Arnie Cole and Michael Ross have created a great book entitled, "Unstuck: Your Life. God's Design. Real Change". This book attempts to help us draw closer to God in our spiritual life, through a series of chapters that delve into the heart of why we tend to "stall out" in our spiritual lives, how to overcome those setbacks, and through them, grow as Christians. What I thought was interesting about this book was the amount of statistical data that was available - numbers and percentages of people who read their Bible every day, and what situations are temptations for men vs. women. I thought it was very interesting to see this information. I think that Arnie and Michael offer up quite a bit of valuable and insightful information about keeping the wheels moving, so to speak, on our spiritual journey. Each chapter ends with a "research reveals", "encouraging nudge", and "spiritual stepping stones". The "research reveals" offers up a fact about our spiritual life, revealed through research. "Encouraging nudge" offers a short, but inspirational paragraph reiterating the message of the chapter, and encouraging you to follow through on the ideas presented. "Spiritual stepping stones" are a series of a few scriptures to memorize, and a question to meditate on related to that scripture. I thought that this book was a really good reminder of how our walk can slow to a near stop, and that it requires a daily choice, and daily effort to maintain that relationship with Christ.
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review about this book.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Asher of Bethlehem
"Asher of Bethlehem" by Howard Rodney Jones is a wonderful story of the birth of Jesus. The story centers around an orphan names Asher, who is living in Bethlehem, and his best friend Medad. Medad's parents own the inn in Bethlehem, and Asher is able to spend time doing work at the inn. This story keeps the basics of the Biblical story of Jesus' birth accurate, but adds these characters and creates a story that truly draws children in and allows them to experience the birth as never before. This books is over 100 pages long, so definitely for more advanced readers - I would recommend ages 7 and up. From the crowded inn, to the magi following a star, this story has all of the Biblical fact of the nativity, but has the suspense and intrigue of a novel. This is a great book to get children interested and excited about learning about the birth of Jesus. I would highly recommend this book, and think that most children would enjoy it!
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from BookCrash.com in exchange for my review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from BookCrash.com in exchange for my review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.
Your Heart's Desire
Sheri Rose Shepherd's book "Your Heart's Desire" is a wonderful book for women. Whether you are married, single, or divorced/widowed, you will gain wisdom from this book. Sheri uses a series of personal stories, Biblical references, and inspirational thoughts to stir our hearts for God, and to desire his love above all else. I believe that through this understanding, we begin to have the capacity to truly love and be loved. Once we begin to understand God's love, we also begin to understand how we are called to love our husbands, or boyfriends. The chapters are a little longer than what you can read in one sitting, especially if you have young children, but it is easy to pick up when you have the time. Each chapter has a foundation of a Bible verse to start off, followed by a personal story or Biblical story to illustrate that verse better, and help us relate to it. Sheri creates a wonderful book here, complete with a final thought at the end of each chapter, as well as love questions for a small group, and love questions online with Sheri that can be answered via a link supplied with each question. I thought this book was great, and will definitely be keeping it on my bookshelf for when I need a reminder of how to love. Great book!
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from Tyndale House Publishing in exchange for my review. I was not obligated to write a positive review of this book.
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from Tyndale House Publishing in exchange for my review. I was not obligated to write a positive review of this book.
The Coming Revolution
Dr. Richard G. Lee's newest book, "The Coming Revolution: Signs from America's past that Signal Our Nation's Future" is a very interesting and insightful read. Dr. Lee essentially makes the argument that our country sits on the verge of a second revolution, necessitated by society's loss of faith, morals, and American spirit. We, as a nation, were founded on basic Christian principles, and our founding fathers set our nation on a course for greatness. But, as our country aged, we also pulled away from God - removing God from the public school system, rejecting monogamy in marriage, and ending our protection of all life by allowing abortion. Dr. Lee's book makes a great case for following our convictions and faith, and ushering in a "revolution" - to change our country from the ground up. I thought this book was thought provoking, and I would recommend it to anyone who believes that our country and government need a major overhaul.
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review of this book.
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review of this book.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
The Necessity of an Enemy
"The Necessity of an Enemy" is an awesome book written by Ron Carpenter Jr. This book focuses on turning the usual attitude of "Why is this bad stuff happening to me" into using those bad situations to create an opportunity to be used in the way that God intended. I think that it is so easy to get caught up in feeling sorry for ourselves, or being disappointed when the twists and turns of life become difficult. This book does a great job of helping us change our attitude, and understand that when the enemy attacks, we can still let God's light shine!
"The Necessity of an Enemy" has very short chapters, so you could definitely read it as a devotional if you choose. I liked how many different topics that were in this book, and they all tied back in to the main point of the book - as followers of God, we are bound to encounter resistance from all sides - especially from the devil. Carpenter uses this book to show us how to be prepared for that resistance, and how we can use those situations to fulfill God's purpose for our lives.
I thought this book was great - I liked that there was a study guide at the back of the book, so that you can really soak up all of the useful insight that is in this book. I liked that the chapters were shorter, and that each one really was useful to me. I think that this book would be appropriate for anyone - we all go through hard times, and sometimes feel like we are alone, but as Carpenter puts it: "The teacher is always silent during the test". I believe that anyone can benefit from the wisdoms in this book.
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from Water Brook Publishers in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.
"The Necessity of an Enemy" has very short chapters, so you could definitely read it as a devotional if you choose. I liked how many different topics that were in this book, and they all tied back in to the main point of the book - as followers of God, we are bound to encounter resistance from all sides - especially from the devil. Carpenter uses this book to show us how to be prepared for that resistance, and how we can use those situations to fulfill God's purpose for our lives.
I thought this book was great - I liked that there was a study guide at the back of the book, so that you can really soak up all of the useful insight that is in this book. I liked that the chapters were shorter, and that each one really was useful to me. I think that this book would be appropriate for anyone - we all go through hard times, and sometimes feel like we are alone, but as Carpenter puts it: "The teacher is always silent during the test". I believe that anyone can benefit from the wisdoms in this book.
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from Water Brook Publishers in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.
All-Pro Dad
"All-Pro Dad" is a great book written for dads by Mark Merrill. "All-Pro Dad" is basically split into eight chapters, with each one prominently featuring one particular question that develops into one of Merrill's basic ideals about fatherhood. So many men muddle through fatherhood without any particular direction or conviction, and this book brings to the surface the heart of what it is to be a father.
Each chapter is through provoking, with topics such as: Who Am I? Who Or What Am I Living For? Why Do I Do What I Do? Merrill includes so many personal accounts to tie in with each chapter, and the end of each chapter offers a few questions that you can ask your own children about to help better understand their view of you with regard to each chapter of this book.
This book is a great resource for any dad, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is trying to be the best dad that they can be. "All-Pro Dad" is a combination of grandfatherly wisdom, Biblical principles, and insight from a friend. It offers up so much insight into fatherhood, and I wouldn't hesitate to buy it for any of the dads I know. Great book.
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.
Each chapter is through provoking, with topics such as: Who Am I? Who Or What Am I Living For? Why Do I Do What I Do? Merrill includes so many personal accounts to tie in with each chapter, and the end of each chapter offers a few questions that you can ask your own children about to help better understand their view of you with regard to each chapter of this book.
This book is a great resource for any dad, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is trying to be the best dad that they can be. "All-Pro Dad" is a combination of grandfatherly wisdom, Biblical principles, and insight from a friend. It offers up so much insight into fatherhood, and I wouldn't hesitate to buy it for any of the dads I know. Great book.
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.
Snuggles' Japanese Alps Adventure
"Snuggles' Japanese Alps Adventure" by Tim Ostermeyer is a breathtakingly beautiful book all about the early life of an adorable monkey named Snuggles. Ostermeyer uses a clear talent with photography to document the early life of this particular monkey, as he plays with his friend, snuggles with his mother, and travels to the hot springs before the weather gets too cold. Along the way he learns valuable lessons, guided by Bible verses.
The photography in this book is absolutely amazing. Children will absolutely love following Snuggles on his journey to the hot springs, and learning about this adorable monkey and his family. The story itself is relatively easy to understand, so I would recommend it for ages 4 and up. The only part of the book that didn't really seem to fit was the brief discussion on evolution - the wording was confusing for young children, and difficult to really understand. While this could be used to open a discussion about evolution, I think that for the age this book was created for, it just overcomplicated things.
I would give this book a 4 / 5, and would certainly recommend it to anyone looking to keep their child's bookshelf wholesome, and Bible-friendly.
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from BookCrash.com in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.
The photography in this book is absolutely amazing. Children will absolutely love following Snuggles on his journey to the hot springs, and learning about this adorable monkey and his family. The story itself is relatively easy to understand, so I would recommend it for ages 4 and up. The only part of the book that didn't really seem to fit was the brief discussion on evolution - the wording was confusing for young children, and difficult to really understand. While this could be used to open a discussion about evolution, I think that for the age this book was created for, it just overcomplicated things.
I would give this book a 4 / 5, and would certainly recommend it to anyone looking to keep their child's bookshelf wholesome, and Bible-friendly.
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from BookCrash.com in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.
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