Undaunted: One Man's Real-Life Journey from Unspeakable Memories to Unbelievable Grace by Josh D. McDowell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a wonderful book about the life of Josh McDowell, Christian author and speaker.  The book starts with mcDowell's difficult childhood as he dealt with an alcoholic, abusive father, sexual abuse, and the destruction of his family.  It tells of his scholarly attempts to disprove Christ's resurrection and subsequent transformation as a he believes in Christ and becomes a Christian.  I loved the rest of the book as well, as it talks about the ripple effect as so many people are saved through his witness and the witness of those he led to Christ.  This is a great story to remind the reader of the Power of God through just 1 person.

I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.


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Book review: Unashamed to Bear His Name and Unstuck

Unashamed to Bear His Name: Embracing the Stigma of Being a Christian by R.T. Kendall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was an un-apologizing book on the basics of faith in Christ.  I was worried when I started it that I wouldn't agree with a lot, but found that there were few things I didn't agree with.  Which worries me some about what churches are teaching new believers now-days.  The book is an excellent presentation of what our belief in Christ biblically entails, including (and focusing on) those uncomfortable parts (that are apparently left out of much teaching now) including those topics like hell and being looked down on for our faith.  I think this is a good next step for a believer who is fairly new and ready to take the next steps to a deeper understanding of their decision.  It doesn't sugar coat at all what it means to be a Christian, so probably is not for the brand-spanking new.  And for those who've been Christians for a while and are taught by a Bible Teaching church, it may not be a lot of new information, but it is a good reminder of our beliefs and definitely are worth reading. The author uses examples from his own life to discuss the idea that we should be privileged and honored to suffer for Christ. People may (and will) look down on us, but Christ will use those times to develop our faith and bring us to a new level with Him.

I recieved a copy of this book for the publisher in exchange for my honest review.


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Unstuck: Your Life. God’s Design. Real Change. by Arnie Cole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a great book on a theme that I struggle with myself.  It is about getting ourselves out of that spot in our Christian faith where we feel stuck; far from God, distant from our faith, and unable to move forward with Christ. The book is full of research and is well-written for those who need more than inspirational words. The authors discuss their research that supports their main premise for becoming "unstuck": "engaging" in scripture, not only by reading, but taking the time to hear from God as well.  They discuss the importance of two-way communication with God, not just whipping through obligatory Bible reading time or church time, but really taking the time to talk with God and hear from Him.  The book includes prompts at the end of each chapter for daily engagement, and if you go to the site they recommend at the end of each chapter, more in-depth daily guides are available for download as pdfs.  They also offer a forty-five free trial (for those who purchase the book) to their service in which a counselor gives you a customized plan for your personal spiritual growth and also get phone calls, emails or texts to encourage your growth.  I did not try this service yet, but enjoyed the book and am looking forward to downloading the prompts and working through them. I recommend this book for any Christian who feels like they are stagnant in their faith.

I recieved a copy of this book from the Publisher for my honest review.

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E's school bag!

My oldest son E (with C-ACC) went for his first day of school today at the intermediate units 3-5 classroom.  Sniff Sniff.  He needed a bag for his cup, snack, diapers, tubes, etc, so I decided to sew him a little bag.  I first had planned on a backpack, but switched it to a little messenger bag, the perfect size for his school needs.  

 I gave it two elastic topped pockets inside, currently holding diapers and wipes, and sunscreen. And lots of room left in the main part for burp clothes, extra clothes etc. 

 There are 2 front pockets as well, currently for his G-tube necessities.  

 And the standard full back pocket that carries his folder for notes from the teacher or therapists.  

I attached one side of the strap with snaps, (which will hopefully be long enough!) to give me some flexibility with the length. I want to be able to hang it around his stroller or wheelchair (which we don't have yet) so i figured I may need to shorten it, especially if (WHEN!) we get to the point where he can carry it around himself.  

I am in love with the size and  how it turned out and may need to whip up another for a dedicated diaper bag- right now, a huge purse takes care of both, but I have been wanting something different.

Book Review: Crater

Crater by Homer H. Hickam
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

"Crater" was an enjoyable adventure/sci-fi book. The story takes place on the moon where settlements have been established as people on earth ("earthians") need the Helium-3 found in the crust for an alternative energy source. Crater is a miner who is chosen due to his honesty and mold-ability for a secret mission that he accepts, even though it is not fully explained to him.  The book follows Crater on his adventure as he travels with a group of truckers as a scout through a solitary road and his dangerous encounters with the various peoples along that road. I enjoyed this book as I enjoy sci-fi where the author gives a perspective on what the earth (or in this case, the moon) may be like in the future.  It was a young adult book, so is not very graphic though there is some violence.  The ending was a bit strange however... a lot was tied up very quickly and the package, though made out to be some hugely important thing that people were dying for, didn't really seem all that important. So while it was an enjoyable ride, I wish the ending had been a bit different.  Even so, I would read the following book in the series when it is published, and would recommend it.

I recieved a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.


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