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.

2012 Bible Study Expo!

I am all signed up and ready to listen to some great authors tell us about their Bible studies for the “Meet the Authors 2012 Bible Study Expo” 

Some of the Authors are Sandy Ralya, Pam Ferrel, Shelia Walsh, Cindy Jacobs, Donna Best, Janet Davis, and more. 

This Expo is Thursday, May 17th starting at 1 PM Central time and is hosted by Marnie Swedberg.  This expo is free and you can sign up here.

I can’t wait until Thursday.  Be sure to sign up today!

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Beautiful Wife and the corresponding Mentor’s Guide and Prayer Journal by Sandy Ralya for free from the Kregel for promoting the 2012 Bible Study Expo.  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 is for Adam: the Gospel from Genesis by Ken & Mally Ham and illustrated by Jeff Allbrecht

Genre- Religion/Christian Education/Children & Youth, Religion/History

Published by- Master Books, A Division of New Leaf Publishing Group

Copyrighted- 2011

Number of pages- 77

Age Group- Young Children

Description of book- Casebound, list price $16.99, ISBN: 978-0-89051-625-6

With 26 different lessons, fun illustrations, rhymes, short discussions, and questions; this is a perfect book from Sunday School to home devotions.

Children will learn biblical history with Creation and the New Heaven and New Earth.

Downloadable Coloring Pages. 

Link to Preview.

 About the Author-

Ken Ham is CEO/president of Answers in Genesis. He uses apologetics to communicate biblical truth and historical facts.

Reviews by Daddy, B and C coming soon!

My Thoughts-

I really enjoyed doing these devotions with my husband and children.  We would begin by reading the rhyme, then continue with the starting point, “Let’s Talk!” and “Always Remember”, “Stuff to Do”, and “Quick Review.”  It took us about fifteen minutes each time and the kids couldn’t wait until the next time.

One thing I thought that was strange was the way Adam was drawn.  He chest wasn’t anatomically correct.  I did have a fun time looking at  the rest of the illustrations.

I didn’t think it was necessary to continuously state that we are not animals.  I think the kids realized that in a couple of lessons.

I would recommend A is for Adam for families with young children. 

Disclosure- I received A is for Adam by Ken & Mally Ham for free from Master Books. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I’m 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.

Answers Book for Teens Volume 1 by Ken Ham, Bodie Hodge, Dr. Tommy Mitchell

Genre- Religion/Religion & Science, Topical/Teen

Authors- Ken Ham, and Bodie Hodge, Dr. Tommy Mitchell

Published by- Master Books, A Division of New Leaf Publishing Group

Copyrighted- 2011

Number of pages- 96

Age Group- 13-17

Description of book- paperback, list price $14.99, ISBN: 978-0-89051-622-5

Are you looking for answers to questions about God, then look at this book that answers 15 commonly asked questions.

Topics include:

• How do we know the Bible is true?
• Who is more believable- creationists or evolutionists?
• Why should we listen to God about sex?

Link to Preview.

About the Authors-

Dr. Tommy Mitchell has degrees in biology and biochemistry and is a speaker and writer for Answers in Genesis.  He enjoys sharing the creation/gospel message with teens.

Ken Ham is CEO/president of Answers in Genesis. He uses apologetics to communicate biblical truth and historical facts.

Bodie Hodge is a speaker, writer and researcher for Answers in Genesis USA.

My Thoughts-

When I received this book I was disappointed when I saw so many illustrations and just a little bit of text.  I was very surprised and pleased when I started reading the questions and answers.

Each question was one that many teens have and the answers were very complete and thought provoking.  My favorite question was the last one.  “Why would God ever want to save someone as messed up as me?”  It is also the most important question.  Many people young and old think that they are unable to come to God.  They don’t realize that that is when God wants us the most.

I highly recommend this book.

Disclosure- I received Answers Book for Teens for free from Master Books.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I’m disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Take Back the Land by Rick Boyer

Genre- Religion/Christian Life/Social Issues, Religion/Religion, Politics & State

Published by- Master Books, A Division of New Leaf Publishing Group

Copyrighted- 2011

Number of pages- 290

Age Group- Homeschool Teens

Description of book- paperback, list price $13.99, ISBN: 978-0-89051-619-5

 

 

There is a challenge for young adults: to change the world.  Rick Boyer talks straight to teen on subject matters such as education, media, the arts, family, and more.

Rise up to the challenge and read this book to be a part of the new generation of leaders.

Link to Preview.

About the Author-

Rick Boyer and his wife have homeschooled their children and own The Learning Parent ministry.  He is also well known as a homeschool speaker and author.

My Thoughts-

When I read this book, I wasn’t sure what to think.  Rick Boyer talks about this generation being leaders, but it seems as if he doesn’t want women leaders outside of the family or church, which I do understand based on Proverbs 31.  The rest of the book doesn’t seem to be geared towards teen girls if they are not to be leaders outside of the house.

I did like learning that public schools were started in Germany.  I also agree with Rick Boyer about age segregation in the church.  Teens do need to be in the sanctuary with their parents and not talking with their friends or texting them.

I would recommend this book for boys in high school, especially ones who have been homeschooled.

Disclosure- I received Take Back the Land by Rick Boyer for free from Master Books. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I’m disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.