Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Book Review: Out of a Far Country by Christopher Yuan and Angela Yuan

Out of a Far Country by Christopher Yuan and Angela Yuan is a very powerful book describing the incredible transformation precipitated by God in their lives.  I appreciated the level of honesty and transparency in the writing. At times the descriptions of life as a drug addict/ dealer and homosexual did not leave much to the imagination, however,they were essential to conveying truth in the story.  I feel I have gained a greater understanding of the lifestyle and compassion for people that struggle with homosexuality.  This book is worth the read, in fact it is the best book that I have read in the past year.


An excerpt may be found here.
A video may be found here.


"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review" 

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Book Review: Enemies of the Heart

By Andy Stanley

Enemies of the Heart by Andy Stanley is an informal text about four main emotions that may grip one's heart, robbing them of a full life. The book discusses where emotions come from, the four emotions (guilt, anger, greed, and jealousy), how to deal with each of the emotions, and how to go on with life.  The book is full of personal experiences shared by the author. The emotions are demonstrated clearly through the detail of real experiences rather than being at the philosophical level.  It may be difficult to relate at times, if your experience is different than that of the authors.  Overall the book provides a good frame work for addressing the heart issues: "confess, forgive, give, celebrate".

An excerpt may be found here.


“I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Taste of Home Recipe and Frito-Lay Giveaway!


OREO COOKIE ICE CREAM CAKE


25 Oreo cookies, mashed
1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream
9 oz. container of Cool Whip
1/4 lb. jar soft butter
1 jar Smucker's fudge topping


Mix mashed cookies with butter and press into 13x9 inch glass dish, reserving 1/2 cup. Spread ice cream on top of Oreo crust. Add fudge topping, spreading over ice cream. Spread Cool Whip on top and add the nuts on top. Sprinkle with remaining crumbs on top and freeze. Keeps up to 10 days.

Now for even more fun!
I will be giving away one variety pack of Lay's Regional Flavors potato chips!
(Disclosure: Frito-Lay will be providing the chips. This blog post is my entry into their Taste of Home Contest)

Mandatory Entry Requirement:
-Post your favorite recipe to my blog.

Additional Entry Opportunities:
-Become a follower of my blog

One entry will be picked at random.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Book Review- No More Dreaded Mondays

By Dan Miller
ISBN: 0307588777

I loved this book! What a fun, quick read!  I really enjoyed the practical advice for making one's current job into what you want it to be, or starting your own business.  I appreciated that alternatives other than more college and degrees were presented as career advancement avenues.

I did find it slightly confusing with all of the extra text boxes in the middle of the main text of the book.  The side stories and/or data were very interesting but they broke the flow of the book.

I will be interested to read another book by Dan Miller- 48 Days to the Work you Love.

Click here for video about the book! 

Click here to read an excerpt!

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Monday, June 06, 2011

Book Review: Secrets of the Vine for Women

By Darlene Marie Wilkinson
ISBN: 978-1-60142-387-9


This book is an eloquent adventure through John 15 of the Bible.  The story parallels the story of Man that keeps a vineyard and his daughter.  I really enjoyed how this story was carried throughout the entire book. The author's love of God and desire for others to also abide in Him is very apparent. The author did give advice to read the Bible as though it was written to you personally.  I disagree with this statement.  True there are certain platitudes that were given to all people in the Bible, but much must be taken in context.  One must consider who is being spoken too, and what situation they are in.  Aside from this a very good book, with lots of great reminders about staying connected to God.


Click here if you would like to download chapter 1
Chapter 1


I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Friday, May 20, 2011

Book Review


Book Review:
Living in Love by James and Betty Robison
ISBN: 9781400074587

This book is the 1st person account of James and Betty Robison marriage.
Overall nothing new in this book, as compared to the countless other marriage books on the market.  If you are interested in their personal story, then it is worth reading. 
I feel that Mr. Robison in some aspects has snowed his wife. Her explanation for many of his shortcomings through the years being the result of his upbringing (for example: read Every Man’s Battle by Arterburn, Stoeker, and Yorkey-all men struggle with lust at one point or another, regardless of their upbringing). 

Overall the book falls in the “just okay” category, not good but not bad.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review

Monday, March 28, 2011

Harris Teeter Super Double Shopping Trip 3/27/11

2 bags of Halls Cough drops- sale 2/$3. I used (2) $0.75/1 coupons = 2 free
2 Colgate Total Toothpaste -sale $2.99ea. I used (2) $1.50/1 coupons=2 free
2 Palmolive dish detergent- sale $0.99ea. I used (2) $0.50/1 coupons=2 free
1 Wonka Chocolate bar- 2.59ea- I used (1) $1/1 coupon= $0.59
Grand Total= $1.14!!!

Tuesday, March 01, 2011

Book Review: How Good is Good Enough?


Book Review
How Good is Good Enough? By Andy Stanley
ISBN: 9781590522745

This book is an analysis of the common argument that good people go to heaven and why it is not true.  The book is aimed at those that are not already Christians, but those that are exploring the idea.  There were many good personal stories to illustrate the points, but perhaps lacking in scripture backing.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Wednesday, February 02, 2011

Book review: The Dragon and the turtle


The Dragon and the Turtle
By Donita K. Paul and Evangeline Denmark
Illustrated by Vincent Nguyen
ISBN:9780307446442

This book was definitely different than many children’s book. It tells the story of two unlikely friends and the adventure of how they met. The book discusses differences that the characters have, and yet they still stick together. I like that the authors included a “parent guide” at the back to help guide lessons and further discussion with one’s child. The illustrations are cute. It is a fair book, good lesson, but not overly engaging.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Sun Stand Still Review

Sun Stand Still
By Steven Furtick
ISBN: 9781601423221
The author of Sun Stand Still sends a bold message loud and clear to the reader. Have a bold faith in God and His power to move in your life and the lives of others. The book encourages while providing Biblical evidence of the authors points. There are also a number of personal stories presented without bragging.  A very great book which encourages spiritual growth.
"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review".

Monday, January 17, 2011

Book Review-Radical by David Platt

Radical by David Platt
copyright 2010
ISBN 978-1-60142-221-7
Radical by David Platt was an easy read right from the start. It provides an engaging first person account of the authors experiences along with the books ultimate purpose in presenting a year long challenge. The challenge is “to read through the entire Word. To sacrifice your money for a specific purpose. To spend your time in another context. To commit your life to a multiplying community”. Much of the book left me feeling that the author was villainizing the American dream/ way of life and bragging about how great he and his church are.  In the final pages a disclaimer and clarification of this issue was explained and left me feeling much more comfortable with how the stories were represented. Overall this book serves as a good reminder to not become so caught up in our own lives that we forget to pursue God and share the gospel with the world. What an awesome challenge to encourage one to action!
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.