Give the Word Bible Giveaway and Contest

You can win Bibles, study materials, and a trip to Orlando!  And you vote for a ministry to receive Bibles.

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Review: City On Our Knees

City On Our Knees
by Toby Mac

City on our Knees shares stories of Christians making a difference.  Some are willing to be martyrs, most are just willing to live a life radically devoted to Christ.  Some are are centuries old, some are very recent.  Mr. Mac spotlights these believers and shows how we can all apply wisdom from their lives. 

City on our Knees is a very enjoyable read.  The book itself has a really fun, artistic cover.  It would make a great gift to all the Toby Mac fans in your life as well as the young believers you know.  I think it can show the youth who are struggling to live out their faith as well as the typical me first generation what God can really do if you are surrendered to Him.  I will be excited when my children are old enough to read this book, for now I think I will lend it to my nephew.

I was provided a free copy of this book from Bethany House for the purposes of review, the opinions expressed are my own.

No More Christian Nice Girl
When just being good nice-instead of good- hurts you, your family, and your friends
by Paul Coughlin & Jennifer D. Degler, PHD

No More Christian Nice Girl is about how Christian women fall into traps of niceness instead of goodness.  The book explores the ways God has called us to be His good Christian women.  It is written in a way that is easy to read and has a story running through the book demonstrating the way a nice girl lives and how she changes, it is a good way to apply what the authors are writing about to a real life scenario.

Something about No More Christian Nice Girl just didn't sit perfectly.  I did enjoy it and think there are many valid points in the book.  I know what it is, it is that I just don't want someone to read this book and come away with an attitude of harshness.  I really did enjoy the fact that false niceness is a sin and Jesus wasn't always a "nice guy".  There are times in our lives when we have to stand up and do the right thing, standing for what is good.  I do not think I am a "Christian Nice Girl", but I do hope I am kind and balance out truth in love.  I do recommend this book for women, especially if they feel caught in a facade of being a "nice Christian girl" and really just living a life of self-protection.

I was provided a free copy of this book from Bethany House for the purposes of review, the opinions expressed are my own.

Review: The Church Awakening

The Church Awakening
An Urgent Call for Renewal
by Charles R. Swindoll

The Church Awakening is about the postmodern church.  Mr. Swindoll talks about the problems the Church is facing and how the Church is dealing with issues in the postmodern culture we are living in.  He points out how incorrectly some believers are dealing with them as well solutions to the problem.

The book starts out with where we are a Church.  Then Mr. Swindoll identifies challenges, struggles, solutions, and priorities, using the rest of the book to hash out those themes.

I really enjoy Mr. Swindoll's point of view on the issue and his transparency of how his church has failed in this very issue and what they have done to turn things around.  Directing believers back to the Bible and solutions from Scripture to be relevant in the society we are living in as believers.  The book itself is an easy to understand and is written for the layperson or a pastor.

If you would like to read a part of The Church Awakening to get a taste for the material there is a Book Browse available.

I was provided a free copy of this book from The Hatchette Group for the purposes of review, the opinions expressed are my own.

Review: The Church History ABCs

The Church History ABCs
by Stephen J. Nichols
illustrated by Ned Bustard
published by Crossway

The Church History ABCs is a trip through the alphabet with a major person from Christian history for each letter.  I really enjoyed this book, the illustrations are very nice and appealing to my children.  I haven't seen a book that give this great of information and summaries of the lives of saints who have gone before us.  Children are introduced to John Foxe, Charles Spurgeon, and John Newton and many more Christian history makers.  I can see this being a very helpful reference book to my children as they grow and a stepping point to learn more about some of other heroes of the faith.

There is also a Church History ABCs website.  It has some fun printable copywork, color pages, and timelines, even a "pin the beard on the theologian" game.  Great fun activities for homeschoolers using this book as part of a unit study or lesson.  

Find out more exciting Crossway happenings on their blog.

I was provided a free copy of this book for the purposes of review, the opinions expressed are my own.

Review: God and Sex

God and Sex
What the Bible Really Says
by Michael Coogan

God and Sex is supposed to be about what the Bible really says about Sex.  I found this book offensive, not for the subject matter but for the way it mocks Christianity.  I do not think this book at all portrays what the Bible really says about anything.

I was provided a free copy of this book for the purposes of review, the opinions expressed are my own.

Voices of the True Woman Movement Part 1

Foundations of True Womanhood 
The Ultimate Meaning of True Womanhood by Pastor John Piper

Pastor Piper started chapter one with clarifying from the Word of God the ultimate meaning of true womanhood.  He explained a little of what true womanhood is not.  I have heard Pastor Piper say before that "wimpy theology makes wimpy women".  I agree.  Understanding our Heavenly Father and what He wants for us will enable us to be strong women.  Pastor Piper gives several examples of women who are examples of true womanhood.  He explains some Biblical outlines for a true woman.  I enjoyed that Pastor Piper included a section dedicated to married women and single women, letting them know that God has a role for both and both are very important bringing glory to Christ.

So far this is a good book and an encouraging start.

Beyond Opinion

I am reading Beyond Opinion and I really like it so far, some of it is a little deep and mind stretching a bit more than I am used to, I am still around though :)  I have read a couple other books in the mean time and need to get a few more reviews up.

Review: Wild Things

W

Wild Things
The Art of Nurturing Boys
Stephen James and David Thomas

Wild Things is about boys and a little about men too.  It is a book that helps parents, mothers in particular, to understand their little and big guys.  Mr. James and Mr. Thomas explain The Way of a Boy, The Mind of a Boy, and The Heart of a Boy.  They are therapists working with men and boys as well as dads to boys.  The style of writing is engaging and the book is full of funny stories.  

Wild Things should be a must read for parents of boys, I enjoyed it that much.  In a time where our society try and make men irrelevant and boys behave like girls there could be no better time to get this book.  I loved the insight these men provided to me as a mom and wife. At the end of each chapter there are tips to summarize ways to love and understand your boy better. 

"The truth is, boys don't need to be tamed-they need to be understood, loved, challenged, and encouraged." ~from back cover


A helpful parenting plan to go with Wild Things.

I purchased this book from the recommendation of the M.O.B. Society.

The M.O.B. Society

I was linked to a wonderful website recently. 

The M.O.B. (Mothers Of Boys) Society, you can read about them here.  It has been very encouraging so far.  It is a blog with posts dealing with the lives of mothers of boys.

Voices of the True Woman Movement

I have an exciting opportunity provided by True Woman to review the new book Voices of the True Woman Movement.  I will be posting my thoughts on each chapter, instead of the book as a whole.  The book's contributors include John Piper, Mary Kassian, Joni Eareckson Tada, Janet Parshall, Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Karne Loritts, and Fern Nichols.

A Peek Inside

Table of Contents:

• Part 1: Foundations of True Womanhood
  Chapter 1: The Ultimate Meaning of True Womanhood by Pastor John Piper
  Chapter 2: From Him, through Him, to Him by Nancy Leigh DeMoss (sample chapter)
• Part 2: The Battle for True Womanhood
  Chapter 3: You've Come a Long Way, Baby! by Mary Kassian
  Chapter 4: For Such a Time as This by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
• Part 3: The Refining of True Womanhood
  Chapter 5: A Woman after God's Own Heart by Janet Parshall
  Chapter 6: Choosing Faith in Seasons of Change by Karen Loritts
  Chapter 7: God's Jewels by Joni Eareckson Tada
• Part 4: Reclaiming True Womanhood
  Chapter 8: Leaving a Lasting Legacy through Prayer by Fern Nichols
  Chapter 9: A Call to the Counter-Revolution by Nancy Leigh DeMoss  

Review: Happily Ever Laughter

Happily Ever Laughter: Discovering the Lighter Side of Marriage

Edited by Ken Davis

 

Happily Ever Laughter is a book of real life short stories from married couples including Ken Davis, Chonda Pierce, Bob Stromberg, Daren Streblow, Kendra Smiley, Jeff Allen, John Branyan, Rhonda Rhea, David Dean, Dave Veerman, and Neil Wilson.  

I have to say I was a little disappointed by this book.  I really enjoy Ken Davis and his comedy spots on the radio called Lighten Up.  I think he is a funny man and I think that is why I was bummed.  I thought the stories in the book were fun, but not as funny as I was expecting.  Happily Ever Laughter would be a good book for the coffee table or *whisper* restroom.  The stories are well written and good for a quiet moment in your day.

 

 

Here is the first chapter, so you can see what you think.

 

I was provided a free copy of this book for the purposes of review, the opinions expressed are my own.

Review: Family Driven Faith

Family Driven Faith
Doing what it takes to raise sons and daughters who walk with God.
By Voddie Baucham Jr.

Family Driven Faith helps to equip Christian parents to raise Godly children in our culture.  It gives parents tools and principles to train our children to be faithful to the Lord all of their lives.  Dr. Baucham uses scripture to explain where we are as a society and how we can change our family if we have the courage and obedience to really disciple our children.

 I love this book.  I was really excited when I received this and I was definitely not disappointed.  Family Driven Faith has encouraged me so much.  I think it is so needed for Christian parents of our time (probably a generation or two back as well).  This is a book that may step on your toes, send your to your Bible, and to your knees before our Lord.  We have implemented some wonderful things in training our children including doing a catechism, which I really knew nothing about before reading Family Driven Faith.  I love how children are celebrated as blessings and not a pain or a "punishment" and the important role of parents explained.  There are even Take Action steps at the end of each chapter to get these ideas implemented in your family.

In short, I agree with Professor Don Whitney from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville: "Every Christian parent ought to read Family Driven Faith.  I've never encountered a book on famil life that compressed so much biblical teaching, provocative thinking, sound theology, and practical help in on volume." 

Family Driven Faith is published by Crossway.

I was provided a free copy of this book for the purposes of review, the opinions expressed are my own.

MyBlogSpark Jiffy Lube Giveaway Winner

Yeah we have a winner!  Lucky number 1, Mami2jcn! who said...The fact that W stands for Winter, not Weight, is interesting.  I thought it was as well.

Thanks for entering and letting me know how you found my blog, hopefully I will have more giveaways coming :)

MyBlogSpark Jiffy Lube Giveaway!

I am very excited, MyBlogSpark has enabled me to host my very first giveaway!

I think that taking care of your car and doing preventative maintenance is essential to being a good steward of your car and helping to me being more sustainable by keeping what you have in good working order.

I was provided a $35 gift card for an oil change at my local Jiffy Lube (you can find yours at http://www.jiffylube.com/findlocation/storelocator.aspx).  I have to say the service I received that day was wonderful.  I didn't feel pressured into the other services they suggested or asked me about.  The oil change was completed very quickly.  I was pleasantly surprised to be walked to my car and having the door opened for me after the service was complete, that was such a nice touch.

The Jiffy Lube I went to was offering a special at the time I went by and so I was able to get a great deal on a synthetic oil change, we prefer synthetic if we can afford the cost difference.  If there is not a special when you stop by be sure to try and use this coupon for your service.  A nice site for motor oil information is http://www.motoroilmatters.org, it includes a fun interactive quiz to test your motor oil knowledge.

For a chance to win a $35 Jiffy Lube Gift Card leave a separate comment for each entry from the list below:

*Let me know your score in the M.O.M. Knows Best game at http://www.motoroilmatters.org 

*Tell me something interesting you found interesting on the http://www.motoroilmatters.org 

*Link to this giveaway from your blog 
*Let me know how you found this giveaway/my blog

Giveaway ends at midnight on July 7th, my anniversary :)

I was provided the $35 Gift Card from MotorOilMatters.org and Shell Lubricants through MyBlogSpark, the opinions and experience expressed are my own.

Review: Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul

Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul (Revised and Expanded)

By John & Stasi Eldredge

 Captivating is a book for and about women.  It is about setting women's hearts free and releasing them to be all they were meant to be, well what it is supposed to be about.

I didn't love this book.  I didn't feel there was a strong theological basis for some of the statements made about God and His purpose and design for women.  There were points that sounded very good, but left me wondering how in context a verse was applied or the scriptural basis.  I came away feeling as if women were exalted above God.  While I do agree that women want to be romanced and loved and that God has a special way to love women, I don't think that God thinks women are just the utmost of creation.  There are many relations to pop-culture, some of which I had no clue because I had not seen such and such a movie.  I enjoyed some of Mrs. Eldredge's stories of her testimony and think there are lessons to be learned, but just felt the Biblical basis was stretch.  I also really liked the velum type cover, I had never seen a book jacket like that, very pretty.

I was provided a free copy of this book for the purposes of review, the opinions expressed are my own.

Planting Season continues

Today I planted in flats melons and watermelons.  I planted many seeds of each type.  I planted Orangeglo Watermelons, Banana Melons, Mountain Hoosier Watermelon, Kansas Melon, and Million Dollar Melon.  I think I am a little late getting my melon seeds started, but I don't like them to get very big before they get transplanted.  I need to get my cucumbers and squash started soon, maybe I will get them started today as well.

I also did a flat of flowers.  A couple of types of marigolds, a pansy, and viola.  I also direct seeded some Mother of Pearl Poppies, I hope they come up and are a pretty as the picture.

All of these seed varieties named and the poppy picture came from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds.  I like the selection and heirloom seed preservation from Baker Creek.  I wish I could make it out to one of their festivals sometime, I am sure they are fun.  Their catalog is the best I have seen, wonderful pictures and honest, accurate descriptions.  It is such a good quality catalog it is worth keeping around as a reference book.

Everything is looking great so far in the garden, we have some flowers on the peas and have eaten a few radishes.

Happy Gardening

Review: Mighty Acts of God

Mighty Acts of God, A Family Bible Story Book
Written by Starr Meade
Illustrated by Tim O'Connor

Mighty Acts of God is a Bible story book written for elementary school-age children in mind.  It is published by Crossway.  A principle point of the book is to show the attributes of God displayed in the Biblical accounts, not so much about the individuals involved and how they behaved and whether or not we should imitate them.  The overarching theme is to point to God's plan of redemption through out the Bible.  The stories are in chronological order, both Old and New Testament.  Stories include a key verse either from the story or clearly showing a lesson to be learned from the Biblical account.  The verses are in the English Standard Version.  There summary statements in a colored font to easily pick out the major doctrinal point.  A neat feature at the end of the stories are "As For Me and My House" sections, they are practical activities or points of application to be discussed with the children.

I really enjoyed Mighty Acts of God.  I think it will be a wonderful tool to teach my children about God and how the accounts in the Bible show us God's character and demonstrate His amazing love.  I think too often we can get caught up in act like this Biblical person (except when they did this activity) or not like this one.  Showing the consequences of human's actions is a great thing too, of course we would rather our children learn from other people's mistakes instead of making them themselves, but the real point is for God to reveal Himself to them.  I have a hard time calling Bible accounts stories, because children mainly hear stories as make believe and I want my children to know these are historical events.

I really enjoyed how this book didn't put words in the individual's mouths in accounts that scripture does not state.  For example, I don't really enjoy when a book says Noah said this or thought that,  he may have, but the Bible doesn't state that.  Might Acts of God seemed to stay true in that area for me.  I also struggle with illustrations in children's Bible books.  I teach my children they are probably not what Jesus or Moses or anyone in the Bible looked like, they are an idea of what they may have looked like.  The illustrations in this book are a lovely artist's viewpoint.  I think parents will still have a lot of questions to answer and definitions to explain while reading this to their children.  There are some words defined within the story, but the language of this book is more complex for younger children, not that is a bad thing, just something I observed with my young children.  I think it gives opportunity for the parents to further instruct their children and expands a child's vocabulary.  I am thankful that I will have Mighty Acts of God to use with my children, to teach them more about our wonderful Father.

I was provided a free copy of this book for the purposes of review, the opinions expressed are my own.

Planting Season transplanting

Yesterday and today I transplanted most of my pepper and tomato plants, it has been pretty warm here and the weather is supposed to stay that way.  I am going to keep a close eye on them to be safe.  My tomatoes were not doing all that amazing this year, but my pepper seemed to have all made it and are great.  I think the tomatoes will pull out of it once they get a little established in the bed.  I am thinking they didn't have enough room in the peat pots I used.  I don't think I will be using them again. 

The tomatoes that were transplanted were:
Purple Russian
White Currants
Burbank
Wapsipinicon Peach
Kootenai
Mystery Seeds

I am excited about the Purple Russian, I let weeds get away from me last year so I didn't get very many of these, I think they are going to be great.  I did get many of the Wapsipinicon Peach last year and they  were one of my favorites, great taste and just a fun variety.  Last year I received some seeds from Winter Sown since I like to experiment I asked for a mixed cherry and a mixed tomato seed packets.  It was very fun trying to identify and getting to try some new things, so those are the mystery seeds.  I hope to see how the Kootenai taste, I am sure they are going to be better than store bought no matter what, I am mainly growing them because they are so early and originated in Idaho.  I use almost exclusively heirloom seed, but I am wanting to try the new Idaho variety tomatoes that the University of Idaho has been developing.  They are open pollinated and should be great producers in Idaho.

For peppers I have
Jalapeno
Alma Paprika
Yellow Monster
and some more I can't think of off the top of my head

I think I am going to have plenty of Jalapenos this year, they did by far the best seedlings.  I am excited to try some paprika peppers to see if I can make my own paprika.  Yellow Monsters are hopefully going to live up to my hopes for them as well, I really enjoy sweet peppers and these are massive.  See in this picture from Baker Creek!

Happy planting :)

A Great Giveaway I entered today

Hamilton Beach Chef Prep 10 Cup Food Processor would be a really nice win :)

Win a Champion Juicer

   Wow, such a neat giveaway!  Lynnette Kraft of Dancing Barefoot on weathered ground is hosting a giveaway for a Champion Juicer.  This is an amazing juicer, I have heard.  So head over and check it out :)

Review: Plan B

Plan B by Pete Wilson
What do You do when God doesn't show up the way you thought He would?

Plan B is pretty much summed up in the subtitle, when your life takes turns that you would have not seen coming. Mr. Wilson tells stories of these Plan Bs happening in lives of people he knows as well as people from the Bible. Like stories from David, Joshua, and Joseph.

Plan B was an interesting book, it held my attention and had some interesting stories. It is easy to read and understand. I just felt something was lacking. It felt like to me not enough of the story was told or wasn't always clearly tied to the point he Mr. Wilson was trying to make. I guess it seems like to me God is more providential.

There is a story with sunglasses that Mr. Wilson uses in in the end of the book. He is lead to a verse that helped draw him out of months of a hard time in his life. He says "I'm not saying God did that. But I am saying that He could have. He could have." I think that God did, that is one of the amazing ways our heavenly father shows his love for us. To me this speaks clearly of a way God was ministering to him in that moment.

I think I just have a different view of the why some things happen and knowing that God does have a plan, even if we don't understand why things happen. I agree with Mr. Wilson that most of the time in the moment we don't know why , but sometimes God is gracious to give us a view, sometimes much later in life, to know what the plan was or how He used our circumstances. Plan B to me doesn't explore that very much.
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." ~Rom 8:28

I was provided a free copy of this book for the purposes of review, the opinions expressed are my own.

Babies *Movie coming out on Mother's Day

I am really curious to see this movie when it comes out.

A Few Great Giveaways I entered today

Just for Me and You 2 is giving away a Zero Water Pitcher
Petcentric Giveaway Basket

A Few Great Giveaways I entered today

Heart Waffle Iron
Seventh Generation Disinfecting Giftset

A Few Great Giveaways I entered today

Green Giant Seeds of Change Giftpack
Checkered Yak Pak Backpack
Carolina Pad Collection
Build-A-Bear $25 gift card
Sweet Spring Treats gift package
Hillshirte Farms for a year
$25 Make-a-Wish Foundation Donation
Pampered Chef Trifle Bowl
$25 Shaklee Giftcard

A Few Great Giveaways I entered today

Seventh Generation Cleaning Products

Bob the Builder: Heavy Duty Diggers

ABC Necktie

Paint by Number sets from Faber-Castell

Tropical Traditions Organic Moisturizing Lotion
Nesco 18 Quart Porcelain Roaster 

Still Planting Season

Well those peas and radishes we planted back in February are doing great, I think they were a little slow growing but we will have radishes fairly soon and the peas are probably 6-8 inches tall.

I should have planted a few more things the beginning of this month, but I didn't, it has been raining hard off and on.  So today I planted Russian Red Kale, Parris Island Cos Romaine, Baby Whale Spinach, Nantes Scarlet Carrots, more White Bunching Onions (the other seed never came up, it was pretty old), Ching Chang Bok Choy, and a third planting of radishes Pink Beauty.

Our seedlings are looking great, I did have some major losses for a couple of reasons the main being I planted more than I had area for so there were some that got spilt (more than once), got too dry, and didn't get enough light.  The rest though are looking great, several types of sweet peppers, bells peppers, onions, celeriac, celery, bok choy, garden huckleberry, several different types of tomatoes, and probably some more I can't think of off the top of my head.

We planted more irises yesterday which my dear friend Christine gave to me. Gardeners are really generous.  Christine also gave Cosmo flower seeds and they are sprouted and up an inch or so.  The horseradish off freecycle is looking much better after we put some chicken protection around it, apparently they really like the greens, which are supposed to be pretty good for you.  Our rhubarb is doing ok, we moved it and hopefully it will do better where we have it now.  Asparagus is doing wonderful, I can't wait until next year when we can harvest some.  All the onions all are sprouted and look very healthy.  The strawberries really need weeded and so do the blueberries.  I think that is about all the happenings right now.

I planted French Fingerlings and red potatoes today, we will see how they do I hope well, they are yummy.

A Few Great Giveaways I entered today

Paula Deen 12″ Porcelain Nonstick Skillet
Tom and Jerry Tales: The Complete First Season
Set of 4 Kaiser Noblesse Mini Springform Pans
Anti-Monkey Butt Powder
Noah's Ark Table and Chairs
Virgin Coconut Oil
Tom and Jerry Tales: The Complete First Season 
$25 Safeway Gift Card
Tropical Traditions Giftcard

A Few Great Giveaways I entered today

Bisquick Pancake Prize Pack
Crafty Egg Decorating Kit

Review: Imaginary Jesus

Imaginary Jesus by Matt Mikalatos

Imaginary Jesus is about Matt's very funny and thought provoking adventure to find the real Jesus.

This book is really worth reading.  Matt's style of writing is very different from most books I have read.  He engages you in a not-quite-true glimpse of his life.  Imaginary Jesus points out how we have basically made idols of who we think Jesus is in our lives.  Does your Jesus still wear sandals and have a long flowing robe?  Is your Jesus more of a King James Jesus, only speaking in thees and thous?  How about Bargain Jesus, he will answer your prayers, but it is going to cost you?  Or one of many other imaginary images we have created?  As I read about these different human created images I kept thinking, oh maybe my Jesus looks a little like that one.  Imaginary Jesus definitively had me thinking and challenging me to search for the real Jesus.

The only part that made me cringe (a little) was the use of a naughty word for a prostitute which I think could have been substituted, you may not agree, I think it was used for a reason.  And I almost stopped reading at a part where he thought he met the real Jesus, it was definitely not the real Jesus of the Bible, but I wasn't hasty and read on.  There is also the King James Version of a donkey for parental information.

I was able to email Matt a few questions for an interview.

Who is your favorite author? Ah, the dreaded favorite author question! I am notoriously bad at answering this question. I'm going to cheat by picking a favorite living and a favorite dead author.  Favorite living author must certainly be Gene Wolfe, who is a Catholic science fiction writer who builds these indescribably wonderful novels and short stories that are so layered with meanings and possibilities and subtleties that one can read them again and again with increasing pleasure.  Favorite dead author is almost certainly Steinbeck, purely on the strength of East of Eden, which is my favorite novel.  More cheating: I'm also a big fan of G.K Chesterton, C.S. Lewis, Flannery O'Connor, Percival Everett, Glen David Gold and Kurt Vonnegut. And there are lots more.

Who most encouraged you to be an author? That's a great question. I wouldn't have realized how much I loved writing if it wasn't for my high school theater teacher, Mrs. ten Pas. She encouraged us to write our own plays and sketches, and was also the AP English teacher at our school, so she was strict about writing well and correctly following grammar and punctuation rules. When I got into college I realized that I loved writing as much as acting, and started writing for the school newspaper and eventually became a writing major. I got a lot of encouragement from my professors at UC Riverside, especially Percival Everett, Susan Straight and Maurya Simon.  Of course my parents paid for a large percentage of college, so they would make the list.  And my longsuffering wife, Krista, who has let me put so much time into my hobby, which is what my writing is, since I have to do it on the side sometime after work and family obligations are done for the day.  My friend Chris Dennis, who is an artist, always treated me like a "real writer" even in the early days when I was writing jokes in haiku form. 

Is your next book going to be anything like Imaginary Jesus? Stylistically, yes, it will be similar.  It's called "Night of the Living Dead Christians" and just like Imaginary Jesus deals with the question of "Who is Jesus, really, and how can we interact with him?" in a comedy narrative, Night of the Living Dead Christians" explores questions related to "What does it mean to be a Christian?"  It's fun, fast paced and written to be enjoyable to people whether they care to read theology or not.  It's not quite finished, but so far we have a neighborhood Lutheran werewolf, a church full of friendly, well-meaning zombies and a Halloween angel.  It should be coming out from Tyndale sometime in 2011.

I will definitively be reading that.

Here is a great book trailer


There are many great resources for this book and about Matt.  The Imaginary Jesus Blog, Matt's blog (which is great, really fun), a discussion guide, a Facebook page, and probably more.

I was provided a free copy of this book for the purposes of review, the opinions expressed are my own.  I hope I have done this great book justice in my humble review.

A Few Great Giveaways I entered today

$85 CSN giftcard!
Choice of one of three wonderful "happy" kitchen prizes
A great looking toaster

Irises

Apparently irises are really hardy.  We were given a box last summer, well they never got planted and we didn't get them thrown away.  My friend Christine's husband took out their irises and was telling us how tolerant they are, how they grow anywhere just tossing them on soil.  So we took the chance and planted the ones we were given.  I just can't believe that quite a few of them came up, after sitting in a box through the hot summer and cold winter just out by our steps!  What a blessing.  Christine is also giving us some of the ones they pulled up soon, so we will have those as well :)

A Few Great Giveaways I entered today

Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick Omelet Combo Set
Le Creuset stoneware baking dish
Disinfecting Cleaning Kit Prize Pack Giveaway

Onions and garlic

I am very thankful to a lady in my garden club, she gave out a lot of garlic plants, I took home quite a few, although I would have taken more, we love garlic.  It was such a blessing, I don't know if the sprouted cloves I put in the ground will do anything, they were kinda old and some pretty dried out, so I am pretty sure we will still have a good garlic harvest.

I also planted some Walla Walla onions I purchased, I love those in fresh salsa. 

A Few Great Giveaways I entered today

Celestial Seasonings Tea Prize

A Few Great Giveaways I entered today

Cute Treasure Chest Pet Pig Giveaway
Tilty Cup Giveaway
Postcards from Uprinting.com 
There Are Bubbles In My Chocolate
Pillow Pet
Cake plate and server

Clarity Bible Contest and Giveaway

Tyndale is hosting an exciting giveaway, they are using the New Living Translation and trying to make the Bible crystal clear.  The Clarity Bible Contest and Giveaway has some great prizes, including a trip to Hawaii!  Entering is pretty simple, so head on over to check it out :)

Review: Lies the Government Told You

Lies the Government Told You by Judge Andrew Napolitano

Lies the Government Told You is a very thought provoking book.  It has many detailed facts to back up lies we believe about the government, some dating back to the very early beginning of the United States of America as well as very recent history.  Judge Napolitano definitely gives insight into situations that prove the government exists to protect it's own interest and not so much the liberty we think we have as Americans.  Some of the topics addressed are the Patriot Act, RICO laws, income tax, social security, the Fed, and the war on drugs.  This is not a book that condemns one political party, it shows deception is unbiased.

I think this is a wonderful book.  I don't agree with every conclusion of Judge Napolitano, but he provides facts as to why he believes what he believes and does so very convincingly.  I was shocked by some of the information provided, I was definitively not taught these things in government school.  Americans rights are being taking away at an alarming rate and Americans are allowing it, mostly by being complacent and uninformed.  There is a lot of information provided, but the book is well written and easy to understand and there are cited sources in the back to read more information on your own if you choose.  I choose this book to review because of the foreword by Congressman Ron Paul and was not disappointed.

I think this is a book that every American should read as it is very eye opening and I will be donating my copy to the library to hopefully circulate the information.

I was provided a free copy of this book for the purposes of review, the opinions expressed are my own.

Garden Happenings

We have sprouts, the radishes that we planted have sprouted.  I think  they took longer because it was still a little cool, but for now it seems to have paid off to chance my early spring theory :)

Also on Friday and a little on Saturday I planted lots of seeds.  I did onions, leeks, bunching onions, celery, celeriac, peppers, tomatoes, cilantro, savory, and some I am probably not remembering off the top of my head.  I filled 3 seedling greenhouses each holding 96 cells, I didn't seed too heavily and don't expect all of them to come up, but if they do maybe I will get to sell them at the farmer's market or craigslist, or just give them away.  I need to get a list of the varieties I started and will post it soon.

Lies the Government Told You

I am about half way through reading this book.  It is really good, a lot of historical information.  I enjoy learning more about our rights as Americans and I think it is important to know when the constitution has not been "obeyed".

Sweet Life in the Valley Giveaway

Sweet Life in the Valley is still around, they are trying to get their domain name back, so right now they are at www.sweetlifeinthevalley.blogspot.com and they are giving away a Cuisinart Custom Prep 11 food processor!

Busy, busy day

Today was very busy.  We got home in the wee hours of the morning from out trip south.  I need to be at Bible Study at 10:30 but I went early because I was helping lead the study and some of our ladies come really early.  Today we started week 1 of Stepping Up.  I am very excited I really appreciate Beth Moore and her challenging Bible studies.  Speaking of challenging and encouraging women I also really love the teaching Nancy Leigh DeMoss, she is calling women to be true women for the Lord.

I also had a garden club meeting, it was about orchids.  They are not something I am really considering growing, but I enjoy going and being with these more experienced women.  I enjoy learning things from older wiser women, I do wish I had a mentor.  Anyway, some of the members brought seeds, bulbs, and trees to give away.  I was one of the last people to leave and a lady who have brought many items insisted I take the rest of the seeds and bulbs that were left.  So I am now the proud owner of a perennial type of leek, it sounds just like the walking onions in the way it reproduces ensure you will always have food.  I am excited and want to do some more research on them and get them planted.

Then we also have AWANA tonight.

Great Giveaways I entered today

Camping Notes Giveaway  I have won from this blog before, very cute items :)
$25 gift certificate

Evenings with Victoria Botkin

I just learned about what sounds to be a wonderful online seminar, Evenings with Victoria Botkin.  There is also a chance to win the opportunity to attend (it is an online series of events) from Joyfully at Home.  Mrs. Voddie Bauchum recommends Mrs. Botkin's teachings, so for me that is a wonderful recommendation.  Joyfully at Home is the blog of the Bauchum's oldest daughter.

A Few Great Giveaways I entered today

The Survivors Club Giveaway
The Supermarket Smarty Giveaway
Bye Bye Monster: Joey’s Adventure on Monster Street AND the Bye Bye Monster Organic Monster Repellent Giveaway

Review: The Vertical Self

The Vertical Self
How Biblical Faith Can Help Us Discover Who We Are in An Age of Self Obsession
By Mark Sayers

We are now living in an age of self, self in a way that protects it's image.  An age that focuses on looking good rather than being good.  In The Vertical Self, Mark Sayers challenges believers in Christ to live with a vertical sense of self, how we live for God rather than a horizontal self and living for how others see us.  Pastor Sayers challenges they way we act instead of being holy.  Holiness is not a popular topic of our time.  He is very insightful on body language and the messages our culture is portraying through clothing.  Pastor Sayers shows how living a true and Godly life in this world can impact our world for Christ.

I really enjoyed this book.  I was expecting it to be a challenge to live more for Christ and less for self-image and it was definitively that.  The history and background Pastor Sayers brought some new light on how we got to this self-absorbed world culture we are living in.  I am not a fan of self-esteem and have long held an opinion that children, teens, and adults need God-esteem.  If we see ourselves how God sees us we will live in a state of balance, not thinking more highly than we ought, but also knowing our true worth.  The Vertical Self is a wonderfully challenging book for a Christian.

The end of the book also includes a small study section that you could use in as a book club kind of study, there are chapter questions and opportunity for accountability and prayer.  I wouldn't call it a Bible study, but would be great in a accountability group or small group setting.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Today's Great Giveaway Entries

Fraggle Rock: Wembley's Egg Surprise DVD Giveaway
Sweet Betty Crocker Giveaway

Yummy Dinner

Tonight we had a very yummy dinner we had Bourbon Street Chicken on Brown Rice using our Mahatma brown rice, which cooked faster than normal for brown rice, which was nice.  I used less red pepper flakes, because we are kind of wimpy, but I will bump it up a little next time and use a little less soy sauce.  I did double the sauce and 3 pounds of chicken and don't have near enough leftovers :)

Great Giveaways

Clean+Green Pet Products
Tropical Traditions @ Broken Teepee
Simple Green Naturals @ Broken Teepee

The Vertical Self

I received this book today and am already a good part of the way through it.  I am really enjoying learning some new things and agreeing very much with Mr. Mark Sayer.  I hope the rest of the book is as good as what I have read so far.

Great Giveaways ending today

Souplantation or Sweet Tomatoes Giveaway
Ecostore USA Giveaway
New Caramel Apple Gift Box Giveaway
Gamewright Game Giveaway

Planting Season

I think we are rushing it a bit for our area, but it has been so spring like here for a month off and on that we went ahead and did some gardening.  We planted Blue Podded and Oregon Sugar Snap peas and Chinese Red Meat, Sparkler, and White Hailstone radishes.  We also planted some walking onion bulbs in our small garden bed, that I guess will now be their new home, they reseed so to speak.

Our last frost date is supposed to be around the beginning of May, but it has been so much warmer that I think our cold weather stuff will be OK.  I think if it is still to cold it probably just won't germinate as fast, we will see.

We put in quite a few raised beds last summer.  One is dedicated to asparagus, one to strawberries, and one to blueberries.  We have three four by sixteen foot beds that are not dedicated and we have been working in coffee grounds and some peat into those.  The soil is so nice and loose in those beds.  We have a four by eight bed where we plant the cold crops.  There is also a large area where we plant corn and were we are going to do melons this year and some flowers as well.

A Few Great Giveaways I entered today

VaporEze
$50 Safeway Giftcard
http://travelingwithbaby.wordpress.com/2010/02/08/for-kids-imaginative-rain-gear/
The Best of Bob the Builder DVD
Thomas Splish Splash Splosh
Zutano $75 Giftcard
Miracle Blanket
Yaya Blanket

Mahatma Rice formerly known as S&W Rice

I received a bag of long grain white rice and a bag of brown rice today from Mahatma, in our area they used to be known as S&W.  I really like the name and their mascot, pretty cute.  I am a BzzAgent and I received these bags of rice as well as some very great sounding recipes and lots of coupons to giveaway.  We usually eat brown rice for the health benefits, we really like it too, I will be trying the Mahatma brand soon.  I do get white rice for our food storage, it lasts longer because the oil in the bran for brown rice can go rancid in long term storage.  We have a fairly stocked food supply for emergencies or really "tough economic times". 

Buckets of Hope

The North American Mission Board is coordinating something I think is a wonderful way to help Haiti.  Buckets of Hope.  I am hoping our Sunday School class will do at least one and maybe our homeschool group or maybe just our family.  A practical way to show Christ's love is always valuable and a wonderful experience for my children.

Here is the items you are required to purchase, they are kind of particular, but that is to get it through customs speedily, if even one bucket varies it can hold-up a whole shipment.

The Bucket
A 5-gallon plastic bucket with handle and form-fitting lid, which must be new and unused, Buckets without a logo or other commercial imprint are preferred. For a list of places to purchase buckets look here.
The Food Items
The food items can be generic, store brand items. Do not substitute any items listed and do not add additional items.
2 - 5-pound bags long grain enriched rice
1 - 48-ounce plastic bottle cooking oil
2 - 2-pound bags dry black beans (can substitute with red beans)
1 - 5-pound bag of all-purpose flour (not self-rising)
1 - 20-ounce cylinder container of granulated white sugar (coffee service size)
2 - 1-pound boxes of spaghetti noodles
1 - 2-pound 8-ounce (40 oz) plastic jar of smooth peanut butter
1 - 2-gallon plastic ziplock storage bag (used to wrap the bottle of cooking oil)

Great Giveaways

There are some great giveaways out there in blog land
$50 Safeway giveaway
2 Le Creuset Baking Pans
Aden + Anais new Cozy Infant Sleeping Bag
Critter and Puzzle Lunch Punch set
Wilton Valentine's Day Giveaway 
Heelys Skate Shoes Review & Giveaway

Review: This is Your Brain in Love

Buy		Read

This is Your Brain in Love

New Scientific Breakthroughs for a More Passionate and Emotionally Healthy Marriage

By Dr. Earl Henslin

 This is Your Brain in Love is a scientifically researched guide to help reunite married couples in passion in marriage.  Dr. Henslin uses SPECT brain-scan research pioneered by Dr. Daniel G. Amen as a tool to understand why a person is the type of lover they are to their spouse and how they function in life.  There are self-assessments for each of the five types of lovers and then natural and medicinal ways to treat brain imbalances to provide a better marital relationship.

I found this book to be very interesting, even covering very scientific information.  Dr. Henselin uses humor and examples to express his points.  I am very interested in the SPECT brain-scan that was used in Dr. Henselin's research.  I have a loved one who I think would benefit greatly from such a medical test.

I do have an uneasiness about some of the personal accounts in the book, that there were many of those Christian couples who were divorced and I understand that might be a reason to use them as a "how to avoid" example, but I just kind of cringe when I hear so many times about how someone was really unhappy in a marriage and now they are just so much happier without that person they made a covenant with before God.  I also was left wondering about the view Dr. Henslin has on the openness within marriage with a section in the appendix that referred to not telling your spouse about an affair.

Overall, I think the scientific information was very insightful and the book maybe very helpful pointing someone into getting additional help for brain imbalances.  I do not think reading the book will help you treat yourself to much of an extent if your imbalance results are very high on the scales, it tends to point to the brain-scan and meeting with a doctor even with the supplements suggested.  

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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.