Babies on the Go by Debby Slier

I read Babies on the Go by Debby Slier to my kids, in exchange for review from Netgalley.com. The book was published by Star Bright books. The book was a quick read.

I did run into one problem though with Adobe Digital Editions. The book had no pictures, just words with a border at the bottom. I also tried opening up the book with Reader for Pc and the pictures showed up. I loved the colorful, real pictures of the babies. I read the book to my sons and they loved the babies as well.

The book will not be published until March, 2013.

Powerful prayers of gratitude

I read powerful prayers of gratitude, in exchange for an honest review. The book was written by Glenn Langohr and published by Sanctified Publishing. The book was gifted to me by the author. I responded to a BookBlogs post, with the author looking for reviews. 

The book starts out well: in prayer. What better way than to start out a prayer book with prayer?

The power of prayer changes things dramatically. We need prayer. We need to be humble in prayer. We need a submissive attitude, instead of an attitude of superiority. Glenn also discussed how we always do not know what to pray for. Yesterday in Church, the pastor said to pray, but I was not sure what to pray for specifically. I know what I need and want, but I want to make sure I am praying for the right things with the right words. I definitely don't want to use the wrong words and get the wrong thing.The Holy Spirit prays for us when we don't know the words to use. We also can seek the bible for understanding. All we have to do is try and the Lord will do the rest---was a great statement in the book. We need to put forth the effort and allow God to be God. God understands our thoughts. He knows what we are going through. Our prayers may not always be perfect, but God can guide us in the right direction. 

The book is a good read. It is easy to read. The material is presented with short, easy to read passages, versus long, lengthy passages. Glenn teaches us about the power of prayer. Prayer can heal. Prayer can strengthen our relationship with God. Prayer can be anytime, anywhere, any position (on your knees, prayer closet, driving in your car, standing up, etc etc etc). Developing a stronger prayer life helps us develop a stronger relationship with the Father. 

The book also presents prayers for certain topics like Forgiveness, Grace, Strength, Patience, Protection, and Hope. The topics also have biblical verses for reference. 

If I knew then, what I knew now

I read, If I knew then, What I knew now, in exchange for review from BookSneeze. The book was written by Ruby Hillsman and Published by Westbow Press. 

I chose this book because I have made mistakes in the past and have learned how to move past them and definitely how not to make them again. If I knew the future consequences of my actions, I would have done things differently.

Lyfe Jennings has a song by the same name: If I knew then, what I knew now.

"If I knew then what I know now, I'd be different, I would slow downI would not be running around, if I knew then what I know now

If I knew then what I know now, I'd be different, I would slow down

As the world spins round and around, wish I knew then what I know now

I did it to myself, blamed nobody else"

I can learn from my own mistakes. I also can learn what to do and what not to do, from watching others. 
What I learned from the book:
People have access to more information--via the internet, smart phones, and other techie gadgets, yet we still make the same mistakes over and over and over again. Some people do not learn from their mistakes until it is too late or not at all. The author talks about how we need to "wake up" and reevaluate our lives. We need to think, reason, and learn. We don't always need to take the easy path in life. We need to learn from others success and failures. We need to improve for the better, not remain stagnant or keep falling behind. The world is changing, but some people are content to remain the same or indifferent, or content. Some people do not want to change, no matter how many mistakes they are making or have made. I definitely have a lot of regrets from my past, but I can not change the past. I can change how my past affects my present and future. I can not blame others. I am responsible for the stupid things (and the good things) I have done. 

I wish I had not rushed into my first relationship and marriageI wish I had not had sex with that many menI wish I was not afraid to tell people I had herpes in the beginning. I needed support. I wish I had not told him that, but I learned to get over multiple addictions once, I did (so I guess that is a good thing). I wish I never took out my first pay day loan. I wish I went celibate sooner. 
Many of these regrets don't even matter now. I learned from them. I grew from them. I healed from some of them. It helps me appreciate where I am now, more. I also know what to do if temptation arises. I know what situations I do not want to be a part of. 
The author provides 12 chapters in the book. The introduction is amazing. Each chapter provides a series of stories, with a list of lessons learned at the end. The stories start at age 5 to  9 years old and continues in chronological order. The author learned about responsibility and having a positive attitude at an early age. Her grandmother taught her the value of hard work, in addition to the ups and downs of being a single parent. She also learned about the power of prayer, in addition to the value of slowing down. . The book is an excellent read. Definitely enjoying the lessons and how to apply the lessons to my life. 

The Gospel of Yes by Mike Glenn

I read the Gospel of Yes, in exchange for review from Blogging for Books. The book was written by Mike Glenn. The book was published by WaterBrook Press. The book discussed saying Yes to God's plans for your life, no matter what they may be. We have to live according to God's will, instead of our will. It is not an easy task, but it builds up our heavenly rewards, and not just our earthly rewards. 

The first part of the book discusses how Mike had to deal with infidelity in the church. A church minister had an affair, which devastated the whole church. Mike had to rebuild the church, but was not sure how the church will recover. He blamed God, but God gave him an answer: be yourself and let the church be itself. He learned that while he was helping others fulfill their godly purpose, he never thought about figuring out who he was. What was his godly purpose for his life?

I struggle with that question as well: What is God's purpose for my life? What is my ministry in the church. I have been going to my church for almost a year and still do not have a ministry. I love administration. I love helping folks. I already volunteered for vacation bible school, the carnival, and the halloween fest. I helped register people and provided directions. I think I ran a station at the carnival but that job was not for me. Got bored easily and it was either a two or four hour job. I don't think I am fit for an usher, greeter, or children's ministry. 

Glenn also discussed how some people equate being miserable to Christianity. They can not accept happiness when things are going too good. They live for the bad times because it tests their faith in God more. God is there for the good and the bad. People need to enjoy their lives now. Live their purpose now. You can't live for God, if you are dead (Pastor Mike discussed this in the vision for the church today. Love my pastor). 

God wants to provide guidance and direction for your life. God wants us to use our Godly Gifts. We all have special gifts. No one has every gift, which allows us to work together for the Kingdom, versus trying to do things alone. He wants us to enjoy living for him and fulfilling our purpose. Glenn discusses how living the gospel of yes does not limit us, but frees us to become who God wants us to be. It is ok to say no and let someone, who is better skilled, handle the job. 

Another part of the book, Iiked was Mike discussing how the churches, he grew up in, told him what not to do. No cussing, drinking, and smoking for example. He said we can't define our lives by what we oppose--it causes frustration and bitterness (and a lot of stress. i been there and still going through it). We can't attack the opposition always, but we can move towards the cross and live for God. Move towards life and away from death. Glenn discusses how we need to win people for Christ, instead of forcing them into Christianity. 

Other highlights from the book:

1. Live life with integrity. Yes means yes and no means no. If you cant do something, don't agree to do it. 
2. Saying yes to God  gives your life meaning and order. 
3. Paul discussed how Living for Christ is a yes. Everything else is disposable and a no
4. Fear and anger temporarily motivate people. Yet God's kingdom is eternal. 

Great quote:  "What makes life increasingly difficult is to know what your are against, without knowing what you are for" Being against something does not mean you are moving towards something positive. The book gave an example of being against divorce, yet you are not for marriage. Being against poverty does not mean you are helping the poor--another great example. I guess Mike is saying how we need to put action into our beliefs. We have to live for something--and that something needs to be God. It's like in a Sponge Bob episode I saw--where the sponge and the star wanted to Live like Larry. They wanted to emulate Larry the Lobster's life. Do what he did. Live in the moment, no matter the cost. We need to do the same for God. We need to live like God. Be like Christ. Live in the moment, fulfilling our purpose, no matter the cost. We need to say YES to God (and then do it. Put action to the words. Be committed, energized, happy, living for God).

. 

Men, dont pee straight by Rick Dean

I read Men, don't pee straight: and other things, you should know about us, in exchange for honest review. The book was written by Rick Dean.

I got the book in the mail last week.  I read it the same night, within about 5 minutes. The book was a hilarious, stereotypical, satire, look at men. The graphics was excellent as well.

The title page was the first glance at how funny the book was: Men, don't pee straight and other things you should know about us. so you can write it down and keep track, although, since you never forget anything, there's probably no need to write it down. but it still might be useful when explaining stuff to us that really bugs you (and we're really good to help in any way possible).  Next, the book has relevant quotes by relevant people. Third, each section starts with a title, a very hilarious title, with some information women need to know about men. On the opposite page, there is a log, with a space to write the date. There is also a checklist to check off what your man did wrong for that day lol.

For example: The first section was called Men, don't know what Mauve is. It discusses how men sees things as simple. It also lists things, men will never notice. Then, in the checklist,

Date:
He didn't notice:
-my new hair style
-the new curtains
-the new living room set
-other

Each page has four logs for a woman to fill in. The book is 42 pages of a great laugh and a great read.

My mother's wars by Lilian Faderman

I read My Mother's Wars in exchange for review on Netgalley.com. The book was written by Lillian Faderman and published by Beacon Press.

The book provides an account of Mary, who moved from Latvia to New York for better opportunities. Mary experienced life through relationships and abortions. She finally fell in love with Faderman's father

Faderman and her mother had an excellent relationship. Her mother shared her experiences with her.

Faderman's mother got kicked out of home at 17 years old by her half-sister and brother-in-law. Her mother had training to be a seamstress but Mereleh wanted more. She wanted to dance in America. She came to the U.S. at a young age, doing chores to help out, but didn't feel completely comfortable around her half sis and her husband. She continued to learn English, while working at a factory (and that's a summary of the preface and first 14 or so pages lol (not sure of the actual page numbers). Mary finally made friends with Goldie and experienced America as more than home and work. Mary wanted to live. I have felt like Mary at times. Sometimes if you want to  have growth, you have to leave the comforts and security of home. The experience may not always be good but it teaches you valuable life lessons.  This was a good book to skim through. I liked it very much.

Fed up with Flat Faith by Kathy Howard

I read Fed up with Flat Faith by Kathy Howard, in exchange for review from netgalley.com. The book was published by Wharton Press. The book discussed dead, flat spirituality, instead of a passion for a relationship with God. People need to turn to God first with problems, concerns, everything, instead of turning to others or self. Turning to anything but God can lead to disappointment and frustration

The book also provides examples of women, living in Bible times, who lacked faith. For example, Sarah laughed at God, when he said she would be a mother. Martha focused on serving God, instead of being near him. The book also discusses symptoms of flat faith and how to revive the spark in your life. Prayer works wonders.

Other highlights from the book:

1. flat faith hinders our purpose in life
2. we dont have to settle for flat faith


I highly recommend this book. I loved reading the book.

Power in the Blood

I read Power in the Blood, in exchange for honest review from Bethany House.

Power in the Blood

I read Power in the Blood, in exchange for review from Bethany House. The book was written by Sandie Freed and Bill Harmon. The book was also published  by Baker Publishing Group. The book discusses how God's power correlates with our inheritance. The blood also defines our relationship with Christ. We have freedom and power within the blood. We also have breakthroughs and victories within the blood. 

Next, the blood gives us fresh strategies to face battles. Freed stated how we can't fight today's battles with yesterday's victories. Each day has new problems, and challenges for us to solve. We need new, fresh blood to handle the challenges. We also need to understand God's glory. God's glory will allow us to fulfill desires and live our dreams. 

Finally, we need to learn to let go of the past to move forward (which is hard.). We also need cleansing from impure thoughts, sins, and iniquities. The book discussed Isaiah, who needed direction from the Lord. Isaiah had to move past the past; visit the Lord and witness the Lord's glory; in addition to cleansing himself from impure thoughts, sins, and iniquities. Then the Lord gave Isaiah direction to defeat the forces of Satan, which required King Uzzaiah to die before the prophet can experience the fullness of God. He had to go through a new season to get new blessings. The king represented death, while the Lord's plans represented light, a new season, a new harvest. The same things apply in life, some things we have to let die before we can move forward. How many times have God told us to let go of something and we did not want to listen? Once we let go, we experienced freedom and release. We felt our burdens lifted.

For me, I had to let go of sex. I was very promiscous (and addicted to sex). God told me before to let sex die. I had to give up sex, give up porn, and a few other things. I did not listen right away. I had to go through some things, in order to finally listen.  Once I obeyed what God wanted, I felt a renewed sense of peace, a new sense of purpose. I still have problems, but I am no longer addicted to sex. I no longer watch porn. I still have a long ways to go mentally, but I am at more peace mentally. I installed parental controls for me versus the children. As of now, I been celibate for almost three years.  

Letting go is hard work. It takes dedication, persistence, prayer, will power, etc. We have to let certain things die, whatever it is to move forward. Once we let go, we can feel God empowering us, in addition to giving us authority. We also can use the experiences to help others, who are going through. What thing I do not like occurs when an individual gets mad at someone for doing the same thing they are doing. I had a friend (not anymore), who got mad at me for having sex with multiple parties, when he was doing the same thing. His reasoning was the women all knew each other. The women knew what they was getting into and agreed to share the same man separately and together. I thought he was being a hypocrite and ended the friendship. He couldn't help me move past my sex addiction. He did not offer Godly guidance. He offered condemnation, while partaking in similar activities. We both was very promiscious but mine was worse than his. A sin is a sin, no matter what sin. 

Overall, the book was a good book. To have spiritual growth, we must let old habits and ideas die. To move forward, we need to let go of the past. To move into a new season, we have to get past the old season. 

10 questions kids ask about sex

I read 10 questions, kids ask about sex, in exchange for review from Netgalley. The book was written by Bill and Pam Farrel. The Book was also published by Harvest House Publishers.

The book provides guidance on how to answer sex-related questions. Topics include sex, gender, and babies. The book is written from a biblical perspective, with bible verses given for each topic. The book encourages honest, positive, comprehensive communication.

The book also discusses how parents do not want to talk to kids about sensitive topics. Parents want to be liked and be cool. Parents need to pray, listen, and talk in a calm manner when having difficult conversations. Conversations should also be held in a mutual place.

The book is a good book, but the first part lost me at times. It discusses God and parenting, but I got a little confused. For example, it talked about Jesus being a hero and how parents should be Christ-centered, which is true, but I didn't see how it correlated to sex. I read the first pages a few times to gain understanding. The book also provided the definition of love and marriage. Overall, the book had good information, but some sections lacked flow.

The book also discussed sex statistics for students (abortions, rapes, sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancies).

Parents are responsible for teaching kids sex education and teach them God's purpose for sex:

1. (procreation (reproduction)
2. recreation (emotionally, physically, spiritually)
3. marriage
4. rejuvenation (emotional and physical wellness). 
5. proclamation (love and commitment). 

My Crocodile does not bite

I read my crocodile does not bite by Joe Kulka, in exchange for a honest review by Netgalley.com. The book was published by Learner and Carolrhoda Books. The book talked about a boy named Ernest and his pet Croc, Gustave. Ernies rival is a girl named Cindy Lou, who has a pet doggie named Fifi. The school is having a pet fair and all the kids are bringing their pets to school. Cindy Lou thinks her pet is superior. Cindy Lou does not like Ernest or his croc. She does not want the Croc to go to school. It also does not help the croc knows more tricks than Fifi. The book is a good read, with a surprise ending. My kids enjoyed reading this book.