Friday, February 28, 2014

100 Days Of Right Believing

100 Days of Right Believing is adapted from Joseph Prince's New York Times bestselling book The Power of Right Believing. 

What you believe is everything!
Break free from bondages and live a life of victory through inspiring bite-sized teachings that will help you develop highly effective habits for right believing.
Each daily experience includes:
• Today’s Scripture: A scripture to meditate on to recalibrate your mind and believe right about God’s heart and plans for you.
• Today’s Excerpt: A key truth about right believing that ministers and delivers God’s transforming grace to you.
• Today’s Thought: An uplifting, liberating, and powerful thought for the day.
• Today’s Reflection: A place to journal your thoughts and reflections.
• Today’s Prayer: A simple but powerful prayer to help you express your heart to your heavenly Father.
(from the website)




This is an excellent book. Each day's selection was perfect for just a few minutes to refresh your soul and connect with God. Whether it is read to jump-start your day, to reflect upon before going to bed, or as a much needed break somewhere in-between, I found the selections to be just enough to be healing and calming and to remind me of God's love. It is easy to believe the lies that are whispered into our minds, and this book has a portion of Scripture that replaces that lie with Truth. I also enjoyed reading the excerpts that expand upon what was read, along with a thought to meditate upon. There is room for you to jot down a few thoughts about how this spoke to you or whatever else you need to say. This is a good reference for you to go back to later to see where you were and where you are now. Finishing the daily selection with a prayer brings you to the throne of God. Hopefully, the published prayer is just to get you started with a time spent with God, but I find it very useful to help focus my thoughts as I formulate my own words. Of course, I simply scanned though much of the book in order to review it, but it is one that will be used for regular devotions. I highly recommend it.

I received a copy of this book from Faith Words at no cost for the purpose of writing an honest review.

Friday, February 14, 2014

Biblical Reproductions - The Website

Last week I talked about the products available from Biblical Reproductions, and this week I am reviewing the website. Located at www.biblicalreproductions.com, it opens to a slide show of some of their featured products, but I was even more impressed with the easy access to other sources. Whether you want to read articles written about them or want to click on the sections that are lined up across the top, each brings you a wealth of information.

The Shop is divided into categories including scrolls, pottery, and unique discoveries. I loved an added benefit to just looking at prices and photos, though. Say you were intrigued by the photo of the miniature Dead Sea Scrolls jar. When you click on the photo, you get a more indepth description of the product, but also more historical detail of the original. I loved learning more about each product that is available.


For history buffs, the blog is another great source of information. With topics ranging from Qumran to Masada to Pontius Pilate and more, you are given a deeper understanding and background of certain pieces associated with history. There is also a Q&A for any questions you may have concerning the reproductions.



Another section I found of interest was one entitled Raise Funds. If there is a way they can help you use their products as a fund-raiser, you can contact them. It is good to know that this is a company that not only wants to shed light on the antiquities and Biblical history, but also want to shine light on present day needs that need help. I think that is why one of my favorite pieces is their replica oil lamps.


Biblical Reproductions website
Biblical Reproductions on Facebook

Biblical Reproductions on Google+
Follow @biblicalreplica
Biblical Reproductions on LinkedIn

Biblical Reproductions Pinterest
Biblical Reproductions Instagram

I was given this opportunity due to my participation as a CWA Review Crew member. Look for part 2 of my review next week.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Rich In Years

Rich in Years

Finding Peace and Purpose in a Long Life by Johann Christoph Arnold

Why shouldn’t growing older be rewarding? Johann Christoph Arnold, whose books have helped over a million readers through life’s challenges, wants us to rediscover the spiritual riches that age has to offer. Now in his seventies, Arnold finds himself personally facing the trials that come with aging. But he knows, from decades of pastoral experience, what older people and their caregivers can do to make the most of the journey. In this book, he shares stories of people who, in growing older, have found both peace and purpose. (from the website)

My Review:  I do love the basic premise for the book---encouraging people to continue to find ways to serve others even as they near the end of their lifespan. I have long held the belief that the need to feel needed and useful are essential, and the author gives stories about people who never quit looking for ways to  be used. As a Christian, I also appreciate the use of Scripture and the demonstrations of lives dedicated to serving God. I would recommend the book to those who feel they (or an older relative) has reached a point that they are not essential. Depression and bitterness are not the way to spend the remainder of your time on earth.

However, as far as a book just to read, it was only ok. Each story told and the people involved were good as individual stories, but this is not a book to read in just one or sittings. This is more of a personal choice of reading material than a criticism toward the book itself, but it just wasn't one that kept my interest for long.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Handlebar Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Biblical Reproductions - Products


Several days ago I was really excited to find out that I had been selected as one of the bloggers who gets to review a product from a company called Biblical Reproductions. Founded in 2011 by Alex Ingelman, Biblical Reproductions was created to provide high quality reproductions of treasures for your home or church. Biblical Reproduction Inc. has the exclusive North American rights for reproduction of artifacts granted by Israel’s Antiquities Authority and they come with a Certificate of Authorization.
Temple Court Inscription
Biblical Antiquities Reproduction Group, Inc., is based in both Toronto, Canada and Jerusalem, Israel.  Igelman has a strong passion for the Bible, History and the Holy Land and wanted to share some of the treasures to be found with the general public. Of course, the actual artifacts cannot be sold, but

The Genesis Scroll

Just imagine having a reproduction of one of the Dead Sea Scrolls! The Genesis scroll (pictured left) contains 11 lines of text: Genesis 1:18-27. Or the Temple Court Inscription  that dates back to the 1st century BC! Though fragmented, the Temple Courts Inscription itself can be reconstructed to read:
“No foreigner is to enter the barriers surrounding the sanctuary. He who is caught will have himself to blame for his death which will follow.”
The scroll fragments, pottery, and other items they have for sale are not only great as teaching tools, but are also part of our own historical and religious heritage. I especially loved the oil lamps I saw pictured. They have both 1st century and 4th century reproductions. Such a simple household item, but they send my imagination flying into overdrive!


I was given this opportunity due to my participation as a CWA Review Crew member. Look for part 2 of my review next week.

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Journey Of Hope by Debbie Kaufman

Marriage Is Not Her Mission:
Escaping a society wedding, Annabelle Baldwin followed her heart to Liberia to pursue her calling as a missionary. But when an attempted kidnapping lands her under the protection of Stewart Hastings, Anna's journey takes a new turn. The wounded war veteran needs a guide through the jungle. It's a job the underfunded missionary can't refuse, despite the feelings Stewart stirs in her guarded heart. 
Stewart knows he won't succeed without Anna's expertise. And when danger puts her life at risk, he realizes he cannot live without Anna by his side. But what will it take for a man who has lost his faith to capture the heart of a woman who lives for hers? (publisher's description)

Journey of Hope (Love Inspired Historical) by Debbie Kaufman is part of her "African Missionary" series, but can be read as a stand alone novel. Set in Liberia during the 1920s, this book is filled with drama, danger, romance, faith, and even moments of laughter. The research put into this book is evident and adds to enjoyment of reading it. Some authors can drag you down with details, but this was a perfect blend of being informative and adding to the storyline; I found myself wanting to learn more. Debbie Kaufman created characters that were strong and memorable, but with enough fault to also make them realistic.

The love story and conclusion were predictable, but that is the formula for this type of book. From the moment I learned to read, I used to grab my mom's Harlequin romances, and in 50+ years, only 1 surprised me at the end. However, the journey to the destination is what makes a book good or bad, and I think Journey Of Hope was a satisfying trip. I give it a solid 4 and look forward to reading more of Ms. Kaufman's books.

Debbie Kaufman website
Twitter: @debbie_kaufman
Facebook: Debbie Kaufman Fan Page



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a free copy of this book 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 Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” I am part of the CWA Review Crew.