Women Of Faith Is Coming!

Did you know that Women of Faith is coming to Texas again this Summer?  In August, they will be coming to Dallas.  The line-up this year is amazing, including some of my favorites - Amy Grant, Mandisa and Andy Andrews (click to see post).  My last experience with Women of Faith was two years ago.  I was incredibly inspired by Mandisa and Nicole C. Mullen.  I was also satisfied to know that there are thousands and thousands of women in my area going through the same things - bills, husbands, pre-teens, and friendships.  No matter what - Women of Faith always delivers on motivation, humor, inspiration and a biblical foundation.  I urge you to sign up (see the banner to the right), take a family friend or family and get on over to the nearest Women of Faith this year.  I can promise that you will not be disappointed.  This is truly the woman's conference of the year.

Peril In The Palace Book Review

Book Review of The Imagination Station: Peril in The Palace 
by Marianne Hering & Paul McCusker

     Instead of my regular review, my eleven year old daughter will be reviewing instead again.  Last time she reviewed it was a big hit.  Since this book was written to the tween audience, I think it is only apropos to get a tween critique.

     This book is number three in The Imagination Station series.  The story is about two children, Patrick and Beth, that travel back in time to the China in 1271.  They have a task to find a golden tablet that belonged to Kublai Khan.  They are kidnapped by Mongol warriors.  The friend that they meet along the way to help them is Marco Polo.  The children talk about Jesus to Kublai Khan.  The children are eventually locked in the palace and need to escape to get back to The Imagination Station before it's too late. 
    I think the book was intriguing because it added Christian adventure to history.  I would recommend this book to ages 9-12.  It's more on the easy read side, as it has some more difficult words.  There was nothing that I didn't enjoy about the book.  I only wish it had been longer.  I am looking forward to reading the next installment (#4), which I started today.  Very good book!

(I received this book free from Tyndale Media 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.")

One Hour Beach Bag

I found a terrific, free beach bag sewing pattern today.  No joke, even a beginner seamstress can whip it up in around an hour.  The bag is made from a beach towel, and it carries a matching towel inside.  Along with the towel, it can also fit a water bottle, a small sunscreen and goggles.  This is a great little project for you - and a great first project for a young seamstress.  The little threads will get all over the place, but it's quick clean up and worth the mess.  To get the pattern, click here.

 

 

 

New Kid Catastrophes Book Review

Book Review of TJ and the Time Stumblers: New Kid Catastrophes by Bill Myers

     Instead of my regular review, my eleven year old daughter will be reviewing instead.  Since this book was written to the tween audience, I think it is only apropos to get a tween critique.
     This book is about a girl who just got into a new school.  She has been an outcast.  Two goofballs from the twenty-third century appear from the future, and help guide her to get through school.  They also are there to lend a hand on issues she (and any kid reading) are going through as present day tweens.  There is a villain in the book, that inevitably becomes the enemy of the main character.  Spoiler Alert: The book ends with the two future visitors going back to where they came from, and with their help the protagonist becomes well known at school with good friends!
    I think the book is full of adventure.  The novel was written toward kids with tween lingo.  The characters are developed very well.  The book is also very funny, making you laugh at loud.  I like how the author expresses the characters, so you get to know them.  I thought that the author should have added Christian viewpoint.  God was not mentioned, but the story was clean with nothing immoral.  Overall, it's a fun and quick read for kids. 

(I received this book free from Tyndale Media 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.")

Daddy Dates Book Review

Book Review of Daddy Dates by Greg Wright

"The road map for any dad to raise and strong and confident daughter."

     Greg Wright pulled out all the stops on this one.  When hit with the reality that he was about to raise four teen daughters,  Wright went on a journey to figure out how to do it best.  After a lone trip into the country, Wright's vision was clear and he tested his new Daddy Date theory.  He would call a daughter, ask her formally for a date, show up at the door, and get to know his girls.  One on one.  One at a time.  This book is an easy read for Dad's, with step by step information on what to do and not to do when raising teenage girls.  How to build a solid and lasting relationship with daughters is covered in every page.  He brings humor and right now information any Dad can relate too.
     My husband and I completely fell in love with this book.  We have our own pre-teen, and as we all know, they don't come with a handbook or users manual.  Wright teaches Dad's how to listen and "hear" what their daughters are saying.  So, when it comes to the tough stuff, they can relate to how their girls react to and see the world.  This read is top-notch and very functional.  The chapters are short, so it's easy to get one or two in when Dad's are on a time crunch. We just believe this book will not only change the dynamic of the Dad - Daughter relationship, but will inevitably give our daughters a firm foundation on how they should be treated by their potential suitors.  That being said, this book is timeless and needed by this generation.  Get it today!


(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.")

Max On Life Book Review

Book Review of Max On Life by Max Lucado

"Answers and insights to  your most important questions."

     Max Lucado has always been a thrilling and eloquent writer.  This book proves that fact once again.  In his latest offering, “One of the most trusted pastors and authors of our time takes on life’s most important questions.”  Lucado responds to questions that he has been asked over the years, and adds a mix of his own - one hundred seventy two to be exact.  Questions are posed, for example: “Does God lead us through feelings? When people say, ‘I sense God’s guidance.'  What are they discerning?” There are naturally many, many more questions inside this book.  The book is broken into topics, like: hope, hurt, help, home, hereafter.  Each topic has many questions, and the preceding answer.  When Lucado does not have the specific answer, he always points back to Scripture to lend a hand in uncovering the truthful answer.
    I believe this book has the power within it’s pages to be tremendously important within our communities.  I’ve been a believer for many years, and this book touched on questions that have been withstanding in my mind for a long time.  It’s refreshing to receive factual, truthful answers and insight, backed by Scripture every time.  The dearest portion of the book to me is the addendum listed in the back of the book, entitled “The Write Stuff.” Lucado addresses an audience of aspiring writers and authors, giving them encouragement, sound advice and the strength to pursue their craft.   I would like to speak for prospective writers, that this support is like honey for a hungry soul.   I endorse this read fully, and think that it will be accepted in our modern community with open arms.  Who out there doesn’t have a deep rooted life question that needs answered? 

(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.")

The Final Summit Book Review

Book Review of The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

"A quest to find the one principle that will save humanity."

     For some time now I have been hearing rave reviews about Andy Andrews work.  I thought I should check it out for myself.  Andrews is a best-selling novelist and an in-demand speaker.  He has been reported as, "someone who has quietly become one of the most influential people in America." Obviously, this author brings something to the table.  That was true within the pages of The Final Summit.   Without giving the story away, this fiction brings actual people from our history books, and intertwines their lives into a crucial lesson for any reader.  Andrews has braided Biblical assignment into an adventurous, full of life story. 
    I markedly recommend this book.  The novel boasts ease of read, and the cliff hangers are smart.  The book teaches significant lessons; and influences the reader to continue working toward the advancement of our lives within the will of God.  It's difficult to tell you what you will find in the book without giving too much away.  I think you will be surprised by the ending, just as I was. 

(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.")