Book Review - Praying The Scriptures For Your Adult Children by Jodie Berndt

"Jodie Berndt, who has raised four kids who are now adults, understands the power of praying for your children. “Praying God’s will for your children involves several key principles. One of the most powerful principles is ‘Scripture praying.’" (CBN.com)

That's a huge assignment when you struggle with your own faith.

My own son will be 31 this month, 31! Wow, that's a hard pill to swallow....

My mother didn't understand just how beneficial the power of praying over us kids would be. That was one thing I wanted to change from the way I personally was raised and it's my hope that my own son will do that when he decides to start a family (hopefully not too soon! I'm not ready to be a 'G' yet LOL)

I loved how Jodie opened herself and her home to us through this book and her incredible amount of faith was very encouraging. It was HER voice of wisdom and experience praying over her adult children that gave me the confidence that yes, my prayers are heard for my own son and they are impactful.

Our adult children can let the world get in the way as well as allow technology to soak up their time. I know I would have been just as guilty if technology were around when I was his age. We're all kind of guilty of that regardless of how faith-filled we may be. They may never realize that you have or are, praying for them. That's ok....your heart knows and God knows. Be OK with that!

Jodie writes about how hard it can be or seem when our kids our out of our home, on their own...how to help them deal with adult crisis and meaningful relationships. As I read her book, I felt like we were comparing notes over coffee, that's how entertaining and friendly her book is to read.

I appreciate her honesty as it IS hard to be parents but it's worth it to be GOOD parents. We all need a faith boost from time to time and Jodie comes through loud and clear that faith does matter, even when you feel all alone, or you just don't have the answers. Praying The Scripture For Your Adult Children also helps you, the reader as well - through encouragement - we're all imperfect people attempting to perfect our little worlds in this huge planet.

I highly recommend this wonderful book and look forward to reading more from Jodie Berndt. 

*I received this book from handlebarmarketing.com for the purpose of a review-all opinions are my own*

Book Review: The Remarkable Ordinary: How to Stop, Look, and Listen to Life By Frederick Buechner

This is the second book by Frederick Buechner that I've had the absolute pleasure to read and review. I enjoy reading his books because like I said before, it's like discussing life with a neighbor. You know, like Tim did with Wilson in the sitcom Home Improvement even though Mr Buechner is no Wilson and I am no Tim. 

It's easy to get trapped in a rut when you choose the path of getting up, going to work, enjoy the weekends, take a yearly vacation and you do it over and over and over again until you retire. But then, there's folks like me who handle every day differently. With that kind of life choice, you see real life - the ups, the downs, the upside and backwards and some days it's like an everlasting struggle and the good times, you simply don't want to end. 

That's what I enjoyed about this book, The Remarkable Ordinary. Life isn't about ruts, about schedules or plans, it IS about living every single second of every day - not selfishly pursuing your own interest, but truly soaking up every detail! It's hard, but honestly, if I could go back in time, I'd have payed closer attention to those details instead of being so self-involved or self-absorbed. 

Do you realize that there truly IS something so remarkable in the tiniest details of the day good OR bad? Seriously....to be thankful for the stuff other people take for granted, to share instead of seek, to give instead of take, to laugh instead of frown, to smile instead of cry....if you sit back and soak it up--it's almost overwhelming.

I admit to getting sucked into the endless, bottomless hole or pit or what ever way you want to describe the horrible 'thing' I'm personally in right now (brought about by my own two hands mind you)....that I forget to stop, look and listen to life. That's exactly what Frederick Buechner is expressing in this book, The Remarkable Ordinary. See the extraordinary in the ordinary.

The situation I'm in, getting worse on a daily basis, I have to remind myself that God wakes me up every morning to hear my Honey Bear sleeping or to feel our doggy laying beside me or that coffee will taste real good soon or that we have clean clothes to wear and.......my point here is this....if I focus on the negative of my situation, I can't focus on the good today holds, regardless of size. 

Focus focus focus.....The Remarkable Ordinary is an eye-opener to place your focus outside of yourself, if even for a little while, see-feel-hear-touch the remarkables you find in an otherwise, ordinary day.

Please pick up this book The Remarkable Ordinary, enjoy the well-written read. You'll enjoy the read as much as I did. 

And, in closing, share your awakening experience with others who are trapped by the ordinary.

is book from Handlebar for the purpose of review

**I received this book from handlebarmarketing.com for the purpose of a review-all opinions are my own**

I received this book from Handlebar for the purpose of review

Book Review: A Crazy Holy Grace by Frederick Buechner

I call it 'a dark night of my soul' when I am in dire need of God to answer my prayers. I am not talking about a bad day, a bad situation, a bad person...no....I'm talking about the things that attack your mind every waking moment, you have trouble sleeping, you find yourself BEGGING God to answer you and when or if He does, it's in a tiny way that just lets you know He's there, He's just not going to answer that particular prayer the way we need or ask Him to. 

And that hurts - deeply hurts. 

When you don't have a single human being in your life that can help and when He has always been your first go-to .... it just really hurts.

Then...the bad thoughts start pouring into your mind and now you have THAT to deal with on top of your problem. I tell you, it's not a pleasant place to be....you are tormented with no reliefit seems.

Thankfully, there's an author named Frederick Buechner, who has written this wonderful book called A Crazy Holy Grace. This book may not be my dark night relief, but it does remind me just how present God really is in my situation. Although the answers don't come and since I am the cause of my situation, instead of feeling complete shame and disgrace, I AM confident of His Holy Grace.

When I'm not drowning as I feel I am now (very dark night of my soul), I have very good memories of how God was with me, how He made me smile, how once I told a lady it was like He was pursuing my heart and that was awesome. I know and can recount many incredible miracles He granted me in my lifetime and how I'm able to encourage others from my tales of those miracles. 

That's what Frederick Buechner has done in this book too.

Mr Buechner has written this well-thought-out book of his story, essay style, of how no matter what's going on, he too, was confident of God's mercy, miracles and interventions - even if it was through memories of Gods' presence in his life.

It was comforting to read this book, especially now, if only to remind me not to forget Gods' presence. Even when I am the cause of my problem - that's where grace comes in. Where humans have the nasty tendency to forgive/not forget, GOD, through His grace, forgives AND forgets.

Mr Buechner had his own dark night of his soul when his father committed suicide. I don't know how I would or could handle that one, but I know my own actions have harmed my family. Different stories, same hard issue to deal with. 

His book is an amazing read. Well written and you feel like you've known him as a neighbor. I highly recommend this book to remind you too, you are not alone. Almost every single human being has some horror story to share, trust me, I know I do. But Frederick Buechner has written this book as a comfort, not as a compare notes on who's tragedy is worse. It's as if you can listen to his story and are comforted within your own story too.

Please search for this book,A Crazy Holy Grace, to read while you sit off in your own little reading space - I promise it WILl bring you comfort in your own life's trials.

**I received this book from handlebarmarketing.com for the purpose of a review-all opinions are my own

Book Review: Last Act The Final Years and Emerging Legacy of Ronald Reagan

First off, I want to thank BookLook Bloggers for this opportunity.

With that said, I truly enjoyed this book.

Why? Well, because in MY opinion, President Reagan was AWESOME! And the chance to read a book about the man, was a real pleasure and honor.

Now for my own personal opinion of President Ronald Reagan: I didn't like his first four years as I was from a democratic state, so you know...you just kind of blend with the crowd. It was his SECOND term that made me a Republican, a person of worth and gave me what it took to keep moving forward for mine and my childs' future. He was a great man and a very strong president. It's my opinion that if certain groups knew that great president, they either wouldn't exist as he simply would not tolerate it or they wouldn't have the same opinions as they have today.

I hated the fact that he made it HARD for people like me to breathe, as in, I had to work my butt off and EARN everything in life and he taught me strength - as in, he made government assistance what it was meant to be, ASSISTANCE. He gave us our personal freedoms while he took care of the country/government. And it's his role in my life that I have carried forward: work hard, plan for your future and leave a legacy for your children. Things I grew up with and to have a president WANT that for you too, that was the way to be.

The author, Craig Shirley, shared Mr Reagan's inner life in a way that it seemed you were right there! You see the behind the scene life of this incredible president and I truly enjoyed every page of this book. I can also relate to Mrs Reagan, as my own father had the form of Alzeimers that completely stole his mind. I'm the fifth child and my father only knew my two oldest sisters. It's a terrible disease and I give huge kudos to Nancy for dealing with Ronald's illness as eloquently as she did.

Mr Reagan, because of his acting history, was comfortable in his position of POTUS. He had a calm, demeanor but could make you laugh with ease on one hand and could be the firmest, immovable power force that made us, as a whole country, great.

If you want to know more about the real man President Reagan was - Ronald - please pick up this book, it's a wonderful read and very inclusive into the daily life of what it was for the Reagan family in his final years as president and as a man.

Thanks to Book Look Bloggers, they made it possible for me to read such an amazing and encouraging book!

Disclaimer: I did receive a full size product from either Blogging For Books or the company as compensation for this review. I post honest, tried and true reviews with my complete open minded opinion either negative or positive is completely mine alone.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: The Colson Way: Loving Your Neighbor and Living with Faith in a Hostile World

I love books. If I had the ideal job outside of the house, it would have something to do with books. Way back when, I was not only an administrative assistant for an internet company, it was a self publishing agent who I was honored to be the manuscript reviewer - oh how I read and yes, recommended many books! Thanks to Book Look For Bloggers, I was able to review a copy of The Colson Way: Loving Your Neighbor and Living with Faith in a Hostile World by Owen Strachan

Have you heard of Chuck Colson? I heard of him a few years ago and really admired his life. He was a former counselor for the White house under Richard Nixon before he chose Christianity. Through his life, Chuck Colson had a deep rooted moral conviction and once he came to grips with what the calling on his life was, he formed BreakPoint and Prison Fellowship. This is just the tip of the iceburg of the life of Chuck Colson and Owen expresses the diversity and depth of heart of this admirable man.

A captivating and informative book on a man, not just another guy, but a man....one worthy of respect. This book is an easy read, enjoyable read and will definitely show through his life and the authors writing, God can and will use any of us to further His purpose of saving souls, speaking the truth and grow, mature, and appreciate this wonderful gift we have - life.

Thanks to Book Look Bloggers, they made it possible for me to read such an amazing and encouraging book!

Disclaimer: I did receive a full size product from either Blogging For Books or the company as compensation for this review. I post honest, tried and true reviews with my complete open minded opinion either negative or positive is completely mine alone.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: "My God and My All: The Life of St. Francis of Assisi", by Elizabeth Goudge

Ah St Francis Assisi, one of my favorite people in history. Thanks to Handlebar Publishing, I was able to review a copy of this book and I am so pleased to have been able to!

First off, do you know who St Francis Assisi was? Long story short, next to Jesus, he truly knew and lived a life of self-sacrifice and had a love for God and man so deeply, he chose empathy over any other moral code.

The author of this particular book, Elizabeth Goudge, has written her version, accurately but also, gave life to this man whom many misunderstood or found him 'boring'. St Francis Assisi felt he was undeserving of joy when there were so many to be cared for - from people to animals. He imposed poverty on himself, which was in a sense like a monk, but multiply that.

Living in this day and age, the 'me-generation', it's so incredibly sad - they laugh at, disrespect and disregard any person of God that truly IS FROM GOD...half of me wishes we had St Francis of Assisi around and half of me am glad he's not - for the sole reason on what we have become...I'm 51 and truly believe the 'me-generation' is our downfall - THAT'S MY OPINION from what I see, hear and watch daily in the news, on all social media sites, I swear, I don't know why no one stands up any more like St Francis had.

I appreciate Elizabeth's re-telling of this awesome man. I highly recommend this book and when you read it, choose a sunny day, one where you can look around and truly take in the blessings in your life. It's not a fast read, his life is a bit boring to most, but if you want to know this man, you will find greatness in his every heart beat.

Thanks to Handlebar, they made it possible for me to read such an amazing and encouraging book!

Disclaimer: I did receive a full size product from either Handlebar Publishing or the company as compensation for this review. I post honest, tried and true reviews with my complete open minded opinion either negative or positive is completely mine alone.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: Divine Applause by Jeff Anderson

I chose to review Divine Applause by Jeff Anderson first and foremost, because it made me think: are we 'performing' in life for people, ourselves or God?

I used to do everything I ever attempted or accomplished for people's acknowledgement. Once I found God, or He became very apparent in my life, I do all for Him. I slip now and then, but for the most part, I do all I do, no matter how big or small, for an audience of One - it helps to know other's acknowledge all I do, but hey, if they don't, I'm OK with that.

The second reason I chose this book to review was because of the encouraging words from well-known people that have read it and enjoyed it as well - Tony Evans, Tom Ziglar and Doug Bender to name a few.

I can only tell you that this book helped me remember how my walk with God had always been and needs to remain at the forefront of my life.  It's just normal and natural for me now, but I would walk and talk with my best friend - visible or not, He WAS there. He'd make me smile, He'd soften my hardness, He'd show me answers I desperately needed and He would even just listen when I only needed to vent.

Visible or invisible, does it really matter when you know that you know that you know, He is right there with you, even when He's silent. Do you need someone to acknowledge you? Yeah...I used to as well, I know that empty feeling. But this book is a great book that shows you, you really only need an audience of One. This book helps you see God in the visible. It also helps you to open your heart, your mind, your eyes - He is all around you, you just gotta look sometimes, but He is there.

Personally, whenever I see a white butterfly is when I sense His presence more. I don't know what the deal is with white butterflies, but when they aren't there and I am troubled, I feel as though I am in an open field, left to figure things on my own, which makes me feel even worse. But...you get one of those little things appearing and I start to smile :) Oh the actual butterfly has nothing to do with anything except that's just how I 'programmed' myself to physically SEE God with me.

I'm sorry, back to the book: It's a book of 205 pages, soft cover and fits into any book bag, purse or briefcase and can be enjoyed any where you want to read. Do you just feel in your gut that there's something you're missing? Do you want to know how to feel God's presence with you instead of relying solely on your faith? Do you want to know what God sees in you? Well, this book answers, more importantly, shows you through scripture, experience and knowledge these answers and more.

A very enjoyable read!

Thanks to Blogging For Books, they made it possible for me to read such an amazing and encouraging book!

Disclaimer: I did receive a full size product from either Blogging For Books or the company as compensation for this review. I post honest, tried and true reviews with my complete open minded opinion either negative or positive is completely mine alone.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: Slow To Judge by David B Capes

I chose this particular book to review because one, it's a Christian book and two, I know for a fact, I can be a hard listener.

When I was younger, I used to LOVE a good debate - both sides hear only their own stories and there's nothing more than flustered feathers in the end. Well, another thing about aging is you realize life simply is to short to do all the talking, rehash your own experiences and to stay in your own little world.

Sixteen years ago, I decided to break that. I've hit my bumps for sure, but today, I can honestly say, I have found life much more fulfilling when I listen before I judge (speak, jump to conclusions, etc)

I had never heard of this author before (David B Capes), but I feel he has a great road of writing ahead of him. He points out (biblically and using simple common sense) that we do judge a person, place or thing by our own previous experience. For example, say YOU like chocolate ice cream and my personal experience was so horrendous (regardless of what made my experience horrendous) I would judge you based on my own personal experience. That's pretty simple ABC right? You would think so, but by cruising the social media sites, you would think we all have lost our minds the way we judge and don't listen.

I found this book very insightful and thought provoking. I've asked myself repeatedly "am I doing that?" ...I found I fail my common core beliefs sometimes simply by not listening - I appreciate the author, Book Look Bloggers and the wake up call this book gave me, not so much teaching me something I didn't already know, but for the reminder to keep myself in check. It is oh so easy to shut off our listening and jump right on the judging wagon! Life is a lesson that we never graduate from, we just keep learning and I like that.....

Thanks to Book Look Bloggers, they made it possible for me to read such an amazing and encouraging book!

Disclaimer: I did receive a full size product from either Blogging For Books or the company as compensation for this review. I post honest, tried and true reviews with my complete open minded opinion either negative or positive is completely mine alone.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: Life Without Limits by Nick Vujicic

Wow is all I can truly say about this book! What encouragement! I have read his book, watched his movie, http://thebutterflycircus.com/ and have followed him in the news - a beautiful wife and now a beautiful baby!

Here you have a man without his limbs who has grown to be a well known public speaker encouraging others they can make it through anything! Nick had to concur and survive through many adversities and when you can't see a way through, he pulled through!

Never doubt what you can do ever again, as Nick is living proof that there is NOTHING impossible for God to do in and with your life.

An awesome read, I highly recommend this book to all teenagers and adults alike.

Thanks to Blogging For Books, they made it possible for me to read such an amazing and encouraging book!

Disclaimer: I did receive a full size product from either Blogging For Books or the company as compensation for this review. I post honest, tried and true reviews with my complete open minded opinion either negative or positive is completely mine alone.

Book Review: Heaven Is For Real

Have you had a chance to watch this movie yet? If you have, I hope you've found some answers to your questions about whether or not Heaven IS for real. The book goes into great detail of this young boys experience and the best part is, I have personally had a vision just last year of being held by Jesus and told something and the man in my vision is very similar to the man this little boy described. Now to me, that was AWESOME.

The book is a great read, you'll feel the frustrations of everyone in the family especially the boy and his father. The personal pains of the son trying to be believed, as he is adamant of his experience and the father, who fights his own personal inner war of what people will say, his own personal feelings and then, the fight for others to believe.

I highly recommend this book to all - whether you believe this boy or not, it's a fantastic read, excellent movie and worth the time it takes to enjoy either.

Thumbs up review!

Book Review: You Can Be Everything God Wants You To Be

Book Review: You Can Be Everything God Wants You To Be

I am posting this review NOW because it is the end of the school year for most areas and this is an excellent gift for the new graduate.

The editorial review for this book is as follows:

God made only one version of you. He custom designed you for a one-of-a-kind assignment.
You are heaven's Halley's comet; we have one chance to see you shine. You offer a gift to the world that no one else brings. So find it and bring it! And when you do, both you and God will smile.
Yes, you can be everything God wants you to be.

No better words can describe this little, quick read through book that packs a wallop in it's size!

Thanks to the folks over at BookSneeze where bloggers read and write reviews - we were given the opportunity to read this wonderfully written, inspirational little book. I say this because, it is very encouraging to not only KNOW we aren't suppose to be more or anything else then, what God wants US, as individuals to Him, be...He created us all individually and as an adult, I don't have a problem accepting that - I think God was having alot of fun when he created me! But, as a young adult, when you are trying to find your way, it is so encouraging to read, listen or be told how great it is to be yourself, your own uniqueness - and that is what you get from this little book.

I truly believe it makes a wonderful gift, especially to a young adult, someone who just needs a lift, a literary hug....

I loved reading this and would definitely give it as a gift as well.

Please check into the details HERE for further information about this little cutie!

And as always, we thank our friends at Book Sneeze for this opportunity!

The Voice of the Psalms - Book Review

The Voice of the Psalms - Book Review

The Voice of the Psalms comes from the Ecclesia Bible Society and published by Thomas Nelson. It is a their take on the entire book of Psalms presented in The Voice translation and is like a devotional book - well put together, a great format and makes for an easy read. I truly enjoyed this version of the Scriptures.

This wonderful book provides reflections or small devotional commentaries if you like, given for each selected psalms, written by Karen Moore and James F. Couch, Jr.

The only negative part of this lovely little book is, it cuts the psalms in half sometimes, leaving you to feel that that's all to the psalm - it picks and chooses like any self help book does, but instead of being a self help book, this book is to make it easier for you to understand and apply the psalms to your life. So, I would want the author to get the whole story out there, especially for new believers.

This book makes an excellent gift, I know I truly enjoyed it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review - Where is God? by Dr. John Townsend

Book Review - Where is God? by Dr. John Townsend

Buy		Read

Have you ever wondered Where Is God in a trying situation or time? Well, there is only one factor that you really need to focus on here, and that is your FAITH in a God who doesnt seem to be there. God doesnt promise us there wont be bad or hard times, but what He DOES promise us is that He will never leave us or abandon us.
If you remember the book of Job, he had tremendous faith - so much so, that satan tried everything to get him to lose it. Everything! God didnt do one of those things to Job, but He DID allow them to happen. Why? To prove Jobs faith to satan.
If you would like your faith strengthened in trying times or you need that nudge to remember that the hardness is not from God, Himself, but approved by God, then this is a definite must read book for you! You may purchase your own copy here

(This post was made possible by ThomasNelson.com who provided a free copy for us to review)