Monday, June 1, 2020

Moving Beyond Anxiety Review


Moving Beyond Anxiety
by David Chadwick

We are living in a time filled with fear and anxiety.  When the world around is so uncertain and unfamiliar, the mind tends to wander toward the worries.  This book comes out at the perfect time as more and more people are suffering from anxiety, depression and mental health decline.

Written by pastor David Chadwick, "Moving Beyond Anxiety" addresses the Christian way to address anxiety via 12 practical strategies designed to help the reader re-think and renew their minds.  From the very start, Chadwick introduces readers to the definitions of fear and anxiety and proposes that to address fear, we must first address anxiety. 

This book is an easy read, chock full of scripture, sound reasoning and Christian guidance to help lead individuals struggling with anxiety toward a path of renewal and healing, on toward a life where anxiety is no longer in control, but instead viewed as a tool of the enemy used to draw our eyes from our faith in Christ.  It is written in a soothing, fatherly manner that is calming and feels as if one is sitting down to chat with a trusted friend or counselor as opposed to being "taught".  Very refreshing and comforting to read!

Being one of the people struggling with anxiety terribly over the pandemic and the crisis abounding in our nation and even in my state and nearby cities, I was so excited to get my hands on this book, with hopes of freedom or at least some relief from the struggles I have daily with my mental health.  I have not been disappointed.  I have picked up many tools and ideas to lead me on my walk toward tackling this part of my thinking.  There is so much in this book that I am set to read it a second, and probably third time because I want to fully absorb every bit of wisdom I can.  I have also recommended it to many of my friends who are in similar situations currently on their walk through anxiety.

 I cannot recommend this book enough!

Below are some resources you can check out to learn more about this wonderful resource!

Book website: https://www.movingbeyondanxiety.com
Moments of Hope website: https://momentsofhope.org/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MOHDavidChadwick/
David’s video introduction for Moving Beyond Anxiety: https://vimeo.com/408616090/bb523284cf

#MovingBeyondAnxiety #FlyBy

About David Chadwick:

David Chadwick is presently the pastor of Moments of Hope Church in Charlotte, N.C. He
has been a pastor for almost 40 years. He played basketball under the legendary coach,
Dean Smith, at the University of North Carolina and was a member of the Final Four 1969
team. David also has a graduate counseling psychology degree from the University of
Florida and an MDiv and DMin from Columbia Theological Seminary. These post graduate
degrees have allowed David to combine therapeutic counseling theories with biblical truth.
David is the author of nine books and hosts a weekly talk show on faith and values on
WBT in Charlotte, N.C. He has been married to the love of his life, Marilynn, for 42 years
and has three children, Bethany, David Banner, and Michael. They have given David and Marilynn seven grandchildren.

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing the product/product information. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did/will receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Front Porch Diaries: The Farm and the Risky Ride by Judith Grimme

The Farm and the Risky Ride
by Judith Grimme

From the Front Porch Diaries series, this book (volume 3) is the third in the set of stories that follows the children of the Miller family.  Set in the 1960's, the series is about friendship, growing up, life and more.  Readers follow Lucy, Eddie and their friends along adventures.  

Geared toward youth readers, this book is probably most appropriate for 5th-8th grade children.  The chapters are short and easy to follow, topics seem safe for younger readers while still offering some learning as they explore ideas and events from the 1960's in a fictional way.

Having not read the first two books in this series, I jumped into this book unaware of previous story lines or characters.  It was clear there was some explanation and development of characters and location in prior stories, but it was still easy enough to determine the plot and follow along, though I did wish for some information to fill gaps.  In this story, young Lucy and her friend Simone have a summer adventure at her grandparent's farm.  

I have an advanced 4th grade reader who would love this series, however I am holding back on sharing it with her as the next book in the series involves a love interest it seems.  This is why I feel this series is more appropriate for the middle school crowd.

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of this book for free as a part of the Book Crash program in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

You can see my review and more on Good Reads and Amazon

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Fearless & Free by Victoria Osteen

Fearless & Free
by Victoria Osteen

New to the book world, an empowering devotional that will help you Live Confidently, Believe Expectantly and Embrace Your Victory!

New York Times bestselling author and wife of famed pastor Joel Osteen, Victoria carries many qualifications including radio host, co-pastor of America's largest church and more.  She has years of experience in the Christian ministry and is a noted and well liked writer and leader.

In her new devotional, Fearless & Free, there are 47 devotionals.  These are not just one page snap devotions, but rather a themed read along with a few Bible verses and a scripted prayer.  Each devotional covers a topic to help guide readers realized what it means to "live fearlessly in the truth that God has already set them free."  With titles like " Fear Is Not the Boss", "Release It to God",  "Grow In Joy", "Your True Identity" and more, each devotional chapter is set to encourage, instruct and empower the reader along on a journey to spiritual freedom.

I have enjoyed picking this book up each morning, it has been a refreshing difference to the typical one page devotionals I had been reading.  Especially in the middle of a very fear-filled time in history, I have found much release and encouragement from the words in this book!

You can get your hands on a copy of this new release on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other book sellers now!

* I received a free copy of this book for promotional purposes.  I was not compensated in any way for this review nor was I required to write a positive review.  All thoughts expressed are my own.

Read my reviews on

Monday, December 16, 2019

Penguin & Moose

Penguin & Moose
Written by Hannah C. Hall
Illustrated by Anna Chernyshova

A truly adorable tale of friendship amid trial and struggle, Penguin & Moose tugs at the heart strings as it warms the soul!

Penguin wants to fly so badly, and as he tries different ways, his trusted and true friend Moose sticks by his side, helping him try to achieve his goals while offering kindness and support along the way.  Penguin learns a lesson about friendship and the value of being himself.

The story is inviting to all readers, with simple terms and words to reach the youngest readers and listeners, yet a deep enough meaning to engage the oldest of readers as well.  The story line follows Penguin through silly ideas that make the reader giggle and wraps up with warm fuzzies and the comforting, knowledgeable father figure imparting wisdom.  With adorable illustrations that draw the reader deeper into the story, the pictures add as much to the story as the words do.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story, as did my children.  This will become a staple on our book shelf, to be sure.  With lessons of friendship and self-acceptance, the content is as great educationally as it is entertaining.  I loved flipping each page to see what would happen next.  I recommend this book for children of all ages!

You can find a copy of this book on Good ReadsChristianBook.com and Amazon
#PenguinAndMoose

* I received a copy for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review*

Friday, September 13, 2019

The Love Bamboo Tea Tumbler Thermos with Infuser


The Love Bamboo Tea Tumbler Thermos with Infuse
By Sacred Love

Buy it on Amazon

I like the look of this bottle, and the fact that it comes with a removable loose tea/fruit basket.
T

The stainless interior makes it safe and sanitary while helping to maintain temperatures for long times.  The lid screws on, meaning you can sip or take big drinks at your will, not that of a lid's opening or straw.  This also means it can tip without worry of spill.
I was a bit in question of all the fancy packaging for a bottle that has specifically gone the way of bamboo for the exterior doe to it being sustainable.  This item came in a shopping box, then in a cardboard tube which then had foam padding followed by plastic wrap before I ever got to the bottle itself.  A lot of wasted stuff there.  Great for a gift, I guess, it looks nice, but it seemed over the top.  I also have reservations about washing it because of all the warnings directing users to not submerse or soak the outside as it will wreck the bamboo shell.  Makes it a little more challenging to clean thoroughly when you can't dishwash or soak it.
This bottle gets high marks for function and appearance otherwise, and I have gotten plenty of .
compliments

Monday, September 9, 2019

The Robin's First Christmas


The Robin's First Christmas
Written and Illustrated by Susanne T. Schroder

The Robin's First Christmas is an adorable story that pulls at your heart strings while relaying the message of God's love. Having read the previous book in the series of Unlikely Heroes, "The Donkey's First Christmas" and immediately loved it, I was excited to have a chance to read this book, and I was not disappointed. The Robin's version of the first Christmas is just as sweet and entertaining, an instant classic at our house.

The little Robin loved to sing, but was told he was not special or good enough over and over, (he stammers, though that fact is not directly pointed out as such) so he decided to remain silent, believing that truth spoken over him. It was not until a cold December night when he observed a fire in a stable that he experienced a love like never before and realized his value through an act of service. 

The story is told in a rhyme fashion, easy and quick to read yet loaded with depth and value. The illustrations are sweet and cute, immediately drawing the reader in with the simplicity yet detailed depictions. It is one of those books the kids want to hear over and over agan that I don't mind reading repeatedly.

 I absolutely love that a portion of proceds from the sale of the book go to www.stamma.org, an organization that existst to help create a better world for people who stammer. A book with a great message in an enticing manner that also does good with it's sales? That's a huge win for me! I am proud to support this author and her fantastic works!

You can purchase a copy of The Robin's First Christmas here
You can also find out more about STAMMA at www.stamma.org
Find out more about the author and her works at:
 www.susannetschroder.com
Facebook: @stschroder
Twitter: stschroder
Instagram: stschroder

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

TriNova Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish, 16oz

TriNova Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish



In my home, all of the kitchen appliances are stainless steel.  In my home, there are also a lot of young children as well as multiple adults who use the appliances daily,  It is a constant struggle to keep them clean.  I have tried many different avenues to accomplish this task, and a recent one I have had the opportunity to try has done a fantastic job of wiping the prints and grime off.

The Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish by TriNova comes shipped in a plastic bag with the bottle capped and the sprayer separate to eliminate leaks.  Installing the sprayer is a simple as unscrewing the lid and screwing the sprayer on.

The cleaner also comes with a soft, two sided microfiber cloth.  One side is for cleaning, the other is for buffing and polishing.  The cloth is generously sized, think and of great quality, this is not a cheapy piece of fabric.

This cleaner sprays on as a white liquid, which has a pleasant smell.  It lifts prints away right away and also easily cleans off whatever the kids may have left behind on the handles and other surfaces. Once the surface has been cleaned, it is easy to flip the cloth over and use the other side to polish and buff the surface back to the shiny clean intended.

I didn't notice any residue left behind once I had finished cleaning.  I never had to fuss with streaks either, it just wiped on smooth and came off just as easily.  The surfaces seem to stay nice looking for an acceptable stretch of time.  Claimed to repel fingerprints and dust, I would agree that it does work at keeping the surface looking clean longer, though I have never compared this with other products to verify this claim against others.

A little goes a long way, so this 16oz bottle will last quite a while!  However, when I do run out, TriNova's Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish will be at the top of my list.


Click below to learn more or purchase:

 Stainless Steel Cleaner

* I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased opinions.  I was not compensated for my review or required to write a positive review, all thoughts are my own.
https://www.tomoson.com/account/profile/campaign-verify/trinova-stainless-steel-cleaner-and-polish-for-commercial-refrigerators-with-mic/blog?