My review of the book Rising Above a Toxic Workplace by Gary Chapman, Paul E. White, Harold Myra

Rising Above a Toxic Workplace: Taking Care of Yourself in an Unhealthy Environment

by Gary Chapman, Paul E. White, Harold Myra

I got this book hoping it would be help and encouragement in future job situations for myself and my family. Currently, I am not in a toxic work environment at all. There are the usual small tiffs and drama but nothing major. However, I know the future will probably hold more difficulties as I enter other work places. I was also hoping this book would even help with the smallest of difficulties at work. Not to be totally negative, but I was disappointed by this book from the first chapter. It was not practical at all. Instead, it was full of other people's work stories. I was shocked at how little practical and spiritual help there was to be found in the pages of this book. It is rare that I read a book which misses the mark so tragically.

If you want to read of other people's work experiences to make your life seem easier, than perhaps this is the book for you. It didn't fulfill my expectations.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you.

Learn how to thrive in—or escape from—a toxic work environment.

Toxic organizations are rife with conflict, fear, and anger. The environment causes people to have physiological responses as if they’re in a fight-or-flight situation. Healthy people become ill. Colds, flu and stress-related illnesses such as heart attacks are more common. By contrast, in resonant organizations, people take fewer sick days and turnover is low. People smile, make jokes, talk openly and help one another." - Annie McKee (author, consultant)

Many employees experience the reality of bullying bosses, poisonous people, and soul-crushing cultures on a daily basis. Rising Above a Toxic Workplace tells authentic stories from today's workers who share how they cope, change, or quit. Candidly they open up about what they learned, what they wish they had done, and how to gain resilience.

Insightfully illustrating from these accounts, authors Gary Chapman, Paul White, and Harold Myra blend their combined experiences in ministry and business to deliver hope and practical guidance to those who find themselves in an unhealthy work environment.

Includes a Survival Guide and Toolkit full of strategies and realistic insights 

Know the Word Study Bible NKJV from Thomas Nelson Publishing

NKJV, Know The Word Study Bible, Hardcover, Red Letter Edition: Gain a greater understanding of the Bible book by book, verse by verse, or topic by topic

Published 2016 by Thomas Nelson

Yet another publication of God's Holy Word! Again, Thomas Nelson creates a new study Bible to help you delve deeper into God's word. This version is the New Kings James version which is known for its accuracy and closeness to the original Greek and Hebrew texts. This study Bible is full of notes and different options for study schedules. You will find three different suggestions for studying the entire Bible: Book by Book, Verse by verse, or Topic by Topic.

Personally, I found the study plans in this Bible a little hard to understand and follow. But once carefully looked at they make more sense. Also, the study notes weren't as deep as they could be. Lastly, many of the Bibles published by Thomas Nelson are hardcover with a dustjacket and I find that the dustcover gets ruined pretty quickly if one reads ones Bible daily! Just a point I thought of.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Studying the Bible does not have to be an intimidating or overwhelming experience. The study of God’s Word can be easy and rewarding if you break down the Bible into easy-to-understand segments. The NKJV Know The Word Study Bible offers three easy ways to begin studying Scripture and helps individuals transition from being a casual reader of the Bible to becoming a regular student of the Word. Whether you prefer to study the Bible book by book, verse by verse, or topic by topic, each starting point offers powerful insights that will help you develop a daily routine of Bible study. The Book by Book series of notes leads you through the main points of each book of the Bible. The Verse by Verse studies help you to dig deeper into God’s Word at a verse level. The Topic by Topic articles, which cover 21 key theological topics, give you a bird's-eye view of Scripture and guide you through the main themes that run throughout the Bible.


Features Include:
• New King James Version Bible text
• Three easy approaches to study the Bible: Book by Book, Verse by Verse, Topic by Topic
• Book introductions
• Words of Jesus in red
• Two-color interior page design
• Comprehensive list of theological notes
• Concordance 

A review of the book Riley Unlikely by Riley Banks-Snyder

Riley Unlikely: How One Young Woman's Heart for Africa Is Changing the World

by Riley Banks-Snyder

This is the autobiography of Riley Banks who at the young age of 14, founded a non-profit organization called Generation Next. Generation Next seeks to enrich the lives of young people in Kenya in the hopes that they will be better equipped for their futures. Riley was first gripped with the inspiration to travel to Kenya at age 13. When she saw the conditions over there she quickly was filled with ideas of ways to help the poor yet joyous people living there. Riley's world was changed and she did not hesitate to start doing things to help. This book was a wonderful read. It was easy to understand and interesting yet life-changing as Riley shares what she learned as she compared Kenyan poverty to American luxury. I recommend this book for a variety of readers of all ages!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Riley Unlikely is the inspiring story of Riley Banks, who first traveled to Kenya at age 13, and has been back every year since bringing backpacks of school supplies and hygiene kits for young girls, developing relationships and friendships, and is currently, as a young millennial, raising money to build a complete learning complex in Kibwezi, Kenya for those who have nothing.

At age sixteen Riley learned that, because of a rare medical condition, she would never be able to have her own children. Devastating news to most young women, especially those who love children and have always dreamed of having their own family. But Riley’s response was: Kenya has given me a thousand children.

Riley’s stories of her trips to Kenya, her struggles to figure out how to best serve and care for these people she has fallen in love with, and her own unexpected health issues are funny, compelling and gripping. Readers will find that God writes surprising stories in the lives of those who follow Him. Hard to put down, Riley Unlikely will inspire you to pursue your dreams and make a difference in your own world—and around the world. 

The NKJV Study Bible, Second Edition review

The NKJV Study Bible, Second Edition
This is a beautiful publishing of the New Kings James version of the Holy Bible. From an aesthetic view, the binding is very pleasing with its cheerful blue tone and its imitation leather covers. The interior, apart from being the Holy Scriptures is wonderful because it is a red-letter edition and it has hundreds of study notes. This is a perfect gift for anyone.
I received a copy of this Bible from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

The NKJV Study Bible, Second Edition is the most comprehensive study Bible available! It has the most complete study system for pastors, teachers, or students who desire accurate study in God's Word. Using the trusted New King James Version, The NKJV Study Bible has "the mind of a scholar and the heart of a pastor." Thomas Nelson's skilled team of scholars has produced the study system to reach for when accurate study in God's Word is the goal.


Features include:
More than 15,000 verse-by-verse study notes
150 Bible times and culture notes
114 articles on key Bible doctrines
350 word studies with Strong's numbers
"Christ in the Scriptures" feature
Topical index
Deluxe Nelson concordance
Full-color maps

A Martyr's Grace: 21 Moody Bible Institute Alumni Who Gave Their Lives for Christ by Marvin J. Newell, J. Paul Nyquist

A Martyr's Grace: 21 Moody Bible Institute Alumni Who Gave Their Lives for Christ
by Marvin J. Newell, J. Paul Nyquist

"Have you grace to be a martyr?" D.L. Moody was once asked.
"No," he replied, "I have not. But if God wanted me to be one, he would give me a martyr's grace."

 This book tells of the life and death of 21 Christians who were each a student of Moody Bible Institute. Each account is different but the same faith kept these men and woman strong in Christ through life and death. I was amazed as I read of these soldiers for the Lord. I was touched by their selflessness and love for Christ and others around them. This faith is what should characterize all Christians and I was convicted and longed for such a faith as this. I highly recommend everyone read such accounts because especially in America we tend to forget what it is to suffer for Christianity. We live a life of luxury and we need to be prepared for harder times and meanwhile be praying for and supporting our brothers and sisters in Christ who are persecuted.

In criticism of this paperback book from Moody Press, the descriptions of many of these martyr's salvation experiences were a little confusing. Often, it is mentioned in these biographical sketches that the person strayed from the faith or rejected God for a time before fully surrendering their lives to Christ. It is quite obvious that the real salvation didn't happen before the rejection or wayward years but after, when they fully surrendered their hearts and lives to God!
   Also, this book is not the most well-written book I have read. It would be easy for an 8-year old to complete if one doesn't consider the fact that some of the details are a bit gruesome and violent for that age group to read. In conclusion however, this book is definitely worth reading as are all tales of those who lived and died for Christ!!!

They came from around the world. Administrators, teachers, doctors and nurses, church planters and pilots. Regular people in the prime of life.
United by their love for Christ and their studies at the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, these twenty-one men and women set out with the gospel. From the jungles of South America to the parched African plain, and from the dark cloud of communist China to the dangers of the Middle East, they displayed God through service and love.
In A Martyr’s Grace, Marvin Newell tells the individual stories of these faithful men and women who made a difference in the places they served. He also describes—in many cases for the very first time—how Jesus called them home. Their legacies live on in the rainforests, villages, churches, and cities where they died.
What is it that compels ordinary people to sacrifice their lives in this way? Only Christ. They didn’t go expecting to die. But they went—having already given their lives.

book review of He Knows Your Name by Linda Znachko

This is the story of how Linda Znachko began an unusual and special ministry of providing honorable burials for unloved and abandoned children. It all began one night when the news carried a story of a deceased baby abandoned in a local dumpster. Linda's heart was set on fire and she sought to discover what was to happen to this small person who would not have the burial it deserved as a human being.
I thought the heart and motive behind this ministry worthy of note. Linda is acting completely selflessly in doing such things as she does in this ministry. At the same time, I didn't find the book as necessary as one would expect. It was a little long and repetitive for one not involved with the ministry. It wasn't quite like a book about adopting live children. In fact, not at all. The stories were not life-changing for most of us readers I believe. I found it a little dry and too detailed. However, this is a book with a good purpose.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

When the evening news reported a dead baby abandoned in a local dumpster, Linda Znachko's comfortable life changed. She was suddenly convicted--God was asking her to provide a dignified burial for this tiny lost child. Linda said yes. She had no idea where that first small yes would lead. Linda found herself in places she never dreamed she would be: at the graveside of the child of an abused mother; by the side of a mother fighting for her lost child; and at the funeral of a Texas stripper who died two days before her baptism but left a legacy of love behind. When Linda stepped out of her comfort zone and into these implausible places with people she was unlikely to otherwise encounter, she discovered the life she never knew she wanted--a life of saying yes to God whenever He asks.

Today, Linda has a ministry that gives children a name in life, and dignity and honor in death. When she shares her stories of broken lives redeemed, other broken people respond, and so the ripple effects of that long-ago yes continue to spread, touching lives that yearn for healing, and underscoring the fact that every life matters to God.  When the evening news reported a dead baby abandoned in a local dumpster, Linda Znachko's comfortable life changed. She was suddenly convicted--God was asking her to provide a dignified burial for this tiny lost child. Linda said yes. She had no idea where that first small yes would lead. Linda found herself in places she never dreamed she would be: at the graveside of the child of an abused mother; by the side of a mother fighting for her lost child; and at the funeral of a Texas stripper who died two days before her baptism but left a legacy of love behind. When Linda stepped out of her comfort zone and into these implausible places with people she was unlikely to otherwise encounter, she discovered the life she never knew she wanted--a life of saying yes to God whenever He asks.

review of the new Ben-Hur by Carol Wallace

As one of the bestselling stories of all time, Lew Wallace's Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ has captivated and enthralled millions around the world--both in print and on the big screen. Now Lew's great-great-granddaughter has taken the old-fashioned prose of this classic novel and breathed new life into it for today's audience.

Coming to theaters in August 2016 as Ben-Hur, a major motion picture from MGM and Paramount studios, the story follows Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish nobleman whose childhood friend Messala betrays him. Accused of trying to murder the new Roman governor in Jerusalem, Judah is sentenced to the galley ships and vows to seek revenge against the Romans and Messala. But a chance encounter with a carpenter from Nazareth sets Judah on a different path.

Rediscover the intrigue, romance, and tragedy in this thrilling adventure.

Also included: the inspiring story-behind-the-story of Lew Wallace--Indiana lawyer, author, and Civil War general.

You may have heard of or seen the new version of the famous Ben-Hur movie. Well, to go along with the film is a new version of the classic book itself! This is the classic story which inspired and made the Charlton Heston film we all love. Now, years later, the original author's granddaughter Carol Wallace presents an updated version for today's readers. 

I have not seen the film- I am sure it is interesting to watch although I see no need for a remake of one of the best films of all time. Also, I think it sad that Carol Wallace said she was never able to get into her grandfather's literary masterpiece. I am disappointed- greatly disappointed- with the dumbing-down of that original Ben Hur into this far TOO easy-to-read version. This edition is like the typical Christian romances written recently. The reader's brain does no work as he reads the tale; the focus of the book is on emotions and thoughts and romance with no literary value. There are no thought-provoking aspects this book. I am sorry to be so critical but I don't understand the literary weakness of readers today! We need to expand our minds and read older literature. One thing I found interesting which the author Carol Wallace pointed our about the original book is that Lew Wallace spent much of the book describing the surroundings and settings of the Middle Eastern region in Ben Hur because Lew Wallace's 1900's readers wouldn't have known too much about that remote and mysterious lands. In contrast, today's readers have seen hundreds of pictures/videos of those lands and perhaps even visited them! So the majority of the lengthy descriptions would be unwelcome for today's readers. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.