Couples Who Pray By Squire Rushnell, Louise DuArt (Book Review)

"Couples Who Pray" from the husband and wife team Squire Rushnell and Louise DuArt is a book with a great concept. Husband and wife, SQuire Rushnell and Louise DuArt have combined their entertainment backgrounds with their faith to help couples navigate their way through the very personal art of prayer. It addresses such subjects as: The Power of Prayer, Forgiveness, Prayer and Money, and 6 Steps to a Happy Marriage, giving real-life examples of couples who have taken the "40-day Prayer Challenge" a challenge to pray together with your spouse for just 5 minutes out of every day for 40 days.

As I stated, the book has a great concept "the couple that prays together stays together"
I whole hardily agree, however this book was not my cup of tea. I did not find in this book ideas that really challenged me & stretched my prayer life with my husband. Yes, reading how celebrity couples such as Denzel Washington & his wife and their stories of how daily prayer together changed their marriage was somewhat interesting. But over all the book was nowhere near as deep as I had hoped. It felt as though the authors were trying to drop famous names in hopes of bating me. Unfortunately, I was highly disappointed in this book, it is not a book for Christian Couples who want to be seriously challenged, it's more fluff & name dropping if you ask me.

All in all I do not recommend this book.

The Blessed Supermom

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.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.

Review: Sun Stand Still: What Happens When You Dare To Ask God For The Impossible

"This book is not a Snuggie. The words on these pages will not go down like Ambien. I’m not writing to calm or coddle you. With God’s help, I intend to incite a riot in your mind. Trip your breakers and turn out the lights in your favorite hiding places of insecurity and fear. Then flip the switch back on so that God’s truth can illuminate the divine destiny that may have been lying dormant inside you for years. In short, I’m out to activate your audacious faith. To inspire you to ask God for the impossible. And in the process, to reconnect you with your God-sized purpose and potential." —STEVEN FURTICK, from Sun Stand Still


When I first read these words I felt such excitement, I loved the idea of being challenged & stretched to my limits. However, I hit some snags right from the get go.
The first being I'm not so much of a youngin' anymore. Now I'm not saying I'm old or that Mr. Furtick is immature but I had a very hard time relating to this young man. There seemed to be a generation gap between myself & good ole Steve. Some of his ideas I found condescendingly redundant however I also found his "audacious faith" refreshing. The eyes of someone who are looking to God without doubt are wonderful to look through.
But, for myself personally I just had a difficult time getting from page to page, if I hear the word audacious one more time I'll scream. I honestly believe it's quite possible that it was used on almost every page!! I also didn't care for (what felt to me like) the dramatic affect. It felt at times I was in the room with Mr. Furtick & he was setting up this amazing story, now that can be a wonderful thing but when it's laced with dry humor & pauses for you to think, I just felt like I was in a room full of teenagers sipping coffee telling me how intelligent they were.
That being said, I don't want to say Mr. Furtick did a terrible job, I want to be clear that this wasn't my "type" of read. I believe Sun Stand Still is quite challenging & that if you aren't bothered by the points I've made you should read it. I believe it can challenge those who've become stagnant & encourage those that are pressing forward.
One things for sure, this isn't the last you'll hear from Steve Furtick.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Book Review: In Constant Prayer

In Constant Prayer by Robert Benson is an installment in Thomas Nelsons "The Ancient Practices" series. This series explores the ancient traditions of the church, it includes subjects such as Fasting, Tithing, Communion, & of course Prayer. The author takes you into the "Daily Office"
The Daily Office of prayer requires praying certain prayers at certain times of the day. Example prayers were included at the end of the book and they were indeed useful for a personal reference on what was being discussed.
I believe if you are interested in observing "fixed-hour prayers" this book would be of a help to you. It could be quite resourceful. That said, it was difficult for me to continue with this read. I can't say keeping the "divine offices" is wrong nor bad. It's just not something I see myself doing. I do believe it's important to schedule time with God as the author himself points out. However, I felt this was more "schedule & check off my list"
For myself personally, the concept felt sterile. I would like to combine the ancient practice with a more personal approach, which would be to set specific time aside for God, an appointment if you will, & then get deep & personal with Him.

I received a copy of this book for free from Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze blogger review program. All opinions are solely my own

True Treasures Review

Hi!
I'm so excited to tell you all about this most awesome gift I received! But first let me give you a lil back story. A few months back I started following Mrs. Lorrie Flem on Facebook, she is an awesome SUPERMOM. She has a wonderful publication by the name of Eternal Encouragement
(formerly TEACH magazine)
I'm always so encouraged by her updates & posts.
So when Lorrie asked if their were any bloggers out there that would consider reviewing materials I jumped at the chance. I can not tell you how ecstatic I was when I was approved to be one of The Gabby Moms !!
I anxiously awaited the mailman looking for my first project. Naturally, it came in God's perfect timing, just after Christmas.
When I was nice & burnt out =)
Here I sat on my sofa opening up a package addressed to me & it didn't even cross my mind that it was from Mrs. Flem. Imagine my joy when I looked upon this beautiful book wrapped in a sweet little bow.

I felt like a child opening up that oh so special present Christmas morn. And let me tell you this book has been a wonderful gift!!
Where do I begin?? There is just so much packed into these 104 pages. There are 6 chapters full of wisdom from Godly Women Such as...
Shelley Noonan
Marilyn Boyer
Nancy Nolan
And of course Lorrie too!
Topics include everything from strengthening your marriage to parenting to successful homeschooling. I really loved the regal theme of this book, following the title True Treasures, the chapters titles are as follows

Chapter 1~Jewels That Make the Heart Sparkle
Chapter 2~Marriages of Solid Gold
Chapter 3~Parenting Pearls:Practical & Priceless
Chapter 4~Homemaking That Dazzles Like Diamonds
Chapter 5~ Homeschooling Nuggets of Wisdom
Chapter 6~Godly Living That Glitters

As I read these articles I felt...well, like a princess!! Being handed all these precious jewels, I am a Daughter of The King right?? =)
This book has been a wonderful blessing & an amazing encouragement. I have gotten so many practical ideas on homemaking & just being a good mama. I'm certain I will pour over this book time & time again in the years to come.
I highly recommend stopping over at http://www.homemakingwithteach.com/
& picking up your own copy of True Treasures. The regular price is $19.99, but if you order before May 31st 2011 you can get $4.00 off by entering the code GabbyMom at checkout. (Only 1 use per customer and per order.)
And while your there be sure to check out all the absolutely wonderful resources offered.

In closing, this book has brought me to tears as I've felt convicted by the Holy Spirit. It has reminded me of God's continual provision & strength. And most importantly it has reminded of the high calling & blessing it is to be called "Mommy"

The Blessed Supermom~


“I received this product for honest review from TEACH Magazine as a part of The Gabby Moms blogging program. All opinions expressed are solely my own.”

Review~Little Star

Little Star by Anthony DeStafano

First of all, my little one's loved this book. It really is sweet & brought smiles to their faces.
It's about a little star in the Heavens who just keeps going unnoticed, he's just so tiny that he's easily looked over. Suddenly, there is much excitement as rumors swirl that a King is to be born. The stars are bubbling over when they learn one special star will be allowed to shine ever so brightly for the King & that star will receive a special gift as well. All the stars prepare themselves by getting as shined up as they possibly can with the help of comets swirling by. All the stars except for Little Star of course who is given no attention.
Then the anticipated moment comes....the King is born.
But, alas this can't be....he's born in a stable, he's simple...He can not possibly be a King. The stars believe they've been fooled.
Except Little Star, he sees more in this "Little King" then his counterparts. He understands that this King is small & His surroundings are quite humble....however he is the King come to change the world.
Little Star is overwhelmed with love & longs to just touch this King Child. He reaches his light out to the earth with all his strength, burning brighter & brighter....

This little treasure is perfect for little eyes & hearts. It's long enough to keep my 7 year old intrigued but short enough for my wiggly 4 year old. Even my wee-est munchkin was interested with the illustrations.
Overall, I recommend this book as a nice little Christmas story for your little ones.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.