Thursday, December 13, 2012
Salty Nail Art Too Good Not To Share
Monday, December 10, 2012
Implosion: Can America Recover from Its Economic & Spiritual Challenges in Time? By Joel C. Rosenberg
My main reason for accepting this title for review (other than reading a non fiction work by the talented and anointed author Joel C. Rosenberg), was to learn something new about these last days (Matthew 24:4-14). I learned many factoids as well as history with regard to the First and Second Great Awakening in America.
Undoubtedly, this book is for believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. Implosion could possibly be a difficult read for someone who is not familiar with the Bible. But,it could be a great type of mentoring gift to give a friend in which you can come alongside your friend and read together! I was so happy to read an invitation to make Jesus Lord (Romans 10:9-11) near the end of the book! I applauded that inclusion and was reminded of the author's mission of evangelizing all of his readers.
This book was 349 pages, however I gleaned the most new information starting on page 210. I quote, "A country cannot recover or be revived, however, if her people are sleeping. And a nation is in even worse danger if the church is largely sleeping too. After all, the church is the institution ordained by God to be a light to the nations. While America isn't mentioned as a key player in the last days, the church certainly is. While some have called America the "last best hope" of a turbulent world, the truth is that the church is the "last best hope" of America."
The author nailed this fact throughout the book, instructing his readers about the true role of government as God impressed upon our country's framers. Another quote from page 212, "You see, while the economic, political, and security failings of our country are deeply troubling, there is a much more insidious danger facing our country. It is a danger that threatens to make restoration and revival impossible. I am speaking of the spiritual blindness in America." Amen and Amen.
I was halfway through this book when President Obama was reelected.And so, understandably, I was encouraged by Mr. Rosenberg's continuous reminder that God is in control of government and that each of us who live for Christ must seek Holy Spirit revival.
I was interested in learning about George Whitefield's realization as presented by Charles Wesley about what exactly being born again was. I appreciated this distinction and the examples in the 1700's and 1800's of men of faith who struggled to find a personal relationship with Jesus as opposed to a religion. I also did not realize about the revival in America in the 1970's.
Chapter 16 was my favorite chapter because of its helpful application. I appreciated the list of things I could do in these last days. I also gleaned insight into what 2 Chronicles 7:14 and specifically all of 2 Chronicles 7 means and doesn't mean for me as an American (verses Israel). I'm sorry, but every year it seems each Christian group in America uses the Chronicles 7:14 Scripture for their mission statement for the National Day of Prayer. Seems to me that asking God for His blessing that day is all well and good, but this verse in context is for Israel first and foremost. Knowing God's love for Israel, I intend to pray more than I have in the past for Israel, especially on the National Day of Prayer. I appreciated that insight.
I fully intend to take the author's advice and study Joel, Nehemiah, Ezra and Josiah as God used these Bible heroes back in the day to call His people to national repentance as well as to lead others to a renewed "hunger" for the Bible.
While this book did not provoke "shock and awe" in regard to my Last Days knowledge (I have studied this topic extensively throughout my 15 years of being a Christian), I do believe many readers will need to purchase multiple highlighters, go through oodles of pens making notes, and never have to dust the jacket on Implosion. I do believe this book would be an exceptional aid in a small group study, though it was not marketed in a Bible Study format per se.
Buy it today, read it cover to cover, glean all you can and then read it again. Buy your friend a copy, keep a copy and write your loved ones name on the cover. You never know when the Rapture will come. Your unsaved family member will read it long after you have gone on to eternal glory. Implosion will never become an outdated resource and it already has (post election) become a prophetic tool in which to share with anyone you come in contact with regarding history, politics and Jesus.
Now is the time to get serious about not only America - but the world. It's never too late to make a spiritual or economic change until GOD says it is....
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of theirbook 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it!
Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product.
You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent.
Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.
Undoubtedly, this book is for believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. Implosion could possibly be a difficult read for someone who is not familiar with the Bible. But,it could be a great type of mentoring gift to give a friend in which you can come alongside your friend and read together! I was so happy to read an invitation to make Jesus Lord (Romans 10:9-11) near the end of the book! I applauded that inclusion and was reminded of the author's mission of evangelizing all of his readers.
This book was 349 pages, however I gleaned the most new information starting on page 210. I quote, "A country cannot recover or be revived, however, if her people are sleeping. And a nation is in even worse danger if the church is largely sleeping too. After all, the church is the institution ordained by God to be a light to the nations. While America isn't mentioned as a key player in the last days, the church certainly is. While some have called America the "last best hope" of a turbulent world, the truth is that the church is the "last best hope" of America."
The author nailed this fact throughout the book, instructing his readers about the true role of government as God impressed upon our country's framers. Another quote from page 212, "You see, while the economic, political, and security failings of our country are deeply troubling, there is a much more insidious danger facing our country. It is a danger that threatens to make restoration and revival impossible. I am speaking of the spiritual blindness in America." Amen and Amen.
I was halfway through this book when President Obama was reelected.And so, understandably, I was encouraged by Mr. Rosenberg's continuous reminder that God is in control of government and that each of us who live for Christ must seek Holy Spirit revival.
I was interested in learning about George Whitefield's realization as presented by Charles Wesley about what exactly being born again was. I appreciated this distinction and the examples in the 1700's and 1800's of men of faith who struggled to find a personal relationship with Jesus as opposed to a religion. I also did not realize about the revival in America in the 1970's.
Chapter 16 was my favorite chapter because of its helpful application. I appreciated the list of things I could do in these last days. I also gleaned insight into what 2 Chronicles 7:14 and specifically all of 2 Chronicles 7 means and doesn't mean for me as an American (verses Israel). I'm sorry, but every year it seems each Christian group in America uses the Chronicles 7:14 Scripture for their mission statement for the National Day of Prayer. Seems to me that asking God for His blessing that day is all well and good, but this verse in context is for Israel first and foremost. Knowing God's love for Israel, I intend to pray more than I have in the past for Israel, especially on the National Day of Prayer. I appreciated that insight.
I fully intend to take the author's advice and study Joel, Nehemiah, Ezra and Josiah as God used these Bible heroes back in the day to call His people to national repentance as well as to lead others to a renewed "hunger" for the Bible.
While this book did not provoke "shock and awe" in regard to my Last Days knowledge (I have studied this topic extensively throughout my 15 years of being a Christian), I do believe many readers will need to purchase multiple highlighters, go through oodles of pens making notes, and never have to dust the jacket on Implosion. I do believe this book would be an exceptional aid in a small group study, though it was not marketed in a Bible Study format per se.
Buy it today, read it cover to cover, glean all you can and then read it again. Buy your friend a copy, keep a copy and write your loved ones name on the cover. You never know when the Rapture will come. Your unsaved family member will read it long after you have gone on to eternal glory. Implosion will never become an outdated resource and it already has (post election) become a prophetic tool in which to share with anyone you come in contact with regarding history, politics and Jesus.
Now is the time to get serious about not only America - but the world. It's never too late to make a spiritual or economic change until GOD says it is....
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Stressed-Less Living by Tracie Miles
Quite quickly after diving into this artistically covered (the lime green Adirondack chair located half on sand and half on surf made me smile as well as the conchshell next to the author's name was a nice touch along with the texture of the cover and the matching black and white photos in each new chapter) work by Tracie Miles, the theme was clear. We all have stress. We all will have stress. But there is a solution. Jesus Christ. With more focus on Jesus and less on us and our situations, we can have less stress and more victorious living!I enjoyed the beginning of the book, but beginning on page 146 was when I rolled up my sleeves and started taking notes.The subtitle Running by Faith was an an Aha! moment for me. The author's account of running with her eyes closed was intriguing, inspiring and to me a wonderful challenge for all of us. Close my eyes and take a jog on the beach? An addition to my bucket list for sure!
Another poignant tale was of a woman in a wheelchair (don't want to be a spoiler) and though I guessed the ending for some reason (most likely I saw myself more as the woman who looked the part of someone who "had it all together but didn't" oops I may have been a spoiler after all) I was touched. This was just one example of the many unexpected endings in this book. I considered these "takeaway" stories a sort of parable which I will not soon forget. Priceless.
Chapter 8 offered up Kaitlyn in the attic - oh my goodness! Although I am not a Mom, I held my breath and nothing existed in my world until I finished that story. Also in that chapter, I so very much appreciated the description of the four types of adrenaline junkies. I saw someone I knew in one of those categories but am still trying to figure out where I fit in those categories. I have concluded I have a little bit of each of those traits in me and possibly need to have a fifth category created just for moi ;)!
Loved the Biblical discussion of Martha and Maty as well as Scripture throughout. Also everyyone everywhere would lead a stressed-less life by heeding the six action items which were supported by Scripture. They were: realign your life, recognize your need, adjust your focus, be filled with the Spirit, be faithful in your prayer life and believe God is who He says.
Tie for my favorite quote was (page 229), " We just need to bear in mind that, no matter how good those things feel in the moment, they will always bring temporary peace, while real peace, the serenity that changes the course of our lives, will come from Jesus alone", and (page 230) "Friends, your life is not going to change because you read a book about stress. Your life is going to change when you realize that the absence of God in your life is intensifying the presence of stress in your heart." Amen!
The theme of the book was reiterated int the last chapter with Isaiah 26:3 which says, "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!"
I heard her heart beating on many occasions, especially when she sat in her car and wondered what was she supposed to do. She felt stuck on so many levels! So many of us can relate to feeling lost and trying to fill that hole in our heart with all kinds of stuff. Nothing worked for me, except when I sat in the lap of my Jesus and poured out my soul to the author and finisher of my life (who knew me before the foundation of the earth might I add!). Tracie Miles got the coming-to-the-end of her "doing and being rope" and decided to bless her readers by sharing her story. Her lessons learned rang loud and clear in Stressed-Less Living.
My only negative comment was the mention of Dr. Dharma Singh Khalsa and promotion of Yoga Journal. I reviewed his website www.drdharma.com and surfed around and stumbled upon a concerning statement by Dr. Dharma as purported to be quoted in his book The End of Karma, "Rather than a debt owed from a past life, karma is what's happening right here, right now. Karma is both action and the consequence of that action; it is cause and effect all in one go." The reviewer of his book goes on to say, "Moreover, according to Dr. Dharma, your best self is to live your dharma, which means that your ultimate destiny is to always remember that God and you, you and God are one. Doing this will help you end your karma and experience peace and oneness." http://www.drdharma.com/Public/Books/TheEndofKarma/index.cfm
If I were offered the opportunity to review the above book by Dr. Dharma, being the Berean that I am, I would provide the evidence to support or dispute my concerns above. However, this inclusion of the author above was unfortunate as well as unnecessary in my opinion. I still enjoyed the book and will recommend it. No doubt this man has done great things, but God reminds us in His Word that "apart from Me you can do nothing." And this Truth was the thread woven throughout Stressed-Less Living so I could not leave this negative comment out of my review.
Having gotten my one negative point off my proverbial chest, I have to say that this book was a dayspa for my soul. Everything from the feel of the cover, the image on the cover and throughout allowed me to glean from the authors experiences and also to dig into the Word. I felt loved reading this book because the tone was caring and not preachy or condescending. I truly felt Tracie Miles bared her soul on many levels throughout the book.
Stressed-less Living would be great for a Woman's Bible study as it included discussion questions at the end of each chapter as well as Scripture verses which would be great to challenge participants to memorize. Check out her website www.stressedlessliving.com. So many free devo's and a chance to sign up for her 10 Day Stress Detox. So many choices to suffer less stress and experience more of Jesus!! Now that's better than any day at the spa, isn't it?!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Leafwood Publishers as part of their
Friday, November 02, 2012
How Should Christians Vote? by Tony Evans
There were so many excellent quotes Mr. Evans included. One on page 18 regarding charity stuck with me. I quote, "Just as God restricts the church from giving charity to people prior to getting the family involved first (1 Timothy 5:4), likewise civil government is not to provide charity prior to the involvement of the family, church and other local charitable entities."
I also learned the difference between social justice and biblical justice.
Page 25 summed up the title of the book, "Every voting choice you exercise ought to be for the candidate, platform, party, or policy that will best represent the values of the kingdom of God." The rest of the book as the beginning of the book includes Scripture references. Author Tony Evans grabbed my attention many times with his use of words that aren't actually words. One example I quote, "Even when life looks like it's out of control, God is running its "out-of-controlness."
I learned what civil government was meant to be as the framers intended (not what it has become) and was introduced to the concept of interposition.
Examples of men and women in the Bible were cited throughout How Should Christians Vote! Did you know Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego were displaying civil disobedience? How about the wives in Exodus 1:17? Peter and John in Acts 4:18-20? They all were putting God above people. Civil disobedience in these situations was and never is wrong. Neither was hiding Jews during the Holocaust. Surprising to hear?
My all time favorite quote, "The ultimate solutions to our culture's problems won't land on Air Force One." Do I hear an Amen?
Kudos to Mr. Evans for reminding the reader that we do not live in a democracy but a republic. He explained the difference and it all made so much sense. I actually heard a Pastor preach that we in fact lived in a democracy. I found that sad to hear and I wondered if I was the only person to bring it to his attention that his statement was false.
Every Christian should read How Should Christians Vote? as well as buy extra copies to hand out to family and friends. Not just when a presidential election is on the horizon, but anytime, as we all need to be educated on what America was founded on, what it still means to the Lord, and where we are headed when we leave God out of the equation.
We enjoy freedoms because of sacrifice and those who came before who included God in our country's foundation.
Now go vote!!!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from a faith based organization in Boca Raton, Florida
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
I Used To Be So Organized by Glynnis Whitwer
First impressions of I Used To Be So Organized clearly were that of a clever cover and very valuable Foreword! The cover depicted two mismatched, and may I add - stylish shoes. The shoes were worn by one person and indicated just a bit of confusion. Karen Ehman of Proverbs 31 Ministries wrote the Foreword. I found her explanation of this book and its purpose for every woman endearing. She clearly was a fan of Glynnis Whitwer's and I found myself an instant fan of the author upon finishing the Foreword.The subtitle was Help for Reclaiming Order and Peace. Interestingly, the timing for my review could not have been better. We just sold our house, but our purchase of a short sale on the other side was delayed. As I cracked open Chapter Two, I found myself gleaning from this author's helpful hints, but more so I found fellowship as I related to Glynnis's honest accounts of her life and struggle to organize life within limits. I smiled amidst packing boxes and literally no order but held out hope that in a few weeks Lord willing, what I had learned from I Used To Be So Organized would be put into practice.
I appreciated the encouragement I received from this book. I did have a few criticisms of which clearly only had to do with technology. I felt that this book would have been better off without the author sharing technology tips. She mentioned how fast technology becomes obsolete, but then went on to try and help the reader with technology, of which I felt was clearly out of date. For the beginner computer user or computer user looking for direction in organizing, this may not have been an issue, but for me, I found myself skimming quickly over the file cabinet purchase and the following pages. That's just me though.
The final chapter Keeping It Real felt like an entire cheer leading squad cheering me to victory! I loved it and wanted to learn more about this person behind the Proverbs 31 Ministry. This book was one of those rare reads that you can pick up for ten minute increments and get more than one nugget out of in each chapter. I really enjoyed it and hope to hear more from Glynnis Whitwer!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Leafwood Publishers as part of their
Saturday, August 11, 2012
As Silver Refined: Answers to Life's Disappointments by Kay Arthur
Ahhhhnointed!!! This book was truly a vacation for my soul. I found myself taking deep breaths as I discovered many "Aha!" moments.
I enjoyed this Holy Spirit inspired book from cover to cover. The takeaway was the reminder of Romans 8:28 and the fact that though God may test us, He does not tempt us as Satan does. This testing is Biblical and so essential for our growth as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Perfectly appointed to me during a challenging month, I gleaned from so many examples and situations in which the author Kay Arthur shared her experiences learning to have the mind of Christ. I love how ms. Arthur introduced people who wrote books about their challenges. I plan to research Harlan Popov's story, Marie Monsen in her book A Wall of Fire, as well as Bruce Olson's testimony as told in his book Bruchko.
Chock full of Scripture, As Silver Refined constantly led me back to Jesus and God's Plan of Salvation. She appealed to me as a believer, but also to the nonbeliever to make a decision to follow Christ. I appreciated her clarifying the two with a comment that she understood the believer reading that chapter already understood the premise, however, her comment was a reminder or an encouragement. I appreciated her inclusion of me and her kindness in wanting me to keep reading. This type of personal touch is one an experienced author, teacher and Titus woman would include.
This book would be wonderful for a group Bible study. The Study Guide in the back of the book is lengthy and full of excellent questions to dig into as well as Scripture review from the heart of the book.
As Silver Refined is a must read for anyone who is serious about digging deeper into Scripture and becoming more aware of how to avoid the common pitfalls of life's disappointments (which she referred to as the Deadly D's). This truly was an anointed read which I devoured and truly enjoyed!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from WaterBrook Press as part of their Blogging For Books 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
The Truth About Forgiveness by John MacArthur
This book is one in a series titled The Truth About Series. This petite 118 page book was delivered in John MacArthur's usual conversational style. Mr. MacArthur has a way of allowing me to feel he is there beside me, teaching and gently exhorting me to understand and apply God's truth about forgiveness.
One nugget was on page 49 in which I quote, "I recently overheard a radio talk-show psychologist attempting to give a caller an ego-boost: "God loves you for what you are. You must see yourself as someone special. After all, you are special to God." But that misses the point entirely. God does not love us "for what we are." He loves us in spite of what we are. He does not love us because we are special. Rather, it is only His love and grace that give our lives any significance at all."
Mr. MacArthur then gave Scripture support as he always does. Psalm 106:6 NASB and Isaiah 64:6 were explained and the lesson unfolded about salvation (Mark 2:17).
I loved this book merely for the fact that every time I picked it up I received a nugget that stuck with me and the next time I read more I was blessed with more teachings that challenged me to see forgiveness from God's perspective to me and not the other way around. Only God can bring about true forgiveness in our hearts. And how liberating truly forgiving others can be!!!
Pick The Truth About Forgiveness up today. The $12.99 cover price will be well worth it, as it would be a great addition to any library, along with the other books in Mr. MacArthur's Truth About Series. One can never have enough sound Doctrine these days!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com
Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com/.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Natural Calm : The Anti-Stress Drink - Great Gatorade Replacer!
I received a Natural Calm Anti-Stress Drink sample from Vitacost.com just for placing an online order. Vitacost.com is good that way in that with every online order you get to pick two samples from an assortment of samples they offer you. The sample drink powder flavor was rasperry lemon flavor.I wanted to sample this product because I am honestly tired of Gatorade (with its preservatives, artificial sweetener and dyes). I swim Masters three mornings a week and so I did need a sports drink to replenish the magnesium lost during workouts. My water balance has been off awhile. If you have swollen fingers now and then even in the cooler months, that is a good sign that your water balance is off.
I poured the powder in a room temp bottle of purified water. It fizzed slightly and looked just like lemon Gatorade. This beverage tasted pleasant and had a slight lemon flavor. I did not detect raspberry flavor, however. A few gulps into it, I realized this was going to be my Gatorade replacer!!
Since I am into organic, whole foods (no chemicals) I was quite excited to realize this product would do two things: 1. Replace Gatorade during my swim workouts and after and 2. Offer another benefit which is to restore the magnesium levels in my body. After going back and doing a bit more research at Vitacost, I also realized this product in time would decrease calcium buildup to actually level out and balance the body's calcium to magnesium ratio.
I gave this one 5+ stars! The reviews on Vitacost are up there too so I know I am not the only one who is excited to purchase this product. Sampling products is so beneficial. Saves money. Allows you to be an educated consumer, and getting freebies is always a bonus. Get your freebie today. Place an order at Vitacost.com!
Bye bye Gatorade, artificial sweeteners and all....
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this sample free from Vitacost.com as part of their complimentary samples with you order
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Busy Mom's Guide to Nutrition
While I do not consider myself a beginner in the area of nutrition and health, I did appreciate several aspects of this book. Chapter One "Nutritional Basics" addressed sugar and how sugar in its various forms affects our bodies. I learned much about what glucose is and how sugar can cause the whole body to become imbalanced. My husband and I quit eating and/or drinking sugar a year ago, and so I really appreciated the author explaining the alternatives to pure sugar. Having kicked the sugar habit, I no longer crave sweets and if I attempt to drink a sip of soda, I get a belly ache. So, I know getting healthier and losing weight can truly begin with cutting sugar out of your diet. For that reason, I applauded the inclusion of the sugar discussion in Chapter One.
While this book heeded the mandate to treat your body as a temple, ( this is the official book of The Focus on the Family Physician's Resource Council, USA) it was not a book only for the Christian market. No doubt, this book would easily be embraced by the secular market.
This book is a gentle approach to a healthier lifestyle. I appreciated the easy way the author summarized raw food diets, Biblical diets, and paleolithic diets. I do adopt many aspects of raw food diets and Biblical diets. I believe a healthy lifestyle begins with balance. God gives us a sound mind to make the best decisions for our health. I have experienced better health as a result of taking ideas from the different buffets of diets. I enjoyed this book because the author did not ditch any of the three but mentioned highlights and low lights of each, thus allowing the reader an intro into each and the opportunity to become a diet Berean.
I had a few criticisms of this book. I understood this book to be an intro to better health and a great place for someone seeking better nutrition. I felt it would be more beneficial if the book were more substantial in length as I feel having a dictionary of sorts or a manual to pull off a shelf as needed would make this book more necessary. Also, the cover led me to believe I may receive recipes as well, thus causing this book to earn a space in my kitchen bookshelf next to my cookbooks. An additional chapter could have included modern new kitchen gadgets with a sampling of easy recipes for these kitchen gadgets addressed to a Mom or Dad on the go.
This 186 page book may be a one time read just because the reader gleans everything in one read and then does not need to refer to it again. Possibly the author did intend this book to be passed along as opposed to shelved and referenced. I just felt the reader reading it and keeping it might cause the reader to be accountable. For me personally, my most important books become dog-eared and highlighted. I also write in notes, in pen for good measure. Those books worthy of my scribbles remain a long time in my library. They become necessary spokes on my good health wheel. I consider these books to be long-time friends. I had hoped that this book could be more of a nutritional primer that would be passed through the generations.
This book I will happily pass along to a friend who is a busy Mom and a person who needs to start at the ground floor to better health. A "been there and done that" dieter who needs a fresh approach - - my friend will no doubt glean much from Busy Mom's Guide to Family Nutrition.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their
Sunday, March 04, 2012
Downfall by Terri Blackstock
This newly released Intervention Novel by New York Times bestselling author Terri Blackstock kept me glued within the pages of Downfall. I easily was pulled into the fictional lives of Emily Covington, her mother and brother and later Kent. Without being a spoiler, the storyline easily unfolds and I find myself relating to Emily's fleshly struggles, as well as her need for redemption and deliverance from her past.
I enjoyed the quick-paced action and the concise manner in which Ms. Blackstock structures her chapters. The chapters were short, however the short chapters allowed me closure quickly, and a new scene to enter.
There was nothing offensive to me as a Christian, and I appreciated the lessons and the relationships that resulted. I cheered for the underdog and I was sad that some chose sin over success.
One picayune detail I will mention (because I am a book reviewer who reads every chapter in every book I review) which was a bit skewed was on page 262. The scene basically was Emily and her mother running across the road. I quote, "He looked toward the MARTA station and saw her and Emily running across the highway." The problem with this scene was that Emily was on crutches, her leg in a cast and the scene prior was her awkwardly trying to get off the bed and hide under a bed. Possibly she was hobbling with her crutches with her mother helping her across the highway, but I cannot imagine someone on crutches making it alive across a busy highway (yikes.)
If you are like me, and like all the ends tied, and happy endings then this book is your perfect read for spring, summer, winter or fall. Order your copy today. Visit Zondervan.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Shelton Interactive as part of their 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
101 Bible Adventures: The Ultimate Quest for Truth! by Carolyn Larsen
Application is what I believe most lacking in our churches in general. And so, to witness a book for children that included application in each chapter was refreshing, to say the least. I first viewed the Table of Contents for an overall assessment of topics. Old and New Testament selections with the key verse and main Truth presented was listed.
Each chapter listed a What's Up section, the key verse, Scripture mentioned, the story in an easy to understand telling, a cartoon, and a Now What? section. This book featured the New Living Translation version of the Bible.
On a negative note, I would have liked to have seen more visuals in each chapter. The cartoon characters and their commentary was helpful, but for a younger child, I felt more pictures would have been beneficial. Since the cartoons were black and white, having a slightly larger picture for younger children to color would have been a nice touch.
I truly enjoyed reviewing 101 Bible Adventures: The Ultimate Quest for Truth! by Carolyn Larsen. This world needs more of this type of resource to help teach and guide our His children to not only discover the Truth of the Bible but to also be able to allow the Word to apply to their own lives, thus changing the next generation. To God be the glory!!!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com/.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Samaritan's Purse Presents Three Hearts
A joyfest from start to finish! Billy Graham's granddaughter Cissie Graham Lynch was co-host with another woman. Together they led the charge to bring two boys from Mongolia to America for heart surgery (and to share Jesus Christ.) However, both ladies in the spirit of "ask and you shall receive" asked for a third child to have the blessing of having her broken heart healed.
The third child was clearly my favorite! She was a little girl with a huge amount of energy. My favorite scene in the DVD was when she saw running water for the first time. She stood on a little child's stool and just kept splashing water on her face over and over. I will never forget seeing the joy on her face. Childlike innocence is something we all need more of and so to take that in was beyond words!
I was informed that these three mothers according to Buddhist culture, were generally an unemotional group. That was the case when the film first showed the family in Mongolia when they were picking up the children to bring them to America. However, when everyone returned to Mongolia, emotions flew off the screen and could have hit me smack in the face. What changed was not only the physically healed hearts, but the hearts and souls of the mothers and two sons. They accepted Jesus as a result of living with the host families and seeing the host families living their lives for Jesus. I truly did applaud as Jesus was shared not only in Word but in deed as well. That leading by examples speaks volumes and all five of the Mongolians got it. They were not forced into leaving their Buddhist idols and culture, but clearly the Holy Spirit pulled all of their heart strings. A lovefest!
Interesting scenes were Mongolian bowling, Buddhist idols (in what looked like a dollhouse.) Also all the mothers felt their children were "glowing"and happy just before going into surgery. I smiled because I wondered if they realized part of that happiness may have been the anesthesia. But God used a donkey, so we know the peace they had in their children being happy before surgery may have helped them to trust God and the people surrounding them. The Mongolians went to America because they had nowhere else to turn. In the end, their children were healed and they returned to their native land with a newfound faith.
Criticisms I had which were minor. I am not particularly fond of subtitles. I know there was a need for subtitles throughout this film, but I would have appreciated the scenes shot in Mongolia to be a bit slower. I say this because I was intriqued by the culture and the surroundings and I found myself a bit frustrated trying to read all the subtitles and see the people and the background. Being a perfectionist at heart, I could not help but notice there was a fly on the camera lense in the lawnmoving scene. I know that is really being picky, but I was watching the film on my back patio and I started to get up to swat my flat screen (smile.) God's humor is always unexpected!
I cannot speak highly enough about Three Hearts! I have so many friends I plan on lending this annointed surprise. The joy I experienced was inexplicable. Three Hearts is a treasure!
For more information visit http://www.threeheartsmovie.com/
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com
Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.
A Love Story: How God Pursued Me and Found Me by Samantha Ryan Chandler
This title is currently being reviewed. Please check back soon. For a sneak peek please visit Samantha Ryan Chandler's website http://www.samantharyanchandler.com/Samantha_Ryan_Chandler/Home.html
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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