Once-A-Day Nurturing Great Kids Devotional

I love it.

It is a thicker paperback book that has a 1 page devotion for each day. It is given by date: December 1st – Day 334. I like the reminder of which day that I am on for the year. It sort of serves for a reminder of how many days we have been blessed with once again for another year. It starts out with a verse, then a small devotion on how to apply that verse to our parenting style. Next it gives a “Parenting Principle” which is a sentence summary of above. Lastly, “Points to Ponder” which are 3 questions to challenge you. It is a great way to take a few minutes of your day to focus on something you can change or something you can implement in your home. This is a great book for every parent. I would greatly recommend if you are looking for a book to give parents, this would be it. Life gets busy, but if you could just pick this up, it would challenge you. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers 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

First Christmas Ever - Children's book

The First Christmas Ever is a children's book illustrated by Dennis Jones. The pictures are so cute! This is a small paperback book that the cover will get bent easily. It is a fun book for a child to look at the pictures and learn the story of Mary & Joseph traveling to Bethlehem for the First Christmas Ever. At the end of the book, there is a great timeline of Jesus’ life. For a parent, this is a wordy book. You will have a lot of words to read. I was hoping for an easy read, but I love how the story unfolds for the child and teaches them. My children have really enjoyed this book, so yes I would recommend it to a friend. I see where it isn’t an expensive book so it would be a nice add-on gift to put with another present.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers 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

Dig Deeper! Words from a 5 year old!

Last night my 5 year old brings me a book on different kinds of trucks. It is a basic toddler book without alot of words. He said, "Tonight we are going to DIG DEEPER and read more than just the words! You are supposed to think about the words, look at the pictures, and dig deeper into the book." He has no idea what his words really mean. YES we are suppose to dig deeper into life and God's Word! I told him that he was very smart. We are supposed to do that to God's word. When we read the Bible, we are to Dig Deeper into what we are reading and find out what those words mean to us and how we live. I love how he opened up that conversation with just he words - DIG DEEPER!

So today try to Dig Deeper into life and into what God has planned for us! Grab God's Words and try to DIG DEEPER!

Our biggest enemy is sometime ourselves…

The enemy sometimes just uses our weakness to get us. Just like on the ninja turtle cartoon on the other day, each turtle was fighting their worst fear when in actuality there wasn’t anything there. How many times in life are we our worst enemy? I think it is when we let ourselves become super stressed is when the enemy says “let’s get her! Let’s use her weaknesses against her!” How many times do we let the devil throw issues at us in our mind that really aren’t there! We let him mentally tear us down. We let doubt creep in over issues that really aren’t there for us to fight.
There are times I feel people are just against me and my flesh wants me to stop and complain against them. I caught myself wanting to do that last week. Then I thought, let’s keep my words and thoughts positive and keep doing what I know that I need to do. In the end, I don’t think they were against me but just a test that I had to endure. Sometimes these are the hardest things is when we are up against people that are maybe not the friendliest, but we have to show them our Christ like attitude. Or should I say we need to.
There are times the enemy will sit there, if we let him, and put things in our mind that will bring us down… let us feel like we are all alone, when actually God is always there for us. Take one Wednesday night I was very upset and wanted to be by myself, so I walk in, sit in the back, and I notice not one person spoke to me the entire night – except my sweet niece. Take it that I wanted to be by myself, but then the enemy says – you see no one even spoke to you! Why did you even go? They wouldn’t had missed you. I have to step back and see what is happening or I could sit and let myself get depressed.
How often does God let us become to tested so he can see if we have learned our lesson? How often do we let ourselves be tested and actually see and learn from it? How often do we see we fail and try to be on guard for the next test? Let’s try to realize our battles and only fight the ones that are meant for us to fight and not let Satan put extra battles in our way that we don’t even have to fight! Let’s have faith and don’t doubt!

A Star for Jesus board book

By Crystal Bowman This is a cute thin board book with the edge of the book cut out around most of the star. It will introduce your children to the star of Jesus, and how that star shines brighter than the others, how it led the wisemen to Jesus, and how they can remember Jesus when they see a star. The words are simple and cute. The pictures are well illustrated. The only questionable page is the wisemen bringing gifts to Jesus, but he isn’t a baby Jesus. It is a toddler boy outside playing. This one picture through the book off for me, because we are taught that the Wise Men brought gifts to the baby child. I think because of the picture, I wouldn’t race out to buy it for a gift for other children. I wouldn’t want to confuse them. My children enjoyed the book and wanted me to read it again. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers 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

The Legend of St. Nicholas A Story of Christmas Giving

By Dandi Daley Mackall

This is a cute Christmas book. It takes you back in the 60/70s or so with a young boy going shopping with his father. He is only thinking of himself until he hears the store Santa telling of the Legend of St. Nicholas. I love how the story ties into Nicholas' parents taking him to the Holy Land to learn of Jesus' birth. Then after he is left with a lot of money and trying to find his purpose in life, he decides to secretly bless his friends on the best day ever, the birthday of Jesus. His friends think it is truely a blessing from God. Also in the story, when he can't find his way, he prays and God shows him the direction. I love these little lessons that we can teach our children. The pictures are great and realistic. It is set way back in the years that one of his friends talk about how her sisters can't marry because her parents don't have money to pay their dowries. This is something I don't think a young person can understand. I change it up and say they can't afford the wedding. At the end of the story, the boy is ready to go buy gifts for his family and friends and has found the real reason for Christmas - blessing others! My 5year old has wanted me to read this book every night for a week. I would reccomend this Christmas book. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers 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

The Skinnytaste Cookbook : Light on Calories, Big on Flavor

Author: Gina Homolka ~I got this never knowing anything about Gina’s blog skinnytaste. I went to the site and found out how popular her recipes are. I love the fact they are all natural and most of the ingredients sound normal and easy obtainable. I have seen some in other cookbooks that I need to go look up on a google search. She is a big fan of real garlic. This I know I have a garlic press somewhere around the house, and I plan on going to buy some real ingredients. I am really looking forward to trying the marinara sauce and enchilada sauce. The soups had a lot of choices. And who doesn’t want to try a healthy way to eat shrimp & grits and gumbo. It is a good size for a cookbook, not too bulky and not oddly shaped. I love how it has pictures of almost every recipe. It has a paper cover, but the real hard back cover is just as cute as the cover (different pictures). This is really a good cookbook for anyone that likes gluten free – all natural ingredients. I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this honest review.

God Gave Us Angels By Lisa Tawn Begren

I love this children’s book!
I have gotten a few of these books before for my children. I was curious to see how it would talk about Angels. I loved how it touched on the different types of angels around us. It doesn’t go in depth about the different angels, but as parents we can take it as deep as we need too. The story is cute because the young bear is asking about angels since the bunnies have told her about them. In each picture there is an angel bear around following them. I would recommend this book to anyone with kids. It is great to let them know they have an angel around them all the time, even if they don’t see them. The book even explains how angels were created to worship God and are always with him and have a song in their heart because of seeing and knowing God. It is a square book with a hard cover. It is really a perfect size for reading to children. Thank you to blogging for books for this copy in exchange for my honest review.

Sheerluck Homes and The Case of the Missing Friend by Karen Poth

A Lesson on the Golden Rule
My kids were so excited once they saw the book. They love Veggie Tales. I had to explain that Sheerluck Holmes was a detective and what that meant. Then the case to figure out where Sniffy went was a fun adventure for them. I like how it gives you the verse of the Golden Rule at the beginning so you can get the kids to repeat the verse and talk about the meaning at the beginning. We all need to pay attention to our friends and try not to hurt feelings, but if we do, be sure to apologize. I loved the simple words of the #1 Reader. It kept the kids engaged throughout the story and I heard the words, “Read it again!” It is always nice to have fun books on hand that the kids enjoy, can learn to read by, and that teach a biblical lesson. I would recommend this book to anyone with kids. Thank you to the booklookblogger program and Zonderkids for allowing me to review this book for my honest opinion.
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FEARLESS by Eric Blehm

The Publisher’s Description gives a better description than I could give. I guess when I got this book, I was thinking it was from the authors point of view. I like how they let you get to know about Adam in life and in service. This is a great story that takes you in the life of one person. It shows his failures, his triumphs, and his trust in God. It said that his last request was for his testimony to be told, and with this book it has been completed. I love how it has pictures of him as a child throughout his life. It gives pictures of people in the story of life. At the end it leaves his “Legacy” which is an area where people tell what Adam’s story meant to them. There is an “In Memoriam” area that lists lost soldiers. This makes a soldiers life real. It is awesome to know we have such good Christian men fighting overseas. It’s sad to hear of such a sweet family losing such a beloved family member; however, it’s awesome to know his story goes on to inspire. Thank you bloggingforbooks and Waterbrook press for this book in exchange for my honest review.
http://www.christianbook.com/fearless-undaunted-courage-ultimate-sacrifice-operator/eric-blehm/9780307730701/pd/730702?event=

Conrad and the Cowgirl Next Door - A fun children's book!

This children's book by Denette Fret is adorable! Congrad Bates is on a mission to go to his Uncle's house and become a cowboy. However, the neighbor girl, Imogene Louise Lathrup, gets in his way with her sayings. Her constant saying teach Conrad how to become a cowboy or she tells him after he has learned the hard way. This is an adorable children's book for any child. Conrad comes along with his Mega Ultimate Extreme First Aid Kit. My 5 year old son loves this book, and we have read it nightly for almost 2 weeks. After the story, it has some really cute poems that go along with cowboy items mentioned in the story. My son's favorite is Ode to Caynne pepper. Overall the story teaches the lesson to be nice to your neighbor even if she drives you crazy and does things that you don't like. I would recommend this book for any child, esp. those that love cowboys! Thank you to the booklook blogger program for this book in exchange for my honest review!




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Some days I lose the battle

Some days I lose the battle
Grace says it doesn’t matter
He’s already won the war
Greater is He that is in the world..

These are words in a song that I hear often. These few lines of the song really hits home. As a mom and wife, there are days that I feel that I have lost the battle … the battle of being the best mom… the battle of being the best wife.. the battle of doing it right that day… but thankfully each day we wake up and start again.. We are forgiven.. God’s mercies are new each day… We need to pick ourselves up and start again..

Then again those words bring a different meaning of the craziness of the news.. Today marks 9/11 remembrance. There aren’t many life moments where you remember exactly where you were when you heard certain news… 9/11, Princess Diana’s death, you are pregnant, your Dad just died, etc. These are moments that put your life in focus of what matters… I don’t see this world getting any better.. I wish people would see the dangers of the world and start focusing on what matters…. Our relationship with Jesus. In a blink of an eye, He will be coming back. Are we prepping each day to be devoted disciples of Christ? Are we training our children to be? In the end, this is our life goal b/c I firmly believe we will be called home soon. Thankfully we can aim at this daily, we fail, we try again, and we know God has already won this war!

Goodnight, Ark by Laura Sassi

A fun goodnight book!
This was a cute bedtime book. My kids loved the pictures of how all the animals come onto the ark and group by group get scared and try to get in bed with Noah until his bed crashes. There isn't a lesson on where Noah's family is or anything to do why they are on the ark. This is just a fun story of the animals getting into bed during the storm and in the end the animals are sleeping and Noah is awake. It is nice to see cute stories with a bible reference of Noah. My kids loved the creaky, boom, pop, type words that were in the story and how they rhymed. It is a big story book with a matching papercover. I don't see the cover lasting long, but the book is super cute! They wanted me to read it again right after I read it the first time. I would recomend this book as a gift or just for a young person. This book was given by the BookLook blogger reading program in return for my honest review.

Leaving my comfort zone with my new Kindergartener...

My 5 year old is about to leave the comfort zone of his Christian school. He won't get a daily lesson or Jesus praise party. This saddens this moms heart. I know we are to live out:
Deuteronomy 11:18-19 (Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds: tie them as symbols on you rhands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about hem when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.)
Now these verses mean more to me than ever. It has always been my goal, but my son would initiate alot from whta he was learning at school. Now we face public school and regular daycare. I know my battle with the world with my lil' guy is about to strengthen. I have to put on my battle shoes and get ready. I pray he finds good Christian friends and can stay strong against the holds of this world.
Let the journey begin...

The Berenstain Bears God Shows the Way

My 5 year old loves this book! I love how every story has a bible verse before it that I will get us to repeat before and after reading the story. It refers to bible verses throughout the story. The first story Faith Gets us Through is about trusting that God is always with us. The scouts travel through a cave learning about caves and fear. The second story, Have No Fear, God is Near, is about fear of shadows and trusting God to not be afraid. The third story, Piggy Bank Blessings, talk about saving your money and blessing those you love. I loved the 2 lessons on fear since my little one uses the phrase, “I’m scared” way too many times. So I look forward to reading him those more times. Also teaching kids to save money is always a plus. I love the hard back book. It is still soft enough to bend the edges if you drop it. It isn’t too big to read the kids, and it is good to have them together – saves space and easy enough to read all 3 in 1 session and not feel like you are over reading! The pictures are cute and help tell the story. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers 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
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A NIGHT WITH CHRISTINE CAINE

I was blessed enough last night to be one of the last 2 people to get sitting room to hear Kari Jobe lead Praise/Worship and to sit and be refreshed by Christine Caine. She has a new book coming out in August that I can’t wait to read. She is such a powerful speaker/follower of Christ. She is always quick to point out that she was abandoned as a baby and abused for 12 years, but she has been an overcomer for longer than that! She hasn’t let her past dictate the rest of her life! God has restored and blessed her to use her message to offer hope to others. I just love listening to her accent, which if the tables were turned, I bet she loved listening to our southern accents in the town that I live.
Her message was “Move on”. Don’t let your past define you. She focused on the story of the promise land, how b/c of mumblings, they had to wait 40 years to enter the Promise Land. How often does God keep us waiting b/c we are mumbling and complaining? (ouch) Then when they set foot into the Promise Land, he wanted them to circumcise the men, and they waited to heal. There has to be a cutting away/some form of pain/separation to entering what God has promised for us. It is hard breaking away from the world. WE aren’t to be like the world. Sometimes stepping away from friendships, tv shows, etc. are painful. But out of pain, there is beauty. Then when they finally got going, there was a big wall in Joshua’s way. He didn’t want to go back and tell the people that God wanted them just to walk around the wall. I like the way she described him telling them to HUSH… be silent… don’t mumble or grumble b/c this wall might be there for 40 more years! Then how they walked for 6 days w/o seeing anything change and how often do we just want to see one brick fall to know what we are doing is working; however, when compared to daily life, how often do we quit doing what we are doing NOT knowing we are on that final lap before God shows up and shows out!

www.christinecaine.com

King David Get to Know Series by Nancy I. Sanders

I got this book to read with my 5 year old son. It is a small book with glossy colored pages with a lot of pictures of actual tools, maps, and things of the time you are reading about. It gives definitions to the bigger words a child might not understand. It is a lot of history and takes you on the story of David through a child up through the many stages. I really think this is a good tool to teach your child about David. It is edited for a young child to read so it isn’t too violent or detailed in the adultery area. I would recommend this book for those with kids from 5 and up to around age 11. I enjoyed how it describes the linage from Adam and Eve to David to Jesus. It is great to teach your child how such an iconic bible figure wasn’t perfect, but asked forgiveness and continued to follow Jesus.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers 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

A Broken Kind of Beautiful by Katie Ganshert

The description talks about a model. I was thinking it would be about modeling and wasn’t really sure about it. Once you get in the story, it really hits at your heart. The words, “Redeemed” and “forgiven” really hit home. How often do we really forgive ourselves after God forgives us? How many times to we doubt our selfworth? Does that hurt God when we feel that way, when he says we are redeemed and precious? When God makes us a promise, do we hold onto the promise, even if it feels like it takes forever to get there… these are all things that this book addresses in a good story form.
I enjoyed this story from all the characters standpoints. This is a book that you walk away from remembering the life lessons that it teaches. I’m thankful for WaterbrookPress. The back of the book has a Readers Guide of 11 questions if you wanted to hold it in your book club.
I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this HONEST review.
http://www.christianbook.com/a-broken-kind-of-beautiful/katie-ganshert/9781601425904/pd/425904?product_redirect=1&Ntt=425904&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

Seagrass Pier by Colleen Coble

This is a murder mystery, which isn’t my normal genre of book, but I really enjoyed it. It is a great book for those who love mysteries. It leaves you on the edge of your seat while you try to figure it all out. The underlying story of someone moving past hurts and seeing what God has in store for them - is a good part of the story. I also enjoy Elin’s mom’s part of the story of having Dementia, yet she never loses her love of God. And who doesn’t love a good love story! At the end of the book is a Reading Group Guide of 9 questions. They are the thought provoking areas of the story that you read. The main theme of this story is IDENTITDY. What is your identity? In Christ? In this world that we live? Each character has to find their identity. At the end of the book is a sweet letter from the author and a few inserts of other books.
Thank you to the booklookblogger program and Thomas Nelson for another great book in exchange for my honest opinion.

A Mother's Secret by Amy Clipston

I came into this book without reading the first book. I was leary thinking that I would miss something and couldn't follow. This wasn't the case. It was a great story about someone failing to forgive herself knowing God had already forgiven her. She had to learn to forgive herself and move on past a hurt. I look forward to the next book! At the beginning of the book, there is a glossary of Amish terms and then for the first time in an Amish book there are family trees so you can refer back and see how everyone is placed and related. I really enjoyed that.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLookBloggers.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.

"Mom! Did you know Cain killed Abel over broccoli?"

Leave it to my son to teach me to dig deeper in a childhood classic of the bible stories... I thought to myself, just why did Cain kill Abel? Of course over the years, I had forgotten why. If you read in Genesis 4, you find out Cain and Abel both brought offerings to the Lord. Since Cain brought offerings from the soil (which could had been broccoli), he didn't feel like his offering was as good as that of what Abel gave. There begins jealousy. Even God warned Cain against his anger. Yet in a 5 year old way - "Cain got a jaw bone to a donkey and got as mad as the HULK and hit Abel in the head and it killed him."
Later I was asked did God forgive Cain. Thankfully I had time to look up the story myself to read ahead to see what happened to Cain. He said that his teachers couldn't answer his question and told him that God has a good heart. I told him that since he did something very bad, God punished him and he had a very hard life; however, the Bible doesn't tell us what finally happened to Cain. I was then able to share with him how we have to ask God for forgiveness when we do something wrong.

Then as I thought about the story.. I thought.. how many times to do we see God showing favor to those around us, and we sit and think we don't receive as much favor... then our thoughts turn to jealosy, when we think we need as good of a life. It is hard at times to just focus on life and not look at those around us, but we need to focus on the good of our life and be thankful for what God has blessed us with. When we show God we are thankful for what we have... we can be blessed with more - something I often tell my children about their toys, etc.. Be thankful for what you have or you won't be getting anything else... How many times does God want to tell us that?

The other night he also showed me this knight outfit and how he really wanted it to have this certain sword. I told him he had a knight outfit almost just like that. He said he really needed that one. He could put on the Whole Armor of God, if he had that one! I had to laugh and think that my child just related his toy need to scripture. ha!

REVENGE

Romans 12:19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, "I will take revenge; I will pay them back," says the LORD.


Last night, my son comes to my room when I thought he was alseep. He said, "Mom we forgot our devotion. Where's my Bible book?" The devotion was on if a friend hurts you or says anything bad, do not be ugly to them in return. He looks at me and says, "That's REVENGE, right Momma?" Yes! He said he had also learned that at school. I shared with him that means God really wants him to pay attention to what He is trying to tell him. The verse in the lesson is above.

So many times at adults, revenge is so much easier than letting and waiting for God to be the one dealing out the payback.
In today's society there is even a show called REVENGE. I don't watch it but I get the jist of a girl dealing out Revenge for a friend. Once again the Media has brought it to many different worldly ways, and I can see that just in the preview that I am subject too. Where's the show where the person is nice to the mean one and helps change their heart?

By human nature, we want to seek revenge or if someone does something to us or our family, we want to figure out a way to make that person miserable or unhappy. God wants us to be patience and let him seek revenge.. just a thought for today... it's hard... but maybe with God's help, we might can try today...

Mom's Night Out - A great movie for all moms!

I broke away from reality and took my sister's offer up to go to a girl's night out to supper and a movie. I had seen the picture of the movie, but I really had no clue what it really was about. It was such a blessing to laugh for an hour and leave uplifted. This is a great movie for any mom! We all get high strung over everything not going right, but then in the end... it's the impression we leave with our kids is what matters! It is a movie that leaves you inspired to go home and try again.. Isn't that what all of us moms do... try daily.. mess up.. go to bed.. and try again!!
I'm so thankful for a good Christian film!

The Great American Slow Cooker Book by Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough

This cookbook isn’t for me. I didn’t realize there were 3 types of Paprika before I received this book. I have no idea what tawny port or cardamom is. I do applaud the writers for making a wide variety of healthy recipes that are included in this book. I like how there is things like “Ingredients Explained”, “Tester’s Notes,” and “All-American Know-How” at the end of each recipe. These are very interesting to read. As a working mom with a busy lifestyle, I just don’t see many of these recipes happening unless I plan ahead to get all of these ingredients. I had never seen anything by these writers before. This is first time to get a cookbook to review.
This book is for those that keep a wide variety of seasonings and wines. This is for the person that loves trying many different varieties of food. For those who cook everything from rabbit, lamb, duck, crab, turkey, veal, to the regular items of chicken – this book is for you. I didn’t see a deer recipe section. There is even a vegetarian chapter.
There are not a lot of picture of the recipes. The recipes are laid out in a good form, esp how they break down the areas of the different sizes of crockpots, I just would wish it would give the servings per each breakdown. I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review."

http://www.randomhouse.com/images/dyn/cover/?source=9780385344661&width=125

Seasons of Tomorrow ~ Amish Vines and Orchards

Seasons of Tomorrow ~ Amish Vines and Orchards, Book 4 by Cindy Woodsmall
The book gives the description, “Rhoda Byler feels freer than ever in the Old Order Amish settlement she helped to establish. Healed from past wounds, she focuses on nurturing the orchards in her care and pursuing God's plan for her unusual gifts. When a horrible tragedy occurs, what will become of the bright future that just recently appeared?
The moving culmination in this popular Amish romance series, Rhoda Byler finally has the confidence and freedom she's always longed for in the Old Order Amish settlement she helped establish with the King family. But can faith, hope, and most of all love prevail when a horrible disaster strikes?”
This was a good series with a good book to end the final story. I think the story could had been condensed to 2 or 3 books, but I really enjoyed the stories of Rhoda, Leah, and Jacob. The book leaves you thinking about how strong the bond of family should be and how keeping family a priority keeps one strong. This would be a good series for something that enjoys Amish fiction. I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this honest review.

Plain Faith A True Story of Tragedy, Loss and Leaving the Amish

Since I love reading about the Amish, this was a book that I wasn’t going to pass up. To read a story written by an Amish couple that has experienced the grief of losing their daughters and in return find a relationship with Jesus. I have read Amish and admired the way they live and simplicity of it. In return forgetting that some might get accustomed to their beliefs and way of life and yet forgetting the personal relationship we are to have with Jesus. This is true with anyone in any “religion”. We are to strive to live life for that personal relationship, to know our heavenly Father is there for us through anything. This is a true story written by the couple. I like the way it is broken down so you know exactly who is talking to you and telling that part of the story and how they take turns sometimes telling the same story in the way they say it happened. They include letters that they had written and ones they had received. This is like sitting down and listening to someone tell their story.
It is just another example of how God uses pain and hardships that come to His good – to turn people towards the heart of His heart and to better maybe not only a few people but many.
Thank you to the BookLook Blogger program and Zondervan for this book to review in exchange for my honest review.
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What are your kids soaking in?

In this world our kids are exposed to so much! We need to be an impact on their lives and expose them to the truth! Just for example give my 5 year old a weekend at the house. I hear “Mom, I want …(the name of the toy)…batteries not included!” I asked him if he knew what “batteries not included meant?” Of course he didn’t, but he knew what he wanted. Later on…”MOM I want a Mixel each sold separately!” And then again just this morning while I am cleaning up a little accident, “Mom you really need to buy Sparkle! It really helps you clean and is easy on your wallet.” Um yes, once again it only took a commercial to influence him. We need to focus on being the influence on our children. Do we try to live out Deut. 6:6-9? If we would just take the time to show our children something about our heavenly Father every day, just imagine what they could soak up and share with others. Now if only we had decent commercials for our kids to learn some wholesome lessons from!

"You must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are away on a journey, when you are lying down and when you are getting up again. Tie them to your hands as a reminder and wear them on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." Deut. 6:6-9 (NLT)

Parenting the wholehearted child by jeannie cunnion

This is an easy to read book about us parents not being perfect, needing that rest as parents (even if it is pulling away from our children) and trying daily to lead them to Christ. I felt it tugging at my heart as I read it, but I think mainly b/c the author and I share a first name and she uses her name a lot in the story, which was really what I needed. She gives a few options on how we can pray with our children, which I loved. The book is broken down into 4 areas: Imperfect Parents, perfect grace/ experiencing a vibrant friendship with Jesus (praying, bible, reading, etc)/ Growing in Christ like Character/ Leading with Unconditional love. I think this is more of a book that you take a chapter or 2 a day and ponder, vs trying to read it front to back in a few days. There is a lot of helpful advice that I am highlighting and flagging. Our main goal should always be constantly sharing God’s love with our child. We main fail some days, but pick yourself up and try again.( Deut. 6:6-9) Thank you to booklook blogger program for this copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Cloak of the Light by Chuck Black

This is a great series for any person. I really think teenagers and older would love this series. I plan on introducing it to my teenage son. I believe everyone should read a book like this that deals with the spiritual realm – the battle of heavenly angel army vs the demons. There is a constant spiritual battle that goes on all around us that we are not aware of and most don’t think about. We all know we have a guardian angel, but honestly when do we stop and think about that angel fighting demons away from us, protecting our every way. From just missing a car and being in a wreck to almost doing other things and getting hurt. We might think – Close call! But honestly do you think that maybe that was your angel stepping out and protecting you? I say my angel works overtime with me and my clumbsy ways, but I do stop and say thank you. I pray daily for the angels of my children to watch out for my babies. Reading this book will open your eyes to this realm that people often forget about. This is a series that leaves you longing for more. I will most definitely be reading book 2 in the Fall! I love the way the authors breaks down chapter by chapter at the back of the book and explains what you are reading and backs it up with Bible verses. This is a book of action, suspense, and leaves you with thoughts of Heaven. I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this honest review.

"Mom, I don't like school!"

I have dreaded and prayed that I would't hear those words from my son. Just these past couple of weeks he tell me this often. He tells me b/c it takes time away from playing and his parents. He can make you feel so sad for him at times. I'm so thankful God lays things upon my heart to share with him. This morning I heard those dreaded words again... I said explained that Mommy and Daddy have to work so he would miss time with us anyway, but God has great plans for him. God is preparing him for whatever he has plans for him. And to do those plans, I betcha he will have to be able to read and write... well it made his Prek self stop and think for awhile...

It wasn't long he asked was the yellow stuff on our car the same as the stuff on Cheetos... Um no! that is fake cheese on those chips and he is allergic to the pollen so please no licking it!

As parents we can only pray that we prepare our kids for what God has planned for them. I would love to plan his life for him, but I know God has a greater plan for my lil' guy.

Just the other day he told me he wanted to tell God he loved him. I said sure.. go right ahead..
"GOD! I looove you!!"
"Momma, I just made God's day!"

Secretly he made my day too!! He knows that we love God/Jesus first, b/c they gave us each other, and the family next! :)

A Table by the Window by Hillary Manton Lodge

This is a Christian Fiction about a woman raised by a French family and her grandmother had a pastry store. After her grandmother’s death, she is finding her way of dealing with the loss and stumbles over a picture in a kitchen piece she inherits. There is mystery as she tries to find out who is in the picture, while she tries to determine if she will go into business with her brother. She is also trying to find her place in life after being the “single” woman for so long. She has to face a relative with a serious illness and tries her hand at love.
Each chapter starts with a quote about food or chocolate, which I find cute. At the end of every chapter is a recipe, of course they are French related and some are complex, but recipes are always something I like to look at – a little extra given after finishing a chapter. This isn’t a normal book that I would had picked up to read, but I am glad I did. It was a good little getaway story that was enjoyable. I would had liked to had seen a few extra chapters at the end of the story to continue the ending, but it has a good ending that leaves you able to put the ending details together and leaves you thinking about the characters. This isn’t one of those Christian fiction books that shares verses or leaves a little lesson, the characters basically go to church. But it is a book that I would recommend for anyone that likes a good story! I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this honest review.
http://www.christianbook.com/table-window-family-secrets-heirloom-recipes/hillary-lodge/9780307731753/pd/731753?item_code=WW&netp_id=1133702&event=ESRCG&view=details

Are your words & thoughts pleasing to the Lord?

At the end of each church service, the church recites Psalm 19:14. This past Sunday the Pastor spoke on this one verse and how well do we truely try to obey it.
<May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

He pointed out that we are also accountable for our thoughts, not only the words that come out of our mouths. This really hits home and should be something we all strive to control daily. Our words are one of the hardest areas to control until you think about controlling your thoughts....
your thoughts about your spouse...your kids....your family...your inlaws....your church...your friends... your co-workers... the list goes on and on....

Living Life Undaunted ~ 365 Readings & Reflections

After reading Christine Caine’s Living Life Undaunted, I was happy to see the devotional come out. I like how there is a certain reading for each day that has the date! That way you really don’t have to worry about a bookmark. It starts out with a verse, then there is a devotional, reflection, or some story that goes with the verse that challenges your daily life or is just simple thought to carry you through your day. At the end of each day is a Moment of Reflection on which she asks you a question. It is a great way to keep your mind on living that day with a great thought or challenge. I personally love in her Introduction when she says, “I believe one year of healthy daily thoughts can reap a great spiritual harvest in our lives.” Her writings are great for everyone but are really good for those that have lived with abuse and hurt. She has that past and shows how she has overcome. There are stories from her book, but she had added a little more for the daily readings. If you ever have the opportunity to hear Christine speak in person, you should! She is truly a great speaker and woman of God!
I have the paperback form of the book. I sort of wish it was sized like most books. It is a short thick book, but for a daily reading book some might like that. It keeps most of the one day per page. This will be one of those books that I keep in my daily readings. I received this book from the booklook blogger reading program and Zondervan in return for my honest review. Thank you!
http://booklookbloggers.com/art/_240_360_Book.1159.cover.jpg

Heaven is for Real - The Movie Edition

Heaven is for Real
By Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent
Special Movie Edition –
I had previously read the Heaven is for Real when it came out. This book is so touching, I believe everyone should read it every couple of years. It brought peace to me having my grandmother and father die recently. To know that they are in such an amazing place with such peace, it is a great thing to read about. I love how Colton then young would talk about something in Heaven and it would stop his parents in their tracks b/c it would really touch them! From the loss to his sister to his grandfather looking young. I now will stop and look at pictures of my relatives in their prime to picture how they would look in heaven. Of course you have to think about what age is my prime – I’ll take my late 20’s! My original book has been passed around through the family to bring them peace. This is a book that you want to keep a copy of handy to stop and read occasionally at any point to see the awesomeness of heaven! Then to know there is a movie coming out that has to be a must see for the entire family! I loved how the back of this Movie Edition is set up with the interviews of the actors, casting choices, to even a catch up with Colton who is now a teenager! The Q&A with Colton Burpo today was one of the best parts to have this Special Movie Edition. It was nice to read about how he is doing and his thoughts on the movie. It was good to hear he is still a kid with kid priorities, but how he still feels about heaven! I love this description of how you hide when you don’t want to leave someone’s house or somewhere fun and that is how heaven is! This book is sure to make you look differently at life.
This book was provided by the booklook bloggers program and Thomas Nelson publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Praying for Your Husband from Head to Toe by Sharon Jaynes

A blessing to have in my reading library!
This was my first book to read about Sharon Jaynes, so I read her Author Bio to find out she’s been involved with Proverbs 31 and Family Life, 2 resources that I am familiar with. I started this year out by purposely having the question, “Have I prayed for my husband today?”, written to remind me to constantly pray for my husband. So when I saw this book available, I jumped at it. I am so glad that I did! The beginning of the book it is like she is having a talk with you on why we should pray for our husbands, reminding us it isn’t easy, and if we continue, God will soften our hearts! The second half of the book is split into 30 days, in which I am using on the calendar to show me which day to use. There are many areas for each day from His Mind, His eyes, ears, neck, shoulders, heart, arms, ring finger, knees,hands, etc. I love it. If I am running behind on time, I can just go for a few areas. Each area has a bible verse and then you have a short prayer for your husband based on that verse. At the very end of the book there are a few areas that all of us wives pray for fatherhood, healing, and salvation.
This is a great book for all wives and would be a great book for a new wife to get on the right path. Even if you are having a hard time in your marriage, I would say grab this book and pray!
It is very easy to read and will be a daily reading material in my stack of prayers/devotions.
She even has a site developed for people to check in about your journey. www.prayingforyourhusband.com
I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this honest review.
Link to cover pic. http://www.randomhouse.com/images/dyn/cover/?source=9781601424716&width=125

Whatever You Grow Up to Be by Karen Kingsbury (Children's book)

A keepsake book.
This is a sweet book for a mom to read with her son. However, it is for most moms one of those books that is a tear jerker for a Mom to actually read the words to her children with crying. Each few pages takes a mom on past and future life stages of her child’s life from birth, graduating, getting married, to giving her grandchildren. It is a hard back book with a matching paper slip, which won’t last long at my house. My 5 year old son loved looking at the pictures of all the things he could be when he grew up. I forsee me having this as a coffee table book to have out to look at the pictures with him. I’m not sure how many times this emotional momma will be able to read the words! I was hoping it would be more playful so I could enjoy reading it to him more.
It would be a good gift giving book for a pregnant mom to have to share with her son. These kind of books are always nice to have to show and remind your child that you will love them no matter what, forever and ever, and that they can be whatever they want to be – or what God wants them to be.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers 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
http://booklookbloggers.com/art/_240_360_Book.1126.cover.jpg

The Jesus Bible, NIV

Such a great idea for kids and adults! I thought the description given with the book below would be a great idea for my son:
The Jesus Bible, NIV
Discover Jesus In Every Book of the Bible by Zondervan
Jesus isn’t just found in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. His presence can be felt throughout the whole Bible, even in Genesis. The Jesus Bible contains the complete New International Version (NIV) with daily study helps that point to Jesus and show how he fulfilled the prophecies for the Messiah found in the Old Testament. A perfect way to see the overarching narrative of the Bible, The Jesus Bible includes these features:
• Presentation page for personalization and gift giving
• Book introductions explain where Jesus appears in each book of the Bible
• 365 devotions revolve around the “sightings” of Jesus in the Old Testament and his life and teachings in the New Testament
• Application notes to help apply Jesus’ teachings to real life today
• Hundreds of clues highlight the promises/prophesies made about Jesus in the Old Testament and the fulfillments in the New Testament
• Index of the Old Testament prophecies fulfilled in Christ
• List of Jesus’ miracles and parables
• Timeline of Jesus’ life
• Lineage of Jesus
• Concordance to help find key topics, people, and events in the Bible
• Words of Christ in red

I was very pleasantly surprised by what I found when I got this hard back Bible. It will be a great Bible for years to come with him. I love the way everything is laid out and the way it gives daily stories to relate to things that happened in the Bible and with things that Jesus said. I would highly recommend this Bible if you are looking for a good one for your child. Thank you to the booksneeze blogging program for this copy of The Jesus Bible in return for my honest review.

Pirates on the Farm by Denette Fretz (Children's book)

http://www.christianbook.com/1-pirates-on-the-farm/denette-fretz/9780310723486/pd/723486?product_redirect=1&Ntt=723486&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP#curr The description given, "Pirates on the Farm tells the tale of five brazen pirates who swap high seas adventures for life on a farm. Each member of the unadventurous Sanders family must choose how to respond to the pirates and their antics. Mother forms a Ban the Buccaneers Brigade, eight-year-old Joey imitates everything the pirates do, his older sister keeps her distance, and Dad quietly helps the outcasts find their "land legs." If you child likes pirates, I would recommend this book. The book uses words a lot of pirate terms that children who like pirates would know. If not, there is a definition area in the back. It is a cute book and my 4 year old keeps bringing to me to read to him. It teaches how you should treat your neighbor and gives examples on how to make them feel welcomed. It is a cute book. I would recommend this book to a pirate loving child. Thank you to booksneeze reading program for this book in exchange for my honest review.

1st Bible Study of 2014 ~ Women Living Well

www.womenlivingwell.org has an awesome bible study going on. She gives the study guide, only need the book. I get her emails during the week. I really have enjoyed her blog over the years, so I was excited to get her book, and even more happy to see a study guide over it. I am not a study guide type of person b/c of the busyiness of being a mom/wife/worker,etc. I found the first chapter taking me back on a discussion we had on this blogsite last week – what is our fascination of the Amish? If you see my blog, you know that I am one of those people. Today’s world is so busy, it is nice to read about the simple life – knowing that should be our focus. Life is so busy and there are so many voices/things that take our attention. Even when the sun goes down, we are made to rest, but thanks to electricity and lights, we keep on ticking late into the night. Most more than me, since I crash early at night (morning person here). One thing she pointed out, is how often do we charge our cellphone? Daily, of course. Why don’t we recharge ourselves with God’s word? We can’t take time out? I have put devotions all through my life for this year, so if I walk in to get the dirty laundry from my bedroom, there lies a book. Can I take a minute to read? Thankfully, I have managed about 5 times for that one this year. Even though we have these books, we still need time in the ONE book that counts – BIBLE. In the first chapter you read about her Rachel Ray interview. It saddens me that media cuts out interviews when people bring up their personal walk with Christ. I love as she refers to B.C in our life as mommas – Before Children! Ha! I sure did have a lot more quiet times before my kiddos. I believe Jesus understands those first few years of being a momma and the craziness of life. We must still find times for those sweet moments of solitude, even if we wake up an hour later.  I do love reading how her mom taught her to take quiet times out with Jesus where she would journal, read her bible, etc. This is an awesome idea. How do I teach my children to take time out for their Bible?

The Dawn of Christmas by Cindy Woodsmall

After finishing this book, it just makes you want to say, “awe.” It is such a sweet heartwarming story. The friendship Sadie and Levi find is priceless. It is an enjoyable book in all aspects, minus dealing with her ex-finance. You sit on the edge of your seat wondering when he will mess up this friendship. The book reminds you how God will determine a person’s steps. Sometimes we don’t understand the journey God has placed us on, until we see the end of the story. Isn’t it wonderful God always knows the end of the story before it actually begins. The book even focusing on learning to trust again after being hurt. Life must go on, but it shows that it may be hard, but God has your heart in his hands. If you are looking for a sweet uplifting story, this would be the one. It really wouldn’t matter if it is during the Christmas season or after. Thank you to the waterbrookmultnomah blogging site for this copy to read in exchange for my honest review. It was a blessing to enjoy this book. Once again Cindy Woodsmall has written a great story!

2014 "Just a Closer Walk with Thee"

How did 2013 fly by so fast! My chosen word for 2013 was to "Simplfy" life. I would like to think I did, but if I am honest with myself, I will say I didn't truly focus on that as much as I would had liked to, but then again I gave birth to the most wonderful daughter, enjoyed my son being 4, mourned the death of my Granny - yet finding Victory in her death by seeing the joy my daughter brings, and lost my father. Wow that was a lot for a year. For 2014 when I pray about a word, the only thing that comes out is the hymm, "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" So I aim to focus on my walk with Him - giving time to read a Proverb for the day, enjoying all the devotional books that surround me, showing my children my walk with the Lord and leading them, and trying to be the best mom and wife that I can be. Also my focus will be on making Momma healthy so I can be here for my children! Even though the words are few, what I have just written will be a big focus and difficult challenge, but with God's help, I pray that I can report more by the end of this year. I forsee 2014 being a big year for us... Dear God help me as I have a closer walk with thee!