101 Bible Adventures: The Ultimate Quest for Truth! by Carolyn Larsen

Author Carolyn Larsen wrote an amazingly concise yet powerful book for children of all ages. This paperback gem of a book appealed to me firstly because of the organization of each chapter. I have read many children's devotional books in which the lessons taught are chock full of cuteness but lack depth and application.

Application is what I believe most lacking in our churches in general. And so, to witness a book for children that included application in each chapter was refreshing, to say the least. I first viewed the Table of Contents for an overall assessment of topics. Old and New Testament selections with the key verse and main Truth presented was listed.

Each chapter listed a What's Up section, the key verse, Scripture mentioned, the story in an easy to understand telling, a cartoon, and a Now What? section. This book featured the New Living Translation version of the Bible.
On a negative note, I would have liked to have seen more visuals in each chapter. The cartoon characters and their commentary was helpful, but for a younger child, I felt more pictures would have been beneficial. Since the cartoons were black and white, having a slightly larger picture for younger children to color would have been a nice touch.


I truly enjoyed reviewing 101 Bible Adventures: The Ultimate Quest for Truth! by Carolyn Larsen. This world needs more of this type of resource to help teach and guide our His children to not only discover the Truth of the Bible but to also be able to allow the Word to apply to their own lives, thus changing the next generation. To God be the glory!!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their 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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com/.

Samaritan's Purse Presents Three Hearts

A joyfest from start to finish! Billy Graham's granddaughter Cissie Graham Lynch was co-host with another woman. Together they led the charge to bring two boys from Mongolia to America for heart surgery (and to share Jesus Christ.) However, both ladies in the spirit of "ask and you shall receive" asked for a third child to have the blessing of having her broken heart healed.

The third child was clearly my favorite! She was a little girl with a huge amount of energy. My favorite scene in the DVD was when she saw running water for the first time. She stood on a little child's stool and just kept splashing water on her face over and over. I will never forget seeing the joy on her face. Childlike innocence is something we all need more of and so to take that in was beyond words!

I was informed that these three mothers according to Buddhist culture, were generally an unemotional group. That was the case when the film first showed the family in Mongolia when they were picking up the children to bring them to America. However, when everyone returned to Mongolia, emotions flew off the screen and could have hit me smack in the face. What changed was not only the physically healed hearts, but the hearts and souls of the mothers and two sons. They accepted Jesus as a result of living with the host families and seeing the host families living their lives for Jesus. I truly did applaud as Jesus was shared not only in Word but in deed as well. That leading by examples speaks volumes and all five of the Mongolians got it. They were not forced into leaving their Buddhist idols and culture, but clearly the Holy Spirit pulled all of their heart strings. A lovefest!

Interesting scenes were Mongolian bowling, Buddhist idols (in what looked like a dollhouse.) Also all the mothers felt their children were "glowing"and happy just before going into surgery. I smiled because I wondered if they realized part of that happiness may have been the anesthesia. But God used a donkey, so we know the peace they had in their children being happy before surgery may have helped them to trust God and the people surrounding them. The Mongolians went to America because they had nowhere else to turn. In the end, their children were healed and they returned to their native land with a newfound faith.

Criticisms I had which were minor. I am not particularly fond of subtitles. I know there was a need for subtitles throughout this film, but I would have appreciated the scenes shot in Mongolia to be a bit slower. I say this because I was intriqued by the culture and the surroundings and I found myself a bit frustrated trying to read all the subtitles and see the people and the background. Being a perfectionist at heart, I could not help but notice there was a fly on the camera lense in the lawnmoving scene. I know that is really being picky, but I was watching the film on my back patio and I started to get up to swat my flat screen (smile.) God's humor is always unexpected!

I cannot speak highly enough about Three Hearts! I have so many friends I plan on lending this annointed surprise. The joy I experienced was inexplicable. Three Hearts is a treasure!

For more information visit http://www.threeheartsmovie.com/
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

A Love Story: How God Pursued Me and Found Me by Samantha Ryan Chandler

This title is currently being reviewed. Please check back soon. For a sneak peek please visit Samantha Ryan Chandler's website http://www.samantharyanchandler.com/Samantha_Ryan_Chandler/Home.html

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author for review. 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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com/.

Then Sings My Soul Book 3 By Robert Morgan

I requested this book to review with one question in mind, "How could Book 3 be any better than Book 2?"  Book 3 in Then Sings My Soul is not better, but just as special and just as amazing as the previous songbook.

This book, the same as the previous book, has the tattered thick songbook pages which are unevenly seen upon immediate inspection. This splicing of the pages was a nice touch to a classicly-inspired work. However, book 3 is quite different in its format. There are divisions in topic: Biblical Hymns, Medieval Hymns, English Hymns, Contemporary Praise (my favorite), Ancient Hymns, German Hymns, and Gospel Songs. I learned some new words also - one of which is "hymnody"!

My favorite section in this book was Part 4 Hymning in Private and Public. I truly believe this section, located at the very end, is a gem for the true music lover who has gleaned much throughout the book and just cannot put the book down. A nice ending to a wonderfully annointed work, Part 4 spoke to me as an encouraging, hopeful beginning to something extra special in the world of music.

Clearly, this book has not only inspired me to worship in a more meaningful way, but also to be able to share the amazing journeys of those who went before me, who also were touched and changed by hymns and Gospel music throughout the ages.

Buy it today for the music-lover in your life - - or for yourself. Music is here to stay and we will be singing all the time in Heaven so why not learn the words (and the stories behind the songs) now so you can be perfectly in sync with the angels and the children of God one day!!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Love Food & Live Well by Chantel Hobbs

Subtitled Lose Weight, Get Fit & Taste Life at Its Very Best, this hardback gem reminded me that food is not the enemy! Our struggle is in understanding and abiding by moderation and focus on our Creator, God for discipline in our lifestyles.

Author Chantel Hobbs included Biblical accounts of people just like us, who struggled with their humanity. She offered hope and healing throughout the pages of this book. She had an inspiring, yet tough-as-nails attitude about meal preparation.

Her authority came first from God, then her knowledge of health, and then from her successful account of losing weight and keeping it off. Her dedication For the lost was special and relatable. And please do not skip to Chapter One but read the Introduction. Eye opening.I appreciated reading of the science behind the formula. I learned how to calculate my Basal Metabolic Rate and to use it as a starting point. Cheered as she mentioned about building lean muscle and making building lean muscle a priority. I am currently attempting to do this in a healthy way. I learned so much about calorie intake, and the balance of exercise and diet.

I plan on trying out her recipes as well as dusting off my big exercise ball and weights. The photos of her exercising were quite helpful and inspiring too. I needed a jump start to get my diet and exercise plan revved up before Jan 1 rolls around. I didn't need to wait until the New Year to make a resolution to eat better and lose a few pounds. Chantel Hobbs has inspired me to Love Food & Live Well! We only have one life. We need to make the most of it.

Gotta go. Got too much energy to sit here and type. My sneakers are screaming my name. Thanks Chantel, for a wonderful resource chock-full of ideas and positive points for living my life well! 

For a Sneak Peek: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/2011/06/21/sneak-peek-love-food-and-live-well-by-chantel-hobbs/

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah  Publishers as part of their Blogging For Books 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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com/.

Irritated Eye Relief by Similasan

Thanks to Jan Rons, Assistant Controller at Similasan, I was able to review this Similasan product. I chose this product over the Computer Eye Drops because my CVS unfortunately did not carry all of Similisan's products.

I suffer from red, itchy, irritated eyes resulting from dust and mold allergies as well as from eye strain while working on the computer. I was glad I chose Irritated Eye Relief for this review because after using it, I do believe it is the very best product to "get the red out" of my eyes. I do believe it did triple duty: got the red out, eliminated the dry and grittiness and battled my itchy eyes due to seasonal allergies. I used this product twice daily. Once in the morning and once before going to bed.

I just recently realized the value of taking better care of my eyes and the pain and suffering which results when one ignores good eye health. Not a fun lesson to learn but one I will not soon forget. What drew me to Similisan at first was the fact that I got a stye in one eye. I googled so many natural  home remedies. I planned to use an eye product to reduce the pain and swelling as I treated my stye eye with a warm chamomile teabag three times per day (yes, it worked and I avoided the dreaded eye doctor with the tiny needle and big spotlight on his head).

I was shocked when I approached the pharmacist at the CVS to ask her if this product was the strongest for inflammation control when battling a stye. She told me to put the product down and go right to the doctor. I learned a lot that day. I learned that Similisan Stye Relief Drops are not meant to cure your stye. But my oh my did that product work in helping me to receive relief as I broke down the resistance of the stye.

Because I am and have been for awhile, a big advocate for natural products and home remedies when possible, I called Similasan to thank them for their product and to let them know that CVS was doing them a disservice by discouraging me from buying it and also for not being more open-minded to homeopathic, natural alternatives to health. Why carry a product or two that is homeopathic if your "expert" is just going to disrespect and discriminate against what it is designed to do? I thought Similisan deserved to know the treatment I was given at my particular CVS at the Fifth Avenue Shops in Boca Raton, Florida. No wonder so many in my neighborhood just go straight to Whole Foods. But it should not be like that as good natural health should be a choice in any drugstore. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Be Your Own Health Advocate

I hope and pray that as many more experience victory with home remedies and natural products such as Irritated Eye Relief that the big box stores in the US will support natural products as an alternative to western medicine. For that reason, I asked to receive a free product for review. I can say without any bias, that I wholeheartedly recommend these products not only for adults but children ages two and older as well.

The Irritated Eye Relief is a wonderful travel companion to remove environmental pollutants while traveling or going through your day. And unlike the Stye Relief Drops, this eye drop I did not see in the directions that they recommend using all the product within 30 days or discarding so you may want to keep one of these in your bathroom and one in your purse - just in case.

This company knows what they are doing. This Swiss company has been manufacturing homeopathic products for over 30 years. Check them out online www.similasanUSA.com. I plan to try all the products. After all, they say your eyes are the windows to your soul. Beautiful inside, beautiful outside. Why not? Natural, affordable and the best part of all - these drops work. Thank you Similasan!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product free from Similisan Corporation USA for independent review. 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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Vitacost.com: Free Samples and Excellent Deals!

I am a passionate saver! And so, when I come across a generous e-tailer, I have a hard time not sharing! I shop Vitacost often, enjoy savings and after a year, I finally realized samples were available as freebies with each order!'

With any order from this mega online natural pharmacy store you have the awesome chance to choose two samples with your order. After you are done shopping, click the continue shopping button then look to the lower left for a samples category. If you don't see it, enter 'samples' in the search box.

Double check in your cart that you are not being charged for the sample. It has been my experience that I received two samples per order. When I tried to sneak a third sample into my cart, I was charged $1.49 -- and that was not a freebie!

Vitacost also has great deals on many products that I travel to the WholeFoods for.... Why not plan ahead and search your favs online? Shipping is free often with a minium of $49. Standard shipping is fast, too.

Who knows - you may launch your very own review blog with all the free samples you will receive form this very accomodating, valuable webseller.

Hope this freebie is a blessing!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this information/product for free. 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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Olay Professional ProX Clear Complexion Renewing Lotion

This product found me. It arrived in my mailbox one day. I read the box which stated, "Professional Designed for Adults with Acne" and that it was a new product on the market.

 

I smiled as I realized the timing for me to review this product could not have been better. I had just gotten home from a one-week vacation of sun bathing every day. Sun bathing and slathering suntan lotion on my face for seven days straight. Cheap, oily suntan lotion that is. I basically used whatever I had in my medicine cabinet this year, trying to be frugal. Big mistake! I came home with a tan and I also came home with a slight breakout on my chin of all places.

The directions stated to smooth over your entire face. I understand this would be beneficial to someone with an acne problem. However, I tested this lotion on just my chin. Smelled clean, non-greasy, clear so it didn't mess up my turtle neck sweater!  I did see a marked improvement in the skin. The lotion had a drying effect which was immediate. No doubt the entire Olay Professional Pro X Kit (shown) would be a great skin care plan for an adult with breakout issues. I also would recommend it to someone who has skin issues elsewhere - neck, back or even small areas prone to breakouts.

I hope the good folks at Proctor & Gamble (manufacturer of Olay) will allow me to review more products - especially the suntan lotion without all the oil (Olay Professional Pro-X Clear UV Moisturizer SPF 15). I'm not one to support the "name it and claim it philosophy", but in this case, What not?

But chances are, if I had used Olay Professional Pro-X Clear UV Moisturizer SPF 15 on my vacation, then chances are that I would not have needed the sample I received in the mail after my vacation.

I enjoyed trying out this acne solution in the generous .24 oz tube. It's getting stashed in my purse - just in case. A girl can never have enough skin solutions! I have truly found my go-to for acne in Olay Professional Prox Clear Complexion Renewing Lotion!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Procter & Gamble as part of their complimentary sample distribution 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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Decision Points by George W. Bush

This book was written in first person by George Bush. The tone was conversational and down-to-earth. I almost felt as if Mr. Bush were sitting beside me sharing the ups and downs, the true accounts and the not-so-favorite memories and challenges he experienced both privately as well as publicly.

His memoir included color photos in the center of the book (loved

that personal touch). There are also random shots of other times and places. Although sad times were discussed (Katrina, 911, start of war with Iraq), the photos were mostly upbeat and showed a softer side of the President.

 Evident was his love for the Lord, his wife and country. I have always respected and enjoyed learning about this man and what he went through during his presidency. Actually, it was my very first time ever voting and I voted for him. Reading Decision Points brought back so many memories from my first experiences with politics. I was drawn to politics as a result of witnessing this man share his "easy speak" with the nation.

After reading the chapter on Katrina I understood more so what had happened behind the scenes. I better understood the role the government had (both federal and local) during that horrible time when so many needed help and just waited for someone to come to their aid. I appreciated hearing from the President first-hand the process and his frustration.

A memoir such as this I will treasure always. Timing is everything and the timing on Mr. Bush's memoir coming out was to me, perfect. We are a country right now that needs hope. I have the hope that one day our country will once more have a president with Biblical values, belief in this nation's ability to persevere, and the success of our superpower status.

Was George Bush perfect? No. Not by any means. And one takeaway I got from this book is that he never claimed to have all the answers. But I can imagine hearing his voice now after reading Decision Points as he points to the sky and says something like, "I don't and never did have all the answers. But I know someone who did. And that makes every de
cision easier to make."

I can imagine him saying that because George Bush is just a man that had a very big role in our history. He served well. We served humbly. He did his very best. And I am grateful to have gleaned from his life and experiences as shared in Decision Points.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah as part of their Blogging for Books 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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

The Chew: Mario Batali's Beef Braciole

After watching several episodes of Everybody Loves Raymond in which Debra outdoes Marie in the kitchen (the one and only time), my husband and I decided to try beef braciole in our own kitchen but just never had the inspiration to actually do it - - until now.

After watching a recent episode of The Chew, I decided to include this video in my Freebies and In the Kitchen category. I plan to plop my laptop on my kitchen counter and cook with Mario!

The Chew continues to be my cooking school.You know you are hooked when you begin to become personally connected to something (I have claimed it as mine though there are millions of viewers!)

I confess I watch 2-3 episodes back-to-back sometimes (just because I can). I literally block out that time for myself. I pour a glass of wine and sit on my chaise, feet up, pen and pad in hand and just glean from the Masters! Of course, there are a few irritating happenings going on (many co-stars talking over one another, double dipping and drinking wine pre-pour, a few social agenda self-promotions, etc) but who cares! This show is mostly about cooking and family and friends having fun in the kitchen. There is unity among the chaos...

Nothing in life is perfect. And I do have to say that I enjoy the humanity in this group of people that share their passion for cooking and for life. The Chew has first priority in my DVR!

Enough talking - I gotta get cooking! Beef Braciole may just become my favorite go-to meal. Just like Debra Barone in Everybody Loves Raymond I may soon have the additional admiration of my husband - and my husband's father and brother and for at least one day in my life. I can already taste the sweet success of outshineing my Mother-In-Law in the kitchen. Now that's a recipe worth going for!!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.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.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.