Wife, Then Mama

Apologetics is something I have recently become interested in, and honestly didn't even really know what it was until the last year or two.  Since I have discovered this topic, I have wondered why more people don't talk about it on a regular basis and teach it to people more often. I have read a few books on the matter in that time, including God's Crime Scene for Kids.  I think it is fantastic that people are writing books to deepen children's faith and their ability to defend it.  When children are little, they take your word as truth, but as they get older, they can sometimes start to question things.  With books like God's Crime Scene for Kids, you can preemptively give them the answers they are seeking, or point them in the right direction when the question arise. This book doesn't talk down to children at all, and it uses a "real life" mystery to mirror the "mystery of creation".  It is a fun, child-friendly mystery, not a grit...

Christmas is a busy time.  It can be difficult for people to step back from the decorating, baking, shopping, wrapping, and visiting, and remember the reason we have a Christmas celebration at all.  Devotionals can be a wonderful way to give yourself a quick reminder of the real meaning of Christmas, in a few minutes every day.  The Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Ace Collins  is more than a basic devotional book.  In addition to having quality reflections on Jesus, each day there is also a look at the story behind a Christmas hymn, as well as a recipe.  Some of the recipes are for food, and some are for gifts you can give to pamper the people you love.  The daily devotions were well written, the song studies are very interesting, and the recipes seem nice (I didn't actually try any of them).  I read through quite a few days in quick succession in order to write a review, and I found the content t...

I don't really know what it is about dystopian futures that intrigues us, but judging from the popularity of books like The Hunger Games, 1984, and The Giver, not to mention numerous video games (like the only "real" game I can play - Fallout!), we are drawn to the worst.  Perhaps it is an appreciation for how wonderful things really are now, or we like to have our worst fears confirmed, that we are spiraling downhill to a horrible future.  Either way, humans are drawn to dystopian novels, movies and games.  Monte Wolverton has given us a fresh look at the apocalypse in The Remnant. From the Publisher: In the year 2069 the Apocalypse came and went, but Jesus didn’t show up, as some expected. Instead, a cataclysmic war, natural disasters and pandemics eradicated 90 percent of earth’s population. Now, in 2131, a totalitarian government rules the world from the majestic, opulent capitol of Carthage, Tunisia. Blamed for igniting the war, religion and religious book...

So I signed up for a few different books that were more applicable when we had the girls, and this was one of them.  But I am glad I got it, because it is a really great introduction to apologetics.  From the publisher: Between the ages of 8 and 12, kids often start to wonder if Christianity is true. In Cold-Case Christianity for Kids , detective J. Warner Wallace draws readers into the thrill of high-stakes investigation by showing them how to think rather than telling them what to think. In this children’s companion to the bestselling Cold-Case Christianity , detective Wallace gets kids excited about testing witnesses, examining the evidence, and investigating the case for Christianity. Includes author illustrations and links to a website  where kids can download activities, fill in case notes, and earn a certificate of merit. The book is really interesting, because it is a great mix of fiction and non-fiction, but does not confuse the two.  When the b...

Nothing is more basic or central to knowing and enjoying God than Union with Christ . Have you ever had difficulty connecting what you know to be true about God with how you feel or how you live each day? Have you ever longed to change but just felt stuck? The Bible makes a stunning claim: God has provided a way for your life to be united to Christ’s. What does that mean? Is it really possible for me, now? What would it look like? In Union with Christ, Rankin Wilbourne makes union with Christ accessible and beautiful, for you. Union with Christ is not an abstract idea. It is a powerful reality. And recovering a sense of your union with Christ can change everything for you, like finally putting on a pair of desperately-needed glasses. Discover how coming to see your life through the lens of union with Christ can help bridge that gap between your head and your heart, between your belief and your experience. Union with Christ is what we most need in order to know and enjoy God. ...

For someone that loves old television, I have not really seen very many old movies.  Apparently Olivia de Havilland was a very famous actress, who was in movies like Gone With the Wind.  She is also a very humorous author. Although I didn't know who Olivia de Havilland was, there were two reasons that I had to read this book: 1) I went to France when I was 15 (which I just realized was literally half my life ago!), and since then I have been pretty interested in France.  2) Look at the cover!  I am someone that adores vintage things, and judges books by their covers, and despite this being a reprint in honor of Ms. de Havilland's 100th birthday, it looks like it was printed decades ago. Once I got past the cover I was not disappointed.  Despite being an actress, she definitely had talent as an author.  She was conversational and funny in her writing.  Each chapter was a short essay about a different aspect of her adjustment to life...

Let's start with the giveaway!  You can enter to win both of these books by clicking on the picture below! I am a big fan of Amish fiction.  The plain life intrigues me, although I can barely survive without my dishwasher, so I think it is best I remain "English".  Plus Michael would NEVER go for being plain.  When I got the opportunity to read and review not one, but TWO new books from author Shelley Shepard Gray, I jumped on it.  I read both of these books in just a few days.  They were really good.  They are the final half of a series of four books called "The Charmed Amish Life" (they are set in the town of Charm).  I have not read the other two books, and although these books easily stand alone, they do refer back to the previous books, and if I ever catch up on my review books I will look for copies of the first two books in the series. Both of these books are well written.  The dialogue is believable, the plot moves at a...

I literally JUST finished this book.  Okay, well I skipped two chapters, because its nearly midnight and I have AT LEAST 12 years until I need to read about this topic.  But, as usual, I digress.  It was really, really good!  Although I don't intend for my children to have dating relationships, at least while living under my roof, but more of a heavily chaperoned courtship situation when they decided they are ready to marry in the next couple of years, this book was AMAZING!  The authors live in Portland, Oregon, are both high school teachers, and a father/daughter writing team.  Apparently some teenagers talk to their teachers about personal things, which I didn't really ever even think of as a teenager, but this man has some stories of very personal things students shared with him (anonymously of course!).  Most of the book is written by Daniel, the father, with small portions in each chapter written by Jacquelyn, the daughter....

From the Publisher: In our social media age of handcrafted children’s parties, artistic Instagram photos, tutorials for renovating old furniture into new treasures and blogs filled with poetry, prose and other expression, clearly a brand-new generation of inspired women is rising up. It is a renaissance born not in Italian cathedrals or Harlem jazz clubs, but in kitchens, nurseries and living rooms around the world. However, when Christian women become mothers, they often feel expected to give up their creative pursuits to parent properly. Wendy Speake and Kelli Stuart know that struggle. While they acknowledge some seasons of mothering require setting artistic pursuits aside, they also argue these seasons don’t have to last until empty nest time. Instead, mothers with creative gifts are called to use them actively to bless their families, their communities and everyone they encounter. “ Life Creative is not a book about raising children,” Speake shares. “This is a book for ...

There are some things I never think of, but should.  One of these is what all the names of God mean.  I mean I know the Amy Grant (I went to my first concert in second grade, my mom took me to see Amy Grant!) song "Emmanuel" based on Isaiah 9:6, but I never put any thought into it.  Not so with Sheryl Giesbrecht.  She has written a devotional book that goes through 31 of the different names for God.  The book touches on some common names, such as Father, and some more obscure names that are only mentioned once or twice in the Bible. I love the idea behind this book.  It is a fresh look at our Father in Heaven, one that many of us probably have not thoroughly investigated.  Sheryl writes in a great voice, friendly and open, with a nice mix of personal stories and Bible stories.  The daily readings are quick enough to do everyday, even if you are busy. My only problem is that the books seems like it was rushed to publication....

I have been reading a lot of books lately*, and Live Smart by Dan Dumas has to be one of my favorites.  It is written for high schoolers, so, seeing as how I am writing this on my 30th birthday**, I am not the intended audience.  However, almost everything in the book is applicable to Christians of any age.  This book is excellent because it is to the point.  It is a fairly short book, but covers so much.  It is broken down into four parts: You + God You + Others You + Yourself You + the Gospel Each part covers a few different things, ranging from the importance of studying the Bible and praying, to working hard.  I did not find anything in this book to be controversial in the least bit, it could easily apply to anyone that accepts Jesus Christ as their Savior and seeks to follow His word, whether you are of a faith the interprets the Bible literally or more liberally.  The book has some anecdotes, but only when they really apply, ...

Begin to build your family discipleship and become the key disciple-makers in your children's lives with Melissa Spoelstra's new book, Total Family Makeover .  Disciples are made, not born. Whether your children are babes in arms or teenagers getting ready to leave the nest, making disciples at home starts with you! Give your family a makeover with this practical approach to helping your children learn what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Plan an evening of fun, pizza, devotionals, and games with your family! Melissa is giving away a Family Fun Night Prize Pack.   One grand prize winner will receive: A copy of  Total Family Makeover A copy of Deep Blue Family Devotional: Fall 2016 - Summer 2017 A copy of CEB Deep Blue Kids Bible Bright Sky Hardcover A $50 Pizza Hut gift card Qwirkle Board Game   Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on October 7.  The winner will be announced October 10 on Me...

What if a fairy tale and ten Bible verses could free you to live an effective, fruitful life in Christ? We live in unsettling, challenging times. Everywhere we look, we see giant problems: giant obstacles to sharing faith, giant barriers to peaceful lives, giant strongholds of fear. But what if you knew eight small secrets to unlocking a strength big enough to overcome whatever obstacle life may bring? Using allegory and a bit of humor, Jesus and the Beanstalk explores a passage in 2 Peter 1 to uncover eight truths that will help you unleash a larger-than-life faith: —Faith —Goodness —Knowledge —Self-control —Perseverance —Godliness —Affection for others —Love In this creative, refreshing perspective on spiritual growth, you will discover an unyielding strength when you tap the power of a God who is stronger than any beanstalk and bigger than your biggest giants. Learn more and purchase a copy. This book was great.  It was creative, and the metaphor of Jack and t...

Little Guy is still, well, little.  He isn't away from me very often, and when he is it is usually with my husband, mother, or one of the select few people I trust not only to take care of him (which is a huge number, I know a lot of awesome people!), but to expect obedience and deliver consequences if it doesn't happen or is delayed, and not allow him to play on their tablets (a much, much smaller number).  But he is growing up.  This year he has started going to AWANAS, and I know that before I know it he will be involved in more things that don't also involve me.  Thinking of that gives me little mini panic attacks sometimes!  The world can be a scary place, and I fear that I won't do a good enough job raising him to prepare him to face the world and remain a good person. This book, which was provided to me free of charge from First Look/Worthy Publishing, intrigued me, because, as I said, I am prematurely worried about the choices my son will make in ...

After I finished Starving Hearts by Janine Mendenhall I immediately went to Amazon to see what other books she had written.  I was quite surprised to find that Starving Hearts was her first novel, but happy to see that she was working on the sequel! Starving Hearts is a historical romance, but with quite a lot of mystery.  It has a few twists and turns, and one very unexpected ending, but it is definitely a "happily ever after" book.  The main characters are people you want to root for, the villain is very, very twisted and dark, but the author even manages to wring out a LITTLE sympathy for him, however undeserved it might be.  My only complaint with this book is that the pacing seems a little off.  It starts out a little slow, and the end seems a little rushed.  Overall I think this is an excellent debut novel and I can't wait to read the next installment! *I received this book free of charge from Litfuse in exchange for an honest...

Fading Starlight is a creative novel.  Throughout the book a number of things could have gone in a few different directions, so while it wasn't a suspenseful read, it was intriguing.  From the back of the book: Lauren Summers is in hiding. Her fashion house internship was supposed to launch her career, but a red carpet accident has left her blackballed. The only job she can find comes with little pay, but at least it offers a free place to live--a run-down cottage in the shadow of a cliff-side mansion. Planning to live on savings until she figures out what's next, she's unprepared to be contacted by a reporter. Kendall Joiner is researching Charlotte Montgomery, a former Hollywood ingénue who lives a reclusive life in the cliff-side mansion. Rumors have swirled for decades about Charlotte, and now Kendall wants to find the real story. In return, she may just have the key to getting Lauren back into the fashion world. Desperate to restore her dreams, Lauren'...

Most of the books I review are for adults, but I got a chance to review God Made You Just Right, which is a board book.  From the back of the book: You're brilliantly created, and there's no one else like you!  With simple, rhyming text and whimsical illustrations, this book is a welcome reminder for little ones that God created each of us in just the right way. I love the artwork, it is colorful and engaging, which should catch the attention of small children, but still nice to look at for adults.  The text is encouraging and has a good rhyme pattern, which I always appreciate in books for small children.  It isn't a story, but poetry telling children that God knew exactly what He was doing when He created each part of each person.  I love that it talks about the things you uniquely need to be able to fulfill God's plan for you. At the end of the book is Jeremiah 29:11, which gives scriptural support to the rest of the book.  My only...

From the time I can remember, all I wanted to do was be a mom.  In Kindergarten, when we were told to draw a picture of ourselves when we were grown up, I drew a picture of myself with 10 children.  Imagine my surprise when it turned out I sucked at this mothering thing!  As a child I felt that my mom could do anything, so I, for whatever reason, anticipated being just as capable when I was a mother.  No dice.  My mom spent lots of time with us, while still making sure we learned to be independent.  She cooked fairly well rounded meals everyday, kept her house clean, and knew how to do EVERYTHING!  I spend lots of time with my kids, but in all honesty it is sometimes more out of obligation than desire.  Everyday I try to figure out how I can get Michael to order pizza or let sandwiches count as dinner.  My house is a mess.  I yell to much.  And I just am not that great at most things.  Everyone else seems to have a han...

Have you ever written a book?  Yeah, me neither.  But Tracie Peterson has written over 100 of them!  An author with a career spanning over 20 years must know how to craft a compelling tale.  I was not disappointed. A Beauty Refined is a historical romance with mystery, murder, and intrigue.  From the back cover: Phoebe Von Bergen, the daughter of a German count, is excited to visit America for the first time while her father purchases sapphires in Helena, Montana. Little does she know, however, that her father's intentions--both for her and the gemstones--are not what she thinks. Ian Harper, a lapidary working in Helena, finds the dignified young woman staying at the Broadwater Hotel more than a little intriguing. Yet the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that her family story is based on a lie--a lie she has no knowledge of. And Ian believes he knows the only path that will lead her to freedom. Meeting Ian has changed everything for Phoebe, a...

I don't really know why I picked this book to review.  I was never a Joan Rivers fan.  Not that I had a problem with her, I just don't think I ever watched her or listened to her.  I did read an old book by her, which was funny, but not something that impressed me to terribly much. In all honesty I really only knew her as "the lady that had a terrifying amount of plastic surgery performed on her face", but the blurb on the back of the book made me want to read The Book of Joan.  That and the cover, with the vintage mother/daughter picture and the shiny lettering. I didn't love the book, and I didn't hate it.  On Amazon I am going to give it three stars.  It is a sweet book that showcases a loving mother/daughter relationship.  It was interesting to read the juxtaposition of their incredibly non-traditional lifestyle with the semi-normal family life they had.  Melissa's parents went to all her games and horse shows.  They tau...