You Were Born For This

I count it a huge blessing to have the opportunity to read and review books for this blog. Time and time again, I am amazed how the books that I am reviewing are often timely in their theme and message. They often speak to something I am working through, wrestling with, learning from or an area I am being stretched.

Enter “You Were Born For This” by Bruce Wilkinson.

Many of you will recognize the name Bruce Wilkinson from the super successful “The Prayer of Jabez” several years ago. In “You Were Born For This”, Wilkinson challenges the reader to realize that we are most likely missing miracles every day. From the very beginning of the book, Wilkinson sets the stage by looking at how we’ve all felt or done something that words simply cannot describe. You just knew it was a God ordained moment.

In this book you will find inspiration to look for miraculous moments each day. It doesn’t however, just leave you there. Bruce Wilkinson gives you the road map to discover the moments and be active participants in the miracles. What a refreshing thought that we can be a part of moments that we will forever look back on and say “I remember this time when…”. This is an encouraging, inspiring and challenging book.

AND I GET TO GIVE ONE AWAY!!!! 

Between now and Wednesday, June 15th, leave me a comment about a time when a miracle happened in your life. I’ll select our winner on Wednesday night. I’ve got one copy to give away and will announce my winner here on the site. Leave your comment now for a chance to win a copy of this great book!

I give “You Were Born For This” a 4 out of 5.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Multnomah Publishers sent me a free copy of this book as part of their bloggers book review 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.”

Jesus, my Father, the CIA and me

When Michael Hyatt recommended this book recently, I couldn’t wait to read it. Based on the title, I thought this would be an exciting book about a son whose Father was in the CIA. While that is true, it was NOT what I expected at all. That is not necessarily a bad thing.

In “Jesus, my Father, the CIA and me” author Ian Cron tells the story of his life, the ups and downs and the struggles of acceptance from an alcoholic father. Taking us through his life from his earliest memories to present day, we read the story of struggles with substance abuse, acceptance and ultimately his salvation.

The most interesting thing about the book is the CIA and the mystery of people that were in his Dads life. Most they didn’t even know. His story of finding a box of photos of his Dad with people of great fame and fortune was one that stood out in my memory. The book is engaging, sad, funny and will keep you glued to the pages. I think many will connect with the story and Ian as they read it.

I give “Jesus, my Father, the CIA and me” a 4 out of 5.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Thomas Nelson Publishers sent me a free copy of this book as part of their bloggers book review 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.”

What’s In The Bible Review

Several weeks ago  I was given the opportunity to review the latest DVD release from the What’s In The Bible team called “Israel Gets A King” by my friends at Tyndale. With three children in our home ages 10 and below, I welcome any opportunity to engage them in Gods word and knowledge of scripture. For years, Phil Vischer has brought his Veggie Tales series to homes for that exact purpose. Now Phil has an entirely new series of DVDs that are just, if not more, effective in entertaining the family while delivering important lesson. The DVD is hilarious, witty and full of knowledge about the Bible. My kids literally ASKED to watch it after reviewing it for the first time. Below is a quick review from the kids themselves….

As you can probably tell, the girls really liked this DVD. We also have the first in this series and enjoy it equally as much. Even as I type this, I can hear Volume 5 playing on the TV in the living room. My friends at Tyndale were kind enough to allow me to give away a copy of this series as well. So this week we’ll do just that! Leave a comment on this post with your name and I’ll enter it into a drawing at the end of the week. Don’t miss this opportunity to own this great resource for your entire family.

Here’s an sample from DVD Volume 5:

For even more resources from the What’s In The Bible Team, you can find them on the web (HERE),  follow them on twitter (HERE), “like” them on Facebook (HERE), download coloring pages (HERE), popsicle stick theater images (HERE) and their Youtube channel (HERE).

I Give What’s In The Bible a 5 out of 5

Disclosure of Material Connection: Tyndale sent me a free copy of this DVD as part of their bloggers review 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.”

Review – Blood Covenant

I’m not much of a fiction book reader so when I recently received the book “Blood Covenant” from my friends at Zondervan, I thought I would pass it along to my wife to review. Below is her review:

Blood Covenant, written by Lisa Harris is a fantastic fiction book that delves into the scene of a refugee camp in Africa when volunteers come to give aid.  The characters unfold in a masterful way, as the authors transports you to an intense seen of people in desperate need, caught between rebels and government officials.  It was a page-turner and a wonderful look at the way people wrestled with their faith in the midst of terrible circumstances.

I would highly recommend this book to young adults as well as seasoned readers.  Not only do the characters draw closer to the Lord, but I believe the reader does as well. 

I give it 5 stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Zondervan sent me a free copy of this book as part of their book review 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.”

The Water And The Blood

You all know I love music. I enjoy music of all kinds. My iPod is filled with just about every type of music you can imagine and some you probably wouldn’t. Thanks to my friends at Miles High Productions gave me the opportunity to review the new release from Sojourn Music called “The Water and The Blood ” I was quick to accept. While I had never heard any of Sojourn’s music before, this is actually their 7th album.

“The Water and The Blood” is a complete change of pace for me. I put the playlist on “play” and had it on in the background of my office as I worked. It wasn’t until later in the day that I realized I was hearing new songs from a new artist that just felt very comfortable. Like I had heard them several times before. The music is mellow and the lyrics bring you into a story. They usher you into a time of reflection and worship with ease. Very different from many of the worship CD’s you hear on the market today. From their press release:

The Water and The Blood: The Hymns of Isaac Watts takes you through hymns that have a distinct Roots/Americana feel to them while communicating a universal message to their audience. Musicians with backgrounds in jazz, country, pop, and punk rock came together for a common cause while seeking to serve the Church with meaningful contemporary music.

Since launching in 2000, Sojourn Music has recorded 7 albums of original music, including the critically-acclaimed album Before the Throne. Sojourn’s music is very powerful. The members of the band come from a church with three campuses in Louisville, with 2500+ people gathering on Sundays for worship.

I recommend that you swing by the Sojourn Music Website and stream the songs from their new release. You can do so (HERE). Find out more about the band (HERE). Follow them on Twitter (HERE), Facebook (HERE) and Youtube (HERE).

I give “The Water and The Blood” a 4 out of 5.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Miles High Productions sent me a free copy of this CD as part of their review 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.”