Science Lessons On The Road...Literally

While in town yesterday, we saw a wonderful snake on the road. It was an eastern hognose snake. At first I thought it was a rattlesnake because of its coloring and posture. When we turned around to get a second look though; it had its head flared out like a cobra. We were hooked lol. We once again turned around to come back and get another look (we couldn't stop for long  in the street because its a pretty busy road). Sadly by this time it was crawling off into the grass. Of course we had to find out what it was so we Binged it from my phone. Turns out it was one of these very interesting hognose snakes.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="438" caption="eastern hognose snake with "hood" flared"][/caption]

Turns out they mimic both rattlesnake and cobra behavior. For more info and pictures on these great snakes check out bugsinthenews.com.

Blessings! ~ Nikki

Our Autumn Challenge # 1 HBNS

We have been back to school since the 13th. Things are going great. We are having fun and learning alot. I will post later on what we are studying. This is actually a post for the Handbook of Nature Study Blog's Autumn Challenges.

We took a walk today to see what we could find :) I made us a worksheet for our notebooks, you can find it here : Four Signs Of Autumn , Our job today was to sketch four things we saw today that showed us that Fall is here. I took pictures of some things we found. Enjoy ! Blessings! ~ Nikki

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="288" caption="Persimmon"][/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="288" caption="Chestnuts"][/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="288" caption="Acorn"][/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="288" caption="Dogwood Berries"][/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="288" caption="Fallen Leaf"][/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="288" caption="Ironweed"][/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="288" caption="Spiderweb"][/caption]

Weed ID

OK just because it is Summer and school is not "officially" in for us doesn't mean we can't learn something new. Right? Roosie and I were out exploring the yard, watching squirrels and hummingbirds  when we came across these interesting weeds. Now I have seen these all my life but just never knew the true name for them. Time to Google :) Using the University of Tennessee (GO VOLS!) website we were able to properly ID these . So there, we did some learning this summer :) Wonder if I can count that toward our 180 days? HMMMMMMMMMMMMM

Sorry about the fuzzy pics. Camera batteries are dead so I used my phone. I'll give the link to the website though so you can check out the pics there.

dallisgrass

http://www.tennesseeturfgrassweeds.org/Pages/weed.aspx?ID=72&Name=Dallisgrass

yellow foxtail

http://www.tennesseeturfgrassweeds.org/Pages/weed.aspx?ID=85&Name=Yellow%20Foxtail

Weekly Planner

I uploaded the new planner I created for our homeschool this year. It is set up for planning for two children for their individual lessons; except for social studies and science. I left those in one big block to plan for unit studies that we do together. I also added a weekly grade log to this planner so I can keep easy track of weekly tests and just have to fill out my main grade sheet once every 9 weeks. Let me know if you like this planner :) Blessings! ~ Nikki

Find it HERE.

Working On A New School Year

I have been getting my binder ready and working on our worksheets and notebooking things for our units. I'm looking forward to the school sales that are coming up. I find it is the best time for us to stock up for the entire school year. If you live in Tennessee don't forget the tax free weekend coming up in August. Have a great day! Blessings! ~ Nikki

New Calendars

I have been getting some things together and organized for our new school year. September will be here before I know it so I want to be prepared. I have uploaded some new calendars to my HSlaunch page.  If anyone uses the FROG planner I made last year , I uploaded some new calenders for it too.

New Copywork Pages

I posted some new copywork pages (Old Proverbs Set 1&2) on my HSLaunch page. Be sure to check it out. Blessings! ~ Nikki

NikNoo's Home & School Printables

Graduation Day , June 2 2010

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="404" caption="BabyGirl's Graduation Day June 2 2010"][/caption]

My BabyGirl is now a high school graduate and I'm not sure how to feel about that...of course I'm proud and happy for her...but somehow a little sad. Life moves too fast doesn't it? Wish I had somehow captured more in my memories...regret now forgetting even the smallest details. I love you BabyGirl ... follow your dreams!

Not Sure If I'm Liking The "new" HSB

So far I can't seem to get excited about the new homeschool or homestead blogger. I personally just don't like wordpress. May just decide to move over to blogger with some of the earlier movers. Sad, though...I really liked the ease of the old old HSBs. Templates were easy to customize . Oh well, I'll decide for sure once the change is complete but I'm all for "if it ain't broke don't fix it".

Seedling Comparison Pics

Week 2 : Finally some growth :)



And just some Spring pics for you to enjoy.

This Little Prayer Of Mine~ BOOK REVIEW

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Summary: Author Anthony DeStefano’s adult books, The Prayers God Always Says Yes To and A Travel Guide to Heaven, have sold a quarter-million copies. Illustrator Mark Elliott’s cherished artwork has appeared in popular picture books and novels for young readers, including Gail Carson Levine’s ever-popular Princess Tales series.

Now, these acclaimed inspirational experts have come together to create This Little Prayer of Mine, a beautiful and alluring book designed to guide children into a very simple, real and expressive relationship with God.

Through engaging  rhymes and alluring illustrations, This Little Prayer of Mine shows children—and their parents and grandparents—that complete dependence on God is what brings peace and fulfillment. It invites children to know and believe that God is always  just a simple prayer away and that He longs to respond to them with a resounding, “Yes!”

This Little Prayer of Mine appeals to readers from all different faiths. Easy-reader format allows children to read alone, or with someone older, and encourages them to openly express their fears, thanks, and needs directly to God.

Purchase Here

My Review:

I thought this was a great little book. The words are engaging yet easy enough for young readers to read alone. Its a simple way to teach children to depend on God by letting Him know what their fears and cares are. It is a great blueprint for young ones just learning to "talk" to God.This would make a great bedtime book. The illustrations are amazing. Be sure to check this out as a gift for young ones. As a matter of fact, WIN a copy here at my blog. Leave me a comment here for 1 chance to win. Write a blog post about this giveaway and post the link in the comments section for an extra chance. You can get your name in the hat twice :). I will draw for a winner on April 16th. Spread the word! Blessings ~ Nikki

Seedling Comparison

Since Spring arrived (on Roosie's 10th birthday *smile*), and the growing season is here; even though it snowed yesterday, we began a new project for school. Hoopy, Roosie and BabyGirl each planted the seeds of their choice in two containers. One container is clear and the other is opaque. We will be measuring their growth over the next week or so. The goal is to see if there is any difference in growth speed due to the container type. Hoopy and Roosie added to the experiment by putting lids on one of their containers to see if there is any growth difference for those in the mini "greenhouses". I created a worksheet and posted it on HSLaunch if you would like to download it and try this experiment. The link is in the HSLaunch feed app on my right sidebar. We will keep you up to date on this experiment . I will add pictures too. Also a heads up for those preparing seedlings for planting; those plastic cupcake containers and cake containers that you get from the grocery store make excellent mini greenhouses for starting seeds indoors. I tried them last year and they were super. So tell your friends and family to save those containers for you.
In other news Tman and BabyGirl brought home several medals from Student Convention this year. They had a great time and I really enjoyed myself too. Looking forward to doing it again. Toodles is enjoying his new job. We are very thankful that we had such great friends and family praying for us. Blessings! ~ Nikki

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Lady Carliss and the Waters of Moorue:

Determined, smart and a master of both the sword and the bow, Lady Carliss has proven herself as a veteran Knight of the Prince. Returning from a mission of aid, Carliss is plunged into adventure once again as she searches for the marauders responsible for kidnapping a friends’ family. Along the way she is reunited with Sir Dalton and discovers that the struggle in her heart is far from over. When Dalton falls to the vicious attack of a mysterious, poisonous creature, Carliss finds herself in a race against time. As Dalton clings perilously to life, she must find the antidote in the distant and strange city of Moorue.
While there, Carliss uncovers the master plot of a powerful Shadow Warrior that will soon overtake the entire Kingdom. Her faith in the Prince and her courage as a knight are tested as she faces evil Shadow Warriors and a swamp full of dreadful creatures. The lives of many, including Dalton’s, depend on Carliss. But she cannot save them all, for time is running out.  She faces an impossible choice: save Dalton, or let him die so that others may live.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Buy it here: http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781601421272

My Review: Lady Carliss and the Waters of Moorue by Chuck Black

Having read the first 3 books in the Kingdom series, and none of the Knights of Arrethtrae series before, I have to say that this book is very easy to pick up, even if you haven’t read any of the others. The author fills in some of the events of the previous book, helping to identify some of the characters and to tie in with the other books. The locations, events and characters are very well-described as well.  The book doesn’t take long to get into the story, and is well-written, easy to read, and I enjoyed it. If you like stories of bravery and battle, then you will probably enjoy this book too.

Raven’s Ladder:

Following the beacon of Auralia’s colors and the footsteps of a mysterious dream-creature, King Cal-raven has discovered a destination for his weary crowd of refugees. It’s a city only imagined in legendary tales. And it gives him hope to establish New Abascar.
But when Cal-raven is waylaid by fortune hunters, his people become vulnerable to a danger more powerful than the prowling beastmen––House Bel Amica. In this oceanside kingdom of wealth, enchantment, and beauty, deceitful Seers are all too eager to ensnare House Abascar’s wandering throng.
Even worse, the Bel Amicans have discovered Auralia’s colors, and are twisting a language of faith into a lie of corruption and control.
If there is any hope for the people of Abascar, it lies in the courage of Cyndere, daughter of Bel Amica’s queen; the strength of Jordam the beastman; and the fiery gifts of the ale boy, who is devising a rescue for prisoners of the savage Cent Regus beastmen.
As his faith suffers one devastating blow after another, Cal-raven’s journey is a perilous climb from despair to a faint gleam of hope––the vision he sees in Auralia’s colors.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Buy it here: http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781400074679

My Review: Raven’s Ladder by Jeffrey Overstreet

This book was hard to pick up on, since it is the third in the series, and I’ve never read the first two books. It has its own storyline, but a lot of it is meant to tie in with the other two, and so I couldn’t really get all of the storyline. Parts of it to me were a bit slow, but it was a good read. Like Lady Carliss, it is full of battles and adventure. Aside from not knowing the full story of the series, this was also a good read.

Book Review : Mother Daughter Duet & Dancing With My Father

Summary:

When a daughter is born, her mother has a thousand hopes and dreams for her, especially that they will be best friends one day.

 

Unfortunately, even the best of intentions can go awry. There are so many challenges on the journey to adult friendship that the reality is fraught with friction and frustration. But a harmonious relationship is possible.

  Award-winning author Cheri Fuller and her daughter, Ali Plum, have been there and have discovered the keys to a healthy relationship. In Mother-Daughter Duet they share their story—each from her own perspective—in which they have experienced distance and tension, growth and challenge, and, ultimately, acceptance and harmony. Filled with personal anecdotes and based on several basic principles (letting go; listening; respect; setting boundaries; and more), Mother-Daughter Duet helps moms repair the breach so that daughters want to draw close.

  The mother-daughter dynamic is intense, personal, complex, and unique. But mothers and daughters can achieve mutual respect and learn to celebrate their differences when they learn the two-part harmony of the mother-daughter duet.

 

 

Author Bio:

Cheri Fuller is a best-selling, award-winning author whose books have sold more than one million copies. She speaks to a wide range of women at women’s conferences and is a frequent guest on national radio and television programs.

Ali Plum is Cheri’s daughter, a writer and songwriter, a wife, and a mother to Noah and Luke. She and her mom have weathered the ups and downs of their relationship to find one of the most treasured, honest relationships of their lives. Ali has recorded background vocals for popular musicians, and Mother-Daughter Duet marks her debut into book publishing.

  My Review:

I enjoyed this book and the truth it spoke of the ever changing dynamics of the relationship between a Mother and Daughter. As our daughters mature and set out on their own adult journey it can be a stressful time for us as mothers. I think this book is a must have . It is easy to read, very enjoyable and has many helpful insights and real life examples of how we can strengthen our relationships with our daughters or maybe even our own mothers. Be sure to pick up this book here : www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl
This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Summary:

The reality of living in a broken, fallen world can leave women feeling overcome by fear, guilt, and weariness. Many develop “sawdust souls,” numb to any sense of joy.

 

In this warm and wise book, author Sally Clarkson invites readers to take God’s hand and let Him lead them into a life of anticipation, passion, and purpose. With the voice of a trusted mentor, she reveals how, by getting in tune with the rhythm of God’s presence, women can nurture an inner attitude of anticipation and celebration even in the stressful seasons of life.

 

Through rich biblical insights woven with real-life stories, women will be inspired to recapture a spirit of joy as they follow God’s lead on the dance floor of life.

 

 

Author Bio:

Sally Clarkson is a popular speaker, known across the nation and internationally for her work with women. She is the author of several books, including The Mission of Motherhood, The Ministry of Motherhood, and Seasons of a Mother’s Heart. She has worked in various ministries, including Campus Crusade for Christ. With her husband, Clay, she is cofounder of Whole Heart Ministries, which encourages and equips Christian parents. The Clarksons, parents of four, live near Colorado Springs , Colorado .

My Review :
I loved this book. Ms. Clarkson weaves a wonderfully uplifting journey of finding our joy in the Lord. This book is filled with uplifting instances from her own life. Sometimes we let ourselves be robbed of the joy and peace of mind that our loving Heavenly Father gives. We will never know true joy until we find it in Him again. You have to read the section called " A man with a different heart" You will love it. I like the questions at the end of each chapter that make you question your own walk with God. Be sure to pick up this book here : www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl
This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Hey guess whati ?! You can enter to win a free copy of each book. Leave a comment here with your name and email and I will draw for a winner on Saturday March 13. ~ Blessings! ~ Nikki

March 1...YES!

Going by the temperature you can tell it is still Winter around here but all the birdsong sings of Spring soon to come. I can't wait :) I love Spring! We have been preparing for Student Convention for the last few weeks so school has been slow. We will be hitting the books again full force when we return . We leave Sunday morning and return next Saturday. Hopefully warm weather will greet us when we get back. We long to get outside and do some nature study. We have fallen behind in our Outdoor Hour Challenges. The kids are also tossing ideas around about what they want to do for their lapbooks. I have been pondering too. Next school year will begin a new season for me. My oldest DD will graduate this year. It will seem strange to me to go back to just schooling 2, unless DS Tman decides he wants to return home for school. Tman and BabyGirl are both looking into getting jobs. When did they grow up? Did it happen when I blinked? You know what I mean... don't you? Are any of you dreading the "empty nest"?
Be sure to come back later this week. I will be posting another book review and I will be having a giveaway. Blessing! ~ Nikki

Where Is God ( Dr. John Townsend) ~ Book Review

Where Is God? ~ Dr. John Townsend

In this book Dr. Townsend writes about many areas and instances in our lives where we might ask the question, “Where is God?” At one time all of us have asked ourselves that question.  It seems like in our darkest times we can’t seem to see God near us. These are the times though that we need to feel God near us. Dr. Townsend uses many great scripture references to illustrate his points on finding God during the rough patches of our lives. My favorite part of the book is when he uses the story of his young son and his wife in the dentist office. His son was unable to use heavy doses of medication to numb him during a root canal. So his mother had to hold down his arms and keep him from thrashing around during the procedure; all the while crying because her child had to go through this trial. It was a necessary thing for him. Dr. Townsend makes the point that God sometimes has to let us go through things that are very painful, yet necessary. All the time though He has His hands on us, holding us as we go through this period that helps to grow our faith. We have a God that is involved with us. He loves us beyond our own imaginings. This is a wonderful book. You can purchase it here: www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.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.”

Hear No Evil Book Review

Summary:

A collection of wise, compelling, and often uproariously funny essays built around the experience of music as a transformational element in a moment of truth, Hear No Evil mines Matthew Paul Turner’s humorous memories of his evangelical youth and invites readers to groove along on his journey.

From attending forbidden contemporary Christian concerts to moving to “ Music City ” Nashville , Hear No Evil chronicles Turner’s “life soundtrack” which morphs seamlessly into the stories of people, places, and experiences that have taught the music-editor-turned-author some new things about God, forced him out of his comfort zone, and introduced him to a fresh view of grace along the way.

If you’ve ever had the opening bars of a song transport you back in time or remind you of a pivotal spiritual moment, Matthew Paul Turner’s honest—and frequently hilarious—musings will strike a chord. Straight forward and amusing, Hear No Evil is an exploration of a life of faith lived to a personal soundtrack.

Cover art:

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

purchase this book at RandomHouse.com:

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781400074723

My review:

I would like to be able to tell you that this was a great book and that I enjoyed reading it. However, to be totally honest the best part (and my personal favorite) of this book was the end. Because that meant it was over. I highly suggest if you are an Independent  Fundamental Baptist; don't read this book. I'm sure he might not have wanted it to seem this way (but then again maybe he did) but it seemed to me like most of the book was about him "bashing" that faith. He grew up in an IFB church. Tie that in with the trip to the bar to have a beer with his "Christian" (very loosely using that term) buddy; this book really did not set well with me. And before anyone starts in with the "its ok for Christians to consume alcohol" bit; I just want you to know... I don't agree and I will not debate the subject. (Not what this blog is for) So for my part I did not like this book. You on the other hand might read it and get a completely different outlook on it. So feel free to purchase it through the link above. Blessings ~ Nikki

Toodles got the job PTL!

Toodles got the job PTL! For now it is only part time but may become full time later. We are so excited! Thanks to all who prayed :) Blessings! ~ Nikki

Love And War : Finding The Marriage You've Dreamed About ~ Book Review

Summary:

What the Eldredge bestsellers Wild at Heart did for men, and Captivating did for women, LOVE & WAR will do for married couples everywhere. John and Stasi Eldredge have contributed the quintessential works on Christian spirituality through the experience of men and the experience of women and now they turn their focus to the incredible dynamic between those two forces.

With refreshing openness that will grab readers from the first page, the Eldredges candidly discuss their own marriage and the insights they’ve gained from the challenges they faced. Each talks independently to the reader about what they’ve learned, giving their guidance personal immediacy and a balance between the male and female perspectives that has been absent from all previous books on this topic.   They begin LOVE & WAR with an obvious but necessary acknowledgement:  Marriage is fabulously hard.  They advise that the sooner we get the shame and confusion off our backs, the sooner we'll find our way through.

LOVE & WAR shows couples how to fight for their love and happiness, calling men and women to step into the great adventure God has waiting for them together. Walking alongside John and Stasi Eldredge, every couple can discover how their individual journeys are growing into a story of meaning much greater than anything they could do or be on their own.

This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

Love and War is a good read for all married couples. The Eldredge's honesty about their own marriage can be a great encouragement. No matter how much we love each other, even as Christians, marriage can be a rough road to travel. Just knowing that your not alone in the struggle is a big help. They cover a lot of the major trials that married couples face. My favorite chapter is the one about the "little foxes". The small things that add up and steal our joy not only in each other and our marriage but they can damage the whole family and your personal relationship with Christ (my opinion anyway :) ) I think you will enjoy this book. Blessings! ~ Nikki

purchase the book online:

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780385529808

Internet again :)

PTL, we were able to pay off some debt and that allowed us to get our internet back on at home. Much easier to afford that bill without the other one. Things have been going good for us. School work has been going good between the bouts of sickness. We have more snow on the ground today and to be completely honest...I'm tired of it. Winter is ok until March gets in view . Then I long for Spring. I get tired of the cold and snow. I want to see things grow and play in the dirt :) My oldest two Blessings are preparing for Student Convention. They are competing in several different categories; including music , art, sports and drama. Tman is also competing in the preaching category ,**BIG SMILE**. I have been wanting to work ona lapbook for a while but our textbooks have to take precedence for the moment. Maybe in a few weeks we can work on one. I will be helping our Christian school prepare for competition by working with the kids in the dramas. Once that is said and done I will have more time to work on a lapbook. I might just let each one choose their own subject to lapbook about. I know Roosie has already made one shark lapbook but I bet she chooses to do another one. She is a shark fanatic. We actually took a notebook and made somewhat of a lapbook out of it. She would write info about a shark and then we would glue a picture beside it. On the next page she would do a drawing or I would print out a color sheet and after she finished it we would cut it out and glue it between two pages so that it made a popup. Pretty neat looking I think. Anyhow, I will be on here more often now and posting more so check back with me. I will also be doing my book reviews. i will be posting one later today as a matter of fact.I will also be having some great book giveaways over time so be sure to sign up for those. Toodles was asked to come in and submit a job application today so be praying about that for us. Thanks, Blessings! ~ Nikki

Angels Book Review

Angels

by Dr. David Jeremiah

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781601422699&ref=externallink_mlt_Angels_sec_1208_01

Summary:  

What are angels? What is their role in God’s plan? Are they present? Do they appear? Do they give us personal insight about our work, our worship?

 

Many contemporary beliefs about angels are based on misconception and myth. Dr. David Jeremiah uses scripture to unveil the remarkable truth about these agents of heaven, and their role and work in our world—and lives.

 

More than 60,000 units of this powerful book have sold in two past editions. This repackage of the original 1996 paperback will surely capture the attention of readers of all ages who seek a broad and thorough survey of scripture that clearly separates fact from fiction as it relates to angels. The book will appeal to the thousands who follow Dr. Jeremiah’s books, and radio and TV broadcasts.

 

Relevant, little known biblical facts help readers sharpen their knowledge and sensitivities toward the spiritual reality of angels. Dr. Jeremiah’s enlightening findings are supported with illustrations and insights from Billy Graham, Corrie ten Boom, C.S. Lewis, and more.

I really enjoyed this book by Dr. David Jeremiah. So many people today do have the wrong ideas about angels and their position in God’s Creation. Dr. Jeremiah uses Scripture to lay out the truth about angels. They are a creation of God. They are His messengers and His warriors. They are not lovely ladies in glittering dresses or chubby babies in diapers. So if you are looking for information letting you know what angels really are and what they really do this book is for you. It is very informative yet easy to read. Blessings! ~ Nikki

Still Here

We are still without internet at home and will be for a little while longer. Other things have to take precedence until Toodles finds a job. We have put in so many applications its unreal but nothing yet. So those of you who are praying for us please continue to do so. School is going great.We are learning and having a great time. We have been lax in our nature study this month but we will catch up. We are enjoying the big birdfeeder Toodles made me for Christmas. He mounted it in front of the front window for us. I love watching the birds. Anyway, hopefully soon I can get online more often. For now I will post as I can and read all your wonderful posts.God Bless and have a great day. Blessings ~ Nikki

DUG DOWN DEEP A Book Review

Dug Down Deep

by Joshua Harris

You probably remember him as the I Kissed Dating Goodbye guy, but Joshua Harris isn’t a kid anymore. He’s a husband, father, and senior pastor, and he has a message about the importance of knowing what you believe and why.

purchase the book online:

http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781601421517

 

This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

Book:  Dug Down Deep

Author:  Joshua Harris

Dates:  January 18-22  

Summary:  

What will you build your life on?
 
With startling transparency, Joshua Harris shares how we can rediscover the relevance and power of Christian truth. This is book shows a young man who rose quickly to success in the Christian evangelical world before he realized his spirituality lacked a foundation—it rested more on tradition and morality than on an informed knowledge of God.
 
For the indifferent or spiritually numb, Harris's humorous and engaging reflections on Christian beliefs show that orthodoxy isn't just for scholars—it is for anyone who longs to know the living Jesus Christ. As Harris writes, "I've come to learn that theology matters. It matters not because we want to impress people, but because what we know about God shapes the way we think and live. Theology matters because if we get it wrong then our whole life will be wrong."
 
Whether you are just exploring Christianity or you are a veteran believer finding yourself overly familiar and cold-hearted, Dug Down Deep will help you rediscover the timeless truths of Scripture. As Harris challenges you to root your faith and feelings about God in the person, work, and words of Jesus, he answers questions such as:
 
What is God like and how does he speak to me?What difference does it make that Jesus was both human and divine?How does Jesus's death on the cross pay for my sins?Who is the Holy Spirit and how does he work in my life? 
With grace and wisdom, Harris will inspire you to revel in the truth that has captured his own mind and heart. He will ask you to dig deep into a faith so solid you can build your life on it. He will point you to something to believe in again.

Cover art:

I loved this book from the very first page. As a matter of fact my daughter and I read it together. She loves it too. So that goes to show you that this book is for Christians of every age. I love how Joshua gets down to the nitty gritty of knowing what you believe.I had so many thought provoking "God" moments while reading this book. My fave was when he was talking about when Jesus asked Peter, "Who do you say I am?". Think about it for a second...who do you say Jesus is? Man,  I started getting all these thoughts running through my head like, Who do I say Jesus is with my life? I call Him Lord with my lips but is that what my life says? If you are looking for a great read that will have you rethinking some details that you thought didn't matter; then this book is for you. You should buy it ... like right now... I'm serious... its great!

The One Day Way Book Review

Okay I missed this review tour because due to circumstance I posted about earlier but I just had to share with you what I thought about this book.  In short ; I loved it! 

The One-Day Way produces lasting results by taking you back to basics. No more complicated weight-loss strategies. No more expensive diet plans that achieve only temporary results. Instead, you will lose weight and get fit with Chantel Hobbs’s simple, high-energy meal plans and her at-home program for cardio exercise and strength training. She will teach you how to change the way you think, which leads to new actions. Before you know it you will be strong, fit, and healthy. All it takes is doing things differently for twenty-four hours—and then repeating it.

 

The One-Day Way gives you everything you need to lose weight and get fit in body, mind, and spirit:

• Break free from past dieting defeats


• Learn a realistic, life-changing way to measure success


• Change the way you think so you can change your life


• Translate your dreams into goals, and your goals into lasting achievements


• Get strong with thirty-one simple exercises, no fancy equipment required


• Take advantage of ten ways to eat better while you lose weight

 

By focusing on food, faith, and fitness, Chantel shows you not only how to lose weight, but how to build the new life you were designed to live. You don’t have to wait any longer. The One-Day Way gives you all the tools for success, starting right now.

 

 

Author Bio:

The author of Never Say Diet and The Never Say Diet Personal Fitness Trainer, Chantel Hobbs is a motivational speaker, life coach, personal trainer, marathon runner, wife, and mother of four whose story has been featured on Oprah, The Today Show, Good Morning America, Fox & Friends, the 700 Club, and the covers of People and First magazines. She appears weekly on two fitness-themed radio programs and promotes her One-Day Way Learning System on television. Visit Chantel at ChantelHobbs.com for fitness updates and coaching tips.

Chantel Hobbs really lays out an easy plan to diet and weight loss that can truly be essential to all parts of our lives. DO IT ONE DAY AT A TIME. Goals don't seem so enormous and beyond reach if we just look at whats in view today. Chantel lost over a hundred pounds which of course is an inspiration in itself. I do encourage you to get this book . I promise you will find it helpful and encouraging. Plus there are some great exercises in this book. I had an extra copy to give away so I gave it to a dear friend of mine who like me also struggles with being overweight.  You can get your copy here though:
The One Day Way

The Male Factor Book Review

Hey Everyone, Long time no blogging :) We had the power cord to the laptop to die, some flu (eewwww) and a lot of snow that can you believe it... IS STILL HANGING AROUND! 5o degree weather yesterday and today and still there is snow and ice at our house. So I have not had the chance to get on here and blog since I didnt get to the library; and I even missed a book review. I almost missed this one too. But anyway here I am and here is the review.

Summary:  

Many talented women today risk undermining their careers without realizing it, simply because they don’t understand how they are perceived by their male colleagues and customers.
In What Men really Think, best-selling author Shaunti Feldhahn reveals the inner reality behind men’s views — the unspoken expectations that no man would dare to publicly acknowledge, and no woman would learn from an HR department. These revelations include:

 

• Men’s unwritten ‘rules’ of the workplace
• How men perceive workplace emotion
• What common situations with female colleagues most frustrate men-- and why
• Why revealing clothing can sabotage a woman’s effectiveness
• Why some men think flextime is fine, but equal compensation for it is not

  This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Okay , if you ever wondered why women face things in the workplace that make you want to pull your hair out; then you should read this book. Did you know that the way a woman dresses in the workplace can affect how a man reacts to her as a professional? Some men see womens work clothes as a camouflage. They think that women purposely try to avert coworkers attention to their physical attributes to attempt to cover up professional faults. Also the way a woman constructs her sentences can be taken the wrong way. Of course I'm sure not all male coworkers feel the same way but still this book is a handy one for your shelf if you are a female working professional. There is some great information to help you whether you are already in the workplace or are planning to enter it soon. Lots of great stuff to take into account.

You can buy it here:

The Male Factor