Book Review - HCSB Illustrators Notetaking Bible

ABOUT THE BOOK:

A Bible that combines two hot trends: Bible journaling and adult coloring. Each Bible spread contains a line-drawn illustration that can be filled in by the reader with whatever colors they choose. Includes three varieties of illustrations: (1) filigree, (2) Scripture quotes, and (3) drawings that illustrate the topic of the corresponding Bible text.

MY REVIEW:

I was so excited to have the opportunity to review this Bible. First of all, I love the HCSB translation of the Bible. I have been told that it's the most accurate translation and it's very easy to read and understand. I have found that I really prefer this translation.

This Bible is wonderful because it has very wide, lined margins for note taking. I love to write notes in my Bible and it's so nice to have a nice, large area for this. It's always so hard to write in the small margins of a regular Bible. Then there are the beautiful drawings that are sprinkled throughout. They are absolutely beautiful. What I love about them, though, is that they are done in light grey so if you were so inclined, you could actually write notes over them and it wouldn't distract from your notes. Of course, you can also color these gorgeous drawings in and meditate over the Scripture as you do. Personally, I intend to do both in this Bible as I'm really loving the fact that I can have these large margins to write in. I also love to color in the illustrations so it's wonderful to have the opportunity to do both. The only down side is the small typeface but it's not so horribly small that you can't enjoy reading it.

I love this Bible and I think you will, too. It's an absolutely lovely Bible and it has become my daily Bible for reading - I love it! I highly recommend it!

*This Bible was provided to me for my honest review by B and H Publishers


Blessings - Julie

Book Review - The Stream by James Robison

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Robison’s campaign for 2016 and beyond is the restoration of the Christian faith and the renewal of an America whose foundings have eroded. The Stream charts a clear path to personal restoration and outlines a plan for spiritual revolution in our culture, values, morals, and in government.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

James Robison is the founder and president of LIFE Outreach International, a worldwide Christian relief organization. He is also the host of LIFE Today, a daily syndicated television program that reaches 300 million homes in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia. He is the author of many books, including Indivisible, True Prosperity, and Living in Love, and has spoken to millions of people through evangelistic crusades since entering public ministry in 1962. James and his wife Betty live in Ft. Worth, Texas

MY REVIEW:

This book is extremely easy to read and James Robison is able to clearly communicate his vision for our country based on Biblical foundations.

The one thing I love about James Robison is that he never shies away from speaking his mind when it comes to sharing what the Bible says. I also love that this man has good common sense and sees the value in all lives. He believes that through our faith, we can turn from the bad to the good through Jesus Christ. His points are clear and always come back to what the Bible teaches.

His vision isn't just for our country but for the world. This is a man who looks to changing not only America but the entire world through faith and giving. He has given clean water and shoes to so many around the world who don't have the most basic of needs. The book is broken down into sections and I found this really helpful as I read through his thoughts for bringing a revival back to our nation.

He emphasizes that evil must be fought in this world and our country, the needs for a smaller government and that we need to, as citizens, be larger in our participation. As he shares, we Christ believing, Bible believing people need to come together in humility and call on His name and He will hear us and bless us. This is clearly Biblical as we see God working in the lives who do this time after time in His Word.

This is an excellent book. It's truly life and mind changing and will propel you to do your part to make things better in your little part of the world. I highly recommend this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by Worthy Publishing


Blessings - Julie

Book Review and Giveaway - A Beauty Refined

ABOUT THE BOOK:

What does it take to reveal the true beauty of a hidden gem?

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, and she begins to consider staying in America, regardless of her father's plans. But she may not be prepared for the unexpected danger that results when her family's deception begins to unravel.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than one hundred books. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.

Website | Facebook | Pinterest 

MY REVIEW:

This story brings a lot to the table. There is the romance, of course, which is quite predictable but sweet. Then there is the complex story line of a daughter believing her mother to have died when she didn't and all that these lies bring with it. This made the book compelling and a page turner, in my opinion.

Phoebe is a sweet young girl from Germany visiting America with her Father on business. They arrive in the west and are staying at a very nice hotel when Phoebe runs into a little boy at the pool that says she looks like his mother. This opens the door to the fact that Phoebe's mother is alive and how her mother will proceed from here. Phoebe's father is a very stern man who commands those around him and, because of this personality trait, it has affected Phoebe in how she relates to others. This is also why her mother left and Phoebe was told she was dead. The domineering traits of her father have wide reaching affects on others.

This story brings out so much emotion because of the different intensities of the characters. The story  moves quickly and is satisfying in it's complexity. While it doesn't end as you would imagine, it's a story full of intrigue and faith. I loved how Phoebe grows in her maturity and faith and I really loved her the most.

I really enjoyed this story and I think you will, too! I am giving this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by LitFuse Publicity Group

Blessings - Julie

Book Review - Words To Live By

ABOUT THE BOOK:

What would happen if you incorporated one positive, powerful word into your faith, your mind, and your relationships each week? The power of a positive word can uplift, encourage, and refresh, even as it challenges you to listen more intently, think carefully, and speak compassionately. Words to Live By: 52 Ordinary Words That Lead to An Extraordinary Life helps you focus on a single, powerful action word each week of the year. Linda Gilden and Dalene V. Parker offer five different devotions per word, encouraging you to focus on that word, pray that word, find that word in Scripture, and watch for ways God brings that word to mind during the week. As you see God?s Word anew, you will experience immediate changes in the way you think, listen, and speak God?s truth to others.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Linda Gilden is a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, American Society of Journalists and Authors, CLASSEMINARS, Inc., and Christian Authors Network.

Linda Gilden is an experienced writer, speaker, editor, writing coach, and Certified Personality Trainer. Author of the popular Love Notes series, she is also the author of Mommy Pick-Me-Ups, Mama Was the Queen of Christmas, Personality Perspectives – Clues to Building Better Relationships, Called to Write, and many ghostwritten books. With over a thousand magazine articles to her credit, she is a prolific writer who loves to share a great story. She speaks nationally many times throughout the year, is a frequent radio and television guest, and welcomes the opportunity to help others become better communicators. Visit her at www.lindagilden.com

MY REVIEW:

This is a wonderful book that focuses on one word a week. For instance, one word the author focuses on is "HOPE". She gives a wonderful example of hope and then this is followed up by five days of devotions that focus on and help us reflect on hope.

Each devotion has a Scripture to start out the day that reminds us of our word of the week and then a beautiful little story that further focuses our attention on the word. I really enjoyed the devotions because each story was easy to relate to and good. I enjoyed each and every one of the devotions and I really enjoyed that I felt brighter and happier after reading them.

They are wonderful to use for your quiet time with the Lord and I love focusing on a word a week. Sometimes it's so easy to breeze by the important words of our life but, because you are focusing on this word for five days, you gain a deeper understanding of that word through God's Word. I have many sentences and words highlighted in my book to help me focus on the word of the week and also because there were so many life changing sentences in this book.

I really love this book and it is staying in my quiet time area so I can read it each day and remind myself of the wonderful words that God gives us to draw us closer to Him. I highly recommend this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by Worthy Publishing


Blessings - Julie

Counting Our Blessings - LinkUp!

Hello friends. I'm sorry I missed last week's linkup. I've still been battling fatigue and we've had other stressful things happening and I've just been pooped! It's awful when you can't even find the energy to write a blog post. Anyway, I'm here right now and let's get to counting our blessings!!

73. I went to see my Vascular Surgeon for my six month check-up on my leg bypass. They did an ultrasound and all looks good! It's always such a relief to know everything is working properly. I also talked to him about my lack of energy. He told me that after all I have been through, he thinks I have at least another 12 months of recovery. He also didn't realize that I had 8 units of blood and he said that alone was something to recover from. It was such a relief to have him tell me this! I know I have a lot to get through, but I will, with God's help.

74.  I worked a bit more on my Christmas felt banner. Here's the latest picture:

I love all the sequins and beads! It's hard to tell in this picture but it just makes everything pop and looks so festive. I was out of polyfill so hubby went with me to Michael's where I got a small pack and also took advantage of their fantastic sales! I didn't get a lot but it was fun to get out for a while with the hubs.

75.  Sam's Club had gotten these gorgeous orchids in for Mother's Day. I admired them but the price was way more than I wanted to pay. Every time I would go back, they would lower the price because they still had a lot of them left after the holiday. Finally, they got down under $10.00 and I decided to take advantage of that price. They had some I had never seen before and I picked out this one

It's hard to tell in this picture because it just didn't show up right but the petals are actually yellow. All the pink veins make the petals look pink but they are very yellow. I wish the picture would have shown it better. Anyway, it's gorgeous and I'm so thrilled to have another orchid! I seem to do really well with them and have had them bloom regularly. If they keep getting really cheap, I may have to get myself another one!

76.  I started this new cross stitch. It's for a roll and it's a little break from the large piece. I love the special stitches in this piece!

I'm sorry the fabric is so wrinkled. I really need to give it a quick press!

77.  This time of year is slow for book reviews so I always catch up on my library book reading. I have read three books by Maureen Jennings. The first one is an Inspector Murdoch book

It was excellent although a bit different from the television show. However, it was still a great story and the suspense was excellent! These stories are based in Canada during the turn of the 20th century.

Then I read another book that is her DI Tom Tyler series. I didn't realize that the books were in a particular order so I accidentally read the second book first. It definitely stood alone but there were references to certain people and situations that it would have been helpful to have known about. Anyway, this book was called, "Beware the Boy".

This series is set in 1940's England during the war and it was very good! I did figure out by the end who some of the bad people were but it ended up in a bit of a cliff hanger regarding the leader of the bad group. So...I'm thinking there were will a follow up to this story?

Then I read the third book in the DI Tom Tyler series called, "No Known Grave".

I read this book in 1 day! No kidding! It was such a great story and I couldn't put it down! The story was so full of twists and turns that you didn't see coming and I honestly never did figure out "who done it" until the author revealed it. That doesn't happen to me very often and I loved it! Again, it's set during WWII in England and the war plays a huge part in both of these books.

If you enjoy mysteries, seriously, I highly recommend these! I have the first Tom Tyler book on hold and another Murdoch book on hold. I'm not sure why my library only has two Murdoch books but I'm going to ask them to order the others. I just love having this down time to read books I've had on my list to read but don't have time other times of the year.

How has your week been? Please join me in counting your blessings!!

An InLinkz Link-up

Blessings - Julie

Book Review - Murder Mezzo Forte

ABOUT THE BOOK:

He is a reclusive history professor with musical hallucinations. . . .

She a headstrong professor of religion, a converted Wiccan. Earlier, they solved a campus murder, but now police say they formed two-thirds of an illicit love triangle with a newly-murdered female colleague and they're probably guilty of her murder. A leak of the alleged scandal to the college administration threatens their jobs.

Their desperate attempt to prove themselves innocent of the triangle and the murder plunges them into a tangle of unsavory corporate relationships among college trustees. And it puts their lives in danger from a mysterious criminal organization that seems to have tentacles everywhere.

Can this ill-matched pair's stumbling efforts succeed against the entrenched forces of the police, the college's incompetent administration, and that powerful but unseen criminal organization? If not, they may end up unemployed, in prison, or suffering a fate much worse.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Donn Taylor led an Infantry rifle platoon in the Korean War, served with Army aviation in Vietnam, and worked with air reconnaissance in Europe and Asia. Afterwards, he earned a PhD in Renaissance literature and taught literature at two liberal arts colleges. His publications include three suspense novels, one historical novel, and a book of poetry. He lives near Houston, TX, where he writes fiction, poetry, and essays on current topics.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

MY REVIEW:

This book continues the story of Preston and Mara and their investigative escapades. This is book two of this series but it definitely stands alone on it's own. After reading this, however, I'm sure, like me, you'll want to pick up the first book, Rhapsody in Red.

What  I love about this book is the dry humor that the author brings to the story. Murder is not a humorous subject by any means, but his humor truly adds to the story and gives us a break from anything too dark.

When Preston and Mara find the body of fellow professor, Mitra Fortier, after she has summoned them to her office, a story full of twist and turns starts. Since they had solved a murder before, those around them expect them to do the same again, whether they want to or not.

There is also a bit of romance between Preston and Mara that adds to the story. They are always trying to be very careful because of the jeopardy it may bring to their jobs. The musical hallucinations of Preston give us a huge glimpse into his personality and humor. The intrigue of the mystery keeps you reading to find out what happens and I always love a page turner. Plus, it kept me guessing until the end which is what a good mystery should do!

This was a fun book to read and if you enjoy a good mystery, you'll enjoy this book. I highly recommend it!

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by LitFuse Publicity Group

Blessings - Julie

Counting Our Blessings - LinkUp!

It's been such a week full of blessings here! How was your week? I hope it was full of blessings, too!

69. We had such a wonderful 4th of July! We didn't do anything real elaborate but it was special to me. :) We had steak (which is quite rare for us!), pasta salad, green tossed salad and apple pie for dessert. I finally learned how to cook steak properly after years of cooking it like shoe leather! lol It was absolutely delicious!

We also watched this

I loved it! In fact, my whole family loved it! Then we sat on our deck and watched the fireworks. Such a nice day!

70. I have been searching for a new small lamb chop toy for Mitzi for months. I have found large ones but never any small ones. The other day I went to WalMart with my son and decided to check again. They had two of them! Yay!! Here is Mitzi with her new Lambie!

Here she is sleeping with her new toy.

She has had a little lamb chop since I first brought her home and has always slept with it. I could tell she was so happy to have a new one.

71.  I've been taking a break from my cross stitch and working on my Christmas felt banner again. Here's where I'm at so far.

It's probably hard to tell exactly what this is but that's a stable and it will have the Holy family in it. I love the window, don't you? Here's a close up...

I've always enjoyed doing these kinds of things and find it to be a very relaxing. Hopefully, I'll have a lot more done by next week to show you.

72. My biggest blessing has been all the lovely and encouraging comments you have left me on my blog posts where I have shared my health issues. I can't tell you how much this meant to me. Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know you're thinking of me and praying for me.

Now it's your turn! How was your week? Please share on the linky below or in the comments.

An InLinkz Link-up

Blessings - Julie

Share Your Voice!!

One thing I'm realizing is that we only have our voice for so long to share what God has done for us. If I had died two years ago, I would not have shared nearly enough of what God has done in my life. I would have let opportunities go by and not shared my full story of God's goodness and grace.

"You only have your voice for so long to share what God has done for you."

What is it that God has called you to do and you haven't done? We all have so many days and hours until we are no longer able to do these things. If you're a writer, write! If you're an artist, create! Whatever it is - now is the time. We are all in different times of our life. Some of us have more time than others but make time to adventure into your calling. Whatever time you take to share your voice is perfect because it's fitting into your life as it is at the moment. 

I'm actually quite an introvert and it's really hard for me to open up and share with others. However, God allowed me to live on this earth longer for a purpose and I believe that purpose involves Him. He has called me to share my story - bad and good - to inspire and help others. 

I don't have it all together - believe me! I don't do as much as I would like to do. I am tired so much of the time and I have absolutely no energy at times. I have to force myself to do the bare minimum each day. Some days are better, but they are far and few between. It's actually quite frustrating. When I do have any kind of energy, I try to do what matters most. My Bible study time is the highest on that list then it goes from there. Some days, I don't even have the energy for that.

I am keeping my eyes on the future. I believe - truly believe - that this is going to get better. I think God is preparing me for that time. He wants me to be a voice for those who are hurting. I am so very thankful for the fact that I can share with you through this medium. I can minister and share through this simple blog. It's rather a miracle, don't you think? 

I have friends that I would have never met if it weren't for this medium called internet. I am able to connect with others who are struggling through Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and more! How amazing. Our circles are really limitless and that's why I'm telling you...

"SHARE YOUR VOICE!"

You never know who you're going to inspire and bless!

Blessings - Julie

Book Review and Giveaway - Dwelling Places

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Do you long for serenity and refuge, peace and hope? Are you seeking a deeper spiritual life through a closer relationship with God?

If you're tired of dwelling in busyness and noise, then perhaps one word a day can change your life. Award-winning author Lucinda Secrest McDowell knows that if you spend time each day turning to God's Word for wisdom and guidance, your faith can flourish and grow.

Through short and inspiring readings, McDowell unpacks a single word---such as mercy, beauty, gratitude, or grace---to reveal a biblical blessing or challenge relevant to where you are. Full of stories and illustrations to empower you to live the word you have just read, each devotional ends with a benediction, written as if God were speaking directly to you.

These "dwelling places" that offer the joy of God's promise and presence cover four seasons: fall, Advent, Lent, and summer. Whether in the midst of busy holiday schedules, holy days, ordinary moments, or changing seasons, a deeper faith can be as simple as a single word.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lucinda Secrest McDowell is the author of 11 books, including Live These Words, Amazed by Grace, and Quilts from Heaven. She has contributed to an additional 25 books and has been published in more than 50 magazines. A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Furman University, she speaks internationally through her ministry Encouraging Words. An award-winning writer who has earned accolades from prominent writers' conferences and retreats, McDowell has also worked in radio broadcasting, in retreat planning, and on church pastoral staffs. She writes from "Sunnyside" cottage in Connecticut.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

MY REVIEW:

This has become my new devotional! I love how it's divided into the four seasons and I chose to focus on Fall - my favorite time of year!

This devotional starts with a beautiful Scripture to meditate on. Then the author shares a wonderful devotional to help you focus on God's goodness and to help you grow in your faith. There are usually questions within the devotion for you to ask yourself and I really like that.

My favorite of the Fall devotions was called, "Presence". In this devotion the Scripture is, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." - Exodus 33:14  God was with Moses and He is with us. Just like the sky-diving instructor was with Kevin, in this devotion, as he did his first jump, so God is with us as we feel sometimes like we're free-falling in life. He has control and is as close to us Kevin's instructor strapped to his back.

"God's Presence makes the perfect dwelling place for our soul."

Don't you love that? We may not always feel His presence, but that doesn't mean He's not there. This was so comforting to me!! 

At the end of each devotion is a prayer to help us apply what we learned in the devotion. This is a great starting place for your prayers each day. 

My other favorite part of the book is the Epilogue called, "Secrets of the Nest". She gets more in-depth in what it means to truly dwell in God. I found this really great and did draw me closer to God!

This is a wonderful book and I know you'll love it as much as I do. I highly recommend this book!!

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by LitFuse Publicity Group 

 

Blessings - Julie