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The Reaping (2007)
The Reaping (2007)
2007 | Horror, Mystery
You'd think a movie about Hilary Swank and Idris Elba fighting the ten biblical plagues would have been somewhat more exciting, no? Can't think of many other ways they could have made this less thrilling or scary (one of those lazy farts that actively tries to make its jumpscares predictable) - but points for God-tier southern bible-belt madman David Morrissey and frightening wounded animal-esque AnnaSophia Robb, neither of whom are used nearly enough. Might possibly be one of the most tame R-ratings in cinema history, purposefully skipping out on the gore and ick like it's trying desperately to hold onto the PG-13 rating it doesn't have. Has a couple nice-looking shots, and (finally) starts getting quite creepy + fun in the back end but it still looks like shit. Seriously, I hope that when the plagues do start hitting planet Earth they at least aren't this contrived and badly-rendered. I'm also convinced that this script was still on the first draft when this empty drag was made because not only is it full of holes but none of the numerous last-minute twists were climactic and just seemed to rush themselves right out the door. Not even that awful just... not really of any value.
  
    Universalis

    Universalis

    Lifestyle and Reference

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    Join the thousands of people who use Universalis daily! You will get: • The Catholic liturgical...

This book takes a Biblical viewpoint of how the modern woman can lead the best life she can attain while still following the guidelines of the Bible and living up to her personal potential. It uses the personal examples of the two authors, as well as the examples of numerous others that these two have interacted with over the course of writing the book. A systematic approach is taken to break down the history, statistics, and advantages of the modern woman before studiously approaching the Biblical model of the female.
One of the main focuses of the book is the Biblical mandate to "be fruitful and multiply" and how modern culture has both minimized and scorned this. The authors also focus on the differences between males and females, as well as their different purposes in life. Marriage is also a central theme in the book, with the authors providing lots of advice, as well as suggestions to study other resources, in order to find a husband and maintain a healthy marriage.
To stress certain points throughout the book, the authors provide a visual illustration of the concepts discussed. They summarize the lessons taught in certain sections in a "Wise Steps" box, and they fill the book with sections that invite the reader to journal his own thoughts according to a certain topic.
What I found the most interesting about the book was how the authors broke down the multiple purposes of any woman into three categories: our purpose as humans (Core Callings), our purpose as women (Feminine Callings), and our purpose as unique individuals (Personal Callings). Each of these are further broken down, with the Core Callings having the most emphasis throughout the book: Leave and Cleave, Be Fruitful and Multiply, and Subdue and Rule.
I had a difficult time getting through this book, partly because I felt that some of the information provided simply did not apply to me and I did not find it particularly useful. I did agree with most of what the authors interpreted from Biblical scriptures, though I disliked the broad usage of many different Biblical translations. As with any Biblically-based self-help book, the Bible should be the first source and the book should be secondary. I also felt that Feldhahn used the book somewhat as a self-promotional tool, since she often refers to her previously-written book, For Women Only: What You Need to Know about the Inner Lives of Men.
All the same, I appreciated the Biblical perspective and the support of marriage-minded women and stay-at-home moms. There is much wisdom in the pages of this book.
  
Rating: 4.5

As an artist, a writer, and a creator, God has left His fingerprints in His work. Look at an eyeball… now look at gold particles. Look at a cabbage leaf… now look at blood vessels. One of my favorite comparisons: The birth of a cell, a nebula in space. A cell is so small… a nebula is so big. Both are small or big to the point that we really can't wrap our minds around how small and big they are… and yet the similarities are striking.

Gordon has created a beautiful book with 40 days of photographs and daily devotions, scripture verses, and some thought provoking questions. I thoroughly enjoyed reading through his thoughts and devotional guides. This book really opened my eyes to what was meant when God said that He had clearly exposed himself in creation, so that man had no excuse.

In Plain Sight was a joy to explore, and left me with a whole new way of looking at God's creation.

Recommendation: This book would be great for a family devotion, a small group, a Bible study, or an individual of any age. I would recommend keeping a notebook to answer the questions, and instead of reading the one verse in the text, read the paragraph or chapter that it came from, for the sake of keeping the verses in context.
  
The Poisonwood Bible
The Poisonwood Bible
Barbara Kingsolver | 2013 | Fiction & Poetry
8
7.9 (15 Ratings)
Book Rating
Wow! What a story!

The Poisonwood Bible follows the Price family, missionaries who are living in (pretty scary) parts of Africa for a large part of the book. The book talks a LOT about their religion, and its in general a pretty chilling book. A lot of reviews are judging this book on Christianity or America, or whatever - but I think this book deserves five stars for the story and writing alone. The story was beautiful and it ALMOST made me question everything I've ever thought or believed in! I learned so very much about things in Africa that most of us have no idea are happening - or have happened.

I do think things sort of went back and forth throughout the story - how amazing the African people are, then what monsters they are - but they're just like every other human in America right? It also follows two sisters who are SO different its almost not believable. Rachel and Leah. Rachel is fun to follow - in a way the only humor in the whole book. Their story is fascinating no matter which point of view it's told from.

The book is VERY long. I could have ended it before the adult part - I was bored by that and felt it unnecessary. Otherwise - would def had been 5 stars!
  
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #008080;"><strong>My Thoughts:</strong></span>
<span style="color: #008080;"><strong>Like Bibles, I can never get enough of Daily Devotionals. When this one came up to review, I was super happy. I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. The cover is super eye catching and the devotionals within are just what I need to read. </strong></span>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #008080;"><strong>Each day, there is a theme, a bible verse to accompany the theme, a devotional to read and then concludes with a prayer to say. I love that. I feel like my walk with God will improve with this devotional. The devotionals are wonderful and seem to be just what I need to hear/see. </strong></span>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #008080;"><strong>This is definitely worth high recommendations. Ms. Moore created a wonderful, 4 star daily devotional collection that I will use on a daily basis. I'll be sharing this with lots of my friends and family and I hope that you will too!</strong></span><a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/barbour-review-crew-review-the-heart-shaped-life-daily-devotional-by-karen-moore/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
  
An Unexpected Role
An Unexpected Role
Leslea Wahl | 2019 | Young Adult (YA)
8
7.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
It's hard being a teenager, but when your mother is an author and uses your life as inspiration it can make living difficult. That was life for Josie DelRio. When her mother's newest book comes out, it sends Josie's classmates into a frenzy of malicious teasing, so Josie heads to North Carolina to spend the summer with her aunt.



Josie plans on spending her summer on the beach, taking it easy and trusting that she can find a place to fit in and have a summer on anonymity.



This was a delightful story, everyone can relate to being a teenager and what high school can be like. It is full of mystery, suspense, and some romance.



I enjoyed this book, it was a fast easy read. I do like that the author was able to insert Bible verses to help encourage the main character. What I saw in the book is that sometimes you just have to let go of things, don't carry your problems... let God take control and see what He can do!







 I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”

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