The Fight of Our Lives Book Review

Book Review of The Fight of Our Lives by William J. Bennett and Seth Leibsohn

"Knowing the enemy, Speaking the truth, and Choosing to win the war against radical Islam"

     Wake up!  Get with it!  That's the battle cry of this book.  If you were like me and unsure of what's really going on behind the scenes of the war on radical Islam (terrorism), this book will enlighten you in terms that any layman reader can understand.  No, this book is not complete right-wing, slanted point of view.  There is factual evidence from unbiased record on what is going on in our country.  This book will get you riled up about what's hurting our home land today; and give you the tools to stand up and let your voice be heard to better this great country.  Co-author Dr. William J. Bennett is not only an author, but a educator and speaker.  He works as the Washington Fellow of the Claremont Institute and served as staff for the National Endowment for the Humanities under president Reagan.  He has also worked under President Bush and is a contributor to CNN.  He's been right in the middle of our national crisis and understands it from the hands-on level, not just a bystander.  Seth Leibsohn, coauthor, is also with the Claremont Institute and is a frequent commentator and writer on both domestic and foreign policy issues.  I really fancied that you are getting two points of view within the pages.  This book will give you a fact based view on radical Islam, and how it effects us.  Grab a copy if you are proud of your country and can't stand by any longer watching it be destroyed. 

(I received this book free from Booksneeze.com as part of their blogging 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 Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")

We've Come This Far?

In deeply studying II Samuel these last few weeks, one verse keeps ringing true in my spirit.  I think it sums up our year, and points back to God for all the things that have come.

 “Who am I, Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?" (II Samuel 7:18)

Last year, at this time, I was just getting a small glimpse of the major changes that God was going to place into our lives.  During those days, I was feeling discontent and confusion, wondering what was going to happen to us.  But, God is so big and loves us exceedingly more than I could have ever imagined.  He's taken a shell of something broken, and turned us into a family united and seeking daily through complete servitude.  I look back and can't help to think, "What are we that You have brought us out of the miry pit, and have taken us further than what was even fathomable?"  I would love to say that we had some big part in all of this, but our role was simple.  Prayer, petition, obedience and seeking.  God did all the rest - providing a way for us to home school, providing finances for our business, selling our home in record time, giving us a temporary home that fits all of our needs, bringing us as a couple together to pray daily, keeping us healthy, giving us friends to keep us uplifted and accountable, speaking through His Word, opening doors, shutting doors, speaking through our Pastor, and the list goes on and on. 

So, as we come to the close of our school year (6 weeks left) I can't help but give all of the glory to God.  How did we come this far?  God.  What are we that He brought us so far?  His son and daughter.  I can't hardly wait to see what's next.

Life Promises For Success Book Review

Book Review of Life Promises For Success by Jim Tressel
"Promises From God On Achieving Your Best"

     This turned out to be a great little bedside, briefcase, purse book.  I had no idea who Jim Tressel was until I set the book in our family reading area.  When my husband saw it I got an ear-full on Tressel and all the little details too.  Tressel, the author, is the Head Football Coach for Ohio State.  Needless to say, he is an accomplished coach and writer.  In his book he shares his keys for success.  The pages are set up as little daily devotionals.  Each time you pick up the book you get a morsel of something inspired and great.  The pocket-book is set up by different topics, like Attitude, Hope, Integrity, Setbacks, etc.  Each issue contains Bible verses, quotes from Tressel or other encouraging people.
     I consider this book to be a gem.  It's very easy to pick up and be uplifted by the words in only a few minutes of the precious time that we have.  I didn't read anything that did not spur me on to be a better person, work harder, and strive for greatness.  I think that men would especially enjoy this book for their office or home.  Each portion has verses that are promises from God for many of the facets of our lives. This pocket-book would be a great gift for a college student, entrepreneur or anyone that would benefit from motivation and insight. 

(I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their blogging 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 Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")

Couples Who Pray Book Review

Book Review of Couples Who Pray by SQuire Rushnell and Louise DuArt
"The Most Intimate Act Between A Man And A Woman."

This is a FANTASTIC book!  I had no idea what to expect when I received it.  The book was written for married couples (with some reference to people in serious, committed relationships).  It teaches that "praying daily with the one person you love more than any other takes you to a level of joy and satisfaction that you simple will not believe until you try it."  The book guides you through testimonials that prayer really works from big named couples to people just like us.  The book also outlines the "40 Day Prayer Challenge" that was created by the husband and wife authors.  Inside the pages you will find Scripture to backup the claims, a couples quiz to help you see deeper into yourself, and help for some tough issues you may be facing like, pornography, debt, tithing, resentment and addiction. My husband and I decided to give it a whirl, and happy to say after 15 days in, our marriage is taking a new shape.  When we are baring our souls to God together, you hear the deepest passions, concerns and emotions that your spouse has.  You see a new side of them rarely seen and it brings an unparalleled closeness that results in better communication, love making and intimacy.  You will see a huge difference in just the first week.  I'm delighted that I found this book.  It's truly a step in a positive direction for any marriage.  I thoroughly recommend this book.  (I received this book free from BookSneeze as part of their blogging 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 Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")

Girl Talk With God Book Review

Book Review of Girl Talk With God by Susie Shellenberger

I was excited to review this book; in hopes to pass it along to my preteen daughter.  I read the book over a few days.  I had an uneasiness with the book, but couldn’t pinpoint what it was.  I have read and heard Shellenberger’s message over the years; and have always been pleased with what she brings to today's female youth.  I left the book bedside hoping that my husband would take a look at it to; and help me figure out what was giving me the apprehensiveness about this read.  This book is written directly at teenage girls, asking questions and needing answers about what God is thinking.  First of all, who can know what God is thinking?  Is He not perfect and omniscient; and doesn’t His own inerrant Word state that, “In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.” (I Corinthians 2:11) I feel that it is a far stretch for an author to calculate what God is thinking.  Although, for the most part, the advice in the book is sound; there is added jargon that isn’t from God’s mouth.  But, I do not disregard this work as a whole.  I do think that the topics are relevant (they include heavy-hitters: divorce, media, cutting, eating disorders, sex, pornography and persecution).  If a parent were considering this book for her daughter, I would consider reading it first to ensure it falls in line with your belief system and what is taught in your household.  The book will give your daughter timely encouragement. Though, I’m quite unsure it will hold her attention.  Some of the chapters are filled with banter and are lead-footed in getting to the point.  Will I give this book to my daughter?  Probably not.  Would I give it to a girl that has delved deep into the secular world and doesn’t have a parent or Christian mentor to go to?  Likely.  Don’t discount this book - see for yourself and be the judge.  (I am book reviewer for BookSneeze.  In exchange for my reviews, I get to keep their books for free!)

Two Weeks in Africa

We just spent two weeks in Africa!  That is, Africa through living books right in our home school room.  I have say that everything we learned and did spurred on the intense want to travel the continent, from Savannah to Sahara. What a sorrowful history this beautiful continent has.  Most of all, we were intrigued by the many different cultures that land mass contained.  I in truth, cannot wait until we step foot on their rich soil and experience all of African humanity.  


Banging on her homemade African drum

Homemade play dough Safari animals

 

Cooking African-style, Chaptis, Fruit Salad and Meat-on-a-Stick

Read of the Week:
The Purpose of Passion by Kurt Bruner and Jim Ware - Dante's Epic Vision of Romantic Love

 

Scripture of the Week: 
<sup>"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil, cling to what is good."
- Romans 12:9</sup>

"Undoubtedly, we become what we envisage."

- Claude M. Bristol

The Purpose of Passion Book Review

Book Review of The Purpose of Passion by Kurt Bruner and Jim Ware
Dante's Epic Vision of Romantic Love

In this book you will, "discover what one of the world's greatest love stories says about the meaning of romance...and you will discover the secrets it contains about passion, romance and spirituality - and how they are all connected." (Taken from back cover.)

Without reading or knowing anything about this book, I agreed to review it because it sounded interesting. Much to my dismay, it was not. Since Kurt Bruner was a former vice president of Focus on the Family, I assumed that the read would bring modern and relevant information, mixed with traditional biblical logic. The book was the most difficult tome to become engaged in that I have ever read. If you aren't familiar with Dante's The Divine Comedy you will be lost within the pages. I have a hard time putting into the words what this book is about. I'm still unsure. As you are reading along with Dante's famous words, the authors are trying to pull together an analogy of spousal love from a Christian viewpoint. The result of the effort is mediocre at best. The authors tend to get too wordy; and lose sight of giving the reader hearty meat, instead of loosely compiled literature. I was hoping for relevant information that I could apply to my personal life. What I ended up with was blurred text with a vague point. I do not think I will be recommending this book to married or single friends. I found little to no use for the diaphanous counsel contained in this book. (I am book reviewer for Tyndale House Publishers. In exchange for my reviews, I get to keep their books for free!)