Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Capital Gaines By Chip Gaines

                                                                  GIVEAWAY!

The most important step is taking the first one.
The funny and talented Chip Gaines is well known to millions of people as a TV star, renovation expert, bestselling author, husband to Joanna, and father of 4 in Waco, Texas. But long before the world took notice, Chip was a serial entrepreneur who was always ready for the next challenge, even if it didn’t quite work out as planned. Whether it was buying a neighborhood laundromat or talking a bank into a loan for some equipment to start a lawn-mowing service, Chip always knew that the most important thing was to take that first step.
In Capital Gaines, we walk alongside him as he relives some of his craziest antics and the lessons learned along the way. His mentors taught him to never give up and his family showed him what it meant to always have a positive attitude despite your circumstances. Throw in a natural daredevil personality and a willingness to do (or eat!) just about anything, and you have the life and daily activity of Chip Gaines.
Capital Gaines is the perfect book for anyone looking to succeed not only in business but more importantly in life. 


Chip Gaines and his wife, Joanna Gaines, are co-founders and co-owners of Magnolia Homes, Magnolia Market and Magnolia Realty in Waco, Texas. Together, they also host HGTV’s Fixer Upper, where Chip handles construction and Joanna serves as the lead designer. 

Chip was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico and was raised in Dallas, Texas. He graduated from Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business with a degree in marketing. Chip is an entrepreneur by nature, and started and sold many small businesses before Magnolia. Having grown up spending time on his granddad’s ranch in North Texas, Chip became a true cowboy at heart. He was made for hard labor and always preferred digging ditches to academic pursuits.

Chip specializes in making the impossible possible for Joanna's designs, and his design preference is “whatever Joanna likes." To say he adds comic relief to the team would be an understatement.

Recently Chip and Joanna partnered to write their autobiography: The Magnolia Story. The Magnolia Story details their life together; from how they met and their first home renovation projects, to how they came to have their own TV show and much more.

Chip loves life with his four kiddos and is head over heels for Joanna. Hand in hand is exactly how Chip prefers to work, which makes Fixer Upper even more fun to watch, and he enjoys seeing his and Joanna’s passions merge to complement and serve one another.


My Thoughts...

Witty, raw, real, refreshingly honest, and oh so touching!
This is so much more than a tell all book. Gaines is well known on HGTV's Fixer Upper he's known as a funny goofy guy. But this book shows us the real Gaines.
He is a very positive God fearing man. His outlook on life is not what you would think after watching him on TV every week.  
I found so many little bits of information that made me love him and Jo Jo so much more. I will share one big one with you his work ethic is above and beyond anything you see on TV. His love for family and God shine through out this book. His intentions towards his employees hold great merit and respect. He is a man of honor. 
You get to see behind the scenes the real man we all love. So don't miss this book. 
I am very sad to see the end of Fixer Upper, but I can not wait to see where The Gaines family goes from here.
This is a book not to be missed, in fact it is a book to be shared with others in your life.I gave this book 5 stars two times it is just that good.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

Monday, October 30, 2017

She's Got The Wrong Guy By: Deepak Reju




Why do the nicest women pick guys who let them down for one reason or another? The answers are not always straightforward. For some women, the issue is as simple as not really thinking through what they re looking for or should be looking for in a man. Others feel they d rather be with someone (and pretty much anyone will do) than be alone, while still others are unconsciously replicating patterns of bad relationships they learned in childhood or from traumatic experiences and don t know how to stop the cycle. Deepak Reju, writing from his years of experience as a pastor and a counselor, shares with women his perspective on how to assess a relationship s strengths from the beginning, how to identity possible pitfalls, and how to have the courage to not just settle but to wait for a relationship that will be a blessing to both of you.

Pick up your copy here...
 
 
Deepak Reju is a pastor, counselor, husband, father, and now an author. His passion is for studying God's Word, loving his family and shepherding God's people.

His day job is as the pastor of biblical counseling and families at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC. His 24-hour, 7-days-a-week privilege is to be Sarah's husband (since 2001) and father to five adorable children. 

Deepak is the author of several books and articles, including "Great Kings of the Bible: How Jesus is Greater than Saul, David and Solomon" (Christian Focus), "On Guard: Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse at Church" (New Growth Press), "The Pastor and Counseling: The Basics of Shepherding Members in Need" (CrossWay), and "She's Got the Wrong Guy: Why Smart Women Settle" (New Growth Press). 

Deepak also serves on the board of directors of the Biblical Counseling Coalition (www.biblicalcounselingcoalition.org) and a trustee for the Christian Counseling and Education Foundation (www.ccef.org). 

My Thoughts...

I was not impressed with this book at all. But then I am not the right audience for this book so that could have had something to do with it.
It is a book geared more toward single girls.
It is a self help book for those that don't know what they are looking for and tend to settle for the  bad guy.
So if you are single and looking for the right guy give this book a try.
I'm not at all sure that a book will help you with that but it has some good points in it to get you to think.
I gave this book 3 stars. It was just not my cup of tea.
 The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Sunday Funday 5 Important Things to Me



These are 5 things that I can't live without on a day to day basis. This list doesn't include God, My husband, My two Babies (Pets), the Bible, and people. Those are all a given.

   First I think I was born with a book in my hand. I love to travel to far off places on their pages. I love to escape reality. No matter where you see me I will always have a book with me. In my purse or in my hand one will be with me at all times. I can't stand for people to not know how to read, I wish that I could teach everyone how to read! Books will take you places you could otherwise not go.
 
 
I have a HUGE love for music. I listen to music on a daily basis. I will have music playing in the back ground while I am reading. Some people say listening music while reading is a distraction. Not for me. I also listen to it when I am cooking, cleaning, riding in a car or taking a bath. I listen to music in every aspect of my life. I can be in a bad mood and music can pull me right out of it. I can be in a deep depression and music can lift my spirits.


Electronics play a big part in my life. Whether it is my phone, my laptop, or tablet. I am connected with people through my electronics. It allows me to be there for my friends and family as well them be there for me. If it wasn't for my laptop I would not be able to blog. I can not live without my laptop and cell phone.


Chocolate need I say more? I eat chocolate every single day. I eat candy bars, cake, cookies. As long as it has chocolate in it it's for me. One of my favorite things is when it gets cold, I love a good book with a mug of hot cocoa.


Last but not least. My kitchen is my sanctuary. I love to cook. Everything I cook is from scratch  and with lots of love. Like music, cooking and baking cheers me up. One of my favorite things about Christmas is baking tons cookies and candy. I love to try to cook new recipes and I like to cook different things for dinner every evening. Of course you have to have something Chocolate for desert, so I bake something everyday.

You all have learned a little about me. Now let me learn a little about you. Comment below with five of your favorite things besides God, the Bible, church, pets, and people.

Saturday, October 28, 2017

May the Faith Be With You Holy Bible




Life in the Spirit isn’t about cushioned pews and easy living—it’s about adventure, risk, daring, and the pursuit of wisdom. It’s about letting the awesome power of God work through you to do things you never thought possible.
 
In this brand-new full-text Bible, you’ll learn the highest, truest, and most rewarding way to a life of wisdom, apprenticing with the Ultimate Master himself—Jesus Christ.
Features include:
  • 24 full-color pages of content on the marvel of God’s creation and the meaning of faith
  • Vibrant outer space imagery
  • Compelling, metallic-embellished cover
  • The complete text of the New International Reader's Version (NIrV) of the Bible

Pick up your copy here...

My thoughts...
 
Star wars fans are you ready for this?
May The Faith Be With You is a wonderful youth Bible for ages 6 to 10 years old. The Bible is in a somewhat star wars theme and has a good sturdy hard cover that could withstand younger readers. It is in The New International Reader's version that makes it an easier read for youth from grades 2-6. Throughout the Bible there are sections that have color pages. On the color pages there are three different study guides, Ways of Wisdom, Use the Force and Master Moments. One of the Ways of Wisdom teaches about sin, repentance, grace, forgiveness, hell and heaven. In one of the Use the Force lessons teaches the Ten Commandments. In one of the Master Moments lessons it teaches about creation. Over all I think that this study Bible is great for our little ones.
I gave this Bible 4 stars.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Baptism in the name of Jesus, or Baptism in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost?







Baptism in the name of Jesus, or baptism in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost?

 I recently had a conversation about baptism with a friend. The conversation got me to thinking. The question was posed what is the right way to be baptized. And I want to get my blog readers opinions. Some believe it should be in the Name of the Father, the son, and the Holy Ghost. Others believe it should be in the name of Jesus for remission of sins. So I want you blog readers to tell the way you believe you should be baptized. In Mark in the 16th chapter the scripture says” And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned”. The following is a brief explanation of both.

Jesus Name Baptism
The belief of the Christians that baptize in the Name of Jesus use several scriptures to support their argument. In Acts 2 Peter is preaching to people after he is filled with the Holy Spirit. Peter explained who Jesus was. He also preached Jesus crucified and risen from the dead. That brings us to verse 37 that reads as follows.

Acts 2:37-38
37) Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
38) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

The men felt remorse and asked Peter what they should do. That is when Peter told them to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins.  In the book of Acts whenever baptism is mentioned it is in the name of the Jesus.  There are several more scriptures in Acts that speaks about Jesus name baptism.

Acts 8:16
16) For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Acts 10:48
48) And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Acts 19:5
5) When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus

Acts 22:16
16)And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Outside of scripture the Encyclopedia Britannia in the 11th Edit., Vol. 3, pages. 365-366 it states that the baptismal formula was changed from the name of Jesus Christ to the words Father, Son & Holy Ghost by the Catholic Church in the Second Century. Also in the Catholic encyclopedia in Vol. 2, pg. 263 states that the way of baptism was changed by the Catholic church.

Baptism in the name of the Father the Son and Holy Ghost.

To Baptize by saying I baptize you in the name of the Father The son and Holy Ghost comes from the Bible Verse…

Matthew 28:19
19) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

When someone who is baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are believed to have become fully identified with the Trinitarian God. Hence, at the point of baptism one enters a special relationship with the divine Godhead. One does not enjoy this relationship before baptism. “The” precedes each of the Holy Three. It is “the Father,” “the Son,” and “the Holy Spirit.” The repetitious use of the article indicates that three distinct Persons.

Water baptism is a reminder of the death, burial, and resurrection of our Savior, not compulsory or has no salvation qualities. It is important to explain to the person potentially being baptized that they are already saved, if indeed they have confessed Jesus as Savior.

 This is simply your opinion. Please do not fuss and argue and please respect other people’s beliefs.

Mary's Home By Jerry Eicher



Mary Yoder's life couldn't get much better. She's engaged to be married, spring is in the air, and love is in her heart as she looks forward to the fall wedding she's always dreamed of.

Six months later on a crisp November morning, Mary awakens in a lovely little valley near the Adirondack Mountains on what was to be her wedding day, heartbroken and alone.

Her sister, Betsy, tries to protect Mary from the romantic overtures of Stephen Overholt, a longtime Amish bachelor. Betsy is considering jumping the fence for the Englisha world and encourages Mary to follow.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Gabert, an elderly Englisha grandmother, launches her own matchmaking effort on behalf of her grandson Willard, who is a missionary to Kenya and nursing his own broken heart. She hopes that Willard and Mary can find comfort in one another despite the fact they come from two different worlds.

As Mary struggles to accept the Lord's will, she must determine whether or not one of her potential suitors can give her the future that was denied her.

Pick up your copy here...
 
 

As a boy, Jerry Eicher spent eight years in Honduras where his grandfather helped found an Amish community outreach. As an adult, Jerry taught for two terms in parochial Amish and Mennonite schools in Ohio and Illinois. He has been involved in church renewal for 14 years and has preached in churches and conducted weekend meetings of in-depth Bible teaching. Jerry lives with his wife, Tina, and their four children in Virginia. 


My Thoughts...


MUST READ!
This was by far the best book of the three books in the Peace in the Valley series. This can be read as a stand alone, but I would read the whole series. It's just that good!
I love the story line and the characters were the most loving and the most believable. Aside from the fact that Mary and Willard those of you who know me know that's mine and my husbands name were the two that made this book shine out of all the others. 
What servants hearts they both had. My heart ached for Mary, and I rooted for her all the way until the very end.
This is a five star book that you don't want to miss. It is not your average Amish book, so don't think that you are picking up a copy of an already been told read story. Eicher was once Amish so he tells an Amish story like no other. And the romance is so good in this one.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Rescued Hearts By: Hope Dougherty



Children’s clothing designer Mary Wade Kimball’s soft spot for animals leads to a hostage situation when she spots a briar- entangled kitten in front of an abandoned house. Beaten, bound, and gagged by the two thugs inside, Mary Wade loses hope for escape when a third villain returns with supplies. Discovering the kidnapped woman ratchets the complications for undercover agent Brett Davis. Weighing the difference of ruining his three months’ investigation against the woman’s safety, Brett forsakes his mission and helps her escape, the bent-on-revenge brutes following behind. When Mary Wade’s safety is threatened once more, Brett rescues her again. This time, her personal safety isn’t the only thing in jeopardy. Her heart is endangered as well.

Pick up your copy here...
 
 
 
Before writing novels, Hope Toler Dougherty published non-fiction articles on topics ranging from gardening with children and environmental awareness to writing apprehension. A native North Carolinian, she likes cheering with her husband, Kevin, for the Pittsburgh Steelers, ACC basketball, and Army West Point Football. 

Things that make her happy include her four children, writing and receiving real mail, cooking, reading, books, book stores, book clubs, used book sales, libraries, crocheting, and traveling. Things that make her sad include washing dishes, de-cluttering, dusting, sweeping, mopping…

My Thoughts...
This is a new to me author. 
Rescued Hearts has suspense, romance and good characters.
I had a tough time getting into it. Midway through it picked up and  I was happy that I continued reading it.
I liked that the characters were believable and real life played into the story.
I will say that this is a 4 star read. Give it a try.
   The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own. 

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Descriptions and Prescriptions By: Michael Emlet




OCD, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder . . . these are not just diagnoses from the DSM; they are part of our everyday vocabulary and understanding of people. As Christians, how should we think about psychiatric diagnoses and their associated treatments? We can t afford to isolate ourselves and simply dismiss these categories as unbiblical. Nor can we afford to accept the entire secular psychiatric diagnostic and treatment enterprise at face value as though Scripture is irrelevant for these complex struggles. Instead, we need a balanced, biblically (and scientifically!) informed approach that is neither too warmly embracing nor too coldly dismissive of psychiatric labels and the psychiatric medications that are often prescribed. Biblical counselor and retired physician, Michael R. Emlet, gives readers a helpful way forward on these important issues as he guides lay and professional helpers in the church through the thicket of mental health diagnoses and treatments in a clear, thoughtful primer in which the Bible informs our understanding of psychiatric diagnoses and the medications that are often recommended based on those labels. This first book in the Helping the Helper series will give readers biblical, gospel-formed categories that will help them understand and minister to those who are struggling with mental health issues.

Pick up your copy here...
 
 
 
Michael R. Emlet, M.Div., M.D., practiced as a family physician for twelve years before becoming a counselor and faculty member at CCEF. He is the author of many counseling articles and the booklets, Asperger Syndrome, Angry Children: Understanding and Helping Your Child Regain Control, Help for the Caregiver: Facing the Challenges with Understanding and Strength, and OCD: Freedom for the Obsessive Compulsive.
 
 
My Thoughts...

This is a very thin book 98 pages to be exact. I would say that this book reads more for health care associates than the patients. It's geared more toward health care workers that would understand the  medical jargon.
I am a believer that has faith and I know Jesus is all we need. I also believe that Jesus gave Doctors the knowledge to know what medicines will help us and heal us.
So I am going to have to say for the average person with a mental illness this is maybe not a book for them. Easily influenced people  would maybe not understand the whole meaning in this book.
With all of that said I would give this book 3 stars and say its a book for medical professionals.
   The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.  

Sunday, October 22, 2017

Music for the Soul






We want to share with you some of our favorite songs we listen to throughout the week. These are songs that we listen to when we are happy, sad, traveling, cleaning the house or on the way to work. In our house music is just as important to us as reading. Music can touch the depths of your spirit and move you in a way that other things can not.

God of Wonders – Third Day
Your Love O Lord – Third Day
Set A Fire – Will Reagan and United Pursuit
Empty Me – Jeremy Camp
Walk By Faith – Jeremy Camp
You Are Welcome - Will Reagan and United Pursuit
Dancing Generation – Matt Redman
10,000 Reasons - Matt Redman
You Never Let Go – Matt Redman
Blessed Be Your Name – Matt Redman
Gold – Britt Nicole
I’ve Always Loved You – Third Day
It’s a Beautiful Day – Jamie Grace
Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
East to West – Casting Crowns
When I am having a really rough day and I'm down, I listen to Mandisa’s Out of the Dark album. It is a good album that will lift you up. I always feel so much better after listening to it!

 Share with me some of your favorite songs that you listen to over and over. Or songs that have a special meaning to you. Do you have songs from the past that take you back to  a happy place?