Practicing the Presence of Jesus

This is a very practical book that many believers could find very helpful in their journey of faith.  Author Wally Armstrong tells how he spent most of his Christian life trying to always achieve or become the person that he felt God and/or others would want him to become.  While he practiced and worked tirelessly on his golf game, constantly improving his abilities there, he didn't understand that a relationship with Jesus must be something that was to be developed on a personal level, not just a set of rules and regulations that he must follow.

One day things took a change for the better when he saw Jesus on the golf course.  Now you will have to read the book to better understand this, but one nugget of insight is that Wally began to see Jesus as a close personal friend rather than someone who was far away.  When this light begin to dawn within Wally's life, his relationship with Jesus became something that was real and vibrant.  He desired to read, journal and pray early in the mornings, not because he had to, rather because he desired to talk to his new best friend.

How many believers get caught up in the doing (of the rules they feel self imposed upon them) rather than the being (following the leadership of Jesus in a personal way)?  It has happened far too long that people call themselves Christians yet really don't understand who Jesus even is.  Wally was challenged to understand who Jesus was and who He desired to be within Wally's life.  When a believer can better understand those issues then Jesus is more than a person, He can become a true friend.

Wally learned that he couldn't change himself, rather he must allow Jesus to change him to become the person he was intended to be.  He learned to practice the presence of Jesus no matter where he was.  If he was driving, playing golf, having devotions, etc... he could talk to Jesus and allow Him to become a real presence within his life.

This is a small put powerful book that will challenge every believer to not just talk the talk but rather walk the walk.

Unglued

Bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst does it again with Unglued: Making Wise Choices in the Midst of Raw Emotions, a wonderful book that will help the reader realize that the choices they make help to determine what outcomes they will face. Lysa shares how emotions aren’t bad, but emotions that are out of control can cause damage to oneself as well as to others around them. She shares four categories of unglued reactions and how they impact one’s life. Later in the book she discusses those who stuff things inside of themselves and those who explode upon anyone and everyone around them.

This is a much needed book for anyone who finds themselves in a pressure cooker and needs help to deal with life’s circumstances. Offered within this book are time sensitive ways to deal with the pressure before the pressure controls the person. Lysa writes in a very relational and real way and allows the reader to discover that she lives what she is writes about. Rather than sitting behind a keyboard coming up with the next bestseller, this book comes from her experiences in life and how she has learned to handle the circumstances that she is faced with on a daily basis.

Remember no matter whom we are, we aren’t all bad and everything around us isn’t as horrible as sometimes it seems. Lysa helps the reader to dig deep within themselves and lean upon God for better clarity of how to allow their thoughts, actions and deeds become those which Christ desires for us to display. This isn’t a fix all book, rather a real, down to earth approach to how everyone from corporate America to the rural farms of Kentucky can learn to become wise in the choices they make in the midst of unglued situations.

Review copy was provided free of any obligation by Zondervan. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.

Made in HEAVEN

Authors Ray Comfort and Jeffrey Seto does a wonderful job in their book, "Made in HEAVEN" of helping the reader better understand God's amazing design and how man is trying to use those designs to make a better world. This book gives examples of how researches and inventors have used God's natural creation to make something man-made to better the planet. For example, the strength of a spider’s web is 253,816 PSI which is almost 100,000 times stronger than stainless steel. By trying to duplicate the structure of the spider's web, researchers are looking to create stronger products for man.

This would be a great school textbook. I found it very educational, insightful and meaningful. I really liked the detailed information provided, not only in text but charts, examples and pictures. The pictures included are very colorful, clear and eye catching which helps the reader to visually see what the text is saying. I would recommend this book for a classroom and definitely every school library. I feel this gives the reader a good view of creation by placing God as the creator rather than just some form of existence. 

While this could be viewed as a scientific book, I really enjoyed how the authors ended the book with a reflection upon how a person can come to know the creator of the universe. This gives the reader the opportunity to allow God entrance into their heart and making this journey real and life changing. There is also the opportunity to download a free book of Ray Comfort's book, "The Defender's Guide For Life's Toughest Question" on how to have answers when faced with an atheist. This is a very nice gift offered the reader.

http://www.newleafpublishinggroup.com/images/made-in-heaven.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=8Z2wnIotpVg

Author websites:  livingwaters.com 

This book was provided by: Master Books, a division of New Leaf Publishing Group for my honest review.

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The Problem is YOU: How to Get Out of Your Own Way and Conquer Self-Defeating Behavior

Author John Burke engages the reader from the very beginning in his book; "The Problem is YOU:  How to Get Out of Your Own Way and Conquer Self Defeating Behavior." He deals with self defeating behavior and how it is an enemy of destruction and one we must get a hold of to become a better, stronger person.  He also list characteristics associated with this behavior and what one can do to overcome those. There is also a section on how incorrect beliefs, thoughts and habits make a impact within one’s life and how to better use good thoughts and habits to be an over comer.  Once one discovers what the bad habits are they must change them and John Burke helps the reader to get a handle on how to do this. 

I truly enjoyed this book, while realizing that I'm not along with some of my beliefs and thoughts I quickly realized that I can improve to become a better person and it's not without my reach or impossible.  I enjoyed the details that the author gives rather than just general overviews.  This seems to be a very practical way that I can use the material in the most meaningful way.

5 of 5 stars

A Positive YOU: Change Your Life with the Power of Positive Thinking

"A Positive You:  Change Your Life with the Power of Positive Thinking" by Elizabeth O'Brien is a wonderful self-help, motivational book. She helps the reader understand that everyone has issues within their lives but how they look at them is vitally important.  When one displays a positive manner toward negative situations they don't appear as bad as they might once do. She urges the reader to not waste time, rather to jump in and begin the change toward positive thinking right now. There is a quiz on; "How Much of a Positive Thinker Are You?" that I found very beneficial. This gives the reader a great place to start and bring improvements within their life. There are steps to take that helps the reader break this material down into bite size pieces.

I felt this to be a very informational book and one that lifted my spirits.  I enjoyed the practical way of how the author helped me to see ways at looking at the positive even when it appears cloudy or stormy. While she emphasizes that it's not a quick fix that it takes 21 days to develop a new habit, there are practical steps to arrive to that destination.

5 of 5 stars

Healthy Weight It's A Family Affair

"Healthy Weight It's A Family Affair" is a very well written and informational book by author Cindy Saleeby Goulding.  She shares wonderful insights into why diets don't work, how important good quality sleep is, being positive, having quiet times to reflect as well as a host of other wonderful helps.  Each chapter is very short thus allowing the reader to stop and start as they wish, yet each one building on the other.  There is the importance of family support and how weight issues are a part of everyone's life within the family.  Supporting each other with the issues they may be facing is vitally important for the individual who has the issue to overcome it and ways to help are included within this book.

While the material is fantastic there are also explanations of exercising as well as pictures and exercises that everyone could do to help tone up.  There is a journal for food as well as exercise for the reader to use to make this issue one they can overcome in bite size pieces.  At the end of the book are healthy tips that helps the reader soak up what they have just read and a good way to go back and job their memory of some of the major issues found within the book.

This book was provided by the author for my honest review.

5 of 5 stars

199 Internet-Based Businesses You Can Start With Less Than One Thousand Dollars

"199 Internet-Based Businesses You Can Start With Less Than One Thousand Dollars" is a very insightful and hands on type of book. Author Sharon L. Cohen gives the reader many helpful insights into how one can begin a business, what to look for and expect concerning the positive as well as the negative aspects.  She deals with running a business online, how to set up a home office, advertising, creating an effective web-site and so much more.  Then after helping the reader learn what must be done to get a business up and running she devotes the rest of the book to many different types of businesses that can be started within this one thousand dollar amount.

She gives information on businesses such as:  Advertising, Animals, Clothing, Collectibles, Food, Health Care, Writing and so much more.  Each of these areas, as well as others, is expanded upon giving the reader a better understanding of what might work in their local area.  She certainly helps the reader see the importance of finding their own niche and not trying to just copy someone's work.  There are personal stories included throughout the book of those who have started their own business to provide inspiration and support.

There is a very helpful business plan included at the end of the book as well as a table of contents to help the reader jump around should they be looking for a particular area of interest.  I found this to be a very insightful book and one that anyone who is considering starting a new business should read.

This book was provided by Review The Book for my honest review.

5 of 5 stars

Three Angels: For the Love of Dogs...

Author Ben Kerschberg in his book entitled, "Three Angels" tells of his love for three amazing dogs that impacted his life. He discusses each of the dog’s life and how they impacted him providing each dog its own section within the book.

First there was Phoebe. Phoebe was a German Shepherd and picked out as the runt of the liter when Ben was just a boy.  Phoebe soon grew up and weighted in at 115 lbs. Phoebe and Ben were such good friends and even when Ben was away at law school, he joyfully came home to be with his wonderful friend Phoebe.  After suffering it was time for Phoebe to be released of this life making way for the second dog in Ben's life.

Secondly there was Promise a Doberman and thirdly Steady a Lab, Golden Retriever and Hound mix. These two got along beautifully adding joy to Ben's life as he enjoyed their presence. One morning while getting ready for work, the phone rang and informed Ben that Promise had passed away with heart complications. Steady was unique as he knew what not to chew on and damage and only chewed on his toys.  He loved to play in the water and even with a small kitten.

This is a very interesting and fun book that explores how three different dogs with their own personalities made such an impact into the life of author Ben Kerschberg.

5 of 5 stars

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Author Susan Winget provides a beautiful gift book for Christmas entitled; "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year."  Found within this book are Christmas songs, poems, stories, quotes and things to share with family and friends.  The artwork is beautiful and creates wonderful scenes of the Christmas season including; red birds, poinsettias, snow, bells, etc...  

This is a very nice book with a Merry Christmas greeting, from and date page in the front of the book.  It would make a wonderful Christmas gift for the lover of books as well as something nice to share in family readings.  I enjoyed this book very much and appreciated the opportunity from Harvest House Publishers to review this book for my honest review.

5 of 5 stars

Death Goes Postal

Rosemary and Larry Mild do an amazing job of writing in their book, "Death Goes Postal." This is a very entertaining and moving book from the beginning till the end. The villain Emil Kravitz is a strong believable character throughout the material.  Eighty-eight-year-old Professor Abner Fraume is a noted researcher and a wealth of information concerning the early Herr Koenig's matrix molds. Professor Fraume's sister, Edythe, lives in American with her husband. They are both very sick and own a bookstore of which she wants to sell to the couple of her choosing. Dan and Rivka Sherman soon purchase the bookstore and get involved in a mystery of sorts that could even cost them Rivka's life.  

Liz a bookstore worker and friend of Edythe, soon learns important information concerning letter that Professor Fraume sent to his sister and she has the clue to where they are at. At a book gathering Liz shares more than she should of this information and the fun begins. There is a break in into the store, the kidnapping of Rivka and the FBI involved in hunting the molds before Emil Kravitz can escape with it.

I found this book to be very enjoyable and fun reading.  I especially enjoyed Sir Lord Byron the bookstore cat. He is a part of the store and try’s to offer protection when an intruder comes snooping around. Dan and Rivka offer a very keen insight into taking a clue and figuring out its solution. I enjoyed learning from them as well as watching how Rivka communicated with her kidnapper remaining calm and even helpful at times. I look forward to reading more books by this husband wife duo and the next journey they will take me on.

What Must I Do To Be Saved?

Author James R. Anderson does a wonderful job of answering the question; "What Must I Do To Be SAVED".  He uses scriptures throughout the New Testament from Matthew to Revelation to answer this question.  He gives very detailed answers to this question without leaving a stone unturned.  "What Must I Do To Be SAVED - A Devotional" can be used as a daily read or one where the reader does a more detailed study into this question.  This would be a good textbook in a Bible College or Seminary to help the student use scripture to interrupt this question rather than outside influences.  Many times we are taught to just express the thoughts and views of a particular church rather than allowing scripture to reveal it's own truth.

James uses the scriptures to answer this question rather than just his own personal thoughts, church history or other resources.  There has to be a portion of self interoperation of the scriptures of course by the author, but at least the primus of the book is to use scripture as a way to answer the question without a lot of other outside resources.

I enjoyed reading this book and found it very insightful and helpful.  Where scriptures seem to contradict themselves on face value, the author gives a much deeper look into the original meaning and reasoning of the use of certain words or phrases during the time it was written.  This would be a very beneficial book for anyone who is questioning if they would like to give their life to Jesus Christ and if they do so what will happen as a result of doing so.

Based on the purpose of the book of helping the reader to better understand that coming to salvation isn't as complex and complicated as others would seem to make it, rather it is really quite simple.  This book breaks down the scriptures that allow the reader to understand in great detail what happens not only during the point of salvation, but after that initial point of conversation as well.  This is a very rewarding and helpful book.

5 of 5 stars

The Jesus Tour

This is a very well written book that allows one to see within the life of Christ and events surrounding Him in a unique and interesting way.  Pastor Kate and a group from her congregation are invited to attend "a thrilling way to experience the life of Christ" so they accept the offer and eagerly set off for this adventure.

While there they experience many questionable yet insightful things that are revealed to them by a guide in ways they really can't explain.  They climb aboard a trailer and see things that amaze them, yet cause them to have many questions.  Yet after each scene, the guide asks if they would like to see more.  Each time they say yes and the story leads them through the resurrection of Christ.  When they exit the trailer to begin their meeting, they turn around and the trailer is gone.  They are left to answer what has impacted them the most in this unusual display they have just encountered.  While sharing their experiences with each other they realize their eyes were open not only to see better within themselves, but to better love and relate to each other.  

This is a book that very entertaining, yet a beautiful learning experience.  I would recommend to anyone who wants to be challenged and grow in their faith to read and enjoy.

This book was provided by the author for my honest review.

5 of 5 stars

Christ In Me, Muslims Around Me: What to do?

This book is written by a person who is a believer in Jesus Christ, yet is trying to relate, understand and draw near to those of the Muslim faith.  This is a very well written book, one that will increase one's faith as a believer in Christ and allow a variety of insights into others beliefs and viewpoints of their religion.  While giving a great overview of the Islam belief there is also the beginning dealing with Abraham and other leaders of faith.  Author Patricia Bridewell gives a very detailed view of the development of Islam, what has happened over the course of time within that faith and the contemporary view today.  She gives a detailed view of Christianity as well allowing one to see where one might fall into the belief of this faith.

She then deals with the question of what one must do after having the facts.  She deals with such issues as:  accept/join, hate/reject, ignore, convert and witness.  These are great points to consider as one looks at both religions.  This is a very well written book that not only provides information, but great facts of history to support each theory or belief.

I personally liked the end of the book which included; various notes, references and appendixes.  This is without question a very vital part of the book and worth a tremendous amount of benefit to the reader.  This portion of the book gives the reader many outside resources to research as well.  I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend to anyone who is looking to learn more about Christianity and Muslims.

This book was provided by Readers Favorite for my honest review.

Make Your Shift

This is a book for the individual, group, company, etc…who is trying to become better in that which they are involved in.  Saving time, moving forward in greater unity as well as overcoming obstacles are just a portion of what the reader can learn from this well written book.  The book is written in two parts that can stand alone on their own.  The first part deals with a step-by-step process on how to implement the S.H.I.F.T. Model in a more structured manner.  The second part is less structured while still learning how to make this process of shifting effective within one's life.

There are great page breaks with motivational quotes as well as fantastic charts for the reader to use in helping to make their own shift.  This is more than just a book filled with words, rather a book with a leader allowing the reader to follow its outline.  While the reader must do their own part in making this work, author Beverly D. Flaxington has given the reader the ability to do so with all the tools provided within this book.

This book helps to break down what might otherwise be an overwhelming task so the reader can truly take action and make their life more productive and enjoyable.  I truly enjoyed this book and found it to be very helpful and insightful.  If you are looking for a way to improve your life, family, job, etc...then you owe it to yourself to read this book and use the charts provided to make the shift.

This book was provided by Readers Favorite for my honest review.

Sir Princess Petra

This is a very interesting and spell binding book concerning the young princess Petra.  She goes before the king and queen, who happen to be her parents and asks a very strange request for her birthday.  She asked to become a royal knight as this was the desire of her heart and according to the decree, she could have whatever she wished for on her birthday.  Her father and mother were shaken at the request but upon asking the councilman what was stated in the rule book, they found that indeed a girl could become a knight as there wasn't any rule written against it.  However, the sly king said, for Petra to become a knight within his kingdom she must perform one of three acts of bravery from his royal list.  These included:  "To capture a crocodile and make his skin into a royal leather chair; to hush that howling, nasty dragon, Snarls, in the Forest of Doom; or to eat a roomful of raw onions.”  When given these three choices she quickly eliminated two of them.  The first one she couldn't do as the crocodile was her friend and she couldn't do the third one as she couldn't stand the thought of eating all of those onions so she chose the second option.

Soon Petra visits the howling dragon and finds that he is captured by a landslide of rock.  She helps to remove his tail from this awful weight and now he is set free.  She soon invites him to her birthday party as well as becomes one of her great friends.

I enjoyed the story and artwork within this book.

This book was provided by Readers Favorite for my honest review.

5 of 5 stars

Shadows Chasing Lights

From the moment I opened the pages of this book I could feel the tenderness of the words slip from its pages.  There are moments of reflection, renewing, even rewinding moments within one's life where you wished you could do over.  There are moments that pull you into the page as though you have penned the words looking deep within your soul.

Within the pages are thoughts concerning truth, freedom and so much more.  How does one experience real truth and express freedom within their lives in all they do and possess?  The section on "Sole Searching" is breathtaking.  It is very enriching and rewarding as I feel such a real reason for the message being penned.  I sense such realness within the words that I relate to in most every detail.  This is a beautifully written piece that would be the enlightening part of the book for my purposes in reading.

This is a beautifully written piece of art.  Not only the writing, but the pictures included between the sections and the last portion written in handwriting rather than typed offered a sense of closeness to the author and what he is trying to convey to the reader.  I felt deeply while reading this book.  These were more than words on a page, rather real, raw, true meaning that reaches into the heart of the reader to stir and move them.

If you enjoy reading in poem/story form then you will need to check out this fine piece of work.  Be prepared to be challenged by the author’s pure words and come forth in joy at knowing that you are not alone, someone stands there with you.

This book was provided by Readers Favorite for my honest review.

4 of 5 stars

Hookitty-Tookitty-Tah

This is a very enjoyable book.  I found the wording to be entertaining and found myself laughing out loud several times.  The graphics are wonderful and vivid.  When I read about the yellow dragon, I wondered what could be done to protect the town's people, but quickly found that a little boy by the name of Hookitty-Tookitty-Tah wasn't afraid at all.  He goes to work to help the previous yellow dragon that had since changed colors to return to his beloved yellow.  Follow along and see how this young lad helps this big dragon with his troublesome issue.

I feel this would be a wonderful book for story time in the local library, schools and childcare settings.

This book was provided by review the book for my honest review.

5 of 5 stars.

Tinker and Other Short Stories

This is a very interesting book filled with seventeen short stories.  There are stories that describe life and death, the aging of an individual as well as a dog.  Life is so fragile and should be valued with such love and appreciation. There is also the description of what it is to be homeless and in need.  Food, shelter and general health care issues are so important and yet so easily overlooked when life is good and things are moving alone.  

The reader will also see the love of a son and father as they explore the stars way up high in the sky.  Lying under the stars and spending time with each other provides a great bonding moment, something that money cannot buy. Old barns, love, communicating with those you love, helping those in need, remembering family who fought in Vietnam are just a few of the many things you will discover within these short stories.

There is the very interesting story of a blind writer who sits in a writers group, but must convince them he is indeed the author they are thinking about.  How can someone blind be so descriptive in their details?  Well he shares that ability as he goes around the table, sharing about their clothes, their perfume, some had been drinking or smoking, etc...  Very interesting point that the blind author gives is that one can't judge a book by its cover.

One of the most amazing stories is about Hazel and the man in the red hat. She learns how to trust her instincts and befriends someone who had planned on harming her.  This is a beautiful story about how God leads others to share and bless those who are without while following His leading.

The story entitled, "Angel" was very moving and thought provoking.  How many times have we seen an angel and not been aware of it?  This story helps the reader to see that an angel might be closer than we think.  The "Last Story" is beautifully written and a fitting ending to this great collection of stories.

This book was provided by Readers Favorite for my honest review.

4 of 5 stars.

Live Better Longer

Living longer has caused a new set of problems.  How can we live longer in the most helpful healthy manner possible? This book provides many insights into how a person can provide better health conditions to enjoy the life that has been given them.  While it is apparent that the human body will begin to decay over time, there are things that a person can do to lengthen their days here upon the earth.  What a person does in the first part of their life is a typical pattern of what they will continue to do later in life.  When a child or young adult is overweight, it lends itself to expect that person to grow up in that manner, thus creating health issues that could lead to early death.

There are many insightful pieces of advice from the author concerning mid-life crisis, what the body does when it hits this point in life and how to help move it along in a positive manner.  The author discusses moods, sex drive, anger issues, lack of energy, etc...  If you are looking for some answers to how you can make positive adjustments within your life to make yourself stronger and healthier then you will enjoy reading through this book.

There were parts of the book that I personally didn't find all that helpful, but maybe it's because I personally haven't dealt with some of the issues that the author was discussing at that particular moment?  There is a glossary which helps the reader with some words that maybe needs explaining?  There is additionally a fantastic web address resource that lists many different sites that the reader can log on to for additional help in most any area.  

This book sheds light on topics such as:  aging, bone density, cancer, exercise, hormone replacement, insulin, nutrition and stress.  While this is just a broad overview of what is contained within the book, I believe it will be helpful to most readers, especially in the mid-age category.

This book was provided by review the book for my honest evaluation.

3 of 5 stars.

GRACE

This is another fine piece of work from author Max Lucado.  Max gives vivid detail in a variety of forms concerning grace given by God as well as how we as humans can offer grace to others.  These are short chapters and easy reading, yet very insightful and helpful to anyone who wonders if they ever deserve grace.  Max gave me some new insights into grace and how impacting it is within a person's life if it is only allowed to work freely.

From the very first chapter Max lays the foundation of how God's grace can shape a person’s heart and life.  He gives the reader great insight into how one can receive what is rightfully theirs as a born again believer.  There is a quote from Anne Lamott that I found to be rewarding.  She said:  "I do not at all understand the mystery of grace - only which it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us."

Max shares a portion of his own life and how when one fails, God's grace is there more than able to lift one up and bring redeeming power.  Also, when shared with others who are true believers, rather than bring condemnation, they will offer forgiveness and grace.

There is a very detailed reader's guide in the back of the book, for each chapter.  This would be a fantastic study for a small group or Sunday School Class.

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com < http://BookSneeze.com > book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 

5 of 5 stars

Into The Wilderness

Author David Ebenbach writes a very interesting collection of short stories.  If you like to read small bits of different yet interesting events then you will enjoy this book.  Included within the book is a story about a family who goes to a baseball game on Jewish Day.  It is interesting how the father and his son and daughter communication both with each other and the people around them.  Also there is a story about a father and how he tries to relate to his son using a dinner out.  It describes how difficult it is to share what is on one's heart and yet the joy that comes when love is shared with your son.  

The longest story is written in four parts about a lady named Judith and her daughter.  She finds herself pregnant without knowing who the father is.  Her parents come and help her during the pregnancy and after the delivery trying desperately to know the name of the newborn baby.  They are Jewish and Judith wants to have an official Jewish ceremony where there is an official giving of the baby's name.  She goes a full month before this service without knowing what name she will come up with and while in the middle of the ceremony she is enlighten with the name and shares that with the congregation at one time.  This is a very heartwarming story filled with questions, frustration, joy and destiny.

I enjoyed some stories more than others of course, and everyone will have their favorite.  I would encourage you to take it out on a test run and see how you like the stories.

This book was provided by JKS Communications for my honest review.

4 of 5 stars.

Tales of the Taylor: Songs that Changed the World

This is a very interesting book that shares the stories and songs of various events within the life of Ethan D. Bryan.  Ethan takes the reader along a fun-filled and life changing journey of his life while he uses his music and storytelling to impact the lives of others.  He shares the love he has for his favorite baseball team the Kansas City Royals.  He discusses the moment he met Frank White and what a joy it was to discuss baseball with this legend.  

There are moments of encouragement where Ethan describes hearing the voice of the Lord while mowing his lawn.  He raises money for water wells in Africa to help provide clean drinking water.  Ethan's heart is set on helping others and he does most of that through the gifts and talents he learned on his guitar that his dad bought for him.  This was his prized possession and even when it needed repair from time to time, he felt like a part of him was gone or missing.  

He took this wonderful gift and used it to inspire students, children, adults and prisoners alike.  The chapter that I enjoyed the most was chapter seven where Ethan describes how his best friend Brett and he went to Lansing Correctional Facility.  Inside the prison walls they sang and told stories reaching out to the inmates impacting their lives.  They had a great response to their music and were invited back to share again.  It was just a few days earlier when Ethan's daughter Sophie drew a picture for the inmates and asked her dad to take it with him.  This picture so inspired the inmates that it was placed behind the Program Counselor's desk for every man to see and enjoy.  

This chapter helps me to understand that anyone could be in prison.  Those who have done wrong as well as those who have been mistakenly accused of wrong and those who have truly reformed their lives while inside the prison walls.  Society tends to lump a title on people rather than allowing the individual to represent who they truly are.

This is a very inspiring story and one that will encourage and be uplifting to the reader.

This copy was provided by eLectio Publishing for my honest review.

5 of 5 stars

Kids R Us

This is a very well informed book concerning how kids are viewed by so many adults in society as well as how kids view adults and their present situations.  This book is filled with writings from local students in schools, adults, leaders within the community, etc...  It deals with the neglect of children and how that impacts them at the present as well as their future.  The children and teens helped me to see that with guided leadership they have more to offer than currently being given credit for.  Youth are looking for encouragement, support and a chance.  They are looking for someone to believe in them and offer them guidance, where presently they feel like they are wondering around alone.  Many of these youth feel unloved and alone left searching for life's answers.  This book gives great insight as to what can happen when adults and youth partner together to make a difference in each other's life.

Youth see what not to do all around them.  They see people who are failures and always blaming others.  They are looking for solutions to problems and with some guidance and support of older adults they make much better choices.  They are looking to make a difference and not just become another statistic in society.  Their heart is to give of themselves to others while they are learning life skills rather than just reading from a textbook.

The book is divided into three parts:  What the problems the youth are facing, what can be done to help them with these problems and allowing the youth to shine and grow as individuals making a difference within the world.

I really enjoyed reading this book as it gave many positive examples of how the youth desire to make a difference, rather than just sit back and blame the adults before them.  They shared many great insights into how changes can be made if only each person would reach out to make a difference in just one other person's life.  I think the editor did a great job of compiling these resources providing a great tool that can help to make a difference in any youth and adults life.

Where Are All The Men?

This is a very well written book that men everywhere could learn from.  It is very straight forward and deals with the real issues of men and marriage.  The authors help us to look into our childhood and how our past makes an impact in how we move into marriage and what type of things (good or bad) influence us.  There is a very detailed look into the various attacks on marriage and how the sin nature of man impacts all that happens within the lives of the couple.  There is the discussion of God's view of marriage and how both man and woman should line up to God's views rather than make their own.  When a couple makes their own rules and goes against the rules of God, it naturally brings hurt, disappointment and eventually disaster.  

Also included are the views of the Apostle Paul and how submission and roles are to be looked at within the marriage.  For a marriage to be healthy, it must have strong communication as a basic foundation along with love and respect.  There is also a portion given to what love isn't and how easily couples have chosen to believe the lies of the world concerning love.  Lastly, there is a look at redemption and how by the redemption of God's grace within one's life, they can look at their spouse with the love of God.

This is a book that would help both man and woman, but a strong call for men to step up and be accounted for as the leader and male influence within their family and marriage.

4 of 5 stars

Received from and reviewed for Reviewthebook.com

October Baby - Movie

Amazing, Heart Wrenching, Impacting, True Love, Soul Searching, Real...are just a few words that I can come up with to describe this movie. This is certainly a movie that every family should see. It is emotional and healing reaching deep within the emotions and heart of an individual.

5 stars

The Seventh Game

Sometimes one must wonder if sports are real or fixed.  That is a portion of what author Daniel Archangel deals with in this well written book, "Seventh Game." He is known in the book as "Kid".  The book begins by sharing about kid's life as a little boy and how he got involved in sports, especially baseball.  There are many difficulties that the Kid faces but he presses on to fulfill his lifelong dream.  I really enjoyed reading about baseball both in the minors as well as the majors.  This book provided exciting story lines as well as ups and downs of the life of a baseball player.

There was a great portion of the book given to the players, directors and network personal that may have caused championships and World Series games to the "Seventh Game" bringing in additional money for everyone because of the extra, ads that are sold, tickets, merchandise, etc...  While Dan gives great insight into both sides of the discussion, for many it will be left with speculation rather than a for certain answer.

If you are looking for a baseball book that will provide entertainment then I feel you will enjoy this book.

4 of 5 stars

Jewels For The Kingdom

Author Delia Latham creates an outstanding piece of work as she gives the reader moments of; love, pain, excitement, ministry, soul searching examination and so much more.  Character Pia Peretti has a past that has eaten her alive, but she is trying to put it well into her past.  She was doing a great job of this until she meets David Myers.  David was the new pastor in town but even more than that someone who showed interest in her causing her past to come racing to the front of her mind.  She really liked David but didn't know how someone with her past could become involved with the new local church pastor.  He wasn't the pastor of just any local church, but the one she attended and sang in.  

Pia has a home business that enabled her to reach out to others and be a blessing to them by offering them her jewelry pieces that were one of a kind.  Always listening to the voice of God as He led her to whom a particular piece would belong to she was blessed and encouraged.  However, she struggled when a friend of hers said that a piece made in the shape of a crown was for her as she deserved to wear a crown as a child of God.  Pia struggled with this high honor and only after much soul searching was she able to understand that God's best for her was what He truly desired.

This book is a page turner and one that I had difficulty putting down.  I truly enjoyed this book from beginning to end and would love for there to be a sequel to this great piece of work.

Reviewed for ReadersFavorite.com

5 stars

Guess What Is At The North Pole

Nancy does a beautiful job of telling such a heartwarming Christmas story.  She includes so many different elements of Christmas that I'm sure a little boy or girl's eyes would jump with joy while reading or being read to.  While reading I felt like I could smell the newly cut Christmas tree, or the gingerbread men that were on the counter cooling, maybe even feel the coldness of the snow while outside building a snowman.  This book places the reader in the middle of the story wanting more and definitely enjoying the moment.

I particularly enjoyed the illustrations knowing they were drawn by children and that really helped to enrich the story of the book.  There were some beautiful art pieces by the children and lovely to look at.  

It warmed my heart to know that a portion of the sales of this book will go to support a children's hospital.  I hope millions of books are sold not only to help support such a great cause, but also because the story is one worth sharing.

5 of 5 stars.

Book provided free by Readers Favorite for my honest review.

The Sneaky Little Kitten

This is a very fun and entertaining book.  I can certainly see how children who love animals will enjoy this book and want to read over and over.  Cat lovers will certainly find the book amusing and maybe a lot like their own little kitten.

5 of 5 stars

Why Fight?

This book deals with several issues that we all face namely one being conflict and how it is handled.  Within each of us is the desire to be right and to prove that both to ourselves and others.  There are times that this conflict will in fact lead us to fight to prove our point and the value of our worth.  This conflict at times will cause one to be very aggressive in their behavior, lashing out in physical contact.  There isn't anything new about this as men have been fighting from the beginning of time.  There have been fights, even murders because of the human anger that seems to be out of control.

We see this form of physical fighting even in sports such as boxing and martial arts fighting.  While others are entertained at the expense of a few people aggressively hurting one another to be the champion and/or to receive the prize money.

Many times animals must fight to get their dinner or become dinner of another animal.  There is this instinct within them to fight and protect themselves.  While this is seen in animals it is also seen in humans as well.  This is this natural born instinct to protect that which we love and value.  There is also praise given to those who fight on our behalf; for example:  we give praise to a police officer or a person within the military who protected us from the threat of others harm.  

This book shares how one can fight to get their way or use calmness to get along with others.  The individual is left to make their own choice in the matter as it comes to view within their situation.

This book left me with a better understanding of how each of us face conflicts in life and how we deal with them is very important.  The character development to better help the reader was very interesting and insightful.  The book was written in a way that was easy to read and follow the authors meaning and purpose within the book.  I will reflect to a greater degree on how I respond to situations before reacting.

4 of 5 stars