Ready to Return by Ken Ham (Book Review!)

Ready to Return:

Bringing back the Church’s Lost Generation

By Ken Ham with Jeff Kinley

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Religion / Christian Education / Christian Life / General

Published by- Master Books

Copyrighted- 2015

Number of pages- 208

Age Group- Adult

Description of Book- paperback, ISBN 978-0-89051-836-6, $13.99

Ready to Return is filled with information on why people are leaving the church and how to bring them back.

Current culture has captivated many of these young people and they have left the church and the beliefs they grew up with.  The blame cannot all be placed on them though, parents and the church have not taught them apologetics, and they too have fallen victim to secular beliefs.

This book has statistics and a clear strategy on what to do to help them.

My thoughts-

I thought this book was interesting and well written.  When I think about the number of people in their twenties at my local church, it isn’t a very large number.  I see more of them returning after they are married and have children.

I know that there were people in different denominations contact for the survey done by America’s Research Group, but I didn’t think there was a fair representation.  They didn’t include the Mormons, Seventh Day Adventists, or Jews.  The statistics would have been different if they included those groups.

The chapter I thought was most interesting was chapter 6, “Owning Up- Embracing a Faith of Your Own.”  I thought it was important, because people do need to embrace their own faith.  As a parent, I am making sure that my children will be prepared to defend their faith.  Parents need to take a more active role in their children’s faith, especially those who have children in the public school system.  Those children have a lot more to deal with than those who are homeschooled.  I liked the list of questions on pages 97 and 98 that help foster ownership.

The rest of the book is informational too.  I recommend it to all parents, church leaders, and those who work with those in their twenties.   

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Ready to Return, by Ken Ham with Jeff Kinley, for free through Cross Focused Reviews.  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.  All links were current when posted.

Picture of the Week! (January 30, 2016)- Snow Memories

We haven’t had a lot of snow this year, but what we have had has stuck around.  It’s all packed down and hard, not good for snow faces.

We’re supposed to have a four to twelve inch snow storm this coming week.  I think we’ll go to the park to make faces like this after it’s over. 

This picture is from two years ago.

The Peacock Throne by Lisa Karon Richardson (Book Review!)

The Peacock Throne

By Lisa Karon Richardson

(received in exchange for an honest review)

 

Genre- Fiction / Christian / Historical

Published by- Lion Fiction

Copyrighted- 2015

Number of pages- 336

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN: 978-1-78264-178-0

Two murders.  Lydia Garrett’s guardian and Anthony’s father, the Earl of Danbury died the same night.  Were the murders connected?

Lydia and Anthony learn that the murders were connected to the Indian Peacock Throne, which was taken many years earlier.  Along with the help of Marcus Harting, an agent of His Majesty’s intelligence services, they decide to find the Throne.  Will they be able to find it and restore it to the rightful owners before the French find it?  How will they stay safe with danger around every corner?

About the Author-

Lisa Karon Richardson currently lives with her husband and children in Ohio.  She has written Diamond in the Rough, Vanishing Act, and Curtain Call.

My Thoughts-

When I saw the cover and title of this book, I knew I wanted to read it.  After I read the description of the book, I knew there was going to be a lot of mystery and adventure.  I wasn’t disappointed.  I really enjoyed it.

Lisa Karon Richardson did an excellent job with describing the characters and the scenery.  When Anthony, Lydia, and Marcus were on the island retrieving the Throne Peacock, I could see and feel what they were going through.  I could feel their successes and failures.

I would love to tell you about more of their adventures, but that would spoil the end.  I don’t want to do that.  There is a wonderful note at the back of the book.  It tells about the real Peacock Throne.

I really enjoyed The Peacock Throne.  I recommend it to you.  I’m looking forward to reading more about Anthony, Lydia, and Marcus.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Peacock Throne, by Lisa Karon 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 or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Picture of the Week! (January 23, 2016)- Lego Design

My children love to play with Legos.  This is a creation my daughter made.  It is a park and a pool.

I’m so glad for Legos, because they give endless hours of fun.

I Hope You Dance by Beth Moran (Book Review!)

I Hope You Dance

By Beth Moran

(received in exchange for an honest review)

 

Genre- Fiction / Christian /

Published by- Lion Fiction

Copyrighted- 2015

Number of pages- 378

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN: 978-1-78264-170-4

From the back of the book: “All Ruth had ever wanted to do was marry David Carrington, the boy-next-door….

…she left Southwell, promising never to return.  Fifteen years on Ruth has hit rock bottom.  There is no way out.  Except one…”

About the Author-

Beth Moran currently lives in Nottingham with her three children and husband.  She helps lead a national women’s network.

My Thoughts-

This was a delightful book.  I enjoyed every minute of it.  I hope Beth Moran writes another one soon.

Ruth is like many of us.  The trials of life have caught up with her with the death of her partner.  She moves home with her daughter, but she is determined to make it work.  She does succeed with hard work and help from her family and friends.  We all need to remember to do the same.  It would be a good resolution for this year.

I liked Ruth's girls group.  My favorite people in the group were Ana Louisa and Lois.  Ana Louisa had so much personality and Lois was a steady friend.  They were friends that I would like to have.

If you liked Making Marion you will like this one too.  Even if you haven't read it, make sure you read this one.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received I Hope You Dance, by Beth Moran, 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.

Picture of the Week! (January 16, 2016)- Funny Dog

I just had to take some photos of Sue on Christmas.  After we opened our gifts, she decided that the tree skirt was going to be her new bed.  I thought it was really funny.

Philippians by Sue Edwards (Book Review!)

Philippians: Discovering Joy Through Relationship

(Discover Together Bible Study)

by Sue Edwards

(received in exchange for an honest review)

 

Genre- Nonfiction / Christian / Bible Study

Published by- Kregel Publications

Copyrighted- 2015

Number of pages- 77

Age Group- Adult (women)

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $13.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4399-2

Philippians is the latest Bible study in the Discover Together Bible Study series from Sue Edwards.  This Bible study has eight lessons that should be taken at your own pace.  Each lessons contains questions to answer, Digging Deeper sections, and QR codes for videos on the internet.  You can also access the videos on the computer via the website, www.discovertogetherseries.com.

About the Author-

Sue Edwards currently is in ministry in Dallas and at Dallas Theological Seminary.  She has been married for over forty years and has two daughters and five grandchildren.  She has also coauthored books with other people.

My thoughts-

I participated in one of Sue Edwards Bible Studies, 1 Peter, several years ago.  I really enjoyed it, and I was excited to do this one.

I thought the questions were thought provoking.  The Digging Deeper sections were some of my favorite parts.  They always gave me more to think about. 

I like doing Bible studies that involve an entire book, because I am able to learn more than I would if I studied individual verses.  I like the extra verses that are also added in.  These studies also help me to think more about what I’ve read and I begin to explore other parts of the Bible to find out more.  I also talk about the topics I’ve been studying.  Bible studies are a great way to get people talking about God and the Bible.

I enjoyed watching the videos, but I wish the text was in the book.  I don’t have anything that can read the QR codes, and it can be a hassle to take the time to turn on the computer and make sure it is running when I get to the video section of the lesson.

I recommend this book and this series to women, because that is who it was written for, but I think men could learn a lot too.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Philippians, 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 or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.