Just RISE UP- review

There were three more books released from the InScribed series for women that I had posted on earlier this year. And they seem to be as awesome as the other four. I just love the covers of the books, which hopefully will interest some people to read them as well.

Just RISE UP! A Call to Make Jesus Famous by Sarah Francis Martin takes a look at Psalm 145 and how we can find ways to praise God in every aspect of our lives. She claims early on in the book that if you are in need of a breatkthrough in faith then this book is for you.

Each chapter is broken down into learning about rising up, part of a converstation that the author has with her friends about the topic, and journaling prompts so that you can dive in deeper with God and learn how to RISE UP. The author really wants readers to journal so that they can try to grow while reading the book. I love how each chapter is broken down into 5 sections. They are short enough that you could do one each day as a devotion or do a whole chapter in one day, depending on what kind of time you have.

Sarah is real with her writing, talking about her experiences that have led to her faith and how hopefully readers will be able to learn to RISE UP and praise God the way that He deserves to be praised. 

Book Description

It is common to look at our faith as something that just “is”. It’s not strong, nor is it weak; it’s simply a part of us. But faith is something we desire to strengthen. It is a vital relationship with our Lord that should be nurtured, celebrated, and shouted from the rooftops as the most incredible gift we will ever receive.
Just RISE UP! is a call to do just that. This invigorating study motivates women to do life differently by making Jesus famous in all aspects of life. Many have the itch to make a difference with their lives but don’t know how. By living a life of praise, with a humble posture and a Kingdom perspective, women will step into their life purpose. With Just RISE UP! readers will evaluate their present stance before the Lord and become excited to RISE UP! and take their place in the Kingdom to make the name of Jesus renowned.
Features include:

• Snippets of conversations with Sarah’s readers
• Journaling prompts to help the reader dig deeper
• Questions to facilitate dialogue

About the Author
Sarah Francis Martin has a passion to do life and ministry with women and encourage them to RISE UP! and make Jesus famous in every part of life. Sarah is a graduate of Texas A&M University and Charles Colson's Centurions discipleship program, an intense study of biblical worldview. Read more from Sarah in her book Stress Point: Thriving Through Your Twenties In A Decade Of Drama. (Thomas Nelson 2012) www.liveitoutblog.com

Noah, A Wordless Picture Book- Review

Earlier this year, Noah, a blockbuster movie came out to tell the story of Noah, who was called by God to build a boat to save his family and 2 of each animal species from God's impending wrath. I will say that I've not seen the movie, but I've heard that it was very over the top and well a Hollywood movie.

It's hard to tell a story, when there's only so many verses in the Bible about it. And trying to show the amazing story of Noah to children can be an even more daunting task. But with Mark Ludy's newest release, Noah, a Wordless Picture Book, he is able to create an beautiful story is such detailed art. The details that he puts into to telling the story of Noah and how he can tell a story of great depth and importance with amazing colors and emotions is just wonderful. You can see the anguish on Noah's face when he hears what God's plans are. You can see and even feel the joy on Noah and his family's faces when the dove brings the olive branch.

I love using this book to tell Noah's story to my children. My son loves the pictures. He asks all kinds of questions about the pictures because there are so many details. It will be a great book that we will share and read and enjoy for years to come.

From the back cover

A hundred years before the Great Flood, a man named Noah came home talking crazy. 

God wanted him to build the biggest ship  the world had ever seen. The future of humanity depended on it. How would his wife respond? What would the neighbors think? Was it even feasible?

This lavish reimagining of one of the greatest stories of all time will fascinate children and adults alike.  Nuanced and playful, yet meticulous in following the biblical narrative, Mark Ludy's world-class art digs deeper than the Sunday-school tale of cuddly animals, exploring Noah's relationship with his family, the natural world, God-and a formidable engineering challenge. Immerse yourself in this stunning wordless epic. Whatever your age, you'll never read this story in the same way again.

Mark Ludy has written or illustrated eight children's books including The Farmer, The Flower Man, The Grump, and Jujo the Youngest Tribesman. When he's not immersed in his sketchbooks, you'll find him in schools promoting art and literacy. He lives in Colorado with his wife, daughter, and two sons. 

I was provided a copy by Handlebar publication in return for my honest review.

Well if you've been here for awhile, you'll see there has been a name change for the blog. While military life is still a big part of our life, it's not safe for it to be out there for the world to see, so I'm redoing the blog for now. Besides, I enjoy doing reviews right now and that seems to be what I've been posting more of. I have been so overwhelmed for the last year while Hubs has been in school that so many things have been pushed to another place in my crazy schedule. I will be working to change the address of the blog as well, so look for that along with hopefully some graphics if I'm feeling feisty. I have some ideas for posts in my head, but I think them through while I'm in bed and forget them when I can get to the computer. Hopefully I can start to write them down. Really need to keep a notebook by my bed, not just in my purse. Thank you for sticking with me. :)

Brave Mom- Facing and Overcoming Your Real Mom Fears- Review

I have to say, I loved the title of this book. I know that I struggle daily with being a mom. So I thought that this title was a great way of saying what I want to be. I think it does take a big dose of bravery to be a mom.

Sherry Surratt is the CEO of MOPS International, so you know that she has lots of experience with kids and their moms and the fears that we all have had. She uses the experiences that she has had with her own children on her way to being a brave mom.  I love how right off the bat she tells a story about how she was walking and tripped over air and fell and her purse exploded all over the place. How many times have I done that and felt like a fool, But it's ok because we all do it.

Topics in the book include: The Truth About Fear; Are My Fears Reasonable?; Will Having a Baby Change My Life Forever? and Facing Your Emotional Monsters. Those chapters were the ones that really hit home with me.

At the end of each chapter there are "Let's Get Practical" questions to review what you've read and dig deeper into the topic along with a "Let's Take Action" to help you on your way to become brave. My favorite one from Chapter 3 about choosing a Bible verse or truth that can help you focus on positive thoughts, she used Philippians 4:8. Mine would be Romans 5:3-5.

Book Description

In Brave Mom, Sherry Surratt, president and CEO of MOPS International, shares honestly and openly about the fears every mom struggles with. From worry about your child’s safety and health to wondering if you are a good parent, to fears about your marriage and loss of self-identity, Sherry comes alongside every mom with practical, real, and hopeful help for these common fears that we’re all afraid to talk about.
The 10 most common mom fears are each covered in their own easy to read chapter, made up of stories of real moms and the help and answers they found. Filled with advice and insight from Sherry and the hope and grace found in God’s wisdom, Brave Mom gives moms everything they need to leave fear behind and live the admittedly messy life of parenting with confidence and joy. Each chapter also contains a prayer for moms to help them turn their fears over to God’s protection and care.
As the mom experts, MOPS provide moms around the country a connection to other moms, practical help to move ahead, and the warmth and grace of God’s love.
About the Author
As the CEO at MOPS International, Sherry Surratt is excited to work with dedicated folks who trade their lives daily to invest in moms and families. She is passionate about helping women step into their influence and change the world, whether it’s in the office or in the incredibly important role of mom to their kids. Sherry lives in Denver with the love of her life, Geoff, and has two wonderful kids, Michael and Brittainy, beautiful daughter-in-law Hilary, and her two gorgeous grandchildren.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”