Making Money from Home: How to Run a Successful Home-Based Business by Donna Partow

Anyone looking to start a home based business could gain some insight from this book. It is clear from the text that the target audience is Christian women, particularly mothers, who are looking to be self employed, but the information could be equally helpful to anyone looking to work from home. The advise and guidance offered by the author is both practical and insightful. From the smallest details of setting up a home office, to the more complicated aspects of creating a business plan, there is plenty of solid information to help the reader get started. Particularly valuable are the questions at the end of each chapter for self evaluation of what you learned and how well you applied each of the steps the author outlines. I found that the questions enabled me to go from a passive reader of the text to an active participant in my own success. The author also includes access to her web site which provides even more pertinent information and tips for building a thriving home-based business. While not an exhaustive resource for all topics home business related, this book is certainly a smart and time worthy place to start. (Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in return for an impartial review).

The Voice New Testament

I was completely unfamiliar with this Bible translation upon receiving it. I am personally someone who loves to read and compare different translations. While I have favorites that I use more frequently, I think it is truly beneficial to explore new translations. I know that some disagree, and feel certain translations are not equal, and this is not the Bible for those people. However, if you welcome a fresh interpretation, you will most likely enjoy this work. I found the chapter intros as well as the informational boxes throughout particularly helpful. In many Bibles I have used, the study notes and or commentary is either overly simple and therefore unhelpful, or extremely factual but lacking any emotional connection to the text itself. The background information in this particular Bible is used at just the right places to be helpful. For example, when a particular Biblical figure is mentioned in the verses, an informational box is available as a heads up to place who the person is and a little background. It is just enough to nudge the memory, (oh that’s right, Tamar impersonated a prostitute and conceived twins by Judah…) without being too wordy. I think the characteristic that really sets this Bible apart is it’s ability to help the reader connect with the emotional state of the characters. I have experience with many Bible translations, and I have not come across one that takes such pains to really highlight the beauty of the Word. For that reason alone, this Bible is a valuable resource and worth a look.

The New Living Translation Break Through to Clarity Bible Contest and Giveaway

The New Living Translation Break Through to Clarity Bible Contest and Giveaway

Visit www.facebook.com/NewLivingTranslation and click on the tab that says “Sweepstakes”

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Apple iPad 16G and a Life Application Study Bible

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Retail Value: $499.00

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Apple iPad 32G and a Life Application Study Bible

Awarded when the NLT Fan Page hits the first milestone

Retail Value: $599.00



Prize Eligibility – Recently updated to include more countries

Sweepstakes participants and winner(s) can be U.S. residents of the 50 United States, or residents of any country that is NOT embargoed by the United States, but cannot be residents of Belgium, Norway, Sweden, or India. In addition, participants and winner(s) must be at least 18 years old, as determined by the Company.

Sweepstakes Starts
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Choose one of six passages of Scripture from the New Living Translation and consider:

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Greater Love by Robert Whitlow

I am a huge fan of suspense novels, and have a few favorite authors that I am loyal to. It takes a lot for me to branch out and take a risk when it comes to this genre, and so I was very reluctant to read this novel. I am picky and want my suspense to be both believable and thrilling at the same time, a tall order that is rarely lived up to. I have never read a Christian mystery/suspense, so while I was intrigued enough to give this book a try, I wasn’t expecting a whole lot. However, I ended up being pleasantly surprised! It is a real page turner, and the mystery succeeds at keeping you guessing all the way through. The characters are well thought out and believable. I don’t want to give anything away, (I hate it when reviews do that), so I won’t go into the plot any more deeply than the summary does. I will say that I found it very encouraging that a book of this genre with clear Christian overtones did not end up being hokey. I will definitely read all the others by this author, and I will be much more open to other Christian suspense works. I underestimated how nice it is to read the work of an author who shares my own beliefs, even in a work of fiction. Great read and worth the time.

Essentials for Life: Your Back to Basics Guide To What Matters Most By Marcia Ford

Essentials for Life by Marcia Ford is a very valuable little volume. Each of the fifty short chapters outlines one specific piece of the puzzle of what a Christian life is. Each topic is supported my relevant scripture as well as quotes from a variety of people. The use of scripture is encouraging without being overwhelming. I like that so many topics are addressed, such as Bible study and spending quiet time with God. The purpose of this book is not to exhaustively explore any of the chapter topics, but rather to address each one, support it with scripture, and discuss practical ways to apply each to ones own life. While I would recommend reading cover to cover, I also love that this would be a great resource to use at any time for a quick Word about so many issues of the Christian life. It is a great jumping off point that one could use to begin a more in depth study of these topics. The author does a wonderful job of covering each topic in a thorough yet concise manner. In fact, each chapter includes a brief list of “dos” and “don’ts” at the end to sum up the main points, making it even more user friendly. A great resource!