No He Can't: How Barack Obama Is Dismantling Hope and Change written by Kevin McCullough is a book I was extremely excited to read, as I studied Political Science in college and have seen Kevin McCullough on Fox News in the past. I think this book also interested me since I read everything I can from authors like Michelle Malkin, Sarah Palin, Bill O’Reilly, and Ann Coulter. I put this book in the same vein as these authors, and I was not disappointed as I read this book relatively quickly.
McChuulough, as an analyst, has been correct with his previous views that then Senator Obama would become President Obama. As he predicted this presidential win, I feel he is also qualified to speak on what he sees as some of the downfalls of this current administration.
The four main components of the book are Economics, National Insecurity, Erosion of Rights and Accountability to Caesar. Within the book, McCullough looked at the missteps that President Obama took in his Presidency so far and made some recommendations on how President Obama can again gain the support he once had.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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."
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Workout
So day 1 back to working out and eating healthy. I ate 1,450 calories and did 2 hours of exercise...30 min bike (my favorite thing to do since I get to read while I'm on the bicycle :-) ), 30 min elliptical, 10 min pilates, 50 minutes of an older Tracy Anderson workout I had. I prob. Won't update every day...maybe I'll go for once a week instead...I'm super exhausted. Hopefully after a week or two exercising will become a habit again and working out won't make me so tired!!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Just Bought Metamorphosis :-)
So I know I posted last week that I was going to start being more serious about working out, but this past week I did terrible. But the good news is, I just ordered the Tracy Anderson DVD I had been talking about buying. Until I get it (about 1 week), I'm going to get serious at the gym, eat healthy, and do a few of the DVDs I have at home. My plan is to try and post on the blog at the end of every day and list what workout I did and if I ate healthy. Hopefully this will help me get into better shape for all of the things I have coming up this summer: being in a friends wedding, wedding shower, bachelorette party, vacation to a 3-day concert, and a beach vacation!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Love Amid the Ashes
Love Amid the Ashes by Mesu Andrews tells the story of Job and Dinah and all of the difficulties that they experienced in their lives. After Dinah faced the murder of her first husband, who her family did not recognize, she was hidden away with little hope of finding love. After becoming betrothed to Job’s son, her life, and that of Job’s, was completely altered. Although Job faithfully served God his whole life, he begins to find everything he worked hardest for taken from him. His servants and animals are killed in an attack, his children are killed when their home collapses, his health declines, and his home is destroyed. Job must choose whether to continue to rely on God or blame Him for all of his difficulties. Throughout these issues, Dinah stays by Job’s side and nurses him back to health while their feelings for one another begin to grow.
I enjoyed this book, because I honestly don’t remember hearing any Bible stories about Dinah, the sister of Joseph. I also liked how the book began each chapter with a Bible verse; the format helped me understand what was written in the Bible Verses. The only problem I had with the book, was that I had some difficulty following some of the names in the book. I think this wouldn’t have been as troublesome if I had been more familiar with the story of Job and Dinah. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and liked the overarching theme of praising and trusting in God even in your most difficult circumstances. If Job, who lost everything he held most dear, was able to remain faithful and continue to rely upon God, everyone should be able to keep their faith despite whatever difficulties they may face.
Available March 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
I enjoyed this book, because I honestly don’t remember hearing any Bible stories about Dinah, the sister of Joseph. I also liked how the book began each chapter with a Bible verse; the format helped me understand what was written in the Bible Verses. The only problem I had with the book, was that I had some difficulty following some of the names in the book. I think this wouldn’t have been as troublesome if I had been more familiar with the story of Job and Dinah. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and liked the overarching theme of praising and trusting in God even in your most difficult circumstances. If Job, who lost everything he held most dear, was able to remain faithful and continue to rely upon God, everyone should be able to keep their faith despite whatever difficulties they may face.
Available March 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
The Convenient Groom
The Convenient Groom by Denise Hunter is in A Nantucket Love Story Series, and I really enjoyed this romance based in Nantucket. Kate Lawrence is a wide-known marriage counselor who is about to be thrust in the national spotlight with the publishing of her book on marriage. The release of her book is to coincide with her wedding, but only hours before her wedding her fiancée informs her he is in love with another woman. At this time Lucas Wright comes up with a plan to save her book sales by marrying her. Little does she know, their relationship may change from a business arrangement to something more.
I liked this book and the overall concept of it. I have read other books in the past where individuals get married for reasons of saving jobs or putting on good appearances for others, but I liked that, in this book, Lucas Wright had feelings for Kate prior to their wedding arrangement. Also, there weren’t any real reasons for either of these individuals to dislike one another, as they learned after being married for a short period of time. I think the other books in this series will be fun reads since I liked the setting of the book and also the author’s writing. It was not “preachy” but it was clear throughout the book the strong faith of Kate and Lucas.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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."
I liked this book and the overall concept of it. I have read other books in the past where individuals get married for reasons of saving jobs or putting on good appearances for others, but I liked that, in this book, Lucas Wright had feelings for Kate prior to their wedding arrangement. Also, there weren’t any real reasons for either of these individuals to dislike one another, as they learned after being married for a short period of time. I think the other books in this series will be fun reads since I liked the setting of the book and also the author’s writing. It was not “preachy” but it was clear throughout the book the strong faith of Kate and Lucas.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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."
Tracy Anderson Metamorphosis
The other day I went for my first outdoor run of the year after running on the treadmill at the gym all winter, and it made me realize I really need to start working out more!! Within three minutes of running uphill I had to stop! I think I ran about 20 minutes total...Pretty bad considering I can run a few miles on a treadmill. So, I decided I'm going to get the new Tracy Anderson Metamorphosis Workout. It's a 90 day exercise and eating plan that is supposed to work wonders. You can get a different plan based on your body-type, and every ten days the exercises you do are different. We'll see how it goes. I'll update my progress on here, and hopefully by the time I'm in my friends' wedding (in 6 months) my bridesmaid dress will have to be taken in :-)
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Bathsheba
Bathsheba, the final book in The Wives of King David series written by Jill Eileen Smith, is the ultimate example of God’s forgiveness. Most people know the story of David and Goliath, but how many actually delve into his life as King? I can honestly say I didn’t think much about David’s life after the defining moment in battle against Goliath, although I did hear Bible stories about his adultery and following misdeeds to relieve the guilt he felt about his sins.
Throughout the book, we first come to learn of the relationship between Bathsheba and her husband, Uriah, who was one of the 30 counselors to King David. It seemed like their relationship was ideal, although they had difficulties as does any relationship. Uriah was often gone at battle and he forced strict adherence to the laws. As Uriah was away at battle for a long length of time, King David decided he wanted to have a relationship with Bathsheba. She did not deny him, and she soon learned she was pregnant with his child. Upon hearing the news, David attempted to have Uriah come back home and incorrectly believe he was the father of the child. When Uriah would not return to his home, David instead sent him to the front lines where his death was inevitable. Upon Uriah’s funeral, David took Bathsheba as one of his numerous wives.
The remainder of the book focuses on David and Bathsheba attempting to find forgiveness from God, as well as learning to forgive themselves. Many battles ensue, where David’s own sons attempt to usurp his throne, but, in the end, God’s will is carried out and the heir God deemed to be King is placed upon the throne.
I really enjoyed this book, and it was the first one I have read by Jill Eileen Smith. I cannot wait to read more of her books in the future, especially the first two books in The Wives of King David series which look at his earlier wives, Michal and Abigail. The format of the book was easy to understand; although I often find stories that are based on Biblical occurrences to be confusing, that was not the case with this book. The characters were well-developed, as I felt for Bathsheba even though I did not agree with her actions.
“Available March 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
Throughout the book, we first come to learn of the relationship between Bathsheba and her husband, Uriah, who was one of the 30 counselors to King David. It seemed like their relationship was ideal, although they had difficulties as does any relationship. Uriah was often gone at battle and he forced strict adherence to the laws. As Uriah was away at battle for a long length of time, King David decided he wanted to have a relationship with Bathsheba. She did not deny him, and she soon learned she was pregnant with his child. Upon hearing the news, David attempted to have Uriah come back home and incorrectly believe he was the father of the child. When Uriah would not return to his home, David instead sent him to the front lines where his death was inevitable. Upon Uriah’s funeral, David took Bathsheba as one of his numerous wives.
The remainder of the book focuses on David and Bathsheba attempting to find forgiveness from God, as well as learning to forgive themselves. Many battles ensue, where David’s own sons attempt to usurp his throne, but, in the end, God’s will is carried out and the heir God deemed to be King is placed upon the throne.
I really enjoyed this book, and it was the first one I have read by Jill Eileen Smith. I cannot wait to read more of her books in the future, especially the first two books in The Wives of King David series which look at his earlier wives, Michal and Abigail. The format of the book was easy to understand; although I often find stories that are based on Biblical occurrences to be confusing, that was not the case with this book. The characters were well-developed, as I felt for Bathsheba even though I did not agree with her actions.
“Available March 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
Monday, March 14, 2011
Morning Glory Movie
So....in addition to my reading all the time, I recently watched Morning Glory about a girl who is the Producer of a television show in New Jersey. When she is fired from the show, she moves to New York City and begins producing another morning television show. She needs to find a way to make the new show a success in order to keep all of her new friends employed. I thought this was a really great movie because it made me want to go after any dream and not be afraid of failure. She showed that through hard work you can make even the most difficult situation turn into a success.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
A Conversation with God for Women
I recently read A Conversation with God for Women: If You Could Ask God Any Question, What Would It Be? written by Marcia Ford. The book focuses on some of the questions most people ponder including: Is there a purpose to life, How can the Bible still be relevant, Did you physically rise from the dead, Must we obey everything in the Bible, Why should we trust you, How can we have deeper friendships, Are all sins the same to you, Can prayer really make a difference, and How can anybody find good in tragedy. I can honestly say these are all things I have, at one point in my life, questioned, and I really enjoyed reading answers for these types of questions.
In addition to the content of the book, I really liked the overall format of the book. The chapters were broken down into God, Jesus, The Bible, Life, Prayer, Relationships, and Good and Evil. This provides a convenient format where, if questioned, I can refer to the correct area of the book and find an answer for others to some of these difficult questions. Each question is given a response from both God and Jesus, and these answers use stories from the Bible. There are also certain questions which are answered with responses from women of the Bible such as Elizabeth, Naomi, Mary, and Mary Magdalene.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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."
In addition to the content of the book, I really liked the overall format of the book. The chapters were broken down into God, Jesus, The Bible, Life, Prayer, Relationships, and Good and Evil. This provides a convenient format where, if questioned, I can refer to the correct area of the book and find an answer for others to some of these difficult questions. Each question is given a response from both God and Jesus, and these answers use stories from the Bible. There are also certain questions which are answered with responses from women of the Bible such as Elizabeth, Naomi, Mary, and Mary Magdalene.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)