"The Bare Naked Truth" by Bekah Hamrick Martin

The Truth About Sex and Waiting . . . Uncovered Purity.

Sex. Boys. Waiting. There's something about those words that makes everything complex in a heartbeat, and raises more questions than answers. Is there something wrong with me if I don't kiss a boy after a date? Or am I doomed if I DID? What if waiting is just a one-way trip to life as a crazy cat woman? And what if I tend to, um, think about a certain boy in a certain way? It seems that the lady at church and your friends have two very different opinions on the subject. And 'Your Budding Womanhood: Staying a Beautiful Flower for Jesus' just isn't cutting it. Bekah Hamrick Martin knows the waiting game isn't easy or straight-forward. In The Bare Naked Truth, she lays everything on the table---including some embarrassing moments---as she explores the honest, naked truth behind what God means by purity. With additional entries from popular authors, you'll see the bare naked approach to waiting isn't always easy, but it's worth the risk.

I like this book.  Martin writes in a style that's fun and easy to read, but more importantly, she's providing valuable information in a way that young women will relate to.  The narrative doesn't sound like your crazy school nurse or your with-an-agenda mother coming at you, but instead like a trusted friend or mentor, someone who has been there and done that and is ready to help you get a handle on this subject.

Martin shares many testimonies from other authors and friends throughout the book.  Some share their story about why staying pure has worked for them - and others share why they wish they had.  Either way, these stories help the reader understand the physical, emotional, and mental consequences of going too far before marriage.  I'm willing to bet that the vast majority of teens may know the what-goes-where, but they don't know or understand the other ramifications - and Martin does a great job of explaining them in funny and real ways here.

One of my favorite elements of this book is the funny four-question quiz that's found at the end of each chapter.  Totally un-scientific, it's meant to help girls understand their own way of reacting to situations so that they can relate this to staying pure.  The quizzes read like something out of a crazy check-out line teen quiz but get the point across with Martin's usual blunt humor.

As much as I liked this book, there was one chapter which caused a bit of concern.  Not because the 'stay pure' message was garbled, but because Martin claims that there's no Biblical basis for staying pure in this one particular area (but that it's a good idea, anyway).  I imagine that this particular chapter is one in which you'll tread carefully, anyway - but be sure to read the book so that you can be prepared for questions when you get there.  In case that's not as clear as mud and you want to know exactly WHICH chapter I'm talking about, feel free to email me at amybradsher@gmail.com for more information.  This is a family-friendly site.  :-)

I read lots of books.  Some go immediately onto a shelf - or a stack or under the couch - while others, though I enjoy, find new homes.  (There's only so much room under the couch, you know?)  The Bare Naked Truth has been relocated to a high-up shelf for the next few years, until my Big Helper is just a little bit bigger, at which time I'll pull it down for us to read together.  The information in this book is too important to miss, and I'm happy to have such a fun resource to read with her.

Click here to read other reviews in this blog hop or go here to purchase your own copy now.

Bekah Hamrick Martin was born in Savannah, Georgia, in an event which her brother keeps reminding her was completely unnecessary. She spent the better part of her high school years vacationing on the north end of her mattress due to an illness, where she developed a deep taste for chocolate and sarcasm. Today Bekah shares with teens about tough times, healing, and surviving their high school years---no matter where they spend them.

Learn more about Bekah on her website: http://misswritebrained.wordpress.com/ 

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Are You Making the Most of SwagBucks Yet?

Do you use SwagBucks yet?  This is a great way to rack up some extra cash, Amazon points, or PayPal money.  It's a simple 'Net-based rewards program that will earn you points - and thus moolah - for doing what you already do.  Here's a tip for upping your earning potential:

Outside of all the usual ways to earn Swag Bucks, there are some easy to grab points sitting out there that you may not even realize are available. For example, have you completed your user profile? If not, you're missing out on easy Swag Bucks for things like uploading a profile picture. You'll know if you still have some info to fill out if you go to your Swagbucks homepage and see an indicator - either on the right or in the middle of the page letting you know that you can earn some Swag Bucks for finishing up.The best part is that having your profile completed helps Swagbucks bring you more relevant content so you can earn even more Swagbucks!  If you don't HAVE a Swagbucks account, you can earn for setting yours up! Get rewarded for the things you do online starting today by clicking this link to sign up. I've already gotten a vacuum, a scooter, and mp3 player, and lots more with my Swag Bucks, and you can too!

“Stealing the Preacher” Kindle Fire Giveaway and Author Chat Party {6/18} with Karen Witemeyer!

Karen Witemeyer is "kindling" the excitement for Stealing the Preacher (Bethany House) with a Kindle Fire Giveaway and connecting with readers at her June 18th Facebook Author Chat Party!

  One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer 

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at 4pm on June 18th. Winner will be announced at the "Stealing the Preacher" Facebook Author Chat Party on June 18th. Connect with Karen for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Karen will also share an exclusive look at her next book and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Stealing the Preacher and join Karen on the evening of June 18th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!

GratiTuesday - A Bittersweet Goodbye

Today is a bittersweet day in the life of our church.

Our pastor, who has been serving here faithfully for the past seven years, is moving away today to plant a new church on the coast.

On Sunday we toasted and roasted him at a potluck held in his honor after the services.  Last night people came together to load the moving truck and various other vehicles that will be caravan-ing away today.

It's hard to see this family leave.

Our kids consider their four children to be their best friends.  They play together at church events and as often as possible in between.  They're in book club together.  

Their ten-year-old offered to lend me his Jules Verne-type books when we began to homeschool because he loved them so much and he thought we would, too.

That same ten-year-old and his siblings were part of the reason that we were initially attracted to homeschooling.  At every church event they would greet us kindly and carry on great conversations, looking us in the eye the entire time.  Few other children their ages seem able to do the same.

Our pastor's wife is a great example of peaceful parenting.  I've never seen anyone so calm and relaxed about life in general.  If I had on my plate what she did, I'd be a jittery mess, but her even demeanor helped me to trust and let go.  I've enjoyed talking over educational dilemmas with her and watching our children be creative together.

Our pastor himself, well, he's another story.  He's a high energy, laid-back-but-let's-go-hard kind of guy.  He's not afraid to lay it all on the line and will take the hard stances, even as you're not always sure where he himself falls on various issues.  He challenges you to know why you believe what you believe and to go back to the Bible basics all at the same time.  He accepts you for who you are and where you are on your faith journey and is good with that. 

Best of all, he's willing to follow Jesus even when he doesn't know where he's going - and that's what the whole family is doing today.  They're purchasing a house in a new town and planting a church for those who are currently on the fringe or have been hurt by a church or haven't found a place where they fit or just plain have questions and doubts.

So we're sad today.  Sad because our good friends are leaving.  Sad because the tree fort is missing the four kids who who so recently built it and climbed all over it.  Sad because we won't be able to run and play with them after church and school events.  Sad because we won't see any more zany games with no point or tie dye shirts at every turn.

But we're happy, too.  They're leaving because they're following Jesus, and there's no better place to be than smack dab in the center of God's plan.  We know that He's moving them for a reason, and that the whole family will be able to do big and wonderful things in His name in their new coastal home.  They'll make new friends, draw in others, and show all sorts of new people the amazing love of Jesus.

So while it's a sad day for our church, it's also a day to celebrate.  Our pastor is putting his money - and his family and his everything - where is mouth is.

That's a reason to celebrate.

For more GratiTuesday, visit Heavenly Homemakers.

Menu Plan Monday - June 17, 2013

WHEW!  

After weeks and weeks of having a scheduled activity nearly every day - or some other over-the-top something happening like double chicken pox and a sinus infection that just won't quit - we have THREE DAYS this week with nothing planned.  I'm super excited about that.  

Last week we ate all sorts of strange and hurriedly put together things.  i'm hoping to avoid that this week - and to try some fun, new recipes.  If you have some to share, I'd love to check them out!  Leave a link in the comment section below, please!

In the meantime, here's the tentative plan:

Breakfast:

- Cinnamon Almond Granola & fruit
-Steal-Good Pumpkin Bread & fruit
- Skinny Chocolate Chip Scones
- Breakfast wraps

Dinner:
- Italian roast beef sandwiches with salad and chips
- Grilled fish, baked potatoes, salad
- Slow cooker beef & broccoli over rice, egg rolls
- Spicy Sausage Pasta, Salad

- Cheesesteak-Stuffed Peppers, carrot sticks, applesauce
- Leftovers
- Dinner at church

If there's time in there, I'd like to make some homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Bars and some chocolate bar cookies.

There's the plan!  What's yours??

For more Menu Plan Monday, visit OrgJunkie.

Denise Hunter’s “Barefoot Summer” Summer Sun Giveaway!

Denise Hunter is celebrating her new Chapel Springs Romance series with a Summer Fun Giveaway. The first book, Barefoot Summer, is already a favorite with readers. “Hold-your-breath romance, heartache, and laugh-out-loud moments. It’s more than a good read. It’s a delight.” -- Lisa
 
Summer: it’s all about sunny skies, star-gazing, swimming, spending time with loved ones, and living as if a small part of the weight of the world has been lifted off your shoulders.

Get ready for some serious summer fun with Denise’s 12-Day Summer Sun giveaway. From June 10-21, keep your computer near as you head to the lake or your friend’s barbecue because Denise will be giving away a summer essential each day!

"Barefoot Summer" by Denise Hunter

Madison's heart has been closed for years. But one summer can change everything.

In the years since her twin brother's tragic drowning, Madison has struggled with her ability to trust God--or anyone else, for that matter. It was her brother's dream to win the annual River Sail Regatta in their small harbor town of Chapel Springs, Indiana. And Madison's determined to honor his legacy by making his dream her own. Maybe then she can finally find closure.

But learning to sail means learning to swim. And her instructor is Beckett O'Reilly, a man who already has two strikes against him in Madison's eyes. Being on the water terrifies Madison. But Beckett's calming presence and unwavering confidence eases her fear. And as much as she'd like to deny it, the chemistry between them is electrifying.

As her feelings for him grow, a fledging faith begins to take root in her soul, as well. With Beckett, Madison feels alive for the first time in years--carefree and confident she can win the regatta, maybe even find love.

But Beckett harbors a secret that will test the limits of their love and the depth of Madison's faith. Will their love survive summer's challenge? And will achieving her brother's dream give Madison the peace she desperately seeks? 

Barefoot Summer will sail past your springtime reads and pull you into summer drama.    With an electric cast of characters, each haunted by a past beyond his or her control, you won't be able to put it down.  I couldn't.  I finished it in a single afternoon.

There were several things that kept pulling me back to this book each time I was interrupted.  First, I truly couldn't wait to find out what happened to Madison's brother.  It was obvious that there was more to the story than the author was sharing with us, and she excels at drawing out the suspense.

Secondly, Beckett and Madison were truly hurting, and they were upstanding, honorable people.  That's a combination I can't refuse, especially when someone has overcome the obstacles that Beckett has.  I always want to know more about a knight in shining armor.

Lastly, there were some fascinating loose ends in this story - rabbit trails with the extraneous characters, you might say.  For example, why exactly did Madison's sister run away, and why won't she give anyone details about her new life?  I smell another story brewing here!

While Barefoot Summer is about a summer, it's certainly not your typical lighthearted beach romance.  It's much, much more - but with a hero and heroine that you'll gladly take along to the beach.

Visit here to read other reviews in this bloggy hop.

Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too! 

Learn more about Denise at http://www.denisehunterbooks.com

I received a free copy of Barefoot Summer from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.