Unashamed (Review & Giveaway)

I was recently hospitalized due to severe depression and anxiety. It was the first time I had ever gone to the hospital for that reason, and I was scared to death. I was also ashamed. I kept a journal during my stay and, over and over, I found myself writing, "I'm ashamed. So ashamed." I was afraid for anyone to know because of how they might think of me, and I was terrified of causing my family embarrassment.  I shouldn't have worried! When my husband let people know and asked them to pray for us, we were covered by love and understanding, and many people opened up and shared that they, too, suffered with depression. And you know what? I bet they've felt shame, too. That should be the very last thing we should have to deal with. I even interpreted it as guilt; I felt like I had done something wrong. Honestly, I'm not sure I could differentiate between guilt and shame. 

In Unashamed, Healing our Brokenness and Finding Freedom from Shame, Heather Davis Nelson defines the difference between guilt and shame, and explains how Satan uses shame to crush and defeat us. With a warmth and candor that is so needed when dealing with this sensitive subject, Heather opens up about her own experiences and offers hope and advice on how to break free from shame's bondage. Topics such as body shame, social shame, and shame in marriage and parenting are covered, and there are even extra resources for those who suffer from abuse. 

Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:

"Insecurity leads to people-pleasing, which is often motivated by fear of intimacy, which is motivated by fear of rejection."

"What if you chose to share what's closer to real life than the airbrushed life stories our social media accounts usually portray? If you are really daring, ask a friend who knows you well in real life how similar your online presence is to who you are. And if you're feeling especially courageous, write a post about how you are really doing."

"To engage in our work and calling with all we are, and to continue without stalling out or freezing up requires silencing the critic within (because too often it is our own voice that speaks the oldest words of condemnation)."

I highly recommend this book! 

And...one of you will win a copy! To enter, simply leave a comment letting me know that you wish to be entered into the giveaway. That's it! :) Oh, and please share this with your friends! This giveaway will be open until Friday, July 8th, at 10 pm. 

I received this book in exchange for my honest review. Giveaways are open to residents of the US and Canada. Winners are chosen via random.org. If you have won in the last six months, another winner will be chosen.

Subversive Jesus, by Craig Greenfield

Recently, I've been more stirred (bothered, challenged, what have you...) by the realization of how little we actually do to help the poor and needy. We read the Bible, we profess to love Jesus and strive to be like Him, but we fail in this vital area. In Subversive Jesus, an Adventure in Justice, Mercy, & Faithfulness in a Broken World, Craig Greenfield relates how he and his family and friends made drastic changes in their lives in order to better minister to this neglected group of people. 

While the stories in this book were touching, convicting, and sometimes humorous, I was a bit turned off by the author's attitude. (Or, the attitude he seemed to me to have.) He thumbed his nose at earnest people who work with ministries that offer food and gifts to the homeless and those in poor neighborhoods, even going so far as to say that he is embarrassed by them. While handing out scarves and gloves to the homeless might not have the same affect as living among them, it is still a ministry, and those who take part shouldn't be made fun of. 

While I didn't entirely agree with the author's views, I do admire what he and his friends are doing, and I am convicted to study into what he wrote. 

This is from the back copy of Subversive Jesus:

A broken world demands a response. 
 
Subversive Jesus is the story of one family's experiment in putting the most counter-cultural teachings of Christ into practice. When Jesus says invite the poor for a meal, Craig and his family welcome homeless friends, local crack addicts, and women from the street corner over for dinner. When Jesus proclaims freedom for the captive, they organize Pirates of Justice flash mobs to protest cruise ship exploitation. When Jesus teaches love for enemies, they make homemade cookies and lemonade for the local drug dealers, and none of them show up! This adventure takes Craig's family from the slums of Cambodia to inner city Canada and back again. 

You might think that Jesus' most subversive teachings should be systematically laid out in a theological textbook. With plenty of dull footnotes. But Jesus knows well that we are people of story and grit. We need to see theological ideas in messy human form so they can spark something real in our imagination. We need to see other people screw up so we can laugh or weep and then imagine that we might dare to risk failure too.

Allow their journey to inspire your own. Allow Jesus to subvert what you think you already know. And you'll find that this book becomes an invitation to say yes to this subversive Jesus and do something courageous with your life - for the sake of justice, mercy, and faithfulness in a broken world. 

About the Author: 

Craig is the founder and director of Alongsiders International (alongsiders.org) - a fast-growing movement mobilizing and equipping thousands of young Christians in the developing world to walk alongside those who walk alone - orphans and vulnerable children in their own communities. 

During more than 15 years living and ministering in slums and inner cities in Asia and North America, Craig has established a number of initiatives to care for vulnerable kids and orphans, as well as formed Christian communities for those marginalized by society. 

For 8 years, Craig served as the International Coordinator of Servants, a ministry within the slums of Asia. His postgraduate research in International Development led to the publication of his first book, The Urban Halo: a story of hope for orphans of the poor. Craig's second book, Subversive Jesus, will be published by Zondervan in 2016.

For more info visit Craig's website: craiggreenfield.com

This book gets 3 out of 5 stars from me. 

I received this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review. 

The Illustrated Compendium of Amazing Animal Facts

The Illustrated Compendium of Amazing Animal Facts by Maja Säfström was a big hit. Not only is it beautiful and a little antique-y (yes, I just made up that word) on the outside, but inside, it's whimsical, black and white illustrations are brilliantly done! The text is fun, engaging, and informative. I learned right along with my kiddos! My son, who is an animal lover, especially enjoyed it. 

The Illustrated Compendium of Amazing Animal Facts is a fun addition to our homeschool, as well. I highly recommend this book! 

(Oh, and who can resist that title!? ;) )

5 out of 5 stars. 


The book can be purchased here.
Author info here.









 I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

The League and The Lantern, by Brian Wells (Review and Giveaway)

This Giveaway has ended. Congrats to: Vonnie Warden! 

Youth fiction that is interesting, attention-keeping, and enjoyable to read but still free of violence and "muck" is hard to find. I was excited about the chance for my teen to be able to review The League and The Lantern! She devoured it, and I heard her laugh more than once while reading it. Here's a big plus: she loves history, and history played a big part in this book! Here is what my daughter had to say:

"I really loved this book! It had humor and suspense. It also contained a lot of history about my favorite president, Abe Lincoln. It's a little hard to understand at first, but as you keep reading things start to piece together. I really enjoyed this book and think it would make a great movie." 

More about the book: 

AFTER A DISASTROUS SIXTH GRADE, Jake Herndon is anxiously awaiting his Big Do-Over, starting with his new school's notorious seventh grade sleepover. Awkward team-building games and forced fun quickly become the least of his problems, however, when a dangerous organization invades and the night takes a shocking turn. Jake and two new classmates, Lucy and TJ, barely escape, only to find themselves in a fight for survival on the streets of Chicago. Over the next 48 hours they unravel a mystery dating back to the Civil War and an incredible secret about Jake s family. 

Full of unforgettable characters and unexpected twists, The League and the Lantern is a jaw-dropping ride of mind-bending revelations and laugh-out-loud humor. If Jake and his new friends can make it through this weekend, they just might have a shot at seventh grade. 

In this debut novel, family television executive producer and dad Brian Wells has created an epic, rip-roaring comedy adventure that s also about courage, family and friendship. The result is an engaging mix of great characters, crackling wit and unexpected twists that 9- to 14-year-olds, entertainment executives and family groups are applauding. 

Wells works from the belief that great entertainment is driven by memorable characters and imaginative writing, and it shows. The League and The Lantern delivers all of this and more without objectionable language or inappropriate themes. Throw in a plot that traces back to real historical figures and you ve got what some are calling Percy Jackson meets National Treasure. 

As an extra bonus, the book also invisibly weaves in 140 of the top vocabulary words for middle school success. A free downloadable study guide is available on the book's website.

Author: Brian Wells

• A concerned dad who couldn’t find quality entertainment for his kids. He has worked and produced 15 TV movies for the major networks, and this is his book debut. 

Synopsis:

The League and the Lantern is the first book in a new adventure series for middle-school readers. It all starts when a dangerous organization invades Jake Herndon’s seventh-grade sleepover. He escapes along with two new classmates, Lucy and TJ, only to face a 48-hour fight for survival on the streets of Chicago. The kids unravel a mystery dating back to the Civil War, and an incredible secret about Jake’s family. Along the way they learn unexpected lessons about courage, family and friendship.

Talking Points: 

• Inspires reading - Adventure series your kids will want to read.
• Educational Value - 140 key vocabulary words hidden throughout the story, historic sites are part of the setting.
• Moral Value - Lessons in family, friendship, mercy and compassion. Lead characters are friends who are different races. 
• Help Kids - Operates on a buy one - give one campaign to get books into the hands of kids who cannot afford their own copies. 

Official Website: 

• LeagueAndLantern.com

Here's the great part: 

One of YOU will win a copy of The League and The Lantern! 

Simply comment below this post or on my Facebook page letting me know that you would like to be entered into the drawing. Don't forget to share the giveaway! :)  The giveaway will close on Tuesday, May 24, at midnight. 

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

ESV Family Devotional Bible (Review & Giveaway)

This Giveaway has ended. Congrats to: Susan Borow! 

I love this Bible! I really, really love this Bible. Really. 

"The ESV FAMILY DEVOTIONAL BIBLE is a hardbound colorful Bible.  It retells 130 key stories from the Bible with full color illustrations for each story, as well as placed within the Bible text where it is found.  The stories are simplified and easy for children of all ages to understand.  

The ESV Family Devotional Bible is designed to help families read and apply God’s Word together. This full-color edition features the complete ESV text interspersed with engaging illustrations and gospel-centered devotions related to key Bible stories—guiding families through the entirety of God’s Word over the course of a year. Each devotion also includes discussion questions and suggestions for additional reading, helping families develop a habit of reading the Bible together and applying its truth to all of life."

I was so excited to be able to review the ESV Family Devotional Bible. It's beautifully illustrated, and the stories are the perfect length for fidgety little ones. I love the idea of the stories and art being right in the text of the Bible, and especially the questions and verse to remember at the end of each story. It truly is perfect for family devotions, and I highly recommend it! The best part? My son loves it, too! :) 

Now, here's the great news! 


One of YOU will win an ESV Family Devotional Bible! All you have to do is leave a comment below, or on the Facebook post here, to be entered! Please share to help get the word out. The Giveaway will end on Wednesday, May 18, at midnight. 

You can find more info on the ESV FAMILY DEVOTIONAL BIBLE here:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CrosswayBooks/photos/a.129796233631.107576.71392238631/10154030140753632/?type=3&theater

Twitter - https://twitter.com/crossway/status/718552505941041152

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Family-Devotional-Bible-Bibles-Crossway/dp/1433551497/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1461101430&sr=8-1&keywords=family+devotional+bible

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

If I Run

Casey knows the truth. But it won’t set her free.

Casey Cox’s DNA is all over the crime scene. There’s no use talking to police; they’ve failed her abysmally before. She has to flee before she’s arrested . . . or worse. The truth doesn’t matter anymore.

But what is the truth? That’s the question haunting Dylan Roberts, the war-weary veteran hired to find Casey. PTSD has marked him damaged goods, but bringing Casey back can redeem him. Though the crime scene seems to tell the whole story, details of the murder aren’t adding up.

Casey Cox doesn’t fit the profile of a killer. But are Dylan’s skewed perceptions keeping him from being objective? If she isn’t guilty, why did she run?

Unraveling her past and the evidence that condemns her will take more time than he has, but as Dylan’s damaged soul intersects with hers, he is faced with two choices: the girl who occupies his every thought is a psychopathic killer . . . or a selfless hero. And the truth could be the most deadly weapon yet.

Casey is an intriguing character. Smart--too wise for her years, and yet so innocent. She comes from a heartbreaking background, and her search for justice has only put her life and the lives of her friends and family in danger. She's on the run for her life, but still cares about what happens to those around her more than she cares for herself. She's in a hopeless situation; there seems to be no way out. 

~From the blurb for If I Run

Casey is an intriguing character. Young and innocent, yet wise beyond her years and tough as nails. Mostly. Her search for justice for her father has put her life, and the lives of her friends and family in danger. Even while running, her concern is for others, and she risks her life and her cover for a total stranger. Everything looks hopeless--for her, for the person she's trying to help, for her family.... 

If I Run met my expectations, and although not as good as some of Terri Blackstock's other offerings such as the Restoration Series, it's still an exciting read, and I look forward to the rest of the series. 

Terri Blackstock is my favorite author for several reasons: 

• Her books are never boring. 

• Her stories don't include vulgarity or inappropriate situations. She doesn't get as close to "unacceptable" as she can. 

• She manages to tackle many pressing questions and spiritual topics, but it's never cheesy or forced. 

• Her books, unlike many, truly deserve to be called "Christian Fiction". 

• I love that my teenagers can read enjoy these books, and I don't have to worry about what they are reading. 

• Did I mention that her books are NEVER boring? ;) 

4 out of 5 stars from me. 


I received this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Little Felted Dogs, Easy Projects for Making Adorable Pups

 I don't know anything about felting, but I love felted items and these little pups are just the cutest thing ever! I wanted to wait until we could get the supplies to actually try making one of these little guys, but we weren't able to do that yet. My daughter is great at miniature things like this, and I'm anxious for her to try her hand at these!

This is such a pretty little book, and the photos are excellent. The book includes information on needle felting basics and essential tools, a wool guide, tips on working with wool, and other tips and techniques. Clear instructions and helpful diagrams are included for every dog.

Little Felted Dogs  is a perfect gift for the crafter in your life! 

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.