Plan B by Pete Wilson

Plan B is writen by Pete Wilson, a pastor, who asks the question - "What do you do when God doesn't show up the way you thought he would?" I must admit when I read the cover of the book I wasn't really very interested in reading it. I have read a lot of self help books before and thought how will this book be any different! As I started reading the book I became fascinated with how he explained simple bible truths like I had never heard them before. He asks the question "What is your plan B situation? Where is God asking you to take a seemingly impossible step of faith. He explains how when we feel as though our life isnt turning out the way we had hoped we end up feeling as though God has abandoned us. We tend to assume that the road to God given dreams is going to be smooth and lined with grace.He uses real life people and situations as well as biblical stories throughout his book to show us how others have had to resort to a Plan B for their lives and overcame hardships as well as learnt valuable lessons along the way. What impacted me the most is when he talks about how in this life many of our questions will not have answers, but through it all; God himself will never change. This is why our faith must rest in his identity and not necessarily his activity. This book would make a great bible study book for men, women, couples and even teens. There are questions for each chapter at the back of the book that could be great for group discussions. Definitely worth reading!!

Book Review for Bibleman DVD - Combating the Commandment of Confusion

I watched the DVD with my 2 nephews who are 4 and 6. They enjoyed watching the movie as there was plenty of action to keep them entertained. After the movie ended we watched the bonus features which included "The Word of God" song with actions and behind the scenes footage of sword training.
The video centers around "The Armour of God". It is a good versus evil plot line that is easy to understand and action filled. The lesson of the video is taken from Ephesians 6:111 "put on the full Armour of God so that you can fight against the devil's evil tricks" This is re-enforced when the villian plots to steal the Armour of God but Bibleman uses his scripture to defeat him and save the day! The movie is filled with Godly principles that I believe children will walk away with.
For adults that may be watching it with their children it may be something to "grin and bear" The video is shot in front of a live audience with what seems to be a somewhat inexperienced Camera Man. However if you can get past the lip synching being off, the cheesy costumes and somewhat bad acting you can still take something away from it!

Book Review for Kaleidescope - Patsy Clairmont

I met Patsy Clairmont a few year ago at a Woman of Faith Conference in Minneapolis. She was so funny and insightful to listen to that I was really looking forward to reading her book. Kaleidoscope did not disappoint, it has a lot of humor and real life stories in it that everyone can relate to and will love. This book is broken up into 33 chapters with questions at the end of each chapter. It would make a great devotional book, as the chapters arent too long, or a bible study book for a womans study. The questions are thought provoking and would bring out a lot of great discussion in a group of woman.
I really enjoyed the fact that she has faults and is not afraid to admit them, instead she takes joy in knowing that God can change her or help her through them. As a woman it it refreshing to hear that we do not need to be perfect nor do we have to pretend we are! This book also helps us to check our emotions, self esteem and pride to make sure that we are living Christ centered and not worldly lives. The title Kaleidescope fits this book well, at times I felt like my emotions were a Kaleidescope. Laughing at times, crying because something hit close to home and other times in awe of finding out something new in myself. A must read for anyone!

Revolve 2010 Book Review

As a mother of 2 teenage girls I was really excited about this book/magazine. It has the look and feel of a teen magazine that you would find at the bookstore or supermarket which young girls love to read. My daughters loved taking the quizes as well as reading the make-up and hair tips! The book covers the complete New Testament Bible in an easy to read format. There is an overview given at the beginning of each section that summerizes what you will be reading. In each chapter the headings are different colors which makes it easy to read small sections at a time. This was great for my daughter who doesn't like to sit and read for long periods. It was great to see some famous teens like Corbin Bleu and Jordin Sparks share their faith and be proud of it. My daughter really liked the stories of everday teens with real issues that affect teens today. The book also includes an Ask Jenna section where kids can write in and get answers to their questions about their body, make-up, parents, boys as well as many other topics. I think that one of the best part of the book is the free downloads for teens, it gives them a chance to hear new artists and get a taste for their music. And lets face it it is rare to see kids without an Ipod in hand, so if they are going to be listening to music they may as well listen to some great artist who share a message and a great love for God! I do appreciate that the cover makes it very clear about what is inside, it does not try to hide the fact that it is the New Testament, instead celebrates it and that will make the young girls excited to read it! I will be sure to buy the book next year again!