101 Bible Adventures by Carolyn Larsen

The first thing my husband said when he saw this book was “When can I use this with the kids?” He is so excited to use this devotional.

Each devotion has:

 “What’s Up” ~ background information on that days reading

“Action Adventure” ~ scripture for the day

“Key Verse” ~ memorization

“Now What” ~ great for family discussion and reflection

 I like that the devotions are just one page in length. I know this will help to keep my children’s attention. I really like that she has a comic on each day’s devotion. It makes for great illustration. Kid’s love comics! This is a wonderful devotion for all ages.

 I am pleased to give this book a five star rating.

I received this book free from the publisher through the Tyndale House Publishers.  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

The Exceptional Life by Stephen Arterburn

This book has various ways that make it stink. There is no way around giving this book a low rating. You can read the book flap and not need to spend the money on the book.

Here are the 8 steps:

1.       Give up guilt & shame, to get hope

2.       Give up resentment, to get love

3.       Give up fear, to get trust

4.       Give up anger, to get forgiveness

5.       Give up instant gratification, to get patience

6.       Give up isolation, to get power

7.       Give up isolation, to get connection & community

8.       Give up addiction, to get freedom

Each chapter is broken down into five sections.

1. What needs to be given up

2. Why it needs to be given up

3. How to go about giving it up

4. What you’ll gain from giving it up

5. What you’ll be able to do and be once you’ve given it up

Then the discussion questions.

·         He uses two or more paragraphs when he could have said it with just one sentence.

·         His stories are long winded.

·         His dry humor truly is not funny.

·         I feel as if he is talking down to the reader.

·         I can’t believe he compares God to popcorn. (pg 36)

 I am going to give this only a two star rating.

I received this book free from Bethany House Publishing.  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

Miracles Are For Real By James L Garlow and Keith Wall

I was a little apprehensive about reading a book on miracles. It’s not that I don’t believe in them I just don’t push for them either. I was surprised to find that the authors discussed miracles without pushing them on the reader. Each of the chapters features at least one true story of someone that experienced a miracle. They chose to use people that they know personally or were referred to them by someone with credibility and integrity.

They wanted to show us:

1.      God is alive, well, and intensely interested in your life.

2.      Not only do miracles happen, but they still happen today.

3.      The best way to live is to believe that a miracle could happen at any moment.

I think this is a comprehensive look at miracles, and makes for a great small group discussion.

I am happy to give this book a four star rating.

I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House.  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