Princess Stories by Carolyn Larsen

It seems as if every girl has once dreamed about being a princess...although we didn't realize that we really were one:  God's Princess! 

I just love this book...and my daughters do too!  They couldn't wait for this book to come in the mail, and when it arrived, they immediately opened it and started reading it.  The book takes 29 women from the Bible and gives her a title.  For example, Eve is The First Princess.  Then for each princess, there is a "Mirror, Mirror on the wall," poem for that particular princess.  I think those poems are great for helping your child remember each woman's story in the Bible.  Then the book goes on to tell that woman's, ie Princess's, story.  The stories are told in a way that children can understand them. Each story is long  enough to tell the complete story, but short enough as to not lose their attention.  And the illustrations are just beautiful!  At the end of each story, there is a Bible Verse pertaining to the message being told in the story.  There are also 3 questions, called Princess Ponderings, that you can use to spark discussion with your little princess after reading the story.  

The last chapter of the book is entitled, "You, The Special Princess."  The story tells about how you don't have to dream about being a princess, or being as special as the women in the Bible.  You are a daughter of the King and that makes you a a princess too!  God has chosen you and has great things for you to do! 

This book is every little girl's dream book!

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for this honest review.

Miracles Are For Real by James L. Garlow and Keith Wall

Do you belive in Miracles?  Before reading Miracles Are For Real by James L. Garlow and Keith Wall, I admid I was skeptical.  This topic of miracles has always baffled me.  I have read the miracles that were performed in the Bible many times, yet it seems as if miracles in this day and age aren't as prevalent.  Why?  Is it because we believe less or are just part of a society that leans towards skepticism?  I think it's both.  I personally have taken part in praying for miracles for loved ones who were ill and needed a miracle.  And I never saw my prayers answered. 

This book has ignited a spark in me to believe again.  The book is full of real-life stories of miracles that are awe-inspiring.  The stories tell of miracles in many shapes and forms from physical healings to angelic appearances in times of need.  It discusses many aspects of miracles including how to define a miracle, the difference between resuscitation and resurrection, and the question of whether it's possible for people to be "miracle magnets".   The book is also full of instances of miracles in the Bible, as well, evidence of miracles in history. 

All in all, I think this is a great book.  It has a very balanced approach to each of the different types of miracles as well as insight as to why some prayers are answered miraculously and some aren't, although the authors admit to not having all the answers concerning miracles.  Jim Garlow himself (at the time of writing this book) is praying for a miracle for his wife who is battling cancer.  This book is a great reminder that God is still working miracles today.  One of the quotes in this book is from Albert Einstein who said, "There are only two ways to live your life.  One is as though nothing is a miracle.  The other is as though everything is a miracle."  This book will most definately change how you define and view miracles...and will leave you anticipating them!

I recieved a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review.

No Spend January Update - Week 1

We are almost a week into our No-Spend January Challenge.  So far it's going ok.  I say ok because it seems as if great deals are popping out nonstop and I just want to buy them but I can't!  Each time I tell myself No, it does feel great though...in a weird scroogy type of way.  I must admit that I have bought a couple of things...

*3 rolls of ribbon to make sweat bands.  I have had numerous people at the gym ask me about the ones I've made for myself and if I would be interested in selling some.  So I spent $7.91 plus tax on ribbons...BUT I can make quite a few from those supplies and will sell them for $5 each....so if I sell 2 of them, I will make my money back. 

*2 bales of hay for the pygmy goats - $6.00

I also bought a Jillian Michaels DVD and a nail polish BUT I used a store credit from Walmart that I recieved after returning some duplicate Christmas gifts.  So I personally don't think that counts!

TOTAL SPENT: $14