Down South

You know it's going to be a good cookbook when the first page you flip to you want to make that recipe. 

We lived in Texas for 3 years and came to love southern dishes.  We look for cookbooks from Louisiana especially.  We were not disappointed with the variety of recipes this cookbook had to offer.

 With 110 recipes in this cookbook we are going to be very busy in the kitchen.

"We received this book for free from Multomah Publishing for this review."

The New Colored Pencil

When I looked through this book I was amazed at the quality of art that can be accomplished with colored pencils.  I was expecting some good ideas and instructions with the colored pencils of my elementary school days. I did not realize there are many different types of pencils.

The pictures shown in this book are beautiful, but I felt it was a little beyond my talent.  If someone has the expertise in drawing, this book will teach you many different ways and uses with colored pencils.

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

Heart Wide Open

Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down.  It is a refreshing read. The author is funny, informative and engaging.  She opens up about personal issues and beliefs that most people would not do.  I love her honest, southern attitude.

The subject of the mundane faith is something so many of us need to look into.We need to bring it out into the open and shake it up as this author did.

I would like to read a sequel to this book because I would like to hear more of what Shellie Rushing Tomlinson  has to say.

This is a charming book about a person who desires to draw closer to Jesus with a heart wide open.

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

Greater by Steve Furtick

The title of this book grabbed my attention right away.  "Ignite God's vision for your life".  Isn't that a mighty and bold statement?
I have read other books by this author and love the way he takes a verse from scripture and makes it shout a greater promise for me.
He mentions the life of Elisha and compares this great prophet to what we can do in our life for Christ.  Wait, wasn't this the Old Testament and long, long ago? How can I compare to this man who received a greater blessing by the great prophet Elijah? Why Not?  Steve points out John 14:12. " ..anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these.."  We are not greater than Jesus or even Elisha for that matter. But we can do greater things.
If you are stuck in a rut or tired of complacency, I recommend this book.  It can stir your passion, faith and vision for your Christian life.
Many times I get excited after reading a book. I vow to change, only to go back to the same thing I was doing before. This book sparked something inside of me that wants to keep this power and greatness in God that will allow me to be greater.
"If God is your partner, make your plans big "-DL Moody

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review"

Crash the Chatterbox

This is a great book that gives insight to all the noise, noise, noise (as the Grinch says). It explains that we can stop the damage that some chatter has in our lives.  This is the kind that we play over and over in our mind.  It can cause us stress and even may lead us to making decisions that we will regret.

The chatter that comes our way can be a delusion from our enemy that is filled with lies.  After reading this book I have carefully thought about how I can choose what attitude my mind will have.  It is then that I can hear what God has intended.

Steve Furtick is a great and honest writer.  He opens up about not so pleasant things he has done.  If you are overwhelmed with distractions this book may help give you some good advice. I recommend this book to  anyone who wants to hear God's voice above the others.

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing group for this review."

I Like Giving by Brad Formsma

I Like Giving is a great book on why & how to give from the heart.  This book is opposite of the idea of getting your checkbook out with a grudge.

There are many uplifting and inspirational stories from real people. These stories are from people who have given their heart, time or money.  Then it includes how God has blessed them in return.

We all have stories like these if we really think about it.  It was great that both small and large giveaways were included.

This was a pleasant, fast, uplifting read that I truly recommend. It will bring tears and laughter, but hopefully it will open your eyes to more ways to give to others.

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

The Holy Land Key

This book is on prophecy, Israel and the chosen people.  It brings a fresh perspective on all three of these topics. 


I have read and heard many ideas of the future of the Jewish people. This author brings out different angels to the prophecies in the Bible.  He doesn't predict his to be right, but just throws them out there for us to think about.


This book reminded me how important the chosen people, the Jews are in God's eyes.  That prophecy has not remained void today, according to Ray Bentley.  The prophecies in the Bible are many times fold. There is a past and possibly also a future vision.


Don't read this book as just another guy trying to predict prophecy.  Instead look within with a desire to draw closer to God, His word and the desires He has planned.


It is fascinating to read the many layers and dimensions of the Bible that are still to come.  Reading this book can create that excitement.


"I have received this book for free from  Waterbrook Multomah Publishing Group for this review."