The action storybook Bible

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The Action Storybook Bible(David C Cook, October 2017)

The Action Storybook Bibleinvites families with children ages 8 and under explore God’s redemptive story together.

From the sleek and amazing creatures God created at the beginning of the world to the powerful kings who reigned over ancient Israel to Jesus’s gift of eternal life for you and your family—God has a beautiful and exciting plan for the world. Where do you fit into that plan? How are the truths found in God’s Word reflected in your life?

This Bible storybook features 15 episodes highlighting key milestones in God’s story, packed with dozens of scenes—combining stories from God’s Word with brand-new captivating illustrations from Brazilian master-artist Sergio Cariello, illustrator of the bestselling The Action Bible. Discover your family’s place in God’s redemptive story and together put your faith into action!

Interactive features include:

—Fifteen episodes loaded with over 350 brand-new illustrations from master-artist Sergio Cariello.
—Short and easy reading for all ages. Take turns telling God’s redemptive story!
—The Life, Faith, Action! feature wraps up each episode and helps your family recognize how God is moving through each story, discover how that relates to your daily lives, and feel inspired to put your faith into action.
—Heroes Hall of Fame index, where you can look up your favorite Bible characters and discover their stories!

My opinion: This is such a  amazing way to introduce your kids to God's word in a way that is utterly engaging and real. This book does not fail to delight all ages, even my 2 year old was mesmerized by it and it really caught her attention which I was impressed with! The illustrations are amazing and the book is so insightful and lively, which will appeal to kids for sure!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Pierced and embraced by Kelli Worrall

This book was an interesting read. I was honestly not sure what to expect, but it far exceeded anything I was anticipating. This book is all about the multi facets of God's love which is so complex and amazing. This book shows Christ's encounter with 7 women of the Bible and the different ways his love was lavished on them and how that same love is offered to us today. Written with warmth and in an engaging manner this book was very thought provoking and engaging read that really made me think of the love of Christ in a different light.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Martyr's oath by Johnnie Moore

Do not read this book unless you are prepared to be heartbroken and challenged by what so many of our brothers and sisters all over the world are going through to be a follower of Christ.
This book is nothing if not convicting, it shows how little we Christians in prosperous nations know what is going on in our world today and how little we truly "sacrifice" to follow Christ. This is a book filled with testimonies of those who have paid terrible prices for their faith, many losing their lives, the lives of those they love or just suffering unimaginable circumstances to follow Christ. They have counted the cost and have not been found wanting.
I know I learned so much reading this book, for instance I didn't know much about the Boko Haram     which is a much more deadly foe to Christianity than Isis.Their goal is to ethnically cleanse Nigeria of Christianity before moving onto the rest of Africa. I had heard of their attack on a government school in Nigeria and their kidnapping of over 200 girls some of whom still have not been recovered.
Filled with moving insight and heartbreaking stories this book stays with you long after you close the final page.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

A well-crafted home by Janet Crowther

What an absolutely delightful book. both a feast for the eyes and a feast for the soul. I love the projects this book tackles to utterly personalize and wow with ones house. With over 60 projects for pretty much every room in the house this book is going to appeal to a wide variety of people as there are so many different amazing projects!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Rule of law by Randy Singer

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Rule of Law (Tyndale, September 2017)

What did the president know? And when did she know it?

For the members of SEAL Team Six, it was a rare mission ordered by the president, monitored in real time from the Situation Room. The Houthi rebels in Yemen had captured an American journalist and a member of the Saudi royal family. Their executions were scheduled for Easter Sunday. The SEAL team would break them out.

But when the mission results in spectacular failure, the finger-pointing goes all the way to the top.

Did the president play political games with the lives of U.S. service members?

Paige Chambers, a determined young lawyer, has a very personal reason for wanting to know the answer. The case she files will polarize the nation and test the resiliency of the Constitution. The stakes are huge, the alliances shaky, and she will be left to wonder if the saying on the Supreme Court building still holds true.

Equal justice under law.

It makes a nice motto. But will it work when one of the most powerful people on the planet is also a defendant?

My opinion: I am so glad there is such a great Christian legal thriller writer and Randy Singer delivers once again. This book is pretty sad in many ways but is an absolutely riveting read filled with memorable characters and a thrilling story line. It does make you wonder how much of this kind of stuff actually goes on and how many lives are lost that were needlessly lost.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Mercy Triumphs by Jana Kelley

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Mercy Triumphs (New Hope Publishers, September 2017)

Three women. Three impossible circumstances. One merciful God.

Mia, an American Christian, has lived in Sudan so long that persecution, harassment, and danger have become commonplace for her. Her tough outer shell threatens to harden her heart while her newly Christian friends, Halimah and Rania, former Muslims, are forced to live in exile outside Sudan. All three quickly discover that escaping danger in one place only means facing even greater challenges elsewhere. As God’s mercy becomes evident in their lives, they must choose whether or not to offer mercy to those who don’t deserve it.

Third in a trilogy, Mercy Triumphs opens the reader’s eyes to modern-day persecution and the life of Muslims in Sudan. Based on real-life events, Mercy Triumphs reveals some of the struggles Christians face when living under Islamic law. The reader will be inspired to pray for new believers, those who are persecuted for their faith, and even for the salvation of the persecutors.

My opinion: This book is a wonderful installment in an outstanding series that really focused on the persecution in Sudan and what price many are willing to pay to forsake the Muslim faith. Written by someone who has done missionary work in Sudan the author has witnessed first hand what is going on over there and I loved her providing readers with a glimpse of what is going on over there even if it is through fictional means. This book is a great reminder of the strong faith the Sudanese Christians have and how God is faithful. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The power of meaning by Emily Esfahni Smith

This was a rather interesting book although I am not sure I totally sure I agree with all it talks about but it does give one a bit to think about. What intrigued me was the author drawing on insights from Viktor Frankl who I really like and many others.
I did enjoy how this book was filled with many stories about stories of people around the world who have found meaning in their lives even in poor countries where by our American standards they don't have much in material possessions.
Not too revolutionary in its concepts this book is none-the-less though provoking and intriguing,
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin

What an utterly fascinating book. I had never heard of Gretchen Rubin so all of these ideas and insights were totally new to me, but wonderful!I love how this book talks about not only knowing oneself better but also others and how that can improve your life. I felt like the written and insights were just right, a lot of great information without being totally overwhelming. I got a lot of insight into how I am and operate and also how I relate to other people and it can be very beneficial when I use that knowledge.
Well written and utterly engaging this book was a wonderful read.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Becoming Mom Strong by Heidi St. John

Ever since becoming a Mom myself I have really sought out books that are encouraging and strengthening to help me in this wonderful and yet oftentimes overwhelming phase in my life. When I can find a book that particularly speaks to me than I am ecstatic and I am thrilled to say this book does just that. Written by a women who has 7 kids, some of whom are raised and have children of their own this book is exactly what I think of with a Titus 2 women encouraging the younger woman. because let's face it, motherhood is tough.
Filled with poignant points and real life stories this book is like a good chat with a wise women that is filled with warmth and insight.
I loved how this book addressed the unique pressures that are faced by Mom's in this day and age that have never been dealt with before and offers some encouraging words that left me very encouraged and not so scared.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Understanding color in photography by Bryan Peterson

Written with vivid detail and of course amazing photography this book is just absolutely lush, a delight for the eyes and soul.
If you are looking to turn mediocre photography into exceptional this book will certainly help in that area and will make the amateur improve greatly.
Not only is this book insightful and very helpful but it is well written and engaging.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Child Safeguarding policy for Churches and Ministries

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The Child Safeguarding Policy for Churches and Ministries (New Growth Press, August 2017)

Churches have always sought to be a safe haven for children and families, but many today are dealing with the tragic reality of child sexual abuse.

This handbook, authored and edited by a multidisciplinary team of child abuse experts, is designed for use by a group that will be formulating policies and procedures to protect children and deal with possible child abuse in their ministry, school, and/or church. Working through this book will assist churches and ministries to assess their current child abuse polices and then guide them through each step they need to take to address the safety of children under their care. It will cover vitally important topics including:

—Protecting the children in a Christian environment from child abuse
—The warning signs of child abuse
—Crafting and implement a child protection policy
—Responding to abuse allegations
—Caring for victims of child abuse
—The legal implications and requirements for churches and Christian ministries

Written by a GRACE team with multi-disciplinary knowledge, headed by Boz Tchividjian, a lawyer and former child abuse prosecutor, this handbook will be an invaluable resource to Christians who are seeking to educate themselves and others about child abuse and how to best protect the little ones under their care.

My opinion: As a parent and youth leader this boo is an absolute essential for anyone who has children or works with children. This book addresses a really hard issue, abuse in the church but provides safeguards and ways to prevent that from ever happening. Filled with well thought out advice and insight this book is very thought provoking and helpful to prevent anything from happening. Hard to read for sure but essential.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my hones opinion.