Book Review - All You Want to Know About the Bible in Pop Culture

About the Book
Somehow, it's hard to picture pop culture and Christianity going hand-in-hand, but maybe we simply aren't looking at things the right way. All You Want to Know About the Bible in Pop Culture reveals places where readers may be surprised to find redeeming values and gospel messages in today's movies, music, popular TV shows, and much more!

When you look closely, past the outrageous outfits and the antics of teen pop-sensations, it's easy to see that from the big screen to the small screen and right down to the radio waves, God and His stories are still prevalent in pop culture today. There are movies and television shows that speak eternal truth, reality show families who represent believers well, even fictional Christians portrayed in a positive light. And if you listen closely, musicians are still conversing with God as the original songwriters of the Bible did. For the reader searching for meaning in media today, All You Want to Know About the Bible in Pop Culture is the perfect choice.



My Take on the Book
There are so many instances in our modern day culture and in the past where creative people have written books, movies or plays in which you can actually see the qualities of Jesus in the main character. Even with thinking that, Kevin Harvey's book actually highlights and names specific instances in which the Bible has come into our visual media.

There are so many analogies that Kevin Harvey made. Here are a few:

• Superman was raised by a simple family but had super powers to help others unselfishly. Also take a look at Batman, X-Men, and the list goes on of "good reigning over evil". Another example is in the movie Despicable Me. The little girls are orphaned and are helped by someone who appears to just use them, but in the end good overcomes evil once again.
• There are many more examples in the book and Kevin Harvey refers to the Bible and of course all the readings there. Basically the theme is "love as Jesus loves" in our world.
• The author included various puzzles and mazes at the end of the book for the readers' enjoyment. The answers are included also. 

This was an interesting book to read and will encourage you to look at other examples in our media that bring in the Bible.

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Book Review - God Hearts Me: 3-Minute Devotions for Girls on the Go!

About the Book
Take a few moments of your day to quiet your spirit, think on God's amazing love for you, and make a meaningful connection with your heavenly Father with these 3-minute readings designed just for you! This delightful devotional packs a powerful dose of comfort, encouragement, and inspiration into dozens of readings designed to meet you right where you are in life. Minute 1: meditate on a scripture selection; Minute 2: read through a devotional created just for you; Minute 3: read a prayer designed to help jump-start your conversation with God. In only 3 short minutes, you’ll be on your way to beautiful blessings!


My Take on the Book
This was a petite, but powerful book that offers inspiration for girls, showing them the love that God offers and provides daily ways to reaffirm their connection with God. I found the three minute thoughts to be well written for my 10 year old and she enjoyed the sayings as well as the daily prayers too. If you have a daughter that wants to grown in her own spiritual journey, this is a book that will definitely help with this. I highly encourage all to read and share this with all young girls today!


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Book Review - 21 Great Leaders: Learn Their Lessons, Improve Your Influence

About the Book
To improve your own leadership influence, study the lives of great leaders—you’ll find 21 of them in Pat Williams’ newest book. Member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, senior vice president of the Orlando Magic, and author of 90 books, Pat Williams has devoted much of his life to the study of leadership—and shares the stories and principles of individuals from George Washington to Nelson Mandela, Billy Graham to Walt Disney, and Margaret Thatcher to Steve Jobs. Organized around Pat’s “Seven Sides of Leadership”—Vision, Communication, People Skills, Character, Competence, Boldness, Serving Heart—21 Great Leaders will provide challenge, encouragement, and affirmation for your own leadership journey.



My Take on the Book
This book has a great collection of leaders all in one book that will let you see these individuals as more than just the leaders that they were, but also more than that. The book also shows these individuals as holding criteria that all of us should strive for to not only be better leaders, but better individuals. The book challenges you to learn and act in a way that transcends and works to make the reader stronger and able to help others from the lessons that are shared from the leaders within this book. The tales in this book were easy to read and the people shared are inspirational to all.



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Book Review - Noah Children's Picture Book #Giveaway #dadchat

About the Book
A hundred years before the Great Flood, a man named Noah came home talking crazy. God wanted him to build the biggest ship the world had ever seen. The future of humanity depended on it. How would his wife respond? What would the neighbors think? Was it even feasible?

This lavish reimagining of one of the greatest stories of all time will fascinate children and adults alike. Nuanced and playful, yet meticulous in following the biblical narrative, Mark Ludy’s world-class art digs deeper than the Sunday-school tale of cuddly animals, exploring noah’s relationship with his family, the natural world, God - and a formidable engineering challenge.

Immerse yourself in this stunning wordless epic. Whatever your age, you’ll never read this story in the same way again.

Bonus: Find Squeakers the mouse on every page!

About the author:

Mark Ludy has written or illustrated eight children’s books including The Farmer, The Flower Man, The Grump, When I Was a Boy I Dreamed, When I Was a Girl I Dreamed, and Jujo the Youngest Tribesman. When he’s not immersed in his sketchbooks, you’ll find him in schools promoting art and literacy. He lives in Colorado with his wife, daughter, and two sons.


Mark’s website: http://www.markludy.com
Official NOAH website: http://www.plough.com/en/ebooks/n/noah



My Take on the Book
As I looked through this beautifully illustrated book that retold the story of Noah and the arc he built, I had to look through it again to notice all the details that Mark Lundy drew on each page. The expressions on the characters' faces definitely assisted in telling the story and helped the reader to understand the joy, confusion, fear, etc. that Noah and his family were experiencing. 

The book tells the story so well. I think it might be helpful when using this book with children to actually read the story to the children before using the wordless picture book because then they can retell the story to the adult. Any way you decide to share this book, you will find it a joy and an amazing work of art too.

Giveaway

How would you like to win this for yourself or for your family? All you need to do is fill out the below form to be entered. The contest will run for one week and will end on November 4, 2014.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Winner must be a resident of the U.S.

Winners are chosen at random, if you want all your chances counted, make sure you leave individual comments, not all of them in one!

Winner has 48 hours to contact me or another name will be chosen.

Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

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Book Review - 365 Great Moments in Bible History

About the Book
History is His story—the account of God’s working in and among humanity. 365 Great Moments in Bible History highlights world-changing events, both famous and unknown. From God’s creation of light in Genesis 1:3 to His revelation of the end times to John, this book provides both biblical and other historic details to clearly explain the event and how it affected humanity’s future—including your life today. Illustrated in full color, with classic paintings, landscape photos, and abstract imagery, 365 Great Moments in Bible History will help you better understand the scope and meaning of God’s Word.


My Take on the Book
This was a great book that really showcases the history of the bible. There were some of the events and historical moments that I was aware of and there were others that were more obscure. The book is well written and easy to read. Each section was short and to the point and I loved how the sections reference the part of the Bible that it came from but then it goes into even further depth about the people and places that were being referenced.


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Book Review - Daily Whispers of Wisdom for Girls Journal

About the Book
This daily devotional journal, written especially for girls like you, is packed with inspiration and guidance to help you manage everyday issues and ultimately live God's way. With relevant topics including beauty and self-esteem, to faith, friends, family, and obedience--and dozens more--each day's reading will direct you to the ultimate authority of God's Word. The Daily Whispers of Wisdom for Girls Journal offers just the right amount of encouragement and biblically based wisdom. . .and the short daily readings and portable package make an ideal fit for your busy life.


My Take on the Book
This was a great devotional journal for girls that really makes the reader think one day at a time about how they are living their life the way that God wants them to. My daughter liked the fact that the topics in the book related to her and what she was going through right now in her life. Some of the issues that were spoken about are things that she will grow into, but all-in-all this was a great book that really made sense and allowed my daughter to explore who she was and who God wants her to be and how God wants her to live.


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Book Review - The Illustrated Guide to God

About the Book
If you want to understand God better, read The Illustrated Guide to God An A to Z Encyclopedia of His Names, Attributes, and Role in the World. This brand-new reference from George W. Knight author of the popular Layman s Bible Dictionary and The Holy Land: An Illustrated Guide contains nearly 600 entries on the names of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit; characteristics of God, such as His eternity, jealousy, and omniscience; key people and places in God s biblical history, from Aaron to Zion; and important theological concepts, including apostasy, regeneration, and worship. Illustrated with beautiful, full-color artwork, and containing hundreds of cross-references, The Illustrated Guide to God is ideal both for fascinating reading and serious Bible study.



My Take on the Book
The Bible can be a confusing book at times and simply reading through it can make your mind spin. This new illustrated book really brings the Bible to life and allows you to not only better understand the written word, but it brings the book to life through vibrant images that allow you to meet and go deeper into the context and content of the Bible itself. You are able to see images of some of the well known individuals in the Bible. You are also able to gain a deeper appreciation to some of the deeper theological concepts of the Bible as well.

I found the book to be easy to read and a book that you are able to take in a slow or fast manner and still gain a large amount of information that will help you grow closer to God.


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Book Review - The Top 10 Most Outrageous Couples of the Bible

About the Book
Improve your marriage—and have some fun along the way—with Christian psychologist David Clarke s latest book, The Top 10 Most Outrageous Couples of the Bible. Drawing on the stories of Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sarah, Jacob and Rachel and Leah (yeah, one guy with two wives), and several others, Clarke provides both biblical teaching and real-life counseling expertise to help you see what will work—and not work—in your marriage today. Written with plenty of humor, The Top 10 Most Outrageous Couples of the Bible proves that “outrageous isn't a bad thing—as Clarke says, “It s not always pretty. But it s always powerful.




My Take on the Book
This was a truly interesting book. While I knew about some of these married couples from the bible, I definitely did not know all ow these. I also was grossly misinformed to many of the issues that these couples dealt with and what they had to teach me as a man and as a husband. The book was very informative and down to earth, You get a great mix of biblical teaching as well as counseling that you can put into practice immediately. This was a great book that was a quick read, but one that has really stayed with me since I read through it!


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Book Review - Essential Atlas of the Bible

About the Book
An Up-Close and Comprehensive Look at the Lands of the Bible No Bible Degree Required Discover everything you need to know about the lands where Jesus walked, Moses traveled, and Paul preached. Packed with multidimensional maps, photos, and charts, the Zondervan Essential Atlas of the Bible is designed to help you better understand the history and places of the Bible and its world. This full-color atlas is concise but thorough, perfect for Bible students, travelers to the Holy Land, or any reader of the Bible curious to find out more about commonly mentioned places in the Old and New Testaments. The Zondervan Essential Atlas of the Bible features: Nearly 200 stunning multidimensional and three-dimensional maps and full-color images Accurate and up-to-date mapping technologies Innovative chronological charts and maps covering historical backgrounds, regions, weather, and roads With this easy-to-understand atlas, you'll find Bible study more engaging and comprehensible, and you'll learn the essential facts about the fascinating lands of the Bible.


My Take on the Book
This was an amazing book that really helped you place the Bible in geographic context to me. I loved the intermix of fact based information tied to Bible passages so you could gather a much greater understanding for what and where things occurred in the Bible. I knew that most of what happened was in the Middle East, but not the extent to the vast distances between areas. This was a well written book that I was very impressed with and you will be too!


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Blu-ray - The Agony and the Ecstasy

About the Movie
Charlton Heston and Rex Harrison portray two of the Renaissance's most colorful figures in this historical drama based on Irving Stone's best-seller set in the early 16th century. When Pope Julius ll (Harrison) commissions Michelangelo (Heston) to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, the artist initially refuses. Virtually forced to do the job by Julius, he later destroys his own work and flees to Rome. Eventually resumed, the project becomes a battle of wills fueled by artistic and temperamental differences that form the core of this movie. Nominated for an Oscar® Cinematography and named one of the year's best films by the National Board of Review.


My Take on the Movie
I had never seen this movie before, but all I can say is WOW! Charlton Heston does an amazing job at bringing to life Michelangelo. You get to see the amazing trials and tribulations of this artist as he worked to create the beautiful artwork in the Sistine Chapel. For anyone that believes in God, this movie will inspire you and allow you to see faith in action.

The movie was wonderfully done and has a plot that draws you in and hold you throughout the entire film. This was a BIG movie with BIG actors, but also a message and undertone that resonated with me too. You will get to see some remarkable costumes and sets on this movie, and I can tell that the movie company put a lot of money into the film development in general (for that day and age).

On top of all of this the on-screen relationship between the Pope (Harries) and Michelangelo (Heston) was priceless. These two great actors had great on-screen chemistry and they simply worked and sold not only their characters, but the movie.


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CD Review - Casting Crowns - Thrive

About the CD
"Thrive" album in audio CD format. Includes the songs:

1. Thrive
2. All You've Ever Wanted
3. Just Be Held, You Are the Only One
4. Broken Together, Love You With the Truth
5. This Is Now, Dream For You, Follow Me
6. Heroes, House of Their Dreams
7. Waiting on the Night to Fall
8. Among others.....

My Take on the CD
I have been a fan of Casting Crowns for years and this CD just continues to solidify my enjoyment of their music. What I love about this CD is that not only is the music something that simply gets into your soul, but the lyrics hold so much meaning and help draw you nearer to God. The music on this was powerful and definitely takes you on a journey, as well as gets your feet tapping and your voice singing along (at least it did for me). All-in-all, this is definitely a CD that I will be sharing with others!


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CD Review - Son of God

About the CD
Word Entertainment has collaborated once again with Mark Burnett, Roma Downey and their production company LightWorkers Media to release SON OF GOD: Music Inspired by the Epic Motion Picture available at all digital retailers today (iTunes link: http://smarturl.it/sonofgoditunes). The 12-song collection, a musical companion to the 20th Century Fox feature film “Son of God” due out February 28, features music by today’s top Christian artists including Meredith Andrews, Chris August, Big Daddy Weave, Jason Castro, Everfound, for KING & COUNTRY, Love & The Outcome, Dara Maclean, Point of Grace, Sidewalk Prophets and Group 1 Crew’s No. 1 hit “He Said” (feat. Chris August). Artists included on the album have a combined total of 45 No. 1 hits and 25 Dove Awards.

“We are incredibly honored that Roma and Mark have partnered with our Word family on the music inspired by CDs to ‘The Bible’ miniseries and now the motion picture ‘Son of God,’” said Rod Riley, Word Entertainment’s President & CEO. “Our artists’ songs, from for KING & COUNTRY’s ‘Baby Boy’ to the final song on the project, Meredith Andrews’ ‘The Gospel Changes Everything,’ so beautifully complement the telling of Jesus’ life, it made perfect sense to pair them with the motion picture.”

SON OF GOD: Music Inspired By The Epic Motion Picture Track listing:

• Francesca Battistelli – “Oh, Son of God”
• Chris August – “Jesus, Savior”
• for KING & COUNTRY – “Baby Boy”
• Group 1 Crew – “He Said” (feat. Chris August)
• Dara Maclean – “Our Only Hope”
• Sidewalk Prophets – “Keep Making Me”
• Point of Grace – “Only Jesus”
• Jason Castro – “I Believe”
• Everfound – “God of the Impossible”
• Love & The Outcome – “He Is With Us”
• Big Daddy Weave – “Jesus Move”
• Meredith Andrews – “The Gospel Changes Everything”

My Take on the Book
I loved this CD! I was so impressed with the great variety and mix of spiritual songs on this that I kept coming back for more. The Movie itself was powerful, but now in listening to the music again, I am reminded of so many scenes in the movie and now can relate to how the music really helped to make the movie as powerful as it was. The songs picked on this CD were well selected and all have a strong spiritual connection. I loved the mixture of artists as well as they are all a bit different, but they all share a message of faith that is undeniable.


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Book Review - Thrive

About the Book
In Thrive, the newest book by Mark Hall, the lead singer for the popular group Casting Crowns reminds us what it really looks like to walk with Jesus. With powerful and relatable stories, grounded teaching, and great application, Hall helps everyone who wants to take the next step of faith. You can do more than just survive your life, you can thrive! Mark Hall explores the two sides of our faith-- the roots that help us grow deep and the trunk and branches that are the fruit and working out of all that God does inside us -- and gives us steps and inspiration for growth in every area.


My Take on the Book
This was a powerful book with a powerful message. I have to be honest and say that I did not know what to expect, but I was impressed and it made me want to read more from this singer and pastor. Mark Hall provides down-to-earth stories that you can really relate to. I was very impressed by the style of his writing as well as the practical nature of the book itself too. All-in-all this was a great book that has inspired me to dig deeper and to continue to grow closer to God in my daily journeys along the path.


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Book Review - Hello, Jesus Loves You

About the Book
Did you know that Jesus loves you—no matter what language you are speaking?

Hello, Jesus Loves You shares ways to say hello in Spanish, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Hawaiian, and each page carries the important message that all children are loved by Jesus.



My Take on the Book
This was a short, but poignant story about the love that Jesus has for everyone. I enjoyed that it was a story that my youngest daughter and I could read together. The message held within was also strong and one that should be shared. The sharing of other languages was a nice touch too as readers get to see the connection to Jesus and his love for all, not just the people in the communities in which they currently reside or who they go to church with.


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Book Review - 3-Minute Devotions for Women: Daily Devotional

About the Book
Got 3 minutes to spare? You’ll find the spiritual pick-me-up you desire in 3-Minute Devotions for Women. Written especially the woman’s heart, this delightful daily devotional packs a powerful dose of comfort, encouragement, and inspiration into just-right-sized readings for women on the go. Minute 1: scripture to meditate on; Minute 2: a short devotional reading; Minute 3: a prayer to jump-start a conversation with God. This beautiful package makes a fabulous any-occasion gift for every woman.



My Take on the Book
This is a great devotional for any woman. With 365 days of insight into not only the bible but also into oneself, this book provides the reader with a glimpse into a closer spiritual journey with God. Each day was an easy read and ends with a prayer to focus your thoughts which helps in general to keep you on your journey. One thing that was also a great value was the scripture index in the back of the book that allows you to examine and reference specific readings form the bible in only the turn of a page. All-in-all a very complete devotional!


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CD Review - 1 Girl Nation

About the Band
Landing in the space where One Direction meets TobyMac, 1 Girl Nation is an exciting blend of upbeat pop music, with lyrics that are totally focused on living life for God, even while you’re young. 1GN, as they’ve already been dubbed, stars Carmen, Kayli, Kelsey, Lauryn Taylor and Lindsey, five girls with a passion for telling their fans about Christ through their music. Their first single, “While We’re Young,” can be heard on radio stations across the country and their self-titled debut album is available now!



My Take on the CD
This was a high energy, fun CD that my daughters loved. After one listen through I was already being asked to play certain songs again so I can tell that this CD is going to be a keeper in our home. For me, one thing that I loved about this is that I could rest assured that the lyrics and message were ones that I would have no problem sharing with my kids. You will find some similarities to the rhythms that you will find in this to hit artists today (which is one reason that I think my kids loved this so much). You will find your feet tapping as you lose yourself in the music and lyrics and my daughters even were dancing around the house while listening to the music. Thus, I have to give his CD two thumbs up for my family and highly encourage it to all!

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