Friday, March 26, 2010

Rick and Bubba’s Big Honkin’ Book of Grub


When I received Rick and Bubba’s Big Honkin’ Book of Grub I expected it to be a cookbook. What I received was something completely different. This is a book that tells the story of two men who like to eat! They don’t care about diets and the latest fad that is out there. They give a few simple suggestions when it comes to dieting.

This book entertained me as I read through it. You can read a chapter and put the book down for a bit. When you come back you have lost nothing and pick right up. As a cook book, which is what I thought this was, I was really disappointed. There are a few recipe’s scattered throughout the book and at the back, however the book is really a good read.

I would recommend this book for those who are out for a funny look at eating and dieting. I spent time laughing throughout the book. I might even try one or two of the recipe’s that are listed in the book. The only issue that I have with this book is the chapter on Spam! That is not cool that they like spam so much, although I suppose someone has too!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers 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.”

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Chronological Guide to the Bible



Have you ever wondered how the Bible stacks up in historical order or have you wondered about a specific era that a book or set of books was written? Then The Chronological Guide to the Bible is an extremely good resource if you don’t have a Chronological Bible. The guide is split into nine epoch’s that span from creation to the end of time.
The epochs contain information about the time period with an overview of the time period that is covered (Epoch 1 covers creation through 2000 B.C.). This guide is not a Bible however it is set up to work with whatever translation you may use.
There are many tools and maps that make this a great resource for anyone who studies the Bible. The full color pages help to bring out the maps and the blocking of the text helps to separate the sections. There is even a reading plan that will guide you through your Bible in chronological order. The cultural and archeological information has helped me to understand more about the times that the Bible was written, this will lead to a new understanding to the context for which each book was written.
I would recommend this guide to all who want to learn more about the time periods that each book of the Bible was written. If you get a chance to read the Bible in chronological order it will help you get a new understanding of how things happened.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com http://BookSneeze.com book review bloggers 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 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

66 Love Letters Book Review


I received Dr. Larry Crabb’s book 66 Love Letters: A Conversation with God that invites You into His story because it sounded interesting when I read the overview. 66 love letters from God to me, I mean who wouldn’t want to read that and even though Dr. Crabb explains that he is writing in the first person as though God were writing speaking to him, I found this to not be an easy read.
Dr. Crabb says he is writing what God wants us to hear in each book of the Bible and this caused me to step back a bit. I did not enjoy the dialogue parts between the author and God at all, as they seemed to distract from the overall message. Some of the questions that were asked and answered seemed off to me while others were right in line with what I would have asked.
This book is not to be read straight through in my opinion. If you can take the time to read one chapter/love letter at a time with the Bible, then I can see where this would be a more helpful tool. In fact the only way I would recommend this book is if you read it as a companion to the Bible, you might also be inclined to skip over the parts of each letter that are from the author.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers 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.”

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear



Fear, we are driven by it every day of our lives. We fear we might lose our jobs, or that the economy is failing. We fear we might get sick or a loved one might get sick. There are many more things that we fear. What do you do when you are caught up in fear? Do you turn to God for your answers?
Fearless by Max Lucado asks: What if faith, not fear, was your default reaction to threats? Can you imagine your life without fear? As you read this book, Max shows you biblically how to walk in faith and not fear.
There has always been fear in my life and through reading Fearless I was shown a reaction in faith is much easier than a reaction in fear. Max teaches the difference between a Fear of the Lord and fear in this world that we live.
So what is it you fear? If you are struggling with fear I recommend reading this book. You will take a journey as you release your fear and replace it with Faith in Jesus and that He is in control of your life. We are not meant to live our lives in fear and Max Lucado shows us how not too, in his book, Fearless.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Nelson's Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts, 3rd Edition

Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts, 3rd Edition is a great resource for anyone who is studying the Bible. The layout is easy to follow and the book is an easy read.

Have you ever wondered who wrote a book in the Bible? Or when it was written? The Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts is the resource for you. This book is split up by testaments, historical sections (Pentateuch, Gospels, etc.), and individual books giving you an easy way to find the information you are after. There is a brief synopsis of the book you are reading, notes about the author and any variations, and a look at the time that the book was written.

After you are introduced to the book, there are timelines, charts, maps and an outline of the book you are studying. There is also a website where the maps can be downloaded to help in presentations or in personal study.

Overall, this is an excellent resource for anyone studying the Bible. You can learn more about the book you are reading and the charts, maps, and other aids are right there. I will recommend this book every chance that I get.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Facing Your Giants


What is it you are facing in your life? What struggles do you have? Are there generational sins that you are in your family line?
We all have things in our lives that will pull our focus from God. We let our “giants” get in the way of our relationship with God. Facing Your Giants, by Max Lucado is a book that shows how David dealt with his “giants.” By following the examples of David, you will find that you are able to not only face your “giants” but also to defeat them.
I have heard it said that God doesn’t call the equipped, but he equips the called. So you, no matter what you have done or who you have been can answer that call. The evidence is in the Bible in the life of David and is shown in this book. Max shows you that when you focus on God, your “giants” do not seem so large and they can be managed. With clear Bible references you can see how God is in control; you just need to focus on Him.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is struggling in their walk with Christ. God is waiting to help you face your “giants.”
“Focus on giants—you stumble.Focus on God—your giants tumble.”
Facing Your Giants, Max Lucado

Saturday, January 23, 2010

The Word of Promise, New Testament Audio Bible Review

Have you ever found yourself singing along to the radio in the car and then you realize you are singing a new song that you haven’t sung before? When we hear things over and over again, we tend to remember them. So when I saw an opportunity to order The Word of Promise, New Testament, I jumped and ordered it as quickly as possible.

The Word of Promise, New Testament is a new way to hear the Word of God and will leave you wanting to listen to it more and more. Whether you listen to it in your car, at the house, or at work you will hear the Word of God from over 120 different actors. Enhanced with sound effects and music, you can begin to imagine what things were like as the events were happening. The scenes come alive in your mind and it brings you closer to what is being said. I know for me it drew me in and I didn’t want to stop listening.

I highly recommend The Word of Promise, New Testament, to anyone who is in the market for an audio bible. The audio is read in the New King Kames Version and comes to life where ever you are listening to it. I will continue to listen for years to come.