Great Future for "Futurecast"

Futurecast: What Today's Trends Mean for Tomorrow's World by George Barna is informative and interesting.  Barna summarizes data from surveys of Americans regarding various topics.  His compilations provide interesting and important information for Christians, the Church, and anyone concerned about our society and nation.  Impressive (and somewhat discouraging) are the changes Barna notes in attitudes and beliefs among Americans even from just 20 years ago.  I appreciated the reading, even though I found much of it disturbing simply because of the results Barna uncovers.

I especially appreciate Barna's conclusion in each chapter and in the book overall.  While much of the content is discouraging as Barna seems to reveal the disinegration of morality, family, and even the Church as we know it, Barna concludes chapter on a note of hope.  He not only realizes that there is hope, but he encourages the reader to do his part in fulfilling that hope and passing it on.  The final chapter, likewise, is encouraging among the disheartening statistics throughout the book.

This book is excellent reading for any Christian concerned with our nation's future and with the Church's future.  Barna's survey data are eye-opening and action-inspiring!  I highly recommend this book!!

Thanks to Tyndale for providing a complimentary copy to me for purpose of review!

***  UPDATE:  I just reread the final chapter in the book and had to post a bit more...this book is inspiring!  Barna draws the reader to complete loyalty, love, and submission to the Creator-Savior and inspires her to live the life Jesus intends for us!!  WE are the church...the body designed to share God's love and it's not too late to change our future one life at a time!!   I loved this book--and will suggest that every true follower of Jesus read it soon!  :)

Great Secrets of the Amish!

I loved the book Money Secrets of the Amish:  Finding True Abundance in Simplicity, Sharing and Saving.  The content is great -- and Lorilee Craker's writing syle is catchy and amusing, as always!

Craker shares a number of Dave-Ramsey-type frugality tips in her book--yet she does it in a humorous, Amish-tinted way.  My husband and I consider ourselves fairly frugal people, yet I found a few tidbits sprinkled throughout Craker's book that were new ideas (or reminders of unused ideas past) to me that I'd like to incorporate.  I found myself inspired to work harder in areas I'm weak in or have become very lax about (--I'm not good at "fixing" things or finding another use for items in order to save money!)  Her research was thourough and her ideas realistic (she realizes that not everyone has the space, time, or talent to grow a large vegetable garden--yet she presents realistic alternatives that are still money-savers!) 

I appreciated the admonishment to train our children to be less concerned about material items, as well.  This is a huge part of frugality and is often difficult in our materialistic society.  Craker's book was a good reminder and inspiration to me in this area!

While her writing is not spilling over with Christian "language" or scripture, Craker's writing is certainly based on Biblical principles of stewardship, contentedness, and sharing. 

I'd highly recommend this book to anyone interested in getting a better grip on their personal finances or even looking for encouragement in the good work they are doing!  Thanks, Booksneeze, for sending a free copy for me to review!

Wonderful art work!

When God Created My Toes by Dandi Mackall and illustrated by David Hohn is full of beautiful, colorful, and fun art work!  I was immediately drawn to the adorable main character and eagerly anticipated what each new page might bring. 

The book is not really a story--but more of a collection of little poems from the perspective of a little child.  With each new page, the little girl wonders about when God created different parts of her...and the reader gets a sense of awe and wonder about this loving God who made her special..

The book seems to be written for toddlers--maybe 2 or 3 years old.  However, when I read it to my four-year old book-lover, his first words upon completion were "Will you read it to me again, please!"  I guess I'm not the only one drawn to this book!!

Thanks Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers for providing a copy of this book to me for free for purpose of review!

Wonderful Daddy Dates

Daddy Dates, by Greg Wright, is easy to read, easy to enjoy, and easy to be inspired by.  The author, father of four girls, shares his experiences with "dating" his daughters--and provides insight as to how the reader might do the same.  Wright provides reason for the dating idea, and practical examples.  I enjoyed his flowing, conversational style and his humor throughout the book.  I also appreciated his encouragement to intentionally know one's children (whether you're the mother or the father) and to parent with a purpose rather than simply coexisting with one's offspring. 

The book has a mildly Christian flavor (certainly some biblical principles!) yet is not explicitly about God or His Word. 

Thanks, Booksneeze, for providing this complimentary copy for purpose of review.  It has inspired me, a mom, to wisely use the brief time I have with my childrren, as children.

Lilies in Moonlight by Allison Pittman

Fairly predictable, but still enjoyable.  Pittman is writing a series of "baseball" books and this is the third.  However, it's not a chronological series, from  what I gather, so the characters are independent in each book (although some overlap.) 

I enjoyed the 1920's setting--flappers, prohibition, baseball.  The heroine is an emotionally damaged young lady who meets an exceptional, yet mentally failing, older woman.  That relationship transforms her inside.  The son of the older woman becomes a key character, as well. 

I appreciated the themes of forgiveness, redemption, and grace throughout the book.  These are clearly spelled out and the salvation plan is given, as well.  Encouraging for a Christian and perhaps an  invitation for a non-Christian.

I didn't like that the author uses quite a bit of sensual imagery in the story.  While it certainly fit the characters and sometimes was recognized by the characters as sinful, it is not always treated so...sometimes the character's indiscretions are left open to be judged by the reader as appropriate or not--or the author may present the actions as cute or fun, while in reality, they are flirting with sexual immorality and lust.  I'd love to see the author develop her characters without leading the reader to this point.

Overall, it was a fun book.  Not greatly moving, but a fun and relaxing read!  Thanks for providing it for me for free, Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers!

1-877-We-Be-Big

We Be Big: The Mostly True Story of How Two Kids from Calhoun County, Alabama, Became Rich & Bubba   By Rick Burgess and Bill "Bubba" Bussey with Don Keith

It took me a little bit to get into it, but once I caught the drift of these authors, the book was non-stop reading for me!  I laughed so often.  I cried.  And I was inspired!  God has used these two men for extraordinary things--and their story makes me want to avail myself more fully to the Lord, too!

The paths of Rick and Bubba seemed to cross several times in their lives before they eventually ended up doing a radio show together.  God clearly orchestrated the details of each of their lives to bring them to that point (even as it seemed they attempted to avoid His hand, at times...)  The impact their growth in their relationships with Christ had as they shared it with their audience is incredible!  In a society that media portrays as "godless" and uninterested in Christianity, God certainly showed up in a way that the secular media would not likely care to share.  Their testimonies encourage the reader to share Christ boldly, and gracefully, at whatever platform He provides.  Rick and Bubba did that.

I enjoyed the back and forth narration between chapters.  And the first person accounts were interesting and certainly bring the reader into the story. 

This is a great read and I'd recommend it!  Thanks, Booksneeze, for the free copy you sent for purposes of review!

Great for multiple ages!!! Life, In Spite of Me

Kristen's story in Life, In Spite of Me:  Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice is one of hope, inspiration, faith, and everlasting love.  It's a great read for teens and adults, as well.

Kristen Anderson had a good childhood but  began to experience depression and sorrow as a teen.  The pain in her life led her to what "should" have been a fatal decision to lie down on railroad tracks as a train approached and end her life.   The result of that decision was the loss of her legs and so much more gained.  The story she shares following this event, a story of recovery, pain, hope, and the saving grace of her Creator (who not only miraculously saved her life when humanly, it should have ended, but also rescued her soul) is a story that should be shared with anyone struggling with depression or even "blues."  It's also valuable for anyone who loves a person with depression.  It's a great testimony for anyone questioning God's love for each person and a great inspiration for anyone in love with Jesus, as well. 

I appreciated the easy writing style of Tricia Goyer, who authored the book with Kristen Anderson.  Once I began reading the book, it read quickly and was tough to put down! 

One concern I do have about the book is the author's insistence on weaning herself from antidepressants so that she can fully rely on God.  While I rejoice with her in her healing from depression, I also strongly believe that some medically need antidepressants--and can trust that God has provided such for them in their well-being.  To deny this, or call it something other relying on God would also imply that a person should avoid medication for any medical condition if he is fully relying on God.  I believe that God provides medications for us as a means of healing us (it's only through God's grace that any of his creation might imagine/discover/create such medications!)

Overall--great, inspiring book and I'm grateful to WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for sending this book to me free for purpose of this review!