“Your New Identity: A Transforming Union with God” by Neil T. Anderson

Posted on October 16, 2014 by Becky

Book Cover Your New Identity

You Make Me Feel Brand New

This volume is a study that explores what it means for an individual to be a Christian, and what type of relationship a believer in Christ has with God.  This is the second book in the eight volume “Victory Series”.  However, the entire set does not need to be read in order to enjoy this book, because this work can stand on its own.  The author holds five degrees, and is the founder and president emeritus of Freedom in Christ Ministries.

This volume contains six sections that cover things ranging from how a person’s life is different after making a decision to become a Christian, to the names and nature of God.  This book is Biblically based, and very easy to read.  Each chapter is usually just a bit more than one page.  There are questions at the end of each chapter that help the reader think deeper about what was read, and how that applies to their life.

By the time this book is finished, one will have a stronger idea of who God is, and the love He has for us all.  This includes understanding Christ’s willingness to die for each one of us, and the untold blessings available as a result. This volume explores guilt, shame and sin, along with the way Christian believers can overcome those feelings, and put them in the past.

This is a very positive book, full of hope, peace and encouragement for followers of Christ.  It opens the door on the rich full life God wants us to have, and the way to achieve that.  This volume will appeal to a new believer, as well as, a long-time Christian.  I recommend this five-star book to anyone who is interested in knowing how much God adores them.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Bethany House Publishing for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.

Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dr-Neil-T-Anderson/198848503478859

Author’s Website:  http://www.discipleshipcounsel.com/

Additional Information:  https://www.ficm.org/

 

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“Forever Christmas” by Robert Tate Miller

Posted on October 5, 2014 by Becky

Book Cover Forever Christmas

If You Had a Chance To Do It All Again…

Beth and Andrew Farmer, childhood sweethearts from a small town, have been married a number of years.  Beth is a golden girl with a big heart, who is beloved by everyone she meets.  Shortly after their marriage, Andrew drags Beth away from her beloved hometown to New York City.  He wanted to pursue his dreams, and has hit it big.  However his achievement has come at the expense of Beth, and much of what she loves, without Andrew even noticing.

Then on Christmas Eve, Andrew is back late from yet another business trip.  Beth has reached the limit from her husband, and in frustration, runs out into the snow and traffic. Andrew decides to give chase, and is stunned to witness, at 11:58 p.m., a taxi hit Beth–and subsequently, she passes away.

A shell-shocked Andrew encounters an angel who offers him the chance to relive the past three days.  There is one catch, at the end of the three days, exactly at 11:58 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Beth will once again be fatally hit by a taxi.  He is told that her fate cannot be changed.

The story that follows is one of Andrew’s attempt to make the three days perfect for Beth.  All the while, Andrew is heart-broken, knowing what awaits them the last two minutes of Christmas Eve.  Andrew also spends the time pleading with God, and the many angels that cross his path, for more time with Beth–in fact, for her life to be spared. He is told countless times that Beth’s future has already been set.  One tiny seed of hope is given to Andrew.  He must give Beth the Christmas gift she really wants, the one she will love, but he has no idea what that is.

Andrew sets out on an odyssey that opens his eyes to some shocking surprises, as well as, a journey of self-discovery.  Re-doing the last three days is supposed to be about giving Beth the best days of her life.  While trying to do that, Andrew finds he must face painful emotions he has pushed down since childhood, and the unhappy revelation that he may need to forgive the person who has hurt him the most.

This story draws the reader in right away, and the characters are engaging.  It is easy to feel the gamut of emotions on both Beth’s and Andrew’s part.  Before the tale ends, you will be griping the book with white knuckles wondering if Beth will truly have to meet death late on Christmas Eve.  Or will there be some way to change her destiny?  Will Andrew figure out the “perfect” gift for Beth in three short days?  If he does find it, will it be enough to change history, and save Beth?

This story is really enchanting, and once I started reading it, I did not want to put it down.  I love tales set at Christmas time, and this one does that perfectly.  That is not to say this is just a book to read during the Christmas season.  This story could be read, and enjoyed, during any time of the year.  I highly recommend this 5-star book.  Despite the apparent tragic ending, you will close this volume with a smile.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through The Thomas Nelson Publishing BookLook Bloggers Program for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner.  All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/RobertTateMiller

Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Robtatemiller

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“$10 Great Dates: Connecting Love, Marriage & Fun on a Budget” by Larson & Arp

Posted on October 3, 2014 by Becky

Book Cover $10 Great Dates

Keep the Home Fires Burning

“Dating after marriage” or “fun after marriage?” Absolutely! Fun and dating does not end with marriage, or at least it shouldn’t. These two Christian couples, Peter and Heather Larson, along with David and Claudia Arp, give ideas for doing just that. Since nothing costs over $10, the author’s have kept things affordable.

Ultimately, dating after marriage is just another word for spending time together, a way to continue to grow closer to each other. All relationships, especially marriage, are about connecting with each other, keeping common ground with another person. Maintaining a strong bond between spouses is something that always needs to be nurtured. Sometimes couples may find themselves in the same room, but not interacting with each other. If that is happening more often than not, shake things up a bit.

Just in case you can’t think of anything, this book gives some ideas. To be honest, a lot of their dates are probably things you have already thought of, or you would not find appealing. The idea of this book–couples truly interacting with each other without spending a lot of money–can be used as inspiration to come up with ideas more to a couple’s liking. I highly encourage married folks to keep dating. However it is done, get out there and interact with your significant other!

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Bethany House Publishing for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.

Website:  http://www.10greatdates.org/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/10GreatDates?filter=2

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“Tried & True” by Mary Connealy

Posted on October 2, 2014 by Becky

Book Cover Tried & True

Go West Young Man…Uh, Woman

Kylie Wilde and her two sisters were forced by their father to dress like men, and join the Civil War to get revenge for their brother’s death.  Now that the war is over, their father has bullied them to come to the Idaho Territory and claim homesteads.   He convinces them to continue living and dressing like men, that way they can take the soldier exemption.  The exemption allows them to subtract time served in the war from the normal five years needed to claim the land.  Their father plans on combining all of the homesteads into one large ranch after they own them.

Kylie hates everything about the West.  She wants to get back to “civilization” as soon as possible, and get away from homesteading.   Kylie resents her father pressuring her into claiming land, pretending to be a man, and living in the middle of nowhere.  She longs to dress and look like a woman, and live where fancy bonnets and tea parties are a part of daily life.

Suddenly lots of things happen to Kylie.  She meets Aaron Masterson the handsome land agent, whom she must fool into believing she is a man.  Next, Gage Coulter drives a massive herd of cattle across Kylie’s front yard and porch, tearing everything up.  He is none too happy to find she has staked a claim on land he has used to water his cattle on for years.   Then Kylie is attacked by people posing as Indians that shoot flaming arrows at her cabin.  Alone at night, she can feel someone watching her from the woods that surround her home.  Later, she finds her cabin filled with hissing snakes.  Obviously someone is trying to scare her off her land, but who?

Romance, mystery, suspense and comedy all follow Kylie as she lives out her adventures.  This very entertaining book is written from a Christian point of view.  It is the first in a series called, Wild at Heart, but this volume stands on its own.  I have read many of this author’s books, and this one is as enjoyable as her other works.  I recommend this 5-star book to anyone who wants a fast-paced, well-written story.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Bethany House Publishing for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner.  All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/maryconnealyfanpage

Author’s Website:  http://maryconnealy.com/

Additional Website:  petticoatsandpistols.com

Author’s Blog:  mconnealy.blogspot.com

 

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“Anthony Ant Goes to France” by Julie Bettendorf

Posted on September 30, 2014 by Becky

Book Cover Anthony Ant Goes To France

Bon Voyage Anthony!

This is a 32 page, slightly over-sized, soft paper bound children’s book.  It has brightly colored illustrations on every page.  The story is about an ant named Anthony that takes a trip to France.  While there, Anthony meets a new friend, Lulu Ladybug.  The two of them visit the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, and Notre Dame.

This fun book is written in a lighthearted, whimsical rhyming style.  Children will enjoy Lulu and Anthony’s adventures while learning a bit of what makes Paris famous.  They will learn about the Mona Lisa, the favorite street for people to walk their dogs on, and that Paris is called “The City of Lights.”  The book also shows that the city can be explored by riding aboard a boat floating down the River Seine.

The rhymes and brilliant illustrations are sure to capture children’s interest.  Anyone who wants a cheery book for youngsters that contains some Parisian flavor will enjoy this volume. After reading this story, it would not be surprising if young people would want to plan a trip of their own.  I recommend this delightful 5-star book for children, and those who read to them.

I’d like to thank the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

Author Information:  http://www.outskirtspress.com/bookstore/9781478738862.html

More Information:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4JEbndShKg

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Book Review “If Tigers Were Angels: With God All Things Are Possible” by Tom Tatum

Posted on September 20, 2014 by Becky

Book Cover If Tigers Were Angels 2

Things Are Not Always What They Seem

Andy, a little boy, is convinced that Tiger Swallowtail Butterflies, Tigers for short, are actually angels.  He is sure of that because one Tiger in particular, whose name is Zack, has told him this.  His family views this as just an over active imagination, although Tigers actually follow Andy around when he is outside.

Then Andy lapses into an unexplained coma.  Doctors don’t know what caused it, or what to do for it.  Suddenly, a Tiger lands on his forehead, and the young boy regains consciousness.  He awakes to say he has been with Zack.  He relates to his stunned family that he rode on Zack’s back, and he flew him to talk with Jesus.

His story captures the hearts of many, including his neighbor, Ben.  Andy’s stories about Tigers have so much influence over Ben that he decides to change careers.  A middle-aged successful engineer, Ben wants to leave his profitable position to become a minister.  He makes this announcement to his entire church congregation without saying a word to his wife, Grace, first.  Not only is Grace upset about hearing the news in that way, she is also completely against him going into the ministry.

Ben is pulled in two directions.  He believes he ignored God’s call to be a minister earlier in his life, but now he has the chance to fulfill that call.   On the other hand, Grace is furious and barely talking to him about his new career path.  It is a very painful dilemma, that takes a while for Ben to work through.

Ultimately, Ben leaves his job, and pursues becoming a minster.  That decision propels Ben’s life into many new directions and adventures.  He butts heads with church hierarchy, and is disillusioned by their preoccupation with numbers in the congregations, rather than the state of people’s souls.  Ben learns to live among mountain folks that don’t have much in material goods, but are rich in spirit.  He even finds himself on another continent where he meets destitute native people that are full of love for him and God.  But they also live among roving outlaw bands who often kidnap, torture, and sometimes kill Americans.

In Ben’s personal life, he tries very hard to win Grace over to the idea of being a preacher’s wife.  He understands her dismay of finding her life change completely when he chooses a new career path.

Ben also attempts to reconcile with his three adult children.  During their childhood, he spent so many hours trying to advance in his engineering job that he virtually ignored them.  One son doesn’t even refer to him as dad, but calls him by his first name, Ben, instead.  Ben’s life story, and  the changes he lives through are extremely interesting.

This is a great book.  The story pulls you in immediately, and before it is over, you will believe butterflies, at least Tiger Swallowtails, might indeed be angels.  You will cheer for Ben as he faces down obstacles that come his way.  He is the kind of man you wish could come to life, and step out of the pages of this story!

This book is well-written, and the author has a real gift for storytelling which he does from a Christian point of view.  Be sure not to miss the author’s true life experience with a Tiger that is included at the end of the volume.  I highly recommend this 5-star book to anyone who enjoys a good story–this will be all that and more.  I hope to read more from this author in the future.

I’d like to thank the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review.  All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tom-Tatum-Novel/441392385953155

Author’s Website:  http://www.iftigerswereangels.com/

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ENTER THE DOLPHIN TALE 2 GIVEAWAY

Posted on September 10, 2014 by Becky

Dolphin Tale 2 Movie 2

DOLPHIN TALE 2 T-Shirt and Sunglasses Giveaway.

I am very excited to say I have a giveaway to celebrate the release of  the new movie, DOLPHIN TALE 2. One lucky winner will receive a DOLPHIN TALE 2 t-shirt and sunglasses.

Dolphin Tale 2 continues the adventures of Winter, the dolphin, from the movie:  The Dolphin Tale.  Based on true events, the first movie told Winter’s story.  She had lost her tale, and was not going to survive without it.  Through a series of events, the first ever prosthetic tale was developed, and, amazingly it worked for Winter.  This was a great feel-good movie for the whole family.

Dolphin Tale 2 Movie 5

In Dolphin Tale 2, Winter’s long-time companion, Panama, has died.  According to USDA regulations, dolphins must be paired together.  The problem is, can a new companion for Winter be found during the window of time they have.

This second movie promises to be another highly entertaining family movie and is rated PG.  It reunites the original main cast from the first film: Harry Connick Jr., Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, Kris Kristofferson, and dolphin Winter.  Also appearing in this movie is Bethany Hamilton the courageous victim of shark attack whose story was portrayed in the movie Soul Surfer.  This movie opens September 12, 2014.

Dolphin Tale 2 Movie

Please enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win a DOLPHIN TALE 2 t-shirt and sunglasses.

Enter your email address, which I will only use to contact you if you win. I will never pass it on. The best of luck to you. You must live in the US or Canada, and enter only once, please. No purchase necessary!*

This giveaway is now over.

Congratulations Tanya C., who won The Dolphin Tale 2 sunglasses and T-shirt. 

Thanks to everyone who entered!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

“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.”

*See Disclaimer Section in above drop down heading under picture.

Group Resource Website: http://www.homeschoolmovieclub.com/homeschool_day

Official Movie Website: http://www.dolphintale2.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dolphintalemovie

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/dolphintale

Watch and share the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMDymk_gx3A

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“The Reluctant General: A Novel About Ancient Israel” by Herb Sennett

Posted on September 8, 2014 by Becky

Book Cover The Reluctant General

The Right Place at the Right Time?

This is an expanded story of Barak along with prophetess and judge Deborah, who both appear in the Old Testament. Using the Biblical facts, the author, Dr. Herb Sennett, has filled in the story with fictionalized accounts of what might have been. While doing that, Dr. Sennett has stayed true to the account given in the book of Judges.

This story focuses on the attacks the people of Israel were suffering from the Canaanites, who at that time, had the largest army in the known world. One Israeli village after another was leveled to the ground. Everyone was killed in these attacks except the children. They were kept alive to be brought back as living sacrifices to be burnt to the idol worshipped by the Canaanites.

The Israelites were very outnumbered, and their defenders were not professional soldiers, but untrained farmers and herdsmen. One man, Barak, is chosen by God to lead this mismatched group against the entire Canaanite army. Barak does not do this willingly. Deborah, a Judge in Israel at that time, has to convince Barak that doing this is God’s will.

Before kings ruled the land, judges were selected by God to manage the people. They were spiritual leaders who handled disputes, problems and in this case, led the people in battle. During this time, Deborah had become a Judge in Israel, a title that was only held by seven people throughout history. The fact that a woman became a leader at a time when men were in charge of everything, makes Deborah a very interesting character in her own right–even more so because of the events of war she was a part of.

Ultimately it seems impossible that a ragtag group of quickly trained men will make a difference against an army that is a highly trained war machine. The situation comes down to whether or not the people will trust God to lead them to victory, despite the odds that are stacked against them. Will the men march into war and suffer overwhelming defeat, or will God perform a miracle that will allow them to win? Will the men of Israel be willing to let a woman lead them during a time of war?

Dr. Sennet really brings the story alive, and makes reading the facts in the Biblical account so much richer. This account reminded me of the great epic quests of good versus evil found in The Lord of the Rings books by Tolkien. I highly recommend this 5-star book to anyone who enjoys adventure tales, Biblical accounts or great stories.

I’d like to thank the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

The Author’s Website:  http://www.herbsennett.com/

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/hsennett

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Reluctant-General/350828238266073

The Reluctant General

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“Be The Dad She Needs You to Be” by Dr. Kevin Leman

Posted on September 1, 2014 by Becky

Book Cover Be The Dad She Needs You To Be

Dear Old Dad

This book is about the beautiful relationship that can exist between a daughter and a dad. The author, Dr. Kevin Leman, is the well-known author of numerous birth order books. He is also the father of five children–four of them girls–so he has lots of first-hand knowledge in the parenting department. He has written this book so that dads and daughters can achieve a strong bond with each other. Whether your daughter is a new born, or an adult with children of her own, this book is useful. It is never too late to improve a father-daughter relationship.

The crux of the relationship between the two is love. A daughter craves the love of her father. Relationships go wrong when that love either doesn’t exist, or isn’t communicated in a way that the daughter understands. Miscommunication can take place for a lot of reasons. A father may love his daughter, but be emotionally distant. The daughter may interpret that as a lack of love for her. Another problem can be the result of divorce. When parents part, daughters may, rightly or wrongly, feel cast off, and no longer loved by their fathers.

A very important thing for a dad to do is learn who their daughter is, understand how she communicates. Most of all remember she is not a boy. However a dad might naturally interact, and it may work wonderfully with a son, it is probably not going to work with a girl. This book offers very easy ways for a dad to learn how to speak his child’s language, and get on the same page with his daughter. It may take a small amount of work, but the reward of creating a close bond between dad and daughter will outweigh the effort.

The author writes in a very easy-to-read and understandable way. He offers lots of simple, down-to-earth advice for the reader to use to make relationships blossom. For instance, the author states that when a dad interacts with his daughter he should always keep in mind the “Top Four Do’s for Dad.” They are:

Listen to her.

Take your cues from her.

Don’t assume anything…ever.

Be gentle.

The author discusses all of these, but especially emphasizes the gentle recommendation. Dr. Leman states that when men are in stressful situations they may be loud and overbearing. Acting like that with his daughter will make her quickly shut down. The author recommends the dad should say what he wants, but in a calm and quiet way. That will greatly increase the chance of his child and him working things out.

A strong relationship between a daughter and dad is an enjoyable experience, but that relationship has far reaching consequences, too. The author states that the better the father-daughter relationship is, the higher the daughter’s self-esteem will be. Also she will make better choices in life, have more positive behavior, and ultimately make a wiser selection in marriage. So the father-daughter bond is life altering in either a very positive way, if things are good between father and child, or a negative way, if there is not a good relationship between the two.

Even though this volume is geared towards fathers, it would be helpful and interesting for women to read it as well. Speaking from my own experience, I can attest to how important my relationship with my own father was.  I was blessed to have a father that was involved in my life.  He cared about me, and I knew that.  I didn’t make perfect choices all the time, but I can only imagine what I would have been like without him–it would not have been good.  He left this world six years ago, and I miss him every day.  I highly recommend this 5-star book to anyone who wants a better relationship with their female children.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers through Thomas Nelson Publishing for the purpose of review.  I have not been compensated in any other manner.   All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/DrKevinLeman/info

Author’s Blog:  http://www.birthorderguy.com/about/

Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/drleman

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Random Ramblings: Ear Candles

Posted on August 30, 2014 by Becky

Candles in the Ears, or the Fine Art of Ear Candling.  

Candle Flame - Copy    

A while back, I started having trouble with my ears.  They felt the way they used to when I swam, like I had water in them.  In the past, I had used ear drops, either prescription or over the counter, and that had cleared it up.  But this time, they did not help.

Since we are living in the age of lots of information at our fingertips, I decided to see what solutions I could find in cyber space.  I tried a lot of what I found, but unfortunately, they did not get better.

There was one thing, however, I ran across though that was a little “out there.”  It was a technique called ear candling.  Basically, there are special candles that are over a foot long, called ear candles.  They are hollow in the middle and do not have a wick.  One end is tapered.  You lie on your side, put the tapered end in the ear facing up, and light it. Yes, there is a real flame on an object protruding from your ear.

At the point I heard about the ear candling, I was ready to try anything.  I was tired of the constant feeling of pressure and liquid in my ear, and my ear was hurting.  Twenty plus years of living with a chronic illness has left me with increasing mobility problems, so getting out, at that particular time, for a doctor visit was beyond my capability.  Having lived through the 1970’s “back to nature” craze, I have tried my fair share of natural supplements and alternative treatments over the years as traditional medicine has failed me.

Despite all that, my dear husband looked at me like I had sprouted a third eye when I approached him about procuring some ear candles, and then helping me use them.  Having given him many reasons to think that over the years, it is amazing I don’t have one, a third eye that is.  However, he loves me, and as time passed and I didn’t improve, the sweet man got the candles and helped me “candle.”  Amazingly, it worked.  After using the candles, I was rubbing the ear that bothered me the most.  Suddenly, there was a release of the pressure, and my ear felt normal again.

Due caution and reasonable care, of course, should be taken if attempting this–have water nearby, hold on to the candle so it doesn’t fall out of the ear, have a helper to watch for sparks, and so on.  Research it very well before doing anything like this.  Be very careful.   Most of all, I am not a doctor, nor am I prescribing medical treatment, this is just my experience, I am not suggesting anyone else try this.

As a final thought, I don’t know which was more priceless, getting rid of my ear problem, or witnessing the look my son’s face when he walked in to see his dad holding a large lighted candle in his mother’s ear….

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