My Family Is My World

Book Review: Friendship for Grown-Ups by Lisa Whelchel

2010-10-06T11:42:00.003-05:00

I recieved a copy of Lisa Whelchel-Cauble (Blair from "The Facts of Life") free from Thomas Nelson Publishers in return for an honest review.

I enjoyed watching The Facts of Life growing up (YES! I am a "child of the 80s). To watch "Blair" on the screen, you would think she had it all together. Well, Blair might have, but Lisa didn't...not where friendships came into play.

This book is a fairly easy read and Lisa opens up about how hard it was for her to have true friendships growing up. The book is not a "how-to" book...Lisa just opens up about how she struggled to find those lasting friendships.

Overall, the book was good. She did quote from other authors a lot. I enjoyed it, I guess, because, as I said i AM a child of the 80s and I was interested in what Lisa had to say. Others may not find her easy writing style and "storytelling" as interesting or useful.

I would recommend the book to a friend...but probably only adult women because I don't think "most" guys would "get" some of the deep emotional parts.

Until next I type...
GOD BLESS

Your "Plan A" should REALLY including your reading "Plan B" by Pete Wilson

2010-05-04T07:24:00.003-05:00

Product InformationFormat: Paperback
Number of Pages: 224
Vendor: Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: 2010
Dimensions: 8.38 X 5.44 (inches)
ISBN: 0849946506

Publisher's Description

Learn how God often does His best work in our most hopeless situations.

What do you do with a shattered dream? Or an unmet expectation? What do you do when your life isn’t turning out the way you thought it would? What do you do when you have to turn to Plan B?

In Plan B pastor and author Pete Wilson uses real life stories of disappointments and hurts along with the biblical stories of men and women like David, Joseph, and Ruth to help readers come to grips with the truth that they will face situations that in themselves they are completely unable to handle but that in them God is simply trying to get them to surrender their plans so that they can receive His. He identifies our common responses to difficulties and offers hope, helping us to

-- Understand what God might be up to
-- See how surrender helps us to receive God’s plan
-- Embrace the community of believers
-- Reconcile a God of love with a life of tragedy and suffering

Wilson points readers to the cross as not just the starting line but the centerpiece of our story with God and shares that it is there we turn in our Plan B and find the undeniable relationship between crisis and our hope followed by true spiritual transformation. "God wants to live inside the questions" says Wilson and then reminds us that "the cross is proof that He does not always change the circumstance but that He always has a purpose in every circumstance. He will never let go of us. He will hold us and His cross will be an anchor for us."

My Thoughts:

I was REALLY looking forward to reading this book and was NOT disappointed. Pastor Pete Wilson really “hit the nail on the head” with this one.

I enjoyed how he intertwined Biblical stories with not only his life, but also the lives of his congregation over the years and other friends. He used characters from the Bible such as Joseph, Job, Paul, Naomi & Ruth, and Abraham.

I believe Pastor Wilson took a complex subject and made it easier for others to try and grasp the concept of (I might have changed some of the wording he used. What DO you do when “life” takes over and you have to move to “Plan B”?! Do you trust God? Do you question God? Can you still feel God’s presence? Do you feel alone? Abandoned?

Pastor Wilson shows us how different people in the Bible responded to different tests in their lives. He teaches that we all need “community”…most of the time we don’t hear about something until it has escalated (divorce, suicide, abuse, etc) without ever hearing about “underlying issues”. God not only wants to hear from us, He wants us to share with others…He wants us to hear and say, “Me, too”! (this HAD to be one of my favorite parts of the book – it “got my toes” a little – because I am one of those people who likes to talk a lot, but not really “share” a lot!).

I would DEFINITELY recommend this book…and WILL!!! It was an easy read and kept you interested…but not so easy that you become bored with it.

THANK YOU TO PASTOR PETE WILSON AND TO BOOKSNEEZE FOR ALLOWING ME TH OPPORTUNITY TO READ THIS BOOK!!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

2010-04-08T11:03:00.001-05:00

BOOK REVIEW: NCV Revolve New Testament Biblezine

2010-04-07T07:24:00.002-05:00

I recently reviewed NCV Revolve New Testament Biblezine for booksneeze.com.

I was excited to get this magazine as I have a teenage daughter. Upon receiving it, however, I have mixed feelings. It did, in fact, contain the entire New Testament. There were also short articles on fashion, dating, makeup...and text messages on just about every page.

While I thought the mojority of articles were good, I also thought they could have maybe been all placed in the back instead of dispersed throughout the Bible. As for the "text messages"...I have a strong dislike for "lack of spelling correctly" among a lot of young people today, so those did NOT impress me.

Overall, I would sugest this to parents with teen daughters. I would also suggest that parents talk to their daughters (and sons) about the importance of the Bible and that they shouldn't concentrate so hard on what the WORLD says but on what the WORD says.

I appreciate the opportunity to review this "Biblezine" and am now going to look into maybe attending a Revolve Tour with my daughter.

Product Description: GOD'S WORD ROCKS…IN REVOLVE 2010! Now in its sixth edition, the Revolve series has proven effective in reaching teenage girls by featuring the Bible in a cool, magazine design. Interspersed throughout the scriptures, girls find articles and images that speak to their concerns and interests: how-to articles, lifestyle features, beauty tips, fun games and quizzes, and more. Everything about Revolve 2010 relates directly to teen girls, making it the New Testament they can understand in a format to which they can relate.

Product InformationFormat: Paperback
Number of Pages: 400
Vendor: Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: 2009

Until Next Time...
GOD BLESS!!
michelle

2010-01-25T17:53:00.002-06:00

I have recently recieved a copy of "Beautiful Mess: The Story of Diamond Rio" from Tommy Nelson.
I have to admit I was excited about reading the book; however, I was a little diappointed in it.
The book seemed a little on the dry side to me.
Some of the members seemed a little more reluctant in sharing their life than others.
(of course, I also believe that some things are better left unsaid..."don't air all your dirty laundry").

It was, however, a good background source of the band and their successes and failiures as a group.

I WOULD recommend the book...but only to those who really just want to know the background information on the group as a group.

2009-08-26T19:02:00.001-05:00

BOOK REVIEW: A Man of His Word

2009-08-26T18:56:00.001-05:00

I have not always been a "fan" of Amish novels; however, Kathleen Fuller really did her "homework" for her book, A Man of His Word. The story is set in Middlefield, Ohio and centers around the life of Moriah Byler Miller. Moriah has been married to Levi Miller for four short months when she discovers she's pregnant. Levi, however, leaves her and the Amish community before she has a chance to tell him. Gabriel, Levi's twin brother, has loved Moriah secretly for years and tries to step in and take care of Moriah.

This story flowed well and was a good read...taking you through the life of this young Amish wife preparing for the birth of her baby possibly by herself. Would she be able to do it? Would Levi return? Would she be alone with her child for the rest of her life? She can only depend on the Lord to guide her through this.
Unexpected twists come...both blessed and bad...in Moriah's life as well as other members in the Amish community in which she lives.

I HIGHLY recommend this book and am anticipating the second book in the series coming out in Spring, 2010.

I reviewed this book as a member of the Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogger Program at http://brb.thomasnelson.com

DVD Review: Skeeter and the Mystery of the Lost Mosquito Treasure

2009-07-13T08:52:00.003-05:00

I have just reviewed a DVD for Thomas Nelson’s Book Review Blogger program: http://brb.thomasnelson.com/

The DVD is Skeeter and the Mystery of the Lost Mosquito Treasure by Max Lucado.
If you have never watched a Hermie the Worm and Friends movie by Mr. Lucado, you REALLY need to get one. This is #12 in the series.

Here's some "product detail":
"Skeeter is a Mosquito who can't seem to do anything right. To make matter worse, he has a famous older brother who can't seem to do anything wrong! Skeeter's brother, the world famous adventurer Sir Sinclair M. Skeeto, shows up in the garden with a mysterious treasure map left by their father. When he arrives, the garden gang is awed by him and can't help but fawn all over him. Can Skeeter, with his crooked stinger, really help solve the mystery of the treasure's location?
Based on Psalm 139:13-14, kids will learn a lesson about each of us being designed especially by God. This episode introduces John O'Hurley as Sir Sinclair M. Skeeto, and also features the voice talents of Tim Conway and Melissa Disney. Running time: Approximately 60 minutes. Recommended for ages 4 to 10."

I have 3 children...ages 3, 11 and 13. All 3 of them enjoyed this movie (for varying reasons of course). Tim Conway and the other actors do such a wonderful job voicing the characters and Max Lucado does a fantastic job with the storyline.

Skeeter is a mosquito who loves his life in the garden but has always been self-councious of his crooked stinger. Through the help of his friends, and the Lord, Skeeter learns to accept his stinger as God's gift...God makes everyone an individual and wants us to use what HE has given US to further HIS will in our lives.

I highly recommend not only this particular DVD, but all in the series.

Book review: Love's Rescue by Tammy Barley

2009-07-11T22:41:00.002-05:00

I have just finished a book that I really had a hard time putting down: Love's Rescue by Tammy Barley. This is book #1 in The Sierra Chronicles.

If you enjoy reading historical, Christian, romance, you're gonna LOVE following the story of Jessica Hale and Jake Bennett.

Mrs Barley is a very talented writer. She keeps you wanting more, trying to guess what will come next. She is very knowledgable of life in the 1860's...the War between the States, the Wild West, the struggles of ranchers, the lives of the White man and the native American. I can not brag on this book enough. There is no doubt in my mind that I will DEFINITELY be purchasing all future books in this series.

Jessica is a true heroine...going through every emotion a person can: love, hate, fear, anger.

Jake is the cowboy every little girl dreams will come to her rescue. He is a man of honor and loves the Lord.

This is from the back of the book:
"A Dividing Conflict
In 1863, the War Between the States is dividing more than a nation. To escape the conflict, Jessica Hale and her family flee their Kentucky home and head for Nevada Territory. Her brother, Ambrose, committed to the Confederates, rejoins the Kentucky militia and is disowned by his father. But the worst is yet to come.

A Heroic Kidnapper
When Unionists presume the family to be Confederate sympathizers, they set a devastating fire to their home. All alone and then “kidnapped” by cattleman Jake Bennett, Jessica is taken to a ranch deep in the Sierra Nevada wilderness. Can she overcome her resentment toward Jake for failing to save her family?

The Depths of Love
When Jake launches a plan to help Jessica’s brother escape from prison camp, she sees him for the honest, good-hearted Christian man that he is and now knows the depth of his love for her. Through the lingering smoke and smoldering ashes from her ruined home and murdered family, will Jessica see a future with Jake?"

Review: Word of Promise Next Generation New Testament MP3 Set

2009-02-21T17:23:00.002-06:00

We received from Thomas Nelson a copy of "Word of Promise Next Generation New Testament MP3 Set".

This is an audio version of the New Testament on MP3 CDs with voices your pre-teen/teen will readily recognize. A few examples are as follows:

Corbin Bleu (High School Musical) as Peter

Emily Osment (Hannah Montana) as Mary, Mother of Jesus

Annasophia Robb (Bridge to Terabithia) as Mary Magdalene

These actors, along with many others, read from the ICB (International Children's Bible).

Although the CDs are of very high quality, some adults may find them boring (I mean, admit it, we are OLD and "unhip" sometimes). However, if you have a tween/teen in your home...boy or girl...they will appreciate these CDs.

You will receive 24 hours of audio drama on 3 mp3 CDs and a Behind-the-Scenes DVD which includes interviews with the actors. There is also a plan in which your child can listen to the ENTIRE New Testament in 40 days.

I would highly recommend this product to anyone involved in the lives of tweens/teens. Our children today are so high-tech, they have sometimes forgotten "how to" read...this, infortunately includes the Bible. They walk around with MP3 players or Ipods stuck in their ears...let's give them something that's REALLY "worht listening to".

Until Next I type...and YOU read...
love your family and friends...and love God!!

Not Me! Monday

2009-01-05T10:57:00.002-06:00

I did NOT let my 3 yr old son sleep until 11:30 a few days last week b/c he stayed up WAY too late the night before and then complain b/c he wouldn't go to bed that night.

I did NOT chase aforementioned 3 yr old through Golden Corral b/c he had to pee. MY children KNOW better than to run in a crowded Restaurant.

I did NOT forget to turn the washing machine ON after loading it with clothes AND detergent SEVERAL times over the last couple of weeks. I mean...how smart do you have to be to remember to PUSH THE START BUTTON?!!

I did NOT procrastinate taking down the CHRISTmas decorations and am NOT still looking at them. GOOD GRIEF!! It's 2009...WHY would ANYONE still have up their decorations?!!

I did NOT wanna shake a lady at the park b/c her lil girl pooed on the playground equipment and she just LEFT IT THERE!!

I did NOT purchase the stationery and envelopes to do a New Year letter (since I did NOT not send out CHRISTmas cards) and STILL haven't typed the first word of said letter. I mean...WHAT would I be waiting on...CHRISTMAS?!!!

Okay...your turn. If you would like to participate in "Not Me! Monday", please click on the button at the top of this post and follow the directions listed there.

Until next I type and YOU read!
GOD BLESS!
Michelle

2009-01-01T21:43:00.001-06:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

Merry 2 days after CHRISTmas!!

2008-12-27T12:54:00.002-06:00

SugarPlum came and read Little Big Daddy L a bedtime story...AND brought b4 CHRISTmas presents from...SANTAAAaaaaaa!!!! How KEWL is THAT?!! =)

The house behind us is a REAL gingerbread house...it was AMAZING to look at...wonder how it would have TASTED...OH MY!!!

I pray everyone had a WONDERUL CHRISTmas!!

May the Lord bless each and every one of you in the upcoming NEW YEAR!!

Until next I type and you read...

Book Review: The Faith of Barack Obama

2008-12-02T16:28:00.001-06:00

I have just finished reading The Faith of Barack Obama by Stephen Mansfield. I will admit, that like most people I’m sure, I chose to read this book purely out of curiosity. No matter what we personally think about Barack Obama, he’s young and is going to be in the political spotlight a long time. In my opinion, this was the most historic election ever held in American history. I received the book before the election but have just now had time to read/review it.

Mansfield seemed to approach this topic from a journalistic point of view. He does not include any personal interviews with Obama himself. The chapters of the book unfold from Barack Obama’s childhood with an agnostic mother to living in Indonesia with his mother and Muslim stepfather to his 20+ years at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago.

This book was an easy enough read. I believe Mansfield saw an opportunity to get this book out fast; however, with more time, I believe there could have been “more to it”. After reading this, I believe Barack Obama truly believes himself to be a Christian. I also believe, however, that he allows his politics/constituents to run his life rather than his religion. For a Christian to say, “There are aspects of the Christian tradition that I’m comfortable with and aspects I’m not. There are passages in the Bible that make perfect sense to me and others that I go, ‘Ya know, I’m not sure about that’ “…that really bothers me…either you take the Bible as COMPLETE truth, or you don’t.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is curious. It was NOT a “waste of time” in my opinion. If you would like to receive this book for free…well, there is the cost of a 200-word review…please go to http://brb.thomasnelson.com/

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

2008-11-30T21:57:00.000-06:00

We all have so much to be thankful for...and yet we sometimes choose to dwell on what we DON'T have.

Please...as we are beginning the holiday season...PLEASE...COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS...NAME THEM ONE BY ONE!!

What God gives...God CAN/DOES take away!!

I'll leave you with this cute picture of Lil' Big Daddy L. He will smile...SOMETIMES...but not always AT the camera...so THIS, my friend, is a rare item =)

GOD BLESS

Until next I type...and you read...

DON'T FORGET TO COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS!!

ELVES...THEY'RE EVERYWHERE!!!

2008-11-24T16:48:00.001-06:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

ELVES...THEY'RE EVERYWHERE!!!

2008-11-24T16:46:00.001-06:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

ELVES...THEY'RE EVERYWHERE!!!

2008-11-24T16:45:00.001-06:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

ELVES...THEY'RE EVERYWHERE

2008-11-24T16:42:00.001-06:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Pictures...Pictures...Pictures...

2008-10-17T11:49:00.000-05:00

WHERE have I been?!!

2008-08-28T10:48:00.000-05:00

Ok...so once a week to blog hasn't caught on with me yet.

ANYWAY...

Sister turned 13 on the 13th. We had a little get-together with a few family & friends. It was nice and I think she enjoyed it...nothing fance/big at all.

She started school on the 14th. We live in a SMALL town so that was her first day of High School...OH ME!! She is in Marching Band this year..."band nerd" like her Momma...clarinet and all 8-)

Lil' Big Daddy K is homeschooling right now so mommy can (finally) finish her teaching degree (distance learning through Patriot Bible University in CO). He is also playing Little League football for the first time...YIKES!! He is a 3rd generation #31...GO WILDCATS!!

Lil' Big Daddy L is busy, busy, busy. He is SO funny. You NEVER know what he is gonna do...or say. He is learning more and more everyday. Today he told his Daddy, "I have cooties"...CRAZY lil' guy!!

Alright...well...nothing "major" to report.

No big plans for the weekend itself...Sister DOES have a marching band engagement on Monday...and we MIGHT grill out.

I dare say it's "boring" b/c I know it won't be for long.

Until next I type...and you read...

Have a GREAT rest of the week...and a GREAT, SAFE holiday weekend!

GOD BLESS

Michelle

The weekend is HERE

2008-07-25T17:00:00.000-05:00

Well...it's Friday...almost all of the clothes are washed..WHEW!

Sister will be turning 13 in 2 1/2 weeks...OH MY GOODNESS! Old cliche: Time FLIES when you're having fun.

Lil' Big Daddy K leaves Thursday for kamp for 2 weeks. I don't know who's gonna take those 2 weeks worse...him or mommy....UGH.

Lil' Big Daddy L is up to his usual...running here, running there, running RUNNING...EVERYWHERE!! He is a funny lil' 2 yr old, let me tell you. GRACIOUS!

No big plans here for the weekend...gotta "boogie" the van and de-clutter the laundry room.

Well...there you have it...

Until next I type...and you read...

Have a WONDERFUL weekend!!

My First Day

2008-07-23T11:41:00.000-05:00

Okay...this is my first-ever blog post.
I will TRY to update at least once a week.
We will SEE how that goes.
Thank you for beginning this "journey" with me.