American Patriot's Almanac

The American Patriot’s Almanac is one of the best historical resources I have read in years. It is comprised of 365 daily reading starting with January. However, you could begin reading it at any point reading one entry a day. We homeschool our children and we read one entry every day. They are learning about history, while spending time with family. We often reinforce the reading by googling a video or further researching if they are really interested in a particular topic. This book will give them an introduction to historical events and important people. The book is also comprised of important American documents (Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, Gettysburg Address, etc..) These documents alone make the book worth purchasing. This book would also make a wonderful gift for anyone who is interested in history. Buy this book, you will not regret it.

Disclosure: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their [...] 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 Heavens Proclaim His Glory

The Heavens Proclaim His Glory, is a stunning book demonstrating the majesty of God's creation. This book is filled with photos from our solar system that are breath taking. It's amazing what God created in our universe. Our family has enjoyed looking at all the photos and reading all the text accompanying the photos. This also opened up a discussion in my home about space, and how NASA has placed telescopes and other things into outer space. This is pretty amazing too. I think God wants us to see his majesty, and understand that he can do that in our lives too. This book would be an amazing gift for anyone who wants to appreciate the beauty of our universe. Thomas Nelson, has published a true work of art. I just wish the book had been bigger.

Disclosure: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their [...] 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 Boy who Changed the World

The Boy Who Changed the World, was a wonderful book to show children the impact they can make on others. The book talks about how different people have impacted the lives of others. The book would be better to read to children in 2nd grade and up. Any younger and I don’t think it would hold the child’s interest. My 4th grader really enjoyed the book, and it opened up a discussion on how he could impact others around him. The illustrations in the book were amazing, and my kindergarten enjoyed looking at the pictures. My older child was able to make the connection between the illustrations and the story. I think this book should be read in schools everywhere. Let’s teach children that they are important, and that they can make a difference in the world one day. Andy Andrews ends the book by saying “That means You can be the kid who changes the world”. What an awesome thing to teach kids.

Disclosure: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their [...] 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 Time To Dance

I received a complimentary copy of Karen Kingsbury’s book, “A time to dance”. Kingsbury has done a fabulous job of depicting the ups and down’s a married couple may experience in a marriage. I appreciated that she dealt with many issues that affect married couples across America. The characters in the book are struggling with their decisions, and how those choices have placed them in the position they are in. Through the book they learn that only with God can they overcome the obstacles in their marriage. Marriage should be a fundamental aspect of our society. Unfortunately, divorce rates continue to rise and families are destroyed. I think we lose sight of what it means to stay with our spouse through the good and bad times. It seems that too many people bail on their marriage, as soon as it gets too hard. Kingsbury shows how valuable marriage is, and why God wants us to work to save it. This book will not solved America’s divorce problems, but maybe the reader may come to evaluate their own relationship and why it is worth saving. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and am currently reading the sequel to this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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

Storm Warning

I have had the extreme pleasure of reading Storm Warning by Billy Graham. While I have not finished the book entirely, it is definitely one I can’t put down. In today’s world, it is easy to get caught up in anxiety and fear. From economic collapses, to wars around the world, or natural disasters, these all give us the urge to cry out “Why God?” But after reading this book, it is easy to see that this is all planned by the One who we ask why. Jesus served as our own “meteorologist”, showing how the great storm of this world would play out. It was revealed to John in Revelation. Jesus describes a storm that grows in strength and intensity. It is a storm that affects every aspect of our lives. Yet, Jesus revealed these things so that we would know that He is with us through the storms of this world, and while the world around us falls apart He is the one we can truly fall on. Billy Graham has been a wonderful evangelist for many decades, and he writes that the storm clouds are darker in this age than have ever been in his lifetime. Graham goes through current events and ties them to biblical truths through prophecy to show that these are “Storm Warnings”. Graham wants us to understand that the calamities of this world can do two things. It can draw us to anxiety and fear, or it can draw us closer to God.


Disclosure: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their [...] 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."

You Can Be Everything God Wants You To Be

I received “You can be everything God wants you to be” through Thomas Nelson’s Book Review Program. This book is a quick and enjoyable read. Max Lucado has filled it with inspirational selections. These selections are taken from his book, “Cure for the Common Life”. After reading this book, I plan on picking up his other book. Max Lucado uses a range of topics to show us that God wants to be a part of every aspect of our life. He wants us to allow him to direct our paths, and for us to trust that he knows what he is doing. Lucado wants readers to realize that only through God can we achieve our goals and dreams in life. This book would make a great gift for a graduate, teenager, or anyone else needing some inspiration in their life. Although this book does not take long to read, it definitely is filled with wisdom on finding purpose in life.

Disclosure: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their [...] 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."

Rick and Bubba’s Big Honkin’ Book of Grub

I received a complimentary copy of “Rick and Bubba’s Big Honkin’ Book of Grub” from Thomas Nelson’s Book Review Program. I had never heard of radio hosts Rick and Bubba prior to reading the book. I found this book rather funny. This book does not consist of the typical diet book topics. It is actually the opposite, the authors focus on why they love food and their diet plan is funny. They are not authors writing a serious diet book about how to lose weight in a practical way. This book should not be seen as a help tool for those wishing to lose weight. However, if you are tired of all the diet talk this book can definitely lighten the dreaded topic. The author’s included some recipes in the book. The recipes are not necessarily the healthiest, but they are comfort foods. I personally enjoyed the humor in this book. I knew when I picked it up this book was meant to be funny. I had fun reading some of the excerpts to my husband, and he thought they were very true on some of their points. The lists the author’s included on various topics were hilarious. I would recommend this book to anyone just wanting to relax and laugh. The premise of this book is basically why food is an art and should be enjoyed.

Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts

The Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts has been an excellent addition to our family’s bookshelf. It serves as a great supplement to reading the Bible at home with our children, but could also be used in a church or Bible study also. Our kids like it because when we read out of a book, say Matthew, they can look at maps of the areas mentioned in Matthew. In addition, it gives outlines and charts the major events of the book. These are all reproducible and are also located on the Thomas Nelson website. This definitely serves as a complementary tool to those who really want to do some deep reading into the Bible.

The Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts takes a closer look at each book of the Bible. It starts with a brief introduction of the book. It then talks about the author of the book. From there it goes into the time period in which it was written. Afterwards, it breaks down the themes of the book as well as the structure of how it is written. From that they give an outline of the book, have charts of events from the book, and maps in relation to the places mentioned in the book. It does a very thorough job at showing the greater picture of the each book of the Bible.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to know a little more about the books of the Bible. While reading from the Bible is insightful, seeing it outlined with charts and maps makes it easier to interpret.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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."

Antonio Meets His Match

Our family just finished watching “Antonio Meets His Match”, the newest DVD in Max Lucado’s Hermie and Friends series. This dvd was about loving your neighbors. Antonio is at odds with a few red ants that move into the garden. He must go through the process of learning to love his neighbors, even if it’s a struggle. This DVD has a great message about learning to accept people who may be different then you are. My children enjoyed the part where the Scottish ants learned to be nice to Antonio. They liked the music and dancing towards the end of the movie. I appreciate the opening and ending of the movie in which Lucado discusses the storyline. I think it really helps to clarify the message in the movie. I enjoy the positive messages in each movie released in this series. It allows me to then spend time talking to my children about how they can apply the message in their own life. We own all the dvd’s in this series, and “Antonio Meets His Match” will be a great addition to our collection. For more information visit, http://booksneeze.com/blogger/resources/9781400313082

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.”

Take Your Best Shot

“Take your Best Shot” was an inspiring and motivating book to read. Austin at age 9, founded Hoops of Hope. This foundation raised money more for kids orphaned due to Aids. He reached out to these kids, and gave them hope through basketball. Austin was selfless in his quest to help these kids. Austin writes about his journey to Africa, and how the Aids epidemic has affected people and children in Africa. The book is easy to read, and would be simple to incorporate into a group book. Austin shows that with a little drive anyone can reach out and help those less fortunate. I plan on reading this book with my own 8 year old. This book will be an excellent teaching tool about children who live very different lives from himself. I hope this book will open his eyes and teach him how he can help others too. I especially appreciated the spiritual aspects found throughout the book. Austin believed God wanted him to pursue this charity, and he strived to fulfill God’s will. This book was truly amazing.

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The Sweet Bye and Bye

I received a complimentary copy of this book to review for Thomas Nelson’s Book Review Blogger program. I don’t know too much about Sara Evans as an entertainer. However, the back cover seemed interesting, and it had some positive reviews of the book. I quickly read the book in less than a day. I thought the book was entertaining enough. The main character Jade was rather frustrating to me. It just seemed like her character was all over the place. The parent/child scenes in the book were rather interesting, and I found I was able to relate to the father/daughter relationship all too well. I did not like the events that occurred after Jade’s 1st marriage, and found some of the storyline offensive. I wish there had been more character development of Jade’s brother Aiden. Jade’s relationship with her mother reminded me of so many mother/daughter relationships. I was happy to see them working through their problems towards the end of the book. I thought the book could have gone more in depth with Jesus and Christianity. It seemed to stay very lukewarm with Christianity. Jade and Max’s relationship was fun to read, and I thought the two characters worked well together. Overall, the author’s did a great job with this book.

http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=1595544895&title=The_Sweet_By_and_By