Saturday, August 7, 2010

Review/Giveaway: The Faith Dare

Faith Dare, The: 30 Days to Live Your Life to the FullestA WINNING READINGS GIVEAWAY!

Title: The Faith Dare:  30 Days to Live Your Life to the Fullest
Author: Debbie Alsdorf
Genre: Christian living/Women
How to enter: Leave a comment on THIS post right here! If you're a subscriber or a follower, leave a second comment for a second entry.
Entry deadline: August 25, 2010
Restrictions: Open internationally!

That's right, enter right here for this giveaway.  This is my review copy, so it has been gently read.

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Publisher: Revell
Physical Description: 240-page paperback
List Price: $12.99
ISBN: 978-0800733674


Synopsis:
What would happen if you lived out your faith every day, in every situation?

Jesus came to give us abundant life. So why are so many of us living with worn-out faith, struggling just to get by? What if there was something more? What if we could be set free from worry, fear, and the constant cycle of searching for significance?

The Faith Dare is a 30-day challenge for women who want to develop a new habit of focusing on God's ways and daily awareness of his presence. It is for women who are tired of ho-hum living and want to break the pattern of self-reliance and people pleasing by putting their trust in God alone and living to please him. This personalized study guide, including daily readings, affirmations, and challenges, help you live in the power of God's Word.

Whether you do this with a group of girlfriends or by yourself, the next 30 days can change your life. If you're ready to discover what it looks like to live out real faith every day, open this book and take the challenge.

I dare you.

About the Author:
Debbie Alsdorf is the author of Deeper and A Different Kind of Wild. She is founder of the popular Design4Living Conferences and speaks with Hearts at Home. She is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and is director of women's ministries at Cornerstone Fellowship, where her Bible study is attended by hundreds of women every week. Alsdorf lives in California.
What I Liked: I like the practical, life-changing aspect of this book.  I recently decided to start another personal blog to help channel my focus on the beautiful things; the things that really matter in life (Glistener: an object that reflects the Light), and the chapters in this book have motivated me in this endeavor.  I read a chapter, think about its practical application throughout the day, and then come up with my personal thoughts the next morning...

I appreciate the author's authenticity in the book.  I get the feeling that she is real, not putting on a show or hiding behind a façade.

I like the organization of the chapters.  An intro, today's praise, today's truth, today's dare, journal prompts, today's prayer, and "today I believe."  It's easy to follow and full of scriptural truths.

I like the dares - concrete and significant.  They start at the beginning - a heart change - and address things like physical health/body ownership, self-esteem, focusing on the positive - without losing that "heart change" focus.

What I Didn't Like:  This isn't an easy read.  It's something that, if taken seriously, can take a huge investment on your part.  And it's easy to get distracted and lose focus while reading.  I started about a month ago, and I've gotten about a week of the way through it.  (So if I'm not done by the time the giveaway is over, the winner might just have to wait awhile... :)

Thanks to Baker Publishing Group for the review copy of this book.

Available July 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Posted by Jane from Mozi Esmé

Candlewick Summer Books

Title: It's Vacation Time by Lerryn Korda; Maisy Goes on Vacation; Flanimals Pop Up Book; Where's Waldo? The Ultimate Travel Collection; Show Off:  How to Do Absolutely Everything
Blog: Mommies with Cents
Link to Giveaway: Review & Giveaway: Candlewick Summer Books
Genre: Children's books
How to enter: Fill out form on giveaway post
Entry deadline: August 8, 2010 at 11:59 pm CST
Restrictions: US

Happy Reading!

Posted by Jane from Mozi Esmé

Fit for Life

Title: Fit for Life
Author: Harvey and Marilyn Diamond
Blog: Along the Way
Link to Giveaway: Fit for Life by Harvey and Marilyn Diamond (Giveaway)
Genre: Self-help, diet
How to enter: Comment on the giveaway post with your email address
Entry deadline: Aug 21
Restrictions: US and Canada

Happy Reading!

Posted by Jane from Mozi Esmé

Alphabet Beats

Title: Alphabet Beats lowercase package
Blog: TOS Homeschool Crew
Link to Giveaway: alphabet beats lowercase package giveaway
Genre: Educational program
How to enter: Comment on the giveaway post
Entry deadline: Sunday at 11:59 pm EST
Restrictions: ?

Happy Reading!

Posted by Jane from Mozi Esmé

Christian fiction choice

Title: Your choice:  An Absence So Great by Jane Kirkpatrick; Prairie Brides by Linda Ford, Linda Goodnight, JoAnn A. Grote, Amy Rognlie; Texas by Debra White Smith
Blog: This Mom's Delight
Link to Giveaway: Book Giveaway | August 2010 (Ends 8/31) #christian #book #giveaway #fiction
Genre: Christian fiction
How to enter: Comment on the giveaway post telling your favorite Christian fiction book and/or author
Entry deadline: 8/31
Restrictions: ?

Happy Reading!

Posted by Jane from Mozi Esmé

Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas

Title: Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas
Author: Russell Hoban
Blog: Vintage Kids' Books My Kid Loves
Link to Giveaway: Great Monday Give: Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas
Genre: Children's book
How to enter: Comment on the giveaway post
Entry deadline: 11:59 PM Sunday, August 8
Restrictions: ?

Happy Reading!

Posted by Jane from Mozi Esmé