God for the Rest of Us Book Review (Tyndale Blog Network)

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I received God for the Rest of Us: Experience Unbelievable Love, Unlimited Hope, and Uncommon Grace in  exchange for honest review from Tyndale Blog Network. The book was written by Vince Antonucci. I received a digital copy of the book. The book is Christian-based.

The author discusses how God loves everyone, no matter your background. In Chapter 1, Antonucci says "God doesn't reject his senseless children. His heart is broken and he offers and invitation". God wants us to return to him, no matter what you or I have gone or going through. Sometimes I think God loves me less because of the mistakes I made in the past or currently making. God still loves me and you regardless.

We are all sinners. If you look in the bible, the people, who were the biggest sinners drew closer to God. David was an adulterer. Rahab was a prostitute. Even a criminal on the cross asked for God's love before he died. Antonucci said sinners loved to be around Jesus. God loves the prostitutes, the atheists, the drug dealers, the crack heads, the alcoholics, the strippers, the crooked, and the gamblers. God loves everyone and wants everyone to receive salvation.


You can purchase the book on Amazon. The book comes in Kindle and Paperback format. The book is prime-eligible.

Kingdom Come Book Review (Tyndale Blog Network)

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I read Kingdom Come: Why We Must Give Up Our Obsession with Fixing the Churchand What We Should Do Instead, in exchange for honest review from Tyndale Blog Network. The book was written by Reggie McNeal.

The book focuses on how churches need to focus on building the kingdom of God, versus building the church. McNeal says some churches focus on building themselves up versus building up the community. The kingdom of God is bigger than just the church, even though the church is a part of the kingdom. The kingdom is eternal while physical churches are temporary.

The church should want more than just membership and more than just wanting people to get saved. There is more to the kingdom than this.

McNeal also discussed how Jesus helped the poor and disadvantaged. The church is supposed to help those who are down and out. Help those, who are hurt.

Focusing on the kingdom brings transformation into individuals and into churches.

You can purchase the book in paperback and kindle editions.

All the places to go, How will you know review (Tyndale Blog Network)

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I read All the Places to Go . . . How Will You Know?: God Has Placed before You an Open Door. What Will You Do?, in exchange for honest review from Tyndale Blog Network. The book was written by John Ortberg and published by Tyndale House. I received a paperback book. The book's genre is Christian non-fiction.

God never wanted people to be stagnant and be content where they are.  God wanted people to go and grow. He opens doors and windows and wants us to open them. Move forward. Progress. The book starts out with a question: If you had to summarize your life in six words ,what would they be?  On page 3, Ortberg presents six word stories about famous people in the bible. For example, Abraham: Left Ur. Had baby. Still Laughing. 

Our lives never go as we plan. I never wanted any kids, but I got two. I never thought I would finish two degrees. I never thought I be living in Texas again. I never thought about blogging until I was at home alone with a newborn baby. Our lives can change at any time, at any age. The book says we do need the ability to recognize when a door is open or we can miss out on God's opportunities. Open doors also require an act of faith and obedience. You do have to move instead of being content, where you are.

I wonder how many doors, I have missed. How many doors have you missed.

You can purchase the book on Amazon in Kindle and Paperback Format.

365 Pocket Prayers for Mothers (Tyndale Network)

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I read 365 Pocket Prayers for Mothers: Guidance and Wisdom for Each New Day, in exchange for honest review from Tomoson. I wanted to read the book for those moments, when I need a quick pick me up.

You can read the book by day or by topic. The topical guide is at the back of the book. The numbers respond to the day number versus the page number. I was confused a few times, when I looked for a particular topic by the page instead of the day.

The book is small enough to put into your purse. I also love the soft-leather-like cover.

The book came in handy a few weeks ago, after Kalen had his first seizure or when the kids overwhelm me.

You can purchase the book on Amazon in Kindle or imitation leather. The book is prime-eligible.

All Right Here Book Review (Tyndale House)

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I read All Right Here (The Darlings Book 1), in exchange for honest review from Tyndale Blog Network.

I read the book in exchange for honest review. I wasn't sure what to expect with the book, but I was impressed by the writing style in the first half of the book. I also liked how "wonderful" Ivy's sisters-in-law treated her. The book was a decent read, but I definitely need to purchase it in the future since the ARC expired.

I wanted to read the book because Ivy was infertile and wanted kids and I wanted to know more about her. She is quite a character. She is not accepted fully into her husband's family, even as a child, when they all went to the same church.

The book is different from other Tyndale House books, I have read and reviewed because there isn't a Christian theme running throughout the book.

101 Color and Sing Bible Stories by Stephen Elkins Review (Tyndale House)

Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links

I read 101 Color & Sing Bible Stories by Stephen Elkins, in exchange for honest review from Tyndale House. I received a hardback (padded) copy the book. The book also came with 2 CDS, filled with music and coloring pages.

I wanted to read the book for my kids, especially the two year old. The book contains bible stories. Each story has accompanying coloring book pages and a song. At the top of each page, you have the disc number, song number, and coloring page number. Each page also has a fun fact and bible story.

On the opposite page of each story, you have a beautiful illustration. The toddler loved the music, on the CDs. I also liked reading the stories to him.

I am still working on getting him to color anything. :-).

You can download a master list of stories and songs here

The book is available on Amazon. The book is also prime-eligible.

My time with Grandma Bible Storybook by Phil A Smouse (Tyndale Blog Network)

Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon Affiliate links.

I read My Time with Grandma Bible Storybook in exchange for review from Tyndale Blog Network. The book was written by Phil A. Smouse and illustrated by Ela Jarzabek.

I wanted to read the book to my kids and great niece.

One of the first things, which stood out, was the stories are short. Most of the stories are between a 1/4 to 1/2 page long. At the bottom of each story, there is a Love note from Grandma. On the opposite page, there is a beautiful illustrated image and a love note from God.

Next, the book starts with God creating the earth and ends with the Resurrection.

The book is a great read for my munchkins. I can teach them about the bible without losing too much of their attention. I also love the graphics. My son kept pointing to the graphics on each page.

The book is available in hardback and is Prime-eligible

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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Chivalry by Zach Hunter Book Review Tyndale House

I read Chivalry: the quest for a personal code of honor in an unjust world.  by Zach Hunter, for honest review from Tyndale House (Tyndale Blog Network).

The book is about 10 principles of ancient knights combined with teachings of Jesus, that we can use today. How can we help others? How can we defend the oppressed? How do we act with integrity? How do we live with courage and significance?

The 10 principles:

1. I will not go on this journey alone
2. I will never attack from behind
3. I will practice self control and selflessness
4. I will respect life and freedom
5. I will fight only for the sake of those who are unable to defend themselves, for in the defense of justice. 
6. I will honor truth and will always keep my promises
7. I will fear no evil
8. I will always follow the law, unless it goes against what is moral and good
9. I will live and die with honor
10. I will never abandon my quest

My Review:

I was not sure what to expect when I requested this book. By the time, It arrived, I thought, based on the cover, it was a fiction, based on science fiction, fantasy, medieval times. Tyndale does not release the books until the books are taken down from the request screen. I loved reading the book. I was highlighting from the first chapter. 

The first chapter discussed Carlos and his love of trees. Carlos reminded me of Pete Nelson from Treehouse Masters on Animal Planet. He loved to grow them, watch them, study the soil, and study the roots. Carlos got married, had kids, and eventually his wife died. After his wife died, one of his kids, visited with his grandkids. Carlos made a powerful analogy about trees, which I enjoyed.

When a young tree is planted, it is at risk of being whipped about by the wind....If the sapling is tied to a single stake and pulled in one direction, it will grow up learning hard to that side. It will be uprooted by a storm or grow crooked. That's why it is important to stake a tree from multiple directions. The tension on three different sides helps a tree grow straight and true. Its roots will deepen, its trunk will strengthen, and it will bear more fruit (p. 5). 

We need roots to help us grow. We need people, who will be our root in life. People, who will support us when we are falling. Give us strength when we are going through. We can not rely on one human to help us on the journey called life. We can not do this alone, either (which is a problem, I struggle with. I am an introvert, I hate relying on people, but I am learning that I have to (need to). I need to socialize. I need to build relations with people. I need to network and build a community of friends, family, and others. But, your community needs to include mentors. Someone to hold me accountable. Someone, who will be honest. Someone who wants me to grow. Someone to share their personal experiences and I will do the same. I have my mentors. and I am a few other's mentors. I know my personal brand of Stacie is not always accepted and I am learning that is ok. I can be too blunt for my own good. I don't know tact that well. 

Chapter 2 focused on Catalina, who was gossipping behind her friend's back. She realized too late she hurt her relationships and through a priest's words, realized things will never be the same. The priest gave Catalina a task, which involved a chicken and feathers. People don't need to backstab, gossip, attack from behind, or even engage in malicious sarcasm (p. 16). I definitely use a lot of sarcasm. We (I) need to watch my words. 

Chapter 3 focused on self-control. We need to think first, then act second. The book discussed sexual relations. (posting this on Celibacy Diaries as well). In relationships, there are things you should and should not do. We need to maintain control, so we don't end up in regret. Self control doesn't just mean avoiding something, but also focusing on goals (p. 33 to 34). Simply avoiding temptation does not mean temptation will not occur (learned that from the celibacy is sexy chat last week). Temptation is everywhere (media, television, radio, magazines, online, etc). The book talked about focusing on what you want from a committed, married relationship. For example, Stacie wants a christian, celibate man, who can put up with special needs kids. One thing, which stood out in chapter 3 was "there is no such thing as just a movie, just a song, just words, just a kiss. nothing is trivial. everything has repercussions. (p. 37). 

The rest of the book followed the same set-up---shared someone's story, the author shared a story, followed by sound, biblical advice. At the end of the book, Hunter provided discussion questions for personal bible study or small group bible study. Each section also contains an oath or declaration, where you sign and date. You also can write your own pledge on how to grow more chivalrous. 

Bedtime stories and prayers book review

I read Bedtime stories and Prayers, in exchange for review from Tyndale House. The book arrived in the mail two days ago. I immediately read the book to the kids, while I had their attention. My youngest was really in to the book.




The book presented a few stories and prayers for Kids. The book was written by Dandi Daley MacKall. The book is padded and includes three stories (copied from Tyndale House).
1. Bedtime Blessings, which reminds kids that God created night time too. There is nothing to fear when God is near.
2. Thank you, God, which reminds kids to be thankful in everything.
3. God Loves you. Helps comfort and guide kids through the night and throughout life.

My favorite was Bedtime blessings. It was in poetic form. At the end of each verse, it said God created night time too.

About the Author: (copied from Tyndale Blog Network):
Dandi Daley Mackall is the award-winning author of over 450 books for children and adults. She visits countless schools, conducts writing assemblies and workshops across the United States, and presents keynote addresses at conferences and young author events. She is also a frequent guest on radio talk shows and has made dozens of appearances on TV. She is has won several awards for her writing, including the Helen Keating Ott Award for Contributions to Children's Literature and a two-time Mom's Choice Award winner. Dandi writes from rural Ohio, where she lives with her husband, Joe, their three children, and their horses, dogs, and cats. Visit her at DandiBooks.com and winniethehorsegentler.com.

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Avenged by Janice Cantore

I read Avenged by Janice Cantore, in exchange for honest review from Tyndale House. I received a paperback from them a few weeks back. The book is about Officer Carly--she married and a police officer. She is married to Nick, the new head of the gang unit. Nick was previously injured in the line of duty and is happy to return to work. Carly is scared Nick will get hurt again or killed because of double (possible triple) homicide. Carly is also involved in a high profile case involving the Mayor.

The book starts off intense. I was hooked immediately. The Prologue: Three gang members (Crusher, Diondre, and Rojo) decide to take on a deal on their own without the gang's approval. Diondre wanted out the gang but Rojo and Crusher were more appealing to hang with. The boom--you need to read the rest of the prologue for that. The prologue is two pages long. Then, the book moves into the Burke Trial, Carly is involved in. She is scared of the investigation and being on trial for her involvement. Burke murdered a cop. There is also protests near the Marina over new development. Carly and her partner went patrol the Marina area, heard gun shots and found the three gang members (read the book to find out if they are living or dead). The city just hang a gang war years back and still recovering and not ready for the retaliation of a future gang war. The officers are also not sure, which gang was responsible for the crime. Another gang's tags were found at the scene, covering up another gang's tags. I loved this book. The cover art was amazing--wish my books had beautiful, bright, graphics. Carly must depend on God to get through the challenges been thrown at her.

Mind of her own

I read Mind of her own, in exchange for honest review from Tyndale Blog Network. The book was written by Diana Desire Brandmeyer and published by Tyndale House Publishers Inc.

The book is about Louisa, who develops a case of amnesia after a knock to the head by a George Foreman Grill. (which is why I chose the book. The description was amazing). She can't remember her name or her life, with three kids.

The book opens as Louisa is reading a romance novel, maybe she reading a steamy love scene. Anyway, she is entranced in the book, and jolted back to reality, when the kids start fighting and screaming. Nothing like children to mess up a little tranquility. :-) The scene continues as mama tries to diffuse the situation, with a smart-mouthed child too. Louisa is also in a relationship with Collin and they are currently not speaking or sleeping in the same bed because of a fight. This is just the beginning, in addition to a headache and an annoying grandma :-) Oh yeah, they have a dog named Cleo.

I definitely felt Louisa's pain--the kids, annoying relatives, stay-at-home mom--the frustration--the need for a quick break.  Taking on too much--juggling one too many balls, and hoping a ball does not fall. Then, BOOM, the grill hits her in the head. The first few pages and scenes really grabbed me. I was lost in the book. The book was a great read. Will continue to read until it expires.

Bible Stories, that end in an hug

I read Bible Stories, that end with an Hug, in exchange for  an honest review from Tyndale House. The book was written by Stephen Elkins and illustrated by Smon Taylor-Kielty. Tyndale House provided me with a complimentary, print edition of the book.

I chose this book for the children. I have the responsibility to teach my kids more about Christ. It is my responsibility to help them develop a relationship with Christ, despite their development level. Another reason, I chose this book was because it was easy to read and the stories are short. I can read a story to the kids and not lose their attention and focus. I did not want a book, where I lose the kids. I have been looking for a children' bible for kids with special needs. Every bible or set of stories I found online was above their understanding. I truly love the simplicity of the book. Each page tells a bible story. Each page also has a bible verse for reference. The book does not use big words. Each story is simplified so the children can gain understanding. The stories are not comprehensive. They explain the important facts. Each story takes a few minutes to read.  And at the end of each story, parents (or whoever is reading the book) gives their children a nice, big hug. 

Stacie hugging her two boys and her great niece. 

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Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

I received Oliver Twist, in exchange for review from Tyndale House. The book was published by Focus on the Family. I had previously read the book and seen the movie. So, when I saw the cd version, I had to request this classic. The book took me a minute to finish (need quiet time away from the kiddies, but I loved listening to the book). I requested the audio book to listen on the computer and the cd player. I loved the cds. The audio quality was amazing. The narrator's made me feel like I was back in Dicken's time. The visions in my head were simply amazing, especially the scene where Oliver asked for more grub. I love Charles Dickens, especially Twist and Great Expectations. I highly recommend the audio book, as well as getting the print edition.