The Logic of God - Ravi Zacharias

The Logic of God: 52 Christian Essentials for the Heart and Mind by Ravi Zacharias is a weekly offering on the topics that are important to Christians on why the Bible and God are still vital, relevant and life-changing. Ravi says, "I am convinced that Jesus Christ alone uniquely answers the deepest questions of our hearts and minds." Each week's reading provides Scripture, questions for reflection, and some practical application steps that apply to your life.

The book itself is a beautifully bound hardcover that is meant to be used frequently. It's not necessarily one you would normally read straight through but to be used in either your own quiet time and study or as part of a small group. Some of the topics are going to make more of a personal impact than others, but each is important as part of your faith-walk. I rushed through much for review purposes although some did cause me to linger a bit. I look forward to reading the book again as part of a weekly devotion. As always, Zacharias uses rational thinking, courtesy, intellect, and humor to challenge the reader to seriously consider the topic. 



I received a copy of this Zondervan published book from BookLookBloggers at no cost to myself for review purposes. I was neither influenced or required to write a positive review.

Ravi Zacharias website is RZIM.org.
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Spirit of God Illustrated Bible

The Spirit of God Illustrated Bible brings to life more than 40 Bible stories that help readers understand that God’s Spirit has been with us since the beginning of time and continues to be with us today. From the glory of creation through the powerful letters of Paul, God’s Spirit is living in his people. Old and New Testament stories such as Adam and Eve, Abraham, Joseph, the Baptism of Jesus, and Pentecost come alive with dramatic illustrations by Fernando Juarez and moving text by Doris Rikkers. With a cover that sparkles and shines with foil, this is a special storybook Bible that will appeal to both children and parents alike. (Publisher's Description) 

MY REVIEW: This hardcover book is sturdy for a child's use and is filled with words of faith to help a child grow stronger spiritually. Each Bible story included has an emphasis on the Holy Spirit. I honestly don't remember seeing a children's book that is devoted to God - The Holy Spirit and I am very pleased with the contents of the book. Of course, there are many stories that children may already be familiar with, but there are so that are not taught frequently in children's church. 

The book is recommended for children 4 - 8 years old, and I agree that is a suitable age group. But, since all of my great-grandkids are younger than four, I edited to a shorter version while reading a story. This is still a solid foundation for them until they are old enough to sit still for the actual story in the book. They are simplified, but so were the stories I was taught in Sunday School 50+ years ago. My main quibble would be in calling it a Bible, but we also have toddler "Bible" board books in the house. The little ones are happy to have their own "Bibles" and they certainly are not prepared for the adult versions.

Published by Zonderkidz division of Zondervan, I will give it a 5 for being a good introduction to the Holy Spirit for the very young.

GIVEAWAY: You can win a copy of Spirit of God Illustrated Bible, courtesy of Propeller Consulting LLC & FlyBy Promotions, when you respond either on Blog Comments or Post Comments no later 11:59pm on Wednesday, September 26, 2018. Comment with #SpiritofGodBible.

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“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller/FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. The winner is subject to eligibility verification.

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Unexpected: Leave Fear Behind - Christine Caine

The unexpected, by its very nature, can have a tremendous impact. Sometimes it even shakes our faith, causing us to become defensive and fearful of living out our life fully trusting God. However, that does not have to be your reaction. In Unexpected: Leave Fear Behind, Christine Caine uses compelling stories along with practical advice to offer encouragement. Leave behind the anxiety and move forward in faith, knowing that the unexpected WILL happen, but you can be confident that God is fully in control and will see you through anything. 

Christine Caine website 

MY REVIEW: Each of us has unexpected things occur in our lives and we are seldom prepared. Christine Caine received a diagnosis of cancer that rearranged plans she had made for her life and this book opens with her story. She doesn't offer easy steps of dealing with these changes but does tell the reader how she trusted Jesus during the ordeal.

But this is more than Christine's story. She also shares many other stories of people who have had their lives turned upside down. We are given a peek into how God used circumstances and other people to help each during the difficult times and, even to prepare for their future. Caine gives many examples of the hope to be found and the restoration of lives to a 'new normal' that is meaningful.

I highly recommend this book to all. No one goes through life without facing the unexpected, whether minor or major, and we all need the reminder that we have a God who is with us at all times. The message of comfort, strength, hope, and healing reminds us to face our fear by trusting God as He leads us through the trials we face. What is unexpected by us is known by God and Christine will help you fight the fear you are facing and move forward.

I received a copy of this book from Icon Media Group for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review.

May the Faith Be With You Bible

May the Faith Be With You Bible (Zondervan) is a full-text New Intertainional Readers's Version best suited for young readers ages 6-10. Using an outer space theme, this hard cover, compact sized, Bible points out that the highest, truest, and most rewarding way to a life of wisdom is apprenticing with the Ultimate Master himself---Jesus Christ. It also includes 24 full-color pages of content with pages titled "Ways of Wisdom," Use the Force," and "Master Moment." It's a convenient size to handle and the text is easy to read. In my opinion it is more suitable for 8 and up, but is also good for those who speak English as a second language.


I did love the space theme and cover, but I am fascinated by outer space...and it has a "In the beginning..." feel about it. The words seem a bit small, but are actually the same size as the Bible I had when I was 6. The children this Bible was designed for are probably not note-takers like me, so the lack of wide margins aren't going to be a big deal to most kids. However, if your child does like to make notes in the margin, this isn't the one for them. On the other hand, the colored pages are an extremely handy for young believers who aren't as familiar with stories, Scripture, and explanations needed to grow in faith. I also love the convenient dictionary in the back.

Handlebar Marketing provided a copy of this product for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

ADORED: 365 Devotions for Young Women

Adored: 365 Devotions for Young Women by Zondervan tackles tough topics girls face, from bullying and social media to friendships and dating, all the while showing readers how infinitely precious they are in God’s sight.

Each day contains a devotion that is relative to a young woman's life with room to journal for an even more personalized experience. Scripture is also included that is perfect for memorization, a starting point for daily Bible reading, or to simply remind the reader that the Bible still connects with our lives even hundreds of years later. Adored will resonate with girls searching for truth and guidance given with honesty and a touch of humor.

It's a wonderful gift for tweens, teens, and young women with it's compact size and beautiful, foiled cover, with two-color interior pages. The hard cover is durable and the pages are strongly bound (in my case, tested and proven by a curious 2 year old) to easily handle every day use. I also love that it does not have a specific date, making this a good gift for any time of the year AND you don't feel like you have to play catch-up (or simply abandon the book) if you miss a day or more. My only complaint was that it seemed like it would be a bit awkward to write in and I would like more space for journaling.

For a 7 day download, go to Zondervan - Adored devotional
Buy Adored at Christianbook.com/Adored-365

GIVEAWAY! Enter to win a copy for yourself or as a gift. Leave a comment on this blog post (or on the social media post where you found this by end of day December 7, 2017.

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

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God's Great Love For You - Rick Warren

God’s Great Love for You, by bestselling author and pastor Rick Warren, is a story that lets children know that God's love is with them everywhere and all of the time. With simple sentences, and winsome illustrations by Chris Saunders, a child is assured that she is always surrounded by God's great love.

It's a cute book and I especially love the illustrations. I do disagree with the age range recommendation, though. It is much too simple for 7 and 8 year old children, so I would suggest it for 6 year old and under. My great-grandchildren are all under 3 right now, and this seems more suitable as a bedtime story book for them. The very short sentences are a better fit for their attention spans. The main character is also female, so I don't think the boys will like this one quite as much as girls. Of course, that is not true each time, but I still would have preferred a mix of characters. Still, a good book to introduce the love of God to wee ones.

GIVEAWAY: To enter for a chance to win a copy of God's Great Love For You, leave a comment on this blog or as a comment on a social media post. Deadline to enter is end of day, Friday, November 17, 2017.

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

NIV Kids' Visual Study Bible

The NIV Kids’ Visual Study Bible, for ages 8–12, brings the Bible to life in four-color illustrated splendor. This study Bible includes a spectacular full-color interior featuring over 700 illustrations, photos, infographics, and maps on every page that visually represent key Bible information. Each page also features important facts located near the relevant verse. Intriguing facts; colorful, engaging maps; photographs; and illustrations make this a Bible they’ll want to explore.
Features:

• Over 700 four-color photographs, illustrations, infographics, and maps throughout
• Full-color design
• Book introductions, including important facts and an image to orient the reader
• One-column format with side bar study notes for ease of reading
• Presentation page
• The complete text of the New International Version (NIV) translation of the Bible
• Beautiful cover featuring gloss

My Review: This hard cover version of the Bible is visually appealing and appears to be well bound and sturdy. The negative for me is the very tiny print, but, I imagine that a larger size would make the book more cumbersome to handle, especially for a younger reader. There is room for notes on some pages, but not all. I do like room to take notes in my study Bible. I did expect a few more photos due to the intended age range, but I would not recommend this one for a child under 10. The thin pages may not be sturdy enough for the younger child, either.

The pages that have less room are filled with visuals and notes that illuminate the Scripture. The facts are fascinating and provide info that the reader might not realize in reading the story, or even when learning about a particular portion of Scripture in church. Again, though, they may be more suitable for 10 and up. I do love the maps, but have always loved maps in my Bible. My overall impression is positive, though, and I would recommend this Bible for a child who is ready to go more indepth is learning, especially as part of a home or church Bible study.  

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Handlebar as part of their bloggers book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. 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."

 

NIV Holy Bible for Girls, Journal Edition

The NIV Holy Bible for Girls, Journal Edition is a hard cover Bible with an attached elastic closure. Features include:

• Lines on each page for journaling and notes
• Thick paper perfect for any writing utensil
• A presentation page for gift giving
• A “How to Use This Bible” page to get started on the right foot
• Ribbon marker
• The complete text of the bestselling New International Version (NIV)

This Bible has a visually appealing turquoise cover (other colors are available) with designs and an attached pink elastic closure. I think it is very attractive and my 15 month old great-granddaughter, raced to pick it up, while exclaiming, "Ooooooh." The outside cover is the least important part of a Bible, but I think it is good to have a book that immediately attracts someone. It has a hard cover, which makes it a bit heavy, but I love the durability and the way it is bound.

The NIV translation is fairly easy to read and understand for most people, and is a very popular version. The print is a little small for me, but should be great for the average reader. However, I have no issue with the print size due to the room given on each page for journaling or note-taking. Not only is there room to make notes, but there are lines to make it easier. This Bible is intended for girls 8 and up, so I really like that it encourages making notes from an early age. The pages aren't too thin, but I encourage using colored pencils rather than highlighters to help avoid bleed through. 

As a first "grown-up" Bible for a girl, this is an excellent one. It is also suitable for teens and women, though, so don't let the "for girls" mislead you if you want to get this Bible for yourself. I do miss having maps and a concordance, but my personal preference is a study Bible. However, I do recommend the NIV Holy Bible for Girls, Journal Edition, especially if you like to jot down notes about a particular passage as you read it.

Thanks to Handlebar Marketing for providing me with a copy for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

A Spectacle of Glory - Joni Eareckson Tada

A Spectacle of Glory: God's Light Shining through Me Every Day by Joni Eareckson Tada with Larry Libby is a compact devotional that focuses on how God loves you and enables you to live daily as a spectacle of His glory. 

Joni Eareckson Tada, who has lived nearly half a century as a quadriplegic following a diving accident as a teen, knows a lot about living with pain daily, and we would certainly understand if she complained about her physical pain and frustrations. But she has learned to say yes to God on a day-to-day basis and continue to follow Him on this difficult journey and glorifying Him through it all. Joni uses her experience to encourage you and bring comfort in difficulties by helping the reader focus on following Him each step of the way. No matter how insignificant you may think you are or what challenges you face, you can use your life and circumstances to glorify God.

Using a passage of Scripture to look up, a couple of paragraphs of thought on it, followed by a prayer, this book, together with a Bible, is intended to help the reader focus on glorifying God through simple changes in attitude and thought patterns. Instead of being overwhelmed, it is bite-sized portions of Scripture to slowly digest and allow to nourish your spirit. The book is also compact-sized, making it easy to slip into a purse or briefcase to carry with you. This is a wonderful gift for anyone, including yourself, if you need encouragement during hardships---or simply feeling too insignificant to be used by God.

Many thanks to Handlebar Publishing for providing me with a copy at no cost to myself. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

The Wedding Shop by Rachel Hauck

Two women separated by decades. Both set out to help others find their dreams when their own have crumbled.

It's the early 1930s, but Cora Scott is walking in stride as a career woman ​after having inherited her great aunt's wedding shop in Heart’s Bend, Tennessee, where brides come from as far away as Birmingham to experience her famed bridal treatment. Meanwhile, Cora is counting down the days until her own true love returns from the river to make her his bride. But days turn into months and months to years. All the while, Birch Good continues to woo Cora and try to show her that while he is solid and dependable, he can sweep her off her feet.

​More than eighty years later, former ​Air Force Captain Haley Morgan has returned home to Heart's Bend after finishing her commitment to military service. After the devastating death of her best friend, Tammy, and discovering the truth about the man she loved, Haley is searching for her place in life.

When Haley decides to reopen the romantic but abandoned wedding shop where she and Tammy played and dreamed as children, she begins a journey of courage, mystery, and love.

As Cora’s and ​Haley's stories intertwine through time in the shadow of the beloved wedding shop, they both discover the power of their own dreams and the magic of everyday love. (publisher)

My Review: The story is told from the viewpoint of several main characters and across several generations. Yet the stories weave together to create a fascinating connection between all and how some basic emotions remain the same. Haley discovers that she and Cora experienced many of the same things and the knowledge that Cora recovered and moved on helps Haley in her own healing process. I loved the various avenues of life experiences explored, and that you get a sense that Haley and Cora, despite distractions, both found happiness in finding themselves in God's plans for their lives. Admittedly, since it is the only worldview I know, I always prefer books with a Christian worldview. Watching the faith walk of these characters was a great part of the story.

There was a little confusion for me as I tried to remember all of the characters and where they belonged, but not enough to lessen my enjoyment...and I did get them sorted out. And, sometimes the pace was a bit uneven, but that probably had much more to do with my interest level than the author, simply because some characters interested me more than others. But, all-in-all, the book was very well-written and a fascinating read. It was difficult to put down, and I did stay up later than planned a couple of night to read 'just one more chapter'---or 2 (or 3)! I look forward to reading more books by Rachel Hauck.

 I received a copy of this Zondervan book from BookLook Bloggers at no cost to myself for a fair and honest review. I was not required to write a positive review.

Nourished: A Search for Health, Happiness, and a Full Night's Sleep

Becky Johnson is a laid-back, go with the flow woman who tends to flourish with a certain amount of clutter. Her daughter, Rachel Randolph, a mom of a pre-schooler, prefers more organization, schedules, and minimal furnishings. In many ways they are complete opposites, yet they do share common needs. Both believe that women desire a life that nourishes them inside and out. In Nourished: A Search for Health, Happiness, and a Full Night's Sleep, the mother-daughter duo, also known as the blogging team at We Laugh We Cry We Cook, confront the “Top 10 Stressors” that can distract any woman. Are any of the following on YOUR list?

•Cluttered Surroundings •Exhaustion of parenting

•Time-starved marriages •Feeling like a spiritual slacker

•Crowded Schedules •Negative Body Image

The challenges of finding what works best is a combination of research, trial-and-error, and some accidental discoveries, but each are told with humor, along with practical tips to help you receive the nourishment you need to thrive in your surroundings while remaining comfortable in your own skin and personality. If you are exhausted, unhappy, or even just have a vague feeling that something is not right, this may be the very book you are looking for to re-evaluate and revive yourself.

In both age and temperament, I am much more like Becky, but I do know I thrive better in a space that has less clutter. Ahh...good intentions. However, I did feel more encouraged as I read through the book and saw things she was doing to corral the chaos to something more manageable and be comfortable in her surroundings. I also have a few Rachel traits, too, though. I have gone past the parenting, and even grandparenting, stage of life that can keep you tied a bit more to home. But, I also work at home, and often feel tied to my computer. So, her efforts to go out and meet others with common interests and receive the nourishment of friendship with others gave me something to think about.

I truly enjoyed the book and feel that there is going to be something for all women who read it. It make me realize how starved I am for a bit of nourishment, but it is also just a very good read. Their styles blend well together for getting a message across, and I especially loved the humor that often had me laughing. A book that offers practical tips, humor, sage advice, memories, and leaves you with the feeling that you are listening to a couple of your friends gave me a bit of nourishment each evening as I read another couple of chapters. Good book for any woman, no matter what stage of life. We all need to be nourished.

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

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

To enter contest to win a copy, leave a comment by 9am CT on Feb 10, 2015.
We Laugh, We Cry, We Cook on Facebook

Becky Johnson is the author, coauthor, or collaborator of more than forty books. She’s a natural storyteller who has inspired and entertained audiences for years. Most recently she co-authored We Laugh, We Cry, We Cook alone with a blog by the same name with her daughter, Rachel Randolph. She and her husband, Greg, live in Denver, Colorado. Website/blog: www.laughcrycook.com

Rachel Randolph writes and speaks with humor and honesty about parenting a toddler, young married life, and her mostly plant-based cooking adventures. Rachel is married to Jared, a high school football and baseball coach. They live near Dallas, Texas with their son, Jackson. Nourished is her second book.

Website/Blog: www.nourishedmama.com

Alone Yet Not Alone by Tracy Leininger Craven

Alone Yet Not Alone is the novelization of an actual event in the lives of Tracy Leininger Craven's ancestors. The Leininger family emigrated from Germany, settling in the Blue Mountains of Pennsylvania, where they worked to build a new life that had a firm foundation of family and faith.

Their lives were filled with hard work, but there was also joy found in simple pleasures and they lived in peace with all of their neighbors. However, tragedy struck unexpectedly with the beginning of the French and Indian War.

On Oct. 16, 1755, in what became known as the Penn's Creek Massacre, the lives of the Leininger sisters were changed forever. On that day, as their mother and one brother were away, members of the Delaware tribe attacked. The father and remaining brother were murdered as Barbara and Regina fled into the woods. Captured, they are forced to live with the Indians.

With strong faith in God and their close family bonds, even when they are forced to separate, Barbara and Regina hold firmly to the belief that they are never alone and that they will be reunited. Alone Yet Not Alone is an inspirational, fact-based story of a family who were victims of the French and Indian War, yet never wavered in the belief God would never leave them as captives or keep them apart.

My Review: This historical, fact-based book is filled with a lot of info to keep it interesting and a story line that is sure to keep the reader wanting to know more. Suitable for those in upper elementary school and up, it did keep my interest and I even researched more into other reports and writings of the actual event. This is a good book that could be part of a family discussion. (I think Family Book Club meetings and discussions are a wonderful activity!) With its strong focus on faith and family, plus the glimpse of another time in our nation's past, it is a book I recommend. Some parts may be a bit much for imaginative children, but the violence and scarier details are toned down.

I want to thank FlyBy Promotions for giving me a copy of this book for review purposes. I was only required to give an honest review, and all opinions are my own.

But, they are letting me do a...GIVEAWAY!! Flyby Promotions has a copy available to one reader of my blog. Simply leave a comment to be entered into a random drawing to be held Monday, Sept. 2nd, at 9pm (CDT)!

I don't have a copy of this (unfortunately), but I also want to add that Alone Yet Not Alone also has a film version that will be opening in select theaters in September before a wider opening in 2014. You can check Seatzy.com to see if it is coming to a theater near you. (The films on Seatzy do need you to reserve your tickets in advance to guarantee a theater is booked.) Directed by Ray Bengston, the film's screenplay was written by James Richards and George Escobar and stars

Kelly Greyson, Natalie Racoosin, Clay Walker, Jenn Gotzon, Joanie Stewart, Ozzie Torres, and Tony Wade.

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 Tracy Leininger Craven loves history and retelling real-life stories in her historical fiction books. She also loves spending her free time in the great outdoors with her husband David and their four children.