Blog Cari

The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge - By Tony Dungy & Nathan Whitaker

2012-01-16T22:09:00.002-05:00

"This year, dare to be uncommon every day."

In this one year daily devotional, Super Bowl champion coach, Tony Dungy, challenges you to be more than the world is calling you to be, to live a life of integrity by daring to be "uncommon." Each devotion includes Scripture and closes with an Uncommon Key - an application or action to implement based on what you've just read.

Insightful daily readings focus on the following themes: Core, Family, Friends, Potential, Mission, Influence, & Faith. Coach Dungy does an excellent job speaking honestly and encouraging you to action through the uncommon keys. Football fans and athletes alike will enjoy this book.

I love that Coach Dungy is outspoken about his faith. That itself is an uncommon thing. Coach Dungy is the Tim Tebow of coaches. I am enjoying the devotions and look forward to becoming more "uncommon" this year. Are you ready to take the challenge, and dare to be uncommon too?

To view the author video or get more information check out the following links:
www.coachdungy.com/index.php/the-one-year-uncommon-life-daily-challenge/
www.coachdungy.com
www.tyndale.com

The publisher has given me an additional copy of this book to give away to one lucky winner.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Tyndale Blog Network 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."

Smitten - by Billerbeck, Cobble, Hunt, & Hunter

2012-01-16T13:17:00.000-05:00

The major industry in Smitten is closing leaving the residents worried about their town's future. Then one woman gets an idea to capitalize on the towns name and turn Smitten into a romantic tourist destination. Will the town residents get behind this idea, and will the tourists come?

Follow four of the Smitten women through each of the novellas as each woman has an opportunity to find love and become Smitten along the way.

I have read three of these authors before and was looking forward to this book. However, I did not like the storyline and thought it was a bit cheesy and predictable. It was a fun idea having four authors who are also great friends themselves write each of the four characters, but I just wasn't "Smitten" by it.

Disclaimer: As a book reviewer I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Dug Down Deep - By Joshua Harris

2011-11-23T12:41:00.001-05:00

Unearthing What I Believe and Why it Matters

Many Christians are just going through the motions, unsure of what they believe, unable to articulate the details of their faith, maybe just going to church, but not digging any deeper. But in this book, Harris challenges us to dig down deep.

Harris shares candidly about his own beliefs and explains the meanings of words like orthodoxy, theology, and doctrine. These words are not always common in today's churches. I admit that prior to reading this book I couldn't define these words myself.

If you are ready to dig deeper in your own faith, read this book.

Disclamer : As a book reviewer I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Heaven is for Real for kids - By Todd & Sonja Burpo

2011-10-27T21:26:00.008-04:00

A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back. As told by Colten Burpo to his parents. Illustrated by Wilson Ong.

After an emergency appendectomy, three-year-old, Colten Burpo shares this amazing story of his time in Heaven. In this children's adaptation, based on the best selling book Heaven is for Real, Colten shares details about Heaven just for kids. He explains what Heaven is like, and tells of how Jesus really, really loves the children!

Each page is beautifully illustrated and includes a Bible verse. Colten shares a very special message: Heaven is for real, and you're going to like it!

Disclosure: As a book reviewer I received a free review copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

One Call Away - A Memoir - By Brenda Warner

2011-09-13T23:47:00.005-04:00

Answering Life's Challenges with Unshakable Faith

Brenda Warner is the wife of NFL star Kurt Warner, the mother of 7 children, a registered nurse, a former marine, and Vice President of the First Things First Foundation, the organization she co-founded with her husband. This is her story of facing life's challenges with faith. Brenda shares candidly her struggles through divorce, betrayal, a deadly tornado, single motherhood, and parenting a child with disability. Her journey takes her from receiving food stamps, to being married to a wealthy football superstar.

After her first marriage fails, Brenda decides she wants a husband who shares her faith, but instead she ends up dating Kurt Warner, who was not a believer at the time. Kurt eventually becomes a Christian, they get married, and he goes on to have a successful football career. I am not much of a football fan and wasn't a big fan of the book either. Even though this story has a happy ending, it isn't a good idea to become seriously involved with someone who doesn't share your faith.

I liked that Brenda shares openly and honestly about what she has dealt with. However, I felt that the book sends a mixed message. Brenda made some poor choices early on. She does not talk specifically about how God saw her through those difficult times. In fact it seems like her faith is an after thought, and not her main focus. But this book shows that God can still bless someone even after they have made mistakes and God really is only one call away.

Disclosure: As a book reviewer I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

A Place Called Blessing - Where Hurting Ends and Love Begins - by John Trent with Annette Smith

2011-08-23T23:22:00.004-04:00

Josh is orphaned at age 4 and put into foster care. After a tragic accident three years later, he is labeled as "unadoptable" and raised in a group home. A Place Called Blessing is the story of how Josh puts his life back together after a difficult upbringing. His life is changed by an unlikely friendship with a new co-worker named Mike, when Mike's mom offers him the a room to rent. In their home, Josh receives unconditional love, and the gift of a blessing for the first time in his life.

A Place Called Blessing is a quick enjoyable book you can read in one sitting. It is a fictional follow up to the book "The Blessing" by Dr. Trent and Gary Smalley, which identifies the five elements of the biblical blessing that every person needs. Through Josh's story of redemption and blessing, readers are shown how to give the gift of a blessing to others. This is a wonderful, feel-good book, that will inspire you make your home a place called blessing.

This book ends with a invitation for you to be a part of the Blessing Challenge - One million people choosing to change the life of one child - their child!

Disclosure: As a book blogger I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Waiting Place by Eileen Button

2011-06-08T23:18:00.001-04:00

Learning to Appreciate Life's Little Delays.

We all spend time just waiting. The Waiting Place is a collection of stories from the author's life. It reads more like an auto-biography, than a self-help book. I was expecting a lecture on the importance of patience, or not letting life pass you by while you wait. Instead, Button shares her message very subtly through examples of waiting from her own life.

This would be a good book to read while you are waiting. Though it was not what I expected, Button is a great story teller. I enjoyed the unique perspective and glimpse into the life of a preacher's wife. She wonders why her life is defined by her husband's career and not her own. Though she is a teacher and a mother she is always introduced as the pastor's wife. In the Waiting Place, she shares numerous stories, both humours and emotional, from different periods of waiting and reminds us that some of the most priceless gifts can be discovered while waiting for something else.

Disclaimer: I received this book free through the booksneeze book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Praying for Your Future Husband - By Robin Jones Gunn & Tricia Goyer

2011-06-06T22:37:00.001-04:00

Preparing Your Heart for His

This is a book filled with stories and wisdom about marriage and the benefits of praying for your future spouse. Both authors share candidly their pain, struggles, mistakes, and of course prayers. The did an excellent job of blending scriptures, prayers, and other woman's testimonies along with their own experiences

As a married woman, I read this book not for myself, but to encourage my daughter and all the other single girls I know. I wish I had been praying for my own future husband before I got married. I would have liked to own a copy of this book back then too.

My daughter was 4 years old when she asked me how we would pick her husband and I told her we would pray about it. I originaly intended to wait until she was older, but instead she was anxious to start praying for him right away. It is a blessing to watch her pray and to be praying with her for her future husband.

I would recommend this book to any teenage girl or unmarried woman. This book could also be used as a guild for mothers to encourage and pray with their daughters.

Disclaimer: As a book blogger, I received a free copy of this book to review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

Daddy Dates By Greg Wright

2011-05-06T19:49:00.001-04:00

Four Daughters, One Clueless Dad, and His Quest to Win Their Hearts: The Road Map for Any Dad to Raise a Strong and Confident Daughter

Greg Wright, father of four teenage daughters, developed a plan to spend time with and get to know each of his girls through what he calls "daddy dates". In this book he shares his personal experiences and outlines some practical steps a dad can take to initiate dates to get to know his daughter and stay engaged in her life.

Wright started taking his girls on dates when they were between 6 and 10 years old. He wanted to teach his daughters respect, confidence, and what to someday expect on a date. He would call his daughter up to ask her out to a unique date planned for that girls interests and personality. Some of the dates were fancy, other dates were casual, but each date included some time talking with his daughter, listening to her, developing a trusting relationship and getting to know her better.

My favorite story is when Wright describes his first date with his 9 year old daughter. He brought her flowers, held doors for her, and took her to a nice dinner. Afterwards she was so moved by the date, she started to cry, and told him she never felt so special.

I definitely recommend this book. It is a quick read that offers a lot of practical ideas. It's simply one dad sharing what has worked for him. Greg Wright recognizes the significant role a father plays in his daughter's lives and is using "daddy dates" to nurture that special relationship.

Disclaimer: I received this book free through the booksneeze book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Mere Churchianity - By Michael Spencer

2011-02-24T23:23:00.002-05:00

Finding Your Way Back to Jesus-Shaped Spirituality

Michael Spencer, known on his blog as the Internet Monk asks, "Have you left the church in search of Jesus?" Spencer says, "In seeking to be a "good" Christian, I was deserting the truth that there is no gospel for "good" Christians, because the Lamb of God was nailed to an alter for those who are no good at pretending to be good. The exhausting effort to be a good Christian denies Christ. If you insist on securing your own holiness and acceptability, you disqualify your-self from receiving anything from Jesus. He came to the earth to save sinners, not good Christians."

While I loved this book, I'm not sure I agreed with everything he says. This is the type of book that really makes you think about things. I liked that he challenges Christians to focus on the main point of the gospel which is Jesus. I don't think we need to leave the church, or "churchianity" to do this. The church is not perfect. But sadly, sometimes the church can start selling you "the church" and not Jesus. Instead, Spencer recommends what he calls "Jesus-shaped spirituallity".

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah as part of their Blogging for Books program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Principle of the Path - By Andy Stanley

2011-02-19T04:24:00.003-05:00

How to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be

What if there is a single unifying principle that governs what happens not only on the highway but in every area of life? Andy Stanley calls it the "principle of the path". He also claims that embracing the principle of the path is the key to avoiding regret. This is really a very simple principle, and yet it is what I would consider un-common sense. Direction - not intention- determines your destination. The choices that we make all lead to consequences. Andy Stanly relates this to being on a path and reaching your destination based on the direction of the path. If you want to reach a certain goal or destination you need to be on the right "path" by making choices to support your goal. I originally thought this was a self-help book, but in Chapter 1 Andy Stanly clearly states, "This is not a self-help book. I'm not offering you a formula. I'm not going to provide you with seven steps. My intention is to bring your attention to a dynamic that is operating in the background of your life." This book was good, and this principle is true! I wish I had followed this principle earlier in my own life. Divorce, bankruptcy, foreclosure, and most other heartaches are the result of a consistent pattern of bad choices. If you want to change your direction read this book. The Principle of the Path also includes a 25 page study guide at the end of the book for group study or individual reflection.

Couples Who Pray - By Squire Rushnell, Louise DuArt

2011-02-19T04:21:00.003-05:00

The Most Intimate Act Between a Man and a Woman

‎In this book celebrity couples share how a commitment to prayer has made a difference in their marriages. Research presented in the book claims prayer will improve your relationship and decrease your risk of divorce. The book challenges couples to commit to praying together daily for 40 days.

You don't really need to read the book, just start praying together for at least 5 minutes a day. If you take this challenge you can see for yourself how prayer works! I believe praying together as a couple is a fantastic idea. I liked the concept of this book much better than the book itself. The book was poorly written, and did not offer any practical advice on prayer. This is not a book for deep spiritual growth. It is mostly just a collection of stories about prayer from minor celebrities.

The book didn't say how having children factors in to praying. I think only one couple mentioned praying with kids. My husband and I don't usually pray alone together, but we pray as a family every day. Since reading this book we have started praying as a couple too. I definitely recommend praying together. I do not recommend this book.

Disclaimer: As a reviewer I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Truth About Dating, Love, & Just Being Friends - By Chad Eastham

2011-02-19T03:58:00.001-05:00

I reviewed this book for Thomas Nelson to receive a free copy. This is a book to give teenagers real facts and faith based advice about the topics of dating, love and just being friends, just like the title suggests. The book includes advice, statistics, quizzes, and a few fill in the blank exercises. The information was good, but I really enjoyed Eastham's style and thought his wit and personality would speak to teens at a level they would understand. I also liked the random facts at the start of each chapter. This book would be a good starting point to discuss real issues teens are facing. I would recommend teenagers read a book like this before they start dating.

If God is Good - By Randy Alcorn

2011-01-25T22:04:00.000-05:00

Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil.

I am currently reviewing "If God is Good" for Waterbrook Multnomah. In this book Randy Alcorn answers the profound question "How can there be a God if suffering and evil exist?"

"If God is Good" is a scripture-based look at what the entire Bible says about evil and suffering. Alcorn also includes insight and stories from people who have lived through suffering and evil and yet continue to remain strong in faith. The information is excellent, and the amount of research that went into this book is very impressive. At 494 pages, I think the size of the book may be a bit overwhelming, however it covers all aspects and delves deep into this topic. At the end of the book is a scripture index that lists seven whole pages of scriptures referenced in this book.

How can we reconcile a good and all-powerful God with the terrible evil and suffering we see in this world? Read this book to find out.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah as part of their Blogging for Books program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Under the Overpass - By Mike Yankoski

2010-12-07T21:34:00.000-05:00

A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America

Mike Yankoski and his friend Sam decide to become homeless, choosing to live on the streets for 5 months in 6 different major cities as a test of faith and opportunity to see the homeless through new eyes. This is a true story account of their experiences befriending the homeless, sleeping under bridges, and facing rejection nearly everywhere they went.

I reviewed this book for Waterbrook Multnomah. I find the concept of choosing to be homeless for so long a bit much. I would never try this, but the experience did make a pretty interesting book. It was an enjoyable and eye opening read. I think it is important to realize how we treat those who are less fortunate than us, so we might treat them with dignity. This is a book that will change the way you view the homeless that you encounter.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah as part of their Blogging for Books program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Heaven is For Real- By Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent

2010-11-16T23:07:00.001-05:00

A Little Boy's Astounding story of his trip to Heaven and Back.

Five days after his appendix bursts, 4 year-old Colten is rushed to emergency surgery. Later he describes to his parents sitting with Jesus while watching his operation, meeting his great-grandfather in heaven, and other details he could not possibly know.

This book was very interesting. I enjoyed the simple perspective on Heaven from a child's point of view, and the fact that God could use a 4 year old boy to tell others about Heaven. The boy's father, Todd Burpo, is a pastor who believes his son really was in Heaven, and claims Colten's story matches the Biblical account of Heaven.

Though I had my doubts on whether or not this story was true, it's hard to beileve a child of this age would be able to make up such an account. It seemed like a miracle that Colten was able to remember so many details, especially months after the experience, when he recalls what happened. This is not a typical book on Heaven simply because of the unique perspective from a child.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Booksneeze.com Book Review Blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Adventures in Booga Booga Land - Volume 1 - DVD

2010-10-13T20:36:00.001-04:00

Join Marty the Monkey and Gerard the Giraffe, two zany best friends, as they embark on three adventures. Each episode is 15 minutes long and presents one the parables of Jesus.

Episode 1. So this is Booga -Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard

Episode 2 : Marty's Sandcastle - Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders

Episode 3: No Light in the Lighthouse - Parable of the Lamp under the Bowl

This video lacks any real substance and Jesus is not mentioned other than on the cover claiming that the stories are from the Parables of Jesus. I watched this video with my 5 year old daughter and she thought it was okay, but admitted it's not her favorite. I was not impressed with this video. I don't think it stressed the lesson of the parables and it is a loose interpretation of each story. It is good for entertainment, but not for teaching the Bible. I would suggest for ages 5-8.

Angel Song- By Sheila Walsh & Kathryn Cushman

2010-08-24T01:32:00.000-04:00

Women of Faith Novel of the Year.

After her sister dies, Ann just can't get the tune her sister was humming out of her head. God begins to reveal Himself to her through her sister's friends and a 12 year old neighbor boy who actually believes he sees angels. When this beautiful melody keeps returning to Anne, she realizes it just might be the angel's song and she begins to see the real presence of angels around her.

If you like Christian romance this book is okay. I found it to be a bit too predictible, and not contain enough substance. Overall, I wasn't impressed enough for it to be my pick for Novel of the Year. Although Anne believes in Angels, she is only starting to trust God. It wasn't much deeper than that.

God's Promises for Girls by Jack Countryman & Amy Parker

2010-05-16T23:17:00.001-04:00

This is a cute, small, hardcover, devotional book just for girls with promise verses from the International Childrens Bible. I chose to review this book so I could give it to my daughter when I was done. Each topic is covered on a two-page spread with a poem, selected Bible verses, and illustrations to match the theme.

I would recommend this book for girls age 5 to 10. I love the message of this book. God's promises for girls makes a great bedtime devotional, and is also a good way for children to learn or memorize scripture. This book offers encouragement from God's word to every little girl at times when she needs reasurance. There is also a companion book for boys called God's Promises for Boys.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Booksneeze.com 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.”

An Honest Love - Hearts of Middlefield Book 2 - By Kathleen Fuller

2010-04-08T13:20:00.000-04:00

An Honest Love is a story of two couples, set in the Amish town of Middlefield, Ohio. Anna Esh has recently moved to Ohio with her mother to help care for Uncle Zeb, and run an Amish goods store. When Lukas Byler comes to her store, he immediately starts to fall in love with her. Anna is getting over a painful breakup with an ex-fiance, and has not been completely honest with Lukas. Will her secrets stop them from finding love?

Lukas's sister, Elisabeth, gets a job and begins a friendship with her co-worker Aaron Detweiler. Will these two finally realize they have more than just friendship? They need to be honest with themselves and each other in order to find an honest love.

If you enjoy Amish Romance books you should read this book. Although this is considered a sequel, I had no problem following the plot without having read the first book "A Man of His Word", which I later read and enjoyed. Reading both books was helpful to keep all the characters straight.

(I received a free copy of this book to review as part of Thomas Nelson's booksneeze program.)

Gigi God's Little Princess- (DVD) by Sheila Walsh

2010-03-10T22:47:00.000-05:00

This video includes two fully-animated episodes of Gigi on one DVD.

In the first episode "The Royal Tea Party" Gigi has important news to share with her best friend Frances. Gigi wants to find a special way to tell Frances that she is one of God's little princesses too! This video has a great message for any child.

In the second episode "The Pink Ballerina" Gigi and Frances take a ballet lesson. Gigi wants to dance perfectly to make God proud of her. My favorite scene is at the end when Gigi talks to her Dad. He reminds her that God is proud, not because of anything you do or how well you do it.

I watched both episodes with my 4 year old daughter and she loved them. She really liked Lord Fluffy, Gigi's cat. The second episode was our favorite, but both stories had great messages. I really liked that the values and message that these videos reinforce. Plus there great bonus features including: learn to draw Gigi, Read-A-Long, Sing-A-Long, and extras for your PC. I would recommend this video for young girls.

I received a free copy of this DVD to review through the booksneeze blogger program.

Jesus Lives- Seeing His Love in Your Life - by Sarah Young

2010-01-09T23:06:00.000-05:00

Jesus lives is a beautiful, padded hardcover book little book containing devotional thoughts and scripture. This book is a companion volume to Jesus Calling. This devotion book will help you open your heart to hear Jesus speak to you day by day. You can read through the book one devotion at a time, or you can use the theme index in the front of the book as a guide to pick a specific topic.

Personally I prefer reading fiction, but what stands out about this devotional book is it is written from the perspective of Jesus speaking to you. The daily messages include a message from Jesus followed by related Bible verses of the same theme. Overall, I thought this book was good but not something I would have bought myself. The book was easy to read and the messages were inspirational. This cute little devotional book would make a nice gift for anyone. I enjoyed the perspective of Jesus speaking directly to me, and found the devotions comforting. The words of Jesus himself will help you experience His presence in your hardest times.

(I received a free copy of this book to review through the Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogger Program.)

Fresh Start by Doug Fields

2009-11-09T22:34:00.000-05:00

I don’t always like “self-help” books, but Fresh Start, by Doug Fields is different, because it’s a “God-help” book. The message in this book is that we are stuck people and our ability to start again doesn’t come from our own strength or resolve or positive thinking. Change comes only because “we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength (Phil. 4:13).” We are free to change, but not by our own limited power. Real, lasting change comes from God’s unlimited power. Anything else is a temporary fix. Doug Fields is a teaching pastor at Saddleback Church with over twenty-five years experience. In this book, he discusses pride, serving, dreams, success, past hurts, pain, conflict, discouragement, relationships, rejection, anger, values, and sharing your fresh start story. Doug Fields says, “It’s not about trying harder; it’s about plugging into God’s transforming power.” Doug will demonstrate that when you are willing to cooperate with God, He has more than enough power to transform your life. If you are ready to grab hold of a fresh start for your life, read Fresh Start. This book is well written, easy to understand, and has a great message.

(I received a free copy of this book as part of Thomas Nelson's book review blogger program.)

2009-08-27T03:31:00.000-04:00

This is my blog of randomness. Enjoy!