Giveaway: Reese Witherspoon's, The Good Lie DVD

Dear Friends,

 The wonderful staff at Grace Hill Media have given me two copies of Reese Witherspoon's movie, The Good Lie (Blu-ray).  I get to keep one DVD, and then give one away to my readers...that's you! The Good Lie is about the true-life story of the "Lost Boys of Sudan".  The movie tells about how their lives were torn apart by civil-war, and later through the efforts of churches and charities the boys would end up in America to begin life anew.

  When The Good Lie was originally released in theaters, it received rave reviews by many critics.  The movie will be released on DVD/Blu-ray on December 23rd, and one lucky reader will get a chance to win his/her own copy here on my blog and Facebook page.   All you need to do, is leave a comment on this blog page, or my Facebook post about the giveaway.  I will choose a winner (using  random generator) on December 31st, and post the winner's name on this blog and my Facebook page that day.  Please make sure that you leave a way for me to contact you when you leave a comment.

   Thanks again to Grace Hill Media for this wonderful "Christmas" present.   Blessings, Kim

Check out this link to view the real life stories of the "Lost Boys of Sudan".

Giveaway available in US only...

BookLook Bloggers Review: Every Bitter Thing is Sweet

   I was very excited to read the latest book I received from BookLook Bloggers. The book is titled,  Every Bitter Thing is Sweet, and it was written by a new author, Sara Hagerty.  Sara is well known in blog circles, but this is her first book.  After seeing that Katie Davis, Jennie Allen, Dee Brestin, and Jen Hatmaker were some of the women that wrote endorsements for the book I knew that I definitely wanted to read this book.

     I loved this book, and would recommend it to anyone, especially those that are going through challenging and difficult circumstances.  Sara talks openly and candidly about her difficult journey through prolonged infertility.  She shares her pain in such a way that you feel like you are looking deep into her soul, and I am sure that many readers will shed tears right along with Sara.

   My favorite part of this book is how Sara draws her readers into her story, and we get to see how her relationship with her God develops.  After reading Sara's story,  I realize that there is a deeper relationship with God that is available to His children.   Sara came to know God in a deeper way through the pain and trials in her life. Through her story, I see that if I turn to God in my pain instead of running away, there is a connection with God that is beyond anything I could imagine.

    Sara also writes about her marriage and the growth that she and her husband went through, individually and together, in regards to their relationship with God.  She is very vulnerable and shares stories from the deepest part of her heart.  I have been through similar circumstances in my own marriage, and it was encouraging to read how the Lord worked in Sara's marriage as well.

   A good portion of the book is dedicated to telling the story of how Sara and her husband adopted 4 children (not all at the same time) from other countries.  Outside of reading about how Sara's relationship with God grew deeper, I loved hearing the stories about how she adopted her children, and the many miracles that God performed in bringing her children home to her family.  Sara openly shares the joys and the heartaches that adoption brought to her family.   Again, readers will probably want to celebrate and cry right along with her as she shares special stories about her children.

   I could go on and on about how good this book is, but it is best if you pick up a copy of this book today and read it.  You will love it and want to pass it on (I already gave my book away).  

BookLook Bloggers gave me a complimentary copy of this book, and I in turn agreed to write this review.

Blogging for Books Review: Asperger Syndrome: The Oasis Guide

  My latest review is of the book, Asperger Syndrome: The Oasis Guide, written by Patricia Romanowski Bashe.  I received this complimentary book, and in turn agreed to write this review.  I chose this book because I have a son that is on the Autism spectrum.  My son is high functioning and actually exhibits many behaviors connected with Asperger Syndrome.

  I sure wish I had this book when my son was growing up, as it would have been so helpful to me as I was learning how to parent my son with Autism.  Dr. Tony Atwood described this book as an encyclopedia of Asperger syndrome, and I would agree as it is loaded with information from diagnosis to transitioning to adulthood.  Also, included in the book is information about Special Education, health and safety, options about behavioral therapies, medications, interventions, planning for the future, and much more.

   This book would definitely be a parent's (or caretaker) best friend, as it addresses almost every issue that one would encounter when raising a child with Asperger Syndrome.   I am sure that there will be situations or questions that arise that are not addressed in this book, but I think that is the case with any book that is written about a disorder/disability.  I would highly recommend this book for anyone dealing with Asperger Syndrome, whether that is parent, caretaker, teacher or even a person diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome.

BookLook Bloggers Review: Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary

    My latest review is of the Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary (New and Enhanced Edition).  I received a complimentary copy of this dictionary from the Book Look Bloggers, and in turn I agreed to write this review.  I have never owned a bible dictionary, so I was very happy to review this resource.  I wanted a Bible dictionary to add to my tools for personal bible study.

    On the back cover of the dictionary, it states that it is the "most comprehensive one-volume bible dictionary available".  If the weight of the dictionary has anything to do with it, I totally would agree :).  This dictionary is jammed pack with wonderful information and special features.   It includes over 500 full color photographs about specific Bible subjects, and also includes many different charts, maps, tables and a Visual Survey of the Bible.  I like that this resource includes outlines of each book of the Bible that will help me as I do my own personal bible study.

 (Taken from back cover) This Dictionary contains over 7,000 individual entries on the people, places, things, and doctrines of the Bible.   This resource is a great tool for individuals, and any kind of teachers of the Bible.  I too love the alphabetical thumb index that is in this dictionary, as it makes it easy for me to find the definitions of the words.

    I would totally recommend this resource for anyone that is looking to do a deeper study of the Bible, as it will enhance and aid his/her learning.  Thank you Book Look Bloggers for this wonderful resource.

Book Look Blogger Review: Move On (When Mercy Meets your Mess)

  My latest review is of the book Move On (When Mercy Meets Your Mess) written by Vicki Courtney.    Vicki is a national speaker to women and a best-selling author of  several books and bible studies (Ever After and 5 Conversations You Must Have with Your Daughter/Son).   I have known about Vicki for years, and have read her books and completed one of her bible studies as well.   I love how she writes and I have learned many things from her bible studies through the years.  I was aware that her new book was going to be released and so when it became available to me through Book Look Bloggers I jumped at the opportunity to review it.

 In my opinion, Move On is Vicki's best book of all the ones she has written.   Vicki has always been open and authentic in her previous books, but even more so in Move On.  She is vulnerable and honest in a way that draws a reader in from the very first pages of the book.  Vicki shares about an experience with her oldest son that will make you connect with her instantly.  As she recounts the story there is no pretense or pretending, Vicki just lays it out there for her reader to experience with her.  As her title states, God's Mercy met her mess, and God's Mercy will meet us in our life's messes too.

  Vicki pulls no punches in this book, but goes right to the heart of the matter.  She challenges her readers to quit pretending and putting on a facade that all is perfect and right in their lives because they are Christians.  We need to stop being hypocritical and fake,  and start getting real with each other.

 Vicki writes chapters about the need for approval, struggles, broken dreams, shame, legalism (GREAT CHAPTER HERE), Christian snobbery, and idols.   As stated above, I believe this is Vicki's best book yet.   I will end with a quote from the back of the book, "Once we face our messes, God, wit his sweet mercy, can help us get real, deal, and truly move on.  Then with Mercy by our side, we are able to break free and experience the grace and freedom God intends."  Perfectly stated.

I received this book complimentary from Book Look Blogger and I in turn agreed to write this review.  

Blogging for Books Review (940 Saturdays)

  My latest review is not typical as I did not read a book, but reviewed a "keepsake journal".   940 Saturdays by Harley A. Rotbart, MD is a "Keepsake Journal" with a list of family activities included in the back of the book.

  The premise of the book is that there are exactly 940 Saturdays between the time a child is born and the day that he or she will turn eighteen.  Dr. Rotbart, a nationally renowned parenting authority created this resource to help parents document and capture their family's precious memories by writing them down in this book/journal.

  The book has 940 Saturday entries that are blank except for the fill in the date portion.  The fill in portions are not big, but enough room for the reader to fill in a few special memories from his/her Saturday adventures.  The author of the book chose Saturday for the day to document, but you can choose an alternate day if that suits your family better.  The goal of this book is that you make a memory weekly with your child/children, not necessarily that all your activities will fall on a Saturday.

   At the back of the book are a few pages that list "developmental milestones" for children ages, birth to eighteen.  Dr. Rotbart also attached a envelope to the very back of the book with a removable activity booklet inside.  In the booklet, Dr. Rotbart gives parents ideas of activities they can do with their children from ages birth to eighteen.  Some ideas are specific and others are general so you can choose what is best for your family.

  940 Saturdays is a nice resource and would make a good gift for a new parent, or any parent that wanted to start documenting his/her family memories.   I received this book complimentary from "Blogging for Books" and I in turn agreed to write this review.

Blogging for Books Review: Heart Wide Open

 I received a complimentary copy of "Heart Wide Open" by Shellie Rushing Tomlinson from the Blogging for Books website, and I in turn agreed to write this review.

    Over the past few years as I have been reviewing books for different companies I have had been introduced to many new, rather unknown authors.    I love reading books from authors and teachers I know well, but it is always a nice surprise to come across a new author with a story to tell.  One such author is Shellie Rushing Tomlinson.  Shellie is an award winning author, popular blogger and speaker.

    Shellie's newest book is "Heart Wide Open (Trading mundane faith for an exuberant life with Jesus)" .  I was intrigued by the "mundane faith" statement in the title.  Sometimes I do feel like my faith walk is mundane, even though I don't like to admit it.  So I requested the book and began reading it right away.  I was sold on this book from the very first chapter as Shellie described her relationship with God in her early years.  I felt like I could have written the first chapter of her book.  It is amazing how God can connect people together that have never even crossed paths.

    The book is well written and Shellie is a master at bringing humor into her writing.  Honestly, she is just being authentic and telling the truth.  Sometimes that truth is funny and other times it cuts you to the core.  Shellie is vulnerable in sharing her story in hopes that it will encourage others that have felt the same way she had for many years.

 Shellie shares how her transformation began with a simple but honest prayer to God about the state of her own "mundane" faith.  She then goes on to share how her heart changed and how God gave her a love for Him and His Word.   I was engaged as I read about how God worked in her life and was encouraged to ask Him to do the same thing in my own.

   I would definitely recommend this book to other women, and believe it would be a wonderful one to read and work through in a Women's Bible Study group. There is a great discussion guide in the back of the book with questions you could ask in a group or use on your own.
I am thankful for new authors like Shellie and look forward to reading more of her work in the future.

BookLook Bloggers Review: Get to Know APOSTLE PAUL

 I decided to review a different kind of book from the BookLook Bloggers program this go round.  It is a full-color biography for kids written by Nancy I. Sanders.  Nancy is a bestselling children's author of over 80 books (www.nancyisanders.com).   Nancy has created the "Get To Know" series which includes several different biographies, including Jesus and King David.  I wanted to check out the biography for kids about the Apostle Paul, since he is one of my favorite persons from the Bible.

    First of all, I have to say that the biography is beautifully illustrated.  The book is so colorful throughout, that it will help keep your child's attention as he/she is reading factual information from Paul's life.  The book includes 4 colored maps and a timeline, as well as many Scripture references and fun facts.     The book is 121 pages long and it includes a glossary, source notes and a selected bibliography.

  This book would be a wonderful resource for a student to complete a book report about the Apostle Paul.  It is an easy read, and honestly could be read in one setting if a person wanted to read it that quickly.  In my opinion,  children and teens will enjoy reading this book because of the way this book is written, organized and illustrated.

 I recommend this book (as well as others in the series) for parents to purchase for their children.  I think the "Get To Know" series would be an excellent resource for homeschooling families too.   Another great perk is that this book is only $6.99 retail, a good deal for a resource with so much information included.

 I received this book complimentary from BookLook Bloggers and I in return agreed to write this review.

BookLook Bloggers: God Is Just Not Fair

    My latest review is of the book by Jennifer Rothschild, God is Just Not Fair.  The title in and of itself makes a bold statement and I think most people would want to read the book to see what Jennifer means about God not being fair.  I have seen Jennifer Rothschild in person at a women's conference and have done a couple of her bible studies, so I definitely wanted to read this book.

 For those of you that do not know Jennifer Rothschild, she has written nine books and several Bible studies.  She has spoken at women's conferences (IE: Women of Faith) and is the founder of her own event, Fresh Grounded Faith.  As part of her personal testimony,  Jennifer often speaks and shares of her experience with going blind at the age of fifteen.  Her blindness doesn't define who she is, but Jennifer has shared her journey with blindness to help others find hope in Jesus.

    In this book, Jennifer tackles six big questions of faith that will encourage readers to trust God even in life's most difficult circumstances.  Questions such as; God are you fair?, God, do you care?, and God. do you hear prayer?.   Jennifer shares very candidly with her readers about her battle with depression and the roller coaster of emotions she has had with her blindness and prayers for healing.  She lets readers into her journey as she questioned her faith and wrestled through some very tough questions with God.

   Although, I believe this book is a great read for anyone to read, I especially would recommend this book to someone who is experiencing a very low point or difficult circumstance in his/her life.

 I love that Jennifer asks the hard questions, and doesn't leave the readers with "pat" answers or a bunch of cliches.  Jennifer goes directly to God's Word to find the answers.  The answers are not always easy ones, but they are truthful ones.  Jennifer exalts who God is and who we are and that makes this book one I would recommend to anyone.

 * I received this book complimentary from BookLook Bloggers and I in turn agreed to write an honest review.

FAILURE???

  I miss my blog!  By now I think the few readers I did have-have "left the building" so to speak.  However, I have been thinking about writing again more regularly at the old blog here.  SO here goes my first attempt.

   In the last couple of months when I have been in conversations with some of my girlfriends I have noticed a familiar pattern of talk arise... It goes something like this, "I feel like a failure as a mom."   No, that might not have been their exact words, but that is what several of my mom friends are feeling deep in their souls.

  You know the thing is that I think most of us that are moms do feel like a "failure" at times, even if we never verbalize it.  I know I have felt like I failed my children too many times to count.  If I am totally honest, I would have to admit that I really did "fail" my children at times, but that doesn't mean that I am a "FAILURE", it just means that I am a sinner.

 Here is a confession... I love being a mom, but I am a selfish person at heart and everyday I have to make the choice to "die" to my selfish desires by giving to my children what they truly need.

  What do my children need?  I think the answer is TIME and ME BEING FULLY PRESENT with THEM in that TIME.  Definitely an easier said than done kind of thing for me, but I know with God's help I can do it, and maybe even enjoy it :)

   I will get to put into practice the "TIME" thing right away as the kids are home from school because it is Summer time.  I have some ideas and a Game plan (my hubby would be so proud of me) to help me make the most of my time with the family this Summer.  I hope to blog about it here, so stay tuned.  

 I leave you with a question... Have you ever felt like a failure?  If so, how does that affect the way you parent?   I would love to hear your thoughts :)

BookLook Bloggers Review: UnQuenchable

  My latest review is of the book, Unquenchable (Grow a Wildlife Faith that Will Endure Anything) by Carol Kent.  I think Carol Kent is an amazing woman with a powerful testimony of God's love, grace and forgiveness.   Carol is a bestselling author and she also has a ministry of public speaking.  Her messages encourage others to hold onto hope in Jesus when life's circumstances are out of control.  I received her latest book complimentary from BookLook Bloggers and I in turn agreed to write this review.

    If you are familiar with Carol Kent's story you would know about her only son, Jason being in prison for the murder of his wife's first husband.  I will not spend time in this review recounting that story, but you can read more about the story in Carol's previous book, "When I Lay My Issac Down".   Even though this book is not specifically about her son's ordeal, it has surely marked Carol's life in every way and she references the pain of her son's incarceration often.

    I love when authors share personal stories from their lives, and Carol doesn't disappoint in this book.  Carol is open, honest and raw in her writing.  Carol also shares the heartaches and stories of many people in her life that she has encountered along the way.  I think one reason she shares such painful stories is to give her readers hope that they too can find healing in Jesus.  

  Carol's main theme throughout the book is the analogy of our faith being like a wildfire.  At times our faith in Jesus burns out of control and we cannot contain the love we have for Him.  At other times, it is like our faith has completely burned out and only a tiny ember may still be burning beneath the surface.   Whatever season you find yourself in, Carol's book will encourage you that there is always hope, no matter how dead you feel inside, or how bad things are in your life.  The "fire" (our faith) never completely burns out.  

  I highly recommend this book and you will be so encouraged by reading it.  I am sure of it!!!

Raw Faith Book Review (Kasey Van Norman)

   OK, first I must say that I adore Kasey Van Norman,  and boy has she been gifted with the ability to teach God's Word.   I could not wait to get Kasey's newest release Raw Faith (what happens when God picks a fight) to review.  I have been anticipating the release of this book since I finished her last book/bible study, Named by God.  I received a complimentary copy of this book and in turn I agreed to write this review.  It is my pleasure to write a review of this book.

   Kasey is the founder and president of Kasey Van Norman Ministries in College Station, Texas.  As mentioned above Kasey has now authored two books and turned them both into bible studies  ( the Raw Faith bible study releases in May).  She is a full time counselor for a non-profit home and Christian school in Texas. She also travels and speaks to thousands of women sharing her testimony and teaching God's Word.

    Raw Faith is about Kasey's personal battle with cancer, and how she wrestled with God to reclaim her faith.  Kasey takes readers on a journey as she fights for her life and faith.  One of my favorite things in the book are Kasey's personal journal entries.   She lets her readers peek into her life by revealing the private conversations she had with God, and the many questions she asked, even when there were no answers to be given.  Through the book the readers get to watch Kasey go from despair to victory, and we get a front row seat to watch her faith in God increase.

    Even though this book is about Kasey's personal journey with cancer, I believe any person who is struggling and wrestling with finding their faith in God will be blessed by reading it.  Kasey loads the book up with verses from the bible, as that is where Kasey drew strength to endure her battle with cancer.   If there are people with cancer, I feel this book (in God's timing) will be a precious tool that God will use to bring strength and healing.

 I give my highest recommendation to Raw Faith, and I look forward to doing the bible study in the future.  Thanks Kasey for being vulnerable and sharing your journey with all of us.

   

Blogging For Books Review: Crash the Chatterbox

  My latest book review is of Steven Furtick's "Crash the Chatterbox" (Hearing God's Voice Above All Others) .  I received a complimentary copy from the Blogging for Books program, and I in turn agreed to write this review.  I am a bit conflicted in writing this review as I have come across some information about Steven Furtick and some  of the practices of his church that I do not agree with, but I have agreed to write this review so I will give it my best shot.

   Steven Furtick is the founder and lead pastor of Elevation Church in North Carolina.  In "Crash the Chatterbox" Furtick refers to the Chatterbox as the lies that are in your heart and head, those negative thoughts that do not stop running through your mind.  In his book, he focuses on four main areas: insecurity, fear, condemnation, and discouragement.   For combating the four areas, Furtick divides the book into four sections, "God says I am", "God says He will", "God says He has", and "God says I can".

   I do like that Steven shares personal experiences from his own life, and he isn't afraid to admit his own struggles with sin.  I always appreciate when authors share their own personal struggles with their readers.  Overall, I did enjoy this book and found much of what Furtick wrote about helpful to me personally.  At this point in my Christian walk, I look for an author to quote the Bible and God's Word for direction. Furtick did use Scripture, but also used quotes from random persons of the past, present and future.  In and of itself that is not a bad thing, but as a Christian it is most important to base our decisions on what the Bible says, and not what others say.

    I do think a person could read this book and gain some very helpful information that would help them combat the lies and negative talk that comes into their minds.  Furtick does stress the importance of what God says and what Jesus did for us so we don't have to live with this constant stream of negative talk in our lives.  Again, I am conflicted as I write this review because of some of the information I have read about Furtick recently.  So, with that I will end this review and say as you read this book make sure that you always go to God's Word for the truth.  We should always do that when we read any book written by any man or woman.

Blogging for Books Review: 10 Days Without

 My latest review for the Blogging for Books program is of the book by Daniel Ryan Day titled, "10 Days Without".  It is Daniel's documentation of his "radical" experiments of going 10 days without certain "necessities".  The foreward was by Joni Eareckson Tada whom I just love, so I decided to read the book.

  Daniel's subtitle on the cover of his book reads, "Daring Adventures in Discomfort that will change your world and you".  Well, after reading Daniel's book it is clear that his world and perspective changed drastically after engaging in these radical (well, radical to us maybe) experiments.  I would have to venture to guess that if I actually engaged in any of these experiments I would be changed in some way too.

  So what did Daniel go without for 10 days?  Some of the "necessities" were shoes, a coat (in winter), media, furniture, legs, his voice, and touch.  Daniel didn't just stop at going without these things, but he blogged about his experiments in order to raise awareness and funds for different organizations that were making a difference in our world.  For example, Daniel went without his voice (speaking) for 10 days in order to raise awareness for those that do not have  a voice, the modern day slaves.

   One of the things that I liked about the book was that Daniel listed different organizations at the end of each chapter that his readers could get involved with to also raise awareness.  He too listed ways that readers could do similar experiments on their own as well (I like that).

 I would definitely recommend this book for all to read.  I would even go as far to say that in some ways this book could lead to individuals having life changing experiences.

The Blogging for Books program gave me this complimentary copy of this book and I agreed to write this review.  Thanks to the Blogging for Books program!

"Restless (DVD STUDY)" Review/ BookSneeze

  I received the "Restless DVD Bible Study" by Jennie Allen, complimentary from the gracious team at BookSneeze.  I in turn agreed to write this review.  Well, I can tell you that it is my joy to write this review as I was anticipating receiving this study since I found out Jennie completed it.  I was introduced to Jennie Allen a few years ago when she released her first bible study, "Stuck" (AMAZING STUDY), and I have been able to read and complete her following books and bible studies.

    Jennie's "Restless" study is based on the life of Joseph from the Bible, and she leads participants through a practical plan to identify the "threads" of their lives.  Jennie hopes that through the study women (and men) will find out how to weave those "threads" together for God and His glory and purposes.

  Some of the topics that are covered during the 8 week study are; God's story,  gifts, suffering, people and passions.  The format of this study is different from Jennie's last two studies as she is teaching before a live audience, and some of her friends share their stories on the DVD.  I have loved her last two studies so it is hard for me to say that this one is better, but I can say it is just as good and the messages Jennie teach are powerful and life changing.  I really truly believe that if a person lets God lead her through this study her life could be changed forevermore.

  I believe Jennie has been gifted by God, and she is one of the voices of our generation that is calling people back to God.  She is passionate for people to know Jesus and experience a relationship with Him that is life changing.  She is true to the "Gospel" message and she will tell you the truth even when it is hard.   Jennie has stated that her heart is to equip and unleash the followers of Jesus to live and love Him and others.

  I understand that there are those that may read this review that don't have a relationship with God and maybe curious as to what all of this "talk" is about.  Although this study is geared toward the follower of Jesus, I believe it could be used to introduce someone  to what God's Story is all about.

 I am sure it is clear from my review, but I highly recommend this study by Jennie Allen and I cannot wait to read the paperback book when it releases.