Book Review for December

I just finished reading "The Secrets Beneath" by Kathleen Fuller to my kids. (ages 11,9, and 8) My intention was to read them a chapter a night before bed. Each night they begged me to keep reading. At the climax, I said," Okay the chapter's done." They were incredulous! My 9 year old son said," You can't stop reading at a time like this." I asked them how they would rate this book and the two younger kids both emphatically said 10 out of 10. My 11 year old son gave it an 8 out of 10. Considering the fact that this book is about an amish girl, I consider that pretty high. I personally found the book a bit drawn out and I grew tired of hearing about the one character's bad mood but then again I'm not the intended demographic. I did like that disobedience wasn't shown as heroic like it is in so many kids movies. Given my children's response to this wholesome book, it gets my recommendation.



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.”

free downloads

Every day from now until January 3rd, there is a different free download from Itunes. Today's download is a collection of Mad Men episodes. Yesterday was a book, the day before that was a movie....
Anyway, copy and paste the link below to take you to it.

http://www.apple.com/ca/itunes/12days/?aosid=p204&siteid=1503186&program_id=2554&cid=OAS-EMEA-AFF&tduid=fd4278c8d3c8422a8e9d64a12c7c9648

Hope everyone had a great Christmas

Christmas Specials Schedule

Hey Guys I got this list from another website but thought that if you're anything like me you'd want to have a copy. Less then 3 weeks 'til Christmas!! Grab some eggnog, candy canes while you still have a good excuse to binge.


Jack Frost ABCFAM Dec 6, 6:00PM
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer & the Island of Misfit Toys ABCFAM Dec 6, 7:00PM
Martha Stewart's Holiday Open House HALMRK Dec 6, 8:00PM
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory ABCFAM Dec 6, 8:30PM
Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day ABCFAM Dec 7, 6:00PM
Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too ABCFAM Dec 7, 6:30PM
Mickey's Christmas Special – TV Premiere ABCFAM Dec 7, 7:00PM
Cranberry Christmas ABCFAM Dec 7, 7:30PM
A Charlie Brown Christmas ABC Dec 7, 8:00PM
Frosty's Winter Wonderland ABCFAM Dec 7, 8:00PM
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York ABCFAM Dec 7, 8:30PM
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York ABCFAM Dec 8, 6:00PM
Miracle on 34th Street ABCFAM Dec 8, 8:30PM
Rudolph's Shiny New Year ABCFAM Dec 9, 6:00PM
The Gruffalo - ABC Family Original Special ABCFAM Dec 9, 7:00PM
Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town ABCFAM Dec 9, 8:00PM
Shrek the Halls ABC Dec 9, 8:00PM
The Santa Incident HALMRK Dec 9, 8:00PM
The Year Without a Santa Claus ABCFAM Dec 9, 9:00PM
A Miser Brothers' Christmas ABCFAM Dec 9, 10:00PM
The Year Without a Santa Claus ABCFAM Dec 10, 6:00PM
Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town ABCFAM Dec 10, 7:00PM
A Christmas Carol (1938) TCM Dec 10, 8:00PM
The Santa Clause ABCFAM Dec 10, 8:00PM
Scrooge (1970) TCM Dec 10, 9:30PM
Santa Clause 2 ABCFAM Dec 10, 10:00PM
I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus ABCFAM Dec 11, 7:00AM
Snow - An ABC Family Original Movie ABCFAM Dec 11, 9:00AM
Snow 2 Brain Freeze - An ABC Family Original Movie ABCFAM Dec 11, 11:00AM
The Bishop's Wife TCM Dec 11, 12:00PM
Unaccompanied Minors ABCFAM Dec 11, 1:00PM
Jack Frost ABCFAM Dec 11, 3:00PM
The Santa Clause ABCFAM Dec 11, 5:00PM
Santa Clause 2 ABCFAM Dec 11, 7:00PM
White Christmas AMC Dec 11, 8:00 PM
Frosty the Snowman CBS Dec 11, 8:00 PM
Meet Me In St. Louis TCM Dec 11, 8:00PM
An Old-Fashioned Christmas HALMRK Dec 11, 8:00PM
Frosty Returns CBS Dec 11 8:30PM
Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause ABCFAM Dec 11, 9:00PM
The Flight Before Christmas CBS Dec 11, 9:00 PM
White Christmas AMC Dec 11, 10:45PM
Jack Frost ABCFAM Dec 11, 11:00PM
Frosty's Winter Wonderland ABCFAM Dec 12, 7:00AM
'Twas the Night Before Christmas ABCFAM Dec 12, 7:30AM
Once Upon a Christmas ABCFAM Dec 12, 8:00AM
Surviving Christmas TBS Dec 12, 8:00AM
Twice Upon a Christmas ABCFAM Dec 12, 10:00AM
Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause ABCFAM Dec 12, 12:00PM
Santa Baby - An ABC Family Original Movie ABCFAM Dec 12, 2:00PM
Santa Baby 2 Christmas Maybe ABCFAM Dec 12, 4:00PM
Holiday in Handcuffs ABCFAM Dec 12, 6:00PM
White Christmas AMC Dec 12, 8:00 PM
Christmas Cupid ABCFAM Dec 12, 8:00PM
Christmas Cupid ABCFAM Dec 12, 10:00PM
White Christmas AMC Dec 12, 10:45PM
A Flintstone Christmas ABCFAM Dec 13, 6:00PM
Christmas Cupid ABCFAM Dec 13, 7:00PM
Mariah Carey: Merry Christmas to You ABC Dec 13, 9:00PM
Holiday in Handcuffs ABCFAM Dec 13, 9:00PM
Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat ABCFAM Dec 14, 6:00PM
Dr. Seuss' Pontoffel Pock, Where Are You? ABCFAM Dec 14, 6:30PM
Dr. Seuss' The Grinch Grinches The Cat in the Hat ABCFAM Dec 14, 7:00PM
Puff the Magic Dragon ABCFAM Dec 14, 7:30PM
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas ABCFAM Dec 14, 8:00PM
Three Wise Women HALMRK Dec 14, 8:00PM
I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown ABC Dec 14, 8:00PM
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas ABCFAM Dec 14, 10:30PM
Disney's Prep & Landing ABCFAM Dec 15, 6:00PM
Finding Nemo ABCFAM Dec 15, 8:30PM
Finding Nemo ABCFAM Dec 16, 6:00PM
Gift of the Magi HALMRK Dec 16, 8:00PM
The Incredibles ABCFAM Dec 16, 8:30PM
A Charlie Brown Christmas ABC Dec 16, 10:30PM
The Incredibles ABCFAM Dec 17, 6:00PM
Yes, Virginia
CBS Dec 17, 8:00PM
Holiday Affair TCM Dec 17, 8:00PM
WALL-E ABCFAM Dec 17, 8:30PM
Mickey's Christmas Special ABCFAM Dec 17, 10:30PM
The Little Drummer Boy ABCFAM Dec 18, 7:00AM
The Little Drummer Boy Book II ABCFAM Dec 18, 7:30AM
Nestor, the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey ABCFAM Dec 18, 8:00AM
'Twas the Night Before Christmas ABCFAM Dec 18, 8:30AM
Pinocchio's Christmas ABCFAM Dec 18, 9:00AM
Jack Frost ABCFAM Dec 18, 10:00AM
Frosty's Winter Wonderland ABCFAM Dec 18, 11:00AM
Cranberry Christmas ABCFAM Dec 18, 11:30AM
Rudolph & Frosty's Christmas in July ABCFAM Dec 18, 12:00PM
Rudolph's Shiny New Year ABCFAM Dec 18, 2:00PM
The Year Without a Santa Claus ABCFAM Dec 18, 3:00PM
A Miser Brothers' Christmas ABCFAM Dec 18, 4:00PM
Santa Claus' Is Comin' To Town ABCFAM Dec 18, 5:00PM
WALL-E ABCFAM Dec 18, 6:00PM
Toy Story ABCFAM Dec 18, 8:00PM
Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town ABCFAM Dec 18, 10:00PM
Happy Feet ABCFAM Dec 18, 11:00PM
Winnie The Pooh and the Blustery Day ABCFAM Dec 19, 7:00AM
Richie Rich's Christmas Wish ABCFAM Dec 19, 7:30AM
A Dennis the Menace Christmas ABCFAM Dec 19, 9:30AM
Home Alone 2: Lost In New York ABCFAM Dec 19, 11:30AM
Scrooge (1970) TCM Dec 19, 12:00PM
Home Alone 4 ABCFAM Dec 19, 2:00PM
The Year Without a Santa Claus ABCFAM Dec 19, 4:00PM
Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town ABCFAM Dec 19, 5:00PM
Toy Story ABCFAM Dec 19, 6:00PM
Toy Story 2 ABCFAM Dec 19, 8:00PM
Toy Story 2 ABCFAM Dec 19, 10:00PM
Christmas Do-Over ABCFAM Dec 20, 7:00AM
A Carol Christmas ABCFAM Dec 20, 12:00PM
Snow - An ABC Family Original Movie ABCFAM Dec 20, 2:00PM
Snow 2 Brain Freeze ABCFAM Dec 20, 4:00PM
Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day ABCFAM Dec 20, 6:00PM
Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too ABCFAM Dec 20, 6:30PM
Phineas and Ferb Christmas Vacation ABCFAM Dec 20, 7:00PM
Disney's Prep & Landing ABCFAM Dec 20, 7:30PM
Santa Buddies - ABC Family Premiere Event ABCFAM Dec 20, 8:00PM
Santa Buddies ABCFAM Dec 20, 10:00PM
Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day ABCFAM Dec 21, 7:00AM
Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too ABCFAM Dec 21, 7:30AM
Santa Baby ABCFAM Dec 21, 8:00AM
Santa Baby 2 Christmas Maybe ABCFAM Dec 21, 10:00AM
Holiday in Handcuffs ABCFAM Dec 21, 12:00PM
Christmas Cupid ABCFAM Dec 21, 2:00PM
Jack Frost ABCFAM Dec 21, 4:00PM
Miracle on 34th Street ABCFAM Dec 21, 6:00PM
The Polar Express ABCFAM Dec 21, 8:30PM
The Story of the First Christmas Snow ABCFAM Dec 22, 7:00AM
The Leprechauns' Christmas Gold ABCFAM Dec 22, 7:30:00AM
Unaccompanied Minors ABCFAM Dec 22, 8:00AM
Jack Frost ABCFAM Dec 22, 10:00PM
Richie Rich's Christmas Wish ABCFAM Dec 22, 12:00PM
A Dennis the Menace Christmas ABCFAM Dec 22, 2:00PM
Ice Age ABCFAM Dec 22, 4:00PM
Santa Buddies ABCFAM Dec 22, 6:00PM
12th Annual Home for the Holidays CBS Dec 22, 8:00PM
The Santa Clause ABCFAM Dec 22, 8:00PM
Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause ABCFAM Dec 22, 10:00PM
Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too ABCFAM Dec 23, 7:00AM
Once Upon a Christmas ABCFAM Dec 23, 7:30AM
Twice Upon a Christmas ABCFAM Dec 23, 9:30AM
Ice Age ABCFAM Dec 23, 11:30AM
Happy Feet ABCFAM Dec 23, 1:30PM
The Polar Express ABCFAM Dec 23, 4:00PM
The Santa Clause ABCFAM Dec 23, 6:30PM
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York ABCFAM Dec 23, 8:30PM
The Life & Adventures of Santa Claus ABCFAM Dec 24, 7:00AM
Christmas Eve
The Little Drummer Boy ABCFAM Dec 24, 8:00AM
Nestor, the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey ABCFAM Dec 24, 8:30AM
Cranberry Christmas ABCFAM Dec 24, 9:00AM
Tenth Avenue Angel TCM Dec 24, 9:15AM
Holiday Affair TCM Dec 24, 10:30AM
A Flintstone Christmas ABCFAM Dec 24, 11:00AM
Pinocchio's Christmas ABCFAM Dec 24, 12:00PM
It Happened on 5th Avenue TCM Dec 24, 12:00PM
'Twas the Night Before Christmas ABCFAM Dec 24, 1:00PM
Rudolph & Frosty's Christmas in July ABCFAM Dec 24, 1:30PM
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer & Island of Misfits Toys ABCFAM Dec 24, 3:30PM
Mickey's Christmas Special ABCFAM Dec 24, 5:00PM
Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too ABCFAM Dec 24, 5:30PM
Jack Frost ABCFAM Dec 24, 6:00PM
Scrooge (1970) TCM Dec 24, 6:00PM
Frosty's Winter Wonderland ABCFAM Dec 24, 7:00PM
'Twas the Night Before Christmas ABCFAM Dec 24, 7:30PM
It's a Wonderful Life NBC Dec 24, 8:00pm
A Christmas Story Marathon begins TBS Dec 24, 8:00pm
Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town ABCFAM Dec 24, 8:00PM
The Bishop's Wife TCM Dec 24, 8:00PM
The Year Without a Santa Claus ABCFAM Dec 24, 9:00PM
Rudolph's Shiny New Year ABCFAM Dec 24, 10:00PM
Christmas Day
A Flintstone Christmas ABCFAM Dec 25, 7:00AM
The Shop Around The Corner TCM Dec 25, 8:00AM
Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town ABCFAM Dec 25, 8:00AM
The Year Without a Santa Claus ABCFAM Dec 25, 9:00AM
Miracle on 34th Street ABCFAM Dec 25, 10:00AM
A Christmas Carol (1938) TCM Dec 25, 11:45AM
Santa Buddies ABCFAM Dec 25, 12:30PM
The Santa Clause ABCFAM Dec 25, 2:30PM
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York ABCFAM Dec 25, 4:30PM
King of Kings TCM Dec 25, 5:00PM
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas ABCFAM Dec 25, 7:00PM
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas ABCFAM Dec 25, 9:30PM
Surviving Christmas TBS Dec 25, 10:15PM
Ernest Saves Christmas ABCFAM Dec 25, 12:00AM

Heaven is for Real

I just finished reading "Heaven is for Real A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back" by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent. READ THIS BOOK!! It's a true story about a 4 year old boy who suffers a ruptured appendix and while in surgery goes to Heaven. It can't tell you how profoundly moved I was by his story. I read the whole thing in 3 hours. The little boy - named Colton - spoke of God shooting power down to people, of Jesus' love of children, of meeting his long ago deceased Grandfather and his miscarried sister who he knew nothing about. The way he depicted Heaven lined up with what I have always thought Heaven would be like and yet to have someone so guileless tell you straight faced that it is so and yet so much more really spoke to my heart. I know Jesus loves me and that He wants me thrive in this life but I am also quick to forget this dear truth in times of trial. To hear a four year old boy speak of "power being shot down" to those who need it was something I apparently really needed to hear because it made me cry. If God asks me to do something extrordinary He WILL equip me to see it through to completion for the sake of His glory. Why do I think my ineptitude is greater then God's grace and power? READ THIS BOOK!!!!

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.”

Free Blockbuster Movie Rental

Hey Guys here's the address to a coupon for a totally free rental of a 7 day Blockbuster Favorites Movie Rental. (in other words good for a non new release.) Just copy and paste it into the address line. The coupon is only good for Oct 31st and Nov 1st so get printing. Let me know what you rented and if you recommend it.

http://www.blockbuster.ca/HappyHalloween.jpg

Book Review for October

"Your Money, God's Way" by Amie Streamer was not at all what I was expecting. I was expecting a How To book on finances. Instead I was pleasantly surprised to find a How Come book on finances. Amie Streamer explores the 7 most common myths that keep people (in particular christians) broke. I have no doubt in my mind that should Amie Streamer and I ever meet we would become instant BFFs because I love her hammer on your thick skull approach. Why are you broke? Cuz you were dumb BUT God is gracious and you can get out of this mess even though it will be hard. By the end of "Your Money, God's Way" I felt very ready to re-estabish a realistic budget and quite enpowered. The last chapters do give a bit of How To so that you aren't left hanging. Good Read!!



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.”

FREE COFFEE

You can thank me with kisses and flowers. Here's a website that will give you a coupon for a free, yeah that's right FREE pack of coffee singles. I got mine last week. Thought I'd share the wealth. Just copy and paste into your address line.


http://www.nestle.ca/en/products/brands/Nescafe/promo_TasterChoice.htm

FYI

Hey all you crazy shoppers - Just to let you know, The Salvation Army is having a Loonie Sale Oct 7th and 8th. You can get skirts, pants....for $1 !!!!!

A Brand New Adventure

I've now done something I swore I would never do. I have entered the world of Home Schooling. I don't have 12 kids, I have 3. I don't own a long jean skirt but dozens of minis. I don't live on a farm, eat organic vegtables or quilt. I live in the city, eat everything and write copiously for a hobby. What drove me to home school? Oh a million little things. I was tired of having a crying child after school every single day, tired of the rushed mornings and evenings. So far it's been a great choice. The only hard part is that I can't seem to shut my whirling worrying brain off. Guilt is spelled M-O-M. God has been so great though. He has surrounded me with supporters and encouragers with a slight mingling of naysayers to ensure I keep holding His Almighty hand.

Let's Do Lunch

Let's Do Lunch by Roger Wilson is so completely contrary to everything the latest diet trend setters are spewing that it made me do a double take. My Mother just finished reading a diet book that says you must eat protein every 3 hours right up until bedtime and she is having a lot of success - 14 lbs in 2 months. The book she just read is the exact opposite of what Roger Wilson suggests. He says you shouldn't have any protein after lunch if at all possible. At the end of the day I suppose the lesson to learn is that you have to find something that will work for you. The Let's Do Lunch program is very appealing to me because I love fruit and beans but not meat. I simply can't tolerate meat heavy diets. I'm going to give it a whirl. Roger Wilson claims you will no longer crave the heavy sweets with his way of eating. I'll believe that one when I see it but my addiction to sugar is so strong that I'm willing to try anything. My one concern with this diet is the lack of calcium. Since I've had 3 kids, it's a real concern but he does say to take a calcium supplement. The book was an easy read. I'd recommend this book to anyone who needs to lose weight and loves fruit or is vegetarian.


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.”

Fearless by Max Lucado

Loved it Loved it Loved it!!! I can't speak highly enough about "Fearless" by Max Lucado. It was like Mr. Lucado read my mind and then wrote a book to try and help me understand my fears. "Fearless" touches on the fear of death, failure, success, world turmoil, the opinions of others etc. Each chapter was like a brand new therapy session without the couch. If you find yourself holding back from doing what you know you should then I urge you to read this book. I kept finding myself thinking "I really ought to write that line on a post-it." Definitely a must for anyone and everyone's bookshelf.


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.”

Sarah's Garden

I don't usually read romance novels but I just finished "Sarah's Garden" by Kelly Long. It was sweet and clean and exactly what you would have expected from a romance novel. My guess is that if you typically enjoyed romances then you would like this book. I personally found it a bit too convenient and too obvious but then if you're reading a romance novel you aren't looking for a brain strain. My mother who does enjoy romance novels was chopping at the bit for me to finish so that she could dive into it. She didn't have to wait long. It was easy to read. I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for light fluff that doesn't contain anything crass or provocative.


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.”

Kids' DVD Review

I just finished watching Hermie and Friends: Whose in Charge Anyway? by Max Lucado. What a delightful DVD. The animation was bright and cheery. The "bad guys" were far from frightening and the music was perfect. My 11 year old son didn't appreciate it although I did hear a chuckle from him. My 9 year old son and 7 year old daughter each gave it a thumbs up. My guess is that neither one of them would chose this video again over something else as it's a bit young for them. If you have a 2 to 5 year old I would definitely recommend this video.

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.”

Mind Your Own Mortgage

I read "Mind Your Own Mortgage" by Robert J. Bernabe and now I'm scared half to death. I always assumed the mortgage broker had my best interest in mind and since I don't have half a clue when it comes to money I happily was led around. How much money have I lost? I hate to even think about it. This book has made me rethink everything and I can promise you this - life from here on out will be different in terms of my mortgage. The only downfall with this book is that it is american and I live in Canada so I'm going to have to do more research to see if all that Mr Bernabe taught applies. Either way this book was definitely worth my time. I thought I'd be plodding along half asleep reading a book on mortgages but it was very readable. In fact I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended.

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.”

Storm Warnings Review

Storm Warnings by Billy Graham reminded me of sitting in church and listening to a preacher you've grown up with. You are forever checking your watch and thinking "can it only be that 10 minutes has past?" and yet you know that you know more afterwards then you did before. This book wasn't at all what I was expecting. I thought Storm Warnings was going to point out recent world events and show how they fit into biblical prophecies. Instead Mr. Graham pointed out different world schools of thoughts and shifts in trends on a far more general basis. A number of the chapters definitely made me think and wonder what I could be doing to better help my fellow man as well as encouraged me to take a good hard look at my own heart. I would recommend this book to new christians as well as people who are searching for spiritual answers as Mr. Graham does what he does best. He hammers home the most important question of all - What are you going to do about Jesus?



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.”

Wild at Heart Review

Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man’s Soul by John Eldredge could not have come at a better time. With two boys closing in on their adolescent years, this book reminds us to allow for a boy's heart to stay wild by first mending our own wounds. This thoroughly enjoyable and thought provoking book tells of every man's three needs - a battle to fight, an adventure to have and a beauty to fight for. As a woman I can only tell you that the author was spot on when he points out that every woman also has three needs - to be fought for, to join in on an adventure and to be the beauty. This book gets two thumbs up for reminding us that boys are boys so lets stop trying to make them into girls and that men were meant to be men. I want my man to be just shy of scary and can safely say my girlfriends feel the same. Men, read this book. Women, read this book - it will open your eyes to what is going on inside your fellow's head and heart.



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

Will the World end in 2012?

Having finished reading "Will the World End in 2012?", I come away pleasantly surprised by what I read. In this book, author Raymond C. Hundley, Ph.D, looks at the leading apocalyptic theories and shows the strengths and weaknesses of each theory. I thought they would all end up being shown as hogwash yet a number of the more scientic theories indeed have some merit to them. This book was an easy read, that made you go "Huh, I didn't know that." occasionally. It ended with by asking a far more important question then whether the world will end in 2 years. Are you ready should your life end tonight? Truly it would do us all well to ask ourselves that question. Even better would be to live in such a way. "Will the World End in 2012?" gets my stamp of approval for the conspiracy theorists, the panickers, the searches and everyone in between.


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.”

Book Review - The Sacred Journey

After reading "The Sacred Journey" by Charles Foster, one thought keeps coming to mind. The most dangerous lie is the one that most resembles the truth. The theme of this book is that we should all go for a walk as though that is critical in our understanding of God and foundational in our relationship with Him. Mr. Foster pointed out that Jesus told His disciples to "Follow me.". Here is one major fault of this book. Jesus did tell His disciples to follow Him BUT Jesus wasn't on a pilgrimage. He was on a missionary trek. Jesus wasn't on a walkabout in an attempt to cleanse Himself or commune with God. He was walking to the next town to preach the gospel! How I wish I was able to say that the erroneous statements ended there. To say that Jesus tells us to remember Him when we drink wine is because of His "Bacchanalian taste" is nothing short of abhorrent. It is also one of many examples of Mr. Foster's poor taste in choice of words when discribing the Creator of the Universe, the one who holds his very breath.
Admittedly I was very intrigued by what was written about Cain and Abel. In fact this single chapter was quite enjoyable and profitable. Unfortunately it's the only chapter worth reading. This book may have majoritied on "christianity" but gave every other religion a day in the sun as well. Indeed other religions have plenty of sayings and proverbs that are not wrong but why give them such a deep role when the Author of Truth is standing, or as the author pointed out, walking right in front of us?
Mr. Foster believes that Jesus was being literal when He told us to Follow Him in terms of physically walking. If we are to believe that then we must take into consideration that in Mark 8:34 Jesus told us to not only follow Him but to take up his cross as well. It goes further in Luke 9:23 to say that we must do this daily if we're to follow Him. Is that literal as well? Hardly.
As for pilgrimages to the sites of relics, you would do infinitely better to stay at home an read your bible. Paul and Barnabas were downright distaught in Acts 14 when they were set up to be more then mere men.
The idea that going for a walk is beneficial is valid. It gives you time to sort out troubles and gives you a moment to speak quietly with God. The idea that going for a pilgrimage walk is quintessential to the christian life is wrong. If at any time you wish to speak to God all you have to do is speak.


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.”

By Accident?

I don't even know if anyone reads blogs but what a great way for me to tell someone, even if they are imagined, the inner struggles and triumphs in my life. God is doing such an overhaul in my life lately that I spend most mornings with tears in my eyes. For the most part they're tears of joy. How in the world He chose me to be the recipient of His wild, over the top, outrageous love and grace is so far beyond me that it makes my head spin and out pop the tears. Last week was my last week of work. I quit to be home with the children, to allow myself more time to help others and to focus on spending time in the word. It wasn't an easy choice but God was very kind and for a while daily DAILY gave me reminders of what's really important. Today is my second day at home and what a joy it is.
So what's with the title? BY Accident? I wonder if perhaps there is no such thing. Did you stumble upon this blog "by accident" or did God lead you here so that you and I could connect? Maybe you don't even think God is real. Maybe the life handed to you has been so hard lately that the idea of God loving you is laughable. Hang in their sweet thing. Let Him do the work He has set out to accomplish. I love LOVE LOVE Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord,"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." When your Plan A is catastrophically falling apart, perhaps it's because God's plan A is in motion. How smart we would be if we'd hand over the reins to the One who is really incontrol anyway.