15 May, 2011

The Generals: Macarthur














The Generals: MacArthur, America’s General is written by Mitchell Yockelson who through his detailed writing of this memoir invites the reader to once again return to an era where manliness and leadership where sought and young boys often looked towards those with military wisdom and achievement as a hero rather than comic characters or movie stars.

As a soldier in the U.S. Army, General Douglas MacArthur embodied strength and fearlessness amidst combat, which he encountered during World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. Many are familiar with his famous and oft-quoted words, “ I shall return.” He was also known for his jaunty mode of attire and lifestyle.

The writer gives a favorable and insightful view into the public and personal life of General MacArthur, highlighting his family ties and particularly the generations before him who proudly served their role in military careers. I enjoyed reading about his many triumphs on the battlefield. I also found interesting the close relationship he shared with his beloved southern-bred mother, known as “Pinky.” I was disappointed to read however, of the mistress enjoyed during the time following his divorce with Louise (Cromwell Brooks) and his subsequent remarriage to Jean (Marie Faircloth). It saddens me to so oft read of the moral failures of such otherwise great (though usually and tragically ungodly) men and leaders.

I look forward to obtaining other volumes in this series highlighting American Generals. :-)
 
*This book was gratefully received from Thomas Nelson at no cost in exchange for my agreement to  write this review.

The ESV Seek and Find Bible













Written for children ages 5 to 9, I was pleased as I flipped through this latest children’s Bible from Crossway Publishers. I like that it has five hundred vibrant and eye-catching illustrations and engaging short stories typical of bibles compiled for children alongside the text of the entire word of God (Children are never to young to be immersed and often are far more understanding and receptive than given credit for!). I appreciated the “character profiles” which each highlight a bible character and through numerical notations, coordinate it to the passage in which he or she is introduced. One particular addition that stood out to me was the “Seek and Find” Bible studies suggested. I thought it was wonderful way to encourage children to dive right in as they ask themselves the three key questions provided alongside a key Bible verse and related Bible readings to the particular story or passage being studied.

I have found the EVS (English Standard Version) to be easily read and comprehensive for the greater part. In addition, your young reader will find the simple dictionary located towards the back to be helpful in understanding terms and words. Several maps are also included.

This edition has a colorful hardback cover with an identical protective slipcover. The font in slightly enlarged to aid in readability. The pages, although thin, are not flimsy or easily torn. The colors are a fun and slightly eclectic blend of blue, orange, and green.

For more information, you'll want to be sure to check out www.crossway.org/blog !

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Crossway Publishers. 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.”

A Deeper Kind of Calm, by Linda Dillow











In this four- week devotional entitled A Deeper Kind of Calm: Steadfast Faith in the Midst of Adversity, the reader is invited alongside the writer on a quest to know the unfathomable peace of God regardless of whatever circumstance we find ourselves in or in spite of our emotions that reel about us and cloud our minds. It is a journey to contentment that serves as a follow-up to her previous book, Calm My Anxious Heart.

At the time I received this book to review, I was busy packing and cleaning. My husband was helping me as much as he could while continuing to job search while at the same time training the new employee who was his replacement. Our precious little ones, too young to understand what was going on but knowing that something certainly was up, turned into adorable and breathing forms of cling-wrap. We have since moved from Colorado to northern Missouri, are living in a rental and have prospects but no actual job (or income). I am tempted to excuse my fears and impatience, but this book has encouraged me to face them as sins and to look fearlessly at the face of the One who hold our future and us in His loving hand! Our Lord is sovereign and good, and as I found through reading the stories given in this book taken from the life of the author and her acquaintances, He is near! This book has encouraged me to turn from discouragement to joyful excitement and I hope that it will do that same for you.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Navpress Publishers. 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.”

31 Days of Drawing Near to God, by Ruth Myers













Previously released as The Satisfied Heart, 31 Days of Drawing Near to God is aptly subtitled Resting Securely in His Delight. I enjoy the personable way that the author, Ruth Myers shares from her life as well as from the word of God, so I was happy to see this book listed as one of the selection choices for review. With 31 short chapters this book was easily incorporated into my daily devotional time as I learned from this older Titus 2 woman about resting and delighting in the delight God lavishes on His own. I can be so quickly caught up in two the busyness of life as I care for my little ones, feeling so exhausted and overwhelmed, and this particular writing encouraged me to see myself as the Lord sees me. I’m so hard in myself, often seeing only my shortcomings and imperfections, but He sees me as His Bride and Purified one. What humbling compassion!

This book is highly recommended for women of all ages (and men, too!). The writer is engaging, thoughtful, refreshing, and gracious. The theology and teachings are sound and honoring to the word and glory of God. She and her late husband served in Asia with the Navigators and she now resides stateside in Colorado.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Publishers. 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.”

Knock ‘em Dead, by Martin Yate, CPC







My reaction upon seeing this title available for review was two-fold. Initially, I laughed at the hilarious title. Secondly, I was impatient to request a title for myself! With Dwight soon to be in search of employment, I was praying for anything that might be helpful to him. I wondered if Knock ‘em Dead: The Ultimate Job Search Guide would prove to be worthwhile. This book is updated for this current year (2011) and is also the 25th Anniversary Edition. To be still sought after (the author is a New York Times bestselling author and this title is highly recommended by many.

So I requested it. And waited for it to arrive.

Flipping through it I found it to be interesting and informative. It gives a fair amount of time to the interview. Wondering what to wear? You’ll find out in this book. Wondering what types of questions might be asked? I was amazed at some of the questions… they were enough to melt my heart with fear (and thankfulness that it was Dwight who would be answering them and not I, isn’t that terrible?) Well, suggested answers are given in this book!

Dwight was disappointed that more thought was not given to the resume and cover letter suggestions, but that was easily understood once we realized that the author had written another book with those in mind. In checking out the website address provided, he discovered much additional information there.

All in all, we found this book to be a helpful tool for those desiring to make a good impression as they seek new employment.

*This book was gratefully received from Thomas Nelson at no cost in exchange for my agreement to post this review.