Book Review: Temporary Power Outages by Sandra Peterson Lott

As I was introduced to Sandra Lott’s Temporary Power Outages, the title immediately grabbed my attention. Engaging from beginning to end, Sandra opens to the reader her life and her heart. Compelled to share her life’s story with others, Sandra describes how seasons of disappointments and struggles shaped her to be the Christian she is today.

In this story, there were moments that I found amusing and others where I was filled with compassion for Sandra. It’s amazing how well she recalled moments from her childhood that may in turn help parents understand the effects of non-traditional family dynamics.

Temporary Power Outages is Sandra’s first book that is sure to leave a lasting impression upon the reader. Layered with scriptural references, Sandra brings to life the fact that God will never leave nor forsake us.

To learn more about this author and upcoming works, please visit her at http://www.temporarypoweroutages.webs.com/

Book Review: My Rising Up by Jennifer L. Dean

Jennifer L. Dean's My Rising Up is a novel that not only explores hardships that may occur in life, but also the overcoming power of God. As the story opens, the reader is immediately pulled into the life of Brendan Maxwell--a young man who encounters death from an early age. This sets the tone of a seemingly troubled journey that rocks his world into adulthood.

I found this novel an interesting and enjoyable read. Situations and circumstances in the book reminded me of what it was like to live a college life, but more importantly, how it should be done with God as the head in every area. As the story was drawing to a close, I found myself flipping the pages even faster to get to the end!

This story is definitely one where I can relate. I think it is very important that stories like this one are told because so many lose hope in the One who gives hope. It is apparent that this author has an intimate relationship with the Lord because it shows in her writing ... and I appreciate that above all else.

My Rising Up is a wonderfully crafted faith-based read that any age group would enjoy and can be purchased at various online retailers.

To read a recent interview with this author, visit Striaght Up! Newsletter. The author's website is located at http://www.jldeanauthor.com/.

Book Review: Song of Solomon by Kendra Norman-Bellamy

Commonly known as May-December relationships, age gaps between couples is a highly discussed topic. In Song of Solomon, we find out if that’s truly the issue of why Shaylynn Ford and Neil Taylor seem to struggle when it comes to embracing one another.

Song of Solomon delivers a message of love that goes beyond just the natural, but delves into the spiritual connection of soul mates. Love is not just a superficial thing and as these characters learn from their past hurts, they finally face their emotions head-on. What becomes of two people who clearly have an attraction to one another, but an invisible wall of fear keeps them living in the past?

Song of Solomon is very well written by a seasoned and loved author.

From the author’s website:

At age forty-five, Dr. Neil Taylor is single (again) and living a seemingly satisfied existence as a deacon of his church and the director of Kingdom Builder's Academy. But despite outward appearances, Neil harbors secret pains that have caused him to build a well-constructed wall of defense around his heart, and to silence a ministry with which God gifted him as a child.

Everything begins to change, however, when Shaylynn Ford, a bold and beautiful, yet blanched and broken young mother, strolls through the doors of his office at Kingdom Builder's Academy. The affect that Shaylynn has on Neil not only makes him yearn for another chance at true love, but her injured spirit somehow begins to bring melody back to Neil's soul for the first time in ages.

Shaylynn's definitely worth fighting for, but so many obstacles stand between them that Neil wonders if he's up for the challenge. His anointed voice has been accredited with healing sick bodies and saving lost souls, but can it perform a miracle the size of the one he'll need to win Shaylynn's affections? She is his God-appointed soul mate. Neil is certain of it. But how can he compete when her heart already belongs to another? And even with all the songs in the world, how can Neil remain righteous while trying to win over a woman who's already wearing a wedding ring?

This book is available online and in stores through various retailers. To learn more about Kendra Norman-Bellamy, please visit http://www.kendranormanbellamy.com/

Book Review: Good Morning Brown Butterfly by Lisa Marie McNeill

Bringing to life Proverbs 17:22 “A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones,” Good Morning Brown Butterfly is a wonderful read for preschoolers. When I visited the Charles Tisdale Library in Jackson, MS on August 6, 2010 for the Story Time hour, it began with this engaging book. The children immediately received the message of being good little boys and girls not only makes them feel good, but also their parents and teachers around them.

The main character, Ashlee, has an important question for her mommy, “How do you know that today will be a good day?” As the story unfolds, her questions are answered in simplicity that shows the child versus just telling her. Author Lisa Marie McNeill delivers a heart-warming read that had the children with smiles all around shouting, “Good morning!”

Lisa Marie McNeill currently resides in Alpharetta, Georgia, with her husband and two children. More information about this author can be found on her website at http://www.lisamariemcneill.com/.

“Illuminating the love of Christ for every child,” Lisa McNeill.

Blog Tour: The Radical Question by David Platt

“What is Jesus worth to you?” This question posed on the front cover of David Platt’s The Radical Question resonate volumes throughout the booklet. This powerful exploration of Christian living both in and outside of the United States delivers an inspiring display of scripture personified. Consider the scripture passage of Luke 18 where a rich ruler asked Jesus what he must do to be saved. Jesus replied, “Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother,” verse 20, KJV. The wealthy ruler replied, “All these have I kept from my youth up.” Then Jesus said to him, “Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.” When the ruler heard this he did not jump up and say, “Yes, Master! Whatever you’ll have me to do, I’ll do!” In fact, when he heard this, the scripture states that he was very sorrowful because he was very rich.

This booklet shares with the reader those who have said “yes” to the call. There are specific examples of where “great jobs” and “once-in a lifetime” opportunities were turned down for the sake of doing God’s work. It causes one to think about those who are less fortunate in reality versus the abstract. Not just the hungry and those who are homeless, but those who are without the freedom to worship God—those who are subject to become martyrs. What are you willing to sacrifice? Those of us who stand in firmly built air-conditioned homes, visit comfortable worship centers, and rest easy with lucrative bank accounts? What are we doing with what we have? If God were to place it on your heart to share some of it with a neighbor, the community shelter, or even foreign ministries … what would you do? Could that new pool installation wait? Could that brand new TV wait? Better yet, could that weekly lunch or dinner out be sacrificed?

God blesses us to be a blessing. It is all for kingdom advancement. To whom much is given, much is required. When a person teeters on the edge of selfishness, they are on the brink of making those things idols. “For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God,” verse 25.

Many thanks go to Waterbrook Multnomah where the book can be purchased. Please visit this site for more information: http://www.waterbrookmultnomah.com/

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Book Review: Bent But Not Broken by Victoria Poller

Bent But Not Broken is a testimonial penned by Victoria Thomas Poller, fondly known as Ms. “V”. In this book, Victoria shares a series of events that unfolded in her life during the late 1990s. She explains how she was hard-pressed on every side sharing with the reader her honest emotions, but still faithful in God. In this piece of work, the author makes it plain that one must wait on the Lord, no matter the situation. I thoroughly enjoyed how this book was layered with scriptures, encouraging Bible study.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth,” 2 Timothy 2:15, KJV.

From the back cover:

Just as a fruit tree branch is heavy, when laden with fruit; so too are our lives sometimes heavy with problems. We sometimes bend under the pressures and strains that life brings us. We get depressed. We lack self-confidence. We don’t trust people. We say that we can’t take it anymore. We need a solution to our dilemma.

When things like this happen to us it’s good to know that someone else has gone through the same or similar situations as you have; and that they have made it through. You too should be able to identify with this book and make it through life’s journeys. You are not alone. You can make it with confidence. You can move your mountain that has kept you back. You can be an over-comer through Christ Jesus, the deliverer of all our problems.

For more information about this author, please visit her website at http://www.victoriapoller.com/.

The Jesus Series DVD BIBLE

Description from the back cover: Animated straight from the pages of the popular Read and Share® Bible, The Jesus Series introduces children to the life of Christ. Unlike the 3-minute, bite-size story format of the Read and Share® DVD Bible Volumes 1-4, this DVD is an uninterrupted half-hour presentation of Jesus' ministry along the shores of Lake Galilee and the villages near Nazareth. Children will see Jesus call His disciples, feed 5,000 people, heal the sick, teach about God's kingdom and introduce the Lord's Supper.

As I viewed this animated adaptation of Jesus' ministry here on earth, I looked on with great expectation, similar to how I felt when popping in the tape for The Prince of Egypt. I was particularly excited to receive the DVD, looking forward to sharing it with my niece. This DVD was rich in color and characters, but lacked excitement that I think would keep a child's attention focused. I could follow the storyline because I'm very familiar with Christ's life, but question whether younger children would. I understand that it is simplified and told on a basic level, yet deem it important to keep the details in tact. It would be wonderful to extend this series out to five DVDs if necessary to get children to clearly understand Christ's ministry and miracles.

This Read and Share DVD Bible is a great starting point and overall pleasurable as it shares God with the world.

Book Review: From Crack Addict to Pastor by Karen Sills

Karen Sills was very revealing and honest in this poignant testimonial. Mrs. Sills make no excuses for her mistakes, rather implores the reader to seek God, turning away from the devil. The book is layered with scriptures in every chapter as the author lays it out respectfully and straight forward. To God is the glory! Mrs. Sills was delivered from crack, prostitution, lesbianism, and more. It was not an easy road, nor does the author make excuses for her mistakes. More testimonies such as hers need to be told so that it will encourage others who may think there is no hope. There is hope in God, Jesus is the answer.

From Crack Addict to Pastor was a fast read that will keep the audience engaged until the very last page. I recommend it to those who are struggling with sins of the flesh and bouts of spiritual adultery. Mrs. Sills explains the error of her ways while showing how important it is to have Christ in your life. Although I was unable to contact the author for an interview, I pray that she continues to seek God in all her ways as she press forward to teach others. Although her delay in committing her all to God was disappointing, the book was uplifting and will have you saying, "If she went through all of that and came out on top ... so can I."

Karen Sills’ book was originally published in 2005. Her current ministry (and its location) is unknown.

Book Review: Who I've Become is Not Who I Am by Sonya Visor

A compelling, revealing, and tear-jerking testimonial... Sonya Visor's debut non-fiction book Who I've Become is Not Who I AM will capture you from page one. Sonya is a playwright, workshop presenter, conference speaker, author, the Founder of TruU Ministries, loving wife of Pastor Tony Visor for over nineteen years, and mother of two sons, Jason and Tony, Jr. She and her husband have ministered effectively together in the city of Racine, WI at NCC (New Covenant Church) since 1999.

Sonya's passion is to minister to the people who hide behind well-crafted masks. In her telling book, Sonya reaches into the depths of her soul to share with others. The life she once endured as a sexually molested child almost led her to commit suicide as an adult, but I thank God for stepping in. Who she had become as a result of what had happened in the past threatened to destroy her future, but God still there, loved. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose,” Romans 8:28, KJV.

She admits to wearing masks in order to deal with the hidden pain layered beneath a facade she opted to show to the rest of the world. Take a look at an excerpt that moved me to tears.

Excerpt:

CHAPTER 2

IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND AGAIN

“Sonya…come in here for a minute.” He called for me from the doorway, as he stood watching. All I could see was his blue shirt and sunglasses through the screen door. I stopped laughing right there in the middle of running to second base in a game of kickball with my cousins. Nobody else could hear the request in his voice, but I knew what it meant.

“Okay…I’m coming.” I felt strange and sneaky, but I left my game of kickball and went anyway. All I wanted to do was play with my cousins and friends in the heat of a summer day. Let me hurry, maybe today he won’t keep me long…

                                                                    ~ ~ ~

Today, Sonya enjoys a life of freedom where she reaches back to help others who may be struggling with the same things she had gone through. As the Founder of TruU ministries, Sonya encourages the downtrodden who may be wearing a mask of the emotionally sound to be real with themselves in order to find the strength to become whom God has called them to be.

More information about Sonya Visor, details about her ministry, and purchasing details for her books can be found on her official website at http://www.sonyavisor.com/.

Book Review: The Morning After by Kendra Norman-Bellamy & Hank Stewart

The second installment to Three Fifty-Seven AM of the God’s Timing Series, The Morning After unfolds the interesting lives of seven individuals. Entering the worlds of TK, Jennifer, Jerrod, Angel, Colin, Elaine, and Mason anyone could identify with them in one way or another. Whether you’ve experienced the death of a loved one, infidelity, health concerns, or communication problems this book touches on them all.

(Excerpt from Kendra Norman-Bellamy’s site: About the Book)

When Essie Mae Richardson, the pillar of her upscale community, died a year ago, life for the residents who befriended her took a drastic turn...for the worse. The morning before Essie's death, it was business as usual in the Braxton Park subdivision. The morning after her death, every thread that held the friends and neighbors together begins to unravel…

As I read this story, I enjoyed how each chapter flowed into the next so much that it seemed as if it were written by one individual rather than two. The vivid imagery painted a mental picture making it easy to feel the characters’ emotions and visualize their body language. I love movies and could easily see this one fleshed out in film putting me in the mind of the notable Women of Brewster’s Place.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about God’s delivering power no matter what the circumstance…He is indeed able.

This book can be purchased online through various retailers or wherever books are sold.

The Word of Promise

Product Description (Thomas Nelson Publishers)

Hear the Bible Come Alive in Dramatic Audio Theater™!

This multi-voiced, scripted dramatization of the New King James Version (NKJV) features a star-studded cast of actors, an original music score, and incredible feature film quality sound effects. This world-class production creates a dramatic audio theater experience that makes you feel like you’re really there with Jesus and His disciples. Listen in your car, on your MP3 player, or with your family or small group to gain a new perspective of the Bible.

The cast includes Jim Caviezel as Jesus, Stacy Keach as Paul, Louis Gossett, Jr. as John, Ernie Hudson as Peter, Michael York as Narrator, Kimberly Williams-Paisley as Mary, Mother of Jesus, Marisa Tomei as Mary Magdalene, and many others.

The Word of Promise® New Testament Audio Bible is a 20-CD set and includes a bonus “Behind-the-Scenes” DVD.

What a wonderful 20-CD collection of the NKJV of the Holy Bible. As I listened to the books of the Bible brought together by over one hundred actors, I could literally hear the amount of work that went into this project. I believe that the Bible is brought to life by the Holy Spirit and not man…with this being said, I believe that the Holy Spirit has definitely blessed this undertaking and those involved.

I’ve listened to a few audio Bibles and this rank within the best of them. The words spoken were very clear to understand and the theatrical sounds in the background brought emphasis on the subject at hand. This was particularly evident as I listened to the book of Revelation.

I particularly appreciated the small carrying zipper case the Cds came in. I'm able to listen to it as I travel in my car and not have it take up a lot of space. I applaud everyone who participated in this mission. It is a joy to see works produced that glorify God and aid in spreading the Gospel to all nations (Mark 16:15).

This product, the Words of Promise: New Testament, was provided as a complimentary copy by Thomas Nelson Publishers for review. Visit Thomas Nelson Publishers to purchase the Words of Pormise.

Book Review: Sin Abides by Annie D. Eskridge

Annie Dennis Eskridge, author of Sin Abides, is an ordained Minister of the Gospel. She holds an undergraduate degree in History with concentration in African Studies and two Master's Degrees in Christian Apologetics and Christian Ministry with a concentration in Christian Counseling. Most importantly, she is a practicing Christian who not only teaches the word of God, but believes in it. With her life, Annie personifies the passage of scripture spoken by Jesus in Mark 16:15 (KJV), “… Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

Annie lives in Southern California with her husband, Elder James Eskridge. She is the mother of three adult children, one daughter-in-law, one step-son, and eight grandchildren.

In her revealing debut book, Annie Eskridge explores the debilitating diagnosis that separates man from God: Sin. In this telling piece of work, the author lays the foundation first by defining what sin is. She goes into detail about how sin came about, the effects of sin, and the redemption from sin.

All throughout the book there lies within the pages scriptural references for the reader to investigate God's Holy Word for themselves. It is important for anyone penning a non-fiction book to provide the source of their conviction. In Sin Abides, it is quite evident that the Source is God-the Hoy Trinity.

The premise behind this book is to enlighten some and remind others that sin does exist. It is a tell-tale sign just in the way people behave in this world. The basic definition of sin is something regarded as being shameful, deplorable, or utterly wrong. Even those who may deny the Deity of Christ acknowledges when something is wrong. We obey certain laws set forth by government and agree to obey or take the risk of enduring the penalty or consequences behind those actions. This alone should prompt people to consider their ways. This is a common theme throughout Sin Abides that there is a price to pay when people disobey the Word of God. Many can choose to ignore the reality of sin, but that does not make it any less real.

Sin Abides is an interesting read that can be purchased online at Barnes and Nobles, Amazon, BooksChristian.com, and Xulon Press. 

Blog Tour: Dug Down Deep by Joshua Harris

In his new book, Joshua Harris delves into the importance of salvation through Jesus Christ. As I read the book especially in the first few chapters, I found myself tabbing pages to go back to for reference. Not only does he provide personal stories from his life and family's life, but he backs up each situation with either a scriptural reference or a simple, necessary need for God.

Dug Down Deep is a bold declaration of faith displaying how God meets you where you are. One passage I personally identify with is noted on page 21: "God poked and prodded and shaped me through countless, small, seemingly insignificant experiences and decisions and friendships." He goes on to ask, "Do you know the kind of slow transformation I'm talking about?" And I answer I do. God guides us by His amazing light into His will for our lives. I remember once years ago when God had answered a prayer for me...needless to say, I was elated. Then I heard a still, small voice say, "I can do this in every area of your life." After, totally surrendering my entire being to Christ, my life was transformed and will never be the same.

Another great point Harris made was "when we read the Bible, it opens us up. It reads us." This is absolutely true. Most often I encounter people who sound as if God is suppose to conform to their lives, but the Bible tells us in Hebrew 13:8, NKJV, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." He's not changing so this means that we have to. We mustn’t think that God is our personal genie where He grants wishes at our beckon call, rather appreciate God in His sovereign nature seeking a deeper, more genuine relationship with Him.

Harris touches on many areas that I believe will help a struggling believer and encourage the unbeliever. I recommend this book as it resonates with the common theme throughout the Bible...which is love.

Many thanks go to Waterbrook Multnomah where the book can be purchased. Please visit this site for more information: http://www.waterbrookmultnomah.com/

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.