created and compiled by Lisa Stilwell
Thomas Nelson Publishing
Our world displays the handiwork of God -- in the land and sea, the animals and plants. But in the sky, the heavens, the universe . . . there's a realm of beauty and creation only recently witnessed by man, thanks to the amazing feats of the Hubble Telescope. The Heavens Proclaim His Glory opens the curtain to a stage of unspeakable beauty -- a stage where only God Himself can receive all the credit. It's a display that will leave you speechless and ever-so-mindful of just how small we are in the vast scheme of His power and might.
I didn't quite know what to expect with this book. I heard that it had images from the Hubble Space Telescope mixed in with powems, quotes and other text from people, along with scripture. What I received was nothing short of a book filled with awe-inspiring images and inspirational messages. The truly beautiful thing about this book is that it's a double whammy: the images are much more inspirational than the text. Mix those images with scripture, and you hardly need poetry.
This book has given me a new appreciation for the wonders of space and God's handiwork, and will remain as one of my favorites for a very long time. The collection of quotes from Frank Peretti, Max Lucado, Kirk Cameron, Third Day, Abraham Lincoln, Stormie Omartain, and Franklin Graham (among others) are perfectly paired with scripture and serve as a reminder of His power and might. I highly recommend this book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Fearless
by Max Lucado
Thomas Nelson Publishing
We fear being sued, finishing last, going broke, the mole on our back, and the sound of the clock as it ticks us closer to the grave. Every season seems to bring fresh reasons for fear.
And it feels dreadful. Fear sucks the life out of the soul, curls us into an embryonic state, and drains us dry of contentment.
Wouldn't it be great to escape it? What if faith, not fear, was your default reaction to threats?
As I picked up this book I already knew that it would be cutting deep within me and exposing things that I didn't want to have to face. I knew that, even though I have been a solid Believer for years, I still had areas of fear that I was unwilling to give to God.
This book has made me stop and realize that, though I may be experiencing trials and situations that deserve a fearful response, I don't have to cave in and react in fear.
Just as the disciples in the boat turned to Jesus, so do I need to cling to Him.
This is a very well written book that draws you in - not because the writing is excellent, which it certainly is, but because Max delves deep into where you are as a believer and a person. His writing style is fantastic and, as this is my first Lucado book, I found myself eagerly turning the pages. If you have never read Lucado, This is a book for you.
Max has written a powerful book that cuts to the quick and, I wholeheartedly believe, it should be read by everyone. I don't care who you are, what background you come from, or even if you think that you can't learn anything new -- you need this book! I sure did!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Thomas Nelson Publishing
We fear being sued, finishing last, going broke, the mole on our back, and the sound of the clock as it ticks us closer to the grave. Every season seems to bring fresh reasons for fear.
And it feels dreadful. Fear sucks the life out of the soul, curls us into an embryonic state, and drains us dry of contentment.
Wouldn't it be great to escape it? What if faith, not fear, was your default reaction to threats?
As I picked up this book I already knew that it would be cutting deep within me and exposing things that I didn't want to have to face. I knew that, even though I have been a solid Believer for years, I still had areas of fear that I was unwilling to give to God.
This book has made me stop and realize that, though I may be experiencing trials and situations that deserve a fearful response, I don't have to cave in and react in fear.
Just as the disciples in the boat turned to Jesus, so do I need to cling to Him.
This is a very well written book that draws you in - not because the writing is excellent, which it certainly is, but because Max delves deep into where you are as a believer and a person. His writing style is fantastic and, as this is my first Lucado book, I found myself eagerly turning the pages. If you have never read Lucado, This is a book for you.
Max has written a powerful book that cuts to the quick and, I wholeheartedly believe, it should be read by everyone. I don't care who you are, what background you come from, or even if you think that you can't learn anything new -- you need this book! I sure did!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Lead Like Ike - Ten Business Strategies From The CEO Of D-Day
by Geoff Loftus
Thomas Nelson Publishing
Who was the greatest CEO of the 20th century? A persuasive case can be made for General Dwight D. Eisenhower, who undertook history's most harrowing executive assignment: Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe on June 6th, 1944. In Lead Like Ike, business journalist and communications guru Geoff Loftus waves a fly-on-the-wall narrative from Ike's perspective as supreme allied commander overseeing the Normandy invasion. While swept into a gripping story that honors the sacrifice of all who fought and died on D-Day, you'll also be drawn to a cache of battle-tested strategies and tactics with direct applications to modern-day business leadership.
I love history, specifically the WWII era, so when I saw that I had a chance to read a book about the Supreme Commander of D-Day I jumped at the opportunity. I was not disappointed in the least.
Mr. Loftus creates a parallel between Eisenhower's strategies for winning the war with Germany and a company determined to win the war of competition with another company, and I think he does a very good job of constructing the analogy. He shows the successes and failures of Eisenhower's plans and uses them as examples of what to do and what not to do in the business world.
I don't know how effective this book would be to an executive or upper to middle-manager, as the points that Loftus makes are all common sense to the everyday, blue-collar worker, but in my experience not too many upper-management types are aware of these strategies.
This is a tremendous book -- simply for the historical content alone, so if you love history you will truly appreciate the biographical content. If you are upper management, I dare you to get this book, follow the strategies that are laid out, and see if your business flourishes.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Thomas Nelson Publishing
Who was the greatest CEO of the 20th century? A persuasive case can be made for General Dwight D. Eisenhower, who undertook history's most harrowing executive assignment: Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe on June 6th, 1944. In Lead Like Ike, business journalist and communications guru Geoff Loftus waves a fly-on-the-wall narrative from Ike's perspective as supreme allied commander overseeing the Normandy invasion. While swept into a gripping story that honors the sacrifice of all who fought and died on D-Day, you'll also be drawn to a cache of battle-tested strategies and tactics with direct applications to modern-day business leadership.
I love history, specifically the WWII era, so when I saw that I had a chance to read a book about the Supreme Commander of D-Day I jumped at the opportunity. I was not disappointed in the least.
Mr. Loftus creates a parallel between Eisenhower's strategies for winning the war with Germany and a company determined to win the war of competition with another company, and I think he does a very good job of constructing the analogy. He shows the successes and failures of Eisenhower's plans and uses them as examples of what to do and what not to do in the business world.
I don't know how effective this book would be to an executive or upper to middle-manager, as the points that Loftus makes are all common sense to the everyday, blue-collar worker, but in my experience not too many upper-management types are aware of these strategies.
This is a tremendous book -- simply for the historical content alone, so if you love history you will truly appreciate the biographical content. If you are upper management, I dare you to get this book, follow the strategies that are laid out, and see if your business flourishes.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Bonhoeffer - Pastor, Prophet, Martyr, Spy - A Religious Gentile Vs. The Third Reich
by Eric Metaxas
Thomas Nelson Publishing
This story is a biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer - A theologian from Germany who came of age during the rise of the Third Reich, played a part in the conspiracy to assassinate Adolf Hitler, and died wholly devoted to the God he served with all of his heart.
I have never read a biography of such an incredible man before, and the task seemed daunting at first. The size of this book is tremendous and, despite all of the work that went into this story, I have no doubt that even more could have been written. A two and a half page bibliography and 20 pages of notes simply add to the flavor and rich texture that was Bonhoeffer's life.
Eric Metaxas has compiled a vast amount of information and put it together in a very well written story that flows as though you are reading a novel. As you read through the pages you will find yourself immersed in the life of one of the greatest theologians of the twentieth century. The life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer is one of intense devotion, determination, and tragedy. I highly recommend this book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Thomas Nelson Publishing
This story is a biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer - A theologian from Germany who came of age during the rise of the Third Reich, played a part in the conspiracy to assassinate Adolf Hitler, and died wholly devoted to the God he served with all of his heart.
I have never read a biography of such an incredible man before, and the task seemed daunting at first. The size of this book is tremendous and, despite all of the work that went into this story, I have no doubt that even more could have been written. A two and a half page bibliography and 20 pages of notes simply add to the flavor and rich texture that was Bonhoeffer's life.
Eric Metaxas has compiled a vast amount of information and put it together in a very well written story that flows as though you are reading a novel. As you read through the pages you will find yourself immersed in the life of one of the greatest theologians of the twentieth century. The life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer is one of intense devotion, determination, and tragedy. I highly recommend this book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Thursday, January 14, 2010
House
by Ted Dekker and Frank Peretti
WestBow Press - a division of Thomas Nelson Publishing
On a deserted back road in Alabama, Jack and Stephanie find themselves driving fast and running late. Their world suddenly changes when a strange accident leaves them stranded with no car, no cell phone coverage, and no help in sight. They have no choice except to continue on foot. As darkness approaches, they round a bend and see a small sign at the top of a long gravel driveway: THE WAYSIDE INN.
The exhausted couple stands in front of an inviting house, complete with a gated stone wall, ancient oak trees, and a note welcoming weary travelers. Inside they find another couple with an equally troubling story about a similar accident. It seems that backwoods pranksters have made their day miserable. Still, they are safe . . .
Or so they think.
This is the first book that I have read from the collaboration of the two powerhouses of Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker. I have had the wonderful opportunity to read books that these two authors have written before, but this is their only collaboration. I loved the two books of Peretti's that I have read (This Present Darkness and Piercing The Darkness), and I have yet to read a Dekker book that doesn't move me, so I was really looking forward to sitting down with the sum of these two incredible geniuses. I was in no way disappointed.
I will admit that I saw the movie before reading the book, but it had been such a long time since I had seen it that I had forgotten just about everything about it, so that didn't ruin too much for me.
I really can't tell who wrote the majority of the book because it really reads like a stand-alone Dekker book AND a stand-alone Peretti book. I think that that truly shows the skill of the authors, and how they approached the story with a like mind. If you have read a book by either of these authors you will find yourself in familiar territory, stylistically. The boys introduce the protagonists right in the middle of a fight, and it goes downhill for them from there. They are driving through the backwoods of Alabama, on their way to a marriage counseling appointment, when they suddenly find themselves being chased by a Highway Patrol officer. As they slow down to pull over, the cruiser almost rear-ends them, then it speeds off. As they continue on from that disturbing scene, they meet an incredible set of circumstances that place them in an unforgettable evening with a very surprising set of people.
I am a fan of thrillers. That's one reason why I love Dekker's body of work so much; he is a spectacular writer. Even so, there is only one book of his that set me on edge while reading it, and that was the book 'Adam'. The only reason (that I can think of) that 'Adam' got to me was because it is a book dealing with the subject of demon possession. 'House' actually creeped me out. There is something about the way that they presented the subject matter that just got under my skin and I couldn't read too much of it before going to bed. Not that it gave me nightmares per sé, but that it was just unsettling. That, and that alone, is enough for me to recommend this book to anyone who loves thrillers! Obviously, because of the genre, you can expect that good triumphs over evil -- but it's in the journey that you find yourself sitting on the edge of your seat, jumping at any sound that your own house makes, and racing through the pages to see how it all turns out.
Get this book!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
WestBow Press - a division of Thomas Nelson Publishing
On a deserted back road in Alabama, Jack and Stephanie find themselves driving fast and running late. Their world suddenly changes when a strange accident leaves them stranded with no car, no cell phone coverage, and no help in sight. They have no choice except to continue on foot. As darkness approaches, they round a bend and see a small sign at the top of a long gravel driveway: THE WAYSIDE INN.
The exhausted couple stands in front of an inviting house, complete with a gated stone wall, ancient oak trees, and a note welcoming weary travelers. Inside they find another couple with an equally troubling story about a similar accident. It seems that backwoods pranksters have made their day miserable. Still, they are safe . . .
Or so they think.
This is the first book that I have read from the collaboration of the two powerhouses of Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker. I have had the wonderful opportunity to read books that these two authors have written before, but this is their only collaboration. I loved the two books of Peretti's that I have read (This Present Darkness and Piercing The Darkness), and I have yet to read a Dekker book that doesn't move me, so I was really looking forward to sitting down with the sum of these two incredible geniuses. I was in no way disappointed.
I will admit that I saw the movie before reading the book, but it had been such a long time since I had seen it that I had forgotten just about everything about it, so that didn't ruin too much for me.
I really can't tell who wrote the majority of the book because it really reads like a stand-alone Dekker book AND a stand-alone Peretti book. I think that that truly shows the skill of the authors, and how they approached the story with a like mind. If you have read a book by either of these authors you will find yourself in familiar territory, stylistically. The boys introduce the protagonists right in the middle of a fight, and it goes downhill for them from there. They are driving through the backwoods of Alabama, on their way to a marriage counseling appointment, when they suddenly find themselves being chased by a Highway Patrol officer. As they slow down to pull over, the cruiser almost rear-ends them, then it speeds off. As they continue on from that disturbing scene, they meet an incredible set of circumstances that place them in an unforgettable evening with a very surprising set of people.
I am a fan of thrillers. That's one reason why I love Dekker's body of work so much; he is a spectacular writer. Even so, there is only one book of his that set me on edge while reading it, and that was the book 'Adam'. The only reason (that I can think of) that 'Adam' got to me was because it is a book dealing with the subject of demon possession. 'House' actually creeped me out. There is something about the way that they presented the subject matter that just got under my skin and I couldn't read too much of it before going to bed. Not that it gave me nightmares per sé, but that it was just unsettling. That, and that alone, is enough for me to recommend this book to anyone who loves thrillers! Obviously, because of the genre, you can expect that good triumphs over evil -- but it's in the journey that you find yourself sitting on the edge of your seat, jumping at any sound that your own house makes, and racing through the pages to see how it all turns out.
Get this book!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Burn
By Erin Healy and Ted Dekker
Thomas Nelson Publishing
Janeal has long felt trapped in her father's Gypsy culture. then one night a powerful man named Salazar Sanso promises her the life she longs for -- if she will help redover a vast sum of money tied to her father. When the plan implodes, Sanso and his men attack the Gypsy settlement and burn it to the ground. During the blaze, Jenael is faced with a staggering choice. The impact of that moment changes her forever. As her past rises form the ashes, Jenael faces a new life-or-death choice. And this time, escape is not an option.
I had the opportunity to read the first collaborative effort of Ted Dekker and Erin Healy (Kiss --Thomas Nelson Publishing) last year and, based on my impression of that book, I was quite excited to read their latest effort. I was not dissappointed in the least. It was apparent that Burn was headed mainly by Erin Healy as the writing style is somewhat different from Dekker's, but it wasn't distracting. There were a few times that I stopped and scratched my head and asked why we needed to know that right now, but these are rough edges that will be sanded down by experience -- and from what I have read, Erin Healy has quite a career ahead of her. I will certainly be looking for more of her work in the coming years.
The story itself was really intruiging. A 17 year old girl, who is disenchanted by her past, is approached by a stranger and she is asked a simple question: "Do you love your father?" Her answer is defined by the choices that she makes over the next day, and those choices shatter everything she ever thought about herself and sets her on a path of self-discovery of epic proportions. In the end she must decide if she is willing to face her true self and reclaim a life that she had never known or continue down the road that she made for herself into destruction.
It's quite a page-turner, and I was surprised by the twist that came out of left field. It is definitely a book to get if you like Dekker, and it's a great introduction to Erin Healy if you have never read any of her work before. If you are looking for an escape into a world of deceit, suspense, and ultimately redemption, then I recommend Burn by Ted Dekker and Erin Healy.
Thomas Nelson Publishing
Janeal has long felt trapped in her father's Gypsy culture. then one night a powerful man named Salazar Sanso promises her the life she longs for -- if she will help redover a vast sum of money tied to her father. When the plan implodes, Sanso and his men attack the Gypsy settlement and burn it to the ground. During the blaze, Jenael is faced with a staggering choice. The impact of that moment changes her forever. As her past rises form the ashes, Jenael faces a new life-or-death choice. And this time, escape is not an option.
I had the opportunity to read the first collaborative effort of Ted Dekker and Erin Healy (Kiss --Thomas Nelson Publishing) last year and, based on my impression of that book, I was quite excited to read their latest effort. I was not dissappointed in the least. It was apparent that Burn was headed mainly by Erin Healy as the writing style is somewhat different from Dekker's, but it wasn't distracting. There were a few times that I stopped and scratched my head and asked why we needed to know that right now, but these are rough edges that will be sanded down by experience -- and from what I have read, Erin Healy has quite a career ahead of her. I will certainly be looking for more of her work in the coming years.
The story itself was really intruiging. A 17 year old girl, who is disenchanted by her past, is approached by a stranger and she is asked a simple question: "Do you love your father?" Her answer is defined by the choices that she makes over the next day, and those choices shatter everything she ever thought about herself and sets her on a path of self-discovery of epic proportions. In the end she must decide if she is willing to face her true self and reclaim a life that she had never known or continue down the road that she made for herself into destruction.
It's quite a page-turner, and I was surprised by the twist that came out of left field. It is definitely a book to get if you like Dekker, and it's a great introduction to Erin Healy if you have never read any of her work before. If you are looking for an escape into a world of deceit, suspense, and ultimately redemption, then I recommend Burn by Ted Dekker and Erin Healy.
Jack Daniels -- Spirit Of Tennessee Cookbook
By Lynne Tolley and Pat Mitchamore
Thomas Nelson Publishing
This is my first cookbook review, and I have to say that I was rather excited to try out some honest southern-style cooking. Since I don't drink, I wasn't sure how the introduction of Jack Daniels Whiskey to the cooking process would affect the final product, but I was plesantly surprised to find that it simply colored the finished dishes with a somewhat unique flavor.
Overall, the presentation of the book is tremendous. The cookbook is so much more than merely a bunch of recipes that are thown together. The authors of this book gathered pages and pages of history-- not just about Jack Daniels, but about Tennessee itself. There is a wonderful piece about Miss Mary Bobo's Boarding house in Lynchburg Tennessee, a nice short biography of Moore County Tennessee, and there's a Hardware and General Store that has such a beautiful story that I will make a point to stop by the next time I am in Tennessee.
All in all, I highly reccommend this book if you are cook, a lover of food, or a fan of down home-southern hospitality. I thought I was just getting a cookbook, but I got so much more.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Thomas Nelson Publishing
This is my first cookbook review, and I have to say that I was rather excited to try out some honest southern-style cooking. Since I don't drink, I wasn't sure how the introduction of Jack Daniels Whiskey to the cooking process would affect the final product, but I was plesantly surprised to find that it simply colored the finished dishes with a somewhat unique flavor.
Overall, the presentation of the book is tremendous. The cookbook is so much more than merely a bunch of recipes that are thown together. The authors of this book gathered pages and pages of history-- not just about Jack Daniels, but about Tennessee itself. There is a wonderful piece about Miss Mary Bobo's Boarding house in Lynchburg Tennessee, a nice short biography of Moore County Tennessee, and there's a Hardware and General Store that has such a beautiful story that I will make a point to stop by the next time I am in Tennessee.
All in all, I highly reccommend this book if you are cook, a lover of food, or a fan of down home-southern hospitality. I thought I was just getting a cookbook, but I got so much more.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
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