First Impression Studio

The Fight Of Our Lives

2011-08-26T13:50:00.000-07:00

After the horrific events of 9/11, American’s rallied together in full support of an all out war on terror. Now, as we are approaching the anniversary of that dreadful day, it appears America has lost it’s resolve, and political correctness has taken over. The Fight of Our Lives by William J. Bennett and Seth Leibsohn opens our eyes to the struggle we are facing as a nation as these radicals continually try to destroy our country. Bennett and Leibsohn also do a great job at detailing many of the other terrorist attacks around the world and delve into their root causes. This book is an insightful quick read and challenges the reader to take a stand for the sake of our country and for justice and truth.

A complimentary review copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Jesus, My Father, the CIA and Me

2011-06-07T20:07:00.001-07:00

Jesus, My Father, the CIA and Me by Ian Morgan Cron is a poignant book about the author and his prosperous family as their life's journey takes them through a time of poverty and then back to prosperity. Cron's father worked for the CIA and at times disappears without any explanation. Never having a close relationship with his father, Cron often sought approval from him that never came. This frustration lead to the same substance abuse Cron saw his father struggle with. Cron describes a strong desire to connect to God, and strangely enough, he used his substance abuse to feel close to God. It wasn't until he attended a revival that made him realize, even though he didn't have a close relationship with his earthly father, what was missing was how much he needed his heavenly Father to love and appreciate him; something he never had experienced before until he turned his life over to God. Ian Cron is a great author and this book was easy to read.

A complimentary review copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Elemental Journal

2011-04-27T20:44:00.000-07:00

The Elemental Journal: Composing Artful Expressions from Items Cast Aside by author Tammy Kushnir is certainly a fine lesson in re-purposing. Full of outstanding photography; this book offers step-by-step visual and written instructions on how to give new life to something old. There are 30 projects featured from many mixed-media artists including Tammy Kushnir herself. This book will certainly inspire you to want to start creating beautiful pieces of art for yourself or to give as gifts.

A complimentary review copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Max On Life

2011-04-18T13:51:00.001-07:00

Every one of Max Lucado's books I've read has encouraged me and strengthen my faith like no other book. "Max on Life" is no different. We all have questions; some we're afraid to ask. Max has taken over 150 questions he's received over the past twenty-five years of his ministry into what is surely going to be another one of his top sellers. The questions in this book cover many different topics; from relationship issues, parenting, financial struggles, and intriguing questions about Heaven and Hell. In reading this book, I quickly discovered that I too had a lot of the same questions and many that I had never thought of before. In true Lucado classic style, he gives us yet another profound treasure in this latest book.

A complimentary review copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers.

God's Wisdom for Mothers

2011-03-14T14:01:00.001-07:00

God’s Wisdom for Mothers by Jack Countryman is perfect whether you are a Grandmother, Mother-to-be, or a new Mom. It features information about biblical mothers and includes many devotionals on subjects such as “God’s Wisdom”, and “The Crown of an Excellent Mother.” Packed full of bible verses, it provides encouragement and insight that will inspire all woman. Perfect size to carry in your purse or briefcase and would make a wonderful Mother’s Day present.

A complimentary review copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers.

2011-02-27T08:09:00.000-08:00

The Promises She Keeps by Erin Healy is a story of two women that couldn't be more different, but have one thing in common; they are both in search of immortality. One, diagnosed with a terminal illness, believes that stardom will keep her memory alive after she dies. The other is an art dealer and witch that, by the use of magic, is searching to uncover the secret to eternal life. The way the writer weaves suspense throughout the story line made for a good book, but I felt the storyline didn't move fast enough for me and the ending was somewhat puzzling, but that added to the suspense. Overall it was a pretty good book and I particularly liked that the story line enlightened the reader about the enduring love of God in the face of abandonment.

A complimentary review copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Nelson's Biblical Cyclopedic Index

2011-01-05T06:57:00.001-08:00

The Nelson's Biblical Cyclopedic Index (BCI) by Thomas Nelson Publisher is a great tool to help the reader pull together a bible study or ready-made outline for personal use in your daily bible readings. Also a good resource to help gain better understanding of everyday issues that believers face. This book enables the reader to gain a true understanding of words and phrases used in the Bible in a quick and easy to use format. The BCI is arranged alphabetically with 300 Word Studies and over 8,000 names, places, subjects, and doctrines of the Bible. The BCI is a Bible study tool you will use for years.

A complimentary review copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers.

The Least Among You - DVD Review

2010-10-21T10:57:00.000-07:00

Based on a true story, The Least Among You is a movie about Richard Kelly who is a young black UCLA graduate who lands a job at a major corporation in 1965. Because he was in the wrong place, with the wrong people, he is arrested and thrown in jail. Even though he was innocent, Kelly is sentenced to a seminary school where he is the only Black student. Because of that, Kelly finds it difficult to make friends at the school until a lowly groundskeeper (played by Louis Gossett, Jr.) shows interest in him which in-turn leads to a close friendship between the two of them. Kelly is instrumental in making positive changes at the school and in the process learns to trust God. Although this is a quality family film, I was disappointed in the excessive use of tobacco and alcohol, and wished that there were more obvious presentations of faith in Christ.

I received this DVD as a review copy from Thomas Nelson Publishers

Out Live Your Life by Max Lucado

2010-09-10T07:28:00.000-07:00

Out Live Your Life by Max Lucado is a book about taking action and is my favorite Lucado book thus far. This book makes it very clear that we are each given an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life; someone that may be hungry, hurting, or lonely; even right in our own neighborhoods, churches, and schools. As Max so powerfully states in the first chapter of this book; "God doesn't call the qualified. God qualifies the called." Those words really spoke to me; we each have the responsibility to pass on the gifts God has given us to those in need. A chance to make a difference for Him in a desperately hurting world. To be Jesus’ hands and feet.

Every story or illustration in this book, Max directly ties back to the word of God. A great deal of the scripture comes from the suitably named Book of Acts; we are all in the position to do something; to act; we just may need to step out of our comfort zone and let God shine his light through us for others to see.
This book is jam-packed full of so much encouragement and motivation, and is a much needed reminder that we all should look beyond ourselves and serve God by serving others.

A complimentary review copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers.

A Guy's Guide To Life

2010-06-17T11:02:00.000-07:00

A Guy's Guide to Life by Jason Boyett is a wonderful resource for teenage boys. The minute the book arrived in our mailbox, my son began reading it. This book deals with peer pressure, family, friends, and gives the reader a better understanding of what girls are thinking. It is loaded with great tips on health and exercise as well. The best thing about this book, it's all based on biblical principles. This would also be a great book for a teen bible study.

A complimentary review copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Hand of Fate

2010-04-07T10:22:00.001-07:00

Lis Wiehl’s book, “Hand of Fate” is just as good as her first crime thriller, “Face of Betrayal”. “Hand of Fate”, just like Wiehl’s previous book, centers on 3 close friends. A crime reporter, a Federal Prosecutor, and an FBI agent as they jointly work together to solve the death of radio talk show host, Jim Fate after he receives a package containing poisonous gas. His mysterious death provoked terror in the city of Portland, Oregon as many immediately thought it was an act of terrorism. The many twists and turns of the story will keep you reading for hours; especially the surprise ending. I would definitely recommend this book.

A complimentary review copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Face of Betrayal by Lis Wiehl

2010-02-18T06:48:00.000-08:00

I knew before I finsished reading the first chapter that I was going to enjoy this book by Fox News Reporter Lis Wiehl. The experience this author has as a Legal Correspondent and a former Federal Prosecutor makes for a suspenseful, fast paced political thiller from beginning to end.

The disappearance of seventeen-year old Senate page, Katie Converse, while home on Christmas break, results in a media fire-storm. Three female characters, a Federal Prosecutor, a Reporter, and an FBI Special Agent work tirelessly to get to the bottom of Katie's disapperance, but at the same time, try to keep their own secrets, secret. All the characters in this book are intriguing and easy to follow. Since this is a "clean" book, with a splash of Christian morals, I would recommend it for teens as well.

A complimentary review copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Rediscovering God in America

2009-12-25T11:44:00.000-08:00

Rediscovering God in America by Speaker Newt Gingrich takes you on a guided tour through Washington D.C. This book will open your eyes to the evidence of God's vital role in America's founding and His influence on our governing principles. Throughout the book, you will enjoy reading quotes from our past presidents, such as President John F. Kennedy's: "The rights of man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God.", and President Ronald Regan's: "Faith and religion play a critical role in the political life of our nation - and always have - and that the church - and by that I mean all churches, all denominations - have had a strong influence on the state." This would be a great book to take along on an actual tour of our Nation's historical monuments.

A complimentary review copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers.

NKJV Greatest Stories of the Bible

2009-12-08T08:25:00.000-08:00

If you are searching for a one-of-a-kind Christmas gift this year, look no further than the new NKJV Greatest Stories of the Bible. This book by Thomas Nelson Publishers is a treasure of more than two hundred fifty of the most valuable lessons and triumphant stories in scripture. This book wil provide a family many years of family bible study time together. I am particularly thrilled that it's easy-to-read format will allow parents to share it with their children in their own family devotional time. I highly recommend purchasing not one, but two NKJV Greatest Stories of the Bible; one for yourself, and one to give as a gift. I am very excited to make this book a part of our family library.

A complimentary review copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Leaving Yesterday by Kathryn Cushman

2009-10-21T07:42:00.000-07:00

This is one of those books that you just can’t put down. Cushman is an excellent faith-based author and this book encourages readers to take a strong look at their own personal morality. Cushman does a great job in revealing through the characters the consequences of sin, and the reward, even when it may cost you everything, of doing the right thing. I would highly recommend this book; you won’t be disappointed.

A complimentary review copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Fearless - Imagine Your Life Without Fear

2009-09-08T11:32:00.000-07:00

Each Max Lucado book you read is a reminder of what a gifted author he is. His books are so relevant and easy to read, and this book is no different. This is the best Max Lucado book I've ever read, and I must say, its publication is very timely. Max describes that a lot of the fears we face are common to all of us, and if we are not careful, those fears can manifest and destroy our lives. God doesn't want us to be fearful; He wants us to give our fears totally to Him. Here is a snip-it from Fearless that struck a chord with me: "Fear never wrote a symphony or poem, negotiated a peace treaty, or cured a disease. Fear never pulled a family out of poverty or a county out of bigotry. Fear never saved a marriage or business, Courage did that. Faith did that. People who refused to consult or cower to their timidities did that. But fear itself? Fear herds us into a prison and slams the doors. Wouldn’t it be great to walk out?" This book can help you do just that; sending you into a world filled with the joy that God wants you to see.

Let Go by Shelia Walsh

2009-08-26T08:17:00.000-07:00

Are you, Overworked, Overcommitted, Overtired, or Underappreciated? Let Go by Shelia Walsh was an eye-opener for me. "Let Go" sounds impossible at times, but Shelia shows us through God's word how to deal with those "impossible situations" we face as women. She deeply shares with her readers a personal experience that she, along with her husband and son personally walked through as a family. This life ultering experience is what ultimately lead her to write this book. Let Go will bring to light that, as humans, we often try by our own strength and will to hold things together; thinking that will please God, but if we just listen, He will often reveal to us to Let Go...let it fall apart and watch what He can do with it; increasing our faith.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Great Book!

2009-08-05T10:11:00.000-07:00

Author Richard Stearns, in his book, The Hole In Our Gospel shares with us in a very personal way how God used him to help the less fortunate and points out how Christians sometimes ignore God's calling to serve others. Stearns was living what he thought was the American dream; high paying job, fancy car, children in private school, until God called him to serve. This book is an easy read, relevant, and inspiring. It is filled with stories that will make the reader hungry to make a difference in the life's of others. You will be deeply moved and challenged after reading this book.