It's a Country Life

Book Review: Then Sings My Soul Book 3 by Robert Morgan

2012-01-28T13:19:00.000-08:00

Then Sings My Soul Book 3

By: Robert Morgan

Book Description from Publisher:

The long-awaited third installment! In 2003, Robert Morgan released what would become a future classic for over a million readers, a unique book entitled Then Sings My Soul. This collection of the world’s greatest hymns and the stories behind them stirred an entire generation to better understand the heritage of our faith through song.
Now, in the long-awaited third volume of this series, Morgan expands his material to include the great history of worship, the first biblical hymns, biographical sketches of the most interesting composers, and almost 60 generations of hymn singing. The new book also includes a collection of the greatest hymns you’ve never heard, with lead-sheets included.
All of this is in addition to even more standard hymns and the stories of the composers behind them.
Morgan’s conclusion guides the reader into enjoying all of God’s music, blending the old and the new into a symphony of praise that keeps the worship alive for a new generation.

My Review:

I remember loving to sing hymns as a child in my Southern Baptist Church. But for some reason, I fell out of love with them as I grew older. Lately my love has been rekindled. After reading the story of John Newton and the famous hymn Amazing Grace, my children and I were fascinated by the story behind the old hymn. Our curiosity led to researching other old hymn stories. When I saw this book was available for review, I thought it might hold some real treasures.

I wasn't mistaken. The book starts with a history of hymn singing in the church which I found fascinating. I had no idea that congregational singing was not allowed for a very long time. The author goes on to discuss biblical, ancient, medieval, German, and gospel songs. The last part of the book takes a look at a long list of hymns and the history behind them.

One of my favorite stories in the book was the history behind the beloved song, Jesus Loves Me. Those who grew up in church will recognize many of these hymns. And even those who love the contemporary praise music will find some of their favorite songs and the stories that brought them about.

I don't think anyone with a love for music history, especially hymns, will be disappointed with this book.

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.”

I am doing a new thing......

2012-01-11T07:54:00.000-08:00

I am a blogging failure. There. I said it.

Now I can move on.

Every year I intend to blog consistently. What actually happens is I just post my book reviews because I know I have to.

I have some ideas for some new things which include some rearranging and moving. Stay tuned for details. :)

Healing is A Choice by Stephen Arterburn - Book Review

2011-12-19T11:28:00.000-08:00

Healing is a Choice

by Stephen Arterburn

Published by Thomas Nelson

Publisher's Description:

Do you want to get well?

The power to heal—physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually—is in God's hands. But the choice to be healed is ours. Everyone, at some level, needs healing. In this book, Stephen Arterburn outlines ten choices crucial to receiving healing and ten lies that can prevent us from making them. Readers will find the wholeness God desires for them in a practical and prayerful way through this book.
Now including the full workbook, this combined release emphasizes the fact that we must choose to let the hurt go and let the healing begin.
The book asks the participant, "Do you want to be healed?" If the answer is yes, then ten choices are provided to make the path toward healing a restorative experience.

About the Author and his Ministry:

New Life Website
About the Ministry

My Review:

I was not expecting such a thick book when this one arrived from Thomas Nelson publishers. My first thought was that it would take months to get through all the material in the book. However, I have read most of the text and skipped the workbook parts so I feel that I can give a reasonable review.

The book is by well know author, Stephen Arterburn. Some other titles of Mr. Arterburn that you might recognize are Every Young Man's Battle, More Jesus, Less Religion: Moving from rules to relationship, and Every Man's Marriage. The author has a radio ministry and is a popular speaker.

The book is subtitled: 10 Decisions That Will Transform Your Life and 10 Lies That Can Prevent You From Making Them

There are ten chapters that correspond to the 10 decisions and lies. And a final chapter concluding his thoughts on healing wraps everything up. Each chapter has a workbook that is to be completed after reading the chapter. Each workbook includes additional reading, prayers, songs, poems, questions to answer and a few exercises.

On page 186 of the book, the author states, "This book is about healing choices." This really sums up the purpose of the book. Reading this book will not heal people of their problems and the author doesn't intend it to. Reading this book will allow people to see their need for healing and explore why they don't get the help they need. Once they understand their need, then the book helps them to know what the next step should be.

Although I am still a broken vessel, God is gently putting me back together. I am a little ways down the path of healing now, but I can see that if I had read this book in the beginning of my healing journey that it would have been very helpful.

The author speaks very candidly of his own brokenness in the book. He shares openly of his divorce and how it has affected his life. I appreciated his honest approach in getting to the heart of behaviors that seem noble but are really sinful.

I would recommend this book to anyone starting the journey towards healing. Anyone could benefit from the information here, but it is clearly written for Christians.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson publishers for providing this book free of charge in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Out of A Far Country by Christopher and Angela Yuan

2011-10-29T14:45:00.000-07:00

Out of A Far Country, by Christopher and Angela Yuan, is a captivating testimony. The mother-son team wrote this book each from his/her own perspective. Chapter one begins with Angela recounting the beginning of the end of life as they knew it. Christopher picks up in chapter 2 with his own story. They alternate throughout the book.

Angela is struggling privately with her own issues when Christopher tells the family that he is gay. Angela decides to end her life but through a series of circumstances finds herself drawn to Christ. Instead of ending her life, she finds new life.

Christopher's life spirals downward. He embraces the gay lifestyle and is supported by a community of homosexual friends. He started out in dental school with a promising future, but was expelled because he neglected his studies due to his party lifestyle. He turned to selling drugs to have an income. Being a drug dealer would actually later be part of the answer to his mother's fervent prayers for him.

I think the alternating views weaved the story together very well. Also, I felt Christopher did a good job of describing the lifestyle he was living. I was able to understand his thoughts, feelings, and motives without him being too graphic with details.

I didn't know much about the gay community before reading this book. The insight into that sin struggle were helpful for me as someone who wants to be compassionate, yet biblical.

You can click on the link below to read an excerpt from chapter one. You can also visit Christopher's website here.
Chapter One Excerpt

*I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review

Book Review: Getting Back Up When Life Knocks You Down by Jeremy Kingsley

2011-07-29T14:36:00.000-07:00

Getting Back Up When Life Knocks You Down

by: Jeremy Kingsley

Publisher: Bethany House

ISBN: 978-0-764-0908-6

About Jeremy Kingsley's Ministry:

Jeremy Kingsley

The title of this book caught my eye because I am in the midst of trying to get back up after some long-term knock downs.

The book starts with the usual acknowledgements and introduction. The meat of the book is eleven chapters outlining things you can do to get back up when life knocks you down. The book concludes with the epilogue. Some chapter titles include: Back in the Game, Finding Freedom in Forgiveness, Letting Go of Guilt, and Holding Out for Hope. While teaching the reader how to learn to get back up, Mr. Kingsley includes self-check lists, testimonies and stories, as well as practical steps to apply in your life.

My personal experience is that his suggestions are very helpful.

I received this free review copy from Bethany House publishers. My thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not paid for this review. Thank you Bethany House for the opportunity.

Book Review: Untamed by Lisa Harper

2011-06-06T08:05:00.000-07:00

Book Review: Untamed

By: Lisa Harper

From the Publisher:

Have you met the real Jesus—the One who is wild enough to set you free?
Too many people settle for relating to Jesus merely as a comfortable friend and companion, when what we all need is an untamed Savior, a fearless champion tough enough to conquer our shame and compelling enough for us to follow him without hesitation.

I finally realized my caricature of Jesus wasn’t big enough to calm my anxiety or heal my wounds or defeat the wickedness in our world. Pretending Jesus is less than He is resulted in someone I wasn’t compelled to worship. So I began a journey to discover the whole Jesus—including the seemingly rough and wild parts—revealed in the Bible. And I found Him to be bigger and better than I ever dreamed.
—Lisa Harper

My Review:

I have lived on the wild side and it caused me to be broken. Thankfully, I have a Savior.. a Healer. He has gone to great lengths to reach me and heal me.

I have never thought of Him as being wild. Safe and solemn would probably better paint the picture I have had in my mind. In her book, Untamed, Lisa Harper introduced me to the wild side of Jesus. In a humorous writing style, Lisa creatively demonstrates from scripture the wild side of Jesus as He left people speechless and bewildered.

It is so easy to limit Jesus to what our finite minds can understand but He is so much more!! One of my favorite quotes from the book says "We need an untamed Savior because only a wildly faithful and wildly fearsome Jesus can free us to lean confidently into His affection and fall reverently at His feet- which is real worship!"

In the video above, Lisa shares a testimony which she also talks about in the book where Jesus had her do something radical...untamed...which helped bring a woman to know Him.

I enjoyed this book. There are study questions at the end of each chapter so this book could be used for personal or group discussion and study.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers.

Book Review: Please Stop Laughing at Me by Jodee Blanco

2011-04-15T17:33:00.000-07:00

Please Stop Laughing At Me

by: Jodee Blanco

Bullying is not a new phenomenon. But that doesn't make it right. Why do some kids bully other kids? Why do they view it as joking around and not as cruelty? What does it feel like from a child's perspective to be bullied? Are there long term effects?

Author, Jodee Blanco, has bared her soul in her book, Please Stop Laughing at Me. She describes a life of mental and physical abuse at the hands of her classmates. From early on in her life, she was different. She wasn't a blind follower of the crowd. This made her the prime target for bullying among her peers at school.

Although she doesn't answer the questions of why bullying happens, she does give a thorough perspective of life as a bullied child. She describes the long term effects and considers herself an adult survivor. Jodee is a sought after speaker and expert on school bullying. She has a day-long anti-bullying program called It's NOT Just Joking Around.

You can visit her website, Jodee Blanco ,for more information on her program, to listen to interviews, and to read more about Jodee. You can read the first chapter for free here.

With all of that said, I had a strange feeling about this story that I still can't put into words. Maybe it was the painful memories it brought up about being bullied myself at school. I don't know.

I do think this would be a great read for any parent with school age children. There is some profanity in the book so be aware of that before you read or before giving the book to your child to read.

Book Review: The Whole Bible Story by Dr. William H. Marty

2011-04-11T15:57:00.000-07:00

I received this complimentary book from Bethany House Publishers to review.

Because the bible is actually 66 books written in a variety of literary forms, it can be confusing to someone new to the study of scripture. Dr. Marty wrote this book as an aid to help people who don't know anything about the bible to gain an overview. He states in his introduction that this book is not a paraphrase and it is not a replacement for bible reading. He goes on to say that this book tells the story of the bible in plain, simple english with very little commentary.

This book does not include prophecy, poetry or wisdom literature, and it does not include the New Testament epistles. There are 19 chapters and an epilogue which is the book of Revelation.

Since I began reviewing books, this is only the second book that I have not loved. I am not sure what I was expecting but this wasn't it. I can't pinpoint why I didn't love the book. I did find the commentary annoying but that is just me. This would be a fine book for someone to read as an aid while studying scripture.

Book Review: We Be Big

2011-03-13T21:05:00.000-07:00

We Be Big

The Mostly True Story of How Two Kids from Calhoun County, Alabama became

Rick & Bubba

by: Rick Burgess and Bill "Bubba" Bussey

with Don Keith

This is another one of those titles that I knew I must read. Being from Alabama and very near Calhoun County, I am a Rick & Bubba fan. In fact, I have been listening to the two sexiest fat men alive, as they like to call themselves, since Rick was on Q104 out of Gadsden. At the time I was commuting to Jacksonville State University which took about an hour and a half. Rick was my entertainment on the drive. Then Bubba joined him and the show got even better. They really do have a gift for entertaining people. Laughing is a great way to start your day.

It is about two guys who wanted a career in radio but were kind of unconventional according to the radio world. They had to struggle to make their place in radio. The book is their story, from their humble beginnings to the very popular morning show stars they are today.

Rick and Bubba alternate telling their stories throughout the book. They begin with their childhoods, parents, and early memories moving through the years and the ups and downs in life that made them who they are today. They are not hesitant to share their mistakes and failures which I think is an encouragement for anyone who has struggled with trying to make it in this world. One of the things I appreciate most about them is that they aren't afraid to share their belief in Christ and to stand for what they believe is right.

Rick's youngest son died in 2008 when he drowned in a swimming pool. Rick shares about this ordeal in the book. Although it was a terrible tragedy and their hearts are forever broken, they don't sorrow as those without hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13), and Rick shares the reason for their hope with the readers.

I enjoyed this glimpse into the lives to two very talented and blessed men. I would definately recommend this book for Rick and Bubba fans. And for those who have never heard of Rick and Bubba, you will probably want to listen to them after reading this book.

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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: Life, in Spite of Me by: Kristen Jane Anderson and Tricia Goyer

2011-03-07T19:23:00.000-08:00

Book Review:

Life, in Spite of Me

Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice

by:

Kristen Jane Anderson and Tricia Goyer

I first heard Kristen's story on the Family Life radio program. As I listened to Kristen recount the details of her story, I was speechless. I was given the opportunity to read this book by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group and I jumped at the chance. I really wanted to hear more of this amazing story of God's mercy and grace in Kristen's life.

Kristen recounts a happy childhood with family memories of going to church and fun times. But things changed in her teen years. A friends suicide. Another friend's death. The death of her grandmother. Rape. Fighting with parents. These events turned Kristen's life upside down. She was depressed and hurting deeply.

She made a choice one cold January night to lie down aross the railroad tracks close to her home. She wanted to end her life. It was too painful to live anymore.

But she was haunted by a question. Will I go to heaven or hell? She just wasn't sure.

Kristen survived a 33 freight car train running over her body. In this book she gives the details of her suicide attempt, her agonizing recovery, the salvation she found in Christ, and what she is doing now to serve Him.

I was captured on the first page. I could feel Kristen's pain, hopelessness, and brokenness. My heart ached with her through her struggle to recover and come to terms with what had happened. I rejoiced with her when she found salvation in Christ. I am hopeful with her that her ministry will reach others who feel they have no hope.

Read chapter one online

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Back to Basics

2011-03-07T18:36:00.000-08:00

This is my new educational toy.

After much research, I finally decided to buy a grain mill. I am trying to find ways to save our health and save us money. It was a big initial investment but I am hoping the health benefits and baking from scratch will make it worth it.

This particular mill is the Wondermill, formerly the Whispermill. http://www.thewondermill.com/ I purchased ours from The Bread Beckers. I was convinced of the health benefits after listening to Sue Becker's CD, which they will send you free, and watching some of the video classes they have online, which are also free.

I tried my hand at milling this afternoon and baked bread, rolls, and cinnamon rolls. I wasn't sure about the basic recipe and I got mixed up on the grains. Hard red wheat is for yeast breads. Hard white wheat can be used for yeast breads. And soft white wheat is for pastries, cakes, cookies, etc. In my excitement, I milled hard red and soft white instead of hard white. My bread and rolls were okay but were pretty tasteless. The cinnamon rolls were good. But, hey, it was my first try. All in all I guess it turned out okay. We didn't have any rolls left and half the pan of cinnamon rolls are gone.

Once I get the hang of this, I will try to do a post about the process.

Book Review: The Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley

2011-03-02T21:14:00.000-08:00

Book Description

Your Direction, not Your Intention, Determines Your Destination. There is often a tension between where we want to end up in life and the path we choose to get there. We fail to see that having good intentions is never good enough. Like Charlie Brown, we wrongly believe there’s something to be said for trying hard. We need to understand why, in spite of our good intentions, we may have ended up at the wrong destination with our finances, our marriages, our careers, or a host of other dreams. So how do we get from where we are to where we truly want to be? The Principle of the Path is a road map to proper direction and discipline.
Includes Extensive Study Guide.

My Review:
Who doesn't want the best life has to offer? We all want to have the best relationships, the best finances, the best jobs, the best "stuff". It is just human nature. The problem is that many times we don't have the best or even what is good and it is our own fault. We find ourselves far from what we actually wanted or planned. In The Principle of the Path, Andy Stanley explains in easy to understand terms why we don't get the results we are after. Your Direction, not your intentions, determines your destination. We can have all kinds of goals and dreams. We can have the most noble aspirations for relationships. But if we don't follow the right path, specifically God's path, then no matter what our intentions, we will find our destination is not what we thought it would be.

I really enjoyed this book. I like Andy Stanley's writing style. He uses humorous stories from his own experiences to illustrate the biblical truths he is teaching. I found myself laughing out loud many times and nodding my head in agreement. I wish I would have had this teaching when I was 18 or 20 years old. Anyone could benefit from the teachings in this book

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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: God Gave Us the World

2011-02-19T11:42:00.000-08:00

Lisa Tawn Bergen has written a heart warming conversation between a mother bear and her cub. As they visit a museum, the cub learns that God has created many types of bears and they all live in different parts of the world. I enjoyed the honest, childlike questions from the cub and the tender way the mother bear tries to answer them always pointing to God as the Creator. The illustrations by Laura J. Bryant are charming and draw the reader into the story. I enjoyed reading this story to my children.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo With Lynn Vincent

2010-11-07T20:06:00.000-08:00

Book Description

A young boy emerges from life-saving surgery with remarkable stories of his visit to heaven.
Heaven Is for Real is the true story of the four-year old son of a small town Nebraska pastor who during emergency surgery slips from consciousness and enters heaven. He survives and begins talking about being able to look down and see the doctor operating and his dad praying in the waiting room. The family didn't know what to believe but soon the evidence was clear.
Colton said he met his miscarried sister whom no one had told him about, and his great grandfather who died 30 years before Colton was born, then shared impossible-to-know details about each. He describes the horse that only Jesus could ride, about how "reaaally big" God and his chair are, and how the Holy Spirit "shoots down power" from heaven to help us.
Told by the father but often in Colton's own words, the disarmingly simple message is heaven is a real place, Jesus really loves children, and be ready there is a coming last battle.

With a title like Heaven is for Real and that cute little fellow on the cover, I couldn't resist reading this book. I have never read about or listened to any testimonies about out of body trips to heaven. Having the story told from the point of view of a child really made me eager to read it. I started this book one night at bedtime and finally put it down about 1 a.m. having read from cover to cover. It was so easy to read. I experienced every emotion that Todd Burpo and his wife felt as they described their ordeal. But what I appreciated most about this book was the way Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent captured the childlike faith of Colton. I could sense his innocent faith as they described what Colton said about Jesus and heaven. It was such and encouragement to me and strengthened my personal faith.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting encouragement in their faith or possibly for someone wondering if God hears their prayers. Although I wasn't sure what to expect, I am so glad I read this book. The bible says in Matthew 18:3 "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: The Grace of God by Andy Stanley

2010-10-19T08:29:00.000-07:00

Book Description: (from the publisher)

Learn how God's grace can and will transform you.
None of us deserve what God offers, a life free from sin and hope for a glorious future, but unbelievably it's ours for the taking. Why? Because of God's grace. The unmerited favor, the lavish love and kindness he pours out on us, and has, since Creation.
But if it's so available then why do we live a grace-less life? Why are our churches filled with disillusioned Christians, weary of religion's demands, struggling with personal defeat because of issues or behaviors?
Join pastor Andy Stanley as he traces grace through the Old and New Testament, observing God's grace at work in the lives of some of the best, and worst, characters. He also uses personal stories from his own life to reveal how grace is not a natural response but is the most essential one. Together these stories unravel the mystery of grace and tell of its transforming power to set us free.

MY REVIEW:
In just 13 chapters, Andy Stanley gives a tour of the bible through the lens of grace. Beginning in the book of Genesis, he shows that grace has been the basis of our relationship with God from the very beginning of creation. He continues through the old testament and then the new testament retelling the stories that have become so familiar to us. But instead of a familiar rendition, we get a fresh telling from the viewpoint of unmerited grace.

This book will go on my shelf as one of my all time favorites. I loved Andy Stanley's writing style. One of my favorite chapters was the first one where he explained the grace involved in creation. I had never thought of it that way before so it was a new revelation to me. Grace is a tough subject to tackle. So many believers have become unbalanced in their view of grace. I believe Andy Stanley handled a difficult topic while remaining scripturally sound and balanced. I would recommend this book to any believer wanting to be encouraged. For a seeker, this would be an awesome introduction to the God of grace.

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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

You Were Made to Make a Difference by Max Lucado and Jenna Lucado Bishop~ Book Review

2010-09-25T15:27:00.000-07:00

I have been looking for a devotional type book for my teens that would challenge them to think more about others than themselves. The title of this book, You Were Made to Make a Difference, sparked my interest. I was so pleased with this book and am happy to share this review with you.

The authors, father-daughter team Max Lucado and Jenna Lucado Bishop, have written a wonderful guide to help teens realize that they can make a difference in the world. The book is divided into 3 parts with each part containing 4 chapters. At the end of each chapter is a scripture to sum up the teaching and a sample prayer. In Part 1: You Were Made to Belong to God, readers are introduced to their Creator and encouraged to develop a relationship with Him. Part 2: You Were Made to Reach Out to Others gently guides readers into ways that they can make a difference by moving out of their comfort zones to minister to those around them. And finally, in Part 3: You Were Made to Change the World, readers are encouraged to move beyond what they think they can do to the bigger things that only God can do through them.

I found the book easy to use and understand. There are cute little quote bubbles letting the reader know which author is speaking. There are also quotes, facts, and real life stories that a teen audience would find appealing. A section in the back titled Random Acts of Kindness and Good Deeds lists ideas for random acts of kindness and good deeds as well as space to record other ideas.

I am looking forward to giving this book to my teens and seeing how God will use it in their lives to help them make a difference in the world.

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: What in the World is Going On? 10 Prophetic Clues You Cannot Ignore by Dr. David Jeremiah

2010-08-12T06:57:00.000-07:00

Book Description (from the publisher)

Is the current economic and political crisis actually prophesied in the Bible?
If so, what are we to do about it? It is hard to piece together all this information in a way that gives a comprehensive picture of what the end times will look like. That's why so many theories abound. And that's why Dr. David Jeremiah has written What In the World Is Going On?, a unique book that cuts through the hundreds of theories to identify the essential 10 most important bible prophecies. There is no other book like this. You'll find it the ultimate study tool for understanding the future. You'll have a greater sense of comfort that, even in these crazy times, God is indeed in control. If bible prophecy has always been a mystery to you, Dr. Jeremiah's book will help you solve the mystery. At last, bible prophecy can make sense, and make a difference. What In the World Is Going On? is shocking and eye-opening but essential reading in these turbulent days.

I am a huge fan of Dr. Jeremiah's teaching so when I saw this book, I knew I wanted to read it. Although I do believe we are living in the end times of earth's history as we know it before Jesus returns, it is often hard to explain why I believe this to be so. As a novice bible student, I find that sometimes the scripture can be confusing. I am always grateful for teachers and pastors like Dr. Jeremiah for helping to make things clear. In each chapter, which covers one of the 10 prophetic clues, Dr. Jeremiah states the clue and then supports his view with scriptural and historical evidence. I especially liked the detailed explanation of the Rapture of the Church.

I found this book to be thrilling. I gained some understanding and insight into some issues that I had found confusing. This book would be a wonderful tool for a small group bible study or for an individual who wants to gain a better understanding of end times prophecy.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore with Lynn Vincent

2010-07-13T11:35:00.000-07:00

I received this book to review from Thomas Nelson publishers and I have to say that this is by far the best book I have reviewed since joining Booksneeze. Thank you so much to Thomas Nelson for the honor. This is my opinion. I have not been paid for this review.

Book Description:

In this unforgettable story, we are first introduced to Denver, an uneducated black man living in poverty as a modern day slave. The essence of his life is back breaking labor, unimaginable poverty, prejudice, and hopeless for anything better. After finally escaping in a train boxcar, he spends the next 18 years of his life homeless. To survive street life, he becomes hard and cruel. But in his heart, Denver was storing a treasure of wisdom that God would later use in his life. We are also introduced to Ron Hall, a wealthy art dealer who although a christian had no desire to be around homeless people. He preferred a lifestyle of luxary cars, large houses, and designer clothes. However Ron's wife Deborah was listening, praying, and obeying God as He linked all of their lives together in a story only God could write full of redemption, repentance, and amazing grace.

I could not put this book down. And when I did put it down, I was still thinking about it. Denver's story was heartbreaking. And I found it would have been really easy to judge Ron for his prejudice and lack of compassion. Deborah was inspiring.

As I thought about the book I realized that those who are christians are much like all three: Denver, Ron, and Deborah. We are all slaves to sin until we are redeemed and then we sometimes still have areas where we are in chains. We all have the capacity for sin and sometimes the depths of our own depravity repulses us when it surfaces. And lastly we all have the ability to walk with God and follow Him closely.

I am thankful that Denver and Ron shared their stories with the world. I am deeply moved.

Book Review: If I Could Ask God Anything

2010-05-04T20:27:00.000-07:00

Kathryn Slattery has written an incredible resource for parents, Sunday School teachers, church workers, or anyone desiring help in teaching children about God. If I Could Ask God Anything: Awesome Bible Answers for Curious Kids is a 207 page book divided into the following 11 sections:

God
Jesus
The Holy Spirit
The Bible
Christianity
Prayer
The Church
Christian Seasons and Holidays
Being a Christian Here and Now
Being a Christian Forever and Ever
Big Questions

Each section follows the same format. At the top of each page there is a question followed by an explanation with scripture references. The explanations are brief but thorough enough not to confuse. And the wording is simple, yet clear. It is written to a child reader and comes across as a gentle conversations between an adult and child.

I enjoyed reading through this book. The author used examples in some of her answers that I wasn’t familiar with so I was able to get a new perspective on some things. I appreciated the author tackling some of the harder questions of the faith. The information in the book was biblically sound. This would even be an easy introduction to the faith for a new believer. I give this book 5 stars. Thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishers for the opportunity to review this book.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their http://BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Our Amazing God

2010-04-03T12:53:00.001-07:00

Good Friday~Jesus Loves You

2010-04-02T14:50:00.000-07:00

Giveaway Winner

2010-03-29T03:45:00.000-07:00

The winner of this giveaway was selected by Random.org. Congratulations to Cindy who said:

Would LOVE this book! I'm a follower! :o)

Cindy http://ourjourneywestward

Send me an email with your mailing address and I will get the book to you right away. Congratulations and thanks for participating.

Kaldidoscope by Patsy Clairmont

2010-03-27T11:27:00.000-07:00

KALEIDOSCOPE: Seeing God's Wit and Wisdom in a Whole New Light
By: Patsy Clairmont

What would God have to say about such things as stretch marks, expiration dates, trapping, or bugs?

Quite a bit according to author Patsy Clairmont in her new devotional book based on the book of Proverbs: the wisdom book of the bible. Patsy uses stories from her life and interlaces them with her witty humor and a verse from the Proverbs to create a fresh perspective on familiar scriptures. At the end of each short chapter she pulls it all together with some questions for reflection and further scripture references.

Although Patsy Clairmont is a best-selling author and speaker with Women of Faith, this was my first encounter with her. I enjoyed her wit. She has a way of expressing herself that just makes you grin. For example in the chapter Get Smart, she discusses having the painful foot condition plantar faciitis. In an effort to relieve the pain she rode a stationary bike which led to severe charley horses in her legs that lasted for hours. She said that it was in the height of those cramping moments that she would volunteer to pick ticks off gorillas in the jungle for Jesus if the pain would just go away.

These devotions were were meaty enough to make you think but short and sweet making them perfect for someone who is short on time but desiring to be in God's word.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their http://BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-24T11:46:00.001-07:00

Another Giveaway

2010-03-20T14:41:00.000-07:00

Another blogger friend is hosting a giveaway this weekend. Check out Debbie's blog for a chance to win a super homeschooling book.