Tyndale Book Review: The Devil In Pew Number Seven

The Devil In Pew Number Seven by Rebecca N Alonzo and Bob DeMoss was simply an amazing book. Never in my life have I read a book that struck my heart like this one. I could identify with Rebecca's mother on so many levels, because I too, am a mother. My heart wept for this family as I read of the horrors they faced. Between their house being bombed many times and mid-night phone calls, I can't imagine the strength it had to have taken them not to go off running! The hatred of one many should not be able to cause as much misery as it did for this family of God.

I was so touched by the amount of forgiveness that each member of this family had for this man and his henchmen. The book talks not only about initial forgiveness, but forgiving every time the memory comes back to hurt. It talks about not letting an unforgiving heart to rest within you.

I, myself, am a firm believer in not being held captive by stubborn grudge-holding. I try to be quick to forgive (which should not be confused with forgetting). But I really took to heart the lesson that this woman had to share by remembering to forgive each time the memory of what has happened to me comes back to re-instill anger in my heart.

I would highly recommend this book. Not only is it wonderful to hear how this woman overcame the anger in her, but how she was able to take losing both of her parents to the antics of an angry man and turn that into a message for all.

I received this book free from Tyndale for review. I was not paid to review this book. The above photo of the book cover is taken from barnesandnoble.com.

Tyndale Book Review:Grumble Hallelujah

I’ve recently finished Grumble Hallelujah: Learning To Love Your Life Even When It Lets You Down by Caryn Dahlstrand Rivadeneira.

This book discusses how to let go of the life you have imagined and become contented and love the life God has placed you in. While I found the idea of the book a novel one, I must admit that this book was a difficult one for me to read. Now, don’t get me wrong, it’s not because my life is so messed up that I have a hard time loving it. I simply didn’t like this book. I found the way the author was open and honest about her life, her past and her hope for the future wonderful, but I found her words a bit off from the context in which scripture was written and the way she used it. I also found some of the ways she suggested for doing this inappropriate. But maybe that’s simply for me.

I really enjoyed the areas of the book that discuss judgment, envy, “stuff”, hope, and doubt. These are wonderful sections that talk about the need to let go of judging others, envying other people’s homes, belongings, etc. and letting go and learning to say “I have enough stuff”. These are things more people need to hear.

But there were 2 sections of the book in particular that I did not agree with. 2 sections that I found a bit hard to read because they were off. One section talked about being thankful for everything. I agree to a point that we must be thankful. However, she raised a point that we should be thankful for all situation and circumstances we are placed in. I simply disagree. I don't need to be thankful if I can't provide food for my family. Instead, I need to pray for God to send me a way to feed my family, whether that is in the form of someone bringing a meal or a new job that will provide means to buy food. I think that in all situations, however, there are things I can be thankful for. I also didn't like the section where she talks about expecting God to make His presence known. I believe that God always makes Himself known, we just can't always see it.

Anyway, I don't want to rant, but I wouldn't really recommend this book to friends. I would say it is lukewarm at best.

I received this book free from Tyndale for review. I was not paid to review this book. The above photo of the book cover is taken from google.com.

DVD Review: Putting Others First (Paws and Tales)

I recently received a Paws and Tales DVD titled Putting Others First.

I was really excited to sit down and watch it with my daughter. Even though she's 1. She didn't do too much watching.

This DVD gives 2 short episodes about putting others first.

In the 1st episode, the main characters come across a stranded skunk who's wagon lost a wheel and tipped over. They were on their way to a school bake sale and wanted to get there before all the cake was gone, so they left him there to fend for himself, telling him they would send help. When they got to the bake sale, the cake was already gone and they never sent the help to the stranded skunk. Later, their grandfather (I think) finds out about it and sets them up on an errand. They must run to the school, stop by a customer, run to the store, and get to the lumber mill all within an hour. While at each place, the animals there have them do something for them, too. They get to the saw mill with 15 minutes to spare (they sure are a lot quicker than I would be!) after running into some trouble and having a little help themselves and run into the skunk again! He's had some more misfortune and the bears decide to help him this time and run late for the mill. When they get home and tell their pa that they helped the skunk but didn't get the wood, he tells them that he set them up and was proud that they put his skunk friend first this time.

In the 2nd episode, the main character finds out his dad is going to be employed by the towns wealthiest bear and his daughter has it out for all of the employees whose children she doesn't like. He decides to do as she wishes to save his father's job since all of his friends' parents have lost their jobs because she was upset with her schoolmates. She tries to get his dad fired after he refuses to carry her books to school but soon finds out that his dad is now the HR manager for her father's employees. He's rehired all of the other employees that lost their jobs and changes things at the hotel (her father's business). Then, he tells his son how much he appreciates that he would put him first.

In the first episode, I really liked the story and I liked the way that the episode linked to the Good Samaritan from Scripture. I found the story line suitable for children and something that they could relate to.

In the second episode, the father discusses blackmail with his son and I thought it a little inappropriate. I'm not sure that kids would "get it". I think they could have done a little bit better with the story line. Otherwise, I found the characters to be very relatable.

I thought the picture was a little jumpy, but I'm sure that has something to do with the fact that this is no VeggieTales production and that these film makers are on a limited budget. I enjoyed the extras included in the video, like the introductions and the sing-alongs.

All in all, I would recommend this DVD to a parent who has children in the 4-9 range that want to teach them about putting others ahead of ourselves.

I received this book free from Tyndale for review. I was not paid to review this book. The above photo of the book cover is taken from Amazon.com.

BookSneeze Book Review: Money Secrets of the Amish

I enjoyed Money Secrets of the Amish. It's just a shame that what the book had to offer was no surprise to me. Being from Lancaster County, PA, I must admit that a lot of what the book had to offer was already common knowledge for me.

These things include:
Using coupons
Shopping at consignment shops
Purchasing meats and produce directly from the farmer
Shopping yard sales

The one idea I did really like was having a clothing/good swap with gal pals. I have heard of these before but would love to either be invited to one or organize one.

The author does share some gems of knowledge, but none that I didn't already know.

I really enjoyed the way the author gives assignments at the end each chapter. She also provides a lot of good resources such as blogs and other books to check out.

All in all, I would have to admit that this book is valuable and a good read for anyone wanting to cut their expenses.

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

Blogging for Books book review and a Giveaway!!!: You Were Born For This

I have one word for You Were Born For This by Bruce Wilkinson…amazing!

This book is absolutely wonderful. This has changed the way I look at everyday miracles. And the way I look at being sent by God.

Bruce’s book talks about 7 keys to unlocking the miracles that God sends each of us to do. These include Master, Spirit, People, Risk, Money, Dream and Forgiveness keys. These all combine together when we, as Christians, ask God to send us on miracle missions.

Bruce takes the time to teach his readers what signals to look for, how to go about performing a miracle, how to return the glory to God, and how to (this may be most important) ask God to send us.

I was simply amazed by the miracles that he has completed and by the stories in the end of the book that others have done. I was also impressed by the time he took to break everything down. I am so excited to start living a life of completing miracle missions and to see the lives that are changed by God’s goodness and grace.

I would really recommend this book to any Christian who wants to increase the awareness of God in his or her life, or to the person who wants to experience the goodness that God has to offer to all of His children.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not paid for my review, nor was I required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

And...as a special offer from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group, I have a copy to give to one lucky reader! How fun! So, here's the info...

This giveaway will be open until July 12th. I will randomly draw a winner and post it by July 13th. For 1 chance to enter, become a follower (if you're not already) and leave a comment. For chance #2, post about this giveaway on your blog or facebook (leave a link!) and leave a comment.

Two chances to win, and it's a really great book!

Blogging for Book Book Review: Secrets of the Vine for Women

Secrets of the Vine for Women: Breaking Through to Abundance by Darlene Marie Wilkinson is about abiding in Christ, and in the Father. It was centered on the secrets of the vine, and the lesson in the vineyard that Christ gave the disciples. Jesus teaches that we need to depend on Him and abide in the Father in order to bear fruit.

Darlene breaks down myths about what abiding is and isn’t and about why women today struggle with abiding in the Father. While the book was a quick read, it is thought provoking and very insightful in the lives of Christian women today.

I really enjoyed the read and doing the reading guide that came with the book. It made me consider God as a father (my Heavenly Father), rather than someone up there, detached from everything. I liked the illustration of the girl going home to her father’s vineyard and how watching him tend to his vines reminded her of how he tended to her while he was raising her.

I would certainly give this book to a woman who wants to find out how to grow closer to God and to bear much fruit for Him.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not paid for my review, nor was I required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

BookSneeze Book Review: Max on Life

I recently read Max Lucado’s Max on Life: Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions. I must admit that I enjoyed the book. It’s the first book of his I have read.

The book is broken into 7 sections (they all start with H!) called Hope: God, Grace, and “Why am I here?”; Hurt: Conflicts, Calamities, and “Why me?”; Help: Prayer, Scripture, and “Why church?”; Him/Her: Sex, Romance, and “Any chance of a second chance?”; Home: Diapers, Disagreements, and “Any hope for prodigals?”; Haves/Have-Nots; Work, Money, and “Where’s the lifeline?”; and Hereafter: Cemeteries, Heaven, Hell and “Who goes where?”

Each question was on its own page and got a very personal answer from Max, including scripture and, usually, an analogy. Some very interesting questions were asked and some very neat answers were given. Some of the questions I enjoyed reading were “If God doesn’t tempt us, why does He tell us to pray, ‘Lead us not into temptation’? and “What of the people who never heard of God? How can God judge them for what they do not know?” Each section of the book is also started with a hand-written note from Max in response to a letter he has received.

I liked the analogies he used in the answers. Some of them were very spot on and helped to clear up some confusion or give new sight to scripture that someone may not quite understand. I did begin to get frustrated that sometimes, he doesn’t quite answer the question with a yes or a no, and that would have been a bit refreshing, but then I came to the realization that he may just not know that answer. Maybe those answers are answers that only God knows. In the end, I came to a new appreciation of the book and the author.

I would recommend this book to someone trying to explain one of these things to a new or non believer but can’t quite put it into words what they want to convey.

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

Blogging For Books Book Review: Love at Last Sight

Recently, I read Love at Last sight: 30 Days to Grow and Deepen Your Closest Relationships, and I must admit that I was a little put off.

This book has 4 sections (weekly sections) and a challenge at the end of each day to complete. The sections include Week 1: The Art of Being All There, Week 2: The Art of Acting Intentionally, Week 3: The Art of Risking Awkwardness and Week 4: The Art of Letting Go. These sections are geared to help the reader grow a better friendship in the midst of struggle or during a time of a “rut” to a point where you will love the person more the very last time you see them than the time before. While I found much of the information helpful, it tended to be geared towards either marriages or friendships or parent-child relationships. It was hard to find a nice middle ground that wasn’t too geared towards one thing or another. Then, the authors used narratives to explain the point, but it became a little too cliché. I also felt like the authors think that every single person out there is deeply pained, filled with grief and sorrow, and insecure...like it's impossible to be truly happy.

I went into it thinking it was a book about marriage. Then I realized that it’s a book about any relationship you wanted to work on…which was fine. Just not what I was expecting. Then, I got into reading the book and was surprised to find myself not liking in one minute, then liking it the next. I couldn’t decide if the book was meant as a marriage tool or a friendship tool; not that marriage isn’t a friendship. At best, I would say the book was luke-warm. Not enough of a good book for me to tell everyone about it, but not so terrible as to steer people away from it either. My opinion is that the authors could have put a little more time and thought into making it a bit more cohesive…or at least give it a better flow.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not paid for my review, nor was I required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

BookSneeze Review: Eat Your Peas for Mom

I received my first book for review from BookSneeze last week. The book I chose was Eat Your Peas for Mom.

Eat Your Peas for Mom was such a short read, but so full of truth for moms. The cover calls it “A 3-minute forever book” and it really is. It is a heart-touching gift book written from a child’s perspective for her mom and is chock-full of blessings for one’s mom. The illustrations were also beautifully done. The book opens with a scripture. Proverbs 31:28 (NKJV) says “Her children rise up and call her blessed.” It is one of my personal favorites, and one that I try to live up to, myself. In the book, the reader will see all the ways the person who gave them the book appreciates them. From things like saying “I’m sorry” to “thank you,” this book is truly meant to touch someone’s spirit. The author also includes things like calling herself blessed by her mother, and asks her mother how she became so wise or was able to make parenting look easy when, in reality, it is anything but.

I loved the colors of the text and the way the words were printed to look like they were hand written. This may be a little quirky, but I also loved the texture of the pages. They almost felt like a woven quilt, which, incidentally, a quilt is mentioned in the book. I love how soft they are and how they help draw the reader into the words of the book. I also like how she concludes the book by telling her mother to take time for herself and to start to pursue her own dreams in life. It turns from the mother being the cheerleader to the one being cheered for.

All in all, this book was something that would bless your mom for all the wonderful things she has done for you. I would even go so far as to say that if you also had another woman in your life that helped raise you, she would be blessed by this also. This book would make a great Mother’s Day or birthday gift for a child to give his or her mom to show how much she is truly loved, appreciated, and needed.

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