Virtuous Girlhood

Book Review: Poems By Helen Steiner Rice

Anyone in the mood for some poetry? Then sit back with some of Helen Steiner Rice and enjoy! Her spiritual and sweet poems are like drinking a refreshing cup of tea.

Here’s one of Rices poems from A Book Of Courage.

No one likes to be sick, and yet we know,

It takes sunshine and rain to make flowers grow.

So close you eyes and open your heart,

And let God come and freely impart,

A brighter outlook and courage too,

         As His spiritual sunshine smiles on you.

Book Review: With An Everlasting Love

 Set against the backdrop of the holy land, this book is an allegory of God’s love for us.

Christiana is a despised daughter who has no hope and no future. That is until Joshua the son of the great King decides to marry her.

She is thrilled and begins to prepare for the marriage. As she waits she will learn many lessons that will change her life forever.

Book Review: Stories For The Heart (series)

One time my mom got me Stories For A Families Heart. I loved it. On long winter days they warmed my heart. They were sweet and sad. Happy and thought provoking. These stories touched my soul.

These books are collections of stories from such authors as Kay Author, Max Lucado, Paul Harvey, Philip Yancey, Lee Strobel, Gary Smalley, and Alice Gray.

Any of the Stories For The Heart series are great for reading for you or your family to sit down and read.

Book Review: Loving God With All Your Mind

Depression. We have all had it at one time or another. Things seem to be going bad. God seems far away. Family life isn’t going well. Life is hard.

So you become sad, depressed, pained. Elizabeth Gorge experienced the same thing. She struggled with deep and debilitating depression that robbed her of joy and energy.

But then God brought verses to mind that challenged her to think on what was true and real. Over time God brought about a radical transformation in her life. She was brought out of depression.

How you may ask. Through her thoughts. She brought her thoughts in line with what God has said. In this book she shows you how to have the same victory in your mind.

Don’t be defeated anymore. Let God show you how to have victory.

Book Review: The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven

I received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While I consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, my review is my honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

When I first saw this book I was really interested and thought that this would be cool to read and I was not disappointed when I read it! I thought that it was a great book.

But what is the book The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven about you ask? Here is a little bit about the Malarkey’s story story:

In 2004, Kevin Malarkey and his six-year-old son, Alex, suffered a horrific car accident. The impact from the crash paralyzed Alex and medically speaking, it was unlikely that he could survive. “I think that Alex has gone to be with Jesus,” a friend told the stricken dad. But two months later, Alex awoke from a coma with an incredible story to share. Of events at the accident scene and in the hospital while he was unconscious. Of the unearthly music that sounded just terrible to a six-year-old. Of the angels who took him through the gates of Heaven itself. And, most amazing of all…of meeting and talking to Jesus. The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven is the true story of an ordinary boy’s most extraordinary journey. As you see Heaven and earth through Alex’s eyes, you’ll come away with new insights on miracles, life beyond this world, and the power of a father’s love.

It seemed as though Alex from what his father and mother shared is so much older than 12 years old spiritually wise. His father stated in the book that “Alex was handicapped physically, but, he was handicapped spiritually. Who had the greater disadvantage?” I thought that was rather interesting.

The Malarkey family’s story is amazing and yet so stunning at the same time. I wonder how many little boys could have such a relationship with God and be so happy while in a wheelchair.

For some reason I really did not feel bad for Alex. I don’t know why, I just didn’t. It seemed as though he has something, a relationship with God, that I really have never seen before in myself as a Christian or in any other strong Christians that I know.

I really enjoyed this book. And will be reading it again!

The book The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven is available from Tyndale House Publishers for $24.99 here.

You may read Alex’s blog here. And Tyndale House Publishers has made a dvd documentary of Alex’s story.

Miss RJ

Book Review: Making Life Rich Without Any Money

 My family and I laughed our way through this book on money and life. Phil Callaway has a wonderful sense of humor, but He also teaches deep lessons.

 Life isn’t found in what we have, but in the people that God has given us. Life isn’t about what house you live in, but what fills that house. Life isn’t about getting glory and honor; it’s about giving our lives to God.

 So, curl up in your favorite chair and prepare to laugh and learn with this book!

Book Review: Abba’s Child

 We as believers want to feel safe and at peace with our heavenly Father. We want to know that He cares and that He loves us. Yet in the midst of church and Bible study we always seem to be running but never getting the prize we seek, our Father’s loving affection.

Stop running. Slow down. Take a deep breath. Breath in a Father love for you that has no strings attached. Find out how much He loves you. Soak in Abba’s affection that is lavished on you already.

Product Review! Eco Jot!

I received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While I consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, my review is my honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

I received the “Happiness Is A Form” journal from Eco Jot to review and really, really liked it! It was very nice as it didn’t make my pen skip like some journals and the pages do not come out easily. The binding is really nice and the pages are not too thin but they are not to thick either. I liked the cover design it was cute! It was very colorful and since I like (okay LOVE) bright things that was a bonus feature The journal itself retails for $15-16.

Some pictures of the journal:

There are two cool things about Eco Jot

1. They have this policy called “Buy 1 We Give 1″ so each time you buy a product they will send a product to Africa. ( I think!)

2. And the other cool thing is that they are all Eco-Friendly! They even don’t use chlorine bleach and they recycle. How cool is that? Eco Jot has a lot of cool products so check them out!

Check out their blog Jot and Dot and check them out on Facebook.We have a giveaway coming up with them soon! So come back…….

Miss RJ

Book Review: It’s Not About Me

Me. Me. Me. That’s the tune that most people sing to.

What about you? Do you long for some purpose outside yourself? Do you long to be set free from self?

It’s Not About Me is a great book to get you started. Through stories, humor, and the Bible, Max Lucado shows how God meant us for Him. When we give ourselves to Him, great things begin to happen.

This is a great summer read for all Christians. Refocus your eyes on Jesus and let Him show you His love for you and how that can change you.

Book Review: Having A Mary Heart In A Martha World

Do you feel tired and busy? Do you want a closer relationship with God but feel like you can’t fit one more thing on your overcrowded schedule?Sit down with Joanna Weaver and let her show you how God wants living room intimacy with you. She doesn’t give a bunch of how to’s or you must’s. Through stories and personal testimony, she invites you to slow down and sit at the feet of the master. This book can be your time to reflect on your relationship with God. So slow down. Take some time and listen to what God says to you through this book.

Book Review: Karl Jansen’s Find

 (This review was written by my little sister RL)

Karl Jansen’s Find is about a boy named Karl who finds a baby boy in an empty boat while fishing with his friend Peter, Karl has always prayed for a baby brother or sister and he is very thankful that the Lord has answered his prayer for a little brother, they name the baby Samuel, he is bullied for his faith by 2 other boys and Karl and his little brother get lost in a storm because the bully’s stole his skates, and much more! Karl Jansen’s Find is part of the Fireside Collection in the Lamplighter series.

This is a great story for all ages!

Book Review of So Much More

 Book Review of So Much More:

I read so much more two to three years ago and I loved it! So Much More is not yet another Christian-teenage girl Co-survival guide. It does not show you how to make it through High-school, and College without compromising your values. Instead it shows you ways how you can wage war with the world and win. The Botkin sisters focus on how young women can rise above their God-hating culture and change it for the better. Today, countless young ladies face difficult problems and challenging questions. While many young ladies long for godly families in reality their lives are a mess. So Much Moreshows how you can live a life of godliness in a savagely feministic, anti-Christian culture. Young woman will be shown bibilical answers to valid questions about dating, courtship, the bible, leadership, missions, school, relationships with family members and so much more! Young woman will find the answers they are not likely to get from their church, their peers, and definitely NOT their culture.

I enjoyed this book as it opened up my eyes to the dangers of going to college, and dating. I can name over 20 + young woman who are home-school graduates who have not dated, and most definitely not left home to go to college! It can be done but with God’s help!

I greatly encourage you to buy So Much More. To find out more you can buy it here or check out the Botkin sisters website. Or check out other faith building products by the Botkin sisters.

Happy Reading!

~Miss RJ

Book Review Leave Dating Behind:

A Virtuous Girlhood Policy: This is my honest thoughts, and opinion of this book/product. You are entitled to yours!

Book Review: Leave Dating Behind

I recently read Mrs. Sheldon Rogers book called Leave Dating Behind. This book is Mrs. Rogers story about her and her husband (Sheldon’s) courtship story. It is two people’s story about their road to marriage. I really liked that she didn’t say “Oh, it’s a sin to date, etc, etc,” she left it up to the reader to decide what he/she believed was right for them. Sure, she stated that dating was not biblical but she didn’t preach at you if you have dated in the past. I would not say that this book is a guidebook to courtship, instead it’s more of a ’story’ so to speak from someone else. She provided honest, funny, humorous, sad, and applicable things to courtship. She gave some helpful hints to following God’s way of living. I liked that even though she told their story she still brought Godly principles and hints to have a godly courtship. Even thought this book is not applicable to me at this time in life. It made me realize even more that I don’t and won’t date! That I want to be a daughter of our Lord and Savior and wait for my future husband! I highly recommend this book. Christian Book sells it for 7.99

Enjoy your day and happy reading!

Blessings,

Miss RJ

Book Review: A Young Womans Guide For Making Right Choices

I recently Inter-Library loaned A Young Woman’s Guide For Making Right Choices thinking that since Mrs. Elizabeth George’s other books where great that this one would be great too. Well I was a little wrong. This book is more for young woman who are worldly Christians so to speak. I cannot really relate to any of the issues except for getting up early, not gossiping, and your tongue. She dealt with issues in this book such as drugs, alcohol, school, crime, and purity. I cannot not relate to these issues because I am being home-schooled. Have NEVER had a boyfriend, ( And don’t intend to get one at the moment! I’ll wait for my prince charming!) and don’t really know much about the worldly environment. Some may say I am sheltered. And yes I am sheltered! And I am glad of it! I don’t know what it is like to be pressured by my peers nor do I know what it is like to have a boyfriend. I am thankful for Godly parents who are sheltering me from the worlds evils.

So in closing I just wanted to say that this book is more for the worldly christian teenager who needs help and godly guidance. I highly recommend this book for worldly christian teenagers who need help. This book would not be helpful for those being raised in a Godly christian home and who are homeschooled. But yet again that’s just my opinion. You may think differently. I would not recommend this book for those under 12/13.

Blessings,

Miss RJ

Book Review of Princess In Calico

Book Review of Princess In Calico

This little book is a pure gem! It is about  a young girl who finds Jesus, and realizes that the little things like ironing and dishes do matter to God. Katura is a young girl who does nothing but work, having little time for herself. Then she receives an invitation to go to her rich cousin’s house and stay. While enjoying her new life she receives a letter from her father telling her that her step-mother is very ill. Katura must decide what to do:  stay and be a princess, or be a servant. You can learn a lot from this book. Some of the things you can learn from it are:

• To be a servant.
• To change your bad attitude.
• To love God.
• To love your family.
• To find joy.
• To be content.
• To serve even when you don’t want to.
• To have peace.
• To die to yourself.
• To teach others.
• To obey.
• To follow God’s leading.
• To be patient.

It is a really great book; I won’t tell you how it ends! You can find it at Rod & Staff Publishing.

Happy reading!