The 10 Myths of Teen Dating Book Review

 

Truths your daughter needs to know to 

date smart, avoid disaster, and protect her future

SUMMARY:  Your daughter is ready to date.  You need help!

     There is no moment of greater panic in a parent's life than when his or her daughter begins to date.  But many parents feel ill equipped to guide their daughters through the minefield that is teen dating.   And by the same token, teenagers crave genuine information about dating and relationships.

     So how do you talk to your daughter about relationships and her future happiness?  Expert educator Daniel Anderson and his daughter Jacquelyn help you navigate the biggest dating myths, including: a boyfriend will make your daughter happy, she should trust her feelings, and sex will enhance her relationship.  Combining scientific research with poignant personal stories and practical application, this book will equip you to teach your daughter how to date smart for today . . . and tomorrow.

REVIEW:  While I was reading this book or anytime she would spot it laying on the kitchen counter, my teenage daughter would roll her eyes and just make a disgruntled noise.  Hannah was embarrassed because I received this book after she started dating her boyfriend.  Since I very rarely dated in high school, I want to help my beautiful daughter safely navigate her through the teenage dating years and beyond.  This book was very helpful in giving me insight to current teenage dating practices, thoughts and ideas.  The authors discuss ten common myths, such as "a boyfriend will make me happy," "love and sex are the same," "he will never hit me again," and "serial dating and living together will make my marriage better" and shows examples, along with data and research, on why these myths are false and tools to use to avoid falling in these traps.  At the end of each chapter, there are questions to reflect on and ones to discuss with your daughter.  These questions will give you a place to start discussions and help you when you talk to your daughter.  Some are difficult and may make you feel very uncomfortable but, unfortunately, are necessary in today's teen scene.  Even though some myths build on the previous one, they each provided information that is very helpful for both teenage boys and girls, along with adults finding themselves on the dating scene. 
     The authors are both teachers in the public schools in Oregon.  Daniel has been teaching for over twenty years and has learned from his students as well as helped them in difficult situations.  Jacquelyn is Daniel's daughter, also discusses her dating experiences as a teen, as well as those of friends and classmates she knew in school.
     This book has been very helpful and is a great tool to have during these crazy years.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and David C. Cook

for review without compensation.

Daniel Anderson is a former college All-American basketball player and a father of two grown daughters and one son.  As a veteran high school teacher in the public school system, Daniel was troubled by how his students approached dating and relationships.  He and his daughter Jacquelyn Anderson, a twenty-something high school teacher, decided to address this need by equipping parents with The 10 Myths of Teen Dating, their first book together.  Daniel and Jacquelyn both make their home in Portland, Oregon. 

The Temple and the Tabernacle Book Review

A Study of God's Dwelling Places 

from Genesis to Revelation

SUMMARY:  Grasp the Majesty, Beauty, and Significance of God's Dwelling Places
At various points in Israel's history, God dwelt in specific, significant places, most notably in the tabernacle and the temple. These structures, meticulously planned, extravagantly furnished, and regularly frequented by the devout, were more than just places of worship and sacrifice. They were pictures of God's relationship with his chosen people and of the atoning work that would be done by the Messiah. To understand the tabernacle and the temple, then, is to understand how we are brought into God's family through the sacrifice of his only Son, Jesus.

Visually stunning and theologically rich, this full-color resource brings together the latest scholarship and archeological discoveries to bring God's dwelling places alive for modern believers. It places these important structures in their historical and theological contexts, connects them with the overall biblical story, and shows how they bring meaning and depth to the faith of Christians today.

 

REVIEW:  This book is a wonderful reference book focusing on the tabernacle constructed by Moses, the first temple built by Solomon, the reconstructed temple after the Israelites returned from Babylonian captivity, the expanded temple built by Herod and the temple in heaven mentioned in Revelation.  The author does an excellent job explaining each detail and comparing the temples to the tabernacle.  There were things I had never considered or even thought about such as the different building materials used, the men in charge of each building projects and the events surrounding each one.  Sometimes the author was repetitive but it helped keep me from forgetting facts and information mentioned earlier.  The drawings and pictures included were very helpful in getting a visual of what each item and structure looked like and where they were placed.

     If you are interested in learning more about God's tabernacle and temples, or just getting a better understanding of the meaning behind them, this book would be a tremendous asset.  It was very easy to understand, written for the common man not just biblical scholars.

     I really enjoyed this book and plan to keep it in my library.

This book was provided by Baker Books for review without compensation.

 

J. Daniel Hays  (PhD, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) is dean of the School of Christian Studies and professor of biblical studies at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. He is the author or coauthor of many articles and books, including Grasping God's Word and The Baker Illustrated Bible Handbook.

They Were Christian Book Review

The Inspiring Faith of Men and Women

who Changed the World

SUMMARY:  What do Abraham Lincoln, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Louis Pasteur, Frederick Douglass, Florence Nightingale, and John D. Rockefeller, Sr. have in common?  They all changed the world - and they were all Christians.  With passion and precision, Cristobal Krusen brings to light the little-known stories of faith behind twelve influential people of history.

     They Were Christians reveals the faith-filled motivations of these important world figures who made some of the most outstanding political, scientific, and humanitarian contributions in history.  Discover the true stories behind

• the founding of the Red Cross
• the family crisis that drove America's favorite president to his knees
• the supernatural call that led a beautiful English socialite to save thousands of soldiers
• and more

The fascinating profiles of these faithful history makers will encourage, entertain, and inspire you to deepen your faith, pursue excellence in your vocation, and serve others.

REVIEW:  This book was a very interesting read.  It consists of twelve brief biographies that, as the author described, tells "the rest of the story."  The stories are concise and go into just enough detail to keep the reader from getting boring and keep their attention.  Each person described is known for their inventions, contributions to medicine, or how they changed the thinking and beliefs of their time.  Most are not as well known about their walk with Christ.  Some started their walk with Jesus at an early age; some came to know Christ and His forgiveness of sin later.  But each one strived to emulate Jesus in their pursuit of peace, understanding and in helping their fellow man.
     While I am not a big biography fan, this is one book I really enjoyed reading and will keep on my shelf.  Check it out.  You might just learn something new.

This book was provided by Baker Books for review without compensation.

Cristobal Krusen is a screenwriter, film director, and author who has lived and worked in Latin America, Australia, and the United States.  In 1988, he founded Messenger Films, a nonprofit film production company.  He studied English literature at Harvard University and also studied film and television at NYU and the Art Center College in Design.  He currently lives in St. Paul, Minnesota.

The Gift of Friendship Book Review

Stories that Celebrate the Beauty of Shared Moments

SUMMARY:  Sharing secrets. Laughing until it hurts. Hugging through tears.  True friends are one of God's greatest gifts.

     Whether next door or in the next time zone, our friends are some of our most vital relationships. We cherish time spent together and look forward to the next time we can solve the world's problems over coffee.  There is something about a true friend that no other relationship can touch.  

     Collecting over fifty true stories from some of today's best writers, Dawn Camp offers you a chance to sit back and experience the gift of friendship.  With its beautiful photographs and poignant prose, this collection is the perfect pic-me-up anytime you need a boost.

     You'll cherish these stories of true friendship from Lisa-Jo Baker, Holley Gerth, Bonnie Gray, Liz Curtis Higgs, Jennifer Dukes Lee, Tsh Oxenreider, Crystal Paine, Myquillyn Smith, Renee Swope, Lysa TerKeurst, Jessica Turner, and many more.

 

 REVIEW:  This book shows the bond between old friends, the uneasiness of opening up to new friends, and can helps those who do not appear friendly but who desperately want/need a friend.  The stories are short.  Some will have you laughing; others, grabbing your box of Kleenex.  The authors of these short stories are open and honest about their relationships with their friends.  Some have even stepped out of their comfort zone of aloneness and reached out, wanting what others around them have.  This is an excellent book for those friends who are close to you or for one you would like to know better.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

 

Dawn Camp is the camera-toting, homeschooling mother of eight children and the editor of The Beauty of Grace.  She is also a featured blogger at (in)courage, and her beautiful photography previously graced their monthly calendar and currently decorates the desktops of women around the world.  Camp blogs at MyHomeSweetHomeOnline.net and is a featured photographer on Adobe's website for Adobe Photoshop Lightroom software.  She lives with her family in north metro Atlanta.

The New Vintage Family Book Review

A Vintage Look for the Modern-Day Family

SUMMARY:  FAMILY IS NOT OUTDATED! BUT CAN IT STILL BE DONE WELL?

     In The New Vintage Family, Drenda shows you how to embrace God's design for family and how to refashion your family while pursuing your destiny together.  In a world that has traded the ability to mentor children God's way for a world of fast-paced instant gratification, we need real answers to the modern day struggles we face as parents.

     Drenda combines her wit, humorous stories, and dynamic teaching to equip you with the tools you need to make parenting fun again.  Learn to use the four pillars of family, to effectively communicate, and to fit the pieces of family mentorship, business, and home life together for success.

REVIEW:  Family is not just something you do on the weekends and holidays, but every part of every day.  Drenda includes stories from her husband and five kids about how they did life and business together.  She and her husband, Gary, included their children in their business ventures, traveling across the United States in a camper when Gary had business trips.  They home-schooled their children and had them help around the office, using each child's talents and strengths.  She shows you that struggles are real but they can be weathered and overcome, whether it is a lost job, health issues or a wayward child when they are faced together.

     As a parent of grown children, Drenda offers advice for all stages of life: from newlyweds to new parents, toddlers, pre-teens and teens, and empty nesters to grandparents.  She shares bible verses and stories of how God works in your life, your family's lives and those around you, encouraging you to keep striving for a God-centered family.

     If you are longing for the "good ole days" of close families and were wondering how to try to recapture those times, this book is a good place to start.

This book was provided by SON Studios for review without compensation.

 

Drenda Keesee is a television show host, author, speaker, entrepreneur, and pastor whose mission is to bring people into spiritual, emotional, and relational wholeness.  Drenda and her husband, Gary, have created several successful businesses, and are the founders of Faith Life Now, which produces two television programs - Drenda and Fixing the Money Thing, as well as worldwide conferences, and practical resources.  They also pastor Faith Life Church near Columbus, Ohio.

Short Answers to Big Questions about God, the Bible & Christianity Book Review

SUMMARY:  Your biggest questions about God and faith - answered.

     This book provides short and to-the-point answers to pressing questions about God, the Bible, and Christianity, including

• What will heaven be like?
• Can a Christian be demon possessed?
• Do science and faith conflict?
• Is hell a real place?
• Is it possible to prove God exists?
• What is God like?
• What is my purpose in life?
• and many more.

If you want a clear introduction to the essential teachings of Christianity, look no further.

REVIEW:  The title says it all.  The questions are big and difficult, at times, but the answers are short and concise.  The authors have nine sections with questions that people have who either don't understand Christianity or who maybe are Christians but don't fully understand God, the Christian faith and their Christian walk.  At the end of each chapter, there are discussion questions and key scripture passages, when necessary.  As the authors state in the preface, this book cannot answer all the questions but it meant to be a tool to help you in your search and walk.  Volumes upon volumes have been written about each area; this book can help you find answers in one place with the tools you need to further your search, if need be. 
     This is a great resource book to have for Christians to have.  It reinforced some ideas I had and helped solidify others.  It's one I plan to keep in my library.

This book was provided by Baker Books for review without compensation.

Clinton E. Arnold is dean of Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, in La Mirada, California.  He is the author of many books, including 3 Crucial Questions about Spiritual Warfare, and is the editor of the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary.

Jeff Arnold is a high school English and logic teacher in Downey, California.  A former youth pastor, he is the creator of Unleashed, an intensive training camp that equips Christian teens to share their faith.  He also trains new believers in the basics of theology.
 

My God and My All Book Review

The Life of Saint Francis of Assisi

SUMMARY:  The ever-fascinating life of Saint Francis of Assisi, retold for today's readers by one of the great novelists of our time.

    Perhaps more than any other figure in Christian History, Saint Francis of Assisi has captured our imagination, for his is a story of extreme self-sacrifice, of love to God and humankind.  How could this wealthy, handsome youth cast away all the advantages that were his by birth and choose instead a life of poverty and humility?  How could he attract members of all strata of society to his mission?  And how, when his order became established throughout Europe, could he renounce great personal power and humbly continue his life's work?

     Here is Francis, from his twelfth-century boyhood to his life as a missionary roaming the very boundaries of the known world.  Here too are the colorful men and women who followed him, recreated by bestselling author Elizabeth Goudge against a rich medieval canvas.

REVIEW:  This book is not a quick or easy read.  It is more an academic-type biography in nature, which should be read slowly and thoughtfully to get the most out of the information.  I enjoyed reading Saint Francis' story, but have to admit, I did not finish the book.  It was so rich with information that I ran out of time before I could finish it.  Reading about his early life and how he gave it all up to follow God was facinating.  He felt God calling him to follow Christ's words in Matthew 10:9-14 that says:

“Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts—no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep.  Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave.  As you enter the home, give it your greeting.  If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you.  If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet." Bible Gateway

     He and his followers would go out with nothing but the clothes on their backs to spread the gospel.  Sometimes the townspeople would provide food and shelter; others, they had to sleep outside in the dead of winter with nothing to cover them and nothing to eat.
     Anyone who wanted to follow him had to abide with absolutely no possessions at all.  Many followed, but some could not handle it.  Francis did not show them any animosity but love and grace.  He always thought of others before himself.  Even at the end of his life, he was thinking of those around him.
     This was a very interesting story and one I plan to finish one day very soon.  Anyone looking at church history and followers of Christ should read this book.

This book was provided by Handlebar for review without compensation.

Elizabeth Goudge (1900-1984) was one of the most popular British novelists of the twentieth century.  Her Green Dolphin Street, a #1 New York Times bestseller, was made into an Academy Award winning film.  She also wrote many acclaimed children's books - in 1946 she won the Carnegie Medal for The Little White Horse, which J.K. Rowling has said was her favorite book as a child.

The Heart of the Amish Book Review

Life Lessons on Peacemaking

and the Power of Forgiveness

SUMMARY:  We all have someone we need to forgive.  But sometimes it's hard to let go of our hurt and anger in order to truly forgive and move on.  For the Amish, forgiving others is woven into the very fabric of their faith.  From daily annoyances to heartbreaking tragedy, they exhibit an incredible capacity for forgiveness that often baffles us.

     Through the true stories gathered from a variety of Amish communities, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher shows you how the Amish are able to release their pain and desire for revenge, and live at peace with others.  Her in-depth, personal research uncovers the astounding yet fundamental way the Amish can forgive any one from the angry customer at the grocery store to the shooter at Nickel Mines.  You'll learn how to invite God into your story, apply lessons from the Amish to your own circumstances, and find the freedom that comes with true forgiveness.

REVIEW:  Forgiveness is hard.  We, as humans, want to hold onto the hurt and make sure the one who caused us so much pain suffers as much as we do.  As Christians, we are told to forgive and to love our enemies but it is NOT easy.  The Amish have made forgiveness a lifestyle, engraving it deep into their DNA, so to speak.   As Ms. Fisher shows, it's not always easy but it is necessary.  She shows us story after story of when an Amish person has been wronged, hurt, or devastated, how reliance on their faith in God helps them forgive, love their "enemy" and move forward.  It's not always easy but when the wronged reaches out to the one who wounded them in forgiveness and love, powerful healing takes place.  She also shows how we can move towards forgiveness when we are wronged in the Reflections questions at the end of each chapter. 
     This is a short book, less than 200 pages but very meaningful.  It would make a great bible study or Sunday school lesson for all ages.  Check it out!!

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of Amish Peace and Amish Proverbs, as well as many novels about the Amish, including the Lancaster County Secrets series, the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series.  She is also the coauthor of an Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp.  Suzanne is a Carol Award winner for The Search, a Carol Award finalist for The Choice, and a Christy Award finalist for The Waiting.  She is also a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines.  She lives in California.  Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher. 

The A to Z Guide to Bible Signs & Symbols Book Review

Understanding Their Meaning and Significance

SUMMARY:  Uncover worlds of meaning behind the signs and symbols in Scripture.

     How might our understanding of God's Word be deepened if we recognized the significance of the signs and symbols found within its pages - signs that were clear to the original readers?  Throughout the Scriptures, signs and symbols weave a consistent message of God's presence, grace, and faithfulness.  This illustrated resource will help you appreciate key biblical images that reveal God's purposes and truth, such as 

• Babylon
• beast
• candlestick
• eye
• fire
• grapes
• Jordan River
• key
• pigs 
• sword
• throne
• and much more

Each of the more than one hundred entries includes multiple illustrations, explanations, and key Bible passages.  Sidebars, quotes, and photos make this guide approachable and engaging.

REVIEW:  Have you ever read the bible and wished you understood some of the imagery and references that were mentioned? A land of milk and honey - sounds kind of messy to me but the Israelites were very impressed with the description of the Promised land.  What is the difference between the tabernacle and the temple? Why is anointing with oil so important?  This book does an incredible job explaining the signs and symbols in easy to understand language.  Each entry has scripture showing where this imagery is used, pictures, a key verse and a quote from notable bible scholars and ministers.  The summaries are listed in alphabetical order and are very easy to find.  The layout of each is very easy to read.  I have been looking for something like this for a long time.  This is one tome that will stay on my shelves and will be referred to quite often as I read and try to understand scripture.  Anyone wanting to understand the bible better should get a copy of this book.

This book was provided by Baker Books for review without compensation.

Neil Wilson is the author of several books, including Were Your There? and The Handbook of Bible Application.  A graduate of Aurora College and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Neil has ministered in Youth for Christ and as pastor of a local church.  He currently serves as a publishing project manager with Dr. James MacDonald's ministry Walk in the Word. 

Nancy Ryken Taylor is a freelance writer and editor who has worked behind the scenes on hundreds of books for many publishers, mainly in the areas of theology and Christian living.

The Bible's Answers to 100 of Life's Biggest Questions Book Review

SUMMARY:  Clear, convincing answers to the toughest questions we face.
     We all have questions about faith.  If there is a God, why is there evil in the world?  Why would a loving God send people to hell?  Can we trust modern translations of the Bible?  Why did Jesus have to die?  How can I know God's will for my life?  What is God's position on things like abortion, cloning, same-sex marriage, capital punishment, and euthanasia?  Should Christians be involved in politics?
     With insight and precision, this comprehensive resource addresses one hundred penetrating questions that need satisfying answers, including controversial questions raging in the public sphere and personal questions about family issues, the purpose and meaning of life, and the future of the world.

REVIEW:  Contents of the book are laid out in an easy to search manner.  The entries have all sorts of tools that are easy to read and understand.  Each one has the question, answer, sometimes a description or definition of the subject, application, bible verse references, books for further research, and, if available, websites, DVDs and online video references.  I found the answers to be thorough but not pat, with a lot of detail and heart.  This is a good book to have for new Christians or even for people are just searching.  It is also a good one for Christians, no matter how long you've walked with the Lord, to have on hand when questions arise, whether in your own thinking or if you are presented with one. This is one I hope to keep on my shelves and reference books for a long time.

This book was provided by Baker Books for review without compensation.

Norman L. Geisler (PhD, Loyola University of Chicago) is Distinguished Professor of Apologetics and Theology at Veritas Evangelical Seminary in Murrieta, California.  He is the author of more than ninety books, including When Skeptics Ask and The Big Book of Christian Apologetics.

Jason Jimenez is the founder and president of re|shift ministries, inc. (http://reshiftministries.org/), and has pastored families for over fifteen years.  He is the author of The Raging War of Ideas and lives in North Carolina. 

A Mom's Prayers for Her Son Book Reviews

Praying for Every Part of His Life

SUMMARY:  From the moment your little boy was born, you knew you were going to be doing a lot of praying.  So you may wonder, What exactly should I be praying for?

     Now the authors of A Dad's Prayers for His Daughter show you how to pray for every area of your son's life.  Rob and Joanna Teigen give you a strong foundation to build a lifelong habit of prayer for your son with a collection of specific prayers you can use to get started right now.  With engaging stories from well-known authors such as Kathi Lipp, Pam Farrel, Lisa Samra, and others, you'll learn how to pray for your son's development of character, courage, self-control, forgiveness, and more.

     Remember: you may not always understand your son, but God does!  Start asking for His guidance, protection, and blessings today.

REVIEW:  Having two boys of my own, I want to raise my sons up to be godly men of good character.  This book is a great resource to help me pray for specific needs my boys may have.  Prayers for when they need wisdom, when they are angry, stressed, or bored (all of which are happening in my house with one child or another), or when they need guidance, reassurance, or self-control are just a few of the wonderful guides included.  These prayers are helps to get you started  There are also stories from other moms of boys to help you understand that you are not alone in this journey we call motherhood.  I found them encouraging and enlightening.  This is a wonderful resource that I am going to keep close by.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

 

Rob and Joanna Teigen are the authors of 88 Great Daddy-Daughter Dates and A Dad's Prayers for His Daughter.  Rob is also the author of several joke books, including Laugh-Out-Loud Jokes for Kids (under the pseudonym Rob Elliott).  The Teigens are the parents of a son in college, a son in preschool, and three beautiful daughters in between and live in West Michigan.

Wisdom of the Sadhu Book Review

Teachings of Sundar Singh

SUMMARY:  Known in his lifetime as India's most famous convert to Christianity, Sundar Singh (1889-1929) would not approve of that characterization.  He loved Jesus and devoted his life to knowing and following him, but he never accepted Christianity's cultural conventions, even as he embraced its stark original teachings.

     A modern Saint Francis, Sundar Singh left the wealth of his home at sixteen to live as a sadhu, or wandering holy man.  His beggar-like existence, his intense devotion, his mystical encounters with Jesus, and his simple yet profound parables became the stuff of legends.  No one who met him - including the thousands who flocked to hear him during his visits to Europe, the Far East, and the United States - remained unaffected.  

     Wisdom of the Sadhu, a collection of anecdotes, sayings, parables, and meditations, brings together the best of Sundar Singh's teachings.  Couched as they are in a distinctly Indian idiom, they probe the essence of the Gospels with unusual freshness and offer insights of great depth and value to every serious seeker.

REVIEW:  This book is a series of stories, parables, questions and teachings that is simply the gospel taught by Jesus, weaving in information about Sundar Singh's life. Growing up as a Sikh, Sundar became a Christian at age sixteen and decided to live his life as a wandering holy man, a sadhu.  He lived his life like the apostles, going into towns preaching the gospel of Jesus and trusting God to meet his needs.  He faced persecution, hunger, hardships but found joy in teaching others about Jesus. Sundar's look at life and the gospel is a simple one, but very profound.  

     To be totally honest, with so many false teachers of the Christian faith who mix other religions in with biblical Christianity, I wasn't sure what to expect with this book.  I am happy to say that I was pleasantly surprised.  I found this book very interesting and very above board.  It will challenge the reader to examine their lives, how they view others and how they look at the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I totally recommend this book who wants to stretch their lives and their understanding of the Gospel.

This book was provided by Handlebar for review without compensation.

Sundar Singh grew up in Rampur, India in a prominent Sikh family and was educated at a nearby Presbyterian missionary school.  After his conversion at age 16, he took on the ascetic lifestyle of a sahdu.  His real significance comes from the devotion and selflessness with which he spread the Gospel and in the sincerity with which he lived what he preached.  His wanderings led him through at least twenty countries on four continents, where he profoundly influenced tens of thousands of people.  In the first half of the Twentieth Century, no spiritual teacher from the East was better known.  When he disappeared in the Himalayas in 1929, the world mourned this wandering, penniless pilgrim who kept his focus on Christ.

Lights Out Book Review

Living in a Sightless World

SUMMARY:  How Do You Live in a Dark World?

     Travis Freeman has answered that question for twenty years, since the day he lost his sight at 12 years old to a raging illness.

     Through the years of playing football blind, to living in the glare of the national media spotlight, to serving as an equipment manager for the University of Kentucky football team, to educational and vocational accomplishments, his answer has expanded.

     Today, Travis knows that his answer is just as relevant for the sighted as well as the blind.

     For the first time, Travis shares the complete life story that inspired the major motion picture "23 Blast" as well as the insights and wisdom gleaned from a life without physical sight, but steeped in spiritual and practical vision.

     With his applications to sighed life and tips for engaging more easily with the blind, Travis Freeman's story and wisdom show us how to live - even with the Lights Out.

REVIEW:  Travis' story was very interesting and not just about him playing football as a blind person.  The difficulties he faced with the medical problems that led to his blindness were heartbreaking to me, as a parent.  I liked how he did not let his diagnosis get him down but he rose to the challenges being blind created and persevered.  I was fascinated at how he was able to play football blind and no one but his team knew it.  He also didn't ask for special treatment but did everything the other team members did while training.  Travis also goes on to show how we should accept our limitations but not to let them hold us back but going on and earning a Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees.  This story was inspiring.

This book was provided by Glass Road Public Relations for review without compensation.

 

At the age of 12, Travis Freeman lost his eye sight due to a severe illness.  In spite of Travis' blindness, he played high school football, served as an football equipment at the University of Kentucky and received a Master of Divinity and Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D) from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.  Travis currently serves as an adjunct professor at the University of the Cumberlands, and as the President of The Freeman Foundation, which is dedicated to furthering the truth that disability does not equal inability.

$10 Great Dates Book Review

Connecting Love, Marriage, and Fun on a Budget

SUMMARY:  Create Big Romance on a $mall Budget

     Tired of the usual dinner-and-a-movie dates?  Looking for new ways to connect with your spouse?

     Energize your marriage by getting out of your normal routine with the help of these 52 creative date ideas.  From outdoor dates to out-on-the-town dates, you and your spouse will have no trouble finding the perfect date that fits your mood - all on a $10 budget!

     See for yourself how new experiences can help you bond together and nurture your relationship.  Which of these will be the first of your Great Dates?

• TIME TRAVEL GREAT DATE
• MOONLIGHT/SUNRISE GREAT DATE
• BUCKET LIST GREAT DATE
• SURPRISE ME! GREAT DATE

     Each date includes easy preparation suggestions, tips for the date, talking points to enhance our conversations, and a Great Date takeaway.  What are you waiting for?

REVIEW:  I have to make a disclaimer - as part of my review, I am supposed to go on one, if not more, dates using these suggestions.  But, not long after I received the book, the project my husband was working on went into major overdrive so he has spent long hours working, taking calls, and not able to spend much time away.  That said, this book has given us some great ideas to use on future dates that are cost effective and not the same old, same old.  Now, one day when he was working from home, I used a suggestion and picked up lunch for under $10 and ate it together at home. 

     This book has some fantastic suggestions to help couples get of the the same date rut we all get into.  There are dates for every season, indoors and out, along with talking points to help revive and maintain your relationship.  I found quite a few that I can't wait to use on future dates.  There are two I really look forward to doing.  One is eating dinner at home then going to a local restaurant for dessert.  Another is going out on a breakfast date.

     Whether you are dating or have been married a long time, this is a great book to check out.  There are plenty of ideas to help enhance your conversations and relationships.  

This book was provided by Bethany House for review without compensation.

 

Peter and Heather Larson and David and Claudia Arp help couples of all ages and stages build great marriages.  Peter is a licensed clinical psychologist and Heather is a Christian relationship coach.  David and Claudia, founders of Marriage Alive, created the many 10 Great Dates seminars and resources now popular across the U.S. and internationally.