DEEP UNDERCOVER by Jack Barsky

It’s a spy novel- no it’s a memoir that reads like a spy novel! DEEP UNDERCOVER by Jack Barsky with Cindy Coloma begins by stimulating the readers curiosity, something every book should do, as to whether or not the first few pages are truthful. I had to double check the dust cover to remind myself that this was not fiction but a very real tale of a spay who lived secret lives.
I did watch the 60 Minute news cast regarding the life of Jack Barsky thus all the information presented in this book was new to me.

Generally speaking DEEP UNDERCOVER is the story of Albrecht Dittrich who became a spy for the KGB. What lead him to becoming an agent and what happened during the time he worked for as a Russian spy is detailed in this book. But what does Jack Barsky have to do with Albrecht Dittrich? That you must read the book to discover.

Jack Barsky’s life reads like the television series “24”, a soap opera, and a news documentary combined. Is that even possible? It takes someone like Cindy Coloma, the collaborator, who has written both fiction and nonfiction to present such fascinating information in an entertaining and informative way.  To say that I enjoyed the book is an understatement.

DEEP UNDERCOVER- My Secret Life & Tangled Allegiance as a KGB Spy in America by Jack Barsky with Cindy Coloma is a great spy novel that is not a a spy novel. It is a true story of a  man who learned to love America. Written by Marsha L F Randolph

To comply with new regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, please mention as part of every Web or Amazon review that Tyndale House Publishers has provided you with a complimentary copy of this book.

ARE MY KIDS ON TRACK? by S Goff, D Thomas and M Trevathan

ARE MY KIDS ON TRACK - The 12 Emotional, Social and Spiritual Milestones Your Child Needs to Reach by Sissy Goff, David Thomas and Melissa Trevathan is the book I read to review. I have already raised my children thus I read this book from a post-parenting perspective.

Nothing should be etched in stone however reading ARE MY KIDS ON TRACK would be a very positive parenting tool. Many of the “Building Blocks” discussed should be common sense skill sets such as “listening.” What this book seems to do is to direct parents back to traditional parenting. I would encourage parents to read it, not to see if their child / children are on “track” per-say but to make sure as parents there is an awareness of the unique needs of each child.

At the end of each chapter there is a list of Practical Suggestions for developing the concepts of each chapter. ARE MY KIDS ON TRACK is divided into three milestones, categories: Emotional, Social and Spiritual.  These milestones are subdivided by philosophies associated with each concept presented. For Emotional Milestones the reader examines: Emotional Vocabulary, Perspective, Empathy, Resourcefulness. Thus, at the end of the chapter relating to Empathy the reader will have Practical Ideas for Building Empathy.

Why do I say these are common sense skill sets parents should have? In Practical Ideas for Building Boundaries number one on the list is: have your child talk about conflict. In other words parents need to allow their children to vent. Because I took my job as a parent very seriously and used a lot of common sense much of what was in this book I did.

Unfortunately, many of today’s parents did not have great examples of parenting or they thought there was a better way. ARE MY KIDS ON TRACK  is a good book for parents to read though some of the suggestion may have you saying; “Now you tell me!”   written by Marsha L F Randolph

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

PRACTICING THE POWER by Sam Storms

PRACTICING THE POWER- Welcoming the gifts of the Holy Spirit in Your Life by Sam Storms is an interesting book that discusses the availability and purpose of the Spirit of God. The 269 page book discusses the authors understanding of the gifts of the spirit including that of prophecy.

In some instances PRACTICING THE POWER seems to focus more on the technical aspects of the presence of the Holy Spirit than the natural flow in a person’s life. Perhaps this personal interpretation of the authors words has to do with the extent in which the author goes to explain the manifestation of the gifts within the church whereas my focus on the Holy Spirit has always been how He reveals himself when a Believer is in need of Father God.

It is true, as the author writes, it is important that the gifts of the Spirit manifest in an orderly fashion in church. It is necessary that the release of a Prophetic word be done properly, though I have witnessed a person speaking in tongues in the church ‘out of order’ I have not seen, as the author discusses, security guards on standby to escort such individuals out of the building. In my experience, either the Pastor has been able to stop an individual before he or she becomes to disruptive or an usher or nearby minister has been able to quiet the person. The incident then becomes a teaching moment for the body of believers.

One of the things that struck me as I read PRACTICING THE POWER was the almost apologetic way the author presented information. He seemed to be making excuses as to why he believed what he believed which took away from the credibility of his words. On page 148 he writes: “I know that some of you reading this book will be tempted to skip this chapter.” Since this sentence is halfway through the book the reader should not be tempted to do anything but read more; the assumption is the reader is still not convinced as to the validity of the authors words.

On page 162 there was a sentence that I found peculiar: “Regardless of the exact meaning of the word;” in the previous paragraph he uses the word “perhaps.”  The word “regardless” has a take it or leave it connotation, or as the children might say “whatever!” And the term “perhaps” implies that it might not be. My suggestion: When in doubt leave it out. Such an ambiguous phrase on such an important subject can lead some to not seek the power.

This is the first book I have read by this author and it will probably be my last however there is something to glean from the book which makes it an OK read.  xxx written by 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.”

KJV WORD STUDY BIBLE

In the year 2017 there are Bible purest who will only read a King James Bible translation, I am not one of them. However, I do love the King James version of the Bible and it is with great excitement that I am reviewing the KJV WORD STUDY BIBLE. Thomas Nelson Publisher.

My first impression is that it is a beautiful imitation leather Bible. The weight would make it prohibitive to carry around but the print is definitely readable, even the notes use a font that is pleasant to the eye.

Word study Bibles are excellent and for beginners the KJV WORD STUDY BIBLE might be worth owning. However, if you are have ever owned a Thompson chain study Bible you will be disappointed with this; the word study is not as extensive.

Let’s use the book of John as an example:

• There is not the usual book over view that you find in most study Bibles. The brief introduction skims through what the reader can expect. No historical perspective.
• The “WATCH WORDS” ARE- word, love, miracle, know see; the definitions do not reflect what you would find in a concordance. 
• Some of the words underlined in the chapter include: darkness, witness, flesh, dwelt, only begotten, glory; I am sure there are more. 

So what do you do with these words? Within the book there are text boxes with notes on a specific word. As I read the comments for “only begotten”  I can see how this explanation could lead to confusion.

As I have written, the KJV WORD STUDY BIBLE is good for a person new to Bible study but may create some frustration to an advanced Bible study. The words in this Bible are useless to me personally but might help if I was looking for a subject to teach.

It must be noted that I usually study from the New King James Bible however I often revert back to the King James Bible when doing word study. Not everyone loves the King James Version of the Bible many choose the New King James but if you are, or know someone who is a King James kind of person it is still a good Bible to have, if for no other reason because of the font size. And, yes, it is a good gift idea!

As we get closer to the Resurrection season AKA Easter more Bibles will be available for you to chose from. Bibles make great Baptismal gifts, they are an excellent choice for a person who has graduated from Bible school and they are an excellent wedding present especially if the couples name is engraved on it - I received one and it is cherished.

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.” 

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