Saturday, April 8, 2017

Eye Has Not Seen nor Ear Heard

          
                    Steven R. Musick was a typical young person with plans for his future, very much like any young adult when he had a tragic mishap.  He became comatose for five weeks after suffering from an allergic reaction from a vaccine.  It also caused his heart to stop. 
During this period of time God grants Musick a peek into Heaven.  It's profound beauty is hard for him to put into words but Steven is certain about one thing...he doesn't want to leave here.  The author confirms the verse found in the Holy Scriptures  1 Corinthians Chapter 2 verse 9 which states, '"No eye has seen, No ear has heard and no mind imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him"'.
I had a great desire to read this true account because on July 17, 2016 I suffered a heart attack and flat-lined more than twenty times.  Being in the hospital I was always close by the medical staff and they would immediately use the defibrillator to bring me back to life which would halt a near death experience.  I was very curious as to what the writer experienced.  I was given the opportunity to read in exchange for my thoughts by the Blogging for Books team.  I enjoyed this story so much that I read it several times before starting my review.  There is such encouragement and inspiration pertaining to the Heavenly home that Christ has prepared for His Children.  I highly recommend this book.

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Ron Marasco's "The Dog Who Was There" will soften the Hardest Heart




                     Author Ron Marasco's "The Dog Who Was There" will soften the hardest heart.  Those who know the real unconditional love of a pet will agree this was the perfect choice for a lead character in this novel.  Barley comes from painful beginnings having no home and knowing real hunger.  Barley longs to meet the special teacher from Galilee.  Along his journey he befriends a petty criminal.  They face adversary and difficulty together but there is much hope awaiting him.  This fictional story shares the utmost joy when Barley bears witness to Jesus Christ.  This book is heart wrenching and heart warming at the same time.  I was given the wonderful opportunity to review in exchange for my thoughts.  Many will fall in love with Barley and it's a story that should be shared among generations.  I was given the ultimate opportunity to review this novel for BookLook
bloggers in exchange for my thoughts.  Very inspirational.

Saturday, April 1, 2017

Readers Cannot Put Down The Polygamist's Daughter

Anna LeBaron's true account of her life is so surreal that I had a hard time believing it.   Her father was known as the prophet of evil, Ervil LeBaron who not only had multiple wives but who was also a murderer.  Contrary to what any religion would enforce, Anna lives in a constant state of fear.  Under the guise of a branch of Christianity, Ervil dances with the Devil.  Readers won't be able to put this book down.  I, personally, have a great distaste for anyone who uses religion to appear one way when in reality they are out to destroy.  My heart broke for Anna.  This book proves not to judge a book by its cover and also that the human spirit can overcome much.  I was given the awesome opportunity to read this book for the Tyndale Blogging Network in exchange in my personal thoughts.  Not for the faint of heart.

Sally Clarkson's Account Is a God Send

Sally Clarksons, "Different: The Story of an Outside-the-Box Kid and the Mom Who Loved Him" proves that being different is not an awful thing.  Her true account of her son who suffers from learning disabilities along with anxiety and OCD will inspire other parents who are going through the same experiences.  She pushes out the negative comments presented to her about her son's condition and she rely's on her faith in God to accentuate the positive.  Mom and son's love grows as they take this journey together.  I was given the wonderful opportunity to review this book for the Tyndale Network.  As a young adult I was diagnosed with chronic concurrent depression and panic disorder.  At the time my therapist had asked me if anyone in my family had noticed any difference in me while I was growing up.  That was over forty years ago and I honestly told my psychologist that my parents just thought that I was emotional and sensitive.  After reading Sally Clarkson's biography, I felt that so many more individuals could be helped by her sharing her story and inwardly I was jealous that this type of material was not available as I was growing up.  This is a superb read.  I highly recommend.

Monday, March 27, 2017

Kroger Chocolate Lava Cake Is Trending~

Kudo's to Kroger for making it impossible not to bake a cake for your family.  Their Lava Cake is already mixed in the bag that it comes in.  Uncut bag and pour the mix in 8" x 8" cake pan.  Turn on oven to 350 degrees.  Put pan in oven and wait 35 minutes.  Take out and let cool.  I thought that something had to go wrong being that easy to do.  But the cake came out Heavenly.  In less than a day the cake was gone.  MyMagazine gave me the sweet opportunity to try before I buy.  I plan on stocking up in near future.

Monday, March 20, 2017

Why Kroger is my Only Food Store


                           Being a fan of Kroger has paid off for my family and I.  Recently I was selected to try a number of full size samples in exchange for my honest review.  That mean's I received Private Selections Dark Chocolate Pretzel  Bark with Sea Salt for free to try before I buy.  My family devoured this delicious treat with the perfect amount of sweet and salty.  I had to hide it from the kids.  Check back later this week to see what else I was able to try~

Saturday, January 28, 2017

That's so 90s Pop! A Favorite for Teens


Patrick Sullivan's brilliant activity book that is sure to become a favorite among pre-teen's and teenager's alike.  There are fill-in's and word searches; mazes and puzzles among many more activities designed around young people's favorite singers and bands.  Just to list a few:  Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, TLC, Mariah Carey, Eminem...just to list a few.  Great as a collector's item and/or gift.  I am certain there will be a request for more.  A+  For more about this paperback read here   I was given the opportunity to review by Blogging for Books in exchange for my thoughts.

Friday, January 20, 2017

The Lord's Prayer For the Younger Set


                         A lovely way to introduce God's promise's to children with sweet illustrations to make The Lord's Prayer become alive.  Author Rick Warren best known for the best seller, The Purpose Driven Life assists in this Zondervan creation.  Richard Jessie Watson who has been illustrating children's books for years shares his artistic side.  This is a board book which will last a long time.
Written in poetry style it is easy to understand for the younger set.  This would make a wonderful gift for children.  I was honored to review for Book Look Bloggers in exchange for my opinions.

Saturday, January 14, 2017

The Beyond Suffering Bible Is An Answered Prayer

Long overdue THE BEYOND SUFFERING BIBLE answers all those questions which make individuals take a backseat to serving God such as:  If God is Loving, why does He allow suffering. Why doesn't He just stop all the hurting and pain.  This unique Bible answers these harrowing questions to confirm to readers that He has a plan for all things. 
Tyndale could not have chosen a more adequate spokesperson for their newest creation than Joni Earickson Tada who became a permanent quadriplegic after a diving incident at a very young age. I greatly recommend reading her true story of triumph and faith which inspired me as a teenager Joni's autobiography .  Her disability has drawn her closer to her Savior and she has become an asset to the Christian community as helping all those with disabilities.  She has worked to add wonderful resources to these scriptures such as ten guided Bible reading plans '"that help you walk through Scripture on key topics related to suffering and disability."'  On every single page there are connection points or study brief's which focus on Biblical suffering.  There are so many enduring features included in this Bible such as book introductions; Profiles; and devotionals.  All to assist and deepen your understanding of how Christians cope with suffering.
I love this Bible and have not been able to put it down since I received my copy from Tyndale in exchange for my thoughts.  What a blessing which has been designed to give as a gift.  I can't say enough good about this tool which will encourage and uplift your spirits. A+

Thursday, January 12, 2017

Beautiful Lessons of Mother Teresa

              A CALL TO MERCY Hearts to Love, Hands to Serve is a lovely compilation of the words of Mother Teresa and explanations on how we should serve the Lord and treat all human beings worthy of service.  The book is difficult at times for those less educated on the Catholic Faith and their rituals.  I fall into this category and could have become frustrated to the point of not reading.  Yet I desired to learn more about Mother Teresa and found much inspiration and understanding in her words.  Whomever she came in contact whether a dying poor man or the President of the United States, she showed the same respect and Love of Christ to all.  She confirmed the importance of treating all men/women equally and that is still very important today, in the time we are living.
She stresses the importance of visiting the sick and those who are imprisoned.  Our service should include praying for all individuals and being patient in our trials.  There is a multitude of testimonies from individuals who knew Mother Teresa. 
I was given the opportunity to examine this book for Blogging for Books in exchange for my thoughts.  It is an excellent read.

Friday, January 6, 2017

Spiritual Ammunition For Christains In Our Times

                 O.S. Hawkins offer's outstanding advice to sincere Christians on how not to compromise one's faith in a world devoid of moral compass.  The Daniel Code provides the tools we sorely need to withstand losing our spiritual goals.  It is a spectacular must read. 
The author begins by reflecting upon the World as it was in the 50's, 60's and 70's when the majority of individuals held God in esteem.  Not that long ago, society was kinder and there was a lot less violence.  I shed a few tears remembering this gentle time.  Times when we didn't lock our doors at night nor worry that our belongings would be stolen.  A time when people respected one another and cared about their neighbors.  Hawkin's than compares those days to the time we are now living in.  The times spoken about in the scripture whereby the good would be called bad and the bad good.  It's a very difficult time for Christians but Hawkin's proves we can overcome.  He reminds of us of Daniel from scripture and how that he lived during similar times.  Daniel never gave up nor did he give he in.  Rather Daniel continued to serve the Lord and the Lord was with him.
The Daniel Code will encourage the Christian heart.  This book is a blessing in so many ways.
I am thrilled that I had the opportunity to review this publication for Book Look Bloggers.  I think it is a must read.

Precious Book on Love for Toddlers



                 Mary Manz Simon has created a perfect book for toddlers to comprehend about love.  Within it's pages she skillfully intertwines how to share the love that they find because the love is within themselves by doing kind things.  It's a 'flip-the-flap book'; making reading also fun for children. There are beautiful illustrations by Hannah Wood.   Mom's will appreciate the strong binding of this lovely publication.  I was given the wonderful opportunity of reviewing this treasure for Tyndale books in exchange for my honest thoughts.  Ms. Simon reverts back to scripture for explanation of each deed done in love.  A+