The Confirmation, Ralph Reed

I received this book from B&H Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Let me begin first by saying that this author is a talented writer.

It was the first political thriller I have ever read. Although, it is true-to-life in many, if not all, aspects it was not an easy read to me. Within the first few pages the reader is introduced to a plethora of complex characters each with lengthy, tangled histories. I found myself having to turn back to previous pages to keep track of who was married to whom, who was having an affair, who broke up with who - what woman was a wife, hooker, intern, secretary, lover of so-and-so, daughter, mistress or girlfriend - and how they were all connected. Too much for me!

I worked in the political arena for a brief time and found the real-life experience nauseating and disgusting. In fact I felt dirty and dishonorable by even being in the same room as some of the senators, representatives, gubernatorial candidates, lawyers and judges. This is where I saw first hand some of the filthiest life-styles, dirtiest language and most silent christians! I hated counting money of contributors knowing some of it came at the cost of moral compromise or some promise of legislation. Leaving this arena in fact was like being liberated from a prison camp.

The characters and plots are very well developed and thought out, in fact it is like an intricate spider's web. If you don't believe in the butterfly effect before reading this book you will after. I applaud Ralph Reed for his work on this book. He was honest in his depiction of life and the truth of politics and religion. It is amazing to me how in real life and in fiction that politicians can justify the breaking (as they call it "bending", "side-stepping" or finding the "loop-hole" - all of which are dishonest) God's laws and the law of the land that they are called to uphold and protect for political, party or personal gain.

This book will most certainly keep the politically minded reader on their toes as they follow the plot and sub-plots to climax. You will love some characters while hating others and you will most certainly be in a frenzied state of wanting to find out how all this mess works out. This book has it all: war, terrorism, political and social unrest, political mis-steps, sex-scandals and cover-ups. The reader will be entertained.

Personally a good christian novel causes me to look at myself and evaluate my own actions or causes me to recognize the goodness of God. Though this did have an interesting preacher and did have a theme of God laced in it - it was overshadowed by the filth of the political arena. This just really made my stomach knot up - I was so sick of sex-scandals and the ensuing cover-up attempts and pay-off attempts that I really could have vomited. I can't stand having this shoved down my throat my newscasters in real life and don't want to read about such filth in a book. I realize it goes on - but it ought to be given less recognition unless it is to state what an abomination this is to God's sovereign law and the covenant of marriage.

Again this was received as a review copy from B&H Publishing in exchange for this honest though not positive review.

100 Bible Verses everyone should know by heart, Robert J Morgan

In the preface to this book the author challenges the read to think of scripture memorization as "...a shopping spree for the mind, a chance to collect and store up treasures you'll enjoy for years." I love this statement as it is the truth of what is happening when we memorize God's word - it is truly life to the bones and a light unto the feet. Everyday we record and store up useless, vain information and sometimes even toxic information in the form of facts and statistic - sometimes without even realizing it. These things become embedded in our subconscious and thereby influence our thought process, our moods, our decision making and our reactions to the circumstances of our life. This book offers readers the opportunity to fill their mind with the truth.

The first chapters are very interesting. Pastor & author Robert J. Morgan gives readers the tools and confidence to effectively memorize scripture. He also shows through some very powerful stories the undeniable benefits of scripture memorization.

I really enjoy the fact that every verse is broken down into a type of devotional. It is explained so that the application of the verse and context of the verse is understood. This makes the verse easier to memorize because it becomes personal and applicable to the reader's life.

I found some of the facts very interesting - such as the fact that the bible in fact was written in such a way so as to encourage memorization. Deuteronomy 6 tells us to study scripture, post it on our doorpost and teach it to our children. In biblical times with the absence of the written word it was the task of parents to embed scripture into the very hearts of their children. Jewish children would memorize whole chapters and portions of books. Why then if this was an acceptable and attainable goal have we set our standards so low as to memorize only portions of scripture? It most certainly convicted me to be more diligent in the assignment of scripture to my children and myself - even audacious in it.

This is an excellent personal resource. Though I would go as far to say it ought to be a part of home school curriculum and would be even a useful tool for Sunday School teachers, youth workers, or children's workers.

Thank you B&H for this review copy.

Havah, Tosca Lee

This is certainly one the most imaginative and thought-provoking novels I have read to date. Tosca Lee accomplished an amazing feat in writing a novel from Eve's perspective that is still in line with the scriptural telling of the story of creation, fall, and the life after. If you have ever wondered how must have felt, what her life was like - you'd enjoy this book.

"Wake!" with this simple command the novel opens its doors to an amazing adventure, an invitation into Eve's life. An invitation to the beginning - life in the garden, a new relationship untarnished with sin (the wondrous state of marriage unsullied by the filth of the sinful world - in its most beautiful natural state), the fresh and inhibited relationship of God (called the ONE) and mankind - in it's perfect state. The richness of descriptive elements makes this story bound off the pages in full color in your minds imaginative eye.

I had never really taken time to contemplate the pureness of life before sin - how wondrous this must have been. A time of perfect, untarnished union with the Lord. A marriage free of temptation, shame, feelings of inadequacy or guilt - just sheer pleasure in knowing each other completely - neither person having anything to hide, withhold or fear.

Nor had I ever thought about the fact that God's most beautiful angel Satan (the angel of music and beauty) was possibly there deceiving Eve one encounter at a time, slowly leading her to the taking of that which was forbidden. That she was enchanted by his beauty and slick tongue, that she was led astray by his 98% truth and 1% lie. But then how true is that of us - one little fox ruins the entire vineyard. My heart cried out at the recounting of the fall - how Eve states, "I ate. I, who had come second went first. I, who had followed in the steps of every living thing before me, walked ahead. Perhaps my hands trembled as I held it out. Perhaps I already knew. Either way, I ate then gave it to him. He ate." WOW! My breath caught in my throat as I read it written in such a way. Never had I allowed myself to actually imagine this portion of scripture to allow the impact of the action to come to rest fully on my consciences in such a shocking heavy way. In that one moment creation became dull with the entrance of sin - things changed forever.

The remainder of the novel follows the life of Eve outside of the garden in what she calls the "slow death". For the first time all life around her, all creation was in the process of dying. Even now this is what we see - and her heart longed to find a way back to the beginning to a time where there was no word for death or pain. To a time when all creation existed together in perfect harmony a constant beautiful song raised to the Father of it all - and a daily communion with Him whose hands created it all. A relationship with God that was not a struggle to maintain - no enemy to fight - surrounded by peace and beauty unexplainable. This life outside Eden is one of firsts of all kinds - some good, some bad. Again, Tosca Lee's brilliant use of descriptive words and images wakens the reader's imagination, stirs the soul, pricks the heart - awakening that awareness deep in ones self that there is something better, something we are missing, something lost that must be restored. It is as if the reader is there in the midst of it all, experiencing the deep emotions of joy and anguish.

This is an excellent book for adults. I would not recommend it to youth because of some of the graphic details.

Thank you B&H for this review copy.

Church + Home, Mark Holmen

If you are familiar at all with Mark Holmen you will love this book. I think it should be in the hand of every Pastor, Sunday School teacher, children's worker and youth worker. Mark Holmen addresses the crisis facing our families - the area that the enemy has effectively attacked and rendered paralyzed: Spiritual training at home.

Through all his resources Mark Holmen's goal remains the same: encourage and equip parents to live out a vibrant and active faith at home. In this book he endeavors to encourage the church in "training" up spiritual champion parents. To help the church work with and teach parents how to make their homes the primary source of faith and nurture in the Lord.

The tools presented in this book are effective and practical and most of all they are biblical based. After reading this book the church will want to invest in his other Faith@Home resources.

This book is short enough to read in one or two settings. Though I found that it is one worth revisiting. My copy is marked up and has many bookmarks for good ideas and useful things - as well as areas I need to work on.

I have his other material and must say all of it works well together. Mark Holmen truly has a heart for the family.

Thank you Regal for this review copy.

10 Building Blocks for a Solid Home, Jim Burns

I am familiar with Jim Burns' youth ministry resources, bible studies and curriculum. This book is no less impressive. I began reading it on Thursday and finished the next day. In this book he shares 10 key areas that parents need to look at and make adjustments so as to make a warm and secure home environment for their children. The goal of the book is to encourage parents to make the investment early in their children's lives so that later relationships are easy to maintain and enjoyable.

I would recommend this book to all of my friends. I really liked the fact that the book is filled with scriptures as well as research and information from other authors such as Gary Smalley and other relationship "experts". The overall theme is to seek the kingdom of God first - making God a priority in your family, the center, and the focus.

The issues addressed are (1) The power of being there: not only physically but emotionally. This ends with a list for creative and practical ways to spend quality time with your child. (2) Parenting with AWE (Affection, Warmth, Encouragement). In this chapter Jim Burns makes the statement that "Every child needs someone who is irrationally positive about them" (page 30). (3) Build Healthy Morals and Values. This chapter was filled with such interesting statistics about the things kids faced - it was truly eye-opening. (4) Discipline with Consistency. This does not mean consistently swing a paddle either. It means showing your child what consequences are. This chapter encourages parents to "make a combine effort to figure out {their} discipline strategy then stick to it" (p. 71). He points out to parents that "Quality parenting is the most important legacy you will leave to this world..." (p.70). (5) Ruthlessly Eliminate Stress. Talk about convicting this is it. (6) Communication is Key. This is the chapter where he addresses some of the 5 love languages and the benefits to using them. (7) Play. This chapter was one of my favorites. It addresses the importance of play among the entire family stating that "families need a little fun to break the tension and stress of living together under the same roof" (p120). He also states that "play opens closed spirits and heals broken marriages" (p 122) - I could not agree with this more. In play all walls come down and joy overflows - what a wondrous place to be. (8) Love your spouse. Don't overlook this chapter. It is excellent. So many times the marriage relationship is neglected after children enter the scene. We must invest in this relationship for the sake of the union and for the sake of the children. Leonard Sweet, author of Learn to Dance the Soul Salsa was quoted as saying, "One of the best gifts parents can bequeath to children is the example of two people in love bound together in a vibrant covenant relationship." (9)Financial stewardship. This was excellent. I love the ideas of how to teach this to children and how to proactively live it out in front of your children. I love the quote in this chapter that states, "When it comes to money, small things are small things, but faithfulness in small things is a big thing". (10) Spiritual Growth. This chapter focuses on the fact that we must teach our children the discipline of bible study and prayer.

Each chapter concludes with discussion questions that are excellent. One must truly evaluate ones self. This would be an excellent book for a couple to work on together and to even do within a couples small group as a study. Parenting is teamwork, taking both the husband and wife. There is truth in the fact the old saying "it takes a village to raise a child". This book encourages finding other couples that share your values and goals and to meet and pray with on a regular basis. This will give you others that will offer support and ideas on parenting.

Excellent book. Thank you Regal Publishing for this review copy.

Going Public, David & Kelli Pritchard

This is an exciting book for parents who are sending their children into the public school system. I read it in one session and really enjoyed it.

Prepare your child for the mission field of public schools. Equip them with the word of God and give the the tools necessary to thrive.

Not everyone has the option or feel compelled to home school. Not every one can afford a private school. However, that doesn't mean all is lost - or that you have no control of the education of your child. This one of a kind book, written by parents of a large family, encourages parents by giving practical ways to prepare your child for public school. The Pritchard's give parents three valuable lessons to instill in their children: (1) love God with all that they are; (2) Obey their parents completely; (3) self-control. Parents will learn what the bible says about education and their roll in the education process.

Although I homeschool our four children I found this book to be interesting. The principles taught are not only applicable for public educated children but for all children. Whether home schooled, private schooled or public schooled all children need to be trained and nurtured in Christ. The will be better prepared for life and confident in whom they believe in.

Excellent resource for any parent. After all, we all must "go public" at sometime, facing issues in the "real world" where the enemy lurks.

Thank you Regal Publishing for this review copy.

Focus on the Family Marriage Series - bible studies

The Focus on the Family Marriage Series is a great way to begin a ministry to married couples or to strengthen your own marriage through bible studies. The seven four-week bible studies cover the "hot" topics of marriage addressing head on the thoughts of todays culture in contrast to the truths of the God's word. Each weekly session is designed to take about 45 minutes. The weekly study is divided into four comprehensive areas: (1)Tilling the Ground: an introduction to the topic with commentary and discussion questions to help you focus clearly on the main idea; (2)Planting the seed:the bible study portion where the participant reads scripture related to the topics then answer questions designed to help the individual to internalize the scripture and apply it to their lives, (3) Watering the Hope: a time for discussion and prayer; (4) Harvesting the Fruit: This part offers suggestions of how to put what has been learned into action - this section is very neat. The challenge is to live out what has been learned.

Each session can be divided up among the week or worked in a single session. For personal study with your spouse it may benefit to break the study into the four sessions for four days using the last 3 days to put into action what was learned. I really like the fact that this study can easily be used at home by a couple or as a couple's small group study. The fact that each study last only 4 weeks and does not require extra material such as DVDs makes it less intimidating than other studies on the market. The other benefit is that this kit is very affordable considering the amount of studies it contains. Although, there is the option to buy the studies individually.

I especially like the format of each session. I found the questions to be thought provoking and sometimes convicting. A person is required to look at themselves in light of God's word. The studies are designed to encourage individual growth and growth as a couple - bringing about a stronger, Christ-centered, confident union.

These studies offer a wonderful opportunity to spend time with your spouse discovering God's design for marriage and becoming more emotionally and spiritually connected with one another.

Thank you Regal Publishing for this kit in exchange for an honest review.

Modern Parents, Vintage Values: Melissa Trevathan & Sissy Goff

These two ladies have done it again. This is an eye-opening book filled with interesting facts and statistics about children and todays society. They clearly expose areas that christian parents have been too permissive in and thereby have allowed satan a foothold in the family.

Melisasa and Sissy are counselors of youth through the Daystar Counseling Ministry. Their combined experience in working with children and youth make them extremely qualified to write this book.

If you are a parent seeking a book that will give you biblical solutions to daily situations of parenthood this is it. This book will encourage, empower and equip parents.

It is an easy, comfortable, and enjoyable read..much like a visit with girlfriends.

Thank you B&H Publishing for this review copy.

The Mom Factor, Dr. Henry Cloud and John Townsen

This book digs deeply into the profound and lasting effects of the mothering a person receives in his/her life. It reveals the connections of present behaviors in individuals lives that are directly linked to the type of mothering they had. I have always believed that the season of motherhood is sacred and that the task should be approached with much prayer. I think that most of us want to mother a little differently than our mother's mothered us. Coming from a dysfunctional family to say the least and having a difficult and at sometimes volatile relationship with my own mother I was extremely curious about this book. I can most certainly see areas in my mothering style that are copies of my own mother - as this was my main example growing up. However, I can also see the effects of the "mothering" I received by others as well that have rounded off some of the bad.

The authors breakdown six mothering types: (1) the Controlling Mom, (2) The Phantom Mom, (3) The Still-The-Boss Mom, (4) The China Doll Mom, (5) The Trophy Mom, and (6) The American Express Mom. They first address each mom through real-life examples of these mothering types and what effects are seen in adult children of this style. They talk about the common characteristics displayed by each mothering style and the resulting character of the children. This is very interesting - in deed! After this there is another section for each style that is solely dedicated to overcoming the negative and reconciling it all to Christ to make a positive future. It also gives hope to those of us who have followed bad examples that though we've made mistakes in mothering and other relationships due to our example that we can make changes.

This is not a mom bashing book - giving adults a cop out for bad parenting and relational skills. In fact it is more about becoming responsible for our own actions, owning our mistakes and then making the conscience choice to become better through Christ.

While you may pick this up in hopes of correcting or understanding the relationship you have with your own mother beware that you may find yourself in this book too.
At times I found myself very convicted but at the same time encouraged that I can change these things that are negative while my children are still young.

A very informative and useful book. An excellent resource for parents and pastors. This may help in understanding all relationships in your life - may even help you understand that difficult person you know, live with, or work with.

Thank you Zondervan for this review copy.

The Life Book

This is a new movement to get bibles into the hands of highschool students accross our nation. I was shocked to learn, after visiting with a representative, that only 4-6% of high school students are bible believers!

This book is an excellent opportunity to get the gospel message out to these students. The beginning of the book is a short retelling of the Old Testement of the bible - pointing out the need for the savior and that all have sinned. This is followed with the entire book of John.

What makes this so neat is that the entire book has comments of other high school students. This makes it very interesting, especially for the student reading it.

After the book of John the salvation plan is presented.

This is a movement supported by the Gideon's International. Our youth group will be participating in a saturation week the beginning of the year. This is a one week mission where the students take The Life Book into their schools and distribute them to other students.

I strongly recommend that youth groups become involved - take a stand for the man who took a stand for you 2000 years ago!

Don't Waste the Pain, David Lyons & Linda Lyons-Richardson

Strap in for a emotional and spiritual ride as you are invited into the personal journeys of pain and discovery of a brother and sister and their respective families.

This book arrived on my doorstep 7 days after burying my youngest son, Caleb Levi born at 4 months. It truly was a poignant, heart-rending book. At times I felt as though a vice-clamp was around my heart and I could not breathe as I recognized the raw emotions of the pain they felt and the peace that followed at crying out to Christ. I can certainly relate to the heartbreaking prayers of a mother and the soul shattering ache when I lost my son. Though spiritual sight supersedes physical and offers a more beautiful picture - letting go of a child after endless prayers for a miracle is a terrible lonely pain. How wonderful to know that God is in control and though the physical hurts - there is peace in knowing where our loved ones go and beauty in the knowledge of the presence of grace in our lives. I barely could read the letter that they read upon having to meet with physicians about removing life-support as it so closely resembled one of my last prayers for Caleb - "Father he was yours from the beginning of time, never mine, I surrender my life to your plan, and his life to you. You are the sustainer - the one who gives and takes away - I only ask Lord that you strengthen me, comfort me, and whisper words of love to me because I know Lord if he goes to be with you that my heart will shatter and my soul will ache, and my arms will long to hold him - Prepare me for your will, Lord that you may be glorified..."

I can not begin to imagine the struggle of Linda, but I appreciate the openness and rawness of her emotions. She holds nothing back from the reader as she generously opens her personal journals. The reader is invited into the war zone - to see first hand the battle of truth and the enemy as she struggles to stay focused on Christ and His provision and divine purpose for her life. This battle is truly a battle each christian must face though the attack of the enemy is very different for each of and each of us has a different battle field: for some it is health, others family or financial, but the battle is the same. A battle for what we will hold as truth -will we allow our suffering to strengthen our faith and make our lives more beautiful through the storm or will we surrender the victory and accept defeat in the form of depression, loss, despair, and desperation of lost hope.

This book shows in clearness that God refines us into something more beautiful so that emerging from the storm, walking in the shadow of death, or climbing/descending a treacherous rocky mountainside we can give glory to the one who gives and takes away, who sustains us, and who says "Do Not Fear for I am able to deliver you, and to show you things that you have not known."

If you know someone going through a trial, or someone emerging from a storm, someone in great suffering of heart this is an excellent book of the affirmation of God's grace and mercy toward his children.

Thank you, David and Linda for allowing us to see God's work in your lives.

Thank you NavPress for this review copy.

Flight Plan, Lee Burns & Braxton Brady

This is an exciting book!!! I wish they had one in print that made becoming a woman of God as exciting sounding - more of a battle or mission than matrimony and motherhood. Although, being a woman is a good thing - and I am blessed every moment by the above mentioned things.

This book addresses the journey from boyhood to manhood through the eyes of being a pilot on a mission. Reading it my imagination was awakened and I longed for this adventure. Truly it caters to that very need of adventure, battle and purpose that each young boy is hardwired with from the beginning.

Each chapter is opened with a quote from a movie, famous or influential person. This sets the mode for the ensuing chapter. Each stage of life is addressed as a great adventurous mission to be undertaken with God as the Pilot. It clearly sets out a plan or directive that gives purpose and a goal to be met. It has interesting points marked by what look different shaped award patches.

Also every chapter offers a true story of a pilot or other person on a mission and what made this mission a success. One of my favorite was the introduction for parents: The story of the B-17 Flying Fortress "Memphis Belle" who returned from one mission "bullet-ridden.../" and "...her tail nearly shot off..." isn't this an accurate picture of parenthood - don't we feel some days like we have been in the battle for our lives as we fall into bed "bullet-ridden" and exhausted - and somehow God repairs us through our prayers and study of His word so that we are able to go to battle one more time??

At the end of each chapter there are questions for reflection and discussion. These would be wonderful conversation starters for a son and dad...who better to be on mission with than your own father? These questions give the boys a time to apply all that was taught in the preceding chapters and to examine their hearts and see where they need more "training" or preparation.

I really, really loved this book. After reading it I found myself with a renewed excitement about being blessed enough to have boys that will begin this journey. Though it is scary and intimidating, as all military missions are; and though the enemy sets at the door waiting for the chance to ambush - this is a mission that must be taken. And scripture clearly says with Him our boys are more than conquerors. With a clear flight plan, a clearly stated directive, a goal in their hearts eye, and adequate training our boys will become battle ready.

GO Boys!! I am your biggest cheerleader - defend that which God has set out for you. Steady your hearts, prepare for battle, dive into this mission of becoming Godly men with passion and fervor - determined to reach your goal and to forfeit nothing to the enemy, refuse to be taken captive by his lies, held in bondage by him!! Go forth with the Lord - You are our next leaders. You are the hero's of the next generation! Young ladies need you to take up this mission and defend their hearts, stand strong for their God-given roles - They need you to be the Godly men He intended you to be - to possess your rightful authority and to use it in accordance to His word and will!

Thank you B&B Communications for this review copy in exchange for an honest review.

I recommend this to youth workers of young men for use as small group study, for a small group study with fathers and boys (what better excuse to have father/son hunting, fishing, tenting, outdoor adventure trips!), and most of all for personal study with your son, grandson, or young boy that you mentor.

GO FOR IT MEN - TRAIN OUR BOYS FOR THE MISSION - PREPARE THEM FOR THE BATTLE - LEAD THEM INTO MANHOOD!

**** Be sure to visit the website for more tips and information, to see the author's blogs, and to sign up for a e-newsletter!! Don't miss out! *****

Rock-Solid Kids, Larry Fowler

If you are familiar with the AWANA program you may be familar with Larry Fowler, the executive director of program and training. He has other books written on ways to educate and equip parents to apply spiritual truth at home. This book takes the problem of lack of spiritual training head on. He addresses it with out apololgy and exposes the problems of both the church and the individual home. The main focus being that parents have abdicated their God-given responsibility of spirtitual training to the church and the church has stepped in with open arms to take this responsibility. Larry shows the danger in this is that it is against the scriptural basis of training children up in Lord. He goes on to show that the church should work with parents to educate and empower them through the scripture to reinforce what is learned in church and to encorporate spiritual training at home.

I really enjoyed this book and think it would be an excellent resource for all workers and leaders in the church. I think this issue needs to be addressed and the battle waged to save the foundation of families. Our families are worth fighting for and those that are specialized (or chosen of God - placed in those ranks) need to be equiped for the battle. Our battle is for the eternal desitiny of young children. Parents and church need to work together for the good of children. Parents need again to take the forfront and lead the battle with the church acting as the support system and encourager.

Larry Fowler raises excellent arguments and even more excellent solutions based on scripture. He shows parents and churches through application how to work together to accomplish the common goal.

A must have resource for parents and church workers.

Thank you Regal for this review copy.

START! The Bible for New Believers

This NKJV bible is excellent for the new believer. I think that it would be a great investment for churches who present a bible to new converts at baptism. I am very glad to have it on my shelf as an additional study bible and resource for myself and my children.

The bible comes in paperback (the least expensive binding), hardcover, and leather/imitation leather. This makes the bible very affordable for just about anyone.

I really enjoyed the commentary that was included. Especially how there were sections labeled Grow which show the displines of christian living shown in verses. Also there is a box labeled Live, these highlighted verses that showed the different aspects of salvation. Another was Learn: this would highlight certain passages that deal with an individuals spiritual growth.

A new christian is no longer left in the dark as how to study the bible. There is finally one to place in their hands that will signifigantly help them as they begin this journey of christianity. They will not be left to wonder what certain verses mean or how they apply to their lives. The Grow, Know, Live and Learn message boxes bring out the relavence of scripture so that individuals move past a head knowledge to a heart knowledge and a love for Christ that helps them grow in a personal relationship.

A radically wonderful, life altering, start for any new believer. I highly recomend it for any new believer in your life - it would be an excellent gift!

Rooms, James L. Rubart

This books is by far a better read than The Shack. I just recieved it and am utterly surprised that it is not already as well known. The message of freedom in Christ is a resounding theme on every page.
It exposes the biblical truth that the enemy truly seeks to steal, kill, and destroy and one way he does this is through deception and lies. More than once it is brought out by different characters that truth mixed with a lie is still a lie - my favorite was when Sarah told Micah that 99% truth and 1% lie is still a lie!

The book is intriquing and very difficult to put down. If I were not a home schooling mom of 4 I would have devoured the book in one day! I was in suspence the entire time: hoping Micah would make the right choices and wishing he would stop going into the one room he felt safest, but that I felt was the least safe (a place the enemy had come and made himself look so friendly just like the creature in the garden).

This book invites readers on a journey of self-discovery as they go on this same journey with young Micah Taylor. He is given the opportunity and choice to face past hurt, dissapointments, and pain to recieve healing. Moreso he is confronted with the choice of surrendering ALL his life to Christ or clinging on to some of it for himself. The reader is left on the edge of their seats as Micah discovers more and more about his hidden pain and the effect it has had on the choices he has made in life. He discovers how the lies of the enemy that he has believed have shaped his life with empty things.

Will he discover true freedom? Will he surrender all of his life to the Lord? Will he give up control and trust for the first time that God has a divine and perfect plan at work?

An excellent, easy read. This author is at the top of my favorite fiction authors and as of right now this has been my favorite fiction read of this year. I can't wait to read Book of Days by this same author and to be released in March 2011.

Thank you B&H for this review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Praise for Power, Warren W. Wiersbe

Praise for Power is a "365 day journey through the scriptues". I am using it with some of the other daily reading I do during my morning quiet time. It ranks as one of my favorite devotional books. I think I enjoy it most because it is not filled with stories but is filled with teaching of the scripture. Though I do enjoy devotionals where scripture is applied through stories to everyday life this book offers a little more "meat". Wiersbe is true to his style in that he takes the scripture and teaches the meaning while causing the reader to dig deeply into scripture and to examine their own heart, actions, motives, and spiritual walk.

I especially enjoy the "Something to Ponder" part of each day. After introducing the scripture and teaching the meaning and application of it there is a section that holds a few questions to think about. This is where a reader is truly challenged to apply that scripture to their own life. To ask themselves how the scripture impacts the world around them and to examine what the scripture truly means to them as an individual.

I have posed these to my husband at times, to see what his responce is in comparison to my responce. This is an excellent opportunity for couples to discuss the scriptures in debth and to become closer in the Lord and in His word. There is true power in a home when a husband and wife agree on scripture, when they study and pray and ponder scripture together.

I highly recommend this book - and any other written by this author.

The only fault I have with it - is a personal preference. I prefer devotionals that have the month and day (Jan 1, Jan 2....) opposed to Day 1, Day 2, etc. My reason is that I have 4 children who love to play with my devotional books and pretend to read them and talk about them. They are constantly removing my bookmarks so having the dates makes it easier to keep up with where I am opposed to having to remember the number of day. In this particular book the publisher had a ribbon bookmarker placed - so if you have no one to pull your bookmarker out you will be good to go.

I recieved this book from B&B Communications in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.

Fearful to Fearless, Jeff Kusner

This is a new author, I recieved this book directly from him in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the review copy.

I am very impressed with this book. Jeff Kusner has put much effort and research into finding most of the verses of the that deal with fear. The book is broken into three areas: Fear not, Don't Worry, and Fear God. Each section opens with a main verse then a short devotional followed by pages of verses for the topic. The devotionals were very applicable and easy to read. His writing style is relaxed and therefor enjoyable. The verses are taken from different translations and one paraphrase (The Message).

I think the work is very thourough and complete. A person that reads this can not help but feel the peace of God as the truth is being revealed to them. I really did enjoy this book and highly recommend it as a resource to keep on hand when one feels the pull of fear. The word is always a comfort, and truth silences the attacks of our enemy.

Jeff Kusner has compiled a list of verses that lead a person to freedom from the bondage of fear and worry while teaching them the freedom of reverentual fear of God.

The only problem I had was the use of The Message: as I do not believe that this paraphrase always holds true to the original language or true meaning of a verse. I do realize this is a popular book and is being used more and more in mainstream christian writing. However, it is dangerous because it is in fact just a paraphrase and is not a translation from original documents and language. People that do not know this, or new christians, take for granted they are reading something translated from the original documents and that it is therefor true. I think disclaimers need to be posted when this is used.

Thank you Jeff Kusner for your work on this book. I believe it will bless and help many people. Thank you for your willingness to follow the lead of God and use your talents to bring glory and focus on him.

My John 3:16 Discovery Book, Knowing, Growing, Showing; Robert J. Morgan

This is the workbook much like Lola Mazola's Happyland Adventure. Although the items are idependent of one another I would recommend both at the same time. Once a child has read the story book they will enjoy this workbook. Or if you have older children this is ideal for them.

In order to review it I kept having to go get it from my 9 year old's room. Everytime I would lay it down she would pick it up.

It is as thourough and concise as the story book, but written for older children.

I am so impressed with this authors ability to break this verse down and present it in a logical way that children understand.

This book has three sections of salvation to explore:
(1) Knowing - coming to know Jesus: who he is, what he did for us, why we need him. This section Has two stories and worksheets. In the worksheet part other verses in Romans and other books are brought out to show our need for a Savior.
(2) Showing - Baptism. Again there is a short story and verses and worksheets. This helps a child understand what baptism is and what it signifies and why we follow a confession and prayer with this public act of obedience.
(3) Growing - how to grow in your christian walk. I Love the acrostic given to help the children remember the steps to christian growth. This is by far the lengthiest section in the book, having 7 areas. Each one has a short story followed by activities and additional scripture to be completed.

The book has helpful pages for parents.

Again - this is an excellent gift....a must have for young children who are asking questions about God, Jesus, salvation, and baptism. A book they will enjoy working through and that will help them dig deep into God's word to learn His truths.

This book was provided as a review copy by B&H Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for this copy.

Lola Mazola's Happyland Adventure, Robert J. Morgan

The book ends with Lola realizing how special Jesus is and praying to accept him as her Savior.

An added bonus to this book is that following the story it gives practical steps of growth after salvation.

This is truly an all inclusive childrens book of salvation. Start young bringing them into the knowledge of Christ and they will see him as a person, a friend, and a Savior - they will desire a true relationship.

This would be an excellent Christmas gift.

This book was given to me by B&H Publishing in exchange for an honest review of the product. Thank you for the review copy.

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Thank you Lord for trails
that have brought me to my knees
That I may see your love
and grace more abundantly
I can not know the reason
for such suffering
Or why there must be pain
in this offering
I only know the surrender
that brings about your peace
That covers all this pain
and brings my heart relief
No longer bound by sorrow
in the midst of suffering
I rest in arms that hold me
through all these things
I thank you Lord for for things
I do not comprehend
That I learn tor trust in you
not what I understand
Thank you Lord for sight by faith
of spiritual things
More beautiful than earthly sight
that make my soul sing
Lord, my faith was shaken
in the midst of the storm
Yet my eyes were straining to
see your sweet and holy form
The waves rose up hissing
with lies of the enemy
But you asked me to stand
and trust what I can't see
Take this heart that's broken
and all that I am
Make it more beautiful,
use it as you plan
I will not ask you why
nor question where you lead
Only for your grace
and comfort will I plead

Costly Grace, Jon Walker

This book came to me at such a pivitol moment in my life and I am ever thankful for God's provision of this book and the message hidden between the covers. Costly grace, a picture of what grace truly is - a beautifully tragic gift of Christ that cost everything and should be valued more than any earthly possession. I had not studied Bonhoeffer but had been interested in this book for it's use in home school and personal literature. However, the lessons are so powerful, the truth so evident in the scriptures that this book helped me see a new picture of this wonderful thing we take for granted and do not seem to fully comprehend - GRACE. One is challenged to lay it all down at the cross just as it was once given up for each of us. During the past months my faith has been tried and daily I have had to decide to see the grace of God in the midst of the lies of the enemy and to embrace this grace and claim it as my reality. This book is a book that should be in the hands of every person who claims their identity in Christ, to everyone who takes on the mark of christian, to everyone who talks the talk of christianity. It will change the lives of those truly seeking God's will becuase you can not come face to face with the true magnitude of grace and remain the same. In the light of the cost of grace you begin to handle your life differently - more aware of the costly gift that was lavished on an underserving soul.
Thank you B&B Communications for this review copy

Uncertain Heart, Andrea Broshaar

A wonderful story about love and the pull between two things - marry for money, or marry for true love? Seeking independence young Sarah McCabe sets out on a journey that will change her life. The youngest of a large family Sarah is ready to stretch her wings and test life for herself out of the covering of her older brothers and sisters. I really enjoyed how Andrea was able to develope and introduce so many people in this story - bringing each one to life and weaving them into a beautiful tapestry. The rich story telling and historical details make this story leap from the pages, keeping the reader captivated and spell bound till the very end. Will Sarah choose the money and privilages of marraige to the captain or will the value of sacraficial love of Richard win out in the end? Watch Sarah change and grow as she struggles between the two.
Thank you Glass Roads Relations for this review copy. I look forward to reading more by this author.

City of Tranquil Light, Bo Caldwell

This was the first book that I have read by Bo Caldwell, I now want to read the one published prior to this book. This book is nothing short of inspiring and beautiful. Based on the life of her grandparents who were missionaries to China you are pulled into a beautiful story of surrender to God and captivated by the love of two people with a common mission in Christ. A story of what happens when a husband and wife share the same convictions in Christ, the same love and desire to pursue His will in all things. The evidence that God takes the ordinary person to work extraordinary things in his kingdom is a theme woven throughout this book. It is written from the view point of the husband and wife indiviually. Becuase of this you get two perspectives of the grace of God. I think this is one of my favorite books. Thank you Bo Caldwell for your using your talents to write this book.
Thank you B&B Communications for this review copy.

Professionalizing Motherhood, Jill Savage

I LOVED this book!! Jill Savage's style and wit make this book an enjoyable read. With the job of motherhood under attack by the world this book is an encouragement to all who choose this path. Often overlooked and underappreciated this job takes dedication, determination, love and patience. If you know a stay at home mom this would make an excellent gift. I love how Jill discusses the profession of motherhood. So many stay at home moms feel that they are looked at as less of a woman because she does not work in the professional world. I too have been on the recieving end of comments that have insinuated that I am a stay at home mom because of a lack of education - when in fact I chose this path at the leading of God over working outside the home. At the back of this book Jill has given her website address and blog. I visited both of these and was very much impressed with the message of hope and encouragement Jill speaks into the lives of women. This book challenges stay at home moms to pursue Christ in all they do - doing this job to the best of their ability and to the glory of God.
Thank you Zondervan for this review copy.

A Rush of Wings, Kristen Heitzmann

If you are looking for a great suspence mystery this is an excellent book. The story begins when young pampered and sheltered Noelle St. Claire takes flight from some unknown fear - a dark memory hidden just beyond recognition. Engaged to her father's protege she runs without any warning when her fiance triggers a memory. This unidentified evil sends her on a midnight bus ride half way accross the country to a horse ranch in the middle of nowhere. There she meets two brothers determined to get to the bottom of Noelle's secrets. In the midst of all the suspence a beautiful and somewhat tragic romance begins to unfold. The excellent story-telling keeps the reader on edge throughout the entire story - hoping for resolution and defeat of the enemy and hoping that Noelle recognizes true love and is able to get past the tragedies in her life. Filled with complex and true to life characters this book is a good read that is hard to put down.
Thank you Bethany House for this review copy.

Stuff a Girl's Gotta Know, Andrea Stephens

This book is good for pre-teens and teens alike. I thought it was a bible study when I first looked at it. Instead it is a 183 page book filled with simple truth from the bible about everyday things girls face - the popularity contest, beauty, clothes, fashion, boys, dating - you name it it is in this little book. Andrea Stephens does an excellent job at writting a book that is appealing to young ladies and is written in a relaxed, easy to read way - making it almost like a visit with a friend.
Thank you Regal for this review copy.

Kids Time, Journey With Jesus

My kids love this!!! We are using this 13-session course twice a week in our bible time during homeschool. Each interactive lesson has art and snacks and games as well as songs. They are excited at each lesson. I have recommended this for our children's chapel time at church. In this study children are invited to tracvel to all the places Jesus went. THey are introduced to scripture, bible customs, and fun activities that tie the stories in. My children especially enjoy the fun-filled, easy to learn songs.
Thank you Regal for this review copy

Uncommon Bible Study Outlines & Messages, Jim Burns

Wow! I can't wait to start using this with our youth group. These are simple, thought provoking messages that are easily laid out for any youth leader. They can be adapted to your particular youth group. The flexibility makes this resource a must have for youth leaders. The discussion starters help to introduce the youth to the topic lesson and encourages discussion. Want something to jump start your youth discussions - this is it.
Thanks Regal for this review copy.

Busting Free, Neil T. Anderson and Dave Park

Based on Stomping out the Darkness and Bondage Breaker youth edition, this bible study helps youth work through discovering their identity in Christ in light of the scriptures. Why live in bondage to the lies and deception of the enemy when there is a life of freedom waiting? Excellent youth resource - this study empowers youth to achieve freedom by embracing their identity in Christ. I was so excited and intriqued by this study that I sat on our front porch one afternoon and read the entire study. The first page, a questionaire took me off gaurd but I as I read the study I found that Neil T. Anderson and Dave Park have accomplished something wonderful. I wish that such a study had been around when I was a youth - I would have had less lies of the enemy in my life that had been accepted as the truth. Give your youth the power to live victorious and free - in the full power of Christ. In addition to this study I highly recommend the afore mentioned books for youth to read. Although they are not necessary to complete the study they will provide additional resource and insight into the subject matter presented. Help youth break free from the bondages of the enemies and to recognize the lies and deceptions before they fall prey to them.
Thank you regal publishing for this review copy!

Stomping Out the Darkness, Neil T. Anderson & Dave Park

This youth edition is based on the bestselling book Victory Over Darkness by Neil T. Anderson. The cover states, "Discover your true identity in Christ and stop putting up with the world's garbage." and it is true to this description. Inside the pages youth discover the truth and redemptive, life changing, freeing power of the love of Jesus Christ. This is an excellent book for parents of teens and for youth workers. The truth within the covers of this book would benefit many adults who do not live a life of victory. The world is filled with the lies and deception of the enemy and the only victory is that which is found in Christ - people must be fully secure in their identity in Christ in order to be free from the bondage's of the enemy. We walk in this world and sometimes forget how easy it is to become prey to the enemy, to fall victim to his lies, to become enslaved by his deception and to begin to believe the identity that he weaves for us. This book is liberating and powerful. If you want your teen to experience fullness in his/her christian walk, to attain the full blessings and benefits as children of the king this is a worthwhile investment. In addition to the purchase of this book I highly recommend the bible study Busting Free by these same authors. And if you want further study for yourself look into any of Neil T. Anderson's books!
Thank you Regal Publishing for this review copy.