Simple Secrets to a Happy Life

Aaah, Luci Swindoll, she is always good for a laugh and she does a great job providing them in her book Simple Secrets to a Happy Life. This book has 50 tips on how to make the most of every day. The tips are broken down in short little “chapters” that make it easy to read even for a busy woman. Swindoll’s passion for Christ and her fun loving nature are evident throughout the book. She will have the reader laughing and examining their life in a new light. She challenges the reader to step out of their comfort zone, to simplify their lives, to learn new things, and many, many more!  There were times throughout the book that initially as I was reading I wanted to just blow off the chapter. It seemed that they were just shallow tips but as I thought about them throughout the day I realized that there really is more depth there. One example is in Chapter 2, Be on Time for Everything, that isn’t really an issue for me but as I thought about being present-really present I realized that is something I really could improve of. How many times have I sat down with my kids and have paid more attention to my phone or computer? Because of this, Simple Secrets to a Happy Life should not be read quickly but should be savored to enjoy the process of becoming happier with where the reader is now. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Smack Dab in the Middle

Smack Dab in the Middle of God's Love by Brennan Manning and John Blase is a story of how a “smack dab in the middle of their years” couple, Willie Juan and Ana, share the love of Christ with the neighborhood children. Willie Juan and Ana do this by spending time with the children, eating Ana’s sopapillas and talking about the love that God has for each one of them. This book illustrates a loving couple being a visible representation of God’s love. It is a  beautifully illustrated children’s book that caught my daughter’s eye immediately. We have read it many times and my children still love it. My daughter more so but maybe that is because she is smack dab in the middle of her brothers. The only thing we wish it had was the recipe for those delicious sopapillas! I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

stumbling INTO grace

Stumbling into Grace by Lisa Harper is a fun book that is part diary, part devotional and a small part Bible study. I was looking for an easy read but hesitant about reading this book; I thought it may be more fluff than substance. But what I got was an east read plus more! It was surprisingly refreshing and challenging.  I walked away from this book encouraged about my own “spiritual clumsiness” and a desire to start up journaling again. Harper does such a wonderful job of writing so it seems like she is just sitting with you sharing a part of her story. Her humor and encouraging words inspired me to develop a deeper walk with the Lord.  Each chapter I walked away with a new perspective of the events in my life and a deeper understanding of God’s love for me. I recommend this book especially for the busy woman who could use a little inspiration. I was given this book by being a part of the Booksneeze program. I was not required to give a positive review. These are my own thoughts on this book.

Fight of Our Lives Review

"We laugh at honor and are shocked to find traitors in our midst. We castrate and bid the geldings be fruitful." (p146) William J. Bennett and Seth Leibsohn use this quote by C.S. Lewis in their book The Fight of our Lives. This is a call to arms of sorts. It takes a systematic look at the terror events that have taken place in America's recent history. It also explains Radical Islam and the impact it is having and will have on our country and our world. I believe Bennet and Leibsohn do a great job of showing us our enemy, the short comings that we have been a part of. They end the book with a battle cry of sorts to start teaching our children American History in the way that it deserves- with honor and respect and joy with what our Fore Fathers have created. Also for us Americans to be proud to be Americans and to prepare to stand up for this great nation. I walked away from this book looking at political and terror events in a new way, but this new view leads to greater anger at what we have allowed to happen to our country. Often times I wanted to throw this book and scream at what our politicians are doing to this great country. I also know that this emotion that has come from this battle cry will quickly turn to despair. There are no tips for applying this knowledge. The best usage may be interpreting the news a little differently and maybe on the election ballot. But, let's be honest, real change begins at the grass roots level. How do we change a nation and therefore change the politics? That's what I was hoping for in this book but unfortunately I didn't get it. I did get a renewed commitment on teaching my children American History from biographies and not text books but that may be it. So, if you are looking for more information on Radical Islam this would be a great book. If you are looking for how to protect this great nation from Radical Islam read elsewhere. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

The Final Summit

Final Summit by Andy Andrews was surprisingly good. I am still puzzled about how to classify it though; the cover says it's a "Self-help" book but it reads as a novel. I also wouldn't classify it as a Christian book as it fails to point to Christ as the real Savior to humanity. But with all that being said I found that I could not put it down! It was a wonderfully light read that has some principles and insights that I find myself thinking about throughout the day. Final Summit is a sequel to The Traveler's Gift, however you do not need to read The Traveler's Gift before reading this. Next on my reading list are the biographies of the other travelers. Thank you Andy Andrews for getting me back into history!
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

God's Promises Devotional Journal

After reviewing God's Promises Devotional Journal I was a little disappointed. I was excited to see the beauty of the cover and the contributors, John MacArthur, Max Lucado, Billy Graham and others but was hoping for a little more from them. Each day has a verse, a quote from an author, a question for thought and a space for journaling. While I was disappointed in the depth of this book I do believe that a new believer who is just getting in the practice of quiet time and journaling will love it. The questions are thought provoking and give you something to think about throughout the day. While the space for journaling is limited it doesn't put too much pressure on the beginner to fill it. If you need to buy a gift for a new believer or possibly a graduate this would be a great buy. I was given this book by Booksneeze and was not required to give a positive review. This is my own opinon.

Out Live Your Life

In Out Live Your Life, Max Lucado delivers another fine book for those looking to enrich their devotional walk. Readers of Lucado will find, in this offering, the classic story-telling that has made him a favorite for so many. He does a great job of weaving together stories from the Bible as well as from more modern life to walk the reader through this serious topic of finding something greater than yourself to invest in. He shows how God delights in taking average, everyday people and using them for extraordinary purposes - things only He would dream. Lucado also does a good job (maybe too good) at speaking the convicting idea that we don't have to go far to find a mission-field. If we will only open our eyes, we'll see great needs right next door. Outlive Your Life was a good book; I recommend it as a somewhat light read that will entertain, encourage and challenge you all at the same time. Enjoy it - and then act.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review.

The Least Among You

The Least Among You"By Lionsgate and Birchwood Pictures is an inspirational story about a young man learning to overcome racial challenges in 1965. After being arrested during the Watts Riots, he takes the opportunity to go to seminary as opposed to a sentence of time in jail. While this movie is inspired by a true story it is not well done. There are some elements that make the movie unsuitable for family viewing: smoking, drinking, violence, and language that had been dubbed over. While my Husband and I disagree about the theology of watching a movie like this; we do agree that this movie is not well done. It seems that they tried to take a middle of the road way in telling the story when they could just pick a side and go with it. It you are going to make a movie with that sort of language then leave it in there don’t try and clean it up after the fact. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Jesus You Can't Ignore

John MacArthur’s book The Jesus You Can’t Ignore is a follow-up book to The Truth War. In this book MacArthur looks verse by verse into the conversations Jesus had with the religious leaders of His day in his fine expository manner. He shows that Jesus is not merely the meek and mild man who heals the sick and speaks of peace but spoke the truth and was not afraid to confront any who would twist or distort the truth. He wasn’t worried about stepping on toes and would not compromise to appease the popular ideals. I enjoyed reading this book; I know I will read and reference again. It changed the way I look at Jesus and the false teachers in the world today.
If there is any fault to the book it is that it seems to go too quickly and to really digest the information you would need to slow down with a Bible and maybe another commentary. I would also recommend reading The Truth War with it. These books will change the way you look at the world and the apostasy that is rampant in it.
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Read and Share Bible DVD, The Jesus Series

From my perspective the Read and Share Bible DVD, The Jesus Series is nothing to get too excited about. The characters all look alike, there are uncomfortable “dramatic” pauses and it seems really shallow in the explanation of Jesus’ ministry. My oldest child (6-years-old) even asked why they didn’t show Jesus dying for us. “That is the most important part”. If it were up to just me we would have sold it on the last garage sale, but the kids love it. My children 6,4 and 2 were riveted to the TV. Despite laughing at all the uncomfortable pauses they ask to watch it daily. What I have liked the most is that they ask questions about Jesus and His miracles. This video has opened up more opportunities to talk about Jesus and what he has done for us and for that reason alone I could not sell it. I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Money Answer Book

Having never read a Dave Ramsey book before, I was looking forward to reading The Money Answer Book. This book is a question and answer book that deals with the most asked questions from the Dave Ramsey Show. Sprinkled throughout are quotes and Bible verses that give wisdom and encouragement. I found this book a great way to get started in taking control of my financial situation. It gives you information in a quick format that inspires change without condemning. It has been a great starting point for me and my family. I highly recommend this book for those who need a quick reference or are just in the beginning stages of budgeting. If you are looking for more detailed information I would look at another of his books.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”