Snitch by Rene Gutteridge

This second book (published May 2007) in the Occupational Hazards series didn't disappoint. Each of the seven homeschooled kids in the Hazard family branches off into a new career path after their parents unfortunate death. Together the children (ages 16-26) decided to sell the family clown business and try alternate careers that interested them. They lived and learned important values in their family that they took with them into the work force. In Snitch you follow the story of Mack (Mackenzie) as she joins a police force. Be prepared for a laugh and a lesson.

The Occupational Hazards Series:

Book 1 – Scoop
Book 2 – Snitch
Book 3 – Skid

Taken from Rene Gutteridge's website:

Keeping the streets safe can be murder on the knees.

Just shy of retirement and a well-earned pension, Las Vegas Police Department Sergeant Ron Yeager's definition of "active duty" involves shifting his bad leg into a more comfortable position. But when he's requested from his mind-numbing desk job to head an undercover auto theft task force, the former narcotics officer determines to prove he's still got the right stuff. That is, until he meets his unlikely team of officers

As Yeager soon finds out, not all the crazies are on the street. An undercover rookie, the audaciously honest Mackenzie "Mack" Hazard sends Yeager's blood pressure skyrocketing by wearing her faith like an ever-present badge. Then there's Jesse Lunden, a maverick undercover officer who refuses to learn anything from an old guy with a cane. Can this tangle of egos and eccentrics be trained into a lean, mean, crime-fighting machine--even when they are being drawn into something much bigger and more dangerous than anyone imagined?


All books in this series could stand alone, but reading them in order of publication is useful because each book builds a little on the last, but the author makes sure you have all needed information in each book to understand the character the book is based on. For a good laugh find any book in this series.


To find more of Rene Gutteridges books, check her website.

Scoop by Rene Gutteridge

Scoop (published October 2006) is a quirky, yet fun book by Rene Gutteridge that is part of a series - The Occupational Hazards. It is about the Hazard family who grew up working in the family business - clowning. Their parents homeschooled the seven children and taught them important values like honesty, a good work ethic and respect. When the parents decided to take their first vacation ever an unfortunate accident took place, both parents died, but the book is more about life than death. In this series, the author is writing a book about each of the siblings. The honesty and spiritual strength of the Hazard children takes their world by surprise. Hilarity and growth come together when the Hazards begin their careers.

The Occupational Hazards Series:

Book 1 – Scoop
Book 2 – Snitch
Book 3 – Skid

Taken from Rene Gutteridge's Website:

Channel 7 News producer Hugo Talley dreams of working with first-class professionals. Instead he’s saddled with an aging anchorwoman who refuses to release her claw-like grip on the newsdesk, a conscience-stricken reporter who’s reluctant to focus on sensationalism, and a new assistant–former homeschool student Hayden Hazard–who can’t just seem to leave her faith outside the newsroom. When the Channel 7 News team inadvertently stumbles on a hot news story, Hugo is frantic to exploit this rare opportunity. But a series of crises–including a Botox disaster and the disappearance of a colleague–threatens to destroy his chance for ratings success and send him completely over the edge. With their oddball antics and all-too-real foibles, this lovable cast of characters offers a hilarious look at the sometimes unexpected effects of taking one’s faith boldly into the workplace.

If you want to relax from the cares of the world and enjoy a good chuckle, then find a copy of Scoop and then find the remainder of the books in the series. All three books so far are filled with fun and lessons in disguise.

Discussion Questions

To find more of Rene Gutteridges books, check her website.

Dawn's Light by Terri Blackstock

I was thrilled to find out that my library finally ordered the last book in this series, so I could catch up with the Branning family and find out how they dealt with the global catastrophe.

Restoration Series

Book 1 – Last Light
Book 2 – Night Light
Book 3 – True Light

Book 4 – Dawn’s Light

From Terri's Website:

As the Pulses that caused the outage are finally coming to an end, thirteen-year-old Beth Branning witnesses a murder. Threatened by the killer, she keeps the matter to herself. But her silence could cost her life.

Meanwhile, as Deni's ex-fiancé returns to Crockett with a newfound faith and the influence to get things done, Deni is torn between the man who can fulfill all her dreams and Mark Green, the man who inhabits them.

As the world slowly emerges from the crisis, the Brannings face their toughest crisis yet. Will God require more of them than they've already given? How will they keep their faith if he doesn't answer their prayers?

By far the best book in the Restoration Series because it brings closure to many (not all) of the issues brought up in the three previous books. I think this book was the hardest for me to read because of the subject matter and considering myself in the place of those suffering. We must decide today that we will praise and love the Lord no matter what comes our way because even as Christians we are to expect trials and tribulations. God will give us the wisdom and strength we need to make it through each situation that comes our way. We must also be available to our fellow man who suffers and be willing to share the love of Jesus.

Terri shares a salvation message in each of her books. If you have questions about Jesus and a relationship with Him, contact a Bible believing church near you or feel free to leave questions in the comment section that I will attempt to answer.

Discussion Questions - Spoiler Alert

True Light by Terri Blackstock

I read True Light almost a year ago and wanted to share a little from the book before sharing about the last book in the series that I read recently.




Restoration Series

Book 1 – Last Light
Book 2 – Night Light
Book 3 – True Light
Book 4 – Dawn’s Light

From Terri's Website:

As Oak Hollow grapples with a global power blackout, a teenager is shot in a food robbery. Jailed as the suspect, young Mark Green must prove his innocence to a community that has already judged him in its heart. But the Branning family stands with him as he fights to survive—and forgive.

I enjoyed reading True Light and looked forward to the conclusion in Dawn's Light. This series details what could happen if we were faced with a global power outage? How would you survive? I know it would be complicated for me and my family given that we aren't anywhere near a water supply and have very little land (think townhouse) for growing crops. People would certainly have to pool their knowledge and resources for survival. Start at the beginning and find a copy of Last Light and read all four books in the series as you consider what you would do if you were the Brannings or some other character in this novel.

Discussion Questions - Spoiler Alert

Night Light by Terri Blackstock

I read Night Light two years ago and decided to post briefly about it before posting about the last book in the series that I read recently. Most of the information below is taken directly from Terri Blackstock's website since my memory is a bit sketchy on the specific details now.

Restoration Series

Book 1 – Last Light
Book 2 – Night Light
Book 3 – True Light
Book 4 – Dawn’s Light

From Terri's website:

Learn the true cause of the global power outage that has brought the Brannings to their knees!

Technology is a thing of the past as a power outage covers the globe. One family struggles to do what’s right when so much is going wrong. When the Brannings catch two boys breaking into their home, Jeff tracks them to a filthy apartment and discovers a family of children living alone, stealing to stay alive. Where is their mother? The search for answers uncovers a trail of desperation and murder... and for the Brannings, a powerful new purpose that can transform their entire community—and above all, themselves.

Night Light is a book that makes you think about what you might do in a similar situation. What would you do in the face of a global catastrophe? How would you survive? Who is your neighbor? Answer these questions and more as you read Night Light.

Discussion Questions - Spoiler Alert

Last Light by Terri Blackstock

I read Last Light a while back, but decided to give the brief info on the book from Terri's website just so you have an intro to the series, since I'm planning to share about the last book that I finished recently. Every book in the series is easy to read (I think a person with a fifth or sixth grade reading level could read them with no problem. There is a lot of violence not graphically described, but I would caution letting children read the books without parental guidance. I'd say the books would be best read by high school age and above), but interesting to consider how we might live in a similar situation. I enjoyed each book in this series. The main characters were well developed and the author did a lot of research to present the catastrophe described in this book to the best of her ability.

Restoration Series

Book 1 – Last Light
Book 2 – Night Light
Book 3 – True Light
Book 4 – Dawn’s Light

From Terri's website:

Today, the world as you know it will end. No need to turn off the lights.

Your car suddenly stalls and won’t restart. You can’t call for help because your cell phone is dead. Everyone around you is having the same problem... and it’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Your city is in a blackout. Communication is cut off. Hospital equipment won’t operate. And airplanes are falling from the sky.

Is it a terrorist attack . . . or something far worse?

Check your local library for a copy of Last Light and take yourself into a world where many would live in constant fear.

Discussion Questions - Spoiler Alert

A Sister's Hope by Wanda Brunstetter

A Sister's Hope brings the conclusion to several issues that were introduced earlier in this series. In the first two books, I didn't even suspect the guilty party that this book reveals to be the one who carried the grudge against the Hostettler family. I did begin to have doubts regarding the perpetrator in this novel. This book tied everything up nicely.

Sisters of Holmes County

Book 1 – A Sister’s Secret
Book 2 – A Sister’s Test
Book 3 – A Sister’s Hope

Back of book says:

A woman’s search for truth and love…
A man’s quest to prove his innocence…
A father’s determination to protect his family…

Martha is the youngest of the Hostettler sisters and the most daring. While her main focus has been on her dog breeding business, Martha has also been troubled about the continuing attacks against her family and home in an Ohio Amish community.

When the prime suspect turns out to be Luke Friesen – the man she loves – Martha decides to play detective. But what will the search for truth cost?

Luke seems to have taken the wrong road in life. With a definite motive and a myriad of methods, he looks guilty as sin. Will Martha’s hope in his innocence be enough to bring the real criminal to justice?

Roman Hostettler disapproves of the love blossoming between his daughter and Luke. In his determination to drive the couple apart, discord and dissension grow within the family.

Will Luke and Martha’s love for each other and their hope in God waver? Or will they find the courage to seek justice and bring their love to light?

Travel with Wanda into a quieter place where people learn to make do with less and love both their fellow man and their God deeply. This book (whole series) should be available online, at local libraries and bookstores.

Winners of Randy Alcorn's August Book Giveaway

If you entered to win Randy Alcorn's August book giveaway, check his blog to find out if you are a winner. Each of the three winners will receive autographed copies of Money, Possessions and Eternity. Even if you weren’t a winner, you can still find lots of great, free resources on money and possessions at the Eternal Perspective Ministries website, including excerpts from Money, Possessions and Eternity, such as Practical Guidelines to Control Spending. I'm definitely going to do some reading there because with prices the way they are today we all need to learn new ways to best use the resources God has entrusted to each of us.

Next month’s giveaway will be a newly released book called Touch Points: Heaven, inspired by Randy Alcorn’s best-selling comprehensive book Heaven. So check Randy's blog on September 8!

Your Pregnancy week by week (6th edition) by Glade B. Curtis and Judith Schuler

Your Pregnancy week by week by Glade B. Curtis, M.D., M.P.H. and Judith Schuler, M.S. is a terrific resource for mom's to be. The newest edition (copyright 2008 - 6th edition) is by far the best of all the editions. I like how they have incorporated weekly exercises with each week of pregnancy. Of course all exercise must be approved by your OB prior to starting any plan especially if you haven't exercised in the past.

I had been faithfully exercising for over three years when I fell walking in my church parking lot at 15 weeks pregnant. I had some complications and my doctor told me that I needed to skip the gym for a little over a month. When I was finally cleared to return, I decided not to since the restrictions put on me were ones that I wasn't sure I would follow at the gym. I'm the kind of person who likes to do more or better than the day before and since its not an option now, I've decided to resume my gym membership after delivery. I've been going to our local water park with the kids and walking in the lazy river, but not as much as I would like. Soon the water park will be closed for the season and I will need to start walking in my neighborhood and then it will be cooler too.

Back of the book says:

Your Pregnancy Week by Week is the most medically up-to-date comprehensive pregnancy guide available. Doctors recommend it. Pregnant couples rely on it. And readers love it!

The week-by-week format lets you look for changes and compare the details of your pregnancy based on the same weekly schedule your doctor uses. With more than 80 new topics added, this best-selling completely updated edition covers new trends, products and safety recommendations.

Authoritative and easy to use, the book includes:

* Detailed descriptions of baby's developmental milestones each week

* Clear illustrations of how mother and baby are changing and growing

* The latest information about medical tests and procedures

* Tips on nutrition, your overall health and the way your actions affect baby

* Safe weekly exercises to help mother stay in shape and comfortable

* Helpful hints for the father-to-be and information on how a pregnancy affects a couple.

If you are expecting or trying to conceive buy or borrow a copy of this invaluable pregnancy resource. Also check out this website for more pregnancy tools and resources.

Asia-Pacific from the rising of the sun by Brent Cobb

My church has a strong emphasis on missions and missions education. Each year members and friends of our church are encouraged to read six missions books. Each of the books are available free of charge at our church to read and return.

This book focuses on the missionary work that is done in a large region called the Asia-Pacific.

Back of Book says:

Bitter blizzard winds blasted the frozen farmlands. Bundled in layer upon layer of clothes, two women leaned into the biting tempest. A light in the distance offered comfort; they hoped it was their destination.

At midnight they saw the silhouette of a farmhouse and a man standing near the light. They approached, said a word, and he motioned them to enter. Later, 26 more people quietly and secretly arrived. Soon, classes in this “underground seminary” would be underway.

The Asia-Pacific Region extends from Japan’s northernmost island to New Zealand’s southernmost island near Antarctica. It reaches from Myanmar’s shared border with Bangladesh eastward to Tahiti. Throughout this immense region, committed Nazarenes are proclaiming the message of the Son to those living in darkens.

Between the pages of this book lay their stories – stories of victory, hope and courage. As you savor them, may you rejoice again in the faithfulness of our passionate and creative God.

Call to Action (page 91)

After reading this book, please consider doing one or more of the following:

1. Intercede for unreached people on the Asia-Pacific Region, home to over 2 billion men, women, and children. Many have not yet heard the good news of Jesus.

2. Consider an assignment in Japan, Korea, or China as an English teacher. Doors are wide open. It is a tremendous opportunity to influence the lives of future national leaders. Contact dhane@apnaz.org for more info.

3. Support Asia-Pacific schools with your prayers, teaching skills (if you are a qualified teacher), and your giving. For more information, visit these web sites:

www.nazarene.org/education/iboe/asiapacific/display.aspx
www.apnts.org/pages/index.php
www.kornu.ac.kr/kornu/eng/index_eng.html

4. In compassionate response to human need in Southeast Asia, sponsor a child at Thailand’s Maetang Children’s Home or support eh New Life for Thai (AIDS) ministry. For more information, visit http://www.ncm.org/

5. Stay up-to-date on happenings in Melanesia and the South Pacific with these web sites:

www.kudjipnazarenehospital.org
http://www.fijiboat.org/

If you attend a Nazarene church this book and five others (about different regions of the world) should be available for you to read. Check with your Pastor or NMI president for more information. If you are a Christian who is interested in missions and would like to learn more, you may purchase this book from NPH.

A Horse, a Trumpet, and a Promise by Aimee Curtis

This is another quick read missionary book that my daughter read yesterday. It is a true story about the life and work of Dr. William A. Eckel, missionary to Japan.

While growing up, William was especially interested in horses and playing his trumpet. At age 12, he felt God had called him to be a missionary to Japan. As a young adult, William married Florence, who also felt called to serve in Japan. God used them to minister to the Japanese in amazing ways!

Back of book says:

"I can't believe it! Maud jumped the fence again!" explained Mr. Eckel.

William smiled and thought to himself, "She can jump any fence in town! There's none better than my Maud." William loved his horse. Maud was special gift from his dad.

To help William learn to read music, Mr. Eckel bought him a trumpet. William could not decide which he liked better, Maud or his shiny, new instrument.

William soon learned he could not keep both.

If you attend a Nazarene church this book and five others similar to it should be available for your child to read at no cost. Check with your Pastor or NMI president for more information. If you are a Christian who is interested in missions and would like your child to learn about missions on their level, you may purchase the book from NPH.

Popcorn, Socks and Salvation by Lee and Anne Rudeen

My eight year old daughter read this missionary book yesterday and greatly enjoyed it. I'm so glad my church has a strong emphasis on missions work and that books are written geared to young children. I read the book this morning because I love to read (even children's books) and missions are close to my heart.

This story is based on the childhood experiences of Lee, who was part of the pioneer work in Panama. Lee and his friend, Kevin, traveled with their missionary dads into a remote village to set up a clinic.

Back of book says:

"It's time for my secret weapon," said Dr. Birchard.

"You dad has a secret weapon?" asked Lee.

"Sort of," said Kevin. "I've seen my dad use it before. It works most of the time."

From inside one of their packs, Dr. Birchard pulled out a black pot. He poured some oil and emptied the contents of a cloth sack into the pot. He covered the pot with a lid and set it down on some burning coals.

"Ah," said Dr. Birchard, "it's starting to work already."

If you attend a Nazarene church this book and five others like it should be available for your child to read at no cost. If you are just interested in missions and want your child to know more about missions you may purchase the book from NPH.

Tell Me About Heaven by Randy Alcorn; paintings by Ron DiCianni

I recently purchased this book for my children because my library didn't and I just had to have it. My daughter was thrilled when I showed her the book and couldn't wait to get started, but I made her wait. And then I did the unthinkable after we read the first chapter aloud, I told her we would continue tomorrow with the second chapter. She is a voracious reader and you would have thought I suggested some type of torture when I closed the book. We both loved the book. Randy has included material that young and old will appreciate. At first glance one would think it is below my daughter's reading level, but the material was interesting, so it didn't matter. I liked breaking it into chapters to read because it gave us time to process before moving on with the story.

Front Jacket says:

It’s a place full of new beginnings that never end, seeing God, reunions, uninterrupted relationships, eating and drinking, activities, worship, music and joy. But it’s also a place of mystery, especially for children.

God’s Word gives us glimpses of what’s ahead, with clues that can be trusted – and anticipated. And this is the exciting news reflected in author Randy Alcorn’s heartwarming storey and artist Ron DiCianni’s striking paintings.

As Jake’s fears and questions about eternity are turned to wonder through his conversations with his grandpa, any child’s excitement about Heaven should grow. Its powerful message will help curious young hearts understand that if they love Jesus, not only is there nothing to fear, but the best is yet to come.


Back of book says:

When young Jake asks his grandfather, “What’s it like where Grammy is?” he – along with the children you love – will be ushered into a warm story answering the many questions kids have about Heaven. And it’s all tucked away in this keepsake volume that they - and you – can return to for reassurance.

The Bible says, “We are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth…” Use this book to help your special little ones look forward to that new world.

Check Randy Alcorn's website, your local bookstores or library for this great children's book and watch your children's longing for heaven increase and fear of death decrease.

Apples of Gold by Lisa Samson

I first read Apples of Gold: A Parable of Purity about a year ago and wanted to share more about it since my eight year old daughter read the book this week. It is a wonderful book that I believe can be read on many levels. Someone my daughter's age may take it closer to the surface and a teenager who understands the facts of life will be able to grasp it at a higher level.



Back of book says:


“Once upon a time, many years ago, true love walked hand in hand with kisses and promises, and decisions were made to last forever. In such a time, two girls received a summons to appear before the governor.”

So begins the story of two sisters in a long-ago land who are presented with a precious gift. The governor wants the young women to protect and care for this gift until the return of his son, the prince of the land. Upon the prince’s return, one sister will be chosen to serve the prince according to how the gift was cared for – and both sisters will be surprised by what the prince wants to offer the one who best cherishes the gift.

The young women have dreams of being happy and loved. But how they see the gift – and themselves – will determine how that gift is treasured and what will remain of their dreams.

Apples of Gold is a powerful parable about the beauty of sexual purity and the prize that awaits those committed to the keeping of such a gift.


I don't often encourage people to buy a book because I understand not having a lot of money to buy books, but this is one that I think would be a great resource to have on hand for discussions with daughters, grand-daughter's nieces, girl's youth groups and more. I plan to read it with my daughter for the next several years as she will take new wisdom from it as she matures and learns more.

Riven by Jerry B. Jenkins

Some may wonder what riven means - if that's the case... Miriam Webster defines riven as: 1 a: to wrench open or tear apart or to pieces : rend b: to split with force or violence 2 a: to divide into pieces : shatter b: fracture

Riven is an engaging novel that takes you deep into the personalities and life stories of two very different men who quickly become endeared to the reader despite the fact they both have issues that keep them, for quite some time, from fulfilling their God given purpose in life. One is a young man who grew up in a trailer park without much of what we consider necessities of life. The other is a godly man who has lost his zeal for life because of the lack of fruit he see from the ministries he has been a part of and because so many seem to take advantage of him. When the two finally meet God works miracles in both of their lives.

I have enjoyed reading Jerry’s fiction and when I read Jerry’s words, “This is the novel I have always wanted to write.” I couldn’t wait to find out what made this book unique. I appreciate that Riven shares a message of salvation and hope in Jesus for mankind regardless of who we are or what we have done because we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). The beauty is that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). He didn’t make us change before HIS sacrifice. Riven shares that redemption is available to all and that God can transform any of us.

Discussion Questions

Chapters 1-2 Excerpt

Rock of Ages (words by Augustus M. Toplady 1776)

Rock Of ages cleft for me
Let me hide myself in thee
Let the water and the blood
From thy riven side which flowed
Be of sin the double cure
Save from wrath and make me pure

Not the labors of my hands
Can fulfill the law's demands
Could my zeal no respite know
Could my tears forever flow

All for sin could not atone
Thou must save and Thou alone
Nothing in my hand I bring
Simply to Thy cross I cling

Naked, come to Thee for dress
Helpless, look to thee for grace
Foul, I to the fountain fly
Wash me Savior, or I die

While I draw this fleeting breath
When my eyelids close in death
When I sore to worlds unknown
See Thee on Thy judgement throne.

Rock of ages cleft for me
Let me hide myself in Thee.

The Ezekiel Option by Joel Rosenberg

A friend mentioned The Ezekiel Option by Joel C. Rosenberg to me when I shared that I enjoyed fast paced fictional books that keep the reader turning pages and it didn’t disappoint. Filled with headlines that could have been taken from today’s world news and Biblical prophesy from Ezekiel 38-39 this is a book that should be read by anyone interested in the events of the last days.

I read the Left Behind Series (by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins) and The Ezekiel Option could have been a prequel to the first Left Behind Book. It’s full of action, mystery and intrigue. Some may be put off by the violence, but if you can watch the evening world news then you can read The Ezekiel Option. There are parts that aren’t pretty, but it’s much like the reality many live in today.

Chapter – 1 Excerpt

Get your Bible and find a copy of The Ezekiel Option and get ready for an adventure much like an epidsode from the TV show 24, but much better because it shares a message of hope, salvation and eternity with our Creator.

Edited on September 11, 2008

When I read The Ezekiel Option I didn't know that the books were part of a series and today I finished book five in the series, so I have some back reading to do... but the chronological order is below:

The Last Jihad Series

Book 1 – The Last Jihad
Book 2 – The Last Days
Book 3 – The Ezekiel Option
Book 4 – The Copper Scroll
Book 5 – Dead Heat

Also please read about The Joshua Fund.

Sacred Influence: What A Man Needs From His Wife To Be The Husband She Wants by Gary Thomas

This book is an incredible resource for married women who want to see their lives and marriages transformed. It’s not a book that you will sit down in read in a couple days. It may even be a book you don’t want to read – all the more reason to read it. Gary Thomas doesn’t sugar coat his words and you may even disagree with him at times. His teaching is hard teaching, but good teaching. I recommend reading it with other Christian women who are dedicated to making their marriages what God desires – women who aren’t afraid to ask the hard questions and are willing to spend time praying for you and your marriage.

Back of Book Says:

GOD CALLS WOMEN TO INFLUENCE AND MOVE THEIR HUSBANDS IN POSITIVE WAYS.

If you’re sick of all the ways you’ve tried to bring about change in your marriage—the silent treatment, nagging, one-way discussions, or pleading—it’s time to set aside those broken methods for a Christ-based approach. This book demonstrates how women can inspire, influence, and help their husbands move in positive directions. Replacing your plan of action with God’s leads to a marital transformation where both partners are moving in sync the way that God intended.

Gary Thomas draws concepts from his bestseller Sacred Marriage and outlines practical applications you can start using today. He also shows how real-life women haven employed these methods to transform their marriages. In these pages, you’ll also find a fresh perspective to help you understand your husband: the view of the marriage relationship through a man’s eyes. Thomas gives you insider information on how men think, feel, and can truly be motivated.

I’ve put off sharing about this book for quite a while and I took almost a year to read it. Why? Because I don’t have it down yet. I’m not living the sacred influence life the author described. I try, but I fail. BUT I’m not giving up. Marriage isn’t easy and anyone who tells you it is lying to you. Marriage requires commitment even in the hard times, no especially in the hard times. I hope and pray you will join me in this journey to becoming the wife that God desires.

For more information on this book and others that will challenge you, check out Gary’s website. I contacted Gary and requested discussion questions and he emailed them to me.

Some quotes from the book:

Before you get married is the time to make a character-based judgment (“Do I really want to live with this man’s wounds?”). Once the ceremony has ended, God challenges you to maintain an attitude of concern and nurture instead of one of resentment and frustration.

Regardless of how anybody else acts, we are still accountable before God for our response.

Your husband may be wrong, and he may be expressing himself in an improper way, but that alone doesn’t make you right.

In a mature marriage, romance is maintained only through hard work, deliberate choices, and concrete actions. You can't force feelings, but you can choose to act so that feelings usually follow. If we act like we're in love, we'll keep falling in love.

I believe women still feel most fulfilled (and will be most rewarded) by loving and being loved and by exercising faith, growing in godliness, and sharing this life in intimate union.

The Princess and the Kiss by Jennie Bishop

The Princess and the Kiss: A Story of God’s Gift of Purity by Jennie Bishop

Back of Book says:

A loving king and queen present their daughter with a gift from God – her first kiss – to keep or to give away. The wise girl waits for the man who is worthy of her precious gift. Where is he and how will she ever find him? The surprising answer in this marvelous parable will touch the heart of parent and child alike.

The Princess and the Kiss beautifully portrays the ageless message that “love… comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (1 Timothy 1:5 NIV)

“I asked God how I could teach my young daughters the value of their purity, how I could begin in their early years to stress the importance and beauty of saving themselves for marriage. This is God’s poignant answer. My prayer is that this simple story will fulfill the same purpose for many other loving parents.” – Jennie Bishop, author

This is a beautiful story about purity that is age appropriate for young girls. I recently purchased the study guide put out by Revive our Hearts that is packed with biblical teaching on purity, relationships, and God’s plans for marriage (and singleness) to share with my daughter. Thanks Katie for telling me about the study guide. I can't wait until it arrives. My daughter read the book again today, so it would be fresh in her mind when we begin the study.

The Memory Bible by Stephen Elkins

My mother purchased this delightful CD/Book set for my daughter four years ago. We used it during her kindergarten school year even though she had been reading for two years already. The Scripture verses were used for penmanship - they were short enough not to tire her little hands and we sang the songs (children sang on the CD) and read the stories along with the narrator, Kirk Cameron. This week my son started kindergarten, so I pulled the book out again. I was surprised to find that my little guy still remembered the words to the songs from three years prior. They are catchy little tunes that you might just find yourself singing as you go through your day.

Back of the Book Says:

Sing, Read, Apply and Remember 52 Bible Verses from Genesis to Revelation.

Learning Scripture has never been so easy. Or so fun! Kids will actually memorize 52 key verses by reading Bible stories and singing along with the Scripture memory music on the two audio CDs.

They'll see, hear - and sing about - the courage of Daniel, the faith of Noah, and the love of Jesus. They'll discover how God used a little boy's lunch to feed a crowd, how God took care of Joseph, and how He enabled little David to defeat a big giant. Through it all, your child's faith in God will be strengthened.

My mother paid $25 for this set, but if you act quickly you may purchase it for $7.99 from CBD.

Randy Alcorn's August Book Giveaway

This month Randy Alcorn (one of my favorite authors) is giving away Money, Possessions and Eternity to three randomly drawn winners.

The deadline to enter the Money, Possessions and Eternity giveaway is Friday, August 22. To enter for your chance to win, leave a comment on this post. Make sure to include your contact information (a blog, or an e-mail address), with your comment on Randy's blog, so they are able to contact you if your name is drawn. Check Randy's blog on Monday, August 25 to find out if you are one of the three randomly drawn winners.

About the book from Randy's website:

Who wants to settle for fleeting treasures on earth... when God offers everlasting treasures in heaven? It's time to rethink our perspectives on money and possessions. In this thoroughly researched and extensively updated classic, Randy Alcorn shows us how to view them accurately--as God's provision for our good, the good of others, and his glory. Alcorn presents a biblical and comprehensive view of money and possessions, including the following:

Why is money so important to God?

Is prosperity theology right or wrong?

How can we be liberated from materialism?

What should we do about debt?

How much does God want us to give?

How can we best help the poor and reach the lost?

What about gambling? investing? insurance? saving? retirement? inheritance?

How can we leave our children a true heritage?

How can we use money in ways that God rewards?

It sounds like a book all Christians would benefit from reading as we strive to become what God would have us to be and use the resources HE has blessed us with to impact eternity. I look forward to reading this book some day.