Book Review: The Search Committee

The Search Committee by Tim Owens

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


In The Search Committee, Tim Owens introduces us to seven people, all members of a shepherd-less Presbyterian flock.  Their duty is to find a man (and some insist it must be a man) to pastor their congregation.

They are as unique as any seven random people in a congregation, and each week they travel in an old church van to hopefully complete their task of finding just the right minister.  In an attempt to keep it secret from the churches they visit, they split up during the service and try to keep a low profile.  That isn't always easy because of the adventures they find themselves in -- from being covered in dust by taking a back road to a couple of them getting stuck in an elevator in a sombrero. 

While that might be the plot, we get a glimpse of each of the seven members and the struggles they face.  We all have skeletons in our closets, and The Search Committee shows a cross section of good church people and their problems from the death of a spouse, someone who is a afraid to have children, someone who witnessed the death of her mother and brother on the same day, and a man whose girlfriend gets pregnant and the baby isn't his.

Life isn't easy.  In fact, it's hard.  But somehow if we can continue on through the pain, we find that God is still Good.  Somehow, we find it.  Just as they did.

I loved this book.  It was a bit confusing at first because there were so many members of The Search Committee, but once I got used to the writing style, I enjoyed the look into each one.  Usually I hate when fiction books include sermons.  I think there has to be a better way to get a point across than a sermon thrown in.  However, in this book, it worked quite well.  I was pleasantly surprised to see a female minister thrown in the mix and how that issue was handled. 

This book hits the target for everything I expect in a Christian fiction book.  It's fun, and since fiction should be entertaining, it is a must.  There is plenty to point to God, which is something I feel is a requirement of Christian fiction.  Finally, it's a book that leaves you pondering your life, and what would be written about you if you were part of The Search Committee, and if you have brought resolution to the hard parts of life and have found in the end that God is still Good, and quite possibly the answers (and God) are closer than we think. 

You can purchase it here:

Goodbye, Einstein.

Einstein May 2009 - June 14, 2012

He was a brave guinea pig.

In May 2009, two kids rang our doorbell.  They had two girl guinea pigs and no food for them. Would we want them?  We had two boy guinea pigs and we knew the combination would mean a lot of babies, but we decided since the two guinea pigs had been living outside, not even in a cage, we could keep them in another room until we found homes for them.

However, the guinea pigs weren't girls, they were actually boys, and to make a long story short, we kept them.  These guinea pigs were apparently brothers, and as far as we know never had been apart.  Oh the joy when Einstein found one of our other guinea pigs.  (I wonder if they thought there were no other guinea pigs on earth except for themselves?)

Einstein seemed to be the smarter of the two, and always was protective of his little brother.  He would call Fuzzy to come and eat or if he heard a noise he didn't know what it was, he'd rush to make sure he was okay.

When they arrived on our doorstep, we had two pigs already, they took us to four.  Yesterday we lost Einstein.  I'm not sure exactly what happened.  He had some tooth problems, but we had those taken care of.  It was just his time.  Now we are down to one pig, Fuzzy.  It's really quiet around here today.  It's amazing how much noise one little fellow can make by running through hey, eating veggies, and playing with his brother.

Book Review: Love, Sex, and Happily Ever After

In the book "Love, Sex, and Happily Ever After", Craig Groeschel presents ideas for singles to help them achieve the marriage they have always dreamed of -- before it starts.  For instance, he points out if you are constantly attracting the wrong kind of person, it could be you are putting out the wrong kind of signals.  He mentions you should make a list of what qualities you want in a future spouse, once you are done with the list, work on those areas in your own life.  After all, should you expect traits in someone else you are not willing to give yourself?

He explains that you are not to be looking for "The One" as God should be your number one.  Instead you should be finding "Your Two".  He talks about seeking advice from mentors or people you trust, admire and respect as well waiting for "Your Two".

Of course he discusses hot button issues such as sex before marriage.  (In a nutshell, don't do it.)  Also living together before marriage.  (Don't do it, be committed to the relationship more than just moving in together.)  He also discusses how to break up with the person you are dating without hurting them.

There is a chapter each for men and women on how to be a good husband or wife.  He discusses leadership and how that looks lived out in a practical manner (leadership in spiritual issues, financial, etc.)  He also explains that this is not something you can beat your wife over the head with and make her do whatever because you are the leader, but there should be mutual submission in place.  For the women, he discusses rebelling against the lies that our culture tells us.  These are things like we have to have a man to be complete or we can change a man.

There is a study guide included in this book, which would make it ideal to be used in a small group setting.

Overall, I enjoyed this book.  I thought some of his attempts at humor were a bit lame, but he got his message across even if I didn't always think some of the jokes were funny.  This book was previously published as "Going All the Way" and I read it when it was published under another name, not realizing this was the same book when I requested it from the publisher for review.  I rarely re-read books and wouldn't have read it again had I realized this.  As someone in my thirties who is single and has never been married, I didn't find a lot of new information in this book, but it's still a good read to remind myself of certain ideals.

Please rank my review here:



FTC disclaimer:  I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.  The opinions are my own.

Read the first chapter:
Love Sex and Happily Ever After by Craig Groeschel Sneak Peek

Weekend Mail Wrap-Up 6/9/12

I had a full mailbox this week.

Not pictured, I received a box of five bags of "Food Should Taste Good" chips for being their weekly winner on Facebook.  Also, I received a $100 prepaid Visa I won when voting for a friend in a voting contest.  It really does pay to help others out!

I won a Lace Trim Baptism Bonnet with White Shamrocks from Mandi over at Catholic Newlywed.

From Kate at Parchment Girl I won a copy of Faith and Other Flat Tires: Searching for God on the Rough Road of Doubt.  After reading the review Kate had posted on this book, I was really hoping to win one in her giveaway.  It sounds like a great book and I'm looking forward to reading it!

Aprile over at The Steady Hand Blog had chosen me as a winner for her giveaway of  Don't Sweat the Small Stuff for Moms: Simple Ways to Stress Less and Enjoy Your Family More.

Grace at Blessed Elements chose me as a winner in the giveaway she was running for   Biblical Beauty: Ancient Secrets and Modern Solutions.   This is another book that looks absolutely great and I can't wait to read it.

The New Living Translation Blog ran a giveaway a while back where 300 people would win a  Bible that was numbered in a limited edition of 3000 in the Celebration edition of New Living Translation Bible.  I love this translation of the Bible, and was very happy to win one of the very first Bibles ever printed in this translation.

Finally, (not pictured) I won a $25 Amazon.com gift certificate from Henrietta over at A Hen's Nest to celebrate her birthday!  Happy birthday Henrietta!  :)  I am not sure what I'll get with my gift certificate, but I know it will be fun!

It was a fun mail week!  :)

Book Review: Illusion

Illusion by Frank Peretti

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Although I don't read much fiction, I've been a fan of Frank Peretti since the late 1980s, so when I heard he had a new book out, I was very excited to read it.

Peretti's style changes.  I never know what to expect.  In Illusion, a government experiment and a couple magicians converge to create time travel.  Mandy is wheeled away, presumably dead, but the story picks up as young Mandy goes from 1970 with her friends at the fair to present day.

The story seems to drag a little in places. We know she is a magician, but the same tricks each time in detail could be skipped over as she does similar things with the tennis balls, hula hoops, etc. in each consecutive show.  The first time she does each trick would be enough to describe it.

I think this book would lend itself to a movie -- perhaps even better than the book as it is a very visual based book with lots of descriptions that run through this volume.  I watched the movie made from Peretti's book The Visitation, and that film fell short of my expectations as that was my favorite book of his, but unlike that one, this one I could picture very easily on the big screen.

The last hundred pages I read straight through, which is usually typical of me with any Peretti novel.  I need to finish it and find out what happens. 

My biggest complaint about this book isn't even something I would have said last time Peretti published a novel.  If you are going to buy this, I highly recommend it as an eBook.  Being a hardcover novel, it's just big at 495 pages, bulky, and at 1 pound 8 ounces, a bit heavy to hold for extended periods.

I very much enjoyed this book.  I think Peretti is a genius storyteller, and although it's not my favorite, it's still an excellent read and I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys Christian fantasy.

Review and Giveaway: Farm Rich Foods

When I was in high school, a friend's mom always invited all of us to her house.  She and her husband said (over the din of 50 teenagers) that if we were there, they knew we were staying out of trouble.  She always made food for us to eat.  I was thinking, though, how much easier it would have been if she would have just bought some Farm Rich products.

Their jalapeno peppers are delicious.  Just put them in the oven for sixteen minutes and you've got a great appetizer or teen snack! ! How quick and easy is that?  And while they are cooking, you can watch to make sure the teenagers don't wreck your house!  I love jalapeno peppers and these are absolutely delicious!  I sometimes buy some jalapeno snacks from a local fast food place, and these are even better, and of course more economical.   Just look how good these look!

Another time saving item is Farm Rich meatballs.  I chose to get the turkey meatballs.  These are super easy to prepare as well.  In fact you can put five in a microwave safe bowl, add a tablespoon water, cover, and microwave on high for two and a half minutes and you've got meatballs ready to use!

Unlike the jalapeno peppers there are recipes on the Farm Rich site for using the meatballs.  Just go to the product page and click on recipes and you'll find recipes such as blue cheese buffalo balls  and easy sloppy joes.

For my review, though, I decided to make two different meals with the meatballs.  The first I decided to go with the classic spaghetti and meatballs.  I boiled angel hair pasta, fixed the meatballs in the microwave and in less than 10 minutes, dinner was on the table.   I couldn't believe how quick and simple it was.  My mother loved the meatballs and her only complaint was I didn't make enough!

For a second meal with the meatballs, I decided to take one of my favorite meals and use meatballs instead.  I went ahead and microwaved the meatballs, then added them to the crock pot with two regular sized cans of mushroom soup.  I let it cook an hour and a half to two hours, boiled some noodles, then fixed some vegetables and once again, a super quick and easy meal that was delicious!

I'd never tried Farm Rich products before now and I have to say I am extremely impressed.  My mother keeps asking if I've bought more meatballs!  They certainly have her approval.  I loved the jalapeno peppers and this is going to be a treat for me on occasion.

Farm Rich makes a number of different items.  A few I haven't yet tried but hope to are the mushrooms,  queso cheese bites, and mini bacon cheeseburgers.

If you haven't yet tried these, you are in luck because Farm Rich Foods is going to send two coupons each one good for a free item to one reader of The Radar Report.

The giveaway is good in the USA only to those 18 and above and ends June 9th at 11:59 pm.

FTC disclaimer:  I received two coupons for free products in exchange for hosting this review and giveaway.  The coupons in  no way influenced my review.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Weekend Mail Wrap-Up 6/2/12

This was a great mail week.  It started with a blog win that included:

Box of Lucky Charms (not pictured)
"spilt milk" bowl
two light up cups
two "tangle toys"
one straw to drink milk from your cereal bowl.

I also won a baseball glove and and Amp Energy t-shirt.

I ordered the book Fifty Shades of Grey  It is not normally what I read, but I've heard so many things good and bad about it, I am curious to see what *I* think.

For review I received:   Love, Sex, and Happily Ever After: Preparing for a Marriage That Goes the Distance.  I hope to be posting that review on the 11th or 18th. 

Also, not pictured, I received $32.29 in refund checks.  :)

Book Review: Your Heart's Desire

Your Heart's Desire: 14 Truths That Will Forever Change the Way You Love and Are Loved by Sheri Rose Shepherd

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In Your Heart’s Desire, Sheri Rose Shepherd take fourteen ideas about life, love, and God and puts them together for a book that gives a great overview on relationships with the opposite sex.  Different from most books in this genre, this one is geared to women.  At first glance that might not seem like it’s unique, but it’s for the married and single woman.  The woman who may or may not have found the man who is going to walk through life with her.

Married women can use this book to improve their marriage, and singles can use this book to know what they should be looking for, as well as teaching them now how to become a woman a man would want to marry.

I read this book on my own, but I believe it would be idea for a women’s group to go through it together.  One thing I really liked was her warning to respect your husband’s privacy if you are going through this as a group.  What a great reminder, because what man would want to feel like his failures were shared with and discussed to a group of ladies!  That would likely cause more problems than it would solve! 

Another very unique feature of this book is at the end of each chapter there is a QR code which takes you to a video on YouTube where the author discusses the chapter for a few minutes.  I’ve only ever seen one other book utilize QR codes, and I think this is a great concept.  For those who do not have a smart phone, there is a link you can type in to take you directly to each video.  This gives the book a more interactive feel because you not only are reading words on a page, but the author gets to talk directly to you.  Here is the video the QR code take you to for chapter two.

Each chapter begins with a Scripture, then later there is a “Love Coaching” section which is to help you apply that chapter to your life.  For instance, one chapter has an exercise on how to help you feel rid of shame you may carry needlessly (and as women, isn’t this something most, if not all of us, struggle with?).  Another chapter has ideas on how to help cultivate respect for your husband.  After this section, there is a prayer and another Scripture.  Finally, “His Love Letter to You” concludes each chapter.  This “Love Letter” is written as if it were coming from God.  At the end of the book, there is a section of chapter highlights.

My favorite chapters were “Desiring a Godly Man to Marry (for singles)” because I am still single, this one was quite appropriate for me.  I also loved chapter thirteen “Desiring to Glorify God by Showing Honor and Respect”.  The letter she shares on pages 169-170 asking forgiveness of men who we may have hurt was nothing short of amazing.  How many times as women have we lumped all men together?  Sure there are men out there who have really hurt the women in their lives, but can we honestly say, “That’s just like a man?” because what about the men who are desiring the Lord in their lives and are doing their best to love those around them?  That’s not fair to those men when we blame all men for the actions of a few.

This was a great book for any woman and while the chapters are short and doesn’t have time to go in depth in any one topic, it’s a great overview, and even if you have read books about marriage before, I would recommend this because it gives a lot of great ideas to think about and hopefully implement into your life!

FTC disclosure:  I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.  The opinions are my own.

Helpful links:
http://www.yourheartsdesirebook.com/
Sheri Rose Shepherd on Facebook
Sheri Rose Shepherd on Twitter

You can purchase this book here:

Bumped in Ft. Lauderdale

As I mentioned last week on my blog, I am not home this week.  (That is the reason for the lack of posts lately.)  I had a free airline ticket and decided to visit friends from college who live in Ft. Lauderdale.  I'm not a big beach person, and in fact other than SEEING the ocean, I haven't been to the beach. 

Well, I was to fly out this morning from Miami.  But the airline asked for people who would be willing to be bumped in exchange for a $400 travel voucher.  Of course, I was more than willing.  When there were some problems encountered getting me to my final destination tonight, I offered to fly out tomorrow.  That worked for them, and I am now spending another night in Ft. Lauderdale with my friends. 

I am super excited about my flight voucher.  It *is* an inconvenience.  I had to have my friends make another trip to Miami.  Now, I fly out of Ft. Lauderdale at 6:30 in the morning.  I will be in not three but four airports tomorrow, but because I have been wanting to make another trip, I consider this money in my pocket since I would have bought that plane ticket. 

Not only did I get a plane ticket, but the airline gave me lunch as well.

Now I wonder if I can get bumped tomorrow and be able to make it home tomorrow evening. Ha ha!

Weekend Mail Wrap-Up 5/18/12

I won a plane ticket good anywhere in the United States last fall. Because I'm using it this weekend (stay tuned for photos) I decided that I would move my weekend mail wrap-up to today. This week's mail was a lot of reading. . . .

 

I received the following:

Coupon for a free Bloomin' Onion from Outback (win).  Of course I haven't been to Outback in years, so I'll likely not use it.

Shine Shine Shine Advance Reader's Copy.  Not sure where this arrived from!

From Blah to Awe: Shaking Up a Boring Faith  I received a notification I won this from the publisher, but not sure where I even entered.  I'm excited, though, because I really think this is going to be a great book!

From Christine over at Our Homeschool Reviews I won a copy of  The Homeschool Experiment, a Novel.  If you've been a reader for long here at The Radar Report, you know I'm not a huge novel fan, but when I saw she was giving this away, I really hoped I would win because it looks like such a fun book!

For review I received  Your Heart's Desire: 14 Truths That Will Forever Change the Way You Love and Are Loved.  I've started reading this an am almost halfway through it in just one day!  Obviously a review will be coming soon!

I had only planned on taking my Kindle with me to Florida, but I may end up taking one of these books with me as well!  After all, I do have reviews to write, you know! :)

I had a coupon for a free photo book from Shutterfly, and as rarely as I print photos, I thought last summer it would be nice next time I get a free photo book to make one of my 20th high school reunion.  That arrived in the mail this week, and as always, a very high quality book!

Finally I received the current issue of RefundCents.  I've subscribed to this coupon/refund newsletter for almost two decades!  But my photo was in this issue!