tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60380307863860069452024-03-12T17:53:16.817-07:00To Read, Or Not To Read...Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08864076681374164439noreply@blogger.comBlogger723125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038030786386006945.post-7394099620889236232012-02-20T05:00:00.000-08:002012-02-20T05:00:07.239-08:00Polishing God’s Monuments<a style="padding-right: 20px; float: left" href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2058113.Polishing_God_s_Monuments"><img border="0" alt="Polishing God's Monuments: Pillars of Hope for Punishing Times" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1266502420m/2058113.jpg"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oXFm_yx5Qkw/TzlgueBy6cI/AAAAAAAAGCc/fZdVebsTkPk/s1600-h/image3.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2f7j2UCdcYY/Tzlgu5-Bd4I/AAAAAAAAGCk/p7Lx5yN9L4M/image_thumb1.png?imgmax=800" width="100" height="100"></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2058113.Polishing_God_s_Monuments">Polishing God's Monuments: Pillars of Hope for Punishing Times</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/934962.Jim_Andrews">Jim Andrews</a><br>My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/272232985">5 of 5 stars</a><br><br><strong>MY REVIEW:</strong> <br><br>It is with a book like this that I don't know how to sum up in a few short paragraphs the huge impact it made on my own heart. In these moments I just want to open my front door, stand on my porch, and yell for the whole world to hear: "You must read this book!" <br><br><em>Polishing God's Monuments</em> is part testimony, part biography, and part teaching but completely encouraging and convicting for any believer. While it will grip the heart of anyone suffering through a trial, it specifically resonates to those who, day after day, plod along in the same trial or variations of the same kind of trial for months and years on end. While the idea of polishing God's monuments was not new to me - although the title was - the book was still refreshing with Jim's eloquent writing, personal experience, and sound Scriptural exegesis. I walked away with an energized faith in the sovereignty of God and His faithfulness to me despite my great lack of faithfulness to Him. I was also so encouraged and challenged in my own relationship with Christ by the example of Andrews and his family. Even their week moments and failures were a source of hope and balm to my soul. <br><br>I highly recommend this book to anyone - including older teenagers - and would also strongly suggest it for counseling homework. It is a great chapter-by-chapter read, but I suspect many, like myself, will find it to be so riveting that you are glued to you seat for great portions of time. <br><br>If you have only a small amount of time to read this is a book I would say needs to take position at the top of your pile! <br><br>GO GET IT AND READ IT! {said in my best front porch yelling voice} Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08864076681374164439noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038030786386006945.post-40623853443134076322012-02-06T05:00:00.000-08:002012-02-06T05:00:06.356-08:00Ten Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health by Donald S. Whitney<a style="padding-right: 20px; float: left" href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/388094.Ten_Questions_to_Diagnose_Your_Spiritual_Health"><img border="0" alt="Ten Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1174362590m/388094.jpg"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Q0IqQJUsccQ/Ty1-eTeUgEI/AAAAAAAAGBM/Ha6DJpsWJSg/s1600-h/image%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-g5FZvALNvUo/Ty1-eoY4paI/AAAAAAAAGBU/nJNv4owefSA/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="100" height="100"></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/388094.Ten_Questions_to_Diagnose_Your_Spiritual_Health">Ten Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/29215.Donald_S_Whitney">Donald S. Whitney</a><br>My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/261616806">5 of 5 stars</a><br><br><strong>MY REVIEW:</strong> <br><br>Have you, like myself, wondered about your spiritual growth? Have you wished for a way to know whether you are growing in your walk with God or not? If so, this is a book you will enjoy! Whitney's 10 question guide will help you diagnose your spiritual health and in some cases, it may be the tool that diagnosis whether there is life at all. <br><br>I first heard about this book from several teachers at a Biblical counseling conference and was immediately intrigued by the idea of being able to diagnose my spiritual status. As the title suggests, it walks you through ten questions that help you get an understanding of where you are spiritually. While there is no scale, therefore there is no physical measurement of your spiritual well-being, this book is a tool to gain a better understanding of areas that need improvement and ways in which to do so. It is not the ultimate tool or ultimate test, but it can be a great aid to challenge, convict, and encourage you in your walk with Christ. <br><br>At first I was excited at this new "magic formula" that was sure to help me. But I quickly found, that as any good author should, Whitney takes you to Scripture for the source of our spiritual evaluation. <em>Ten Questions</em> is a informative first read that will easily become a quick reference manual to add to your bookshelf for future use. I highly benefited from this book and I think most Christians will if they use it in the proper context of which a tool should be used. <br><br>This explanatory and applicable read is good for older high school ages and on up. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08864076681374164439noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038030786386006945.post-31999609441094896612012-01-27T05:06:00.000-08:002012-01-27T05:06:00.528-08:00A Meal With Jesus by Tim Chester<a style="padding-right: 20px; float: left" href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9956627-a-meal-with-jesus"><img border="0" alt="A Meal with Jesus: Discovering Grace, Community, and Mission around the Table" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1302105705m/9956627.jpg"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-N058oggLpYI/Txyy0jrP-yI/AAAAAAAAGAU/7wBPSAGCrKQ/s1600-h/image%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--dYaARVk2Y8/Txyy1Mo-BeI/AAAAAAAAGAc/Y-luX-9fiJI/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="100" height="100"></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9956627-a-meal-with-jesus">A Meal with Jesus: Discovering Grace, Community, and Mission around the Table</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/158448.Tim_Chester">Tim Chester</a><br>My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/256374286">4 of 5 stars</a><br><br><strong>MY REVIEW:</strong> <br><br>I have always known that The Son of Man came to <em>"seek and save the lost"</em> but never have I thought about The Son of Man coming to eat and drink as found in Luke 7:34. In this short, yet very thought-provoking read Tim Chester digs into the book of Luke to show us how Jesus used meals as more than just a time to nourish His body but rather a time to feed the souls of many. Using the example of Jesus, Chester exhorts us in 6 chapter to apply the service of hospitality in our own lives to minister to the church and to the lost. <br><br>I personally loved the overall emphasis of this book and I walked away with a new perspective and understanding of Jesus' earthly ministry. Reading <em>A Meal with Jesus</em> challenged me to rethink my purpose in hospitality and convicted me to use this ordinary tool more often in sharing His grace with others. The message of this book is powerful and fresh. <br><br>This book gets 4 stars because of it's content and I highly recommend it. It's a rather short read at 143 pages long. (Contrary to what <a href="http://Goodreads.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Goodreads.com</a> says of it being 160 pages.) However, I found it a challenging book to read. Although it is only 6 chapters long, they were to me packed way too full and were not as succinct as they could have been. I frequently lost focus as he seemed to jump around a lot and make a simple point more wordy than necessary. While I personally don't have a problem with this, I feel bad in that more people would probably pick this good looking book up, begin to read it, and finish it if it was a bit less wordy. My challenge to you is for you to grab a copy and see for yourself. And if you agree with me, let me encourage you that is indeed worth pushing through to enjoy the whole book. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08864076681374164439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038030786386006945.post-87864454874446540142012-01-25T05:00:00.000-08:002012-01-25T05:00:03.343-08:00The Magic Show Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner<a style="padding-right: 20px; float: left" href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1002402.The_Magic_Show_Mystery"><img border="0" alt="The Magic Show Mystery (Adventures of Benny and Watch)" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1180132180m/1002402.jpg"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BjaWACkn8sY/Txys4N_JBkI/AAAAAAAAGAE/Ksms-VUuHho/s1600-h/image%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vtlN_RWJZ10/Txys4UIb43I/AAAAAAAAGAM/wwKgxkPdH_U/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="100" height="100"></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1002402.The_Magic_Show_Mystery">The Magic Show Mystery</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10665.Gertrude_Chandler_Warner">Gertrude Chandler Warner</a><br>My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/265622248">4 of 5 stars</a><br><br><strong>MY REVIEW:</strong> <br><br>This is number four in the <em>Adventures of Benny and Watch</em> series which is a young reader version of the <em>Boxcar Children</em> series. While focusing mainly on little Benny and his dog, Watch, it includes all the children and their Grandfather. In this short book you'll read about Benny learning to do some magic tricks and the fun that he has teaching Watch to help him. I highly recommend reading this to preschool age children or giving it to a first or second grade child to read on their own. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08864076681374164439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038030786386006945.post-47070428106562440952012-01-23T05:00:00.000-08:002012-01-23T05:00:01.578-08:00Overcoming Fear, Worry, & Anxiety by Elyse Fitzpatrick<a style="padding-right: 20px; float: left" href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/187654.Overcoming_Fear_Worry_and_Anxiety"><img border="0" alt="Overcoming Fear, Worry, and Anxiety: Becoming A Woman of Faith and Confidence" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1172541672m/187654.jpg"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KaNIC0v6hi0/TxNCKKJvihI/AAAAAAAAF_M/VAwAqkws79A/s1600-h/image%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vPc_OzHKWEw/TxNCKYaK9BI/AAAAAAAAF_U/y1F1segTaCM/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="100" height="100"></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/187654.Overcoming_Fear_Worry_and_Anxiety">Overcoming Fear, Worry, and Anxiety: Becoming A Woman of Faith and Confidence</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/51983.Elyse_Fitzpatrick">Elyse Fitzpatrick</a><br>My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/103731391">5 of 5 stars</a><br><br><strong>MY REVIEW:</strong> <br><br>Fear. Worry. Anxiety. These things are very real in many of our lives. For some of us they are greater challenges than for others. But no matter what level you are at in battling this deadly trio in your life this book by Elyse Fitzpatrick will equip you with Scripture that will show you how and enable you to overcome. <br><br>I appreciated this book personally because Elyse breaks it into three practical sections - <em>Understanding Your Fears, The Source of Your Fears, & God's Answers to Your Fears</em> - and then simply, yet deeply digs into God's Word and how it applies to these sins. You will walk away with a better understanding of how fear and worry affect your life and how applying the truth of Scripture will help you gain victory. My favorite chapter was chapter 8 which explains in easy-to-understand terms how a solid theology base is the staring point to overcoming fear, worry, and anxiety. Questions like, <em>"Can God free me from fear?</em>, are answered and straight-forward practical help is offered in every chapter. And Elyse will also help you see how fear is often times the symptom of something else you are struggling through. <br><br>I highly encourage anyone - man or woman - who has ever struggled little or much with these three areas to read this book. And maybe you don't think it applies to you, but reading it will help you to have compassion on and help others who do struggle with these areas. And quiet honestly, I don't think anyone can read this book without becoming convicted of something in their life! Elyse doesn't dance around the issue, but gets directly to the heart of the matter and offers both help and hope to her readers. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08864076681374164439noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038030786386006945.post-17674576827532640322012-01-20T05:00:00.000-08:002012-01-20T05:00:11.621-08:00Nothing Quite Like A Real Book…<p><iframe height="284" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SKVcQnyEIT8?rel=0" frameborder="0" width="500" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08864076681374164439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038030786386006945.post-83391098960479446102012-01-18T05:00:00.000-08:002012-01-18T05:00:01.189-08:00Bible Reading Resources<p>As the new year slowly rolls on…or maybe quickly for some…I know that many people desire to do more Bible reading this year. <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-D7zW5bUgspU/Twxl6Y7pIfI/AAAAAAAAF-w/5HItw0YMUSU/s1600-h/image%25255B8%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_orhhfFcBfg/Twxl681X74I/AAAAAAAAF-0/f23O4t7fkdM/image_thumb%25255B6%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="293" height="205"></a> I was delighted to find a great little post by Crossway on 10 Bible Reading Resources. You can read it <a href="http://www.crossway.org/blog/2012/01/10-bible-reading-resources-for-the-new-year/" target="_blank">HERE</a>. And, before you come back and leave me a comment about “10” being the wrong number…look very close! And read the <em>whole</em> post! <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--NcVzoORFgw/Twxl7MP8AtI/AAAAAAAAF-o/JUChU0mAx60/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></p> Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08864076681374164439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038030786386006945.post-7809998534212305762012-01-16T05:00:00.000-08:002012-01-16T05:00:12.274-08:00Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster<p><a style="padding-right: 20px; float: left" href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/64023.Celebration_of_Discipline"><img border="0" alt="Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/410Rraa1pPL._SX106_.jpg"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-N0YGblbjaOU/Twtthw-TUgI/AAAAAAAAF8g/_28PavqGoWc/s1600-h/image%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-golsTGXvqmU/TwttiP_V0aI/AAAAAAAAF8o/pI7HtEdd6L8/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="100" height="100"></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/64023.Celebration_of_Discipline">Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/36065.Richard_J_Foster">Richard J. Foster</a><br>My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/259026465">2 of 5 stars</a><br><br><strong>MY REVIEW:</strong><br><br>This book is about 12 different spiritual disciplines and teaches us how we can incorporate them into our daily lives. I appreciate the idea of this book, however, I was not able to finish this book despite the easy listening audio format. <br><br>There were multiple things that I didn't agree with and then phrases that left me feeling quite uncertain about his exact beliefs. While I want to know more about and grow in applying spiritual disciplines to my life, I will be looking for other books to read. In all fairness, I have heard some people rave about this and others who have walked away with the same uncertainty as I. But after so many questionable ideas and too many thoughts I couldn’t agree on, I set this one aside. I personally feel it should not be read and think that there are more options that address the topic with better clarity. </p> <p><strong>Here is a wonderful, in-depth review of this book by </strong><a href="http://www.cbc4u.org/" target="_blank"><strong>Pastor Kirk Barger</strong></a><strong>…</strong></p> <blockquote> <p><em>I looked forward to reading this book by Foster, but after completing it, I must say I have quite a few concerns. I would agree with Foster that “superficiality is the curse of our age” and that the typical tenor of the 21st century church is primarily interested in instant satisfaction spiritually. Rarely do we see the spiritual disciplines (fasting, prayer, study, simplicity, etc.) practiced by individuals in full time Christian service or by the layperson in the pew. Foster blames the lack of spiritual disciplines on two problems—a philosophic problem (materialism)<br>and a practical problem (a lack of exploring the inward life). With that in mind, Foster breaks down his focus of the spiritual disciplines into three distinct sections—the inward disciplines, the outward disciplines, and the corporate disciplines. </em></p> <p><em>Section one, the inward disciplines, includes meditation, prayer, fasting, and study. From the outset, I was confronted with an air of New Age mysticism whereby Foster encourages the hearing of God’s voice within (18), visualization (25), and lotus-like posture for meditating (28). The boldest red flag for me, though, was when he referenced the practice of “old mystics” (31). And although Foster did mention the need to meditate on Scripture, he only refers to this as “the<br>central reference point by which all other forms of meditation are kept in proper perspective” (29). </em></p> <p><em>Foster then takes this foundation of meditation and blends it together with several other disciplines. Meditation becomes a springboard for a deeper prayer life as one “listens to God.” But instead of focusing on the fact that this message comes from God in Scripture, there seems, again, to be a focus on hearing God from within. He does the same thing in his chapter on “study.” He first says that study and meditation are “two distinct experiences” (64). Yet, as he expounds on how to use study, he immediately crosses over from objective learning to the experiential. Foster does have some good suggestions as to how to study, but this is only short lived as he quickly encourages the reader to study other nonverbal “books.” </em></p> <p><em>His second section—the outward disciplines—focuses on simplicity, solitude, submission, and service. I did appreciate his thoughts on the need for simplicity with regard to materialism, especially in guiding one’s focus toward God’s kingdom and not the stuff of the world. Unfortunately, his journey into solitude, though speckled with positive ideas for this discipline, still gives off the “scent of meditation” found earlier. I found the chapters on submission and service to be relatively helpful. </em></p> <p><em>Section three deals with the corporate disciplines of confession, worship, guidance, and celebration. I found only parts of this section worth reading. Again, Foster’s chapters on worship and guidance seemed—for the most part—to center on experience. I did find his chapter on celebration to be enjoyable, although he went too far by endorsing “holy laughter” (198). Add to that the fact that he encouraged the creative gifts of fantasy and imagination, and we are right back where we started—mystical and ethereal. </em></p> <p><em>Are spiritual disciplines lacking and needed today in the 21st century? Yes. Does Richard Foster give a good and balanced approach on how to practice the spiritual disciplines? No. He spends an inordinate amount of time in the experiential realm encouraging the reader to be—in my opinion—too self-focused, introspective, and mystical. Instead, the key is to be Biblically grounded and God-focused. Otherwise, one is treading on dangerous ground spiritually and theologically. Even though the book does focus on the need to be strengthened in the spiritual disciplines, I would not recommend this book due to the areas of concern mentioned above.</em></p></blockquote> Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08864076681374164439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038030786386006945.post-87545839439192177532012-01-13T05:00:00.000-08:002012-01-13T05:00:04.310-08:00Martin Luther by Mike Fearon<a style="padding-right: 20px; float: left" href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1015520.Martin_Luther"><img border="0" alt="Martin Luther (Men of Faith)" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1180249256m/1015520.jpg"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--oKqaO_q9Z8/TwrxKwJZ60I/AAAAAAAAF8A/Yc7Eec0CYw8/s1600-h/image%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dlVYVWGpn30/TwrxLElsTCI/AAAAAAAAF8I/L0e7MSbBUlI/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="100" height="100"></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1015520.Martin_Luther">Martin Luther</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/259928.Mike_Fearon">Mike Fearon</a><br>My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/258478707">4 of 5 stars</a><br><br><strong>MY REVIEW:</strong> <br><br>For as far back as I can remember I have known who Martin Luther is and have had a vague understanding of his life. However, this wonderful little biography changed that for me! In roughly three hours of reading I gained a brief, yet thorough, overview of his life which began with great fear and ended with strong faith. <br><br>This 160 page book is short and easy-to-read, but could be a little challenging for younger teens to read. It might be a challenge worth making them work through since Luther's life is such an encouragement to the "average" person. Not only did I enjoy learning about Luther as a historical figure, but I reveled in learning about how God used an ordinary man to bring such extraordinary change to the church. And this short read lit the spark to read more about Luther and his life - especially his last 20 years being married to Katy! <br><br>Anyone who reads this book will walk away with more understanding of who Martin Luther really was, what his life work was all about, and be encouraged by how God an change what seems impossible to change. I highly recommend it to teens and adults both. It would also be a great book to read as a family for those with middle school age children and on up. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08864076681374164439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038030786386006945.post-79422177282024911732012-01-11T05:00:00.000-08:002012-01-11T05:00:01.118-08:00Everyday Talk by John Younts<a style="padding-right: 20px; float: left" href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/850905.Everyday_Talk"><img border="0" alt="Everyday Talk: Talking Freely and Naturally about God with Your Children" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1178900555m/850905.jpg"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_bV9ET5Jgug/TwiYI6vLGFI/AAAAAAAAF7w/FFgMCsaTosg/s1600-h/image%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HEuvugZvV9I/TwiYJDpPY2I/AAAAAAAAF74/ZwKtvcGU9wI/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="100" height="100"></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/850905.Everyday_Talk">Everyday Talk: Talking Freely and Naturally about God with Your Children</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/440704.John_Younts">John Younts</a><br><br><br><strong>MY REVIEW:</strong> <br><br>If you thought parenting was exhausting...wait till your read this book! And not only that, but you will also feel like an utter failure as a parent! <br><br><em><strong>WAIT!</strong></em> <br><br>Before you click away because this sounds like a terrible book, let me share that this is THE BEST parenting book I have yet read. Yeah...that should say something because I have read a pile of parenting books! <br><br>While <em>Everyday Talk</em> will make it very clear to you that you are an imperfect parent, it will also greatly encourage you, humble you, and fill you with hope that through Christ you can point your children to God through the simplicity of your everyday talk. It's a short book and an easy read with Younts casual, but direct approach. He doesn't waste time trying to convince you of his ideas, but purposefully unpacks and applies scripture to our daily challenged as parents. <br><br>As you have already noticed, I like this book. I walked away with so much to apply and for the first time felt such clear purpose in the daily issues that I face as a mother. My favorite chapters were 6 and 7 that dealt directly with the most frustrating parts of parenting. And I also highly appreciated his chapter on music which was short and got right to the heart of the matter rather than being another essay on someone's personal opinion. If I had to sum up what I am walking away with it would be this: <em>"Do I value God's holiness enough to allow it to influence and direct my moment by moment parenting?"</em> <br><br>My one and only caution in this book is that Younts focuses a little more on the discipleship of children than the evangelism of children and I think we need to be cautious in that we never assure a child of their salvation or assume it. Not that he outright says this, just that he seems to lean more toward this side of the spectrum. <br><br>I recommend this book to parents, and I highly recommend it to grandparents, aunts, uncles, and those who work with kids on a regular basis. While the focus is directed to Moms and Dads, the wisdom and Biblical principals are beneficial to all who interact with children. I think that a parent's child-rearing could be even more effective when godly grandparents are on the same page and supporting their children rather than undermining them or discouraging them. The same goes for teachers, extended family members, and any adult close to the family. <br><br>Read and learn again and again with this gospel-centered, everyday book . Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08864076681374164439noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038030786386006945.post-86855133601143374262012-01-09T05:00:00.000-08:002012-01-09T05:00:08.507-08:00God’s High Calling For Women by John MacArthur<a style="padding-right: 20px; float: left" href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6287628-god-s-high-calling-for-women"><img border="0" alt="God's High Calling For Women" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1266617578m/6287628.jpg"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QZ16ApIvVIU/TvxRsMKu1TI/AAAAAAAAF2w/YycDXYI-rXU/s1600-h/image%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-laJVEL76ZqA/TvxRw9d7wjI/AAAAAAAAF24/Aadq9PA_zW0/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="100" height="100"></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6287628-god-s-high-calling-for-women">God's High Calling For Women</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1058367.John_F_MacArthur_Jr_">John F. MacArthur Jr.</a><br>My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/102896946">5 of 5 stars</a><br><br><strong>MY REVIEW:</strong> <br><br>This short, 87 page book is an easy-to-read unpacking and explanation of 1 Timothy 2:9-15. It is like a mini commentary in the way that it digs into the passage, yet still flows like an easy reading book. In 4 short chapters John MacArthur explains the Biblical role of women as we find in 1 Timothy. <br><br>I personally appreciated the simplicity of this book - it's a "get in and get out" kind of read. In two hours I was able to read the entire book and take notes while really being impacted by it's message. While there are no lists of things to do or steps to take for change, learning the depth of what this passage means is enough to cultivate a desire for growth and/or change if you truly want to apply Scripture to your life. At the end of each chapter there is a short "Review" section that asks questions on what you read and helps you retain more and also would make a great discussion guide for a book club or Bible study. <br><br>I highly recommend this book to any woman or teen girl and think that it is a great individual read or perfect for discipleship or Bible study settings. It is a fabulous de-funking of false beliefs on women being second class in the Bible and a wonderful re-building of the high call God has placed on a woman's life. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08864076681374164439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038030786386006945.post-72848291387309430352012-01-06T05:00:00.000-08:002012-01-06T05:00:03.178-08:00Counsel From The Cross by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Dennis Johnson<a style="padding-right: 20px; float: left" href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6348915-counsel-from-the-cross"><img border="0" alt="Counsel from the Cross: Connecting Broken People to the Love of Christ" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1266651511m/6348915.jpg"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1QB8p0UPYmE/Tvp4Rv6N16I/AAAAAAAAF2g/jfQTOfFZjVA/s1600-h/image%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7ASkqpSOV5M/Tvp4SA-fSRI/AAAAAAAAF2o/SjyPyJt3fxE/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="100" height="100"></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6348915-counsel-from-the-cross">Counsel from the Cross: Connecting Broken People to the Love of Christ</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/51983.Elyse_Fitzpatrick">Elyse Fitzpatrick</a><br>My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/89516192">5 of 5 stars</a><br><br><strong>MY REVIEW:</strong> <br><br>This wonderful, gospel-centered book is all about how God's love impacts our broken lives. While the title leads one to think that it is about counseling others, there is much in this book that will resonate within the heart of the reader. <br><br>I enjoyed the entire book, but especially appreciated the chapters on how the gospel applies directly with our sanctification, emotions, and relationships. After reading other books on the topic of the daily transforming grace of the gospel, these 3 chapters offered new perspective and a fresh look at these areas where I struggle to apply God's grace. The idea that our emotions are a good gift from God is almost mind blowing to me! <br><br><em>Counsel From The Cross</em> is very similar to <em>Because He Loves Me</em> but comes from more of a "counseling" approach. However, while it repeats some of the same material, it also works through it in a different way that I found to be very helpful as I continue in understanding and applying the gospel to my everyday living. It certainly stands alone as a single book, but I would highly suggest reading <em>Because He Loves Me</em> first, especially if you have never read another book on the daily application of the gospel. <br><br>This is a deep book, but not so deep that it takes a degree to read it. I highly recommend it to anyone - teen and up - who desires to understand the gospel more and is willing to take the time and effort to study it out using the book as a guide. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08864076681374164439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038030786386006945.post-40637028156127874712012-01-04T05:00:00.000-08:002012-01-04T05:00:03.962-08:00Meet the Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner<a style="padding-right: 20px; float: left" href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/297252.Meet_the_Boxcar_Children"><img border="0" alt="Meet the Boxcar Children (Adventures of Benny and Watch)" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1173489651m/297252.jpg"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-A2tj3LZivAI/TvktlyyD2nI/AAAAAAAAF2Q/eyk82ovWUak/s1600-h/image%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qDeOJn2UMWY/TvktmSgHO_I/AAAAAAAAF2Y/anKTsKnJGC4/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="100" height="100"></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/297252.Meet_the_Boxcar_Children">Meet the Boxcar Children</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10665.Gertrude_Chandler_Warner">Gertrude Chandler Warner</a><br>My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/251433839">4 of 5 stars</a><br><br><strong>MY REVIEW:</strong> <br><br>I never knew about this series until Micah received it for Christmas. It is the cutest set of early reader books based on the original series of <em>The Boxcar Kids</em>. They are simplified and condensed to a young reader level, but still follow the basic outline of the older version. Each page has colorful illustrations and the story line is from the perspective of young Benny. I highly recommend this book - and this series - which is probably best for a first to second grade reading level or ages 4 to 8 for reading together. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08864076681374164439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038030786386006945.post-56561474664790790142012-01-03T10:06:00.001-08:002012-01-03T10:06:29.346-08:00A Book Club!<p>I am so excited to do something new this year – a book club!</p> <p>Would you like to read a book along with others to both encourage you and motivate you? Then join us for some good reads and some great fellowship, too!</p> <p>You can find all the details at <a href="http://www.dailycupofgrace.com/2012/01/new-year-new-books-book-reading-club.html" target="_blank"><strong>this post on my blog</strong></a> titled Daily Cup Of Grace.</p> <p>Then you can join up by going to <strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/323062037714092/" target="_blank">this facebook event page</a></strong>.</p> <p>And finally, here is what we are going to be reading!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iDM6N82QCLQ/TwNDmKuhDBI/AAAAAAAAF4A/VP7MSeBL_dQ/s1600-h/image%25255B17%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-r20FbyWXEQg/TwNDmiQlaXI/AAAAAAAAF4I/ql8ns_WUSTU/image_thumb%25255B9%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="112" height="170"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qn3-fVYllpo/TwNDnd4EFAI/AAAAAAAAF4Q/qc2_tXmeuGg/s1600-h/image%25255B18%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dVKTJOM0ppI/TwNDnvnBzbI/AAAAAAAAF4Y/aujAX6A6vvY/image_thumb%25255B10%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="114" height="170"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-A-cRvT8vFHM/TwNDoF0b6cI/AAAAAAAAF4g/TKQqLULNjD4/s1600-h/image%25255B19%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qevrIUsEDB8/TwNDorc4WFI/AAAAAAAAF4o/afdRRojfUvk/image_thumb%25255B11%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="106" height="170"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hc6PemNYavg/TwNDowECZDI/AAAAAAAAF4w/Zw7Qd5wKRlc/s1600-h/image%25255B16%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nQOSgc20h9s/TwNDpBDHzYI/AAAAAAAAF44/mSQrFKPQtSk/image_thumb%25255B8%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="115" height="170"></a></p> Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08864076681374164439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038030786386006945.post-13673521441028618652012-01-02T05:00:00.000-08:002012-01-02T05:00:13.606-08:00All I Have To Give by Melody Carlson<a style="padding-right: 20px; float: left" href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4310696-all-i-have-to-give"><img border="0" alt="All I Have to Give: A Christmas Love Story" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1266652509m/4310696.jpg"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XDoHWhR9Qa8/TvjRyc_s6DI/AAAAAAAAF2A/VivuscQeWso/s1600-h/image%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-j4hLBFIFA14/TvjRy75iHuI/AAAAAAAAF2I/Pl6wNTbMMhY/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="100" height="100"></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4310696-all-i-have-to-give">All I Have to Give: A Christmas Love Story</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7383.Melody_Carlson">Melody Carlson</a><br>My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/251300319">2 of 5 stars</a><br><br><strong>MY REVIEW:</strong><br><br>Every so often I enjoy a good sentimental story and while this had that element, and also the sweet "Gift of the Magi" twist to it, I finished it feeling frustrated by the lack of depth and the abrupt ending. Some of the main themes in this story were left hanging with out a conclusion. And while I liked the main character and the general storyline, she and others were allowed to get away with behavior that was un-biblical with out consequences. It is a short book filled with emotional tug and some sweet gestures - a quick reading fix - but with out purpose and encouragement. I was able to put the book down with out having been uplifted or challenged in any way. I enjoy Melody Carlson's writing - what was written was good writing - but the overall story is sadly lacking impact. If you want a book that's strictly "Christmasy" and emotional then you might enjoy it, but if you want a story that is going to uplift your heart, too, this is not for you. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08864076681374164439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038030786386006945.post-30989507252314367952011-12-30T05:00:00.000-08:002011-12-30T05:00:08.163-08:00Appetizers by Taste Of Home<a style="padding-right: 20px; float: left" href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9384062-taste-of-home"><img border="0" alt="Taste of Home: Appetizers: 325 Simple Party Foods" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51sTmEmBPsL._SX106_.jpg"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bX6uVWJmqg4/TvVewZdSJ5I/AAAAAAAAF1w/tMdXyF_b4hY/s1600-h/image%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PzU5TbxyHug/TvVewsHAwwI/AAAAAAAAF14/GLhN9aOqZ_c/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="100" height="100"></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9384062-taste-of-home">Taste of Home: Appetizers: 325 Simple Party Foods</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/216537.Taste_of_Home">Taste of Home</a><br>My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/250594934">4 of 5 stars</a><br><br><strong>MY REVIEW:</strong> <br><br>I am not a cookbook collector but I like a comprehensive and functional one when I find it. Taste of Home offers many options and this is one of them. This one is all about appetizers - hence the name! - and offers not just fancy choices for dinner parties, but tasty treats for many occasions. It is divided into various categories such as "Handheld Snacks", "Spreads & Dips", "All Wrapped Up", and more. This is a fun and functional recipe book that is both classy and family friendly. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08864076681374164439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038030786386006945.post-88961159583353395142011-12-28T05:00:00.000-08:002011-12-28T05:00:01.799-08:002011 Most Impacting Books<p>As the year comes to a close I look back at all I have read and reflect on the ones that still stand out clear in my mind. These are the books that most impacted my life in the year of 2011. I hope that if you have not already read them, that they will impact YOU in the year of 2012! These are my top 9 out of 75….enjoy!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-67t5Om1iwkw/TvKJpRrA1aI/AAAAAAAAFzg/V92FqdqvIaQ/s1600-h/image%25255B5%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cugB8msnR20/TvKJqE_X8UI/AAAAAAAAFzo/R76YqGCtckQ/image_thumb%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="150" height="230"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-X498ITLP3dw/TvKJq8fXRiI/AAAAAAAAFzw/vszybkjWtUY/s1600-h/image%25255B14%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kYfNgCL7yMc/TvKJrbfZIfI/AAAAAAAAFz4/H_trvAXXsNk/image_thumb%25255B8%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="149" height="230"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dZYcg_Tqh6Y/TvKJrodlh5I/AAAAAAAAF0A/CpZJkxo3V_o/s1600-h/image%25255B15%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3YP7aKotcGU/TvKJsOz8guI/AAAAAAAAF0I/GnF9JQJxN6g/image_thumb%25255B9%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="159" height="230"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-puOgti-u6mg/TvKJsRfW7oI/AAAAAAAAF0Q/hpPQVKf-bcs/s1600-h/image%25255B19%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pUfVoGfaPFQ/TvKJsyXlYaI/AAAAAAAAF0Y/bf_qbxTfVN8/image_thumb%25255B11%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="146" height="230"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wgPNtYBX_jY/TvKJtdchIwI/AAAAAAAAF0g/ecvo8pH5gNY/s1600-h/image%25255B23%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-z33qClW5Yw4/TvKJtlzeF3I/AAAAAAAAF0o/d3rI5KLo4yM/image_thumb%25255B13%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="153" height="230"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zNa8oaBKffg/TvKJuC32_rI/AAAAAAAAF0w/wwZYJZAITaw/s1600-h/image%25255B27%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ni0ooowUxEI/TvKJuVceQeI/AAAAAAAAF04/KrneW2GUqWA/image_thumb%25255B15%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="154" height="230"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-B8H4WF9UQU0/TvKJu_JG36I/AAAAAAAAF1A/ozlebFWMQ18/s1600-h/image%25255B31%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xsZv2KQz-RM/TvKJvQB8RLI/AAAAAAAAF1I/kt3sFVpS5ko/image_thumb%25255B17%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="151" height="230"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-n-_NznireaM/TvKJvizNURI/AAAAAAAAF1Q/S6M3DaPHpuA/s1600-h/image%25255B35%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Eq7Sz5Oqjes/TvKJvxAiQiI/AAAAAAAAF1Y/VEkQ8WK-Zs4/image_thumb%25255B19%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="154" height="230"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wQUEknr3MnU/TvKJwEg5E7I/AAAAAAAAF1g/bVBMvSvaUCI/s1600-h/image%25255B39%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IySd-xwxSDw/TvKJwtMFhVI/AAAAAAAAF1o/u8G-cxq95bw/image_thumb%25255B21%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="165" height="230"></a></p> Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08864076681374164439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038030786386006945.post-84927555645219857432011-12-26T05:00:00.000-08:002011-12-26T05:00:04.960-08:00John Calvin by Catherine Mackenzie<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LWzIvGrZ0zw/TvKG413zQqI/AAAAAAAAFzA/a-5RXI3PP6Y/s1600-h/image%25255B5%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Z7_OEXJn7PE/TvKG5ZDegaI/AAAAAAAAFzI/vVa9e3VhYXc/image_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="140" height="140"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-d0dUKfk0beA/TvKG5k0c_9I/AAAAAAAAFzQ/SBPJ2MLtkUE/s1600-h/image%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-z_qgb0oWt18/TvKG6HvUihI/AAAAAAAAFzY/kx7YPsC6K7I/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="100" height="100"></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12038937-john-calvin-little-lights">John Calvin Little Lights: What is the Truth</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/182097.Catherine_Mackenzie">Catherine Mackenzie</a><br>My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/249850894">5 of 5 stars</a><br><br><strong>MY REVIEW:</strong><br><br>In my endeavor to introduce my children to men and women of strong faith I turned to the Little Lights biography series and this delightful book is the seventh out of eight in the series. It is appropriate for young children ages two to three and on up. This book is about the life of John Calvin and it begins the story when he was a young boy getting a funny haircut for school. It is a full picture book with relevant and life-like illustrations that capture the child's attention while reading the simple but comprehensive story line. It also contains picture captions that sum up the paragraph on the opposing page for the young readers who browse this book alone. While it can't cover John's life in great detail, it is a healthy balance between tid-bits that attract kids and the main points of his life and ministry. And the entire book is written in a beautiful flow that is easy for kids to understand and still interesting to older readers. I highly recommend this book to anyone with young children or who interacts with young children. You will be blessed and so will they! Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08864076681374164439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038030786386006945.post-53090464063560370362011-12-23T05:00:00.000-08:002011-12-23T05:00:07.919-08:00Martin Luther by Catherine Mackenzie<a style="padding-right: 20px; float: left" href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8905256-martin-luther-little-lights"><img border="0" alt="Martin Luther Little Lights" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1282143021m/8905256.jpg"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-a9ksE92Luh4/TvKEUowWs8I/AAAAAAAAFyw/8AR3cF_DAqI/s1600-h/image%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BVXja7cz3_k/TvKEU8ceBHI/AAAAAAAAFy4/53PSKlovs1U/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="100" height="100"></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8905256-martin-luther-little-lights">Martin Luther Little Lights</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3130947.Mackenzie_Catherine">Mackenzie Catherine</a><br>My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/249794882">5 of 5 stars</a><br><br><strong>MY REVIEW:</strong> <br><br>I really want my children to learn at young ages about the men and women who have poured out their lives to further the gospel for the generations to come. Martin Luther is one of those heroes of faith and this book is a perfect introduction for my children ages 4, 6, and 8. <br><br>It's a picture book and biography combined and it is fun to look at and interesting to read for both young and old. It is a fairly comprehensive overview of his life for such a small book meant for such young minds. I appreciate how it talks not just about his adult ministry, but begins with his childhood, too. This sweet book also includes captions on the picture page that sum up what is being read on the opposite page - kind of a "young reader" phrase that a first grader can read and still understand when browsing the book alone. <br><br>I highly recommend this book because it's a delightful short read perfect for any time and any age that brings to light the life of a faithful man after God's own heart. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08864076681374164439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038030786386006945.post-63916964434366900372011-12-21T05:00:00.000-08:002011-12-21T05:00:13.657-08:00A Hunger for God by John Piper<a style="padding-right: 20px; float: left" href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/207375.A_Hunger_for_God"><img border="0" alt="A Hunger for God: Desiring God through Fasting and Prayer" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1172686843m/207375.jpg"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ly_3OF0P7XE/TupP8EAfwhI/AAAAAAAAFyg/dK2oEr76VeA/s1600-h/image%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Xtv7466kLaw/TupP8S61hWI/AAAAAAAAFyo/ic2MoaNt-jM/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="100" height="100"></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/207375.A_Hunger_for_God">A Hunger for God: Desiring God through Fasting and Prayer</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/25423.John_Piper">John Piper</a><br>My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/159173076">5 of 5 stars</a><br><br><strong>MY REVIEW:</strong> <br><br>This is a book I really wanted to read, but it took me a long time to finally read it because I knew I would be convicted. And, yes, I was. <br><br>John Piper eloquently and passionately explains fasting and it's Biblical basis as well as it's secular background. He digs into Scripture, both Old Testament and New Testament, to learn what place fasting has in our lives and they why and how behind doing it today in our own lives. I walked away having learned a lot, having been challenged immensely, and having been convicted of the fasting that is lacking in my own life. And most of all, I feel that I can now fast with a better understanding and purpose rather than a hastily thrown together desire "because it's the right thing to do". <br><br>I listened to the audio version of this book, but think that both print or audio are easy enough to work through. In fact, I may even lean more toward the print version since you can underline, re-read, and digest with greater thought a little easier than through simply hearing. This book is one you will most likely want to reference again and again and is worth buying for your own personal bookshelf. <br><br>I would highly recommend this book for older teens (15 and up) and adults to read if you desire to both understand and hunger for God more. <br><br><br><strong>BOOK OVERVIEW:</strong> <br><br>There is an appetite for God. And it can be awakened. I invite you to turn from the dulling effects of food and the dangers of idolatry, and to say with some simple fast: "This much, O God, I want you." <br><br>Our appetites dictate the direction of our lives—whether it be the cravings of our stomachs, the passionate desire for possessions or power, or the longings of our spirits for God. But for the Christian, the hunger for anything besides God can be an arch-enemy. While our hunger for God—and Him alone—is the only thing that will bring victory. <br><br>Do you have that hunger for Him? As John Piper puts it: "If we don't feel strong desires for the manifestation of the glory of God, it is not because you have drunk deeply and are satisfied. It is because we have nibbled so long at the table of the world. Our soul is stuffed with small things, and there is no room for the great." If we are full of what the world offers, then perhaps a fast might express, or even increase, our soul's appetite for God. <br><br>Between the dangers of self-denial and self-indulgence is this path of pleasant pain called fasting. It is the path John Piper invites you to travel in this book. For when God is the supreme hunger of your heart, He will be supreme in everything. And when you are most satisfied in Him, He will be most glorified in you. Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08864076681374164439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038030786386006945.post-86751150468623868192011-12-19T05:00:00.000-08:002011-12-19T05:00:15.689-08:00Video Highlight: ESV Student Bible<iframe height="225" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/33170146?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" frameborder="0" width="400" allowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/33170146">Pastor Peter ESV Student Study Bible Promo</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user7753864">graceky</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p> Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08864076681374164439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038030786386006945.post-15778730693926947842011-12-16T05:00:00.000-08:002011-12-16T05:00:15.765-08:00Long Story Short by Marty Machowski<a style="padding-right: 20px; float: left" href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9649138-long-story-short"><img border="0" alt="Long Story Short: Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51fPvKKo5TL._SX106_.jpg"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XlULoJdJ5eI/TuCZJquDTsI/AAAAAAAAFxc/jnC8fRXDMVs/s1600-h/image%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ldyf2bBgUB4/TuCZJ86LM6I/AAAAAAAAFxk/cbQTDd8ocJ4/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="100" height="100"></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9649138-long-story-short">Long Story Short: Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4446999.Marty_Machowski">Marty Machowski</a><br>My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/244469044">5 of 5 stars</a><br><br><strong>MY REVIEW:</strong> <br><br>Fabulous! <br><br>I love this family devotional book that can easily be made to work for a wide range of ages. The first reason being that it ties the Old Testament to the gospel! Too many family/kid devotionals just give stories rather then truly help kids connect with the Word of God. In this book, which gives you five, ten-minute devotions per week, there is at least one day when your reading a New Testament passage that connects to the Old Testament story line of the week. <br><br>The next reason I like this family devotional is that it's easy. And very simple, too. There are some suggest object lessons, but they are simple and certainly not mandatory for the kids to get the week's lesson. If you don't do it everything will still make sense. <br><br>And the third reason I like this book is because it's comprehensive. It incorporates reading Scripture, discussion and interaction, and prayer all together in an easy to follow format that really only takes ten minutes - if that. <br><br>In the words of Emily: "This book is fun!" And our family loves it! <br><br><strong>BOOK OVERVIEW:</strong> <br><br>Christian parents know the importance of passing the gospel story on to their children, yet we live in a busy world filled with distractions. Schedules collide, there is homework and yard work and dishes and laundry, the car's oil should be changed, there are phone calls to make and before you know it, everyone is getting to bed late again. <br><br>The Bible can seem like a long story for an active family to read, but when you break it down into short sections, as Marty Machowski does, family devotions are easy to do. Long Story Short will help busy parents share with their children how every story in the Old Testament points forward to God's story of salvation through Jesus Christ. You won't find a more important focus for a family devotional than a daily highlighting of the gospel of grace. Clever stories and good moral lessons may entertain and even help children, but the gospel will transform children. The gospel is deep enough to keep the oldest and wisest parents learning and growing all their lives, yet simple enough to transform the heart of the first grader who has just begun to read. <br><br>Ten minutes a day, five days a week is enough time to pass on the most valuable treasure the world has ever known. Long Story Short is a family devotional program designed to explain God's plan of salvation through the Old Testament and is suitable for children from preschool through high school. <br> <p><iframe height="297" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ame1K5HsMyo?rel=0" frameborder="0" width="525" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08864076681374164439noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038030786386006945.post-46768589819425594612011-12-14T05:00:00.000-08:002011-12-14T05:00:09.238-08:00At the Throne of Grace by John MacArthur<a style="padding-right: 20px; float: left" href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11735657-at-the-throne-of-grace"><img border="0" alt="At the Throne of Grace: A Book of Prayers (Walk in My Ways)" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/516Q9EUSx4L._SX106_.jpg"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eUDxADDnCas/TuCSLDguUfI/AAAAAAAAFxM/628Whe3iYT8/s1600-h/image%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2sBkokNB1U4/TuCSLuRQXvI/AAAAAAAAFxU/kslKR5i4H2Q/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="100" height="100"></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11735657-at-the-throne-of-grace">At the Throne of Grace: A Book of Prayers</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1058367.John_F_MacArthur_Jr_">John F. MacArthur Jr.</a><br>My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/232302284">4 of 5 stars</a><br><br><strong>MY REVIEW:</strong> <br><br>Maybe it's due to my conservative roots or maybe it's just my personal preferences - I am really not sure - but books full of prayers to pray have always given me an uncomfortable feeling. Like I am plagiarizing on holy ground...or something. However, I highly respect John MacArthur and so when I saw His new release - <em>At the Throne of Grace</em> - I jumped at the opportunity to at least see what it was and maybe just maybe dip my toes into the pool of prayer books. <br><br>The first thing that I appreciated about this book was the introduction written by his children who share that they were the ones that begged him to have some of his prayers published into book format. This letter reassured me of MacArthur's humility in this arena and also made me a feel a little more at ease with reading someone else's prayers. <br><br>This book is divided into five topical sections with a brief appendix. Each prayer begins with an introductory passage of Scripture written out for you to read before the actual prayer. And I must add here that to my utter surprise I quickly found myself enjoying this book and all these prayers from another person. As I read I began to say the words myself and my heart was drawn into worship of our Almighty God. <br><br>So why would I recommend this book? Not because I think you should pray the exact same prayers of others per-say, but because I think as you read John's prayers they help refocus you to worship God more in prayer than just coming with your grocery list of needs for a quick session of begging. You most likely won't read this book in one sitting or straight through, but rather set it on the coffee table and pick it up every now and then and let yourself slip into moments of worship and adoration of the Creator of all. <br><br><strong>BOOK OVERVIEW:</strong> <br><br>Bible teacher MacArthur has a passion for honoring God, obeying his Word, and proclaiming Christ as Lord---and he invites you to join him! Bringing together select readings from over 40 years of his ministry, this collection of prayers and Scripture will stir your heart to pursue a deeper, more meaningful communion with God. 208 pages, hardcover from Harvest. <br><br> <p><iframe height="297" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/F7PNT379RLU?rel=0" frameborder="0" width="525" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08864076681374164439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038030786386006945.post-7302948420984234782011-12-12T11:44:00.001-08:002011-12-12T11:44:36.683-08:003 Really Good Parenting Books For Just A Few Quarters!<p>Are you a parent? Do you work with children in church or interact with children in your family circle?</p> <p>If so you will want to get your hands on these good deals at Amazon.com!</p> <p>The kindle versions of 3 really good parenting books are being offered right now for just a handful of quarters! And remember you don’t have to own a kindle to read them…you can download free Kindle apps for your computer, tablet, or smartphone.</p> <p>So here they are….</p> <ol> <li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shepherding-a-Childs-Heart-ebook/dp/B005GG6BYC/ref=pd_sim_kinc_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2" target="_blank">Shepherding A Child’s Heart</a> for $1.79 </li> <li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Instructing-a-Childs-Heart-ebook/dp/B005MRY7M8/ref=pd_sim_kinc_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2" target="_blank">Instructing A Child’s Heart</a> for $1.79</li> <li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Make-Count-Three-ebook/dp/B004RHB5P6/ref=pd_sim_kinc_2?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2" target="_blank">Don’t Make Me Count To Three</a> for $1.79</li></ol> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LLewKdJ-6hY/TuZZm9_dWNI/AAAAAAAAFxs/qzv7SIGZXZc/s1600-h/image%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-W_CpC9rWUqE/TuZZnZPJoRI/AAAAAAAAFx0/CDytyZus5dE/image_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="150" height="150"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mJcftLDXV28/TuZZn95HgnI/AAAAAAAAFx8/WM9_e3g7lIQ/s1600-h/image%25255B7%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LDkLbsoGuqk/TuZZoBzn_aI/AAAAAAAAFyE/rPC7fcQ3hh4/image_thumb%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="150" height="150"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XgngzIZp_eM/TuZZooGKcyI/AAAAAAAAFyM/6usk233EkoM/s1600-h/image%25255B11%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-V7A3PZU2qjw/TuZZo2zhiuI/AAAAAAAAFyU/oj3XMeuitjc/image_thumb%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="150" height="150"></a></p> Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08864076681374164439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038030786386006945.post-18223292795894481792011-12-12T06:00:00.000-08:002011-12-12T06:00:14.961-08:00The Next Story by Tim Challies<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10446146-the-next-story?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; float: left" alt="The Next Story: Life and Faith after the Digital Explosion" align="left" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41eJ6fDE-hL._SX106_.jpg"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5ansOZmOnM8/Tt5kNVc5llI/AAAAAAAAFwc/LwMxI-ZRLSk/s1600-h/image%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0ZCIld8_B3o/Tt5kNyrlYPI/AAAAAAAAFwk/cN1jzjcYYvc/image_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="100" height="100"></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11331584-the-next-story">The Next Story: Life and Faith after the Digital Explosion</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/940880.Tim_Challies">Tim Challies</a><br>My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/192980328">5 of 5 stars</a><br><br><strong>MY REVIEW:</strong> <br><br>So many times I am find myself wondering how I managed without a cell phone...or how I would contact people without Facebook...or how inconvenient it would be without wifi in our home...and sometimes I even wonder how I learned without twitter. And this is exactly what - and so much more! - Tim Cahllies deals with in this book: <em>The Next Story</em>. <br><br>I "read" the audio version of this book and because it was not a book that I <em>wanted</em> to read but rather <em>knew I should</em> read. The audio format was best for me and was easy to listen to. <br><br>This is a book that will challenge you, make you think, and give you lots to continue to think about. However, while being deep and probing, I still felt that it was easy to understand and digest the message. <br><br>Tim is both gifted and knowledgeable as a communicator on the subject of technology and he brings to the table some very thought-provoking ideas and ways of determining the place for technology in the life of a Christian. I appreciate that, in my opinion, he is balanced - not willing to throw out technology but not glossing over it either - and looks at things from a realistic, and most importantly, Biblical view point. Now I don't mean that I agree with <em>everything</em> he said...er' I mean <em>wrote</em> but I definitely walked away understanding technology better and the desire to make it serve me, not I serve it. This book was both personally and "parentally" beneficial. <br><br>I would highly recommend anyone - adult or teen - read this book (or listen to it!) as it will help you figure out the place for technology in your life. <br><br><strong>BOOK OVERVIEW:</strong> <br><br>Even the least technical among us are being pressed from all sides by advances in digital technology. We rely upon computers, cell phones, and the Internet for communication, commerce, and entertainment. Yet even though we live in this ‘instant message’ culture, many of us feel disconnected, and we question if all this technology is really good for our souls. In a manner that attempts to be accessible, thoughtful, and biblical, I address questions such as: <br><br>How has life—and faith—changed now that everyone is available all the time through mobile phones? <br>How does our constant connection to these digital devices affect our families and our church communities? <br>What does it mean that almost two billion humans are connected by the Internet … with hundreds of millions more coming online each year? <br><br>Providing the reader with a framework they can apply to any technology, I explain how and why our society has become reliant on digital technology, what it means for our lives, and how it impacts the Christian faith. <br><br>So it’s a book not just for the young and digital, but for all of us. <br> <p><iframe height="309" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4r89uljMuCU?rel=0" frameborder="0" width="550" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08864076681374164439noreply@blogger.com0