Monday, December 10, 2012

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Book Review: The Love and Respect Experience

The Love & Respect Experience is a devotional book based on the bestseller book Love & Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. Since this book only contains 52 chapters, it can be read one chapter a week for one year. At the end of every chapter it features a Prayer section and an Action section which I liked.

My husband and I read through this devotional book separately and then discussed the material. I must admit after a while it felt like the same topics were being rehashed just from a slightly different angle. But overall I enjoyed the book.

I would like to suggest that if you have never read Love & Respect, you could just skip the book and get the condensed version by reading the devotional.
Book Sneeze provided this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Description

A Devotional Unlike Any Other!

Through his international bestseller, Love & Respect, Emerson Eggerichs has transformed marriages around the world with his biblically based approach to understanding the love that she most desires and the respect that he desperately needs. Now, in this long-awaited new release, Emerson has created an experience for couples that is effective, flexible and life-changing.

To build this couples devotional, Eggerichs has taken the top concerns that surfaced in a survey of thousands of couples and has developed 52 devotionals around the three cycles that are at the heart of Love and Respect:

The Crazy Cycle

The Rewarded Cycle

The Energizing Cycle

Some may ask, “Why 52 devotionals and not 365, like other couples' books I have seen?” The author’s research shows that married couples don’t want to deal with that much material, that often. Therefore, the specific devotionals, which can be done weekly or at any chosen pace, are specifically guided to what couples say they most need. And this is a husband-friendly devotional, written and designed in such a way that the husband can feel comfortable in the entire process.

With this wealth of new material, The Love & Respect Experience will be indispensable to anyone wishing to better their marital relationship.
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Saturday, July 14, 2012

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Book Review: Date your Wife by Justin Buzzard


Net Galley recently provided Date You Wife by Justin Buzzard  for me to review. Since the book is written to men, my husband graciously read and reviewed the book for me. The following is his review.

Date your Wife by Justin Buzzard 

No matter what stage you are at in your marriage this book is written directly to husbands that are interested in improving their marriage. I believe the author does a good job of relating to the problems of married men.  As well as giving the reader plenty of encouragement on how to do something to work on these issues. I appreciate that he even goes as far as showing you a schedule and Ideas on how to effectively and affordably “Date your Wife”. 

Many books bring up marriage problems without any real answers. But I think the author does a good job of bringing in the Word of God to identify marital issues and bring hope for change. I think some of the illustrations and personal stories will also compel you as it did me to understand his message. 

However being that he is a pastor, he mentions that he would drink wine and smoke cigars with his friends. Although his marriage may be good, he might want to consider what kind of example he is giving to others. As a Christian and a pastor myself, whatever we do we must consider what others may do with our example. Paul said 1 Cor 10:23-24 23 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. 24 Let no one seek his own, but each one the other's well-being. NKJV
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Saturday, June 30, 2012

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Book Review: Finding our Way Home

Finding Our Way Home by Charlene Ann Baumbich is a disappointing book. I originally picked this book to review because the story line sounded interesting, and because I like some of the authors who gave it a positive review. However, this book did not live up to my expectations. As I have stated before, when I read a "Christian" book I expect it to at least mention Jesus Christ or at least to be about someone who will meet Jesus Christ or will grow as a Christian based on what Christ did on the cross for us.

Finding Our Way Home was not about trusting Christ but more about how Sasha (one of the main characters) should have listened or trusted in her snow globe (talisman or good luck charm) to lead her. How awful is that in a supposed Christian book? 

Based on how many times the word grace is used, I'd say the author is trying to teach us about grace through Sasha and Evelyn. However, grace apart from Jesus Christ is meaningless, so I think the author has failed in her mission. If just taking a few depression pills and becoming a nicer person is what people consider "grace", then we are heading in a very bad spiritual direction. I have always heard it said, "There will be lots of nice people burning in hell without Jesus Christ as savior!" I cannot recommend this book.


I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
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Tuesday, June 26, 2012

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Book Review: Indelible by Kristen Heitzmann

Indelible by Kristen Heitzmann is not my kind of book. I like my Christian books to be overtly Christian and to have God as an actual part of their day to day lives and not someone looked to as an afterthought.

Also, I thought the book was too dark. Everything seemed so negative and the characters were almost all portrayed as victims. I don't live with my head in the clouds and think everything is perfect in life, but come on it was just too much. I guess I should have realized this from the book cover.

In addition this book is part of a series, so if you haven't read book one you'll have to a lot of characters to keep straight. Most books in a series will just focus on the main characters and a few secondary characters, but not this one. Inedible goes into the thoughts and conflicts of characters from the first book, so if you haven't read the first book you'll really feel like you're missing something.
Book Description

In a clash of light and darkness, can courage prevail?
Rescuing a toddler from the jaws of a mountain lion, Trevor MacDaniel, a high-country outfi tter, sets in motion events he can’t foresee. His act of bravery entwines his life with gifted sculptor Natalie Reeve—and attracts a grim admirer.

Trevor’s need to guard and protect is born of tragedy, prompting his decision to become a search and rescue volunteer. Natalie’s gift of sculpting comes from an unusual disability that seeks release through her creative hands. In each other they see strength and courage as they face an incomprehensible foe.

When a troubled soul views Trevor as archangel and adversary, Redford’s peaceful mountain community is threatened. Together with Police Chief Jonah Westfall, Trevor presses his limits to combat the menace who targets the most helpless and innocent.


I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review
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Monday, June 18, 2012

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Book Review: Like Sweet Potato Pie

I loved Like Sweet Potato Pie by Jennifer






Netgalley provided this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Tuesday, May 29, 2012

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Book Review: Stand By Me

Stand by Me by Neta Jackson was not what I expected based on the publisher's description. Maybe because I recently read Sunrise on the Battery by Beth Hartman which depicted a "real" radical Christian. Kat was more of a baby Christian who desperately needed spiritual grounding. This book shows what happens to people who accept Jesus as Lord and savior, but don't put down any roots or grow as a Christian. What does living green have to do with being saved? You can't help but feel bad for her. I did like how the book showed her questioning and growing - especially when she got a burden for her parents salvation.

Since I haven't ever read any of the Yada Yada books, I wasn't familiar with Avis. The author, Neta Jackson, does a great job showing real life struggles Christians face with their families through the character of Avis. However, Avis was not really likeable. The joy she got from worshiping God and the awful way she treated the college kids just didn't reconcile.

Also, I thought it was a little strange how they kept mentioning a multicultural church, but maybe that's because I was saved in a multicultural church which was never called a multicultural church to begin with and has never felt the need to distinguish between different cultures since we are all under the blood of Jesus Christ. 

Overall I liked the book, but not enough to continue the series.

Publisher's Description

Sometimes the person you most need is the one least like you.

Kathryn Davies is a bright young woman from a prominent Phoenix family. But after making a leap of faith at a Christian music fest, dropping out of med school, and moving to inner city Chicago, her family all but disowns her.

When Kat discovers SouledOut Community Church, she longs to become a part of the multicultural church family. But her tendency to immediately say whatever she's thinking steps on the toes of nearly everyone she meets-especially Avis Douglass.

Avis has a strong faith, is the principal of one of Chicago's highest performing elementary schools, and is a founding member of SouledOut. But the country's economic downturn has thrown both her and her husband's jobs in question. And Avis hasn't heard from her youngest daughter in months-an estrangement that gnaws at her every day. Where is God in this?

Kat's flamboyant zeal for living a "radical" Christian life is a stark contrast to Avis's more reserved faith. But in God's timing, the two women discover they need each other in ways neither of them expected.
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Book Review: Catch of the Day by Jimmy Houston

Net Galley recently provided Catch of the Day by Jimmy Houston for review. Since my husband is an avid fisherman, I asked him to write the review for me.

I have always enjoyed watching Jimmy Houston Outdoors. Ever since I was a teenager, I would search for his program, so I could learn fishing tips and  become a better fisherman. When my wife came across his devotional gift book Catch of the Day, it drew my interest immediately. Now not only can I get great fishing tips, but I can also get helpful spiritual tips for my daily living as well.  Anyone who loves Gods word and catching fish will really find this book a source of help.

It was a good surprise to know that Jimmy Houston is a dedicated Christian. Many religious books today only focus on feel good issues. It is very obvious to me that though he really enjoys fishing, his first priority is his service to God. The world needs people with Godly convictions to challenge their lives.  I can see how this book could minister even to unbelievers. Because of the way he illustrates facts, knowledge, and experiences through fishing, he is able to show people's need to believe and apply the word of God to their lives.

This book would be a terrific addition to anyone who is looking for an inspiring devotional and who enjoys fishing and the outdoors.
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Tuesday, May 8, 2012

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Couch25k

I woke up this morning at 5:25am and decided to start Couch25K...again. I've been thinking about it, but I always get up too late around 6:30am. And in Belize that is too late, lol. Sunrise is around 5:30am and by 7am it's HOT! Another thing that stops me is that I'd rather sit at the computer and plan starting than actually starting. But today I did it! No more excuses. It felt really good! I didn't get tired or anything.

I've done C25K twice before, so I know I can finish. It's just the the motivation to continue running that I need. So here goes!!!! I'll be putting some C25K playlists together and posting them. I hope you'll join me. Here are some links if you want to learn more:
Couch25K
http://www.c25k.com/
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Tuesday, May 1, 2012

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Book Review: Sunrise on the Battery by Beth Hart

Great Book! I thoroughly enjoyed reading Sunrise on the Battery by Beth Hart. The book started slowly, so I'm glad I was reading it in order to write a review, or I might not have kept at it. But it was definitely worth it. The author does a great job building the background story and making it believable. I liked reading the story from all the different characters point of view. My favorite character is Jackson. I love to read books about genuine conversions. His conversion is so similar to the conversions in my church fellowship. I was so happy to read a book that wasn't scared to mention REAL life changes that we must make as born again believers in Christ.

Book Description

Now that she’s arrived at the ultimate address, can Mary Lynn’s view of the harbor – and success – satisfy the deeper longings of her heart?

After decades of carefully working their way up the social ladder, Mary Lynn and Jackson Scoville are living their dream: a life of luxury and ease in the heart of Charleston, South Carolina. Jackson made a small fortune selling low country real estate, so now the couple is determined to provide for their three daughters the life they both longed for as kids.

But lately the long-forgotten God of Mary Lynn’s childhood has been trying to get her attention in ways so unusual that she can no longer deny His presence. When she prays for Jackson to open his heart to God, something radical happens. Jackson has a dramatic conversion that leads to street witnessing, giving away money, and inviting less-than-reputable people into their home.

Starring out into the harbor, Mary Lynn ponders whether or not she is willing to give up her life of luxury to join Jackson in his new-found faith. What would it look like to go “all out” for God…to allow Him to lead their family regardless of the cost? Just when Mary Lynn felt she had all the desires of her heart – she finds herself being called into a much bigger story of true faith and love.

Book Sneeze provided this book in exchange for an honest review.
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Book Review: “The Voice: New Testament” from Thomas Nelson Publishers

The Voice New Testament almost reminds me of the Amplified bible or a teen study bible. I like the format as well as all the extras. This bible version has been criticized by others because it's a paraphrase, but since I like to read from several different translations this bible version works well for me. I wish I could buy some for the new converts in our church, but they don't sell it in Belize. Maybe when I go to the U.S. for conference.
I think it's a good bible to start with as long as you have a King James version or a New King James version to study with as well.

BOOK DESCRIPTION

The Voice™ Bible translation is a faithful dynamic translation of the Scriptures done as a collage of compelling narratives, poetry, song, truth, and wisdom. The Voice calls the reader to step into the whole story of Scripture and experience the joy and wonder of God’s revelation. Created for and by a church in great transition, The Voice uniquely represents collaboration among scholars, pastors, writers, musicians, poets, and other artists, giving great attention to the beauty of the narrative. The heart of The Voice is retelling the story of the Bible in a form as fluid as modern literary works yet remaining painstakingly true to the original manuscripts. This translation promotes the public reading of longer sections of Scripture—followed by thoughtful engagement with the biblical narrative in its richness and fullness and dramatic flow.

This is an updated and revised version of the New Testament edition, now at an even more affordable price.

Features include:
  • Italicized information added to help contemporary readers understand what the original readers would have known intuitively
  • In-text commentary notes include cultural, historical, theological, or devotional thoughts
  • Screenplay format, ideal for public readings and group studies
  • Book introductions
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Friday, April 27, 2012

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Book Review: Becoming Fearless: My Ongoing Journey of Learning to Trust God


I really wanted to like Becoming Fearless: My Ongoing Journey of Learning to Trust God by Michelle Aguilar. Let me just go on the record first and admit I have never watched "The Biggest Loser". However, I don't think that affected my opinion of this book at all.

When I first started reading Becoming Fearless it seemed like a good book, but as I read on I grew confused. The way the book was written caused too much back tracking and trying to keep the events in order. Instead of answering my questions, it just left me wondering - things just didn't seem to fit. For example Michelle stated that she had stopped attending church, praying, and having a relationship with her mother, but then we find her at church with her mother. Also, it seemed to me that Michelle used her family being in ministry to justify her feelings of anger and shame, but we come to find out her parents stepped down from ministry many years before her parents divorced. It would seem pride was more the problem then fear. 

For a book that is supposed to help us become fearless and trust God, it doesn't seem very honest. I would describe it as shallow. It seemed to be more about Michelle finding her "voice" and getting rid of her "co-dependent" tendencies (psychological jargon) than about trusting God.
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Thursday, April 26, 2012

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"Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door" by Josh McDowell and Bob Hostetler

Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door by Josh McDowell and Bob Hostetler is a great book. It covers six major topics, but breaks them down into bite sized pieces. The topics are Myths about God, Myths about Jesus, Myths about the Bible, Myths about the Resurrection, Myths about Religion and Christianity, and Myths about Life and Happiness.
This book is aimed at Christian youth not necessarily unbelievers. I like the way it's set up giving an illustration and then bible verses and questions to help you dig deeper and think. (Brain Food) 


I really liked the Myths about Jesus section! This is a great book to read and discuss with your teenager.

Book Description

“Seven in 10 Protestants ages 18 to 30—both evangelical and mainline—who went to church regularly in high school said they quit attending by age 23, according to the survey by LifeWay Research.” (USA Today) 

Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door gives teens answers that make sense, even for the toughest of questions. Internationally known defender of the faith Josh McDowell and co-author Bob Hostetler offer clarity laced with humor to expose common myths about God, the Bible, religion, and life to show how Christianity stands up to the test of fact and reason. Teens will be better equipped to stick with their faith as they begin to understand why they believe and why it’s important to make a lifetime commitment to Christ and the church.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from BookSneeze. 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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Monday, April 23, 2012

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Solitary by Travis Thrasher

I was recently given "Temptation" by Travis Thrasher to review. Since I have not read the previous two books and my 15 year old daughter has, I asked her to write the review for me. I do plan on reading the whole series, but I have to start with book one. My daughter said I wouldn't understand it without reading books one and two first. So here is her review:


This book was awesome and amazing, but it mostly left me hanging in the end.  If you like books that deal with the occult, mystery, suspense, salvation, Christianity, and making right choices, you will love this series. This book shows how easy it is to be tempted to do the wrong thing and then directed to do the right thing. Overall, it’s a really great book with a powerful ending that will leave you wanting more. I can't wait for book four!
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