If you would like to investigate for yourself what books to read for all ages please join me as I share my opinions on recent books, Bibles, and Christian literature. Please visit my other blog site for my thoughts on life and help with grieving: www.lovelettersandcherryblossoms.wordpress.com
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Nelsen's Illustrated Bible Dictionary: New and Enhanced Edition
This book is huge! And I must admit that the new and enhanced edition of Nelsen's Illustrated Bible Dictionary is amazing. If you are a visual learner this book is a great tool as there are updated color photos to go along with some of the definitions of terms. This edition comes with over 7,000 updated entries, over 500 color photos and maps and it has been cross-referenced to major translations. It even has "enlarged type size for ease of use'.
I think what I love most about the Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary is that it is a great asset to any biblical research, sermon prep, Bible story teaching as well as for personal use. One can never stop learning more about the Bible. One can never stop researching something to help ones own sermons and Bible lessons. This book will only add to what you will need or want to use in being properly educated and informed about the culture, geography, and time period throughout the Bible.
If you are wondering whether this book is well worth your time and money, doubt no longer. I strongly suggest that you add Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary to your own personal study time and library.
This book was given to me by booklookbloggers.com and these opinions are my own.
Monday, October 13, 2014
Love Letters from God: Bible Stories, written by Glenys Nellist and Illustrated by Sophie Allsopp
The
book, Love Letters from God: Bible Stories, is by far one of my favorite children’s
books that I have seen in a while. It was written by Glenys Nellist and
illustrated by Sophie Allsopp. Each time that I pick it up I literally have a
smile from the inside out. Not only is it written well with the amazing art to
enhance the pages but also the lift-the-flap love letters from God make one
feel so special. It says, “Your Love Letter from God” and then when you lift
the flap, there is a section to write your child’s name on the line within the
letter. I can see how this will make kids feel as if God had handwritten each
page just for them. This is the point of the Bible is it not; to make each
person understand that it is one, amazing, love letter to the world!
The
Bible stories give a brief outline of the book of the Bible from beginning to
end, which describes perfectly God’s love story to us. Not only does each Bible
story have a love letter from God but there is also a section titled: God’s
Wonderful Words to You, which gives a short verse that the kids can easily
memorize. At the very end the kids have an invitation, which invites them to
join Jesus’ team, as well as a section to write a love note back to God.
If
I had the choice as a Children’s Pastor, I would make sure that every family in
my church who has kids would be able to add this book to their family Bible
reading. It teaches anyone, especially kids, that the Bible is a love letter to
each of us.
I
received this book for free from booklookbloggers.com and these opinions are my
own.
Friday, October 10, 2014
Younique Party!!... my review on Younique Mineral Touch Cream Foundation
My Sister is a Younique Presenter. Please go follow her blog here:
http://youniquemom.blogspot.com/p/younique-products.html
Please join my online party through the 19th of October. This is something that has become special for my sister and myself during the passing of our Mom, who would have loved to enjoy this makeup with us. Read my review below of the Younique Mineral Touch Cream Foundation and join our online party:
www.youniqueproducts.com/Angie/party/685958/view
www.youniqueproducts.com/Angie/party/685958/view
Younique Mineral Touch Cream Foundation is by far one of my
most favorite cream foundations that I have used.
Let me be the first to tell you that I am generally picky
about what goes onto my face. I have tried products from the cheapest to some
top of the line products throughout the years. I have done everything from
making my own facial products to getting expert advice on my skin
sensitivities. This is why my favorite products are good for the health of my
skin and the health of my body.
The Younique Mineral Touch Cream Foundation feels like I am
moisturizing my skin without it feeling greasy. It looks natural while covering
up some of my skin imperfections. It evens out my skin tone on days where my
skin is either dry or slightly greasy. I am thankful that it lasts throughout
my entire day, even a day full of many tears. Unlike other foundations I have
used before, it blends well, keeps my skin breakout free, and makes me feel
beautiful as well as healthy.
For those of you that package matters as well, please note
this small detail: The container that it comes in has a plastic cover inside
with a makeup pad that fits perfectly on top. This helps to protect the cream
foundation from contamination and growth of bacteria that occurs in makeup
products.
Younique Mineral Touch Cream Foundation is worth every
penny. It is by far one of my most favorite cream foundations that I have used.
Monday, September 15, 2014
NIV Streams in the Desert Bible
The new and updated version of the NIV Streams in the Desert
Bible is a good choice for anyone who wants to have a daily devotional as a part
of the Bible. It is a wonderful asset to have the devotionals scattered from
beginning to end. What I love about each day is that there is a short passage
that goes along with the devotional, which also incorporates basic teaching,
poetry, and inspirational stories. For those who need an extra boost of
encouragement this is for you.
The NIV Streams in the Desert Bible is definitely for those
who are just beginning to read the Bible; who are going through a hard time and
need the extra inspiration to begin reading again through the pains of life;
and anyone else who loves to read devotionals as a part of their time with God.
This Bible is a good addition to study Bibles but it is not going to provide
added exegetical content.
Some helpful information to know about The NIV Streams in the
Desert Bible is that there is a devotional for every day of the year. After
each devotional there is a note to indicate which page the next devotional is
on. In the back there is a short subject index as well as an area to write
notes down that is titled: My Journey. It is also good to note that this is not
a Bible that is intended to help you read the Bible in one year but its
intention is to provide a devotional as an asset to the reading that you
already do on your own.
There are many types of Bibles to read out there and if you
are looking for a Bible devotional duo, pick up the NIV Streams in the Desert
Bible today.
I received this Bible free from booklookbloggers.com and
these opinions are my own.
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
"Get to Know Jesus" Biography by Nancy I. Sanders
The full-color Biography for Kids by Nancy I. Sanders titled, “Get to Know Jesus” is an excellent Biography for kids. From a perspective of a Children’s Pastor, I would say that how it is written is done very well for kids. I enjoyed reading it because it was so simple. Certain things that are more difficult for kids to understand were said so well and in ways that kids will be able to not only understand, but also to be able to relate to.
The pictures and descriptions are set up strategically to
help enhance kids different learning styles. I would recommend this book to any
parent looking for good books for their kids to learn while being homeschooled
or for curious readers. I will be giving this to my daughter to read because
the book describes so many details that kids often ask questions about. It is a
biography that will help with Bible reading and understanding who Jesus is in better
ways.
I received this book free from booklookbloggers.com and these opinions are my own.
I received this book free from booklookbloggers.com and these opinions are my own.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Please Forgive Them
I was looking through some old writings and I thought that this one was good enough to share. I wrote this a little over a year ago. Perhaps this will resonate with your soul.
Please Forgive Them
To feel the weight of sadness from another person's sin is almost too much to bear.
All that I can do is to sit here and weep. Yes, I weep for you.
"Lord, please forgive them."
There is simply so much going on here. There is not enough time to speak it all.
Some things are just meant for God to reveal later.
"Lord, please forgive them."
I do not understand all these lies. The pain cuts deep into my soul. Whatever happened to truth and love?
"Lord, please forgive them."
Where is the trust? The pain in my back is too much to bear. I need someone to remove this hurt intended to destroy my very being.
"Lord, please forgive them."
All I long for is for more of Gods love. I long to be in His presence, following Him no matter what it may cost me.
"Lord, please forgive me for the times I allowed doubt to stop me from obeying you; for all those times that I said hurtful things; for the times I acted out in anger. Forgive my pride that blinded me from seeing those times that I was wrong. Oh, please forgive me."
All for Jesus, only Jesus. It is He and only He that truly matters in this entire world. Please help me to forgive, even when sins continue to be committed against me.
May we all, put aside selfish ambition, pride, and jealousy.
We need your love God!
Please help us to love.
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
The NIrV Adventure Bible for Early Readers... get it for your kids!
The NIrV Adventure Bible for Early Readers published by
Zondervan is not only a fun Bible for kids but very simple and practical for
easy learning. This hardback version is in full color and is easy to follow.
From a Children’s Pastor’s viewpoint I would most likely purchase these Bibles
for the kids in my kids church. From a Mom’s perspective I would enjoy reading
along with my own children.
Some awesome aspects of this NIrV Adventure Bible are as
follows:
·
At the beginning of each book of the Bible they
answer the Who, What, Why, For, When, and Where questions.
·
Throughout the pages there are sections labeled:
o “Words
to Treasure”, which is a main Bible verse that is easy for the kids to
memorize.
o “People
in Bible Times”, which gives a brief description of a person that they read
about.
o “Did
you know”, which asks a question a kid may ask and then they provide the
answer.
o “Life
in Bible times”, which gives a description of vital information of the people
and how they lived to help them understand what they are reading better.
o “Live
it!”, which explains how the kids can apply what they are reading to their
daily lives.
·
Other great learning perks that are included are
colored maps, charts, and a dictionary in the back.
I would recommend this Bible for kids to incorporate into
their daily Bible Reading. It is not only easy for them to read but they have
plenty of information that will be fun for them to explore on each page. My stepdaughter
is going to love this Bible for her birthday!
I received this book free from booklookbloggers.com and
these opinions are my own.
Monday, June 23, 2014
The Gift of Marriage
I found myself reflecting about how much fun marriage is
several days ago. It is literally one of the best adventures that I have ever been on!
It caused me to reflect on how important our dating
experience was for my husband and my relationship. When we were dating we had
very clear boundaries. These boundaries were in place in order for us to focus
on our communication, our relationship with God, and others, as well as keep us
both pure & blameless before God.
We were very careful to never make compromises in any way and
I am very glad that we stuck to them! One of the reasons why I am glad that our
boundaries were never compromised was because I can see now looking back how it
built trust in our relationship. I knew that he truly loved me when we
removed ourselves from possible compromising situations or places just to
ensure our own foundation would not crumble. We even went as far as
inconveniencing ourselves just so our example screamed Gods purity &
protection.
Unfortunately others at the time proclaimed that it just
meant that we were working that much harder to hide ourselves but this was the
furthest from the truth. There will always be someone or groups of people that
will not believe the example that you are setting. Countless couples have told
us of similar claims and have described pain and heartache from the slanderous
claims of others. But the most amazing thing about the truth is that no matter what, no
matter the negative people, God will bless you and your spouse. Do not let
those lies get you down because you are showing just how much you love each
other by remaining pure.
At the same time keeping boundaries and remaining pure during
a relationship reveals a selfless heart. Whenever any person attempts to push the
limits this is never love and is very selfish. If you are a selfish person
(many of us have this to some degree) marriage will be very difficult. Marriage
is selflessly giving of yourself to your spouse. This does not always come
naturally at times. In fact this can be very hard. But this is an area of
growth that God will consistently work on.
In a loving marriage, the desire to give of yourself to that
person should naturally grow as the years go by. I have experienced this just
the short amount of time that I have been married. In fact marriage keeps on
getting better and it is so much more fun than dating! Many people tell me the
opposite. But I have experienced the joy, freedom, and immeasurable love that
is intended to be a part of a relationship. It is supposed to portray Gods
heart for us. His love never runs out and the depth of His heart for us goes on
for eternity.
It is also the most fun when the physical perks enhance the
emotional and spiritual perks/gifts that make a relationship with your spouse.
Here is a list I put together of some of these perks/gifts that come with
marriage:
The freedom to make out (we didn't do this while dating)
Holding hands anywhere and everywhere
Not having to watch where your hands are in an embrace
Living together
Staying overnight at friend’s homes & hotels (no brainer
right? When we dated we never stayed under the same roof overnight even
to visit others)
Sex (One of the most beautiful gifts from God in a marriage.
It truly is amazing)
Sleeping and lying in the same bed (Our first intimate
experience like this was on our wedding night)
Staying up late into the morning just talking (we even were
cautious how late we were out together in our dating relationship)
Being able to boldly check each other out
Going out on weekly dates (dating doesn't end after marriage)
Reading Song of Songs (we saved reading this book of the
Bible until our wedding night)
The list above could go on (feel free to add your own in the
comments below or email them to me if you would like).
I have realized that if there have been any physical
compromises made during dating then marriage may be a little disappointing to
you. Let’s be honest here. If you open up presents early, it takes the
excitement level down in large percentages. It also hinders your relationship
with your spouse later down the road. Marriage is not easy. It is both, husband
and wife, giving 100% to one another. It is hard work! To add compromise as the
foundation of how you first began causes a weak foundation. Add issues from
that weak foundation with the issues that will arise from other things and
marriage will be that much tougher.
But do not fret if compromises took place or your beginning
did not go very well. God is in the redeeming business and He is the best one
at it! As long as both of you are willing to follow Him with all that you are
and not just listen but also obey, your marriage will rock. Given, there will
be tough times but it is worth all of the hard work.
If one of you compromised yourself (or perhaps both of you
did) before marriage also know that in Christ you are not the same person. You
have been made whole and complete again (2 Corinthians 5:17). I believe
wholeheartedly that God restores virginity as well as heals the emotional and
mental scars that come with it, when one offers their entire being to God. Full
surrender and passion for God will bring joy and healing into what was once
given away or stolen.
God is so good at what He does! Believe in His miraculous
handiwork. Allow your heart to always be open to God transforming every area of
your life. When you do this together as a couple, your marriage will reflect
God’s heart.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
Love never ends."
Monday, June 2, 2014
Merlin's Nightmare by Robert Treskillard is amazing!
Be prepared for another great adventure when you read,
Merlin’s Nightmare, by the talented Robert Treskillard. This is the 3rd
book by Treskillard in the Merlin Spiral.
Merlin’s Nightmare takes place when Arthur is 18. Merlin has
a family whom Arthur grew up with and their life drastically changes when war
ravages the land. Merlin’s evil sister is still determined to destroy Arthur
and Merlin’s family. You will be swept up into life and death situations with
these characters that Treskillard has done so well to define for each reader.
The battle that raged in the previous books is still intricately woven into
each characters life in Merlin’s Nightmare.
Once again, I read this book late into the night. I often
found myself holding my breath for what Merlin, his family and Arthur were
going through. Each page describes fears, the battle between good, and evil and
ultimately reveals the power of God through those who trust him.
Merlin’s Nightmare is definitely a book that you must read.
But the adventure does not end here. The adventure continues with the Pendragon
Spiral. I cannot wait to be able to read this next series.
I received this book free from booklookbloggers.com and
these opinions are my own.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Patsy Clairmont's "Twirl: A Fresh Spin at Life"
Twirl: A Fresh Spin at Life, is a fun, lighthearted book
that gives insight into the busy and difficult tasks that come our way in life.
Patsy Clairmont writes in a way that makes one feel as if she is talking right
to you over a cup of tea or coffee. She shines a light into the dark moments
that many times can consume our perspectives of how we handle life. Bringing
her sense of humor, her personality, which is full of vibrant color, and her
talents, she opens up her heart to reveal ways that she has handled the
busyness of life.
Each chapter talks about a different way to enjoy life
despite its dark moments. Do you remember how you felt when you twirled as a
kid? Patsy Clairmont, will have you laughing out loud as she offers her insight
from her own life on how to live this life with joy from the Lord. Everyone needs to twirl
more often. Each of us need to be reminded of that childlike joy that we had no
matter what happened when we were children. It was the simple things in life,
like bubbles, pets, painting, writing, or a good twirl on the playground that
brought smiles and laughter into our lives.
Every time that I pick up this book I end up reading it with a
smile on my face. Pick up this book and enjoy reading it. You never know, you
might just remember what it was like to live life in a way that twirling once
brought you joy.
I received this book from booklookbloggers.com and these
opinions are my own.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Essential Atlas of the Bible, Carl G. Rasmussen
Essential Atlas of the Bible is a great way to understand
the life, culture, and world of the time before and after Christ. This book is
great for visual learners as it has multidimensional, full color maps, color
photographs, as well as charts, and weather roads. What I found to be the most
helpful in bringing together the Biblical content with what I was also seeing
in the photos and the maps was the historical background. This is essential in
understanding what we read in the Bible.
This book by Carl G. Rasmussen is a simple yet very detailed
atlas of the Bible that will be a great asset to any Biblical study. Whether
you are doing your own study or taking a Bible class, this will be a book that
will add to your understanding of the Bible. Better yet, it will help make the
Bible come alive as you see the places that Jesus walked, understand more fully
Paul’s missionary journeys and much more.
Pick up your Bible and get to researching with the Essential Atlas of the Bible.
I received this book from booklookbloggers.com and these opinions are my own.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Love amidst rejection
Feb. 3, 2014
I have been struggling to write lately these days. There has
been so much going on inside of me that it is almost as if all of my words and
writing ability has been stuck deep within me. A major reason why I have been
struggling to write is because I have been dealing with some deep hurt and
rejection.
I have never handled rejection well. In fact, because of the
fear of rejection, I tended to be a people pleaser most of my life. It is still
something that the Lord has to keep me in check about every day, especially regarding
important decisions. The past several years of my life has been a journey of
giving this part of myself up to the Lord.
There have been times where it has felt like my heart has
been ripped away and then slapped back into my chest because the people I
wanted to accept me would not. But God is more important. Choosing Him is my
main desire. My love for Him will be shown in my actions. I will let me life
speak for itself. Those who know me know how deeply I love my Savior.
My heart has been aching so much lately. I have been dealing
with the final and ultimate rejection of a dear one I never dreamed would walk
out of my life. My heart has been broken in a new way. Yet, it still beats
everyday and the Lord continues to give me the strength to love and serve so
many amazing people, whom He calls by name.
Amidst my own turmoil, the Lord speaks life into my being
and continues to reveal to me His truth and love. Some days, all I can do is
cry in His arms. But I would not want to be anywhere else. In those moments of
complete peace and rest with my Best Friend, I am able to see just how He sees
what I am going through. There are times where He has to correct things in my
own heart. Ugly things that He desires to make beautiful.
Other moments He tells me how proud He is of me for living
radically, faithfully for Him. There is nothing better than to know that when
He looks at me, He smiles proudly and always has time for coffee. He is everything
to me. Without Him, I would be dead, both literally and spiritually. Jesus has
saved me from myself. Just as He has already used so much bad for good, I trust
that He will continue to do this the rest of my life.
I understand that I am not the only one working through the
pain from others. If you have or currently are dealing with this very thing
know that there is a Savior that understands. He will turn all things into
something beautiful in time!
Here are a few scriptures that I continually meditate on
depending on the day that remind me of the hope that I have in Christ.
Luke 6:20-23
“And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said:
Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you
who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now,
for you shall laugh.
Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude
you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man!
Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in
heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.”
Did you catch that last part? “Rejoice in that day, and leap
for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven.” This is stated after it
talks about others excluding and reviling you!
The other passage of scripture that I have found much solace
in is Psalm 35. It is a Psalm that seems to communicate how I feel in the
moment of rejection, especially when it does not make sense. David experienced
horrible actions and rejection by King Saul. Saul even tried to kill David
multiple times for no other reason than jealousy. I have yet to have someone
attempt to kill me but I have moments where I feel like the enemy certainly has
tried.
Remember that when you live for Christ fully, you will be
hated. You will be excluded and reviled. People will gossip and slander your
name because of Christ in you. Have hope, knowing that God is proud of you for
living faithfully for Him. Have hope, knowing that your reward is something
that will last eternally.
Forgive daily, stand for truth, and let the Lord have His
justice in His time. Let His love consume your heart. Let His Love overflow and
splash onto everyone, even if they exclude and revile you. They are worth
loving even if they will never accept the love you give them.
Love. Love deeply and never give up.
Monday, January 13, 2014
Merlin's Shadow by Robert Treskillard
Once again, Robert Treskillard, has done an impeccable job captivating readers into the second book of The Merlin Spiral in, Merlin's Shadow. You will be swept right back up into the action packed story that began in Merlin's Blade.
I could not help but read late into the night as the battle against light and dark raged in greater depth. Despair and hopelessness seemed to grow and evil overtook hearts of men and women in different ways. As much as the spiritual battle against Almighty God and all that Merlin stands for continues, the triumph over the enemy has the greater emphasis interwoven into the pages. Not only will you relate to the doubts and inner turmoil that Merlin goes through, you will be able to feel like you are a part of his own victory. This victory is a deeper one, and it is one that many of us can also choose in our own lives.
Robert Treskillard has incredible talent and the messages of God's goodness, power, and love throughout the books will also encourage you. If you have not started this series, and love fiction books filled with fantasy, and spiritual truths, you need to start reading, The Merlin Spiral today. Merlin's Shadow will not disappoint you.
I got this book free from booksneeze.com and these opinions are my own.
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