THE BACKYARD HOMESTEAD SEASONAL PLANNER by Ann Larkin Hansen

RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 2017

THE BACKYARD HOMESTEAD SEASONAL PLANNER by Ann Larkin Hansen is a compilation of data those who want to farm should know. The writer assumes that the homestead will be in an area with varying temperatures which is not where I live. I am in zone 10b thus the information provided became educational but I need more.

This is a homesteading book for someone with acres of land not a person who wants to grow a few things in their backyard. Perhaps the author was not aware of the growing number of people who were become “urban homesteaders.”

As I read the book I wanted to grasp something I could use that has not been shared on the internet.  This book is really about what to do when as it pertains to planting and raising animals, a checklist of sorts. What type of activities should you be doing: mid-winter, late winter; early spring, mid-spring, late spring, and so on? I would dare say if you live where the weather is not so cut and dry: Hawaii, Alaska, Florida, Texas and other places; this planner will not work.

THE BACKYARD HOMESTEAD SEASONAL PLANNER is how the author through personal experience has organized her routine. I would think it would be helpful to quite a few people. This book is not for those of us who have backyard gardens or even if you have a few chickens.

I would say this book is a good additional reference manual to have on hand.  —written by Marsha L F Randolph

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received an advance copy of this book free. 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 KNOW THE WORD STUDY BIBLE Published by Thomas Nelson

It is amazing the number of Study Bibles available today. Study Bibles can be an asset however I always encourage people to pray before you read and allow the Spirit to help you with your understanding. But for those numerous occasions in which you get stuck Bibles usch as Thomas Nelson’s KJV KNOW THE WORD STUDY BIBLE will help.

When I recieved the KJV KNOW THE WORD STUDY BIBLE I was just beginning a study of the book Song of Solomon. I am using THE KING JAMES STUDY BIBLE - Full Color Edition (also published by Thomas Nelson) I thought this would be a great opportunity to compare and contrast. I recently decided to start reading the KJV of the Bible more than others.

The KJV KNOW THE WORD STUDY BIBLE does not have as in depth introduction as my Bible does. Nor does the introductory discussion cover as broad a spectrum of interpretations to the book of Solomon but this is a good thing. Sometimes all you need is a book over view. Unlike my Bible the KJV KNOW THE WORD STUDY BIBLE is light on the graphics and heavy on commentary.

This Bible is actually more like other study Bibles I have it helps direct the reader through the book. Reading this Bible will help the person apply the word to his or her life. The purpose of THE KJV KNOW THE WORD STUDY BIBLE is to help the reader “gain a greater understanding of the Bible - book by book, verse by verse, topic by topic” I think this is accomplished. Of course there are maps and there is a concordance that most Bibles include for reference and it has a concordance all in the back of the book.

This is a great Bible for someone who has never purchased a Study Bible. — 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.”

CITIZEN NEWT The Making of a Reagan Conservative by Craig Shirley

Biographies and autobiographies are not for everyone, even the good ones can be a long read. Generally speaking, people read biographies such as CITIZEN NEWT The Making of a Reagan Conservative because they are interested in the nuts and bolts of the person. I have not always agreed with Speaker Newt Gingrich but I have always respected him.

CITIZEN NEWT The Making of a Reagan Conservative is an authorized biography by Craig Shirley that will not disappoint his fans. For me, someone who has known of Mr. Gingrich for years and heard about the good and the bad of his life the 428 pages served as a fill in the blank summary. (Note the book including notes and index is 541 pages.)

One of the things CITIZEN NEWT does is elaborate on what it means to be a Conservative. With so many people professing to be a “Reagan Conservative” this book serves as  a reference manual as to what that really means. I consider myself of no political party affliation and a Conservative, I probably am a Reagan Conservative.

What I appreciate most about this book is, it is not a gossip book; CITIZEN NEWT is not about his personal relationships. The author Craig Shirley simply presents the activities of a great American who continues to maintain an ideology of conservatism.  What a great read!      — 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.”

THE KING JAMES STUDY BIBLE - FULL COLOR EDITION

At this point in my life I can say that I have every translation of a Bible that I want. Now when I obtain a new Bible it is for the additional information provided thus the presentation of Thomas Nelson’s latest contribution to the Bible Geeks of the world: “THE KING JAMES VERSION STUDY BIBLE, FULL COLOR EDITION” really intrigued me.

It is interesting to note that I have recently decided to go back to the basics of Scripture reading which includes reading the King James more than the New King James version of the Bible.

 There are four aspects of this Bible I am looking at: graphics, commentary, cross reference, and of course readability.

I think most of us take the maps for granted and a picture here and there throughout a Bible is a bonus. The images in THE KING JAMES VERSION BIBLE, is truly more than what I was expecting. Archeological finds, pictures that relate to the text and of course the maps. The images definately help make the text relevant.

The comments found at the bottom of the page help put various passages in context by defining various words. They also present information to help the reader understand the relevance to what was written.

Finally it is good to know  that in this version of The KING JAMES VERSION STUDY BIBLE Cross reference are available for various verses. There are also alternative translations of words or phrases.  A bonus is the Hebrew and Greek names of God found in the comment section.

This is by far the best Bible ever! (I might have said that before but it really is good.) Though I often give away the Bibles I review this one is definately a keeper / user. I love it.   - -  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.”

GIVING IT ALL AWAY by David Green with Bill High

GET THIS BOOK! Written by David Green, Founder & CEO of Hobby Lobby, with Bill High, Lawyer and CEO of the National Christian Foundation Heartland; GIVING IT ALL AWAY . . . And Getting It All Back Again - The Way of Living Generously is all that and more.  But, you have to know I am a Hobby Lobby fan!
GIVING IT ALL AWAY presents the principles the Green family live by in a way that is doable for any one who wants to succeed in life and business. In one-hundred fifty three pages the reader is presented with bullions (not nuggets) of wisdom. If you like to underline important tidbits in a book get ready to color code it.
Beginning with the Forward I was captured by the information presented. The book is divided into 5 parts with concepts presented in chapters. The book is actually 189 pages, there are three pages of notes at the end however there is also a “Readers Guide” which is where you will find a brief discussion of a chapter, concepts to reflect upon and discussion questions. A great book for personal reading as well as Bible Study.
GIVING IT ALL AWAY is a book written by a businessman who did not compromise his faith but lived to the best of his ability as a man of God. As believers we are blessed to be a blessing and this book tells you how to do it. BUY IT!  —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.”

CAN I BE SURE I'M SAVED by R C Sproul

CAN I BE SURE I’M SAVED by R. C. Sproul is a book you should read; period. I first heard about this FREE ebook from a Facebook Bible study, they were discussing chapter three however before that I was having a discussion about salvation with a friend. Though it was not necessary to do so to follow along with the discussion I did download the book and read form chapter one to the end.

I have been increasingly disturbed at the number of individuals who believe in Jesus and have been faithful in church attendance (40 plus years) who do not know what true salvation is and are not sure they will go to heaven when they die. Then there are others who, by virtue of church and tithes records, assume that they are good with God. Just when I thought I had seen and heard it all a friend of mine, who knows the Bible inside out and has lead others to Christ, questioned her own salvation. CAN I BE SURE I’M SAVED addresses these personality types and more.

I cannot begin to explain how important it is for each person to understand their position in Christ. I believe, as the old folks use to say: Everybody talkin’ ‘bout goin’ to heaven ain’t goin’ there! CAN I BE SURE I’M SAVED explains why.

This book is so important that I purchased two print copies, I would suggest you do the same. — written by Marsha L F Randolph

CHASING GRACE by Sonya Richards-Ross

What does an athlete know about grace? In the book CHASING GRACE -What the Quarter Mile Has Taught Me About God and Life by Sonya Richards-Ross answers this question. The concepts are presented in four key words: Push, Pace, Position and Poise but it is all about determination.

In this book, CHASING GRACE the author shares with the reader the journey she took in achieving her goals. This path included such disappointments as discovering someone she admired was not such a shining star. How do you handle discovering someone you thought was perfect wasn’t really?

This book is a quick and easy read and contains real life details about the ups and downs of being an athlete from a Christian perspective. There is nothing really dramatic found within the pages but there is a very real story being told- success is not always pretty. The lessons the author learned as an athlete have been successfully transferred to life in general from a Christian perspective.

This is not your average motivational book which is refreshing in this day of motivational speakers. With practical tips presented in a digestible format this book is a good read and I recommend reading it.  — 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.”