Nelson's Biblical Cyclopedic Index

Nelson's Biblical Cyclopedic Index. I recieved this book today in the mail. I already love it! Its a fantastic resourse for any Pastor, ministry leader, etc... It is extreamly easy to use and covers a wide range of subjects! For example if you want to look up woman in the bible you just turn to the "W" section and and find woman and it lists all the women mentioned in the bible and where to find them! Not only that, but there are also word study's that give you the original greek/hebrew, what the word used translates too and the verses that its used in. They've taken a concordance, a topical Bible and a Bible dictionary and turned it into one book! One awesome book! I will be keeping this book close to my Bible. It is a great resourse that should line every's bookshelf! I will definately be recommending this to all the people I know in the ministry!


I recieved this book free of charge by Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review of the book.

Christmas at Harrington's

Christmas at Harrington's, by Melody Carlson. A new start. That is what Lena is looking for and hopes to find in this city. But life just doesn't seem to be going her way, Christmas is coming soon and she doesn't really have anything. Not knowing what she's going to do she learns of the generousity of others when she's given a red coat. That coat finally lands her a job and hopefully the new life she's been dreaming of! But its really hard keeping your past in the past, especially when its a past like Lena's.
   I love Melody Carlson's Christmas books! they're fantastic! They're heart warming, she the true spirit of Christmas, and leave you feeling inspired! Its a short book, but a great story! I will definately be passing this book on to friends and family. Melody Carlson has done it again, She's written another great book!


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Within my Heart

Within my Heart, by Tamera Alexander. In this book we meet Rachel, who's been widowed and left with two young boys. She's struggling to make things work, to provide for her family without her husband around to do it any longer. But things go from bad to worse for Rachel when her cattle start getting sick and she has to turn to Dr. Brookston, who she's gone to lengths to avoid. She knows the life of a physicians family as her father was a physician and his lack of time spent with them was proof of that. She will try and avoid that at all costs. But after some interesting things happen her heart just might be turned towards the doctor.
    I did not read the first two books in this series as I received this as a part of an agreement to read and blog about this book. I wish I had been able to read the first two books, I imagine it would have opened up the characters even more in this book! Not that it wasn't good, it was excellent I loved reading it, and could keep up with the characters with out having read the first two books! I love historical fiction books (well this one's also a romance as well lol), and this one was no exception. Tamera Alexander does an excellent job of drawing her readers into her novel to where you feel you are in the book just watching life happen around you. I love a good book you can just get lost in and this is one of those books! I great read for the fiction reader in the family!!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Flourish-discover the daily joy of abundant, vibrant living

Flourish-discover the daily joy of abundant, vibrant living, by Catherine Hart Weber, PhD. Flourishing, that's what Dr. Catherine Weber is teaching us through this book. So often we find ourselves stressed out, bordering on depression or neck deep in depression. What can we do before we get to that point? Is that the life that God intended for us? Dr. Weber shows us through her education and training and hands on expertise what the life we're intended to live from God is. She also grounds it biblically with applicable scripture! God didn't create us to live a mundane life, he created us to flourish!!
  I had a little trouble getting into the first couple of chapters of this book, to me it seemed kind of repetitive and nothing that I didn't already know prior to reading the book, but keep reading!! She does an excellent job of teaching woman how to lay down their life for God and in return gain their lives! She teaches us on having a positive outlook despite circumstances, and I can attest to that working!!! She gives great practical advice from a biblical perspective! a must have for the personal library for every woman!


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

The Power of Persistent Prayer

 The Power of Persistent Prayer, praying with greater purpose and passion, by Cindy Jacobs. In this book we explore prayer and what it does. We also look at hinderances to our prayers as well as praying the bible, Praying the will of God, fasting, praying the word and persistence of prayer and more. Cindy Jacobs is well known by the evengelical community for her revelation on prayer and commitment to it! This book gives us insight into what she's learned over the years!!
     I was so excited when I saw this book come up for review! Its not often that I've seen writers such as Cindy Jacobs on the choices for blog reviews! I have listened to Cindy Jacobs preach and I really enjoy her teaching! Reading this book is almost like being in a room with her! Her writing style closely resembles her preaching style! I think this book is a must have for every congregation, at least get it in the hands of your intercessors, but go further than that and put it in the library and encourage people to read it! Her book is biblically sound and is a great teaching on prayer! I loved it! I will be pushing and recommending this book to everyone I can! Its not the tradition prayer book, which is basically a how to book on prayer. Rather she teaches Bible truths on prayer and personal revelation and how you can go deeper into your prayer life! I found myself in every chapter saying "yes" and "thats right". It is a very good book!!! You must read it!!


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Contest!!!!

I wanted to fill you in on an exciting contest that is currently being run and sponsored by the New Living Translation. We’re highlighting three ministries, Wycliffe Bible Translators, Oasis International, and The Dream Center, (click on the link to learn more details about these ministries) and by voting for one of these ministries you’ll be entered to win one of many prizes.








To enter, visit the NLT Facebook page by clicking http://www.facebook.com/NewLivingTranslation?v=app_28134323652&ref=ts







There are several levels of prizes you can win, here are the details:




With the Give the Word Bible Contest and Giveaway:


• Ministries win: Each time the NLT Facebook Page reaches a fan count milestone, votes will be tallied and the three ministries will receive cash donations from the New Living Translation and Tyndale House Publishers.

• Everyone wins: Everyone who enters on the Bible Contest website wins a free download of Matthew West reading the Christmas story.

• Daily NLT Study Bible winners: Vote on the NLT Facebook page and you will be entered to win two NLT Study Bibles—one to keep and one to give away. A new winner will be chosen every day.

• Weekly Give the Word Locally winners: Tell us about a deserving local ministry on the NLT Bible Contest website and they could win five NLT Study Bibles and $250 worth of NLT products.

• One Grand Prize winner will enjoy a unique trip customized just for them and their family (or three guests of their choice), to Wycliffe Bible Translators world headquarters and the WordSpring Discovery Center where they will experience firsthand the exciting world of Bible translation. The Grand Prize winner could also choose to donate the value of the trip--$2000--to Wycliffe instead.


http://www.facebook.com/NewLivingTranslation?v=app_28134323652&ref=ts

(copied from email I recieved)

The Narnia code

     The Narnia Code, by Michael Ward. In this book Michael Ward takes us through C.S. Lewis's life and how it all makes sense in how he wrote the chronicles of Narnia. His facination with the planets, his favorite poems and stories,  and the history of all those and how they relate to Christianity have all shaped his works. We learn a great deal of C. S. Lewis's life and his passions! All of this explains (according to Ward) his purposes and reasons for including all that he did in his narnia works. Lewis was very purposeful in every character he included in those stories.
      I really really enjoyed the first part of this book! I did learn a great deal of history about Lewis and how captivating of a person and author he was! I learned things I'd never known before, espeically about the planets and their relation to the days and beliefs that went with them. If only the book had just ended there or talked just about that stuff it would be so good! Unfortunately it comes off very conspiracy theoryish when he starts thinking he knows exactly why Lewis included the characters he did and that the books are based off of the 7 planets that they felt had influence. Why pick apart a great collection of stories like that? I really didn't enjoy the last half of the book. If you want to learn more about lewis then its a good read, but it goes down hill when it gets to the conspiracy part of it. Its still worth a read but the ending isn't as exciting and captivating as the begining. Ward is a talented writer, so its well written. I just am not a fan of last part of the book!


I recieved this book from tyndale in exchange for an honest review of it!

Bonhoeffer, Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy

     Bonhoeffer, Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy, by Eric Metaxas. In this biography we read about the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. From his childhood to his adult life and death. We learn of the great compassion for people and his courage! Leaving a safe life and putting himself in danger. Entering area's where Nazi's are killing the Jewish people and even participating in a plan to assassinate Hitler! Following his convictions even unto death!
      This book started off a little arrogant sounding, as the author went back into the life and the class system that Bonhoffer's family belonged to and the great people in his family.  But once you can get past that part the rest of the book is great! I have to admit I had never even heard of Bonhoeffer until I had read this book! The author does a great job in telling Bonhoeffer's life and giving us an idea of who this man was! I will be pouring myself over books about this man! I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to learn more of Bonhoeffer and what it is to truely live out the red letter gospel! Amazing!


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

An Amish love

An Amish Love by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller & Kelly Long, In this novel we hear three authors share Amish love stories.
      Healing Hearts, by Beth Wiseman. Levina's husband left for a time and Levina found herself alone struggling on her own. She never imagined her husband would be gone for so long. She learns to seek God and really rely on Him, her relationship with God blossoms. But then Her husband finally reappears! She must learn all over again to trust him and love him!
     A Marriage of the Heart, by Kelly Long. Abigail misses what life used to be like when her mother was still alive, she hates the lonely feeling of the house she shares with her father. But then a new guy comes around and Abigail thinks she's found a fool proof plan to get out of her misery! She marries this man, never expecting much other than an escape and then finds what true love really is!
     What the Heart Sees, by Kathleen fuller. A horrible accident occurs that leaves Ellie blind, her whole world seems to go out of Control, so much has been taken away from her! Ellie has resigned herself to believe she'll never love again and that no one will ever love her. That is until  love reappears!
      I can't even begin to explain how much I love Amish stories. I get my hands on every copy I can find. Beth Wiseman is one of my favorite authors in the genre! I was so excited to get the opportunity to read this book! Not only that but Both Kathleen Fuller and Kelly Long also are extreamly talented writers of this genre!! This is a book I'll love and read over and over again! It is gift worthy to your book lover out there, I guaruntee that you will love this book if you read it!!

 I recieved this book in exchange for an honest review from Thomas Nelson.

Cut your grocery bill in half-with America's cheapest family

Cut your grocery bill in half-with America's cheapest Family, by Steven and Annette Economides. In this book we find practical advice on cutting down on your grocery budget with out cutting out taste or healthiness. From planning ahead, buying in bulk, preparing meals etc..As well on tips on how to make this work for you by giving you more free time.
 A lot of the advice in this book is really good, its mostly stuff I've heard of before, but still a great reminder. They do teach a lot on how to make your time work for you. Definately a must read for those who are facing financial struggles and needing to cut down on costs, but not willing to cut down on quality. I really did enjoy this book!!! A definate addition to any library!!


Book was provided free of cost from Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.

Emily's chance

Emily's chance, by Sharon Gillenwater. In this book we meet Emily, she has big plans of success in this world. She plans on going on to become a museum curator, and the work she's doing in Callahan crossing is just one way to forward her plans to make it there. She doesn't plan on meeting chance though, who's won over by Emily and finds it his mission to convince her to stay...with him.
 This is a great story of love, redemption and beauty. Its fantastic to find a story that you can just get lost in and forget the world around you. This is one of those books.  You know an authors written a great book when you can finish reading it and have such a feeling of peace and love after. Great job on this book Sharon Gillenwater, I very much loved it and look forward to seeking out the first book in this series!


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

More glimpses of Heaven

More glimpses of Heaven, by Trudy Harris, RN. In this book we read true stories of people in the last stages of live and the peace and comfort that God gives them.  Story after story we see the joy of the Lord in their lives despite the circumstances happening. One story is that of a little boy who was dying, but he had so much life and joy in him. He often told people that Jesus visted him, and on one of his visits he was going to take him back with him to Heaven.
 The stories in this book are so sweet. This is a fantastic book that shares with us of those who have Jesus as their savior and the peace in which they leave this world with that knowledge.  As much as I loved this book it was probably the hardest book that I've read. Every story makes you cry lol. It took me a while to get through it, because as much comfort there is in Jesus, it still very touching and hard to accept death. Is this a book I'd recommend to people? I don't know, it would be very dependant on the circumstances in their lives. I can see this book being a great comfort to those who are facing dying or facing a loved one dying.


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

The Waiting

The Waiting, by Suzanne Woods Fisher. Jorie king has promised to wait for her love Ben who chose to go to war despite the wishes of the Amish community. She fills her time waiting for him with the regular Amish lifestyle as well as taking on the task to teaching in the school house. She is devastated to find out that military man show up to the community to let them know that Ben has been killed. Will Jorie find love with another? event after event happens that turns Jorie's world upside down!
 I have been waiting really impatiently for this book in the Lancaster county series to come out! I read the first book in this series, The Choice, and fell in love with the characters and the community. This definitely did not disappoint! I loved every inch of this book! Amish fiction novels are becoming increasingly popular and Suzanne Woods Fisher is among the top writers in this area! I can not wait to get my hands on a copy of the third book in this series!! Very well done!



Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Unlocked

Unlocked, by Karen Kingsbury. Holden Harris is locked in a world of autism. His mom, Tracy, doesn't get to communicate with her son, he is non verbal. She also hasn't hugged her son in years as touch is too much for him and upsets him. She feels like her son was kidnapped at three years old and replaced with this shell that looks like him, but he's not there anymore. Ellie is looking for more from life, than the life her parents have created. Her mom tries to hard to impress her husband and the rest of the world. Her dad only seems to concentrait on baseball and training. Which leaves Ellies home a very lonely place. When Ellie see's harris at school, she's drawn to his eyes, the familiar look he gives her. Through this meeting with Ellie we see harris do more than he's ever done before and now has restored hope to his parents that their son is indeed not lost, God knows exactly where he is and what is going on in his mind.
 I adored this book. It was seriously fantastic! Not at all a romance story, but a great story on the miracles of God and how He uses people to bring his miracles to others! I couldn't put this book down, it was done with in two days of starting it! I really loved this novel! A must read for Karen Kingsbury fans!


Recieved this book for free from Zondervan in exchange for an honest review

While we're far apart

While we're far apart, by Lynn Austin. Penny is a shy, homely woman. Living in a home with her parents who are afraid of life. Who refuse to let Penny live one of her own, they fear trouble and danger around ever corner. Penny has always loved Eddie, their next door neighbor's son. After Eddie's wife passes away, he's left with two young children and trouble dealing with the grief of loosing his wife. He decides to join the military as an escape to it all. Except that he has no one to care for his children after learning that his mother will not allow them to live with her. Penny comes to the rescure (much to anger of Eddie's daughter) and offers to live with the kids in their apartment while Eddie is away at war. All a part of Penny's plan to win Eddie's heart. Penny all the sudden is faced with caring for children (something she's never done), as well as caring for Eddie's home and dealing with all the problems that young ladies and ecspecially angry young ladies face! Also facing fears installed in her from her parents about the people around her and in her building. Penny finds freedom, truth, and see's secrets exposed!
 This is an excellent book. Not only do we get to see things through Penny's eyes as she's trying to raise two children who are strangers to her, but we also get to see through the eyes of their Jewish neighbor who has a son who is in the concentration camps during the holocaust. The author does a great job of giving us a sense of the time and the struggles faced by those of that time as well! A much loved novel.


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

The Preacher's Bride

The Preacher's Bride, by Jody Hedlund. Elizabeth finds herself troubled by the crying of a few week old infant who is desperate to feed. Mary Costin (the child's mother) has just passed away and now this baby will be next if Elizabeth doesn't step in and find a solution. Through her calling to care for the Costin family after the passing of their mother, Elizabeth finds herself falling for the children and their father! John Costin is a preacher of the gosple, which is a dangerous calling in those times. He can't deny his calling but he also needs to care for his family. We follow Elizabeth and John through this story of love and danger, to see how it all plays out.
I really enjoyed this book! It held my attention from beginning to end! A really great story line! God works in mysterious ways and this book really shows us of examples of how God can and does work in us! I highly recommend this book!!


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group