Tea With Hezbollah by Ted Dekker and Carl Medearis

I must admit when I first opened the envelope that contained Tea with Hezbollah, I felt the urge to stuff it back in and mark "return to sender" on the front. I have been so overwhelmed with my own life, my own problems, and I surely didn't want to think about the problems in the Middle East. So why did I request this book for review? God.

Despite my initial resistance, I found that I could not put this book down. Tea With Hezbollah is absolutely riveting. Better than any suspense novel I have read, and yet the mystery and suspense in the Middle East in not fiction.

This book is thought provoking, a beautiful journey into the desert of man's heart. Can we truly love our neighbors, our enemies? Can our enemies truly love us? Read their words, discover their world.

Please read this book! It has touched the depths of my being, and although it has ripped me up inside as I have acknowledged my hypocrisy, I hope to live more Christ-like toward all men regardless of nationality, race, or religion.

This book is not about who is "right", but about the possibility of finding peace with our neighbor through love...just as Jesus did.

And thank you to Ted and Carl and to all who added their voice to this book. Your precious time has not been wasted. Tea With Hezbollah will change lives, it has changed mine.

Please note:  I am a believer in Jesus and The Bible as the whole truth and inspired by God.  I believe salvation comes through Jesus only. 

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Author Bios:
Ted Dekker is the author of many nationally bestselling novels, including Bone Man’s Daughters, The Circle Trilogy, Thr3e, and House, which was coauthored by Frank Peretti. His unique style of storytelling has captured the attention of millions worldwide. Visit him at TedDekker.com.

Carl Medearis is the founder and president of International Initiatives, LLC, an organization that promotes cultural, educational, and commercial exchange between the East and the West. He is an advisor on Arab affairs to the members of the U.S. Congress and leaders in international business.

Valentine's Day Download N Go by TOS and Amanda Bennett

I absolutely LOVE the Valentine’s Day Download N Go by Amanda Bennett and The Old Schoolhouse.  It is great for all ages.  Lapbook templates and instructions are included in this fun-filled unit study.  Are you new to lapbooking?  Then this is the product for you.  The activities are broken up over five days, so it is a simple and gentle way to start lapbooking. Internet links are included to help illustrate the folding and making of mini-books.   The Valentine’s Day unit study begins with an amazing booklist with many fabulous titles to enrich learning.  Bible, math, science, history, geography, literature, crafts, and even cooking are covered over the five day study.  I enjoyed the educational video links provided with each lesson.  I can’t wait to share the videos on making candy hearts and the button heart card.  Near the end of the study a long list of internet resources are provided with many more Valentine’s Day activities to do with your children.  I am excited to be able to share with my children the history of this sweet holiday in such a delightful way.

Update

For those of you that were once readers of my blog (I say once because I have not written in over 6 months) I hope to get back in the groove of things. Life has turned upside down-more than once. Dealing with sickness, hospitals, and family drama can be draining.

I am thankful that it seems a season of calm has come to our home. I am also thankful for all the prayers said on behalf of my family.

Homeschooling is going great. We still love it and I have recently been refreshed by reading more about Charlotte Mason.

We have implemented the Workbox System by Sue Patrick and it has changed OUR LIVES! I can't wait to share more about this awesome organizational tool.

We have been trying to change the use of several rooms in our house. I decided it was time to make this my home, instead of a characterless house. I will post pics of our first two "renovations". Gotta love Craigslist and Ikea!

I have many things to write about, but will save for future postings!


XOXOXO

Need to Organize?

Found this awesome info at Econobusters...Just wanted to share!

Molly's Money Saving Digest-January

The January edition of Molly’s Money Saving Digest is overflowing with inspiration for the new year. Many recipes, how-to’s, and organizational tips are packed in this month’s digest.
Readers will be delighted with the Perfect Pies tutorial. I have always been terrified to try making pie crust from scratch. After reading the simple instructions and looking at the wonderful pictures I am motivated to make delicious homemade crust for my pies. And the photos of turnovers make my mouth water. My family cannot wait to try the cherry turnovers.
You can count on Molly to include a list of special days and holidays in each digest. I did not know that national cuddle-up day existed, but I will be celebrating with my kids this year. A list for the types of items on sale in January is very helpful for the frugal shopper.
I have always enjoyed the home decorating tips in Molly’s Money Saving Digest. There is a column that demonstrates how to decorate the home with scripture. It is so important to have God’s Word throughout the house to get me through the day. I am so excited to beautify my home with Molly’s lovely ideas.
Molly writes about starting a household management binder. Having a binder like this has changed my life. I am thankful that this digest includes forms to help organize the home. The clothing inventory chart is included this month. I put this chart to use immediately. Laundry often overwhelms me. It never occurred to me that some of my family members simply have too many clothes. Thanks to Molly I am hoping to tame my personal laundry monster.
Menu planning is a very important tool that can aid any household. Molly includes a simple plan for one week of meals. She includes the recipes for each dish, and s shopping list for each ingredient. I am looking forward to trying some of these delicious meals. The Pork Tenderloin and Pretzel Salad sound fabulous.
January’s digest includes a new feature just for kids. Each month a column will be written to teach children frugal skills. I love the piggy bank made out of a soda bottle. In my home, porcelain piggy banks do not last long. It has been frustrating to purchase new piggy banks every year. Now the kids can make their own banks, paint them however they like, and I will not have to constantly spend money to help the children save money. Thank you, Molly!
The beginner’s checking account tutorial is a great way to teach children money management skills. I think the forms Molly included to teach the children to practice writing checks are great. Detailed instructions are given on using the checkbook register. Oh, how I wish I had been taught these skills as a youth. It would have saved me a bundle.
There is much useful information included in Molly’s Money Saving Digest. I recommend that everyone who wants to be frugal but not lose their creativity invest in this digest. Learn to track your spending, organize your jewelry and photos, and beautify your home for less than the cost of a cup of designer coffee.

Dug Down Deep by Joshua Harris

I have long been a reader of Joshua Harris, and his newest book does not disappoint.

Dug Down Deep by Joshua Harris opened my eyes to aspects of Christianity I had never before considered. All these years as a Christian and I never pondered the words orthodoxy, theology, or doctrine!


This book has led me to a deep study in the above terms, strengthening my love and commitment to Jesus Christ. I cannot believe how important it is to really know and live out true Biblical doctrine. But to know because I have read God's Word and searched out this truth for myself.

Dug Down Deep is refreshing, humorous, and humbling. Joshua Harris is so open and honest in his writing. I appreciate it when an author is humble and shares their trials. It makes it easier to relate and respond to the author's work. Anyone can read this book and walk away ready to pursue God and his Word.

If you do not understand the terms of doctrine, orthodoxy, or theology-you may be missing the depth of relationship you have been longing for with Jesus. I highly recommend you read Dug Down Deep today. Then follow Joshua Harris' example and start digging for your own nuggets of Truth.

Click here to purchase Dug Down Deep by Joshua Harris.

This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

Author Bio:
Joshua Harris is senior pastor of Covenant Life in Gaithersburg , Maryland , which belongs to the Sovereign Grace network of local churches. A passionate speaker with a gift for making theological truth easy to understand, Joshua is perhaps best known for his runaway bestseller, I Kissed Dating Goodbye, which he wrote at the age of twenty-one. His later books include Boy Meets Girl, Sex Is Not the Problem (Lust Is), and Stop Dating the Church. The founder of the NEXT conferences for young adults, Joshua is committed to seeing the gospel transferred to a new generation of Christians. He and his wife, Shannon, have three children.

The Sweet By and By-Sara Evans with Rachel Hauck

The Sweet By and By by Sara Evans (with Rachel Hauck) is a beautifully crafted story. Readers embark on a wonderful journey and will witness God's mercy and grace.

The characters are believable and come to life page by page. Difficult issues are addressed without the immodesty or crude descriptions we find so often in today's literature. The mother-daughter relationship will provide hope for many wounded hearts.

This novel is relevant and refreshing. It moved me to tears, tears of purification. The Sweet By and By will cause readers to take a deep look inside their souls. And reminds of the choice to be rid of unforgiveness -for their own actions as well as the hurts caused by others.

I was surprised that this novel effected me so deeply. I do recommend it and look forward to reading more from Sara Evans.

Elimination Communication

I tried EC with one of my daughters. I gave up too quickly because of issues taking care of my Dad. I am hopeful to try again. I am also excited to share this link from Sensible Living. This is a contest for a free EC Starter Kit! I am entering, and hope that all my friends with babies will read this blog for great info on EC!!

The Vanishing Sculptor-Review

The Vanishing Sculptor by Donita K. Paul is an excellent novel. I used to love fantasy novels. I have stirred clear of them since I became a Christian (except for C.S. Lewis), because too much of the plots or characters glorified sinful lifestyles. However, this book was very wholesome, with no bad content, unless you disagree with talking animals.

This novel has such amazing characters. The story is told from the point of view of an emerlindian girl and a parrot! Many of the characters have hilarious personalities. I especially enjoyed the banter between Fenworth and his librarian.

The Vanishing Sculptor is definitely a page turner. It is going to be a great read aloud for my children. I am sure they will love to join the quirky band of friends on this amazing quest.




Book Summary:
Donita K. Paul’s 250,000-plus-selling DragonKeeper Chronicles series has attracted a wide spectrum of dedicated fans–and they’re sure to fall in love with the new characters and adventures in her latest superbly crafted fiction novel for all ages. It’s a mind-boggling fantasy that inhabits the same world as the DragonKeeper Chronicles, but in a different country and an earlier time, where the people know little of Wulder and nothing of Paladin.
In The Vanishing Sculptor, readers will meet Tipper, a young emerlindian who’s responsible for the upkeep of her family’s estate during her sculptor father’s absence. Tipper soon discovers that her actions have unbalanced the whole foundation of her world, and she must act quickly to undo the calamitous threat. But how can she save her father and her world on her own? The task is too huge for one person, so she gathers the help of some unlikely companions–including the nearly five-foot tall parrot Beccaroon–and eventually witnesses the loving care and miraculous resources of Wulder. Through Tipper’s breathtaking story, readers will discover the beauty of knowing and serving God.

Author Bio:
Donita K. Paul is a retired teacher and author of numerous novellas, short stories, and eight novels, including the best-selling DragonKeeper Chronicles, a series which has sold more than a quarter million books to date. The winner of multiple awards, she lives in Colorado Springs , Colorado , where she spends time mentoring and encouraging young writers. Visit her online at donitakpaul.com.

Sir Dalton and the Shadow Heart-Review

I am excited to say I finally read a book by Chuck Black. Roo had read one of his novels in the past and really loved it. Sir Dalton and the Shadow Heart is Book 3 in the Knights of Arrethrae Series.

Well, I really loved this book. The characters are so realistic. I was riveted by the plot. I was impressed with the Christian allegory throughout the book. The passion of the characters for their King and Prince is moving. It also portrays the dangers of being lukewarm-a very good lesson for our children.

I am thankful for authors like Chuck Black. This novel is an adventure story that I can trust my children to dive in and enjoy. We can't wait to read all of the books in the Knights of Arrethtrae Series.



Summary:
Sir Dalton, a knight in training, seems to have everything going for him. Young, well-liked, and a natural leader, he has earned the respect and admiration of his fellow knights, and especially the beautiful Lady Brynn.

But something is amiss at the training camp. Their new trainer is popular but lacks the passion to inspire them to true service to the King and the Prince. Besides this, the knights are too busy enjoying a season of good times to be concerned with a disturbing report that many of their fellow Knights have mysteriously vanished.

When Sir Dalton is sent on a mission, he encounters strange attacks, especially when he is alone. As his commitment wanes, the attacks grow in intensity until he is captured by Lord Drox, a massive Shadow Warrior. Bruised and beaten, Dalton refuses to submit to evil and initiates a daring escape with only one of two outcomes–life or death. But what will become of the hundreds of knights he’ll leave behind? In a kingdom of peril, Dalton thinks he is on his own, but two faithful friends have not abandoned him, and neither has a strange old hermit who seems to know much about the Prince. But can Dalton face the evil Shadow Warrior again and survive?