Parables of Jesus

This 3 episodes DVD was meant to be "an allegorical presentation of the parables of Jesus in a clear, challenging and engaging way." In my opinion it fell short of reaching that objective. I found the stories presented a little loose in their translation. My 11, 7 and 4 year olds all watched with me and were unable to make the connection to the biblical parables each episode represented(even I had some trouble). I didn't really understand a few scenes, were unknown characters popped in for a second as if the audience knew who they were and what they were up too. I have not seen previous DVDs; so I am not sure if that would have helped or not. Also, there were several scenes were "bad" characters were sent to an island called Lost-a-soul-a (so if you steal something your a lost soul?). That's how I perceived the message anyways.

On a positive note the characters were very humorous and engaging. This wasn't a high quality cartoon but the graphics were well put together and the flow was good. The DVD was 45 minutes long; just long enough for a good break during a long day.

This DVD gets a 1 out of 5 from me.

This DVD was sent to me by Booksneeze in exchange for my honest review.

Lioness Arising by Lisa Bevere

My first impression: First, I have to say this book was very different from what I usually read. The author definitely did her homework when it came to describing the life of a lioness. I found the book very motivating and challenging at the same time.

Summary: This book was, in a nutshell, a challenge to all christian women to rise up and change their world. The authors comparison of a women's christianity with that of a lioness was very fascinating. She did an excellent job with her analogy of a lionesses strength, passion and beauty and that of a woman of faith. The challenge to christian women was to use our God given abilities to change our world spiritually.

Quote from Book: " The wild, fierce beauty of creation is but a window that offers a glimpse of the God who created us. We need to throw open this window and allow God's untamed, limitless beauty to awaken a heavenly awe within us. As we open our eyes to the wonder of creation, it arouses a God-yearning. Our spirit will respond to what it sees."

What I liked: My favorite part of the book was about the protection of our children. As a parent I completely get the lioness' protection and guidance of their young. I understand how something so beautiful and graceful can become wild and aggressive when the safety of her cubs are threatened.

What I didn't like: Although I loved the authors passion for those enslaved in human trafficking, I felt she might have went a little overboard in mentioning it so many times in her book. I didn't feel it was in line with the concept of the book; though it would not bother me if it was mentioned(maybe just not so many times).

Rating: I would give this book a 2 out of 5 points.

Here is a link to download the first chapter: http://multnomahemails/wbmlt/pdf/SneakPeekLionessArising.pdf

*This book was given to me from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review

Voices of the Faithful by Beth Moore

How can a missionary from another world inspire me? How can a christian ministering to another people group actually have anything that can encourage me? After reading this book those questions will no longer be in your vocabulary. Beth Moore has done an excellent job in compiling inspiring stories of courage from Christians serving around the world.

This 365 daily devotional has one topic for each month packed with daily encouragement and inspiring stories from missionaries and Christians serving in countries all around the world.

Beth gives a short introduction at the beginning of each month; that really sets the tone for that months topic. Each day has a one page devotional including verse, true accounts from fellow believers around the world, and a short prayer. This book is very easy to use as a daily devotional, but you could also just read through it at your own leisure as well.

I really enjoyed these true to life accounts from other Christians, and was able to apply their life lessons easily to my own life experiences and challenges. Not only motivating and captivating; these stories were most definitely inspiring. Great book for young adult to adult age; male or female alike.

This book was sent to me by Booksneeze in exchange for my honest review.

Blind Hope by Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher

This book is an actual reacccount of a young woman who rescued an unwanted dog, Mia. This dog had alot of medical problems; resulting in blindness. Through this dogs daily living and dealing with her disability, the woman was able to clearly see what she needed most. She discovered God's grace, acceptance and undconditional love through her relationship with her dog, Mia.
I rarely reads books like this one, but my 11 year daughter( a complete animal lover) convinced me to give it a try. In just a few short days I had completed it and was sharing its life lessons with my husband and best friend. I found this book an easy read, and an incredibly engaging account. I myself have experienced the emotional healing from a relationship with an animal. They seem to understand us, love us unconditionally, and live a day to day life forgiving our endless faults. Thats what this book was about, a woman rescued a dog and in the process the dog rescued her. Through the dogs example she learned daily life lessons that strengthened herself as a worthwhile human being and brought her closer to her Lord.
Here is one of my favorite passages:
"Mia taught me that blind hope doesn't grope around in the darkness trying to find the way. Blind hope doesn't depend on what it can feel. Blind hope depends on what it knows! Authentic hope depends on what is true. Hope that is real doesn't come from what we can see-it comes from our heart, from the inside out. It comes from Christ alone."
This book would be an inspiring read for any teenager or adult. If you are an animal lover you would definitely enjoy this book, and if you are not you would still be inspired by this dogs life.
I have nothing negative to say about this book, only that I wished it were a little longer. I plan on passing this book on to be enjoyed by my sister.

Click on the link below to read the first chapter:

http://multnomahemails.com/wbmlt/pdf/SneakPeek_BlindHope.pdf

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.