No Ordinary Moments

Monday, March 27, 2017

Without Warning by Joel Rosenberg {Book Review}

This post may contain affiliate or advertiser links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

Without Warning is the third book in the political thriller series by Joel Rosenberg. Set in the modern day world, it follows the continuing saga of the US government as it refuses to step up and take seriously the threat of the current leader of ISIS.

The main character, J.B. Collins, is a war correspondent for the NY Times and one with many connections of his own. As he has been present at other attacks against the US and other enemies of ISIS (including the kidnapping of the American president and another attack at a peace summit - occurring in the two previous books), he feels obligated to do what he can to help end the terror that ISIS is spreading. Using his many contacts, he joins a group of his own allies and sets out to bring down the terrorist regime. The action is non-stop and everything from the series is wrapped up at the end - just with a twist.

My Thoughts

As the last book in the series, it is one that definitely requires the first two to be read first (mainly because they are amazing but provide so much back-story). I have a love/hate relationship with the ending, but it was fitting and necessary - just not how I would have liked it to be. Rosenberg plays it out well, definitely not all sunshine and roses, but realistic, if anything.

If you are a fan of political fiction (and even if you aren't), this book is one to add to your list. This is definitely a book outside my typical reading genre, but I have loved every one of Rosenberg's books.

Overall though another solid thriller and I can't wait to see what future series will bring from Rosenberg - although sometimes the books are so close to life happenings I wonder how many more he will be able to write!

Find Out More

Pick up a copy of Without Warning by Joel Rosenberg via Amazon (and grab the other two books as well!).

Thanks to Tyndale House for allowing me a review copy of the book.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Crossway ESV Journaling Bible Giveaway

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One of the things that I’m getting braver about is marking up my Bible. Aside from the normal underlining and making a little sidenote here or there, typically most Bibles don’t offer enough room in the margins to actually write extensive note. I don’t know about you, but my notes from church are ALL over the place: a bulletin here, a small notebook here - so much depends on what I happen to grab at the time.

Crossway has an ESV Journaling Bible (aff link) that may be exactly what you are looking for to merge your devotional time and give you a little space to breathe and jot down your thoughts or sermon notes.

One of the things that makes the ESV Journaling Bible stand out the blue flora cloth hard back cover (so soft!). Otherwise, the interior layout is very simple: a two inch lightly-lined margin on the outside of each page for note-taking. The Bible also comes in a hard cardboard case - perfect in case you don’t want to damage it when traveling. The version itself is ESV (English Standard Version), one of my personal favorites.

Features:

Size: 6.25” x 7.25”
Cream-colored paper
2" ruled margins
One-Year Bible reading plan
Book introductions
Ribbon marker
Smyth-sewn binding
Packaging: O-wrap, clamshell box, or permanent slipcase

My only note on the Bible (I absolutely love the cover and layout!) is the text size. My 42 year old eyes love a pretty cover, but the text size may be a little bit smaller to focus on, especially early in the morning if the light is dim. I’m not quite ready for reading glasses, but sadly, this is making me feel like I might (grins).

Win an ESV Journaling Bible

The ESV Journaling Bible is available for purchase here, and through 11/15 you can enter to win a copy from the publisher. Leave a comment letting me know why you’d like to win (for you or a friend?), and I’ll select a winner via Rafflecopter when the giveaway is over.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Because the Kids Aren’t Getting Any Younger

This post may contain affiliate or advertiser links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

Zachary, 10; Laurianna, 13; Kaleb, 8; McKenna, 12

So the kids are growing up. Proof positive in the picture above. In case you don’t recognize them - well, those are our four. It’s been a bit since I’ve shared a picture and looking at the family pictures on our wall in comparison - yikes.

Easter Sunday was a beautiful day and a chance to grab a few snapshots to document just how much they’ve grown and how beautiful (or handsome) they are becoming, both inside and out.

McKenna would love to have you notice that yes, she IS taller than her older sister. This is the first time in a long time that she has worn her hair down, which we love!

These two girls can be the best of friends or drive each other crazy all in the span of 15 minutes. They are growing into beautiful young ladies (that in and of itself sounds too grown up!).

And the boys - well, they aren’t so little anymore either. There’s a part of me that keeps thinking Kaleb is six. He’s eight. Sigh. It should be noted that Zachary wanted a pink shirt for Easter. He got plaid.

Rick and I aren’t getting any younger either - but you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way. At all. This man is all sorts of amazing and I am blessed to have him and those crazy kids along for the ride.

Friday, February 7, 2014

Just Write

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Writing is something that I haven’t done here lately, because in truth - it all just feels overwhelming at times. Or that I don’t have anything consequential to really put into words.

{I’d say I don’t have any words, but if you know me, I never seem to lack for words.}

Life continues to move on. Our kids are growing. Trying to keep up with them and the many moods can honestly be quite exhausting. And rewarding. And frustrating.

This parenting thing isn’t always the easiest task. Especially because I find so many glaring faults of my own being mirrored in my children. The things that I am asking them to stop doing {for the upteenth time}, well - can you guess where many of those things were learned?

So sometimes it’s easier not to write. Much of me wants to just enjoy the time that I have with our family, which is why I haven’t written much.

But really, there has been lots to tell of {other than the chicken and the rabbit that died, or all the snow we’ve enjoyed, or the braces someone now has}.

While life has been happening, there is lots to write of - but sometimes this mom has a hard time putting it all into words that do it justice.

Linking up with 5 Minute Friday

Monday, January 20, 2014

When I Was Little

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This Christmas each of the girls received a Just Between Us journal for moms and daughters. And really - it has been fabulous. Rather than staring at a blank page, there are journal prompts for us to write back and forth with each other and get conversations started. Both girls have jumped into this with excitement and I love seeing what is on their minds and hearts, especially when their personalities begin showing through the ink.

{and p.s. this is posted with permission}

From one of my daughters this morning:

“When I was little I thought you were the best mom in the world. Now that I'm older, I know you are.

(I got that from a Hallmark card).

(But it's true).

(I also thought Santa was real).”

I may have laughed out loud at that journal entry. Because this girl just cracks me up at times, and this is just one of the many examples of her brain at work.

You have to love it.

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

FREEBIES: 14 Free Books from Beth Moore

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There are FOURTEEN ebooks by Beth Moore that you can download for FREE through January 10, 2014! Here’s a quick listing so you can grab them before they are gone.