Driven by Shellie Neumeier

Robyn is under attack like never before. She prays on school grounds with others in her youth group. An obnoxious reporter, who is determined to stop the prayers, challenges her. How dare she pray for others when they didn’t ask for it? Her Principal requests that she stops the prayer group, she refuses.

Enter Caleb and Taylor who fights for Robyn’s affection. There is a spiritual battle at play and the demon is not about to give up.

This book kind of reminded me of a play that I watched called, “Interview with the Devil.” The demon is at work and he looks for a way to mess us up. Satan whispers lies into our ears. It’s subtle enough that we believe that it’s our own thoughts not ours. It’s scary. It’s not a joke.

This story plays upon the fact that Satan is alive and well. He will do anything to trip us up. He might hurt loved ones to trick us into thinking that God doesn’t care. I admit I can easily be tripped but if we store God’s word into our heart, the damage can be minimized. I do believe that the stronger our faith and if we continue to shoo the Devil away, he will be tired of us and move on. Unfortunately, he may move onto people that we truly care about.

This is a great story and reminder that we are not alone in this world. There is an unseen battle at play.

I recommend this story to teens and youth pastors. Great book!

Note: I received a PDF copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review.

I'd Choose You by Dr. John Trent

Norbert, a sweet elephant wants to fit in but he’s having the worst school day ever! No one wants to sit by him except for Heidi the Hippo. Then the others think Heidi’s his girlfriend. What’s worse than that? He wasn’t picked for a team.

Norbert confides to his mother all of these bad events. Norbert is confident that even his mom would choose the others, because they are better and more skilled than he could ever be. But, he’s wrong.

The author reminds us that we can bless our children through touch and the words we express to our children. The concept is based on the Old Testament blessing.

God has blessed parents with children. It’s only natural that we continue the tradition by blessing our own children.

The story is a great reminder how we often compare ourselves to others. The grass looks greener on the other side. If we hop on over, we’d be stung by bees, the grass would itch, and dirt would become evident.

God didn’t make a mistake. By thinking that He did, it’s actually an insult to Him. He created us and we should thank Him and seek Him in everything that we do. It’s through Him that He will make our paths straight.

I receive a temporary free electronic copy of this book through http://www.netgalley.com I was not required to give a positive review.

unPLANNED by Abby Johnson

Abby Johnson had a plan. The plan was to help women in crisis. Her goal was to help them fight for their right to choose abortion. After all, it’s not really a baby. This DVD is an excellent documentary how God changed her heart. She became the Director of Planned Parenthood in Texas. She made the bold choice with a new determination and walked out. That bold step became a National News Story.

Abby was candid in this DVD. She had to open her heart and I’m sure it was the most difficult yet rewarding thing she has ever done. She admitted to her past mistakes. She grew up in the faith. I could only imagine the heartbrokenness of her parents when they found out that their daughter was an advocate for right-to-life debate.

Here’s a short video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZC6thU987CY

One day, Abby had the opportunity to be in the room as an abortion was being performed. It was that day that her heart changed.

For some women, it might be inconceivable how one could ever have an abortion. If you hear Abby’s story, you might change your mind. There are events that happen in one’s life. Unless you walk (literally) in their shoes, you cannot judge. You can perceive what you may or may not do in the same situation. The truth is – you do not really know how you would react to an unexpected pregnancy.

This DVD would be a great addition to a church library. I encourage you to view the DVD and share it with others. I believe it can be a healing process for some women who may have lost a baby through abortion.

On May 17th, 2011, you have a chance to learn more about Abby Johnson in a special Unite for Life webcast. uniteforlifewebcast.org/

I’m excited that Tyndale has provided me a gift certificate for the unPLANNED video! For a chance to win, please make a comment. Be sure to provide me with a link to contact you in case you are the winner. A random drawing will be held on May 18th, 2011. Winner will be notified on May 19th, 2011.

If we are Facebook Friends, you can respond to my status update today (May 6th) and that will be another way to enter!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this DVD free from the publisher through Tyndale Blog Network. 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.”