Straight Answers to 21 honest questions about prayer book review (Bethany House)

Note: This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.

I read Straight Answers to 21 Honest Questions about Prayer by Charles Simpson, in exchange for honest review from Bethany House. I received a paperback version of the book.

I wanted to review the book because I struggle with my prayer life. I want to pray for the right things, using the right words, at the right time, without being redundant. and never ask me to pray out loud.

The book starting out asking What is prayer? The author talked about how his parents were Faith Missionaries, which meant they had no "visible means of support". The first passage, I highlighted discussed The Rewarder on Page 17.  "Hebrews 11:6 tells us that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. There are three important words in that phrase: seek, diligently, and reward." Next, the chapter talks about people, who think they have a perfect comprehension of prayer. Prayer requires humility versus self-exaltation.

In the next chapter, the author talks about maturity and prayer. Simpson said how kids may pray for things desired, while adults need to reflect on "who he (God) is and what (God) wants." Simpson also says we need to acknowledge God and his presence.

Simpson provided a story about someone, who came to a prayer session unexpectedly. The stranger started praying as if he was "preaching to Jesus". The prayer was lengthy; and he "seemed to be informing God...of his religious knowledge". God was not in the prayer.

I am one of those folks, who get bored during lengthier prayer. My mind starts to wonder. I used to go to a baptist church in Atlanta. The deacons would pray each Sunday, each taking turns. Some deacons had short prayer and some had longer prayer. Who are they praying for and to? Are they praying to God? Are they praying to be heard? Are they praying for attention? Some was even redundant.

Other things I liked in the book:

• Pray about everything. It helps you develop a relationship with God. 
• The power of forgiveness
• Page 60: How does God want me to pray? (Gratitude, Praise, Worship)
• Hearing God when you pray. 

I loved the book. Each chapter also ends in discussion questions for thought and reflection. The book is available in paperback and kindle form. The book is also prime-eligible.

League of Legends Summoner School Review (Tomoson)

Summoner School Logo taken from Tower of Power campaign on Tomoson.

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.









I reviewed League of Legends Summoner School, in response to a campaign on Tomoson. League of Legends is a downloadable, competitive,  role-playing game. People battle against Bots or other people to climb the ladder to success. You also can enter tournaments.

Summoner School provides tutorials for people, interested in moving up ranks in the game. You can sign up for a free-five-day-trial. The course will email you tips and techniques for improvement.

You also will receive log-in information to the website.

Things, you will learn during the course:

1. 11 tips to win more league games
2. How to kill 120 minions in 15 minutes
3. Earning gold

Things I learned from the website:

1. The introduction class. The guide teaches about communication and social skills. It also teaches about 
2. The pre-game class. (Log into the website. Go to Summoner School. Click on the room with pre-game tips. The class defines roles in the game and how to maximize each role's powers. The class also taught about runes and masteries. 

Other things you will learn:

1. Post-game tips and techniques
2. In-game tips and techniques
3. Working with Teams
4. 
   

Youtube

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Prototype book and DVD Review (Tyndale House)

Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.

I read Prototype: What Happens When You Discover You're More Like Jesus Than You Think?, in exchange for review from Tyndale Blog Network. I was provided the book and DVD for review. The book was written by Jonathan Martin and published by Momentum.

The book consists of nine chapters, with a discussion guide in the back. The DVD also comes with a leader guide. You can also download excerpts and discussion guide. 

My Review:

The book teaches us how to allow Jesus to become our prototype. Chapter 1 of the book/DVD discusses Identity. What is your identity? Some people think their identity is similar to their social media profiles. A brief bio, sometimes longer,  explaining their likes, dislikes, age, sex, and location. Yet, a profile does not explain who you truly are? "What are you covering up? What are you afraid of? Where are you going" (p. 1).  What is your true identity. Martin says we have plenty of influences competing for our attention, telling us who we are and who we should be. Yet, What is your true identity.

Page 15 described perfectly what the book is about: "The book is not about finding religion. It's not a self-help manual. I don't have seven habits or twelve steps to take you anywhere. This is about becoming  awake to God. And if we become awake to God, we become awake to everything and everyone around us."

Page 17 starts discussing why Jesus is our prototype. We need to strive to be children of God. We need to find our identity in Christ. We need to have awareness of God's presence. "Jesus was so certain of who he was and where he was going that of course he became a threat to the world around him. He didn't need the affirmation of other people to know his true identity" (p. 18). 

"The reason Jesus was such a threat to the religious authorities of his time was not that he went around teaching people to be nice to one another. The reason he was a threat was he showed us a new way to be human. That's why he ultimately had to be crucified--he was calling others into this new humanity, and it was dangerous for the social order of the day. And not just His day, but ours as well."

Knowing our identity in Christ helps us change our behaviors and attitudes. knowing our identity helps us follow Christ more.

Chapter 2 discusses how we are beloved by Christ. Because we are loved by Christ, "we are born with the capacity to dream, to imagine, to pl ay, to create" (p. 21). Yet fear can cripple us from finding our true identity and purpose. I have plenty of fears to work through. Next, the chapter discussed how Jesus "is the prototype for a new way of being human, to begin with his life might seem to intimidating---because in many ways he feels 'other"from us" (p. 25). The chapter also discussed how David's life started out as a shepherd, but eventually David slayed a giant; ran away from Saul; helped steal another man's wife, yet David was a king, poet, and musician, who knew the power of God's love. No matter how many times David failed, he knew who his creator was. He knew of God's grace and mercy.

Chapter 3 discusses obscurity. People don't want to be obscure---We want to have fame and riches. We want to be the next American Idol or have the X-Factor and The Voice. Our society puts celebrities on a pedestal. Even in the church, some people want power, position, and popularity. Our identity shouldn't be based on what others do, but should be grounded in Christ.

Funny story: I am an online gamer. I used to be a big fan of Zynga. A former friend of mine got mad because I was on a higher level than him. I had started playing a year before him, hence I had more friends and experience, while he was a newbie. Yet, he couldn't understand how I got higher in a game than him.

Chapter 3 also discusses how we need to learn how to hear the voice of God and resist the forces of the Devil. The chapter also discusses the wilderness. Both Jesus and David found themselves in the wilderness. We need the wilderness to have time alone to draw closer to God.

Chapter 4 discusses the calling. We are called to do the work of Christ. The bible showed how God will use anyone to do his will. Saul (Paul) persecuted Christians. Moses had speech issues. Rahab, a prostitute, helped hide a few men of God. Don't remember who she helped, but she helped.

Chapter 5 discusses wounds. We all have scars and wounds, not just physical but emotional. I have been physically and emotionally abused before. I have been hurt by allowing emotions to cloud sexual relationships. I have felt abandonment, betrayal, and loneliness.  Some days, my scars can lead to depression and regret, but when we follow Jesus, our scars  shouldn't bring us shame, but authenticate us (p. 89) Most of the time, I repress and bury my scars, unless the situation requires me to bring them to the surface. We need to tell God about our scars, our hurts, and our wounds to find peace, comfort, and joy.

Chapter 6 discusses resurrection. The chapter discusses death. Death is permanent and cannot be reversed. Yet, nothing quite exists like resurrection--the act of bringing something dead back to life. In the bible, Lazarus and Jesus was resurrected from the dead. The chapter also discusses fear and doubt.

Chapter 7 discusses sacraments. Chapter 8 discusses community.  Chapter 9 discusses witness
The book is available in print, audio, and kindle format. The book is prime-eligible.

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@2013 Stacie D. Wyatt Perfect Chaos.

Kiss Me Organics Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder Product Review (Tomoson)

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.


I reviewed Kiss Me Organics Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder - ORGANIC - Exclusive to Amazon - Green Tea Lattes At Home - Smoothies - Matcha Baking Recipes - All Day Energy - Superior Antioxidant Content - Improved Hair & Skin Health, in response to a campaign on Tomoson. This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.

About Kiss Me Organics: Organic Matcha Culinary Green Tea Powder

The product, according to the package, provides:

1. Energy
2. Increased Metabolism
3. Increased focus
4. Improved skin health
5. Antioxidants. 

The product can be used by itself; in cooking; smoothies, or my favorite, in oatmeal. The product also contains 100% Organic Matcha. 

My review:

I loved the green tea powder. I used it by itself and in oatmeal. A little "I can't believe it's not butter", some sugar alternative, and a dash of Matcha. I first heard of Matcha Tea during another campaign at Tomoson, but the powder came in tea bag form. I love the powder because I don't have to steep the tea. I also like how the powder can be used in many forms. You can add it to oatmeal, make a smoothie, or use it in baking.


The one thing, I did not like was the seal on the bag. The seal is not air tight. I have had a lot of powdered tea accidents on my bed and clothes. I recommend storing it in another ziplock or similar air-tight bag.

The product is $25 on Amazon and is Prime-Eligible


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Tidy Tots Potty Liners Product Review and Giveaway (Tomoson)

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. This post contains Amazon affiliate Links.


I reviewed TidyTots Disposable Potty Chair Liners - Value Pack - Universal Potty Chair Fit (fits most potty chairs) - 32 Liners potty liners, in response to a campaign on Tomoson. TidyTots was developed by the Cumberland Companies.

I wanted to review TidyTots because I started attempting to potty train my two year old, a few months ago. Right now, I am familiarizing him with the toilet. He is simply sitting on the pot, clothed and unclothed. I bought the potty in September or October because it was on sale.

The liners offer a way to minimize cleaning. The baby pees or poops in the pot. Then, you remove the bag, tie with drawstring, and dispose in toilet. The product is sold on Amazon in 16 and 32 packs. The liners are also universal. They will fit most potties.

GIVEAWAY

Social Media:

Website TidyTots on Twitter Facebook Fan page Youtube Pinterest WordPress I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

12 Pearls of Christmas Day 11 Cynthia Ruchti Do you hear what I hear? (Litfuse)

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas blog series!



Merry Christmas from Pearl Girls™! We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.



We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items from the contributors! Enter now below! The winner will be announced on January 2, 2014, at the Pearl Girls blog.



If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Mother of Pearl, Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace, or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

Do You Hear What I Hear?
by Cynthia Ruchti

To shepherds? Really, God? You crafted a birth announcement that was delivered first to shepherds? The story’s become so familiar to us, so easy for us to visualize because of all the Christmas pageants we’ve witnessed over the years—all the fourth-grade boys in plaid robes with a homemade shepherd staff, carrying a cloth lamb from the toy department that plays “Jesus Loves Me” if you pull the ring where an umbilical cord should be.




Theologians speculate the reason for shepherds as the audience for the holy pronouncement could be as intricate as a genetic retracing of the Baby’s heritage back through history to King David, who started his career as a shepherd.



Or it could have been simpler than that. Maybe shepherds were the only ones listening that night.



“Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their sheep at night,” Luke 2:8, CEB. The biblical story tells us that the shepherds weren’t sleeping but were on guard, watching, when the news about Jesus came to them.



Distractions were few. Hills, sheep, other shepherds, a low fire, and a wide expanse of sky overhead—a dark sky that held the same stars night after night, until this one.



I wonder if any of the shepherds brought their families to the fields. I wonder if in the tent was a hardworking woman nearing the end of an exhausting day. She’d barely gotten the evening meal cleaned up when she had to start thinking about what her family and the other shepherds would need for breakfast. Soak the grains. Check the progress on the sheep’s milk cheese. And try to get those kids to settle down.



“Stop annoying your brother. Caleb! Last warning. Josh, get your fingers out of your sister’s ears. Turn down that video game. You can’t listen to the radio and watch TV at the same time. Turn one of them off. Better yet, both of them! Who’s singing? What’s that sound? Do you hear what I hear?”



What noise do I need to turn off in my life in order to hear the first notes of the angel’s song?



Another noisy Christmas party. Another trip to the department store for stocking stuffers. Another round of Christmas CDs. Another Christmas special on TV. Another Facebook post to share—the true meaning of Christmas. A text about the practice time for the Christmas program at church. Another phone call about travel plans. Brain waves clanking into each other, making a cacophony of noise.



Shutting down one layer at a time. Unplugging. Keeping even "Silent Night" low so I can silence my night and hear the downbeat of “Glory to God in the highest.”

***

Cynthia Ruchti is an author and speaker who tells stories of Hope-that-glows-in-the-dark through her novels and novellas, devotions, nonfiction, and through speaking events for women and writers. Of seven books on the shelves currently, her latest releases are the novel When the Morning Glory Blooms (Abingdon Press Fiction), the nonfiction Ragged Hope: Surviving the Fallout of Other People’s Choices (Abingdon Press Christian Living), and several dozen of the devotions in Mornings With Jesus 2014 (Guideposts). Spring of 2014 will see the release of another novel—All My Belongings, also from Abingdon Press Fiction. You can connect with her at www.cynthiaruchti.com or on Facebook.
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12 Pearls of Christmas (Litfuse)

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas blog series!



Merry Christmas from Pearl Girls™! We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.



We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items from the contributors! Enter now below! The winner will be announced on January 2, 2014, at the Pearl Girls blog.



If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Mother of Pearl, Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace, or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

Wrapping Paper and Fancy Bows Not Required
by Jodi Murphy

For more than a decade I worked in the luxury design field, and every year around Christmas time there were holiday show houses and charity events where the designers would hold nothing back to create the most beautiful displays for the Christmas season—trees with baubles and sparkles, swags of fresh greenery festooned with handmade bows, every room dressed to the nines, dining and breakfast tables set for imaginary entertaining, and hundreds of perfectly wrapped packages that would make Santa’s elves go green with envy.




The sights, sounds and smells were magical! And though I enjoyed the "eye candy" and appreciated all of the creativity, I often left these events on a "sugar high" of the season’s pufferies and feeling disconnected to the spiritual significance of Christmas.



As we begin to count down the days toward December 25th, I will do my share of simplified decorating as a way to mark such an important day, and I will be celebrating Christ’s birth with a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the gifts God has given to me . . .



My Parents

I was blessed with parents who loved and respected me. I was always important, seen and heard. They gave me the confidence and strength to go out into the world because I knew they were standing right behind me in case I stumbled. They modeled generosity, loyalty and commitment.



My Sister

Tenacious, strong-willed, and determined balanced by a friendly, supportive, “I’m there for you” spirit—that’s my amazing younger sister. She’ll step out on the front line to stand up and defend you or throw on some work clothes and volunteer to help with whatever dirty work needs to be done. No questions asked . . . you need her, she’s there.



My Husband

My husband is so comfortable in his own skin. He doesn’t compare himself to others or secretly long for what they have. He doesn’t get embroiled in other’s gossip or petty arguments. His loving influence has made me happier and more at peace. Every day I wake up to the joyful realization that I am his friend, wife, and life partner.



My Son

My firstborn. My son with Aspergers Syndrome. Raising him is the most extraordinary journey. He has made me more accepting, patient, and understanding. He has helped me find my passion to support and advocate for him and those just like him. He doesn’t filter or concern himself with being anything but who he is. I admire his strength to put himself out into a world he doesn’t fully understand.



My Daughter

She was born with grace and an "old" soul. From a very young age, she had an understanding and compassion for others well beyond her years. And when she was excluded for not following the crowd, she never compromised her values in order to fit in. She personifies all that is good and right in our world.



So I’m taking a pause from the hustle and bustle of the designers’ holiday season. This Christmas, and every Christmas henceforth, you’ll find me singing praises of “Gloria!” to God for the walking, breathing beautiful gifts of my family.

***

Jodi Murphy has been a freelance marketing specialist for the last 25+ years working for clients in a variety of industries, a journalist in the design/luxury lifestyle industry, and co-founder of Nesting Newbies, one of the first independent lifestyle digital magazines. But her most important role and her life’s passion is being a mom! She founded Geek Club Books to share her son’s life on the spectrum in a positive and entertaining way. Her focus is on building a community of spectrum and neurotypicals who are engaged with and inspired by the Geek Club Books’ message of self-acceptance—“I’m unique. I’m a geek.” Jodi writes original content on the blog, and, with the help of her talented kids and top-notch creative team, she produces audio stories, e-books, and interactive storybook APPs.

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Stikins Product Review (Tomoson): Updated with Pictures

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

I reviewed Stikins in response to a campaign on Tomoson. Stikins, created by Label Lighthouse are peel and stick labels for clothes and shoes. I wanted to review them because my oldest just started back to school and I needed to label his items. The labels will also help at church, where I can label their backpacks, cups, and other personal items.

I used the labels the first day they arrived in the mail. We was on our way to the doctor or something, and I applied the labels in the car. The first label was a little hard to apply because I was distracted. The label folded up, then Kalen ripped it off Brad's clothes. After that, the labels was easy to apply.

The kids got a hold of the package and lost them.

Update: I found the labels, soon after writing the review.

I applied the labels to Brad clothes. Why? When Brad was in public school for 4th grade, sometimes I got sent home extra clothing. Jackets, Shirts, and Pants from other students. Like right now, I have a folder belonging to another student and Christmas break does not end until January 3rd or 4th.

I also applied the label's to Brad's backpack and Kalen's cups. The labels will be placed in my purse to avoid being lost again.



Price:

60 labels cost 24.95
120 labels cost 39.95


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

The New Answers book 4 Book Review (New Leaf Publishing)

I read The New Answers Book 4: over 30 questions on creation and evolution and the bible, in exchange for honest review by New Leaf Publishing. I was provided a pdf file of the book. The book was written by Ken Ham

The book starts out discussing Atheism. Ham discussed how Christians are adopting Atheism traditions in the home. Some traditions can include re-writing the scriptures; compromising on the biblical foundations of Genesis; and disbelief on some topics in the bible, such as Hell and the Resurrection.

The book is broken down into 33 questions. Each question deals with a different aspect of creation or evolution. Some of the topics include:

1. Dragons
2. Was Charles Darwin a Christian?
3. Could Noah's ark be made of wood?
4. Climate Change
5. Living Fossils
6. Did Noah need oxygen tanks on the ark?
7. Origin of the Solar System and Planets

I loved the last chapter on Atheism because my uncle is an Atheist. Even though he grew up in the church, he still doesn't believe in God. There may be hope though. The other day, I caught him listening to "Take me to the King" by Tamela Mann.

I also loved the chapter on cave men; science vs. religion; plants, and dragons. The dragon chapter was the most interesting. The bible mentions dragons, but over the years, dragons have gained mythical qualities.

Anyway, the book was a good read.

@2013 Stacie D. Wyatt

Copy Kids (Eat fruits and veggies) DVD Product Review (Tomoson)

photo taken from www.copy-kids.com

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

About Copy Kids

I reviewed Copy Kids, in response to a campaign on Tomoson. Copy Kids is a DVD, which encourages kids to eat their fruits and vegetables.

Instead of providing a cartoon or a lecture format, the DVD presented kids trying out and playing with12 different fruits and veggies:

1. Bell Pepper
2. Carrots
3. Raspberries
4. Broccoli
5. Bananas
6. Strawberries
7. Tomatoes
8. Cucumber
9. Oranges
10. Avocado
11. Apples
12. Blueberries. 

Each fruit or veggie has their own chapter on the video. Each chapter is 6 to 8 minutes long. You can watch the kids reactions to trying out new foods. 

My Review:

I loved the video. I watched it with the kids. My oldest went back to watching tv shortly after. My two-year old was giggling at the babies. The video reminded me of when Kalen was starting new foods. We tried a different food every few days. Some he liked. Some he did not like. 

I also loved how the video focused on the kids and food. It has no narration. Just kids being kids, eating and playing with nutritious food. Messy faces, Stained Clothes, and all. The video was also funny. One of the funniest clips was Mattea eating an avocado. She was eating and smacking away. Such a cutie

Finally, the video includes extras. One of the extras is Dr. Jay Gordon discussing nutrition. The other extra is the video outtakes. 

The video is 19.95 on the Copy Kids website. 

Social Media:

Website

Facebook

Youtube

Twitter

PinterestI received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Sisterhood Magazine Review and Giveaway

I reviewed Sisterhood Magazine. I received the November/December 2013: Faith in the Wait issue

The magazine is written from a Christian perspective, geared towards young girls.

What I liked about the magazine:

• The calendar for November and December, which provides an activity for your teen to do each day. Smile at the wind. Compliment your mom or dad. Hug a parent. Clean your room. Go to church. Read your bible. 
• Page 10 has a description of various charities, looking for volunteers, such as Habitat for Humanity and Compassion International. 
• Page 12 has an article, written by Jennifer Metzger about "learning to praise God no matter what."
• Page 20 has an article on deception and discernment, written by Lauren Stycyznski. 
• Page 41 has an article called "Seasons greetings from Satan, my year in review." The article was very powerful. "Satan" discussed how he is responsible for manipulation, deception, abortion, destruction, death, and how he removing Christ from Christmas. 
• Page 44 has an article called "Postcards from Peru". Kids, who went to Peru, for mission work submitted in their post cards to the magazine. 
• Page 57 has recipes. I loved the mini cranberry sticky buns. 

The magazine is available in print, iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, and Kindle Fire. The magazine arrives bi-monthly. You can save $2 off print subscriptions using code SAVE2. The code expires at midnight.

Giveaway:

Entry-Form

Social Media:

Sister Hood on Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Pinterest

Willie Out West Book Review (Book Sneeze)

This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.


I read Willie Out West, in exchange for honest review from BookSneeze. The book was written by Rhonda Walker. I chose this book because I was surrounded by kids, while looking for my next selection to review. I read the book to my son and great niece. They loved the book.

I normally don't read some children's books because of the length, and my kids have a short attention span. This book was a quick read. The pages didn't contain a lot of words. The story line was simple.

About the book:

Willie was a walrus. He wanted more adventure out of life. He was bored and tired of being at home. His dad is out fishing, while Mama is at home with Willie. After watching a news report on television, Willie goes on an adventure filled with Octopuses, Polar Bears, Seals, and a One-eyed Whale. For me, the book teaches about finding adventure and fun in the little things, which happen daily. I also think it teaches kids about using their imagination and creativity.


Great Read


@Stacie D. Wyatt 12/20/2013

My Hikes Product Review (Tomoson)

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links

I reviewed My Hikes, in response to a campaign on Tomoson. My Hikes allows you to adjust your kids pants legs. I wanted to review the product because my two year old has a strange body shape. He is skinny. He is 31 months, but he was underweight for the longest. He been 23 pounds since forever, but he is getting taller. He can wear 12 and 18 month pants. The problem is the 12 month pants are getting tight in the waist, but has the right leg length. The 18 months are loose in the waist but has extra length in the legs. I wish there was in-between range, like 15 months.

Social Media:

Facebook Fan page

Website

Where to buy:

As Seen on Tv: Get 2 packs for $14 dollars with free shipping

My Hikes Amazon Page: $11.99 currently


MyHikes40off for 40% off or get them for the same discount on Amazon ($11.99 w/free ship USA).
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Hot Dots Reading Set Pre-K to 2 Product Review and Giveaway (Tomoson)

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

I reviewed the Hot Dots Jr Reading Set for Pre-K to 2, in response to a campaign on Tomoson. The product was created by Educational Insights.

The set came with two books and a Hot Dots pen. I wanted to review the books because my youngest is starting preschool for developmental disabilities next year. He needs to learn some words, other than eat. :-)

The sets are available for $24.95 on EI's site. The site also sells a beginning phonics and science set for $14.95. I may buy the beginning phonics next month. Giveaway link is after the pictures. 

Giveaway: Ends in 18 days. 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Take Flight: A sister chicks devotional by Robin Jones Gunn and Cindy Hannan Book Review (Blogging for Books)

This post contains Amazon Affiliate links.

I read Take Flight! (Sisterchicks in the Word) in exchange for review from Blogging for Books. I received a hardback for review.

I been reading Take Flight for a few weeks. The book is very inspirational. The book is a devotional. The first part of each section contains a devotional, an exercise, a word of wisdom, and suggestions.

For example, the first chapter discusses Sunset Worship, written by Robin Jones Gunn. She discussed how she saw a beautiful sunset and felt inclined to worship and praise God, but did not. Gunn also discussed how her daughter is not ashamed to worship and praise God. "Come, Crinkle, Curl, Splash. (p. 15).

Second, Hannan had discussed how God wants us to incorporate more of him into our lives. We get so busy sometimes and leave God out. We also need to worship and praise God more, even though he knows our hearts, He still wants to hear it. I struggle with praise and worship and need to incorporate more God into my life--all my life.

Each chapter and section in the book is short. Great for a personal bible study. The book is written in easy-to-understand language as well. Next, the exercise section has a place to write notes.

Overextended and loving most of it by Lisa Harper Book Review (Book Sneeze)

I read Overextended and Loving Most of It: The Unexpected Joy of Being Harried, Heartbroken, and Hurling Oneself Off Cliffs by Lisa Harper, in exchange for honest review from BookSneeze. This post contains an Amazon Affiliate Link.



I choose to review the book because I am overextended. I blog. I parent special needs kids. I go to church. I am in school. I have to deal with other annoying relatives. I have to find time to write, do homework, and exercise. My life has gotten more hectic since my oldest returned to public school. I am back to getting up early and making sure Brad goes to bed on time. I also have to remember to wash his school clothes, every other day.

I started reading the book a few days ago and finished more than half of the book in one sitting. The book is excellent. Harper discussed the ups and downs of adoption. She also discussed her work with women in rehab, who struggle with prostitution and drug addiction. She has her ups and downs, but still worked on getting closer to Christ and expanding her ministry and volunteer work. I, on the other hand, struggle with time management, and frustration from not being able to complete tasks, like I used to. I have no ministry at church, even though I want to, because I don't have a ride to most events. I do sign up for events and hope I am able to volunteer when the day arrives. I have worked for the fall festival, vacation bible school, and the summer carnival. I am interested in the media department though to learn how to use my camera equipment, while also serving God and the church.

Some highlights I liked from the book:

Page 7: "but then I had a conversation with a friend over coffee, that convinced me being overextended can be biblical.....(a few passages pass) I think this is what we're supposed to look like when we stand before jesus. I don't think we're supposed to show up in glory with time to spare, a fresh manicure, and perfect hair. I think if we're really living the gospel, we're going to fall at his feet exhausted and messy, with mismatched socks, just plump worn out from loving people as hard as we can."

Page 7: "Life isn't always orderly and relationships rarely fold neatly with hospital corners. Real life...abundant life....God-honoring life is about loving Jesus and the people he allows to rub shoulders with well. Which means some days we'll be stretched emotionally and physically. We'll be taxed to the max."

The book was a good read. Harper discussed expanding our boundaries/limits to helping others in need, even when we are stressed out. She also discusses God's peace and asking God for guidance through it all.

Hot Buttons: Bullying and Image Editions Book Reviews (Kregel Blog Tours)

This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links:

I read Hot Buttons Image Edition (Hot Buttons Series) and Hot Buttons Bullying Edition (Hot Buttons Series) by Nicole O'Dell, in exchange for honest review from Kregel Blog Tours. I also have purchased the Dating and Internet Editions a few months ago, through Amazon.

The books are written from a Christian perspective. I wanted to review them because I do have a teen niece and a teenager.

I started out reading the image edition. I struggle
with self-image and self-worth, even as an adult. I started highlighting from page one. O'Dell had wrote "the teens and tweens of today aren't willing to take God's word for it, or for our word for it--after all, what do parents know?" Most teens listen to their peers versus their parents or God. For me, I was a decent teenager until 18. I did not do drugs. I did not have sex. Never seen detention in my life. Did my homework. I was afraid of my grandma, the disciplinarian. My mother left the discipline up to my grandma, which is why her kids turned out so wonderful (insert sarcasm here). My biggest problem was my mouth. I didn't cuss much but I was quick with sarcasm and arguing with folks.

I was (and still is) an outcast. I wasn't popular. I didn't date. I didn't have sex.  I was (and still am) antisocial. I didn't go to football games or dances. I didn't hang out with the "Black folks" (as someone told me). I joined AFJROTC in high school. I read books, wrote poetry, played on the computer, and made decent grades.

I couldn't wait to turn 18 and start living and experiencing the things, I felt I was missing out on. Those developmental and life-learning experiences.

I see the kids today: Having a lot of sex; doing drugs; missing a lot of days out of school; making bad grades. I don't understand it because I never been there (as a teen).

Some of the issues discussed in the Image edition includes weight gain; eating disorders; celebrity influence; and body piercings.