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.

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.

Philippians by Sue Edwards Book Review (Kregel Blog Tours)

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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

The Lion Hero Comic Book (Kregel Blog Tours)

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I receuved The Lion Comic Book Hero Bible, in exchange for honest revuew from Kregel Book Tour. The book was written by Siku, Richard Thomas, and Jeff Anderson.

The book is amazing. It presents the bible in an comic book format with amazing illustrations. This is a novel way for kids and adults to view the bible.  The back of the book also provides references for all the stories presented.

Next, I like how the word of God are presented in a different box from the other speakers in the book. God's words are in a circular box with points, while everyone else is in a square type box. The graphics also vary based on the scene. I liked the scene where Cain killed Abel. The scene was a bit dark, while sin, represnted as a demon or ghoul stood behind Cain, as he glazed upon his dead brother.

I also liked the scene when Sodom and Gomorrah was destroyed. I also liked the graphic of Lot's wife as a pillar of salt.

Some parts of the book are harder to read. Dark colored words on a dark background.

You can purchase the book, using the link above.

52 Original Wisdom Stories (Kregel Blog Tours)

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I read 52 Original Wisdom Stories: Short Lively Pieces for the Christian Year, in exchange for honest review from Kregel Blog Tours. The book was written by Penelope Wilcock. I received a paperback book. Each story stands on its own. Each story also has a reflection at the end.

The book was told from the perspective of Sid and Rosie, an older couple with multiple children and grandchildren.

I liked the first story about the oak tree. Even as the oak tree is dying, it still has a purpose from animal food, plant life, and animal habitats. I also thought Sid was discussing how nothing really ends. With each death, there still is life. For example, the day after my grandma died, my oldest son was born.

I also liked the story about when Sid and Rosie went to a store, browsing for Christmas decorations, and noticed Jesus was missing from a nativity scene. Someone had stole baby Jesus and the store never replaced him. Sid was focused on how easy it was to slip the figurine into a purse, while Rosie applied a deeper meaning to the situation. The store is going to make money, whether Jesus is there or not. This can be applied in real life. Will people notice if Jesus is missing from your life or their life.

You can purchase the book on Amazon, using the link above. The book is available in paperback and kindle format.

Unlikely Rebel Review (Kregel Blog Tours)

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I received Unlikely Rebel: A Church Girl's Journey out of Shoulds and Shame, in exchange for honest review from Kregel Blog Tours. The book was written by Kelli Gotthardt. The book is Christian-based.

The book is about rebelling from the comforts of trying to do everything to leading a life full of freedom and love from God. I know I try to do everything alone and I hate to ask for help from anyone.


My favorite passage was on p. 14, which said: " The challenge with breaking the rules, however, discerning, which rules to break and when." I thought of times, when I could have or was a rebel, whether for the good side or the dark side. I chose celibacy, which went against the promiscuous life I used to lead. I said no to moving in with a friend, who wants a relationship. I switched majors and schools when I realized I could not afford to continue in a doctorate program. I had to shut down social media while doing homework or I would get distracted. Most of my rebellion took place as an adult, whether good or bad.

As a Christian, I thought of times, where I rebelled against God or rebelled for God. I have lied and lusted, but I will pay tithes without hesitation now. I am a sinner, who wants to grow closer to God, but this means rebelling against social norms, widely accepted.

Chapter 6 focuses on letting go of having it all together. I don't always admit I don't have it all together to people. My life is a mess. This week, Aunt Flo showed up followed by Brad having major meltdowns at school. He got a new teacher, which I did not know about. He does not respond to change well. My mother also asked me to do something, I don't feel right in my soul about and felt pressure to do so, and still don't feel right about days later. Brad missed school yesterday and may miss Monday because of his behavior. Kalen keeps crying and screaming for no reason.

I may have it together on the main pages of social media, but I cry a lot because this is not the life I want, right now. In church, a few weeks ago, the pastor's wife discussed how people say they are ok or fine, when they are not. I am guilty of this. I am not ok. I get depressed. I get lonely. I wish my kids was not special needs sometimes. I am sick of cleaning up the same things over and over and over again, multiple times a day because one of my kids knocked it over time and time and time again.

Gotthardt also discussed letting go of the approval of others; letting go of being nice; letting go of being a perfect parent (which I am not); and letting go of the past (which I struggle with). This is a good book.

The author discussed how she had to say no to taking on too many ministries at church, even though her husband was the pastor. She could no longer handle the mental strain of doing too much.

There were also times, I should have rebelled against something which did not feel right in my soul and now I regret.

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

Bible Stories Gone Crazy Review (Kregel Blog Tours)

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I received  Bible Stories Gone Crazy!, in exchange for honest review from Kregel Blog Tours. The book was written by Josh Edwards and illustrated by Emiliano Migliardo. The book is a children's book. The book reminds me of a hidden object puzzles mixed with where's waldo, except the pages are glossy and has the ability to be written on. Your kids will learn about the bible, while also sharpening eye coordination skills.

In the book, the author provides a summary of a bible story. The kids also have to find a teddy bear in each scene, along with the mistakes, not found in the bible. Each page also has a bible verse to help you find the mistakes. Each page also has questions for reflection, such as Do you think Noah really painted the ark?

I liked this book because my kids love to write, I mean scribble. I can read them the summary and they can have at it with a dry erase marker.  

You can purchase the book in hardback format only, using the link above.

My little life of Jesus Book Review (Kregel Blog Tours)

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I read My Little Life of Jesus (My Little Bible), in exchange for honest review from Kregel Blog Tours. The book was written by Karen Williamson and illustrated by Amanda Enright.

My little life of Jesus presents 6 stories, starting with the first Christmas or the birth of Jesus.  The book also briefly discusses when Jesus was 12 and went to the temple. OR maybe your kids want to learn about John the Baptist baptizing Jesus.

Your kids will learn about the disciples, some parables, and some miracles. Finally, your kids will learn about the death and resurrection of Jesus.


The book also had great, colorful, illustrations. I also liked the briefness of each story. Some kids, like mine, have short attention spans. For Kalen, I summarize each page and he points to the pictures.


The book is available in padded hardcover only. The book is prime-eligible.

Dead Gorgeous Book Review (Kregel Book Tours)

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I received Dead Gorgeous (A Mystery for D.I. Costello), in exchange for honest review from Kregel Blog Tours. The book was written by Elizabeth Flynn and published by Lion Fiction.

The book is about Kirtsy, who has dreams of the fashion world, yet she s found dead. D.I. Costello is the detective investigating the case .

The book starts out at a fashion show for Ivano King.  One of the models is waiting to go on first. The end of the prelude is a mini shocker. I also a little confused on Ian King and Ivano King. Wasn't sure if they was the same person or not. The back of the book says Kirsy was in a relationship with Ivano King, but in chapter 1, the author mentions a fling with Ian King.

The book was an average read. The first few chapters did not grab me at all.  You can purchase the book on Amazon using the link above.

Look Inside: The Time of Jesus Book Review (Kregel Blog Tours)

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I read Look Inside: The Time of Jesus: A Lift-the-Flap Discovery Book (Look Inside: a Lift-the-Flap Discovery Book)  in exchange for honest review from Kregel Blog Tours. The book was written by Lois Rock and illustrated Lorenzo Orlandi

I wanted to read the book because I thought it was cool, plus I can teach my kids about God. I also loved the interactiveness. The kids can open up the flaps to reveal hidden people. Of course, once Kalen figured out he can open the panels, a few was ripped off (RIP panels lol).

The book starts with the birth of Jesus and ends with the crucifixion, which was done beautifully

The book also shows what the people, workers, and animals in the cities on a daily basis. The rabbi preaching the word; the boys in the schoolhouse, learning scripture; the sheep in the pasture. Maybe you want to learn about the names of tools used in the carpentry studio.

The illustrations were bright and colorful. Orlandi did an excellent job.

Look inside: The time of Jesus

Hidden panel opened

Look inside: The time of Jesus

You can purchase the book on Amazon in hardback format only.

Expecting with hope Book Review (Kregel Blog Tours)

Disclaimer: I was provided this book in exchange for honest review. All opinions are my own. No other compensation was provided.

I received Expecting with Hope in exchange for honest review from Kregel Blog Tours. I wanted to read the book because it touched me personally. The book was written by Teske Drake.

I had Brad Jr. in 2000. I did not get pregnant again until the ex and I separated in 2005. I was in pain for weeks. It took me longer to get around because of severe body pain. I thought it was my fibroids acting up. Toss in a few outbreaks, tummy aches, and headaches. I was done for. Pain medications was not working.

I went to the ER and found out I was pregnant. I lost the baby at 4 months. The pain won. I did not experience grief, at first,  because the pain was finally gone. Having the first miscarry was a horrible experience. I woke up in more pain, thought it was indigestion. The mucus plug dropped in the toilet, while I was hoping for a bowel movement. I went to the ER alone. The hospital staff was not helpful. I had to plead for them to change my sheets. Someone left the baby in a jar on the counter in my view. Even without glasses, I could see the jar and the fetus inside. I never wanted to experience another miscarriage again.

Grief came later. I got a letter in the mail from the OB/GYN. The letter was not needed. The letter told me the weight and other information about the baby, including the gender. I did not want a girl, but still I did not need to know after she passed.

Fast forward to 2009 and I found out I was pregnant. I was about 4 weeks along. Once again, I was in pain and went to the ER. The doctor told me I was at high risk for another miscarriage. I was devastated again. I lost the baby 3 days after finding out. I experienced grief immediately. I was in the hospital alone again. I never wanted to experience this pain again.

Kalen was my miracle baby. I found out I was pregnant about 5 months. I had got my annual woman check up a few months prior and I was told I was not pregnant. I was about 2 months along when I went. I went to the Bahamas, shortly after the check up, and drunk liquor. I don't remember my cycle stopping. I had no idea I was pregnant, until I felt some kicking pains. It was Kalen. I did not get insurance until 8 months. Medicaid moved so slow. I applied a few times before I was approved.

I am 30 years old, 5 months preggie, and no insurance. I went into hermit, more introverted mode. I did not want to be bothered. I didn't need the stress and I will kill someone, if I had to experience another miscarriage. Kalen came out healthy with 12 fingers. He also had a strange birthmark over his heart, which looked like a bullet, ricocheting out into a star pattern. I tied my tubes 30 days later. I hate labor and delivery, but I hate miscarriages more. I never want to experience the pain, the aloneness again. Miscarriages does something to your psyche.

I did this piece of artwork, when I was pregnant with Kalen. This is a memorial piece to my living kid and my kids, who never lived outside the womb. I did not know the sex of the second miscarry.

Book Review

The back of the book, first line, It takes a lot of courage to pick up this book. It takes a lot of courage to read and review this book. The book teaches about finding joy in pregnancy after a miscarry, a stillbirth, or infant loss.

I am not sure how I found my joy when I was pregnant with Kalen. I knew I did not want another miscarry. I did not have the mental capacity to handle another loss, which is why I am so protective of him now. Kalen has Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, Global Development Delays, and Static Encephalopathy. Static Encephalopathy simply means breath holding spells.

When Kalen gets agitated, he goes into silent cries and then passes out. The disorder affects his brain and heart. He visits his neurologist and cardiologist every 6 months. If the frequency of attacks increase, Kalen will get another 24 hour holter. If they continue, he will have surgery to install a temporary, 3-year heart monitor, which has high risks.

I face fear and worry when it comes to him on a regular basis. He had a spell yesterday. His brother took something away from him. He came back to in seconds, but what if it was never.

The book discusses how God has a purpose in everything. I learned from the two miscarries, not to have sex with just any man. Just any man is not going to be there for you when you are going through something. I learned from miscarry #2 to have sex less. #2 helped start my journey into celibacy. I know that if my baby girl had lived, Kalen would not be born. I don't see myself with a houseful of kids, definitely not 4.

I also appreciate both of my kids more. Getting to do the things, I missed with Brad because I worked, I went to school, or when his father had primary custody for 5 years. I also had so much peace during pregnancy with Kalen because I did not bother with anyone. I was not having sex. I stayed at home.

One thing, which stood out the most was on page 27: You don't have to know what the future looks like because you can trust in the one who's ordained it. This requires faith and obedience to God.

You can purchase the book on Amazon in Paperback and kindle format. The paperback is prime-eligible. This week the book is on sale for 2.99 in Kindle format. The sale ends on Nov 9th, 2014 (Brad birthday)

Guess Who, Noah's Boat Book Review (Kregel Blog Tours)

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I read Guess Who Noah's Boat in exchange for honest review from Kregel Publications (Kregel Blog Tours). I received a hardback copy.

I wanted to read the book for Kalen, my 3 year old. Kalen loves to flip through picture books. The hidden flaps makes the book more interesting. He can improve his fine motor skills, opening and closing the flaps. Not to mention, he can learn a bible story in the process.

The story was quick and easy to read. It tells a short story about the animal's on Noah's boat. On each page, there is a hidden flap with a mystery animal. The clues to the mystery animal are in the words.

You can purchase the book on Amazon in hardcover only. The book is prime eligible

Citizen by Rob Peabody (Kregel Blog Tours)

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I read Citizen: Your role in the alternative kingdom in exchange for honest review from Kregel Blog Tours. The book was written by Rob Peabody. I received a paperback copy of the book.

Peabody discusses how we are citizens of the Kingdom of Christ, but while we are here on earth, we need to do the work of Christ. Many people get stuck in their earthly roles, but don't grow much in their Christian roles.

Peabody also said many Christians go to church, attend praise and worship, give their lives to God, but that's as far as their walk goes. That's how far my walk goes sometimes. I want to do more, but stuck. People are also content in their Christian walk. Jesus is part of our lives, but he should be the center of our lives.

The book was a good read. If we are to spend the rest of our lives with him, then we should get to know God better. We should serve more, bring more people to God more.

The book is available on Amazon in Kindle and Paperback format.

A Christian Survival Guide by Ed Cyzewski Book Review (Kregel Blog Tours)

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I read A Christian Survival Guide by Ed Cyzewski, in exchange for honest review from Kregel Blog Tours. The book provides advice on dealing with issues such as addiction to sin; money; and prayer. The book is divided into two sections: Part 1 focuses on Christian beliefs, while Part 2 focuses on Christian practices.

I wanted to read the book because I struggle with my Christian walk and the book provides practical insight on dealing with common Christian issues.

The chapters, which appealed to me are chapter 10: sin addiction; chapter 1: prayer; and Chapter 2: the bible.

One of the first things, which stood out was survival requires planning. Page 13 said "the path to survival isn't just a matter of doing the bare minimum to survive...Christian survival demands that we face the challenges to our faith and learn to rest daily in Christ, our solid foundation."

On page 17, the author gives characteristics of messy and happy Christians and I have fell into both traps.

For the rest of this review, I am going to focus on chapter 10: sin addiction. I have an addictive personality, whether Facebook or a new game or even books. I used to be addicted to sex, prior to my celibacy journey. As a Christian, I knew I shouldn't have premarital or promiscuous sex, but I did it anyway.

The author said people sin and hide behind their justifications and rationalizations, which I know from experience. I didn't feel like I was hurting anyone, but I was hurting myself. My harmless fun had consequences.

The author also provides a chart of the seven deadly sins. I have struggled more with lust, gluttony, anger, slothfulness, envy, and pride. Six of the seven sins. Greed is the seventh.

On page 146: the author provided a chart of the sin survival checklist, which starts with:

Is this a sin?
What are the consequences of this sin?
Do I want to stop?
Do I know how to stop?

I struggled with wanting and knowing how to stop when it came to my sexual sins. The author also provides insight on how to defeat sin on page 150 and sin survival strategies on page 151.

The book was also easy to read and easy to understand.

Finally, this chapter discussed Christian insanity, "doing the same thing over and over again to defeat sin and yet they don't experience the freedom that the scripture promise." (p. 152). I am struggling with insanity for other issues. My methods are not working, but God's will

The book is available in Kindle and paperback format on Amazon. The book is Prime-eligible

Living Whole without a Better Half Book Review (Kregel Blog Tours)

Disclaimer: I received a paperback copy of this book, in exchange for honest review from Kregel Blog Tours. This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.












I read Living Whole Without a Better Half: Biblical Truth for the Single Life by Wendy Widder, in exchange for honest review from Kregel Blog Tours. I wanted to review the book because many people believe being single can be not fulfilling. You are not whole, unless you say I Do. That should not be the case. If you come in a relationship whole and (s)he comes in a relationship whole, the relationship would be so much better. Coming in with expectations, a relationship will fulfill you completely is a faulty assumption.

I was married for 5 years and I did not feel whole. I still felt a void in my life.

I created a video review because I was trying to get Kalen to sleep. When it is done processing, it will appear below and this line will disappear. :-)

Video Review

Candle Bible Handbook Review (Kregel Blog Tours)

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I read Candle Bible Handbook in exchange for honest review from Kregel Blog Tours. The book was written by Terry Jean Day and Carol J. Smith. The book was also published by Candle Books.

The bible handbook contains facts, timelines, maps, and photographs of the bible and biblical landmarks.

I wanted to review the book to learn more about the bible. The first thing, which stood out was the illustration of how the bible is organized. Each book of the bible is also a chapter. The bible books sections have frequently asked questions, an outline, maps, and study questions with biblical references.

The book is a good reference book for beginning biblical scholars or anyone, who wants to learn more about the people and places in the bible.