At the Hop!!

ABOUT THE HOP:

In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and share our love of the written word!  This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books!  It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs to read!  So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted on my friend Jennifer's blog.

The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don't have time to Hop today, come back later and join the fun!  This is a weekly event!  And stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are added!  We get over 300 links every week!! 


Your blog should have content related to books, including, but not limited to book reviews.

RULES:

1.  Enter your book blog link in the Linky List below

In your link, please state the main genre that you review:  eclectic, contemp. fiction, ya, paranormal, mystery, non-fiction, etc.  Please do not list every genre you review - if you are review a variety, please put eclectic!  The Hop gets jumbled up if the title is too long, so please limit to one genre.  I will be limiting the number of characters in the title to ensure the Hop doesn't look messy!  Thank you!

Example:  Crazy-for-Books (literary fiction)
NOTE:   You no longer have to enter the length of time you've been blogging, but do let us know if this is your first time hopping with us!

2. Post about the Hop on your blog.  Spread the word about the book party!  The more the merrier!  In your blog post, answer the following question (new question each week!).  If you have a question that could be used in a future Hop, leave it in the comments!  Thanks!

This week's question comes from:
Books Are A Girl's Best Friend

Do you use a rating system for your reviews and if so, what is it and why?

My answer: I would have to say "kind of".  I don't have a formulated guide or anything like that, I just go with the I loved it, I liked it, it was OK, etc...  I do however give it extra credit. so to speak, if I think it is well written even if the content isn't my favorite.

3.  Visit other blogs in the Linky List!  Make new friends!  Follow new book bloggers!  Talk about books!  Rave about authors!  Take the time to make a quality visit!  Check out other posts and content, make a new friend!  Don't randomly follow someone if you never intend on actually following them!  No spamming please!  (Please do not leave your link and not visit other blogs - it's just not cool and not in the spirit of the Hop!)


And just as an FYI - this event is not something you should feel that you have to participate in every week.  If you want to join in and link up once a month, GREAT!  It's up to you how often you participate!

So, have fun HOPPING and enjoy your BOOK PARTY weekend!!!

The Lord's Prayer - Dan's review

I am so excited that another family member has joined me in reading and reviewing books.  This one is from my sweet husband, Dan.

About the author:

R. T. Kendall, Ph.D., a protégé of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, pastored the historic Westminster Chapel in London for 25 years. The author of numerous bestselling books, he conducts "Word, Spirit and Power" conferences throughout North America. His ministry was transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit in the 1990s after his wife was miraculously healed from a serious illness. He and Louise now live in Hendersonville, TN.

About the book:

Bestselling, Respected Author and Pastor Mines the Riches of the Lord's Prayer

No prayer is better known--or more misunderstood--than the prayer Jesus provided in his Sermon on the Mount. Turning a keen eye to this much-loved topic, Dr. R. T. Kendall unlocks the transforming truths of what we now call the Lord's Prayer. With wisdom and depth, he offers thoughtful exposition on the life-changing revelations contained in each line of this amazing prayer, including:

interpreting and praying in the will of God
• the purpose of the Lord's Prayer
• when to pray the Lord's Prayer
• how unanswered prayer can be a sign of God's favor
• misusing the Lord's Prayer
• why pray at all?
• and more

Readers will come away not only with a model for prayer, but with a revolutionary way to pray effectively while drawing closer to the Father. 

Dan’s Review:

Through careful explanation R. T. Kendall dissects the Lords Prayer in great detail. Although, at times, in a somewhat redundant style for my personal liking.  He does thoroughly gives many scriptural cross references, but only lists book, 

chapter and verse, leaving the reader with the task of personally looking up the references rather than having them written out to read through within the book text itself.  I did enjoy the depth of understanding he strives to convey and reading this has personally given me a new appreciation of the importance of this prayer even in our contemporary culture. 

I found this book a bit slow to read in the beginning, and certainly not a book to skim read. I did, however, find myself looking forward to reading on to find out more every opportunity I had to read.  The author genuinely conveys a desire for the reader to absorb the importance of this prayer and its application through relative examples in our everyday lives.  This is a good book for those who like to dig in and gain more than surface 

understanding. 

I would like to thank Bethany House for this complimentary copy of The Lord’s Prayer in exchange for my honest review.

Counting it all Joy!!

Christians are...Book Review by Drew Muly

I am so excited to introduce you all to my son, Drew!!  He is 19 and a Sophomore at Oral Roberts University.  Several weeks ago I was notified of this book and given the opportunity to review it.  I was going to pass, but my he thought it was something he would like to read and review, Yay!!  It’s so exciting when my kids want to read!!  So without further ado, here it is!!

About the author: 

Bradley R.E. Wright, PhD is an associate professor of sociology at the University of Connecticut. After receiving tenure, he switched his academic focus from crime to religion in order to research American Christianity. Brad received his PhD in sociology from the University of Wisconsin, the top-ranked sociology graduate program in the United States. He has a popular blog (brewight.com) based on his research. Brad is married with two children and lives in Storrs, Connecticut.

Back Cover:

What if all the bad news you've been hearing about Christians isn't true?

Here are some facts that may surprise you:

Evangelicals are more respected by society today than they were twenty years ago.

Divorce rates of Christian couples are lower than those of nonbelievers.

The percentage of young people who attend church has held steady over the past twenty years.

All these statements are true, yet we've been told the opposite time and time again. Why is the church being misled? And what is the true state of Christianity in America today?

Sociologist Brad Wright shatters popular myths by sifting through the best available data. He reveals how Christians are doing when it comes to everything from marriage and morality to church growth and public perception. While not all the news is good, it turns out there is a wealth of encouraging information that we're not being told.

Get the truth behind the statistics you've been hearing and how the numbers are being manipulated, and discover what is really happening in American Christianity.

My Review:

Throughout our lives, we are told time and time again all the negative things Christians are doing.  Over time, being a Christian, and hearing all the terrible things, such as, Christians have a higher divorce rate than non-Christians, and young people are leaving the church at a rapid pace can be extremely discouraging.  However, Bradley R.E. Wright became very curious about where all of these statistics were coming from, and whether or not they were all true.  As an experienced sociologist, he knew how to find out the truth about these awful statistics.  In his book, he shines a new, and very encouraging light on the Christian religion as a whole.  He becomes somewhat of a Christian rumors mythbuster. 

Throughout the book, Wright presents the initial rumors we have heard, and then he shows the actual facts, and makes an overall conclusion as to whether or not the things we have heard are true.  This book is very well researched, and Wright explains the facts in a way anyone can understand.  If you are discouraged about Christianity, or just sick of hearing the negative rumors, this is a book you should read.  I actually believe this would be a great book for anyone to read because sometimes we just need a reminder that not everything you here is true, not even some statistics you hear from pastors.  The thing with statistics is, they can be skewed in many ways, and become more and more exaggerated with each retelling.  Other times they are used to motivate Christians to be better, and begin acting on our feelings.  Wright explains how many times these statistics discourage people, and make them feel hopeless, like Christianity is on a downward spiral, destined for destruction. In the last chapter, he summarizes the book in a very simple, yet powerful way. 

In the end, this is a very encouraging, and well-researched book, which I believe many people need to read.  However, if you are not a numbers, graphs, and statistics kind of person, this may not be the fastest, most enjoyable read for you.  I would like to encourage you, though, to venture out, and read through this book and learn some truths about Christianity.

Thank you Bethany House for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!!

Thank you for reading his review!!

Counting it all Joy!!

 

What's in the Bible #3

Phil Vischer

In 1990, 24-year-old computer animator Phil Vischer sat down to create a group of characters that could teach Christian values to kids in a delightfully weird way. Hence, a tomato named Bob and a cucumber named Larry were born. VeggieTales would go on to revolutionize Christian filmmaking, selling more than 50 million videos and placing Phil's faith-filled stories in one in every three American households with young children. Phil is highly respected by key leaders across the Christian landscape, from Joel Osteen to James Dobson. His company, Jellyfish Labs, provides faith-based daily programming via the Internet at jellytelly.com. The characters from the What's in the Bible? series are featured, but the content is not specifically from the DVDs. Phil continues to pursue innovative ways to integrate faith and storytelling through Jellyfish Labs. He chose the name Jellyfish as a reminder to remain pliable to God's plans and not his own. Phil lives with his wife, Lisa, and their three kids in Illinois.

 About the DVD

In What’s In the Bible #3, Wanderin’ in the Desert, Buck Denver and his cast of friends take us through the next three books of the Bible—Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy—helping kids understand how these books fit in with Genesis and Exodus to make up the Pentateuch and to set the stage for the trials and victories of God’s people. The question “Did this stuff really happen?” is also answered. 

What is a “Pentateuch” and why does it have so many weird rules?

Part 1:  Don’t lie, don’t cheat... don’t TRIM YOUR BEARD?  The Old Testament is full of rules, and some of them are kind of, well, weird.  Learn why God gave all these rules to Israel and which ones still apply to us today!

Part 2:  What is a “Pentateuch”?  Learn about Israel’s 40-year “time-out” as we finish the first five books of the Bible!  Plus, discover why we can believe what the Bible says - even though we weren’t there to see it happen!

From the man who made vegetables talk (and sing and dance and tell Bible stories) comes this third release in the engaging new series that walks kids through the entire Bible! Each DVD is filled with an entertaining cast of characters who bring the most powerful Bible stories to life using humor, creative storytelling, and fun songs. Join VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer and a boatload of new friends on a wild and zany journey through the world’s most amazing book!

My Review:

I love Phil Vischer and VeggieTales, but I had never seen or heard of this dvd series, so when I was asked to review one of them, I was so excited.  We not only have 5 kids, 2 of which are still homeschooling, but my husband is a Children’s Pastor and we have been involved in that ministry, in some form, for lots of years.  That being said, I am thrilled to say, this dvd series is wonderful.  It is fast-paced and keeps everyones attention, it doesn’t matter the age, 3 year old granddaughter loves it, my twin 10 year olds love it, my 19 year old loves it, my husband loves it, and I love it.  We have all been caught singing the songs, which are cute and snappy.  I love all the new characters and I love that Phil Vischer interacts so much with them.  I think it would be a great add-in with any homeschool curriculum, or in a Children’s Church setting.  I would probably write curriculum to go with it though.

The only negative thing I could possibly say about it, is the kid riding in the car before and between parts is somewhat disrespectful to his mother, at times.  Not terribly, just more than I would allow from my kids.  I thinks as long as parents explain that this isn’t appropriate behavior and use it as a teaching tool, it would still be okay.  

I would highly recommend this dvd series to any family to watch as a family, to any homeschool family to use in their school, to any family with kids in any school, to any Children’s Church, I would pretty much recommend it to anyone.  It is fun and witty.

This is what my twins have to say about it:

Adam:  What’s in the Bible is a funny and educational video that is good for all ages .  All the characters are very different and everyone has their own special personality.  It really explains the bible in an easy way to understand.  My favorite characters are the Sunday School Lady and The Bentley Brothers.  I loved it and you will too!!

Isaac:  I think this series of bible videos will be good for kids and adults.  My favorite characters are Buck Denver and The Bentley Brothers.  It might be a little hard to understand for little kids but I thought it was really good and funny.  I am anxious to watch the rest of the them.

For more information about this dvd series go to www.whatsinthebible.com

I would like to thank Tyndale Publishers for giving me a complimentary copy of these videos in exchange for my honest opinion.

Counting it all Joy!!

Flight To Heaven - A Pilot's True Story

About the Author:

Capt. Dale Black is a retired airline pilot who dedicated his career to improving aviation safety. He has flown for over 40 years with more than 17,000 hours in a variety of commercial jets. Dale is still an active aviator and is co-owner of a real estate company. He has also been a Bible teacher, a television and radio show host, evangelist, and volunteer missionary pilot in over 50 countries. Dale and his wife, Paula, are parents of two grown children and live in Southern California.

Back Cover:

Imagine getting a glimpse of heaven, a preview of life in God's presence. 

Could life here ever be the same?

Capt. Dale Black has flown as a commercial pilot all over the world, but one flight changed his life forever--an amazing journey to heaven and back.

The only survivor of a horrific plane crash, Dale was hovering between life and death when he had a wondrous experience of heaven. What he saw, what he heard, and what he learned there continues to ripple through his life and touch others.

Against all odds, Dale miraculously recovered from his injuries and learned to fly again. Now, with his life as a testament, he shares his inspiring story--offering hope and encouragement for those dealing with serious injuries or the loss of a loved one, and those looking for assurance about this life and the next.

My Review:

I was a little leery when I agreed to review this book.  Over the years, I have read several books about someone going to heaven and then returning, but they have always left me wondering how much of it was true and how much was expanded upon to make for a better story.  I began reading this book with the same attitude, ready to give it a fair review, but also not expecting too much!!  Truth is, I couldn’t put it down.  From the prologue to the very end, it was great.  I love how Capt. Black tells his story, from somewhat rebellious teenager, to pilot, to cripple, to lover of Jesus, to doubter, and back  to pilot again.  He went through and experienced so much, and yes he did see a piece of heaven, but the choice to apply it to his life, in the way he did, was truly inspiring.  Was his walk hard, absolutely, did he want to give up at times, absolutely, but he also proved in a big way that ALL things are possible with God!! 

We were actually on vacation when I read this and I finished it with a flashlight, in the car, after dark because I didn’t want to wait to finish it.  I read out loud, a lot, to my family and we will definitely be reading this one.  I would highly recommend this one to anyone, young, old, or anywhere in between.  

Thank you Bethany House for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!!

Counting it all Joy!!

Love is a Flame

Real People, Real Stories, Real Love!!!

About the author:

James Stuart Bell is a Christian publishing veteran and the owner of Whitestone Communications, a literary development agency.  He is the editor of many story collections including the Cup of Comfort, Life Savors, and God Encounters series and the coauthor of numerous books in The Complete Idiot’s Guides series.  He and his family live in West Chicago, Illinois.

Back Cover:

Happily ever after.  Does it only happen in fairy tales, or in real life?  Over the years love may burn strong and steady, but sometimes it grows cold.  However, it can be rekindled-and these stories show how.  Be inspired by true accounts of how love was revived and renewed.  

You’ll discover that love can grow stronger and burn brighter through the years as you read more than forty stories from everyday people like

 Jan - whose marriage was restored despite adultery

  Marsha - who fought pornography and won

  Bryan - who realized his family, not his career, was his most important responsibility

  Emily - who learned that real love overcomes unrealistic expectations

  Jeff - who went from dissatisfaction and boredom to falling in love all over again

The true stories in Love is a Flame will warm your heart and show you how to create a new spark in your marriage and build it into a glowing flame.

My Review:  

Love is a Flame is a compilation of short stories written by men and women who found themselves at the end of their rope, as far as their marriage was concerned, but decided to rely on God and recommit to their vows to not only rekindle the flame, but make it burn brighter.  Adultery, financial disaster, deaths, pornography, terminal illness, no matter what the problem is, God is always the answer.  At the end of each story, James Stuart Bell gives a brief summary of the story, lists questions to think about with your own marriage, and offers tips on rekindling the flame.  

It’s all about finding the JOY in your marriage again.  Getting back to why you fell in love with and married that person in the first place.  It’s not about placing blame, wondering if you married the wrong person, and giving up.  These stories prove that with God’s help any marriage can be healed.

I loved reading this book.  Some of the stories were funny, some sad, and some completely unbelievable, but all were real people with real problems who decided to depend on God and take their marriage back!!  I think anyone reading this book could relate to some of the stories and take the experience and/or advice and apply it to their own marriage, I know I will!!

I would recommend this book to anyone married, whether for a day or 60 years.  I would also recommend it to anyone planning to ever get married.

I would like to thank Bethany House for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Counting it all Joy!!