Rhe’s Bookshelf Reviews #6!
It’s been awhile but I have some book reviews today, HOORAY!!! Ever since I got really sick and pregnant in the summer of last year its pretty much been like I’ve been living my life going 100mph. Really sick, then catching up from the sick, then prepping for baby number three, then preparing for the holidays out of town – Thanksgiving and Christmas. Then, having baby number three and getting ready for a cross-country move. I mean, seriously, I give myself a hard time about it because that’s my personality. I really enjoy walking on the edge of sanity and serious mental breakdown/anxiety overload. My husband swears I do at least. Last year I had a seriously ambitious reading goal, which I completely failed at. This year I’ve lowered it significantly and I’m already feeling like a failure. Not to mention I haven’t done any knitting, crocheting or scrapbooking since I had Phillip. Now that I’ve completely turned this into a venting post, on to the good stuff. I have two books to review for you, both of which I love. I had previously reviewed the second book in the Winston Churchill thriller series by Michael and Patrick McMenamin, The Parsifal Pursuit. Thanks to Business2Blogger for the opportunity to review these books as well. I really love this series, as I mentioned before, so I was very excited to read this third installment. The Gemini Agenda proved to be every bit as good as I had hoped it would be, and its safe for me to say that it was actually my favorite. Here’s a brief little summary –
Rhe’s Bookshelf #4
Well, its that time again, I’ve got a couple books to review here so hang on to your hats!
My First Hands-On Bible – New Living Translation
My First Hands-On Bible is the preschooler version of the popular Hands-On Bible, which has sold over a half million copies. Jesus taught with hands-on lessons and illustrations; My First Hands-On Bible uses the same experience-based learning to communicate God’s Word in an active, understandable way. My First Hands-On Bible is a fun and simple yet meaningful way to engage preschool, pre-K, and K children (ages 3-6) with the Bible while helping them build a solid faith foundation. Each lesson focuses on a specific Bible point through a variety of activities in order to reinforce and help young children remember the stories and lessons. Using common household items, you can help your children have a “hands-on” learning experience while engaging them in 85 key stories from the Bible. My First Hands-On Bible doesn’t just retell the Bible stories; it also includes actual Scripture from the easy-to-understand and easy-to-read Holy Bible, New Living Translation. In addition to the stories and activities, there are fun illustrations, prayers, and a special Jesus Connection feature.
I am the mother of a 5 year old and a 3 year old and I loved this Bible. First off I really loved it just for me. A lot of times children’s bible’s can miss stuff, or skim over stuff or just shorten things down because its geared towards kids. I didn’t feel like that at all when I was looking this over. But by far the best part is the illustrations. So beautiful and fun. When my son opened it up for the first time he said, “Wow mommy, i like these pictures”. It was so easy to talk to him and have a conversation with him just about the pictures. That was before we even started reading it. The stories are great lengths and read in such a way that it kept my son’s attention while also spurring questions and conversation between. I love this Bible and I would definitely recommend it to any parent looking for a first Bible for their children! An added bonus for you homeschooling moms with younger children who aren’t quite ready for full on curriculum is the activities included within the stories. Its something for your younger kids to do that will make them feel like they are a big kid. I will be using it for my son who is doing pre-k and kindergarten learning at home this year.
**this book was provided by the Tyndale Blogging Program for my review. This review is my own and I was not provided any compensation for a positive review
Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door, by Josh McDowell and Bob Hostetler
Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door gives teens answers that make sense, even for the toughest of questions. Internationally known defender of the faith Josh McDowell and co-author Bob Hostetler offer clarity laced with humor to expose common myths about God, the Bible, religion, and life to show how Christianity stands up to the test of fact and reason. Teens will be better equipped to stick with their faith as they begin to understand why they believe and why it’s important to make a lifetime commitment to Christ and the church.
I wasn’t actually sure what to expect when I first got this book. But after opening it up and powering through about the whole thing in one night I loved it. Josh McDowell is amazing and so I knew anything by him would be great. I believe that this is such a relevant book for this day in age and I really think that groups from Jr. High and even College Age could use this book. The stories are relevant and easily comparable to life. The follow-up questions are great. I’m always worried with things like this because I fear that the topics would become too relevant if you know what I mean. The questions and topics become too watered down. The future of Christianity today is in the hands of our kids and feeding them wishy-washy garbage isn’t going to do us any good. I would pick up this book if you’re a youth leader or any kid, or if you have teens in your house, or even before your kids get to that age. I have a five and three year old and I loved this book! Its a tough task to raise our children and anything that helps with that is good in my book!
Rhe’s Bookshelf – My First Hands-On Bible/Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door
Well, its that time again, I’ve got a couple books to review here so hang on to your hats!
My First Hands-On Bible – New Living Translation
My First Hands-On Bible is the preschooler version of the popular Hands-On Bible, which has sold over a half million copies. Jesus taught with hands-on lessons and illustrations; My First Hands-On Bible uses the same experience-based learning to communicate God’s Word in an active, understandable way. My First Hands-On Bible is a fun and simple yet meaningful way to engage preschool, pre-K, and K children (ages 3-6) with the Bible while helping them build a solid faith foundation. Each lesson focuses on a specific Bible point through a variety of activities in order to reinforce and help young children remember the stories and lessons. Using common household items, you can help your children have a “hands-on” learning experience while engaging them in 85 key stories from the Bible. My First Hands-On Bible doesn’t just retell the Bible stories; it also includes actual Scripture from the easy-to-understand and easy-to-read Holy Bible, New Living Translation. In addition to the stories and activities, there are fun illustrations, prayers, and a special Jesus Connection feature.
I am the mother of a 5 year old and a 3 year old and I loved this Bible. First off I really loved it just for me. A lot of times children’s bible’s can miss stuff, or skim over stuff or just shorten things down because its geared towards kids. I didn’t feel like that at all when I was looking this over. But by far the best part is the illustrations. So beautiful and fun. When my son opened it up for the first time he said, “Wow mommy, i like these pictures”. It was so easy to talk to him and have a conversation with him just about the pictures. That was before we even started reading it. The stories are great lengths and read in such a way that it kept my son’s attention while also spurring questions and conversation between. I love this Bible and I would definitely recommend it to any parent looking for a first Bible for their children! An added bonus for you homeschooling moms with younger children who aren’t quite ready for full on curriculum is the activities included within the stories. Its something for your younger kids to do that will make them feel like they are a big kid. I will be using it for my son who is doing pre-k and kindergarten learning at home this year.
**this book was provided by the Tyndale Blogging Program for my review. This review is my own and I was not provided any compensation for a positive review
Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door, by Josh McDowell and Bob Hostetler
Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door gives teens answers that make sense, even for the toughest of questions. Internationally known defender of the faith Josh McDowell and co-author Bob Hostetler offer clarity laced with humor to expose common myths about God, the Bible, religion, and life to show how Christianity stands up to the test of fact and reason. Teens will be better equipped to stick with their faith as they begin to understand why they believe and why it’s important to make a lifetime commitment to Christ and the church.
I wasn’t actually sure what to expect when I first got this book. But after opening it up and powering through about the whole thing in one night I loved it. Josh McDowell is amazing and so I knew anything by him would be great. I believe that this is such a relevant book for this day in age and I really think that groups from Jr. High and even College Age could use this book. The stories are relevant and easily comparable to life. The follow-up questions are great. I’m always worried with things like this because I fear that the topics would become too relevant if you know what I mean. The questions and topics become too watered down. The future of Christianity today is in the hands of our kids and feeding them wishy-washy garbage isn’t going to do us any good. I would pick up this book if you’re a youth leader or any kid, or if you have teens in your house, or even before your kids get to that age. I have a five and three year old and I loved this book! Its a tough task to raise our children and anything that helps with that is good in my book!
**this post contains affiliate links**
Rhe’s Bookshelf #3: The Fight of Our Lives
I was given the opportunity to read this book by the publisher and I’m so glad that I snatched this book. It was an amazing read, and as a Military Wife and American I recommend that everyone read this book. Don’t let the title of this book scare you or make you have any pre-conceived notions about this book. This is not just a random blathering of some right-wing, pro-war, Islamic hating person. This is a well-written and intelligent book, that includes the praise of those doing positive things in the Islamic words and the worlds of Muslims themselves. Granted, depending on your political views there may be many things you don’t like about this book, but there are several chapters that should be read regardless of where you stand politically. You will definitely learn something. While this book expresses many ‘Opinions’ of the authors, this book was well researched and includes so many facts that can not be construed as just opinions. I didn’t feel as if I was being manipulated or things were shoved down my throat. I have seen other people say that they felt like the author was trying to scare us or turn us into “1984”. I didnt’ feel that way. It could, however, be me. After putting it down I felt like buying everyone I knew a copy. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have read a book I might not have otherwise seen. It had a lot to say and was a lot to take in; and isn’t what I would consider “light reading”. Spread the word because it needs to be spread.
4 stars frome me