tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75001225945817920592024-03-19T02:31:40.896-07:00Sally and Aarons 2011 Goalssallycat04http://www.blogger.com/profile/17880706638124263869noreply@blogger.comBlogger175125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500122594581792059.post-22621338138244410472017-01-03T09:44:00.003-08:002017-01-03T09:44:28.464-08:00Book Review: You Carried Me<div class="MsoNormal">
You Carried Me by Melissa Ohden is the amazing true story of
her life discovering she was the product of a failed abortion. At a young age Melissa always knew she was
adopted but when we was in her early teens she discovered her life was the
result of a failed abortion to a 19 year old college student. From this she tried alcohol, parties, boys,
and food disorders to control and numb the shame and guilt she felt. Finally she fell on her faith and was able to
accept her past. In college she changed
the direction of her life to advocacy of child and mother with work and
school. A she helped other families and
children through social work and advocacy, she searched for her birth families
to find answers of who and why.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This book I found intriguing by the title and summary so I
accepted the offer to read and review it.
When I started the story seemed a bit slow talking so much about her
childhood and then somewhere around page 50 I was hooked and couldn’t put it
down. I read this in one sitting. I kept
reading as her life of triumphs and defeats kept unfolding. I loved this book so much and the woman herself
for her acceptance of the past and ability to let he self be vulnerable to
encourage so many. By being vocal on her
story she has given a face to every child lost to an abortion.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Note: I did receive a copy of this book for free to read and
review. The opinions above are my own
and I was not compensated for a positive review.<o:p></o:p></div>
sallycat04http://www.blogger.com/profile/17880706638124263869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500122594581792059.post-25272284155353750192016-12-14T08:01:00.004-08:002016-12-14T08:01:45.067-08:00Book Review: Of Stillness and Storm<div class="MsoNormal">
I was excited to get an advanced copy of <u>Of Stillness and
Storm</u> by Michele Phoenix. The back
page summary sounded so good, I couldn’t wait to get it. And this book did not disappoint.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 49.5pt; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i>It took Lauren and
her husband ten years to achieve their dreams – reaching the primitive tribes
in remote regions of Nepal. But while
Sam trek into the Himalayas for weeks at a time, finding passion and purpose in
his work among the needy. Lauren and
Ryan stay behind, their daily reality more taxing than inspiring. For them, what started as a calling begins to
feel like the family undoing.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 49.5pt; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i>At the peak of her
isolation and disillusion, a friend from Lauren’s past enters her life
again. But as her communication with Aidan
intensifies, so does the tensions of coping with the present while reengaging
with the past. It’s thirteen-year-old
Ryan who mostly keenly bears the brunt of her distraction.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I really enjoyed this book.
The story starts quickly and does a good job with setting up the
characters and their situation in the first few chapters instead of dragging on
over most of the book (that drives me crazy!!!). The story is very believable of what would
happen to a family in that type of situation of isolation and insecurity. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is a book I am happy to have in my library and will
keep and reread for years.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Note: I was given a copy of this book to read and
review. The opinions above are my own
and I was not compensated for a positive review.<o:p></o:p></div>
sallycat04http://www.blogger.com/profile/17880706638124263869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500122594581792059.post-39364099498538107532016-02-10T08:03:00.001-08:002016-02-10T08:03:10.309-08:00Book Review: Rest Assured<div class="MsoNormal">
Rest Assured: A recovery plan for the weary soul by Vicki
Courtney is a book that helps women look at their overstuffed, overcommitted,
overstressed life’s and determine what is really important and rest assured
that you are focusing on the real priorities in your life and not being
overwhelmed by time filler and wasters. This
book boldly challenges women to rest and focus on what matters most; Faith,
Family, Friends.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
OH my goodness this book came to me at the perfect time. I
felt overwhelmed, stressed, frazzled, and so self-conscious and unsure. This book helped me to relax, prioritize, and
breath. The book is set up into two
parts. The first four chapters go
through helping the reader make sense of where they are, why they are there,
and where they really want to be. She
does such a good job of empathizing and not judging or accusing but simply
asking questions along the way for the reader to find their own path to
peace. The last 5 chapters are steps forward
on how to get where you want to be. It’s
not a “5 steps to succeed” kind of path but more of a guide with suggestions
and freedoms.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I really enjoyed this book.
I followed bloggers who also really enjoyed this book. It was fun to go through this together as a
community and see the change in people. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This book will sit on my shelf for a long time. I am sure I
will need to pull this out and reread it over and over again in my life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Note: I was given a copy of this book to read and
review. The opinions above are my own
and I was not compensated for a positive review.<o:p></o:p></div>
sallycat04http://www.blogger.com/profile/17880706638124263869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500122594581792059.post-28768324471430835092016-01-12T10:12:00.002-08:002016-01-12T10:12:29.898-08:00Book Review: Parables<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Parables by John MacArthur “</span><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">helps readers understand Jesus' parables and how they relate
to the whole of His message. Jesus was a master storyteller, and the parables
He told were ingeniously simple word pictures with profound spiritual lessons.
Understanding the parables is a crucial matter for followers of Jesus. Jesus
told parables so His people might comprehend His message about the kingdom of
God clearly. Master expositor and Bible commentator John MacArthur has spent a
lifetime explaining the Word of God in clear and comprehensible terms. In
Parables he helps Christians understand the essential lessons contained in the
most famous and influential short stories the world has ever known</span>.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I enjoyed this book a lot. I love how he dissects the parables and pulls
all the amazing messages out of them in a way that is easier to understand and
read along for the reader. This helps believers and nonbelievers understand the
meaning of Jesus’s most profound teachings.
This book helps the ready truly appreciate how amazing Jesus was as a
story teller, and a messiah, and as a fulfiller of prophecy in so many ways.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Note: I was given a copy of this book to read
and review. The opinions above are my
own an I was not compensated for a positive review.</span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
sallycat04http://www.blogger.com/profile/17880706638124263869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500122594581792059.post-88566630902153142582015-11-23T08:12:00.002-08:002015-11-23T08:12:22.668-08:00Book Review: Andi Unstoppable<div class="MsoNormal">
Andi Unstoppable; an Andi Boggs Series by Amanda Flower is the
third book in the Andi Boggs series.
Andi is at it again with her best friend Colin. Andi and Colin were teamed with Andi’s
classroom rival, Ava, to get a picture of rare bird that was recently seen in
the town. As the class races to be the
first group to find the bird, they all worry about the legend of the ghost that
haunts the woods.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I really enjoyed this book.
I chose to read with my 9 year old daughter. I first read it to make
sure it was appropriate. What I got was
a great age appropriate mystery novel we will all enjoy. I had not heard of this series before but now
we plan to start from the beginning and read all of them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I plan on putting this book on my gift list for nieces and
nephews for Christmas this year. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Note: I was given a copy of this book to read and
review. The opinions above are my own
and I was not compensated for a positive review. For more information about the review program
please visit <a href="http://www.booklookbloggers.com/">www.booklookbloggers.com</a><o:p></o:p></div>
sallycat04http://www.blogger.com/profile/17880706638124263869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500122594581792059.post-84949775177322834392015-11-05T05:35:00.002-08:002015-11-05T05:35:40.623-08:00Life is _____: 40 day devotional<div class="MsoNormal">
I pre released received a copy of this book to review. I love it.
The devotionals are insightful, funny, easy to read, and full of great
messages. This is meant for a quick
devotional. You will not spend hours
translating from the original Greek or Hebrew.
You will read a story and how it relates to Jesus and our lives. You will read scripture and see how it weaves
into our lives and how we act.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was looking for something like this. Something I could read quickly in the morning
or evening to help get my mind on the right path. This is perfect. I have enjoyed all the devotions and had the anecdotes
or little phrases from them pop up in my mind all week. This is a good sign of how the Spirit can use
these words to impact your life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for the
same. Again this is not digging into the
bible something that will take hours.
Each devotional is about 3 pages to read and then followed by 3-5
questions that you can think about, journal, or spend time in if you choose.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Note: I was given a copy of this book to read and
review. The opinions above are my own
and I was not compensated for a positive review.<o:p></o:p></div>
sallycat04http://www.blogger.com/profile/17880706638124263869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500122594581792059.post-23793368981343647992015-10-27T09:56:00.001-07:002015-10-27T09:56:06.327-07:00Book Review: NIrV Faith Builders BibleThe Faith Builders Bible by Zondervan is a children's complete New International Reader's Version bible. This book includes 24 full color photos of bible stories made out of Legos. It also includes "brick building" verses it encourages the readers to read.<br />
<br />
I have reviewed NIrV bibles in the past. I enjoy the translation that makes it easier for moderate readers to understand. This bible is no different. What separates this bible from the others is the fun cover and included pictures. In the front of the bible it also includes a Lego diagram of the books of the bible and how they are grouped. This bible is great for any Lego loving kid out there. The size is also nice so it can fit in a bag or easier carried with growing hands. <br />
<br />
I do have to say I was a bit disappointed in this bible. Maybe I didn't read the description closely enough but I was expecting a lot more Lego pictures then are included. This is not a Bricks picture story book. This is a bible with a few pictures. That's not bad, just not what I was expecting.<br />
<br />
All in all I have many nephews and a son who will love this book. <br />
<br />
Note: I was given a copy of this bible for free to read and review. The opinions above are my own and I was not compensated for a positive review.sallycat04http://www.blogger.com/profile/17880706638124263869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500122594581792059.post-45440781072424795722015-10-07T07:55:00.001-07:002015-10-07T07:55:01.681-07:00Book Review: Spent Matches<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For my next book review I chose Spent Matches by Roy
Moran. I really really wanted to like
this book and be fired up by its message. The publisher, Thomas Nelson,
explains the book as<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 40.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 40.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">Spent Matches explores the
possibility that a few small paradigm shifts within the church might make the
difference between extinction and effectiveness. In fact, taking a clue from
the automobile industry, the church might be able to not only halt the rapid
decay in attendance but also become an effective tool in achieving Jesus' final
command. For instance, the Hybrid car has become the answer to Detroit's
environmental and oil crisis issues. Finding the synergy between two
technologies, gas and electric has created a new day for the auto industry.
Likewise, Spent Matches explores how the church can find synergy between two
seemingly competing thoughts: an invitation to come and a command to go. The
Hybrid metaphor brings energy to the church's mission and an explanation to the
age-old argument of Missional versus Attractional methods.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">After waiting
excitedly I decided to take this book on a trip to read. Two 2 hour flights would be the perfect time
to spend on it. But I couldn’t. I could not get into this book. From the start I wasn’t engaged. I tried skipping to what I thought was the
good stuff but still I found myself forcing my eyes to stay on the page.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">I think part of the
problem is I may not have been the key audience for this book but I thought my
enthusiasm for the topic would make up for some of that. Sadly it did not. I will be passing this book onto my friends
who may appreciate the message a bit more than I did. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">I’m sorry Roy
Moran. I really really wanted to Love
you book. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
sallycat04http://www.blogger.com/profile/17880706638124263869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500122594581792059.post-83061463587968734172015-09-18T06:56:00.001-07:002015-09-18T06:56:36.126-07:00The Prince who was just himselfThis book reminds me of the stories my mother would make up and tell me while trying to teach a great lesson. And that exactly what the author did. Silke Schnee used her experience of her children, one with down syndrome, to highlight the good attributes in all. And even though the youngest prince is a little different, he can do amazing things too. Everyone has their own perspective on life. Just because he has down syndrome doesn't make his just as important and unique.<br />
<br />
I enjoyed this book. It was filled with love towards the little prince. I think it is a great way to start discussions with my kids about how to interact, treat, and think of children who are different then themselves. The book itself never says the little boy had down syndromsallycat04http://www.blogger.com/profile/17880706638124263869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500122594581792059.post-43320126208608475822015-08-28T13:26:00.002-07:002015-08-28T13:26:24.155-07:00Book Review: The Bones will Speak<div class="MsoNormal">
The Bones Will Speak by Carrie Stuart Parks is the second
book in the crime solving series of Gwen Marcey. This time, while Gwen after
Gwen’s dog finds human remains in the woods behind her house she stumbles upon
a girl clinging to life in the woods.
Gwen is most startled by the find because of the uncanny similarities of
the injured girl and her daughter. As
the search for the torturer continues Gwen and her daughter get sucked into the
mystery.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This book had me in the first chapter. I had not read the first book but instantly
knew what was going on and who the characters were. This book was hard to put down once I started
reading. I also enjoyed such a well
written mystery/forensic anthropology book without the language or vulgarity
that can sometimes be found in them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am a fan of Carrie Stuart Parks and Gwen Marcey Mystery
novels. I can’t wait till the next installation. I will definitely be reading the first book
soon.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Note: I was given a copy of this book to read and
review. The opinions above are my own
and I was not compensated for a positive review.<o:p></o:p></div>
sallycat04http://www.blogger.com/profile/17880706638124263869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500122594581792059.post-52243585568657180932015-07-16T05:50:00.002-07:002015-07-16T05:50:29.990-07:00Book Review: Blueprint for life<div class="MsoNormal">
The Blueprint for Life;
How to align your passions, gifts, and calling with eternity in mind by
Michael Kendrick is a book to help the reader exam their lives and find the
passions and talents in the lives and them apply them to their daily lives and
ministry.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So many people assume the use of their talents in ministry
is limited to pastors, choir directors, and other people who work for the
church. How could a businessman, a
scientist, a garbage man use their job as a ministry? The author does an amazing job walking the
reader through the book, searching their lives to find out what they are
passionate for and then applying that passion for Christ. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Michael Kendrick is a successful businessman who loves stock
markets, number crunching, and making a deal.
After retiring at an early age and getting bored really fast he realized
that God had made him unique with these passions and talents and they he could
apply them to his Christian walk. He
went back to business and started applying these gifts to helping people and
showing Jesus in everything that they do.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think before reading this book I was on the cusp of this
idea. I am a scientist and I love
showing people how amazing God is for creating science. I see my husband use is passion and gift of
carpentry to help out so many people in our community and abroad. But these are special occasional things. How do we apply it to our every day? And that is where this book comes in.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I really enjoyed this book.
I found it hard to put down and every easy to read. I am excited to reread this book and pass it
on to my friends and family. I hope that
they all apply his applications to their lives as I am starting to do the same
in mine.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Note: I was given a copy of this book to read and
review. The opinions above are my own
and I was not compensated for a positive review.<o:p></o:p></div>
sallycat04http://www.blogger.com/profile/17880706638124263869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500122594581792059.post-68660253634122780462015-07-16T05:39:00.001-07:002015-07-16T05:39:38.478-07:00Book Review: Giant Killers<div class="MsoNormal">
Giant Killers; Overcoming obstacles and seizing opportunity by
Steve Lawson uses the story of David and Goliath to guide the reader through a
discussion on how we should look at, evaluate, and handle obstacles in our
lives. By using the different involved
(David, Saul, Israelites, Goliath, etc.) he can show the different ways of handling
a situation and their outcome, both good and bad. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I really enjoyed this book. I wasn’t expecting such a well
written and throughout book. The author
did an amazing job leading the reader through the story with the eyes of the
different characters. From those
characters strengths and/or flaws we saw how they handled the situation and
made decisions. Ultimately the book
leads the reader to understand how faith and conviction helped David be able to
tackle the most formidable foe.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am excited to have this book in my library. I plan on reading it again as well as giving
it to friends and family. I am excited
to use this application in my life and future projects.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Note: I was given a copy of this book to read and
review. The opinions above are my own
and I was not compensated for a positive review.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
sallycat04http://www.blogger.com/profile/17880706638124263869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500122594581792059.post-23730926944182967332015-06-24T05:51:00.001-07:002015-06-24T05:51:53.960-07:00Book Review: Soul Friends<div class="MsoNormal">
Soul Friends by Dr. Leslie Parrott discusses the necessity
of close, honest, real, God-given relationships in our lives. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The publisher sums it up well with <o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .25in; margin-left: 40.5pt; margin-right: 63.0pt; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 9pt;">Dr.
Leslie Parrott is speaking the heart-language of women in her new book that
shares how friendships are essential for spiritual formation - for women of all
ages.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 63pt 0.0001pt 40.5pt; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 9pt;">In<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><em style="outline: 0px;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 9pt; font-style: normal; padding: 0in;">Soul Friends</span></em><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 9pt;">, Dr. Leslie
Parrott brings you into an intimate and vulnerable conversation about the
life-changing value of deep-spirited friendships and soul-altering
relationships.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 63pt 0.25in 40.5pt; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 9pt;">Whether it’s a new friend, a member of a small
group, or a friend we’ve had for years, these soul-friends embody the grace
that enables us to take a next step in the unfolding journey of our lives. God
has great purpose, intention, and fulfillment in the give-and-take of
deep-spirited friendships. If we purposely cultivate them, God will bring us
soul-friends to help us along our spiritual journey.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 63pt 0.25in 40.5pt; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 9pt;">Leslie reveals how every woman traverses four
stages of growth—quest, calling, crisis, and communion – again and again. And
whatever stage you find yourself traveling right now, you need soul friends to
help you move forward.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 63pt 0.25in 40.5pt; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 9pt;">With courageous honesty and heart-felt
revelation and reflection, Leslie reminds every woman of the incredibly
intimate, intricate, faith-forming work God does in her through the gift of
soul friends he places in her life.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I enjoyed this book a lot. I found the messages easy to
understand, practical, and relatable. I
also like the setup of the book. The
chapters are fairly small making it easy to pick up and read a chapter or two
when I had time. I hope to pass this
book on to some friends in my life and see if we can foster a deeper relationship
like she discusses. It has also
challenged me to be more open about my faith and my struggles with those who
are already close to me. If I am not
real with them, how can I expect them to ever be real with me?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Note: I did receive a copy of this book for free to read and
review. The opinions above are my own
and I was not compensated for a positive review.<o:p></o:p></div>
sallycat04http://www.blogger.com/profile/17880706638124263869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500122594581792059.post-58259401270438896952015-05-07T10:00:00.001-07:002015-05-07T10:00:34.733-07:00Book review: Companion Guide to the Old Testament<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Centaur","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Companion to the Old Testament by Ted Leach is exactly as it
sounds. It is the companion guides to
help a reader better understand the history, culture, languages of the Old
Testament with other religions. The
publisher describes it as “This book helps Christians
understand how the Old Testament is “community property” shared by Jews,
Christians and Muslims. It is a constructive resource for interfaith
discussion, particularly for people of different faiths (or no faith) who are
seeking to identify some shared principles of our common humanity.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Centaur, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I think this book would be great for a religions
scholar to have on their shelf but I found most of it too difficult to
understand. Not necessarily the concepts
but the way it was written. I felt like
I was in a lecture hall with a professor that knew he was smarter than all of
us teaching his pupils how ignorant they were on the subject. It I don’t think that’s how the author meant
it but that’s how I felt. I felt wrong
for having different opinions on subjects he discussed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Centaur, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">All in all I do not think I will be recommending
this book to any of my friends and family.</span><span style="font-family: "Centaur","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Centaur","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Note: I was given a copy of this book to read and
review. The opinions above are my own
and I was not compensated for a positive review.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
sallycat04http://www.blogger.com/profile/17880706638124263869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500122594581792059.post-62872378043914082452015-05-07T09:48:00.002-07:002015-05-07T09:49:01.730-07:00Book Review: Savor<div class="MsoNormal">
Savor: Living Abundantly Where You Are, As You Are: 365 day
devotion by Shauna Niequist is a January through December quick devotion filled
with half page thoughts by the author on how to better look at what God has
given you that day and where he has placed you.
It’s about living in the present, not looking to the past or future of
what could be or should have been. She
tries to help lead the reader through enjoying life and seeing how God provides
for us daily. When we open our eyes to it
we will be amazed at all that God does for us in a single day, let alone the
entire year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
I enjoyed this devotional.
Each day is a verse and then her telling a story or anecdote with a
point. Each devotion is a page or
less. She also gives a question or thing
to do for that day. Each devotional is
insightful. You can tell each one means
a lot to her as we go on this journey with her to stop over analyzing and
planning and to thank God for what you have today.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Note: I was given a copy of this book to read and
review. The opinions above are my own
and I was not compensated for a positive review.<o:p></o:p></div>
sallycat04http://www.blogger.com/profile/17880706638124263869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500122594581792059.post-49968853850744728572015-04-30T05:51:00.001-07:002015-04-30T05:51:09.640-07:00Book Review: Undone<div class="MsoNormal">
Undone; A Memoir, A story of making peace with an unexpected
life by Michelle Cushatt is the memoir of Michelle and her battle to balance controlling her life to normalcy and giving it
u to God in all the chaos, crisis, and miracles. Michelle in less than a year battled cancer,
had a full house to empty nest, and had the house filled again with children in
need. As she tried to balance all this
she found God’s presence and comfort around every bend.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First, I chose this book solely on the cover. So whoever designed it good job. I thought this book was going to fiction
after I quickly skimmed the back summary.
Who could even think about throwing all those obstacles together except
for an author with a wild imagination?
Then in the first few pages I realized this was a true story told for
the author of what she had gone through and I was hook. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I really enjoyed the author’s story telling ability and her
flow of writing. I found this book very easy to read and very hard to put
down. This book is so full of faith and
struggle I think any mom, wife, woman could relate with all her struggles,
feelings of inadequacy, anxiety over the future and the unknown and how to
protect your children, and the feeling of grace and peace when you truly know
God is there in your midst comforting you.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Note: I was given a copy of this book to read and review by
the publisher. The opinions above are my
own and I was not compensated for a positive review.<o:p></o:p></div>
sallycat04http://www.blogger.com/profile/17880706638124263869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500122594581792059.post-1554627410115060162015-04-20T12:52:00.001-07:002015-04-20T12:52:18.721-07:00Book Review: Regain Your Spiritual Poise
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Regain Your Spiritual Poise by Rob Wingerter is a book
outlining the importance of a spiritual retreat to block out any distraction
and focus on God and your relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The author takes your through many benefits of it, its outline in the
bible, and how historically it was a common practice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have to say I really struggled reading this book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not think I was the correct
audience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it was made for older
pastors who are really looking to dig into the subject.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as a layperson who love to read, this was
not the book for me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I think the hardest thing about this book is the way it was
written.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like I was being
lectured by a really boring (albeit very knowledgeable) professor who likes to
kind of speak above the audience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sadly I will not be passing on this book or recommending it
to other readers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think this book was
written with the best intentions but fell short for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do with the author and the audience readers
the best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope the find the peace and
rest they were searching for. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Note: I was given a copy of this book to read and
review.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The opinions above are my own
and I was not compensated for a positive review.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
sallycat04http://www.blogger.com/profile/17880706638124263869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500122594581792059.post-87776071148633600972015-04-10T05:33:00.001-07:002015-04-10T05:33:20.221-07:00Book Review: Miracle on Voodoo Mountain
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Miracle on Voodoo Mountain by Megan Boudreaux is an amazing
story about a 24 year old girl that head the call of God for her to move from
her home town on Louisiana, leave everything and everyone she knew, to go live
in Haiti.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t know what she would
be doing or how she would support herself, but she went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In her first few days there she was scared,
confused, and lonely and slowly God placed people into her life so she could
accomplish great things for Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In less
than a year she had helped close down a corrupt orphanage, adopted two girls, start
the non-profit organization Respire Haiti, fed thousands of children, open a
school, built a new larger school, educated hundreds of children who wouldn’t have
been able to afford or attend any other school, found love, and got
married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Through all her struggles she has seen many miracles from
God and provisions given to her by prayer and faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This book is one that left me not wanting to
put it down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the flow of the
stories and have they come together. This book has encouraged me and inspired
me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really enjoyed reading it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also makes me want to go to Haiti and
help.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Note: I was given a copy of this book to read and
review.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The opinions above are my own
and I was not compensated for a positive review.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
sallycat04http://www.blogger.com/profile/17880706638124263869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500122594581792059.post-73509700519326942062015-04-05T22:02:00.002-07:002015-04-05T22:02:46.914-07:00Book Review: Time to Choose<div class="MsoNormal">
Time to Choose by Dawn Kazmierzak
is the story about her mother as a child living through world war two under
Nazi regime. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This book leads the reader through
the story of the occupations and how the Nazi government and the war
drastically changed their lives. At the
end of each chapter she gives an insight on what the reader should think about
to ensure that similar circumstances to do not happen again.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This book for the publishing
synopsis interested me but I found the story of the author’s family life very
interesting. What I did have a problem
was some of the “Connecting the dots” thoughts at the end of each chapter. She is very judgmental in some of her
comments. I understand the background
she is coming from but just because you choose something like public school or
day care does not mean you don’t care about your child’s education. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t know if I would recommend
this book to anyone although I did find the story and some of the “connecting
the dots” interesting. If I did tell
someone about this book it would come with a lot of cautions about the content
and the single-minded judgmental mindset on many touchy topics.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Note: I was given a copy of this
book to read and review. The opinions
above are my own and I was not compensated for a positive review.</div>
sallycat04http://www.blogger.com/profile/17880706638124263869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500122594581792059.post-78400256779496974642015-04-05T20:22:00.003-07:002015-04-05T20:22:42.323-07:00Book Review: Think Act Believe like Jesus<div class="MsoNormal">
Think Act Believe Like Jesus; becoming a new person in
Christ is a companion 40-day devotion to the move Believe by Randy Frazee and
Robert Noland. This book takes you
through he basic concepts of faith and how to be more like Jesus as seen in the
movie.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I really enjoyed this devotional. I saw the movie at a conference I attended. It was wonderful, emotional, insightful, and
convicting. I really enjoyed the movie
and was excited when I saw there was an accompanying devotional. I found this devotional to hold all the same
emotions as the movie.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This book would be great book for individuals or groups, for
people who have seen the movie and those who haven’t. Even if you haven’t seen the movie the devotional does a great
job describing the accompanying scenes of the movie and how they correspond to
the theme of each devotional.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am excited to have this book in my library. I can’t wait to get the movie and have them
as a group. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Note: I was given a copy of this book to read and
review. The opinions above are my own
and I was not compensated for a positive review.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
sallycat04http://www.blogger.com/profile/17880706638124263869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500122594581792059.post-19068298842544960452015-03-31T20:02:00.001-07:002015-03-31T20:02:18.372-07:00Book Review: Rasmus and the Vagabond<div class="MsoNormal">
Rasmus and the Vagabond by Astrid Lindgren is a story about
Rasmus, an orphan boy, who runs away from the orphanage to try and find a
family. Soon after cold and hungry he
runs into a tramp that claims to be God best friend. As they travel together Rasmus and the vagabond have many
adventures and slowly learns what it means to be part of a family. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The author of this book also wrote Pippy Longstocking. It has a very similar feel and writing
style. I enjoyed Pippy when I was a kid
and was excited to read this book. I
enjoyed it. It is meant for children,
but as an adult I found it a fun quick read.
I would think some kids younger than 10 or so would have trouble reading
this book. Its sentence structure makes
some of it hard to understand without slowing down and really paying attention.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m am excited to have a copy of this book in my family
library. We will read and reread this
book with all our children.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Note: I was given a copy of this book to read and
review. The opinions above are my own
and I was not compensated for a positive review.</span>sallycat04http://www.blogger.com/profile/17880706638124263869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500122594581792059.post-35463717282016842302015-03-25T16:54:00.002-07:002015-03-25T16:54:03.494-07:00Book Review: Wrestling for my Life<div class="MsoNormal">
Wrestling for my Life; the legend, the reality, and the
faith of a WWE superstar by Shawn Michaels is a book about Shawn “The
Heartbreak Kid” Michaels life and conversion to a strong Christian faith. Michaels uses this book to discuss how
becoming a Christian changed his life and purpose in and out of the wrestling
ring, his family and his self worth.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I must say I know nothing about wrestling. I know a very few names of the more famous
wrestlers and I only recognized Michaels by the pictures inside as “maybe a
wrestler Ive seen while flipping channels.”
But with all that I found this book really interesting and easy to
read. I enjoyed reading about how his
faith drastically changed his life yet he was still able to use his gifts as a
wrestler and his fame as a platform for his new faith. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also enjoyed how he stood up for the WWE and wresting in
general. He admits that there are some
bad parts of wrestling but as a whole defends the organization as fun,
entertaining, and make believe. I like
this about him. I was one of those
people that assumed wrestling was a bad company with horrible messages and
images. I enjoyed his insight and viewpoint
on the organization. I may have to try
watching wrestling soon.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Note: There are a
few topics that he discusses that might not be appropriate for younger
kids. For instance he uses terms like
“chasing women”, he discusses porn, and he discusses what he calls the “damn”
instance (where he said the word damn after being saved in a WWE
commercial). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Note: I did receive a free copy of this book to read and
review. The opinions above are my own
and I was not compensated for a
positive review.</div>
sallycat04http://www.blogger.com/profile/17880706638124263869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500122594581792059.post-40267900361569776872015-03-09T19:54:00.002-07:002015-03-09T19:54:12.870-07:00Book Review: The Plague of Unicorns<div class="MsoNormal">
A plague of Unicorns by Jane Yolen is a fun youth novel
about young boy James who is full of questions and wonder. In the orchard of a abbey where the golden
apples grow, the unicorns gather every season to eat the special golden apples
not letting the monks get more than a few that stay on the top of the
trees. As the monks are exhausted from
trying to stop the unicorns, James is sent to the abbey to be taught from the
monks. But how could a young boy change
their dire situation.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I really enjoyed reading this book as an adult. I can’t wait to see how my 8-year-old
daughter likes it. I am huge fan of
Jane Yolens book for kids. We have many
of them in our kids library.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am excited to have this book in our collection. I think we will read and reread this book
with our kids. It is 185 pages long so
it will be take multiple nights to read and be better for kids 7 and above that
can stay with a longer story line.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Note: I was given a copy of this book to read and review. I was not compensated for a positive review
and the opinions above are my own.</div>
sallycat04http://www.blogger.com/profile/17880706638124263869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500122594581792059.post-78786679449166407632015-02-17T12:03:00.002-08:002015-02-17T12:03:52.049-08:00Book Review: Motivated your Child
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Motivate your child by Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller is a
parent’s guide for how to get kids to motivate themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their solution is to teach kids to not look
at each situation and what they can get out of it (reward or lack of
punishment) but to develop a world outlook on how their actions affect others
and then even God’s kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I really enjoyed this book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It has a lot of applicable advice and suggestions on how to talk to your
kids and how to get out of the routine of punishment and rewards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I plan on having my husband reading this book
and then us using these tactics to better help our children grow into well
behaved, motivated adults.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I would recommend this book to any parent with kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Any situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This book helps
kids become aware of their part in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It teaches them to think like an adult in their actions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This book does have a faith based application
in it which I also really enjoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Note: I was given a copy of this book to read and
review.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The opinions said above are my
own and I was not compensated for positive review.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
sallycat04http://www.blogger.com/profile/17880706638124263869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7500122594581792059.post-32864759877543684542015-01-19T07:02:00.002-08:002015-01-19T07:02:45.198-08:00Book Review: Living Well, Spending Less
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Living Well, Spending Less by Ruth Soukup is a wonderful
book that lists 12 secrets of the good life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In in she discusses 6 secrets that help you live better and 6 secrets
about spending less.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I really enjoyed this book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At first I picked it because one, I liked the title, and two; I liked
the look of the cover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After I opened it
her personality and ability to weave personal stories with good common sense
with scripture had me hooked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although I
have done most things she suggests in the past, it makes me want to reevaluate
my life and make better long term goals, work on a more available lifestyle for
my family and friends, and spend less because things will not bring me
happiness.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I would recommend this book to anyone who is overwhelmed
with life, kids, cooking, cleaning, money, spending, time management, in other
words life. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ruth also runs a successful blog with the same name
(livingwellspendingless.com). I was not familiar with this blog before but now
I plan on being a daily follower.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Note: I was given a copy of this book for free
to read and review.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The opinions above
are my own and I was not compensated for a positive review</span></div>
sallycat04http://www.blogger.com/profile/17880706638124263869noreply@blogger.com0