Marriage 101 Book Review (BookLook Bloggers)

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I read Marriage 101, in exchange for honest review from Book Look Bloggers. The book was written by Shawn Ward.

I wanted to read this book as a tool for when I get married again. First marriage had its problems. Many I do not want to see again or repeat in any relationship. I started the book reading the chapter on divorced, widowed, children, step children, parents, step parents. I think this was the last chapter.

First thing, which stood out, was when a person marries someone with kids, they make a covenant with both the spouse and the kids. For me, I couldn't stand my stepkids. They didn't do anything wrong, but I was 19 and was under the assumption for most of the relationship and engagement, my ex did not have kids. Then, a few times during the marriage, the ex compared me to his older kids mother, based on sexual experiences (which caused many nightmares). I had limited experience when I met him. The ex was 5 years older, so he had more. If the kids came over, I acted out of obligation versus love. If they was hungry, they got fed.  Other than that, limited interaction. Doesn't help I am an introvert too. I admit I was glad I worked on a few times, they was visiting.

The book said that even though we have no biological bond to God, we are still his children. He still loves us and takes care of us. He is a big part of our lives. If God's love can bridge a gap, we can bridge a gap between relatives, whether biological or not.

As I got older and had my own kids, I realized, I would want my future husband to interact with the kids. I can't do this alone. Maturity set in.

The chapter after that, discussed how husbands/wifes need importance in our lives. Sometimes the spouses put the kids first and block out the person, they married. I thought about how my kids will take center stage a lot. The meltdowns, the tantrums, the breath-holding spells, the doctor appointments, the calls from school, the ARD/IEP meetings, at times will take priority over the spouse. The kids will require lifelong care as well. Ward said spouses should be put first and made to feel first.

Finally, I will discuss the chapter on a house being out of order. My former marriage was out of order. I have no clue why us two got married in the first place. So many red flags. So many things ignored before and during the marriage.

One of the first ways, a marriage can be out of order, is allowing the wife to influence the husband to stray from his God-given duties. The book gave the example of Moses, who did not circumcise his son. One cause may have been his wife may not have wanted him to. Moses knew it was right to circumcise his son, but chose a different path. Adam also ate the apple, following behind Eve.

Parents also have a responsibility to teach their kids about God. If not, Ward called this neglect. Your house is out of order. One of the main reasons, I found a church home in Houston was for my kids to know God, in their own way. When I had moved back to Texas, I had no desire to go to my mother's church. It's not a bad church, but it wasn't for me anymore. I spent Sundays watching the Church of Evangelistic Television. I loved Joel Osteen and Kerry Shook. Once, I got preggie with Kalen and Brad moved to Texas, I had to find a church home, more so for them, than me.

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

Finding Hope after Divorce by Kay Arthur Book Review (Blogging for Books)

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I read Finding Hope After Divorce (40-Minute Bible Studies), in exchange for honest review from Blogging for Books. The book was written by Kay Arthur and published by WaterBrook Press. I received a paperback book.

I chose this book because I am happily divorced. I got married at 19, ignoring some major red flags. The year was 2000. I got pregnant with Brad the same year. We separated 5 years later and finally, got divorced a few months ago.

We both have dated other people, while separated. He has since remarried. Hope it works out.

I, on the other hand, am afraid to date for many reasons, but I will like to get re-married someday. I don't want to be single or celibate for the rest of my life.

The book presents 6 week lessons on how to heal and draw closer to God after a divorce. The lessons are short with bible verses on the side. The book also can be used as a small group bible study. Each section helps the reader observe and discuss. I also loved the insights at the end of each lesson. I loved lesson 6: How does God feel about me? The chapter discusses God's perspective on marriage.

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

Awaken Love Review and Giveaway (Fly By Blog Promotions)

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About the Book (from media kit)

The Song Couple's Devotional is a 6-week book for couples that can help awaken love in their marriage. With daily relationship insights and prayer points drawn from the Song of Solomon, this devotional will help couples grow in their relationship with God and one another.

Inspired by the Song of Solomon, The Song is both a full-length movie and resource for churches to explore God’s plan for relationships, love and marriage.

About the author: (from media kit)

Kyle Idleman is the Teaching Pastor at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, the fourth-largest church in America. Author of the award-winning and bestselling book, not a fan., and presenter of eight of City on a Hill’s curriculum series, he regularly speaks at conferences and events around the world. Kyle and his wife DesiRae have four children.

My Review: 

Even though I am single and happily divorced, I wanted to read this book, in hopes, I will get remarried again one day (hope I get selected for married at first sight). This marriage book is one of the thinnest, I ever seen, which I love. Each chapter (day) has a devotional, a reflection (Bridge), and notes (place to write your notes down). The chapters are short and easy to understand. There is no questions to answer.

The book is also accompanied by the following:

1. The Song Small Group Study
2. The Song Pastors Kit
   
3. The Song Album (Music From & Inspired By The Original Motion Picture)
   
4. The Song Participant's Guide
5. The Song Couple's Kit (DVD)

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Giveaway

Enter to win a copy of Awaken Love from Fly By Blog Promotions.

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A lifelong love by Gary Thomas Book Review and Giveaway

This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.

I received A Lifelong Love: What If Marriage Is about More Than Just Staying Together? in exchange for honest review from Fly By Blog Promotions. The book is written by Gary Thomas.

I wanted to read the book to see how to become a better wife whenever I married again. The book teaches about how to live a sacred marriage, versus any marriage. How to live a spirit-intentioned marriage. The book provides tools needed to inspire you and your spouse. The book consists of 3 parts, 21 chapters. The book also has questions for reflection at the end of each chapter.

With more people getting divorced, such as myself (finally divorced earlier this year), I would love a marriage with God at the forefront versus the background. Thomas said a marriage should share a love of Christ. The more you love God, the more you should love your spouse (p. 27). No matter what material possessions you have or the kids or sex can replace God in a relationship (p. 28).

I also loved p. 35 where Thomas said to think of your wife as God's daughter and God is your father in law. If you disrespect or mistreat your wife, then you will face trouble from daddy.

Finally, on page 41, Thomas said we need to empathize and understand what our spouses are going through--with love--just like God does.  No matter what they are going through, your spouse is still God's son or daughter.

Giveaway

Enter to win a copy of A life long love. Giveaway ends in 7 days.

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What about my husband Lord by Mary Turek Book Review (BookLook Bloggers)

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I read “What About My Husband, Lord?: Encouragement and Wisdom For Single and Married Women” in exchange for honest review from BookLook Bloggers. The book was written by Mary Turek.

I wanted to review the book because I am newly single-happily divorced. I was separated for 9 years before the divorce papers was filed. 30 days later, divorced.

I have been celibate for almost 4 years and realized sometime this year, I need a husband. I don’t like being single and need some companionship. I also need help with the kiddies.. After going to the Bahamas, this weekend, I realized I needed more support with them. Of course, there is that love thing, I dread. And before love, you have to date.

I have to get past my fears and start dating, in order to find husband #2, the one God has for me.

It took a lot for me to get to this point, where I realized I want to get married again. Can’t believe I am typing that out.

One of the first things, which stood out in the book is allowing God to be your match-maker. I didn’t let God be the match-maker during the first marriage. There was plenty of red flags, but I ignored them because I didn’t want to be alone. I also wanted to prove a few people wrong, who thought I would never get married because I wasn’t feminine enough. I didn’t care for hair or nails or dating, even in high school.

I liked the man, but I am not sure if I truly loved him. Someone on Facebook was saying years ago, how she still had feelings and some sort of love for her ex-husband. I was like, not me. I have no feelings left for the ex.

God was giving me signs, including a dream, I never mentioned to anyone, and I married the man anyway. We met online in September 1998, met in person in January 1999, and married in January 2000, a year to the date we met in person.

I WAS NOT READY TO GET MARRIED AND BE A STEP MOM AT 19. God should have been in control and he was not. Marriage failed and next marriage, I want God to be the lead and not the tail.

Turek discussed how God will show you the (wo)man you will marry, if you just trust and wait on him. She also said when God shows you your mate, a sense of peace come over you, letting you know this is from the Lord versus yourself.

I did not have that sense of peace when I got married.

Turek also provided a few tips, while waiting:

1.     Ask God to guard your heart, so you will know your God-ordained mate, versus the others. Guarding your heart will help protect your feelings and emotions from the wrong ones.

2.     You have to keep your eyes on God in the process

3.     Use wisdom and discernment when telling folks God is your matchmaker. Some people will not understand.

The book also provides wisdom and insight for married women as well. Such as honoring your husband and releasing God’s word over your husband.

Finally, the book provides encouragement for all women, no matter their marital status, such as finding God’s plan for your life.

The Passion Principles: Celebrating Sexual Freedom in Marriage Book Review (Book Look Bloggers)

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I received The Passion Principles: Celebrating Sexual Freedom in Marriage in exchange for honest review from Book Look Bloggers (formerly Book Sneeze). I received a paperback copy of the book. The book was written by Sharon Ethridge. I have read one of her other books before, The Fantasy Fallacy, which discusses how fantasies may cause unwanted expectations in relationships. For my review on the Fantasy Fallacy, click the link above.

When I reviewed Etheridge's other book, I was celibate for two years. Currently, I been celibate for four years. I have read books about purity and celibacy, but this is one of the first books, I have read about sex and marriage.

The book is Christian and written from a marriage point of view. The book teaches how to experience sexual freedom in marriage. I was married for five years and hated sex with a passion. I didn't want to be touched, let alone communicate what I liked and didn't like.

I had little sexual experience before I got married and that was a big factor.

The book is spiritual, enlightening, and in some cases funny. Etheridge said if any passages in the book offends you, get a sharpie and cross them out, but keep reading the book. :-) The book also has questions for reflection, such as "What kind of sex-negative messages have you received in life?) (p. 10).

My favorite parts of the book included. (pages numbers first)

P. 4: "If Christian couples cannot have phenomenal sex lives given the personal spiritual connection we have with the Author and originator of sex, then who in the world can?"

P. 7 The section, which starts at the bottom of page 7, which asks "How is your relationship with God sexual in nature?"

P. 11 The section about Why does God Say we have to be married to have sex?

A conversation with my mother about sex, boys, and how she married my dad book review (Tomoson).

I read A Conversation with My Mother About Sex, Boys, and How She Married My Father  in exchange for honest review from Tomoson. I was provided a paperback copy of the book. The link is my amazon affiliate link.

The book was a quick read. The book is about Arielle. Arielle is a young female, who at first was going through puberty. The book then progresses to her mother teaching Arielle about sex (emotions, the dangers, peer pressure,  pregnancy, stds, etc). Her mother also told her about how she wasn't a virgin when she married Arielle's father. Arielle's father was not around at first, but eventually turned in a great dad and husband.

Mama Deanna is willing to be open and honest about sex. She is willing to have Arielle ask those uncomfortable questions about sex. Mama stresses the importance of waiting until marriage to have sex. and Yes, this book is written from a Christian perspective.

The book is a great read. It can be used to facilitate conversations about sex. The book is one long conversation between mother and daughter.

5 stars.

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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.

Stepping Down Book Review and Blog Tour

I read Stepping Down in exchange for honest review from Write Now Virtual Tours. The book was written by Michelle Stimpson. 

About the book:

The book is about Mark Carter, who founded New Vision Community Church, six years ago. His wife feels abandoned and his son needs him around. Mark needs to step down from his pastoral position to take care of his family and get his family back in order. Will the church survive during his absence?

About the Author:

• Michelle Stimpson is an author, speaker, and educator. 
• Bachelors of science degree from Jarvis Christian College in 1994
• Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Texas at Arlington in 2002. 
• Her books include Boaz Brown, Falling into Grace, and Divas of Damascus Road. Divas of Damascus Road is a National best seller, in addition Falling into Grace has been optioned for a movie from Paulist Productions. 
• Stimpson has published short stories for high school students through her company, Right Track Academic Support Services. 
• Stimpson serves in the women's ministry at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. She also helps women through her blog, special events, and writing workshops. 
• She is the parent of two young adults and one dog. 

Social Media

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Email: stimpson.michelle@gmail.com

Website

Blog

Tour schedule

Buy Links

Kindle

Paperback

Excerpt: (From media kit)

Pastor Mark Wayne Carter, III cast his drooping eyes on the clock ticking away on the wall directly across from his desk. Last year his wife, Sharla, had lowered the clock so that it stared at him while he was sitting in his gold-studded leather executive chair. “I know you’re busy doing the Lord’s work, but it would be nice to see you home before the sun goes down sometimes,” she had nagged as she pounded a nail into the wall. She positioned the clock in its new location, then put both hands on her hips. “If you can see the clock, you might actually keep track of how much time you’re spending here in your office.” Mark didn’t like to fight with her about his devotion to New Vision Church. The church was his life’s purpose, the reason he’d walked away from his short, but well-paying career as an insurance salesman. This church had given him a sense of accomplishment he’d never experienced in all his months as top-producer at StateWay Insurance. More than anything, Mark hoped that New Vision Church would be the reason Jesus said, “Well done, my good and faithful servant,” to him one day. Late Saturday nights came with the territory, which was one reason he hired a very young man as his assistant and semi-mentee. At thirty-eight years old, Mark was no old goat, but he wasn’t bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, either. He needed an assistant to knock on the door every hour or so and make sure Mark hadn’t fallen asleep at the computer.

My Review:

I loved reading this book. This was one of the best books I have read in a long time. The book is about Pastor Mark. He is married to Sharla and has an adopted, teenager, named Amani. Amani is in that rebellious teenager stage. Sharla feels abandoned because Mark spends more time at church, than at home. She feels he needs to work on his marriage and his relationship with his son. Sharla also wants a child, but feels God is punishing her. Toss in a temptress, who keeps stopping by the church trying to get alone time with Pastor Mark. You also have the church elders trying to change the direction of the church, with or without the Pastor on board. You also have Mark's assistant and mentee, Johnathan, who is fresh out of seminary school. The church is moving far from God. God definitely needed to be the center of Mark's church. Reverend Kit is definitely a problem. For example, when Mark was lead by God during a sermon, Kit interrupted the move of God to send people back to their seats. Reverend Jackson is also another problem. The elders want the church to have similar programs and services like other semi mega and mega churches, in addition to what market research says,  but Mark wants the church to center on God. The elders want the church to experience growth, similar to T.D. Jakes and Joel Osteen.  Mark knows he let other things get in the way of God. One passage, which stood out, was how one of the elders said the church experienced growth by works, instead of God. That one statement let me know the church was off-centered and not focused on God.

Then tragedy occurred. Pastor Mark was in a car accident, with a female member of the church. Nothing incident was going on. The female member wanted to talk to Pastor about an issue, Mark and Sharla was directly involved in. The conversation started in the parking lot, but then someone shot a bullet, and the two tried to escape. Anyway, the elders feel Pastor Mark needs to step down until the accident investigation concludes. After all, the church needs to protect it's image (insert sarcasm here lol) since Mark had an unidentified woman in the car.

Once again, I loved reading the book. One of the best fictions, I read in a long time.

Clean by Douglass Weiss

I read Clean A proven plan for men committed to sexual integrity, in exchange for honest review by Douglas Weiss. The book was published by Thomas Nelson.  I chose this book because, even though I am not a man, I can still find some insight to apply to my celibacy.When I noticed the book on Booksneeze, I had to have it.

Some of the highlights from the book:

• Many church leaders fall to temptation themselves, and the ones who do stay pure are often at a loss as to how to help those struggling (p. xvi).  (note: I wish my church offered something on purity and celibacy to adults, instead of just to kids. I have asked, but no program exists yet. I am not even sure who to ask to get an accountability partner, without revealing too much of my past). 
• Internal transformation requires work (p. xvi). 
• Pages 6 to 9 discusses the prevalence of pornography using statistics. That section was mind-blowing. Porn is a billion dollar industry. Some internet porn is worth millions and billions. America is the top producer of DVD porn. 
• Both men and women watch porn. Children, who watch porn, face detrimental effects, which include emotional trauma; reduced marriages; exposure to incorrect information about human sexuality, and increased risk of sexual compulsions. 
• There is a direct connection between your sexual behavior and your destiny in Christ (p. 21). Our level of sexual purity will determine how useful and effective we are. 

• Getting one taste of something can lead to wanting more (p. 32). If you think you can control lust, then you are deceived (p. 33).
  
• When God has to discipline someone because of a hardened heart, things can go wrong for them (p. 35). The book gave the story of Terry, who printed off internet porn at work. The printer stopped working temporarily. Once it started printing, IT was called. They traced the problem to Terry. Terry got fired and his wife later divorced him. (p. 36). Paul was making a phone call to set up some sex, but did not realize his wife was on the other line. Stan was blackmailed by his mistress, while Marc was sued for sexual harassment.
  
• God provides you weapons to deal with the enemy (p. 47). Some weapons include the fear of God, wisdom, and the word of God. The limitation of the weapons is that they can only go in one direction at a time (either facing the enemy or facing those you love. )
  
• Lust is wrong. Lust can produce fruit and it can lead to death. The first stage of sin is lust. (p. 49). Sin is the evidence the seed has grown (p. 49). Sin also can be fertilized with repeat behavior (p. 50).
  
• You have to be willing to become clean. You need the right protection, armor, and a plan to become clean (p. 58 to 59). You also need to be honest and accountable (p. 61). You also need a consequence set-up, if you do fall prey to sexual sin (p. 62).
  
  
  
  
  Sexual immorality does not just affect you, but everyone else around you. Job, family, kids, social life, etc. I did not realize this until years and years later. If I stayed out late, someone would have to wake up to let me in (since I never had my own place). I had to work hard to hide toys and my porn addiction. Hiding the laptop under covers and plugging the ear phones in, for example. I sought out pleasure before relationships. Pleasure also caused me to think lust was love. I been addicted a few times. I wanted to date some of these men, not for their brains and long-term potential, but for their body parts (and what the body parts could do). Sexual immorality definitely distorted relationships. I heard rumors of people not liking me because I was too sexual, but at the same time, the person, who told me about the rumor, wanted to have sex with me. Sex defined how I treated people of the opposite sex. If you wanted to date me, then I would not have sex with you. If you wanted sex, then it was mostly a one-night stand. Had no interest in repeat sex partners, unless they met a few standards.
  
  I loved this book and definitely recommend it to men and women. 

Darkness Before Dawn

I read Darkness Before Dawn, in exchange for review from Litfuse. The book was written by Ace Collins and published by Abingdon Press


About the Author: (copied from Litfuse):

Bestselling author Ace Collins has written more than 60 books including novels “Swope’s Ridge” and “Words of the Father”, as well as the nonfiction “Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas”; and “Lassie: A Dog’s Life”. His books have become movies and network television specials. Ace Collins has sold more than 1.5 million books during his career and makes his home in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. AceCollins.com

Find out more about Ace athttp://acecollins.com.


I chose this book because I loved the description. The book is about Meg Richards, a nurse, whose husband is killed in a car accident by a minor. He was on his way home to see his wife. It was their anniversary weekend. The same night he dies, she also finds out she is pregnant. Meg starts to hate God and wants revenge against her husband's killer. I have not finished the book yet, but this book is moving so far. Some scenes were hard to take in. One, in particular, was Meg rushing to the hospital to view her husband's body. Another, was the scene with her mother, right after the funeral. That scene also started Meg thinking about revenge. The third scene, which stood out, was in the hospital, where the doctor told her she was pregnant, right after viewing Steve's body. Meg does not understand why her husband had to die. He had a good job, well-respected, a community leader, worked in the church, and was a Christian. 

I had to start re-reading the book this morning. The scenes and imagery was powerful. This book was one woman's account of her emotions during a storm. But, with each storm, a rainbow appears. Storms don't last always. (I will update this post, once I finish the last half of the book).

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.

Over the Edge

Over the Edge

I received a copy of Over the Edge by Mary Connealy from Bethany House Publishers to review. Didn't have time to read it at first with school and kids. The past weekend (September 15, 2012), my youngest son got sick and had to go to the ER and I brought the book with me. The book is amazing. I love the story of Callie and Seth Kincaid and their son Conner. The story was very riveting and I was really into the book. The book started off with a shoot-out. The shoot out led to Callies meet up with her long-lost husband, who does not remember her. Seth has a ranch, family goes to ranch. Enter Jasper. Jasper had his money stolen by one of Seth's brother's wives. He wants his money back and thinks the money is on the ranch. Read the rest of the story to find out what happens.

This is a great book. 5 stars I recommend it.

Stacie