Editorial Reviews
Product Description
The most significant act of love we can do for our spouse is the single act of taking personal responsibility—or “the power of one.” We cannot reach satisfaction in our marriage relationships if we don’t first look at ourselves and see where we need to change. Personal responsibility is the fuel that drives the actions of a healthy marriage.
Usually, each spouse blames the other for their problems; this attitude only leads down a path of unfulfilled expectations and heartache. But marriages can be transformed, literally overnight, when a husband or wife learns the power of one. By accepting personal responsibility for their own emotions and reactions, spouses can learn how to love their mates to the fullest and create a stronger marriage relationship—with the power of one.
From the Back Cover
Surprise! You don’t have to wait for a happier marriage. You can make a difference, beginning today—by changing yourself.
It takes two to tango, but the power of one can ignite a revolution in your relationship. By taking responsibility for your own emotions and reactions, you can improve your marriage, starting now.
In The Surprising Way to a Stronger Marriage, relationship experts Michael and Amy Smalley provide the tools to help you right-size your expectations about your mate . . . reboot your relationship with the Trillion-dollar Question . . . and communicate, validate, “lean in,” and forgive—even when your spouse doesn’t.
See how to make the tools work in Surprising Solution Scenarios. Apply the ideas to your marriage, using the study guide included. Discover how the power of one spouse, bolstered by the power of God and key principles from His Word, can change everything.
The Smalleys have seen these principles succeed, both in their Marriage Restoration Intensive program for couples on the brink of breakup and in their own relationship. Now you can watch them work in yours.
And we do mean now.
In The Surprising Way to a Stronger Marriage Michael and Amy Smalley recognize this and more. Through candidly sharing their own marital conflicts (sometimes humorous!) as well as the conflicts of some of their counseling clients, they encourage individuals to change their attitudes, which very well may change their marriages for the better.
I like this book and would recommend it to couples for a couple of reasons:
1. At 139 pages (plus a study guide in the back) it's easily read in a day or two. And since their are two people contributing it almost has a conversational feel. I liked having the point of view of both husband and wife.
2."We can't control what happens to us but we can control how we respond." The authors focus on what "you" can do in your marriage instead of blaming someone else (i.e. your spouse) for your unhappiness. They do a great job of guiding someone through forgiveness and disappointment in marriage and showing you how to respond in love (even in a hurtful situation) and work towards reconciliation.
Tyndale Publishers provided me a copy of this book for my opinion
Friday, November 12, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Wild Olive Tee- Giveaway
http://www.wildolivetees.com/blog/
We will be giving away TWO Women of Faith Packages. Each package contains two Wild Olive tees of your choosing, and two Women of Faith tickets for their Over The Top Event in Hartford, CT on November 19th and 20th. Amie and Stefanie will be attending this conference, and we would love for you to join us there, representing Wild Olive!
AND, for those of you who don’t live close enough to attend the conference, we love you, too! So we are giving two more prize packages, each contains TWO Wild Olive tees, winner’s choice!
So there will be FOUR winners, announced Wednesday, November 10th. Entries close at midnight EST on Tuesday, November 9th, so get crackin’!
There are three ways to enter:
1. BLOG it. 5 entries. Write up a post about our Wild Olive/Women of Faith giveaway, including a link to this post, and also a bit about Wild Olive tees. Link up below and/or post a comment on our BLOG with a link to your blog letting us know you entered.
2. FACEBOOK it. 5 entries. Friend us on Facebook at Wild Olive, and become a fan of our Wild Olive Tees page, and do a post on your wall mentioning our Wild Olive/Women of Faith giveaway, including a link. Leave a comment here AND on our FB page letting us know you have entered.
3. TWEET it. 1 entry/tweet. Follow us on Twitter, and link to our giveaway post, and mention the WO/WOF giveaway. Only one tweet/day will counted as an entry.
When you leave your comment, PLEASE let us know which prize package you’d prefer: the WO/WOF package or Wild Olive package.
For more chances to win, tune in to the live stream on WYCM, 90.1 FM Christian Radio. They will be giving away FIVE WO/WOF Packages this week. The first giveaway will be during Judy’s evening show between 6-9pm tonight. There will also be giveaways during Stephan’s morning show between 7AM- 10 AM this week, so tune in!
We will be giving away TWO Women of Faith Packages. Each package contains two Wild Olive tees of your choosing, and two Women of Faith tickets for their Over The Top Event in Hartford, CT on November 19th and 20th. Amie and Stefanie will be attending this conference, and we would love for you to join us there, representing Wild Olive!
AND, for those of you who don’t live close enough to attend the conference, we love you, too! So we are giving two more prize packages, each contains TWO Wild Olive tees, winner’s choice!
So there will be FOUR winners, announced Wednesday, November 10th. Entries close at midnight EST on Tuesday, November 9th, so get crackin’!
There are three ways to enter:
1. BLOG it. 5 entries. Write up a post about our Wild Olive/Women of Faith giveaway, including a link to this post, and also a bit about Wild Olive tees. Link up below and/or post a comment on our BLOG with a link to your blog letting us know you entered.
2. FACEBOOK it. 5 entries. Friend us on Facebook at Wild Olive, and become a fan of our Wild Olive Tees page, and do a post on your wall mentioning our Wild Olive/Women of Faith giveaway, including a link. Leave a comment here AND on our FB page letting us know you have entered.
3. TWEET it. 1 entry/tweet. Follow us on Twitter, and link to our giveaway post, and mention the WO/WOF giveaway. Only one tweet/day will counted as an entry.
When you leave your comment, PLEASE let us know which prize package you’d prefer: the WO/WOF package or Wild Olive package.
For more chances to win, tune in to the live stream on WYCM, 90.1 FM Christian Radio. They will be giving away FIVE WO/WOF Packages this week. The first giveaway will be during Judy’s evening show between 6-9pm tonight. There will also be giveaways during Stephan’s morning show between 7AM- 10 AM this week, so tune in!
Friday, October 15, 2010
The B & B Media Group- Solitary
Product Description
His Loneliness Will Soon Turn to Fear….
When Chris Buckley moves to Solitary, North Carolina, he faces the reality of his parents’ divorce, a school full of nameless faces—and Jocelyn Evans. Jocelyn is beautiful and mysterious enough to leave Chris speechless. But the more Jocelyn resists him, the more the two are drawn together.
Chris soon learns that Jocelyn has secrets as deep as the town itself. Secrets more terrifying than the bullies he faces in the locker room or his mother’s unexplained nightmares. He slowly begins to understand the horrific answers. The question is whether he can save Jocelyn in time.
This first book in the Solitary Tales series will take you from the cold halls of high school to the dark rooms of an abandoned cabin—and remind you what it means to believe in what you cannot see.
About the Author
The author of a dozen works of fiction, including Isolation and Ghostwriter, Travis Thrasher has been writing since he was in the third grade. His writing is known for its honesty, depth, and surprising twists. Thrasher lives with his wife and daughter near Chicago.
It's the typical new-kid-at-school experience for Chris. Almost. He defends a kid against some bullies - and even the kid being bullied tells him it was the wrong move. He meets Jocelyn Evans and her friends Rachel and Poe, and totally flips for Jocelyn. Except everyone starts warning him against her.
And then there's that church that is the church in town and the one where the pastor's sermons say nothing about Jesus but a lot about death. And the muddy footprints near the cabin; someone is watching them. And the email warnings to stay away from Jocelyn. And the small group who seem to worship by themselves. And his mom getting chloroformed. And then Chris getting chloroformed.
This is "Solitary," the first of four Young Adult novels by Travis Thrasher. The author of 11 previous novels for adults (and some ripping good books ranging from love stories to suspense), Thrasher has created in "Solitary" a combination of suspense, nightmare and the anguish of a teenage boy who is head over heels in his first love.
The pace simply doesn't let up. Thrasher has structured the novel with short chapters and sparse, clean prose that add speed and propel the reader forward.
I received this book for free from The B&B Media Group in exchange for my honest review.
His Loneliness Will Soon Turn to Fear….
When Chris Buckley moves to Solitary, North Carolina, he faces the reality of his parents’ divorce, a school full of nameless faces—and Jocelyn Evans. Jocelyn is beautiful and mysterious enough to leave Chris speechless. But the more Jocelyn resists him, the more the two are drawn together.
Chris soon learns that Jocelyn has secrets as deep as the town itself. Secrets more terrifying than the bullies he faces in the locker room or his mother’s unexplained nightmares. He slowly begins to understand the horrific answers. The question is whether he can save Jocelyn in time.
This first book in the Solitary Tales series will take you from the cold halls of high school to the dark rooms of an abandoned cabin—and remind you what it means to believe in what you cannot see.
About the Author
The author of a dozen works of fiction, including Isolation and Ghostwriter, Travis Thrasher has been writing since he was in the third grade. His writing is known for its honesty, depth, and surprising twists. Thrasher lives with his wife and daughter near Chicago.
It's the typical new-kid-at-school experience for Chris. Almost. He defends a kid against some bullies - and even the kid being bullied tells him it was the wrong move. He meets Jocelyn Evans and her friends Rachel and Poe, and totally flips for Jocelyn. Except everyone starts warning him against her.
And then there's that church that is the church in town and the one where the pastor's sermons say nothing about Jesus but a lot about death. And the muddy footprints near the cabin; someone is watching them. And the email warnings to stay away from Jocelyn. And the small group who seem to worship by themselves. And his mom getting chloroformed. And then Chris getting chloroformed.
This is "Solitary," the first of four Young Adult novels by Travis Thrasher. The author of 11 previous novels for adults (and some ripping good books ranging from love stories to suspense), Thrasher has created in "Solitary" a combination of suspense, nightmare and the anguish of a teenage boy who is head over heels in his first love.
The pace simply doesn't let up. Thrasher has structured the novel with short chapters and sparse, clean prose that add speed and propel the reader forward.
I received this book for free from The B&B Media Group in exchange for my honest review.
The B&B Media Group- True Religion: Taking Pieces of Heaven to Places of Hell on Earth
From the Publisher
A rising voice in the missional movement, Palmer Chinchen challenges Christians to a new kind of spiritual formation-one focused on pouring out our lives for others and radical dependence upon God. When we get out of our comfort zone, our souls are awakened- everything seems more alive and vibrant. So why don't we live our faith that way? Why is it that our faith can easily become an old, tired routine instead of an exhilarating, God-honoring lifestyle? Discover why true religion involves engaging the problems in our world as we go with the good news of the gospel. And in the process of pouring ourselves out for others, we'll see God radically transform our own hearts as well.
Dr Chinchen is the Pastor of The Grove in Arizona. He writes about hell on earth and how, as Christians, we are supposed to bring heaven to those areas.
The book is divided into 5 parts (Expatriate, Conflict Diamonds, Do Work, Desire and Embrace) with 2 chapters in each part. And each chapter is full of personal stories from around the world, mainly Africa, and some parts of America where injustice is occurring.
A group of people travel on missions trips to Cuba, Africa and other parts of the world to share "pieces of heaven". The stories are meant to upset you and cause you to have compassion. This word, Chinchen shares, is meant to be action not just words or pitiful feelings.
Thanks to The B&B Media Group for sending me this book to review.
A rising voice in the missional movement, Palmer Chinchen challenges Christians to a new kind of spiritual formation-one focused on pouring out our lives for others and radical dependence upon God. When we get out of our comfort zone, our souls are awakened- everything seems more alive and vibrant. So why don't we live our faith that way? Why is it that our faith can easily become an old, tired routine instead of an exhilarating, God-honoring lifestyle? Discover why true religion involves engaging the problems in our world as we go with the good news of the gospel. And in the process of pouring ourselves out for others, we'll see God radically transform our own hearts as well.
Dr Chinchen is the Pastor of The Grove in Arizona. He writes about hell on earth and how, as Christians, we are supposed to bring heaven to those areas.
The book is divided into 5 parts (Expatriate, Conflict Diamonds, Do Work, Desire and Embrace) with 2 chapters in each part. And each chapter is full of personal stories from around the world, mainly Africa, and some parts of America where injustice is occurring.
A group of people travel on missions trips to Cuba, Africa and other parts of the world to share "pieces of heaven". The stories are meant to upset you and cause you to have compassion. This word, Chinchen shares, is meant to be action not just words or pitiful feelings.
Thanks to The B&B Media Group for sending me this book to review.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Start using Mint.com to manage your money today!
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* Get set up in minutes
* See all your accounts in one place
* Set and track your budgets & achieve your goals
* Find hundreds of dollars in personalized savings
* Stay safe and secure...and it's free!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Book sneeze- Your Money God's Way
Product Description
Readers discover the seven "counterfeit convictions" that keep them broke and encounter proven plans and for getting out of debt, building wealth, and finding financial peace.
Money habits. Where do they come from? Can you pinpoint when you started shopping to feel better, why you can't usher grown children into financial independence, or why saving for the future is a priority in theory but not in practice?
Amie Streater, associate pastor of financial stewardship for the 10,000-member New Life church in Colorado Springs, has been there. From her own experience, she knows what it's like to look at an impossible pile of bills and a pile of toddlers wrestling in the next room. In Your Money God's Way, empowered by her own incredible journey to financial freedom, she leads readers to the dream of mastering their finances. She also expertly uncovers seven "counterfeit convictions" Christians believe that hinder their personal finance success.
The main thing that I loved about the book, was how the author used prayer and scripture references thoughout the book. This is something we certainly need in this area of our lives! We all can use more prayer and the word of God! This book is perfect for those who want to get back on track in their finances, and that are really seeking the Lord with the help and guidance to do so. I believe it could even be used in a small group study, very easily!
Here is an excerpt from the preface that I believe is smack on:
"...in order for God to bless you and change your circumstances, you have to be willing to change yourself, or more specifically, your heart, your head, and your convictions. Because if your money is messed up, the problem really isn't your money; it's you. That may sound harsh, but it's the truth. Here's why: in Matthew 6:25-31, Jesus promised that our Heavenly Father will meet all of our needs. Sure, hard times will come, and bad things will occasionally happen to good people, but if you are in a systematic pattern of not having enough, it is not because God is not providing for you, it is because you are not managing what He has already given to you."
I recommend this book because it will guide us as believers to align our thoughts towards finances and how we out to handle them with what Scriptures teach. God's Word certainly isn't vague on the subject! I would also recommend Faith-Based Family Finances as a follow-up, which will lead you into the "how" of managing finances wisely and for the glory of God as well as answer many questions. I am so grateful for the resources God has available to help us grow in this area; I personally learn so much from them!
As per FTC guidelines, I must state that I received a complimentary copy of the book "Your Money God's Way", from Thomas Nelson Publishers, to read for review. My opinions are expressly my own and are in no way influenced positively or negatively, due to receiving this review copy.
Readers discover the seven "counterfeit convictions" that keep them broke and encounter proven plans and for getting out of debt, building wealth, and finding financial peace.
Money habits. Where do they come from? Can you pinpoint when you started shopping to feel better, why you can't usher grown children into financial independence, or why saving for the future is a priority in theory but not in practice?
Amie Streater, associate pastor of financial stewardship for the 10,000-member New Life church in Colorado Springs, has been there. From her own experience, she knows what it's like to look at an impossible pile of bills and a pile of toddlers wrestling in the next room. In Your Money God's Way, empowered by her own incredible journey to financial freedom, she leads readers to the dream of mastering their finances. She also expertly uncovers seven "counterfeit convictions" Christians believe that hinder their personal finance success.
The main thing that I loved about the book, was how the author used prayer and scripture references thoughout the book. This is something we certainly need in this area of our lives! We all can use more prayer and the word of God! This book is perfect for those who want to get back on track in their finances, and that are really seeking the Lord with the help and guidance to do so. I believe it could even be used in a small group study, very easily!
Here is an excerpt from the preface that I believe is smack on:
"...in order for God to bless you and change your circumstances, you have to be willing to change yourself, or more specifically, your heart, your head, and your convictions. Because if your money is messed up, the problem really isn't your money; it's you. That may sound harsh, but it's the truth. Here's why: in Matthew 6:25-31, Jesus promised that our Heavenly Father will meet all of our needs. Sure, hard times will come, and bad things will occasionally happen to good people, but if you are in a systematic pattern of not having enough, it is not because God is not providing for you, it is because you are not managing what He has already given to you."
I recommend this book because it will guide us as believers to align our thoughts towards finances and how we out to handle them with what Scriptures teach. God's Word certainly isn't vague on the subject! I would also recommend Faith-Based Family Finances as a follow-up, which will lead you into the "how" of managing finances wisely and for the glory of God as well as answer many questions. I am so grateful for the resources God has available to help us grow in this area; I personally learn so much from them!
As per FTC guidelines, I must state that I received a complimentary copy of the book "Your Money God's Way", from Thomas Nelson Publishers, to read for review. My opinions are expressly my own and are in no way influenced positively or negatively, due to receiving this review copy.
Book Sneeze- Out Live your Life
Product Description
These are difficult days in our world's history. 1.75 billion people are desperately poor, natural disasters are gouging entire nations, and economic uncertainty still reigns across the globe. But you and I have been given an opportunity to make a big difference. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope? Infiltrated all corners with God's love and life? We are created by a great God to do great works. He invites us to outlive our lives, not just in heaven, but here on earth. Let's live our lives in such a way that the world will be glad we did.
Additional Outlive Your Life products include:
Outlive Your Life audio 9780849946134
Live to Make a Difference booklet 9780849946127
One Hand, Two Hands children's book 9781400316496
You Were Made to Make a Difference teen book 9781400316007
You Changed My Life gift book 9781404187832
Outlive Your Life DVD study 9781418543945
Outlive Your Life participant guide 9781418543952
About the Author
Max Lucado, Minister of Writing and Preaching for the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, is the husband of Denalyn and father of Jenna, Andrea, and Sara. On a good week he reads a good book, has a few dinners with his wife, and breaks 90 on the golf course
Once I started reading Outlive your Life by Max Lucado I couldn't stop. It will grab your attention very quickly.
Outlive your Life will encourage you to make a difference. It gives numerous examples on how a single person can have great impact for generations.
Today we live in a world of 1.75 billion poor people and 1 billions of them are in extremely hungry. This statistics put you in the right perspective.
If we all get "unshell" and open our hearts to compassion there is no doubt we can make a difference in people's lives.
Full of stories, anecdotes and personal experiences that will probably make you cry (I did) you will receive a boost of "I want to make a difference" type of attitude.
Chapters are very short - averaging 4-8 pages per chapter - which made it an easy book to read through; and also made it possible to digest the contents bite by bite. The book is quick to challenge your view of yourself and your view of the world around you; and brings about many points to stop an meditate on. There is a great use of story telling, metaphors, and illustration to bring to life the awesome reality that God can, and wants to use us! I would certainly recommend this book - especially to leaders that find themselves "too busy to read."
As Lucado writes, "We are given a choice...an opportunity to make a big difference during a difficult time. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope? Infiltrated all corners with God's love and life? What if we followed the example of the Jerusalem church?
As per FTC guidelines, I must state that I received a complimentary copy of the book "Out Live Your Life", from Thomas Nelson Publishers, to read for review. My opinions are expressly my own and are in no way influenced positively or negatively, due to receiving this review copy.
These are difficult days in our world's history. 1.75 billion people are desperately poor, natural disasters are gouging entire nations, and economic uncertainty still reigns across the globe. But you and I have been given an opportunity to make a big difference. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope? Infiltrated all corners with God's love and life? We are created by a great God to do great works. He invites us to outlive our lives, not just in heaven, but here on earth. Let's live our lives in such a way that the world will be glad we did.
Additional Outlive Your Life products include:
Outlive Your Life audio 9780849946134
Live to Make a Difference booklet 9780849946127
One Hand, Two Hands children's book 9781400316496
You Were Made to Make a Difference teen book 9781400316007
You Changed My Life gift book 9781404187832
Outlive Your Life DVD study 9781418543945
Outlive Your Life participant guide 9781418543952
About the Author
Max Lucado, Minister of Writing and Preaching for the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, is the husband of Denalyn and father of Jenna, Andrea, and Sara. On a good week he reads a good book, has a few dinners with his wife, and breaks 90 on the golf course
Once I started reading Outlive your Life by Max Lucado I couldn't stop. It will grab your attention very quickly.
Outlive your Life will encourage you to make a difference. It gives numerous examples on how a single person can have great impact for generations.
Today we live in a world of 1.75 billion poor people and 1 billions of them are in extremely hungry. This statistics put you in the right perspective.
If we all get "unshell" and open our hearts to compassion there is no doubt we can make a difference in people's lives.
Full of stories, anecdotes and personal experiences that will probably make you cry (I did) you will receive a boost of "I want to make a difference" type of attitude.
Chapters are very short - averaging 4-8 pages per chapter - which made it an easy book to read through; and also made it possible to digest the contents bite by bite. The book is quick to challenge your view of yourself and your view of the world around you; and brings about many points to stop an meditate on. There is a great use of story telling, metaphors, and illustration to bring to life the awesome reality that God can, and wants to use us! I would certainly recommend this book - especially to leaders that find themselves "too busy to read."
As Lucado writes, "We are given a choice...an opportunity to make a big difference during a difficult time. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope? Infiltrated all corners with God's love and life? What if we followed the example of the Jerusalem church?
As per FTC guidelines, I must state that I received a complimentary copy of the book "Out Live Your Life", from Thomas Nelson Publishers, to read for review. My opinions are expressly my own and are in no way influenced positively or negatively, due to receiving this review copy.
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