Devotions for Sacred Parenting

Devotions for Sacred Parenting
By Gary Thomas
Published at Zondervan

About the book

Raising children is a sacred calling—and not for the faint of heart. It shapes the parent every bit as much as parents shape their children. In Devotions for Sacred Parenting, Gary Thomas, author of Sacred Parenting, delves deeper into the conversation and contemplates the soul-transforming journey of being a parent.

Many books have been written about how to parent your children effectively, how to become a better parent, and how effective parenting produces better kids. Devotions for Sacred Parenting explores an entirely different reality: how parenting transforms you, the parent. It explores the spiritual dynamics of parenting and why caring for your children is such an effective discipline in shaping your soul and forming the character of Christ within you.

With all new material, 52 devotions explore the spiritual dynamics of parenting. These life-related devotions are creative, fresh, and encouraging, inspiring mothers and fathers to look at parenting from a different perspective—as a holy and high calling from God, and as an opportunity to grow spiritually as you strive to raise godly children. Devotions for Sacred Parenting helps you understand how God is parenting you as you parent your children.

My Thoughts

Let’s face it… Parenting is not easy and sometimes it takes lots of wisdom and patience.   Being a parent require us to be constantly connected to our Father in Heaven whether you read the Bible or pray.  Devotions is also a great way to be nourished as a parent and where you can find tips and tricks to be a better parent.    We have heard Gary Thomas speak about parenting in the past and we really enjoyed his thoughts about this amazing job that is parenting our children.   So when I was able to review the new edition of Devotions for Sacred Parenting I did not hesitate to do it.

Thought many books have been written on how to parent properly and how to encourage your children, this particular book will emphasize on the fact that parenting transform you – the parent.   How can we shape our soul and become more like Christ as a parent is the whole idea behind this book.  The book contains 52 devotions and reflection questions which explores the spiritual aspect of parenting.   Fifty-two devotions to do once a week with your better half – your spouse.  And each devotions concludes with a prayer to say together as well as questions for reflections during the week.  These questions are always great and make you ponder on what you read as well as think of the past week or so in order to identify what you could have done better.

From the first devotion I have read, I was hooked.  This particular devotion titled “God is in the room” opened my eyes to the fact that God is always there (I knew that already but the reality sinked in more in my mind and heart.) and that realizing that will make you realize that how we act, think, behave and speak has a witness at all times.  Because let’s face it – we sometimes forget that He is there with us and tend to act is if He was absent.  But he isn’t.   God is in the room. So if we want our children to be able to acknowledge Him and notice Him we also have to do it as well.  It is funny how our parenting skills changes when our mind shift to the fact that God is ALWAYS with us.  He is in all the rooms you go in, in your car, in your kitchen, in the backyard…. (I think  you get the picture.)  So I have been telling myself this word – God is in the room. – for some time now.  I even plan to make a watercolor with the words on it to put in our dining room which also is our homeschool room.  Seeing it day in and day out will make these words sink in more and more in me and in my children.  

God is in the room.

Simple yet effective words to repeat.  A great way to remember that He is always there with us – no matter what happens.

In a way this book will allow you to discover how God is parenting you to become the parent he intended you to be for your children.   It is a fabulous book that I highly recommend to parents everywhere.   It is packed with wisdom and nuggets on how to be a better parent. 

Devotions for Sacred Parenting is available for purchase at your favorite bookstore, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

Disclaimer: Thanks to Thomas Nelson for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

The Bible Explorer’s Guide

The Bible Explorer’s Guide
Published at ZonderKids

About the book

The Bible Explorer’s Guide lets children come up close and personal with everyday life during Bible times through photos, maps, and illustrations illuminating, people, places, objects, and buildings of the Bible. What did Noah’s Ark really look like? Who was David and whom did he fight? How did 1st century citizens of Jerusalem live? Each two-page spread is filled with images that bring history alive and drawings that help bring life to people and places that we can only read about. With fascinating, brief text and full-color captivating images, this is a reference that kids will come back to again and again. A great addition to any home or school library.

My Thoughts

It is always nice to find a book that will help your kids to visualize the Bible from cover to cover.  The Bible Explorer’s Guide is exactly that book… With over 1000 facts and photos within the pages of this book, your kids can visit and explore the history written in the Bible from the comfort of your home.  At the end of the book you will also find a timeline as well as a glossary of who’s who in the Old Testament and the New Testament.

The pages are packed with information on various time during the historical events mentioned in the Bible.   It is refreshing to see images of the area today mixed with maps, painting, drawing as well as models of what places looked like during the biblical times.

The book is definitively a great resource to own in your personal library where you can use it for research, reading or to supplement your Bible curriculum.   Churches could also use it for Sunday school or Awana program.      Personally, it makes me want to go on one of those trips where you go visit biblical places with a group.  Maybe one day I will be able to do so… in the meantime, I will enjoy explore history through the pages of this book.

The Bible Explorer’s Guide is available for purchase at your favorite bookstore, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

Disclaimer: Thanks to Thomas Nelson for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

The Beautiful Word 365 Devotional

The Beautiful Word 365 Devotional – Bringing the Goodness of Scripture to Life in Your Heart
Published at Zondervan

About the devotional

He has made everything beautiful in its time.

Ecclesiastes 3:11

Your devotional time is precious as you draw near to the Lord and experience His love in your life. The Beautiful Word Devotional is the perfect companion to help you experience His goodness through His Word as beautifully lettered Scripture.

This devotional includes:

182 verses illustrated in full color Special places to write your own reflections Warm devotions for each day of the year Dive into 365 devotions to nurture your spirit and encourage your heart as God’s Word washes over you with its promises. With lovely devotions and inspiring images, The Beautiful Word Devotional will refresh your heart daily as you seek to enjoy God’s Word in a creative way.

My Thoughts

This beautiful devotional will uplift you every day of the year as you read it, ponder on the scripture and the words in the devotion as well as delight your eyes with beautiful art.   Every second page in the devotional possess a special illustration based on the scripture on its page.  The opposite page has some lines in it which allows you to journal a bit on what you have read or simply add your own drawings to the pages.

The devotions always start with a scripture followed by the devotion itself as well as a quick prayer in the end.   For example, for today’s devotion I had to read James 1: 3-4 which is about the testing of our faith producing perseverance.   The devotion that followed was about the reality that our spiritual growth is intimately linked to the trials and challenges that we might have experience in life.   Like it or not growth does not happens when we are going through “happy times”.    Finally, the devotion concludes when you read a simple prayer – quick and directly linked to the devotion.    Reading would take you maybe ten minutes or so but the words will impact you for the rest of the day.   Getting a reminder that growing in Christ happens mostly when we persevere in difficult circumstances was a great reminder for me as I go through some difficult emotions nowadays.

So far the devotions I have read touched me in ways I was not expecting it.   I am pleased to have this devotion in my hands so I can be blessed every single day.   

However, there are a few things that I would like to highlights that could be disappointing for some.  The first thing that bothers me as a left handed writer is the pages in this devotion have a glossy feeling which means not any kind of pen would work for writing in margins on the right side.   Mind you the feeling of it makes the book very special.  However depending of the type of pen you use, there are more chances for a left=handed writer like me to smudge the notes when writing as the side of the left hand goes over the writing.   Consequently, I would suggest that you use a pen that is more permanent than a regular pen.  Second, I would have liked to have a ribbon inserted in the book so that you can keep track of the place where you are reading.  Granted the devotions possess the dates at the top of the page but the ribbon would make finding your spot more rapidly.   

Oh and case you are wondering – February 29th is also included in the devotional so technically there are 366 devotions in the book.   I must applaud this decision because I have seen many other devotionals in the past that simply skipped that day when the book mentioned 365 on the cover.   So kuddos for the publisher for thinking of putting February 29th because that way you can read that page every four year!

This devotional is fabulous in many ways and will be a blessing for the reader.   The illustrations are inspiring and add a touch of color in the pages.  The devotions are straightforward and to the point.  You will also find some space in a margin to jolt down notes to personalize your devotion time.   This book is a great devotional to give to someone you care for whether a family member or a friend.

The Beautiful Word 365 Devotional is available for purchase at your favorite bookstore, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

Disclaimer: Thanks to Thomas Nelson for sending me the above mentioned product in pdf format for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Cherish

Cherish
By Gary Thomas
Published at Zondervan

About the book

“Most marriages survive by gritting teeth and holding on. But marriages can and will not only survive but thrive when husbands and wives learn to cherish one another.”

Those are the powerful words of bestselling author Gary Thomas in his newest book—Cherish. And in a world desperate for marriage redemption, it is needed now more than ever.

Thomas shows that although there are a countless number of marriages consisting of two people just going through the motions, there are real ways this pattern can be reversed: when husbands and wives learn to cherish one another in proven, loving, and everyday actions and words.

Through personal stories and real world examples, Thomas proves what husbands and wives can begin doing today to turn their marriage around—even a marriage marred by neglect and disrespect.

So how do you cherish your spouse? Thomas will show you how going out of your way to notice them, appreciate them, honor them, encourage them, and hold them close to your heart will bring hope, light, and life into your marriage.

My Thoughts

A couple of years ago, Gary Thomas can in town to speak about his other marriage book – The Sacred Marriage.   It was a great evening where we enjoyed getting encourage in our marriage.  So when I saw a new title from this writer, I knew it would be great.   And let me tell you I am not disappointed whatsoever.

The book speaks to both the wife and the husband on how to cherish the one with whom they are spending their life with.  What Sacred Marriage did to many marriage was essentially based on a New Testament verse.  This book is based on the Songs of Solomon….  Yes the one that many Christians would not want to read but which is packed with admiration from the two lovers.  

The book will encourage you to make extra effort in cherishing your spouse and to change your marriage in amazing ways.   It will stir your heart to give the best you have for your man or woman.   I would encourage couples to read it together and discuss it as well.   

If you have enjoyed The Sacred Marriage, you will definitively love Cherish.   The book is a must-have for a anyone who desire to bring their relationship to a new level.  

Cherish is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

 

Disclaimer: Thanks to Thomas Nelson for sending me the above mentioned product in pdf format for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

NIV Bible for Teen Guys

NIV Bible for Teen Guys – Building Faith, Wisdom and Strength
Published at Zondervan

About the Bible

The NIV Bible for Teen Guys is designed just for you, a teen guy living in today's world. This Bible explores how the timeless truths of the Bible relate to your life, your decisions, and the things you care about most. Packed with daily readings, highlighted promises of God, challenging insights, smart advice, and open discussion about life today, this is the Bible for today’s teenage guys.

My Thoughts

We consider that a good bible should be in the hands of our kids as they grow up.   As they mature we find it is important for them to possess a bible that could answer their questions of growing up.  That’s why we think that having a bible that could encourage them during the teenage years would be beneficial.  Mind you the book alone is not enough to grow up.  Our kids know that they can come to us with questions and that they will get answers from their parents.

But when comes the teen years, a child do not want to carry around a children’s bible necessarily when attending church or going to youth.   You then have two choices for you – purchase a regular bible or if you desire get a bible specifically designed with teens in mind.  Today I am writing about the NIV Bible for Teen Guys which will present devotions that will help to build faith, wisdom and strength.  

Daily readings are included in this Bible whether it is to discover men from the Bible or devotions for building faith, wisdom and strength.    The bible includes an index for both of these types of readings as well as a topical index, a table of weights and measures as well as a concordance.  All this will be find at the end of the Bible.  The daily readings were written by popular Christian male authors like Mark Batterson, Kyle Idleman, Mark Hall, and Max Lucado – to name only a few.  You will also find the book introductions for each book of the Bible as well as highlighted promises of God as verses worth remembering.

The devotions themselves are within a page of reading and will allow your son to grasp a better understanding on certain issues.  For example, I really enjoyed reading the page for Noah’s Ark where there is clear illustrations on how big the ark was when it was built including a reference on how many National Zoos in Washington, DC would be included in it!   Since we went to that specific zoo while visiting Washington, DC a couple of years ago, I think this information will be interesting for the boy I am planning to give this Bible. 

This bible if packed with insights and wisdom on how to become a man of God when the world throw challenges at you.   It will be a source for growing stronger in all areas of a young man’s life while keeping his faith.

This bible is definitely a great book to put in the hands of your teen.  It could make a great gifts for a young man in your life. 

The NIV Bible for Teen Guys is available for purchase at your favorite bookstore, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

 

 

Disclaimer: Thanks to Thomas Nelson for sending me the above mentioned product in pdf format for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

NIV Beautiful Word Coloring Bible

NIV Beautiful Word Coloring Bible
Published at Zondervan

About the Bible

The NIV Beautiful Word™ Coloring Bible employs the proven stress-relieving benefits of adult coloring to help quiet your soul, so you can reflect on the precious truths of Scripture. Perfect for all ages, the thick white paper with lightly ruled lines in the extra-wide margins, provides ample space for your own artistic expressions and journaling.

My Thoughts

With the popularity of bible journaling still keeping the steam, the new NIV Beautiful Word Coloring Bible will be probably find interest with Christian women who are not artistic in nature per say but desire to take up some color pencils and draw within the lines of a design already incorporated within the pages of a bible.   This is exactly what this bible offers to someone who cannot draw free hand but loves to color.   

Within the pages of this bible, you will find plenty of scriptures that have been designed in the margins in such a way that all you will have to do is grab some color pencils and let your creativity spark.  Some of the design are smaller than other and will leave space for you to jolt down some personal thoughts on the scripture.  You will also find numerous pages with journaling space for you to write prayers, expand your comfort zone when it comes to art, or simply take notes during the Sunday sermon at church.

I am a bible art journaler and I was curious about this bible.  I can see how it could speak to certain people who are not prone to doodle and be creative.  However, for me – even though I have seen some interesting design in it – I find that this type of bible (because they are other ones like this out there) limit the personalization of the journaling bible.  Mind you some might think that I over exaggerate on this since no everyone would use the same colors to express their creativity and this is true.  In some way your bible would express your own personal creativity.  

One other thing I have found with the pages of this bible is that they are thinner than the ones in a regular bible journaling.   Consequently, you will have to be extra careful in the type of crayons and/or pencils you will use in it because sometimes it can bleed on the other side.  I would suggest to select higher quality coloring pencil when working through it and to protect the pages under when adding color.  

The bible would make a perfect gift to someone who desire to color within the pages of a bible without being super creative and artistic.  I find this bible would make a perfect gift to a wife, a daughter (tween and up), a mother or a friend whom you think will benefit in having such a bible and can be uplifted by spending time in coloring specific verses.  

The NIV Beautiful Word Coloring Bible is available for purchase at your favorite store, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

Disclaimer: Thanks to Thomas Nelson for sending me the above mentioned product in pdf format for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

With All Due Respect

With All Due Respect – 40 Days to a More Fulfilling Relationship with Your Teens and Tweens
Written by Nina Roesner and Debbie Hitchcock
Published at Thomas Nelson

About the book

With All Due Respect is a handbook for parents navigating the difficulties of the tween and teen years. Roesner and Hitchcock help parents identify what successful relationships look like and give easy-to-follow lessons in enforcing rules, communicating lovingly, resetting relationships, overcoming fears and exhaustion, and handling rebellion. Each day features a story every mom can relate to, down-to-earth questions to think about, and a prayer to launch an action plan. As a result, the reader gains new skills and perspective, greater strength, and an ability to live out faith daily as never before. With All Due Respect is for all parents seeking not only to connect more deeply with and positively impact their teens and tweens, but also to grow more deeply in faith through the process.

My Thoughts

When I requested this book to review, I was having issues with my tween and I knew that I needed to change.   So I quickly downloaded the Kindle version because I wanted to become a better parent for all my kids when they hit the tween/teen age.   I already have a teenager but somehow dealing with his transition was not as difficult as his siblings following him.  I suppose I might have been less tired for him too but I knew that I lacked the skills of dealing with siblings rivalry since I was a single child.   So I immediately started reading it.

Essentially this book is divided into forty dares to do but instead of focusing on your relationship with your husband, it helps you to establish a better relationship with your kids – boys or girls.   Growing in the tween and teenage years can be confusing for anyone and this book will allow you to slowly develop an amazing relationship with your kids.  

The forty challenges for us parents are the following ones:

• Assess Your Parenting Interactions
• Revisit Your Childhood
• Focus on God’s Vision
• Push the Reset Button
• Be Careful With Your Words
• Communicate Respect Early
• Stop Yourself
• Take Care of the Temple
• Counter the Culture
• Refrain from Casting Blame
• Parent with Perspective
• Leap Outside Your Comfort Zone
• Encourage Rather Than Nag
• Use Humor When Things Got Hot
• Stay Out of God’s Way
• Practice Thankfulness
• Be True to Your Word
• Offer Compassion Instead of Judgment
• Give Your Kids Grace
• Take Time to Listen
• Coach Your Kids On Navigating Conflict
• Parent Ahead
• Talk Your Kids Through Disappointment
• Drop the Comparisons
• Invite Their Friends In
• Separate Your Identity
• Avoid the Blame Game
• Respond With Calm
• Remove the Mask
• Deal With the Person Before the Issue
• Respectfully Consider Your Kids’ Requests
• Teach Your Kids to Self-Process
• Be Sensitive to Other Parents
• Release Yourself from Worry
• Encourage Self-Discipline
• Point Out What Is Right
• Be a Relationship Architect

Each challenge starts with scripture and you get to read a situation between a parent and his tween/teen.  At the end of this reading, you will get the bottom line on how the parent helped the child to deal with the issue.   Then the authors encourage you the parent to develop the skills needed to help with a similar situation.   Once you have finished reading you will get to the What About You? section which contains questions that will allow you to ponder on your own growing up as a teen, how you might have responded differently, how you could develop the skills demonstrated by the parent and so on.  These questions are very helpful to remember your own teenage years and realize where you can do better.  For me some on these questions were like a 2x4 hitting my head.   Finally at the end of the chapter, you will be able to pray on this specific skill with a quick prayer written by the authors.  Often you will realize that you will add more to make it your own personalize prayer.  After all what I experience with my tweens/teens would be different than what someone else experience.

Even though this book suggest to read one chapter a day for forty days, I find it hard to do this with our homeschool and other things to do.   I also find that some chapters were a bit harder to “digest” than others.   So I decided to go through this book at my own pace and develop the relationship I have with my kids in the same process.    The book also suggest to go through it and applying the lessons with only one child at a time but I find I could apply the lessons to more than one so because of this I find that slowing down while reading this book is beneficial for our family.   

If you are starting to have issues with your tweens/teens, this book could help you to build a better relationship with them.   I do recommend this book in order to strengthen your interaction with your teenagers.  But as any other book out there on relationship, be aware that it takes work and honesty from your part to go through it.

With All Due Respect is available at your favourite bookstore, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

Disclaimer: Thanks to Thomas Nelson for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

My Name is Mahtob

My Name is Mahtob – The story that began in the global phenomenon Not Without My Daughter continues
Written by Mahtob Mahmoody
Published at Thomas Nelson

About the book

Two decades ago, millions of readers worldwide thrilled to the story told in the international bestseller Not Without My Daughter—subsequently made into a film starring Sally Field—that told of an American mother and her six-year-old child’s daring escape from an abusive and tyrannical Iranian husband and father. Now the daughter returns to tell the whole story, not only of that imprisonment and escape but of life after fleeing Tehran: living in fear of re-abduction, enduring recurring nightmares and panic attacks, attending school under a false name, battling life-threatening illness—all under the menacing shadow of her father.

This is the story of an extraordinary young woman’s triumph over life-crushing trauma to build a life of peace and forgiveness. Taking readers from Michigan to Iran and from Ankara, Turkey, to Paris, France, My Name Is Mahtob depicts the profound resilience of a wounded soul healed by faith in God’s goodness and in his care and love. And Mahmoody reveals the secret of how she liberated herself from a life of fear, learning to forgive the father who had shattered her life and discovering joy and peace that comes from doing so.

My Thoughts

I was about 24 years old when the movie Not Without My Daughter came in theaters.   I remember seeing the movie and then wanting to read the book.   And recently I saw that there was a book that seemed interesting – My Name is Mahtob.   At first I didn’t realize that this book was written by the child that lived the event highlighted in the movie.   But as I read the description of it I was hooked.  I wanted to read her perspective of the ordeal and to discover what she did since then.  

The book quickly arrive at my home and I immediately started reading it.   Within a week I was done but honestly the reading probably took only two days.    You see I had to put the book down for a couple of days before being able to finish it.   The book will give you her perspective on the visit in Iran as well as bring you in her life when they got back in America.   The book is easy to read and definitively help you to better understand the stress and issues someone could experience when dealing with a parent who could appear anytime and kidnap your child.   

I was impressed with the tenacity of her mom in making sure that her daughter would have an understanding that even if her dad was not the best of Iranian that not all the population was like that.   They have lived dramatic months while in Iran but they were back in America… not completely safe though as you will discover if you read this book.   How they both kept their calm and were able to persevere in life is beyond me.   I think I would have lost my nerves more often than they did.    The stress of always being in your guard and to be vigilant at all time would have drained my energies.

The book is a great biography that I recommend to anyone who have seen the movie or read the book Not Without My Daughter.   I think it is nice that we discover how was life once back in America and how Mahtob has learned to deal with forgiveness and peace in her life. And unlike probably many stories of kidnapping children and moving them elsewhere around the world, this is one who finishes positively and that is encouraging to read.  

My Name is Mahtob is available at your favorite bookstore, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

The book is also available for the Kindle and Kindle app.

  

Disclaimer: Thanks to Thomas Nelson for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

The Five Times I Met Myself

 The Five Times I Met Myself
Written by James L. Rubart
Published at Thomas Nelson

About the book
What if you met your twenty-three-year-old self in a dream? What would you say?

Brock Matthews’ once promising life is unraveling. His coffee company. His marriage.

So when he discovers his vivid dreams—where he encounters his younger self—might let him change his past mistakes, he jumps at the chance. The results are astonishing, but also disturbing.

Because getting what Brock wants most in the world will force him to give up the one thing he doesn’t know how to let go . . . and his greatest fear is that it’s already too late.

My Thoughts
I almost passed this title off…. but the cover page was intriguing – not to mention the title as well.  Then my eyes stopped on the author’s name.  The name was known to me… that’s when I recalled reading some of his books earlier in the year.  So I double-checked for titles of this author on my Kindle account and there they were…. I had discovered this author out of the blue earlier this year and enjoyed his type of writing.  This book – The Five Times I Met Myself – was his latest title.   So I read the description of the book and I was hooked.  The idea of time travelling via dreams has grabbed my attention.

I zoomed through this title – in the midst of homeschooling and Christmas preparation.   It was my way of recharging my batteries in a way.   I enjoyed the plot and the story line.  I have found that the style of writing from James L. Rubart was different than most authors and I particularly like it.    It is intriguing to think that the main character could alter the timeline by meeting his past self and giving him guidance.    At the end of the book, the main character realized that…. wait a minute I won’t tell you what happened because the book is so good that I strongly suggest to get it to read it yourself. 

This book is definitively a book to discover in 2016.   Take the time to unwind and read it at your own time.   Besides, I think you will like the story and would love to discover the other titles he has as well.

The Five Times I Met Myself is available for purchase at your favorite bookstore even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.
 
The book is also available on Kindle and Kindle app.
 

NIV Bible for Men

NIV Bible for Men – Fresh Insights for Thriving in Today’s World
Published at Zondervan

About the Bible

This is not your dad’s Bible. The highly approachable yet spiritually challenging NIV Bible for Men takes the insights from today’s young pastors and authors—who look and sound the same as you, facing the same expectations and temptations—and the truths of Scripture to create a devotional experience that enriches your spiritual life and brings you closer to God every single day.

My Thoughts

This new bible for men will inspire the man in your life in digging deeper in God’s word in order to become the man He wants him to be.   The daily reading in this bible are challenging, and thought-provoking and will encourage him to grow spiritually and deepen his relationship with God.  

Each reading begins with a tweetable statement that introduces the day's meaningful, concise topic designed to address the challenges and expectations that will instantly connect with today's guys, such as career, sexuality, leadership, pornography, relationships, financial stability, spiritual growth, substance addiction, culture, character, education, self-image and more. NIV Bible for Men features include: 260 weekday devotions from young pastors and leaders such as Matt Chandler, Shane Claiborne, Craig Gross, and Gabe Lyons.

It contains two methods to engage: reading through the Bible canonically from Genesis to Revelation or by topic using the topical index 52 "Myth Articles" state commonly accepted myths in our culture today, then refute those myths with answers from God's Word.   Each devotion is based on a specific verse from the bible and the reader will get a main idea at the top of the devotion.  This main idea could be tweeted if desired.  After reading the devotion, the reader can bring it to life by pondering on questions to see how it can apply in his life.  For an easy access to the next myth the reader can discover the page at the bottom of the devotion.  The following authors have participate in providing devotions in this bible: Sammy Adebiyi, Danny L/ Akin, Thabiti Anyabwile, Steve Arterburn, Simon Baker, Mark Batterson, Jon Bloom, Johnathon Bowers, Stephen Brewster, Kurt Bubna, J/ Budziszewski, John Burke, Matt Carter, Tim Challies, Francis Chan, Matt Chandler, Shane Claiborne, Neil Cole, Wayne Cordeiro, Steve Cornell, Larry Crabb, Clay Crosse, Brent Cunningham, Jim Cymbala, Matt Dabbs, Kevin DeYoung, Matthew Dickerson, Greg Dill, Eric Douglas, Ron Edmondson, John Eldredge, Andrew Farley, Nick Farr, Tom Gilson, Bob Goff, Billy Graham, Jim Grassi, Ryan Griffith, Craig Groeschel, Craig Gross, Randy Hageman, Hank Hanegraaff, Josh Harris, Brandon Hatmaker, Chris Haw, Christopher D. Hudson, Todd D. Hunter, Michael Hyatt, Bill Johnson, Dr. James Kennedy, Dan Kimball, David Kinnaman, Ted Kluck, Jared Latigo, Rick Lawrence, Jonathan Leeman, Jason Locy, Ben Lowe, Max Lucado, Gabe Lyons, Jeff Manion, Mike McKinley, Rick McKinley, Scot McKnight, Erwin Raphael McManus, Steve McVey, Erix Metaxas, Tony Morgn, David Murrow, Jeremy Myers, Rory Noland, John Ortberg, Jonathan Parnell, C. Michael Patton, Mike Pettengill, Joel C. Rosenberg, Jonathan Ryan, Chris Seay, Christopher Shaw, Ronald J. Sider, Jerry Sittser, Steve Sjogren, Charles Specht, Andy Stanley, Glenn T. Stanton, Jarrett Stevens, Halim Suh, Dr. Dennis Swanberg, Leonard Sweet, Charles Swindoll, mark Tabb, Tullian Tchividjian, Joe Thorn, Bill D. Thrasher, Chris Tomlin, Paul Tripp, Jon Tyson, John H. Walton, Rick Warren, John White, Darren Whitehead, Steven Wickham, Timothy D. Willard, Jared C. WIlson, Pete Wilson, Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, Micael E. Wittmer, Philip Yancey, and Dr. Ravi Zacharias.

Looking at the list of the men who wrote the devotions I will admit that I recognize some of the names but many are unknown to me.   However, I am slightly disturbed to see the name Tullian Tchividjian and to see that the biography included in there has not being update.   This man has resigned as the pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church after admitting to an adulterous affair (on both side from what has been revealed) and has since filed for divorce back in August.    I would have hoped that the publisher would have been careful in not incorporating a leader who is having personal struggles in this bible geared to uplift men.  So I was curious and checked what he has written in the bible.  Through the list of devotions, I was able to identify four that was written by him (D148, D204, D220, and D238).   I then preceded to check the theme of each of these – one was about legalism, one about idolatry, one about God’s spirit living in us, and finally the last one is about morality vs moralism (the trap of emphasizing the importance of “good” Christian behavior.   To be honest, I wished there would be only one devotion of him in this bible but it isn’t the case.  Nevertheless, though he has issue to resolve in his personal life, I am sure some men can benefit from the devotions written by him.  It is just sad that the autobiography is not reflecting the current position he held and the fact that he is in the midst of a divorce.

As I flipped through the pages of this Bible in order to review it, I can see how it would be beneficial for any men whether old or young (even with the issue mentioned above).  

NIV Bible for Men is available for purchase at your favorite bookstore, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

Disclaimer: Thanks to Thomas Nelson for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Seven Men

Seven Men and the Secret of Their Greatness
Written by Eric Metaxas
Published at Thomas Nelson

About the book

In Seven Men, New York Times best-selling author Eric Metaxas presents seven exquisitely crafted short portraits of widely known—but not well understood—Christian men, each of whom uniquely showcases a commitment to live by certain virtues in the truth of the gospel.

Written in a beautiful and engaging style, Seven Men addresses what it means (or should mean) to be a man today, at a time when media and popular culture present images of masculinity that are not the picture presented in Scripture and historic civil life. What does it take to be a true exemplar as a father, brother, husband, leader, coach, counselor, change agent, and wise man? What does it mean to stand for honesty, courage, and charity, especially at times when the culture and the world run counter to those values?

Each of the seven biographies represents the life of a man who experienced the struggles and challenges to be strong in the face of forces and circumstances that would have destroyed the resolve of lesser men. Each of the seven men profiled—George Washington, William Wilberforce, Eric Liddell, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Jackie Robinson, John Paul II, and Charles Colson—call the reader to a more elevated walk and lifestyle, one that embodies the gospel in the world around us.

My Thoughts

This book contains a mini biography for the seven men highlighted.   Each of them is regarded as strong example for many people.    The seven men presented in this book are George Washington, William Wilberforce, Eric Liddell, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Jackie Robinson, Pope John Paul II, and Charles W. Colson.  

I will admit that I was familiar with the story of four of these men.  I knew about the Pope because I was raised catholic and he was Pope during my growing up years.   Back in the 1980s when he visited Canada, I was part of the dance group who did a presentation at the Montreal stadium.    William Wilberforce, Eric Liddell, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer were the three other men whom I have discovered their story and impact in more recent years.

Nevertheless, this book is an inspiration for the reader who takes the time to read it.   I had more trouble with the section on George Washington because I find it doesn’t really impact a Canadian.  However I have learned a great deal about his courage and dedication during the war years.    As I read about these seven men, I almost wished that there were comprehension  questions as well as challenges for the reader.   Why?   Well I can see me asking my teenage son to read about a specific man and answer the questions as part of his literature studies.   Besides reading about strong men of faith is always useful for a teenager – whether boy or girl. 

The author will also release a book title Seven Women which includes Joan of Arc, Susanna Wesley, Hannah More, Maria Skobtsova, Corrie ten Boom, Mother Teresa, and Rosa Parks.   I look forward to read this title as well.

Seven Men is available for purchase at your favorite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com

 

The book is also available on Kindle.

 

Disclaimer: Thanks to Thomas Nelson for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

NIV Bible for teen girls

NIV Bible for teen girls – Growing in Faith-Hope-Love
Published by Zondervan

About the bible

The NIV Bible for Teen Girls, designed specifically for girls ages 13 to 18, is for real teenage girls with real lives. Packed with daily readings, highlighted promises of God, challenging insights, smart advice, and open discussion about the realities of life, this Bible is designed to help teen girls grow in faith, hope, and love. The NIV Bible for Teen Girls is as sincere about your walk with God as you are, helping you discover his will for all areas of your life, including relating to your family, dealing with friends, work, sports, guys, and so much more.

Features include:

• Daily readings for teen girls by popular Christian female authors (Annie Downs, Bekah Hamrick Martin, Christine Caine, Crystal Kirgiss, Bethany Hamilton, Nicole Weider, Elsa Kok Colopy, Denise Van Eck and more)
• Character profiles of women in the Bible
• Book introductions for each book of the Bible
• Highlighted promises of God: verses worth remembering
• A concordance for help in finding verses
• The complete text of the bestselling New International Version (NIV) of the Bible

My Thoughts

I find it important to equip my kids with tools that will help them to go through life.  Once such tool – after learning to read – is to daily read in their bible.    As they grow up I expect them to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the bible.  To do so, they need a bible which will allow them to do so.    When they enter their teenage years, it could be difficult for them and the parents.   Consequently having a bible which could help them to go through these turbulent years is important.     The NIV Bible for teen girls will encourage your teenager in many ways.  

Each book of the bible is highlighted by providing a small introduction, indicating when it happened, who is in the book, and some of the verses that the teen might recognize.    The devotions can be found throughout the bible and are short – up to one page.    The text of the bible is in black writing but the titles of sections, the chapter numbers as well as the top of the page are written in pink.    Even the devotional pages’ background are in pink.   Not everyone likes pink and it might be an issue for certain people.  My girl wouldn’t mind because I know she loves pink.  

I’ve read some of the devotional and I remembered when I was a teenager.   To be honest, I wish I would have had these uplifting devotions to turn to when I was growing up for various reasons.    I came to the Lord in my late 20s.  I wish I had done so much earlier in life but I know that the LORD had a plan for me.    The bible also contains a table of weights and measures, a topical index, a list of the women in the Bible, an index of devotions for growing in faith-hope-love, and a concordance.

If you have a teenage girl and you desire her to grow in the Word, consider getting her the NIV Bible for teen girls.   It would make a perfect gift for a baptism, a milestone in her life, for a birthday or Christmas.

The NIV Bible for teen girls is available for purchase at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

Also available in imitation leather.

 

Disclaimer: Thanks to Thomas Nelson for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Bonhoeffer Student Edition

Bonhoeffer Student Edition – Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
Written by Eric Metaxas
Published by Thomas Nelson

About the book

In his New York Times bestseller Bonhoeffer, author Eric Metaxas presents the fullest account of Bonhoeffer's heart-wrenching 1939 decision to leave the safe haven of America for Hitler's Germany.

Now abridged and adapted in student-friendly language, Bonhoeffer, Student Edition tells the story of one of Christianity's most courageous heroes. The student edition will share Bonhoeffer's inspirational testimony with children in a compelling and relatable way. Young readers will enjoy learning about the fascinating life of the man who had the courage to follow his convictions into Nazi Germany and stand up for others because of his radical faith.

Who is Eric Metaxas?

Eric Metaxas is the author of the New York Times bestseller Amazing Grace, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About God (But Were Afraid to Ask), Everything Else You Always Wanted to Know About God, and thirty children’s books. He is founder and host of Socrates in the City in New York City, where he lives with his wife and daughter. His writing has appeared in the New York Times, the Atlantic, Washington Post, Books & Culture, Christianity Today, Marks Hill Review, and Fist Things. He has written for VeggieTales and Rabbit Ears Productions, earning three Grammy nominations for Best Children’s Recording.

My Thoughts

Love the simplicity of the book compared to the adult version.   It is perfect to introduce your teenager to the life of Bonhoeffer and what he did during the second world war.    As I read this book I discovered the truth behind the atrocities of that war and the events surrounding the rise of Hitler as the leader of Germany. The more I read the more I realized that the people of Germany were duped and manipulated to the desire of one single man.   For example, the military were called to take an oath when Hitler became president of the country and the regular oath was changed at the last minute without their knowledge.  

Throughout the book, the student who is reading it will find boxes with information that will help to understand some words, the situation, the second World War and more.  You will also have the opportunity to visualize a timeline at the beginning of each chapter.  This timeline will help the reader to visualize when the event covered in a chapter happened.   Finally, a map of Europe during WWII at the beginning of the book the Bonhoeffer family tree , a list of key words and people located at the end of the book as well as questions to help your student to ponder of what he/she has read complete the book. 

There is much to discover about Bonhoeffer in this book and it could be a great springboard for the adult version of the book as well.   This book will join the list of things to read from my oldest son for his grade 9 level and I am planning to ask him to jolt down his answers to the questions as well as write a paper on Bonhoeffer when he is done the reading.   This book covers not only history but also missionary study for your homeschool.   The reading is easy for kids and I think that even my grade 5 and grade 6 kids would benefit from reading it.

Bonhoeffer Student Edition is available for purchase at your favorite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

Disclaimer: Thanks to Thomas Nelson for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Bella’s Gift

Bella’s Gift – How One Little Girl Transformer Our Family and Inspired A Nation
by Rick and Karen Santorum
Published at Thomas Nelson

About the book

Rick and Karen Santorum share the inspiring story of life with their special-needs youngest child.

On May 13, 2008, the Santorum family welcomed their seventh child into the world. Isabella Maria was born with a rare genetic condition called Trisomy 18, or Edward’s Syndrome. Only 10 percent of children with Trisomy 18 are born alive, and 90 percent of those children do not make it to their first birthday. Faced with these bleak statistics, doctors told the family to prepare for Bella’s death. Instead, they chose to celebrate her life.

Over the next five miraculous years, the Santorum family adjusted to life with a special needs girl—and watched her transform the lives of everyone around her. In many days of sickness and joy, she became an inspiration to her community and, ultimately, to the nation. Bella’s Gift details the peaks and valleys, the joys and sufferings, and the incredible value of life with a special needs child. In a world that often measures worth according to usefulness, Bella’s story is a reminder that our real value lies in our capacity to love.

My Thoughts

There is one thing I need to tell you about this book – be prepare to be moved by the story of Bella and her family.    The main reason I have requested this book is because I want to lent it to my sister-in-law who raise a special need son – my nephew.  I just know that she would love to read this book.   I read it because of my nephew as well as for learning more about what it means to raise a child with a trisomy.  

I will admit that I have poured tears while reading this book and was appalled at the reaction of some doctors who came in contact with Bella.    I find that she is a very brave little girl and that it take tremendous courage for parents of special need kids to fight for their children when things are not always looking positive.    The book gives you the perspective of Karen and Rick on different chapters.   Sometimes they write about the same event and how each of them reacted on it.  The book also contains photos from the life of Bella so far which personalize the book even more.    Bella seems to be thriving nowadays and should be 7 years old this year.

The book will give you a very good perspective of life with a special need child as well as encourage you to see these people as gift from above.  The Santorum’s story is definitively a priceless story to read that I think every one should take the time to discover.  

Bella’s Gift is available at your favourite bookstore, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

The book is also available for the Kindle and Kindle app.

  

Disclaimer: Thanks to Thomas Nelson for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

52 Little Lessons from Les Misérables

52 Little Lessons from Les Misérables
Written by Bob Welch
Published at Thomas Nelson

About the book

Gold Medallion Award-winner Bob Welch crafts 52 nuggets of Bible-based wisdom from one of the most popular novels, musicals, and films of all time: Les Misérables.

In 52 Little Lessons from Les Misérables, Bob Welch walks readers through Hugo’s masterpiece, extracting dozens of uniquely spiritual reflections from this enduring portrait of poverty, social injustice, mercy, and redemption. Welch reminds us that Jean Valjean’s life provides the truest example of why real love is found in the grittiest places, and that hearts are made whole beneath the crush of mercy. Most important, though, Welch keeps returning to the intersections of faith and reality throughout Hugo’s writing—those places where mercy becomes an inroad to the heart, and where love is only truly received when it is given without condition.

Discover again why life’s purpose is found not in attending to personal needs and desires, but in responding to the hearts of others.

My Thoughts

Once you have read and heard Les Misérables you can appreciate the story from Victor Hugo.    I have read the book, seen the play at the theater and even watch the more recent movie.   Since its publications more than 150 years ago, Les Misérables has been fashioned in theatrical productions, movies and many have written commentaries on it.   This book is different in many ways as the author extracts unique spiritual reflections from the book and its portryal of poverty, social injustice, mercy, and redemption. 

I find that the book is perfect for a weekly devotion.  It will guide you in discovering why life’s purpose is found in responding to the hearts of others and not by attending your own personal needs.  In each lesson the author highlights the spiritual themes that are woven inside Les Misérables.  These themes, like anguish, mercy, suffering and forgiveness in the face of adversity, are presented using the individual plights of the bishop, Valjean, Fantine, Cosette, Javert, Marius and Éponine.   You experience the transformation of Valjean, the bishop’s compassion, and the redemption that comes afterward in a different way while going through this little book.

To be honest, the more I read 52 Little Lessons from Les Misérables the more it stirs me to read the book again.   In one of the lessons you read about the transformation of Monseigneur Charles François-Bienvenu Myriel (the bishop) and realize that Les Misérables has numerous pages about his past which I never realize or paid attention of.    Reading the book of Bob Welch gives me a newfound interest in reading the popular book of Victor Hugo with a different thinking process that I had when I first read it in my teenage years.   There are lessons to be gleaned through the pages of Les Misérables and the book by Bob Welch helps us to see them.   

So why not bless the fan of Les Misérables in your life this Christmas so the book can allow him/her to explore the story through a different angle with spiritual lessons.   

52 Little Lessons from Les Misérables is available at your favorite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

The book is also available for Kindle.