tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84061970789186173102024-02-19T22:19:01.025-08:00Spot-On BooksMy Book ReviewsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8406197078918617310.post-62182092711746660092014-05-30T07:18:00.002-07:002014-05-30T07:27:15.101-07:00Rhinestone Jesus by Kristen Welch<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Sometimes its just not enough to be a Christian! We need more of Jesus in our life, not in the form of our cross pendants, bumper stickers or Jesus T-Shirts but the Jesus Who can transform the world through us. This is exactly what drove Kristen Welch, the author of the book <i>Rhinestone Jesus, </i>to her own world changing adventure with Jesus.<i> </i><br />
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In her book, Kristen takes us through her own adventure with Jesus Christ. As she desired to do more for God, God did open ways for her to do just that and in ways she had never imagined. She walks us through this journey describing all the ups and downs, not shying away from mentioning the moments she felt like giving up. Yet in all the experiences she writes, she has an encouraging undertone. Her writing is free from all the frills and decorations, presenting a Christ centered life like it is. At the end of each chapter she has a section named "Unpinned Faith" where she encourages the reader to interact with her story in their own way. Questions that may help uncover some of the issues the reader themselves may be dealing with.<br />
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I was greatly encouraged and challenged by this book and would definitely recommend this book for those who have become callous to their life in Jesus Christ and want out of the mundane life of easy faith!<br />
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For more information on the author click on the following link<br />
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<a href="http://mediacenter.tyndale.com/downloads/press_kits/RhinestoneAuthorQ&A.pdf" target="_blank">Author Q&A</a><br />
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<i>I received Rhinestone Jesus, compliments of Tyndale
House Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary
compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed are
strictly my own.</i><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8406197078918617310.post-39142635735774230492014-04-24T09:40:00.000-07:002014-04-24T09:57:00.418-07:00Cassie & Caleb Discover God's Wonderful Design by Susan and Richie Hunt<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQ96jPL6PRbOV2mZa0RHmN17q720HRImvM-So0vqc5cudM8lMxJIWxFAsiRpb9LxqncFljuCIrAFnTbkh_miarH3f2VbHSY3ygiBO7mzdRLhRIwTKhwu-Kt2yboW2sgqw_rjhtD9wkdMj/s1600/cassie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQ96jPL6PRbOV2mZa0RHmN17q720HRImvM-So0vqc5cudM8lMxJIWxFAsiRpb9LxqncFljuCIrAFnTbkh_miarH3f2VbHSY3ygiBO7mzdRLhRIwTKhwu-Kt2yboW2sgqw_rjhtD9wkdMj/s1600/cassie.jpg" height="200" width="141" /></a></div>
This is a good book for having devotionals with kids. The devotionals are presented as a two page story, followed by questions and answers. The devotional targets moral issues little kids may face as they grow. The stories are not fanciful but are examples of dialogue that could happen between kids and parents in a household. The authors use different scenarios for each lesson, while reiterating the lessons from the previous lessons and building on it, in a progressive manner. <br />
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I loved reading through the book. Even though this is a devotional for kids, this book is also for parents who are willing to live the walk of faith themselves and use this as a tool to guide their kids into taking their own journey with Jesus Christ. <br />
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For more information on the book or the author please click on the links below<br />
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<a href="http://www.moodypublishers.com/pub_authorDetail.aspx?id=41798&aid=4826" target="_blank">About the Author</a><br />
<a href="http://www.moodypublishers.com/pub_productDetail.aspx?id=41823&pid=97783" target="_blank">More information on the book</a><br />
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<i>"I received this book free of charge from <a href="http://www.mpnewsroom.com/content/blogger-review-program" target="_blank">Moody Publishers Blogger Review Program</a>, in exchange for my honest review"</i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8406197078918617310.post-18910447072955837482014-04-14T11:47:00.002-07:002014-04-14T14:22:03.197-07:00Heart Wide Open by Shellie Rushing Tomlinson <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.randomhouse.com/images/dyn/cover/?source=9780307731937&width=1000" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.randomhouse.com/images/dyn/cover/?source=9780307731937&width=1000" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
It is great to be a Christian but sometimes we don't get to the grandeur that God would have us be. We end up doing everything "christian" in almost an automatic-Christianity way, but if we want our life to be lived abundantly and to the full, we need to crank up our Faith and really allow Jesus to be Lord and boldly go where your faith has never gone before.<br /><br />In Heart Wide Open, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson discusses how a boring Christian life can be made exciting and alive, just by allowing God into every area of your life. She talks of her own experiences. I liked her conversational style of presentation and her funny demeanor in her writings.<br /><br />Christian life is way more than ordinary. So, if you are looking for a nudge or a guide to help encourage you to enliven your faith, this is your book!<br />
For more information on the book and the author you can check out the links below.<br />
<ul id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397500500001_5677">
<li id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397500500001_5739"><a href="http://www.belleofallthingssouthern.com/" id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397500500001_5738" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Author's Website</a></li>
<li id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397500500001_5686"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/All-Things-Southern/140073399370132" id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397500500001_5750" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a></li>
<li id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397500500001_5680"><a href="http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?work=225063&isbn=9780307731937" id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397500500001_5740" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">More Info</a></li>
<li id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397500500001_5687"><a href="http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/SneakPeek_HeartWideOpen.pdf" id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397500500001_5751" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read Chapter One</a></li>
<li id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397500500001_5678"><a href="http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/author-spotlight.php?authorid=184028" id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397500500001_5752" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Author Bio</a></li>
</ul>
"I received this book for free from <a href="http://www.bloggingforbooks.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blogging for Books</a> for this review."<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8406197078918617310.post-91343916848701271702014-03-25T10:39:00.000-07:002014-03-25T10:39:43.652-07:00"Spoken For" by Robin Jones Gunn & Alyssa Joy Bethke<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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"Spoken For" is a book by two authors <a href="http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/author-spotlight.php?authorid=74963" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1395756562331_12026" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Robin Jones Gunn </a>and <a href="http://alyssajoy.me/" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1395756562331_12034" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alyssa Joy Bethke</a>.<br />
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Who does not love being loved? In fact we all want to belong to someone, be loved by someone, be courted by someone and we want to be aware of someone's love for us. If you have never known that there is Someone deeply and passionately in love with you and can't wait to be reunited with you for eternity. God.<br />
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Through their various life experiences in love, the authors attempt to bring out Christ's love for His church, His bride-to-be. The book takes us through a journey with them as they love, live, laugh and cry through everything.<br />
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I loved the book and its simple language. Easy for anyone to grasp at what they are trying to tell us. The book switches back and forth between the two authors' tales, which kind of baffled me a bit in the beginning but I caught up to it pretty easily.<br />
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Alyssa opens up her heart and shares every single struggle she faced. Her boldness in sharing her vulnerability during the times when she felt unloved will surely touch your heart as it did mine.Robin's wisdom and her maturity in Christ shines through at the place where she has a talk with her nine year old neighbor.<br />
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I would recommend this book to anyone who is wondering "is there anyone out there who loves me?". It resonates throughout this book, there is Someone Who has loved you, just the way you are. You are His delight. God has been chasing after you to love you and speak tenderly to you. <br />
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You can more information about the book at the links below.<br />
<ul id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1395768565249_6201">
<li id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1395768565249_6209"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhOLl86Y5YA" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1395768565249_6249" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Video</a></li>
<li id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1395768565249_6210"><a href="http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?work=235448&isbn=9781601425973" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1395768565249_6241" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">More Info</a></li>
<li id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1395768565249_6211"><a href="http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/SneakPeek_SpokenFor.pdf" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1395768565249_6212" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read Chapter One</a></li>
<li id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1395768565249_6216"><a href="http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/author-spotlight.php?authorid=74963" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1395768565249_6215" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Author Bio</a></li>
</ul>
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<br />
"I received this book for free from <a href="http://www.bloggingforbooks.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blogging for Books</a> for this review."<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8406197078918617310.post-85392330640247138842014-03-13T19:32:00.000-07:002014-03-13T19:32:23.212-07:00Hands-on Bible NLT - Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hands-on Bible NLT is a Bible specially created for kids of all ages. When it said hands-on it meant hands-on for real. It is not your typical life application kind of Bible which usually has a few questions at the end of a Bible story and the kids answer them, but it filled with fun activities and experiments which establish the truth being explained in the story.<br />
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Let me give you an example.<br />
In the story of Moses we read about Moses floating down the Nile and how God watched over him so his tiny basket did not tip over. Now, along the sideline of this story the Hands-on Bible has an experiment a child can do with a floating egg. At the end of the experiment the child can answer questions on how God has watched over his/her life.<br />
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The illustrations, where required, are funny and exciting. My girls enjoyed some of the silly faces and these also helped them to remember the specific stories from the Bible. The cover is interestingly designed too.<br />
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New Living Translation is my other favorite Bible translation to read during my own study, apart from the Amplified Version and I was thrilled that my 6 year olds can also enjoy their studies from the Bible in a language which attempts to explain the history of the Bible closest to its original rendering.<br />
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I would recommend this Bible for Kid's Bible Studies, Sunday School and even for moms who need something to motivate their kids into getting excited about the wonderful Word of God.<br />
<br />
I received Hands-On Bible NLT compliments of Tyndale
House Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary
compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed are
strictly my own.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8406197078918617310.post-44034065735119291712014-01-22T09:34:00.001-08:002014-03-17T11:16:10.518-07:00Relentless by John Bevere - Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Relentless is a book by a preacher who I admire and I pounced on the opportunity to review his book as soon as it arrived on my Blogging for Books list.<br />
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Relentless did not let me down. It is written in a very down to earth conversational style and I liked that about the book.<br />
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The language is simple and direct. The message is powerful. <br />
I would totally recommend it!<br />
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If you would like to hear from the author himself about his book you can watch his video here<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/uT_TtrNILHk" width="560"></iframe><br />
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I received the digital copy of this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group through their <a href="http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks/">Blogging for Books</a> program. <br />
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<a href="http://www.booksneeze.com/art/_80_140_Book.188.cover.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.booksneeze.com/art/_80_140_Book.188.cover.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 125px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 80px;" /></a>Life is such, that one needs some heart mending from time to time, thats what led me to choose this book.<br />
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<div>
A
true story set in history, during the World War. A story of
forgiveness. How can one forgive when one meets face to face with the
one who hurt you? Its a story of a war-widowed American woman and an
almost dead German soldier washed ashore. Their paths cross and their
lies the story of the Heart Mender. The woman must choose whether she
would save the life of this enemy soldier or let him die.</div>
<div>
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<div>
We
all get hurt and sometimes our hearts carry the pain throughout our
lives even if we don't want it to. This story is about the deeper hurts,
those that are not easy to wipe away or that don't heal easy. If thats
something you're dealing with, you might want to read this book.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia; font-size: 10px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com </span><a href="http://booksneeze.com/" style="color: #3d81ee; font-style: italic; text-decoration: none;">http://BookSneeze.com</a><span style="font-style: italic;">
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</span><a href="http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html" style="color: #3d81ee; font-style: italic; text-decoration: none;">http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</span></span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8406197078918617310.post-15817022682000767142010-06-03T07:19:00.000-07:002014-03-24T07:19:34.548-07:00"An Army of Ordinary People" by Felicity Dale<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OH5ZiTxqZN0/TAf4rifomWI/AAAAAAAADsM/MzxgIZp9yf0/s1600/1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OH5ZiTxqZN0/TAf4rifomWI/AAAAAAAADsM/MzxgIZp9yf0/s200/1.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478620898597050722" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 150px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 100px;" /></a>Its
great to read amazing Bible stories from the Bible. The parting of the
Red Sea, God coming down and transforming ordinary people's lives.
Miracles in the desert. Reading of healing in the New Testament and
everything God wanted us to know about Him and His immense love toward
His creation.<br />
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<div>
What makes this book a
special read is that it brings Biblical stories to reality. Where God is
applied to real life. Nothing is distant, far or ancient about the
stories in "An Army of Ordinary People" by Felicity Dale, they're all
contemporary. You could be a simple grocery store owner and then God
comes into your life and your life begins to impact lives of people
around you, just when you make contact with the living life of Jesus
Christ Himself. We can picture that and soon you'll find yourself
saying, "I can do that" or "This could be me!" This book can make you
aware of God given potential in the life of a believer, who's just
willing to follow God's directions no matter how mundane it sounds.
Felicity carries us into a journey into the lives of these very ordinary
people we meet day-to-day and perhaps would never imagine they could
amount to anything, but they are being enabled by God as His agents to
reach out to people right in their neighbourhood, some not even leaving
the very compound and areas where they live. God is using them right
where they are. Now I know, I can totally be a stay-at-home mom and
still God can use me to impact people around me, right where I am.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: italic; line-height: 20px;">Tyndale
House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this
book, in exchange for my unbiased review. I am not being paid for this
review.</span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8406197078918617310.post-13778573719312138992010-04-13T07:18:00.000-07:002014-03-24T07:18:30.873-07:00"If I Could Ask God Anything - Awesome Bible Answers for Curious Kids!" By Kathryn Slattery<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://www.booksneeze.com/art/_80_140_Book.179.cover.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.booksneeze.com/art/_80_140_Book.179.cover.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 120px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 80px;" /></a> A review of "If I Could Ask God Anything - Awesome Bible Answers for Curious Kids!" By Kathryn Slattery<br />
"If
I Could Ask God Anything", is a book attempting to tackle the many
questions a child learning about Jesus might ask. Believe you me, the
book has a LOT of questions covered. There are simple ones like "What
did Jesus wear?" and tougher ones, almost theological like "What is
trinity?"<br />
<br />
I liked the book, for the way in which
Kathryn has tried to answer the questions as per its seriousness. Some
questions I would have found a bit difficult in communicating with kids
is explained with an example a child might have seen or experienced. I
am talking of kids who are at least 5years and older.However, an adult
could also use the book as a help book to answer the questions in an
effective manner, when they're at a loss of words perhaps.<br />
<br />
What I missed in the book, though non-essential I think, are pictures, as is prevalent in children's books.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com </span><a href="http://booksneeze.com/" style="font-style: italic;">http://BookSneeze.com</a><span style="font-style: italic;">
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 </span><a href="http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html" style="font-style: italic;">http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8406197078918617310.post-56330603140973702922010-03-28T07:17:00.000-07:002014-03-24T07:17:27.045-07:00Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go By Lucille O'Neal<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h3 style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;">Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> By Lucille O'Neal, is an autobiography by Shaquille O'Neal's mother.</span></h3>
<h3 style="font-family: arial; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: georgia; font-size: 85%;">As
is typical with autobiographies of famous personalities, I expected a
rags to riches kind of a story and how 'events' changed their life.
However with this book, Lucille shares her most inmost feelings, the
errors she made and how she dealt with them in order to make sure her
life would face upward and not down. I liked the easy to read
presentation of the book and the conversational style of the writing. It
almost felt like she was talking to me, in my head as I read. She makes
the reader feel her emotions, the good, the bad, the ugly. It truly
portrays her mental journey from mental welfare to mental health.</span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: georgia; font-size: 85%;">That makes this book different from other autobiographies I have read which would be devoid of feelings.</span></span></h3>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com </span><a href="http://booksneeze.com/" style="font-style: italic;">http://BookSneeze.com</a><span style="font-style: italic;">
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 </span><a href="http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html" style="font-style: italic;">http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8406197078918617310.post-1680035070934044732010-03-24T07:15:00.000-07:002014-03-24T07:16:21.391-07:00Imaginary Jesus by Matt Mikalatos<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OH5ZiTxqZN0/S7GL6K7SlnI/AAAAAAAADac/ifan_Fv7dJk/s1600/1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OH5ZiTxqZN0/S7GL6K7SlnI/AAAAAAAADac/ifan_Fv7dJk/s200/1.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454294455204091506" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 151px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 100px;" /></a>Imaginary Jesus by Matt Mikalatos is an amazing book.<br />
<br />
I almost did not order this book, but then <a href="http://mediacenter.tyndale.com/1_products/details.asp?isbn=978-1-4143-3563-6">I read the first chapter online</a> and I wanted to read some more, wondering why would somebody chase Jesus and why would Jesus run?<br />
<br />
Matt
stars himself in this story where he confronts his imaginary Jesus, a
Jesus he made up to suite his own needs and someone he could follow at
his own comfort level. The journey reveals many more kinds of imaginary
Jesuses, most of which are quite relevant with the kind of Christian
lifestyle we are accustomed to in our times, absolutely unawares of the
real Jesus from the Bible. I was shocked to find a few of my own
imaginary ones in there. Matt's experience through this ordeal ends
brilliantly with his meeting with the real Jesus.<br />
<br />
I
loved the pace at which the story goes, absolute page turner for me.
Also, I am an avid C. S Lewis fan, hence I totally loved the concept
behind the book. The book answered my curiosity, my questions and doubts
regarding my own spiritual journey in an indirect but profound manner. I
give it 2 thumbs up, if I had more you could add them too.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FBO0qrxHIw">View the video release</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Tyndale
House Publishers has provided you with a complimentary copy of this
book, in exchange for my unbiased review. I am not being paid for this
review.</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8406197078918617310.post-84618950681073970062010-03-08T07:14:00.000-08:002014-03-24T07:14:55.386-07:00"The Flowering Cross" by Beth Ryan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OH5ZiTxqZN0/S5WJOUiHtlI/AAAAAAAADVI/q3w2uGXeA64/s200/1400315379.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446410203497477714" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 180px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 200px;" /></a>
This is my first time reviewing a children's book. I have worked with
kids(kindergarten) and at Sunday School and found that "The Flowering
Cross" by Beth Ryan makes for a good read for kids.It also includes
instructions on how to make your own flowering cross.<br />
<br />
Beth
tells the story of a little girl and how her simple faith and love,
together with support from her Christ centered family, wins the heart of
an old lonely neighbor. While the story continues you will come across
verses for discussion called "Faith Imprint", where an adult(reading the
book to a child) can share/discuss the Bible verse pertaining to the
situation in the story. The illustrations are beautifully done too.<br />
<br />
I
liked the book for the fact that it not only tells a story, to
entertain a child, but also encourages a child to understand that their
simple faith can also be a powerful tool in winning hearts for Jesus and
especially in bridging gaps that sometimes adults are unable to cross. I
loved the idea of "Faith Imprints" mentioned on most pages of the book,
as it guides the reader through suitable questions toward a practical
living out of the Word of God.<br />
<br />
This book would be great for children aged 5 and older, in helping them connect faith in Jesus Christ and their real life.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 78%;">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <a href="http://booksneeze.com/">http://BookSneeze.com</a>
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 <a href="http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html">http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html</a> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8406197078918617310.post-2604822602280147172010-02-28T07:11:00.000-08:002014-03-24T07:13:35.338-07:00Kaleidoscope By Patsy Clairmont<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OH5ZiTxqZN0/S4sz-GNnJVI/AAAAAAAADVA/ZBIVjNUYV4g/s1600-h/_76_125_Book.152.cover.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OH5ZiTxqZN0/S4sz-GNnJVI/AAAAAAAADVA/ZBIVjNUYV4g/s200/_76_125_Book.152.cover.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443501716519986514" style="float: left; height: 120px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 76px;" /></a>"Kaleidoscope"
as the name suggests, is a random yet beautiful collection of short
insights on some prominent verses from the book of Proverbs, by Patsy
Clairmont. This she brings to life, with examples from her everyday
life experiences and her inescapable humor.
<br />
<br />
The book has a study guide kind of approach. Each
chapter in the book is based on a verse from Proverbs which is
beautifully explained through various examples from Patsy's experiences.
She even makes it easy to understand some of life's tough situations in
the light of Proverbs. At the end of the chapters there are questions
which helps one connect, even more deeply with what has been laid out in
the chapter. The chapters end with a few more quotations from the
Bible, gathered from various other books of the Bible, for strength to
uphold the lesson learned.
<br />
<br />
I loved the book for its short chapters, immediate
impact/connection to life examples and appropriate choice of verses
which helped me strengthen my thoughts on the topic. I found that I did
not have to read the book in an orderly manner to reap the lessons from
it. You could pick any chapter you'd like and still reap a bountiful and
wonderful message from it. Patsy's language and examples are easy to
connect with as they spell out stuff we've either experienced or are
sure to have seen in someone else's life. The one thing I missed from
the book was a richer experience from the study of the verses.
<br />
<br />
I must also add, if you’re looking for a serious
one-on-one with studying the Word of God, this would not be it, however
it would serve as a great book for a light personal study or for a group
study.
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 78%;">Disclosure of Material
Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers
as part of their BookSneeze.com <<a href="http://booksneeze.com/">http://BookSneeze.com</a>>
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
<<a href="http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html">http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html</a>> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</span>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8406197078918617310.post-53107170222586594402009-03-24T06:08:00.000-07:002013-02-06T06:32:02.466-08:00Voice in the WildernessMatthew 3<br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">verses1-4 <em>"1In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea 2and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." 3This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.' "[</em></span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%203:1-4;&version=31;#fen-NIV-23196a" title="See footnote a"><em><span style="font-size: 85%;">a</span></em></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><em>]<br />4John's clothes were made of camel's hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey."</em></span><br />
Before going on further, it would be great to understand the context of the word wilderness mentioned here.<br />
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-size: 85%;">Thayer Definition:</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-size: 85%;">1) solitary, lonely, desolate, uninhabited<br />1a) used of places<br />1a1) a desert, wilderness<br />1a2) deserted places, lonely regions<br />1a3) an uncultivated region fit for pasturage</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-size: 85%;">1b) used of persons<br />1b1) deserted by others<br />1b2) deprived of the aid and protection of others, especially of friends, acquaintances, kindred<br />1b3) bereft<br />1b3a) of a flock deserted by the shepherd<br />1b3b) of a woman neglected by her husband, from whom the husband withholds himself</span></div>
<strong><em><span style="font-size: 130%;">Lessons I learnt</span></em></strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Preaching in the wilderness </strong>- John was not preaching in an easy place. It was a difficult place, a wilderness. If we look at the definition of wilderness above, you'll see it means more than just a physical location. The same word is used for people - those who have been deserted by others, directionless. Wilderness, where it is easy to be lost-there are no landmarks. But, for those who have been saved through grace, there is a time and date a milestone in our life when we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. Our Lord places <em>the C</em>ornerstone so we can know our bearing and where we came from, moving towards more fruitful regions. But, for those who have not, this milestone of cornerstone, everything is one giant wilderness, no beginning, no end, just endless monotonous sandy life. Therefore it was important for John to demonstrate preaching in the desert. <br />
As I write this, I imagine, John standing in the wilderness and proclaiming the Word of God and people who are going through the desert, to wherever they want to go, come and listen and find a new direction, the direction to the Jordan River. "<em>v6Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River</em>." A place they are baptised and can find rest and water in the midst of their wilderness. The river has never been far from the wilderness, its just that they couldn't find it for lack of direction. There is hope in this wilderness, because among a few other meanings is this meaning which defines the region as - an uncultivated region <strong>fit for pasturage</strong>. No one's life is hopeless. There is hope and WAY for everyone who would let God give them the cornerstone to mark the territory and know their bearing and become fruitful pastures.<br />
<strong>Conclusion: </strong>If we are to preach the Word, lets not go to the easy places, lets go to places where people really need the Word of God. Where people really need a direction. The wilderness, representing loneliness-a need to be loved and have someone to rely on. We know THE SOMEONE on whom the lonely can rely, our Lord Jesus. Lets share, lets declare the Word of God, in the wilderness of someone's life, so that they may find direction to the Jordan river and be blessed and be freed from this life in the wilderness.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8406197078918617310.post-32609657267877250452008-08-30T05:32:00.000-07:002008-08-30T05:49:27.003-07:00Have your head in the cloudsMatthew 2<br />I call this chapter -Life Threatening Chapter..<br />This time as I read this chapter here's what struck me. As soon as Jesus was born word got out and he immediately had enemies, just by being born. The pharoah left no stone unturned to kill him. You know the story.<br /><br />You know our life is much like that when you are born again, into a new life with Lord Jesus, you immediately have enemies, ever ready to bring you down, some way or the other.<br /><br />I have a lot of worldly , fleshly stuff keep pulling me down, trying to nullify or bring to nothing my spiritual life, but you know what "<em>4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.</em>" Eph 2:4-7<br /><br />Jesus our Lord has saved us and not left us down under, but lifted us up so we are seated in the heavenlies so we can escape the corruption as we learn to dwell with Him there. As long as we have a sense of dwelling here, we'll keep getting stuck with the worldly pressures, but the moment we realize what Jesus has done for us by making us sit with him in the heavenlies, nothing on the earth can stop you from living your spiritual life out loud.<br /><br />Conclusion:We will have enemies and not the ones who will forget about us now and then, but those which will always be ready to bring us down. Yet in all this we have been given the power to overcome by the blood of the lamb and our testimony. Isn't that why Jesus our Lord seats us in the heavenlies so he can demonstrate to the world his grace that is at work on us. So keep on going strong and have your head up in the clouds, in the heavenlies.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8406197078918617310.post-73068146523095785672008-06-24T10:01:00.000-07:002008-06-25T10:19:51.941-07:00You've Got That Lineage<span style="font-family:verdana;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mat%201;&version=31;">Matthew 1</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Ever wondered what all those begats has begotten for us? Well I did, and when I started reading the Old Testament in detail, I have found immense appreciation in knowing why that had to be included in the Bible.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">If you read through Matthew 1, you will find interesting names of people found in the geneaology of our Lord Jesus Christ. Two of those names that particularly caught my attention are "<em>Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was <strong>Rahab</strong>, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was <strong>Ruth</strong></em>,"v5 When you investigate these names you will find that Rahab was a prostitute and Ruth was a Moabite. Moab a tribe about which God had declared in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=5&chapter=23&verse=3&version=31&context=verse">Deuteronomy 23:3</a> "<em>No Ammonite or Moabite or any of his descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD, even down to the tenth generation.</em>" Yet this one found favor. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">What was it that catapulted them right into the genealogy of our Lord Jesus Christ, in the lineage of divine royal blood family. It was their earnest desire to seek the Lord, to follow Him and to do His will. Ruth entered her divine destiny of being the great grand mom to Lord Jesus in the moment she chose to go with her mother-in-law Naomi saying <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=8&chapter=1&verse=16&version=31&context=verse">Ruth 1:16</a> "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God." As for Rahab she had heard of the amazing things the Israelites' God had done for them and she <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%202;&version=31;">reverently feared Him</a> and chose to take shelter in Him, when the rest of her country was attacked by the Israelites.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">If you've accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, you too have been catapulted into this divine lineage, not through any physical connections but a strong <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=8&verse=38&end_verse=39&version=31&context=context">spiritual bond which no one can break</a>. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">If you have not, you can too, by letting Jesus be Your God and see how He changes all your situations from a do-nothing <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2016:17-21;&version=31;">to do the impossible even</a>.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8406197078918617310.post-79822375841745774762008-06-22T23:31:00.000-07:002008-06-23T22:05:25.667-07:00Why This Blog?The world has enough things, pressures, sins, temptations, setbacks and all kinds of negative things to throw at us and pull us down and push us out from fulfilling our God given destiny.<br /><br />I am hard pressed for time, but when I was in college I learnt, at my college prayer group- what you invest in God's kingdom, God will multiply and enable you to bear much fruit. I am investing my time that I may grow in the Lord and be encouraged through His Good News and be a blessing to all who read it.<br /><br />This is going to be from my studies of the New Testament, since the Old Testament doesn't seem to be getting over, with the amount of things God has been teaching me from it.<br /><br />So read and be blessed.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1