STRENGTHS BASED MARRIAGE by Jimmy Evans & Allen Kelsey

I chose to review STRENGTHS BASED MARRIAGE because it was written by Jimmy Evans. Actually the book has two authors the other being Allen Kelsey. I occasionally watch and enjoy Jimmy and Karen Evans television program “Marriage Today”.   Perhaps because there were two different authors the book was not what I expected.

I struggled to get through this book, skimming over a chapter here and there. Part of the reason why was because as the author writes in in the “Author’s Note” found in the beginning of the book: “To make the most of this book, you and your spouse will need to take the Clifton StrengthsFinder* assessment.”  When I went to the website I discovered there was a fee for the test. BUT that was not my only problem with the book.

The problem is you really do need to take the test in order to properly utilize the information in the book; AND your spouse has to cooperate. This book makes marriage a little to complicated.

STRENGTHS BASED MARRIAGE is really about appreciating each other’s differences and there are other books out there that deal with the subject a lot better. I cannot tell you how disappointed I am in this book, and I am sure there are people who love this book. BUT if you are going through difficult times in your marriage and your spouse chooses to not deal with it THIS BOOK IS NOT FOR YOU.

The book is based on the husband and wife working together and if you are working together on something you do not need the book. If you do want to make your marriage stronger find a project that you both have never done before and would like to try it is cheaper. xxx Marsha L F 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.”

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TALK YOURSELF HAPPY by Kristi Watts

I have purchased books on the importance of the words we speak. I have listened to many messages on positive confessions. TALK YOURSELF HAPPY by Kristi Watts is a book on what it takes to align your words with your mind and your heart taking positive confession in a more doable direction.

In this 218 page easy to read book the author walks the reader through various reasons why a person may not have progressed in life as he thought he  should have. The emotional side effects of not achieving personal success can lead to sadness, discouragement or any other negative feeling. TALK YOURSELF HAPPY will point the reader in the direction of peace and contentment.

The difference with TALK YOURSELF HAPPY,  by Kristi Watts (former co-host of the 700 club), and other books I have read, is the process. This is not just a book of Bible verses and opinions but of empathy and support. Each chapter reveals a principle to help you understand how to get your faith to agree with your brain in order to develop hope and confidence. The action steps and list of Bible verses will help you achieve the main idea of this book which is to be happy regardless of what is happening in your life.

This is a book you read if you need to encourage yourself.    xxxMarsha L F Randolph

eBOOK available via SMASHWORDS

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.”

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA CONSTITUTION

I decided to make my first book to review for 2017 THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. I have several pocket sized copies. I admit that this was the first time that I ever read the entire document. 

Based on the past ten years in America, and the most recent election cycle I believe every American should read: THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA with its’ AMENDMENTS at least once. Too many people think this is a democratic government but according to the Constitution it is a republic. Republic Definition- a political system in which the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who can elect people to represent them. -SCRIVENER WordNet Dictionary.

Article IV section 4
The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature can-not be convened) against domestic Violence

This document is not difficult to understand if you speak proper English, not street talk, I would suggest it be read at least twice (this is the same advice I give for those who have never read the Bible).

There are some who are calling for revisions of this important document and only an informed individual can understand why this is a foolish idea. Many young people do not fully appreciate the wisdom found on these pages. And status quo  politicians take advantage of the ignorance of the general population by disregarding  the words written within.

For example: the Constitution does not say anything about ‘separation of church and state. The first Amendment declares that the government cannot pass laws about religion. Regardless of your faith you have the freedom to vote for who you please BUT the government cannot tell you how to vote because of your faith.

Amendment I.
 Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

I read the entire document in one day. Though it was read over the course of four hours I was frequently interrupted thus I am sure it could be less than that. Free pocket Constitutions are thin enough to actually fit in your jean pocket get one today.

FREE CONSTITUTIONS available at Hillsdale college as well as a FREE COURSE on the subject..

FREE DOWNLOADABLE PDF FILE

        

THE STORY DEVOTIONAL

If you saw the look on my face when I opened up the package containing my latest book for review: THE STORY DEVOTIONAL you would have thought I was going to give a bad review. Even though it was a soft cover book the cover is beautiful, I am just not a fan of paperback books. (But it is, after all, a complimentary copy - I can’t always have hard cover books) Now, my first thought was: “Why did I agree to read another devotional”? First impressions are not always the best impressions.

THE STORY DEVOTIONAL -365 Devotions published by Zondervan is well worth the purchase; a disclaimer: there are 366 devotionals. I would not classify this book a devotional perhaps because I am not a fan of them, I would call it a years worth of Bible study ideas.  Covering principles from Genesis to Revelation this book helps you to see Scripture, perhaps, in a different way. Conceptually this devotional allows the reader to “DISCOVER YOUR ROLE IN GOD’S STORY,”  as it is stated on the cover of the book.
If you go to the Appendix you will find a list of the daily devotions by concept. By using this list you can coordinate THE STORY DEVOTIONAL with your yearly Bible reading. For example: Learn the Story of “Creation” which cover Genesis 1 through 9 and are the first twenty daily devotionals as you read Genesis. The story of David is discussed from Day 144 to 159; this is the books of Samuel, Kings, Chronicles and of course Psalms (not necessarily in that order).
Many people purchase devotionals as gift items, I would suggest you keep this one for yourself.   Marsha L F 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.”

BEYOND THE BOOK STORE 2011-2016

BOOK REVIEW: NKJV KNOW THE WORD STUDY BIBLE

A person going to a book store to purchase his first Bible may get overwhelmed by the selection. Over the years I have reviewed quite a few, including a number of New King James Versions of the Bible, I have kept many and given away even more. But, each of these Bible translations offers something very unique and the Thomas Nelson’s NKJV KNOW THE WORD STUDY BIBLE is no different.
So let’s break it down. What does the NKJV KNOW THE WORD STUDY BIBLE have to offer?
Book Summary: This is just a sentence or two that let’s the reader know what to expect.
How to Study: This section, found at the beginning of each book helps the reader prepare by presenting questions to ask and things to look for.
Study the Book Highlights: Through out each book are overviews inserted at the beginning of the book the reader is made aware of what these overviews are. Each “Study the Book” includes “More Insight”
Topical Articles:  There are certain concepts / beliefs that are basic to Christianity. These subjects are shared by presenting 5- 6 Biblical references in which the reader can review for himself. For example: The Trinity is presented in Genesis, Deuteronomy, Matthew, John and Galatians.
Commentary: At the bottom of each page are notes, commentaries of a particular verse or word.  Something pretty standard in many study Bibles.
Cross References: Cross reverences are included at the bottom of the page along with the comments where necessary. There is not a section specifically dedicated to references.
Concordance and Maps: The standard concordance and maps are included. Also presented at the back of the book are information regarding- money, weight and measurements.

Just as important as the content is readability. The font size is good and the words of Christ are in red.
In this world of more than one style of Bible I recommend NKJV KNOW THE WORD STUDY BIBLE, particularly if you are doing a topical study on the basics of faith.

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.”

BOOK REVIEW: LEADERSHIP PROMISES FOR EVERY DAY