, but the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, but also 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 Peter, Romans, Daniel and Ezekiel just to name a few.
This book charts everything from how to understand the symbolism found in different books in the Bible, understanding context clues, figurative language and which passages to take literally. Ron does an exceptional job at showing us the history between the Old and New Testament passages including bringing Israel back into statehood in 1948 and the continual migration back of the Jews has been increasing at an alarming rate since then.
He outlines what should be happening next according to the Bible which should be the rapture of the church before the attack and fulfillment of Bible prophecy regarding the deadly attack on Israel from the countries surrounding her, including Russia, Iran, Turkey, Libya, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Algeria, Tunisia, Armenia, from the Book of Ezekiel 38; rise of power of the antichrist, the signing of the peace treaty of Israel, the coming tribulation and judgement against the unbelievers and the second coming of Christ.
It is chilling to see the current state of the United States and why it seems to be missing from the end times prophecies. Is it because the United States comprises most of the world's population of Christians (believers in Jesus Christ) that if we should all vanish in the rapture of the church, this would cause the once powerful country of the world to give up her super power status in the eyes of the world?
For those of you that LOVE Bible prophecy and end times Bible Study's, then this is a MUST read for you. I received this book compliments of Harvest House Publishers and Net Galley for my honest review and am so glad I got this one. I've been spending more time in my Bible now than ever before and LOVE that I was able to follow the logic in this book so seamlessly. Without a doubt, hands down a 5 out of 5 stars! I'll be reading this one again and again as I continue to learn more about where we are headed and for me, I truly believe we are in the last days unless this country comes to a deep understanding and give up her complacent ways in regards to God's Word to how we should be living our lives. (less)
If you've never taken the time to read the Bible and gain some understanding of where we are at in regards to the fulfilling of Bible Prophecy, now is the time! I've gained some study in the past in the book of Relevation and in understand the symbolism found there but I had the opportunity to review, The End Times in Chronological Order by Ron Rhodes and found this to be an amazing study to work through. In fact, I got my husband involved and we literally dove into the Bible through this book working through not only the book of Revelation in the Bible, but the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, but also 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 Peter, Romans, Daniel and Ezekiel just to name a few.
This book charts everything from how to understand the symbolism found in different books in the Bible, understanding context clues, figurative language and which passages to take literally. Ron does an exceptional job at showing us the history between the Old and New Testament passages including bringing Israel back into statehood in 1948 and the continual migration back of the Jews has been increasing at an alarming rate since then.
He outlines what should be happening next according to the Bible which should be the rapture of the church before the attack and fulfillment of Bible prophecy regarding the deadly attack on Israel from the countries surrounding her, including Russia, Iran, Turkey, Libya, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Algeria, Tunisia, Armenia, from the Book of Ezekiel 38; rise of power of the antichrist, the signing of the peace treaty of Israel, the coming tribulation and judgement against the unbelievers and the second coming of Christ.
It is chilling to see the current state of the United States and why it seems to be missing from the end times prophecies. Is it because the United States comprises most of the world's population of Christians (believers in Jesus Christ) that if we should all vanish in the rapture of the church, this would cause the once powerful country of the world to give up her super power status in the eyes of the world?
For those of you that LOVE Bible prophecy and end times Bible Study's, then this is a MUST read for you. I received this book compliments of Harvest House Publishers and Net Galley for my honest review and am so glad I got this one. I've been spending more time in my Bible now than ever before and LOVE that I was able to follow the logic in this book so seamlessly. Without a doubt, hands down a 5 out of 5 stars! I'll be reading this one again and again as I continue to learn more about where we are headed and for me, I truly believe we are in the last days unless this country comes to a deep understanding and give up her complacent ways in regards to God's Word to how we should be living our lives. (less)
Notes are private!
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Aug 31, 2012
Aug 31, 2012
Paperback
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