Under the Overpass

Ever Wonder What it Would Be Like to Live Homeless?

By his own choice, Mike Yankoski's life went from upper-middle class to scum-of-the-earth overnight.

With only a backpack, a sleeping bag and a guitar, Mike and his traveling companion, Sam, set out to experience life on the streets in six different cities. They wanted to find out if their faith was real, if they could actually be the Christians they said they were apart from the comforts they’d always known.

Mike and Sam’s story is gritty, challenging, and utterly captivating. What you encounter in these pages will radically alter how you see your world—and may even change your life.

Mike and Sam journeyed through six cities, from Washington D.C. to San Diego to experience homeless life on the streets.

I commend Mike and Sam and this journey they took. I enjoyed reading the book, it was a real page turner, which I do not find much these days.

I would love to have been able to take the journey with them. I would like to have experienced how great my faith is, if I could survive, but most of all the stories of the "real" homeless people. I would like to talk to the people I see on the streets and ask them how they ended up in this situation.

I encourage you to download a chapter of this book to see or yourself it is a must read!

INSPIRED DESIGN Blog Tour with Roxanne Hughes Packham and Hannah Packham

Inspired Design

About the Book


Drawing from the highly-published designs she's created for hundreds of clients, Packham will inspire you to create a home that touches the souls of those within. Amid Stunning photography, stories of treasured family traditions and poignant observations by 16 year old daughter Hannah, she shares ideas that will help you create beauty, warmth and passion in your home, and make it an inspired design. "Do not underestimate the power of your home, nor its ability to change lives," writes designer Roxanne Hughes Packham. "A cup of hot tea and an hour in a cozy nook spent listening to a friend can be life-altering. "Sending well-loved, cared for children into the world to contribute to our society in positive meaningful ways is one of the most significant contributions, if not the most significant contribution, you will ever make, and your home is a major part of this endeavor.
100% of the profits of this book go to charity: Heart of Hope, Local Food Pantry, Inspired 31 and more Produced and made 100% in America.
Written by Granddaughter of Allan Adler, noted American silversmith, and Great Granddaughter of Porter George Blanchard, also known as "silversmith to the stars", Packham's history and knowledge of silver and flair for table settings prove to be a winning combo. Ideas for Sentimental Parties, and occassions for teenage girls, and mothers & others, Celebrating friends & friendship. Inspirational for incorporating family history, talents, and passions into the design of the family home.

Roxanne & Hannah

About the Authors

Roxanne Hughes Packham is an acclaimed interior designer whose classic designs grace hundreds of California homes from San Francisco to San Diego. She comes from a long line of gifted artisans, including world-renowned silversmiths Allan Adler (her grandfather) and Porter Blanchard (her great-grandfather). Roxanne is a graduate of the University of Southern California and Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Los Angeles; she studied design at Paris Fashion Institute and the Sorbonne. Her work has been featured in numerous design publications, including Life: Beautiful, California Homes, Dream Homes of Coastal California, Kitchen Style & Design, Dream Log Homes, Westlake Malibu Lifestyle, Kitchen Ideas That Work, Bath Ideas That Work, The Smart Approach to Kitchen Design, The Smart Approach to Bath Design, The Color Idea Book, The Window Treatment Idea Book, and more. She makes her home in Southern California, with her husband Scott, and their children, Hannah and Justin.

Hannah Packham is continuing her family’s long tradition of design excellence. Last summer, Hannah studied design at the University of Southern California. Hannah is a top scholar, and has been named to the Headmaster & Deans List at Oaks Christian High School, where she is currently a student. She was selected to represent OCHS as a member of the “Lion’s Voice,” a school-selected tour guide program. She is also a varsity athlete in pole-vaulting and studied pole-vaulting at the University of California Los Angeles during the summer 2009. Her interests include Classical ballet dancing, skiing and modern dance. She has made mission trips to Costa Rica (2009) and Romania (2010). She has been selected to participate in Rotary Leadership Conference 2010.

Mark Lohman is a southern California-based photographer whose specialties include interior, garden and architectural photography. His distinctive photographs have appeared in numerous design and architectural publications, including Veranda, Architectural Record, Luxe, Coastal Living, House Beautiful, California Homes, and many more. Mark is a graduate of the University of Southern California and Brooks Photography Institute.

                                                                   Interview  

Why did you write Inspired Design with your daughter?
My grandfather (Silversmith Allan Adler) passed this love of design to me, so it just seemed a natural, alongside a book about the design and subsequent use of our homes, infused with family heritage that my daughter who lives along side me take a large part the powerful subject of "the home". I also wanted to create a place where we could initiate, create, and complete a project where my daughter, Hannah, could learn along side me both the practical and the ethical implications of a project this size, where all the profits go to a charity that is dear to our hearts, Heart of Hope Ministries, Intl. I wanted show her an example of using our talents and gifts for the enjoyment of others, while benefiting others, not ourselves. It wasn't to be pious, but just a fun way to give back and truly make a difference while doing something together that we loved!

What is Inspired Design?
A book about three aspects of the home and how it's power to touch the souls of those within. Those three aspects are Designing for warmth and beauty to nurture others, meaningful touches and gestures to celebrate and honor your loved ones on special occasions and ordinary days, and lastly that it is not what we have or do not have that blesses others, and changes lives, but how we use what we have. It is about incorporating YOUR family heritage, and your unique gifts, into making a beautiful, family home.

Inspired Design has had such a wonderful response, without a traditional publisher, distributor, or agent why do you think that is?
It resonates in the spirit of women, who want to make a positive impact on their families and loved ones. The blessing of word of mouth publicity has really caused this book to sell and touch the hearts of every woman that has read it. They tell one friend, and so on and so on. For example, Jill Foster, Author of Creative Cakes Anyone Can Make, raves, "Your Inspired Design is amazing. I have devoured it, sipping coffee as I have enjoyed reading each page. Your family legacy is depicted in beautiful illustration. Having Hannah's words throughout the book is wonderful.”

I heard that one customer in Coronado, California has reordered about 10 books, each one as a gift for friends birthday, what is it that she find so touching?
She is someone I have never met, but she said she found it so real, beautiful, uplifting and from such a realistic perspective on touching others with the bonus of spectacular homes and photography the combination makes her want to give it to all her friends for their birthdays. She loves the blog that goes alongside it as well, with weekly tips and suggestions to make others feel special. http://www.inspireddesignpublications.blogspot.com

I know that a mother-daughter ministry, "Inspired 31", has begun along side of Inspired Design, why do you think it has resonated so powerfully?
Especially in this economic climate so many women are more resolute than ever that their families are the most important thing in their lives and their daughters, or close friends, should be celebrated and cherished. Without exception our gatherings (3 so far, in it's first 3 months) have attracted hundreds of mother/daughter/sister/friend combinations wanting to come, for 2 hours, and celebrate what is good, pure, worthy of praise especially each other. Inspired 31's mission is to teach girls (and now even woman of all ages) to find and follow God's unique path for their lives. We have inspiring speakers, and a wonderful positive/uplifting program. We have people inquiring about beginning a chapter in their area, in many cities.

Where can my blog readers purchase a copy of Inspired Design? Also, I heard this book is helping orphans and teenage girls as well.
Inspired Design makes a perfect gift with so many ideas for making Christmas, or any holiday, more special with all kinds of thoughtful little details.
100% of the profits go to Heart of Hope, which benefits orphans in Romania, and Inspired 31, a Mother-teenage girl ministry. With each purchase you are helping all kinds of different children.

Please visit my web site at http://inspireddesignpublications.com/.


A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me as a blog tour host by Inspired Design Publications in exchange for posting this interview on my blog. Please visit Christian Speaker Services at www.ChristianSpeakerServices.com for more information about blog tour management services.

God Loves Me More Than That by Dandi Daley Mackall; illustrated by David Hohn

I absolutely love this book!

This book is very well written and illustrated. The pictures in this book are amazing.

God loves me more than that is a fun read letting children know that God loves them more than a lot of things. The book rhymes and is good at keeping children’s attention.

My children who are 6, 3, and 20 months sat still while I read them this book and they loved to look at the pictures and discuss the pictures.

I would recommend this to anyone with young children. It is a cute story to let them know that God loves them more than that!

Start: The Bible for New Believers, New Testament Edition

This is perfect Bible for new believers or believers who want to learn more about their faith (which is the category I fall into).

The Bible is written in NKJV, which is helpful for new believers to be able to read and understand clearly. Not only is this a Bible but it also covers subjects on prayer, Bible study, church involvement, sharing your faith, and discovering God’s will for your new life in Christ.

This Bible was very helpful, easily laid out, and easy to read when I used it to look up passages. I am going to buy one of these to share with a friends who I think will appreciate it.

I would recommend this Bible to new and old believers alike.

Love at Last Sight by Kerry & Chris Shook

First of all, I need to say that Kerry and Chris have a great way of putting things into perspective. Before I had children, it was easy to keep friendships and work on friendships that had problems. Now that I have children, it is harder to work on those relationships and this book explains to you how to get your relationships back on the right path, whether it is friendship or romantic relationships.


I am looking forward to implementing all the great ideas I have read in this book with my friendships that I haven’t been paying much attention to and my personal relationships.

I would recommend this book to everyone who needs a little help getting your relationships back to “normal”.

Scholastic Book Order Saturday

Every month my son, who is in preschool, comes home with Scholastic book order forms. We try to buy at least one book from each order form. (We are surprised my daughter, who is in first grade, hasn't came home with any order forms)

I am going to start listing the books we buy. I would like to know any books you buy as well, that you would like to share. The books we buy always seem to be a great investment. I hope you enjoy the posts.

Here are the books we bought this month;


The Itsy Bitsy Spider (Sing and Read Storybook)




H is for Haunted House



the Hiccupotamus



Apple Countdown



Miracle of Mercy Land

Mercy Land has made some unexpected choices for a young woman in the 1930s. The sheltered daughter of a traveling preacher, she chooses to leave her rural community to move to nearby Bay City on the warm, gulf-waters of southern Alabama. There she finds a job at the local paper and spends seven years making herself indispensable to old Doc Philips, the publisher and editor. Then she gets a frantic call at dawn—it’s the biggest news story of her life, and she can’t print a word of it.

Doc has come into possession of a curious book that maps the lives of everyone in Bay City—decisions they’ve made in the past, and how those choices affect the future. Mercy and Doc are consumed by the mystery locked between the pages—Doc because he hopes to right a very old wrong, and Mercy because she wants to fulfill the book’s strange purpose. But when a mysterious stranger shows up, Mercy begins to understand she may have to choose between love and loneliness . . . or good and evil . . . for the rest of her life.

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

We have not yet used this book, I plan on giving it to my children as a Christmas gift to start in the new year. I have browsed through the pages and read many devotions and I love this book! I have been searching for a couple of years now for a devotion that my children can use and that I know they would like and stay interested in. Many of the books I found didn’t match what I was looking for until this one came along.


This book includes a devotion that can be read by themselves, out loud, and even as a family. We can ask questions and discuss the devotion. There are also passages to read on their own that relates to what they read.

My children are still young, but this book will be great for them. I would highly recommend this book to everyone!

Interview with Author Carol Kent



Carol Kent

 Carol Kent is the bestselling author of When I Lay My Isaac Down and A New Kind of Normal. Carol is an expert on public speaking, writing, and on encouraging people to hold on to hope when life’s circumstances turn out differently from their dreams. She lives in Florida with her husband Gene.


Carol Kent is a popular international public speaker best known for being dynamic, humorous, encouraging, and biblical. She is a former radio show co-host and has often been a guest on Focus on the Family and a featured speaker at Time Out for Women and Heritage Keepers arena events. She has spoken at The Praise Gathering for Believers and at Vision New England’s Congress. She is also a frequent speaker at Women of Virtue events across the country.

Carol Kent and her husband, Gene, are now living what some would call a heartbreaking life—their son, Jason, a young man who initially had so much promise, is now living out a life sentence for murder in a maximum security prison. All their appeals have been exhausted at both the state and federal levels—humanly speaking, they have run out of options. But despite their hopeless situation, Carol and her husband live a life full of grace. Kent reveals how life’s problems become fruitful affliction where we discover the very best divine surprises, including peace, compassion, freedom, and adventure. Through the Kent’s remarkable ongoing journey, Jason’s riveting letters from behind bars, and true “grace place” stories from the lives of others, Between a Rock and a Grace Place reveals that when seemingly insurmountable challenges crash into our lives, we can be transformed as we discover God at work in ways we never imagined. With vulnerable openness, irrepressible hope, restored joy, and a sense of humor, Carol Kent helps readers to find God’s “grace places” in the middle of their worst moments.
 

 

 
Me: Tell us about the Christmas gift you received. How did it help you to find grace in the middle of a seemingly hopeless situation?


CK: Two weeks before Christmas our doorbell rang at 9:15 p.m. It was dark outside and by the time my husband, Gene, joined me at the front door, we were surprised to find no one there. It was already dark, but my eyes fell on a large, exquisitely wrapped gift. The card on top said, “Mom.” Initially, it felt like a bad joke. Nine years earlier our son, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy had been arrested for murdering his wife’s first husband and he was in prison serving a life-without-the-possibility-of-parole sentence.

However, I am a “Mom” and the package was left on my doorstep, so I opened it. The note appeared to be in my son’s unique handwriting. The note expressed his deep love for me and his gratefulness for what I had done to help him since his arrest. He said a “friend” had helped him deliver the surprise. Opening the box, I discovered a gorgeous russet-colored silk jacket—and it fit me perfectly.


That night I discovered something new about God and something I had forgotten about myself. He loves to interject divine surprises into our lives. His timing is always perfect, but it had been a while since I had been surprised by joy, wonder, and grace in the middle of one of the tight spots of life.

Me: What are “grace places,” and how can hurting people in need find them?

CK: All of us experience tight spots when life turns out differently from our dream. When we face the overwhelming obstacles of life, we can experience the last thing we ever expect—the sweet spot of grace. Grace places have a variety of forms, but some include:


•Receiving love when we don’t deserve it


•Finding safety in the middle of a fearful and uncertain experience


•Being comforted by friends and family (people who are extensions of God’s love)


•Experiencing the embrace of God when we have run out of strength and courage

“Grace means the free, unmerited, unexpected love of God, and all the benefits, delights, and comforts which flow from it.” (R.P.C. Hanson)

Me: How important are contentment and gratitude in finding grace and peace?

CK: My son, Jason, is teaching me that I need to choose contentment and thanksgiving in all things. As an inmate in a maximum-security prison, all of his personal items must fit in one small one-foot-high and one-and a half-feet-deep and two-and-a half feet long steel lockbox. He has learned to live comfortably with very little, which brings him a surprising sense of peace.


When I was visiting him one weekend I asked how he holds on to hope in the middle of a life-without-the-possibility-of-parole sentence. He said, “Mom, I have a gratitude list. Whenever the clouds of depression try to discouragement, I get out a piece of paper and write down everything I have to be thankful for. I’m thankful I have two parents who will be my advocates for as long as they live. The average number of years a lifer gets visits is five years and then no one comes anymore. I’m also thankful I can be a missionary on a compound that houses up to 1,700 men.” I’m learning from Jason that I find contentment when I choose to be thankful and when I invest my time in helping other people.

Me: What are some unexpected gestures of kindness you’ve received in the past, and how did they help you through difficult times?

CK: A couple of years ago Jason’s appendix ruptured and he was rushed from the prison to a civilian hospital. Gene and I were not allowed to know where he was and I prayed for someone to care for him as a mother would. He had two armed guards in his room at all times. Nurse Betty was assigned to Jason’s care. She treated him with respect and extraordinary care—and I knew she was a direct answer to my prayers.

A group of people who called themselves our “Stretcher Bearers” received an e-mailed monthly update on how to help with our needs. We were blessed with meals, cards, and financial gifts, often just before we needed extra funds for the next legal payment. These amazing people waited with us for two and a half years through seven postponements of the trial.

Me: How has your definition of adventure changed over the years, and why is it important to retain adventure in your life, despite your situation?

CK: True adventure is seeing the potential of living for things that matter in the middle of your current circumstances. We had the adventure of launching a nonprofit organization that helps to empower our son to facilitate classes by having books and DVD teaching series sent to the prison. We also have the adventure of reaching out to other people who are in crisis, which brings purpose and deep meaning to our lives.

Me: There is a theme of surprise throughout the book. What is one of the greatest surprises you’ve had?

CK: The powerful story of Tammy Wilson and Matthew Ben Rodriguez is in this book. Tammy contacted me after I spoke at an event she attended because my son is incarcerated in the same prison where Matt, the man who killed her mother thirteen years ago is incarcerated. She had been praying for someone to lead Matt to Christ and asked if Jason would try to meet him. It turned out that Jason and Matt were already friends and this amazing story is one of forgiveness, redemption, and restoration that can only be explained in the supernatural dimension.

Me: Between a Rock and a Grace Place releases 10 years after your son, Jason, was sentenced to life in a maximum security prison and includes excerpts from Jason’s letters. Can you tell us how he’s doing now?

CK: He has just taken his 8th group of men through Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University Course and he will be facilitating a biblical counseling class on marriage and family this fall. He has a prayer group of twelve inmates who fast and pray for the needs of each other and their families. Prison is a depressing, dark, and sad place, but Jason is living for things that will outlast him.

Me: When you received news about Jason’s clemency hearing being denied, how did you respond?

CK: I wailed like a baby, sobbed, felt angry, hurt, and disappointed in God. Then we saw Jason a day after this devastating news. He was calm and very much at peace. He hugged me as I wept and said, “Mom, this case isn’t about having the best attorney or about having the favor of Florida’s top executive political leaders. If I am ever allowed to walk in freedom in this lifetime, it will be because God miraculously opened a door that was closed.” My son helps me to develop an eternal perspective and that day he comforted me.

Me: What advice do you have for those who are stuck between a rock and a grace place?

CK: In the middle of your own hurt reach out to someone else who needs help worse than you do. When you involve yourself in meeting the needs of others, you discover an unexpected freedom on the inside. Corrie ten Boom once said, “What did you do today that only a Christian would have done?”

Me: As a result of your journey, you and your husband have founded the nonprofit organization Speak Up for Hope. What are the goals of the organization, and how can people get involved?

CK: Our vision: To help inmates and their families adjust to their new normal.


Our mission: We exist to provide hope to inmates and their families through encouragement and resources.


Please go to www.speakupforhope.org for a list of practical ways individuals, churches, and organizations can help with specific projects. Our goal is to live out the truth of Prov. 31:8-9: “Speak up for the people who have no voice, for the rights of all the down-and-outers. Speak out for justice. Stand up for the poor and destitute!”

Me: Where may we connect with you further or to purchase a copy of Between a Rock and a Grace Place?

CK: I would love for you to visit my web site at www.CarolKent.org, browse through the various events and other resources available. You may also join me on my Facebook page, please click here.

The Spooky Wheels On The Bus

We were at Kmart the other day and I seen this book for a little over $3 and had to get it!

It is a very cute book. Think The Wheels On The Bus with a Halloween twist. This is my new favorite book and the kids seem to really enjoy it. The younger ones like to try to dance and sing along with it and Asha laughs with the words.

If you can go pick it up, you won't regret it. If not, see if they have it at your local library. It is so good!

What in the world is going on? Book Review

I am always looking for books to read on end times and theories about how the world will end, and when the world will end. I try to watch the news at least once a day and I read the newspaper to see what is going on in the world. I also try to watch movies like the new movie 2012 and the older ones like the Left Behind series.


This book brings the following bible prophecies to light; the oil crisis, the resurgence of Russia, the importance of Israel, the new powers of the European Union, and more. I found it hard to read this book. I just couldn’t get “into” these prophecies they were trying to explain that I mentioned above. I really don’t see any of it happening and especially any of it happening to make the world come to an end.

I can’t suggest you read this book unless you want to read up on the prophecies that are talked about in the book. I believe there are more problems in this world that could make it come to an end way before the oil crisis we are in, even though the recent oil spill did make me think about the wildlife that was lost, the water destroyed, the sea life lost, the jobs gone, and more.

The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven

This book is such a good read. I must have read it in a day!

As a parent, this book makes you think. It is the worst thing that could happen to you, your child, and your family.

The authors are a father and son who were on their way back home from church one Sunday and got into a car accident. The boy at the times was six years old, which is the age of my oldest right now. The book goes into detail of the thoughts of the parents, the medical personnel, and the boy who went to Heaven and came back again!

The pain, fear, questions the parents were facing make you think about your own situation and what you would go through if this happened to you. I could not imagine what I would be feeling, and I applaud them from being able to make it through . But, this family did which gives hope to the rest of us.

I am not the one to pick up a book about people "claiming" to go to Heaven, Hell, or to have "died" and "came back". I just don't know whether to believe their stories because we don't know what there after death and if I knew what there was after death(because of some sort of near death experience or whatever happened to me) I would not be telling people about it. I would share my experience with my family, but nobody else.

So, I never know whether to believe these people or think, what are they thinking telling what it is like there, won't the Lord our God be upset?

The only thing I didn't like about this book was the son's accounts. It states in the book he started telling his story when he awoke, which was when he was six years old. Having a six year old, I know what their vocabulary is and what it isn't. Some of his "story" which is supposedly his "own" words, just don't seem like a child of six years old to me.

All in all, this is a good book to read, but I don't believe it as much as they would want me to.

Curly Like Me

Curly Like Me by Teri LaFlesh

If you are biracial, have a biracial child, or know anyone who is biracial Teri is the lady to know! You can visit her website TightlyCurly.

I just got her book yesterday and am so excited! I read through a lot of it. Some of the contents I knew already from reading her website. I was a litle apprehensive of buying the book. I thought why do I need to buy the book when all the resources are here on the website. But, I was wrong! There is so much more to learn from this book.

Teri is biracial and she grew up with her family and herself not knowing what to do with her hair. Being the mother of a biracial child myself, I have gotten to the point where I have no idea what to do with my daughter's hair or my husband's (who is also biracial) for that matter. Then, I found Teri and I am so happy!

My daughter's hair is usually dry looking, frizzy, and never stays where you want it to stay. Well, I started Teri's advice on this past Sunday and you can tell there is a difference already in Asha's hair. I was actually able, for the first time in her life, to brush her hair with my fingers! I never thought this would have ever been possible.

Needless to say, this book, Teri, and her website are a must for me and I hope you will look into it for anyone you know that is biracial!

Life In Spite of Me

Life In Spite of Me by Kristen Jane Anderson

This is such a good book. The girl on the front cover looks so happy and confident in who she is. She is sitting down so you can’t really notice unless you look closer that her one leg isn’t there and the other is there but some of it is missing.

The premise of this book is about a young woman who is tired of living. She feels that the world, her life, her parents would be better without her here. She feels like there is no other way but to kill herself. Can you imagine?

She is a normal teenager who just feels like what she has done to her relationships and other things that have happened to her are inerasable. One night she doesn’t want to go home, she is sitting in a park trying to figure out what to do next. She ends up on train tracks in extremely cold weather with snow everywhere. She hears a train and in a split second decides to go lay on the tracks and let the train kill here!

Thankfully God had other plans for this woman. Because she lived to tell her story.

A great read for people of all ages and all walks of life. I know that personally I have felt at one time or another that maybe the world would be better if I wasn’t here. That what I did, no one could love me. Thankfully I have never tried to kill myself and I now know that there is a reason I am here. I know some of you or maybe all of you have felt like this before. Whether you want to admit it or not, read this book. It gives you an insight that God has plans for your life, no matter what you may think or attempt. Also, for people with children, this can help you think of what your children could be thinking.

To buy your own copy go here.

The Busy Mom’s Guide to a Happy, Organized Home

The Busy Mom’s Guide to a Happy, Organized Home by Kathy Peel

I loved this book! I am always on the look out for books that can give me tips on how to have a clean, happy, organized home. A home that can look great, but I don’t need to neglect my children, husband, responsibilities to make it look that way.

As the front cover says, this book includes tips for managing the 7 departments of every home; Time and Scheduling, Your Home and Property, Menus and Meals, Relationships with Family and Friends, Your Finances, Special Events, and Yourself.

I started to read through this book and only read a couple pages in when I stopped, went to find a highlighter, and then came back to read it. This is the kind of book that you want to highlight or write down right away what it says so you can start using it immediately in your life.

This book has so many great ideas that I plan on implementing in my life. I highly recommend this book to all the mothers out there. If you are a stay at home mom, work at home mom, or work out of the home mom this is for you. Dad’s could even benefit from reading it, it doesn’t have to be all about the mothers!

Great read. Great ideas. Great author. Great layout. Great all around!

Indivisible

Indivisible by Kristen Heitzmann

I chose to read this book because it is something I would normally not choose to read. I am trying to open myself up to “new things”, this being one of them.


Well, I really don’t care for this book. I couldn’t connect, relate or even believe that the main character was a person. The book doesn’t appeal to me at all on any level.


I am usually up for crime mysteries, I like to watch them on tv and read books about them, but this was just not good.


I really don’t know what to say except it wasn’t for me and I don’t like the way it was written.


Please don’t take my experience as you shouldn’t read this book. It could be a great book for the right person!

If you would like to purchase this book for yourself you can by going to Random House.

Radical

Radical by David Platt

I love this book and I am going to join in The Radical Experiment that Platt suggests to do. The radical experiment is a one year journey in authentic discipleship that will transform how you live. I can't wait to see the results in me after the year!

I like what Platt is saying in this book. I agree with him on a lot of things.

This book wakes you up to the reality that we are not living like we should be. We manipulate the gospel to fit us.

How many of you do this? I can admit to it, but can some of you? A lot of people take what they want to take from the gospels and leave the rest that doesn't "fit" them or sound "good" for them. I see people like this when I am out. They look down on you, make you feel like you are not them, nowhere near them, and can never associate wth them. But, in all reality, I might be just learning the gospels, but I don't pick and choose what to hear and what not to hear. I hear it all, the good and the bad. While you sit there and act like you are the "prefect Christian" and you are nowhere near that!

If you would like to buy your own copy, please visit WaterBrook Multnomah.

The Money Answer Book

The Money Answer Book by Dave Ramsey

I like Dave Ramsey and have his other books about getting out of Debt and becoming financially aware of your money, lifestyles, etc.

I read this book and was not impressed. I don't know what I thought this book would be about, but this is not it.

The book is good at answering questions you might have, which I guess is the whole idea behind the book. It did answer some questions I had and give me more insight but not what I was looking for.

I am glad I read his other books before I read this one, or I am not sure I would have picked this one up. All I can say is, I wouldn't recommend it, it just answers basic questions. But, if you are the kind of person that wants to know everything you can possibly know about everything this book is for you.

360 Degree Life

360 Degree Life by Billy Joe Daugherty

This book is about the ten ways you can live more richly, deeply, and fully.

I liked this book a lot. I liked how it says that we all fear death. We are all fascinated by death. We just don't want it to visit our house! This is so true for me. I know I should not fear death because I will be going to Heaven, but I still do. I am glad to see that others out there do as well, even if they don't admit it.

I am always thinking, what will happen to me when I die? This books explains to us that we can live without the fear of death and fully enjoy life! How amazing that is, don't you think?

I liked when it touched on the subject of God speaking to people. I am always envious of people who say God talks to them. I never hear him, if he is trying to talk to me. Maybe I just don't know how to hear him. This book states that if you don't think God is talking to you to read the book of John, which I am going to do.

This book is great all around and you will enjoy it too. It lets you know so many things such as; he will provide for you, what is God's plan for me, and more.

If you would like to buy this book visit Random House

If I Could Ask God Anything

If I Could Ask God Anything by Kathryn Slattery

I love this book, just like I thought I would. I like the way Slattery laid the book out. It isn't bunched together, it is very easy to read, children that are able to read a book could read this book.

I have been reading it with my children. We read a question every night and talk about it afterwards. My children are ages; 6, 2, and 1 but this works for them. We also look up questions that my 6 year old might have.

I also think it is good for children of all ages, including myself. I always have questions that I would like to ask God, and this book has some of them in there, how great is that?

I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone! I plan on buying some copies to share with friends, I know they will enjoy it and so will their children.

Will the World End in 2012?

Will the World End in 2012? by Raymond Hundley


First off I want to say I absolutely love this book! I have heard a little hear and there about this 2012 thing, I have even seen the movie 2012. But, I really never sat down to see what the whole fuss was about. When I was given the opportunity to be able to read this book as a review, I jumped on it!
3. CERN and the Large Hadron Collider; according to this theory, the government has this machine that is buried inside the Earth. It is there so scientists can experiment or try to figure out how the Big Bang happened. People are saying that if the scientists do this, the Earth could cave in on itself, amongst other things.

4. The Predictions of Nostradamus; we have all heard of Nostradamus and how the things he wrote years ago have come true in one sort or the other. Do you believe that a man can predict the future? I know a man who knows the future and I tell you, it isn’t Nostradamus!

5. The Reversal of the Magnetic Poles; people who believe this feel that the CERN or the Solar Storms will make the poles reverse. Then everything will be backwards and son we will die. I really don’t see this happening.

6. Collision with Planet X; there is this lady named Nancy, who in my opinion is crazy! She says she was abducted by aliens, then they put a chip in her head where they can communicate to her. Well, according to her she has been told there is a planet out there called Planet X that is a million times bigger then the Earth and it is supposed to it the Earth in 2012. She has been saying this was going to happen many times, but then she says that was just a “lie” to confuse the government.

I’m not going to go right into all of them. But, you see the picture here. It is a great read and to find out more about the different theories and to come to your own conclusion on will the world end in 2012, go get this book!

It helped me to discover what I fear will happen, what I believe will never happen, and what “crazy” people believe will happen. I am going to recommend this book to everyone!

Imaginary Jesus

Imaginary Jesus by Matt Mikalatos

Imaginary Jesus caught my eye due to the title and the cover of the book. It looked creative and in my interest area because of the idea that we have constructed a Jesus in our minds that clouds the real Jesus.


Mikalatos does a very creative job tackling (sometimes literally) his imaginary Jesus', guiding us through his imagination in what many ways makes this book feel like a novel. I must say that about an hour or so into the book, I got a bit bored with the Jesus'.

I realized toward the end of the book that this is a perfect example of describing God image. This refers to the construction of God we have created and with which we interact. It's a natural psychological phenomenon everyone does with anyone with whom we relate. It can be a hard concept to understand, but this book makes it much more understandable.

I honestly had to force myself to read this book. It wasn't what I expected. I'm not quite sure what I expected but this just wasn't it.

Chronological Guide To The Bible

Chronological Guide To The Bible

I am always on the look out for a book that can help me in my journey through the Bible. This book is one I like and am going to use for years to come!

I like that it works with any translation. It has nine enoch's and they have pictures, go into detail of important date and such from every book of the bible. This book has detailed outlines and helps to explain in a way that you can clearly understand.

It is not misleading, very good for people who are just starting to read the Bible, who are continuing through the Bible, or who are reading again for the millionth time.

I like the detailed explanation of events that this book gives. Sometimes I hear in church, read online, or read in the Bible about an event and I have no idea what is going on, even after I pick up my bible and read it. This is very helpful in this part for me, I love that if I am like "what?", even after I have checked out the Bible, this can explain it more to me. Like a friend helping to slowly explain it to you!

Readeo

I thought you would be interested in hearing about a new website that is taking story time online. It's called Readeo. Its unique video chat application allows an adult (such as a grandparent) to read a children's book to a child (such as a grandchild) that is separated geographically from the adult. There is no financial obligation once that month is up. I have been told about this site and just signed up for my free trial. I will let you know what I think about it in a later review. For now I have a code for all my readers. You will receive 1 month free when registering a new account.

Go here to sign up.
Here is the promo code: lovereadeo

Try it out and let me know what you think.

Lies the Government Told You

Lies the Government Told You by Judge Andrew P. Napolitano

This book goes into detail on what the author states are 17 lies the government has told the American people. This book explains the 17 lies in detail and goes in depth to explain what they are supposed to be and how the government lied to us about it.

I honestly don’t like to read about history or anything that has to do with the government. But, this book caught my eye as I feel the government lies to us, you just have to find the truth.

I agree with some of the lies and some of them really upset me reading them. This book makes you think about our government. The lies that made me think and got me all upset were; All men are created equal, Every vote counts, Your body is your temple, We are winning the war on drugs, Everyone is innocent until proven guilty, Your boys are not going to be sent into any foreign wars, The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects should not be violated.

To me, the above are lies that the government has told us and continues to tell us, and these specific lies touch home to me on so many levels. I enjoyed reading this book. I would recommend it to my friends, to those who like history/government and to those who don’t. This book really makes you think and I am glad I chose to read it.

Love Your Heart

Love Your Heart by Tim McGraw and Tom Douglas


I have to say I really enjoyed this book! It is about a little girl who is talking with her father about what she should do as her talent in the talent show coming up. She goes through all the things she can think of that would be good, some she don’t even know how to do. She decided to pick one for the talent show and on the day of the show, her friend needs her. She decides to not do her talent and help her friend reach a record with her talent instead.

Beautifully written and illustrated! I read this at first and then read it to my daughter. It was fun to laugh along with and to see how little minds think. It makes you think about you and the way you parent, are you like the father in the book? Would your child be willing to give up their talent and the chance of winning prizes to help out a friend? I really liked this and am going to be looking for the other book written by these two men, My Little Girl.

I honestly thought I wasn’t going to like it, but I gave it a try. Usually when you have movie stars or musicians who write or should I say “try to write” the book doesn’t turn out well at all. Big thumbs up to Tim McGraw and Tom Douglas. I also want to mention Abigail Marble who did a great job at the illustrations!

Tithing

Tithing by Douglas LeBlanc


In seeing this title you think that this book is going to have some insights since the book is in the Ancient Practices Series. The book is quiet boring, with other’s stories. You might find it interesting, but to me, I did not. I however did find myself relating to the last family in the book, John and Sylvia Ronsvalle. Some of their story was a bit boring but when they started talking about how they used to live; paycheck to paycheck, on food stamps, using government assistance to help them pay bills and rent, this started to sound like how we used to be. They made a decision that even though they didn’t have enough money to afford the basic necessities in life, they would tithe. Both John and Sylvia didn’t come from a tithing family, which is the same for my husband and I, which is why I relate to them and see that if they can do it and let go of the idolatry and the “it’s my money” that my family can do the same. I can tithe and be confident that it is going where it needs to go and not to the newest craze that the “Johnson’s” have. I can tithe and teach my children to tithe.

What to Do When You Don't Know What to Do: 8 Principles for Finding God's Way

What to Do When You Don't Know What to Do: 8 Principles for Finding God's Way by Henry Cloud and John Townsend

I like how this book doesn't try to tip-toe around the subject, Cloud and Townsend just leap right in and get straight to the point!
I have difficult times in my life, as I am sure you do. This books helps with those difficult times. The books shows you how to invite God to join you on your journey through the tough time sin your life and to always remember that he is there with you at all times, even when you might not think so, and leaning on him will help you get through the problem you are having.
I received this book at the right time in my life. I needed this book. I have been so down and out thinking of why is this happening to me and what am I doing wrong. I read through this book and now feel like a calm has come over me.
I like how this book has biblical references, I like to know where they are getting there thoughts and ideas for what they are saying from, instead of trying to find it on my own. I am contemplating getting some more copies to give to some people in my life that I know are at the point where they need God to help them get out of the situation they are in. They need to be reminded that God is there and he will always be there to help in your time of need.
The 8 principles are very helpful and very insightful. I don't want to give too much away but I really feel like if you are at a time in your life where you think you don't know what to do, can it get any worse, what is going on with me, where is God...then you NEED to read this book!
 

Left Behind #7

The Indwelling picks up where Assassins, book #6, left off and reveals who killed the Antichrist. The assassin was somewhat predictable, but many other suspects clouded the actual identity of the assasin. The Indwelling gets very spiritually in depth, especially when Rayford Steele flys back home all by himself, and when Tsion Ben-Judah begins "dreaming dreams." When the safety of the safe house is questioned, David Hassid locates the STRONG Building, which will hopefully house all of the Trib Force and then some. As the funeral nears, the pace picks up somewhat, and a few mysteries surface. When Nicolae Carpathia (the Antichrist) is indwelt by Satan, he begins quoting Jesus and claiming his "divine power." The Indwelling is probably one of the best books so far, but the story moves slowly. The entire book only goes over a period of about 3 days, and that's not very much when it's a book that long. The book leaves us with only a few small cliffhangers, unlike the previous book, Assassins. The upcoming 8th book, The Mark, should answer the question of who might betray the Trib Force, what the numbers of the ten kingdoms mean, and the rise of a new technology, a mark that everyone will have to have to be able to buy or sell.

Gods in Alabama

Gods in Alabama by Joshilyn Jackson

This book has everything going for it: humor, mystery, great characters, and writing that just flows. Arlene left Alabama 9 years ago after promising to give up fornication (as she politely puts it during prayers), to never tell a lie, and to never go back to the town she grew up in as long as a certain body was allowed to remain hidden. When she becomes convinced that the deal is off, she breaks all three of her promises, returning home with her boyfriend, fornicating on the way, and lying to her family that they're already married. Between flashbacks and the current scenes, you come to know the loving, albeit imperfect, family she left behind and the far-from-perfect gods in Alabama.

Building Your Personal House of Prayer: The Master's Plan for Daily Prayer

Building Your Personal House of Prayer: The Master's Plan for Daily Prayer by Larry Kreider

This book is a great teaching on prayer. But in noting this, we have to remember that even though this "house of prayer" plan works for some, we cannot make it into a law. The best line in this book is near the end when Kreider says that prayer is not about a "how to" approach because it's about a relationship. God desires open communication with you because He loves you and wants you to share in His love. If a prayer plan like Kreider's is helpful, than use it. If not, don't bound yourself up by another law. Even with this remark, I do strongly suggest this book and this prayer plan. The "chapter prayer guides" in the back of the book led me into some very intimate times of prayer. And Kreider's passion for relationship with God burns within in you to the point where you put the book down to begin praying. If you're seeking a stronger relationship with God and have questions on prayer, check this book out!