life lessons with Lucado

The hardcover Lucado Life Lessons Study Bible: Inspirational Applications for Living Your Faith, in the New King James version, is full of study tips and tidbits. Max Lucado has a gift for connecting God's word in a practical and applicable way to a variety of life issues. The text itself is in an easy to read font, with chapters and headings in large bold print. As a study Bible, it is well organized and easy to navigate.

For those who like topical studies, this Bible contains a Devotional Index of a wide variety of topics with accompanying page numbers. Full-Page Devotional Bible Studies are periodically inserted throughout the Bible and can be searched for in the Devotional Index. There is also a Two-year Devotional Reading Plan for those that like an exegetical approach of reading sections of scripture. Each book of the Bible, both Old Testament and New Testament, begin with an introduction -- a contemporary explanation to the book as well as the specific stats such as author, when it was written, key themes, key verse, and contents. Sprinkled througout are also Life Lessons: a focus on a specific section of verses with a closer look at the situation, an observation, inspiration, application, and further verses for exploration. Other useful helps and features are: Christ Through the Bible, New Life in Christ, He Did This Just for You Verses, New Believer Studies, Spiritual Growth Verses, "The Big Picture" Reading Plan, "Where to Turn When..." Index, and a Reading Program.

This would be a perfect gift or personal purchase for a wide variety of ages and circumstances. It would make a great gift for grads, or for new Christians. It would also be treasured by those who have enjoyed Max Lucado's other works or for those looking for a comprehensive study bible for a multiaged group.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

what i read in may

what i read in may by ricracretro on Polyvore.com

May seems to have been my month where all the books I'd requested at FVRL of top "must reads" for teens came in. Doing some research for ordering for work next year. Plus, good literature is good literature and I'm always on the hunt for new favorites. About 1/2 the titles were actual paper copies and the other 1/2 were digital books I read on my Kobo.

In May, nine were nice:

• Enna Burning by Shannon Hale
• Fools Rush In by Janice Thompson
• Making Waves by Lorna Seilstad
• Matched by Ally Condie
• Paper Roses by Amanda Cabot
• The Ragamuffins by Anna King
• River Secrets by Shannon Hale
• A Tailor-made Bride by Karen Witemeyer
• The Twilight Saga : the Official Illustrated Guide by Stephenie Meyer

what i read in march

what i read in march by ricracretro on Polyvore.com


Hmm, I read more than I realized this month . . . once I see the list compiled. Add to that about 100 emails a day, random articles in magazines and newspapers, blog posts, basically anything written that crosses my path and you've got an idea of the state of my curiosity. Here is my list of books (both paper and eInk) that I've wallowed in this past month:

• The Advent Calendar by Steven Croft
• Beastly by Alex Flinn
• A Designer's Eye for Scrapbooking by Ali Edwards
• A Designer's Eye for Scrapbooking with Patterned Paper by Ali Edwards 
• Fairytale by Cyn Batog
• Flip, Spin & Play: Creating Interactive Scrapbook Pages by Memory Makers
• A Girl Named Mister by Nikki Grimes
• Google Apps for Dummies by Dan Gookin
• The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
• Idealware Social Media Decision Guide by Idealware
• Incredible iPhone Apps for Dummies by Bob LeVitus
• The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
• Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
• Stuck in the Middle by Jill Eileen Smith
• The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova
• Sword in the Stars by Wayne Thomas Batson
• Sunrise by Grace Livingston Hill 
• Twitter: Tips, Tricks, and Tweets by Paul McFedries
• The Twitter Book by Tim O'Reilly and Sarah Milstein
• What the Great Ate: a Curious History of Food and Fame by Matthew Jacob and Mark Jacob

what i read in january

what i read in january by ricracretro on Polyvore.com

I've decided that I will keep track of what I read from month to month this year. I've always meant to do this; so with a new year comes a new effort. Of course, in addition to the list below, I also read magazines, newspapers, emails . . . the product sales pitch on the back of shampoo bottles; basically whatever lays before me. I read for the sake of reading, of my own curiosity, as an occupational "hazard" (I am a Secondary School Librarian), and for pleasure.

Sometimes I'll read something by an author and be so charmed that I go on a reading binge and consume all material I can find by that author; hence the large number of books this month by Carola Dunn.

And of course I have several books on-the-go as I type, which I will add to February's list.

So then, here are my literary wanderings of January; some pages I had never seen before, and others it was a joy to revisit.

• Amelia Bedelia Helps Out by Peggy Parish
• Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
• Christmas in the Country by Carola Dunn
• The Clue in the Old Album by Carolyn Keene
• Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
• The Frog Earl by Carola Dunn 
• From the Secret Place in my Heart by Robin Jones Gunn
• Gunpowder Plot by Carola Dunn
• The Hobbitt by J. R. R. Tolkien
• The Improper Governess by Carola Dunn
• Intertwined by Gena Showalter 
• Kobe eReader User Guide  
• Lady in the Briars by Carola Dunn
• Miss Hartwell's Dilemma by Carola Dunn
• Miss Jacobson's Journey by Carola Dunn 
• My Dearest Valentine  by Carola Dunn
• My Lord Winter by Carola Dunn
• The Mystery of Mary by Grace Livingston Hill
• New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
• The Search by Grace Livingston Hill
• The Sign of the Twisted Candle by Carola Dunn
• The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares
• A Voice in the Wilderness by Grace Livingston Hill

away in a manger

Feeling a little "Bah! Humbug!"? Wanting to refocus your heart this holiday season? Wallow in the wonder of Christ's birth. Robert J. Morgan, author and pastor, writes one short story each year to share with his church. The Nativity Collection includes six of these stories. These tales are infused with hope, humor, and heart warming moments, thankfully without the schmaltz often found in "inspirational" literature. I found myself thinking of the characters and the truths of Christ's Christmas story beyond my time spent in the pages of this book. I'd definitely recommend picking up a copy or two and passing it on.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

make a difference

Max Lucado speaks from the heart in his newest work "Out Live Your Life: You Were Made To Make A Difference." Lucado expertly weaves biblical and contemporary examples of peoples response to those in need. There are many tangible suggestions of how to get involved and make a difference to the desperate and despairing around us; tackling the overwhelming needs that surround us. Each chapter begins and ends with a verse, in a sense creating book ends for the words of exhortation in between. This book not only covers why we should live our lives to make a difference, but also to whom, and how. I found myself pondering the truths shared and humbled by the challenges these insights represent.  I also appreciate that 100% of the sales from this book are being donated to help those in need through organizations such as World Vision. It's a win-win situation.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

sing, sing a song

I have looked for years.
Hunted about.
And then one day I found it.
I was thrilled!
So I ordered it.
And waited and waited for the post to deliver.
Today there was a little flat package.
Oh joy . . . could it be?!
It is!
My treasure.
My very own copy.
My "Song of the Highlands" by Sharon Gillenwater.
The hunt is over.
Now the re-reading can begin.
Anytime I choose.
I can wander the highlands of Scotland.
Hold my breath during the daring rescue.
Watch love unfold.
Hear of God's faithfulness.
Reach for a Kleenex (or two).
Then smile, because the book is mine.

shhhh . . . it's a secret

"A Summer Secret" by Kathleen Fuller is the first book in The Mysteries of Middlefield series. This story follows the summer adventures of thirteen-year-old Mary Beth who is the oldest child of an Amish family. The beliefs and lifestyle of the Amish are explored with compassion and insight. The details of the mystery Mary Beth finds herself plunged into are woven throughout the pages, causing the reader to be curious right from the first page. This is largely a coming of age story where Mary Beth must makes choices based on what she values, is entrusted with increased responsibilities, and learns to view her family and those she cares about in a new light. The characters vivid are charming and I found myself cheering them on. The story wraps up in a heartwarming way, with no disappointments. I am curious to see what mysteries book number 2 of this series holds.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

i wonder . . .

Tim Downs' newest novel "Wonders Never Cease" was my introduction to this author. It is not a forensic suspense novel as are many of his other renown works. The majority of the story is told by, and revolves around the character Kemp McAvoy. His main priority is attaining wealth and stature; schemes and lies swirl around all his doings. He is so thoroughly unlikable that I found it challenging to care enough to find out what happened to him next. Kemp plots a get-rich-quick scheme that involves impersonating an angel. Parallel to this story line is the young daughter of Kemp's girlfriend who has seen angels, but has met with mixed reactions to her "gift". The reader is left drawing conclusions on what an angel's role is, as well as consequences to unbelief. The ending, though somewhat predictable, wraps everything up nicely and closes on a note of wonder. Although this isn't a book I would read again, Tim Downs does have a unique style of writing and it makes me curious if I would like one of his other books better.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

peculiar treasures

My teen years were spent reading and re-reading the Christy Miller Series & the College Years trilogy by Robin Jones Gunn. The characters captivated me; the way their relationship with God grew and changed throughout the series. Imagine my joy as I perused Amazon and discovered the soon-to-be published "Peculiar Treasures", the beginning of the Katie Weldon Series. I eagerly awaited for each addition to this trilogy, thrilled to be back in the world of Christy and Katie once again. It was like sitting down to tea with a friend you haven't talked with for a while. Comfortable. Good for the heart. Reminiscent. A joy. The Katie Weldon series picks up where the College Years series ends but from the perspective of Katie. This week I came across the set of all 3 books, on sale at my local Christian book store. I snatched them off the shelf smiling to myself; they are books I can't NOT own. They are friends I will visit with over a cup of tea time and time again.

a conversation with God

Buy		Read

I was so intrigued by the idea of author Larry Crabb in writing “66 Love Letters”, was excited to get my hands on a copy, and captivated by what I read. I have always thought of the Bible as God’s love letter to us and appreciated the relational and nitty gritty way that Crabb summarized the truths God has revealed in His love letter to us. The book has short chapters, one for each book of the bible, and is further organized into 7 parts; providing an overall view and quick glimpse at God’s plan for mankind. The more I poked around this book, the more brilliant the organization of it proved to be. Although the chapters are brief, they encourage the reader to delve into God’s word and ponder what they find; I found Crabb’s writing to convey Biblical truths. I appreciate the honesty and sincerity that is woven throughout these pages; it does not come across as a know-all or absolute in knowledge. It reads more like a diary of the musings and wisdom of a fellow follower. 66 Love Letters has a permanent spot on my book shelf and I have already recommended it to many others. It is definitely worth obtaining a copy.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”