I Used To Be So Organized by Glynnis Whitwer

First impressions of I Used To Be So Organized clearly were that of a clever cover and very valuable Foreword! The cover depicted two mismatched, and may I add - stylish shoes. The shoes were worn by one person and indicated just a bit of confusion. Karen Ehman of Proverbs 31 Ministries wrote the Foreword. I found her explanation of this book and its purpose for every woman endearing. She clearly was a fan of Glynnis Whitwer's and I found myself an instant fan of the author upon finishing the Foreword.

The subtitle was Help for Reclaiming Order and Peace. Interestingly, the timing for my review could not have been better. We just sold our house, but our purchase of a short sale on the other side was delayed. As I cracked open Chapter Two, I found myself gleaning from this author's helpful hints, but more so I found fellowship as I related to Glynnis's honest accounts of her life and struggle to organize life within limits. I smiled amidst packing boxes and literally no order but held out hope that in a few weeks Lord willing, what I had learned from I Used To Be So Organized would be put into practice.

I appreciated the encouragement I received from this book. I did have a few criticisms of which clearly only had to do with technology. I felt that this book would have been better off without the author sharing technology tips. She mentioned how fast technology becomes obsolete, but then went on to try and help the reader with technology, of which I felt was clearly out of date. For the beginner computer user or computer user looking for direction in organizing, this may not have been an issue,  but for me, I found myself skimming quickly over the file cabinet purchase and the following pages. That's just me though.

The final chapter Keeping It Real felt like an entire cheer leading squad cheering me to victory! I loved it and wanted to learn more about this person behind the Proverbs 31 Ministry. This book was one of those rare reads that you can pick up for ten minute increments and get more than one nugget out of in each chapter. I really enjoyed it and hope to hear more from Glynnis Whitwer!

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

As Silver Refined: Answers to Life's Disappointments by Kay Arthur

Ahhhhnointed!!! This book was truly a vacation for my soul. I found myself taking deep breaths as I discovered many "Aha!" moments.

I enjoyed this Holy Spirit inspired book from cover to cover. The takeaway was the reminder of Romans 8:28 and the fact that though God may test us, He does not tempt us as Satan does. This testing is Biblical and so essential for our growth as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Perfectly appointed to me during a challenging month, I gleaned from so many examples and situations in which the author Kay Arthur shared her experiences learning to have the mind of Christ. I love how ms. Arthur introduced people who wrote books about their challenges. I plan to research Harlan Popov's story, Marie Monsen in her book A Wall of Fire, as well as Bruce Olson's testimony as told in his book Bruchko. 

Chock full of Scripture, As Silver Refined constantly led me back to Jesus and God's Plan of Salvation. She appealed to me as a believer, but also to the nonbeliever to make a decision to follow Christ.  I appreciated her clarifying the two with a comment that she understood the believer reading that chapter already understood the premise, however, her comment was a reminder or an encouragement. I appreciated her inclusion of me and her kindness in wanting me to keep reading.  This type of personal touch is one an experienced author, teacher and Titus woman would include.

This book would be wonderful for a group Bible study. The Study Guide in the back of the book is lengthy and full of excellent questions to dig into as well as Scripture review from the heart of the book.

As Silver Refined is a must read for anyone who is serious about digging deeper into Scripture and becoming more aware of how to avoid the common pitfalls of life's disappointments (which she referred to as the Deadly D's). This truly was an anointed read which I devoured and truly enjoyed!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from WaterBrook Press 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 Truth About Forgiveness by John MacArthur

This book is one in a series titled The Truth About Series. This petite 118 page book was delivered in John MacArthur's usual conversational style. Mr. MacArthur has a way of allowing me to feel he is there beside me, teaching and gently exhorting me to understand and apply God's truth about forgiveness.

One nugget was on page 49 in which I quote, "I recently overheard a radio talk-show psychologist attempting to give a caller an ego-boost: "God loves you for what you are. You must see yourself as someone special. After all, you are special to God." But that misses the point entirely. God does not love us "for what we are." He loves us in spite of what we are. He does not love us because we are special. Rather, it is only His love and grace that give our lives any significance at all."

Mr. MacArthur then gave Scripture support as he always does. Psalm 106:6 NASB  and Isaiah 64:6 were explained and the lesson unfolded about salvation (Mark 2:17).

I loved this book merely for the fact that every time I picked it up I received a nugget that stuck with me and the next time I read more I was blessed with more teachings that challenged me to see forgiveness from God's perspective to me and not the other way around. Only God can bring about true forgiveness in our hearts. And how liberating truly forgiving others can be!!!

Pick The Truth About Forgiveness up today. The $12.99 cover price will be well worth it, as it would be a great addition to any library, along with the other books in Mr. MacArthur's Truth About Series. One can never have enough sound Doctrine these days!

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/.

Natural Calm : The Anti-Stress Drink - Great Gatorade Replacer!

I received a Natural Calm Anti-Stress Drink sample from Vitacost.com just for placing an online order. Vitacost.com is good that way in that with every online order you get to pick two samples from an assortment of samples they offer you. The sample drink powder flavor was rasperry lemon flavor.

I wanted to sample this product because I am honestly tired of Gatorade (with its preservatives, artificial sweetener and dyes). I swim Masters three mornings a week and so I did need a sports drink to replenish the magnesium lost during workouts. My water balance has been off awhile. If you have swollen fingers now and then even in the cooler months, that is a good sign that your water balance is off.

I poured the powder in a room temp bottle of purified water. It fizzed slightly and looked just like lemon Gatorade. This beverage tasted pleasant and had a slight lemon flavor. I did not detect raspberry flavor, however. A few gulps into it, I realized this was going to be my Gatorade replacer!!

Since I am into organic, whole foods (no chemicals) I was quite excited to realize this product would do two things: 1. Replace Gatorade during my swim workouts and after and 2. Offer another benefit which is to restore the magnesium levels in my body. After going back and doing a bit more research at Vitacost, I also realized this product in time would decrease calcium buildup to actually level out and balance the body's calcium to magnesium ratio.

I gave this one 5+ stars! The reviews on Vitacost are up there too so I know I am not the only one who is excited to purchase this product. Sampling products is so beneficial. Saves money. Allows you to be an educated consumer, and getting freebies is always a bonus. Get your freebie today. Place an order at Vitacost.com!

Bye bye Gatorade, artificial sweeteners and all....

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this sample free from Vitacost.com as part of their complimentary samples with you order 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.

Busy Mom's Guide to Nutrition

This helpful book by Paul C. Reisser, M.D. was not just for busy Moms, but also Dads, and for that matter anyone who is looking to become healthier.  Busy Mom's Guide to Family Nutrition is a great overview for someone who has become confused by the latest fad diets, best-selling way to lose weight, etc. etc. All of us have heard of Dr. Phil's diet book, the Hollywood diets, injection diets and so many more trends in nutrition. Just turn on Dr. Oz during the week and you will hear as many as five or more ways to lose weight in just one show!

While I do not consider myself a beginner in the area of nutrition and health, I did appreciate several aspects of this book. Chapter One "Nutritional Basics" addressed sugar and how sugar in its various forms affects our bodies. I learned much about what glucose is and how sugar can cause the whole body to become imbalanced. My husband and I quit eating and/or drinking sugar a year ago, and so I really appreciated the author explaining the alternatives to pure sugar. Having kicked the sugar habit, I no longer crave sweets and if I attempt to drink a sip of soda, I get a belly ache. So, I know getting healthier and losing weight can truly begin with cutting sugar out of your diet. For that reason, I applauded the inclusion of the sugar discussion in Chapter One.

While this book heeded the mandate to treat your body as a temple, ( this is the official book of The Focus on the Family Physician's Resource Council, USA) it was not a book only for the Christian market. No doubt, this book would easily be embraced by the secular market.

This book is a gentle approach to a healthier lifestyle. I appreciated the easy way the author summarized raw food diets, Biblical diets, and paleolithic diets. I do adopt many aspects of raw food diets and Biblical diets. I believe a healthy lifestyle begins with balance. God gives us a sound mind to make the best decisions for our health. I have experienced better health as a result of taking ideas from the different buffets of diets. I enjoyed this book because the author did not ditch any of the three but mentioned highlights and low lights of each, thus allowing the reader an intro into each and the opportunity to become a diet Berean.

I had a few criticisms of this book. I understood this book to be an intro to better health and a great place for someone seeking better nutrition. I felt it would be more beneficial if the book were more substantial in length as I feel having a dictionary of sorts or a manual to pull off a shelf as needed would make this book more necessary. Also, the cover led me to believe I may receive recipes as well, thus causing this book to earn a space in my kitchen bookshelf next to my cookbooks. An additional chapter could have included modern new kitchen gadgets with a sampling of easy recipes for these kitchen gadgets addressed to a Mom or Dad on the go.

This 186 page book may be a one time read just because the reader gleans everything in one read and then does not need to refer to it again. Possibly the author did intend this book to be passed along as opposed to shelved and referenced. I just felt the reader reading it and keeping it might cause the reader to be accountable. For me personally, my most important books become dog-eared and highlighted. I also write in notes, in pen for good measure. Those books worthy of my scribbles remain a long time in my library. They become necessary spokes on my good health wheel. I consider these books to be long-time friends. I had hoped that this book could be more of a nutritional primer that would be passed through the generations.

This book I will happily pass along to a friend who is a busy Mom and a person who needs to start at the ground floor to better health. A "been there and done that" dieter who needs a fresh approach - - my friend will no doubt glean much from Busy Mom's Guide to Family Nutrition.

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.

Downfall by Terri Blackstock

This newly released Intervention Novel by New York Times bestselling author Terri Blackstock kept me glued within the pages of Downfall. I easily was pulled into the fictional lives of Emily Covington, her mother and brother and later Kent. Without being a spoiler, the storyline easily unfolds and I find myself relating to Emily's fleshly struggles, as well as her need for redemption and deliverance from her past.

I enjoyed the quick-paced action and the concise manner in which Ms. Blackstock structures her chapters. The chapters were short, however the short chapters allowed me closure quickly, and a new scene to enter.

There was nothing offensive to me as a Christian, and I appreciated the lessons and the relationships that resulted. I cheered for the underdog and I was sad that some chose sin over success.

One picayune detail I will mention (because I am a book reviewer who reads every chapter in every book I review) which was a bit skewed was on page 262. The scene basically was Emily and her mother running across the road. I quote, "He looked toward the MARTA station and saw her and Emily running across the highway." The problem with this scene was that Emily was on crutches, her leg in a cast and the scene prior was her awkwardly trying to get off the bed and hide under a bed. Possibly she was hobbling with her crutches with her mother helping her across the highway, but I cannot imagine someone on crutches making it alive across a busy highway (yikes.)

If you are like me, and like all the ends tied, and happy endings then this book is your perfect read for spring, summer, winter or fall.  Order your copy today. Visit Zondervan.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Shelton Interactive 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.