Saturday, December 28, 2013

Six Days

Image 1Today, most Bible colleges, seminaries, K-12 Christian schools, and now even parts of the homeschool movement do not accept the first eleven chapters of Genesis as literal history. They try to fit the supposed billions of years into Genesis, and some teach evolution as fact. Our churches are largely following suit.


Ken Ham, international speaker and author on biblical authority, examines how compromise starting in Genesis, particularly in regard to the six days of creation and the earth’s age, have filtered down from the Bible colleges and seminaries to pastors and finally to parents and their children.
This erosive legacy is seen in generations of young people leaving the Church-2/3 of them. Get the facts, discover God’s truth, and help bring a new reformation to the Church by helping to call it back to the authority of God’s Word.

We as Christians must take a stand on the literal Genesis and a young earth, if we don't teach that Genesis is literal history and we have a young earth, many will lose faith in Christianity!

Ken Ham has once again written an excellent book defending creation and the book of Genesis.   He is good at writing apologetics, and this is a warning to churches, leaders in the church, Sunday School teachers and some pastor's that we must not ignore, or wrongly teach the book of Genesis.

I highly recommend this book to all Christians, but think that teachers in the school system and in the church should read this book.


I  received this book free from the publisher . I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”

“this book is published by Master Books, a division of New Leaf Publishing Group.”

David and Goliath, Underdogs, Misfits,and the Art of Battling Giants

David and GoliathFrom the Publisher: We all know that underdogs can win–that’s what the David versus Goliath legend tells us, and we’ve seen it with our own eyes. Or have we? In David and Goliath, Malcolm Gladwell, with his unparalleled ability to grasp connections others miss, uncovers the hidden rules that shape the balance between the weak and the mighty, the powerful and the dispossessed. Gladwell examines the battlefields of Northern Ireland and Vietnam, takes us into the minds of cancer researchers and civil rights leaders, and digs into the dynamics of successful and unsuccessful classrooms–all in an attempt to demonstrate how fundamentally we misunderstand the true meaning of advantages and disadvantages. When is a traumatic childhood a good thing? When does a disability leave someone better off? Do you really want your child to go to the best school he or she can get into? Why are the childhoods of people at the top of one profession after another marked by deprivation and struggle?


We all have giants in our lives, problems and everyday situations that make us want to crawl under a rock and hide; or to run and scream.   But the fact remains, we must face our "giants", but how?

In the Bible, David had faith in God to face his giant, Goliath, and we too must have faith to face our giants.  Mr. Glad well teaches us through examples in his book, how every day ordinary people faced their giants;  may that have been armies, disabilities, sickness, misfortune, or even oppression.   Through these examples we can learn how to gain the faith and strength to deal with our own giants.

I  received this book free from the publisher . I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”





Thursday, December 26, 2013

Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World DVD study Pack

Moving chapter by chapter through Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, Joanna shares fresh insights each week concerning lessons learned from the story of Mary and Martha. Packed with helpful tools for building a relationship with God, the companion study guide gives participants a chance to reflect on what they've read in the book as well as what they've learned in their study of God's Word.

For those who loved the book "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World";  What a great addition!   This is a wonderful study that can be done in a group or alone one on one.  

I truly love how we are shown to have the "Mary" outlook on life, in a world of busyness, and even in serving as Martha was doing, we can become overly busy and forget about the most important one in our life.

This study helps reveal to us how to put that busyness in perspective and how to put Him first.

I enjoyed the book, and now I will use this study pack in a group setting for a women's Bible study.


I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”




I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”

The War on Christmas

Quick Overview
  • Is it a bunch of pagan symbols "Christianized" for the celebration?
  • Why is our concept of Christmas so important for those who don't believe in Jesus?
  • Most may say Christmas is about the birth of Jesus, but are we truly worshiping Him or just celebrating the earthly gifts we give ourselves?
Filled with family get-togethers, office parties, breaks from school, decorating the tree, and more, Christmas is a time of peace and love. So why has so much controversy clouded this sacred holiday? It has become ground zero in an ongoing culture war where Nativity scenes are nixed, Merry Christmas becomes Happy Holidays, and even the word "Christmas" is considered by some as offensive. Find the truth about Christmas and the Christian's response to a culture that seems to be declaring war.

This is a must read book for all Christians.   We have a war on our hands, we must defend the meaning of Christmas.   Christmas is nothing without Christ in it.

This book examines and explains what is happening to our Christian culture and heritage.   This book would be helpful as an evangelical tool to explain why Christmas means so much to us.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”

Desperate Endurance

When endurance rider and divorcee Bethany witnesses a murder at a highway rest area, she’s forced to elude the killers while locating the victim’s son to pass on documents as the victim requested. Told to trust no one, she struggles to create a new persona in order to hide her identity from the killers as she takes on the challenge of finding widower Roger Meadows, the handsome son of the murder victim. She manages to overcome her shyness to become a sassy redhead whose bold personality allows her to meet and intrigue Roger while avoiding those who are hunting her.They learn to trust each other as they delve into the death of his father and work to avoid the killers. It is a desperate ride at the end of the story that provides the information needed to solve the mystery and cement their love. 

This is an interesting novel for those that like mystery, romance and intrigue.

It is a fast read, one that is interesting and keeps your interest.  I'm sure you will like to read about Bethany and all about endurance riding.   

I'd like to note that this in NOT a Christian novel, it does have some language, but not enough to be considered "offensive".   


I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”

Heavenly Signs III U.S. Eagle Falls

"Is it man's doing and God's will that the United States of America is doomed to fall? There are significant historical events that have caused the current conditions in this country. 'The eagle has risen' and 'the eagle falls' echo how far society has come and beg theses questions: Have we been here before? Does history repeat itself? Where is America heading, and is the world following suit? 

This is an interesting book, that deals with the U.S. in the end times.  Mr. Gable has taken issues that are plaguing the U.S. today and relating them to the prophesies in the Bible.    This is a very educational and interesting read.



I received this book free from the publisher . I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”

Related by Chance, Family by Choice





Description:
The caricatures are everywhere, the jokes are inexhaustible, and the stereotypes fill the screens. From Marie Barone (Everyone Loves Raymond) to Viola Fields (Monster-in-Law) to Internet sites and social media pages like ihatemyinlaws.com and a Facebook page for ihatemymotherinlaw there is no shortage of examples of the caustic relationships that can develop between the two women in a man’s life.
Deb DeArmond and her three daughters-in-law have conducted their own exhaustive research into the status of the women-in-law relationship. Their research, which incorporated online surveys, interviews, and discussions, included asking about the faith factor in the relationships they studied. Of the respondents, nearly 90 percent claimed they were Christians, and 79 percent said their faith was foundational and guided their actions and decisions. As discouraging as it may be, the numbers of those they surveyed who reported that their women-in-law relationships were “bad” were nearly identical to those in a survey conducted by a popular secular website that recorded no statistics on faith.
Beyond the statistics and their analysis, Deb brings to this book more than thirty years working with adults to improve communications and deal constructively with conflict. Aside from her research and her professional expertise, perhaps the most important asset Deb brings to this work is her own relationship with her three daughters-in-law that is so obviously and unusually positive that she—and they—are often asked to explain the secret of the relationships they share.
This practical and unapologetically scriptural book covers issues of personal perceptions, strained communication, the roles of sons and fathers in the relationship’s success, how to begin these relationships on the right foot, and the necessity of trust and love. Deb’s one motivating objective is to help women-in-law move from women who are simply related to strong and confident members of a truly spiritual family.


What an amazing book,  it is a book about relationships, and that of specifically of the daughter-in-law, mother-in-law relationship.
I really liked the way the author makes us view the relationship; is it law or love?  If we look at the relationship from the love aspect… that is mother-in-love or daughter-in-love, how much easier would that make the relationship?
This is a wonderful book for young women looking to get married, or in a relationship, to help build her relationship to her spouse’s mother, and good for mother’s to read for help with a relationship with their son’s wife, or girlfriend.
I like the format of the book, at the end of every chapter there is a “tip sheet” and a self-assessment for the reader to go through.   I think that this book can be read alone, or done in a group, or  a mother-in-law to daughter-in-law could go through this together, to bring them closer.
It is written based on scripture, and written according to Titus chapter 2.
Well done!


I received this book free from the publisher  http://www.kregel.com . I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”

Monday, December 23, 2013

Secrets of the Speckled Oak


Publishers synopsis:

Laura Fields is the loving mother of two sons, Alex and Max, one of which has a handicapping condition. Laura relives extraordinarily happy times in her life such as falling in love, marriage, and the births of her two sons. She also reminisces on devastatingly heartbreaking family secrets she has so desperately aimed to protect her young sons from becoming aware. Laura realizes that she must find a way to explain the hardships of her life to her sons, and chooses to write her son Max a letter. Within this heart-centered letter, Laura encloses a special “treasure” for her sons. Max must read further into the letter to understand the “true meaning” of the so-called “treasure.” Laura strives to answer many questions Max has asked over his childhood years. Through Laura's explanation of life's ups and downs to her son, she aims to instill the realization even though life may not turn out exactly how YOU PLANNED, does not mean that it may not turn out even BETTER! With GOD'S AMAZING GRACE, along with the LOVE of a COWBOY by the name of Ryder, all of Laura's prayers and wishes come true for herself but even more importantly for her two hearts, Alex and Max!


The Secrets of the Speckled Oak, is an amazing story.  This was another book that I couldn't put down!  It carries you through the life of Laura Fields, from her teenage years up to the present date.   It is a fictional biography, that brings love, romance, heartache, and most of all God's amazing Grace.

One thing I appreciated about the novel, is at the end of every chapter, the author found an appropriate verse for what had occurred.

I highly recommend this book, it shows love, forgiveness and grace.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Bound to a Promise


  I honestly don’t know where to begin, this is an amazing story that you can not put down.   Ms. Floyd has written her story in such a gripping way.

The story begins with the introduction to her and her family, and the separation and divorce of her parents; and the travels of her father and step mother.  Ms. Floyd has a way of bringing you right into her life as she writes the story of her father and step mother’s travels around the world.

Then the tragic hits, and she writes of her trust in God, and how He moves in her life, and how she uses God’s love and redemption to forgive a man involved with her parent’s murder.

This is an enthralling true life novel, which shows us God’s love, his redemption and how He can work in our lives.   I highly recommend this novel.  When I first read the back,  I thought it would be a ho-hum story, but I was proven wrong!   A definite must read.y don’t know where to begin, this is an amazing story that you can not put down.   Ms. Floyd has written her story in such a gripping way.
The story begins with the introduction to her and her family, and the separation and divorce of her parents; and the travels of her father and step mother.  Ms. Floyd has a way of bringing you right into her life as she writes the story of her father and step mother’s travels around the world.

Then the tragic hits, and she writes of her trust in God, and how He moves in her life, and how she uses God’s love and redemption to forgive a man involved with her parent’s murder.
This is an enthralling true life novel, which shows us God’s love, his redemption and how He can work in our lives.   I highly recommend this novel.  When I first read the back,  I thought it would be a ho-hum story, but I was proven wrong!   A definite must read.


I received this book free from The B&B Media Group . I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”



Q & A with Bonnie Floyd

Q: You chose the title Bound to a Promise. Tell us about the promise that became the focal point of your story.

A: After I became a Christian and married my wonderful husband, Donnie, we seized every opportunity to share our faith with my parents. The thought of them spending eternity separated from God was too much for me to bear. Over the years, they became more open to hearing the gospel. For example, my mom kept a daily scripture calendar I sent her in the kitchen where she worked as a chef and read the verse to my dad every day. She even mentioned praying for us. My Dad was supportive, but many of our conversations ended with his saying, “Honey, it has obviously made a positive change in your life, but I’m doing just fine the way I am.” In one of my final conversations with my parents, they told the story of a friend who had nearly drowned after falling overboard in a storm. I decided to seize the opportunity and said, “Dad, just promise me one thing—if you and Mom ever get into a position where you fear for your life, you will call on the name of Jesus.”

Surprisingly, without any hesitation, he looked me right in the eye and said, “I promise you, if I ever get into a position where I fear for my life, I will call on the name of Jesus, but I have never been, nor will I ever be, in a position where I am not in total control.” I knew my dad so well, and while to some people that statement would have sounded arrogant, I knew there was a lot of truth in his assertion. What Dad didn’t acknowledge, which many people don’t, is the fact that a day is coming in every person’s life that he cannot control. On that day he will need a savior. And Romans 10:13 is comforting because it says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

In a way, there were two promises at the heart of the book. One was my father’s promise that he would call on Jesus if he was afraid for his life. The other is God’s promise that he will save everyone who calls on his name.

Q: You were originally told by the U.S. Embassy that your parents were shot in their sleep. Later, you discovered that, in reality, they had been bound and gagged before they were killed. How did you react to that news?

A: I knew Paul, the man who called from the U.S. Embassy, was prepared for another cry of anguish. However, what he got from me was not at all what he expected. While staying on my knees in a position of worship, I said, “I know for most people, the fact that they [my parents] were bound and gagged would be a torturous thought, but for me, it isn’t. It is the answer I have been crying out to God for. Paul, I’m a Christian, and just six months ago my dad promised me that if he and Mom were ever to get into a position where they feared for their lives, they would call on the name of Jesus. What you first told me left them no time to keep that promise; what you’re telling me now does.”


Painting the Stars


Painting the Stars: Science, Religion and an Evolving FaithI  watched this video, and it is put out by those that are putting animals equal to humans, ones who are very liberal and “green”.
There is no mention of Jesus, scripture, or that we are created in God’s image, and that God gave us dominion over the animals and the land.   It is not God they are portraying,  it has nothing to do with Christianity, but more with mysticism.

I honestly disagree with everything that is said in this video and cannot endorse it or give it a good rating.    The best place for this video is in my garbage can.

I received this video free from the publisher . I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”



Thursday, December 19, 2013

Despite Doubt

Many Christians struggle with the concept of walking by faith, especially in a world that says faith is all about taking risks, leaping into uncharted territory and expecting everything to be okay. In Despite Doubt, Michael E. Wittmer reexamines this popular viewpoint and encourages you to get a clear understanding of your assurance in God and salvation. You will examine the flipside of doubt that opens the door to questions, answers, and knowledge about securing your trust in God. Helping you to discover how to embrace a confident faith, Despite Doubt includes questions for reflection and discussion and is a perfect resource for small group study.

Michael Wittmer has written a great tool for Christians to use.  Most of us have difficulty with walking by faith, it isn't something that comes easy.   Mr. Wittmer, helps us to put one foot in front of the other and walk in faith.  He teaches us some basic steps in overcoming doubt.

This would be great to be used for personal study, but also in a group setting.  There is a section in the back of the book with some discussion questions, based on each chapter.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”

Return to Me

After years of watching his children and grandchildren wander from their faith, Iddo's prayers are answered: King Cyrus is allowing God's chosen people to return to Jerusalem. Jubilant, he joyfully prepares for their departure, only to learn that his family, grown comfortable in the pagan culture of Babylon, wants to remain.
Zechariah, Iddo's oldest grandson, feels torn between his grandfather's ancient beliefs and the comfort and success his father enjoys in Babylon. But he soon begins to hear the voice of God, encouraging him to return to the land given to his forefathers.

This is a great novel!   What a wonderful way to read about the journey into the Promised Land.  Written in a fictional manner, the author has done a great job at bringing the journey into the Promised Land, into new light.

Starting with an introduction with Daniel, and the fall of Babylon.  The novel then takes us on the journey to the Promised Land.   This novel is well written, easy to follow, and relaxing to read.  

Like the title says return to me... That is all that God wants from us, and this novel is one way to show us how we can put our past behind us and look to Him.

A novel written to show God's promises, and how He is good to those that follow Him.


I received this book free from the publisher . I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”

The Symbiotic Section

The edgy streets of Chicago provide the backdrop for a riveting tale that seamlessly blends danger and passion with the high-powered corporate world and the seedier side of the city. Fiercely independent and ultra-sophisticated Michelle Pierson has made a name for herself as a highly successful entrepreneur. Still gorgeous and in her early thirties, she has achieved it all, but at what cost? Realizing that she is now at a crossroads in her life, she tries to cope with lingering feelings she still has for her sexy ex-husband, Michael Dickerson, head of the largest advertising agency in the city. He has never been able to handle her rising star, and Michelle soon discovers that his head is elsewhere as he negotiates the largest deal of his life while trying to bed every available female in his path. When Travis, the biracial son she once abandoned, experiences an unfortunate turn of events, Michelle is forced to take matters into her own hands to find out who or what is actually responsible. The situation escalates as she weaves through a tangle of betrayal and deceit. The trail leads to someone she knows, someone consumed by revenge. Her quest to uncover the truth takes her to the underbelly of the city, the Symbiotic Section, where she is forced to face a worthy adversary in a final showdown that not only threatens the very foundation of her family but will change her life forever. Will Michelle finally be able to secure a future filled with the promise of love, despite the ever-present danger she has willingly placed herself in for her son’s sake? Find out in The Symbiotic Section, a story of greed, corruption, truth, and sensuality.

Before I begin, I must say that this is NOT a Christian novel.   I read the first three chapters and had to stop.  There is language, and moral issues that I had problems with.   Ms. Brotz is a good writer, but I could not read the rest of the book.  The story line is great, with a good subject, topic and characters.

I received this book free from the Author . I was not required to write a positive review and 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, December 17, 2013

Rest Not In Peace

Master Hugh, surgeon and bailiff, is asked to provide a sleeping potion for Sir Henry Burley, a friend and guest of Lord Gilbert at Bampton Castle. Sir Henry--with his current wife, a daughter by a first wife, two knights, two squires, and assorted servants--has outstayed his welcome at Bampton.

The next morning, Sir Henry is found dead, eyes open, in his bed. Master Hugh, despite shrill accusations from the grieving widow, is asked by Lord Gilbert to determine the cause of death . . . which had nothing to do with the potion.


This is an amusing tale as they search for the one who has murdered Sir Henry.   Who would it be?  The wife, or the daughter or one of his many knights, squires or his servants.  


This is a well written, British novel that is written in the period of 1300’s.  The language does take some getting used to, but is very amusing to read.  I did appreciate the glossary in the beginning of the book, to help define what some of the new words were.

I received this book free from the publisher  http://www.kregel.com . I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”





Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Stains on the Gavel

The nightmare began in July of 2009. 

Mark Casey was arrested for crimes he did not commit. Now the battle begins between Mark and the good ‘ol boys of Kentucky. 

The odyssey that began for the main character in Pinned – A Kentucky True Crime, continues in Stains on the Gavel. This is book two of the ’Blue Grass’ Series, and details what some might call, Kentucky Injustice.

Mark’s highly paid lawyer thinks he is innocent. So do all his friends and family. Even the people in the community of Burkesville, Kentucky, with whom he has had dealings while frequenting some of the local establishments agree that what has happened to Mark sounds like a setup.

The lawyer for Mark’s defense has a track record of winning big lawsuits. This particular case is a big deal for a little rural town, where nothing much ever happens. 

The Prosecution has virtually no evidence against Mark and the case is built on speculation. And it's looking like an acquittal is the logical outcome.

But remember, this is southern Kentucky, where the rules are sometimes made up on the fly, and money as always, carries a lot of weight. Our character is about to find that even in the bible-belt, not everybody lives by the Golden Rule, and sometimes personal gain can outweigh the obvious call for justice. 

Stains on the Gavel starts up on the day of Mark’s jury trial and sequentially details the actions and reactions of the characters involved. This true story is rife with backroom deals and corruption by public officials, whose only agenda is their own personal gain.

Mr. Massie has done a great job in his writing, the novel is an easy and Massie keeps his audience captivated.  One thing for certain, this is NOT a Christian novel, but a good read none the less.  It contains foul language and situations I think are immoral to the Christian lifestyle.  

I think too, that the reader should come away with is, not to search on Craigs list for a life partner, that is something one must give to God, and let Him be in control.

I like that Mr. Massie has given a summary of the previous book in the forward, so that you can get an idea of where you are in the second book.  

 I received this book free from the Author . I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”