Review of 12 Unlikely Heroes by John MacArthur

Let me start by saying that this is the first book I have read by John MacArthur, but I absolutely loved it and I am eager to read more of his work.

In "12 Unlikely Heroes" by John MacArthur, the author talks about 12 different unexpected heroes from the Bible and gives a small preview into each of their lives. The 12 listed are Enoch, Joseph, Miriam, Gideon, Samson, Jonathan, Jonah, Esther, John the Baptist, James, Mark and Onesimus.

Most of the heroes were well-known to me, while I had heard only tidbits about James and Onesimus before reading this book. I think the point that the author is trying to make is that God can use anybody. He does use kings, priests and prophets to complete his work, but he also uses ordinary people like you and I. Jonah ran from God before he pursued God's plan for his life. Samson disobeyed God multiple times, and finally made the right decision in  the final moments of his life. I think MacArthur gives us a glimpse of these characters to show us what can happen when we don't follow God's will. God had big plans for these heroes but they followed their own judgement instead of God's.

From the first chapter, I was hooked. MacArthur has a beautiful way of telling the stories of these famous and not-so-famous Bible characters. His writing is easy to understand and would be a great book to use in a Bible study or class. I rate is as 5 stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com  book review bloggers program. 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Want a free book by Ted Dekker?

Yup, you heard that right! Ted Dekker is giving away copies of his newest book entitled "Identity" which is the first book in his 4 book series called Eyes Wide Open. It's super simple to get your free copy! Just visit Ted's page HERE to sign up! Ted Dekker's books never disappoint, so don't miss out on this! There's five days left to sign up!

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Review of "Black" by Ted Dekker

Today I want to share a review on one of my all-time favorite books, and the beginning of a great series!

Black by Ted Dekker is just the first book in a series of four. These books were meant to be read in order: Black, Red and White. Green was written later and is meant to be both the beginning and ending of the story. I read Green last of all since I had already read the other three when it was released, and I'm happy that I read it in that order. It made perfect sense, but it's all a matter of preference.  

The star of this novel is Thomas Hunter, who suddenly finds himself living in two very different worlds. Our real world, and his "dream" world, although the dream world is just as real. In the real world, the entire world has just been exposed to a deadly virus that only Thomas can stop. In his "dream" world, Thomas is fighting evil Shataiki and learning to love like Elyon. 

In the beginning Thomas has no idea just how intertwined the two worlds really are.

Dekker weaves a beautiful story of love and betrayal in a timeless story about good versus evil. The story is so beautifully written and described that it sounds like poetry. There are multiple parallels in this story based on the Bible, with the first being that Elyon is God and the Shataiki are demons. Becoming a follower of Elyon is much like our becoming a follower of Christ, but much more graphic. Sin is so evident that it can be seen. 

I rate this book as 5 stars, and would not be surprised to see it as a classic among C.S. Lewis' classics one day. 

Homemade Taco Seasoning

This ever frugal momma has found yet another homemade project!

Because I have had extensive food allergies since I was a young child, I keep a close watch of the spices, preservatives and ingredients that my family and I consume. One of my biggest pet peeves is reading an ingredient label, only to have it say "Spices"! Umm, hello? What spices? As an epi-pen carrier, I don't take any chances. If I don't know what it is, I don't eat it. If you hang out with me at all, you know I am constantly asking "What's in this?". :)

So I was thrilled when I figured out how easy it was to make my own taco seasoning! I found a great tutorial here at Heart, Hands, Home!

• 1 cup minced dry onions
• 1/2 Cup chili powder
• 1/4 Cup garlic powder
• 1/4 Cup cumin
• 2 Tbsp. oregano
• 2 Tbsp. salt
• 2-3 Tbsp. red pepper flakes (optional, add if you like spicy)

Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container. 

Use 2-3 Tbsp. of seasoning per pound of meat. The recipe does not say to add water, but I always add about 1/4 Cup with my seasoning. Also, I added 1 1/2 Tbsp. of red pepper flakes to my mix, and it made it pretty spicy. Good, but spicy! I think next time I will add only 1/2 Tbsp. 

For this first batch, I bought all Meijer brand spices, and I'm not sure I saved much money at all. My plan for the next batch is to buy all of the seasonings at Sam's Club and see if there is a huge difference. Also, by buying at Sam's, I will end up with a much bigger batch. 

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His Needs, Her Needs

Considering our second wedding anniversary is one month from today, I thought I would share my review of one of my FAVORITE marriage books! :) (And trust me, I've read alot of them!)

His Needs, Her Needs: Building an Affair-Proof Marriage by Willard F. Harley Jr.

Honestly, this book should be required reading material for anyone even thinking about getting married. I'm not kidding. It's written for all stages of marriage. The author explains the five most important needs to each spouse in alternating chapters. An affair is much more likely to occur if those top five needs aren't being met, because often (sometimes even unintentionally) the spouse will look elsewhere in search of having those needs met.

The top five needs for wives are affection, conversation, honesty and openness, financial support and family commitment. The top five needs for husbands are sexual fulfillment, recreational companionship, an attractive spouse, domestic support and admiration.

You may be thinking the "Attractive Spouse" chapter sounds shallow and demeaning. But it's not, I promise. The author is not saying that you need to look like a super model for your spouse. He is simply saying that you should show your husband how much you love him, and if that means wearing a pair of jeans instead of yoga pants, then try it! :) Trust me...since I became a mommy of two, my husband has seen more than his share of yoga pants, but if I am not completely exhausted by the time he gets home from work, I try to look nice for him. Your actions will speak volumes to him.

The last few chapters of the book are dedicated to couples struggling with an affair (past or presently), and how to overcome it.

My husband and I own this book and it has become our most common purchase for wedding gifts! I rate it at 5 stars!

Loving Mommahood's very first Give-away!

We are planning two Giveaways for the month of December! For the first one we will be giving away an animal hat (similar but not necessarily exact) to the picture below. The hats fit most dolls, including American Girl 18" dolls and the Bitty Baby dolls!

Our first giveaway will be Friday, December 14th and the winner will be announced at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time, via Loving Mommahood!

How do you enter the contest? SIMPLE! Liking our Loving Mommahood Facebook Page will automatically give you one entry! We will give you an additional entry for each one of your Facebook friends that like Loving Mommahood's Facebook Page! Just make sure they message me letting me know who referred them! Happy Winning!