gods at war by Kyle Idleman

We all know the Ten Commandments. When I was 12, my grandma gave me $10 to memorize them. I knew the ones I had for sure broken, but then there were some I KNEW I had never broken. Among them, murder, adultery, and idolatry sat.       

Was I ever wrong.

    

In this eye-opening book, author Kyle Idleman shares about his experiences with idols, gods of our own making. God never meant to be in the highest place in our heart; He wants to be the only one in our heart.  Kyle shares about the battleground of our souls, and how important it is that we destroy our false gods before they destroy us.

I loved this book.  I could never recommend it enough. I started and finished it within 12 hours. I really like Kyle’s clearly written sentences, and great illustrations. I loved the stories he told, and this book was freeing in so many ways. 

This book is definitely going on my favorites shelf! Every person needs to read this book. 

Repeatedly. 

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who is breathing. And who can read (I don’t know how well it would impact a two year old)  I loved Kyle’s first book (not a fan) and his second does not disappoint!

You can buy this book on Amazon for $12 ($9 on kindle), and it is worth every single penny.

I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. And I will be forever grateful.

Book Review: Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer

     Crockett Archer is finally on His way to being a preacher. Felling called to the ministry; he is elated when he gets the chance to become a full time pastor. Then an, ahem, mature, bandit boards the train, and steals the preacher. Crockett is stunned to say the least, especially when he meets Joanna Robbins. Joanna is mortified that her father kidnapped a preacher. She prayed that God would send one, but surely, this is not what He had in mind.  When Crockett is in need of a job, and Joanna is in need of a preacher, they find out that God’s plans can sometime be different than theirs.

   I really enjoyed this book.  I especially enjoyed the semi-continuation of Short-Straw Bride, although I did not catch that is the sequel until halfway through the book! I found it to be very funny, and heartwarming. Karen Witemeyer kept with her signature sweet, and not too suspenseful storyline. My only critique for this book is that there was never any REAL suspense. Maybe for ten pages towards the end, but barely any more than that.

Overall, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars, and would recommend it as a perfect “beach read” or rainy afternoon read.

This eBook was given to me in exchange for this honest review.

Presently Appreciating {May 17}

Yeah, I am still appreciating my baby kitty. Ohmahgoodness.

Music:
Finish What You Started by Sean Feucht
How Love Wins(the thief) by Steven Curtis Chapman
Beautiful Things by Gungor (Still kinda obsessed with this one)
It Must Be You(Moses) by Bart Millard. If you haven't bought this CD, you really should.
Build Your Kingdom Here by Rend Collective Experiment



Riding my bike. It is fantastic. I got a new case for my ipod, and so I have really enjoyed listening to music when riding my bike.

mapmyrun.com
This is a great resource to have. Anyone who walks, bikes, or runs should try this. It is super fantastic.

Hazelnut Macchiato from Starbucks. I haven't even had one since Alex's wedding. But I want one really bad. Really.

This status by Kris Vallotton

Grace's Pictures by Cindy Thompson. Right in the middle, and I am enjoying it a lot so far.

Capri Seaside Citrus. I almost never buy myself fragrance, but I really liked this one.

Well, I probably should go do something productive. Today I am working until 3, having coffee at 4:15, and going to a graduation ceremony at 7. See ya soon!

Book Review: When Love Calls by Lorna Seilstad - Revell Blog Tour

 

    Hannah Gregory does not appreciate charity. Especially charity coming from the lawyer who took away their home. Forced out of her home with her two younger sisters, Hannah must find a way to support them and her. When she finds an ad asking for young women, she jumps on it, until she realizes that it involves following the extremely strict rules flawlessly. One of the most stringently adhered to rules is that she must never share what she hears with others. When she inadvertently overhears someone mentioning whom the culprit of the recent fires is, she struggles to decide whether she should betray the trust of her close friend, or lose her job as a Hello Girl.

 

     I really enjoyed this book.  I absolutely loved reading about all the rules and regulations of a Hello Girl (A telephone switchboard operator) and I loved reading about the environment that they were in. The only thing negative I have to say is that the suspense is almost nonexistent. It is not bad; I just would have like a little more focus on the fires. I did love the cute details that Lorna put into the book, and the scene where she is purchasing a new dress is one of my favorites. Lorna has a gift of making characters realistic with all their quirks. Also, I always love a funny read. I am pretty sure I snorted at least twice while reading about Hannah’s antics.

     Overall, I would give this book 4.7 out of 5 stars. I really enjoyed the sweet way the romance carried out, while still remaining pure. I will definitely be reading more of Lorna’s books. 

Available May 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest book review.

Grainy Toothpaste.

My every-six-months dental cleaning was today. Boo. I actually love my dentist, and I have never had a tragic experience, yet I still cannot stand it. Why?

Grainy toothpaste. 

If they used my toothpaste from home, me and the dentist would have no rifts in our relationship. Their toothpaste feels like someone mixed sand in your toothpaste. Gag. 

My mouth is also sore from opening it so wide. We did get to watch Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs though. Which is always a win. Shiloh wanted to watch Beauty and the Beast, and you’d think, with her being three and me being eighteen, that I’d let her have the choice since it was a little more dramatic to someone who is younger. Nope. I stood my ground. I justified myself in my head: I just want some comfort during this miserable, gag-inducing experience. I love CWACOM. She does not care. She likes it too. It actually sounded like this: Wah wah wah wah entitled baby. Really. 

We were able to get Chi-fil-a before we went. My order? Chargrilled Chicken Sandwich with a large sweet tea and about four bags of the honey barbecue sauce. That stuff is SO STINKING GOOD. I don’t know if you can buy it in bulk, but if you can, then it will be happening soon.

Overall, today was a success. Five days into walking a mile each day, and two days in the fruit pizza for dinner habit. Actually, we had pulled pork for dinner. But I had two generous pieces of fruit pizza afterwards, so I am pretty sure that counts.

A  very successful day if you ask me. Minus the grain in the toothpaste.