Tunnel of Gold by Susan K. Marlow (Schoolhouse Crew Review)

We received Tunnel of Gold (book 2 in the Goldtown Adventures Series) by Susan K. Marlow from Kregel and Susan K. Marlow for review purposes.

                           

Product link: Tunnel of Gold

Vendor Contact Information: Susan Marlow and Kregel Publications

Age Appeal: 8-12

Format: paperback (ISBN: 978-0-8254-4295-7, copyright 2013)

Price: $7.99 plus $2.50 for shipping and handling (you may purchase both books in the series for $13.95)

The Midas Mine has run out of Gold!  Jeremiah Coulter, otherwise known as Jem, is caught in the middle of a miner’s riot, along with his cousin and sister.  He hopes his father, Sheriff Coulter, can stop the riots.

He soon learns from the mine owner’s son, Will Sterling, that the only way to get the Midas going is to make an airshaft in a mine the Chinese have been scavenging in.  They can do it legally as long as they pay their taxes.

The other owner of the Midas, Mr. Carter, and his son Chad come to town to help solve the problem.  Will also has an idea to help everyone. 

The miners are still rioting and the Chinese have been threatened.  Jem doesn’t know what to do.  How will his father keep the peace?  What is Will’s plan?  How dangerous is it?

Our Experience:

This was not our first experience reading a book by Susan K. Marlow, so we knew the quality and excitement that this book would offer.  I was excited when Tunnel of Gold arrived and I sat down and began reading it.  B and C were otherwise occupied, so they didn’t get to crack open the book. 

I was going to have B read the book to himself and I would read it to C as a bedtime story.  Since we are at the ranch for the summer, it didn’t work that way.  I ended up just reading the story to the children when the opportunity presented itself.  Whenever we finished a chapter they would say, “read more, read more.”  We also spent some time looking at the enrichment guide and working on the activities.

I Liked:

• I liked that there was a boy for the main character.  It can be difficult to find good books for boys in this age group.
• I liked all the lessons learned like, be careful in a mine, think before you speak, and sometimes you should wait for someone older to help with a job.
• I liked the descriptions of Goldtown and what was happening.  I felt like I was there experiencing it.
• Many of today’s children seem to lack the ability to be responsible for their actions or their chores.  I liked how responsible Jem, Ellie, and Nathan were.
• I liked how this could be a stand-alone book.  We didn’t need to know what had happened in Badge of Honor.

I Disliked:

• There were times that I didn’t quite approve of the attitudes of the children towards each other, but I know it was to prove a point in the story.  I happen to have children that can easily pick-up on negative attitudes and put it into their daily lives, so I try to stay away from negativity.

What B (boy, age nine, officially in third grade) Liked and Disliked:

It was a good book for kids my age.  One of my favorite parts was when a mine collapsed (Momma here- I think he liked the adventure). 

I liked the whole book.  It was everything you could want in a book.  It was about the Midas Mine and about how Goldtown would stay a gold town or a ghost town.  The illustrations were great.  They showed a lot of detail.

What C (girl, age seven, officially in first grade) Liked and Disliked: 

I liked the illustrations by Melissa McConnell.  I liked the story.  I liked most of the characters like Strike-it-rich Sam and Jem, Ellie, Nathan, and Chad.  I didn’t like the mine collapsing.  It was good for kids my age.

Dad’s Call: 

Dad was unavailable for this review. 

Mamma really recommends Tunnel of Gold by Susan K. Marlow.

Unholy Hunger by Heather James

Unholy Hunger (Lure of the Serpent, Book 1) by Heather James

Genre- Christian / Fiction / Suspense

Published by- Kregel Books

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 272

Age Group- Adult (women probably more than men)

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $13.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4291-9

Evelyn, a successful attorney, is looking for answers.  She is looking for justice, her version, because her daughter has been murdered.  She is not listening to her family or the supernatural nudges.  She is following the stench of evil.  Will she find the killer?  Will she listen to the nudges and her family?

Excerpt from the book!

Book Trailer 

About the Author-

 Heather James is a newspaper columnist and attorney.  Her website is, heatherjames.net.  She is married and has two sons.

 

 My thoughts-

When I was finished reading this book I was both drained and encouraged.  I was glad of the conclusion.  I was drained, because of the agony that Evelyn felt because of her daughter’s murder.  It was almost too much for me.  I couldn’t believe how crazy Evelyn became when she was trying to find the person who killed her daughter and the way she treated her family.  I was encouraged that by the end of the book she realizes how much her husband, Eddie, loves her.

I am glad she realizes how God has been speaking to her and has been trying to keep her from doing crazy things.  I hope that she realizes that nudges from God are important.  I hope we all can remember that.

This book is about a sad subject, but it was well written and helps me realize that I need to pay attention to nudges from God and never turn from Him.  I recommend it.  I’m looking to see what happens in book two.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Unholy Hunger by Heather James for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour. All links were current when posted. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Weight of Mercy: A Novice Pastor on the City Streets by Deb Richardson-Moore

Genre- Christian/Autobiography

Published by- Monarch Books

Copyrighted- 2012

Number of pages- 288

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $13.99, ISBN 978-0-85721-229-0

 

 

 

After 27 years as a journalist Deb Richardson-Moore became a Baptist pastor.  She became the pastor at Triune Mercy Center.  At Triune she had to go through many different challenges.  She has had to deal with break-ins, people on drugs, the homeless, and prostitutes.  And among all the negativity, Christ was there protecting and changing the lives of all involved.  Deb Richardson-Moore took a difficult situation and made a safe place for all.

Excerpt from the book!

About the Author-

Deb Richardson-Moore is the pastor of Triune Mercy Center in Greenville, South Carolina.  She is married and has three grown children.  This is her first book.

 

 

 

 

 

My thoughts-

I was very inspired by Deb Richardson-Moore and the work she has done and issues she has overcome at Triune.  She is such a strong woman and has had such courage to continue with her work as a pastor when there were so many difficult times.  I know that I couldn’t do everything she does with her inner-city church.

This book was well written and I had a hard time putting it down, because I wanted to know what would happen to her and the people involved with the church.  There are many people who are homeless who help her in different ways and there are other churches as well.  I ‘m surprised she was able to do everything and still develop a sermon.

I would have enjoyed reading a little bit more about her family life.  I know that she lived in an area that was a lot different than her church and more comparison would have helped me understand how different her life is. 

If you are looking for a book about inspirational women or pastors or a book about an inner-city church or all three then this book is for you.  Even if you aren’t looking for those subjects this book is still a must read. 

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Weight of Mercy by Deb Richardson for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  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.

Rough Road to Freedom: A Memoir by Neil T. Anderson

Genre- Memoir/Christian/Religious

Published by- Monarch Books

Copyrighted- 2012

Number of pages- 272

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-0-85721-294-8

 

 

Neil T. Anderson has had many jobs, but his most important job has been to help people understand who they are in Christ.  In this book he talks about his childhood, the people he has helped, Freedom in Christ Ministries, and the importance of the Holy Spirit.

Excerpt from the book!

About the Author-

Neil T. Anderson grew up in Minnesota, served in the U.S. Navy, obtained a degree in electrical engineering, and has worked as an aerospace engineer.  He has also been a church pastor and seminary professor.  He started Freedom in Christ in 1988.

 

My thoughts-

I have mixed feelings about this book.  This book says on the cover that it is a memoir, but there was so much about other people and their problems that I didn’t learn much about Neil T. Anderson.

One of my favorite parts of the book was, “The Believer’s Identity in Christ” on page 124.  It showed different Bible verses and a short synopsis of each.  They made bookmarks of this and it has sold very well.  I’m glad that so many people are learning their identity in Christ.

The section on “Paradigm Shifts” was interesting, because Anderson says that he has people pray for themselves, before he prays for them.  I think that was a brilliant idea, because it has them focus on themselves and God.

This book was very interesting, but as a memoir, I’m not sure.  And there was so much about other people.  You will need to read it yourself to see what you think.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Rough Road to Freedom: A Memoir by Neil T. Anderson for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted. 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.

Praying with the Grain by Dr. Pablo Martinez

Genre- Religion/Prayer

Published by- Monarch Books

Copyrighted- 2012

Number of pages- 176

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $12.99, ISBN 978-0-85721-152-1

 

 

As a doctor, counselor, and Christian leader, Dr. Pablo Martinez, has used his experience to develop ways for us to determine our basic personality type and how it relates to praying.  He also discusses emotional problems and how prayer is a love relationship with God.

Dr. Martinez also includes a section on the apologetics of prayer, which includes a psychiatrist’s viewpoint and the difference between Christian prayer and Eastern meditation.

Excerpt from the Book!

About the Author-

Dr. Pablo Martinez is a medical doctor and psychiatrist in Barcelona.  He has been a plenary Bible teacher, one of the founding council of the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity, and has served as an elder at his local church for almost 25 years.  He has written two other books and is married to Marta, who is also a medical doctor.

My thoughts- I thought this book was interesting.  I was able to determine my personality type and how it related to how I pray.  With the information I gathered I can now improve the way I pray and what I pray, so I can have a more intimate relationship with God.

My favorite part of the book was the chapter called, “The Therapeutic Value of Prayer.”  I was glad to learn how prayer helps us to have a love relationship with God.  The chapter on overcoming difficulties was very helpful as well.  It showed me what I can do when I have problems in prayer.

I didn’t think the chapter, “Questions and Answers” was necessary because most of the questions had already been answered in other parts of the book.

I would recommend this book, because it can show you how to become more fluent in prayer.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Praying with the Grain: How Your Personality Affects the Way You Pray by Dr. Pablo Martinez for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour. All links were current when posted. 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.

God Helps Me Bible by Juliet David and illustrated by Clare Caddy

Genre- Religion/Bible

Published by- Lion Children’s Books

Copyrighted- March 2012

Number of pages- 104

Age Group- Young Children (1-3)

Description of book- hardback (spiral binding), list price $12.99, ISBN 978-1-85985-916-2

This book has twenty-five Bible stories that are to be read to young children, with sentences at the end of each story to help the listener learn how God has helped the main character. 

A spiral binding allows the book to lay flat, which helps the child look at the illustrations more easily.

About the Author-

Juliet David lives in London with her family.  She has written Bible activity books and children’s stories.  She enjoys traveling to Israel and other Bible lands.

My thoughts-

This is a wonderful Bible for pre-school age children.  My children are six and eight, but they really enjoyed reading it, having it read to them, and looking at the illustrations.

What I liked:

• Opens flat because of the rings
• The heavier weight paper
• The letter to the reader, which included the question, “Can you think of ways God has helped you and your family?” and the idea for thanking God for helping the person in the story and the reader.
• Loved the illustrations- they were perfect for each story.

What I Disliked:

• Jonah’s story could have been more about going to Ninevah.
• Most of these are typical stories that are in most children’s Bibles.

I would recommend this book to families with young children, because the children will enjoy the illustrations and how they can become involved in the story.

What B (boy, age eight, second grade) Liked and Disliked:

The pictures are kind of funny.  Like in the part about Noah, with one monkey smiling and one frowning.  The frown is really funny.

In a different section, there is Joshua, he marched around Jericho and destroyed it.  He marched around it seven times. 

Zacchaeus is one of my favorite stories.  He climbed up in a sycamore tree too see Jesus, because he was too short to see through the crowd. 

In another part of the Bible, I learned how Paul got out of jail.  An earthquake shook the town and the prison fell down.  Luckily no one was hurt.   

If you want to know more, read the book.  I thought this book was good for kids my age and also babies.

What C (girl, age six, kindergarten) Liked and Disliked:

I liked when Moses saved his people.  God told him to raise his staff and then the water would come up and it would set back down when they were done crossing.  I liked the story, “A Mother Saves Her Baby.”  She hid baby in a special basket and floated it on the water.  And when the kings daughter came out to bathe she saw the basket. 

I didn’t like it when Haman was trying to kill Esther’s people. 

I liked the illustrations and stories.

I would recommend this book for everyone.

Dad Says-

This book has nice artwork and is very colorful. The simplicity of the stories will keep the younger child’s attention.The variety of stories moves it beyond a simple cardboard book into something that toddlers will want to have Mom and Dad continue reading to them.

The downsides of this book is that nothing is mentioned about the sacrifice and return of Jesus. While this is a tough issue to relay into words and ideas that young children will understand, His story still needs to be told. The book also misses the idea of repentance (Jonah & Zacchaeus). Three year olds understand the idea of being sorry for something they have done.

Overall this is a good book for 0-2 year olds and I would give it as a gift or a recommendation to my friends and family.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received God Helps Me Bible by Juliet David and illustrated by Claire Caddy for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted. 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.

A Commentary on the Psalms volume 1 (1-41) by Allen P. Ross

Genre- Religion/Biblical Commentary/Old Testament

Published by- Kregel Academic and Professional

Copyrighted- 2011

Number of pages- 877

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- Hardback, listed price- $44.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-2562-2

 

 

This book is an invaluable resource whether you are a pastor, Bible study leader, teacher, or a person interested in learning more about Psalms 1-41.

• A pastor will gain insight to Psalms and be able to write a more thorough sermon.
• A Bible study leader will be able to help his/her fellow mates.
• A teacher will read this book and be able to show the students a complete understanding of biblical poetry and the first 41 Psalms.

About the Author-

Allen P. Ross is the author of several different books and is currently a professor of divinity at Beeson Divinity School.

My thoughts- I thought this book was wonderful.  It is a resource I plan on recommending to people I know who are in Bible study and are pastors or teachers.

As a homeschooling mom, I particularly enjoyed the chapters, “Interpreting Biblical Poetry” and “Literary and Functions in the Psalms.”  I know I am going to use these chapters to help teach my children about biblical poetry and poetry in general.

The layout of the exposition of each Psalm by Allen P. Ross was very well thought out.  It certainly showed all the time and effort he put into developing his expositions.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants or needs to have in-depth knowledge of Psalms.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received A Commentary on the Psalms, volume 1 (1-41) by Allen P. Ross for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour. All links were current when posted. 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.

40 Questions about the End Times by Eckhard Schnabel

Genre- Religion/Biblical Studies/Prophecy

Series- 40 Questions

Published by- Kregel Academic and Professional

Copyrighted- 2011

Number of pages- 345

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- Paperback, listed price- $17.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-3896-7

Using a question and answer format this book answers 40 of the most important questions about our end times.  Using relevant verses from the Bible, Eckhard Schnabel clearly answers questions such as:

• Will Christians live during the tribulation?
• Who is the Antichrist?
• When will the Day of Judgment take place?

About the Author-

Eckhard Schnabel is a professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

My thoughts-  This book was filled with pertinent information that we need to know as we wait for Jesus to return.

My favorite part about this book is how current trend ideas, like the Left Behind series are debunked.  The Bible is quoted a lot and the specific quotes help show the reader where the truth truly lies.

Questions at the end of each chapter helped me to make sure that I knew the chapter thoroughly.  The summaries also helped me to glean the most important information in the chapter.

I enjoyed the organization of the chapters, because they were organized into categories.  And since each chapter was a question I could pick and choose which questions I wanted to read first.  

I would highly recommend this book to everyone who wants a factual account of the end times and not a sensationalized account.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received 40 Questions about the End Times by Eckhard Schnabel for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour. All links were current when posted. 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.

Simon and the Easter Miracle by Mary Joslin and illustrated by Anna Luraschi

Genre- Fiction/Christian/Easter

Published by- Lion Children’s Books

Copyrighted- January 2012

Number of pages- 32

Age Group- Young Children

Description of book- hardback, list price $14.99, ISBN 978-0-7459-6058-6

 

Based on a Polish folktale and in the tradition of The Three Trees this folktale gives a new view on Easter.

Simon of Cyrene, a farmer, is bringing his product to market and has no idea of the role he will play in Jesus’ last days.  Or the role of his market items- the bread, eggs, and wine. 

Excerpt from the Book.

About the Author-

Mary Joslin has written children’s books on belief and spirituality.  Some of them include The story of the Cross and On that Christmas Night. 

About the Illustrator-

Anna Luraschi has illustrated many books for Usborne.

My thoughts-

 I loved this book and so did my children.  I first read it silently to myself and I got goose bumps (that means it was a great book), so I had to read it again.  Then I shared it with B who wanted to read it to himself.  I then read it to both B and C.  And since that time they have enjoyed reading it and looking at the pictures.

One thing that made this book outstanding was that it was not a typical Easter story about Jesus dying on the cross.  I had never heard of this story, so I had to read the small section in the Bible about Simon.  What a neat story this is to go with such a small section in the Bible.

I could also spend a long time studying the illustrations.  Anna Luraschi did an excellent job.  The only picture I didn’t like was the first one with Simon at the market.  It looked like the dog was going to the bathroom.  I don’t know if any of the kids reading it noticed, they didn’t mention it.

I highly recommend this book to all families for an Easter tradition.  I know it is going to become a part of ours.

What B (boy, age eight, second grade) Liked and Disliked:

I loved this book. It is a traditional story for Easter.   It has really nice illustrations.  In most of the pictures there is a bird.  The drawing of a fish looks kind of funny.  The dog and cat also look funny.  

In the book Simon goes to market to sell his produce.  The city is Jerusalem.   

I think this book is good for kids my age, because the illustrations are funny.  I also liked the story. He had to pick up Jesus’ cross.

GOD IS GREAT .  

What C (girl, age six, kindergarten) Liked and Disliked:

I liked when Simon helped Jesus.  And I also liked when Jesus did a miracle with the 12 pure white doves.  I didn’t like when Jesus had to be crucified.  I liked when Simon likes the Sabbath, when you have to do no work.

I would recommend this book for kids my age.

Dad Says-

 I enjoyed “Simon and the Easter Miracle”. It tells a story that we rarely hear. The innocent bystander who was forced by the Roman soldiers to carry Jesus’ cross when he no longer could. This is a unique perspective that I had not considered before.

The illustrations colorfully and clearly convey the message of each page to the reader. The story’s ending is one of hope and blessing.

I would recommend this book to go on all bookshelves.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Simon and the Easter Miracle: A Traditional Tale for Easter by Mary Joslin and illustrated by Anna Luraschi for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour. All links were current when posted. 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.

Christian Contours- Douglas Huffman (Editor)

Genre- Religion/Christian Life/Apologetics

Published by- Kregel Academic & Professional

Copyrighted- March 2011

Number of pages- 240

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- Paperback, listed price- $22.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-3673-4

Do you sometimes need more help thinking and living as a Christian in this world of competing views.  This book will help you to learn, internalize, and share with others about the biblical worldview.

Part one discusses worldview thinking and how it relates to the Christian faith.  Part two addresses our Christian responsibility such as praying, worshiping, knowledge of temptation, and how to relate to others.

This is an introductory book to be used in college classes.  This book finishes with a comprehensive guide to books and websites to help develop a stronger biblical worldview.

Link to the Table of Contents

Link to Chapter Two

Link to the Endorsements

About the Editor-

Douglas S. Huffman is the coeditor of God Under Fire: Modern Scholarship Reinvents God.  He has been a professor of Biblical and Theological Studies at Northwestern College in Minnesota and Biola University in La Mirada, California.

My thoughts- I thought this book was well written, but it could have had just a little bit more helpful information.  I realize this book was written as an introductory course book for college students, but more information and examples on how to maintain and live a biblical worldview.

I enjoyed the appendices: “A Comparison of Worldviews” and “Christian Professional Organizations.”  The bibliography was also very informational.  I learned more about different worldviews than I had known before and how to defend Christianity from those views.  The list of websites and books is an invaluable resource.  I know I am going to study the lists more to help me with my search in helping my Christian Worldview.

What I liked about this book, I also disliked.  In some chapters of Part Two there just wasn’t enough information for me.  I was looking for more information on how to maintain and live my biblical worldview.  That would probably take a whole book or two to satisfy me on those subjects.

This book would be excellent for those who are interested in an overview of different world views and the biblical worldview.  If you need something more specific then this book wouldn’t be for you.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Christian Contours: How a Biblical Worldview Shapes the Mind and Heart with Editor Douglas S. Huffman for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour. All links were current when posted. 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.

Trained in the Fear of God with Editors Randy Stinson and Timothy Paul Jones

Genre- Religion/Christian Ministry/Children

Published by- Kregel Academic & Professional

Copyrighted- July 2011

Number of pages- 288

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- Paperback, listed price- $26.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-3907-0

Drs. Stinson and Jones have been important in helping in the area of “family-equipping ministry.”   This type of ministry means that people realize that all generations are important and that the parents have the primary role for teaching their children about God.

This book is written by seventeen people who show how to get away from ministry by age group to a family approach.  Some of the contributors are Albert Mohler, David Prince,  and Bryan Haynes.

About the Editors-

Randy Stinson is the president of the Council for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood and the dean of the School of Church Ministries at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville.

Timothy Paul Jones has written several books and is a professor of leadership and church ministry at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

My thoughts- This is a book and practice that needs to be a part of every church and ministry.

I have not been in a church that has any type of good family ministry.  I am sure many parents would be happy if there were classes on how to be good Christian parents.  It is something I struggle with sometimes and it would be a great help to me if our church had classes that would teach me how to help my children as they grow older.  I want to equip them the best I can to help them be warriors for God.  My husband and I are the ones who are ultimately responsible for our children, not the schools or the church, we just need some guidance on the best way to do it.

This book is one that I will be show to my husband, because there are some great chapters for parents to read, then I will pass it on to the pastor of my church.

It is more important than ever in today’s society to strengthen our families in God and this book can help.  I recommend that everyone reads this book to help strengthen the families in their churches.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Trained in the Fear of God with Editors Randy Stinson and Timothy Paul Jones for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour. All links were current when posted. 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.

1 Peter by Sue Edwards (Lesson 9)

Genre- Religion/Biblical Studies/Bible Study Guides

1 Peter: Finding Encouragement in Troubling Times by Sue Edwards

Published by- Kregel Publications

Copyrighted- 2011

Number of pages- 102

Age Group- Adult Women

Description of book- Paperback, listed price- $12.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4198

Lesson 9, “Strengthen Your Sacred Kin” 1 Peter 5:1-14

These past nine weeks have been a renewal for me in studying the Bible.  I had been not involving myself in my own Bible study, but in my children’s and I have surely been missing out on what God has had to share with me.

My biggest “takeaway” from these lessons in love.  Love is one of the most important things we can give and do.  I have noticed a change in our own household since I have been explaining to the kids how important it is to love no matter what and to keep calm about life.

I have also taken away: how to be a better wife, submit to different levels of authority, and how to be a priest in my own household.

I am going to make sure that I put all that I have learned in these lessons to good use.  I am going to start a journal, where I will write down everything that I have been doing  and if it is Godly or not and how I will adjust my lifestyle.  It is going to be something I am going to have to do and have someone I can be accountable to.

I have been blessed by this study and I am off to check out the other studies and begin a Bible study life!

Thank you for being with me for these 1 Peter lessons.  May God bless you and keep you well.

Please look at the rest of my blogs for the other lessons.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received 1 Peter by Sue Edwards for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour. All links were current when posted. 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.

1 Peter by Sue Edwards (Lesson 8)

Genre- Religion/Biblical Studies/Bible Study Guides

1 Peter: Finding Encouragement in Troubling Times by Sue Edwards

Published by- Kregel Publications

Copyrighted- 2011

Number of pages- 102

Age Group- Adult Women

Description of book- Paperback, listed price- $12.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4198

Lesson 8, “Persevere with the End in Mind” 1 Peter 4:7-19

I think in today’s society we focus too much on the now and not on the future.  As a Christian we must focus on the future and the end time on earth.

Peter thought prayer was very important and I really agree, because it is one of the ways we speak with God.  Without prayer we wouldn’t be able to talk with God and share our praises and concerns.

I learned that you need to have self-control and be sober-minded to have an authentic and consistent mind while praying.  When I say my own prayers, I have found it best to kneel or sit, because if I do it any other way, I lose my focus.

One of the other important things I learned this week is that we need to love and keep loving others in a Godly way, even when we are feeling out of sorts.  Peter says that love covers many sins.  And this week, no matter how frustrated people make me, I am going to show them unconditional love.

Next week is our last week.  I hope you have been enjoying my views from these lessons.

I hope you all have had a wonderful week and I will inform you next week about my thoughts on “Lesson Nine.”  Please look at the rest of my blogs for the other lessons.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received 1 Peter by Sue Edwards for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour. All links were current when posted. 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.

1 Peter by Sue Edwards (Lesson 7)

Genre- Religion/Biblical Studies/Bible Study Guides
1 Peter: Finding Encouragement in Troubling Times by Sue Edwards
Published by- Kregel Publications
Copyrighted- 2011
Number of pages- 102
Age Group- Adult Women
Description of book- Paperback, listed price- $12.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4198




Lesson 7: Stand Strong When Wronged 1 Peter 3:13-4:6
I have relearned some important parts of life in this lesson
I am a stay-at-home, homeschooling mom and I have found that whenever I speak out in frustration to the children, like when they aren't listening to me, that life doesn't go well for any of us. And If I treat them kindly and gently and smile, then all of the negativity leaves us. I need to remember to always treat people with respect and gentleness, so kindness can be passed on.
I have spent time praying and thinking about this lesson. The Holy Spirit is telling me that I need to study the Bible and learn everything I can, so that I can kindly and respectfully answer question that people ask me about my hope and Christ.
I hope you all have had a wonderful week and I will inform you next week about my thoughts on “Lesson Eight.”  Please go to my main website to see previous lessons.  Thank you.
Disclosure of Material Connection- I received 1 Peter by Sue Edwards for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour. All links were current when posted. 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.

A Darkly Hidden Truth by Donna Fletcher Crow

Genre- Christian/Fiction/Mystery
Published by- Monarch Books
Copyrighted- January 2012
Number of pages- 384
Age Group- Adult
Description of book- Paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-0-85721-050-0, series- The Monastery Murders (book 2)
Felicity is ready to accept the veil, but there is a missing icon, her difficult mother, and a friend is murdered.  Will she go with Father Antony to solve the mysteries or will she visit the convents she has planned to see? 
Get ready to delve into the world of The Knights Hospitaller, the wisdom of nuns, and romance.
Link to an Excerpt.

About the Author-
Donna Fletcher Crow lives with her husband in Idaho.  They have four grown children and ten grandchildren.  She has written more than thirty books and many of them are about the history of British Christianity.  She is interested in history and used to teach English. 

My thoughts-  My likes: Christian fiction, mystery, history, and gaining knowledge as I read.  This book satisfies all of those criteria.  This was a very well written book and I had a hard time putting it down.  I read the endorsements both before and after reading this book and they were spot on.
I have never studied or read much about monasteries and convents, monks and nuns, so I was able to get a better understanding of both today and historically how people became nuns and monks and what life is/was like for them. 
I liked Sister Johanna and how she wanted a homely house, so people who visited felt loved and cherished.  She said it was important to be  available.  Sister Johanna and all the nuns were so nice, I think it would be nice to be a part of a system like that if I was not responsible for other people and that was want I wanted after visiting different convents.
I highly recommend this book.  It is a well-written mystery and I learned a lot from it.


Disclosure of Material Connection- I received A Darkly Hidden Truth by Donna Fletcher Crow for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour. All links were current when posted. 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.

1 Peter by Sue Edwards (Lesson Six)

Genre- Religion/Biblical Studies/Bible Study Guides
1 Peter: Finding Encouragement in Troubling Times by Sue Edwards
Published by- Kregel Publications
Copyrighted- 2011
Number of pages- 102
Age Group- Adult Women
Description of book- Paperback, listed price- $12.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4198
Link to Lesson 1.
Link to Lesson 2.
Link to Lesson 3.
Link to Lesson 4.
Link to Lesson 5.


Lesson 6, “Pursue Peace with Doves and Dragons” 1 Peter 3:8-12
I have learned so much from these lessons and this one is especially important as it is about the church and how we need to work together with harmony, sympathy, love, and humility. 
Next to the case study about a mother and her two grown daughters, my favorite section was the “Living Stone Story” about a pastor’s wife and how she responded to the disappointment from a woman in the church.  This woman said the wife had not met her needs, disappointed her, and was not a good pastor’s wife.  The pastor’s wife had a clear conscience and spoke to the woman nicely, but firmly about how her focus was on obeying God and that she (the pastor’s wife) or perhaps someone else was who God had in mind to help this woman meet her needs.
I know that I need to be just like that pastor’s wife, exuding harmony, sympathy, love, and humility for my church family.  I will pray to God every day, so that I can make that happen.
I hope you all have had a wonderful week and I will inform you next week about my thoughts on “Lesson Seven.”
Disclosure of Material Connection- I received 1 Peter by Sue Edwards for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour. All links were current when posted. 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.

Romans by Phil Moore

Genre- Religion/Bible Study

Series- Straight to the Heart

Published by- Monarch Books

Copyrighted- January 2012

Number of pages- 384

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- Paperback, listed price- $14.99, Genesis: 978-0-85721-001-1, Moses: 978-0-85721-056-2, Matthew: 978-1-85424-988-3, Acts: 978-1-85424-989-0, 1&2 Corinthians: 978-0-85721-002-9, Romans: 978-0-85721-057-9, Revelation: 978-1-85424-990-6

Part of the Straight to the Heart Series, Romans has short devotional commentaries covering the entire book of Romans.

There are a total of sixty commentaries in four sections:

• Romans 1-8: The New King Saves
• Romans 9-11: The New King has a Plan
• Romans 12:1-15:13: The New King is Lord
• Roman 15:14-16:27: The New King is Advancing

Link to an Excerpt.

About the Author-

Phil Moore leads a church in Wimbledon, London.  He likes playing football with his young children and he is also a Bible teacher and evangelist with in the Newfrontiers family of churches. 

My thoughts- I thought this book was very well done.  If anybody is looking for a good devotional series, this is it.

I had heard/read that people suggest reading the book of Romans to lean more about God and becoming a Christian.  I have certainly learned that, from studying with this devotional.

The anecdotes along with the thought-provoking insights helped this book of the Bible come alive.

To me only one thing would have helped this book be even better.  That would have been a couple of discussion questions at the end of each chapter to make me think even more.

I am going to recommend this book and series to everyone.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Romans by Phil Moore for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour. All links were current when posted. 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.

1 Peter by Sue Edwards (Lesson 5)

Genre- Religion/Biblical Studies/Bible Study Guides

1 Peter: Finding Encouragement in Troubling Times by Sue Edwards

Published by- Kregel Publications

Copyrighted- 2011

Number of pages- 102

Age Group- Adult Women

Description of book- Paperback, listed price- $12.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4198

Link to Lesson 1.

Link to Lesson 2.

Link to Lesson 3.

Link to Lesson 4.

Lesson 5, “Strengthen the Sacred Mix” 1 Peter 3:1-7

1 Peter 3:1-7 is very important for women in today’s hostile world.  We need to be pure and reverent to everyone all the time.  We can become upset of course, but we need to be pure and reverent at the same time. 

My favorite and the most instructive part for me discussed talking to much and Christian wives not discussing faith to their unbelieving husbands.  When you have the time look up Proverbs 10:19, 13:3, 17:1, 17:28, 18:2 to learn how talking less actually says more.  I have discovered that I talk too much.  Also if I don’t speak a lot, the showing of my faith will come through and it will help others become faithful.

This lesson will help me become a better woman.k

I hope you all have had a wonderful week and I will inform you next week about my thoughts on “Lesson Six.”

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received 1 Peter by Sue Edwards for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour. All links were current when posted. 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.

Mysterious Epigenome by Thomas E. Woodward and James P. Gills

Genre- Religion/Biblical Studies/Bible Study Guides

Published by- Kregel Publications

Copyrighted- January 2012

Number of pages- 160

Age Group-  Adult

Description of book- Paperback, listed price- $13.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4192-9

My thoughts-  I submitted a request and was chosen to take part in Kregel’s graduated tour for this book.  We were asked to write our review around one of three different topics: science, health, and spirituality.  I chose health.

I began reading this book knowing nothing about the epigenome or how it related to our health.  When I finished the book I was very surprised and awed that we can so easily control how we can effect future generations in their health.  There are some epigenomes that are genetic as they are passed on in the child-bearing years.  That is why it is so important to have good epigenetic health during our youth to the child-bearing years, because the changed epigenome can be passed from generation to generation.  That is why it is so important not to smoke, have a good diet, positive mental attitude, and plenty of physical exercise.

The elderly may be helped with epigenetic reprogramming to get rid of errant methyl tags in the future.

I highly recommend this book.  It may have some parts that could be difficult for the lay person to understand, but we all need to know what we can do to make our epigenomes the healthiest.

Link to an Excerpt.

About the Book- There was the genome and now there is the epigenome.  The authors have combined story with research to develop a book where you will go on a tour of the human cell.  Here you will learn how the epigenome can be used for bettering health and seeing God at work.

About the Authors-

Thomas E. Woodward is the founder and director of the C. S. Lewis Society and is a professor at Trinity College of Florida.

James P. Gills the worlds most experienced cataract surgeon and is the founder and medical director of St. Luke’s Cataract and Laser Institute.  He has dedicated his life to more than just vision.  He also has an outreach ministry, Love Press.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Mysterious Epigenome by Thomas E. Woodward and James P. Gills for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour. All links were current when posted. 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.

1 Peter by Sue Edwards (Lesson 4)

Genre- Religion/Biblical Studies/Bible Study Guides

1 Peter: Finding Encouragement in Troubling Times by Sue Edwards

Published by- Kregel Publications

Copyrighted- 2011

Number of pages- 102

Age Group- Adult Women

Description of book- Paperback, listed price- $12.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4198

Link to Lesson 1.

Link to Lesson 2.

Link to Lesson 3.

Lesson 4- “Shadow the Servant” 1 Peter 2:11-25

This week I was really drawn to “Core Two: Living for Christ in a Hostile Society.”

People have always lived in hostile societies, our just seems worse than previous years, since there is such a media focus on the negative and not the positive.  I think over time (a long time) that social media could improve the hostile society, because so many positive messages could be posted.

Peter’s message can speak to us and anyone at any point in time, but telling us how to best adjust to all of the negativity.  One of his most important points is that we must submit to those in authority. 

The book of Daniel shows a good example of how to submit to authority, yet be able to do what is best according to the Lord.  Daniel asked in Daniel 1:13-17 to have a trial period where he and the other men with him could eat their food and then if it didn’t work they would eat the King’s food.  Daniel was able to maintain his integrity while submitting to the king.

Government officials around the world will learn from people who show Christ-like behavior how it should be.  And we need to remember while submitting to them that when Christ comes back they will have to answer to him about their transgressions. 

I am going to do my best to live my life with Christ and submit to government officials in our hostile society.

I hope you all have had a wonderful week and I will inform you next week about my thoughts on “Lesson Five.”

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received 1 Peter by Sue Edwards for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour. All links were current when posted. 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.