YBC Book Review - "The Returning" by Rachelle Dekker

"It's in the forgetting that we remember."

"Life is a cycle of forgetting and remembering."

This is what I feel is the main theme of The Seer Series by Rachelle Dekker.

And "The Returning" is the exceptional end to an amazing story.

The Returning

The story starts 20 years after Elise had been kidnapped from Remko and Carrington Brant while they were fighting the darkness enveloping The Authority City.  A lot had happened in those 20 years, and since Elise was just a baby when she was taken, she has lots of questions of her past, but no answers.  But, there is a light in her, that has always been in her.  Just as it is always in each one of us.  The light of the Father that loves us and created us, and has a destiny for each of us.

That's why the theme, forgetting to remember, is so important.  We must forget what we think we are to remember what He knows we are, forget what others call us and remember what He calls us.  And we need to forget what we tell ourselves, and remember to hear His voice amongst the clamor of our lives.  I don't want to give away details, because this story is so worth savoring, but I can tell you that just like the first 2 books, this is full of love, action, romance, fear, and a calling to us, the reader, from our Father.  Just listen and remember.

Here's a few facts about the author, Rachelle Dekker.  If the name sounds familiar it's because she is the uniquely talented daughter of Ted Dekker.  I say uniquely because while you can see traces of her dad in her writing, Rachelle is a talent all her own.

Let's look at some answers that Rachelle provided for this book review tour.

What themes are explored in this book?

Identity is something I am always exploring, so that’s no different in The Returning. But in this

novel I took a really hard look at forgiveness and how that relates to our journey of discovering

who we really are.

How have Carrington and Remko developed as characters throughout this series?

Well, we meet them as young adults, just out of their teen years, and we find them middle-aged in

book three. So we’ve journeyed quite a bit of life with them. They have grown and changed, as

people do, and even in this last novel they struggle with remembering their true identities. I

believe life is always stretching us and showing us different ways to love, so their growth reflects that.

You talk about the power of belief in the book. What is the purpose of faith, and what

makes faith so powerful in people’s lives?

Belief and faith are everything. We form our own realities. We make judgments based on the past

and what we think the future will bring; then we shape our idea of what we are capable of around

those beliefs. Imagine if we truly believed we were infinite sons and daughters of the creator. How 

different would the world look then? When we believe and have faith in who the Father calls us, then the world looks pretty different.

How do you hope this book will resonate with your readers?

I hope, as with both of the other books, that the reader sees themselves in the characters and

that the story causes them to look inward. To ask hard questions like, Who am I? What am I

capable of? Do I see myself the way the Father does? Can I? I hope it challenges their idea of

identity and then gives them hope to see themselves and others more clearly. Because that’s

how these stories have impacted me, and we are all really just the same.

I resoundingly give this novel 5 thumbs up....5 stars....and and enthusiastic yahoo.

Be blessed,

Debbi

*I received a copy of this book from Tyndale House for my honest and original review,*

YBC Book Review - The Calling by Rachelle Dekker

It's that time again.  Time for another Yankee Burrow Creations book review.

Today I just finished Rachelle Dekker's "The Calling".  It's the second book in her Seer Novel series.

I read the first book "The Choosing" last May for Tyndale House, (you can read that review here),  and enjoyed it so much, that I actually purchased "The Calling".  Money well spent!

Here's a quick recap...in "The Choosing" Carrington had lost her place in the new society that had been set up by The Authority, and lived the hard life of a lint.  A society worker.  She met a security guard named Remko, but according the The Authority, they were not allowed to be together.  Then she was chosen to be the wife of an Authority leader.   The man was a serial killer, and crazy.  

After twists and turns, Remko managed to rescue Carrington, and they slipped out of the city and ran away to join The Seers.  A group of people who were following the teachings of Aaron.

Teachings of peace, love, and freedom.

(Sound familiar?)

"The Calling" opens up with Remko and Carrington married, and the parents of an infant.  Remko is the defacto leader of a small band of seers, and he leads missions into the city to rescue others that are answering the call of The Father.  The story line has great twists and turns, enough tension to keep you on the edge of your seat, and enough emotions to make you feel connected to the characters.  And the end of the book is a great cliff hanger, and makes me glad that I had already ordered book 3 from Tyndale House for review.

The quality of this story in not surprising, considering that Rachelle is the daughter of famed author Ted Dekker.  But don't be fooled, while there are similarities in genre, Rachelle is an author with her own style.  Complicated yet simple.  Exciting yet soft.  And easy to read, because the story lines just flow.  You get pulled in, feel a connection with the characters, and forget all about the rest of the world.  If you haven't checked out Rachelle's talent, get going!

You can meet up with her on FaceBook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, and Instagram.

Now I'm off to devour "The Returning".

Be blessed,

Debbi

YBC Book Review - All But Normal by Shawn Thornton with Joel Kilpatrick

This review is waaaaaaay overdue, but I have had some health issues lately that have put me behind in EVERYTHING.  So, with no further ado, here is my review on the book 

"All But Normal" by Shawn Thornton.

This is a story about Shawn's childhood.  A childhood overshadowed by a mother unlike most every other mother.  Violent outbursts and excessive mood swings was his mother's "normal".  Due to a TBI (traumatic brain injury) she received from a car accident, Beverly was never the same.  Yet her fiance loved her and married her.  Over the course of their long marriage, and despite the unstability of Beverly's behavior, they raised 2 boys together.  And this is that story.

Shawn shares stories of his childhood, playing with his friends, and watching the violence in his home.  Despite the outbursts, Shawn is able to portray his mother as not only unstable, but loving.  Loving her husband, loving her kids, and most of all, loving God.

While I did enjoy the stories of his childhood, I do wish Shawn had gone into more depth of his parents love for each other, and how God worked in their lives, and through their lives, to touch others.  It almost felt like after he reached high school age...nothing happened until he turned his life over to God, became a pastor, and reconciled with his father.  I feel that there is so much there, left unsaid.  Hopefully he'll write a second book.  Until then, I'll donate this book to my local library.

Here are some links where you can learn some more about Shawn Thornton.

 Promo/Main Site: http://www.pastorshawn.com/            
·         “All Things New” Blog: http://www.pastorshawn.com/blog/                  
·         Radio: http://www.pastorshawn.com/radio/
·         Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/allthingsnewmedia/            
·         Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/shawnthornton/        
·         Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pastorshawn/
·         Videos of Pastor Shawn Preaching: http://www.pastorshawn.com/video/

Until next time.

Be blessed,

Debbi

*Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a copy of this book for my honest review.*

YBC Book Review - "After The Boxes Are Unpacked" by Susan Miller

Have you ever moved?  Or have you ever felt alone and outside the circle?

I just finished Susan Miller's book, "After The Boxes Are Unpacked"

for Tyndale Publishing.

I requested this book because we are working at selling our house and then move back home to NY. (No, not New York City....there is a whole state that is much nicer than that city. lol)

I thought that this book would have more actual packing and moving tips, but it didn't.

It was about letting go of your past lives (and homes and communities) and learning how to fit in with the people in your new communities.  And how to learn to lean on God in the process.

Back in the early 80's, my ex-husband moved us from New York to Texas...and I was miserable.

I was a new Christian, just discovered I was pregnant with our 3rd child, and in an unhappy marriage.

I could have used this book.  It probably would not have saved my marriage, but it might have helped me to enjoy the communities where we lived.

This book is full of encouragement, and scriptures, and comment sense suggestions on how to remember your "old" life without too many tears, and how to start your "new" life in new surroundings and make new friends.  Even though I am moving back to my hometown, I will still be able to use the suggestions in this book, and we look for a new church, a home in a new area of town, and to help my kids find new friends.

After her last move across the country, Susan was led to start a support group in her church for newcomers.  Out of that came this book, and Susan has also started the Just Moved ministry, a non-profit organization to help everyone, weather you need a group, or would like to start one.

I give this book 2 thumbs up.

Be blessed,

Debbi

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book, but this review is 100% my own opinion.

YBC Book Review - The Daniel Fast for Weight Loss by Susan Gregory

Are you looking to get closer to God, and lose weight?  Then look no farther than 

The Daniel Fast for weight loss by Susan Gregory.

I have tried diet after diet, with little to no success.  I've used apps on my phone to track calories, and steps.  I've cut whole food groups from my menu.  And still....that little arrow on the scale just keeps moving on up.  So I decided to quit dieting and just be happy with my size.  But I'm not.  

Now I have fasted before, several times, but not to lose weight but to walk closer to my Lord and Savior.  So when I saw this book available from Tyndale House for review, I grabbed it.

And I am impressed.

This is NOT a diet book.  This is a lifestyle book, and heaven knows, I need to change my lifestyle if I plan to change my shape.  And I have received a lot of hope from reading this book.

Susan wrote this book in an easy to read format, with lots of scripture and encouragement right from page 1.  Now I am not a vegetable person.  I will buy peppers and cucumbers and stuff, because I know I should, but then they just die a slow, lonely death in the crisper drawer of my refrigerator because I don't have a clue what to do with them.  Susan to the rescue......there are so many easy to follow recipes and menus included, along with a 21 day devotional to feed your spiritual side while you feed your physical side.

I like to highlight books, and this is one of my favorite sentences...

"You will begin to experience a greater division between the worldly-led part of you and the spirit-led part of you."  

And basically, that's what I want...to not have food control me anymore.

Susan also includes a website to help us in our journey to health.

Choose-Life-Now.com

I can't wait to start this new era in my life.

Be blessed,

Debbi

*Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.*

YBC Book Review - America the Strong, Conservative Ideas to Spark the Next Generation, by William . Bennett

I requested the book

"America the Strong, Conservative Ideas to Spark the Next Generation"

by William J. Bennett from Tyndale House for use as part of the homeschool curriculum for Hannah

I love the way it is set up....it starts with an explanation of conservatism, along with a brief history.  Then it is broken up into 5 easy sections.

Free Enterprise.

Limited Government

Individual Liberty

National Defense

Traditional Values.

This book does not explore the views of just one type of conservative, but all of them.  Did you know there was more than one type?  I discovered that being a conservative is many things to many people.

This book now has many highlighted areas...both from me and my daughter.  And I took it one step farther and created questionnaires for each chapter.  

The author, William J. Bennett is the former U.S. Secretary of Education (which is why this was an easy book to turn into a school subject) and is the current host of the 7th-ranked nationally syndicated radio program "Morning in America." 

One of my favorite quotes is "liberal ideals often appeal to the passions and enthusiasm of youth, but wisdom and experience eventually lead people to become more conservative."  I have found that to be true in my own life.  And now my youngest daughter is mostly following in my footsteps, unlike my older children who I raised when I was still very much a liberal myself.  But as they grow, and their children grow, I can already see the tide turning in their opinions.

So, I give this book 4 stars and will use it for the next few years in our homeschool curriculum.

Be blessed,

Debbi

- Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book

YBC Book Review - The Tank Man's Son by Mark Bouman

I enjoy meeting new people and learning how God can, and does, change them.

And that's what I found from my latest book,

"The Tank Man's Son" by Mark Bouman.

This book was totally engrossing, and I found it hard to put the book down.  I really enjoyed Mark's style of writing, it made me feel for him, and his whole family.

The beginning of the book gives you the back story of his parents lives before they met, which gives a good foundation to help you somewhat understand the behavior of his Dad.  And his Mom.  And Mark does not just tell of the dark parts of his life, but also pulls you in with the lighter side, and the fun, every child can find in difficult situations.

The story wraps up with Mark as an adult, and how God turned his life around, and helped Mark not only forgive his father, but to reconcile with him.  The only down side to this story is I would have loved to learn more about Mark's life as an adult, his college years and the struggles he faced himself as an adult.  It almost seemed like the part of his life where God was working was just an afterthought in this book.  He could have gone more into depth, and even if it made it a larger longer book, it would have been worth it.

Mark Bouman and his family served as missionaries to Cambodia for more than 20 years.  

Here's a video trailer for the book.  

watch on tyndale.com

I give this book 5 stars.

Be blessed,

Debbi

YBC Book Review - The Choosing by Rachelle Dekker

It's time for another Tyndale Blog Network book review and this time I chose a fiction,

"The Choosing" by Rachelle Dekker.

All I can say is

BRAVO!

I loved this book....suspense, faith, love, mystery, all rolled up into one great story.

Carrington is a young woman that has just become of age to marry, only no man chooses her.  So according to the law, she is sent away to work as a servant supporting the rest of society.  But it's a society that has sprung up after a great catastrophe has destroyed the life as we know it.  Now a select few men control every aspect of the peoples lives, according to how they interpret scripture.

In her new and unhappy life, Carrington meets up with a girl she knew from school, and this girl introduces Carrington to Aaron, the man who teaches people that they are worth loving, and the their Father loves them, despite what society tells them.  And she finds love.

Now throw in some murder, mystery, and loving emotions, and this becomes a book you won't want to put down, I didn't.  The best part?  There is a sequel coming out in Spring 2016.  Oh how I hate to wait. lol

Here's a little info about the author, Rachelle Dekker.  She is the daughter of best-selling author Ted Dekker.  And while her writing style is similar to her father's, she is an amazing talent all on her own, and I am sure that she will receive many awards during her career.

You can learn more about her at
Rachelle Dekker.

I give this book 10 stars!

Be blessed,
Debbi

YBC Book Review - Counter Culture by David Platt

I just finished reading "Counter Culture" by David Platt for Tyndale House Publishing, and I really like it.  It was kind of hard to get into at first, because it talks about difficult subjects, but I'm glad I finished it.  You will be too.

In this day and age, I think we can agree that things are not going well.  At all.  We have a society of people who are only concerned with themselves, and that selfishness has always been the downfall of civilization.  But it's not too late.  We can change ourselves, and we can, and must, change the world around us.  Here are a few of my favorite parts in this book.  Parts that really spoke to me, or made me question my own outlook.

Where rich and poor collide: the gospel and poverty...."Giving to those in need is not about sharing handouts; it's about sharing life.  Helping those in need doesn't consist of throwing our money at something; it involves investing our lives in someone, which is much, much harder to do."  In other words, while it may be easier to give someone a fish, it is better, and longer lasting, to teach someone to fish.  So instead of just donating canned goods to your local food bank, volunteer at the local shelter to teach job skills.

Modern Holocaust: the gospel and abortion....."Across the world, over 42,000,000 million abortions occur every year.  That's 115,000 abortions every day."  This is such a hot hot topic, with no real easy answer, BUT we much reach out, not only to end abortion, but to offer healing and understanding to those who felt there was no other option.

Christ in the public square; the gospel and religious liberty...."The denial of this freedom affects people of different faiths, yet followers of Christ are the most widely persecuted religious group in the world.  According to the US Department of State, Christians face persecution of some kink in more that sixty different countries today."

Here is a list of the subjects confronted in this book....

poverty

abortion

orphans and widows

sex slavery

marriage

sexual morality

ethnicity

religious liberty

the unreached

And I have to say my favorite parts are at the end of each chapter.  David gives us steps to help us counter the culture of each subject.

Now for a little background on the author David Platt.

Beginning in 2006, he served as the pastor of the Church at Brook Hill in Birmingham AL.  Today he is the president of the International Mission Board (imb.org) and the founder of Radical (radical.net), a rescource ministry serving the church to accomplish the mission of Christ.

Here is a cool video....

Be blessed,
Debbi

Tyndale Publishing Book Review - The Song by Chris Fabry

I'm not usually a romance book reader, but I thought I would try something new this time...so I agreed to review

The Song by Chris Fabry

for Tyndale Publishing.

The writing is full of emotion, but not syrupy or too sweet, but very real and raw emotions.  I felt for every character, even the antagonist Shelby, despite her plans to try and destroy the marriage of Jed and Rose.

Jed is the son of a country singing star, and has not only inherited his talent, but his vices.  When his success and failures threaten to destroy his life, and the lives of his family, Jed turns back to God for help.  And God always helps His children when they ask.

I don't want to spoil this book for anyone, so this is all I will say about the book, except that I give it a thumbs up!

Now a little information about the author, Chris Fabry.

Chris Fabry Chris Fabry is an award-winning author and radio personality who hosts the daily program Chris Fabry Live! on Moody Radio. He is also heard on Love Worth Finding, Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman, and other radio programs. A 1982 graduate of the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism at Marshall University and a native of West Virginia, Chris and his wife, Andrea, now live in Arizona and are the parents of nine children. Chris's novels, which include Dogwood, June Bug, Almost Heaven, and Not in the Heart, have won two Christy Awards and an ECPA Christian Book Award, but it's his lyrical prose and tales of redemption that keep readers returning for more. He has also published more than 65 other books, including nonfiction and novels for children and young adults. He coauthored the Left Behind: The Kids series with Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye, as well as the Red Rock Mysteries and the Wormling series with Jerry B. Jenkins. RPM is his latest series for kids and explores the exciting world of NASCAR. Visit his Web site at www.chrisfabry.com.

This book was based on the motion picture screenplay by Richard L. Ramsey

The Song movie.

Be blessed,

Debbi

* I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale Publishing for review, but the opinions are totally mine.*

Agents of the Apocalypse by Dr. David Jeremiah - A Yankee Burrow Book Review

After I requested my free copy of "Agents of the Apocalypse" by Dr. David Jeremiah for my next review for Tyndale House Publishers, I started to hear a lot of buzz about it on several media sites, so I was excited to have the opportunity to review it.  And I was not disappointed.

I have to admit that it was a little slow for me in the beginning, but I have been studying Revelations and end time events for years, and I think I expected something "deeper".  But then I realized, I was not the target audience for this book.  This book was written for the person just starting to wonder about everything that is going on in the world around us, and what does our future hold.  So with that in mind, I changed the way I approached this book and

I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED IT!

Dr. Jeremiah begins each chapter with a fictional story about a certain end times event, then he explains that event based on scripture.  So, the signs become something that every Biblical "novice" can grab onto first and then learn the scripture that supports it.  And every chapter flows from the preceding chapter, so it is a full story that will keep your attention.  It did mine.

It was an easy read, no big long religious words or phrases, just simple and straight forward.  So I highly recommend this for everyone who not only studies end times events, but everyone just starting to think "what does the future hold for our world".

I received my copy of this book free from Tyndale House Publishing, but this review is totally my own opinion.

If you are interested in reviewing great Christian books, check out The Tyndale Blog Network.

Be blessed,

Debbi

"The Remaining" by Travis Thrasher

I just finished a book written by Travis Thrasher, called "The Remaining".

It's a novelization based on the Affirm Films Thriller of the same name, and let me tell you, that while I don't usually read scary books, this one was...

AWESOME!

I finished this book in just a few days, and with my time spent on crafts, business, homeschool, cooking, cleaning, and all that jazz, I just could not put this book down.  (Yeah, not much cleaning or cooking went on for those few days, lol).  It literally kept me on the edge of my seat.

The characters were interesting, and the writing style was great.  I really felt like I got to know every character personally before the bottom fell out of their lives.  And boy did the bottom fall out...

The premise of this story is what happens when God snatches away His Church, or as some people call it, The Rapture.  While I didn't agree with all the fine points, (timing and physical changes), this book is still a good jumping point for those who wonder "what will happen".  For me, it's fiction based on a real future event...one I look forward to daily.

I highly recommend this book, and I am actually considering watching the movie when it comes out...but I won't watch it alone. lol

Now I'm off to prepare for tomorrow's craft show.  I love fall craft shows.

Be blessed,

Debbi

Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for my independent review.

TBN Book Review - "Beautiful On The Mountain"

This past Saturday I received a new free book for review from Tyndale Publishing as part of my Tyndale Blog Network.  Guess what? I finished it already, it was that good!  The book is "Beautiful On The Mountain" by Jeanne Light, and it warmed my soul.

It's her real-life story of the years she spent as a lay minister in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and it really blessed my heart.  The stories she shared were captivating, and it's been a long time since I read a book through like that.  No TV, no internet, not even any texts, it was that good.  But more than just the story and how it make me feel, it also made me re-examine my life.  Am I doing all that my Father has called me to do?  I pray so, every day.

Here is one of my favorite parts (and there are many)...in the story Jeannie is up on the mountain repairing wire fencing with a friend and was clearing out the underbrush.  Which, by the way, is a never ending chore.

"When we arrived, I went to work with my pruning shears, cutting my way through the tangle of vines.  When I'd cleared a space, I stepped back to judge where to go next.  To my amazement, I saw a stream of clear sap gushing from the raw, freshly cut end of the vine's trunk.  The sap had been surging up toward the leaves and tendrils, preparing for the plant's resurrection.  I watched in awe until Charles called me back to the task at hand.

Somehow I sensed that God was showing me a real-life parable, thought at the moment I didn't make the connection.....

Until I was willing to let God cut the excess branches from my heart, His life would not be able to flow abundantly through me - for my sake and the good of His Kingdom."

Whether you're a child of God or not, there are lessons in this beautifully woven story about love.  Loving yourself, and loving your fellow man.

I heartily recommend this book to everyone, and I mean everyone.

Be blessed,

Debbi

TBN book review - No Greatness Without Goodness

I recently requested a book for review from Tyndale Blog Network titled "No Greatness Without Goodness" by Randy Lewis.  As a mother of a special needs child, I often wonder what his future holds as an adult, and this true story of how Randy Lewis, a former Walgreens Senior Vice President, revolutionized that company to be able to offer a normal working life to disabled adults captivated me.

I had seen a part of a tv show where the hosts were talking about how the Walgreens work force is about 10% disabled, and the thought just stuck with me.  Then my great-nephew was born with Down's syndrome, and we decided to adopt our son.  So, when this book came up for review, I jumped on it.  But first let me tell you a little bit about Randy Lewis. Here is his bio from the TBN website.

Randy Lewis, former Vice President of Walgreens, Peace Corps volunteer, Fortune 50 executive and accidental advocate, led Walgreens' logistics division for sixteen years as the chain grew from 1,500 to 8,000 stores. Randy introduced an inclusive model in Walgreens distribution centers that resulted in ten percent of its workforce consisting of people with disabilities who are held to the same standards as those without disabilities. Its success has changed the lives of thousands with and without disabilities and is serving as a model for other employers in the U.S and abroad. 

When I received the book, I started to read it right away, and from page one I was captivated...the chapters are short and it is an easy read, but hard to put down.  Randy is an inspiration to others who love "special" people.  We need to fight and dream for those who are unable to fight and dream for themselves.  I give this book a big 5 stars!!!!

Until next time,
Be blessed,
Debbi

 TBN provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review.

"Courageous Grace" by Gayle Haggard, a TBN book review

It's that time again....time for another Tyndale Blog Network book review.  

And this time I chose the book "Courageous Grace" by Gayle Haggard.

This book was an easy read, full of stories and scriptures.  At first, I thought it would be more of a study kind of book, and while there are study questions in the back, I found it to be more encouraging than anything else.  Here are a few quotations that I especially liked...

"God is not shocked by our sin..."

"Forgiveness means we let go of our right to punish others for their wrongs against us."

"Forgiveness acts as a healing balm that soothes the heart of the forgiver."

Now, this book is not really about our walk, but about how we respond to others that have tripped and fallen in their walk with God.  I've always wondered why the army of God shoots their own wounded.  Ultimately it is up to each of us individually to extend the grace that Jesus showed us, to others.

I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars.

Be blessed,

Debbi

**Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of Gayle Haggard's book, 

"Courageous Grace" for my review. **

"A Call to Resurgence" by Mark Driscoll, a TBN book review

WOW! A MONTH? REALLY?

I can't believe I've been AOL from my blog for almost a whole month, and I've missed you all so much too. :-)

Now that the holiday rush is over, and most everyone in the family is healthy, it's time to get back into my routine, and I will start with my Tyndale Blog Network book review.

I have to tell you, I love TBN.  They have tons of great books, and this month I chose the book

"A Call to Resurgence" by Mark Driscoll.

What caught my eye was the writing on the front of the book, "will Christianity have a funeral or a future?".  When I watch the national and world news I am amazed at just how much our world and world views have changed, and not all for the good (in my opinion).  And I become concerned for the future of my children and grandchildren.  As a child of God, and a disciple of Christ, I want to leave them a better place to live, and I thought that this book would give me a place to start for change.  I was slightly disappointed over that point.  It wasn't a "how to" book, or even gave concrete suggestions on how to change.  But the book was very good at describing how we Christians cause most of our own problems, which I totally agree with, like that old saying, "the army of God is the only army that shots it's own wounded".  Unfortunately that's true.  But Mark calls for all of us to work together to bring change.  Here are a few lines that I enjoyed and highlighted for future reference.

"The church is facing a great opportunity - to be part of a far-reaching and substantial movement of the Holy Spirit to see many come to Jesus".

"How much time and energy is wasted in warring that could be better invested in witnessing?"

"We are a minority in an increasingly hostile host culture, and the sooner we accept that reality, the better off we will be.  We have to stick together around the national border issues, stop wasting our energies on infighting, and start investing our energies in evangelizing."

And my very favorite line in the book...

"The Bible is not a book of principles to live by but rather a Person to live for"!

The rest of the book is an overview of the way too many different denominations and the history of the churches.  So over all it was a good read and I give it 3 out of 5 stars.

Until tomorrow...

Be blessed,

Debbi

**Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of Mark Driscoll's book, 

"A Call to Resurgence" for my review. **

Tyndale Blog Network Book Review - the one year book of Bible Trivia for Kids

Today I am sharing a review on a book we received from Tyndale House.  First I want to remind everyone that I do not get paid to review these books, but I do receive a free copy of the books I choose to review.  

The most recent book I received is 

the one year book of Bible Trivia for Kids by Katrina Cassel.

I don't know about you, but sometimes getting my kids to sit still for a family devotional time is not easy.  They squirm.  They talk.  They roll their eyes.  LOL.

But they do love games, and puzzles, and trivia.  So this book makes a great addition to our arsenal of bible tools so we can "train up our children in the way they should go".

The daily devotions are short and to the point, and in an easy to read format.  The devotion for the day starts with a multiple choice trivia question, which I read and see if they can answer before we start.  Then a section talking about the scripture story, and how it applies to our lives, and then the actual scripture answer.

This is a book geared towards young children, but for older teens and adults looking to study God's Word, this book is too simple.  I love the fact that my kids are having fun while learning.  You can purchase this book by clicking on the link above.

Be blessed,

Debbi

The toughest 21 questions your kids will ask about Christianity

As part of the Tyndale Blog Network, I read and then review their new books.  This time around I reviewed Alex McFarland's newest book "The 21 toughest questions your kids will ask about Christianity".

Honestly, I wasn't sure if I would like this book, but it surpassed my expectations, and I can highly recommend this book.  Not just to families with children, but to everyone who struggles and questions things in our world today.  Alex answers questions such as...

Why does God allow suffering? (something everyone wonders)

Why is Jesus the Only Way to Heaven? (an excellent chapter for today's tolerant society)

Why are Christians such hypocrites? (ouch)

and so many more.

I especially like the way Alex address the questions.  He does not give you a simplistic answer, but points to areas of scripture that will help you understand.  After all, if our faith is not based on the Word of God, it will fall when questioned.  I did a lot, and I mean A LOT, of highlighting in this book, and the answers are giving in such a way that you will be equipped to answer any one's questions, not just your kids.

This book is a keeper for me.  It will go on my book shelf, with all my other reference books.

You can visit the Tyndal House Publishers website for more reviews on this book, and a biography of Alex McFarland.

Be blessed,

Debbi

my first TBN book review...Chivalry by Zach Hunter

I love to read, but never seem to find any extra time lately, so I decided to join the Tyndale Blog Network.  Now I can justify my reading time, and get free books to boot.  For my first review I chose the book "Chivalry.  The quest for a personal code of honor in an unjust world." by Zach Hunter.  

This is not a "story" book, it is a "study" book, and a very good one.  I became interested in this book because I have noticed the  seeming decline of plain old common courtesy in our children, to the point that we have pulled our daughter from the public school and will home school her again.  While this book is geared towards teens, I found myself underlining and highlighting passages and comments, and that's a sure sign of a good study book.  There are 10 chapters so this is a perfect length for a group study, and each chapter starts with a short story.  And at the back of the book there is a study section for each chapter, complete with thought provoking questions and a code to live by.  I enjoyed this book so much, I shared bits and pieces with my children, and will be giving this to our youth pastor at our church.

If you want to learn more about Zach and his idea of chivalry, you can listen to him on this video.

Or read this question and answer interview...

I highly recommend this book, not just to youth pastors, but to parents, grand parents, aunts and uncles, any one who is interested in investing in our future, our kids.

Be blessed,

Debbi

(the link at the top of this post will take you to the website where you can purchase this book)