It's Really Only My Opinion

NIV Ragamuffin Bible:Meditations for the Bedraggled, Beat-up, and Brokenhearted

2013-12-10T11:01:00.001-08:00

I received this book for free from Booksneeze book review program in exchange for nothing other than a fair and honest review.

Do you believe that God not only loves you, but that he also likes you?

It's just one of the soul-searching questions posed by bestselling author Brennan Manning who confesses he has been 'John the beloved, Peter the coward, and Thomas the doubter all before the waitress brought the check.'

The NIV Ragamuffin Bible offers a collection of Manning’s raw, painfully honest, yet grace-filled devotions, meditations, and reflections of his journey limping back to---like the prodigal son---his overjoyed father. When you journey through this Bible, you will likewise find yourself returning to your Heavenly Father, basking in the knowledge that God not only loves you, he delights in you.

Features:

Complete text of the world’s most popular modern-English Bible, the NIV
104 Devotions guide you into a deeper connection to God and his Word
250 Reflections help you understand what it means to be a child of God
150 Quotes offer short but thoughtful insights into God’s kingdom

I chose this bible because the title caught my eye. Who hasn't felt beat up, bedraggled, and brokenhearted? In fact, I'm feeling that way right now. I was excited for the devotions which would lead me to an understanding of the bible...but to be honest they were so hard to find, and so ingrained into the text, they just did not stand out, and therefore to me, they were not helpful.

The bible is hardcover, and comes with a dust jacket. It is lightweight, But it is far from my favorite bible. I was hoping for some learning experiences that would take me deeper into the text and with this bible, I just didn't find it.

He Chose The Nails by Max Lucado

2012-06-04T10:21:00.000-07:00

Through the Booksneeze review program, I was given the book "He Chose the Nails" by Max Lucado in exchange for a review. My review does not have to be positive, merely honest. All opinions expressed here are my own. I started this book and I must say I really loved it. I found Max Lucado not long ago and I really loved, and was inspired by his writing, so when I found this book, I picked it with no hesitation. This book did not fail me. It is so easily understandable, so easy to relate to, and like in other Lucado books I have read he brings home his point in a way that leaves me in awe of the things our Lord and Savior has done for us. As it happened I was reading this book as I was going through a Life Threatening Illness, and that brought it home even more for me. I may be suffering, but Jesus suffered more...and he suffered for me. He made the choice to suffer for me. As I read I thought about the fact that my life had been spared while our Lord's son gave his own for my sins...and I knew and know that I am not a sinless person, and all I could do was through tears thank him for all he had done for me, and thank Mr. Lucado for such a timely reminder. This book gets a definite recommend from me.

Nook Tablet

2012-05-25T13:52:00.001-07:00

Ever since I heard about the release of the Nook Tablet I wanted it. I had the very first version of the Nook, and I was due an upgrade and the tablet was what I had been waiting for. The right price at $199 for 8 GB and upgradable with an SD card. Because I use my nook primarily for reading and planning, the tablet was perfect for me. I love the color screen with the great graphics. I love that I can subscribe to magazines and pay for them at a lower cost by the issue, and pick and choose if I am reading it, keep it. If Not unsub, and I don't have all these magazines and a bunch of money wasted on a magazine I am not reading. While I know that Amazon has more apps than Barnes and Noble does for its Nook, I have found the Nook apps to be just perfectly suitable for my needs. There are apps for task organization, calendars, to do list, grocery shopping lists, female health apps, tons of games, foreign language apps, and so much more. I have really enjoyed getting to know my Nook Tablet, and I know I will get a ton of use out of it in the future. As far as electronics go, this is one of my favorites and I am so glad that I chose this as my tablet to purchase.

Crazy Dangerous by Andrew Klaven

2012-05-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

I received this book for free from booksneeze in exchange for a review, but the opinions expressed are my own. I am in no way required to give a positive review. I really tried to like this book. But from the beginning the author's style was just not something I enjoyed. I felt as if I was reading a fast paced, and very repetitive, poorly written, creative writing paper. I never did catch on to the story line, not saying it wasn't understood, just that I couldn't get into it. I do try to find something positive about every book I read, and I do give kudos to Mr. Klavin for his action sequences, however the amount of action was a bit over the top and I for one ended up getting lost in who was doing what and when. I wouldn't recommend this book, but I also am a lover of romance novels, westerns, self-help and some mystery. I picked this book thinking of the mystery element, but it just was not there for me!

25,000 Mornings Ancient Wisdom For A Modern Life by Fay Rowe

2012-05-11T11:22:00.001-07:00

I received this book for free from Booksneeze in exchange for a review, but the opinions expressed in this review are my own, I am in no way required to give a positive review.

I read 25,000 Mornings, Ancient Wisdom For a Modern Life by Fay Rowe, and I really like this book. The short little devotions are just enough to inspire me in the morning and give me something to think about. And Mrs. Rowe gives me plenty of resources of where she has gotten her information to look up. Ms. Rowe's easy style of writing and relating to her audience made this different from any other devotional book I've ready and I actually really looked forward to reading it every morning. I would really recommend this book to anyone looking for that little bit of extra oomph to get through their day. Ms. Rowe's down earth style may be just what you are looking for!!

Heaven in Her ArmsI

2012-04-30T10:59:00.000-07:00

I received the book Heaven in Her arms from Booksneeze to review. Although I received this book for free in exchange for a review, the opinions expressed in this review are my own and I am in no way required to give a positive review. I read the book Heaven in Her Arms by Catherine Hickem, and I really loved this book. I couldn't put it down from the first page. There were so many instances in which I related, and that I said yeah I can really understand that. I felt like I could really understand the point of view of Mary, and what it was like to have such unconditional love for a child, even the one we call Savior and the grief and anguish suffered by Mary at the time. I would highly recommend this book to mother's, grandmother's and anyone contemplating having children, because as told from the point of view of the ultimate mother, there is a lot to learn about genuine unconditional love, and sacrifice for your child. I did a highlighting and tagging in this book and was extremely happy with my choice in this book. Ms. Hickem did an extremely great job with this book, and I will be looking for more of her work in the future!

http://www.become.com

2012-04-13T10:05:00.003-07:00

I visited http://www.become.com a wonderful website full of unique items for the home. I love bar stools and one of the things that caught my eye was the Cane Bar Stools. Which are lovely and would make a beautiful addition to any home. Check them out at . They are chic and extremely classy. If you're a bar stool girl like me, you definitely want to give these a look.

Next I checked out ceramic floor lamps. I love a lot of lighting in my house, and I'm not a fan of table lamps, so these floor lamps were perfect. There are some absolutely beautiful lamps for sale. Not only are they classy, they are perfect for any home that needs a little decoration. There is so much to choose from. From the extremely frilly to simple. I absolutely loved these lamps.

If it's Champagne Flutes you are interested in, this site has some very lovely ones as well. Again from the simple to the very beautifully decorated.

is definitely a wonderful site, and it's got wonderful home goods to be checked out. Stop on by, and see what they have to offer, it's definitely a great site if you are in the market to purchase new things for your house. I was so impressed with what I found here, I know I will be recommending it to people for a long time to go.

What are you waiting for? Got to now and find what you need.

The Rockwood Files: Tales From The Hood

2012-04-02T10:13:00.000-07:00

I received this book free from Dorrance Publishing in exchange for a review. I am in no way required to give a positive review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

The Rockwood Files, Tales From The Hood, by James Andrew Clay

I chose this book, because it seemed interesting. I love reading about real life issues, especially concerning troubled teens, and issues within today's ghettos. However, I did not enjoy this book. I found the writing to be immature, and I it was difficult to follow. It was not my favorite book that I've ever read, and I think the author could have put a lot more time into making this book more readable and more realistic.

On the upside, there are realities of the ghettos, and history as areas were taken over by black people, and I found the factual parts of the stories to be good, I just was not fond of the writing style.

The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck

2012-03-24T17:47:00.000-07:00

I received this book as part of the book reviewing team at BookSneeze. I am in no way required to give a good review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I started reading the wedding dress, and when I first began I wasn't all that entranced. To me it seemed like any other bride taking her time, not really looking to get married book. But as I read on, I was thoroughly enchanted by the story. I loved the history the book presented and the characters were so very real. I identified with each of them, and felt genuine emotion for each of the characters. I particularly LOVED Emily's story. I thought it to be so sweet, so loving, and I wanted more.

This was an awesome book and I was so glad I chose it and wold recommend it to anyone for a read they just want to get lost in! When I had to stop reading, I couldn't wait to get back to reading more!

This is my first foray into Ms. Haucks work but I can guarantee I will be reading more!!

Lazarus Awakening

2012-03-10T10:01:00.003-08:00

I received Lazarus Awakening from blogging for books for free but am in no way required to give a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own!

Lazarus Awakening is the story of Lazarus, and I can't even tell you how much I am learning from this book. I really and truly am just so grateful that I choose this to review.

The points made are so wonderful and the author makes them in a way that it is really driven home without lecturing. The story of Lazarus is a good one, and it shows the Love of the Lord.

I have taken so many notes in this book, and I know it will be a book that I read more than once!

Definitely a keeper!

Stand By Me By Neta Jackson

2012-03-10T09:38:00.000-08:00

I received the book Stand By My by Neta Jackson from Booksneeze for free, but am in no way required to provide a positive review:

Stand by me by Neta Jackson is one of the most awesome books I have read in a long time. I really enjoyed the character interactions, the storyline, the way that the biblical references played into the story.

I loved both Avis's story of trying to find her missing daughter and grandson, and Kathryn's story and her spunk as she tried to fit in and find her way. This book made me think, and it was definitely a tear jerker.

This was a book that made me want to pull out my bible after reading and learn more, and pray more. And any book that does that is definitely worth the read for me!!

The Voice New Testamant

2012-03-09T07:51:00.000-08:00

I was given a copy of The Voice New Testament for free from the publisher, but am in no way required to provide a positive review. The opinions expressed on this blog and in this review are my own!

The Voice New Testament is one of my favorite versions of the New Testament. It is so easy to read, with notes scattered throughout the text to help one understand the Bible completely.

This bible text is great for someone who has never read the bible before, and those who have read it often. It really helps pull things together and offers a different perspective on things.

I really and truly enjoy this bible and will use it often!

Parenting with Scripture by Kara Durbin

2012-03-09T07:36:00.001-08:00

Moody Publishers was kind enough to allow me a review copy of "Parenting with Scripture" by Kara Durbin. This book was not my favorite book, but it had a whole lot of wonderful, meaty stuff in there that was very useful for nearly every situation one might encounter with their children. Scripture is provided along with suggestions for how to put into practice Ms. Durbin's suggestions with your children. I think this is possibly not a favorite of mine because I am raising a very independent child that has an answer to everything...and when I try to put into practice anything "God Centered" it always leads to discussions about Jesus and who he is and how he came to be...which is a great opportunity to teach my child about God and Jesus, but also reduces the focus off the behaviors I am trying to correct.

I don't feel that all children are alike and what works for one may not work for another...so I do feel that this book is definitely worth reading and has great material for those who want to raise their children by Christian Standards.

And as I said, it is never bad when I can talk to my child about Jesus, so even though the techniques did not work as I had hoped, I did find this book to be a great read and something I will continue to try to put into practice with my child.

Please remember that although the publisher provided me with a review copy for free, I am in no way required to give a positive review and these opinions are my own!

The Jesus We Missed: The Surprising Truth About The Humanity of Christ

2012-02-15T14:52:00.000-08:00

I received this book for free from Booksneeze in exchange for a review and am in no way required to give a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

In Patrick Henry Reardon's Book, The Jesus We Missed, The Surprising Truth About The Humanity of Christ. A historical context of the life and teachings of Jesus through the gospels of Paul. This book was extremely easy to read and flowed very well.

As someone who is very new to reading the "history" of Jesus, I really enjoyed this book, however, I did not find anything in this book that was "stunning or surprising". What I did find was a well written, well thought out, well researched book that educated me on the life of Jesus as he lived here on earth, and got me interested in reading more books of this nature.

Perfect Love by Ruth Meyers

2012-02-01T09:37:00.000-08:00

I received this book for free to review through Blogging for Books. I am in no way required to give a positive review and the opinions expressed in this review are mine and mine alone.

I read "Perfect Love" by Ruth Meyers, and loved the concept of reading about love...the ultimate in love which is our Lord and Savior. Love is all around us at all times, but we have such a hard time embracing that love. Especially when that love is offered from God. So many people in today's world do not believe that God loves them.

It is simple to tell someone that God loves them, a much more difficult task to get one to believe such words. Ms. Meyers turns to personal experience, biblical principle, and simple truth, God loves us all. We just have to embrace it and believe it!

This book was very well written and encouraging! I really found myself to be inspired by what Ms. Meyers had written, and as someone who has sought love all my life, realize that the answer is simple....God's love is the only love that will never fail me. And that is something that we all truly need to know.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is feeling lonely, unloved, or like God isn't there for them. It is a true pick me up that I enjoyed thoroughly.

From Blah To Awe: Shaking up Boring Faith by Jenna Lucado Bishop

2012-02-01T09:17:00.000-08:00

I was given this book for free by BookSneeze to review as a promotional opportunity. The opinions expressed in this review are my own, and I am not required to give a positive review.

I really and truly enjoyed this book. Ms. Bishop has written something extremely readable that has made me think, and really helped both me and my daughter a long our Christian Journey. This is a book that was listed as Young Adult, but I really feel it is good for anyone who has issues with faith boredom.

My interest was sparked from the beginning, and while not an overly challenging read, there were tons of great tidbits included that I will refer back to often.

Then Sings My Soul I

2012-01-18T09:50:00.000-08:00

I received this book through Booksneeze as part of a promotion to review the book. I am in no way required to give this book a positive review. The thoughts contained in this review are my own.

I was so super excited to receive this book because I love a good hymn. There is something about them that just speaks to me. But I wasn't overly thrilled with the book. Maybe it's because I'm young and wasn't familiar with a lot of the hymns. With the current hype of good Christian music out there for young people, and it is good music, hymns are not as prevalent, but I do listen to them, and I do remember them from my youth, however the hymns contained in this book were not ones that I was overly familiar with.

I mean sure there were feel good stories to go with each of them, and I did feel warm and fuzzy after each of them. But this was just not what I had hoped it would be. I'd be interested to see the other offerings though as this is not the only volume available.

What I did like about this book is that it was a chance for me to get to know some new hymns, and as I stated above, I LOVE some good hymns. Now I just need to go in search of who sings them the best and I'll have some good listening material too!

Overall it wasn't a favorite but it wasn't a bad book either!!

Beanitos

2012-01-09T09:53:00.000-08:00

The wonderful folks at Beanitos sent me a whole box full of their bean chips. I love beans so I was very excited about trying these, but admit I was afraid. I have never tried anything like this, and sometimes products such as these can taste just plain bad.

Not so with Beanitos. These chips are awesome! I love them. I have tried all the flavors, Black Bean, Pinto Bean, Chipolte BBQ and Cheddar Cheese, and they all have a very distinct flavor profile, but they are all delicious.

My mother, who is not a bean lover tried them and liked them as well. These chips are a great addition to any salsa, or layered Mexican Dip. They are corn free and healthy for you which is great for when I have that chip craving but don't want the empty calories and other icky stuff that comes in a regular potato chip.

I will most definitely be looking for these in the store and continue to keep them in my household!

Nielsen Massey Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla

2012-01-05T09:02:00.000-08:00

I was sent a bottle of Nielsen Massey Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla, and I tell you this stuff is wonderful! When I first got it, I opened the bottle to smell the wonderful vanilla aroma, and it was like nothing I'd ever bought at the store. I was anxious to try it, so I put a little in some coffee and it gave the coffee a wonderful flavor.

Since I have used it in every recipe that calls for vanilla, and I absolutely love this vanilla, it is a wonderful product for baking, to add a little vanilla flavor to products and even to use in marinating.

What a wonderful product from Nielsen Massey! I highly recommend it and give it two thumbs up!

Awakening by Stovall Weems

2012-01-02T10:21:00.000-08:00

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review and am in no way required to give this book a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own alone.

This book is a 21 day plan to help you along your path to a lasting relationship with God in a world where there is so much going on that is seems there is no time for God. There is so much going on around us, so much noise, so much crap, twitter, facebook, television, video games, music, and we don't take time out until we drop into bed exhausted...and by then we sleep, we don't really take time to listen...let alone talk to God.

Mr. Weems let's us know that the most important thing we need to know is that we are here on this earth on assignment from God. But are we really fulfilling what God intends? We think so but can we know? The only way is to stop intently and purposefully and take time to listen to God.

God's voice is not...
"the voice of worry
the voice of guilt
the voice of need
the voice of ambition
the voice of pressure
the voice of success
the voice of failures"

Whatever voices you are hearing, they will not all be negative, they will not all be good, either way, what you need to be listening for is the voice of God, because God's voice is the only one who will give you your true purpose in life and when you hear that you will finally find peace and intent in life.

"You're not here on earth simply to exist-you were sent here by God"

I really liked this book. I found it inspiring. I found it extremely readable, and liked Mr. Weems writing from the beginning. There is a lot to be said for finding peace in the busy days to listen for the voice of God and finding our purpose.

I would recommend this book to people who want a little inspiration. To people who are hurting and feel lost. To people who feel like God has left them. And to people who feel they have no purpose in life. Mr. Weems reassures well that this is not the case.

I will definitely be paying it forward and sharing this book with someone that I feel will enjoy this book!

Bittersweet Surrender Diann Hunt

2012-01-01T09:12:00.000-08:00

I received this book compliments of Booksneeze for review and am in no way required to give a positive review. My thoughts are mine and mine alone.

I really must say that I had a whole lot of trouble getting into this book. I did not enjoy it at all. I could not get past the first few chapters. I was just not a fan of the writing style of this author, and did not care for the storyline.

Although with that said, as an author myself, I did scan through the entire book, and the book is well written, and the storyline is tied up well, it is a tightly written story and I can see where others who enjoy this type of story would enjoy it! It just was not for me!

Therefore, I give this book kudos for being a well written, well thought out book, just one that was not my cuppa.

Daily Gifts of God's Grace

2011-12-27T08:52:00.001-08:00

I got this little book of devotionals from Booksneeze for free to review and am in no way required to give a positive review.

When I opened this book, I found that it was arranged by dates from January 1st and designed to give you a little bit of inspiration throughout the year. I really liked what I read. The material is light and uplifting but thought provoking!

The contributors are a mix of names you might recognize and some you might not...in other words some every day people which is nice because I don't like to read about famous people all the time..I like to read what normal every day people just like me go through.

I liked that I could open to any page and not really go in order. This is a great book to read over and over again to get little bits of warmth and inspiration whenever and wherever you need it.

The women of faith books are awesome, and this one does not fail to please!

Decorative Ceiling Tile

2011-12-21T08:49:00.000-08:00

I received a beautiful decorative ceiling tile, from the decorative ceiling tile company

These tiles are made of faux tin and are beautiful, and intricate. The company has many different designs, and are extremely reasonably priced.

The light texture, and easy to move material seems to make it easy to work with, and while I am no expert at redoing ceilings, it seems it would be very easy to get these ceiling tiles up in no time at all!!

I really liked the tile I received, and If I had a ceiling that allowed me to use these tiles, I would definitely consider redoing my ceiling with tiles from this company.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Softly and Tenderly

2011-12-21T08:28:00.000-08:00

I received this book through Booksneeze to Review...

I must say I did not really enjoy this book. I had a very hard time getting into it. I found it to be a very difficult read, and I was not overly fond of the characters. I didn't find sympathy for them at all, and I found the mother overbearing and her need to dictate way too annoying. I really just couldn't find a reason to like this book, but perhaps it is just me and there are many people out there who will love this book, but it just wasn't for me.

Mixbook Flat 5X7 Holiday/Party Invitations

2011-12-21T08:15:00.000-08:00

I was invited to review these cards by mixbook and I was very excited to do this. This site is a very creative site, and I really love it. With the holidays coming up I thought I could make a great little holiday card, but the promotion only allowed me to make an invitation...nevertheless I was able to make something I enjoyed...an announcement of my wedding for people who are unable to attend...In addition, I played around with site, and found I was able to create some tremendous cards with my own pictures, and their designs are wonderful! The ideas are limitless!!!

I really enjoyed this site and WILL be back for more!

I LOVE these cards, enjoyed this site and will be back for more!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.