Mornings with God by Emily Biggers - Review

Mornings with God

Prayers and Devotions for Women

Author: Emily Biggers

Publisher: Barbour Publishing Inc.

Release Date: February 1, 2018

ISBN: 9781683222545

Pages: 192

BLURB:

Good mornings are guaranteed when you start the day off in prayer.
Dozens of faith-building prayers are accompanied by inspiring devotional thoughts and scripture selections—just for you. Featuring just-right-sized readings to fit into your busy morning routine and scripture selections from the beloved King James Version of the Bible, you’ll start your days off right with Mornings with God!

MY THOUGHTS:

Anyone that has followed my reviews knows that I'm a KJV only gal. Imagine my delight when I found that this devotional uses the King James Version!! A big YAY! on my part.

Mornings with God is a lovely devotional for women that has an easy format -  The title of the day's focus, a prayer, then a small devotion, and then to finish it all off, a Scripture verse. This is a devotional that you can spend just a few minutes on, or use it to focus on as a morning reading/study. It's a great starting point to continue with for studies. Have a notebook and pen handy and you can write down your thoughts about the devotion for the day, or maybe you were led to search deeper and you can record your findings.

I love the simple format. It's concise and has a ton of potential. Sometimes the short devotional is something to think on throughout the day, sometimes there's questions and sometimes there's a reading "assignment". There are many times I'd start with the devotion and end up reading and getting into a more in-depth study. 

Mornings with God is written specifically for women. It's a lovely devotional that will start your day of right. Keep a notebook or paper and a pen handy and take notes when you want to remember something or if you had a thought or idea. You'll be surprised to find how much you get from this little book of devotions!

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion. 

Sewn with Joy - Review

Sewn with Joy

Pinecraft Pie Shop Book #3

Authors: Tricia Goyer and Sherry Gore

Publisher: Harvest House Publishers

Release Date: September 1, 2016

ISBN: 9780736961349

Pages: 352

BLURB:    

Sometimes Dreams Come Together
One Piece at a Time

Joy Miller wanted nothing more than to be a wife and mother—especially now that her relationship with Matthew Slagel, the bishop's son, was deepening. But when a television crew rolls into Pinecraft, Florida, to film a new show about the Amish, tension threatens to rip apart their relationship...and the entire Amish community.

Joy is initially hired to sew costumes for the show, but she soon finds herself becoming increasingly involved in the production—a fact that upsets Matthew and his father. Yet the more Joy befriends the Englischer production crew, the more she senses God working in their lives through her. Can she turn her back on this opportunity to share God's love? Will she and Matthew somehow be able to stitch together their dreams for the future?

Experience love, heartbreak, and hope in this sweet story of two worlds uniting in unexpected ways.

MY THOUGHTS:

Sewn with Joy is the third book of the Pinecraft Pie Shop Series. Although part of the series, the book can easily be read as a stand alone and the reader won't feel like they're missing out on anything.

The main character, Joy Miller is a very likeable person. She's sweet and humble and tries her best to do what is right. Her beau, Matthew Slagel, is a person that seems likeable enough, but he had a side to him I didn't care for - the human side that has a temper and cares too much for what others think and say.

Sewn with Joy deals with many issues and had a fantastic message behind it - not just a sappy Amish romance. I'm not sure if an Amish woman would have handled things the way Joy did, but I will say it made for a great story with lots of lessons about God, Christianity, forgiveness, love, and redemption. 

Some of the topics brought up were real but may be triggers for some, including suicide, abortion, and infidelity. The issues were handled well and the message was fantastic! This is a book that focuses a lot on God's forgiveness and coming to Christ. 

Sewn with Joy is a great book that will inspire you to possibly get back into the Word and to remember what sacrifices were made on the Cross. An excellent book with a message for all!

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion. 

Kitty Counts Her Blessings - Review

Kitty Counts Her Blessings

Author: Kat E. Erikson

Publisher: Kat E. Erikson

ISBN: 9780578999913

Formats: Hardcover, paperback, Kindle

Pages: 36

BLURB:

ONE blessing, TWO, THREE blessings, FOUR—Let me keep counting and go seek some more!

Children are experts at finding delight everywhere they look, even when life gets a little dark. Kitty Counts Her Blessings celebrates that gift—and shares a lesson in counting besides.

As the story begins, Kitty has no trouble counting her blessings, from the sun on her nose to the zing of the bees. But when rain threatens to spoil her fun, finding blessings isn't so easy. Then she remembers learning hide-and-seek, and suddenly joys are around every corner—and before long, so is her boy, ready to play and count along with her.

This cheerful, rhyming book invites children and the grownups who love them to seek the blessings in their own world.

How many blessings can your little one count today?

MY THOUGHTS:

What at first appears to be a counting book, is so much more. Not only can you teach counting with it, but Kitty Counts Her Blessings, teaches a child to look for all the blessings in life. At the same time, it also reminds the adult who is reading this lovely book, to look for the blessings throughout the day even when it feels like there isn't any.

I have absolutely fell in love with this adorable book!! The whole theme makes you happy and want to smile, and the illustrations are just beautiful! What child would not want to snuggle with you while you read this sweet book to them?! And because this book is so adorable, you will love reading it to your child. 

A must for any parent who wants to not only teach their child how to count, but, also, to teach a child to look for the wonderful things in the world - their blessings!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kat E. Erikson is a writer of children's fiction. Daydreaming and reading were her favorite pastimes as a child, and little has changed. She used to leave the last page of novels unread, so she didn't have to say goodbye to the friends in the story she'd grown to love.

Her love for animals started early too. While in second grade, she wrote her first "animal welfare" letter, asking a big company to be kinder to animals. And she's still at it, all these years later!

Kat published her first book, Pet-Friendly Francie, during the 100th Anniversary of American Humane's Be Kind To Animals Week and her second book, Dizzy Lizzie, for National Pet Month. Kat is also a graduate of the Resonance Science Academy's Unified Science Course, that highlights the divine connection we humans share with each other, our animal friends, Mother Nature, and the Universe at large.

Kat makes her home in Northern California with her rescue cats, Lizzie and Kimba, who follow her around like dogs and roll on their backs while she writes.

WEBSITE

https://kateerikson.com/

I received a copy of this book through BookSirens. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion. 

Holidays or Holy Days: Does It Matter Which Days We Observe?

Holidays or Holy Days: Does It Matter Which Days We Observe?
by United Church of God
Kindle Edition, 65 pages
Published March 11th 2012 by United Church of God
ASIN: B007JLNGP4

This free book can be found at:
https://www.ucg.org/bible-study-tools/booklets/holidays-or-holy-days-does-it-matter-which-days-we-observe

A short but very well researched book on the history of the traditional Christian holidays. This looks into the pagan holidays and celebrations and how the early Church incorporated pagan traditions and dates to draw in members.

This book concentrates on Easter, Christmas, Halloween, and briefly touches on Valentines Day. It does discuss what days we should observe, but is covered only briefly. Personally, I'm on the wall with the suggested days we should be observing, but only because I have not researched them.

What I really find fascinating, is how we, as Christians, can shake our head and wonder how those in the Old Testament could worship an idol on one day and then turn around and honor the Sabbath on the next. If one looks at the background and history of the days that Christians currently celebrate, you'll see nothing has really changed!

Holidays or Holy Days: Does It Matter Which Days We Observe? is a must read for any and all Christians!

**Please note: The Bible references used in this publication are NOT KJV. There are not many that were quoted, but I used my KJV alongside to compare and make sure it was still an accurate reference. There are many scriptural references that you will need a Bible to look up anyhow, since you are given just the Book, Chapter and Verse. Although short, expect to take a bit of time to really look up everything verse that is given.

This book is from my own personal library.

Let's Talk... Menopause

Menopause.... a thing I heard about some, usually in jokes, but never discussed. Because it was never discussed, I had no idea what to expect and that discussion could have prevented lots of heartache, pain and frustration. I have decided to tell my story, with hope that it may help someone else.

My mother died when she was 56 and had a hysterectomy at 36, so I never witnessed menopause in my immediate family. So when I entered this new phase of my life, I had no idea what would happen. I had no older female in my life that could tell me that I wasn't going crazy. No one to explain the moods or feelings I was having. There was no one. Every older woman I was close to or would trust with the feelings I was having, died. My life, my sanity and my marriage were in shambles and I had no idea what happened or why.

In my late 40's was having crazy periods. For more than two years, they were extremely heavy and clotty. I was told that I was pre-menopausal and it was normal. When I was 50, they slowed down, stopped, and I had spotting from time to time. When I was almost 51, I caught the flu, became very ill and ended up with bronchitis. I was so sick and ended up losing 25 pounds in a month. Right after that, I found I couldn't sleep. I'd go 24-48 hours with no sleep, then I'd get a couple of hours the next night, and I'd be back awake for another 24-48 hours. I moved to the living room couch so that I wouldn't disturb my husband.

Night after night, I'd be awake and to pass the time, I'd be online playing games and chatting with people all across the world. There were hot flashes mingled in this mess, but I didn't realize it since it was summer.

With no sleep, came the crazy thoughts, wild moods and depression. It started arguments and strife in our home. Finally I went to the dr. to find out if I had a brain tumor or was just going crazy. He smiled, patted me on the shoulder and said it was just menopause and it will pass. I was having a little more difficulty because of the severe weight loss from my illness and more hormones being released more quickly.  I was told to take some melatonin for my sleeplessness and relax. No real help there.

By that time, our communication at home was bad. My husband never saw the effects of menopause on any of his family either, so he didn't know what to expect and thought I had decided I didn't want to be married to him any longer. I was sleeping on the couch and was online all the time. He asked me to go to counseling, but I refused. I didn't want the counselor to blame all on me. Besides, I asked him earlier to go and he refused, so I was just getting even, or so my crazy mind told me.

Well, things spiraled out of control. I got paranoid, thought he was having an affair and the melatonin didn't help. Things got worse because of the hormones and lack of sleep. Sadly, my marriage didn't survive, my adult children were heartbroken and I ran away to another continent to sort things out.

I came back, became employed, got my own apartment and finally, FINALLY turned my focus back to God. The Lord helped me heal as I started to read my Bible again. When everything happened, I tried to hide from the Lord because I failed so miserably. I ruined so many lives and my own marriage - something I treasured more than anything. When I finally surrendered, went to Him in prayer and accepted everything that I had done, I felt a weight lifted. I then started to read my Bible, and took a challenge to read all of Paul's books once a month for 12 months. That was 3 chapters a day. That challenge changed me.

The best part is, the Lord not only healed me, but brought my husband and I back together. We remarried and life has been amazing since. We don't take things for granted any more and more importantly, we keep God at the center of our marriage.

I don't remember all the craziness of what happened for about 2 years, so much was like I was in a fog. My husband will tell me things that happened and honestly, I don't remember much. There's so much to this story, but I won't bog you down with details, as this is so long as it is. I do thank you for sticking to the end, and I pray that my story may possibly help someone who didn't have some to turn to.

If you need someone to talk to - I am here and would be happy to help. God Bless~

The Gospel-Centered Life in Exodus for Students - Review

The Gospel-Centered Life in Exodus for Students: Study Guide with Leader's Notes
Author: Kristen Hatton
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: New Growth Press; 2018
ISBN: 978-1948130066

About the Book:

The first in a series of small group studies for teens and young adults that traces God s story of redemption through the whole Bible, The Gospel-Centered Life in Exodus for Students is a twelve-lesson resource written by Kristen Hatton to teach students how to study God's Word and connect it to their lives.

As students come together to read and discuss they will discover that, just like the ancient Israelites, we all need a Redeemer. As the Israelites grumble, complain, disobey, worship false gods, and try to be their own Savior, teens and young adults will see that they too do those same things. But they will also see how God gives grace to the guilty and over and over again comes to the rescue, pointing to the deliverance of God s people that is later fulfilled in Christ and the gospel.

With each easy-to-use, self-contained lesson that requires no outside work and can be completed in just one hour, teens and young adults will find and meet Jesus in unexpected places and see the pattern of redemption present even in the Old Testament. As they learn that the entire Bible is one unfolding story about Jesus, and that the same God who spoke to Moses also sent his Son to redeem us from our sins, study participants will better learn how to read Scripture and view it as the manna needed for their daily life.

My Thoughts:

Unfortunately, I won't be able to comment on the scriptures or how doctrinally correct they are. I have had some issues with blood clots and my eye, so had to put things aside, causing me to become seriously behind on reading and studying. My notes were separate as I was using a egalley instead of a hard copy, and for the life of me, I cannot find those notes! So, this won't be the indepth review that I had originally planned. My sincere apologies.

First, it appears The Gospel-Centered Life in Exodus for Students is a combination of both leader guide and student study guide. That may be a plus or a minus, depending on your needs and your personal preferences. This also does not use the KJV, so, I'm not recommending it. The book focuses on Exodus and how it pertains to teens, life and Christ. It is supposed to get them focused and interested to dive into group discussions and hopefully will lead them to study more on their own.

This is one of the few studies on the market geared towards teens and it had some good points as well as some things I wasn't so sure about. I just wish I could find those notes to discuss it more. If I find them, I'll make another post and will post a much more indepth review.

I received an egalley of this book to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

Alongside: Loving Teenagers with the Gospel - Review

Alongside: Loving Teenagers with the Gospel
Author: Drew Hill
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: New Growth Press; 2018
ISBN: 978-1945270895

About the Book:

Alongside is a much-needed resource for both parents and those in youth ministry. In this transformative book, Drew Hill unpacks the challenges teenagers face and how youth leaders and parents can share the gospel with them at this crucial age. Full of practical insight and biblical knowledge, Alongside is an invitation to love teenagers well with the hope of the gospel.

Our teenage friends are full of questions and longings. They're trying to figure out who they are, where they belong, and if they matter during this pivotal time of development all while facing new realities of loneliness and isolation, despite their social media followers.

Teenagers want to be chased, and Alongside brings Scripture to life and helps parents and those in youth ministry practically connect the life of Jesus to the lives of their adolescent children and friends.

Through Scripture and captivating personal stories from years of experience working in youth ministry, Hill pulls back the curtain and invites readers to step into the unfiltered world of teenagers.

How do we start meaningful conversations with our teenage friends? How do we build trust across the dining room table? What would it look like to prayerfully cultivate a group of leaders or parents with a shared goal of seeing Christ transform the lives of teenagers in our communities? What does Jesus have to say about caring for our middle or high school friends and how can he use us in his plan to rescue them?

Alongside offers practical application and biblical truths to highlight the complexities of relational youth ministry, address the needs real teenagers encounter in their daily lives and engage their hearts rather than just their behavior. Hill explores what it looks like to not only share the love of Jesus with our teenage friends but to share our very lives with them as well.

My Thoughts:

Alongside is definitely a book written by someone who knows teens and how to communicate with them. Drew Hill does a remarkable job of illustrating how to work with teens and connect with them. I promise you, that reading this book will give you much needed insight - no matter how much you think you know about talking to this age group. Kids need you to be on their level and believe me, this book will show you how to get there.

This book is a must for anyone who has a teen, knows a teen or works with a teen. It will change not only how you communicate with them, but will open a great door of understanding towards them. This is the secret to success to pass on the Gospel without them shutting down on you.

I received an egalley of this book to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

Brother John: A Monk, a Pilgrim and the Purpose of Life

Brother John: A Monk, a Pilgrim and the Purpose of Life
Author: August Turak
Illustrator: Glenn Harrington
Publisher: Clovercroft Publishing
Publish Date: October 21, 2018
ISBN: 9781945507946
Hardcover: 48 pages

About the Book:

The Templeton Prize winning story of a magical encounter between the author and a Trappist monk. Brother John becomes our guide to the redemptive power of an authentically purposeful life.

Recipient of the prestigious Templeton Prize, Brother John is the true story of a meaningful encounter between a man going through a mid-life crisis, and an umbrella-wielding Trappist monk. This magical encounter on Christmas Eve eventually leads the author, and us all, to the redemptive power of an authentically purposeful life. Uplifting, deeply moving, and set in the magnificent Trappist monastery of Mepkin Abbey, Brother John is dramatically brought to life by over twenty full color paintings by Glenn Harrington, a multiple award-winning artist. Brother John's inspirational message takes place at Christmastime, and its inspirational message and rich illustrations are sure to bring the reader back again and again throughout the year.








My Thoughts:

What is the purpose of life? A simple question that has no simple answer - or does it and we just make it complicated?

This amazingly beautiful book focuses on the author's time spent at Mepkin Abby on Christmas Eve with the Trappist monks. His writing is meaningful with a message that is powerful and interesting. He focuses on one of the monks, Brother John, and uses him as an example of love, peace and grace. Brother John is the author's stepping stone to an answer to his most pondered question.

This is a book that you will need to read at a slower speed than a regular "story book" as there is so much to absorb with the author's observations and realizations. I personally had to go through this book a few times, as I was completely distracted by the GORGEOUS illustrations. This is a book that will be a part of my permanent library. Although it takes place on Christmas eve, the message and the beauty of the book will have you returning again and again and not just at Christmas time.

The one thing I did miss was the lack of a message about God and Jesus. It is somewhat implied but never really mentioned. For me, I found more credit to the monks than God and I'm not totally sure how I feel about that - especially if one that may not be a Christian were to pick up this book and read it from a secular point of view.

About the Author:

AUGUST TURAK is a successful entrepreneur and award-winning author who attributes much of his success to his 20-year stint as a frequent monastic guest of the Trappist monks of Mepkin Abbey. As a monastic guest, he lives and works alongside the monks sometimes for months at a time.

I received a copy of this book from FSB Media. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

Gathering of Sisters Review

Gathering of Sisters: A Year With My Old Order Mennonite Family
Author: Darla Weaver
Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Herald Press
ISBN-13: 978-1513803371

About the Book:

Spend a day with sisters.

Once a week Darla Weaver bundles her children into the buggy, hitches up her spirited mare, and drives six miles to the farm where she grew up. There she gathers with her four sisters and their children for a day with their mother. In Gathering of Sisters, Weaver writes about her horse-and-buggy Mennonite family and the weekly women s gatherings that keep them connected. On warm days, the children play and fish and build houses of hay in the barn. In the winter, everyone stays close to the woodstove, with puzzles and games and crocheting. No matter the weather, the Tuesday get-togethers of this Old Order Mennonite family keep them grounded and centered in their love for God and for each other,even when raising an occasional loving but knowing eyebrow at each other.

The rest of the week is full of laundry, and errands, and work that never ends. But Tuesdays is about being sisters, daughters, and mothers.

Hear straight from Amish and Mennonite people themselves as they write about their daily lives and deeply rooted faith in the Plainspoken series from Herald Press. Each book includes A Day in the Life of the Author and the author s answers to FAQs about the Amish and Mennonites.

My Thoughts

Have you ever observed a family and wished you were part of it? The type of family where they are close, seem to do everything together and are happy - truly happy? This is how I felt as I read Gathering of Sisters. I so wanted to be a part of the gathering at Darla's mom's home. To feel a part of a family that is not only family, but are also friends. They share books, chores, creative ideas, gardening, flowers, etc. They are the epitome of love and reading this book made me greatly desire what they had. My family is gone - most have either died or moved away, so there is no one to share my later years with, the way I had always envisioned it. I believe this is the part of Amish/Mennonite life that is so attractive to us - where their society hasn't broken down the way ours has.

In Gathering of Sisters, Darla Weaver takes the reader into her childhood home and family and shares her life, feelings, relationships with her siblings, children, nieces, nephews and her mother. Her accounts are honest and she tells how she's not perfect, how she doesn't really love doing everything that we assume the Amish love to do or are superior at. She gives us the gift of making the members of the Old Order alive and real and not some fantasy from the Amish romances that have become so popular.

To say I loved this book is an understatement. It not only tells about Darla's time on Tuesdays with her siblings at her mother's house, but it also combines life with Godly messages and verses. She shares how things that happen in her life remind her about Bible verses as well as how things are incorporated in God plan. This is beautifully done and doesn't sound preachy or false - but most definitely from the heart.

Along with faith, the reader will find recipes for some of the dishes that are cooked, menus that they have and a nice question and answer at the end. This book follows a year of visits with the family and as it winds down to the month of December, there is a sadness that one knows this is the end of the visit with the family.

Make sure to add this to your reading list. It will not only warm you heart, but your soul. Highly recommended!!!

About the Author

Darla Weaver is a homemaker, gardener, writer, and Old Order Mennonite living in the hills of southern Ohio. She is the author of Water My Soul and Many Lighted Windows and has written for Family Life, Ladies' Journal, Young Companion, and other magazines for Amish and Old Order Mennonite groups. Before her three children were born she also taught school. Her hobbies are gardening and writing.

I received an egalley of this book from the NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

Summer Plans and Other Disasters Blog Tour - Review

Summer Plans and Other Disasters
Author: Karin Beery
Publisher: Elk Lake Publishing Inc
Paperback: 246 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1948888257
Genre: Christian Romance

About the Book:

Elementary school music teacher Callie Stevens thinks she’s finally figured out God’s plan for her life—she even made a list to keep her on track.

Moving in with her brother and reconnecting with her ex-boyfriend are at the top of the list. What’s not on the list is running into her childhood crush, Ryan. God wanted her to connect with Kyle, right?

Trying to figure out God’s plan is hard enough. But a dating-averse older brother, the young blonde who adores him, a pregnant best friend, and Callie’s continual mishaps make her wonder whether her best laid plans were truly God-inspired.

Now available from Elk Lake Publishing!

Read an Excerpt Here!!

My Thoughts

Callie Stevens thinks she has everything planned out. She think she's has God's plan for her all figured out and going back to Traverse City is the first step. When she arrives, things seem to be somewhat going in the direction of all her plans, but are they?

This is a sweet romance that has a great message - that God's plans are not always your plans, no matter how much you try to either read or control the situation. Callie found that out.

The characters are lovable and their interaction create an enjoyable story. I really enjoyed Callie. She is not perfect and she has mishaps - some were absolutely funny (the lawnmower incident). They were all quite believable, except for Stacy - I'm on the fence about her.

Mrs. Beery created a nice feel good story that was captivating and easy to get lost in. It's a perfect book to curl up with when you want a nice, easy, feel good read that has a great message. Make sure to add this to your reading list - you'll be happy you did.


About the Author

Karin wrote her first novel in 2007 to cope with her husband’s cancer diagnosis (no worries – he’s cancer free now!). With the support and encouragement of her family, she submitted that manuscript. That particular manuscript has not been published yet, but Summer Plans and Other Disasters, her first published book, releases in September 2018.

Karin writes contemporary and speculative fiction stories with a healthy dose of romance, but she’s also expanded her repertoire: she writes feature stories for the local paper, copy material for businesses, and blog posts for herself and others. She even edits (offering copy editing, fiction editing, and critiques through Write Now Editing Services) and teaches (she’s the Substantive Fiction Editing instructor for the PEN Institute and can be found around the country teaching writing and editing courses at conferences and at her local college).

When Karin’s not reading, writing, or editing, she enjoys cooking and baking. She plays the piano and sings (the key of E, please). She kayaks with her husband in the summer, watches football in the fall (Go Blue!), and enjoys Christmas lights all winter long. Shy but extroverted, Karin adores her nieces and nephew and loves spending time with her family. Learn more about Karin at: karinbeery.com.

You can also follow her on:

Facebook - www.facebook.com/authorkarinbeery/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/karinbeery
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/karinbeery/

Elk Lake Publishing (for tagging)
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ElkLakePublishingInc/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/ElkLakePubInc
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/elklakepubinc/

I received a copy of these books from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

Free Christian Books On Kindle

While working on my reviews this morning, I came across a few free books that I thought I'd share. Please note - these were free at the time of this posting and prices can change at any time. Always check before buying.

A Lancaster Amish Storm - Book 1

The Shadow of Death - Book 1 (The Shadow of Death Serial (Amish Faith Through Fire))

How to Raise Children for Christ (Updated and Annotated): A Guide for Excellent Christian Parenting

The Bible Study Guide: Know Your Bible Inside and Out (Bible Study, Bible, Know Your Bible Book 1)

How to Study the Bible (Updated, Annotated)

Humility (Updated, Annotated): The Beauty of Holiness (Murray Updated Classics Book 2)

ALIVE Gospel Sexuality for Students Review

ALIVE: GOSPEL SEXUALITY FOR STUDENTS
Author: Cooper Pinson/Harvest USA
Publisher: New Growth Press
ISBN: 9781645270918
Paperback
Pages: 167
$15.99 (discounts on publisher's website)

Note: This study uses the English Standard Version

About the Book:

Alive: Gospel Sexuality for Students gives teenagers and young adults a biblical, gospel-centered framework to understand sexual issues. In a changing culture where feelings about our identity inform our sexual choices, this ten-week small group resource by Cooper Pinson of Harvest USA, applies biblical truth in a compassionate way to sexual struggles.

Cooper Pinson, with years of experience working with students, aims to bring the theological truths of our union and communion with Christ into the world of sexuality. Students are met where they are and encouraged to talk about the issues that are part of their everyday world. At the same time, they are guided to learn robust, deep, and strengthening theological content that will help them follow Jesus in how they express their sexuality.

Out of this framework, topics addressed include God's good design for sexuality, gender-related issues, singleness, dating, marriage, masturbation, pornography, and same-sex attraction, among others. Students are shepherded to understand their sexuality in the light of who Jesus is and to approach these issues with truth, faith, and compassion.

Author

Harvest USA is a non-profit that has been ministering to individuals and families affected by sexual struggles since 1983. With over 100 years of combined direct ministry experience, Harvest USA staff also seek to equip the Church with their writing and teaching on biblical sexuality and how to help those who struggle sexually.

My Thoughts:

Sex and sexuality is probably one of the most thought about and talked about subjects in the world of a teenager. Society hits teens from all sides - be it gender, relationships, media, etc., our children are getting told lots of things through every aspect of their life. What they learn from their friends, schools, movies, books, special interest groups and other worldly influences is certainly not what we, as Godly parents, want our children to hear or worse - believe.

Alive: Gospel Sexuality for Students is a wonderful resource to help guide our youth to the Biblical truth about sex and sexuality. This leaders guide/student workbook looks at God's design for us and tackles many very sensitive issues. The leader's guide is laid out in a very user friendly manner for the youth leader (or even the parent who wants to use this as a guide to talk to their teens). There are questions to discuss, scenarios for the students to read, issues to cover and even touches on abuse and rape. This is designed for a group setting and would definitely be best in a gender specific group. I know, as a female, I certainly wouldn't want to talk about these things in front of a male!

I'm not sure how I feel about this book having both the leader's guide as well as the student workbook in one volume. It is nice for the leader, but the students have all the answers and information at their fingertips, taking the thinking and spontaneity away from the discussion. These kids really need to sit and think and consider how serious sex is and how God's design works for us!

I received a copy of these books from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

I Challenge You!

How many Christian books have you read lately? I've been working on a list at List Challenges and only read 17 of the books listed. According to the algorithm, the average is 3 off this list!

Reading List for the Christian Woman

Good reading list for every Christian woman. List includes good fiction as well as nonfiction topics such as homemaking, marriage, family, spirituality, etc

How many have you read?

My Princesses - Learn to Be Brave & Lean to Share Book Reviews

My Princesses Learn to Be Brave
Author: Amie Carlson
Illustrator: Heather Heyworth
Publisher: Tyndale House
ISBN: 9781414396613
Hardcover - 21 pages
Juvenile Fiction

About the Book:

Friends Grace and Hope want to play on their favorite slide at the park. However, when they get to the slide, they meet a mean bully who won't let them. As the girls turn to leave, Grace recalls the story of Queen Esther, who bravely stood up for her people. Inspired by Esther's story, the girls ask the bully to be their knight and invite him to play with them on the slide. Recommended for ages 2-7.

My Thoughts:

This sweet book is extremely colorful, holds a good message and is short enough to hold the attention span of the younger child. The message is loud and clear that as children of God, we can learn from the Bible and use it to make good decisions. Grace and Hope meet a bully and use Esther and her position of Queen to stand up for what is right. These girls do the same and handle the bully in a brave and kind manner. A lovely lesson to teach a young child!

My Princesses Learn to Share
Author: Amie Carlson
Illustrator: Heather Heyworth
Publisher: Tyndale House
ISBN: 9781414396620
Hardcover - 21 pages
Juvenile Fiction

About the Book:

Princess Grace and Princess Hope want to wear the same pink dress when they play dress-up. They end up ripping the dress, but Mom has a story to help them learn to share. She tells them the story of Jesus and the young boy who shared his lunch. The girls get the picture, Mom mends the dress, and they learn to share. Recommended for ages 2-7.

My Thoughts:

Another sweet story from Amie Carlson. When Grace and Hope want the same dress, the find that their selfishness caused both hurt and damage. Hope's mom uses this incident to use the miracle of the fish and loaves of bread to illustrate how sharing can change things and make a difference. She also pointed out how one should try to be beautiful both inside and out and sharing is part of that. A great way to share a lesson from one of Jesus's miracles and learn a good lesson from it.

I received a copy of these books from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

I Should Be Ashamed To Call Myself A Woman

I recently worked at a very well known university as a Dining Hall Worker. It's a physical job, but one I enjoyed. I had contact not only with the employees at the dining commons, but I also worked with student employees and had contact with the general student population. Sometimes I served them and sometimes I cleaned up after them. The job was good and so was the pay.

When I was hired, I went through all types of training and one was about diversity and tolerance. We have many international students and students with diverse backgrounds. I had no problem with the idea of respecting other's thoughts, ideas and beliefs. That's what makes the world interesting!

I enjoyed learning about other's cultures and hearing about families as well as their religious upbringings (and at times lack of). It made me more aware and thankful for my salvation. As much as I wanted to share things about my beliefs, I was not allowed to discuss them or politics. That was a fire-able offense. Although if someone asked, I was very happy to share. That's how I found out I should be ashamed to call myself a woman.

I was washing dishes in the commons' kitchen, when a student employee started a conversation about feminism. She turned to me and asked, "You're a feminist, aren't you?"

I shook my head and answered, "Far from it."

She gasped and then started talking very loudly and became very condemning. She said I was working, so I must be a feminist. But I told her there were situations that forced me to work. She became louder and said I was a hypocrite. I agreed with her. That appeared to make her angrier. This began drawing a large crowd of students and employees. The students stood with eyes wide and mouths gaping and one of the employees tried to tell everyone that this is the great thing about being diverse and tolerant - we can have differences of opinions and still discuss them. He was worried that this discussion may get me reported and fired.

I didn't raise my voice and only answered when she asked questions. She screamed of tolerance and equality and how as women we need to stick together and fight for each other. She went on to say that  I should be ashamed to consider myself a woman since I'm not helping female equality, but one that has backwards beliefs. I was stunned at how much anger and intolerance flew out of her mouth! She spewed so many foul words and she became louder and louder while doing so. If she tried to win points with her fellow student workers, she didn't. They appeared to be disgusted and after she walked out, many came to me and apologized for her.

I learned a lot that day. I found that tolerance from certain people with special interests, only seems to go one way. I also found that the college will stand behind that person with a special interest and no behind the Christian. Hence, I must tolerate the beliefs of others, but they are allowed cut mine up into pieces and put me down. As much as I loved my job and the people I worked with, I don't miss the double standards.

God's Design for Sexuality in a Changing Culture

God's Design for Sexuality in a Changing Culture
A 15 Video Series - approximately 30 minutes each along complete with a leader's guide and participant outline
From Harvest USA

About the Series:

Everyone outside the church is talking about sexual issues—gender identity, same-sex attraction, same-sex marriage—the world’s perspective on these issues has certainly changed over the last decade. So how do you answer questions about God’s design for sexuality for church members and their families? Is your church equipping your people to understand a biblical perspective on sexuality and form a gospel-based response to questions from both inside and outside the church? 

Harvest USA, an organization that has been thinking biblically and redemptively about these issues for decades, has now made available a video series that will help you wisely, kindly, and truthfully help your church to understand God’s biblical design for sexuality and give direction on how to speak the truth in love to the world around us. 

The seminar consists of fifteen 30-minute videos (suitable for use during Sunday school or in small group), downloadable leader guide, and participant outlines that address questions and topics about God’s design for sexuality including the following:

  - Why do we need to talk about sex?
  - Why do we struggle with our sexuality?
  - Is God’s design for sexuality still relevant today?
  - What does the Bible really say about homosexuality?
  - Can you change if you are gay?
  - How can a single person live out God’s design for their sexuality?
  - Understanding gender and transgender issues
  - Pornography
  - How to help the sexual struggler
  - Key steps for raising sexually healthy kids
  - Keeping your kids safe in an Internet world

Author

Harvest USA is a non-profit that has been ministering to individuals and families affected by sexual struggles since 1983. With over 100 years of combined direct ministry experience, Harvest USA staff also seek to equip the Church with their writing and teaching on biblical sexuality and how to help those who struggle sexually.

My Thoughts:

My first reaction to this series is "WOW!" I wish I had had this available to me years ago. This series has addressed so many questions and concerns I've had throughout my lifetime. How much simpler things would have been to have understood God's Design for us - for me. I was raised with no instruction from the Church except when it came to pre-marital classes given by the Catholic church. It didn't cover much except for natural birth control and that was about all there was to the sexuality part.  When Mr. D and I were engaged, we had our counseling session with a Baptist minister and there was no mention of sex at all, just our salvation. So - my education was a book-set from my mother that explained sex and the views of my peers, romance novels, movies and music  - all world views and not Biblical.

I could never really put God together with sex, although he was the one that designed it! It took this course to really open my eyes and see things in a totally different light. It made things so clear - that we are designed to be made for our spouse and our spouse only. It would have been wonderful being taught this from a young age - how sex/sexuality is a gift from God and not something dirty, secretive or never to be spoke about with your Christian peers.

This series covers areas that Christians struggle with: pornography, same-sex attraction, gender identity, keeping our children safe in a world of technology, how to talk to your children about God's Design of Sex, etc. All of these aspects are important to go over for those that struggle as well as those that do not. No one is condemned for having these struggles, but instead are given guidance and support. For those that do not struggle, this series helps to understand and shows how to possibly give help or just a listening ear for those that may have a need.

This amazing series should be offered by every Church. There are so many struggling with the idea of a healthy sexuality in the Christian Church and this would definitely solve quite a few issues. How wonderful it would be to bring up the next generation of our children with the idea that sex is a God given gift to be treasured and excited about and not something that is associated with shame because God certainly can't fit in with "something like that"!

Don't think you have to be head of a Church or group to get this series. It would be a good addition to any Christian home - especially if you have questions, are struggling with things or have children that you'd like to teach how beautiful sex and sexuality is because it is God's Design for us.

I received a digital access of this course from Harvest USA. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

A Genesis to Revelation Scripture Memory Guide - Review

A Genesis to Revelation Scripture Memory Guide
Author: Ed Strauss
Publisher: Barbour Books
ISBN: 9781683222453
Paperback: 224 pages

About the Book:

Know your Bible better. . .and get more from your time in it! 

 This powerful and practical guide book is packed with invaluable information on scripture memorization. Not only does it lay out vital, need-to-know scriptures for everyday life; it offers so much more, including an overview of all 66 books of the Bible, helpful hints and tips for retaining scripture, plus a comprehensive list of Bible memory verses in biblical order. You will come to understand and appreciate the value of scripture memorization as you learn that God’s Word offers comfort, inspiration, and guidance for everyday life situations

My Thoughts:

A very helpful guide for helping one to learn scripture memorization. It goes in some good detail about how to learn successfully and why. I was excited to see how it was done and knew it would be easy to put into practice.

Unfortunately, Strauss went on about Bible versions and how one is better over others and why. When he uses his illustration, it's not a good one and shows error between the two - and why the one he has chosen is not the best version. With his views slanted towards one version over the other, there is now room for error. The verses chosen has comments with them and both the KJV and NIV verses are printed for the reader to use.

I like the overview of all the books of the Bible as well as an alphabetical list of verses, but I'm not thrilled with the telling that one version is superior over the other. If that is felt, then only use the preferred version.

Overall, I'm walking away with how to memorize scripture, but will pick the verses and do the research on my own.

Hope for Your Marriage - Review

Hope for Your Marriage: Experience God’s Greatest Desires for You and Your Spouse

Authors: Clayton and Ashlee Hurst with Joel Osteen
Publisher: Emanate Books (Thomas Nelson)
ISBN: 9780785216452
Paperback, 224 pages

About the Book:

Clayton and Ashlee Hurst share the principles and Scripture they have learned to lean on and preach at Lakewood Church. Foreword by Joel Osteen.

Are you willing to do whatever it takes to have the marriage you dreamed of? Interestingly, this is the question Clayton and Ashlee ask young couples before they get married and married couples in crisis. If they answer yes, then there is hope for the couple. If they are willing to commit to the hard work ahead, they have a very good shot.

Hope for Your Marriage is a book designed for couples who desire to have the best marriage possible. Every marriage has the potential to be incredible when God is at the center.

In Hope for Your Marriage, Clayton and Ashlee share personal stories on overcoming fairy-tale pitfalls; keeping Jesus at the center of your marriage; practicing healthy communication on sex, conflict, and forgiveness; declaring life over your marriage; and leaving a God-honoring legacy.

My Thoughts:

Although there are a few good points and pieces of advice in Hope for Your Marriage, I found is pretty much like any other book on marital advice. There is a bit of scripture quoted, but more personal with many stories of other couples and those couples are all counselors or in the ministry at Lakewood Church. I was hoping to find something that would be geared to couples who had been married for quite a period of time, but this seems more geared to those who are seeking marriage or have been married only a short period of time.

I will admit my thinking was swayed a bit when the authors used the illustration of male vs female brain as something of their own concoction instead of giving any reference to where it came from. It was almost word for word as it was presented by Mark Gungor more than 10 years ago on his DVD. Here is an excerpt of that DVD from YouTube that the authors used - especially the boxes and the nothing box:



I ended up wondering what else was not original and with the many discussions about Lakewood Church and Joel Osteen and how wonderful things are there, if it's not more of a plug for the Osteen empire and not so much for really helping couples.

Personally, I felt this book was not as scriptural as it should be, and more filled with "feelings" and human examples. Yes, stories from others" life experiences are great illustrations, but I wanted more about scripture and what the Bible says.

I received a copy of this ebook from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

Life Is Full Of Lessons

Life is full of lessons - some extremely difficult, some easy and some that take you totally by surprise. My last few years have been full of lesson - mostly difficult and some made me wonder if I was going to survive: However, I made it through, with the help the help of the Lord.

As you know, I was divorced 2 years ago, went to Australia to heal and came back to begin my life over. I found a part time job, an apartment and then life became more interesting as I looked for more work. I was carrying 3 part time jobs at one point last year and then found a full time job. Not the dream job I've always wanted it, but a good paying full time job in food services that has good benefits. Life seemed to be finally looking up. Then came the surprise.

Spiritually and emotionally, I was a mess. I tried hiding from God. My life was in shambles, I had broken my vow to be together with my husband forever, and I was really seeing myself as I truly was and not liking it one bit. So, like the child who took a cookie from the cookie jar when told not to, I hid from my Father. I didn't read my Bible, didn't pray, and stayed as far away as I could from Him. But it appeared He wasn't going to allow that at all. People would come to me and ask if I had a Church that I attended. I would say no and then be invited to attend theirs. I had one woman give me a book called "Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence" by Sarah Young and she kept telling me things about forgiveness and stated she knew I was haunted by what happened. I attended church a few times when I wasn't working and I began reading the Bible.

The healing that I needed finally came, but only after learning to forgive myself and learning to accept and like myself for who I am. With that came a change in me. I became a calmer, more peaceful and more loving and accepting person. I didn't notice it at first, but as I look back, I can really notice a difference. God has been very good to me. I now have everything need and more than I could ever hope for!

Male sure to come back tomorrow to find out what surprise blessing God granted me!

Book Review: Rebuilding a Marriage Better Than New

Rebuilding a Marriage Better Than New: *Healing the Broken Places *Resolving Unmet Expectations *Moving Your Relationship Forward
Author: Cindy Beall
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
ISBN: 9780736967112
Genre: Christian Non-fiction

Description (from NetGalley):

What's better than new?--God's best!

You've made a commitment to see your marriage healed, so now what? Whether you're recovering from an affair or years of coasting, Cindy Beall shares from her redeemed marriage journey to help you


heal deeply by restoring faith in a future

build wisely from the foundation up

live fully by interacting as a renewed couple

invest generously in your marriage and in other people


Insightful questions, biblical teachings to counter lies, and stories of rebuilt marriages lead you to God's healing and the hope of helping others from the place you once had deep pain.

My Thoughts:

Cindy Beall wrote this book with both honesty and experience and shared a story of pain and her journey to healing their marriage. Her story is raw and can be found more in detail in her first book "Healing Your Marriage When Trust Is Broken: Finding Forgiveness and Restoration".

"Rebuilding a Marriage Better Than New" concentrates on how to fix your marriage and make it better than the first time around. She gives Bible references, life experience and questions/answers in workbook style so that you can work on your own marriage to improve it and heal it. Cindy's style is engaging and makes things attainable instead of feeling impossible like some other books I've read in the past.

If you want to fix a marriage that is having issues, give this book a try. I won't say it's going to be an easy fix or even successful, because you BOTH need to WANT to fix the problems in the marriage. This is something that both need to work on to attain success. There are no quick fixes, you'll experience lots of pain, but if you want your marriage to work, it will be worth it in the end. The best part about this book is that she has lived it and applied it, so it's not a book penned by someone who has theories. This one has worked, so with hard work and desire by both partners, you may see some amazing results!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley courtesy of the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.