Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Good for Sunday School Classes Maybe? That's about it though.


Adventures in Boogabooga Land
Squid Sushi Loses His Marbles, Wally the Waiter, and The Flaming Monkey
Marty the Monkey and Gerard the Giraffee teach children valuable lessons in these cute, creative cartoons set in Boogabooga Land. In approximately 45 minutes there are three short animated adventures. I think these are great short clips that will keep kid's attention, although I don't see them being favorites that are watched over and over again.
The messages or underlying take home truth that the authors are trying to get across may be difficult for children? It is much easier for children to get the point of a show or book if the message is clearly stated. I don't have children yet and am 26 so I could be very wrong! Jesus or God is not specifically named, and neither is heaven or hell or other Biblical concepts, for better or worse.
Also, the script is a bit cheesy (as maybe it was designed to be). These are not professionally made cartoons, but they are a good option for churches or Sunday Schools (they would be great with discussion questions digging deeper into the messages!).


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

GREAT GIFT!


FamilyLife Marriage Bible: Equipping Couples for Life
By Dennis & Barbara Rainey
God needs to be at the center of every marriage. Dennis & Barbara Rainey have put out a great Bible to help all married couples have a God filled, put your spouse before yourself Bible. Devotions are so important in helping a couple talk about important issues and add intimacy to their marriage. If we follow God's rules for marriage, we are destined to have a happy, long marriage.
I think the best gift to give newlyweds is devotionals or Bibles, and this is no exception. My wife and I try to exalt God in every way, but without great study Bibles and resources, this would not be possible. I will recommend this Bible and other resources from Dennis & Barbara Rainey to married couples of any age!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Great Resource



Nelson's Biblical Cyclopedic Index
“Best Bible Subject Index Ever”
by Thomas Nelson

If you want to dive in and get to know the Bible, this is the tool. It is an unbiased Biblical resource broken down by subjects and points one to specific Biblical scriptures corresponding to the topics. I have not used many other concordances, but I am so glad to add this to my library.

This is a wonderful Bible resource. Lately I have been prompted to dive in to the Bible and study a topic that I previously did not have much Biblical knowledge on, namely Baptism. I grew up learning that Baptism is important but not essential, but was recently challenged on this belief. I used this index to search out scripture concerning Baptism, and this resource made that task simple and organized. For example, the topic of Baptism includes a Word Study (definition and use) and subtopics covering scripture where baptism is covered in the context of “commanded by, administered by, places, subjects of, characteristics of, and symbolism of”.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

God wrote the Bible - this is Lucado's version.


The Lucado Life Lessons Study Bible: Inspirational Applications for Living Your Faith
New King James Version


I love this Bible – Thank you so much Thomas Nelson! Book reviewing is the coolest program. This is a great New King James version of the Bible. It is hardcover with a book sleeve. The text is not written in columns, but just page width. The writing is black and the headings are maroon. On the outside margins of each page are Lucado's notes – titled Situation, Observation, Inspiration, Application, and Exploration. I will not hesitate to pass this book on to a friend. I already have a different study Bible, and although upgrading things we have is usually good, I disagree in this case. Keeping one Bible to take notes in over the years is so special (unless you want to compare various versions). Lucado is an amazing author and pastor – you will love this Bible.
Thanks Thomas Nelson.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Monday, December 6, 2010

Review from My Lovely Wife


I had to ask for a little help from my wife on this book!

An Amish Christmas
December in Lancaster County

Four Amish Christmas Novellas
Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, Barbara Cameron & Kelly Long

Tucked away in this beautiful book are four short stories that take place in Amish country. Miriam and Seth find themselves in a relationship neither thought possible years before. Lydia finds true forgiveness and love for her past love. Sarah and Daniel “entertain” guests during a snowstorm. Anna is thankful for help from Asa just when needed.

Amish books are always so fun for me – the very different, simplistic lifestyle is so inviting! I really enjoyed reading about Christmas traditions & the friendships/families in Lancaster County. Each touching story made me cry.


Thanks Thomas Nelson!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Thursday, November 11, 2010

The Greatest Book on Earth!


START! The Bible for New Believers
General Editor: Greg Laurie
New King James Version


The Bible is so fun! With a dark orange cover and orange headers, this Bible is appealing to the eye and easy to read. Each book includes an introduction explaining the background, lessons to be learned, and a simple overview of what will be read. These make it simple to read and understand what we can learn and understand in each book! New believers will read how to Learn, Live, and Grow in their spiritual walk with special, basic additional text set aside in gray boxes. The advice or information is so great for new believers!

In the back of the Bible are additional tools. There is a plan of salvation, secrets to spiritual success, a section titled “Essentials: What every Christian needs to know about God and Jesus”, a topical index, and pages for personal notes.

This is a great Bible. The only downer is that the Bible is a paperback and the pages are “fragile”, as with most Bibles. I'm not great at being careful, so I would end up with torn pages and a mangled cover!


Thanks Thomas Nelson!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Friday, October 29, 2010

Free Devotional


I Life Up My Soul
Devotions to Start Your Day With God
by Charles F. Stanley

Book description: Each day consists of a one page devotion, scripture reading, a key verse, and a few Biblical quotes. This book is very easy to read, has a beautiful cover (with no slip cover – I love it!), and has multiple pages at the end for reflection. It is a great devotional for adults that takes only minutes a day.

The devotions are fairly simplistic, but the messages are precise, clear, and meaningful. We all need to step back and evaluate the small things we do everyday and why we do them. I will leave this devotional at my desk at work and dive into it during short breaks!!

Thanks Thomas Nelson!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”