The Flirtation Experiment review

 

From popular Christian voices Lisa Jacobson and Phylicia Masonheimer, The Flirtation Experiment inspires you to strengthen your marriage with a fun, unexpected approach that leads to the depth, richness, and closeness you desire.

Has the sparkle and mystery in your relationship lessened as the routine of every day life takes much of your time? You may want to stir things up a little. A little spontaneity, even planned spontaneity, can produce some unforgettable memories that draws you closer as a couple.

 

After reading The Flirtation Experiment, wives will...

 

 *be filled with hope and encouragement to make a powerful, positive change in your marriage

*become empowered to pursue your husband romantically

*understand that the Bible invites women to be proactive in their marriage

*be motivated to consistently love in creative ways

*forge closeness and intimacy in your marriage.

 

Download the 1st TWO Chapters: LINK

My Review: I enjoyed the conversational style the authors used in sharing their own experiments in flirtation with their spouses. They alternate chapters to give a more personal tone to each of their stories. Lisa and Phylicia are in different stages of their lives and marriages, proving that flirtation experiments are good to try at any time within your marriage. There were also 30 different topics used to view experiments through a variety of lenses. Of course, I loved that both couples have a Biblical worldview of marriage and respect for one another as husband and wife. Whether you are in your 1st year of marriage or your 71st year, you will gain some wonderful ideas for your own flirtation experiments.

BUY YOUR COPY: LINK!

Giveaway: One copy of The Flirtation Experiment! Deadline to enter is FEB 18, 2022.
Comment #TheFlirtationExperiment on this blog or a social media post about the giveaway. I will need your name, mailing address, and email if you win. Please note: This giveaway is limited to US winners only.

Disclosure: Many thanks to HarperCollins Christian Publishing for providing this product for review. Opinions are 100% my own. I did receive the product in exchange for this review and post.

#FlirtationExperimentMIN #TheFlirtationExperiment #MomentumInfluencerNetwork
 

Of Stillness and Storm - Michele Phoenix

"of stillness and storm" by Michele Phoenix is, in her own words, "My hope is that this novel will be a cautionary tale..."

It took Lauren and her husband ten years to achieve their dream—reaching primitive tribes in remote regions of Nepal. But while Sam treks into the Himalayas for weeks at a time, finding passion and purpose in his work among the needy, Lauren and Ryan stay behind, their daily reality more taxing than inspiring. For them, what started as a calling begins to feel like the family’s undoing.
At the peak of her isolation and disillusion, a friend from Lauren’s past enters her life again. But as her communication with Aidan intensifies, so does the tension of coping with the present while reengaging with the past. It’s thirteen-year-old Ryan who most keenly bears the brunt of her distraction.

Intimate and bold, Of Stillness and Storm weaves profound dilemmas into a tale of troubled love and honorable intentions gone awry. (Thomas Nelson product description)

I have mixed feelings on this book. Phoenix did bring more layers to characters as the story enfolded, although my frustration with each also increased as I read. The story is thought-provoking, especially for families who feel the call to become missionaries, so mission accomplished as far as what Phoenix hoped to convey. Perhaps the clearer vision of the reader is what leads to my frustration with the book. I can't fault her for creating characters I don't particularly like, but I grew more annoyed rather than more empathetic. This is definitely not a "happily ever after" fairy tale, which is not a requirement for my enjoyment of a story, but I would have liked to have felt a bit more hope for the characters.

The writing itself is very good, and the story flows well and gains momentum toward a suspected conclusion. I confess, I wasn't sure HOW the author would arrive there, so I will not say predictable, but it was a conclusion that left me feeling empty. I can't judge the book based solely on my opinion of the characters, but neither can I say I loved the book. However, it is an interesting study of missionary life from a viewpoint one may not have fully considered. I have an opinion, but each person should be free to draw their own.

Thanks to Handlebar Marketing for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe

Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe by Max Lucado, with Candace Lee and Eric Newman is a Christian fiction book published by ThomasNelson that is delightfully reminiscent of films like It's A Wonderful Life or The Bishop's Wife.

Chelsea Chambers has recently had a very public split from her NFL superstar husband. She and their children return to their hometown in Texas to reopen the coffee shop left to her by her mother. Even with her incredible cupcakes, hard work, and determination, Higher Grounds Café is having too many set backs. In despair, she prays for a miracle.

An endearingly likeable, albeit clumsy, strangers shows up at her door, eager to help. Not long after, she gets a free trial for a most unusual internet deal. Users can only connect to one website...God.com. Higher Grounds is soon buzzing with new business eager to ask the one question they are allowed, but this creates as many problems as it solves. When Ryan returns, begging for another chance, Chelsea is certain that her world has been turned upside down once again. No matter how hard she tries, disasters keep arriving.

My Review: At first, I wasn't sure. I absolutely love Lucado's nonfiction books and find all of his children's books and DVDs absolutely delightful. This brand of fiction/fantasy was a bit different, but I found myself enjoying it more and more until I finally just relaxed and had fun with the adventure. It was a bit fluffy, so I would prefer a bit more indepth look at the characters in future books of this type, yet I really liked it enough to want to read more. This is a lighthearted book, in spite of touching on some harsh realities, that warms the heart and leaves a smile that grew more as I read. Great book for a couple of free hours or to take with you on vacation.

Read the first 3 chapters!

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review and all  opinions 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.”

Growing a Strong Marriage: Starting Strong

Hendrickson Publishers introduces Starting Strong,  the first in a video Bible study series called "Growing A Strong Marriage". The series, designed to help you strengthen and grow in your marriage. Whether you are in the early days of your marriage or have been married for over 50 years, your relationship is always going to need nourishment and tender loving care to survive and thrive.  

Volume 1, Starting Strong, teaches the importance of a strong Biblical foundation. Four DVD sessions, ranging from 8 to 20 minutes long, feature touching interviews and personal advice from:
John and Staci Eldredge
Chip and Theresa Ingram
Gordon and Gail MacDonald
Les and Leslie Parrott
Art and Lysa TerKeurst
Gary and Lisa Thomas

Hendrickson Publishers website

My Review: This marriage dvd series is a bit different than others I have gone through, but I like it. I was more familiar with some of the couples featured than others, but loved hearing the stories each shared. It actually seemed they were more part of the group and were opening the way for others to feel more comfortable about sharing. Starting Strong, the 1st volume of the Growing A Strong Marriage series is divided into four sessions:
Session 1 – How We Met
Session 2 – Foundation in Marriage
Session 3 – Identity in Christ
Session 4 – Paths to Christ in Marriage

Using these video clips, along with a wonderful study guide written by Amy McGowan, the facilitator of the group study is able to steer the conversations into ones that help the group get to know one another and for the couples to be able to open up to the group and one another. This is not a serious set of sessions for repairing deep hurts in a marriage, but more like a refreshing time to remember and reflect on how far you've come as a couple and the importance of keeping lines of communication open. I was especially glad to see the subject of satanic attacks on a marriage. That session definitely honed in on the importance of talking it out with your spouse AND to pray together as a couple for your marriage.

  I received a free copy of this 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.

Team Us

Team Us: Marriage Together by Ashleigh Slater (Forward by Dr. Gary Chapman, "5 Love Languages") offers practical ways to cultivate and strengthen unity in their marriages. Author Ashleigh Slater shares from her own marriage as she presents couples with realistic ideas on how to foster cooperation, deepen commitment, and exercise grace on a daily basis.

What are you agreeing to when you say “I do”? When a couple promises “I do,” they agree to more than just a shared last name, a joint bank account, and no more dateless nights. This husband and wife duo forms a new team. “Life together” becomes their mantra. Nothing can come between them. At least, that’s the plan. But then real life sets in. With it come disappointments and frustrations. If the couple isn’t intentional in their day-to-day interactions, that once enthusiastic “we” can slowly revert to “you” and “me.” Before long, the couple’s left wondering what happened to their team spirit.(back cover)

"Team Us" Official Book Trailer 
My Review: This is a personal, hands-on book of experiences gained that help a marriage survive and thrive. We live during a time when many people are not even willing to work through the small differences, let alone major ones, so I really like the team emphasis. There is a conversational tone that gives one the impression of chatting with a friend. Comments included as blurbs from Ashleigh's husband, Ted, carry on that impression. You've had those times with friends when a spouse adds another POV or clarity. Most added a humorous touch and I enjoyed reading Ted's thoughts.

While this isn't a book suitable for me, I have no hesitation about passing it along to my recently married granddaughter. It is important to realize from the beginning of a marriage that you and your spouse are a new team who must work together. From the silly things like television preferences to major issues of moving and loss, it is important to understand that compromise and even caring more about bring joy to your spouse can turn around frustrations and build a solid foundation.

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

Leave a comment to be entered into drawing for a copy of book...no later than Feb 11, 2015 at 12 Noon. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. USA & Canada only. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Ashleigh Slater's website

A Christ-Centered Wedding

A Christ-Centered Wedding: Rejoicing in the Gospel on Your Big Day by Catherine Strode Parks and Linda Strode

Wedding planning has spawned a major industry. The average cost of the occasion now exceeds $25,000, and societal pressure to create the “perfect day” is so strong that even Christian couples forget what God originally intended for the sacred marriage ceremony.

While paying attention to the good fun that follows that special proposal (the dress, the flowers, the cake, the gatherings, etc.), A Christ-Centered Wedding first serves as a guide to believers who want their wedding to portray the relationship of Christ with the church and to reflect the gospel to all in attendance.

From the start, this thoughtful book looks to the Creator of weddings for guidance in planning by emphasizing the sacrificial love of the Savior more than the modern world’s idealistic view of romantic love. There are chapters filled with practical information about everything from pre-marital counseling and choosing a wedding location to other resources like a planning checklist and timeline, music suggestions, guidance on potential issues of conflict, a listing of traditional financial responsibilities, sample vows, and other great ideas from couples who have successfully put together a Christ-centered wedding. (publisher's description)

My Review: If you are looking for a book that covers just about everything you can think of for a wedding, this is the one for you. My favorite part was at the beginning of the book when they went into more detail of Biblical betrothals, marriage contracts, and wedding ceremonies. It brought a greater clarity to some of the metaphors used throughout the Bible, especially with the church being called the Bride of Christ.

The rest of the book is divided up into easy-to-read chapters on various aspects from the engagement to the reception. There were several ideas that I really loved and would suggest to anyone planning a wedding. I did love the way that each focused on having Christ at the center of it all. It brought a deeper meaning to the commitment the couple are making to one another and to their commitments as followers of Jesus.

Honestly, much of it is more overwhelming than anything I would have wanted to do, but I tend to be overly pragmatic. But, I still found it interesting and helpful. There were even things that I wish I had done. All-in-all though, I felt that it covered areas that could handle most budgets. The thought of spending thousands of dollars on a ceremony is absolutely horrifying to me, so if I think something is doable...it is. So, whether you are planning a very low cost wedding or if money is no object, the important thing is to work together with your finances, your personal views, consideration of others, and most of all, sharing and celebrating the love of Christ.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Shelton Interactive, as part of their Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Shelton Interactive is offering a giveaway copy of this book. Please leave a comment no later than 8/14/14 7pm (CDT) to be entered in a random drawing. US & Canada only. 

When Ashes Are All That Is Left

Courtesy: Pathlight Entertainment

A sleepy Texas town's nativity is burned to ashes by a former U.S. senator and the media swarms, starting a national debate; pitting the town, the senator and a minister's family in a fight ending in sacrifice.

Beyond the Farthest Star has a storyline that revolves around a nativity that was burned by an angry senator...leaving it in ashes, but there are more than the literal flames in this film. There are the flames of jealousy, mistrust, abuse, depression, loneliness, and rage that threaten to consume these multi-dimensional characters. Some are smoldering embers that threaten to deaden the emotions, but others shoot off sparks that reignite and cause fresh fires that threaten to consume and destroy.

Yet, sometimes fire is not meant to destroy. 1 Peter 1:7 tells us, "These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.". (NLT) Sometimes people are destroyed by the fires that rage within them, but there are times we go through other virtual fires in order to refine and strengthen us. As we are reminded in the film, God will "...give unto them beauty for ashes..." (Is. 61:3, KJV)

 This film touches on topics like

• Separation of Church and State
• Teen depression and Self Harm
• Abortion / Sanctity of Life
• Priorities of Life - Leaving a Legacy
• The Importance of Marriage Vows
• Fathers

A great idea is to buy DVDs as an outreach for those whose lives are affected by some of the issues above. There are teens feeling depressed or suicidal, people struggling with marriage issues, or men wanting to be a better father. Or, this is ideal for anyone who is letting their dreams die and need to know that there is hope to be found. You have heard that "A picture is worth a thousand words", so a movie will speak volumes!

• Like BTFS on Facebook 
• Beyond The Farthest Star on IMDb 
• Beyond The Farthest Star website 
• Follow @beyondmovie on Twitter 
• Subscribe to the BTFS YouTube Channel

BEYOND THE FARTHEST STAR is a tremendous film. Hope From The Heart calls it, “Dynamic! A great story of restoration and a gateway to address difficult issues and brokenness!" Richard Propes, The Independent Critic says, “ Inspired. It's refreshing to watch a film that so successfully infuses faith into the frequently harsh realities of life... without turning its faith into a greeting card sentimentality." And multi-Dove Award-winning artist Crystal Lewis said after watching with her teen daughter, "This film shows that there is hope, that restoration and redemption can come out of the darkness, and that beauty truly can be found among the ashes."  

Ever After by Vicki Courtney

Little girls often grow up with their heads filled with the stuff of fairy tales: You grow up, Prince Charming finds you (even if it means slaying dragons, defeating witches, and dealing with evil stepmothers, etc.), you marry, and ride off in your shimmering carriage to live happily ever after in your beautiful castle. Right?
 
Reality Check!! Tiny apts.; sky high bills; work demands; the pumpkin that turned into a carriage is actually a 'lemon'; the fairy godmother loses your new address; the sweet babies you envisioned cry, make messes...and turn into teenagers; Prince Charming doesn't always make your dreams come true; and , truth be told, your "princess persona" and crown may slip a notch or 2...sometimes. Vicki Courtney calls this “Fairy Tale Letdown.”
  
Ever After: Life Lessons Learned in My Castle of Chaos  should be required reading for those who need a dose of reality, but I also absolutely recommend it for those who long realized that life isn't a fairy tale...but is so much more exciting. This is written from the perspective of a married woman, but is also a great book for divorced or never-married women; there are topics that appeal to all women.  Courtney's sense of humor shines through the pages as she tells stories from her own life about mistakes made, lessons learned, tears, laughter, and the reminder that God's grace is sufficient for our happy ending and the Prince who awaits us.

I seldom give out 5 stars (I think it diminishes the ratings system when they are given too liberally), but would give this a 4.5 stars. I also read this will have a Bible Study curriculum soon; I expect it will be top-notch!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Shelton Interactive, as part of its Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."