Heaven is for Real DVD Kit

It's the book that's sweeping the nation.  You can't turn on the TV, visit a book store, or the watercooler without hearing about this book.  The Burpo family has been making their rounds with the media promoting this book and I understand a movie is in the works.  I was sent this Curriculum DVD kit from Thomas Nelson in exchange for a review.  In accordance with Federal law, I am in no way paid or required to give a positive review.  That being said, I found Heaven is for Real to be an quick and excellent read.  I am a skeptic when it comes to near death experiences.  I am not sure how I feel about the theology of how this all works.  It's not that I don't believe that God can't use these things - I'm just not sure he does.  Especially when profit it involved.  In this case, after reading the book I felt that for once it was a story that seemed to be true.  There was a pureness to it.  It was believable.  However, I only hope that 6 months from now I'm not looking at "Follow me to Heaven" shirts with Colton Burpos picture on the front.  With the curriculum kit and the kid's version and a possible movie, I am wary. 
Why say all of this when I was asked to just review a curriculum kit?  Because while the book is great, the kit really isn't in my opinion.  The DVD has some interesting interviews with the Burpos.  However, the companion guide seems very elementary to me.  The questions are very general.    The DVD is put together nicely with 5 videos that are 10 to 18 minute conversation starters.  They are of good quality.  The kit might be good with a seekers group or a group of new Christians, but I think most Bible study groups would find this lacking as a study. 

Stuck DVD-Based Study

Stuck - A DVD Based Study

by Jennie Allen

Since beggining to write reviews for books provided to me as part of the Book Sneeze blogging program by Thomas Nelson, I have had the opportunity to review lots of books.  This was my first time to review a Bible study package.  This curriculum comes with an 8 session DVD, a stody guide with 5 day lessons for each week, a leader's guide, conversation cards, and promotional materials.  While the kit has enough matierials for a leader to lead a group of 8-12 women, additional study guides are sold seperately.  These woule be necessary for the members of your group.  Now that you know what's inside the box, let's talk about the value of those items.

I have led and attended many women's Bible studies.  Some of them were great, some not so much.  I think that Stuck could be among the best of those.  The materials are high quality both in appearance and content.  The DVDs show the author, Jennie Allen, showing up in locations that serve the weekly topic well.  She is open, honest and encouraging.  These DVDs will draw the attention of the women of your group and lock them in so that they are ready to explore the topic together.  The lesson guide and Bible study is full of solid Biblical principles.  The chapter ending projects give each particapant a chance to live out the study.  One unique feature of this study is the deck of cards that are used as part of the lesson.  These cards put a new spin on life application.  I think these cards will draw even the most reluctant participant in to sharing in the discussion. 

If you are looking for a women's study that explores all of those places our hearts and minds get stuck in, this is the study for your group.  It reminds us that when we get stuck we often fail to leave room for God, often missing out on the blessings He has for us.  This study allows participants to dig into the Word of God and explore those areas and how we can embrace God and get unstuck. 

I received this study as part of the Thomas Nelson Book Sneeze program.  I was not paid or required to write a positive review of the materials. 

Brenda Warner - One Call Away - Answering Life's Challenges with Unshakable Faith"

My most recent read is “One Call Away – Answering Life’s Challenges with Unshakable Faith” by Brenda Warner.  This book is a memoir of Brenda’s life.  She has faced many trials and tribulations during her life from farm girl, serving in the military, facing divorce, marrying a high-profile NFL star and landing in the media spotlight, to facing the challenges of having a special needs child while mothering a whole crew of kids.  Brenda reminds us that while we will face many challenges, trials and tribulations in this world, God is one call away!  Those are words we need to hear. 

While I am not a football fan and I only knew who Kurt Warner was by name, I still enjoyed reading this book.  Thousands of women have enjoyed listening to Brenda Warner share her testimony at Women of Faith conferences.  Now that message can be shared with even more women who pick up this book.  I loved reading the personal stories and faith encounters that have helped Brenda Warner walk through her difficult times with grace.  She reminds us that our God is ever present and always faithful.  I would highly recommend this book to anyone, football fan or not.   

29 Pages

Yes - 29 pages.  That is the number of pages I filled in my journal last weekend while attending Women of Faith - The Imagine Conference.  I've attended Women of Faith numerous times.  I've never gone to the conference without returning better than I came.  Women of Faith is just that good.  However, this weekend was better than I imagined!  I don't know if it was the fact that I knew I would be blogging about this weekend for Book Sneeze who sent me to the conference, or if it was because I needed this weekend more than ever, but I couldn't get enough.  I hung on every single word from the speakers to the musicians. 

My sister and I traveled to Indy on Thursday night.  We checked into our luxurious hotel.  Yes, we stayed in a luxurious hotel.  This is not our usual custom.  We had used Priceline and I must say we landed an amazing deal.  God showed off all weekend by blessing us over and over again.  It started with the invitation to the conference and was followed by staying at the beautiful JW Marriot hotel.  I cannot speak enough about the excellent service we recieved. 

Thursday morning came and we grabbed a taxi to the Conseco Fieldhouse.  We took our seats just in time.  Within minutes the Women of Faith Worship Team took the stage.  I was blessed by them every single time they took the stage that weekend.  If you love Praise and Worship music (who doesn't) I suggest you pick up a copy of their newest CD Rejoice. 

The first speaker of the day was Sheila Walsh.  Sheila spoke about the woman from Mark 5:21-29.  Sheila reminded us that this woman lived each day under 603 rules and one of those rules sentenced her to a life of being unclean as long as she had this issue of blood.  No one touched her for 12 years.  Sheila told of the woman's risk at being stoned to death if it was realized that she had touched Jesus.  I had also never considered the next thing Sheila said.  When Jesus turned and asked who had touched him, he knew.  He risked being considered unclean by those around because of her touch.  Jesus gave the woman a bigger miracle than she asked for.  He freed her from the shame.  The heart of Sheila's message was summed up in her closing remark, "When the lies of the enemy come, resist them because you are loved by God."

The next speaker was Henry Cloud.  I had never heard Dr. Cloud speak before.  I have already ordered his book "The Law of Happiness: How Spiritual Wisdom and Modern Science Can Change Your Life" and I have "Necessary Endings" on my wish list.  If you ever get the chance to hear Dr. Henry Cloud speak, you must!  The heart of his message was that we should 1.  Be a giver.  2. Be connected. 3. Have goals.  He went into great depth explaining the necessary components of each of these things and how they are essential to our lives.  He spoke again after lunch and reminded us that "God mets you where you are and tells you of a different tomorrow."  Using the Biblical accout of the Israelites  leaving Egypt for the Promised Land, Dr. Cloud reminded us that:
1.  The boat can't set sail if it's still tied to the dock.
2.  You can't get to the Promised Land while dragging Sodom and Gomorrah along.
3.  Today may be the enemy of your tomorrow.
He also used the analogy of pruning roses to pruning the unnecessary things from our lives. 
I cannot tell you enough about how wonderful these messages were.  I am different because of these messages.  They were not only life changing, but life giving.  I feel as if I have new breath.  Thank you God for using Henry Cloud.  This message was followed by a Question and Answer session with Dr. Cloud and Sheila Walsh.

Sheila spoke again and reminded us that "Peace is not the absence of trouble, it is the presence of Christ" and "The bigger the trouble you are in, the quicker you should run home."

Lisa Harper spoke Friday evening.  I was excited to hear her speak after reviewing her new book for Book Sneeze a few weeks ago.  She did not disappoint.  She spoke about compassion.  It was a message I needed to hear.  She asked the question "Are you holding the rock of resentment in your hand judging those around you?"  This was a message I needed to hear.  There are situations that have occured in my life and I need to drop the rock and let them go.  Thank you Lisa. 

Saturday was full of great messages from the rest of the Porch Pals.

Sheila Walsh spoke Saturday morning about the Jesus our shepherd.  It was an excellent talk that drew me closer to my Shepherd. 

Nicole Johnson spoke about her life and reminded us that when we give God our broken peices, he puts it back together into something beautiful. 

Angie Smith brought me to tears with her testimony of suffering the loss of a child.  She reminded us to keep our eyes on the Lord in the midst of storms.  Her testimony is full of wisdom, humor, insight that touched me deeply. 

Luci Swindol, one of my favorite Women of Faith speakers, reminded us that we should live with joy and fill our lives with things that bring us true joy.  She also said that we improve the world by enjoying it.  Life is a gift!  Thank you Luci for that reminder.

The weekend was summed up by each of the speakers.  They did an amazing job of bringing closure and giving us a final nugget of wisdom for the road. 

We were also blessed by songs from Mary, Mary and Natalie Grant.  Both of them were excellent and their music was filled with messages of hope!

It was an amazing weekend.  I left rejuvinated and ready to tackle life knowing that I don't face it alone!  Thank you Book Sneeze and Women of Faith. 

Stained Glass Hearts by Patsy Clairmont

Stained Glass Hearts is the newest book from one of my favorite Christian authors, Patsy Clairmont.  Patsy has always been one of my favorites!  I went to hear her speak at a church earlier this year.  I spent most of the day between fits of laughter and buckets of tears!  She has long been a favorite of Women of Faith attendees.  I have always felt a connection to Patsy.  That connection has deepened after reading Stained Glass Hearts.  This book is a mixture of devotional readings, art lessons, literature suggestions, and music appreciation.  Patsy has paired each chapter with songs, literature and music suggestions.  These suggestions especially appealed to my creative side and enhanced my reading and understanding of the chapters.  Being a stained glass artist also made this book quite appealing to me.  The subtitle of the book is seeing life from a broken perspective.  Patsy uses each chapter in this book to help us understand that while God didn’t intend for us to be “broken”, He does want to use it.  We must be ready and willing to be mended and molded by a father who loves his children.  In the book, Patsy uses a quote from Maya Angelou which states, “A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.”  This book doesn’t have all of the answers, but it, like the song the bird sings can be enjoyed and can spur us on to a closer walk with the mender of stained glass lives.

Women of Faith

I cannot wait to blog about the incredible experience I have had at Women of Faith!  It has been fantastic and we still have all of Saturday left! 

Stumbling Into Grace by Lisa Harper

I am eagerly awaiting my trip to Women of Faith.  I am so excited that Lisa Harper will be one of the speakers for that weekend!  Lisa is a gifted speaker, but I recently found that she is an excellent author as well.  Her book "Stumbling Into Grace" was recently sent to me by Book Sneeze and Thomas Nelson Publishing. 
"Stumbling Into Grace" reads like a diary or journal, yet it's content is more of a devotional.  Lisa paints a beautiful picture of our walks with Christ.  Lisa mixes humor, Biblical encounters, and life application lessons throughout the three sections in this book.  The first section is "Real Life".  This section shares encounters with Jesus.  My personal favorite from this section is caled "The Very Real Problem With Pantyhose:  Jesus and Binding Things".  The second section is "Real Gifts".  This section leads us through encounters with Jesus and different gifts that he has given us.  The final section is called "Real Growth".  This section is about how Jesus helps us. 
I found this book to be excellent.  Lisa's insight provides the reader with teachable moments.  This book would be a great Bible study for a women's group.  At the end of each chapter is a section called "Living in the Light of His Story."  It is a prayer that is followed by a section called "Personal Reflection and/or Group Discussion Questions."  I liked how Lisa adds scripture references to the reflections.  At the end, is a starter for a journal entry.  This allow the reader to take the time to contemplate just what God is trying to teach them through this chapter. 
If you want to read a book, that as the introduction puts it "describe God's unconditional and miraculously accessible love for us through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ", please get a copy of "Stumbling Into Grace."  If you want to hear from Lisa Harper herself, I suggest you get yourself to a Women of Faith conference.  If you happen to go to the one in Indy, I'll be the girl standing in line at Lisa Haper's table.  I can't wait to thank her for this book. 

Thank you to Book Sneeze and Thomas Nelson books.  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.



Look Out Indy - I'm Going to Women of Faith

I've attended Women of Faith many times. However, two years ago Women of Faith stopped coming to the St. Louis area. The other dates and cities just hadn't worked out for me. While Indianapolis is close, it is on the first day of school. What teacher misses the first day of school - right? Well, this year this teacher is. As part of Book Sneeze, I will be attending and blogging about my Women of Faith experience. If you've never attended Women of Faith, you are missing out. If you can't attend an event, then I urge you to purchase the DVDs, gather some women from your church together and hold your own mini-conference in your living room. Thanks to Book Sneeze, Women of Faith, and my school for letting me use a personal day on the first day possible. I promise I will be a better teacher for it - a weekend with Women of Faith has a way of making you smile for months to come.

Story Engineering by Larry Brooks

Story Engineering - Mastering the 6 Core Competencies of Successful Writing

As someone who hopes to have a published book someday, I chose to read Story Engineering with the hope that it would kick-start the courage to actually begin putting the story ideas that have been swimming in my head down on paper. While I haven't delved into the writing yet, I have stepped out of the boat and at least chosen the idea I want to work with. I believe that taking the time to study "Story Engineering" was well worth the invested time I spent reading it. It is not a book to be simply read, but one that must be studied. I had to read and take the time to really think about the chapters. I had to spend time thinking of how they would and should apply to my writing.

Story Enginerring is organized into 8 sections. The introduction gives an overview of the 6 core competencies and the reasoning the author states that they are important to good storytelling. The first core competency is concept. This section really helped me evaluate the story ideas I have collected and to prioritize them into which ideas might actually be worth exploring. The next section leads us to the second core competency which is character. As a instuctor at the local junior college, I can tell you that we spend a lot of time talking about character in the composition and analysis classes I teach. I found this section to be very well written and thought out. The author examines all of the various avenues that play a part in the development of character in a story. The next concept the author addresses is theme. While this section of the book is shorter than other sections, don't be fooled into thinking that theme isn't important. The information provided in this section of the book really captures the difference between plot and theme. The next section covers story structure. To me, this is the author's best work. This was the treasure I was hoping to find. This section isn't really a "how to" or "formula", but more of an inquiry into what makes a good story. It's taking those things, tearing them apart, examining them, and applying them to the story you are hoping to craft. The final parts are scene execution and writing voice. After the "meat" of story structure, I found these sections to be informative, but they didn't necessarily lead to that "aha" moment. The author finishes up the book with a closing section on the process of story development.

In all, I would recommend this book. This book is an investment - not something to be read quickly. Not a book you will devour. It's one you have to take in small bites and contemplate. Thanks to Book Sneeze for offering me the opportunity to read this book.

I received this book through Book Sneeze, a part of Thomas Nelson Publishing. The opinions expressed here are my own and were in no way influenced by the publisher. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Fedral Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

Reggie by Reggie Dabbs with John Driver

You Can't Change Your Past, But You Can Change Your Future

I do not know Reggie Dabbs and before I read this book, I didn't even know he existed. It was with some reservation that I chose this book to read. However, I am so glad that I did. It is filled with messages of hope, hope that often comes out of despair. Reggie has risen from a past that could have destroyed him. As the book states, "You can't change your past, but you can change your future." The book is a nice mix of personal anecdotes, Biblical accounts, and inspirational messages. This is a message that is so timely for young people today. This book would make a great graduation present. The ten chapters in the book contain information that encourages the reader to know ten things: to know your story, to know your truth, to know your pain, to know your choice, to know your voice, to know your name, to know your passion, to know your future, and to know your Father. At the end of each chapter are questions for individual and group discussions. Thse would be great for a mentoring program or even a small group of college students. Reggie has traveled the world sharing his message. Take a look at this book and let him share this message with you. I am confident you won't be disappointed.

I received this book free from the publisher as part of the Book Sneeze book review bloggers program. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this information in accorance witht he FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Max on Life by Max Lucado

When you consider that Max Lucado has over 100 million products in print and that he is one of the most beloved Christian authors of our day, it is not surprising that he is sought out for answers to many of life's difficult questions. Finally, Max has turned those questions and the answers he shares into his latest book. Max on Life contains the answers to over 150 questions that have been posed to Max Lucado over the years. The answers found within the pages show that Max Lucado is a man who has gained a great deal of wisdom through study and prayer. The book is divided into seven sections: hope, hurt, help, him/her, home, have/have-nots, and hereafter. Max on Life is written in that gentle writing style that is so characteristic of the author. It is as if you are sitting down for a cup of coffee with Max Lucado and spending the afternoon "picking his brain".

I found this book to be an excellent read. I also think it will prove to be an great "go-to" book when trying to find the answers or trying to find words to encourage those in need. The book contains both a topical and a scriptural index, which make the book a nice resource for such times. A bonus to the book is a section with Max's advice about writing and publishing. As someone who would love to someday step into those waters, it was nice to hear from someone who has swam the channel quite successfully. I hope you will give Max on Life a try. I am glad I did.

Thanks to Book Sneeze for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

According to his website, every single minute a book by Andy Andrews is sold in the world. After reading his newest book, The Final Summit, I now understand why.

The Final Summit, A Quest to Find the One Principle That Will Save Humanity is the first fiction book I have reviewed. Inside the book is a scripture from Psalm 39:12 which reads, "For I am but a Traveler upon this earth." Just as David realized when writing the Psalms, life is a journey and reading this book is a journey in itself.

David Ponder is a 74 yeard old widower. As to be expected, we find that he is contemplating the reason he must go on living without his wife. His grief is heavy. However, his grief is interrupted when he receives a visit - not just any visit, but a divine visit. God has sent on eof His messengers to entice Ponder into a journey that will send him on a quest to save the world from the greediness and evil that it is drenched in. With the angel Gabriel as a travel guide, Ponder goes in search of a two word answer to the question, "What must humanity do, individually and collectively, to restore itself to the pathway toward successful civilization?" Ponder goes in search of an answer knocking at the door of the wisdom of such greats as King David, Winston Churchill, Joan of Arc, and Abraham Lincoln. These Travelers share principles that have stood the test of time in history. As a reader, I found that I too was on a quest. My quest was to determine how these same principles could shape my own life.

Andy Stanley is a master at combining suspense with a great cast of characters and sprinkles in just enough drama to hold it all together. Although I have not read the predecessor to this book, The Traveler's Gift, I was able to understand and enjoy this book with the author's provision of the necessary background information. I had only known Andy Andrews as a gifted speaker at Women of Faith conferences. I am now glad to know him as a gifted author. The Final Summit hits bookstores tomorrow - I am sure they will be flying off the shelf every minute.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through http://BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accorance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

A Conversation with God By Alton Gansky

This cover of this book has the question "If you could ask God anything, what would it be?". This book is like sitting down with God each morning and having a chat session. It's about asking those why and what about questions? Not only do you get to ask these questions, but the author has gleaned from the Bible the answers to such questions. While any of us could look in the Bible for those answers, the way the author presents them makes it seem as if you are having a conversation with God - thus the title. I found this book to be a useful tool for a morning devotion. While none of the answers were new revelations to me, they were refreshing. Some of the questions that are addressed:

*Creation

*Authenticity of the Word of God

*Abortion

*Preparing for the end of the world

There are many more questions included in this treasure. I encourage you to take a look yourself and have a conversation with God.

Pujols: More Than The Game by Scott Lamb and Tim Ellsworth

Pujols: More Than The Game
by Scott Lamb and Tim Ellsworth

As a woman in her late 30s, who hasn't attended a Cardinal's game since the new stadium was built, one would hardly expect my first book review for my new blog to be a book review of an Albert Pujols biography. However, if you expect this book to just be about Pujols the Baseball Hero, you are in for a shock that would equal one associated with the Cubs winning a World Series crown. This book and this man are so much more. It's a book about a man who loves his family. A man who is grateful for the opportunities and the talents he's been blessed with. A man who has faults just like the "regular guys". A man who has been given much, but has given much away.
Scott Lamb and Tim Ellsworth do an excellent job of showing us who Albert Pujols really is. With the recent media reports about Pujols' and the St. Louis Cardinal's inability to reach a contract agreement, I was surprised at my reaction after reading the book. As a person who thinks sports heros and entertainers are paid obscene amounts of money for the jobs they do, I finished this book hoping that Pujols is able to find that salary that he is hoping for. Not because of the amazing things that the authors tell us he has done in his baseball career. Sure, those are impressive and well detailed throughout the book, but it's more than that. The authors presented the message we see throughout the Bible time and time again. God has blessed us so that we can bless others. That is the message I hope you take away from the book. The Pujols family knows how to give out of their riches. I was inspired. It's refreshing to be reminded that there are people out there who just aren't in it for the money, but for what that money can do for the Kingdom of God. Whether you are a Pujols fan, a Cardinals fan, or just someone who likes to read about real people doing things that matter, I think you'll enjoy More Than the Game.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com http://BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”