God Gave Us So Much - BOOK REVIEW

I highly recommend the Limited-Edition Three-Book Treasury God Gave Us So Much. Lisa Tawn Bergren does a fantastic job of writing about topics that young ones ask and wonder about in a sweet way. I find that this book brings such a peaceful feeling upon reading it. This would have been at the top of my bed-time reading list if I owned this when my children were younger. Laura J. Bryant captures the peacefulness in the art she presents in the book. The pictures are so interesting and captivating. I think a small child of one would benefit from this book. The bears are doing so many different activities in this book that it can also be used as a learning tool with young ones. This book is going to be at the very top of my gift giving list for parents with young children. I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

BOOK REVIEW: God Gave Us The World

This is such a sweet children's book. It has such a peaceful tone to it. If I had this book when my children were a little younger, it would have been one of our top bedtime stories. I love the message it gives that being different is how God made us all. The suggested Reading Level is 4-8. I tend to think that it would be good for ages 2-6. The illustrations in the book are absolutely beautiful. They lend themselves to exploring with a younger child in helping them with their vocabulary. I highly recommend this book!

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review

BOOK REVIEW: Tithing test me in this

I was looking forward to reading a book about tithing. I was excited to read a book that I believed would back up my belief about tithing. I was disappointed with this book. I was hoping and looking for more Scriptural input and a case to be built about the importance of tithing. This book was comprised of several personal testimonies of people faithful in tithing. I cannot deny that these people have been used by God and blessed by Him. I appreciate their giving to the Lord and His work. I am slightly uncomfortable about people speaking publicly in detail about their tithing habits. I believe that it is a very personal thing that should be done in private.

All in all, I would not recommend this book. I was not impressed by the content. I found the author to give too many intricate details that, to me, didn't need to be included.

I received the book Tithing test me in this by Douglas Leblanc complimentary from BookSneeze and have in no way been paid for my review of it.

Almost Heaven

I varied from enjoying this book to wishing I wasn't reading it. Parts of this book are very sad and almost depressing. It was so hard to read about a man who had a very difficult life. I have been blessed in my life and could not relate to many parts of the book. However, I could see this book being very helpful for those who have experienced extreme life-altering experiences.

The author lets us into the main characters life and thoughts, as well as, into the thoughts of the angel sent to watch over Billy (the main character). I found myself wanting to skip over the chapters where the angel's ideas and thoughts were discussed.

Having said the above, I thoroughly enjoyed the last section of the book. I loved how the author created such a character that lived his love for God t the fullest. He leaned on the Lord throughout his life. It reminded me of the importance of SHOWING God's love to others.

I received this book complimentary from Tyndale Media Center. I received nor will I receive any compensation for the review of this book.

Dirt

We had a young man come by yesterday and present his vacuum and air purification product for our company. He was demonstrating to us what our vacuum and other cleaning tools miss in my weekly cleaning routines. It was quite impressive. I thought my home looked clean and I believe it would to anyone's naked eye. However, we were shown proof that there was underlying dirt that had not been picked up.

This morning while I was washing my floor, I began to think of that more and wonder how much "dirt" I am missing each day in my own life. Again, to the naked eye, I appear to be a good Christian woman who loves the Lord. I attend church regularly, I talk to the Lord, I teach my children about Him, I lead music at church, I work with the Sunday School children, etc.... This all is true. However, all of that will not make my heart clean before the Lord. I don't believe I would be able to handle the evidence of the dirt within me, if He were to come in and demonstrate His air purification and vacuum system to me.

As amazing as it was, we chose to not purchase the product we were shown yesterday. Currently, the cost was more than we would currently be comfortable with paying. The amazing thing is that Jesus has given me His purification system FREE OF CHARGE! He not only gave it to me, but He bought it for me!!! Another bonus is that I am able to accept this gift each day. I am able to use it to rid my heart of the dirt within daily. If I had to see the evidence all at once, I do believe I would fail before I even began.

How many people have every said, "This house is a mess!" That's how I feel about my heart somedays. It is just a mess and needs a good cleaning! I'm so appreciative that I have been given the most efficient cleaning tools.

By the way, it did give me great joy that the young man said our house was actually very clean. =)

Year-End!

When I hear those two years, I automatically think of a lot of effort and work being involved. Year end for my accountant husband, means extra hours and less time at home. He has to balance the accounts and start the year fresh.

It's got me thinking that maybe I should be doing the same in my personal life. I need to run some "financials" on my personal life. Some of my "accounts" have balanced very well. Some need some extra work balancing. I wonder if I were to run some reports titled "Martin", "Victoria" and "David" how they would look. Would they be balanced? Would they alert me to the necessity of making changes in how I operate this upcoming year. Would they show that I have given proper love and attention? My prayer is that my total would not be "in the red", but that there will be a nice healthy and thriving balance.

One of the hugest accounts we will ever manage as humans is our "time". Unlike many other accounts, our time will only ever decrease. We can increase our love account, but that is not possible with our time account. I wonder if I were to look at an actual Journal Entry titled "Time" if I would be ashamed. How many of my days, hours, minutes and seconds have I used in a responsible fashion? Would there be enough lines showing that I put my children as a priority? Did I put my husband as a priority? Did I give a good amount of time to my Lord?

Financial Statements do not lie. They tell you the truth about your operation. My prayer is that my financial statements will be those that reflect a woman living a balanced life.

So... Good-bye 2010. Thank you for what you taught me. 2011? Bring it on!

Book Review: Fearless by Max Lucado

Fearless is a must read for everyone! There is not a specific age group that I would recommend this book to, because it would be beneficial for all. I have never read anything from Max Lucado before, but that will definitely be changing! Mr. Lucado has a way with words that allows the reader to clearly understand what he is saying. He is so down-to-earth and matter of fact. He remains positive throughout the book and each time I would read, I would be left with a happy feeling within. He allows the reader to see how much each of us fears things that more often than not, never come into existence. I am so excited that I can now pass this book on to others to read. Thank you Mr. Lucado for such an inspiring book in such an unsettling world.

I received the book "Fearless" written by Max Lucado from Book Sneeze to read and review. I was not paid by them to do this review.