"School of the Prophets"

Let me start with an amazing story of God's grace and timing.

I grew up in a church that taught the sign gifts were no more. People who practiced them were using the devil's power (or something like that) Then, my brother in law goes on a mission to find out what these people have that we in the conservative brethren circles don't. Not only does he learn that Holy Spirit is alive and active still on planet earth, but that He wants to work through us too! Excuse me for a moment to emphasis the miraculous component in this because one week earlier, if you had asked me about people who spoke in tongues, I would have said they were toying with danger.

Then, I attended a baptism for someone involved with a church other than my own and a young man came up to me and said, "Would you be willing to come to our Thurs night meeting? You have the gift of prophesy all over you and I'd love to get a word through you." WHAT? I only found out a few months ago that it wasn't of the devil and you're saying I have that gift? But as he said it, my heart was thinking, "I know. It's like I always did know."

Then I started having some serious one on one time with God and He was all in my face about things and flowed over me with new revelation and visions and my head was spinning. But, there's no one at my church to talk to, no one to ask for guidance. I said to my husband, "I feel like a need to look into the School of the Prophets." I didn't say "I need to go to a conference." nor did I say, "I need to attend a workshop." I said the words School of the Prophets. (I didn't even know what that was except Elijah and Elisha were involved with one.) So you'll understand my glorious delight and tears when "School of the Prophets" by Kris Vallotton showed up in my mailbox the very next day!I review books for a couple of different publishing houses and this was the next one I was to review! Praise God. He's so cool.

As for the book itself, I can't say enough good about it! It was easy to read and choked full of important teaching. I laughed inside myself at the number of times a question would arise in my head only to be answered a few pages over. It was as though God had Kris Vallotton write this book with me in mind.

The author touches on the difference between O.T prophets and N.T. prophets, what our role looks like now, practical tips, and how to make sure your personal worldview isn't skewing your vision. If you think you have been given the gift of prophecy, READ THIS BOOK. Even if you don't but believe that from time to time God has given you words for others, READ THIS BOOK.

Like I said before, I review books for a number of different publishing houses. I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

"A Love Letter From God" Sweepstake

I'm not sure if you can tell from the picture but 5 of the hearts on the cover of "A Love Letter from God" by P.K. Hallinan are actually cut out windows. Every page of this adorable book follows suit. This book is an easy to read poem about how much God loves you. Parts of the poem have of parent-talking-to-a-child feel which is quite fitting since God is our Heavenly Father who sent Jesus to die, paying the price that allowed you to be adopted by Him as His child.

One of my favorite pages reads:

Once in a while
a problem will come.
You may even fumble or stumble on some.

But always be certain
I'll take every wrong and use it for good,
to help make you strong.

Please excuse me while I cry big crocodile tears of thankfulness.

Even though this is definitely a book for children, I was blessed by reading it and the timing of it's arrival at my door was God's kindness as work. I needed a reminder of His tender love and it came in the form of "A Love Letter from God". If you are looking for a book to buy for a special child in your life, I whole heartily recommend this one. It is brightly illustrated, pleasant to read and the message it gives feels like a hug to the heart.

God loves you. HE LOVES YOU!!!! Praise His Name.

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. If you'd like a copy, leave a comment below and I'll enter you into a draw for a free copy. The draw will be held January 7th, 2015. Good luck.

Secret Outlast Clear Gel

Alright I'll admit it, I sweat like a lumberjack in July. Gag. The best I can hope for is a deodorant that keeps the smell at bay because quite frankly, nothing is slowing down these underarms.

Hold the phone, what is this??? New Secret Outlast Clear Gel deodorant. I was sent a free stick because I'm a Bzzagent. (in other words, companies give me free samples because I have a big mouth.) I tried it and immediately hated it. It was all gooey and wet going on. No thank you. The smell was pleasant but the goo - ew. Not a fan.

Then, one hour, two hours, visiting with relatives, three hours... no sweat. No sweat? How can this be? it's a Christmas miracle. No, actually it's this gooey deodorant, which in truth, dries in a few seconds - I'm just textually sensitive. Now I can't make up my mind. Is it worth a few seconds of sticky for hours of dryness? I'm starting to think it is.

You're welcome for too much information. haha

"The Patmos Deception" review

The sign of a great book is a neglected family and house. You can know I've found a page turner when we end up having Frosted Flakes for supper. In fact when my kids were little, I limited myself to one work of fiction every couple of months just so that they would be better taken care of.

While reading "The Patmos Deception", by Davis Bunn, my house was as clean as ever. It wasn't that it was a bad book or that I felt like it dragged, it just wasn't a page turner. Not once did I think, "This book will never end." but not once did I say, "I'll wipe up that spilled milk after I'm done this book."

The author seemed to know the geography of Greece and had insights into it's history and culture. At times the geographical outlining was a bit much. I don't really need to know which city is by which on the next island over from another. I'm just as happy to read about imaginary locations. What I do need in a suspense/action fiction is suspense and action. This was my biggest dislike about the book. I kept thinking, "Surely it's going to get exciting soon." but it just...didn't. It took me a long time to finish reading "The Patmos Deception"; not because it plotted along or was written in old English but rather because it was so easy to put it down. I was never on the edge of my seat.

I can't say I'd really recommend this book. It's not all bad; it just isn't great. At least there was no smut or graphic violence or a leading lady acting like a moron. Always a bonus.

If you like Greece, the sea, and a book that has a quiet feel to it, this one's for you. Just don't be deceived into thinking it's going to be full of suspense and action.

BTW, I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.