We finally got to see the farm land we are interested in renting so we can start growing vegetables. It is a beautiful spot and it would be lovely to rent the house if it was available! We still have some questions that need to be answered. Things like does the owner have a specific area in mind for us to farm, how much the rent be, water supply, will she provide a storage area etc. We also contacted our farm facilitators from our Farm Beginnings class to see what input they had. We are still waiting to see who we will have as a farm mentor as well. So many things to consider and think about…
We also called about another property that is for rent that would have room for a large garden, but have yet to receive a call back. The land next to it is for rent too, so we called about that. No callback on that either. I think everyone is busy enjoying this gorgeous weather we are experiencing here!
I received the following book in exchange for writing a review. While I consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, my review is my honest opinion and thoughts of the book.
First, I want to clarify that I have not read any of the Twilight Saga book series. I am not really into those kinds of books, so you might wonder why I chose to read Twilight Gospel and right a review of it since it is based on the Twilight Saga. I decided to opt in for this review to have an open mind and because I wanted to see what author, Dave Roberts, had to say about these best-seller books.
I don’t agree with everything Mr. Roberts had to say. In parts, I could see his reasoning but other times I found this book hard to follow, even with the details Mr. Roberts shared about the characters from the Twilight series. There were times I just couldn’t get the connection between the scripture he used and the storyline of the Twilight books.
To me, it seemed like the author was almost justifying allowing Christian young people to read these books by trying to counter them with biblical insights. But I honestly don’t think Christian young people should be reading books like Harry Potter and the Twilight Saga. Yes, I am one of those Christians, but hey, I am admitting it!
Perhaps for those who have already read the series, this book could be a useful tool. However, based on the limited details provided about the Twilight Saga book series in The Twilight Gospel, I wouldn’t allow my teenager to read this book. She already asked and the answer is no, absolutely not.
No matter how people try to justify their reading material, reading about sex, vampires, and the occult has an affect on the way we think and act. Reading about sex at any age has the potential to arouse and awaken feelings that otherwise would lay dormant until the right time (marriage!). To be honest, I don’t think Christian young people need anymore temptation in today’s world. God’s Word, the Bible, is clear on what we, as Christians, are to think on:
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8 King James Version of the Bible.
For me there’s no question as to why I cannot recommend The Twilight Gospel, read the verse above again if you still wonder why, unless you have already read the Twilight Saga book series. Maybe then it might be helpful. Maybe…
About the Author:
Dave Roberts is the author of the best-selling The Toronto Blessing and Red Moon Rising with joint sales in excess of 100,000. He is a former editor of Christianity and won awards for his work on Renewal magazine. He is a local church pastor and conference director for three major annual conferences on worship, children’s ministry, and women’s ministry.
Posted by html404 on April 15, 2010 in Family Stuff
Our Wordless Wednesday photo was taken last Saturday when our family went to the Zoo. We had a picnic lunch and beside the picnic area was the small wooded area where the children found a great place to play! All of the children had come back to the picnic area and Noah, currently our youngest at 2 years old, ran back to into the bushes to play – with a bright smile on his face! His big brother, Jerbear, ran after him and grabbed his hand to go with him into the little area that is filled with rocks, sticks and all the fun stuff boys love in nature. I didn’t have time to get our camera out and snap a picture of them going in, so when they came around the bushes holding hands, I acted fast to catch the moment so we’d have it as a precious memory of big brother looking after his little brother.
Looking at the picture still makes my heart swell because we didn’t ask our son to run after his little brother. He did it all on his own. I love it when the children do things like this and can only hope and pray that their relationships will only grow in love and devotion towards one another.
I received the following book in exchange for writing a review. While I consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, my review is my honest opinion and thoughts of the book.
The book Too Close to Home was a refreshing change from the historical romances that I usually enjoy and receive for reviews. It is about Special Agent Samantha Cash entering an investigation with Homicide Detective Connor Wolfe to crack the case of what appears to be a series of unsolved murders and disappearances of teen girls. Of course, intertwined within the case is a budding romance too. The story was filled with suspense and intrigue. It kept my attention and made me want to read until I found who committed the crimes.
This story also comes close to home to parents or it should. Due to the advances in technology, we all need to be watchful of our children’s activities online. I don’t think a week goes by without there being an article on how the police have arrested some person for solicitating sex from a minor online. I also found the details of Too Close to Home interesting in how investigators track and find these perpetrators.
Too Close to Home should also give us, as parents, pause as far as how busy we are in relation to how much time we spend with our teens. Teens need us as much, if not more, than younger children because of the many temptations that are bombarding them. Are we available and open and ready to listen to them when they need us? If we aren’t, then they are going to find someone else who is and just who will that person be?
I really enjoyed this suspenseful book and am looking forward to the next book in the Women of Justice Series, since Ms. Eason left me with a cliff hanger at the end of the last chapter! Reading this book was like watching a really good, clean detective show, seriously. Too Close to Home is Book One is the Women of Justice Series.
“Available April 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
Posted by html404 on April 13, 2010 in Uncategorized
I just wanted to invite everyone who is reading Faith and Family Reviews to become a fan on Facebook. If you already have a Facebook account becoming a fan is pretty painless, you just click the “Become a Fan” button! Creating an account is a little more detailed but painless too.
I don’t know about you, but The 2010 Ultimate Blog Party slipped my mind until yesterday. I was so busy though that I didn’t even get to it until writing this post last night! Not sure how much I will have time for this week – I tried keeping up with the #UBP10 Twitter Party. Faded fast though…
The Mom Blogs is hosting a Kickin Berries Giveaway. There will be 5 winners! I even entered, that’s why I am writing this post so I get an extra entry. Here’s the info on the Kickin Berries:
This Extremely high antioxidant drink mix has been formulated for moms and kids alike.
From the creator of Kickin Berries: “I was tired of giving my kids high sugar drinks for school and home so, I developed the Kickin Berries Mix.” This mix contains extracts from ACAI Pomegranate Goji and Elder Berries. This High antioxidant mix has tons of Berry flavor in one easy to carry anywhere stick pack. If you are looking for a great alternative to the daily sugar filled drinks for you and your kids give us a try-Its FREE just click here to request a sample
Also try the Kickinberries giveaway to have a chance to win one of many free thirty day supply’s (30 packets) of Kickin Berries. 5 Winners in All!
A friend emailed us a resource that is fun for moms and children! It is a website with an interactive map of the United States. This website allows you to practice where the states are located.
I received the following book in exchange for writing a review. While I consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, my review is my honest opinion and thoughts of the book.
We had the privilege of trying Dr. Sharp’s fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash recently.
Over the years, we have tried many organic, eco-friendly personal care products. Some have resulted in finding favorites that we still use today and some have been flops that we had no desire to purchase again. Dr. Sharp was a pleasant surprise, as we weren’t sure what to expect, but found a great product we all like.
The children the strawberry flavored kid’s toothpaste and a couple of them really liked the “adult” mint toothpaste too. With our crew, it says a lot when we get a full round of “YES!” for liking a product. The kid’s toothpaste comes with a cute little monkey that attracts a child’s eye. The children liked the kid’s toothpaste so much they asked if we could use it from now on.
My husband and I have really liked the mint toothpaste. I think I like the mint better than the green tea, but both are comparable to brand name toothpastes. Yes, I know that is a big claim, but seriously that was my initial thought, “Wow, this could be a brand name toothpaste.” But I will say that my sensitive teeth started to become sensitive again after a few days of using Dr. Sharp’s toothpaste, so I have now gone back to using Young Living’s Thieves Dentraome Plus toothpaste, as it is the only toothpaste I have found that does not bother my sensitive teeth. We are a distributor for Young Living, so we actually get the wholesale price. If any of you are interested in trying it, please let me know because if you buy under me then you will help us earn money on your purchase. Or if you are interested in more info, feel free to email me at faithandfamilyreviews {at} gmail {dot} com.
Our oldest was the only one to experience whiter teeth after a couple weeks of using a combination of the mint and green tea toothpastes from Dr. Sharp. I am not sure but her teeth are whiter and she is very pleased about it!
Only two of us have really used the mouthwash, which is mint flavored. It is ok, but it took a while to grow on me. My daughter liked it from the start. Again, I do prefer my Young Living Thieves mouthwash.
All in all, our family really liked Dr. Sharp’s organic, fluoride free toothpaste and mouthwash. The eco-friendly monkey tote is an added bonus and very cute too. Dr. Sharp’s products are pricey, even more pricey than Young Living’s products.
