The Heavens Proclaim His Glory: A spectacular View of Creation Through the Lens of the NASA Hubble Telescope

This book is a compilation of pictures taken by the Hubble Telescope of our universe. Each picture is accompanied by a brief explanation or description of the picture. Along with this is a passage of scripture and a quote that expound on the brilliance and splendor of God’s creation. The quality of the book and the pictures are exemplary.

As I was reading the passages and looking at the amazing photographs I was reminded of how small I am in the whole of God’s creation. I am truly a speck, on a speck, flying around a speck in the speck of this universe. Especially when we remember that God’s hand alone spans the universe. What is man that God is mindful of him? It is amazing grace God would send His Son to die for me alone and that He has a plan for me, a future and a hope. These were some of my thoughts as I was flipping through the pages. I think this is a good book to help you gain perspective and appreciation for the hugeness of God and His awesome power.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program

100 Prayers God Loves to hear, 100 Praise Songs created by Stephen Elkins &illustrated by Tim O’Connor

This is a children’s book that contains short prayers, a small explanation, a reminder and an accompanying song. From cover to cover this book emphasizes prayer and encourages kids to know that there is a real God who loves them and wants to hear their prayers to Him. Inside are inspirational, bible, and beloved children’s prayers. While you read you can listen to the accompanying CDs full of praise songs.

As I read through the prayers I also listened to the CDs to hear the songs as I read. From reading the title I thought all the praise songs would be directly related to the prayers. While some of them are more closely related, quite a few aren’t. I was disappointed when I couldn’t find the words to the songs in the book so we could follow along after we read the prayer. We put the music on for my 3 year old son, but he soon lost interest.

I do like how the book emphasizes the need for prayer every day from everyone. It emphasizes that we can express prayer for God’s blessing, for thankfulness, to praise God, to ask for comfort, and many more.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program

The Portable Patriot: Documents, Speeches, and Sermons That Compose the American Soul

The Portable Patriot is a collection of documents that highlight the development of the American Revolution. It contains materials revealing the deep personal nature of cause and how it developed in the face of opposition. It also contains important historical documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
There are so many documents that represent the thoughts and feelings of those on both side of the American Revolution that to compile all of them in one place would take many books. The Portable Patriot is a simple 265 pages. However, I was pleasantly surprised in what was contained in the small pocket sized book. The content did a good job of portraying the hearts and minds of those dedicated to the cause of liberty. It also helped to convey the immense time, energy and care that led to the decision to break away from England.
For someone wanting to learn all about the American Revolution I would highly recommend getting more in depth reviews and accounts. But if someone if wanting to have a nice quick reference on hand I think this book would have a good place in their library.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program

The Jesus Series: Life and Miracles: Read and Share DVD Bible

The Jesus Series: Life and Miracles: Read and Share DVD Bible takes the pages of the Read and Share Bible. There are 8 stories included in this DVD that together come to a 30 minute presentation of Jesus' ministry along the shores of Lake Galilee and the villages near Nazareth. The animation and storytelling is geared towards kids.
I watched this with my 3 year old son. I was impressed that it held his attention for a good length of time, but not through all of it during one sitting. However, later in the day he asked to watch it again, so I was glad to see that he enjoyed it.
I was pleased with the storytelling. I thought the voices, music and animation were all well done. While I already have my own vision in my mind’s eyes of how things actually played out. I was happy to see that Jesus appeared and sounded friendly and welcoming. It was interesting to see how the creators imagined how the stories took place with emotions, timing and facial expressions. I think the length of the stories was appropriate to keep kids engaged while including key passages from the scriptures. I like having another DVD that my kids can enjoy and that I know is teaching them about Jesus

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program

Plan B by Pete Wilson

Pete Wilson sets out to give some perspective and some guidance for when things don’t work out the way we thought they would. It focuses on how much of our lives don’t follow our prescribed plan and that we aren’t the only one that is going through these types of situations. Pete writes in a very easy to read style with lots of examples.
While I believe that Pete is really trying to give people hope, I was disappointed with most of the book’s content. In the end of chapter 1 he says “So maybe, just maybe, there is some wisdom in these ancient scriptures that could help you answer the “What now?” question. Maybe there are some truths that will unlock hope in your life once again.” This is the pervasive attitude for most of the book and the last chapter. While I see that Pete is trying to sympathize with people who are dealing with doubt and struggling with life, he offers little in terms of solid Biblical truths that truly do give hope, comfort and ultimately a peace that passes understanding. The only redeeming chapters that do this are chapters 10-13. Then the last chapter returns to the attitude of as Pete puts it, “why do bad things happen to good people.” As Christians we need to remember that no one is righteous and the right question is “why do good things happen to bad people.” Then, while looking to the cross and Jesus we find abundant grace and mercy that is new every morning.
I read this book hoping for some insight in helping people who are dealing with life’s struggles as well as dealing with my own. To these ends I found the book lacking.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program

Bible Jumble for Kids

Bible Jumble for Kids is intended for kids age 8 and older. It contains 200 puzzles that will teach them about Bible stories and characters. It contains traditional jumbles, mystery person jumbles, jumble detective, jumble criss-cross, find the fumbles and Bible passage jumbles. Each section starts in the beginning in Genesis and moves through the Old Testament and into the New Testament. There are clues or hints given for each one and answers are found in the back.

I have never reviewed a book like this before. I was intrigued by it as I have kids, I like fun facts and I like games. So I thought it would be a good fit and it was. We have had a fun time going through the puzzles and found it to be engaging as adults and potentially stimulating for fun Bible stories based on the people and themes that are the answers for the jumbles. Definitely more fun time are ahead and I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for some fun games with the family.

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.

Wild at Heart

Wild at Heart by John Eldredge is a look into what the author sees as God’s true design and intent for men versus what our worldly and cultural preconceptions of men are today. He looks to set men free from a world that would strip them of their God given purpose so as to allow them to thrive and find fulfillment and purpose. The basic assertion is that our current society teaches that being aggressive, daring, or brave is something that is OK for kids to do when they are playing games, but that it is something we are taught to grow out of as we mature into adults. The book is written in a pop culture style and is an easy read.
Overall I would say that this book has a good and well meaning message that would benefit many. I do think that to many men settle for much less than what God truly intends for us. As men we need to dream and pray and act. To often we dream, but don’t get clear direction because we neglect the prayer and we fail to act because of fear. That being said I think Eldredge's encouragement for men to be Godly men of action is good. However I would agree with others that Eldredge does give broad generalizations regarding men and his supporting evidence for all his points is somewhat lacking. So I see this book not as the final case building argument that substantiates the changes to be made in men, but more of a starting point. Being more useful as a starting point that gives men pause to consider where they are. And then to be encouraged to express their heart to the Lord as David would in the Psalms while seeking wisdom and direction to act in a manner that is fearing God and not men.

Note: I am a Thomas Nelson Book Reviewer: http://booksneeze.com/#frombrb