Your physical body needs oxygen in order to survive. Inhale, exhale ... one leads naturally to the other. Inhale too long and you feel as if your lungs will burst. Exhale too long and you get light-headed.
The same rhythm is essential in the life of faith. You inhale life-giving strength from God through things like prayer, study, solitude, and silence. You exhale generosity, hospitality, and service to the poor. If you try to do one without the other, you wont' last very long.
This fresh perspective on the classic disciplines of the faith will empower you to process the oxygen of the Spirit. Discover how you can develop a balanced spirituality that reflects the life of Jesus and keeps your faith growing stronger.
About the author: Richard Dahlstrom is Senior Pastor of Bethany Community Church in Seattle , WA , in the heart of the city, among university students, young professionals, families, the homeless, and the elderly. He is also a popular teacher in North America and Europe for the Capernwray Missionary Fellowship of Torchbearers. He holds a M.Div. from Talbot Theological Seminary. Find out more about Richard at: http://raincitypastor.blogspot.com/ .
My review: I found the beginning of this book not very interesting; however, the more I read on, the better it was. In this book, you will see an analogy between faith and breathing. Usually, we do not consciously think about our inhaling and exhaling. The author encourages us to be more aware of and to practice regularly our spiritual inhaling (prayer, studying God's Word, solitude, resting in Christ, paying attention to creation, silence) and exhaling (service, hospitality, generosity, being artisans of hope). We need both in living a life of faith. The author reminds us to breathe more purposefully. I appreciate Mr. Dahlstrom's insight, transparency, and humility. If you love God but somehow still feel exhausted or bored or confused, this book will help refresh you like a breath of fresh air :).
Contest: Win a signed copy of 02 for yourself! There are two ways to enter! The winners will be announced 10/26.
1. Jump over to Pastor Richard’s blog “Pastoral Musings from Rain City" and leave a comment between October 5th and October 24th. Just say hi or tell Pastor Richard what you liked about his book, or share with him how you’ve experienced ‘new life’ in your faith!
2. Tweet this: @raincitypastor Pub. Weekly voted Breathing New Life into Faith as top 10 book in 2008 check it out! http://tr.im/Au8q#02
Update: This giveaway is now closed. The two winners (randomly chosen) are Debbie (Graciousmommy) and Noreen (last commenter). I already notified them. Congratulations to the winners and thanks to all the participants!
Are you searching for a snack for the kids that tastes good and is good for them? Yoplait Kids yogurt is the perfect solution with 25% less sugar than the leading kidsì yogurt. With its thick and creamy texture that will hug your little oneìs spoon, you wonìt have to worry about a sticky mess to clean up afterwards. It also contains no artificial sweeteners or flavors, so you can feel good about serving it to your kids. In addition, Yoplait Kids is a good source of vitamin D and, according to two new studies that provide the first national assessment of the crucial nutrient in young Americans, millions of U.S. children have disturbingly low vitamin D levels, possibly increasing their risk for a variety of health concerns, including bone problems. About 7.6 million children, adolescents, and young adults have vitamin D levels so low they could be considered deficient. It can be challenging for growing kids to get enough vitamin D because this nutrient is only found naturally in very few foods; however Yoplait Kids makes it a little easier to incorporate a delicious source of vitamin D and calcium in your child's diet. ~Information provided by MyBlogSpark
Thanks to Yoplait and MyBlogSpark, I received a Yoplait Less Sugar, More Fun prize pack which included coupon* for a free six pack of Yoplait Kids yogurt, a travel cooler, two fun spoons that change colors in warm water, a reusable place mat with games for kids, and a fuzzy tangle puzzle. I redeemed the coupon for a six pack of Yoplait Trix kids yogurt. My pack contained three cups of Strawberry Banana Bash and three cups of Raspberry Rainbow. My kids and I love both flavors. The texture is very smooth and creamy. It is a wonderful, heathy snack for kids (and adults, too :)). Each cup has fruity flavors and great nutrients such as Carbohydrate, Calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin A, Potassium, Protein, and Phosphorus.
*This coupon offer for a free six pack of Yoplait Kids yogurt is not valid in some states, including Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota and Tennessee.
As part of this review post, I have an opportunity to give away 2 Yoplait Less Sugar, More Fun prize packs to my blog readers. To enter, please leave a comment here sharing some of your or your kids’ favorite healthy snacks. Please remember to leave your email address or your blog’s address. If you post about this giveaway on your blog and/or on Facebook, you will receive an extra entry for each. Please leave a separate comment with the link to your post. The deadline is Sat., Oct. 31st at midnight (Pacific time).
Thanks to One2One Network, I received a copy of the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: Diamond Edition Combo Pack to watch and review. This Diamond Edition Combo Pack includes 2 Blu-ray discs and a DVD. I am impressed with the exceptional picture quality and sound quality. If you did not know that Snow White was originally made in 1937 or did not already watch it when you were young, one probably would assume that it had just been made recently. I am still amazed at what Disney accomplished with Snow White in term of technical and artistic excellence back in the 1930's. I’m personally not fond of the plot, the magic spell, the unrealistic portrayal of "love" and "marriage", and the voice of Snow White. However, my sons (10 and 8 years old) seemed to enjoy the DVD. We still laughed and had a good time. We do not have a Blu-ray player. They claim that Blu-ray discs are scratch resistant which sounds nice to me. If you are a fan of Snow White, you would love this combo pack. For the first time ever, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is made in High Definition 7.1 Sound. From this combo pack, you will enjoy bonus features such as an all new music video, Dopey’s Wild Mine Ride Game, "Heigh-Ho"Karaoke Sing-Along, will be able to play games (What Do You See?, Mirror, Mirror On the Wall, Jewel Jumble), and will get to see behind the scenes stuff of "The One that Started It All."
Did you know that Snow White...
- was the first full-length animated film ever made?
- was one of the first films ever to be designated for preservation by the Library of Congress?
- was the first film ever to have a motion picture soundtrack?
- was the first film to use music to advance the story?
- has been released theatrically a total of nine times?
Now you do :).
If you would like to relive your childhood with this classic tale (written by the Grimm brothers), this Diamond Edition Combo Pack is the way to go.
I received the following websites for fun kids' activities in an email; however, I have not personally checked them out yet.
UPDATE: This giveaway is now closed. The winner (randomly chosen) is Angela (justanarmywife). I already contacted her. Thanks to everybody who entered the giveaway and shared their family Christmas traditions and/or favorite Christmas memories. I enjoyed reading them all. If you would like to read about our family Christmas traditions, please click here and here.
I usually do not like to read fiction; however, this book’s title interested me :). The story is about one loving mother who tried so hard to keep her family (including grown-up, moved-out children) happy and make the holiday memorable. Well, things did not turn out as she planned or hoped for. As I followed this mother who faced dilemma and challenges, I occasionally laughed and smiled. My oldest daughter is 16 and my youngest son is almost 8. I am reminded by this book that time flies by so fast; I need to consciously cherish every moment I get to spend with my children. We need not to be too busy to make memories together that will last a lifetime. The Great Christmas Bowl is an easy-to-read, light-hearted, and family-focused book that points out the real meaning of hospitality. I especially like the last chapter (don’t peek; you need to be patient and read the whole book :)). I was a little disappointed that the author wrote about a team mascot that was thought of as a lucky charm and the main character (who is obviously a Christian) said things like, "Wish me luck!" and her husband (who is also a Christian) replied, "Oh, you're the luck, babe!" Shouldn't she say, "Please pray for me!" instead? Nevertheless, if you love football, love Christmas, love being a mom, and/or love your neighbors as yourselves, you would enjoy this book.
Summary:
Marianne Wallace is focused on two things this holiday season: planning the greatest family Christmas ever and cheering on her youngest son’s team in their bid for the state championship. Disaster strikes when the team loses their mascot-the Trout. Is it going too far to ask her to don the costume? So what if her husband has also volunteered her to organize the church Christmas tea. When football playoffs start ramping up, the Christmas tea starts falling apart. Then, one by one her children tell her they can’t come home for Christmas. As life starts to unravel, will Marianne remember the true meaning of the holidays?
Author’s bio:
Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning author of twenty-four novels with Tyndale, Barbour and Steeple Hill. A four-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Book of the Year. Her larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. A seasoned women’s events and retreats speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!. She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice. Susan makes her home in northern Minnesota, where she is busy cheering on her two sons in
football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!) A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found at: www.susanmaywarren.com
The Great Christmas Bowl website: http://thegreatchristmasbowl.blogspot.com/
The website features a note from the author, fun updates from Big Lake Gazette, info on how to host your own Great Christmas Bowl Tea to benefit a local ministry or charity and a fun Recipe Exchange contest!
CONTEST: Be a part of the Great Christmas Bowl recipe exchange! Susan loves getting recipes from friends, and sharing the delicious cookies, soups, breads and other fun fixings that go with celebrating the Christmas season. More than that, she loves the crazy stories about favorite Christmases – serious, touching, funny…whatever. Find the recipe contest here: http://thegreatchristmasbowl.blogspot.com/2009/07/recipe-exchange.html
Will you share your story and recipe with Susan and the readers of the Great Christmas Bowl? She will post your story and recipe on the FRONT PAGE of the Great Christmas Bowl website, and send you a link when it goes up so you can tell all your friends. Then, at the Great Christmas Bowl party (December 5th, 10am, online! Details TBA) she’ll make the entire cookbook available for download!
For every recipe/story you submit (up to 3), you will be entered in a drawing to receive one of SMW’s collections (Noble Legacy, Team Hope, Heirs of Anton, Deep Haven Series, Josey series, or THE ADVANCED COPY of Sons of Thunder – Susie’s brand new epic World War 2 novel, due out in January 2010!)
GIVEAWAY: The winner (randomly chosen) will receive a copy of The Great Christmas Bowl.
To enter: Please leave a comment here sharing one (or more) of your family Christmas traditions or one of your favorite Christmas memories. Please make sure you leave your email address or your blog's address. This giveaway is open for U.S. residents only.
Deadline: Saturday, Oct. 3rd, at midnight (Pacific time)
UPDATE: This giveaway is now closed. The winner (randomly chosen) is Barb. Congratulations! I already notified her. Thanks a bunch to all who entered and shared about the qualities that they most appreciate in a friend! These qualities include: honesty/truthfulness, selflessness, forgiveness, shared experience/connection, caring, trustworthiness/no gossip, encouraging, love of Jesus, faithfulness, gentleness, ability to laugh together, reciprocity, and acceptance/not being judgmental. I agree and I hope I possess all these qualities :)...because if you want to have a great friend, be one yourself!
During a particularly painful time in her life, Sarah Zacharias Davis learned how delightful–and wounding–women can be in friendship. She saw how some friendships end badly, others die slow deaths, and how a chance acquaintance can become that enduring friend you need.
The Friends We Keep is Sarah’s thoughtful account of her own story and the stories of other women about navigating friendship. Her revealing discoveries tackle the questions every woman asks:
• Why do we long so for women friends?
• Do we need friends like we need air or food or water?
• What causes cattiness, competition, and co-dependency in too many friendships?
• Why do some friendships last forever and others only a season?
• How do I foster friendship?
• When is it time to let a friend go, and how do I do so?
With heartfelt, intelligent writing, Sarah explores these questions and more with personal stories, cultural references and history, faith, and grace. In the process, she delivers wisdom for navigating the challenges, mysteries, and delights of friendship: why we need friendships with other women, what it means to be safe in relationship, and how to embrace what a friend has to offer, whether meager or generous.
Author Bio:
Sarah Zacharias Davis is a senior advancement officer at Pepperdine University , having joined the university after working as vice president of marketing and development for Ravi Zacharias International Ministries and in strategic marketing for CNN. The daughter of best-selling writer Ravi Zacharias, Davis is the author of the critically-acclaimed Confessions from an Honest Wife and Transparent: Getting Honest About Who We are and Who We Want to Be. She graduated from Covenant College with a degree in education and lives in Los Angeles , California .
My Review
I had never pondered much over friendship until I read this book :). The author dissects and analyzes friendship and provides deep thoughts about the subject. At times, it seems she asks a lot of questions (to make readers think or reflect). Other times, I cannot relate to what she shares because I have never seen most of the movies and TV shows that she uses as examples (which are quite a bit). I appreciate her honest, candid look at all the angles of friendship; however, I do not like some of her choices of examples. The book includes discussion guide (26 useful, thought-provoking questions) in the back.
My Thoughts
For me personally, Jesus is my Best Friend, my husband is my best (human) friend, and my kids are my closest friends. I have never had other close/bosom friends (kindred-spirit kind of friend). In Thailand, I had many friends and we did so many things together but still they were not my close friends. My faith in Christ and commitment to follow Him plus my moving to America made our friendship naturally drift apart. In America, I have friends, mostly Christian friends and homeschool friends. Still...they are not close friends although they are good friends. Then I have had several online friends who are also mostly Christian friends and homeschool friends. Somehow it seems I'm considered by others as the odd one in any group or circle of friends :) (either spiritually, culturally, ethnically, geographically, etc.) and perhaps that's the reason why they don't truly feel connected with me. Nevertheless, I am thankful for all my friendships because even though I don't have any bosom friends, I have never had to experience disappointment, hurt, conflicts, betrayal, or other problems caused by some friendships yet. I think there's an unspoken bond between Christ's followers (we are adopted into God's family as His children and we are one Body (the Body of Christ)). I do enjoy friendship with my brothers and sisters in Christ (regardless of nationality and cultural differences). I really like the song, "Friends Are Friends Forever" by Michael W. Smith. "And friends are friends forever if the Lord's the Lord of them. And a friend will not say never 'cause the welcome will not end. Though it's hard to let you go in the Father's hands we know that a lifetime's not too long to live as friends."
"For the life force of friendship is twofold: it is love, and it is also forgiveness, unconditional and infinite." (from page 66, The Friends We Keep) I agree that true, lasting friendship consists of unconditional and infinite love and forgiveness. Who always demonstrates (and never fails to demonstrate) those qualities but Jesus, our Forever Faithful Friend! He never forsakes, disappoints, hurts, or betrays us ever. He is full with love, compassion, and grace. In addition, He knows us inside out through and through (and still loves us!) and He only wants the best for us. What a Friend we have in Jesus! He is the best Friend anyone could ever ask for.
Giveaway: I have a copy of The Friends We Keep to giveaway. To enter, please leave a comment here answering this question: Which qualities do you most appreciate in a friend and why?Please make sure to leave your email address or your blog's address, too. You will receive an extra entry if you post about this giveaway on your blog or Facebook (remember to include the link to your post in a separate comment).The deadline is August 14th at midnight (Pacific time). I will announce the winner (randomly chosen) some time on August 15th. This giveaway is open only to U.S. residents.
Update: This giveaway is closed. The winner (randomly chosen) is Dana Carroll at TheHomeschoolMommy. I would like to thank every commenter. I've been touched and encouraged by your heartfelt stories. Thanks for taking the time to share your struggles, challenges, learned lessons and more! I pray that the Lord will continue to work in your lives and give you triumph and that He will be glorified through your testimonies.
"But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Summary:
In the everyday stretch and squeeze of motherhood, Tricia Goyer often feels smooshed by the demands of life. In Blue Like Play Dough, she shares her unlikely journey from rebellious, pregnant teen to busy wife and mom with big dreams of her own. As her story unfolds, Tricia realizes that God has more in store for her than she has ever imagined possible.
Sure, life is messy and beset by doubts. But God keeps showing up in the most unlikely places–in a bowl of carrot soup, the umpteenth reading of Goodnight Moon, a woe-is me teen drama, or play dough in the hands of a child.
In Tricia’s transparent account, you’ll find understanding, laughter, and strength for your own story. And in the daily push and pull, you’ll learn to recognize the loving hands of God at work in your life…and know He has something beautiful in mind.
Author Bio:
Tricia Goyer is the author of numerous works of fiction and nonfiction, including Generation NeXt Parenting and the Gold Medallion finalist Life Interrupted. Goyer writes for publications such as Today’s Christian Woman and Focus on the Family, speaks to women’s groups nationwide and has been a presenter at the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) national convention. She and her husband, John, live with their family in Montana.
My Review:
Blue Like Play Dough is the second book that I've read from Tricia Goyer. I read her other book, My Life, Unscripted, a couple years ago. I like her writing style...very casual, friendly, and easy to read. Tricia shares her life experiences, including her mistakes, with sincerity and humility. In Blue Like Play Dough, I can relate to some of the things she shares, such as desiring to be a perfect wife and perfect mom :), raising 3 kids (one girl and two boys), learning in homeschooling, memorizing God's Word, listening to God-given radar, actively supporting crisis pregnancy centers, etc. This book serves as a gentle reminder to surrender all to God. When we do that, we will see something beautiful because God will mold and shape us to be the moms He wants us to be. I enjoyed reading the book; it made me pause and pray (for my kids, my husband, and myself). I also cried when I was reading Chapter 20: "When Death Stopped at Our House." You have been warned :).
Giveaway: I have one copy of Blue Like Play Dough to give away. The deadline is July 31st at midnight (Pacific Time). I will randomly choose the winner and announce on Aug. 1st. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.
To enter: Please leave a comment here sharing a struggle or challenge you have had while homeschooling or parenting and how it was resolved or how you adapted to the struggle or what God has taught you through it/what you have learned from it. Please make sure to leave your email address or your blog's address, too. You will receive an extra entry if you post about this giveaway on your blog or Facebook (remember to include the link to your post in a separate comment).
Christianity Today Study Series: Faith and Pop Culture
by Christianity Today International
Price: $9.99
ISBN: 9781418534097
127 pages
Have you ever wondered how faith and pop culture influence each other? Are you struggling to stand firm in your faith while wanting to have entertainment in your life? This eight-week study is great for small groups. It\'s designed to engage Christ\'s followers in interesting, thought-provoking discussion. It covers different (sometimes controversial) issues concerning movies, books, sports, television, violence in video games and movies, Hollywood, and culture of entertainment. Each study starts with a relevant article from Christianity Today Magazines as a springboard. Various activities are suggested for getting people in the group to open up and share. Then, there are open-ended questions that help people reflect on the issues presented in the article and encourage them to express their thoughts. Each session lists Bible verses for us to explore what God\'s Word says about the topics being discussed. I don\'t agree with some things in some articles. But that\'s the beauty of this book. Its purpose is to help us think critically and use discernment regarding entertainment, to give people in the small groups the opportunity to share their views, dig deeper in God\'s Word, encourage each other to grow spiritually, and pray for the Holy Spirit to guide us. I plan to use this book during our family time in the evenings soon. We desire to use our time, talents, and treasures wisely and for God\'s glory. We look forward to discussing how we spend our time and money on entertainment and how we can use our talents to produce good, wholesome entertainment.
Thanks to Linsey Knerl at www.lillepunkin.com who is an Online Brand Advocate for Energizer, I received the Energizer Rechargeable 15-Minute Charger which also included two AA batteries, two AAA batteries, and car adaptor to use and write a review for. I love the convenience and speed this charger offers. It only takes 15 minutes or less (I timed it) to recharge the batteries and you can recharge one to four batteries simultaneously. Strangely (maybe not?), when charging, it gives out an odor and makes a sound. My youngest son thinks it smells good :). When the batteries are done being recharged, the status indicator light on the charger changes from red to green. I was hoping that the power would last longer. I have to keep recharging my digital camera's batteries often. The batteries die after approximately half an hour worth of photo-taking. I really like the car adaptor that is included in the package; I can recharge the batteries in the car when we travel. This is an Energy Star certified NiMH battery charger that meets energy efficiency qualifications set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy. This charger set is great for our family. It saves us money & time, and it saves the environment, too.
I usually do not have any desire to read fiction. However, this book grabbed my attention. It is a beautiful blend of fiction, allegory, and inspiration, based on a true story. I really enjoyed reading it from beginning to end. Underneath the title, The Noticer, are these words: Sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective. That pretty much sums up what the book is about. The main character, Jones, claims that he is a noticer noticing things that others overlook. He keeps showing up whenever different people are faced with crises such as hopelessness, marriage trouble, feeling useless in old age, battling with depression and anxiety, wondering how to find the right mate, missing the important "small stuff". Each time, Jones offers these people wisdom and practical advice. He tries to show them that they need to have the right perspective and follow it with the right actions.
I appreciate the Reader’s Guide provided in the back. There are general questions, questions pertaining to each chapter, and questions for personal reflection. These questions help readers think more on "perspective" and encourage them to become "noticers."
I myself did notice something in the book that disturbed me: the author used God’s name in vain (at least 3 times) through his characters. He may not realize that "G-o-s-h" is a euphemistic variation of God (I’m trying to give him the benefit of the doubt.) I also wish he would include eternal perspectives and notice/acknowledge God’s provision, grace, and mercy. The author is a Christian but I think he does not want his book to be deemed a Christian book in order to reach a larger group of readers. In chapters 1 and 9, Jones told Andy and Jason to "move into the light" as a metaphor but he never explains what it truly means. I am disappointed that the author did not make use of his wonderful opportunity to point readers to Jesus Christ, who is the Light of the world.
Note: Visit http://www.thenoticerproject.com for more information about "The Noticer Project" (a worldwide movement to notice the five most influential people in our lives...before it's too late).
Lights, Camera, Action! Highlights from the 2009 Christian Filmmakers Academy (CD Album) by Vision Forum Ministries
This album contains over 22 hours of live conference audio recorded on location at the 2009 Christian Filmakers Academy. There are 19 CDs plus a bonus disc that includes the lecture slides in PDF format. The Christian film movement is currently booming as you can see from the success of Expelled and Fireproof. The Christian Filmmakers Academy aims to equip and encourage the students to produce films that glorify God and in the meantime, possess high quality that can rival Hollywood. My 15 year old daughter shares the same ambition :). This CD album was very interesting and enjoyable to listen to. There was plenty of practical advice as well as theological teaching. The speakers included Doug Phillips, Geoffrey Botkin, Isaac Botkin, Stephen Kendrick, Dean Jones, and more! They spoke on a variety of subjects ranging from cinematography to science fiction to the most common mistakes of beginning directors. I really appreciate the fact that they use God's Word as their guideline and ultimate authority on all issues. One disadvantage of the album is that when they explained all the cool stuff using the visual samples (movie clips), we could not see anything. I guess that reflects the price difference between the CD album ($60.00) and the Academy admission pass ($595 per person) :).
Next to Jesus, my Lord and Savior, the One whose footsteps I love to follow, Paul is someone I truly admire. He is one of the greatest apostles/missionaries, if not the all-time greatest. His life, his conversion, his missionary journeys, and his passion to spread the Gospel were far from what we would consider "ordinary." Nevertheless, he was an ordinary man, born a sinner like us, made mistakes like us, faced temptations like us, experienced sufferings and pains like us, and struggled with flesh like us. I think that is why we can relate to Paul and yet at the same time, be challenged by his examples to live our lives devotedly to glorify God , to share Christ’s love wherever we are, and to depend totally on God’s grace and mercy and the leading of the Holy Spirit. This book is not only filled with amazingly beautiful photographs capturing the different places Paul visited, but also Bible verses and excerpts from well-known Christian authors. I love photography; therefore, this book is a treat for me. I enjoyed visually following Paul’s path from the time he, known as Saul, persecuted the Christians, his encounter with Christ, his first, second, and third missionary journeys, to his journey to Rome. However, I am disappointed with one thing: an inappropriate picture (nudity) of artwork (mosaic on the floor of one of the upper class Roman houses in Ephesus from around the time of Paul) on page 127. In my opinion, it was neither necessary nor prudent to include that.
Skeeter and the Mystery of the Lost Mosquito Treasure is a DVD in Max Lucado's Hermie & Friends series. The lesson is about "being unique" based upon Psalm 139: 13-14, "For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." It tells a story of two very different brothers, Skeeter the direction-challenged mosquito, and Sir Sinclair M. Skeeto, the "perfect" world traveler mosquito. Skeeter struggles with not being able to accept his crooked stinger and he questions God. While they both work together to solve the mystery of the lost treasure using a treasure map left by their father, they discover that each thought their father loved the other one more because of a certain feature each one has but they eventually learn a surprising truth. My boys seemed to enjoy it and understood the lesson very well. I think it does succeed at conveying the message that each individual is specially designed by God for different purposes. However, I am disappointed that they portrayed lying/deceiving as acceptable in the DVD. They might think it's funny but I don't. Lying is a sin and they should not be teaching kids that it's okay to lie/deceive no matter how funny it may seem.
Title: Reflections of God's Holy Land: A Personal Journey Through Israel
Authors: Eva Marie Everson, Miriam Feinberg Vamosh
Hardcover -- ISBNs: 0849919568 / 9780849919565
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
I have always wanted to visit Israel. This book made my desire stronger; in the meantime, it has satisfied my curiosity while I am not able to go. I enjoy photography; therefore, all the beautiful photographs in this book really appealed to me. In addition, I gained some historical and archaeological knowledge about the different sites that were mentioned in the Bible and appreciated the authors' insight (even though I may not agree with everything). I was especially pleased to see that every chapter began with related Scripture verses. This book helped me connect the dots from what I read in the Bible to their geographical locations. It was also interesting to get perspectives from one author who is a Christian (Eva Marie Everson) and another who is a Jew (Miriam Feinberg Vamosh). If you have visited Israel, this book would help you reminisce. In my opinion, any book that draws you to read and study God's Word is worth reading! I know I will open this book again and again whenever I get to different spots in my Bible study. Traveling through its pages is like taking a tour of the Holy Land and you can do it as often as you desire :).
This is a place for me to relax a bit, recount my blessings, reflect on God's Word, record my thoughts, reassure others of God's love, receive others' insights, recall precious memories, relate what the Lord has done in my life & my family, rejoice at God's goodness & faithfulness, relish writing, recycle my poems, and refresh myself.
Thanks to One2One Network, I received a copy of the 
![The Noticer by Andy Andrews [Product Image]](http://www.thomasnelson.com/CPRImages/ProductMedium/0785229213.jpg)
