Cleaning House

Having triplets, I have lived on the reactive side of things for so long.  I struggle now to become more proactive.  Just in little things, in big things, in life!

I had the opportunity to review a digital copy of Cleaning House by Kay Wills  Wyma.  The tag line "mom's 12 month experiment to rid her home of youth entitlement" grabbed my attention.  This fit what I was looking for - to be proactive!

She covers a wide variety of topics.  Clutter, kitchen, cleaning, grounding, etc.  I think she hit the nail on the head that we sometimes do TOO MUCH for our kids and are doing them a disservice.

The conjecture was funny, and the frustration humorous.  Since my kids are quite a few years away from being of "youth" age, I feel some of the jokes were lost on me.  I don't have the snarky teens in my home (and I hope that doesn't come - fingers crossed!!).  My kids actually LIKE to help out.  I feel my husband and I give our kids different ways to help around the house - because they are a part of our family.  Not because we will pay them.  This booked helped me see some other areas I can currently add to their skill set, and also extra help for when they get older.

I believe your kids aren't your servants, nor the other way around.  I feel responsible to teach my three boys how to live on their own, and also pull their own weight in a marriage.  I welcome any books that will help encourage my little boys grow up to be gentlemen.

On a separate note, the author Kay Wills Wyma has a blog "Because a mother of an adolescent teen should never walk (or drive) the road alone."  Check it out!


I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.I do not have to give a favorable review.

Unglued Devotional

I've heard from a few people that the book Unglued is something I should read. While it does sound interesting, I have not gotten around to it. When I had a chance to read and review the Unglued Devotional: 60 Days of Imperfect Progress from Lysa TerKuerst, I thought "why not?"

Oh my. I. Needed. This.

You know that time when you're alone and feel like a failure?  You're behind on your Bible study, spoke too harshly to your kids, was short with your husband?  Kitchen is a mess, dinner was frozen waffles, and kids lunches for the next day is peanut butter crackers with gogurts?  You then happen to see a post on Facebook of a sweet friend that is gushing about her kid's quoting the entire Bible while her 6 month old just potty trained and they are headed to Paris for two weeks while she will still be homeschooling her 6 kids via Skype?

I know, I know, it's not THAT bad.  At times it feels like it, though!

This devotional is REAL. Spoken from a real wife and mother, of real issues we deal with in our heads and hearts. However it's not soft. She pulls the truth out of you, tells the root issue, then challenges you to change its God's help. Here is an excerpt from Day 21 titled "I Need to be Honest with my Issues":

"It's easier to avoid these realities than to deal with them. I'd much rather tidy my closet than tidy my heart. I'd much rather run to the mall and get a new shirt than run to God and get a new attitude. I'd much rather dig into a brownie than dig into my heart. I'd much rather point the finger at other people's issues than take a peek at my own. Plus, it's a whole lot easier to tidy my closet, run to the store, eat a brownie, and look at other people's issues. A whole lot easier."

I'd highly recommend this devotional to all women!  Next book I purchase will be her book Unglued:  Making Wise Choices in the Midst of Raw Emotion. 

Check out my friend's review of the same book.

I received this book free from the publisher through the 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."

As One Devil to Another

I wanted a change of pace when I requested As One Devil to Another by Richard Platt and I totally found it!  This book is a throwback of sorts.  It has an older feel to it based on the language; which I'm sure is to pay homage to the original Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis, I'm sure.

I enjoyed the quirky feeling of this book.  The way it took you back to another time made me smile.  However, I believe this will appeal to a smaller audience based on the content and old English feel.

What I liked best about this book is that it reminded me of a different time.  A time that I believe my grandfather would have read this book, tipped back his head, and laughed while smoking on his pipe.

If you are looking for a modern book, a fiction and feel good book - this just isn't the right genre for you.

If you want a quirky, humorous, quick witted book that will keep you thinking - check it out!!!

I received this book free to review from Tyndale Blog Network.  I was not required to give a favorable review.

WANT YOUR OWN COPY???  Comment below why you would like to read this book.  One winner will be drawn at random on 5/20/12 to receive a copy of this book FREE!

EDITED:

The giveaway is now closed.  Random.org number 6 won a copy of this book!  Missy, please message me with your mailing address and I will send you a certificate to get your OWN copy of this book!

iShine Bible

I loved getting this little pink and ruby red pocket sized Bible in the mail! The iShine Bible is made for tweens. There is also a grey and yellow version for boys.

The NLT is a version that I did not grow up with, but I think it's great for tweens to be able to understand the content a little better. It's not a philosopher's version but the point is to get tweens to READ the Bible :)

This Bible also offers QR codes for free music downloads and url links to podcasts and online discussions. I really appreciate the time and thought put into this Bible to make it relevant with the technology that is out there for everyone today.

A minor issue I have is actually not about the Bible. I personally do not like the pictures listed on the online retailers websites to sell this Bible. It seems too busy. As a consumer you might know understand that the white part on the front with the word "shine" and the teenager on the front is NOT on the Bible. It's a cardboard sleeve. The actual Bible is an imitation leather in fun colors of pink/red and grey/yellow.

Some of you know that I only have boys and are wondering why I got a pink and red Bible to review... I know a tween girl that will be getting my copy as a gift :)

I received this book free from Tyndale as part of their Blogger Review 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 Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Thirty One Days of Drawing Near to God

Ruth Myers is a familiar name to me so I decided to go ahead and pick this book up and see what it's about! Thirty One Days of Drawing Near to God is a handy little monthly devotional. She takes each day and has a topic with scripture to go along with it. She also gives her thoughts on the topic. What I like about this is that it's a small book and it's not overwhelming when you look at it. It is a feasible chunk of time required to complete the devotional.

While I believe there are many other devotionals out there that would allow the same type of stimulation to the reader, this is also a great one to add to the bunch. It is not a jaw dropping experience, but it keeps you in the Word while studying the book. If this topic peaks your interest, you will enjoy this devotional.

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

Lead. Serve. Love. 100 Three-Word Ways to Live Like Jesus

I am wary of books that seem to be the "simple" way to "live like Jesus". I decided to step out of my normal thinking and read the book "Lead. Serve. Love. 100 Three-Word Ways to Live Like Jesus".

Gregory Lang has amazingly put together a simple book with a lot of depth. I know that sounds like an oxymoron, but follow my train of thought for a second. For instance "#96 Study the Word". I agree, but those three words alone don't change my life. However it being listed so simply will draw more people in than 18 pages written on the subject. The next paragraph is simple and to the point about how Scripture is inspired and how important it is to Study the Word. It is to the point. Want to know more? He lists for each of his 100 points scripture verses written out with the references to back up his point. I really like how he has it laid out! Not only for a new Christian or someone interested in learning more about God, but those that have been Christians for a long time. It's also a great reference tool when have discussions with others about what the Bible says on certain topics.

I really enjoyed this handy book. My only complaint is I wish I had gotten it in print rather than on my Kindle so I could thumb through it :) Gregory Lang has a blog you can follow, along with links to follow him on Facebook and Twitter. The book also has it's own page on Facebook.

I received this book free from the publisher through the 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."

A Conversation with God

A Conversation with God: If You Could Ask God Anything What Would It Be?

The title made me really interested! Alton Gansky is the author of over 40 books including this book.

There are 55 questions and some of them are excellent! However some just made me say "huh?" Like question #10: “Is nature the sixty-seventh book of the Bible?”. Really?? If I made a list of the top 1,000 questions I have for God, that question would never be on my list!

There is a fine line for a book to either be helpful and guide people towards Christ or elevate themselves to the pedestal as if they are God. I don't believe the author in any way was trying to say they know everything. However, I don't feel all the questions were answered very well. The most helpful part of this book is the scriptures attached to the questions.

I don't think this book would make anyone lose their faith, but I don't think this will bring anyone to a relationship with God. It's an ok book, but not a homerun.

I received this book free from the publisher through the 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.”

A Bug Collection DVD Set

We were so excited when our copy of A Bug Collection DVD boxed set came in the mail. It's volume three. My boys could not wait to watch an episode just based on the packaging, but had to wait until the next day to sit down with it.

The episode of "Milo, the Mantis that Wouldn't Pray" is my boy's favorite. It brings humor into the situation, but points Milo towards the importance of prayer. I appreciate this episode so much because you can't get this placed in cartoon form on PBS!

"Buzzbee and the Grumblebees" is an episode about bee-having (haha). This is a common pre-school show subject, but the presentation and animation still held my children's interest. That makes it a winner in my book!

"Haily & Baily's Silly Fight" is an episode that is one of MY favorite as a mom. It's about getting along. I appreciate the encouragement for children not only to stop bickering, but work at loving one another and getting along.

We have watched these episodes more than one, and will be sharing with our friends!

I received this book free from the publisher through the 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.”

The Beginning Reader's Bible

The Beginning Reader's Bible is such a wonderful Bible for my kids! I was shocked at how BIG it is! Not only is it 180 pages, but it's about 10 inches by 9 inches. That is quite a bit larger than most Children's Bibles.

I LOVE how the stories are told in the actual Bible verses. It shows each verse break, just like a regular Bible. The illustrations are very eye catching and not hokey looking. The stories are in Old Testament and New Testament order and highlight the main kid's stories in the Bible. The resources in the back of the book are so wonderful! I love the charts I can do with my kids, the memory verses list that is a verse from each story, the books of the Bible, Apostles, Tribes, songs and more. I think it appropriately ends with the Prayer of Salvation.

There are only two negatives in my eyes, which are quite minor. The first one is that it has a table of contents with page numbers to look up the stories or resources, however the entire book doesn't have any page numbers! The second is I don't tend to like the little prayer blurbs for the parents to do with the kids. I enjoy all the other helpful hints on the pages for parents, but the prayer ones are not for me. I'd rather do the prayers with my kids than read it, but that is my opinion. It did earn 4 out of 5 stars in my eyes just because it is missing the page numbers

The positives WAY outweigh the minor flaws and I would recommend this Bible highly for anyone looking for a Children's Bible.

I received this book free from Booksneeze in exchange for a completely honest review of the book.

Come Back Stronger

Come Back Stronger is a book I was not too sure about when I requested it to review for Tyndale. This is the true story about Drew Brees. I honestly had never heard of him because I am not a football fan, but I was interested to read about a possibly uplifting sports figure for today.

This book impressed me! I don't want to give away anything, so I'll just say to read it! You won't be sorry. I think this is a must read for any pre-teen and teenage boys that are showing signs of worshiping today's sports players.

I received this book free from Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for a completely honest review of the book.

"Big Red" Holy Bible - Contemporary 3-D Art

I was excited for the Big Red Bible to come in the mail. I know it's a little above my boys age limit, but I knew with help they would have fun reading it.

I will start off and say... if you have any pre-teens that want this Bible, or anyone for that matter that wants this Bible, let them go for it! We need to not discourage anyone from wanting to read a Bible.

However, it was just not for this crowd. The pictures were only in certain parts of the Bible, not all the way through to go along with the chronological order of the Bible. We had to flip around, and most stories didn't have a picture. Also, they were a little too video-game looking for me. It actually looked almost freakishly too realistic!

It's a fine Bible, just not for us.

I received this book free from Booksneeze in exchange for a completely honest review of the book.

LOL with God

I received the book "LOL with God: Devotional Messages of Hope & Humor for Women" in the mail. I feel so many times as women we put ourselves on the back burner. I was very interested to try a new aspect of devotions. I thought it had a humorous "tongue in cheek" about devotionals related to today's texting generation.

While I enjoy the reference, that is where I would like it to stop. I feel that this devotional spent more time developing the texting humor than the actual meat of the word. While I feel there was some great scriptural content, it was overshadowed by the cheesey content. I think some people will not be hung up on that type of humor, it was distracting for me.

I do believe there is some good content, it just was not my style.

I received this book free from Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for a completely honest review of the book.

Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions For Kids

Sarah Young has written the book "Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions For Kids". It was listed for the starting age of 3. I was so excited to get this book in the mail! The cover art is super cute. The devotions are good, but I think I will wait a little while longer before using this book again with my kids. We tried this for a few sessions and it just didn't work for my 4 year olds. Maybe because they are boys, or because they are 4, but there were not pictures in it. The content is great, but they enjoy the visual parts of Bible reading at this time.

I think this is an awesome devotional for kids. Since I have gotten it, I now see on Amazon the listed age is 9-12. That is appropriate. Get it! Reuse it! Gift it!

I received this book free from Booksneeze in exchange for a completely honest review of the book.

"Outlive Your Life"

We live our lives for the day we stand before the Lord. We pray, seek, and yearn to hear the words "Well done, my good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:23 NIV)

"Outlive Your Life" by Max Lucado is an inspirational read. He helps us look past the horrific statistics that we hear every day, and have learned to live with. Rather than seeing the whole, we can look at the part and take notice of the one person we can help. The way to make a difference, the way to make it last, the way to outlive your life and make an eternal change.

Max Lucado takes a practical look at Acts and the call of the church, and helps make it relevant in todays society and generation.

This book is motivational, well written, and practical to anyone that reads it.

Join Max Lucado on Facebook or Twitter.

I received this book free from Booksneeze in exchange for a completely honest review of the book.

"One Hand, Two Hands"

Max Lucado amazes me how he goes from a serious adult book, to a whimsical kids book. My boys thought this book was funny, and were repeating parts as they walked away. They did get a little lost when it talked about the smell of hands when depending on what they play with, "stinky cheese".

"One Hand, Two Hands" is a cute book for children. The discussion points on the last two pages help bring up kind things we can do with our hands. The only thing I did not like about this book was the phrase that included "Pooey". I know it's not a horrible word, but I have to watch what my three boys hear for "yucky words" or it seems to stick with their vocabulary. Fortunately the first time we read the book and I by accident said it, I was able to move on fast enough so it did not stick in their heads. All the times since I have changed the word.

It does not change the meaning of the book to show how helpful our hands can be! My favorite part is showing how they can use their hands to hug their Mom & Dad.

I received this book free from Booksneeze in exchange for a completely honest review of the book.

"The Butterfly Effect"

The adult's version of "The Boy Who Changed the World" has been written by Andy Andrews and is called "The Butterfly Effect".

There was an Ashton Kutcher movie with same name a few years back. Andy Andrews also takes this same look at this so called "butterfly effect".

If you are not familiar with this concept, Edward Lorenz proposed his hypothesis at a 1963 New York Academy conference that "A butterfly could flap its wings and set molecules of air in motion, which would move other molecules of air, in turn moving more molecules of air— eventually capable of starting a hurricane on the other side of the planet."

I applaud Andy Andrews for writing this book. He stepped out and discussed a concept that brings up more questions than answers, but still brings to light the Christianity side to this concept. We may have not been using the actual words "Butterfly Effect", but I would say it's safe to say that most Christian's believe in a concept like this. Andy brings out scriptures to go along with this inspirational book about our choices and how they can effect others for decades beyond our grave.

Of course this book will have scholars debating and could have Christian's on the defensive. It is written to inspire Christians and non-Christians to think about their actions and its effects. I enjoyed the challenge.

I received this book free from Booksneeze in exchange for a completely honest review of the book.

"The Boy Who Changed the World"

As a mom of three boys, I was anticipating reading to them the book "The Boy Who Changed the World" by Andy Andrews.

It starts out talking about a little boy named Norman and how he grew up in the corn fields of Iowa. Then he used his knowledge of agriculture as an adult to help feed billions of people. Then it goes on to tell the story of 4 additional great men of our history and how they grew up.

This book is beautifully illustrated. I also highly applaud this book for the message it is trying to get out there for our children today.

However, I had to rate it 4 out of 5 stars. The only reason why is because my boys had a hard time keeping up with which person we were talking about and the names that went along with their story. I wish this book had a little more details about each person, and made them into their own "chapters" or even their own books. Kind of like a toddler Bible and how it separates out the stories. I am overjoyed at this attempt to bring the story's lesson down to a younger age, and will continue to read this book to my boys. However, I will only talk about one of the men at a time, so as not to confuse them.

I received this book free from Booksneeze in exchange for a completely honest review of the book.

"Never Let You Go"

"Never Let You Go" by Erin Healy was an intense book! Single mom, deadbeat druggie husband that left her, murdered sister and now the one accused of her sister's murder is on parole. She has to come to terms with the past demons coming back to haunt her. The surprise twists and turns of this book were a pleasant surprise!

I have never read a book by Erin Healy, but I will look for her books to read again!

I received this book free from Booksneeze in exchange for a completely honest review of the book.

Free Kids Books!!!

What is better than a FREE book being sent to you in the mail??? THREE FREE books!

We have moved to an area that is reached by Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program. My friend Shawna previously lived in TN and told me to sign my kids up. So far we have gotten TWO books for each boy since we moved here! They will be enrolled in this program until they are 5 years old. They pick the books based on their age, so my three happen to get three copies of the same book. It's great because they are so excited to get mail with their own names on it!

Check it out and enroll your child today! Start HERE and choose a button under the words "please select the option you prefer" and then choose "go" on the rock.

Enjoy!!!

"Otis"

"Otis" by Loren Long was our second book we received in the mail from the Imagination Library. It is a PERFECT book for little boys (and girls) that love farm equipment and tractors. My boys love tractors, so this was great!

Otis is a little tractor that finds a best friend in a calf. However, he is getting old and his farmer owner replaces him with a much larger yellow tractor. The calf misses his friend and can't find him. He eventually gets himself in trouble. Who can help him without scaring him? You guessed it, his friend Otis.

It is a paperback book, about 12x12 in size. The pages are easy to turn for each of my kids while they sit with it on the floor. If they are in any smaller place, they have a hard time keeping their place in the book without help just because the pages are larger.

My boys like the book. They especially love the pages with the huge, yellow tractor. So far they have enjoyed the books from the Imagination Library! There is just something about getting their OWN book to read, with their OWN names on them!