the way home

I received the dvd, The Way Home, from Thomas Nelson for review. I had no idea what it was about, but knew that it starred Dean Cain and I like him so I figured it'd be alright.

The Way Home is a true story about a family whose son goes missing, but it's about so much more than that as well. It tells the story of a man who has lost his way....feeling that work was more important than family or marriage. It's about a mom who is struggling to connect with the husband she feels she's lost.....and the frustration she feels in having to be a single parent.

The Way Home is a story well-told and well-acted, for the most part. I enjoyed it, finding it suspenseful and touching at the same time. It holds your attention from the first scene until the last, and if you allow it to, you might actually learn something about yourself.

So, do they find their son? Does the husband/father realize his mistakes? Can the mom forgive her husband and herself? All of these are questions that will be answered if you get the video and watch! I promise you will not be disappointed!

How Should A Christian Live

How Should a Christian Live? Word of Promise Next Generation Devotional

You've heard the dramatized New Testament featuring the voice talents of many of today's top young Hollywood stars. Now dig deeper and embrace the truths and knowledge of the Bible like never before. This new devotional study guide series is available in four volumes. Each volume includes an MP3 CD, a devotional guide, and journaling section. The devotional guide is presented in 13 lessons with topical articles, exciting and fun 2-color graphic design, and creative interactive games and activities for youth to enjoy! Also included is a journaling section at the end of each lesson of the each book.

Volume Three - the "How" focuses on the study of how Jesus' continued presence can and should impact our lives. It is based on the books of 1-2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, 1-2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.

Features include: GET-IT (help to understand difficult concepts); GRAB-IT (how does this look in your own life); HOLD-IT (how to maintain in everyday life); GIVE-IT (how does this affect others in your life); DEFINE-IT (in-depth look at key words); and LIVE-IT (presentation of ideas, questions, challenges to support each session's content).

I was so excited to get this in the mail. I knew the minute I saw it that my 18 year old daughter would eat this up! So, I promptly gave it her. She immediately began using it--listening to the devotions and journaling in the book. She loves it!

I like the fact that it is available in mp3 format which appeals to the younger generation. It is imperative that resources be available in user-friendly formats for teens. Whether used for one teen or a group of teen--believers and unbelievers alike in your youth group will get something from this book. Honestly, with a tool like this, there's not much to dislike. Anything we can use to reach the younger generations for Jesus is a 5 star product in my book!

The Bridegrooms by Allison Pittman

Tragedy hits the Allenhouse family on a hot summer night in Ohio when a mother of four vanished. Eight-year-old Vada virtually grew up overnight and raised her three younger sisters while her father lost himself in his medical practice in the basement of their home.

Now, Vada is a grown woman, still making her home with her father and sisters. Her days are spent serving as an errand girl for Cleveland’s fledgling amateur orchestra; her evenings with Garrison Walker, her devoted, if passionless, beau.

Dizzying change occurs the day the Brooklyn Bridegrooms come to town to play the Cleveland Spiders and a line drive wallops the head of a spectator. The fan is whisked to the Allenhouse parlor, and questions swirl about the anonymous, unconscious man.

Suddenly, the subdued house is filled with visitors, from a flirtatious, would-be sports writer to the Bridegrooms’ handsome star hitter to the guilt-ridden ballplayer who should have caught the stray shot. The medical case brings Dr. Allenhouse a frustration and helplessness he hasn’t felt since his wife’s disappearance. Vada’s sisters are giddy at the bevy of possible suitors. And Vada’s life is awakened amid the super-charged atmosphere of romantic opportunity.

I began reading this book and was enthralled right away. I enjoyed the characters and the escapades they engaged in. While there were some slow moments, I mostly thought Allison Pittman did a good job writing a fun story and easy read. I especially appreciated Vada and the struggles she dealt with when faced with decisions regarding with whom she will give her heart.

This book was provided for review by Multnomah Books.