Identifying Gifted Students A Practical Guide, edited by Susan K. Johnsen, Ph.D.

This book is a little dry because of the nature of the topic. It is very information oriented and thus reads exactly that way. So if you are looking for a book that explores this topic that is worded in common phraseology this is not for you. However, if you are willing to wade through the book it is an excellent resource. I do think that all school teachers ought to have this on their required reading list.

I see the benefit in such a book because I can see where "gifted" students could be missed. Though I have at times questioned the methodology and reasoning behind creating a Gifted and Talented Program at schools. My reason being that I home school my children and though each of the four struggle in certain areas they excel beyond their age and grade level in other areas. The problem with the "gifted" tag being attached to a student is that many others sit in classrooms, overlooked, because the public school setting is not conducive to their learning style. I have one such child - the public school would have written him off as having attention or focus problems and labeling him a problem in the classroom. He lacks motivation at school work yet can build complex things and has an analytical skills that far outreach his age. Upon having him tested at a speech therapy office and later for dyslexia it was found that his IQ is higher than most adults yet getting that displayed in worksheets and standardized testing is almost impossible. His schooling is therefor structured around his particular learning style and in such brings forth great results.

I am located in a state (Texas) that follows the "No Child Left Behind" mantra and so the schools teach to pass a test not to acquire and apply knowledge. Though children master concepts and testing strategies they are ill-equipped to apply the things they are taught nor do they truly understand them. Therefor a "gifted" program serves to only place the school into a higher achievement rating based on testing scores while truly leaving behind numerous students who in fact may be "gifted" but over-looked.

This book does an excellent job at looking at cases such as these and exploring possible ways to correct them. However, I find that this may be a difficult thing to fix as schools have become in essence an impersonal way to pass of knowledge in order to score an appropriate test level. I call this teaching to the test. My children, I believe have an advantage because through individualized testing by professionals we can identify their weak spots and supplement them while also identifying their "gifted" areas and enhancing them. Each one has a school curriculum that targets their specific learning styles and preferences giving them the ability to further develop the areas they are gifted in while bringing up the areas they struggle in. Unfortunately it would be unfair to ask this of public school teachers who are in a classroom with many children from different home environments, social classes, and so forth so on. It is a sad fact that a gifted child from a poor social economic class might be overlooked as gifted because of the lack of focus at school due to the poor home environment.

The writer of this book has presented her information well. It is a useful tool for those that are seeking to better understand the testing methods used and how to more accurately test and access possibly "gifted" students to place in special programs.

Highly recommended to the public schools. Home school parents - most of us agree that all children are gifted in some way - it is just a matter of tapping into that area and exposing it and teaching the child to develop and use it while not neglecting the areas in which they struggle. (This being done by creatively tying the two areas together).

I received this free review copy from LibraryThing.com

What Do You Think of Me? Why Do I Care?, Edward T. Welch

Edward T. Welch demonstrates a great talent at connecting with young people while holding firmly to biblical doctrine and theology. His teaching is sound and is easily applicable for teens.

I was very impressed with his handling of the very popular view of living life as a "love cup". This view has been so grossly misapplied that people live in a constant state of depending on others for fulfillment and acceptance thus further creating a gap between God's sufficient love and grace and the person. Once this myth of having a love cup that is continually filled then emptied is dispelled Welch moves the reader into a greater understanding of who God really is, who they truly are in the sight of God and who other people are in respect to the person and God. Welch skillfully shows through sound teaching that the true story is one of redemption and fulfillment through Christ Jesus the maker of all by continually redirecting the reader to the Creator instead of self.

As we currently live in a "me-centered" world that preaches the doctrine that we should have the things we desire this book is needed. Welch drives home the point that our focus must become less me-centered and more others-centered and Christ centered. For in serving and loving others fulfillment is found and we are drawn more into the likeness of Christ our savior.

This book is an excellent resource for those who work with teens. It would also make a good gift for the teen in your life.

Special thanks to B&B Communications for this review copy.

The Most Important thing You'll Ever Study, Starr Meade

This is the first book or curriculum of Starr Meade that I have had the chance to review. To say the least I am so very impressed. As a home school mom I am always on the look out for new bible curriculum that is affordable and will benefit my children in spiritual growth. Though I want my children to gain knowledge my ultimate goal in their schooling is spiritual stature and growth then knowledge. So when I begin to search out biblical curriculum I look for something that will cause them to dig deeper into the scriptures and seek the wisdom of God and the application of this to their lives so that they will begin to reflect His light in their life.

This is exactly what Starr Meade has done. Although I am sure that some will get this just to have the bible knowledge the bible study has the potential to be so much deeper. The way that Meade has set this study up causes the student to search scripture and really begin to understand the implications and applications of it. My children are a little young to begin this as they are only in 5th, 3rd, Kinder and Pre-K. However, I am going to work through the entire series on my own for my own personal benefit and make it my 6th grade required curriculum and maybe again in Junior High or High School.

Thanks to Crossway for this review copy.

The Barber, R.C. Sproul

This is one of those rare books that you get and you begin to wonder where it has been all this time. Why has it taken so long for someone to write something this dynamic and life changing in the form of a children's book.

Struggling with family devotion time? Needing inspiration to continue? Wondering if you are making a difference? Why spend this time every night doing this? If you have any of these questions this is a great book for you to read with your children. Suddenly your family will find within its pages the inspiration and encouragement to continue.

This engaging story about Martin Luther and the book he wrote, "Simple Prayer", and the story of Master Peter the Barber is an encouragement to any Christian to seek a deeper prayer life and a more meaningful walk with Christ.

Thank you Crossway for this book in exchange for a book review.

Sunrise on the Battery, Beth Webb Hart

Mary Lynn Scoville and her husband Jackson has achieved the climb up the social ladder in Charleston. Everything seems to be going just the way she wants - the perfect, successful husband, beautiful and talented children, wealth a large house and invitations to the elite parties. Then it all begins to change. As Mary Lynn begins to go to church she has an encounter with Christ and begins to live the typical "good Christian-girl" life. Knowing Christ, but not completely sold out, she asks for prayer that her husband Jackson, who long ago wrote God off, would come to a saving knowledge and a change of life. Little did she realize that this prayer would turn her perfectly perfect worldly life upside down - as is the case a lot of the time when there is a true experience with Jesus.

This is the novel "In His Steps" modernized with the principles of the book Radical combined. It is truly an inspiration to those who are asked to give up everything in the face of a radical change. What is it that you are holding on to that you don't think you could give up? Mary Lynn is about to discover that abundant life has nothing to due with what she has come to value, but will she discover it before it is too late?

Thank you B&B Communications for this review copy.

Triple Dog Dare, Jeremy V. Jones

It looks all boy on the outside - a robot, dogs, slig-shot. The pages, much like it's girl counter part Truth & Dare, is filled with great graphics and is journal quality pages with plenty of room for jotting down thoughts or doodles.

My 8 year old was excited about this one just as his 10 year old sister was excited about the girl's version of this devotional. What surprised me though is that my 4 year old was also instantly drawn to it because of the cover and inside art work. I am glad to have something that grabs their attention and makes them look forward to personal devotional time!

Each day has a scripture then a section called "Truth" that explores through a short devotional the truth of the scripture. Then comes the "Triple Dare" that challenges young boys to put into action what they have learned. As with the girl's version this one also has a journal section. It is labeled "Mission Accomplished" - and what boy doesn't aspire to action, adventure and secret missions??? So this section allows them to answer the questions "What did you do?" and "What did you learn?" after they have applied the Triple Dare to their life. This is a way for them to look back over what they have done during year.

This would be a great stocking stuffer!

Thank you B&B Communications for this review copy.

Truth & Dare, devotions for girls, Ann-Margret Hovsepian

The cover is glittery and pink, filled with all things teen. I love it! The pages are journal quality black and white with great graphics - making it ideal for teens and pre-teens who love to doodle and draw.

I am so impressed with this little devotional and so was my ten year old daughter. She was so excited when she saw it on my "To Be Read" shelf that she came running to see if it was hers when I finished looking through it. Well - as a mom that is exactly what I am looking for in a devotional - one that will spark excitement. Each day has a scripture, then a section called "Truth". In this section is a short and to the point devotional dealing with the truth of the scripture. Then comes the Dare - a challenge to apply the scripture to life with applicable things to be done. What I like most is the journaling section that asks the questions "How did it go?" and "What did you learn?" By doing this the girl is challenged to follow through with the dare and see what happens because of it.

I think it is just the right size for early morning or late evening devotionals for girls to do on their own.

Thanks B&B Communications for this review copy.

The Diary of a Teenage Girl: Becoming Me, Melody Carlson

Melody Carlson has tackled a generation of readers that is undeniably difficult to reach and understand. Life moves at such a fast, hectic pace, with so many decisions weighing teens down that we often become disconnected with our teens and they with us even in this technology driven society. However, when teens are seeking sound christian reading this series as well as Carlson's other teen series are just that. Melody Carslon directly addresses the issues of teenage years without apology or excuse and without adding fluff. She simply calls it what it is - good, bad or otherwise.

This book is no different. In it she addresses the issues that teens face as they wade through all the junk of teens years. Trying to make decisions that are good while sorting out all the stuff that this hectic life throws at you. It is written in a language that is sometimes difficult for adult readers to follow but is exactly what teens read. It amazes me that Carlson is so in touch with this age group that as I read it I felt like I was dealing with a teen caught in the angst of teen years. I had to really slow down at times and re-read things because the jargon or thought process seemed jumpy. However, teens read this as fluidly as all else in their lives because this is just how they are thinking. I appreciate how Carlson handles issues of faith and religion and how she acknowledges the struggles teens face in this very area while presenting the truth for them to grasp hold of.

An excellent book and series! If you have a teen this is a worthy investment. Even non-readers will pick this up just to see if they can relate. After all this is one of a teen's greatest searches - wanting to know they are not alone in these struggles and questions, these trials and doubts, these dark days.

Thank you Glass Roads Publications for this review copy.

Letters to a Young Pastor, Calvin Miller

Calvin Miller has tackled a much needed subject that will be an encouragement to those young men entering the ministry field as well as older men in ministry that need encouragement and a good laugh.

Too often when men surrender to ministry they do so with open and somewhat naive hearts. They want to serve God so badly and they want to serve the flock that they often find themselves quickly overwhelmed by all that goes into this field. It is after all unlike any other field of work on this planet.

I remember when my husband entered this very field part time 14 years ago then full time 7 years ago. He poured over books by the greats. He labored through seminary with great excitement and endurance. He sought out mentors - that he soon found were not readily available. He drank in the wisdom and teachings of older pastors. In all this he would have loved to have had this book. When I saw that this was for review I immediately thought back to those days and requested the book for he and I to review together. My husband has a heart to help young men entering the ministry and currently mentors 3 young men at different levels. However, he is always looking for good resources to recommend to them.

This book was it. My husband became so excited in reading it that he came to me more than once talking to me about it. As I read it I loved the easy and personable style of Calvin Miller. He broaches all subjects with truth and love and an easy comical style that makes the book an enjoyable read. A young man in ministry can't help but find the wisdom that they thirst for and the encouragement they will desperately need when they become parched and overwhelmed by the work load of the pastorate. Also I have a great appreciation for Miller's approach to explaining the dangers and pitfalls that ministers will face. This is a treacherous field - and our enemy is on the prowl within the church walls to deceive those in service and cause them to fall. Miller seeks to give council and guidance with a great amount of tack and humor.

If you know of a young man who has surrendered to the call of ministry, is currently in seminary, is serving in the ministry - Buy this for them!

Thank You B&B Communications for this review copy.

I am in Here, Elizabeth M. Bonker & Virginia G. Breen

Autism - the diagnosis no mother wants to hear for her child. Yet this very diagnosis has been on the rise more over the past years as people are learning more about it. I have been around children with autism, known parents with autistic children of varying levels. I haven't ever fully understood the dynamics or impact of this diagnosis or the impact on a person's life.

This book is one that moves a person to a deeper understanding and compassion for those suffering from autism. I can not imagine living my life in this type of personal prison. Though Elizabeth has never spoken she has found her voice in the written word - and with that voice she has informed this generation of the struggle of autism in a heroic way just as Helen Keller did for deaf and blind of her age.

I believe that this could be a great resource for those with autism as well as those raising an autistic child or those wishing to learn more about autism.

I found myself troubled in my heart at my misunderstanding of these kids. I believe that this book should find itself on the must read list for public school workers who work with children with special needs. If they understood in depth how these children operate and what they truly feel like I believe compassion would begin to override some of their decisions and directions in the education of such children. Workers might find a little more patience with these children if they understood the frustration they feel is also felt by the children who desperately want a normal life and control over their body and actions.

Absolutely inspiring, mind opening and heartbreaking. A book that will take you to all extremes of emotion as you begin to understand these children.

Thank you Revell for the opportunity to review this book.

Available October 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Gotchyaa, Steven Stiles

This is one of the neatest books I have read about the con artist of today. The cover art is menacing and a little evil looking - but then aren't wolves by their very depiction in the bible just that. In fact to slip into the fold of the sheep of the church they have to assume the mannerism and characteristics (clothing) of sheep to pull of their scheme.

The terrible thing is that I could relate totally to this book. In fact in my first year as a Pastor's wife I was conned big time - and took my share of ribbing afterward. New to the community I was out with my 2 little ones when approached by a couple. They presented a sad, but believable story. I handed them money then told them where our church was and that we had an operational clothing closet and food pantry. As well as facilities for showering and cleaning up. They took me up on this offer and were at the church before I made it back across town. Much to the dismay of my husband and the youth minister they were there to "help" these people find clothing and then left to clean the showers after they left (with masks to cover their noses and lysol to cover the stench left behind and gloves to pick up the nasty clothes they had left piled in a heap instead of placing in the trash). That night the Fire Chief - a member of our church heard the retelling of the story and began to laugh uncontrollably. When asked what he was laughing at he replied with tears rolling down his eyes, "You did not just get played by them did you? They live just up the road - it's all a con. Their kids go to the elementary school at the corner! They've been at this for a while."

Hmmm....so what do you do with that? You learn. This book is a practical look at the con artist of America. I appreciate deeply that this author took such time to expose in great detail the thought process and common cons. I also appreciated the self-evaluation questions, scriptures, and other questions at the end of each chapter. In no way does this book say not to help others. However, it does give a church and people the necessary basis to help avoid being conned or becoming the "mark".

As I read this many things came to mind including some that have visited our very own church. While concluding this book I was sharing some of the information with my husband. Today a lady showed up sporting a story that so closely resembled one in the book that my husband gently told the lady - "there is an application process that requires photo id and and check with the local police station. Our office is open Monday through Friday feel free to come to the church and fill out the paperwork then." We do not give hand-outs from the parsonage. The woman left without too much else to say. Needless to say this book has given us new perspective on how we offer benevolence and how often and to whom and how much.

I recommend this book to anyone. Especially believers as they seem to be a favorite "mark" of the con.

Thanks to the author for this free review copy.

Hope Underground, Carlos Parra Diaz as told to Mario Veloso and Jeanette Windle

I received this book on Friday and am posting the review on Saturday afternoon. This is to let you know how easily read this book is and how absolutely captivating it is from the first page.

This is the story of the Chilean miners as told by Carlos Parra Diaz, the "Chaplain of Camp Hope". This Seventh Day Adventist Pastor gives his riveting testimony of how God broke his heart for a hurting people and moved him to give unselfishly.

The book is told with the use of metric measurements - which indicate the lack of our conformity with the rest of the worlds measurement system. I had to look at conversion tables to get an accurate picture in my head of the temperature and depth, and distance being spoken of. There are times when there is much description and it seems to drag a little slow. However, all this is worth trudging through as Carlos unfolds a story that changed the world.

In one part he recounts the story of one of the miner's wives. She says to him as he is handing out bibles to each family that she believes God has a purpose and that one of the purposes is that they should turn back to God with their whole hearts - not just in times of trouble. How true this statement is as it is echoed here in America as well. Too often tragedy unites a country or a people instead of peace. For in peace and plenty too often we become over taken with selfish thought and a business that drives a wedge between people and God who has provided the very blessings being enjoyed.

This book ends with powerful testimonies of the miners and the families that lived through this ordeal clinging daily to the one thing that brings about survival of tragedy - Faith in God - faith is a God who works miracles.

Absolutely heart stirring and eye-opening. I am amazed at the faith in which these people acted in the very eye of the storm in which they found themselves. It is stated in this book that though grief was a constant emotion there was an underlying peace that was anchored in a hope in God's provision and ability to answer prayer. In our own storms is this our anchor - will this be said about us in our storms of life when crushing odds are against us and the world and man would have us extinguish the small flickering flame of hope? Or will we be like these Chilean miners and their families desperately clinging to hope, guarding that flickering flame with a ferocity that drives away desperation and unleashes the power of God?

Thank you B&B Media for this review copy.

Intoducing Melody Carlson

Teens and Their Supernatural Pursuits

By Melody Carlson


Have you even wondered why some teens are drawn toward things like Ouija boards or psychics? Or why séances are still popular at sleepovers? Does it just have to do with Halloween and that spine-chilling need for a good scare? Or could it be something more? And, as a Christian, should you be concerned?
Those questions, as well as some confused reader letters, prompted me to tackle the “supernatural” in one of my teen novels (Moon White, TrueColors, Nav Press). And whenever I write an issues-based novel, I’m forced to research—and often in some dark places. So I began scouring websites, learning more about Wicca and the occult, trying to grasp what was really going on with today’s teens—and how I could write about it in a helpful and relevant way.
But, as usual, when I write a teen book, I go back to my own adolescence...trying to connect with my inner teen...and I suddenly remembered a short era when a friend and I got very interested in witchcraft. I had honestly forgotten about this time and was fascinated to recall how we scoured some witchcraft stores on a local campus—I think we even purchased a few things. Fortunately, this interest was short-lived and I became a Christian not long afterward.
However, as I reconnected with my inner teen, I had to ask myself—why had I looked into witchcraft back then? Why do teens dabble with it now? Suddenly the answer became crystal clear. I was searching. I’d been calling myself an atheist for several years by then, but I was spiritually hungry—starving in fact. Consequently I was looking for spiritual answers—something that would fill that empty void within me. I wanted a supernatural force in my life and I didn’t even care where it came from. I needed something bigger than me, more powerful than me, something to hold onto. I had no idea at the time that I was really searching for God.
This realization changed the way I viewed my research. Instead of feeling disgusted and dismayed by the witchcraft/Wicca sites (which are not particularly enjoyable) I began to recognize that these people (mostly girls) were simply searching too. They wanted a power source in their lives just like I wanted one in mine. They just hadn’t found God yet.
This led to another discovery. A girl who’s attracted to a religion like Wicca is usually seeking to gain some control over her life. Something is wrong and she wants to change it. To do so, she’s often enticed to purchase something—like “magical herbs”—to create a potion that will give her some control over her situation. Unfortunately, she doesn’t even realize she’s being tricked.
But think about it, wouldn’t you love to have control over a bad situation sometimes? Wouldn’t you love to be able to change the circumstances that make your life unpleasant? So what if someone offered you the “power” to do just that? Perhaps if you’re fifteen, you wouldn’t see that person as a charlatan and you would fall for it.
Which brings me to another important factor in understanding this generation’s attraction to the supernatural. Follow the money. The more I researched, the more it became painfully obvious that Wicca and witchcraft and the occult are money-making enterprises. Thanks to the internet, these savvy distributors sell anything imaginable—and many things you can’t. That leads to some serious motivation—these marketers want to hook their unsuspecting young customers and reel them in. Of course, these potions and trinkets and how-to books don’t come with a money back guaranty. Nor are they approved by the FDA. Yet they are a multi-million dollar industry.
So, in a way, it’s a perfect storm. Teens that are insecure, lost, unhappy, and searching...meet up with an unregulated industry that offers supernatural answers and power and control...for a price. And, oh yeah, I never even mentioned how this opens a door for Satan to slip in and wreak havoc. For that...you’ll have to read the book.

The Jesus Experiment, Bill Perkins

Ready for a change in pace? Familiar with the WWJD? (What would Jesus Do Movement) based on a classical piece of christian fiction? Want something fresh and challenging? Are you willing to step out of the boat and out of your comfort zone and into something utterly amazing - a place where it is all about the Author of Creation?

This is the book for you. This 12 week study guides the participant through a series of questions that causes the reader to look at their own life in reference to the life of Jesus. In essence you are going to be challenged to become more aware of who Jesus truly was and how that should relate to your own life and what impact this knowledge ought to have. It will drive the reader to evaluate his/her life and change thought process to conform to the one in who's image we are made.

I believe this would be a great couples study in that it would challenge a married couple to dive more deeply into God's word and discover together what it means to follow Jesus. I believe it would create a closer spiritual relationship within the marriage because it will promote talking about what God is writing on the other one's heart and as you each individually look at your own lives and discuss the ramifications of the information presented you will also begin a journey together that will reshape your lives.

I think this too would be good for small groups or even a teen or youth study. Challenges are best met when we are accountable to others. If you go back and read the classical fiction piece "In His Steps" upon which the WWJD? movement was loosely based you will find that it is accountability to the challenge presented to live as Jesus that often was the final shove to do what should be done.

Exceptional book! Thanks to Bill Perkins for having the courage to walk the road then write a book.

Thanks to Tyndale for this review copy.

50 Things Every Young Lady Should Know, Kay West

The chic modern pink and white zig-zag cover with grey writing makes this book attractive to the eye. I was so excited to find a book on etiquette and manners that was both modern and timeless at the same time. It seems that there are many books that have been written on this subject but to bring them out is to bring out a huge book with depictions of the 1950's and seemingly old-fashioned, out of date ideas.

This book however, is the best I have seen. Instead of being a lengthy book of how-to's each section is short and to the point. I loved the fact that with each manner over and over the author repeats the phrase "A lady always..." or "A lady should.." or "A lady never/ought not to...." This hammers in the fact that we must reach for the goal of being a lady at all times. This simple art of being a lady was lost some where between the 1950's and the present time. However, in today's society is is what is needed.

Each section has what the manner is, why we should practice it, how we should practice and what we should not do/say and why. This makes it very simple. It ends each section with three or four statements of A lady always...., A lady should..., etc.

I think this would be an excellent book for any preteen girls birthday gift. One could include some small accessories such as ear-rings, perfume, lotion, nail care kits, etc. This would make a young girl aspire to become a great lady.

Thank you Kay West for undertaking this project! I appreciate your time and talent! As I have two daughters I can't wait to start going through this with my daughters - maybe by reading this book they will see that I am not alone in my expectations of what a lady ought to be.

I received this book from Thomas Nelson as a free review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Evangelism By Fire, Reinhard Bonnke, DD

This is not a book for those that seek a how to manual of "proven" tried and true methods for sharing the gospel. It is however, just the book if you are tired of the same old things. It is evident from the first page that Bonnke has a passion for reaching the world with the gospel. His heart is evident in every page and much of the writing stirs the fire within believers to begin to move the way the Lord would have us to move.

His statement "... an unpreached Gospel is no gospel at all." stuck with me throughout the book. Too often we see ministry outreach through the structure of denominational views and man-made rules. In this we limit God's amazing power to set the captives free and to take back that which the enemy has stolen. We get comfortable with methods that are supposedly tried and true and afraid of trying something bold and new on our own for fear of failure.

I for one am tired of being a boat sitter. I would much rather test the limits of water walking faith and see the power of God unleashed. Bold Christianity is needed in this day and age.

I encourage readers to pick up this book and be inspired to live beyond the box that you have become used to. Baptists in general may view this book as too charismatic - but is not that exactly what God is - a radical, world-changing, life up-turning, power un-leashing, miracle working God? Don't be satisfied in the luke-warm comfort zone of religious exercise instead run head long after the Lord and see His mighty works in the lives of many. Don't be satisfied sitting on the side-lines, find your place on the front lines. Don't be afraid of failure instead embrace the opportunity to experience God in all His richness.

Be inspired, be refreshed, be renewed in your evangelistic efforts - reach the world.

Thank you Charisma House for this review copy!

Seven Days in Utopia, Dr. David Cook

Let me start off by saying I am not a golf fan...In fact I am not a sports fan at all. I actually chose this book for review with my husband in mind. So when I received it I let him read it first. It had been some time since my husband had picked up a piece of fiction to read. Over and over he told me that I needed to pick up the book and read it. So when he finished it that is just what I did.

Amazing!! Absolutely amazing!! I was blown away. This is one of the best books that I have ever read - honestly. I think my facebook page was over loaded with quotes as I read it. In fact one of my friends posted: "I see your reading a new book". I could not help but pass along the nuggets of wisdom woven throughout this book!

At one point Johnny asks, "Is it tradition you seek, or truth? Is it excellence, or acceptance? These are the questions of greatness. These are the questions that must be answered if a man is going to lead a revolution." On the face of the statement and in context with the book the reader may think this simply applies to golf - However, upon deeper contemplation and the fact that Johnny's faith is silently woven, like a scarlet thread, throughout his golf instruction - the reader discovers the depth of the statement. In fact - these are the very questions all Christians need to ask themselves. And if it is truth and excellence we seek then we must be prepared to be different.

I will say this story ends with the most powerful presentations of the gospel that I have ever read in a fictional work! I cried my eyes out and even suggested to my husband that we ought to have a cemetery of lies near our church. A physical reminder that we are dead to the old life and risen to a new life in Christ. Absolutely stunning!! Seriously makes you think.

This is a must read!! Don't just settle for the movie, though I have heard it was great - and I am anxious to see it. If you only see the movie you may miss some of the things that this author was trying to get across that won't come through in the movie. Plus there is something about the written word that soaks into a persons self and causes one to look more closely, to contemplate the truths upon the page.

Thank you Zondervan for this review copy!!

The 52 Greatest Stories of the Bible, Kenneth Boa and John Alan Turner

If you are a home school family looking for a great book for bible time during school this is it. If you are a family looking for a way to initiate bible study in your family or to continue this tradition - this is the book for you!

I absolutely love this book. I am so glad to have it in my library and am enjoying it each week. 52 weeks in the year - 52 bible stories that explore many aspects of life all ultimately pointing to the biblical truth that nothing that happens in without purpose according to the plan God has. I love it because one story is kept all week long Monday - Friday. This makes it excellent for the home school setting as you are studying one story at different levels all week long. So children get the idea of the scriptures securely cemented in their minds. They are divided as such:

Monday - a retelling of the story, adding the historical background to help make the story more understandable and real - even more applicable to the student and present day.
Tuesday - a short discussion about how this story has impacted our present-day beliefs.
Wednesday - A great day of how the story influences and shapes our values. I used this to ask my children how they could change their lives to line up more with what the scripture is teaching.
Thursday - this section talks about how our lives (actions) ought to change. Also a great conversation starter for you and your children to discuss certain behaviors or actions in your own lives that need to be changed to conform to scripture.
Friday - the conclusion and time for serious prayer about the impact of the story on the life of the individual.

A must have!

Thank you Gospel Light for this review copy.

Moments with You, Dennis and Barbar Rainey

Okay...After reading this book for only a few days I opened my email to find one from my husband. I read it and it seemed so familiar. So as I set trying to remember where I'd read that particular devotional I opened this book. The devotional a few days before had been the very one my husband had sent me via email with the message - "thought of you when I read this". Hmmm....loved it! This devotional book is excellent! Each devotional is short enough to read in just a few minutes but thought provoking enough to stay with you all day long and cause you to research God's Word and pray about your own life. I have really enjoyed it thus far. I am reading each days devotion as the year progresses. I often talk to my husband about them - though he subscribes to the emails from Dennis and Barbara Rainey I have seen him pick this book up as well.

Thank you Gospel Light for this review copy.

Heavy Rain, Kris Vallotton

This is the first book by this author that I have gotten. I have to say I now want to read more by him. I would caution the most conservative Christians that want to stick to their idealistic, ritualistic, legalistic views to keep from this book unless they want a true revival to take place in their lives. Books like this are the type that challenge all Christians to live out side the box that we get so used to. I am ready to see the world be changed radically. This book is a great read - get ready for a challenge and change. It is one that I will most certainly be re-reading!

Thank you Gospel Light for this review copy.

Passion to Action (p2A), Jay and Beth Loecken

Beware this book will stir in you the desire to step out of the boat and not look back. Not everyone is called to give up everything and travel across America, however, we are all called to live with a "passion to action" in our faith. We are all called to a higher purpose, to be driven by our faith to act, to step out of the boat of our comfort zone into the greater purpose. Truly a fascinating story about a family who has done just that - and who has seen God work amazing things in their lives. So many modern Christians see missionaries as those who step outside the borders and confines of the United States. Yet this very nation, who has a high population of so-called Christians is the are that is in dire need of evangelism in its truest form. There are lost and dying souls scattered across this country that have never heard the gospel. So - the challenge - step out.

Thank you B&B Communications for this review copy.

Still More Stories From Grandma's Attic, Arleta Richardson

In the rich story telling that Arleta Richardson is known for the stories of her grandmother unfold like a beautiful hand made quilt, spreading out to display a richness and depth of wisdom and knowledge that is timeless and entertaining. These stories captivate young and old alike because they are like sitting on the knee of an a grandmother and taking in the scents and sights of a time long ago forgotten. They transport readers to a time free of modern devices and distractions and into the turn of the century. I would love to say this was a less complicated time, with less stressful decisions. However, the fact remains that there is nothing new under the sun it is just the way it is done.

These stories are timeless in their moral application to ones character development. If you are seeking stories that will captivate your children while conveying godly character development this is it - look no further. I highly recommend these to home school families that are seeking to add richness and depth to their library while complimenting a biblical world view education.

I was first told of this series by a fellow home school mom when I was first looking for an appropriate library for my children. A few months later I received, much to my delight, the first two in the series from B&B Communications as review copies. And now I have the book 3 and 4 as well under the same circumstances.

When I open these books my children know they are in for a delightful read that will lead to discussions on how they can apply the story to their own lives as well as a search in the bible for applicable scripture that matches the stories they have just read. I have even had them try to recreate stories with the same moral lessons in their own words.

Thank you B&B Communications for offering this book as well as the others to me as review copies. They have been a welcomed addition to my library.

Treasures from Grandma's Attic Book Four, Arleta Richardson

I was so excited to receive this book in the mail as a review copy as I had the ones previous to it. It is one of those timeless series that will never grow outdated. In fact I highly recommend it to home school families looking to create a library filled with reading material that teaches solid Christian morals to round out a biblical world view education.

The simple and delightful stories are appropriate for the youngest reader (when read out loud) up to a the oldest (though the reader level is probably at highest 6th grade). I found it easy to make the lessons and moral applications understandable for my youngest who is 3 while still keeping my 10 year old engaged in the story as well. The story are great springboards for discussions about making good decisions and even into study of the scriptures.

I highly recommend this series of books to all.

Thank you B&B Communications for this review copy.

Cherished, Kim Cash Tate

Cherished - this very word sums up this book - for in the pages of this story the true story of God's love and how much we are each cherished unfolds in a beautiful story of love, redemption, restoration and forgiveness.

Kelli London and Heather Anderson are both haunted with decisions that have left their dreams and lives in shattered remains. Yet, the two form an unlikely friendship that sets the two on a path that will reveal to them their true worth in the Father's eyes. With each others help and encouragement these women face their past mistakes and deal with the devastating pain that has sent rippling shock waves through their lives. In this time of friendship and this journey to healing they discover the depth of God's love and the power that self-forgiveness and forgiveness of others bring. In this they experience true restoration.

Truly a great and easy read. Kim Cash Tate's writing style draws the reader into the story and lives of the characters. The story quickly unfolds in the readers head as the characters and situations unfold.

Thanks to B&B Communications for this review copy.

God Girl Bible, God's Word Translation

My daughter was excited when I told her that we would be receiving this bible as a review copy. In fact each day for several weeks she would eagerly await the mail to see if the package containing this bible was in the bundle of mail for the day. I don't think she could get it opened fast enough when it finally came.

I was unfamiliar with the God's Word Translation and so I was anxious to read it and see how it flowed. However, Anna beat me to it. She loved the ease of the language because she said it made it very easy to understand. She, in fact, said she thought it was close to her ESV. She also said on more than one occasion that this was her new favorite bible because of this very thing. Last year she had received an iShine bible that is printed by Tyndale, though she liked it she quickly shelved it because she did not care as much for the translation or notes. This is quite the opposite reaction to the God Girl bible. She devours the scriptures with this translation often stopping to make comments about certain scriptures as she is understanding the meaning easier with this particular translation.

I have enjoyed her conversation about the devotionals that are included, and the "Ask Yourself" sections. These have served as great conversation starters (and most moms would agree that this part of the mother/daughter relationship sometimes suffers during the pre-teen/teen years). She is eager to discuss these and her own personal thoughts. This has often opened the door to teaching moments but more so has allowed me to see into her heart and hear what God is writing on it. Another section that Anna has really enjoyed is the "Spiritual Self-Check" - in this section a girl is challenged to look at their life and see if there are things they need to change. She has shown significant spiritual growth and personal change by applying these things in her life. She is always excited to talk about the things that she is learning and the things she is working on changing. As a mom this is so great to see but it also serves as a challenge to myself to look at these same areas in my own life. In addition Anna has enjoyed the God Girl Stories about other girls like herself that are striving to serve God. In this world I think that often Christian girls feel like the odd man out - even in church settings. This has given her a new confidence in her Christian walk in knowing she is truly not the only one out there with these views and desires to serve God.

It has been a long time since my daughter was so excited about a bible. Though she has always done personal bible study and scripture memorization the tools in this bible are helping her to develop a new spiritual depth and understanding. I am glad to see her recommend this bible to others - simply because she loves the bible translation and wants other girls her age to have the same enjoyment when they read the bible.

In my daughter's own words - "This bible ROCKS! And it's even more awesome because you get to decorate it yourself!"

Thank you Revell for this review copy