HAPPY NEW YEAR!

AGAINST ALL ODDS by Sheila Hodges

In order to appreciate AGAINST ALL ODDS by Sheila Hodges one must have gone through so much pain that you do not have time for technical or sophisticated words. Thus this book is not for everyone- only those who are in the midst of pain.

I know the author personally, I was truly hesitant about reviewing this book because I did not want to give my friend a bad review- if it is bad I will say so. I believe everything has a time and it was time for me to read and review AGAINST ALL ODDS. I had witnessed her passion in writing and promoting this book, I know the love of God’s children that motivated her to take the time to write and so I sat down one day when the house was quiet with a cup of coffee and McDonald’s hotcakes and sausage breakfast and began to read.

Written in a narrative form from a Christian perspective AGAINST ALL ODDS it is only 41 pages. A professional would say she jumps from subject to subject. A person who was not ready to deal with his or her pain would declare the book does not make sense but the book is good. Sheila Hodges, who has a Masters Degree and a host of other business and theological credentials writes as she speaks; there is no room for misinterpretation.

Woven within the narrative of this pseudo-biography are life nuggets and seeds of faith implanted by the word of God. The main character “Wanda” did not have an easy life but she had hope which is the on going thing of this novella.

AGAINST ALL ODDS is a story of one woman who overcame abuse and is living a God centered life. The context in which the book is presented makes it ideal for a person who is going through or gone through a very difficult time. It is clearly not a book for everyone, but if you have a friend who is hurting it is worth the read. Xxx Marsha L F Randolph


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author. 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.”

THE WORD OF PROMISE NEW TESTAMENT -AUDIO NKJV BIBLE

I am going to assume that many people are reading this review have never read one of my reviews.
I love Bibles I do not like recorded translations. I have Bibles on CD and listened to a few recorded versions. I gave away a very expensive Bible on CD that included the Old and New Testament. When the opportunity to review THE WORD OF PROMISE - NEW TESTAMENT audio NKJV Bible I hesitated before agreeing to listen.

My first impression: great packaging; it will fit on my bookshelf beside my other Bibles very well!

THE WORD OF PROMISE NEW TESTAMENT - AUDIO NKJV BIBLE  is released by Thomas Nelson;  CD produced by Jim Cavizel and Raymond Arroyo, produced by Carl Amari. It is truly a production.

As I listened to the CD I became irritated with the background music that seem to overpower the words. Then I listened to the character of Jesus- I was not impressed. I did like the narrator.

What is good the pace of the dialog is easy to read along. I would not discourage anyone from purchasing this CD set because I know I can be a Bible snob and I would purchase this as a gift for a friend who has never read the Bible before.

This is the New King James Translation of the Bible and as I said a person can read along or just listen. One chapter per track makes it easy to listen at your own pace, and the list price is very reasonable. BUY IT- I recommend it despite my prejudices.  Xxx MARSHA L F RANDOLPH

FOOTNOTE: My husband who does not read his Bible as much as I read mine- likes it!!!!!

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.

NIV BIBLE FOR MEN published by Zondervan

Obviously I did no get this Bible for me and the men in my family, even my young grandson, have Bibles. I chose to review NIV BIBLE FOR MEN because there are not to many Bibles of note that are dedicated to men. This being the Christmas season I am sure quite a few people will be purchasing a Bible as a gift.

I have read the NIV Bible from Genesis to Revelation in the past so when I received the NIV BIBLE FOR MEN published by ZONDERVAN I wanted to see what type of extras there were. My first impression: this is a great Bible and I do recommend it, not just for men. Why?

Within this particular Bible are 260 Daily Readings a life application reading presented by various Pastors, most of whom I have not heard of.  Conceptually one reading could be read Monday through Friday in addition to a persons reading for the day. These readings are placed strategically to compliment what is read for example Genesis chapter 15 discusses God’s promise to Abram for a son and we know that Abram impregnated Sarai’s maid this was not God’s plan. On page 20  the daily reading (D5) shared
by  Halim Suh Pastor of Equipping at the Stone Community Church in Austin Texas contribution we find:

 “Living the gap between promises and reality’
“Key Verse: Genesis 15:6”
“Understand the context Genesis 15”
 “Even though we know that God is present and all-powerful, it’s often hard to trust him during the tough times in life.”   

This is followed by an elaboration of this introductory sentence and concludes with a test box entitled- “Bring it to Lif
e”
These presentations not only introduce the world to leaders within the church community that are not as well known as others but teach biblical principles to men of God.

Once a week the reader is introduced to a concept that many believe but are false. 52 Myths that look at unhealthy behaviors and beliefs specifically accepted by men. (In looking at the myths I know must women do not believe they are true.) For example: Myth #2 Living together can help you avoid big trouble down the road. (Page 84) Myth #34 My anger is justified. (page 1104) Did I say these myths do not apply to the way women think?

NIV BIBLE FOR MEN is an excellent Bible for men of all ages however it is definitely something women can read and appreciate. I would suggest purchasing this Bible for yourself, if you are a man, for your fiance’, for your father,, for your sons, for your husband or any other man who wants to discover how relevant God’s word is today.  —Marsha L Randolph

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.