Book Review: The Lifestyle of a Prophet

The Lifestyle of a Prophet
By James W. Goll
Chosen Books, 2013
English, 288 pgs

Description:
Accessible Guide from Bestselling Author for Embracing the Prophetic Calling

Internationally respected prophet and bestselling author James W. Goll offers a readable, practical approach to the prophetic gifting. Centered around a unique, hands-on 21-day guide, he helps believers develop the intimacy with God essential to hearing his voice clearly and correctly--and then proclaiming his words faithfully.

Through illustrations from his own life and those of John, Daniel, and Ezekiel, Goll exposes common misconceptions, the successes and failures of gifted people throughout church history, and wisdom from the trenches of the prophetic. Devotional prayers and reflection questions follow each chapter. A must-have resource for those in prophetic ministry and all who work with them.

Review:
I don't know what I was expecting when I chose this book to review for Chosen Books. I learned more than I thought I would and spent more time reading it than I typically do on a book review book.

The material is not light, but not dense. It's a challenging read but it's easy to grasp. I know that sounds like double talk, but I can't describe it any other way.

The book is divided into three major sections: The Lifestyle of Intimacy, The Lifestyle of Wisdom and The Lifestyle of Revelation. Each has seven chapters. The book is meant to be read one chapter a day, as a devotion. The actual reading isn't a long section, but do not skip over the questions at the end of the chapter. They really make you think about what you've read and what you believe in regards to what you read.

The Lifestyle of Intimacy is focused on getting closer to God. The other two sections are focused a lot on hearing God clearly and listening for what He tells you and how to pass on that knowledge and wisdom.

 I'm not sure the book was 100% "for me" but it was a good read and I learned a lot from the devotions. I'm very willing to recommend the book to other believers.

I received a copy of the book from Chosen Books in exchange for an honest review. No additional compensation has been received.

Book Review: Defeating Jezebel

The Spiritual Warrior's Guide to Defeating Jezebel
By Jennifer LeClaire
Chosen Books, 2013
English, 192 pgs

Description:

From the Back Cover

Is Jezebel bending you to its will?

What is the "spirit of Jezebel"--and what influence does it have on your life? Despite decades of teaching on this subject and specific warnings in the Old and New Testaments, the Church is still being distracted from her endtime purpose. This high-level principality fools sincere believers into directing their prayer power against controlling individuals in their midst, while the real enemy and its real purpose remain hidden.

Through Scripture, prophetic insight and practical experience, Jennifer LeClaire roots out the underlying workings of this evil spirit. Manipulation and control are just surface-level fruit. The devil's deeper agenda, she explains, is idolatry and immorality.

If you are a believer, then you are already being baited by this seductive spirit. This guidebook shows you how to identify the true enemy and engage in effective warfare. Here are the weapons you need to battle the Jezebel deception--and win.

Review:
I'm still not sure what I feel about this book. I cannot find fault in the Scripture references or the logic and truth behind the book. It is well researched and written. This is not a book you can "skim through" or read lightly. The material is dense and heavy and it will change a lot in the way you view others and their motives.

I appreciate that there is a chapter titled "Loving Jezebel Back to Jesus". This chapter redeemed a lot of the condemning tone of the book. There is not anyone too far gone for the love of Jesus. He died for all, including the person being controlled by this spirit.

I'm just not sure about this book. The author would probably say that I'm being too tolerant of evil because I'm hesitant to fully and completely agree with everything she says. Please know, I'm not arguing against what she said. But rather how she said it seems harsh.

It's a hard, condemning book to read. I think it could have been done in a more loving manner. Being a Christian isn't about condemning each other (Romans 8:1 - Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus) or judging other believers (Luke 6:37 - Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.). It's about showing the love of Christ and allowing the Spirit to work in someone's life. We are not the harvesters. We are not the judges. We are not the jury. We are not the executioners. We are the planters. We are the nurturers. 

I received a copy of the book from Chosen Books in exchange for an honest review. No additional compensation has been received. 

Book Review and Tour: Can't Stop Believing

Can't Stop Believing
By Jodi Thomas
Berkley, 2013
English, 320 pgs

Description:
NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Jodi Thomas takes us back to Harmony, Texas, in CAN’T STOP BELIEVING. The sixth book in her popular Harmony series presents a story where big dreams are brewing—and anything and everything is possible…

Cord McMillan gave up his freedom at eighteen when he went to jail for a crime he didn't commit. Now, ten years later, he's about to give it up again for a piece of land. Nevada Britain, his neighbor, has just made him an offer he can't refuse: If he'll marry her, she'll sign over a section of property that their families have been fighting over for a hundred years. Nevada refuses to ex-plain why, but Cord knows the bargain is in his favor.

He just has one condition--she has to sleep in his bed every night as long as their doomed marriage lasts. Nevada only wants to maintain her family's legacy--and redeem herself for a wrong she did Cord years ago. But as she spends more time with her husband by necessity, she discovers something unexpected--a love so deep it takes her breath away.


Jodi Thomas is the NY Times and USA Today bestselling author of 37 novels and 11 short story col-lections. In June 2011, WELCOME TO HARMONY, the first book in the Harmony series, won a RITA, the highest award for women’s fiction. Jodi currently serves as the Writer in Residence at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas.

www.jodithomas.com
Twitter.com/jodithomas
www.facebook.com/ JodiThomasAuthor

“Another winner...Fans will be delighted.”-Publishers Weekly (starred review)
 
“Compelling and beautifully written.”-Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times Bestselling author

From the Author: 

From the day I started writing CAN'T STOP BELIEVING, I felt like I was surrounded by people I could love. These characters walked off the pages and said hello. I had to laugh when Martha Q, a widow seven times married, forms a writing group and then decides to help folks out whether they want it or not. I cried when Ronny first sees a love she thought she'd lost. And I fell in love with Cord and Nevada as they fought their way through all the baggage they both carried to find something worth keeping.

Amid them all, Cord McMillan tries to hang onto his farm in a town where no one will talk to him.  He made a mistake and hurt a deputy when he was 17, and now he believes everyone hates him.  When the first car in three years drives up to his place, he doesn’t trust his neighbor, Nevada Britain, or the bargain she offers him. He has nothing to offer in return, but he knows if he agrees he’ll step all into her plan, with no holding back.  If she doesn’t hold up her end of the agreement, he also knows she’ll break him completely like six years of prison never could.

 

As you read CAN’T STOP BELIEVING, you’ll find love so deep it’ll melt your heart.  So, come along with me to Harmony, Texas, a place where you’ll find a home.  I promise to keep you up late reading.

 

Welcome, step on in and meet the folks,

Jodi Thomas

My Review:
I love going home to Harmony. I have been reading this series since the first book and I love this look at small town life. I was so excited to see familiar characters, Tyler and Martha Q, as well as meet new characters, Cord and Nevada. There was a touch of mystery (with a bit of comedy) with Martha Q and her widows.

Of course, there is romance. New romance. Returning romance. Just starting romance. And it's all good. It's all heartwarming and touching. This book brought a range of emotions and I was so wrapped in the story line I didn't notice that I read right through time to cook dinner. Two days in a row!

The main story line is about Nevada and Cord. They grow so much over the story arc and I was really happy to see things turn out as they did.

One secondary story line is Martha Q and her widows. They just can't leave their suspicions alone. I can just imagine little ladies with trench coats trying so hard to be inconspicuous.

Other secondary lines include Ronny, Tyler and changes in their lives. I was really glad to see these story lines return to allow closure to the stories.

You just can't go wrong with these stories. Especially if you've lived in a small town and been part of a community where everyone knows everyone else.

I received a copy of the book from Ms. Thomas in exchange for a review. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review. Many thanks to Ms. Thomas for continuing to include me in her blog tours.

Book Review: Sherlock Holmes and the Needle's Eye

Sherlock Holmea and the Needle's Eye
By Len Bailey
Thomas Nelson, 2013
English, 336 pgs

Description:
Embark on a journey through the Old and New Testament with Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson as they explore exotic and spice-laden places in search of clues.

The detective and the doctor travel back in time with the help of a Moriarty-designed time machine to investigate ten Bible destinations, unlocking clues to ten Bible mysteries. The most fascinating crime cases are those that are already solved, those that have been investigated by the police and brought to a swift, satisfying, and almost inevitable conclusion. So it is with Bible stories which the reader may consider familiar and unremarkable. But under close scrutiny these stories give up their hidden clues, their long kept secrets. Like a jewel newly polished, they sparkle and shine with a fresh, introspective light.

Review:
This book can be read as either a novel (starting at the first page) or as a Bible Study (starting with questions in the back, then reading the chapter). Either way, it's really interesting!

Holmes travels back in time to answer 10 questions from the Bible. Things like: Why did Ahithophel hang himself? What did Jesus write in the sand:? What did Luke mean when he said Satan left Jesus for a more opportune time?

The questions are well researched and I learned a lot of new things. After each chapter (I chose to do the questions first) I sat the book down and told my husband "this is so cool!"

There were a couple of places where I thought the story was a bit laborious and it was a little annoying to figure out if they were "spectators" or "visible" in each story line. It was tedious to hear Holmes' non-faith view, but interesting to see that Watson was written with Biblical faith. I'm still not sure why Holmes bothered with Biblical mysteries if he doesn't believe in any of it. And he sure had a lot of Scripture memorized for someone without faith.

Even though it was extremely far fetched and at times maddening (isn't that just like Holmes...), I liked this book a lot and had a lot of fun reading it.

I received a copy of the book from BookSneeze in exchange for a review. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review.

Book Review: A Noble Groom

A Noble Groom
By Jody Hedlund
Bethany House, 2013
English, 368 pgs

Description:

From the Back Cover

Michigan, 1880

Annalisa Werner's hope for a fairy tale love is over. Her husband failed her in every way and now his death has left her with few options to save the family farm. She needs a plentiful harvest. That, and a husband to help bring it in. Someone strong, dependable. That'll be enough. A marriage for love...that's something she's given up on.

So her father sends a letter to his brother in the Old Country, asking him to find Annalisa a groom.

Then a man appears: Carl Richards, from their home country of Germany and a former schoolteacher--or so he says. He's looking for work and will serve on the farm until her husband arrives.

With time running out, she accepts his help, but there's more to this man than he's admitting. He's also gentle, kind, charming--unlike any man she's ever known. But even as Carl is shining light into the darkness of her heart, she knows her true groom may arrive any day.

Review:
I enjoyed this book. Like any Christian romance novel, you can figure out what's going to happen pretty easily, but this one is still fun to read.

The story is centered around a family of German immigrants and a daughter, Annalisa, whose husband dies suddenly. She has to save her farm and to do this she needs a husband. Her dad "orders" her one from his brother in Germany. However, a man shows up with a note saying that he's there to "fill in" until the real groom can raise enough money to make the voyage.

The conditions in the family were harsh. Women didn't eat with the men. Women didn't do anything their husband or father didn't say was okay. People looked the other way with abuses. I have a hard time with believing a father wouldn't stand up for his daughter. Then again, I am not a German immigrant in the 1880s so I don't know what conditions were really like back then.

The love story is sweet and gut wrenching at the same time.  The description hints that Carl is hiding something and I honestly kept expecting it to surface at any minute.

Annalisa fights not only nature but a ruthless businessman to save her farm and family. She is a strong woman and it was good to see her soften as the book went on.

 I received a copy of the book from Bethany House for the purpose of this review. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review.

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

The winner of the Star Wars Angry Birds giveaway was:

Comment #1 by Ana. Your address has been sent to the company.

Thanks for reading.

May the Fourth Be With You (Giveaway)

It still cracks me up that May 4th is Star Wars Day! I don't know how I missed understanding that for so many years! To celebrate Star Wars Day our family has been watching one movie a weekend for the past 5 weeks with Return of the Jedi to be our last movie this weekend.

Another way we're celebrating is with Hasbro's new Angry Bird Star Wars AT-AT Battle Attack Game and Angry Birds Star Ward Foam Flyers toys.

We're big fans of Angry Birds here and my kids have been known to make buildings with their cheese cubes, beans and pretzels to knock down.

I think I like the toys better.

Both boys played with these all day when they came in. This is the AT-AT Battle Attack Game.

ANGRY BIRDS^TM STAR WARS® AT-AT^TM ATTACK BATTLE GAME

(Approximate retail price: $39.99; Ages: 5 & up. Available: Now)

Stack, launch, and destroy with the AT-AT ATTACK BATTLE GAME, which includes 21 blocks to create the signature AT-AT, a LIGHTSABER LAUNCHER and 12 ANGRY BIRDS STAR WARS figures — including two that are exclusive to this set! Players can also unlock ANGRY BIRDS STAR WARS in-app content with a special code in each pack. 

My sons are 6 and 3 and both had a blast. We had to build on the box because it was a little hard to get it to stand on carpet. They were able to get it to stand far better than I was able to do it! 

There was a bit of a learning curve with them understanding that it didn't have to be built exactly like the picture and instructions showed...but once they understood that...the battle was on!!

I like how the birds attach to the launcher. This is better than the previous Angry Birds games we've had where the bird just sits in the launcher and hopefully stays in it while you aim.

The birds are a little small so I don't let the 3 year old play by himself, but they really love them. They fought over who was Darth Vader and who was Han Solo.

The foam flyers are also available now.

ANGRY BIRDS^TM STAR WARS® FOAM FLYERS

(Approximate retail price: $9.99; Ages: 5 & up. Available: Now)

Toss around these 3.5-inch soft foam, iconic characters for a new way to play ANGRY BIRDS STAR WARS! Available in LUKE SKYWALKER, CHEWBACCA, DARTH VADER and STORMTROOPER. Each sold separately.

We were sent Darth Vader to play with.  However, there isn't a picture because Darth is in time out for flying toward Momma's head. Neither boy claimed the deed, so the toy got the punishment. It's a soft foam and kinda feels like a squeeze stress toy. 

They keep walking by it on the "time out" shelf and telling him "We'll see you soon Darth." I think I'm going to have to get more of them just so we don't end up having fights over them!

Use the Promo Code SWFANDAY for 20% off any Star Wars toy on HasbroToyShop.com, only on May 4th!* That means you can pick up some of Hasbro's great Angry Birds Star Wars games and toys, based on the hit mobile game from Rovio Entertainment!

I have the honor of getting to offer a toy to one reader. This is a 24 hour giveaway. Simply post a comment with your favorite Star Wars character.

Winner will be picked, via the random number generator, at 8AM Saturday, May 4th. Winner will be required to respond to an email with mailing address (no PO Boxes) for the company to send the prize. 

I received the toys from Hasbro in exchange for an honest review. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review. Many thanks to Brittany at Hunter Public Relations for including this blog in the fun! 

*20% Off STAR WARS Fan Day, One Day Only-May 4th
20% off offer may only be redeemed through the HasbroToyShop.com website toward the purchase of STAR WARS products currently available on the site. Discount applies to pre-tax and pre-shipping amount. This offer cannot be combined with any other coupon or offer. Offer cannot be redeemed for cash. Valid only while supplies last. Not valid on previous orders. Offer may expire without notice due to error, fraud or other unforeseen circumstances. Offer valid in U.S. only. Void where prohibited. Subject to terms and conditions of use and HasbroToyShop.com policies. Offer expires May 4, 2013 at 11:59 PM (ET). ©2013 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved.

Book Review: Tempted, Tested, True

Tempted, Tested, True: A Proven Path to Overcoming Soul-Robbing Choices
By Arnie Cole and Michael Ross
Bethany House, 2013
English, 256 pgs

Description:
Real, Lasting Victory Over Temptation

There's no use pretending: Everybody struggles with temptations. Sometimes those struggles can wear us down and we don't know where to turn. But as authors Dr. Arnie Cole and Michael Ross write, "Each struggle presents us with an opportunity for growth and intimacy with God--not condemnation."

Using real-life stories and information gathered from over 100,000 surveys, Tempted, Tested, True gives you a step-by-step process for resisting harmful choices through the power of God's Word. This book will show you how to live in the freedom God wants for you. 

Review:
There is not a single human being that does not face temptation at some point. It can be as "harmless" as not being able to pass by the dessert tray to as "harmful" as sexual sins. The point is, everyone, everywhere in all of history has had to deal with temptation.

This book does not gloss over the problem of sin and the effects of giving in to temptations. It does not, either, tell you that you will be 100% able to resist temptation just because you've read this book and answered every question in it. It does give you insights, scriptures and proven steps that you can take to lessen the effect of temptation in your life.

The beginning chapters deal with the universal problem of temptation and the cycle of dangerous choices. I particularly like how they equate a cycle of a bad choice with pregnancy and birth. It made it easy to understand and visualize.

The next few chapters are about specific temptations men struggle with and women struggle with. And the next four chapters deal with a story and struggle from real life and how to deal with the specific temptations they contain.

I found the whole book really enlightening and very well written, however the last chapter and the Ending Point really hit me between the eyes. So many times someone doesn't want to discuss their temptations because they feel they're alone or that they will be judged because of them. The last part of the book deals with this from a church and grace standpoint. The church shouldn't be shunning sinners and we shouldn't be refusing to offer God's grace to anyone. None of us deserve it and it's given freely and equally to all.

This book is excellent. It has a "Nudge" at the end of each chapter, which is a study guide and is wonderful for both personal and group study. There is a ton of scripture back up and memorization is encouraged.

I received a copy of the book from Bethany House for the purpose of a review. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review.

Book Review: Christian Mama's Guide

The Christian Mama's Guide to the Grade School Years
By Erin MacPherson
Thomas Nelson, 2013
English, 208 pgs

Book Description

Prepares moms for the time when their school-aged kids take their first few steps into the world and away from mama's nest.

Sending a child off to school is a whole lot more than stocking up on school supplies and packing a (somewhat) healthy lunch. This helpful guidebook walks Christian moms through:

• discovering a long-term vision for the person that Christ has purposed for your child to become
• instilling a sense of "who I am and where I came from" in your child
• choosing a school for your kids
• helping your kids to develop key attributes—courage, kindness, perseverance—that lead to success in school
• dealing with teachers, sports, and lessons
• navigating those difficult conversations that will come sooner rather than later
• a special feature includes sidebars "From the Principal's Office" with insights from a 35-year elementary school principal and educator

Moms will learn how to cover their children in prayer so that their launch into the world, and away from her control, is done with grace and wisdom—helping them grow into the men and women God intended them to be.

Review:
This is the second Christian Mama's Guide I've reviewed. I didn't really enjoy this one as much as  the one for the toddler years. She starts the book by telling you that she's not really experienced in the area of kids going to school and it really shows in the text.

There is a healthy dose of humor, but after a few chapters it starts to read as silly and condescending in some places. I found the From the Principal's Office sections to be particularly helpful. This is most likely because they were written by someone with lots of experience in schools.

The most helpful thing I read in this book is the 15 Factors list. This is a list of character traits and attributes that need to be developed in a child for them to be truly successful. The list includes Genuine Faith, Vision, Focus, Courage and Honesty. Yep, they sound like common sense things to teach your kids, but a focused concentration on them (I like her idea of one per month) will go a long way to becoming a behavioral pattern for you and your kids.

There is value to the book in that I'm sure there are parents who haven't read every book on the shelf and will pick this one. For that purpose, this book can be very useful. I've just read so many books that have these same basic ideas that I'm having a hard time thinking this is something new.

 I received a copy of the book from BookSneeze in exchange for a review. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review.

Save the Sleeve!!!

I, for one, am glad that cold and flu season is starting to wind down. We have battled sickness in this house since just before Christmas. The youngest ended up with the flu A and B, a cold in between them and an ear infection once a month. We were just about to entertain tubes when our prayers were answered and the ear was cleared up. The older boy had all of the above, with the exception of Flu B, and in addition had strep once and bronchitis once.

We're worn out. Just in time for spring allergies to flare up...

We use a lot of tissues and wipes and breathing treatments. I am not a fan of snot. At all. And of course, my two nose pickers love to let me know when they have it.

When their noses get overly runny and just too darn gunky for reality, I reach for Boogie Wipes.

Boogie Wipes are made with saline to dissolve boogies (mucus) caused by the common cold, allergies or otherwise booger-filled kid moments. They are extra soft and scented in Great Grape, Fresh Scent, Magic Menthol (for extra stuffy noses), Simply Unscented and Boogieberry. Boogie Wipes are recommended by Pediatricians as a gentle, effective alternative to a dry tissue.

I fully admit to using them on myself too.

They come in 10, 30, 45 and 90 count packs and canisters. Their website also says that a Boogie Mist is coming soon.

Right now, you can take the pledge to Save the Sleeve. Those who take the pledge in the month of April are entered to win one of 1,000 Save the Sleeve Kits. Each kit is packed with Boogie Wipes temporary tattoos, a backpack button, Boogie Wipes samples, and coupons.

Okay, I gotta tell you...booger and snot information makes me gag a bit. The fact that the first page of the pledge tells you that your sinuses can make 2 liters of mucus a day just really grosses me out. I don't doubt it for a second though!

So get over there and take the pledge to Save the Sleeve!