Audiobook Review: The Real Heaven

Narrator Thoughts: To be honest, I've seen Chip Ingram and I have heard many of his radio broadcasts. This narrator seemed so flat in comparison. It was hard to listen, even though the content was really good, because his voice.  It may have been just me, but I didn't find his voice very engaging.

Book Thoughts: This is what I could gladly give 5 stars to. The content of the book itself is very good. With his simple and easy style, Chip walks you through the various passages on heaven and what happens when we die. I found this helpful and encouraging. How we think about heaven determines so much. This book helped me to clarify what I really think about heaven.

You can by this book from Christian Audio or Amazon.com

A Link

Just wanted to let you all know that this website has a ton of links to charities and ministries that take handmade items. 

If you're interested, check them out here http://www.handcraftingwithlove.net/charity/hcharity.html

Steadfast Love: Audiobook Review

Narrator Thoughts: I'm a huge fan of author read books. This one was so nice. Lauren has a lovely voice. It blended perfectly with the message of this book to provide a soothing read. 

Book Thoughts: Once again God knew what I needed to hear. This book highlights Psalm 107 and the Amazing Love of God. He has saved us and redeemed our lives. 

Still we put our trust in false anchors that won't hold. So many times, He loving places thorns in our path. This is to show us the folly of our ways. This is to draw us back to Him. To expose the real motives of our hearts. To free us from the false anchors we've put our trust in. 

Lauren expresses this so beautifully in Steadfast Love. I was encouraged and challenged by this book. It touched on some places that God and I need to work on. 

Here's one of my favorite quotes. The hard labor will force us to look at the chains that are on our hearts, if we would be willing to see.  

More than anything, in reading this book I was reminded of the amazing love of God. He cares for us no matter where we are. Ultimately He is our love and our redeemer. 

I highly recommend this book.

You can find it on Amazon and Christian Audio. 

Dirty Hands (A Real Post)

Sometimes the best ministry happens when you get your hands dirty. Very dirty.

When I started this blog, I wanted to create a place where girls could have a place to find different ministries to send their handmade creations to. 

Three years ago I felt God tugging at my heart to turn my words into action. To get my hands dirty so to speak. 

Now I am so glad I followed His leading. I started volunteering at a hospital, volunteered at a food pantry, talking and listening to messy people, loving those who needed to know someone cared, making gifts for the sick or hurting, working for a nonprofit disaster relief organization. I've never been "perfect" at it, but as I have opened my heart and my hands to those in need God has grown the size of my heart. As my hands have become dirty with His work, my capacity to love others has grown. 

God is good. 

How about you? What is God calling you to get your hands dirty with today? 

Let's find out. 

The End Of Me: Audio Review

I received this book courtesy of Christian Audio

Narrator Thoughts: This Narrator was very good. He was clear and calm. A good listen. While he doesn't have the same passion in his voice as some narrators I've listened to, I thought he did a good job of reading the book. 

Book Thoughts: Once again, Kyle challenged me in my faith. I think this book, more then any of his others challenged me. 

Coming to the end of me has never been easy, but I can agree with him and say that when I come to the end of me, that is when Jesus' power can begin. It reminded me of the good that comes from coming to the end. 

By following in His footsteps we die to ourselves and our way of doing things. The chapter on humility especially hit home. It challenged my pride and reminded me of what I needed to be doing. 

This is definitely a worthwhile listen.

You can buy this on Christian Audio, Amazon, or Christianbook.com

The Truth About Lies: Audiobook Review

I received this audiobook courtesy of Christian Audio for the purpose of writing a review. 

Narrator Thoughts: Adam did a wonderful job of reading this book. He was clear, even and calming. I thought it was a perfect choice for a book on temptation. 

Book Thoughts: Far and Away this is the best book on temptation I have ever read. I think one of the most powerful elements in this book was that he took the wholistic approach to temptation. Talking about desires, day dreams, thought life, and everything inbetween Tim helps us to see how the key to overcoming temptation is not just saying no. It's a lifestyle that is focused on God and lives for Him. As we do that, saying no to temptation becomes easier. It is still there, but as we focus on God, temptions hold becomes less. 

I was encouraged, challenged, and strengthened as I read this book. 

I highly recommend it to anyone who is wanting to grow closer to God and know how to overcome temption. 

You can find this audiobook on Chistian Audio and on Amazon. 

Seeing In The Dark: Audiobook Review

I recieved this book courtesy of Christian Audio for the purpose of writing a review.

Narrator Thoughts: While not an author read book, I thought that this author did a very good job of reading this book. Her voice is very pleasent. Like a happy grandmother reading a book to you. 

Book Thoughts: Frist I want to say that I didn't finish this book. I listened to the first three chapters. 

I  thought that Nancy made some good points and was encouraging. As I continued to read the book I found myself agreeing with her on most points. 

Still I felt like the book lacked good structure. I felt like she would begin a thought and then get sidetracked with another point. Like I said they were good points, but I felt like it wasn't organized well. 

Overall I think that the style of the book was not one that speaks to me. I wasn't finidng it worth continuing, but maybe that was just me.

You can buy this on Christian Audio or Amazon. 

Called For Life: Audiobook Review

I received this book courtesy of Christian Audio for the purpose of writing a review.

Narrator thoughts: While this was not an author read book I did like the voices that they got to dramatize this book. The readers did an extremely good job of displaying the emotions that were written. I also enjoyed the two voices that played Amber and Dr. Brantley. They both did a great job capturing the spirit of this book. 

Book thoughts: Definitely this book is not for the faint of heart. Becuase you are talking about Ebola there's a lot of medical jargon and plenty of tough subjects discussed. 

But the heart and the story behind this audiobook is fantastic. I admire both Dr. Brantley and his wife for the sacrifice that they made in going to a foreign country and serving no matter the cost. They continued to believe in the mission that God called them to. I've admired their faith and the heart with which they served out the mission that God gave them. I enjoyed reading about their story. I enjoyed reading about their perspective. Like many so from around the world I had seen the reports of an American doctor working with Samaritans Purse that it come down with the Ebola and had heard a lot of different things about the doctor. But it's all it was great hearing it from Dr. Brantley's and his wifes  perspective. You hear what really happened, not just with the media told us. It was definitely neat to hear about how God brought him through and how God saw them through not only that but through the recovery process. 

As a hospital volunteer I'm accustomed to hearing some of the medical information, but it was still a little tough in places reading this book. Mainly because Ebola is a very nasty disease.

The neat thing that comes out of this is God saw him through. I think that's one of the things that comes out very clearly in this book is you see God's hand at work. Even in the little things. Even in the tough things. It worked for the good. To bring about Dr. Brantley's recovery. 

I would definitely recommend this book to friends but I would tell you that you should use some caution because it does go into a lot of the specifics about Ebola. Still, it's a fantastic book.  

You can get a copy of Called For Life by going to www.Amazon.com or at Christianaudio.com

Nobody's Cuter Than You: Audiobook Review

I received this book courtesy of Christian Audio for the purpose of writing a review.

Narrator Thoughts ~ I always like author read books. They add so much more to the book than anyone else could. Melanie has a nice clear voice with a beautiful southern draw. Living through these events, she is able to add a special tone to this reading. It was a good listen. 

Book Thoughts ~ Friendship is one of the things that is near and dear to my heart. 

I enjoyed hearing her stories and advice about friendship. It is so important to cultivate deep lifelong friendships. Her humorous and heartfelt storytelling drove this home. Her ending advice in the appendixes was very good. 

One thing that I didn't like was how hard she was on social media. I understand that it can become a substitute for the real thing. I understand that many people don't cultivate deep real friendships anymore. However I also have used Facebook to connect and stay in touch with many friends that I never would be able to. I think it's wrong to assume that social media is a killer of all friendships. It is a tool. You can use it for harm or good. I choose to use it for good. 

She does tell many heartwarming stories about her friends. However I would have like to have heard more about her salvation story. How it impacted the friendships in her life. How God moved the hearts of her friends. 

Despite some of the things that we might disagree on personally, Melanie is a good storyteller and a good speaker. She helps you to remember those good childhood friends, your daring high school friends, and the beauty of the friends that you have made now that you are an adult. This book did remind me of the great gifts I have in my circle of friends. 

You can get this book on Amazon and Christian Audio.

Five Years Later

Five years ago today I published my first blog post on Homemade Ministry.

It's amazing to me to watch and see what God has done not just in the blogging world, but in many other areas of my life.

In recent years I haven't blogged so much. Life and many adventures have prevented me from blogging regularly.

I'm happy to say that God has grown and shaped me so much in the last five years. When I think back to that 18-year-old who had so many big dreams and hopes, I smile. She had no idea how God was preparing to not only fulfill her dreams, but change  her to be more like Himself.

It's been a wonderful and exciting journey. As I enter this next phase of my life, I would like to get back into the habit of blogging. I miss posting thoughts and happenings for us all to share.

Looking back I can see all the amazing and awesome things that God has done for me. Looking forward I know He will continue to be faithful and guide me.

See you again soon, Rose

The Holy Bible: Audiobook Review

I received this book courtesy of Christian Audio for the purpose of writing a review. 

Narrator Thoughts: To be honest I found this narrator rather flat. His voice was very rich and deep. Perfect for reading the Bible. Yet his voice lacked the emotion and beauty found in the scriptures. I will give him that his voice was very nice and kept me listening for a while. Maybe it was just me, but I felt like it left some to be desired. 

Book Thoughts: Obviously it goes without saying that I am a deeply devoted Christian and as such, the Bible is very precious to me. I enjoy audio Bibles, but this one didn't measure up to some of the others that I have read. For me one of the things that makes any audio Bible is the music and sound effects. Two things that were sadly lacking in this audio Bible. It felt like there was something missing. The narrator was fairly good, but on the whole I felt it lacked quite a bit. 

To get a copy of The Gospels or to see another review, Please go to Christianaudio.com or Amazon.com. 

Ordinary: Audiobook Review

I received this audiobook courtesy of Christian Audio for the purpose of writing a review.

Narrator Thoughts: He had a good voice for reading this book. It was calm and steady. Although I would have liked to have heard a little more emotion, it was read well.

Book Thoughts: this is one of the best books I have listened to in a while. It dovetailed with what God has been teaching me.

In this book Tony makes a good case that God calls us to live ordinary lives for God. It's not in doing the huge amazing things that we change the world. It's in doing the simple everyday things in the love and spirit of Christ. Loving those that God calls us to love. Taking care of the hurting. Strengthening the weak.

For me this book was a call to love and serve in normal life. Stop looking for something big to do. Look at the little things that God has already given me to do and do them in love.

I was very challenged by the chapter on advocacy. Speaking up is not one of my strong points. But God calls us to speak up for the oppressed and voiceless. We who have a voice are called to speak for those who have none. To me this means that I need to remember those who can't speak and speak for them. God is helping me find my voice. It's not easy, but worth it.

This is an excellent and challenging book. I was encouraged and challenged by the message.

You can buy this book on Christianaudio.com, Amazon.com, and CBD.com 

Tortured For Christ: Audiobook Review

I received this book courtesy of Christian Audio for the purpose of writing a review. 

Narrator Thoughts: Normally even when you are listening to a book about people in a different country, most narrators don't adjust their voices for the place where the author came from. I thought that Alex did an amazing job of speaking distinctly and speaking in a German, Russian, or Romanian accent depending on the place in the book. It was very good. He gave a depth and meaning to the book that was very helpful. 

Book Thoughts: I had heard about this book for many years. Now I know that the reports were not exaggerated. I found this book challenging and convicting. 

It clearly details the struggles and tortures of the underground church around the world today. It exposes the communist party and how their "churches" are nothing more than a front to hide the fact that there really is no religious freedom. 

I wouldn't recommend this for younger readers because of some of the graphic content. All true and very powerful. 

This is very powerful book. It reminded me of my suffering brothers and sisters around the world. I need to pray for them and help them. 

You can buy this book on Amazon or Christian Audio    

Chose Love: Audiobook Review

I received this book courtesy of Christian Audio for the purpose of writing a review.

Narrator Thoughts: Another author read book that was fantastic. Stormie does an excellent job of bringing the pages to life. The emphasis and passion that she gave to this book were very nice.

Books Thoughts: From the first chapter I found Choose Love to not only be an informative book about the love of God, but also a call to love God and others. As I listened I my soul was  not only impressed with a sense of how much God loves me, but also a sense of how that compels me to love others. When you have been loved, you cannot help but love. This book was very encouraging to me. It reminded me of the Father's love for me.

The only thing that I didn't like about this book was that at one point she said that if your earthly father was abusive it is very hard for you to understand God as your loving Father. While I know that this is true, I also know that blaming others for our struggles is not the answer. Awakening to the reality of His love is a struggle no matter what your childhood looked like. But letting God and His love come in and heal us from the scares of the past, that is the real key. Again this is just my personal thought.

Through personal experiences and stories, Stormie shares her heart about the love that has captured it. At the end of each chapter she had prayers and verses tying in with what she talked about in the chapter. I found them very refreshing.

You can buy this book on Christian Audio or Amazon

Audiobook Review: Praying For Your Prodigal

I received this book courtesy of Christian Audio for the purpose of writing a review.

Narrator Thoughts ~ He had a rich and deep voice that brought this book to life. It almost felt like the author himself was reading it. The book was read with such tenderness and passion.

Book Thoughts ~ This short, yet wonderful book was so helpful to me. Even though I'm not waiting for a prodigal I found this book extremely encouraging. The letters from parents of real prodigals at the beginning of each chapter gave a touch of realism and hope. Kyles thoughts and musings inspired me. His honest and gentle style is encouraging. At the end of each chapter there is a prayer, each one is beautiful and honest.
That's one of the things I liked most about this book. Kyle was honest about pain, the hope that we have, what we can do, and letting God take care of our prodical.
I would highly recommend this book.

You can also buy this book on Amazon and through Christian Book Distributors.

Update

Hi everyone.

It's good to be back. For a moment at least.

To be honest, I've missed blogging. I've missed connecting with you all online and sharing my life with you.

Lately I've been volunteering, sewing for the hospital, reading more, enjoying family, helping making some films, and living life.

Things have been such a mix this year. I've had some really amazing things happen. Continuing to volunteer, family time, filming, etc. I've also had some hard thing come into my life. My Dad was diagnosed with a Cognitive illness, I've been struggling with discontentment, and trying to decide where God wants me.

It's been a year full of challenge and blessing. And through it all God has been there, loving me, helping me, showing me the way to go. Even though I've been confused, I've never been alone. Even though life has been difficult at times, I've always had the strength to get through. Even though I've cried out in pain and hurt and frustration, I've always found loving arms waiting to hold me.

I don't have it all together, but I'm becoming okay with that. The great thing is I know the one who does have it all together. And He doesn't need any competition.

So today, my goals are to enjoy the life I have and lean a little closer to the one who gave it to me.

God bless you, Rose

Love Walked Among Us ~ Audiobook Review

I received this book courtesy of Christian Audio for the purpose of writing a review. 

Narrator Thoughts ~ Once again I was treated to an author read book. It always adds an extra demention to the book when the author can add his or her own touch to the book. I enjoyed hearing this author read his book with emotion and passion. While it wasn't the most perfessional I've heard and at times I felt they could have done a better job of editing. Still I think the soulfulness and beauty of the author reading it was worth it. 

Book Thoughts ~ The title of this book was intriuging to me. The past few years God has been showing me how to trust in His love and love others in the same way. Sadly though, lately I had been slipping into the habit of being selfish. This book challenged me to the core. Through personal struggle and looking at the life of Jesus, Paul shows how we can love like Jesus. After I was halfway done with the book, I noticed my perspective was changing. I started to notice others needs. Instead of getting upset, I would try to see it from their perspective. Instead of confronting a friend about an issue, we sat down and I gently told her what I was seeing cause a rif in our relationship. We cleared the air and we were both built up. When I chose to lift her up and see things through her eyes, the result was the deepening of a relationship. 

This book was so good at just showing how Jesus loved and showing how we could love in the same way. I love Pauls mix of honesty and story. It was exactly what I needed to hear.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn to love like Jesus loved and loves. 

You can buy this audiobook at christianaudio.com or amazon.com 

Here Is Our God - Audiobook Review

I received this book courtesy of Christian Audio for the purpose of writing a review.

Narrator Thoughts - I thought that both of the narrators did a wonderful job of making the chapters come alive. I liked how it would alternate between the two of them. It added a nice freshness and depth to the narration. Besides both of them have very melodic voices. It made it a very enjoyable listen.

Book Thoughts - I greatly admire and enjoying reading books from the authors that worked together to write this book. This work was beautifully put together and very refreshing. Each bringing their own thoughts and encouragement to the table was uplifting. So many of the chapters hit it home for me. The chapter on the Holy God was very good. How God is God. He is worthy of praise and worship. Yet he chose to reach out and love us. Through story and scripture the writers encourage you to live for God and dwell on Him. It's a wonderful listen for anyone.

You can find this audiobook on Amazon & Christian Book

Audiobook Review: Taking God At His Word

I received this audiobook courtesy of Christian Audio for the purpose of writing a review.

Narrator Thoughts ~ Steady and calm. His voice was perfect for this book.

Book Thoughts ~ I had listened to Crazy Busy a few months ago and really enjoyed it. To be honest when I started this book I was expecting a book that would stir me on the same level.
It did make me want to read my Bible more. To listen to what God was saying and not always take other peoples word for what was said.
However I felt like sometimes he went off on a theology discussion and lost me. I could see what he was saying, but I felt like he followed rabbit trails at times.
Overall I felt the book was a good reminder to dig into our Bibles, but not as good as his last book.

Audiobook Review: A Loving Life

I received this audiobook courtesy of Christian Audio for the purpose of writing a review.  

Narrator Thoughts - While he had a wonderful and passionate subject to talk about, he didn't put as much passion into his voice. I felt at times he came across as flat and just saying the words. He did well on reading at, just not as much passion as I would like. 

Book Thoughts - I really enjoyed this book. It wasn't anything that I hadn't learned before, but the reminders and the way he presented the information were encouraging. 

He explains how eastern people would have thought about this story and then meaning of the Hebrew names. It adds a whole new dimension to the story. 

In an age of disposable relationships and the talk of love as a feeling, it's refreshing to hear love talked about as a covenant. True love gives itself away without any strings attached. Love continues no matter the season. Inside of committed love, we thrive. 

Ruth shows us how when we lose our lives, it's then that we really start to live. By following her example, we too can grow and thrive inside of true love. 

You can get your own copy of A Loving Life by Paul E. Miller on Christian Audio or Amazon.