Delivered - A book review

I love anything by Beth Moore. I love her style and the way she relates to the reader. I didn't know that this was a "lighter" version of her other book until I read it and it started to sound familiar. It is a great book. Just a smaller version than the full book. However, the message is not lighter nor do you feel like you get less of it. She does a great job at putting the right parts of the book out there. It is a quick read. I read it in a day and would recommend it to anyone that needs to hear this message of how to get out of the pit.

Great gift book to give away to friends who may need to read it's message.

Book Description

Based on her bestselling book, Get Out of That Pit, Beth Moore delivers a stirring message of sheer hope, utter deliverance, and glorious freedom of God.

God is in the deliverance business. He longs for you to be free, to know the love and presence that are better than life—and the power of His Word that defies all darkness. In Delivered, Beth Moore shares her own journey out of the pit and the way the poetic expressions of Psalm 40 rewarded her with a new song for her soul—given by her Savior and offered to you here in this soul-stirring book. You also can be free from the worst life has to offer and learn to take Christ’s mighty arm when he reaches into the depths, and says in a way you can finally hear, Need a hand?

More than You can handle - A review

I had never heard of Nate Pyle ... I was drawn in by the name of the book. There are many days where I feel like life is more than I can handle. I wasn't a fan of this book. Wasn't a fan of his writing style. I felt like I was lost through most of it. Felt like it jumped from here to there wit no connection between the stories or thoughts. I wanted to like the book. I wanted more from the book ... The title of the book drew me in and I wanted so badly to like it. Maybe I felt like I needed more from the book than a book can give. Honestly I don't think there is really an answer for when life just feels like it is failing miserably. I'm not sure that any book or any conversation can really answer the questions that plague many of us when we say that life is more than we can handle. Short of having a face to face with the almighty ... I don't think we will ever feel satisfied with words to these questions.

Book Description

"God won't give you more than you can handle." This is one of the most common and least helpful reassurances floating around Christian circles. It is anything but biblical. The truth is that God does allow a lot more than we can handle. But why?

Nate Pyle has walked through tragedy in his own life--professional uncertainty, the intense impact of mental illness, and the struggle to build a family because of a lost pregnancy, infertility, and adoption. As a pastor, Nate has cried with countless people experiencing deep and overwhelming pain. They want answers but perhaps even more, they want someone to sit with them as they lament.

Cliché Christianity tells us not to ask questions in hard times. Yet transformation awaits us in the dark night of the soul. In More Than You Can Handle, Nate asks with you: "God, where are you in this pain? Why don't you step in and act?" Because when we courageously bring all of who we are to all of who God is--and stop pretending we can "handle" life--we encounter the God of Redemption. The good news isn't that we can handle everything, but rather that God promises to be with us at the very moments we can't handle anything.

Skillfully weaving together his own story, the stories of others, and a powerful look at the life of Jesus, Nate delivers a fresh and timely response to the pain we each experience. As Nate reminds us, the only thing more overwhelming than the pain of life is the love of a God who carries that pain with us.

When Faith Fails - A book Review

Another author that I've never heard of ... The title of this book is what drew me in. When Faith Fails ... Finding God in the shadow of doubt ... Oh that a book, with words and chapters could answer this probing problem. I will say that Dominic Done, did a pretty good job. There were a few chapters where he lost me ... the nitty gritty of science stuff. My doubt doesn't linger there. However, it does come in several other forms. Dominic does touch on a lot of the places where my doubt comes in like a wrecking ball. I honestly expected a lot of churchy, cliche answers and one liners in this book. I didn't find them.

What I did find was an author who encourages doubt and wrestling, yet also encourages you not to pour a foundation and make a home there.

I found his writing style easy to follow ... except for in that science chapter but again - that's not my downfall when it comes to doubt. There was one final line that really struck home with me in his final words in the book ... "The greatest danger is not that we lose our faith but that we settle for a mediocre version of it." What are you settling for? Are you pitching a tent or pouring a cement foundation in doubt land? Are you frustrated with yourself for being there? Pick up a copy and don't expect to be blown away with advice or answers that will remove all doubt from you ... what you will find is someone who gives you permission to be in the place you are in. I think you will finish encouraged to keep digging and keep wrestling ...

Book Description

"This book is for those of us who have experienced a gut check, or two, when it comes to some of the intersections between our lives and our faith. It’s for those of us who no longer want to add unnecessary explanations to our beliefs just because we can’t fully see what God is doing in our lives." —Bob Goff, New York Times bestselling author of Everybody, Always

How do you deal with the hard questions about God, the church, and the Bible? Where can you find a safe place to openly and honestly wrestle with your faith without being criticized or judged? If you have ever struggled with doubt, you are not alone.

Writing with humor and candor out of his own experiences, and incorporating Scripture, literature, and accounts of others who have doubted, Dominic Done argues that not only is questioning normal, it is often a path toward a rich and vibrant faith. Whether your struggle is with tragedy, the difficult parts of the Bible, the intersection of science and faith, or even God’s silence, you can move through doubt into a deeper, fuller faith—a faith that doesn’t run from questions and the hard work of honest wrestling but instead embraces the mysteries of belief.

“This book is one of those books that I will be buying to give to multiple friends.” —Je­fferson Bethke, New York Times bestselling author of Jesus > Religion

“This book will help you surrender and trust the areas of your life that are meant to exude God-designed mystery, while also holding your hand as you search for substance and truth.” —Audrey Rolo­ff, coauthor of A Love Letter Life, founder of Always More, and cofounder of Beating50Percent

“Doubt is such a pertinent issue in this cultural moment. Dominic walks us through the issues of doubt with which we wrestle but he does so in pastoral practicality. One feels as though you are seated in his living room sipping coffee. Dominic is the type of soul who understands the questions of the heart. He never shames. He’s always transparent. He gives substantive hope.” —Emerson Eggerichs, PhD, New York Times bestselling author of Love & Respect

Still In The Game ... A review

My boys needed a new book to read. So when I saw this one, I knew it would be a hit with them. They LOVE football ... that is such an understatement really. They are avid sports fan and when I can put something in their hands that not only gives them a role model but incorporates their love of sports ... its a win win!

I really enjoyed reading this book before handing it over to my boys. This is the story of a young man who grew up overcoming great obstacles and allowed his faith to lead him through some super tough circumstances.

I loved reading about his love of and devotion to his daughter. It is so apparent through every word he writes ... his love for her is inspiring and one that I wish more fathers had for their children.

His story is one of determination and perseverance at every step of is journey. It will inspire you to hold on and find your own grit to walk through whatever may be finding it's way into your own path. Totally recommend this book and I cannot wait to see what my boys think as they read it. A very timely read for my family right now. I hope they will always be proud of their scars and not embarrassed ... I hope they will see them as signs they survived what tried to take them out!

Book Description

Be proud of your scars. They’re signs that you survived whatever tried to break you.

For Devon Still, life has been a journey from one scar to the next. From one challenge to the next. His is a story of pushing through pain and overcoming obstacles of all shapes and sizes—of choosing to fight for the sake of his family, his community, and his faith.

Millions of people around the world have been inspired by Devon’s tireless devotion in helping his daughter, Leah, learn how to “beat up cancer.” But in these pages, Devon takes readers behind the headlines to reveal the deeper story of what prepared him for that fight.

Still in the Game is Devon’s declaration that our challenges reveal our purpose, that our scars make us stronger, and that no loss is too great to stop our comeback!

A life beyond amazing - a book review

Doesn't everyone want a life that is BEYOND amazing? I think it's something all want and very few would actually say that they have.

Jeremiah looks at nine qualities of love, joy, peace, endurance, compassion, generosity, integrity, humility and self-discipline. He breaks down each of these qualities and gives you practical advice on how to live each one out. I thought the book was well written and easy to read. Doing is another story but a life worth living is worth the hard work to get to the place you want to be. 

Book Description

In A Life Beyond Amazing, bestselling author Dr. David Jeremiah uncovers God’s strategy for change and challenges you to make nine important decisions that will transform your heart, your life, and your world.

This life-changing book explores the nine qualities of character that carry us forward. Three of these have to do with our relationship with ourselves, three deal with interactions with other people, and three of them focus on our relationship with God. Spiritual principles are true in any situation. But we must make a conscious decision to employ them in our daily lives.

God has given us wisdom for these days. A Life Beyond Amazing answers the questions that keep us up at night and shows that the way forward is a reminder of who we are in Christ and why it matters.

NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible - A review

I got this Bible to review. This is the updated Study Bible. It is HUGE :) Definitely not something you want to carry around with you each day but filled with tons of study items and helpful information to help you when studying the Bible. There is definitely more than was in the Old study bible edition. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a good study Bible and depth as they read the Bible.

Book Description

Marvel at the big story; savor each detail

Biblical Theology allows you to ponder the individual stories and themes of Scripture while observing how they all fit together in God’s grand biblical narrative.

With three articles introducing Biblical theology and 25 articles unpacking key themes of Scripture, the NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible equips you to follow the progressive unfolding of God’s story. Helpful introductions to books and sections of the Bible combined with 20,000 verse-by-verse study notes will guide you to a clearer understanding of every portion of Scripture.

Racing to the Finish - A book review

I'm not a racing fan. I have several people in my life though who are. So I got the book. In Racing to the Finish, Dale Earnhardt Jr. shared his story and the important topic of concussions. Earnhardt was very open about the stigma behind hiding the truth when you’re a race car driver. Most drivers (or any athlete really)  do not want to sit on the sidelines while their cars drive away without them (or other athletes play in their place. This is why many drivers hide the fact that they may have concussion symptoms or have them at all. Dale Jr. begin racing when he was seventeen years old - though it was in his blood as his dad was already a famous driver - and throughout his career he won multiple races and he won the Nascar Busch Series Championships twice. He shared with his readers how he got the nickname, “Hammerhead” from his dad, Dale Earnhardt who was called “Ironhead”. Dale Jr. was known for being hardheaded. This book covered some of his life story but mostly this book was written to reach people who are experiencing the conditions of a concussions and many might have no idea. He kept it a secret at first from everyone and eventually the truth was revealed. Dale Jr. kept an iPhone journal about what he felt everyday in case someone later found it and wondered what happened to him. If you enjoy racing, and you like Earnhardt, or even if you don't, I believe you will enjoy this book as most fans of any sport would reading something about their favorite athlete or team has done. 

Book Description

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s only authorized book revealing the inside track on his final year of racing and retirement from the driver’s seat.

“Time was running out on my charade… My secrets were about to be exposed to the world.”

It was a seemingly minor crash at Michigan International Speedway in June 2016 that ended the day early for Dale Earnhardt Jr. What he didn’t know was that it would also end his driving for the year. He’d dealt with concussions before, but concussions are like snowflakes, no two are the same. And recovery can be brutal, and lengthy.

When NASCAR star Dale Earnhardt Jr. retired from professional stock car racing in 2017, he walked away from his career as a healthy man. But for years, he had worried that the worsening effects of multiple racing-related concussions would end not only his time on the track but his ability to live a full and happy life.

Torn between a race-at-all-costs culture and the fear that something was terribly wrong, Earnhardt tried to pretend that everything was fine, but the private notes about his escalating symptoms that he kept on his phone reveal a vicious cycle: suffering injuries on Sunday, struggling through the week, then recovering in time to race again the following weekend. For the first time, he shares these notes and fully reveals the physical and emotional struggles he faced as he fought to close out his career on his own terms.

In this candid reflection, Earnhardt opens up about his frustration with the slow recovery, his admiration for the woman who stood by him through it all, and his determination to share his own experience so that others don’t have to suffer in silence. Steering his way to the final checkered flag of his storied career proved to be the most challenging race and most rewarding finish of his life.

Overcomer - A review

I've heard a lot about Dr. Jeremiah but I've never read anything by him. I was drawn to the title of the book so I decided to pick it for this review.

I think this book would be great for someone struggling with Faith. Jeremiah uses his own personal struggles along with Ephesians 6 : 10-18 to outline 8 ways to live with "unstoppable strength, Unmovable faith, and Unbelievable power."

In just 10 chapters he takes you through overcoming weakness and strength, falsehood with truth, evil with good, anxiety with peace, fear with faith, confusion with wisdom, temptation with scripture, everything with prayer and death with life. Jeremiah talks about how often we miss out on all the protection we could have because we skip the practice of praying our way through putting on the armor of Ephesians 6: 10-18.

I read this one a bit slower than others so that I could absorb it. Sometimes going back to certain parts to reread and chew on it a bit more. I think this would be a great book to close out your year or begin your new year!

Book Description

We live in a time of deep uncertainty. And yet, the Bible promises we were created to enjoy lives of freedom, even in times when the world around us seems filled with darkness. We were created to be overcomers, conquering the greatest obstacles in our lives.

In his new book, Overcomer, beloved teacher David Jeremiah offers his insights on one of the most quoted but least understood passages of the Bible: the apostle Paul’s admonition to the Ephesians to take up the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). With his signature depth, wisdom, and compassion, Dr. Jeremiah explores the powerful relevance of spiritual armor as a critical tool each day as we confront the specific challenges in our lives and of our time.

If you’ve had enough of living in defeat, it is time to find renewed strength and claim the promises of God’s Word to overcome life’s greatest threats.

Desired by God - a book review

Once again I picked an author that I've neither read before or know the name of. The title of the book caught my eye so I picked it to read.

Moody seeks to help the reader discover that they are loved and desired by the God of the universe. He throws in some real live stories to go along with scripture and weave a story of a God who loves you.

The book is divided into three sections: The first is about covenants, the second is a good reminder of just who God is and the third speaks of the gifts God gives to us: forgiveness, hope, favor and freedom.

His writing style was easy to read and was able to keep up without feeling like I was lost while reading. while not very deep theologically ... I enjoyed the book and felt like it would be a good book for anyone who may be feeling a little lost either to God or to the church in general.

Book Description

Popular pastor and acclaimed author Van Moody reveals the secret to a fulfilling, life-sustaining relationship with God: a deep understanding of just how much He loves us.

We were made to be in relationship with God, wired to love and be loved by Him. We feel truly whole and complete only when we have a vital, passionate relationship with Him. And that relationship can occur only with a deep understanding of who God is and how much He loves us.

As the story of the Bible makes clear, God’s earnest love for His people is continually given and rejected. To understand how God can keep pursuing us like this, we must see Him as He is: overflowing with desire for, and relentlessly in pursuit of, His people. Desired by God gives a refreshing, eye-opening picture of this God, who wants with all His heart for us to know Him. And when we see Him clearly and fall in love with Him, we will find ourselves more grounded, satisfied, and cared for than we ever dreamed possible.

God Always Keeps His Promises - A review

God Always Keeps His Promises: Unshakable Hope for Kids was written by Max Lucado, adapted by Tama Fortner, and illustrated by Alessia Trunfio came open for review and it's outside of what I normally choose but I thought my girls might like it and I was 100% correct.

The book is put together beautifully. Hard bound with beautiful illustrations. Easy to read yet doesn't water down the stories. The kids absolutely hear the truth of God's word and the main point is not diluted because of shortening the stories. This is always a concern to me. I want my kids to know the word but it is hard to get 6 year old to stay put to hear a lot of the stories as written in the Bible. This does a great job of getting the main point across, giving some scripture to memorize, a promise to hold to - main idea, and a prayer to pray. 

I would say that this book is good for 4 to 8 years. My youngest is 6 now and she loves us to read this to her in the evening.

Tailor Made - A review

I was unsure about ordering this book because I had never heard of the Author before. I tend to stick to Author's I have read and know that I can get their writing style. I will say that I'm glad I took the plunge and got this book. I really did like Alex's writing style and felt almost like I was sitting across the table or on the other end of a couch over a cup of hot tea with her.

This book has spoken to me in many ways. So many lies we are told as we grow, so many words attach to us that aren't true of us but help shape the adults we become. Unlearning these can be some of the toughest work we do in life. I really appreciated the way Alex tackled this subject and made it seem effortless. Though the work required is anything but.

I would really recommend this book to everyone. We all have something that has been said or put on us at some point in our lives that we need to let go. So, go grab a cup of joe or hot tea and a journal ... and get to reading ... I believe you will chew your way through this book, debunking the lies as you go.

Book Description

Exchange the lies of hurtful labels and wrong thinking for the truth of who God created you to be!

From an early age Alex Seeley was told she was an accident, but she also carried the weight of feeling stupid. Labels like these, sometimes spoken over us by well-meaning people, can cause us to believe lies about ourselves that make us question why we were born and what our purpose on earth could be. Yet, according to Psalm 139, God designed us in His image with a unique DNA and amazing characteristics! We are loved and created for a purpose that only we can fulfill.

In Tailor Made, Alex helps us recognize our wrong thinking often brought on by generational patterns, insecurities, circumstances, lack of forgiveness, and an inaccurate view of God our Father, and offers to replace them with a new view of who God says we are our personal destiny. It’s time to find your own sense of belonging and the path to becoming the original, authentic version of you that God intended!

Embraced - Devotional Review

I was looking for a new devotional ... and This one popped up on my feed to get to review.  I always enjoy hearing Lysa speak and have enjoyed her other books so this one was a no brainer.

On the back of the book this line really caught my attention ... "God doesnt pull back from your sharp edges. He pulls you close. The best kind of embrace is when someone who deeply loves us flings their arms wide open and pulls us close. Our hearts were made for this kind of love and security but many of us know more about the pain of heartbreak and fear."

Most people and churches will push away when life gets hard. They cant handle the hardness that some people will go through. Maybe it is due to their own stupidity or maybe life just dealt a hard blow. Some people may get an embrace for a moment but later get shunned or pushed away .... so the thought of being embraced was intriguing to me.

This book is filled with 100 devotions, daily scriptures and prayer prompts for each day. Each day is a quick read but will get you to thinking about struggles that may be holding on to you or the tension of wondering where God is. Lysa's goal is to help you surrender your hurts by processing them in a healthy way and to hear the Lord speak to your heart by learning to seek him.

This is a great guide to help you if you need structure or a devotional for your daily times with God.

Book Description

Embraced is the beautiful new devotional from Lysa TerKeurst, the president of Proverbs 31 Ministries and the New York Times bestselling author of Uninvited, The Best Yes, Unglued, and Made to Crave. Embraced features 100 devotions that will resonate with women in all stages of life by giving them a godly perspective on the issues they face each day.

A real embrace indicates an intimate level of closeness. It’s not a high five or a casual handshake. The best kind of embrace is when someone we know deeply loves us flings their arms wide open and pulls us in close.

Our hearts were made for this kind of love and security but for many of us, we know more about the pain of heartbreak and fear than the unconditional love for which we were created.In Embraced, Lysa shares her own struggles, doubts, and heartbreaks while pointing to the Ultimate Embrace: God opening His arms wide on Calvary through Jesus so that He could pull us close for all of eternity. Welcoming us into the safety and hope of His grace and His love.

And because we have been fully embraced by Him, we can spend our lives held securely by Him and trust all of His ways

With an exquisite cloth cover, highly designed interior, ribbon marker, and stained page edges, Embraced will be a treasured keepsake for you as well as a meaningful gift for those you love.

Girl, Wash Your Face - A review

I absolutely LOVED this book!!! I had never heard of Rachel Hollis before ... maybe I should have after reading her book. She runs a pretty famous blog and a company. So I probably should have but I didn't. The by line of the book says "Stop believe the lies about who you are so you can become who you were meant to be." It grabbed my attention.

I finished the book pretty quickly. She is a great writer and there are so many great quotes that I could throw out here .. I'll give you a few of my favs but only enough to wet your appetite .... the rest you'll have to grab a copy and let me know your thoughts. Don't want to give it all away.

Just a few of my favs - (so many to choose from) :
* "You, and only you, are ultimately responsible for who you become and how happy you are.
* "The gift of life is that we get another chance tomorrow."
* "Whatever standard you've set for yourself is where you'll end up ... unless you fight through your instinct and change your pattern."
*Our Words have power, but our actions shape lives."

Oh my there are SO MANY more that I could type here ... get the book you will love it. And you will love her too. She is so real and authentic that you can't help but nod when she tells her stories.

Each chapter begins with a lie that she believed and she tells you the truth of how she turned it around. At the end of each chapter she also gives you some practical steps that you can take ... she already took them ... so she knows they work.

Great book! Go get you a copy and let me know what you think!!

Book Description

With wry wit and hard-earned wisdom, popular online personality and founder of TheChicSite.com founder Rachel Hollis helps readers break free from the lies keeping them from the joy-filled and exuberant life they are meant to have.

Founder of the lifestyle website TheChicSite.com and CEO of her own media company, Chic Media, Rachel Hollis has created an online fan base of hundreds of thousands of fans by sharing tips for living a better life while fearlessly revealing the messiness of her own. Now comes her highly anticipated first book featuring her signature combination of honesty, humor, and direct, no-nonsense advice.

Each chapter of Girl, Wash Your Face begins with a specific lie Hollis once believed that left her feeling overwhelmed, unworthy, or ready to give up. As a working mother, a former foster parent, and a woman who has dealt with insecurities about her body and relationships, she speaks with the insight and kindness of a BFF, helping women unpack the limiting mind-sets that destroy their self-confidence and keep them from moving forward.

From her temporary obsession with marrying Matt Damon to a daydream involving hypnotic iguanas to her son’s request that she buy a necklace to “be like the other moms,” Hollis holds nothing back. With unflinching faith and tenacity, Hollis spurs other women to live with passion and hustle and to awaken their slumbering goals.

Putting it Together Again when It's all fallen apart ... A review

Long title for a book :) Putting it together Again when it's all fallen apart: 7 principles for rebuilding your life. I have never heard of Tom Holladay ... made picking his book a little tricky for me. I normally like to pick books to review from people that I've heard of or have read before.

Tom looks at Nehemiah and breaks down 7 principles that he used when rebuilding the wall. I've heard many preachers preach on leadership when it comes to Nehemiah ... I've never heard it broken down in this particular way. I really loved his book. His writing was easy to read and I loved how at the end of every chapter he gives some steps to take and prayers to pray.

Putting things together again once they are broken is never easy. Lots of people have "formulas" for how to do this and everyone has an opinion when life seems to fail or you fail. I will always look to the ones who point me to God when these things happen. This book is a great resource of pointing it all back to Him who created us in the first place. Him who holds all things and can help restore or rebuild.

Book Description

Life crises can throw you into a tail-spin—a lost job, a failed relationship, a struggling business, a financial mess. Where do you start? How do you pull it together? How do you begin again?

Tom Holladay experienced a catastrophe first-hand when a sudden flood in California destroyed his home, his church, and the homes of many church members. Tom and his congregation had to rebuild, and they used the principles in the book of Nehemiah to get back on their feet.

Now a teaching pastor at Saddleback Church, Tom will help you discover seven principles for putting it together again that will give you the direction you need to get rolling on that fresh start. Holladay will walk you through seeing every problem as an opportunity, facing the obstacles head on and taking your first step, knowing how to expect and reject opposition, build on your success, and dedicating yourself to the One who rebuilds our souls.

The task of starting again can seem impossible. And sometimes you just need to rebuild your confidence and regain a sense of purpose. If you’re trying to find the emotional energy, but you just don’t have it in you, let Holladay encourage you. He understands how difficult and rewarding the business of rebuilding is. This book is your encouraging how-to guide to starting again and stepping into a better future.

How to Fix A Broken Record - A book Review

I have never heard of Amena Brown before. The by line of this book is Thoughts on Vinyl Records, Awkward Relationships, and Learning to Be Myself. The book is Brown's journey through her life to let go of wounds she received along the way. 

I really struggled with her writing style. Sentences were rather long and choppy. I had a hard time finishing the book. I think she had some good points along the way but it was hard to read. This isn't a book I would really recommend. 

I believe her message is solid about getting rid of the broken records that play in our minds from words thrown at us from childhood on. I just personally had a hard time staying focused on the book, wanting to keep reading.

Book Description

Your soul holds a massive record collection: melodies, rhythms, and bass lines. Memories that ask you to dance and memories that haunt you in a minor key. Lies that become soundtracks to your days while truths play too softly to be heard.

Spoken word poet Amena Brown’s broken records played messages about how she wasn’t worthy to be loved. How to Fix a Broken Record chronicles her journey of healing as she’s allowed the music of God’s love to replace the scratchy taunts of her past. From bad dates to marriage lessons at Waffle House, from learning to love her hair to learning to love an unexpected season of life, from discovering the power of saying no and the freedom to say yes, Amena offers keep-it-real stories your soul can relate to.

The hurtful words of others and the failures of your past often determine what record you play the most in your mind. Those painful repetitions can become loud at the most inopportune time, keeping you from speaking up, pursuing your dreams, and growing closer to God.

Recognize the negative messages that play on repeat every day in your mind. Learn how to replace them with the truth that you are a beloved child of God. And discover how to laugh along the way as you find new joy in the beautiful music of your life.

Stronger than the Struggle - A book review

I had never heard of Havilah Cunnington. The title of this book really jumped out at me and so I thought it would be a good pick to read.

I really enjoyed this book. I love her writing style. She is so down to earth. Felt like I could have been sitting with her face to face over a cup of coffee having a conversation.

The book gave me so much to think about. Growing up this topic was not widely discussed, heck it still is not. It is not something that I would say that I know a ton about, yet I feel it is very real. This book gave me much to think on and chew on that I want to go back and digest it a little more. I think it gave me a good place to start in trying to understand this huge concept.

I think you will enjoy this book.

Book Description

"Why do I still struggle if I'm faithfully following God?"

We all face challenges. On any given day, the problems of real life can take our breaths away. Our marriages, finances, relationships, and health are regular struggles, and that's just the beginning. Doesn't the Bible say the war has already been won? So why do we still battle?

In a down-to-earth, let’s-get-real approach, popular Bible teacher Havilah Cunnington cuts through the confusion and shows us how to discern whether we're dealing with battles within ourselves, resistance from God, or genuine fights with the Devi. Throw off misconceptions about spiritual warfare, and understand what Jesus really said about our spiritual authority and the certainty we have in him.

Ask the right questions and build a realistic battle plan to win one day at a time.

With humor and honesty, Cunnington lays out practical tools to thrive in the face of hardship, enabling us to walk forward in the confidence that, because of Jesus, we really are stronger than the struggle.

Church of the Small Things - a book review

I've read Melanie Shankle's blog on and off for several years. The way she wrote always drew me in. This is the first book I've read of hers. Now I want to go back and read her other books.

I loved this book! So many good one liners in this book. A few of my favorites in the introduction, that just sucked me in right away are:

• "Sometimes the biggest things God does start out in the smallest, most ordinary acts of daily faithfulness."
• "...it's the million little pieces of our lives that really shape the people we become."
• "...What if we made it a habit to embrace and celebrate the small?"
• "A life isn't made from one thing, one big moment, or one huge success. It's created moment by moment, often with pieces that don't look like anything beautiful on their own ...."

The question on the back of the book is "What if it's the little things that make a big difference." We live in a world of hurry. Everyone is trying to rush from point A to point B and often we miss a lot that happens between those two points. We miss the little things that often turn into the big things.


Shankle uses the illustration of the little boy with the fish and bread. She talks about his mom and how that day she packed him a lunch not knowing that lunch would feed over 500 men, women and children that day. She just did the small thing. She was faithful there and what a difference it made that day.

I wonder sometimes what things I'm overlooking as I wait on the next big thing in my life. What small things all around me do I miss out on from being in a hurry? From looking for the big? This book has helped me see that I need to just stop, breathe and enjoy each moment instead of looking forward to the next big thing .... take it in and be present in this moment. It's hard but definitely a goal worth shooting for!

NIV, Thinline Bible - A review

I picked the NIV Thinline Bible to review this time around. I wanted a Bible that would be "non Kid" that I could give to my soon to be 13 year old for his birthday. Since I'm only reviewing the format, I'll tell you about a few things that stood out to me.

The words of Jesus are not in red. I personally like the distinction and was sad to see it not in this version.

This one comes with two stain ribbon markers which is a nice add. Allows you to have your place twice :) A cool little bonus feature.

The print is "comfort print" typeface. Nothing really notable about the new font. It's easy to read and not distracting.

I love the size of this Bible and I know my son will enjoy having a bible that doesn't look like it should be carried to the preschool room at church :) It's a good quality, it's indexed too which will make it easy for him to find his place during sermons or his own personal reading. I wouldn't say it was great for indepth study but it will do just fine for what he will use it for.

Kill the Spider - A review

So I picked this book because I had heard of the Author and followed him on twitter. Didn't really know him other than that but his twitter posts seemed very real, very real. That is something missing in today's society. Realness. Somewhere along the line we have missed it and exchanged real and raw for fake and glossed over. I also picked it because I had read an excerpt somewhere, I didn't remember where and didn't even equate the except to this  person on my twitter feed. I know, I'm really put together lately :)

Anyway, I got the book ... the title is intriguing because it has nothing to do with real spiders. Carlos defines the Spider and the cobweb this way: "The Spider is the lie that spins the cobweb. The cobweb is the medicator that offers false comfort through the lie."

I started reading this book earlier this week. By about page 15, I sent Carlos a DM on twitter and said ... "wow, only a few pages in but wow. Thanks for writing it." Something like that. A few pages later he wrote something that could have been taken from my journal pages. Kinda weird to me being that I don't know him, never talked to him so how did he read my journal?

He didn't. Funny to know that others can have the same feelings as you. That's what happens when we show our glossy side on facebook and instagram. It causes us to feel isolated and like we are the only ones who struggle or face certain things.

That's why realness sticks out to me. I crave it. I want to have it. I want to embody it with my kids and friends. Its hard. It's a process. But in the end it's so worth it, I believe. Put down the masks and be real. Be raw. Be vulnerable. Just be you.

That is what Carlos has done in his book. It's his story. It's beautifully written and easy to read yet if you allow it to really do the work ... it's difficult to absorb and read. I know I said two very contradictory things just now ... but it's truth. His style is so everyday, as though two friends were having a conversation. The truth can hit deep and hard and yet like a friend who is just being honest and wants the best for you.

So I challenge you to grab this book. Quit cleaning the cobwebs and ... Kill the Spider!

Brave Girls Confidential - A book review

I decided to do something different than my normal review and got a book that was for kids. This one looked like it would be a fun book for my girls ... 9 and 5 and something we could read together or even my 9 year old could read with my 5 year old.

This book just looks fun when I first opened the package. My girls will love it just based on the front cover which will ensure that they would at least pick it up :) Covers matter to kids and who doesn't like the idea of a fun sleep over with your friends?

After opening up the book I began to read the stories. These stories through the eyes of Faith, Hope, Glory, Gracie and Honor are real. They could be stories that my girls face. They learn how much they are loved and what it means to live life at home, school and in their communities. These stories are written to encourage and inspire our girls as they move through life and face challenges of your own. It's written in a way where I know my girls, and any girl can relate and feel as though they are right inside the story with them. I hope that it will help my girls face what may be thrown out them in their lives. I pray that they are stories they can remember and be brave in the midst of difficulties that may come their way. This is a fun book filled with short stories that I know girls will enjoy.

Book Description

Join Brave Girls Faith, Hope, Glory, Gracie, and Honor as they discover how much they are loved and they learn what it means to live godly lives in their homes, schools, and communities.

Faith, Hope, Glory, Gracie, and Honor are five regular girls with regular lives. They have frustrating siblings and friends who fight sometimes, even though they love each other a lot. They have strong subjects in school, but they have struggles too. They love Jesus, and sometimes they have questions about Him. They’re just like you!

Brave Girls Confidential is a collection of stories meant to encourage and inspire. Through tales of what it means to be brave, strong, and faithful in everyday life, the Brave Girls show young readers how exciting faith can be. With engaging stories, strengthening scriptures, and takeaway discussion points to encourage meaningful conversations, Tommy Nelson's Brave Girls Confidential has something for every girl who longs to live brave.

The great content and beautiful full-color design make Tommy Nelson's Brave Girls Confidentiala wonderful gift for any young girl.