Every Bitter Thing is Sweet by Sara Hagerty {Book Review}

http://everybitterthingissweet.com

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book.  My opinions are my own.  I was free to give my honest review whether positive or negative.  This post contains affiliate links.

Simply, wow.  In this book one will find a balm for troubles, hardships, and pain.  And hope.  Hope in a God that loves us and desires for us to live life in its fullness of joy!  With each hardship and seemingly bitter frustration, Sara learns that all the unraveling of herself gives way to the birth if new life.  A newness of life and living that she has yearned for in the inner most parts of her being.  She writes with such vulnerability that I find her book really transparent and fresh water reading to me.  I love that I am enjoying this book!  I find it encouraging as Sara shows us how she came to discover God more deeply and intimately.    Each chapter opens up little by little unfolding the messes and hardships Sara faces in her life.  Her unraveling becomes a place that my heart stirs within me, for I can relate to unravellings in my life.  Her honesty with her faith and how she lived life before coming to an end of herself are encouraging as I feel that most avoid bearing weaknesses.  She writes with a freshness and ease that makes this book one of the "stay up and read all night" kind of books for me.  I would definitely pass to on to friends and family.  

Interested in reading this book, you can find this book on Amazon:
 Every Bitter Thing Is Sweet: Tasting the Goodness of God in All Things

The Man with the Violin {Children's Book Review}

I did receive a free copy of this book for the sole purpose to write a review. This did not affect my thoughts on the book or influence a more positive review.

My Review:

Such a fun book for little readers as well as adults. As a parent myself, I enjoyed this book specifically because it reminded me to stop and enjoy the world. The world we live in is vast and awe inspiring for children...and as an adult we can quickly by pass the wonders and splendors right in front of us. I find it quite a keeper of a book, and one that I would want to keep in our personal library. The illustration is entertaining for both child and adult. And what is more, I feel like the illustrations tell the story in and of themselves!  The artwork by Dušan Petričić was perfect, meaningful in various ways, and fun. Petričić captures what Author Stinson writes in words. I love it!

In short, Another must have and one I personally do not mind reading over and over again.

A little bit about the book:

We find a child whipped about and speedily following after his mother.  What catches his eye are ordinary things, but he observes more than his mother.  Along the way to the train, he is mesmerized by the beautiful sound coming from a man playing the violin.  Surrounded by passersby the only person who seems to appreciate the sound and the music, is the boy.


Publisher's Description

Who is playing that beautiful music in the subway? And why is nobody listening?

On January 12, 2007, the world-famous violinist Joshua Bell took part in an experiment conducted by the Washington Post. What would happen if Bell played his violin in a subway station? Would anyone stop to listen? Dressed as an ordinary street musician and with his priceless Stradivarius in hand, Bell played for 43 minutes in the L’Enfant Plaza Station in Washington, D.C. Over 1,000 busy commuters rushed past. Only seven stopped to listen for more than a minute. Many children had wanted to stop, but an adult inevitably rushed them along. Inspired by this event, author Kathy Stinson imagines what a child who had wanted to stop might have experienced. From this emerged the lovely story ofThe Man with the Violin.

When young Dylan hears the beautiful music, he tries to get his mother to stop and listen, but like everyone else rushing past, she is focused on catching the train. The strains of the music linger in his head all day long until that evening, when he hears the same music being played on the radio. The announcer reveals who the violinist was and why he was playing in the subway station. As Dylan is swept up again by the gorgeous sound, his mother finally stops and listens too. 

Award-winning illustrator Dušan Petričić eagerly embraced the challenge of rendering Stinson’s lyrical text in a way that would capture Dylan’s emotions while interpreting the sounds he heard. With his skillful use of color and imaginative depiction of all the sounds in the subway station, Petričić succeeds in providing the perfect match for the poignant words. Together, Stinson and Petričić have created a picture book classic that reminds us all to open our eyes and ears to discover the beauty around us.

A short biography of Joshua Bell, a recap of the story that inspired this book, and a postscript by Joshua Bell enhance this wonderful tribute to the power of music.

Enjoy this Video about the Book:

Jesus is Greater than Religion {Book Review}

I did receive a free copy of this book for the sole purpose to write a review. This did not affect my thoughts on the book or influence a more positive review.

My Review: 

Author Jefferson does a great job in addressing common problems and issues in matters of religion. He is down to earth, real, and shamefully honest. I say shamefully because, I am convicted myself of some of the thought patterns and actions that are wrong that he confronts in this book. I love that he is fearless and unafraid in his writing. Jesus > Religions puts the focus back upon Jesus, and dismisses the religiosity and "good enough" ideal held by many. As Jesus had done so long ago, Bethke, overturns religion and rules and points back to the basics, back to God. What I enjoy about this book is that he writes through his own experiences. He writes in a manner that is understandable and relatable to a wide audience.

What caught me in this book, was how he was in college writing this. He shares with us the struggles of those he comes across in the dorms. As a floor leader/dorm counselor kids come to him for advice, help, and more. Fueled by words like "tried religion but it didn't work for me" he is moved to write this book and change the mindset of so many--that Jesus is Greater than Religion.

I would recommend this book specifically for those who are struggling with a work first kind of faith, hurt by "religion, christianity, church groups", and as a thermometer for checking if their faith is alive or dead. It woke me up and reminded me and be wary of what I see alot in the church and in myself.

Hands up, a must read.

Description from Publisher:

Abandon dead, dry, rule-keeping and embrace the promise of being truly known and deeply loved.

Jefferson Bethke burst into the cultural conversation in 2012 with a passionate, provocative poem titled “Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus.” The 4-minute video literally became an overnight sensation, with 7 million YouTube views in its first 48 hours (and 23+ million in a year). The message blew up on social-media, triggering an avalanche of responses running the gamut from encouraged to enraged.
In Jesus > Religion, Bethke unpacks similar contrasts that he drew in the poem—highlighting the difference between teeth gritting and grace, law and love, performance and peace, despair and hope. With refreshing candor he delves into the motivation behind his message, beginning with the unvarnished tale of his own plunge from the pinnacle of a works-based, fake-smile existence that sapped his strength and led him down a path of destructive behavior.
Bethke is quick to acknowledge that he’s not a pastor or theologian, but simply a regular, twenty-something who cried out for a life greater than the one for which he had settled. Along his journey, Bethke discovered the real Jesus, who beckoned him beyond the props of false religion.

Also Here's a Video by Bethke I thought you might enjoy! Watch the whole thing :)

Unglued--Making Wise Choices in the Midst of Raw Emotions

Excellent book by Lysa Terkeurst, regarding the thoughts and feelings that are common to most (if not ALL) women! I found myself absolutely intuned with the author for she was quite transparent and personal. Her stories of her "unglued" moments rings some what near to my own personal experiences. I found amazing comfort in knowing that I am not alone and that many women--even very Godly Christian Women who write books find themselves fighting the same battles of frustration, anger, worry, among other things.

I think any woman especially moms and wives will find help and guidance as we are being molded and take every day one moment at a time. Knowing that we are being "chisled" into the person God sees and knows us to be through Jesus Christ. My favorite part in the book is knowing that we are human and that we are in the midst of "imperfect progress" as Lysa says. We may be struggling with controlling our outbursts of anger or frustrations...but that is okay, God sees the masterpiece we are to be. All these situations, troubles, friction, people and circumstances are tools in God's hand. They become tools in the Master's hands and as we all God to work out in us His work we learn how to respond rather than to react and see how all things work together for good and for His Glory.

I am reminded too of how many times I was convicted by figuring out what type of person I am. Lysa classifies different types of "Unglued" reactions. Of which I have found myself in all categories depending on person and situation. One thing that got my attention was my relationship with those close to me. I feel like I am one to gather up the wrongs and store them within me for later. As people and situations anger me I just simply store it up as a "rock" to throw when I have had it and start retaliating all at once throwing back at them. It sounds awful and is awful--but I love how she helps us through them. Everytime I am aware of gathering stones to cast for later...I let it go. Forgive. Taste the regret I would feel after my "flinging of rocks and stones" and consider the person. Sounds easier than it is, but all throughout this book one will find help and guidance as you embark on your own walk of imperfect progress.


I love this book and give it 5 out of 5 Stars!  I highly recommend it.

Disclosure: I have received a free copy of this book for the purpose of reviewing it.  I was not compensated in any other way.  I have provided my honest opinions of this book and all words are my own.  

CLASSIC ELITE QUICK KNITS Review

I quite loved the variety and selections of patterns included in this book.  As a medium-beginner knitter, I appreciate that the book incorporated various levels of patterns.  I have to admit that as far as Quick Knits go--knitting and finishing a project took me quite some time.  I tried out a Beginner's pattern and found that the directions can be a little confusing.  There were times in which a more clearer choice of words would have saved me a great deal of time!  I have found other quick knit books or last minute projects books easier and to be better suited for me than this Classic Elite Quick Knits book.

I would recommend this book for a more experienced Intermediate Knitter.  Though there are beginner's patterns, I still believe that it is better suited for a rather experienced knitter.  The pictures throughout the book are exquisite--and quite fun to browse!  I love that I can see what the finished product would look like.  So five stars for the quality and quantity of pictures!  This book contains 100 patterns which I think for a retail value of 24.95 is a steal. 

Overall, I enjoyed using this book and when I have more experience in knitting and understanding the language jargon--I can expect that this book would be more of a "Quick Knit" book for me!

I would give this book a 3.5 out of 5 stars just because I felt that though the book was intended for all levels of skill would much rather be geared, again towards a more skilled knitter.
Value of book 5 out of 5 stars
Quality 4 out of 5 stars

Disclosure: Netgalley provided me a digital copy to review in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

Dezignz by Liz Cloth Wipes {Review & Giveaway}

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Little bit about Dezignz by Liz:

Alrighty, Now I am super excited to share this giveaway with you.  I have bought some wipes from Dezignz By Liz a while back ago, and am loving them!  Liz, I must say, you have a keen eye for fashionably darling fabric dezignz!  Moms, I must warn  you of the stellar fabrics she has in her Etsy Shop!  Don't say I did not warn you...you'll fall in love with her Owlies and Whales and Polka Dots!  I wish I could deck my daughter's nook with everything by Liz!  She has a great eye when it comes to picking out fabrics!

 

Book Review: My First Words At Home

Book Review: My First Words at HOME

I think this would be a great board book for my little girl!  The colorful vivid pictures that are identifiable and common enough for her to recognize provide my one year old enough to keep her attention for a while as I read.  I think it is fun, and is a book that will help her when she is old enough to be learning how to read.

 The words are something that I can easily point out and with a big picture near the word I am saying, I am sure this book can help little one learn their first words of Home.  It's a nice first "words" book for toddlers and though I wish the words were a bit bigger to catch my daughter's attention a lot more, I think it's still a good book to have.

Where to Buy:
Where to get your own "My First Words of HOME" or for more books like this check out their website:  http://www.starbrightbooks.org/details.php?id=344 

From the kitchen to the living room to the bedroom and the bathroom there are over 100 words for baby to discover in this exciting romp around the house-both inside and out! Photos of familiar objects and new discoveries will have children talking about all the fascinating things they find at home and in the backyard too. Board Book.  --Description from the Star Bright Website



Thank you to Net Galley for providing our family access to check out books to review!  And Thank you to Star Bright Books for letting us review your book!  Review is our own and is our honest opinion of the book.

Book Review: My Face Book

Book Review: My Face Book

Babies love looking at other babies and these charming baby faces, smiling, frowning, and laughing are sure to captivate and delight toddlers and babies. They will ask to look at and to read the book again and again. Self-expression has never been more adorable! Board Book. --Description of My Face Book from their website.

I am really starting to love looking through Starbright Books!  Here is yet another one of their board books that are fun for little ones!  How often does my little girl love looking at other babies?  All the time!  She is often enraptured by looking at their faces and looking back at me.  I think it is fun to see her interact with other children.

My Face Book by Starbright Books is another one that I would recommend to toddlers.  For one thing, babies love looking at faces!  This book is different than most of the baby books we have on our book shelf.  My Face Book has great pictures of faces of real kids having real emotions.  It is colorful and includes words to describe the faces the kids make.  Who would not want to look at these cuties?

Where to Buy or see what other books visit their Website: 

http://www.starbrightbooks.org/details.php?id=327#

 Thank you to Net Galley for providing our family access to check out books to review!  And Thank you to Star Bright Books for letting us review your book!  Review is our own and is our honest opinion of the book.