Book review - Heaven is for Real

Heaven is For Real by Todd Burpo

We did this book as a read aloud with the family. There are some very touching moments where I got quite choked up and needed a kleenex! The book is fascinating. We liked that he backed up his son's story with scripture. Very thought provoking! This is a wonderful book, well written - and of course our family believes that heaven is real. My sons really loved the book. 

The Road to Grace - Book Review

The long awaited third book in the series by Richard Paul Evans. 

Loved it - very good book. The book focuses on the need for the main character to forgive those that harmed him - not for their sake but for his own healing - to let go of the bitterness, hatred and resentment he was carrying around with him. I do have to say the ending - while their was foreshadowing so you weren't surprised exactly - I was still surprised (and maybe my reaction is truly along the lines of disappointment) that the author would add that twist into the whole plot line (don't want to give it away) and am wondering how this will be resolved in the next book. The series does continue but it is a wait - the next book is expected out in spring of 2013. 

Being George Washington, Book Review

Being George Washington The Indispensable Man, as You've Never Seen Him 

This is a biography of George Washington. It is a very good read. We did this as a read aloud with the kids. Along with getting quotes from George Washington himself, Glenn Beck also offers his own commentary on Washington. One of the things I found to be wonderful was to see that the fact George Washington had a very strong faith in God and that God led him throughout his life - this was not left out of the book. So much history has been revised to take God out and it was refreshing to see the truth left in - the fact our Founding Fathers were Christians - had a faith in God - that is the truth and it is nice to see it in the book. 

I found that the lessons that George Washington lived out and can teach us through studying him - these are great lessons for kids to know. This is from the book - on what it means to be George Washington (paraphrased from page 250):

1) "Being George Washington means a daily struggle between your heart and your brain; between instant gratification and enduring greatness. 

2) It means passing up awards, honors, or public admiration in exchange for real honor and the admiration of only those who know you best. 

3) It means looking out for our families, our neighbors, and our countrymen - standing for them when they can't stand for themselves. Choose small but real victories over false idols such as fame. 

4) It means putting country over party. 

5) It means becoming a leader. Not of a country or an army, but of yourself, your community, and your own family. It means taking personal responsibility for  your actions and holding those around your to the same standard. (Wow - isn't that awesome! I preach this to my kids - taking responsibility for their actions - even if that means having tough consequences. Unfortunately I have seen a lack of responsibility - a point the blame at others -- in our society. This is especially true in politics - both sides are always pointing fingers and blaming others. Never taking responsibility.) 

6) And being George Washington means accepting that this country was chosen for Divine protection because the struggle for freedom is worthy of God's protection. It means believing that miracles can happen to all of us because a great Author is writing the script!" (Amen!) 

The Heart Mender Book Review

The Heart Mender by Andy Andrews is a wonderful book. It is a book about second chances and the power of forgiveness to transform a person. The story takes place in present day with flashbacks to WWII. While the story takes place during war, it is more of a story about the people and how they heal through forgiveness. The story, although written as fiction, is based on real people, real events. It all began because Andy - the author - found some items buried in his yard. The nagged at his soul and he had to find the history behind the items. He wanted to find out about the people who those items belonged to. This was a very, very good. I highly recommend reading it.