Thanks to Thomas Nelson’s BookSneeze program I was able to review Storm Warning by Billy Graham. This edition is completely revised and updated.
Signs of Armageddon and the Apocolypse seem to be in our times – at least according to shock news and TV documentaries, and to some preachers like Billy Graham too.
Book Description An examination of the imminence of Christ's return in light of today's headlines and the events recorded in Scripture.
The morning newspapers are jammed with alarming headlines and stories asking questions no one can answer. In Storm Warning, Billy Graham examines the problems facing America today compared with what is to come as revealed in the Bible. He answers the tough questions as only he can with astute biblical insight, and points to the hope and renewal found in Christ—for our families, our nation, and our world.
Includes an in-depth analysis of the four horsemen of Revelation chapter six as well as insight on:
Signs of the times The Apocalypse Standing before God
My Thoughts I’ll go ahead and put it out there: I did not like this book. It is written by Billy Graham, who I did not know who he was previously. He is an Evangelistic preacher. This book is like a very long sermon he is using to preach at us about how people are evil and we’re all going to go to hell unless we make amends with God – right now.
It seemed fully like a scare tactic for all the bad things happening in the world. Yet, he prayed with George Bush when he sent troops over in Desert Storm, which is kind of responsible to the mess we are in now. Ironic?
I don’t like doom and gloom preachers. Maybe if you like that type of thing, this is the book for you. Otherwise, pass it up and go ahead and watch Armageddon on DVD.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Transform Your Life Through Handwriting by Vimala Rodgers is a program for people who are ready for change in their lives – starting with simply how they write. Included in this set: 97 page illustrated guidebook, journal, 26 reference cards, 2 audio CDs with Vimala Rodgers.
Book Description “Can you change your life just by changing your handwriting? Graphologists have long known that the psyche expresses its deepest truths through the pen. Yet Vimala Rodgers has discovered that line of communication works both ways—meaning you can “reprogram” your subconscious by making purposeful shifts in your handwriting. With Transform Your Life Through Handwriting, Rodgers presents a complete course for igniting practical, lasting changes in your life with nothing more than a pen and paper.
This is not a course in penmanship—the first of Vimala's “Five Noble Truths of Handwriting” is that there is no such thing as good or bad script. Instead, you will learn to recognize the encoded messages from your soul in every stroke of the pen. Is there a self-sabotaging loop in your “f”? Is a counterclockwise “o” stifling your inner truth? You'll learn the hidden meanings in each letter, allowing you to clear away blockages, heal old wounds, and express your full creativity.
Writing a single page a day for 40 days is all it takes to alter even the most ingrained handwriting patterns—and invite profound changes to unfold in your life. Vimala Rodgers has helped thousands of people experience personal empowerment, spiritual growth, and spontaneous healing. Does handwriting really make such a difference? “If your life is working the way you want it to,” she says, “don't change your handwriting—because once you do, your life will open up in the most extraordinary ways.” Here is a unique, easy-to-use kit with everything you need to begin your own transformative journey.” – Transform Your Life Through Handwriting
My Thoughts The thought of being able to transform your life simply by changing how you write seems like it is impossible. However, each letter you write does have a meaning to how you are as a person, at least according to some people. So, I figured I’d give this program a shot. I had nothing to lose except my bad handwriting.
I used to have pretty good handwriting. It wasn’t perfect, but it was legible, and even pretty. It is funny looking back at my handwriting from when I was in high school, to how it is now. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t awful. It just doesn’t necessarily look like someone in their twenties should have their handwriting look.
That was a little over 40 days ago. I followed this program and wrote my letters each day and wrote out by hand sentences, and sometimes even paragraphs. My handwriting has improved. It isn’t a drastic change, but the small changes do make a difference.
I’m not sure if it has changed my life very much, but it does make me re-organize my life in better ways and open for some perhaps unexpected changes that may come from it.
* Thank you to the publisher of Transform Your Life Through Handwriting, Sounds True for providing me with a copy of this set for the review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Queen Latifah has been an inspiration for many women. Women of all sizes and races can look up to her as a genuine role model. Put On Your Crown, written by Queen Latifah isn’t your regular self-help book. The Queen shares with all of us about her life and how she became the Queen she is today.
Book Description Modeled after Maria Shriver's Just Who Will You Be, Queen Latifah's goal with Put On Your Crown is to help young women build a strong sense of self-esteem. A US Dept. of Justice survey found that females ages 16-24 are more vulnerable to partner violence than any other group, almost triple the national average. Cases like Chris Brown's assault on pop star Rihanna showed an ugly side of adolescent life. However, Queen Latifah has always been a shining example of a woman happy with herself and unwilling to compromise to fit into the "hollywood ideal" of what a confident beautiful woman should look like.
My Thoughts Queen Latifah has accomplished so much in her life – much of which I didn’t even realize until I read this book. She is an Oscar nominated actress, Grammy winner, Cover Girl, and entrepreneur.
This isn’t a how-to become a Queen book. It is a book about how Queen Latifah became who she is today. She gives out some very good advice to her readers, and really shares about her life. Reading this book is like having a conversation with the Queen herself. She really makes it feel like she is talking directly to you – not something easily accomplished in such books.
Throughout Put On Your Crown, Queen Latifah shares with us her struggles with things like weight, successes in her career, extreme sadness and grief from the loss of her brother, how her mother helped the students she taught, and so much more.
One of the stories that stuck with me most was the loss of her brother. He died in a motorcycle accident and she was overcome with grief. She was able to pull herself through and while it wasn’t easy, shows how she did it, and was even able to ride her motorcycle again too.
Another thing that really makes me love Queen Latifah even more is the fact that her best friend is her mom too. I’m also very close with my mom. I consider her my best friend too. Her mom was an art teacher at a high school where the students had really hard home lives and had to go through so much in their lives. She explained how she would have them write positive things about themselves at the beginning of the year and tell them to post it on their mirror in the bathroom to read while brushing their teeth. I was so inspired, I actually did this too. I really admire her mom for taking such care for her students. It is really teachers like this that make a difference in the world.
I highly recommend Put On Your Crown. It is a fantastic book for those who need some inspiration and the Queen delivers.
* Thank you to the publisher of Put On Your Crown, Hachette Book Group for providing me with a copy of the book for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
While flipping through the channels today, not feeling very well, I came across something that had me laughing hysterically…
A guy with the name of “Young Boozer” is running for state treasurer here in Alabama. Yes, that is his real name. I can’t imagine how often this poor guy was teased in school. I wonder if he drinks…
Anyways, I just thought it was funny – how could you not?
I’m not for or against the guy, and I’m not blogging about this to promote him at all. I don’t know where he stands on the issues or anything like that. I just found his political ad on TV to be funny, which was something I really needed today.
Sometimes it is the small and unexpected things in life to make you laugh and feel slightly better.
Vampires are a very popular topic for movies, TV shows, books, and general discussion right now. Vampireology: The True History of the Fallen Ones is a visually beautiful and interactive book that takes you on a journey of being a researcher in search of the truth of vampires.
“Here is the true history of the blood-drinking fallen ones, or “vampires,” who have lived amongst us and preyed on humans since the earliest days. I write this book as a warning to all humanity. Especially those who might be ensnared by the vampire’s wicked charms.” – Vampireology
Book Description Long before the term vampire was born, long before Bram Stoker fictionalized this being’s ways, blood-drinking demons were banished to Earth by Michael’s host of Angels, or so the Bible describes. Now this rich, mesmerizing resource, written in 1900, sheds light on what happened hence to the three vampire bloodlines -- especially the tortured souls known as the Belial. Interspersed are booklets, flaps, and letters between a young paranormal researcher who discovered the book in the 1920s and an oddly alluring woman who seeks his help. Among the phenomena explored are:
* vampires’ genealogical origins, attributes, and range * myths about the making of vampires * secrets of vampires’ powers and shape-shifting skills * tips for spotting vampires, protecting oneself, and fighting back * case studies of famous vampires -- and vampire hunters -- through history * a shocking overview of vampires "living" among us
Explore (if you dare) the true history of the Fallen Ones -- and follow the fate of a 1920s investigator lured by a beauty with violet eyes.
My Thoughts Reading through a fair share of vampire books, I don’t often come across ones that have actually done such immense amounts of research about vampires while also adding in an enjoyable story element to keep the reader entertained.
The book itself is a pleasant mixture of a scrapbook with pop-out elements. It is a very fun read – turning the pages you never know what you will get to play with next. A lock of a vampire’s hair (said to protect those who possess it from all vampires), a dagger, a shard of a legendary sword, and the correspondence letters between Joshua and Magdalena.
Vampireology: The True History of the Fallen Ones is a fun treat for vampire lovers and those who enjoy a more unique reading experience. It is for ages 10+ and I have to agree that those interested in vampires ages 10 and up will certainly enjoy it.
Vampireology is a part of the ologyworld series. For more information on this book, as well as others in the series, including: Alienology, Dragonology, Mythology, Wizardology, and more!
* Thank you to the publisher of Vampireology, Candlewick Press for providing me with a copy of this book for the review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Historic Photos of New Orleans by Melissa Lee Smith is a book that enables the reader to go on a photographic journey of New Orleans’ rich history from 1870 – 1969. Photos include the French Quarter, Garden District, and Storyville.
Book Description “New Orleans is a truly unique American city, where Spanish, French, Caribbean, African, and other cultures have mingled together to create inimitable styles of music, architecture, and cuisine. New Orleans mixes the fascinating with the notorious, as demonstrated by such diverse neighborhoods as the lively French Quarter, the elegant Garden District, and the infamous Storyville—each vital to the New Orleans landscape. Historic Photos of New Orleans, available in December 2007 from Turner Publishing, celebrates the Crescent City in nearly 200 striking, black-and-white photographs. Author Melissa Lee Smith captures the resilient spirit, fun-loving attitude, and beautiful scenery of New Orleans with scenes of celebration and everyday life. As natives of the Big Easy say, laissez les bons temps rouler (let the good times roll)!”
My Thoughts Turning through the pages of this book is like stepping back in time to a place where Spanish, French, Caribbean, African and other cultures mixed together to form a truly unique city.
Looking through the photos, it was fun to be able to notice where some of the photos were captured at. I went to New Orleans last year for my birthday, and the hotel we stayed at was right across from the Mint (pictured on page 33). The French Market is a place everyone goes to in the French Quarter, and seeing how it looked so many years ago was really remarkable (pictured on pages 20 and 71). Throughout the pictures that included the streetcars I was also quite impressed by the number of streetcars that used to be in use in New Orleans. It is sad that they are not in use as much anymore (and take a long time to wait for one going in your direction nowadays). The St. Louis Cathedral and the St. Louis Cemetery both look quite the same as they do today, and are two of my favorite places to go in New Orleans.
The author, Melissa Lee Smith did a fantastic job putting the pictures and history together for Historic Photos of New Orleans. It is an enjoyable book to read and look at to take pleasure in for many years.
New Orleans has had quite a history. If you’ve ever been to New Orleans, and fell in love with the city like I have, this is the perfect book to read about the history of the city and look back at memorable photos of New Orleans.
* Thank you to the publisher of Historic Photos of New Orleans, Turner Publishing for providing me with a review copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Going “green” and “organic” isn’t just for food and grocery bags. I’ve been switching my beauty products over to organic as well.
Alaska Glacial Mud Co. is a fabulous company that makes spa quality products at an affordable price for use in your own home. The idea for this company started in 2001 when Lauren Padawer (founder of Alaska Glacial Mud Co.) realized she should be the one to bottle the most mineral rich and pure mud in the word, found in remote waters of the Cooper River Delta in Alaska.
For this review, I was able to try both the glacial facial purifying mineral mud masque in vanilla-lavender and vanilla-peppermint, and their lavender-peppermint soap.
The Glacial Facial Available in unscented, lavender-peppermint, and vanilla-lavender $34
The glacial facial is what I’ve been wanting in a mud mask for my face for a long time. Some masks leave my skin feeling dry and some leave it feeling oily. This one left it feeling soft, nourished and moisturized.
I will be buying some of this (once I save up some money for it), and will probably rotate out the scents as I liked them both. I highly recommend giving this mud mask a try.
Glacial Soap Available in lavender-peppermint and bergamot-lemongrass-mandarin-lavender (made with essential oils) $9
The glacial soap is made with certified organic emollient oils of olive, coconut, palm, and enriched with pure exfoliating and mineral rich glacial clay and goat’s milk. Sounds amazing, right? Well, don’t be disappointed because it is! It says that is good for the entire body (even the face and shampoo), I’m a little iffy on using it as a shampoo, though I will give it a try. I did try it on my face and I liked it! I highly recommend this soap as well.
I love companies who give parts of their profits to good causes, and Alaska Glacial Mud Co. does just that. 10% of their profits goes to local organizations that love, work and fight for the protection of the Copper River Delta, where their mud comes from.
One of my favorite ways to add color or an interesting design aspect to a room (especially on a tile or hardwood floor) is to use rugs.
I bought one when I was in college (the first time) for a steal! Seriously, discount area rugs are the way to go. I bought my $800 brand new rug for a mere $49.99. If designer shoes went for this kind of a discounted price I’d be doomed (but in heaven).
Do you have any nice rugs used just for decorating? What is your favorite way to add color or design into a room? Any favorite colors you like to decorate with?
* This is a paid post. All opinions expressed are my own and I wasn’t paid to write about it positively.
Do you remember the first time you got a computer? I was pretty young, probably in 6th grade and it was a Tandy. Yeah, if I hadn’t had that one I wouldn’t have ever heard of them either.
Before then, I remember in Elementary School there was a HUGE computer in this room which didn’t really do too much for its immense size. Then there was a computer lab with Apple computers which I remember the teacher in there put little mouse ears on the computer mouse. I loved playing Oregon Trail.
In Jr High, my Dad bought a better computer for the house. One that I could actually do homework on and we had AOL. Remember those dial up days? Not fun!
In High School, we had cable internet – Road Runner. I loved it. Somehow, it is the fastest connection we’ve had (and that was awhile ago). DSL is just not good here, as I’ve said before. My Dad also bought me a very good computer (though the monitor was huge) to take me through college with.
You know how computers go, and during college I ended up with a Sony Vaio laptop in my 2nd year. That was a great computer, but it also didn’t last too long. The video card wasn’t very good, but I had cool laptop accessories. I had to buy a cute bag for it to go into you know?
Then after I graduated college, I bought a HP with a LCD screen monitor (my first) – 15inch one at that. I even managed to upgrade the video card myself – yeah, that was kind of scary.
I used that and my laptop for a long time, until the dreaded death of the laptop (it makes lots of noise and is very slow), followed a few years later by the death of the HP computer after vicious malware killed it.
Now I’m using a Dell laptop which was bought last summer. It is actually really quite good. Sure, the video card isn’t top of the line, but it works well enough for me, for now.
I am eyeing a new PC – with blu-ray and a great HD video card, etc. However, I think I’m going to put off buying until the prices go down just a bit.
So, that is my life with computers. What has yours been like? I’d love to hear your stories about the technology that we use daily.
* This is a paid post. All opinions expressed are my own and I wasn’t paid to write about it positively.
The Settlers 7: Paths to a Kingdom is a sim-type game where you build up a kingdom set in the Renaissance period in a beautifully created middle European world with forests, meadows, rivers and mountains.
• Enjoy deep and rich building & production systems encouraged by the classic Settlers gameplay Create a kingdom with fortified towns and small villages where your Settlers produce goods for you. Expand your realm village by village, sector by sector. Optimize your creation by tuning production chains and transport systems. • Choose your path among 3 different ways to achieve victory: Build strong armies and defeat your opponents by negating his military power. Increase your influence in the monasteries to get access to the most attractive technologies. Occupy the best trade routes to become the richest player on the map. • Play Settlers 7 Online For the first time of the franchise history, play The Settlers online. • Enjoy a brand-new graphics engine Let’s experience the beauty of your realm in an unseen level of detail.
My Thoughts: To be honest, I have never played a “Settlers” game in this series before. However, I love this type of game, so I figured why not give this game series a shot?
After downloading it for probably around 3 days (I have a slow DSL internet connection), and then the long update of the game, I was finally able to start playing it. Was the long download and update worth it? I have to say that yes, it was.
I started with the Campaign mode where you get to play as Princess Zoe and take over a kingdom defeating enemies along the way. The tutorials in the campaign mode make this a great way to start playing because it teaches you how to play the game better than just jumping into another mode against other players.
Once up to the map of “Expanding an Empire” something called Victory Points are required to win the map. This is how the rest of the game is really played in other modes as well. These aren’t always easy to obtain, and it is advised to look at the options/requirements of getting them before just aimlessly building your city up.
Quickstart and Skirmish are other modes available where you aren’t playing in a storyline, you instead go up against AI and the goal is to get the most victory points (usually 6 or 7) first and win the map. You get coins for winning (used to buy game-store related upgrades), and sadly, nothing for losing.
I did not get a chance to play Empire or Multiplayer. Each time I tried, it wouldn’t set me up in a match with other real players or I’d somehow get frozen (probably due to slow internet).
While playing through the campaign, I was asked to take part in one of their surveys. At the time, I accidentally went to an old map and it reset my progress (talk about frustrating), so I let them know that happened, also that the intro was really long and wished that they would make it so we could just start the game without the long song. Well, perhaps they listened to their players because not long after that – both of these issues were fixed and/or changed! Big props to Ubisoft for coming through on those issues and listening to their players – not all games do that.
The graphics in this game are excellent. They are so good that I have to turn my settings down pretty far to be able to play without awful lag (the computer I play on isn’t even a year old). However, with some settings turned off, I can manage to play it pretty well on a medium-setting and still get very good graphics while playing. Before buying, make sure that your video card will work with this game.
You do have to have an internet connection to play this game as well. I found it a bit annoying because sometimes mine will just go off for a minute and it also disconnects me from the game server (or whatever they use), until the internet is back up. If they could somehow have an offline mode where you can just update your wins or something manually, that would be great.
Overall, I really did enjoy The Settlers 7 and played it for quite awhile. It is also a game that I will see myself wanting to play for quite awhile, even after finishing the campaign. Out of the different types of gameplay available in The Settlers 7, there is something for everyone – and everyone can of course play them all for endless hours of fun.
System Requirements:• Operating System: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 • Processor: 2 GHz Intel Pentium 4 / AMD XP 2600+ or better (Intel Core 2 Duo / AMD Athlon 64 X2 recommended) • RAM: 2 GB (4 GB recommended) • Video Card: 256 MB DirectX 9.0c-compliant, Shader 3.0-enabled video card (512 MB recommended) • Sound Card: DirectX 9.0c-compliant sound card • Hard Drive Space: 8 GB • Peripherals Supported: Windows-compliant keyboard and mouse • Internet Connection: Broadband Internet connection with 128 kbps upstream or faster • Supported Video Cards at Time of Release: • NVIDIA GeForce 7900 / 8 / 9 / GT / GTS / GTX series • ATI Radeon X1900 / HD 2000 / HD 3000 / HD 4000 / HD 5000 series • A permanent internet connection is required to play the game.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson’s BookSneeze program I was able to review Storm Warning by Billy Graham. This edition is completely revised and updated. 
