The Loneliness Solution Review (Flyby Blog Promotions)

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by FlyBy Blog Promotions. I received a free book, in exchange for honest review. This post also contains Amazon Affiliate Links. 

 I received The Loneliness Solution by Jack Eason, in exchange for honest review from FlyBy Blog Promotions. The book is available in kindle, paperback, and audio book format. The book is written from a Christian perspective. The book discusses how we can find "meaningful connection in a disconnected world. 

I wanted to read the book because I struggle with anxiety, loneliness, and depression, especially this year.  I am overwhelmed. Corona has definitely changed the world and I am simply done with everything, including kids most days. I am just tired and need a break from everyone and everything, but it will take a miracle. The last few days has been rough. I haven't posted as much on social media nor checked my email, at all. I just wanted to hide under the covers and escape from life, yet I can't do that. Oldest kid won't let me with his behavioral issues. 

One of the first things, which stood out was the section on loneliness kills. Lonely people eat and  drink more. I have definitely drunk more since March than I did in the past 10 years.  I am at my highest weight in life. I thought being 225 as a teenager was bad but I weigh more than that at 40 years old. Lonely people also die sooner. than people, who have more social relationships. 

Another section, which stood out, is the section on things, which get in the way of relationships, such as busyness and independence. I definitely fall into the trap of the delusion of self-sufficiency. I don't want to need other people, but unfortunately, I need other people. I hate asking for help, yet when I ask for help, I get hardly no responses. I asked for help fixing my dryer, but so far nos, even by professionals, who I would be paying. 

I definitely like to thank Rodney and Ms Reen for their help this year. My mother and niece as well, along with Mr. Daniel and Mrs. Mary Lynn, and The Badens. 

I been asking for additional help for my oldest for most of this year. I have heard a lot of No's because he has severe autism. This doesn't give me much hope for my youngest, if his behavior gets worse when he gets older because he also has severe autism. The book also discussed the disconnection of family. I have felt disconnected from my own kids, at times, during this year. 

The book has a lot of good information. If you are interested in the book, click on the link above. The book , once again, is available in paper back, kindle, and audio book format. 

Take back your life by Levi Lusko Book Review (FlyBy Blog Promotions)

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I read Take Back Your Life by Levi Lusko, in exchange for honest review from FlyBy Blog Promotions. I received a hardback book. 

The book is a 40 day devotional/journal, which helps you think right, so you can live right.

My life sucks right now. The crisis and quarantining has not helped. I am drained physically, mentally, and spiritually. I dread waking up and I dread going to bed because I know what's waiting and I hate it (kid's morning behavior issues). 

I have learned a few new skills, such as I attempted to make cheese, but I cant seem to help my oldest calm down. I wanted to read this book to at least help my spiritual life improve, while everything else is falling apart. 

Book Review

One of the first things, which stood out is when the author said looks can be deceiving. We can be looking at something, but not see all, that is there. We can not trust what we see with the naked eye because there are unseen things in the background. 

"When you see the invisible, you can see the impossible"

Using just the seen to make decisions is not enough because there are blind spots.  The unseen spiritual realm is forever. We need to stop walking around oblivious to things going on in the background, such as the battle for our hearts (and our internal battle)and where we will spend eternity (We all will live forever, but where: Heaven or Hell). Lusko says we need to look at people and things through the lens of faith to see if this or that is for your good. Is this or that or them part of God's plan for your life. The author says we have to take back our lives from what's going on in the invisible realm. 

Another part of the book, which stood out is that no matter, what we are going through, we are loved. called. chosen. equipped. I may not feel that way when repairing another hole, my oldest put in the wall or picking up a bag full of toys, again, the youngest threw, but God still says we are loved, called, chosen, and equipped (and that' s where my overthinking takes place. What am I equipped to do? What is my godly purpose? Is it more than cleaning, cooking, parenting, and fixing things, the kids broke? My life is boring, repetitive, redundant, frustrating, but yet there is a godly purpose, somewhere in this mess.) Day 3 says despite how I feel about myself and my life, We were made in the image of God; we have autonomy; we are immortal; we were expensive because Jesus paid the ultimate price for our souls. I definitely need this book right now. I havent had it long. A kid tore a few pages out, but I was able to find them and put them back in the book, but I am loving what I am reading. 

At the end of each chapter, there is a prayer and questions to think about. 

The book is available in Kindle; Audio book; hardback; and audio CD. The book is prime-eligible. 

Free Kids 4-day PDF Devotional

Author Bio:

Levi Lusko is the founder and lead pastor of Fresh Life Church, located in Montana, Wyoming, Oregon, and Utah. He is the bestselling author of Through the Eyes of a Lion, Swipe Right, and I Declare War. Levi also travels the world speaking about Jesus. He and his wife, Jennie, have one son, Lennox, and four daughters: Alivia, Daisy, Clover, and Lenya, who is in heaven.

I could use a nap and a million dollars book review (Kregel Blog Tours)

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I read I could Use a Nap and a Million Dollars by Jessie Clemence, in exchange for honest review from Kregel Blog Tours. I received a paperback book . The book is Christian based. The subtitle is Biblical Alternatives for stressed out living.

I wanted to read the book because I am stressed out, especially in the past month. This month alone, Brad had an allergic reaction to accidently taking Kalen's medications. Kalen and I had a bad cold. My appendix burst. I missed Brad's ARD/IEP meeting for extended school year (ESY) because of the surgery. Luckily, the diagnostician already knew my wishes and held the meeting without me.  My laptop decided to die, while laying on my bed for two days, turned off. Kalen also had tonsil and adenoid surgery to help with his sleep apnea. I had an unpleasant OB/GYN visit. Not to mention, the joys of just raising specail needs kids. Every day is an adventure in not running away to a Caribbean island, drinking  a long island iced tea.

I feel my kids run the show and I am slowly losing control of everything, including my mind.

This is why we eat too much chocolate and cry in the shower. This is why we need a nap and a million dollars to fall out of the sky. We've had enough. Life is just too much. p. 13

The book teaches us how to rely on God even when we are stressed out. I loved when the author discussed cleaning in chapter 2. Her Ikea bowls were always missing and she hated looking for them. In my house, I have the same issue. I spend a lot of time hunting down spoons, bowls, and other kitchen utensils. Some of these was already in limited supply. I only own 4 bowls. Don't need much. I live with 3 people and rarely have company over. If for some reason, I do, I got 4 plates. I don't understand why my oldest can't bring utensils back into the kitchen after he uses them. He also has a bad habit of tossing his dirty diapers anywhere, when there are multiple trash bags throughout the house. Trying to clean the front room is stressful. I found old chicken bones behind my rubbermaids the other day. Not fun.

Trying to clean and unclutter my house causes many stress filled days, but who says my house has to be perfectly clean? It would be nice but it may not happen. The author said the bible does not base our value on how clean our houses are. The bible focuses on the condition of our heart.

What got me (because I skipped ahead to the end of the book) was the conclusion. The author discussed how two of her friends adopted special needs kids. I understand special needs parenting well. You have to deal with the normal things like paying bills, cooking, cleaning, but also dealing with the special needs side. The constant doctor appointments; the outright refusal to take medications; the sleep meds not working; and the meltdowns. One meltdown this week lead me to a bitten, bruised arm because he did not want to go to his monthly behavior appointment for his meds.

The book also includes questions, a focus, and a prayer at the end of chapters.

You can purchase the book in kindle and paperback format. The book is prime-eligible.

She's Got the Wrong Guy Review (Litfuse)

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I read She's Got the Wrong Guy, IWhy Smart Women Settle)in exchange for honest review from Litfuse. The book was written by Deepak Reju. The book is Christian-based. Reju discusses how dating is harder for single, intelligent, Christian women.

For me, I was impressed with the title. I have limited dating experiences. I never been big on dating and relationships. I started late in life dating. I focused on grades to achieve my goals to moving as far from Texas as possible, in order to have a life (ended up moving back in 2010. I  married my first boyfriend, even though I saw red flags. I was in college at the time (for the wrong reasons. not the right school for me), when I met him. We got married less than two years later after we married.

The next and last boyfriend, I had was in 2006. The relationship lasted a month or so. I met him, leaving work. He was going in to work and I was on my way to the bus stop to go home. What stood out about him was he was wearing a suit to go clean a stadium.

I just don't grasp the ins and outs of dating. I want to date. I want to be married again one day, but I want to do things the right way. From my limited dating experiences and my former promiscous life, I have seen many red flags, I don't want in my next relationship.

I have noticed not many men want to date a celibate woman, nor do many want to date the promiscuous woman. Many want the option of sex if I decide to enter into a relationship. Even with celibacy, everyone has a different definition. I have talked to "celibate" men, who still wanted the option of sexual activity without the penetration. Reju does a good job explaining how sex has become prevalent in today's society. Even Christians struggle with promiscuity and pornography.

Reju also discusses how women settle for men because they want marriage or motherhood. Women accept red flags to achieve goals. Women also stay in settled relationships, even when the relationship isn't working.  From dating non-believers to dating overly flirtatious men, women settle. Settling and ignoring red flags can affect your morals, values, and faith. When I was younger, I was taught co-habitation and premarital sex was wrong. I was raised these things was wrong, yet engaged in them many times. As I got older, I had to pay for the consequences of my actions, including a more jaded personality. I can sense a red flag approaching and try to shut it down quick. It's like I heard and seen this before, this is not anything new, go away.

The book is a good read.

You can purchase the book using the link above in Kindle and Paperback format.

The Good Book Book Review (Litfuse)

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I received The Good Book by Devin Spoo with a foreward by Kyle Idleman, in exchange for honest review from Litfuse. The book is a user-friendly guide to understanding each chapter of the bible.

In the introduction, the author discussed how the bible is hard to understand at times, even for advanced readers at times. I know I struggle with certain things in the bible, which is why I downloaded a few translations on both my Kindle and phone to better understand context.

The book has 40 chapters to help people better understand the bible's biggest ideas. The author does provide bible verses in the book.

For example, The author provides the first few verses of Genesis, which describes the first seven days. Then Chapter 1 starts off by focusing on how we are unique and created in God's image. We are priceless. We have value. The author says we don't need to know the exact date, we was created or the age of the universe, but God did not mention the dates in the bible.

You can purchase the book using the link above. The book is available in Kindle and Hardcover format. The book is prime-eligible.

The Joy of Letting Go Review (Litfuse)

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I read the Joy of Letting Go in exchange for honest review from Litfuse. The book was written by Vicki Caruana. The book is Christian-based, parenting devotional.

I wanted this book because I do have a teenager and a toddler and need all the godly parenting help, I can get. The book is about letting our kids go and letting them lead their own lives. I want my kids to be more independent, despite disability, and not rely on me as much, but yet, I have to teach them how to be more independent. If I want the boys to use the toilet more, I have to put them on the toilet. If I want Brad to use soap in the shower, I have to train him to do so.

And I can't complain too much, whenever they try to do something, no matter how chaotic it may go. For example, Kalen is observant, too observant. He has tried to mop, plunge the toilet, and wash dishses based on seeing me do it. Kalen also cleans walls and helps set out dishes for dinner. Kalen is trying to be independent, despite my dislike for water all over the bathroom floor or an overflowing sink of dishwater because he likes the bubbles.

The author also discussed how she raised her kids to be independent, but they live further away from her as adults and reply back to texts days later.

Note: As I am writing this blog post, Bradd wakes up and takes a shower (no soap). After he gets out the tub, he realizes he has pooped and proceeds to wipe his own butt, while I handed him the wipes. Go Brad.





You can purchase the book in Kindle and hardcover format. The book is prime-eligible.

People of the Second Chance Review (Blogging for Books)

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I read People of the Second Chance, in exchange for honest review from Blogging for Books. The book was written by Mike Foster. The book is Christian-based. The book is about the hurt and broken. We all have been given a second chance through God to live a more purposeful life.

One of the first things, which stood out was how God still loves us, despite our flaws, mistakes, hisotry, and past. On the same page, the author said we are not our failures: just because we have made mistakes, doesn't mean we are mistakes (p. 9). When our identity is defined wrong, we will "carry the wrong definition into your story. (p.9). God celebrates the broken. Page 13 said that we see the pain but miss the miracle of healing of ourselves and others around us. To be a second chancer, we must find the celebration. We should be like the prodigal son, who realized he was wrong. He came home to a celebration. His father (God) was happy his child returned.

The next chapter discusses how we need to embrace our messes and find peace within our lives. The author says we need to embrace our brokenness versus hiding it behind shame. God can turn our messes into something beautiful.




I liked the book because I am broken. I have defined my life, at times, by my mistakes. I have defined my identity by my mistakes. You can't grow spiritually if you focus on your mistakes and flaws. To sum it up, page 20 (paperback) says God "says whoever you are, whatever you look like, whatever mess you been in, don't worry about that anymore. You're mine and you're in good hands now.".

We are God's.

You can purchase the book in hardback, paperback, audible, and audio cd format. The book is prime-eligible.

The Dog Who Was There

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I readThe Dog Who Was There, in exchange for honest review from Litfuse. The book is Christian-based. I received the ebook version.

About the Book:

No one expected Barley to have an encounter with the Messiah.

He was homeless, hungry, and struggling to survive in first century Jerusalem. Most surprisingly, he was a dog. But through Barley's eyes, the story of a teacher from Galilee comes alive in a way we've never experienced before.

Barley's story begins in the home of a compassionate woodcarver and his wife who find Barley as an abandoned, nearly-drowned pup. Tales of a special teacher from Galilee are reaching their tiny village, but when life suddenly changes again for Barley, he carries the lessons of forgiveness and love out of the woodcarver's home and through the dangerous roads of Roman-occupied Judea.

On the outskirts of Jerusalem, Barley meets a homeless man and petty criminal named Samid. Together, Barley and his unlikely new master experience fresh struggles and new revelations. Soon Barley is swept up into the current of history, culminating in an unforgettable encounter with the truest master of all as he bears witness to the greatest story ever told.

About the Author:

Ron Marasco is a professor in the College of Communication and Fine Arts at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. His first book, "Notes to an Actor," was named by the American Library Association an Outstanding Book of 2008. His second book, "About Grief," has been translated into multiple languages, and he is currently completing a book on Shakespeare's sonnets.

He has acted extensively on TV-from "Lost" to "West Wing" to "Entourage" to originating the role of Mr. Casper on "Freaks and Geeks"-and appeared opposite screen legend Kirk Douglas in the movie "Illusion," for which he also wrote the screenplay. Most recently, he has played the recurring role of Judge Grove on "Major Crimes." He has a BA from Fordham at Lincoln Center and an MA and Ph. D. from UCLA.

Find out more about Ron at http://www.thomasnelson.com/the-dog-who-was-there.

My Review: 

I loved the book and the angle of how the book is told through the eyes of a dog. The book was well written and detailed. The beginning for example, described the house, Barley and his owners (Duv and Adah, an older couple) lived in, from the low ceiling, one window, and the one room house. The author described the road and atmosphere. The author also described some of the daily chores, Adah and Duv did.  The beginning set the atmosphere for the rest of the book. Barley was a happy, observant dog. The story was set in the city of Jerusalem.

I also liked how the author described Duv's woodcarving process of birds. The book starts off slow. The author describes many things, more than what I discussed above. He set each scene beautifully. If you have a kindle or a reader, which has a text-to-speech option, the book is a great listen.

One powerful scene was Barley's nightmare scene. It was graphic and made you feel like you was there. I was glad when the scene was over.

You can purchase the book here. The book comes in Kindle, paperback, hardback, mp3 cd, and audible format. The book is prime-eligible. 

Unashamed Book Review (BookLook Bloggers)

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I read Unashamed by Christine Caine, in exchange for honest review from BookLook Bloggers. I wanted to read the book because I need to learn to let go of some things to move forward in life. Shame keeps us enslaved and with God, we can be set free.

One of the first things, which stood out was the author said shame causes us to throw out good gifts we are given. Shame also causes us to hide and build walls to separate us from others. Shame also keeps you from reaching your full potential. Shame also tells lies to your soul (powerful). Shame tells you that you are not worthy of God's love and grace.

Caine discussed her background growing up and how she was picked on and ridiculed for being Greek, for being a leader, and for being a female. I was picked on for being fat, for being book smart, for not hanging out with the blacks, and for being in AFJROTC in high school. Even as an adult, I got picked on in a college math class because I knew the answers--not because I am good in math--but because I studied to keep from failing, but yet by the end of week 5, I was one of three people, who was passing the class. Professor Tony told me he didnt' care what the other adult students said, if I knew the answer, speak up. He also told the class, if they needed help, contact the three passing students, but that was doing the days of free nights and weekends. No one called me until it was the day of the final and the calls was not free. Could not answer. oh well . lol.

The book came at the right moment. I have many issues to work on and work thru with God.

You can purchase the book in multiple formats: paperback, hardback, kindle, audio cd, and audible. Caine also has a study guide available too. The book is prime-eligible.

Eden: The Animals Parables Book Review (Litfuse)

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Return to the story of Jesus and read it from a new perspective in Keith Korman's Eden: The Animals' Parable. In this beautifully inspired retelling of the Gospels, we see Jesus and his disciples in the Holy Land through the eyes of the animals-especially his intrepid and loyal dog, Eden. Simple, clear, and spiritually profound, Eden is for readers of all ages, this artful retelling is captivating, moving, and alive with the joy you felt the first time you opened the Bible.

Settle in for some winter reading and enter to win a copy of Keith's book and a Kindle Fire!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Eden
• A Kindle Fire

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on January 24. The winner will be announced January 25 on Keith's blog.

http://bit.ly/2jqMp2L

My Review

I read Eden: The Animals Parable, in exchange for honest review from Litfuse. The book was written by Keith Korman. The book was illustrated by Lisa Paris. The book is meant for more school age to older kids, not mine since the book has more words than pictures. The stories was easy to follow and very entertaining, especially the first story about Old Gray and the Roman legion soldiers.

You can buy the book using the link above. The book is prime-eligible. The book comes in Kindle and paperback form.

When Jesus was a Green-Eyed Brunette Book Review (FlyBy Blog Promotions)

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I read When Jesus was a Green-Eyed Brunette, in exchange for honest review from Flyby Blog Promotions. The book was written by Max Davis. The book is a collection of short stories of Jesus showing up in ordinary situations. The first story, focused on the author meeting Jesus in the coffee aisle.  Davis made a wrong assumption about someone and still came to experience the love of God.

The stories were short and to the point. The stories all show how God works through oridinary situations. I tried to think of a few times God worked through ordinary situations in my life. How about how a few weeks ago when Brad refused to come in the house. I was silently praying for help because if he runs one way, he is in the street, and if he ran the other way, I was not feeling a chase. The upstairs neighbor, who has doggies, wanted to help. Brad is scared of dogs. The neighbor pretended to come downstairs with the dog to get Brad in the house.

Another time was when Brad refused to come in the apartment gates after church. This child kept trying to run off, down the street, when he could have easily got hit by a car, a bus, or a bike. The traffic on my street is bad. I witness almost-accidents on a regular basis. One of the few neighbors, I know by name, just happened to pull out the exit gate, on her way to church. Ms. Laverne was able to get Brad in the gates so we can finally go in the house.

God was in Kalen finally getting emergency seizure medications, even though his seizures are infrequent, but he still needs meds just in case. God was in getting a new aide for Brad quickly, who shows up on time (so far) and is very helpful (so far :-).). God is in everything and the book provides examples of when God shows up.

You can purchase the book, using the link above. The book comes in paperback and Kindle format. The book is prime-eligible.

40 Days of Motherhood by Sarah Humphey Review (Litfuse)

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I received 40 days of Motherhood by Sarah Humphrey, in exchange for honest review from Litfuse. The book is part devotional and part adult coloring book.

Depending on the medium used, inks from gel pens can bleed through the devotional on the next page. Some pens do not bleed through but you can see the colors thru the other side, as you read the devotional.

I wanted this book because I need more Jesus in my life and I love adult coloring books. I thought the book was a great concept. You are encouraged each day and you have an image to color as well.

 I do like how the author poses questions on the devotional and you have enough space to write them out on the devotional side. The coloring side also can be interactive such as one of the pages says "hello my name is" and you have blank space to creatively write your name.

You can purchase the book using the link above. The book is prime-eligible.

Say and Pray Devotionals Review (Flyby Blog Promotions)

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I received Say and Pray Devotions by Diane Storz in exchange for honest review from FlyBy Blog Promotions. The book is a Christian, Children's book. The book comes in board book format.

The book is simple. It has sight and learning words on each page, which makes it perfect for Kalen to learn new words. He also loved the book. It was easy to carry around and the book was durable (comes in handy when you have a destructive toddler). He still managed to rip off the front cover though.

There are also bible verses throughout the book, but my toddler was not interested in anything but pointing to the pictures and me telling him the word. The pages are colorful and bright, which also captured the toddlers attention. Kalen has improved dramatically in language since last year. He has picked up on more single words as well as multiple word phrases. The book is a great addition to his learning library.

You can purchase the book using the link above. The book is prime-eligible.

The Biggest Story Review (FlyBy Blog Promotions)

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A few months ago, I reviewed The Biggest Story (book). The book was written by Kevin Deyoung. The book discussed how the snake (from Adam and Eve) started out causing trouble, but in the end, the snake will be crushed by God in the final battle. Everything was perfect before the fall of man. Man had dominion over the earth, but everything changed once the first couple bit from the forbidden fruit.

The book has expanded into DVD and Audio CD format. You can purchase the different versions suing the latter link.  The book, dvd, and cd are prime-eligible.

Hearing God in Conversation Book Review (Kregel Blog Tours)

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I read Hearing God in Conversation, in exchange for honest review from Kregel BlogTours. The book was written by Samuel C. Williamson and published by Kregel Publications.

I wanted to read this book because I struggle to hear the voice of God. I hear stories since youth of how God talked to others and I wondered if he has ever spoken to me. On the other hand, God has given me dreams and visions, some I understood and some I did not.

One thing, I am sure I heard God on was naming Kalen, whose full name means beautiful gift of God. Naming Brad was easy--he is named after his daddy, but I struggled with names for Kalen. This was not my department and I did not want him having a complicated or stupid name. I asked God to help me name Kalen and he sent me two words in a dream. I used a baby name meaning site to find names related to those two words and Kalen Nathaniel was born.

Another thing I learned over the years through reading, church, and others was God will never tell you something contradictory to the Word. The first thing, which stood out in the book was when Williamson said God is always speaking to us and he wants us to hear him. God wants a personal relationship with us, no matter your age, race, occupation, God wants us to grow closer to him.

The next thing, which stood out was the author said God has multiple ways to speak to people, not just in conversation. He may speak with a nudge in the heart, pictures (such as my vision about naming Kalen), or a scripture to read. .God speaks through visions and dreams too. I thought something was wrong with me because I wasn't having these direct conversations, when God was speaking through me using other methods. The author also said God does not lecture us mostly in conversation. God may not use a full on sermon. He wants a conversation, constant communication, even informal. God wants you to be yourself. The author said no one wants a silent partner when communicating (p. 38). You build a relationship via two way conversation.

You can purchase the book, using the link above. The book is available in Kindle and paperback format. The book is prime-eligible.

I Love You Just Because Book Review (FlyBy Blog Promotions)

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I read I love you just because by Donna Keith, in exchange for honest review. I received a padded board book. The book is Christian-based.

In the book, the mama and daddy bearas explain why they love the baby bears, just because. They love the babies, even if they didn't have food. They are loved even if they can't climb. The book is so cute. The pictures are bright and colorful.

Kalen didn't care for any of the words. He liked the pictures of the baby animals. All I heard was
"baby" and "the baby" when he pointed to the baby animals. This was one of the first books, I couldn't get a word in because he loved the pictures more. I had to wait until he handed over the book to read it in its entireity.

You can purchase the book using the link above. The book comes in padded board book only. The book is prime-eligible.

Unashamed Book Review (FlyBy Blog Promotions)

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by FlyBy Blog Promotions. This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.



I read Unashamed by Heather Davis Nelson, in exchange for honest review from FlyBy Blog Promotions.

About the Book:

Unashamed: Healing Our Brokenness and Finding Freedom from Shame offers hope to those struggling under the burden of shame. This book shines the life-giving light of the gospel on the things that leave us feeling worthless and rejected, directing our attention to the God who promises to forgive and restore us—no matter what.

About the Author:

Heather Davis Nelson (MA, Westminster Theological Seminary) is a writer, counselor,and speaker. Heather writes regularly at HeatherDavisNelson.com and has been a featured writer at the Gospel Coalition, as well as a contributing author to the Journal of Biblical Counseling. She and her husband are parents to twin daughters and live in southeastern Virginia.

My Review:

We all have done things we are ashamed of such as something with parenting or something from a former relationship. The book teaches us how to be free from shame. The author said "shame is pent up and just waiting for an opportunity to say something, but someone has to be the first to talk." Shame can be embarrasment or feeling we don't meet the standards. Shame can make us feel insecure and worthless. The book also explains the difference between shame and guilt. The author then discusses different types of shame and how God can help you overcome shame. For example, chapter three discusses body shame, which is one of my issues. I developed early. I had periods of weight gain and weight loss. I struggle with the fact, I was a lot skinner before I had Kalen and don't feel happy with myself now. Not to mention every now and then, being inundated with messages from childhood, which said I was not skinny enough or not feminine enough. The author said Jesus wants to cover your shame with his honor (p. 57). Each chapter ends with questions for reflection and discussion.. 

You can purchase the book using the link above. The book comes in kindle and paperback format. 

Bible Belles Review (FlyBy Blog Promotions)

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by FlyBy Blog Promotions. This post also contains Amazon Affiliate Links.


Bible Belle's Esther: The Belle of Patience from Bible Belles on Vimeo.

About Bible Belles:

Bible Belles’ The Adventure of Rooney Cruz is an original children’s series that presents real life heroes like never before. The series highlights five superhero women of the Bible: Hannah, Esther, Abigail, Ruth and Deborah.

We’re setting out to present women in the Bible in a way that has never been done before. We want girls to connect with them and find out what being truly beautiful is all about. We want girls to remember their names, their stories, and how special they are.

My Review

I received a copy of Esther from the Bible Belles Series. The book's main character is Rooney. Rooney is on the soccer team, who gets little play time, while Amanda is a ball hog, who doesn't pass the ball to anyone. 

The book then moves into the story of Esther, who was chosen to be queen. Esther and her cousin refused to worship other idols besides God, which in those days, can lead to death. Esther was chosen to speak to the king to save her people from destruction. 

Both Esther and Rooney had to learn patience--Esther needed patience to know when to speak to the king and Rooney needed patience to know when to speak to the coach about Amanda. 

The book was a quick read. It is the second book in the series. Hannah is first. You can buy Hannah on Amazon. 

Social Corner:

The website offers free resources such as coloring pages, memory cards, and other downloadable activities for kids.


Hashtags to use: #BibleBelles & #FlyBy

None like him Book Review (Flyby Blog Promotions)

Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.



I received None Like Him, in exchange for honest review from FlyBy Blog Promotions. I received a paperback book. The book was written by Jen Wilkin

About the Book: From Media Kit

God is self-existent, self-sufficient, eternal, immutable, omnipresent, omniscent but we are not, which is good. We are limited by design and not meant to be God. The root of every sin is our rebellious desire to possess skills, which belong to God and only God. The author wants us to embrace our limits to glorify God limitless power.

My Review:

So basically, we are not God and should not try to be God. Satan learned this lesson in a big way. He wanted to be God and fell from Heaven and brought down a few angels with him.

One thing, which stood out was fearing the Lord, which I have misunderstood many times in 36 years. The author had said God is a father, who is merciful. God should be exalted. God is also approachable, yet he punishes us like an earthly father, when we do wrong. The author said when we fear God, "we recognize him fo who he truly is: a God of no limits...." The author said when we forget who God is, we can fill the gap (the need) for God with other things. We start worshipping the wrong things, instead of God. For example, I used to fill emptiness with sex years ago.  Sometimes food or liquor helps hide a void, God needs to fill instead of eartly things.

Philippians by Sue Edwards Book Review (Kregel Blog Tours)

Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links




I received Philippians: Discovering Joy Through Relationship (Discover Together Bible Study Series) by Sue Edwards, in exchange for honest review from Kregel Blog Tours. I received a paperback book

The book discusses how to develop a stronger relationship with God using Paul and his tour through Phillippia. Paul had a strong relationship with God after his conversion. He developed friendships with the Philippians.

One of the first things, which stood out in the book was when the author said, people are connected superficially through technology, but less connected to face to face relationships. This is true for me since I have no face to face friendships in Texas. The people I talk to the most are school workers, church staff (love my church), and medical professionals. I lead a lonely life. The author said we are made for community and can not survive without it (p. 9)

The book also has qr codes you can scan for videos. There is also a link to show the videos online. The one thing I did not like was some of the side notes are in a fancy, small font, and I can not read them at all.  The book does provide plenty of space for writing your thoughts and notes. I also like the maps in the book. The book consists of eight lessons.

You can purchase the book on Amazon, using the link above. The book is prime-eligible. The book comes in paperback and