“Cooper and Me and the Military” is a short children’s story about a family that is in the military. With their parents away serving our country, two children have an idea of how they can let them know they miss them and love them. They are also taking care of their parents dog who was injured while with their parents overseas. “Trooper” the dog quickly becomes friends with “Cooper”. At the end of the book, there is an sample letter to send to military families and a link on where to send them. As I said, without my prompting, my daughter filled in her information. We need to get that letter out now!

This book continues the great series of stories for children from “Cooper and Me”. We’re blessed to have the opportunity to review these. Here’s more about the book:

Meet Trooper, Cooper’s best friend, and learn how he was adopted by Gracie and Joeand their parents, who both serve in the military. Find out how this family stays close despite being separated.

A must-read during patriotic holidays and for anyone with friends and family in the military, this book helps children know, that even when loved ones aren’t with us, they still love us and think about us. This book, along with all the other books in the Cooperand  Me series, includes these interactive features:

• A Special Memory Creation
• Life Lesson
• Connections
• Learning Together

In addition to a fun adventure, each Cooper and Me story teaches an important Life Lesson and features interactive materials at the back of the book to drive the message home.  Included are activities that help children name and process their own feelings about what they’ve read.

Connect with Cooper and Me on the web:
Website: http://www.cooperandme.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cooper-and-Me-Inc/214695101924101
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/cooper_and_me

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Wow. Last night my wife and I had the opportunity to pre-screen the upcoming film “October Baby” which releases in March. To be honest, I am still a bit numb to everything that I saw. This is a heavy, heavy film about the life of a girl that is the survivor of an abortion attempt. The movie is the story of her search to find who she is and who her birth mother is. Like I said, it’s incredibly powerful and incredibly heavy.

Without giving away specific details of the film, I would say that this is a movie that each person should consider carefully before attending. This is not something for younger children due to the nature of the subject. Teenagers are a possibility as there are several themes and lessons which can be taken away from seeing it. Adults should certainly consider seeing it, yet consider each person you invite and what their past may or may not include. Hopefully that makes sense. I’m not trying to be cryptic, I just know this is a very, very sensitive subject.

October Baby succeeds in literally putting a “face” to this topic. You see and experience a life that almost wasn’t. You feel the emotion and weight of the decisions of several different people. There are light moments and some comedic performances (namely former American Idol contestant, Chris Sligh) which seem to come at the appropriate moments. I’ll post more once the movie officially hits the big screen. Until then, know that I recommend this film. For a better understanding, let me share this powerful clip about the casting of one of the people in the film. This story is remarkable.

For a few years now I have watched this series of videos gain momentum and become a full blown movement of change. I haven’t just stood on the sidelines to applaud this movement, I’ve become committed to it. It’s more than wearing a bracelet or a shirt. It’s reviewing the materials with my son. It’s introducing the study to our Men’s Life Group at Rock City Church. It’s being prepared to share with anyone and everyone that asks what it means. The web site is the perfect place to point those that want to know more. Now there is a resource to go even further and I’m thrilled to have a copy of it.

I Am Second is a book that is filled with the testimonies of people we see every day in the media, on ESPN, in music, politics and on the news. They are stories of success, failure, searching, loss, hope and restoration. They are edgy. They are raw. They are real. The stories are yours and mine. I would submit that at some point in this incredible book you will find a common place to something you have or are struggling with. It will remind you that you are not alone. We all fall short. We all struggle.

But there is hope.

We are second. Christ is first. In this book you will read story after story of those that have discovered this truth and are living it. It’s not a prosperity gospel. It’s stories of the struggle. It’s a collection of unbelievable “behind the scenes” truth in the lives of people you and I think have it all. The truth is that they do “have it all”, but it’s not in fame, fortune or success. It’s in realizing that they are second and Christ is first. He is the hope. He is the answer. I applaud Dave Sterrett and Doug Bender for following a passion, starting a movement and sharing these stories. I HIGHLY recommend it.

I give “I Am Second” a 5 out of 5. 

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

So what in the world could that video possibly have to do with the new book by Mark and Grace Driscoll called “Real Marriage – The Truth About Sex, Friendship & Life Together“? In order to understand the book, in order to understand my review, you need to understand Mark Driscoll. If you don’t understand Mark Driscoll, you will most likely be shocked by the honest, open and edgy discussions within this book. So let’s start there. Let’s understand a little bit about Mark Driscoll:

1. He is growing several churches in the most unchurched city in the United States. (Seattle)

2. He is relevant in the area in which he ministers.

3. He reaches the twenty something crowd that is immersed in a world that has little shock value anymore.

4. His language is strong, but his theology and doctrine are even stronger

5. He has caused controversy in the past and will cause it again.

So why the talking points? Why go through all of this before I ever once talk about this book? Because it’s important. This isn’t a Max Lucado/Billy Graham (of which I love both) book on marriage. This isn’t a book that softly touches on the issues of sex for example. It’s Mark and Grace Driscoll and it’s “going there” on topics that need to be discussed. Some will hate the book. Others will appreciate it for it’s honest approach. I, for one, am a member of the second group. I appreciate the honesty. I appreciate the candor and the uninhibited nature with which they share what needs to be shared.

Much like the video above, “Real Marriage” isn’t just Mark Driscoll being Mark Driscoll. It’s honest truth backed by theological foundation and truth. Could someone have said it differently? Sure. Would some people rather read it written in a different context? Sure. Yet there are many (myself included) that believe we need this kind of truth. The world in which we live surrounds us by images far stronger and language far more graphic. This book, like Driscoll’s preaching is being relevant to the culture with which we live. Simple as that. There is so much good in this book that you need to see past what might offend or not sit well with you. You need to understand the broader audience. For that reason, I am recommending “Real Marriage”.

I give Real Marriage a 4 out of 5.

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

In age of movies with billion dollar budgets, it is nice to see a movie that is simplistic yet carries a great message. The acting wasn’t all that bad and the story is worth seeing. My kids (10, 8 and 6) all really enjoyed it. They quickly anticipated where the film was headed and enjoyed it’s resolution in the end. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a quality family film. Here’s a clip for the film:

You can also find “A Mile In His Shoes” on the web at the links below:

WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

DOVE FOUNDATION REVIEW

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Oqobo is a faith based web hosting service and I am honored to utilize their services. Personal attention is something that is lost in the industry. Not so with Oqobo. From day one, they have been completely open to assisting me and offering advice. Just this evening, I worked closely with them to move my email account to a new provider. We had to jump through a few small hoops and they were right there every step of the way. I share all of this because it’s the least I can do.

If you’re in the market for a web hosting service, or just plain tired of the one you have, check out Oqobo.com today. Now is a great time because they are running a special through December 31st. Professional Web Hosting 3 Months Free. Use Promo Code 3Months. Valid for new sign ups/transfers. Expires 12/31.

Check them out today. You’ll be glad you did.

Sadly, I didn’t find anything I haven’t already known as a Clevelander and fan of the Cavaliers. Lebron is a child, quitter and can’t handle the pressure of the 4th quarter. Basically that is what it boils down to. It might sound like I didn’t like the book, but is some strange way, I did. It was like sitting around with another friend from Cleveland and being miserable together. The author is a native Clevelander that calls it his “mission” to discover the soul of Lebron James. Not surprisingly, he didn’t find any. The only thing he found was joy in Lebron not winning a championship last year. But as he pointed out, Cleveland didn’t either.

The language throughout the book is strong. It can be offensive and yet I get it. It’s raw emotion of fans that have lived and breathed Cleveland sports. It’s the bitter pill we swallowed when “one of our own” treated a city like it did nothing for him. I’ve always said, I don’t care what Lebron did, it was HOW he did it. Scott Raap cares what and how. The brighter portions of the book come in his stories of his own son. They provide relief from, what can at times be, a very depressing rehashing of “the decision”.

I did not hate or love this one. I can’t recommend that you buy or not buy it. For those from Cleveland, I would say that you’ll understand and maybe even enjoy it too. Those outside Cleveland probably will think it’s a bitter 250 something pages of hate. Either way, Lebron is still gone and the city moves on. Time for me to do the same.

As I read the forward to the book (available for free on Amazon.com) I found it so much the very heartbeat of Rachel. We have the honor of knowing her so I know her words come straight from the heart. They are not sappy sentences to sell an eBook. She speaks from experience and she speaks to us all. Having lost my Mom a few years ago, the holidays are a time of reflection and at times, sadness. Especially this holiday. Christmas was my moms Super Bowl. This was her season. She pulled out all of the stops. The reminders of her are everywhere. This short devotional brought sweet reminders of the love, life, grace, light, peace, joy, mercy, goodness, truth, faithfulness, freedom and acceptance.

Do yourselves a favor and swing by Amazon.com and download this treasure. It’s only $2.99 and available in all formats electronically. If you don’t mind, leave Rachel a review on Amazon too. We’re so excited to see how well her first eBook does and how it impacts all that read it. You can also find Rachel in the following places on the web:

Website – RachelWojo.com

Twitter – @RachelWojo

Facebook – RachelWojo

$1 of every Winter Adventure book sold will go to advance research & treatment of pancreatic cancer, via the Lustgarten Foundation (http://www.lustgarten.org/)

I’ve got a few special offers, just for my readers. First, Make any purchase of $25 or more at CooperandMe.com and get FREE SHIPPING now through December 15. MUST USE THIS CODE @ Check Out:  COOPERBLOG

You can find “Cooper and Me” on the web in the following places:

Website: Cooperandme.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cooper-and-Me-Inc/214695101924101

Twitter: @cooper_and_me

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

HUGE HUGE blessing for this review. Last week I received a Nativity set from the great team at OutdoorNativitySets.com. Beyond the great looking nativity set for our yard, I am a huge fan of this company. The way it was shipped, the ease of set up, the quality of product and their story are all reasons you should really consider ordering one too. As you can see by the image above, our dog “Wubzzy” found the set comfortable enough to rest at the feet of the manger. This was NOT staged. I found him here after my initial set up.

You can see all of the images in the thumbnails below, but when the box arrived, it could not have been easier to set up. This is a tool-less set up except for 4 loops that hold the supporting stakes in the ground. One screwdriver is all that I needed. For a guy that’s not exactly crafty with tools, this was perfect. Each piece was carefully crafted to create a seamless piece. The product was carefully packed so it can be re-packed and stored for the off-season. Now here’s may favorite part…their story.

OUTDOORNATIVITYSETS.COM was launched in late 2010. With the challenges of the economy, our parent company Teak Isle Manufacturing, a 30 year supplier to the marine industry, was faced with cutting its workforce during the holidays. The hard fact was that fewer people were buying boats and the holiday months were going to be extremely slow. Toward the end of last year we were brainstorming of ways to increase our business. As we were talking, one of our employees reminded us that we had built some nativity sets in the past and maybe we could do this again during the holiday season.

By launching this product offering, OutdoorNativitySets believes they saved 8-10 jobs. How great is that? Last year, they were the best selling Outdoor Christmas Decoration on Amazon. When you order a set, you will see why. For their entire “About” story, see this link.

As you can probably tell, I am a big fan of this company and their products. Hopefully you will read this post and have time to order one for yourself too. This will be a staple of our outdoor decorations for  years to come. You can find all of the information about Outdoor Nativity Sets in the following places.

Website: http://www.outdoornativitysets.com

Assembly Video: http://www.outdoornativitysets.com/assembly-videos.html

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/outdoornativitysets

Disclosure of Material Connection: BuzzBlogger sent me the link as part of their bloggers review 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”