A Devotional Study

Honestly, the book cover is really lacking and I almost did not select this book because of it. The old adage 'never judge a book by its cover' is so true in this case. I was drawn immediately into this book with the authors almost fiction like spin on each character. She includes what the person might have been seeing, feeling, and thinking- which I absolutely love! When I am reading the Bible, I try to put myself into the story just like Ann did here.

Each chapter focuses on many of the people in the Bible who had less than perfect character flaws, fell into sin, and who struggled just like we do. At the end of each chapter she includes a small section called THE TIMES where she explains the history in those days and how how things were.
Then she includes THE TAKEAWAY with a few questions to get you thinking about God, His Word, and your life.

I really enjoyed this book so much that I devoured it in two days. Now I need to go back and actually read this book how it was intended...as a devotional study. I got my notebook ready and will take my time to read it more in-depth.

Is this a book I would recommend to my friends? Absolutely.

*I received this book free in exchange for my honest review

Is Your Acne Wash Toxic?

You should be aware that what you eat can also affect your skin. Holistic and Functional Nutrition will get you started on a path towards regaining your body’s health with a food-based detox and cleanse.

1- Polyethylene glycol (PEG): This petroleum by-product (like Propylene Glycol) is often used in cleansers due to the chemical’s effectiveness at dissolving oil and grease. This powerful oil-stripping agent, which is also used in oven cleaners, can strip the skin of all natural oils, instead of just removing the excess. Even more concerning, this compound is considered to be potentially carcinogenic, in part due to its contamination with the carcinogen 1,4-dioxane. Studies have shown that the contaminant increases incidences of skin, liver and lung tumors and carcinomas of the gallbladder.

2- Propylene Glycol (PG): Another petroleum by-product, the propylene glycol used in skincare products is the same active component found in antifreeze. PG breaks down protein and cellular structure; penetrating the skin very quickly. While this chemical is found in makeup, hair products, lotions and other various beauty products that are applied directly to the skin, the EPA requires workers who handle PG to wear protective gloves, clothing and goggles. Exposure to Propylene Glycol is connected to liver disease and kidney damage and it can potentially cause breast cancer.

3- Mineral Oil: Yet another petroleum ingredient, mineral oil is found in many skin care products, including acne prevention items, even though it has been found to cause blemishes. Mineral oil coats the skin, sitting on top of the surface, rather than being absorbed, blocking pores. Rather than moisturizing the skin, mineral oil can cause dryness.

4- FD&C Dyes: Many color pigments used in foods, drugs and skincare products are frequently made from coal tar, which can cause skin sensitivity and irritation. Some animal studies have shown most dyes to be carcinogenic. Many skin care products, including acne care cleansers, gels, masks and more contain these dyes.

5- Fragrance: Fragrances used in body and skincare products, like shampoo, deodorant, body washes and other products are generally composed of thousands of separate ingredients, most of which are synthetic and known to be carcinogenic. For example, phthalates are commonly found as a component in fragrances—a chemical known to disrupt the endocrine system, which can alter your hormones. Sensitivities to fragrances in cosmetics have been well-documented and symptoms include headaches, rashes, dizziness and skin irritation.

6- Benzoyl Peroxide: A common ingredient in acne products due to its drying properties, benzoyl peroxide has been thought to increase free radical action in the skin. Use of benzoyl peroxide can lead to rashes and peeling, as well as irritated, flaking skin, which causes premature aging.

7- Hydroquinone: Many of the skin lightening products are available on the market today contain dangerous ingredients that are known to cause cancer. Hydroquinone is no longer available in some parts of the world due its harmful effects on the skin from long-term use. If you are looking for a solution to your skin pigmentation, be sure that you’re using skin brightening products that do not contain hydroquinone.

Try opting for more more natural ways to cleanse your face like this recipe:

-3oz unscented liquid castile soap
-1 tsp. Argan oil
-10-15 drops essential oil (Tee tree or lavender are great choices)
-5oz distilled water

Place this in a foaming pump dispenser and use daily. Follow with your favorite moisturizer.

You may also try one of my favorite products by Dr. Jart+, the Dermaclear is one of the best face washes I have used and its all natural!


I also use many of their other products for redness, dry skin, and moisturizer! You can buy any of these products at Sephora. Receive a Free Dr. Jart Cicapair Tiger Grass Camo Drops Trial Size with Any $25 Purchase. Use Code DOUBLEDUTY




That's a deal you cannot pass up!

If you are looking for more natural remedies to clear acne, check that out Here 

How many times have you heard someone say, “I want to be close to God,” or “I feel far from Jesus?” For many of us, we have been led to believe that our relationship with Jesus is based on proximity—a sliding scale of “near” or “far” based on the faithfulness of our spiritual devotion.

But what if being “close” to you isn’t good enough for Jesus? What if he wants to be closer than close? Instead of simply having a “personal relationship” with you, what if Jesus longs to be “perfectly one” with you instead?

This book for me was a tough read, for one, it is steeped in the Trinitarian view, which I am emphatically against. I am Oneness Apostolic Pentecostal, so having to dig through this book so heavy in this teaching was a challenge.

Despite that, I agree that there is more to having a relationship with God than just going to church and reading your Bible. You must allow Him to be deep within you and an intricate part of your life. 

What I do like about the book was that it was very understandable and rich in scripture. There were also discussion questions at the end of each chapter to help further get you thinking which is always enjoyable. 

If you would like a closer walk with Jesus, the best book to read is obviously the Bible, but this would be a nice accompaniment if you don't mind the doctrinal influences.  

The publishers description is this: In this achingly bold and beautiful book, pastor, scholar, friend, and now author, Dave Hickman, invites you into his personal journey from striving to abiding, anxiety to peace, weariness to rest; from having a relationship with Jesus to awakening to the freedom of his union with Christ. Through careful attention to Scripture, personal stories, and everyday examples, join Dave as he guides you into the depths of the mystery of your personal and corporate union with Christ. In doing so, you, too, can awaken to the wonder and freedom that is already yours in Christ. 

**I received a complimentary copy from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for my honest review

Thirty years ago this book was written. Thirty years ago I do not believe that Cynthia Head knew that this book would touch so many hearts and souls today! This book is truly a book of excellence!!

When I first received this book, I thought it was going to be a book but it is a Bible Study. Which I am thankful for.

Each chapter prompts us to dig deeper into God by giving us the authors thoughts and reflections, along with scriptures to read, and questions to answer. This Bible study is really meant to be used and taught in a group setting, and the author provides a study guide in the back to help along with that.

Chapters are broken down into four categories (The Goal, The Cost, The Prize, The Praise) and include:

1- A Goal Worth Pursuing
2- God's Character
3- Becoming Like Christ
4- Rooted in Surrender
5-Exemplified by Obedience
6-Molded by Discipline
7-Guarded by Discretion
8-Made Precious by a Gentle and Quiet Spirit
9-Perfected by Purity
10-Proclaimed by Wisdom
11-Portrayed in the Life of a Godly Woman

Get your Bible, notebook, pens and some highlighters ready and begin this Bible Study today!!!


** I was provided a copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was received. **

Spiritually Strong is a six-week program designed to train you through the implementation of six disciplines-Bible study, prayer, fasting, healthy living, financial stewardship, and serving others.

Before she goes into the program she really delves into the meat of the matter. She extensively explains what prayer is, the significance of fasting, how to eat healthy and why, and the intricacies of financial stewardship and how to do it. She is skilled in her writing and provides many scriptures and the root meanings of certain words. I really enjoyed this book! 

Each week is broken down Monday thru Saturday with Sunday as the day of rest. 

Mondays- Bible Study
Tuesdays- Prayer
Wednesdays- Fasting
Thursdays- Healthy Living
Fridays- Stewardship
Saturdays- Serving

Each day starts with a warm up of reading that days scriptures. Then goes into exercises- underling certain scriptures or verses. She will then explain that passage or ask a question to get you thinking about it. Following the exercise section is the cool down which is prayer for that day, then finally the challenge. The challenge will vary including physical activity, meal planning, financial planning, etc.

It really requires discipline to stick with the "program" but no pain, no gain, right!

I would really recommend this book for those who desire to strengthen their spiritual lives, their physical lives and to just strengthen their every day lives!



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.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.”

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.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.”