The Walk

By: Shaun Alexander 

In The Walk, Shaun stresses the importance of order in becoming a mature Christian.  He lays out 5 stages that each person can walk through: Unbeliever, Believer, Example, Teacher, and Imparter.  He states that if a believer were to "skip a stage in the maturity process, error will creep in.  Get ahead of God, and things will start to go wrong.  But follow His (God's) order in  your life, and you will see amazing things happen." p. 21

He breaks each stage down into becoming a Believer, Example, etc and expands on the trials, traps, and victories of each stage.  As you walk through this book, Shaun gives concrete examples not only from his football days, but also real life situations many people can relate to.  He cites Scripture throughout the book, yet many times they are only referenced.  A Discussion Guide is available for small groups to read together.

I feel that Shaun Alexander over-stresses the order of the stages and not enough on the actual learning and living of each.  He does state near the end that different people will proceed through the stages at different rates - some faster than other.

Download the first chapter of The Walk by Shaun Alexander here.

Star Rating - 4 out of 5

A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me by Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group as part of their Blogging for Books Program. I was not obligated to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are strictly my own.

An Amish Love

An Amish Love includes three novellas written by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Kelly Long. Each story stands on its own, yet each is set in the same place and time. Because of this, the three novellas are tied together by a thread including references to other characters, especially the Bishop.

Healing Hearts, by Beth Wiseman, draws us into a marriage which has had a rocky year. How do Levina and Naaman pick up the pieces of the marriage after Naaman returns after an 11-month disappearance?

A Marriage of the Heart, by Kelly Long, introduces us to a young woman who has been raised soley by her father. Her mother passed away when she was 5 years old; and now, Abby seeks to leave the close-knit community. Suddenly, she finds herself married to a newcomer to the community. How do they both learn to love without expectations? Is she able to find peace and love in the Amish lifestyle she was hoping to leave?

What the Heart Sees, by Kathleen Fuller, draws us into Ellie's life 5 years after a tragic accident has claimed her eyesight. She longs for life before the accident and wants only to become a wife and mother; yet, she feels that she is no longer capable of having her dream. Only when a her best friend's brother returns to the community is she able to see past herself. Through helping Christopher come to terms with the accident and his loss, the two begin healing.

I love the way the 3 stories are interwoven! Each is a reminder of the forgiveness we are to show others, Christian or not. In Ellie's case, we are not bound by our disabilities. We can find assistance and make a way to serve others.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 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.

Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room by Nancy Guthrie

Each year as we approach the Advent / Christmas season, I promise myself that we are going to focus on Jesus... not our busy-ness.  Each year I pull out the Advent devotionals, Advent calendar, and the Advent candles.  And yet, each year my good intentions go undone or are so hit-and-miss that we really are not focusing on the birth of Jesus.

Not this year!  After reading through Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room by Nancy Guthrie, I know my good intentions will become a reality!  Each day's reading is short enough to keep the interest of the youngest in the family and includes Discussion Starters to challenge your older teens and adults.  These questions help focus the discussion on Jesus and include additional Bible verses to read and ponder.  Interspersed through the book are Christmas hymns, not only the hymns, but also background on the music, words, and history of the time.  Also, each reading includes a prayer to help focus our eyes on Jesus.

This is a great resource and I look forward to spending quality time with the family as we remember and celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Star Rating:  4.5 out of 5

The content of the book is 5 stars out of 5, but I had difficulty reading the small print.

Ellen

This product was provided for my review by Tyndale House Publishers.

A Time to Embrace by Karen Kingsbury

A Time to Embrace by Karen Kingsbury

A Time to Embrace is a beautifully woven story about forgiveness and love. Abby and John Reynolds have just survived 3 years of an unhappy marriage which almost ended in divorce. A Time to Embrace picks up just after they have forgiven each other’s transgressions - John’s for spending too much time with another woman, and Abby’s for becoming too close to her magazine editor via email. They have renewed their vows and are more in love with each other than before. They put God first in their lives, and are seeing the blessings of being in God’s will.

As John struggles with the politics of being a high school football coach, he is still working on encouraging and loving his students and players. He not only wants to see them succeed now, but also is training them for life. After winning a football game, he is involved in a horrific accident. During his recovery, he and Abby both struggle with God’s involvement in their “new” life. The promises of God are written throughout this wonderful book! Romans 8.28 teaches us “…that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

Karen Kingsbury has reminded us again to put God first in our marriages and in life! For an uplifting read, pick up both A Time to Dance and A Time to Embrace and walk through a slice of John and Abby’s life together. You won’t be disappointed.

5 out of 5 Stars

Ellen

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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.”

The American Patriot's Almanac

The American Patriot's Almanac by William J. Bennett and John T.E. Cribb, published by Thomas Nelson, was everything I expected and more!  This newly revised, updated and expanded almanac includes a slice of our great country's history alongside the daily "American History Parade."

I enjoyed reading through the historical events which left such in impact on our country.  My whole family enjoyed looking up their birthday to see who had the most exciting historical events. 

Since we are learning US History this year, we have been able to review such documents as: The Declaration of Independence (and how it was written and signed), The Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights, and the American Creed - just to name of few.

Each year our students in the public schools are learning a different US History from previous generations.  This Almanac helps bridge that gap and gives an insight into the Christian founding principles of America. 

Per the author, "Our nation's founding principles of liberty and equality are among humanity's noblest aspirations.  As long as the United States is a place dedicated to those principles, then to be an American patriot is to love something noble and good.  By loving America, we lift our own sights."  Let us be a country filled with PATRIOTS who love this country, take pride in what America has accomplished, are active in their communities, and are involved in the election process - voting, reading up on the issues, and being an active participant.

Join in on the US History revolution... take your dose of US History daily alongside your multivitamin!

Book rating:  5 out of 5

Ellen

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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.”

GIVE-AWAY --- The Least Among You (DVD)

As a blogger reviewer for BookSneeze.com (Thomas Nelson Publishers), I received 2 DVD's of The Least Among You.  This is a true story based on the life of Rev. Dr. Charles Marks.  A young man growing up in Los Angeles during the racially divided time of the 1965 Watts Riots.  See my review on a previous post.

How do you instill a love of history to your family?  Do you use a curriculum or work through different time periods as a family?  Adding historical movies and documentaries is a great way to teach the visual learner.

If you don't have a blog, leave a comment below. 

Contest will end October 31, 2010.  The winner will be selected using http://www.random.org/. 

And the winner is.... Jessica!  

Thanks to all who linked up!

The Least Among You

The Least Among You from Lionsgate is a film that teaches about history, racism, religion, self-worth, and hope. It's an inspiring story about destiny.  Through the acting talents of Cedric Sanders (Richard Kelly), William Devane (Alan Beckett), Louis Gossett, Jr. (Samuel Benton), and Lauren Holly (Kate Allison), the story comes alive. 

How is a young, black man to live after being arrested in the 1965 Watts Riots?  His dream job was just out of reach and his mom opened the door to a seminary education.  This movie, inspired from a true story, shows us how to get past ourselves and seek peace and friendships with those who are different from us.  The story pulls you into the hardships of life in 1965.  From the difficult beginnings to the ending, this movie shows how God is always with us even when we don't feel Him or desire Him.

Is it easier to choose your dream or follow your destiny?  Pick up this movie and see how God can orchestrate your dream into becoming your destiny.

I give this DVD/Movie a 5 Star rating!  (I'd rate higher if I could!)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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.”

Book Review

The Falling Away by T.L. Hines

The Falling Away draws us into the life of Dylan Runs Ahead, a member of Montana's Crow Indian tribe, after returning home from serving in Iraq disarming IED's.  He is running, as his name suggests, but not ahead.  He is running away - from his family, his people, his past... and himself.  As Dylan searches for a reason to continue living, he is befriended by others who are trying to persuade him to their chosen path for him.  Will he follow this true calling, or will the evil one draw him into the depths of depravity.

From the first chapter, I was drawn into the story of Dylan Runs Ahead.  What was he going to do?  Where was he going?  Would he get help with his addiction?  Why did he feel responsible?

When the author introduces the other main characters, I had trouble following who they were and the part they had in the story.  As I read, the chapters switched back and forth, sometimes to different characters, but also in time and space - past and present. I also kept trying to find the Christian theme.  Near the end of the book, both the Christian theme and the main characters parts became clearer. 

I give this book a rating of 3 out of 5.  I enjoyed the story, but it was not always clear as to the time, place, etc.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

What's in your stack of books? Part 1

Books, books, and more books...

I asked my teenagers what their
favorite book is and why. 

Here are their responses...

Matt said, "The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown is my favorite book. 

I like it because the action keeps moving."

Michael responded, "Strategy guides to video games because

I get to choose them to read.  I like the hints and cheat codes

that you can use to win the game." 

   

(Note to self: let Michael pick out more of his own books for school!)

Melissa thought long and hard and responded, "Angels and Demons by Dan Brown.  He intertwines historical fact with fictional characters to bring it to life.  It is a book you can't put down until your done."