Christina Will Review It

Tuesday, March 08, 2011

Game Plan For Life by Joe Gibbs

This New York Times best seller was described by the author Joe Gibbs as a playbook for true success in the reader's life. The author refers to the Bible as God's game plan for life. Jerry B. Jenkins was the writer along with the Tony Dungy offering wisdom and praise for Game Plan for Life in the Foreword.

Though I am not an avid football fan, I am do appreciate NASCAR. I assumed this book was just targeted men primarily and then to male hard core sports fanatics. I was wrong! Though the back cover stated this book was for men, I gleaned so much from the guest authors and their various specialties (finances, health, relationships, vocation, the Bible, sin and addiction, salvation, Heaven).This book was filled with nuggets of wisdom, application, inspiration, and true accounts of faith with feet.

Eleven topics contributed by eleven men was the framework. The impressive lineup was: Ron Blue, Dr. Walt Larimore, Don Meredith, Dr. Os Guiness, Josh McDowell, Dr. Ken Boa Dr. John Lennox, Ravi Zacharias, Chuch Colson, Dr. Tony Evans, and Randy Alcorn.

I enjoyed this work immensely. The team and the topics the team members tackled in Game Plan for Life scored a touch down for me. The victory lap was even sweeter because God was the honored guest. I savored this book from beginning to end and will no doubt refer to it often.

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.

The Me Project by Kathi Lipp

This book is currently being reviewed. Please check back soon for review.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Kathy Carlton Willis Communications 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.”

Words At Work by Lynda McDaniel

Words at Work is so much more than the writing "how to" that you dive into then try to apply. This book is written from Ms. McDaniel's heart. I believe this book will enable every reader to be a better writer.

The author shared some of her trials and tribulations over her 25 year career as a professional writer as well as five years as a business writing coach. It felt to me as if she was coming alongside me and encouraging me to realize that in any situation I could make my words powerful tools of communication!

Her writing style was conversational, encouraging and anything but preachy or ornery editor (insider term from Words At Work). She stated a mantra I applaud. I quote, "When I started writing, I wish someone had shared these ideas with me: 1. Everyone can learn to write well. 2. Bad writers just stopped too soon."

Max Lucado's Hermie & Friends: A Bug Collection DVD Box Set

A Bug Collection consists includes 3 Complete DVDs. Disc 1 was so relatable! Milo in "Milo The Mantis Who Wouldn't Pray" does everything he can think of to hear from God. The storyline is comical but sad because we do relate to his struggle with not being willing to wait on God to answer our prayers. I realized halfway through the story that every character had perfectly white teeth and and a tongue. Also each face including the eyes moved and expressed human emotions. Fantastic!

The second disc included Buzby who is an Elvis impersonator and also a Spelling Bee. Quite clever as no doubt kids will learn to spell new words as they watch this program. Buzby's sister Bar-bee asks him to "babee sit" her "misbeeving" children. A dramatic transformation takes place in the children's "beehavior." So cute!

Victoria Jackson does an excellent job in conveying Buzby's niece as a spoiled bee. "Behave in the Beehive" is a song the bees sing and it is quite catchy. The music in the entire collection was great. There are extras after each program that follow the credits in which the characters talk and interact with each other. There is an actual Spelling Bee which had me in stitches!

The characters throughout are all bugs with the exception of a big blue turtle that obviously is never automatically included in the lives of the bugs. God is mentioned on all three discs, however on the third disc Max Lucado mentions Jesus. I enjoyed the teaching time with Max Lucado and Hermie the catepillar.

I was reminded of how Mr. Rogers in "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood" would interact with the characters in his show. I smiled because this interaction I have not seen before in a Christian program. Yes, we all know "Sesame Street" as a fabulous way to interact and allow the children to watch an adult without losing their attention just because an adult is involved.

My favorite program in the collection was "Hailey & Bailey's Silly Fight" on Disc three. Hailey & Bailey are twin sister beatles who cannot unite on a feeding program they devised. An actual bug food fight ensues. Eventually, the twins come together and someone shouts, "It feels good to help other bugs!" My one criticism which I hammer often in these children's products is it would have been great to see not only a mother beetle with the daughters but a father beatle involved. It would have been a thumbs up for the traditional family.

Followed by the last story we watch Hermie the catepillar play the role of "Goldilocks" but by a different name. "Hermilocks" is explained as a popular "buggy tale." Girl beatle power wins in the end. The lesson of the story? Proverbs 1:10 is explained. A great takeaway to an even greater collection which will no doubt inspire and teach many generations.

Children will respect parents, obey those in authority and learn to spell. They may however, never swat a fly or allow a bee to be destroyed. This DVD set is the result of the wonderful writing of Max Lucado. His willingness to ponder the things of God with a catepillar named Hermie opens wide the gate for godly living.

A DVD Collection with Biblical value for all ages. Well done!
For more information please visit Thomas Nelson Product Page.

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.”

Money & Marriage by Matt Bell

Money & Marriage (subtitled A Complete Guide for Engaged and Newly Married Couples) by Matt Bell is a great tool not just for those planning to become married but also for those already married and finagling their way through all things financial (which is all of us marrieds!) It is never too late to begin a "Cash Flow Plan vs. Budget". The author reminded us that we must look toward financial freedom in a different way than we may have previously viewed money management. He presented this topic from a biblical aspect.

Starting in Chapter One, statistics were given and pages upon pages of questions asked the reader to take an inventory of their financial situation. The questions could be overwhelming but for the later chapters, which allowed the reader to easily discover solutions. Easy-to-understand plans with resources to help financial stewardship were presented.

Pages 39&40 Mr. Bell shared his personal account of inheriting $60K and how though he squandered the money, he learned a valuable lesson from the experience. The definition of "consume" was sobering. I won't look at money quite the same way after reading about wasteful spending and how we can all do much better with our money.

Chapter Four was fascinating as it gave four distinct categories in which people land in regard to spending. I easily discovered I was a 'phleg" but could not quite place my husband in a category. This chapter was interesting as I never realized personality played a part in money management .

There were so many helpful downloadable monthly cash flow plans and numerous website helps. I would be confident in contacting the author for future consulting or help if I did not have someone to aid me in that area currently. The "Know Your Stuff" website was amazing!

However, the best advice in the entire book was found on page 144. DINKhood has changed my life. Also, the discussion of prenups quite interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed the use of Scripture throughout as well as the case studies and personal accounts of the author and his wife.

Money & Marriage would be an excellent engagement gift or even a wedding gift. The subject of money is often overlooked and it does not have to be. This is an excellent tool which includes God. It is never too late to get serious about financial stewardship. Certainly implementing the concepts in this book will help married couples get on the same financial page!

Check out a sample chapter. Buy it today!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress 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.”

The Practice of Godliness Small-Group Curriculum by Jerry Bridges

This Bible study book is for small groups or for personal Bible Study. The format allows for a 12-week schedule if you do one chapter per week.

The process:

1. Read the chapter

2. Look up the Scripture

3. Answer questions about the session topics

4. Dive into personal application = write down what God has revealed to you and prayerfully consider how to allow the Word to change you.

In the "Before You Begin" section, Mr. Bridges reminds the reader that the goal of any Bible Study is this, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." James 1:22 Wisdom as we can have head knowledge all day long but if the head knowledge does not make it's way to our heart and change us from the inside out - our studies will just be lessons done but not become life changing.

Here is just one example of Mr. Bridges' sharing of godliness from page 13, "It is sad that many Christians do not have this aura of godliness about them. They may be very talented and personable, or very busy in the Lord's work, or even apparently successful in some avenues of Christian service, and still not be godly. Why? Because they are not devoted to God. They may be devoted to a vision or to a ministry, or to their own reputation as a Christian, but not to God.

Godliness is more than Christian character; it is Christian character that springs from a devotion to God. But it is also true that devotion to God always results in godly character. As we study the three essential elements of devotion in the next chapter, we will see that all of them, individually and collectively, must express themselves in a life that is pleasing to God. So the definition of godliness we will use in this book is devotion to God that results in a life that is pleasing to Him."

My favorite chapter was Chapter Twelve. In the section titled "Love Reaches Out" this section particularly caught my attention, "Often in our teaching on love, we stress - and rightly so - that biblical love is not emotions or feelings but attitudes and actions that seek the best interests of the other person, regardless of how we feel toward him. W.E. Vine says, for example, "Christian love....is not an impulse from the feelings, it does not always run with the natural inclinations, nor does it spend itself only upon those for whom some affinity is discovered." The chapter goes on with the biblical explanation of 1 Corinthians 13 with the incorporation of emotions and how emotions come into play with love. Very interesting and helpful in understanding love from God's perspective!

Undoubtedly, this is a book that will be written in, reviewed, dog eared and brought out time and time again to review and receive wisdom and guidance. This study guide must be accompanied by a Bible as the Bible is the foundation upon which this book was written.

I enjoyed reviewing The Practice of Godliness and will refer to it often. For more information or to purchase please visit the NavPress website .

Monday, February 21, 2011

The Me Project Blog Tour

The Me Project

Blog Tour - February 21-25

Grand Prize Giveaway:

Enter to Win By Posting a Comment Regarding This Blog Tour.

On March 7, 2011 KCWC will draw and announce a winner!

Deluxe Starbucks Coffee Gift Basket

Three 2.5-oz. bags of Starbucks coffee
(Sumatra, House Blend, and French Roast)
Tazo black tea
Starbucks marshmallow cocoa
Almond roca
Almond roca buttercrunch toffee cookies
White chocolate and raspberry cookies
2 Starbucks mugs
Keepsake black bamboo basket $62 value

The Me Project - 21 Days to Living the Life You’ve Always Wanted

Publisher: Harvest House Publishers

ISBN-10: 0736929665, ISBN-13: 978-0736929660
Release Date: February 1, 2011
Paperback: 224 pages, Retail: $12.99

Book Summary
(San Jose, CA) Has that rush to make (and break) New Year’s resolutions already waned? According to Daniel Pink, author of Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, taking small steps every day will not only help you stay committed to your goal, but will also help you ultimately achieve that goal when obstacles come up. Author Kathi Lipp wants you and your friends to live out those dreams—and have some fun along the way.

As women, we forget the goals and dreams of our younger years. The busyness of everyday life gets in the way. To-do lists replace goals. The Me Project provides women with fun and creative ways to bring back the sense of purpose and vitality that comes with living out the plans and dreams God has planted in our hearts. Kathi Lipp’s warm tone and laugh-out-loud humor motivates women to take daily steps toward intentional goals. The end result? We get back our lives and enjoy living in the confidence of a purposeful life in spite of our chaotic schedules.

This handy guide coaches women to do one simple thing toward achieving our goals each day for three weeks. A woman experiencing the exhilaration of a rediscovered life offers more as a wife, mother, friend, volunteer, career woman.

Finding the balance between living day-to-day with purpose while pursuing the passions God has placed in our hearts is a delicate pursuit. In this refreshing, insightful book, Kathi lays out a doable plan that makes sense and helps make our God-given dreams a reality. Never stop dreaming, because women who dare to dream do make the world a better place. -Jean Blackmer, author of MomSense: A Common Sense Guide to Confident Mothering , Publishing Manager, MOPS International http://www.mops.org/
____________________________________________________________

Kathi Lipp is a busy conference and retreat speaker, currently speaking each year to thousands of women throughout the United States. She is the author of The Husband Project and The Marriage Project, serves as food writer for Nickelodeon, and has had articles published in several magazines, including Today’s Christian Woman and Discipleship Journal. Kathi and her husband, Roger, live in California and are the parents of four teenagers and young adults. For more information visit her website: http://www.kathilipp.com/

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Kathy Willis Communications 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/.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

When The Hurt Runs Deep by Kay Arthur

Chapter One presented various situations in which people find themselves exclaiming, "It wasn't supposed to be this way!" Ms. Arthur shared an article she read in Vanity Fair which was about the family of Bernie Madoff. This story caused me pause and reminded me that we often never know the depths of despair many go through as a result of sin and the consequences of sin. Many generations may go through agonizing pain as a result of one person's decisions. A sobering reminder that we must never make choices without God!

Chapter Two ushered in hope with the title "You Don't Suffer Alone." The story of Joseph reminded me that God has a purpose for everything. Encouragement leaped off of each page and I ended the chapter wanting more and wanting to do more to thank God for my current adversities.

Each chapter thereafter was a soothing balm for the suffering soul. Chapter Three "Is There Purpose In Your Pain?" cemented the biblical truths of the previous chapter. I enjoyed the challenges the author presented. Page 16, "Maybe you can relate to this portion of Joseph's story. Put the book down and think about it, maybe taking a minute to write out your thoughts in the margin. In the next chapter we'll get to the fundamental truth that unlocks the door to hurt, enabling you to (finally) heal."

Genesis 41-50 was discussed and the author reminded the reader often that God is in control and there is a reason for everything. God's omnipresence was discussed in depth, thus allowing a sensitive ministering to a hurting person who feels alone. Ms. Arthur does not minimize the pain on endures, but pointed the reader back to God in each and every example.

In the Appendix A "Few Practical Helps" was offered. In so many ways this book was relative to modern culture but came from a Christian worldview. The author came alongside her reader understanding but not enabling the reader to stay in a "pity party." The love and leading to God combined with her down-to-earth writing style was so effective in keeping me turning the pages. I did not want to put the book down and I came away from this book feeling hopeful, and more effectively able to help others who are hurting.

When the Hurt Runs Deep is for everyone who seeks healing and hope for those desperate moments in life - - that we all face. Hopefully after reading this book, the reader will realize they do not need to face those moments alone. God is there for them to walk them through the fire, into the rain and to remind others that they do not have to face adversity alone.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group 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.”

Friday, February 18, 2011

God Gave Us The World By Lisa Tawn Bergren art by Laura J. Bryant

Oh my! The beautiful artwork with it's pastels and beautiful purple skies was a blessed sight to behold. I enjoyed reading the story which was about how we are all different. Mama Bear was teaching her cubs that though there are many bears these bears live in different places and enjoy different things - though they are all bears. The story does give God credit for the world - as Mama Bear shares that God created the world.

My absolute favorite pages were halfway through the book (the book is not paginated). A cub asks, "Why not make us all the same?""We're not all the same on the inside, are we? The answer with beautiful illustrations and fonts typified in the adjective perfectly exude joy and childlike fun. The explanation is this: Some of us are quiet, others LOUD! Some of us like to move fast, and others take their t-i-m-e. I think it's fun that God made us all bears, but all special too." Super cute drawings.

On a less positive note, I did have a few questions regarding storyline. There was mention of Grandpa, Grandma and Mama Bear. However, there was not a single mention of a Papa Bear though there was a bear wearing a pink striped scarf that seemed to straggle behind the lead bear who was clearly Mama Bear.

Since this book was marketed for the Christian market, I was disappointed by the fact that there was no Scripture references to be found as well as no reference to Christianity - just to God, which many religions and cultures worship a god of some sort. It would have been refreshing to hear Scripture from Genesis, telling of Creation. Some may feel this is nit picking at a beautifully illustrated child's book. However, this book could very well have been marketed in the secular market and do very well if the author left the word God in. Not that I am advocating that, however, as a reviewer of Christian books, I was disappointed that there was no mention of Jesus or Scripture.

Lastly, the back of the book caught my eye. I quote, "This adorable story offers young children who are discovering their place in God's big world an opportunity to learn about the wonder of diversity, the gift of creativity, the importance of caring for His gifts, and how each child - each creation- is special to God."

Sounds quite admirable. However, the word 'diversity' is what caught my eye. The word diversity as defined below is not the correct word in my opinion in a book about nature, animals and plant species. Diversity solely applies to humans. Biodiversity would have been the correct choice.

Human diversity: The biological, psychological, social, and cultural differences among people that affect the way their needs are expressed and satisfied.

Biodiversity: –noun, diversity among and within plant and animal species in an environment.

As Christians, we seek unity. Why would we celebrate our difference as we all know we are made in God's image. Yes, we are all parts of one Body but we are all seeking the same God of the Bible and living according to His Word. And yes, we are all God's creation, but we are not all His children. And so to encourage diversity among God's people really is not biblical.

I did not look up the author's other books so it may be wise before a parent purchases one of Ms. Bergren's books to review her other books. If the traditional family is upheld and celebrated among the bear family then I would suggest reading with your children as a launching pad for deeper Scripture study on Creation, how special and unique and truly loved by God each child is, as well as how wonderfully amazing God's Creation is.

This book did give me the adult reader a blessing with the beautiful artwork. It did attempt to create a framework for dialogue about God. It just fell far short for me as a born again Christian who saw a teaching opportunity fail because the author didn't go full bore into Christianity with her audience. There may have been a mixed message. Buyer beware.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group 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/.

Monday, February 14, 2011

The Shelter of God's Promises By Sheila Walsh

Another inspirational book by Sheila Walsh!! This book targets ten 'bedrock promises of God.' The Chapters Titles are: Promises, Provision, Peace, Confidence, Love, Grace, Hope, Strength, More (this is knowing God has blessings in store for His children) and Home. Not only is this book timely considering all the peril this world is plundering into deeper and deeper each day, but this book is biblical.

I enjoyed reading the Introduction. Most people probably skip the intro, but don't this time! The story of Sheila losing her tent to a sheep! Exodus 33:21-22 was so perfect in this intro as Sheila slept in a cave to get out of the cold one night while on a girl's camping outing. Her friends were confused when they woke up the next morning and she was not in her tent but instead a sheep took her spot on her tent. That story stuck with me.

Ms. Walsh's sharing of personal accounts is not only enjoyable but relatable. On page 27 I read about John The Baptist. The biblical account was given from Herod's perspective Luke 9:7. Amazing account and just one example in this book in which the author provokes the reader to ask the hard questions and to ponder the Truths of God's Word.

I quote, "The disciples must have been distraught too. John had given his life to prepare the way for Jesus - and his life ended in a barbaric way for a drunken crowd. Where was God? What about His promise to provide protection and care? The chapter continues with Jesus' response to John The Baptist's death Mark 6:32. Ms. Walsh writes, "Mark 6:32 tells us simply: "so they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place." Do you see how Jesus meets us in our need? How He met the disciples? There are times when words don't help, when friends can't touch our grief. Our deepest need is to pull away with Christ - "Far from the Madding Crowd," as Thomas Hardy titled his book."

One resource included in this book is a chapter-by-chapter Bible Study. Questions are listed along with Scripture references to read, questions to challenge, and a Scripture memory verse. Quite useful for a group study guide!

So much to take away from The Shelter of God's Promises! I will never bless food the same way again (page 34). You too will not be the same person who started in the intro as the person who completed the Bible Study at the end. And for this we rejoice!

"When we come to the end of ourselves, Jesus, our Cleft in the Rock, calls. Come away with Me."

- Sheila Walsh

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/.