Unstoppable!

You have got to check this out!!!  Nick Vujicic has a new book coming out called Unstoppable!  If you don't already know who this incredible man is, take a peek at this video and then check out the first chapter of his new book!  I was first introduced to Nick through a video from our church and then got ahold of his first book.  This man is truly an inspiration to ALL!!!

Click HERE to watch this short video clip!

Then jump on over HERE to read the first chapter of his book!  You won't be sorry!  Hope you have had a blessed day!

The Everyday Matters Bible for Women (NLT)

The CWA Review Crew hooked me up with this AMAZING study bible, the "Everyday Matters Bible For Women--Practical Encouragement to Make Every Day Matter" in the NLT.  I gotta tell you, this is by far one of the best (and my most loved) study bibles.  And trust me, I've had plenty!  lol  I have a bible fetish and love all the different colors, covers, study topics and comparing different translations.  When I received this one I had never read the New Living Translation before and I gotta say it's one I will continue to use as an everyday tool.  I love the simplicity and the translation that makes understanding and applying the bible to my everyday life so easy.

This bible has sections and study notes throughout based on 24 different spiritual disciplines.  Everything from Acceptance through Worship.  Ways to apply the word to your life through scripture reading/devotion type notes and real stories of everyday living.  We all know there are 1000's of women who endure the same hardships we do, who celebrate the same joys, who encounter the same obstacles but we never open ourselves up to share our personal experiences in a way that allows us to grow and heal from them.  The applications in this bible and the stories will help you to do just that.

Each book of the bible is outlined with a little bit of background information, the message of the book and the time frame it happened, along with a brief outline.  It's never been easier to study the word!  And I gotta tell you, the first day I picked it up to use it for my daily study (which I do along with podcasts I listen to) took me to something that was so relevant for what I was dealing with.  Taking time to read everyday, to get into the word.  It quickly became a daily reminder (as I took a pic with my phone!) as to WHY I can't make excuses not to study daily.

I know you will enjoy this Bible as much as I do and use it for many years to come.  Let it be your daily companion.  Only drawbacks I see to this book is the hardback cover (I prefer soft cover bibles...maybe I'm an oddball, but I spend so much time I like flexibility and bending spines when I'm dragging it everywhere from the kitchen table to my lap in the carpool lane at school), and I wish there was a compact version to pack in my purse!!  Seriously.....  getcha one!

 I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

Reviewing, Reviewing, Reviewing!

I hear the theme song to Rawhide playing in my head.....'Rollin' rollin' rollin.........'  LOL  :)  I'm reviewing, reviewing, reviewing!!!  Yes, I go in spurts, winter is coming and with this cooler weather we've been experiencing I've had my nose in a book most days!   I love reading (which is probably where my kids get it) and getting my sites updated with new books all the time makes it exciting!  It's like taking a big trip to Barnes & Noble without paying $4.00 a gallon for gas to get there.  ha!  Too bad that's not actually funny.....I refuse to get into political posts so we'll get back to reading.

The next book I'm getting ready to read is 

I'm all about self-help and inspiration books, even teaching types.  But once in a while you just need a good story (especially the TRUE ones) of an underdog and real life.  Many know that a piece of my heart is lost in Africa....don't know why exactly, but God has it there and I'm excited to read this story about Lopez Lomong.  I'm not a track fan by any means, but this looks so intriguing.  Stay tuned!

This is the description of the book:

Running for My Life is not a story about Africa or track and field athletics. It is about outrunning the devil and achieving the impossible faith, diligence, and the desire to give back. It is the American dream come true and a stark reminder that saving one can help to save thousands more.

Lopez Lomong chronicles his inspiring ascent from a barefoot lost boy of the Sudanese Civil War to a Nike sponsored athlete on the US Olympic Team. Though most of us fall somewhere between the catastrophic lows and dizzying highs of Lomong's incredible life, every reader will find in his story the human spark to pursue dreams that might seem unthinkable, even from circumstances that might appear hopeless.

PLUS! Yesterday I attended the Beth Moore simulcast at the First Baptist Church in our town.  It was AMAZING.  ♥  I've always wanted to go see Beth live, and this was the next best thing.  My first ever simulcast and I gotta tell ya, as long as the church will keep bringing them back I'm THERE!  I can't begin to share how much I enjoyed yesterday.  Doors opened at 8 a.m. and we concluded the day around 4 I think it was.  Had a break for lunch and potty breaks mid-morning and mid-afternoon.  Spent the day with sister's in Christ learning from His word in 2 Kings and putting our FAITH back in our FAITHFULNESS!!  I feel so renewed and overflowing with joy from the Holy Spirit.  Sharing the day with my friend Joy was awesome and just being in the house of the Lord the entire day.  I told my hubby this morning on the way to church (as I was still rambling on about it I'm sure is what he thought....lol) that it's such a shame that there aren't more women in my life who would have loved to have spent the ENTIRE day worshiping and studying the word.  But I can't think of any other way I would have rather spent the day.  Most folks grumble about getting up on Sundays and going to church (if they even do), and as I mentally went through my list of acquaintances and friends I wondered who if any of them would have been excited or looked forward to spending the entire day in church.  I gotta tell ya, I can't think of a better way to spend a day and I'm so glad I was blessed to take part in yesterday's event.  

As Beth said, when someone asks how are you?  I'm ready to respond with "I'm blessed in His presence!"  Wishing you all a terrific week ahead!  We've got three birthdays coming up in our family, lots of exciting events for my job this week and more football in store!  It's gonna be a great week.  

What a Difference - Book Review

This book is a testimony to the true power of the human spirit. I recommend this book to anyone that needs a little inspiration or who wonders if they really make a difference.  Short read, I think it would have been better if I had read the first book in this two part series, Same Kind of Different as Me.  Nonetheless, a great read!  :)  

Thomas Nelson provided me a free copy of this book in exchange for my review which I freely give.

Christ Our Mediator

Christ our Mediator is a very short book, but gets right to the point. The author brings you a new perspective at looking upon the crucifiction of our Lord. I always got it, I always understood it, but looking at it from the Lord's point of view has given me a different outlook on my own walk of faith and my own attention to His gift of grace. Too many people see the act of Christ being crucified as just a physical event to a man rather than seeing the bigger picture. A great read for any Christian, an enlightening book for those wondering about Jesus and Christianity.

WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group provided this book to me for free in exchange for this honest review as part of their Blogging for Books program.

Free Books! Seriously!

So who doesn't love FREE stuff, right?!  I've had several people ask me lately where I get my free books to review.  So I shared the 3-4 companies that I get them from and then decided to go on a hunt.  Yes, a google hunt.  :)  So this post is all about linking you up with FREE BOOKS!!  Because I found lots of resources available to do just that.  Some of the links/info I'm going to share are from other blogs with extensive info on how to obtain all the reading material your little heart desires.  Some are targeted to one genre or another, some have multiple options to choose from.  So weather you are looking for Christian reading material, religious, children's books, fiction, romance......you can find it ALL.....for free if you just know where to look.  Happy reading y'all!

Since today is Thursday, I'm considering this my Thankful Thursday post too.  I'm so thankful that I have eyes to read, a mind that allows me to imagine, dream and discern what I choose to read and that God has blessed me with a love of reading His word first and foremost.  Every morning spending time with Him is what makes everyday blessed.  I actually read a little excerpt from my study bible yesterday about making time for reading the bible daily.  We all know we should, but we make excuses because we overslept, or we're so busy today with a full schedule of things that must get done.....when in reality, it all boils down to how much do you love Jesus?  He loved you enough to die for you.  Do you not love Him enough to take just 15 minutes of your busy day (that HE gave you after all!) and devote it to focusing solely on Him and reading His word.   I pray that I will always hunger for HIS word.  ♥  Happy Thursday!

First up on the list of FREE reading/reviewing is:  Blogging for Books 

This is probably my favorite by far.

Next check out BookSneeze

 Both of these first two resources are for Christian/Religious books.

They range from studies, fiction, practical living, young adult, business....the list goes on and on.

I will give BookSneeze a little credit here, they do provide more book options than Blogging for Books.  Especially if you prefer to use an e-reader such as a kindle or nook (I use my iPad for these apps).  Even though I love the convenience and simplicity of an e-reader, there's still just something about a books with crisp new pages, the smell of the paper and the feel of the cover that nothing can compare to! ;)

Next up is Net Galley

They provide a broader range of books and you can search based on publishers, authors, genres and even dates.  However they have a more detailed/strict system to adhere to and publishers will choose you to review their books.  So it's like a luck of the draw type situation.  You may find something but if your profile bio doesn't fit the standard that a publisher or author is looking for then you most likely won't be chosen to review a book.  Yeah, cause we wouldn't want to receive a 'bad' review and if we hand-pick our readers we're more likely to get the response and publicity we're looking for to promote our work.  ;) lol

How to get free books for your kindle or nook.

This is a link to a blog that shows you resources and ways to receive free books.

Hundred Zeros

Browse books by subject....and trust me there are TONS!!!

This is an e-reader only site.  But who cares if they are all FREE!?! 

Book Review Circle

Book worms unite!  Join the club and enjoy reading to your little heart's content.

Interesting site and lots of goodies to browse through.

5 Ways to Get Review Copies of Books

Another great blog post about where to find the things you are looking for in free books!

TLC Book Tours

Just found this one last night so can't tell you all the details but it looks fun!

First Look Book Club

If you are a B&N junkie with your nook this is a blog link to show you how to join the First Look Book Club and get free reading!

There are so, soooo many resources available for free books if you just know where to look.  Hopefully these links will get you off to a great start!  If you're still bored and don't have enough to read do a google search (yes, go hunting! Said in my best Elmer Fudd cartoon voice) and see what you can find!  Use various search terms and remember " quotations can narrow your search!  I think to find some of these resources I just searched for how to find free books to review!  These should at least get you through the weekend.  ;) Enjoy.

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PW Giveaway!

HURRY!  Run, don't walk (is that even possible in cyberspace?) to the Pioneer Woman's blog!  Ree is doing a giveaway today!  Three dutch oven's in the most gorgeous color of blue!

I'd tell you good luck and I hope you win, but seriously......I want to win!  So it's every blogger for herself!  lol  But at least I'm giving you a heads up.  

I'm still reading away!  Got my review of Greater finished and received my next free book to review, which is "Christ Our Mediator".  Pretty good too actually.  Very quick read, it's a short book.  Less than 100 pages I believe.  But we've been busy the last few days so I need to kick it in gear and finish it today.  I also received a new study bible for review.  The "Everyday Matters Bible for Women".  Love the outlines and study sections in it.  Definitely putting practical everyday living into perspective and providing encouragement through the stories and studies.  So if you are interested, head on over to Amazon and getcha one!  You'll love it!  I promise.  

One last note of interest.....my daughter who is the ultimate book worm, has started her own blog!  Nothing but books, what she thinks of them, how they relate to her life, what she recommends and invites to share your thoughts, opinions and suggestions for great reads.  "My One Thousand Lives"  Those of you who are literary snobs will know the significance of her title.  Consider it a 'Book Club' you can attend online.  I've always seen in movies (yes I'm sheltered, we live in the middle of the sticks remember) where people would gather at one another's homes and share their thoughts on a particular book.  Can't imagine what that would be like.  I'm rather introverted when it comes to my books and don't want any other opinions that might not agree with my own!  LOL  So, Taylor's blog can be found HERE.  Enjoy!  She's just getting started so drop her a line, leave some blog love in her comments and make some suggestions!  SHE LOVES IT!!  :)

I'm off to make pink deliveries this morning, maybe make a stop at the local library (yes, they still have those! not everything is electronic), football practice for my little this afternoon and AWANAS at church this evening where we are starting an adult study while the kiddos are worshiping.  "Have a New Kid by Friday"!  Wish me luck, it's going to be a busy day!

Greater!!

GREATER!!!  Yes, indeed!!!  This book quickly became a favorite!!!  I've had Sun Stand Still by the same author, Steven Furtick, for some time now and just hadn't felt the urge to crack it open.  A friend talked about his second book GREATER and that she couldn't wait to grab it!  Well....  lucky me to be a reviewer!  I believe all things happen for a reason and God knew I was going to pick this book up and get engrossed!

Steven Furtick takes Biblical knowledge and opens your eyes on how to use it to your full potential!  To be GREATER than you already are (yes, already are....I believe God don't make no junk honey!).  It allowed me to see that I can be greater for God right where I'm at.  I don't have to be a missionary in a third world country to be able to do greater things to bring glory to God.

Some of the things in the book I already knew, but it was nice to have it reinforced in a way that left me not doubting myself or my motives for things I do in life.  Being able to strive for greater things in my family, my children, my relationships, my job.  All for His glory!

My favorite part about reading books like this, is that it opens my eyes to new scripture, new stories from God's word and the amazing impact they can have on your life when you discover the little details you may have otherwise overlooked.  DEFINITELY 5 stars in my opinion!  One I'll be keeping around for future reference.  I think I wore the highlight button out on my kindle!  Thank you Mr. Furtick!  I feel empowered and blessed to do Greater things!

WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group provided this book to me for free in exchange for this honest review as part of their Blogging for Books program.

Back to School & Reading

So.....everyone should now officially be back to school!  I have several friends in different areas of the country and we all seem to start school at different times.  Even home school moms.  Each have their own schedule but I love looking at all their kids pics of their first day of school.  I found some random pics of my kids over the years for their first days and it's bittersweet to see them grow so quickly.  It seems like yesterday my 'baby girl' was born, and now she's almost a college graduate!  Having her move out this year was tough on mom!  Tougher on dad.  lol  But we are all surviving quite nicely.  It makes her visits home on random weekends/holidays even more fun.  I can't believe my middle child is a Junior in high school this year.  He's growing into a man right before my eyes and I can't stop it.  Although he has his moments that make me realize why animals eat their young....somewhere in that giant body is the little boy who used to tell me "I love you bigger mommy".  We now have that love/hate relationship so my parenting skills must be top notch! ;)  ha.

The wee one is in third grade this year.  He was just excited about getting to share recess with the 'big kids' (i.e. 7th graders).  He can now play kick ball, football and random stuff with kids twice his size and he thinks that is way cooler than 1st graders he shared with last year.  He started tackle football at the YMCA this year too so momma is getting her sports fix.  Hard to believe I actually enjoy watching him tackle other kids! lol  ;)  In yo face!  Yes, I'm that mother...... pray for me.

AWANAS for 3rd grade this year is Truth & Training!  We're moving up!

We started AWANAS last night too which we have been looking forward to.  Love that my little man looks forward to spending time at church and learning scripture and reading his Bible.  No greater joy for a momma.  He accepted Christ this summer and we'll be posting pics of his baptism soon!  :)  We're waiting for the 'perfect pond' he requested to dunk him in!  lol  With the droubt this summer, ponds are scarce that don't have sludge or poo knee deep.  The recent rains are clearing things up so hopefully soon we'll be dunkin'!

I'm also excited that the church is having adult bible study groups while the kids are in AWANAS.  So looking forward to the studies ahead, one of which is Dave Ramsey's financial university!  Definitely needed, and hoping it can help us get back on track in this household.  We aren't a family that is swimming in debt (no credit cards or over-extending ourselves with unnecessary luxuries), but the recession has hit more than we expected and sometimes 'robbing Peter to pay Paul' seems eminent.  Don't get me wrong....we are standing on His promises and know that God doesn't live in a recession.  He has ALWAYS provided for our needs and it's amazing to see Him at work when you least expect it.  But it would be nice to do a little more once in a while.  I remember one day when I met my husband at the football field for practice after work.  Being in another town it takes 30 minutes to drive there from our house, and 45 minutes from hubby's work (which is the opposite direction) so we meet in the middle.  I had gotten an unexpected payment from someone that very day when I prayed I would find the gas money to make the trip.  Sharing with my husband the good news of answered prayer he told me how he had prayed all day for the same provision for himself.  You see, he had literally pulled into the park on E.  Probably running on fumes.  Knowing that somehow God was providing his way home.  Not knowing how, but that He would.  I handed him the extra money I had made that day.  Which filled his gas tank too.  So.....we know he ALWAYS provides.  But I have to admit the human side of me would like to feel a little less stressed wondering how He's going to do it! ;) lol

My goal today is to finish my book GREATER and post that review (it's incredible!), make homemade spaghetti and bread sticks (as promised to my 8 year old), and do a little cleaning.  (yeah, I said little.....I despise housework) Maybe I'll take some extra time today to play with our new puppy Peach.  More on her tomorrow.....  she's so stinkin' cute.

So for today.....here's a link to one of my favorite blogs of a friend.  She makes her kids lunches EVERYDAY, is the Bento queen, an awesome cook, and an even more incredible photographer!  Be inspired!  Even if you homeschool, these lunches will blow your kids' mind (and just might even get them to eat all those nasty veggies you try to force down them).  Be blessed today!  Check Jamie out at www.thislunchrox.com

So my next review is being done on Steven Furticks latest book GREATER.  Best book I've read in quite a while next to the Good Book ;) 

I can't tell you how much it has lifted me in the past few days and given me a different outlook on not only serving God but how I can be greater than I am allowing myself to be. 

Maybe this doesn't make sense...stay tuned for the review!  I'm almost done!  All I can say is if you have this book why havent you read it yet?! If you don't have it, get it!  If you can't get it yet, reserve it! Seriously!  Gonna be a long busy day so I must go.... I'm off to be GREATER!