"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.

"Susie's Hope" Movie Review and Giveaway

I already half wrote this review but am starting over. Instead of trying to tell you what this movie's about I'm just going to cut and paste the official write up and then I'll tell you what I thought about it.

Based on the true story that successfully passed Susie’s Law in North Carolina, which seeks stricter punishment for animal abusers, Susie’s Hope brings to life the inspirational relationship between pit bull attack survivor Donna Lawrence and Susie, a pit bull-mix puppy found beaten, burned and left for dead. Recognizing neglect and abuse were to blame for the tragic attack that nearly claimed her life 10 months earlier, Donna rescues the battered animal and accepts her as family. Together, they learn to heal, love and forgive as they lead a historic effort to seek justice and protection, not only for Susie, but all animals.

I hate to say anything negative about a movie that made me cry in parts and that is based on a true story - especially a true story that resulted in laws being made better but...but...

Maybe I just don't get it because I'm not a save-the-animal-at-all-cost type of person. Or maybe it's because I'm not a my-dog-comes-before-my-husband type of person, but I have to say, I felt slightly frustrated by Donna, the main character, throughout a good chunk of this movie. The husband gets kicked out of the bed for the sake of the dog, and she agrees to pay $17,000 for vet bills without even consulting him! This is our heroine? Plus, the way the movie has her always talking to her other dog, Babygirl, makes her seem unstable to begin with. I know lots of people talk to their animals, I talk to our hamster, but in the movie, it's ridiculous. (I wonder if it was artistic license and a way to sneak in plot exposition. Either way, it got old.)

On the other hand, I applaud anyone who is willing to work for better laws and the animal abuse law in N. Carolina did need changing. No jail time for animal torturers? Crazy. Thankfully, that's now in the past. Plus, I honestly did cry during a few scenes. The woman who played Donna, was very compelling and I felt myself ache for a woman who suffered a miscarriage because of the dog attack. At other times though, I thought the movie could have cut out quite a bit of time spent on showing Donna getting comfort from Babygirl. I watched it with my husband and three kids and they all felt the same way.

I have a copy of this movie to give away. Want your name in the draw? Leave a comment below and you're in. The draw will be held December 9th, 2014. Good luck



"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

"What's in the Bible? volume 10" Review and Giveaway

I saw super happy to review "What's in the Bible? volume 10 because I have seen some of the other videos in the series before and was impressed. Volume 10 was even better than the others. Phil Vischer's (the creator of VeggieTales and What's in the Bible)has an incredible gift for taking deep theological truths and making it seem so simple. In volume 10, his child friendly explanation as to why Jesus had to come when He did and not sooner was brilliantly presented. It's great to have a series for young kids that goes beyond the popular Bible stories of only Jonah, Noah and Creation.

I watched volume 10 with my 13 year old son and my 12 year old daughter. Obviously they are a bit older than the intended audience but my son, whose sense of humor is extremely witty, found the hidden puns that "What's in the Bible?" is laced with entertaining. My daughter, who isn't witty, didn't get them and also didn't find it worth sitting through. My favorite parts were when Phil Vischer himself was talking, explaining the Bible. Some of the puppet's voices were either very annoying or hard to understand.

One thing I didn't expect but what thrilled by was the moving way the crucifixion was handled. I fell in love with Jesus all over again as I watched it. I can't think of how they could have improved on it in the slightest. It really choked me up.

So, do you want to see it? I've got a copy to give away. If you want your name put in a draw for a free copy, leave a comment below. The draw will be held December 8th, 2014.

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

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

"Awaken Love" Book Giveaway

I suppose now would be a good time to admit that my husband and I have never done 'couple's devotions'. Well, not successfully anyway. But, for the sake of a thorough review, I asked him to join me in reading "Awaken Love; The Song" by Kyle Idleman. We lasted one day. From there I continued on my own and enjoyed it. I'm also glad we didn't continue on as a couple.

For awhile I've wondered, "What's the big deal about the name of Jesus?" Lots of people are named Jesus. So when Mr. Idleman talked about a person's name really being the sum of their characteristics, it was a light bulb moment. Aaaah! When I'm praying in 'the name of Jesus', I'm to pray according to His character. Brilliant.

Not so brilliant, is the homework assignment of looking back at the last argument you had with your spouse and dissect what the trigger was, what you could have done differently, etc. I can't see that being a positive conversation to have as a couple. On your own - yes. Together? Mmmm, not so much.

If my husband would have known that week 2 of this 6 week devotional was all about sex and that the homework was basically to go and have more sex, he might have stuck with it. To be truthful, no matter how many times I hear that God loves when we have a fulfilled sex life within the confines of marriage, I still don't love to think of Him watching us.

If you are the kind of couple who likes to do devotions together, I'd recommend this one. It's not very long, or indepth, or brain-numbing. Some parts are uncomfortable and challenging.

So, would you like a copy? Leave a comment below to have your name entered into the draw on Dec 5th, 2014. (It would make a nice Christmas present.) If you win, a copy will be shipped to you at no charge. Good luck!






"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”



From the publisher:

The Song Couple’s Devotional is a 6-week book for couples that can help awaken love in their marriage. With daily relationship insights and prayer points drawn from the Song of Solomon, this devotional will help couples grow in their relationship with God and one another.

Inspired by the Song of Solomon, The Song is both a full-length movie and resource for churches to explore God’s plan for relationships, love and marriage.

About the author:


Kyle Idleman is the Teaching Pastor at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, the fourth-largest church in America. Author of the award-winning and bestselling book, not a fan., and presenter of eight of City on a Hill’s curriculum series, he regularly speaks at conferences and events around the world. Kyle and his wife DesiRae have four children.