I love John MacArthur's teachings so when I saw his newest book, Twelve Unlikely Heroes I had to request it to review.  I have not been able to read his other "12" books (Ordinary Men and Extraordinary Women) so I wanted to make sure to read this one.  BookSneeze provided me a complimentary copy of Twelve Unlikely Heroes, and I in turn agreed to write this review.

 First of all, I will say that this is not a book that you will breeze through in a weekend setting, nor do you really want to.  John MacArthur knows his theology and has taken time to do a lot of background research in order to enrich the reader's experience with the book. (Taken from back cover) "John MacArthur uses his deep knowledge of the Bible and history to take us back to see these three-dimensional men and women in their own times and cultures. In doing so, it becomes clear how their dramatic stories apply to us today."

   MacArthur goes into great detail about the lives of Enoch, Joseph, Miriam, Gideon, Samson, Jonathan, Jonah, Esther, John the Baptist, James, Mark and Onesimus.  In this book John MacArthur labels them as heroes, but maybe not in the super hero kind of way that we would think.  These men and women of the Bible were real people with real flaws.  They were weak and succumbed to temptation at times.  They struggled, but they also believed God and trusted in Him.  God used them to accomplish His Will in spite of their weaknesses.  When you look at their lives, you get a glimpse of your own life as well. 

  The thing I liked best about the book was the research and background that MacArthur provides on each of these men and women.  I have been a Christian for over 30 years and know quite a bit of information about most of these persons from the Bible, but through reading this book I came away with information I never knew before.  Reading this book helped me to make connections in the Bible that helped me to understand it better.  I so appreciate John MacArthur's style of writing that really ends up teaching me more about God.

   I definitely recommend this book to all readers.  I believe that everyone can learn something new and come away from reading this book with a bigger view of what the Lord can do with a "unlikely" person that is fully surrendered to Him.  Thanks John MacArthur. 

  Oh my goodness, here I am again to tell you about a wonderful new resource for women.  I was blessed by Tyndale to review Nicole Unice's newest release, "She's Got Issues (A DVD Group Experience), AKA "a Bible study".  With a title like, "She's Got Issues" I figured it had to be good because who doesn't have "issues" :)  Tyndale sent me the DVD Curriculum complimentary and I in turn am posting this review.

   I had never heard of Nicole Unice before, but after watching the entire DVD of her new study I am sure I will hear of her more often in the future.  Nicole is a counselor and a ministry leader and she based this DVD study on her popular book with the same name "She's Got Issues".   (Taken from back cover of DVD) "Nicole talks candidly about the everyday issues that can hold you back from living free and loving well."

   The DVD is set us as a 6 session teaching series with an introduction and wrap-up included.   (Taken from back of DVD) This study is "perfect for churches and small groups, this group experience includes candid interviews, individual journaling prompts, insightful and biblical teaching from Nicole, and group discussion."

  One of the things I like the best about this study is when Nicole interviews a woman from the group that she is teaching.  The 4 or 5 minute interview begins each teaching session. Nicole interviews 6 different women over the 6 sessions.  Each woman that is interviewed talks about one of the topics that Nicole will be teaching on (Control, Insecurity, Comparisons, Fear, Anger, and Unforgiveness).  The women being interviewed are completely honest and vulnerable when speaking about their specific "issue".  The interviews are a wonderful way to set up the teaching session by Nicole. 

   I had mentioned that I had never heard of Nicole Unice before so I didn't know what to expect when it comes to her teaching style.  Well I can say that Nicole does a wonderful job at addressing all of the 6 "Issues" and she gives biblical insight and counsel in how to deal with each issue.  Her teachings will challenge participants to wrestle and fight to find freedom from the issues and sin that bind them up physically, emotionally, and most important; spiritually. 

  After reviewing this DVD experience I want to gather a group of women together and go through this study.  It is suggested on the back cover of the DVD to go through this Group experience with a  bible study group, or a women's group.  An hour would be sufficient to meet, or you could go a little longer than an hour.  

 I would say you probably should also purchase the book if you are going to complete this study as the book goes more into detail and includes information that is not on the DVD.   I fully recommend this study to all women, whether as an individual or in a group.  I am definitely looking forward to hearing more from Nicole Unice in the future.

Hello Blog Friends!!!

 Grace Hill Media has given me some promotional products to give away to some of my blog readers.  I will be giving away 2 kid packs (included: 1 activity book, 1 book cover, and 1 eraser set in each pack) and then one T-shirt.  Grace Hill Media is a company that is dedicated to promoting films that are faith and family friendly. 

  All you have to do is leave your name (first name is fine) and a way to contact you if you win in the comment section of this post.  I will choose a winner this Saturday at Noon.  (Grace Hill Media will be sending me the prizes and when they do I will give them out).  Also let me know if you plan on seeing the movie Hotel Transylvania. 

Blessings to all.

(I will be sharing this giveaway on my Facebook page, so names will be combined from my blog and Facebook when I select the winners. 

See trailer below
  (Giveaway only good in US)

   I review books/resources for the website "Blogging For Books", and when I saw the title of my most recent review "Breaking Free from Fear" I couldn't request the book fast enough.  Plus the fact that the author of this book was Kay Arthur I knew that this resource would be a great one for me and others.

 "Breaking Free from Fear" is actually more of a Bible Study than a book.  It is one of the books in Kay's 40 Minute Bible Studies from Precept Ministries International.  It is set up as a 6 week, no homework Bible Study.  For this reason alone I think this would be a great resource for someone who doesn't have a lot of time, but who still wants to get into God's Word and learn what It has to say.  It is a Bible Study to work through in a group, but I made my way through it alone.  Alone or in a group, the format of the Bible Study will work well.

  One other thing I do like about this study is that all the selected topical Bible verses (word for word)  are written in the book.  This study is set up as an inductive Bible study so you will go verse by verse and Kay will ask you to underline, circle, or draw symbols that represent certain words.  If you prefer you can write in the book instead of your Bible, although you may want to write in your Bible too. 

  Lastly, Kay does discuss the Bible verses in the study and she will ask questions about the verses, but she leaves most of the discovery to you in hopes that you will delve into God's Word for yourself.  The best way to use this resource is to take time to pray before you complete each week.  Ask God to reveal to you what He wants to show you through His Word.  Kay's study is set up to help those new to Bible study and also to guide those who have been in God's Word for years. I definitely recommend this book for your personal study or as a group study.

  I received this book complimentary from "Blogging for Books" and in return I am writing this review. 

  My most recent review is from "Blogging for Books", and it is the book from Mary C. Neal, MD, "To Heaven and Back".  The book is about Dr. Neal's near death experience that occurred during a kayak accident in South America, and how that experience (and other life experiences) shaped her life and changed her perspective about her faith and her life's purpose while on earth. 

  First I will review the book and its content, and then give you my personal thoughts about the book.  As far as readability, this book is a quick read and Dr. Neal writes in such a way that you could actually read this book in one sitting.  She breaks down the book into 33 short chapters that coincide with her life from her early years to the current day events of her life.  Dr. Neal brings the reader into her life by sharing her intimate thoughts and feelings.  When authors share on such a personal level it always draws me into their stories and lives. 

  I feel as if one of the goal's of Dr. Neal's book is to show her readers that God's miracles still occur everyday all around you, if you just have faith to believe in Him and not see life's experiences as coincidences.  She shares much of how her near-death experience changed the way she viewed life,  God, Jesus and her relationships with others; including her patients, friends, and family. 

  I am not going to share much of the personal details of her story as it will be better if you read it for yourself.  However, I did want to mention that as a born again Christian I am always cautious about reading books about near-death experiences, angels and other spiritual practices.  I am sure that many of the stories that we read in this genre are true, but I to know that many stories that are out there are not true and not of God.  In reading this book, I felt Dr. Neal did a good job at showing how her relationship with God was strengthened and her focus was mainly on Him and not other "spiritual" things.  As much as I can know I felt that what she was saying was true.  (Disclaimer:  There was one story about a friend of hers and her husband that passed away. Personally, I was not at all comfortable with what she claimed.  I do not feel as if it lined up with what Scripture says.  Please read with discretion and prayer).

 I can only say if you read this book, or any book about these kind of topics, read with caution,  Pray that God will give you discernment about what is truth. 

If you are looking for a book to read, or a bible study to complete...please take a few minutes and view my video review of Jennie Allen's new book and bible study.   This definitely is not a professional video :) but it will do :)

  I received a complimentary copy of Andy Stanley's new book, "When Work and Family Collide" from the Blogging for Books website.  In turn I have to write a review.   For this book, I let my husband read and write the review because he enjoys Andy Stanley's work. 

 I am surviving "Summer" so far.  I thought it was a good time to check in and let you know how I am doing... (for those rare few that do visit my blog :) 

On my last post (see below if you missed it) I made of list of my "Important" and "Urgent" things that I wanted to get done during my summer break.  Although, I have struggled a bit, I have actually had some victories as well.   I think the biggest victory is that I have been able to read the bible with my children everyday of our summer break so far.   At this point in time, I don't see the boys engaging the way I had hoped (spiritually speaking), but I feel that this discipline of daily Bible reading and praying will help them to realize that it is something they will need in their lives if they want to grow closer to God.  In the bible it says, that God's Word is alive and active, and I just need to keep praying that His Word will come alive in their hearts and move my boys to action for Him and His glory.

   I am pretty much getting up early, but not quite the time I have set for myself.  I think if I just go to bed a bit earlier (than MIDNIGHT :) I would have a good fighting chance of getting up at my set time in the morning. 

 I have even completed some of the things on my "urgent" list that were less important, but still needed to be done. I have cleaned up my room (this was HUGE) and I have one happy husband.  I have organized my son's closet and have been able to get in some exercise.  Oh, and I am almost finished reading the most awesome book, "Kisses from Katie".  I will write about this in a later post, but if you get a chance, go out today and buy this book...you won't regret it. 

  However, I have had a few days that I just really shut down and escaped into the world of TV and the computer.   I call those my wasted days... But with God's help and infinite grace and mercy I can start over at any minute of my day, and I definitely have had to do that. 

 HOW ABOUT YOU?  HOW IS YOUR SUMMER GOING?  I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW, JUST LEAVE ME A COMMENT :)

Blessings, Kim
 

     "School's Out for Summer!"  Tomorrow that statement will be officially true and while I am excited about summer and the time off from work, I am also a little anxious.  Why anxious?  Well, because I have been notorious for wasting my summers away.  I always have great plans and goals for my summer, but I always seem to come up short.  Well, this summer I am determined with God's help to not waste my summer, my weeks, my days and my minutes ( actually, I will probably waste some minutes :).


     Things have been pretty quiet here on my blog, but with my "Summer Series" posts I hope to change things.  Today I heard a wonderful message from David Jeremiah and in his message he talked about goal setting (how appropriate for today's post).  He said something about how the "URGENT" things of life seem to edge out the "IMPORTANT" things in life.  I really agree with what he said, as everyday I am faced with things that seem so urgent and must be done, and the important things that I know I need to do take a backseat to those other lesser things.  I don't want that to happen this summer, or ever actually.


 So here on my blog I am going to make a list of my Important Things that I need to accomplish this summer, as well as my Urgent things that I want to accomplish, but with the goal of making sure the important things get done first. 

IMPORTANT THINGS (FIRST THINGS)
-Wake up no later than a certain time everyday (I don't want to share my specific time so you won't make a judgment on if it is too late or not :)  Trust me it is early for me, as I can really sleep in...
-Read the Bible with my boys every morning  (I want my boys to develop their own personal quiet times, but I need to model it for them)
-Have my own personal "Quiet Time" with God everyday.  Goal is to make sure I do this before I start doing the other tasks or fun things of my day.  This includes prayer and bible reading or study.
-Teach and model household chores for each of my boys
-Surrender my Fear to God
-Surrender my Food Addiction to God


URGENT THINGS (SECONDARY THINGS)
-Clean and organize my bedroom (my hubby would put this on my important list :)
-Keep my house clean
-Organize, decorate, and set up my oldest son's room
-Exercise
-Spend quality time with my friends alone and with their kids
-Invite neighbors over for a BBQ
-Read some good books
-Make contact more often with my family in Florida
-Get ladies together for bible study or a ladies night


 I think I could write a few other things on my lists, but I don't want to write too much so I don't get overwhelmed.  I know that in my own strength  I won't really have a chance of accomplishing these goals, but I know if I trust in God and seek Him to help me I will be able to achieve my goals. 

SO, HERE IS WHERE I INVITE YOU TO JOIN ME.  WE WON'T BE AN OFFICIAL GROUP, BUT WE CAN OFFER EACH OTHER A LITTLE ACCOUNTABILITY.  LET ME KNOW WHAT YOUR IMPORTANT AND URGENT THINGS ARE, AND  IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS WE CAN CHECK IN AND SEE HOW EACH OTHER ARE DOING.  BLESSINGS!!!

  My most recent book review is of the book "Momaholic (Crazy Confessions of a Helicopter Parent)" by Dena Higley.  To be honest I normally would not have chosen this book to review, but I was intrigued by the description of the book.  It is about a mom who was the head writer for the Soap Opera "Days of Our Lives", who has four children; one of them with autism.  Two of her children were adopted, and one of them had special needs.  So needless to say, I was curious about the story of this particular mother. 

   I did enjoy this book, and throughout the book Dena talks about her faith.  I would have loved to hear her talk more about how her faith actually helped her through her difficult circumstances.  I love how Dena was honest about her struggles as a mom and wife.  She talks about her journey of learning about her son's Autism and how she dealt with that, as well as finding out her daughter was pregnant outside of marriage and how she dealt with that as well.  She goes onto explain how all of these experiences and more, caused her to have a complete breakdown.  However, in the end she would share how things would turn around with the help of God and others He put in her life.

  One of the major themes of the book in my opinion is the idea of being a "helicopter mom", and how that can be destructive to your children. "Helicopter parenting is "the act of hovering over one's children, anticipating and meeting their every need: may or may not include cleaning up after said children, "helping" with homework, and presiding over numerous social activities: this method of childrearing is often defined by grumpy, needy children and overworked, exhausted moms: declared a national epidemic by The Association for Tired Parents" (Taken from the back of the book).  Dena shares in great detail how her own "helicopter parenting" affected her children, and how after coming to grips with what she was doing she decided to make changes.  I think she hopes that by sharing her experiences she can help other moms learn from her mistakes.  I think that is exactly what could happen when a reader reads Dena's book.

I was given this complimentary copy of this book by Book Sneeze in return for writing this review. 

 

      My latest book review is a book from author, Kasey Van Norman titled "Named by God (overcoming your past, transforming your present, embracing your future)."   Kasey Van Norman is the founder and president of Kasey Van Norman Ministries, and is a respected Bible teacher in Texas.  I had never heard of her before, but thought the description of her book was interesting and so I wanted to review the book. 

    This book is a blend of Kasey's personal life testimony and teachings she has learned from the scriptures. As to not give away too much information from the book, it begins with Kasey sharing memories from her childhood, including a tragic and devastating experience that marked her for life.  Kasey then goes on to share how her childhood affected her future, and how that led her to a personal failure that took her life in another direction.  It would seem that all would end sadly for Kasey, but God intervened in her life in a powerful way and redeemed her to serve and live her life fully devoted to Him. 

   "In Named by God, Kasey shows what it means to find our true identity in Christ, to live the surrendered life of the redeemed, and to find life by losing it. (previous sentence taken from the back of the book)."  I did enjoy this book and I am always encouraged by reading others' personal testimonies of how they overcame life's obstacles by trusting in God.  Kasey does a great job of encouraging her readers to not give up, and she reminds them that God can use anyone, even those with tainted and dark pasts.  Just from reading her book, I can tell that she is in love with God and has dedicated her life to serving Him no matter the cost. 

    I think this would be a good book for anyone to read, especially women and those that have been hurt in their past.  This would also be a good book to read with a group of women, as it has many different topics that could be discussed in a group setting. 

 Thank you Tyndale for providing me with this complimentary copy of this book.  (I in turn agreed to post this review)

Things have been quiet here on my blog, but I am happy to start things up again by posting this book review for Book Sneeze. I have read several of Shelia Walsh's books, but this book is my favorite book of the ones she has written. The book is titled "God Loves Broken People (And Those Who Pretend They're Not) and Shelia said that if she could only write one book in her lifetime this book would be it. I think in so many ways it is because this book represents her life story the best.

The book is broken up into thirteen chapters and includes a bible study for each chapter. I love that because this book is not one that you simply read, but one that you can actually work through, and one that encourages you to read Scriptures from the Bible. As with many of the books I have read this one would be a wonderful one to do with a small group of women (men too, although I think women would relate to this book a bit better).

One quote from the book cover states, "Shelia Walsh shows how personal brokenness can open doors of intimacy with Jesus Christ that might never open in any other way." In my opinion that pretty much sums up the whole book. Shelia shares much of her own personal journey with brokenness in this book, but she also share the stories of many others who have walked the lonely painful road of brokenness as well. However, Shelia doesn't end with just the broken stories of their lives, but with how God has used the brokenness of their lives to draw them into a deeper relationship with Himself. Suffering and utter brokenness if one allows it to will usher him/her into an intimacy with Jesus that is not experienced in the happy and joyful times of life.

I feel of all the books that I have read of Shelia's that in this one she really challenges Christians to let go of ideas about how the Christian life should be one of no trials and pure happiness, but that we should instead embrace suffering and brokenness because that is what Jesus did for us. Purely because of that fact I think this book is wonderful.

This book will definitely be an encouragement to those who have lived through immense suffering or are currently in a season of suffering and brokenness. For those who are currently in a "happy" time of their lives I believe this book can be a reminder that brokenness and suffering will come to us all one day and this book may help to prepare us to have a correct response and view of suffering. This book is definitely a five star book and I would recommend it to others.

I received this book complimentary from Book Sneeze (Thomas Nelson) and in turn I am writing this review. Thanks Book Sneeze.

Today's BookSneeze book review is about the new book "I Am Second" by Doug Bender and Dave Sterrett. A couple of years ago I remember hearing about a movement (group) called "I Am Second". (This quote was taken directly from the I am Second website)"I am Second is a movement meant to inspire people of all kinds to live for God and for others. Actors. Athletes. Musicians. Business leaders. Drug addicts. Your next-door neighbor. People like you." Since that time the movement has grown with all kinds of people taking the pledge to put God and others first in their lives, and for them to be "second".

I was very happy to get to review this book. I absolutely love reading books about the lives of "real" people in "real" life situations. The good, bad and ugly. Well, I can tell you that is exactly what I got to read about in the new book "I Am Second". Basically, "I Am Second" is a book of personal testimonies of how real life people like you and me, and even a few "famous" people finally came to a place in their lives where they decided to put God first. The stories in this book are inspiring and encouraging. When I read them my faith is strengthened and I am reminded that my God is amazing and faithful and He can do anything!

This book is an easy read and probably can be finished in a few settings. You may find it hard to put this book down. One of the things I like about this book is that after each personal story the author lists and gives the link to other's stories that are similar to the one you would have just read. Actually, you can go the website and "watch" short video testimonies of others that are not featured in the book.

Some of the featured people in this book are Brian "Head" Welch, Josh Hamilton, Michelle Aguilar (Biggest Loser), Michael W. Smith, and Bethany Hamilton (Soul Surfer). Those are some of the "famous" people that you might know from this book, but I will tell you it was also the stories of the everyday people that got to me the most. These people share amazing stories of God's grace and His healing, transforming power. As I said before this book will definitely leave you feeling encouraged and challenged to make sure you put God first in your life.

So if you are looking for a great book to read I highly recommend "I Am Second". You will not be disappointed after reading this book. Thank you so much BookSneeze for allowing me to review this book.

(I received this book from BookSneeze complimentary and in return I must post a review)

The question in my title (What's for Dinner?) is one that makes me cringe and feel guilty. You see I don't have the cooking gene, as I think it skipped a generation in my family line :) All joking aside, I do get very stressed when my husband or kids ask me "What's for dinner?" I would have to say one of the main reasons I stress is because I have not planned ahead of time, and I am realizing that a little planning can go a long way when it comes to dinner time.

You may think this post today is about my inability to pull together a good meal for dinner, but actually it is a review about a great new book from Kathi Lipp (remember the Husband Project we did on this blog?) titled, "The "What's for Dinner?" Solution (Quick, Easy, and Affordable Meals Your Family Will Love). The book is appropriately titled as it is filled with over 280 recipes that are quick, affordable and easy to make. The recipes don't call for a lot of ingredients that either you have never heard of, or are outrageously expensive.

You would think from my description that this book is just a cookbook, but it is so much more than a cookbook. If you are like me you probably don't need another cookbook :) This book is really a "how to" get organized and make a plan to get dinner on the table every night, or if you are like me at least several nights a week :) Kathi has included chapters in her book that help you with organization (recipes, tools, and pantry) and she also explains how to meal plan for 31 days. Yep, a whole month... can you believe that? Kathi explains about how to freeze meals, use a slow cooker and her LOOP method (LeftOvers On Purpose Meals).

This book can be read in one or two settings and is an easy read. Depending on your personality and lifestyle you maybe able to adapt and use every strategy in Kathi's book. However, if you are like me and get a bit overwhelmed you may not implement everything in the book, but you will definitely be able to use much of the information in the book to make your "kitchen" and "dinner" time a success for your family. I am starting slow, but am excited about the changes I can make at this time in my life.

I highly recommend this book if you are struggling with the age old question "What's for Dinner?". On the other hand, I highly recommend this book if you are the seasoned chef of your home. Everyone can benefit from reading this book.

Thank you Kathi for sharing your knowledge with us, and thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Click HERE to read my latest post at the "A Martha Heart" website. How do you spend the minutes of your day? That is what I am talking about today :) Join the conversation...

It has been a long, long time since I have done my "Know & Tell Friday" meme...So I decided to bring it back, or at least I am going to see how it goes. I just love to ask questions, so "Know & Tell" is right up my alley.

Today's questions will relate to a recap of 2011.... If you want to participate, there are two ways to join in. You can answer all the questions right here on my blog in the comment section, or you can answer all the questions (feel free to copy and paste the questions...grab the button to if you would like) on your blog/website. If you choose the second option, please at least leave a comment on my blog directing everyone to your website so we can read your answers... Some of the questions will be light hearted and fun, and others more reflective.

Know & Tell Questions

1. What was your best beauty product of 2011? Smashbox's Limitless liquid eyeliner pen...changed my life :)

2. What was your favorite book of 2011? Dug Down Deep by Joshua Harris

3. What was your favorite Bible Study you completed in 2011? Stuck by Jennie Allen

4. What was your favorite Christmas gift you received or gave (or both)? Going to Florida to see my family during Christmas break

5. What was one thing that God taught you in 2011? I still am trying to work or do works to earn God's favor

6. What was one of your toughest moments of 2011? Probably overall the realization that I am still bound up in many areas...holding onto my spiritual idols

7. What Bible verse encouraged or changed you in some way in 2011? 1 Timothy 4:16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

8. What was one of your biggest accomplishments in 2011? Joined a gym and physically pushed my body beyond what I thought was possible... I jumped up on a high platform :)

9. What was one of your greatest family memories of 2011? Spending 2 days at Universal Studios...

10. Spiritually speaking, what is one thing you will change in 2012? Establish and maintain a consistent Quiet time with God...Getting to know who God really is

If you stumble upon this blog, or you read it from time to time, please participate as I would love to read your answers...

Blessings