Book Review: A Spoonful of Grace

Is it intimidating to come up with devotions to share with your children? Annette Hubbell has taken the guesswork out of the equation by writing A Spoonful of Grace, Mealtime Blessings in Bite-Sized Pieces.
“Annette Hubbell is a writer, actor, and producer. She has an MBA from CSU San Marcos and a Certificate in Christian Apologetics from Biola University.” She wrote A Spoonful of Grace after a meal with friends, where she was inspired by the prayer offered and the ensuing table talk.
A Spoonful of Grace received the Illumination Book Award in the Family/Parenting category, which is “based on content, design, and production quality, with emphasis on innovation and creative ways of expressing a Christian worldview.”
Annette says it will take two minutes to introduce one of the mealtime reflections. From there, families can use the insights as a springboard. It will cultivate communication at mealtimes and other times, as they learn to listen and discuss matters of the heart. A Spoonful of Grace is a great tool with thoughts on Scriptures. It nudges budding hearts with easy to process topics and devotionals.
An example from the book is taken from Day 21. The verse highlighted is from Proverbs 1:8-9 where we are reminded to learn from the wisdom of our parents. The assignment for the kids? Act like a reporter and interview your parents!
Annette says the daily graces are like manna, to provide morsels that will grow into prayerful habits. From birthday and holiday meditations, to daily interactions, A Spoonful of Grace will give you the opportunity to create conversation around God’s Word and the characteristics of a life in tune with His. May it prompt discussions with your family that help each to grasp the gospel message and absorb it into their own hearts!
Sally
Disclaimer: I received a copy of A Spoonful of Grace from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Book Review: It’s a Jungle in Here

The animal kingdom gets center stage, in It’s a Jungle in Here. Tigers, leopards, lions and elephants share the same habitat as butterflies and Tucans. But, do they eat the same food?
Author and Illustrator, Kristie Wilde has created a children’s book that delights the eyes and intellect. It’s a Jungle in Here abounds with her watercolor illustrations and whimsical designs. She uses her degree in Forestry and her love of Jesus to tickle the fancy of young readers and old, alike. Other books in her Joyful Creation Series include Made For a Purpose and So Great a Love.
It’s a Jungle in Here contrasts animals to show the variety on our planet. Big and small, loud and quiet, all have a place in the ecosystem. But, Kristie turns the story to include all of us, because we all add variety to the world.
A glossary of animals rounds out the book with tidbits of insight into their behavior and preferences. Did you know, “An Okapi’s tongue is long enough that they can clean their eyes with it!”?

I chose the book to share with my grandchildren. Its pages are enticing with visually appealing storyline and it provides a beautiful reminder of God’s creativity. Get a copy for your family and watch them ooh and aah over the pages, too!
Sally
What’s your favorite animal fact?
Disclosure of Material: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Endings & Beginnings

The end of summer signals the last minute scurry to pack in all the extra things we wanted to do with our sunshiny days. Trips to the waterpark get squeezed in with back to school shopping. Vacations and kayaking add to the hoopla.
The beginning of Fall is just around the corner for us in the north. The temperatures are dropping at night and orange colors are starting to show up here and there in the trees.

This morning’s time in God’s Word raised the question of fruit in my life. I look out the back door at Fall’s fruit on my apple trees, the orbs changing shape and color, and I wish the fruit in my life were so tangible.
• I look at the fruit of God’s Spirit and ask, is love growing in me? Faithfulness? Self-control? Am I treating others with kindness? As I enter a different season of life, am I becoming more selfish, or selfless?
• I think about the fruit of good works the Lord intends for me to hang in my tree and I wonder, “Am I more in tune with His nudges, or am I drowning out His voice?”
• I ponder the fruit of a closer relationship with God and ask, am I leaning into His grace more or relying on my self-sufficiency?
What would you do, to ensure fruit is growing in your life?
Small groups at church help me grow closer to the Lord, as we study His Word. We dig for truths found there, and flesh them out together. It also gives us opportunity to develop relationships, as we seek what it means to serve God and others. Why not give it a try? If your church doesn’t have small groups, invite others to join you. Isn’t it time to start something new?
What will you be ending and beginning in the next few weeks?
Sally

Book Review & a Giveaway: The Nephilim Virus

The Nephilim Virus has infected blood and altered human anatomy! Yet, Nick Reese’s blood seems to hold the key to immunity. Will he find others like him in time to stop a takeover of the human race, or will he, too, fail in the attempt?

Author John Prather was inspired by his storytelling grandfather. As an actor and model, John has seen the entertainment industry from the inside, and wanted to provide entertainment with Christian values. He says, “All the great themes, like redemption and sacrifice and love, of all the great stories are just tiny versions of the greatest story, God’s story. I want readers to connect to the greatest story by reading a book that has little glimpses of that story woven into it.”
From the first page, The Nephilim Virus is action packed; I couldn’t put it down! It weaves science fiction with apocalyptic events and provides surprises on every page. It explores a world where technology has crashed and people have to rely on their own ingenuity. It tests the limits of faith and trust in other people in dire circumstances. And it looks at the power of love to rescue impossible situations.
Some interesting questions raised include compromise of values when in danger, loyalty of friendship, and perseverance in hopeless times. Dr. Faith Richards stands at a crossroads in her research. Will she help the enemy?
If you like dystopian novels, you will love this one. John Prather uses fast pacing to keep the story moving, and creates believable characters. It will keep you reading to the surprising climax!
I am giving away a copy, courtesy of The Adams Group, to one reader in the continental United States. To enter the drawing, sign up for my newsletter: type in your email address under the waterfall picture on my blog.
To earn more entries, or if you’re already following my blog, share this post via social media. Each share to a different social media venue earns you one entry (up to three).
Let me know in the blog comments where you’ve shared.
I will announce the winner Thursday evening, August 9!
Sally
Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Adams Group book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: Tales of the Kingdom

Tales of the Kingdom is the story of all of us, as we hunt for something of true value. The allegories provide a narrative tested by time; 30 years, in fact, as this is the special 30th Anniversary Edition! Filled with engaging characters fighting their own battles of inadequacy, mistakes and pain, Tales of the Kingdom is a “can’t put it down” wonder.
The authors, David and Karen Mains have been teaching about The Kingdom for more than 50 years. Their work with Mainstay Ministries equips pastors around the globe to bring creative solutions to ministry. Written for children and the child in all of us, the Kingdom Tales Trilogy books are Gold-medallion award-winners.
Even if you are not a fan of parables, you will be drawn into the narrative of Tales of the Kingdom. Scarboy escapes Enchanted City with Little Brother in a daring flee for their lives. In Great Park, they meet Princess Amanda, Mercie, Caretaker and others seeking restoration of The Kingdom.
The Orphan Keeper’s Assistant “discovered that the Kingdom was for outcasts, and one must become an outcast in order to follow the King.”
The Apprentice Juggler teaches us that those who march to the beat of a different (God-given) drum “will find a place in the Kingdom.”
“The first rule of Great Park: A Kingdom is Anyplace Where the King Rules!”
A girl named Dirty found out “the subjects of the King are nothing more than ugly beggars,” but all are brought to the Kingdom.
The boy named Hero learned, “there is a kingdom within that must first be conquered before one becomes brave enough to challenge the world without.”
Order your copy now! I can’t wait to share these stories with my grandchildren; I know it will open up a whole new world of interaction over character values and kingdom perspectives!

Sally
Disclosure of Material: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”


Book Review: Courageous Women of the Bible & a Giveaway!

Courageous Women of the Bible offers a refreshing look at familiar people, and shows how courage was needed in their lives. But it goes one step further, by connecting the past with the present. How does this apply to life now? Latan Roland Murphy weaves the narrative so masterfully; you don’t even realize the mirror is in front of your face!
Latan Roland Murphy is the author of Becoming A Woman of Interior Elegance and co-author of God’s Provision in Tough Times. She teaches God’s Word with a beautiful use of words to illustrate the story and how it relates to the reader.
The book promises a life of confidence and freedom, in exchange for fear and insecurity. It accomplishes that goal by showing how obstacles become opportunities when God is by our side. Time after time, LaTan shows how women “can courageously act and react with godly character, even in times of suffering.”

“Women included are:
• Deborah-Wife, judge, and ruler of Israel. Courage is needed to lead our families and others.
• The Woman with an Issue of Blood-Physically sick woman. Courage is needed when facing rejection.
• The Widow with Two Coins-Poor widow. Courage is needed to give generously in our financial hardships.
• Jael-Wife, warrior, divided household, decisive and courageous. Courage is needed to seize opportunities-using what’s in our hands in the midst of obstacles.
• Abigail-Faithful wife to a selfish, foolish man. Courage is needed to do the right thing, even when your spouse or others do not.
• Bathsheba-Exposed bathing beauty caught in a web of sin. Courage is needed when we’ve acted in sin, were abused, molested, or feel violated.
• The Samaritan Woman-Person with a troubled past of multiple marriages. Courage is needed to simply believe there is redemption and to tell others what Christ has done for us.
• Mary Mother of Jesus-Young mother. Courage is needed to have a baby, especially in unpredictable times. Mary delivered the Son of God amidst great odds and pressure around her, and we are bearers of life in uncertain times.
• The Shulammite Woman-Hopeless romantic. Courage is needed to express our physical love, knowing the marriage bed is undefiled.
• Jochebed-Mother of Moses. Courage is needed as we surrender our children and the people we care about to God.
• The Shunammite Woman-Hospitable wife. Courage is needed to show hospitality, taking an others-minded approach to life by welcoming others into our private lives, even when our prayers are unanswered.”
LaTan uses transparency to reveal unstoppable faith. She is an encourager with a contagious enthusiasm for biblical characters. Her words are soothing and measured. She reminds us Jesus notices all women in every arena of life. Get this book and be reenergized in your walk with the Lord!
I am giving away a copy of Courageous Women of the Bible to one reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title) and answer this question, “Who is a biblical woman you admire, and why?” You will be entered into the drawing to be held on Saturday, June 9 at 4 pm. I can’t wait to hear about your favorites!
Sally
Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Blog About Network book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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Book Review & a Giveaway: Lies Moms Believe

Are you plagued with nagging mommy guilt? Do you feel like you are never enough, when you look at your life? This book set is for you! Lies Moms Believe and The Companion Bible Study offer hope for tired hearts. Author Rebekah Hargraves says the goal of the book is in “arming you with the arrows of discernment, wisdom, and Biblical truth that are required in order for you to easily recognize and combat the lies Satan likes to throw at you as a mom.”
Rebekah Hargraves’ blog, Hargraves Home and Hearth, is a place where she celebrates home and hospitality. She is a student of God’s Word and a homeschooling mom of two. She is on a journey to discover God’s truth, sharing it with other moms along the way.
Rebekah says the study of theology is needed in motherhood, in order to rightly model God’s character for our children. She uses that study to reveal 32 lies that take moms captive, and says it is through motherhood the Lord continues to impact the next generation.

Do you wonder how you can fulfill the Great Commission as a stay-at-home mom? Rebekah says when we see our children as our mission field, we can find purpose even in the mundane.
Are you a working mom? This book is for you, too. With topics like “I Have to Be a Perfect Mom,” “I Am Responsible for My Child’s Happiness,” and “The Most Important Thing Is My Child’s Education,” moms in all walks of life will find tools to apply.

Rebekah Hargraves takes an academic approach to motherhood, yet does it vulnerably and with gentleness. It’s refreshing to read someone’s words and then to study God’s Word to see what He says about the topic. The accompanying Bible Study does just that. In fact, I would recommend using the Bible Study to look at each topic, then read the corresponding chapter in the book. The questions are well written and thoughtful, and provide a sounding board for personal reflection.
I am giving away a copy of Lies Moms Believe and The Companion Bible Study to one reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title) and answer this question, “What mommy lies have you believed?” You will be entered into the drawing to be held on Wednesday, May 2 at 4 pm. I recognize the lies Rebekah highlights, because I’ve believed them, too. I can’t wait to hear how you’ve overcome them!
Sally
Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of these books from The Blog About Network book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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Book Review & a Giveaway: Live. Save. Spend. Repeat.

Live. Save. Spend. Repeat. is a primer about getting a handle on your budget, but it is so much more than a book on finance. Author Kim Anderson tackles the why behind what motivates one to save or spend, live on credit or thrive debt-free.
Kim Anderson is not a banker. She’s not an investment broker. She’s not a CPA nor does she have an MBA. What Kim does have, is a success story of getting out of debt and paying off her home mortgage. On one income. $93,000 eliminated in two years.
Her book outlines the Easy Sync Budget she developed to create a plan of attack, the dreams that became Momentum Milestones, and the day that changed her beautiful perception of debt.
Kim debunks the theory of using credit cards to earn rewards with the real facts of interest rates and convenient money. If it’s easy money, then why are the banks so eager to hand out cards?             Live. Save. Spend. Repeat. is an important book for an era when so many live on credit. In fact, Kim says, “Americans as a whole have gotten in the habit of using money that we don’t actually have. Carrying around debt only leads us to a constant cycle of stress and dissatisfaction.”


What do you trade for your money? Entertainment? Keeping up with the Joneses? How about boldly wanting more out of life and funding it with your own hard earned money, instead of interest building up against your payments? Kim teaches you how to do that, with questionnaires for self-reflection, charts for breaking down the budget into bite-size portions, formulas for your lifestyle and places to dream about your life goals.

Kim Anderson allows you to see her own life unfiltered, in order to help you live a life without regrets. Isn’t it time to become strategic about your legacy?
I am giving away a copy of Live. Save. Spend. Repeat., courtesy of Harvest House Publishers, to one reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title) and answer this question, “What goal would you pursue, if there was room in your budget?” You will be entered into the drawing to be held three days from now, April 17. I can’t wait to hear the dreams you would fuel!
Sally
Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through The Blog About Network book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Book Review: The Power to Be, by Twila Belk

The Power to Be is a testament to the power of the Resurrected Christ, the power that is available to all who believe in Him. It is a meaty 40-day devotional with personal stories of God’s provision. The author, Twila Belk, is someone who has been seasoned by life’s trials and is able to offer sage input to the insights she’s gained there. She talks about the grace to forgive when a drunk driver killed her mom, and left her in the hospital. And she talks about joy that permeates an act of gratitude. She finds illustrations in wheelbarrows and dogs hanging out of car windows. Her stories bring practical application.
Twila Belk, the Gotta Tell Somebody Gal, is a Christian communicator with a goal of taking important truths and making them easy to understand. Twila served for ten years as executive assistant to author Cecil Murphey and seeks to help writers in their next steps. She’s published seven books, and contributed to several others. Her mission is to do whatever she can to make God famous.
The Power to Be unwraps the benefits of difficulties and how we can mine them for the jewels found there. Twila’s enthusiasm is contagious; she shares ways God has shown Himself faithful, and says, really, we don’t wait in the difficult seasons alone, but God waits with us.

The Power to Be is an important reminder that we can be still, we can be grateful, we can be strong and we can be courageous, when we rely on the power the Lord provides. Get a copy to remind yourself that it matters who God is in our lives; He doesn’t expect us to muster up our own strength, but to know He is the One who overcomes the giants we face.
One of my favorite features of the book is the call to response. Journaling prompts are provided for reflection, and prayers give voice the focus of the daily devotion. Here’s one that particularly spoke to my heart:
“Lord, as I think about the crazy things you ask me to do, I can’t help but smile because I’ve seen how you work. The things you ask usually aren’t normal or easy, and most of the time they’re scary. They challenge me to trust you. But that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it, Lord? You want to keep reinforcing who you are and how big you are. You want to keep reminding me that anything you call me to do will have your equipping, power, and presence involved. Thank you for teaching me that when I trust and obey, then get out of the way, you always show up and show off. May you receive all honor, glory, and praise.”
Let The Power to Be encourage you to a faith that is greater than fear, because of the One who shoulders your needs!
Sally
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Help for the Helper: Purpose for the Planner, Respite & Renewal for the Caregiver

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