02 September 2012

The End by Mark Hitchcock, Book review


Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
ISBN-13: 978-1414353739

Synopsis:

(From the back cover)

A Comprehensive Guide to Bible Prophecy and the End of Days!
What are the events, the characters, and the prophecies that will bring world history to its predicted climax? Will we be wise enough to see it coming? Will we be ready?

Bible prophecy is filled with numerous interpretations and positions, but that shouldn’t become a reason to ignore the prophecies presented in Scripture. These verses deserve our attention just as much as—or more than—other Scripture passages.

Mark Hitchcock, author of more than twenty books on end times Bible prophecy, has created the definitive resource that will answer all of your questions about the end times.

My thoughts:

At 518 pages, 'The End: A Complete Overview of Bible Prophecy and The End of Days' by Mark Hitchcock peaked my interest with a brilliant compilation of what the Old Testament Prophets referred to as the Second Coming of Christ.

We know Bible scholars and laymen have different views on the end times scenario albeit most agree Jesus will return to claim His bride (the Church) at some point.
And most of us are familiar with Revelation 21:1-8
'Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying: "Look, God's home is now among his people!..."

Hitchcock presents us with an easily understood guide to this future event including lesser known biblical facts gleaned from Old Testaments Prophets as well as Scriptures from the New Testament which clearly indicates we are living in the end times: Christ will return!

 Like other believers you probably have many questions about the Rapture or the Mark of the Beast, the 144,000 saved during Tribulation, when will it happen and what you can expect.

In this book, Mark Hitchcock excels as he carefully presents readers a clear, concise and easily understood look at Bible prophecies, ways to interpret and study the many predictions we have been given to prepare ourselves.
He does not obsess with the prophecies but expresses his interest in the end times sharing with readers what he learned during his research. His first appendix shows a proposed chronology of the end times. His second appendix includes recommended books to further study whilst his thorough index is one of the best I have ever seen!

This Bible prophecy expert is the author of more than twenty books on the subject of the end times alone and to help us to prepare ourselves, he addresses questions that often arise amongst students.
The Great White Throne Judgement or seat of Christ, the Seven trumpets or Seven bowls...Will there be truly a battle of Armageddon...to name some I was interested into myself including the meaning of the word, what it is and what it is not and the ten main passages which describes Armageddon. I must admit I did not know for i.e. that the word Armageddon was only mentioned once in the Bible (Revelation 16:16).
.
Describing strengths and weaknesses of the often confusing points of views we have been shown throughout the ages, Hitchcock provides biblical terms, timeline, charts and diagrams to identify each stressed point.

The over all feeling you receive in reading 'The End' is one of a fellow Christian who shares his views and findings whilst inviting us to join him in the same quest!

This is an excellent reference book each of us can utilize to prepare ourselves to be a citizen of the new heaven and new earth and new Jerusalem. Learning the true purpose of the reign of Christ on earth, trusting that on that day, He will bring a new beginning to secure a perfect ending for each of us.

5 stars rating!

About the Author:


Attorney Mark Hitchcock thought his career was set after graduating from law school in 1984 and getting a job working with a judge at the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. But after what Mark calls a "clear call to full-time ministry," he changed course and went to Dallas Theological Seminary, completing a masters degree in 1991 and a doctoral degree in 2006. Since 1991 Mark has served as senior pastor of Faith Bible Church in Edmond, Oklahoma. He has authored numerous books related to end-time Bible prophecy and was the contributing editor for the Internet-based Left Behind Prophecy Club for four years.

 
I received this book free from TYNDALE as part of their blogger review program.
I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.


01 September 2012

Always Take Time...


Always take time to laugh for it is the music of the soul...

Always take time to think for it is is the source of power...

Always take time to read for it is the fountain of wisdom...


Take a little time for yourself today! Laugh, think and read!



31 August 2012

With Just A Little Faith...


With just a little faith, we can do the impossible!  
All that matters is that we try and try again...

"Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe.”

( Voltaire)



30 August 2012

The Haven by Suzanne Woods Fisher, Book review & Giveaway

Publisher: Revell
ISBN-13: 978-0800719883

Synopsis:
 
When Sadie Lapp steps off the bus in Stoney Ridge after being in Ohio for the winter, she is faced with a decision--one that goes against her very essence. Yet it's the only way she can think of to protect a loved one.

Schoolteacher Gideon Smucker has been crazy about Sadie since boyhood. But his response to her surprising decision undermines his own reputation--and his relationship with Sadie.

College student Will Stoltz is spending the spring at the Lapp farm as a guard for a pair of nesting Peregrine Falcons--courtesy of the Lancaster County Game Warden. Will needs to get his life back on track, but his growing friendship with Sadie threatens his plans.


The lives of these three individuals intertwine, and then unravel as unexpected twists create ripples through the town of Stoney Ridge . . . and through Sadie's heart.

Once again, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher intrigues and delights with a story that explores the bonds of friendship, family, and true love. Readers will enjoy every surprise in Sadie's story as they search for the truth hidden within these pages.
My thoughts:

As a reviewer there is a definite blessing in being introduced to good authors.  
Suzanne Woods Fisher's writing is warm and friendly and reading her novels is like meeting an old friend!  You just know you are going to catch up with the latest 'news' and be in for a treat.

In her description of the Amish world, Suzanne brings us a kaleidoscope of colour and such an array of feelings, we are reminded not all is as it first appears!
Then too, there is always this feeling God is near her when she writes her stories, steady and never disappointing! There is such a joy which transients in her novels!

'The Haven' is Book # 2 in Stoney Ridge Seasons series and like # 1, 'The Keeper' (see review here) is as solid as the series name!
This author leaves nothing to chance and introduces us to Sadie and her family giving the opportunity to 'see' each character's attributes. Like a tableau, you visualize each, discovering their strength or weakness, and anticipate a well written plot.
Nothing dull in her stories either! Younger sister M K is such a character I often have to chuckle at her antics. I cannot wait to see where Suzanne is taking her in the future. Next comes Fern, the 'stern' housekeeper and the heart and soul of the family!

In 'The Haven' Suzanne's skilled storytelling lets us enjoy a little romance in the Amish World when Sadie befriends Will, an Englisher. Gideon the schoolmaster is also in love with Sadie and his resentment towards the Falcon keeper leads to much misunderstanding!
Listening to our heart and doing the right thing is never easy. Leaving it in God's capable hands however makes the choosing the only way to go.

Readers will enjoy the author's description of the wide variety nesting in this part of the world and her careful research on Peregrine Falcons will introduce some fascinating aspects of bird watching!

As to what happens to Sadie, Will, Gideon and all her family and friends...Well now, you don't want me to spoil it for you, do you? Read it and enjoy!

Susanne, we hope you will let us know 'the rest of the story' very soon!

5 Stars of course! 

About the Author:


This is my favourite photo of Suzanne Woods Fisher! Find out more about this lovely lady on her website (here) including the opportunity to find out about her SAR interests, her talk show and future giveaways!

Celebrate the newest book in the Stoney Ridge Seasons series with Suzanne by entering her 4 eReader Giveaway and Facebook Party and RSVP for the Live Video Chat on 8/30! 


See what folks are saying about The Haven!


Four grand prize winners will receive:
  • A Brand new Kindle Fire or Nook Color 
  • $25 Amazon.com or Barnes&Noble.com Gift certificate 
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 29th. Winner will be announced at Suzanne's Live Author Chat Party on 8/30. Suzanne will be hosting an author chat (party will start on Facebook AND then be Live from her website) and giving away books, gift certificates and several Burt's Bees® Nourishing Radiance Kits!!

So grab your copy of The Haven and join Suzanne on the evening of the August 30th for a fun chat (both on Facebook and via Live Video), trivia contest and lots of giveaways. 

Enter via E-mail Enter via FacebookEnter via Twitter

Don't miss a moment of the RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 30th!


I received this book free from LITFUSE as part of their blogger review program.
I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
 


29 August 2012

Curly Sue?

Warm lazy days of Autumn nearing...

We have many visitors in the morning! Even a tiny brown squirrel in search of a few nuts perhaps? (so tiny he/she could fit in the palm of your hand!)


Rutting season is approaching and we now have new faces on the island, this one is 'Alex's friend.
New face (and hairdo?) for the handsome buck below.
We named him 'Curly Sue'! 
Bucks (and does) swim across the inlet often to check out mates on the island during the season.


They have begging down to an art, trust me!

On a more serious note, our thoughts and prayers goes to the many who are feeling the wrath of Hurricane 'Isaac'. 
Described as a Category 1, experts concerns are flooding and extreme storm surging along the (Gulf) coast.
Our heart remains with all the people stranded in its path! God speed!
.


28 August 2012

Last Of Our Summer Days...


There is now a constant breeze in the air.
Birds and bees are busy gathering for the season ahead...


Even the trees seemed to lean towards the storm season...
There is something in the air which tells us it will not be long...
From Labour Day to Memorial weekend, it is very quiet here.
Cottages everywhere on the island are closing up, bringing the bliss of peace and quiet!
Reading, knitting, beach combing and stargazing (weather permitting...drat the clouds!), our favourite pastimes!
We are blessed!


Blue skies over the island none the less and we enjoy every moment without the constant Pacific NW rains...
Once it starts, it will not stop until next Spring...


A tad blurry, and no, this photo is NOT of the Loch Ness Monster...Just a Herring Run...
Seals and Eagles made short sport of it...


Of course, our veggie garden yields a few things despite its late start (Rain, rain and more rain...you know the drill and above average cooler temperatures did not help either!)


This is the fourth time we harvest beans this Summer and happy we are! 
Hardly worth canning of course...but still, nothing beats fresh from the garden!


Earth's Bounty: Blackberries, fresh crusty bread and raisin buns...
We are happy!



27 August 2012

Over The Edge by Mary Connealy, Book review & Giveaway

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
ISBN-13: 978-0764209130

Synopsis:

Bestselling Author Mary Connealy Delivers Her Trademark Historical Romantic Comedy

Seth Kincaid survived a fire in a cave, but he's never been the same. He was always a reckless youth, but now he's gone over the edge. He ran off to the Civil War and came back crazier than ever.

After the war, nearly dead from his injuries, it appears Seth got married. Oh, he's got a lot of excuses, but his wife isn't happy to find out Seth doesn't remember her. Callie has searched, prayed, and worried. Now she's come to the Kincaid family's ranch in Colorado to find her lost husband.

Callie isn't a long-suffering woman. Once she knows her husband is alive, she wants to kill him. She's not even close to forgiving him for abandoning her.

Then more trouble shows up in the form of a secret Seth's pa kept for years. The Kincaid brothers might lose their ranch if they can't sort things out.

My thoughts:

I'll begin by stating the absolute truth...'Over The Edge' drove me...a tad over the edge!

I have always been eclectic in my choice of reading material: Tomes detailing exotic lands, mysterious plots, fascinating details about long ago history, intriguing characters  inspires all sorts of  imaginary visions for a dreamer.
Then again a good storyteller relies on vivid characters, intricate plots, settings, colours, the suggestion of romance and so much more. I will be the first to say that humour usually saves the day but to give credit to this author's lusterless writing skills was difficult. 

I struggled, opened and closed the book, sighed and wished I had a bigger box of chocolates (a handful always help to sweeten a story!). 
I suddenly woke up this morning wondering if women out West liked to be called a critter?!

'Over The Edge' is Book # 3 in the 'Kincaid Brides' series and I suggest you read the books in order. Perhaps then the plot might be more attractive. A few lines as recap in the front of each novel would have also helped those of us who came in the midst of this western slap comedy!

The cover should have warned me (reminiscent of the Coca Cola kid) of course but I always enjoy a good Western a la "Louis L'Amour" (which this definitively is not!) hence this review.
Not even seeing Tom Selleck or Sam Elliott on the cover would have sweeten this book!

'Callie made a sound Seth had never heard from a human being before. Sorta like a wildcat crossed with a wounded grizzly bear during a Civil War battle in a cyclone - in hell.'

'It struck Seth that if Heath (newfound brother) qualified as a wise man and Audra and Ethan (Sil and brother) as shepherds, they were about one burro and a couple of sheep away from being a Nativity scene.'

'Audra the Dandelion Fluff Woman gave Seth a look...?'

I made it to page 140...

Despite the endless revolving and often confusing characters (who are all these people?), the plot might have been interesting with a few descriptions of the breathtaking scenery out West, the hardship which always instills a healthy respect for the courageous settlers of the West and the lives they carved for themselves in the wilderness.
You cannot fail to feel a certain affinity with the lone cowboy leaving the scene to ride into the sunset. You hear the creaks of the saddle as he shifts in anticipation of the long dusty trail leading to the next water hole, leaving his sweetheart behind to care for the homestead until the next time...

I failed to enjoy this story but I suggest you grab all 3 books and judge for yourself!
After all, this is only my opinion and you know what they say: Opinions and colours are never to be argued over!

Rated at 2 stars for a couple of laughs?

About the Author:


'Mary Connealy writes fun and lively "romantic comedy with cowboys" for the inspirational market. She is the author of the successful Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie's Daughters series, and her novel Calico Canyon was nominated for a Christy Award.'

For more on this author, please visit her website (here). 

As part of a blog tour for this book, I would like to invite readers to check these reviewers (here).

            Celebrate with Mary by entering to win a Nook Color 
                                      with GlowLight!

See what folks are saying about Over the Edge!


One winner will receive:
  • A Nook Color with GlowLight
  • The entire set of Mary Connealy's The Kincaid Brides series
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 28th. Winner will be announced at the "Over the Edge" Author Chat Facebook Party on 8/29. Meet Mary, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and more. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group.)!

So grab your copy of Over the Edge and join Mary on the evening of the August 29th for a chance to connect with her and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Enter via E-mail Enter via FacebookEnter via Twitter

Don't miss a moment of the RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 29th!

 
I received this book free from LITFUSE as part of their blogger review program.
I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.