Book Review: "Unglued Devotional"

I have wanted this book since I saw it previewed on a mom's group facebook page I follow. So when it came up for review I couldn't wait!!!! The book, Unglued: Making Wise Choises in the Midst of Raw Emotions by Lysa TerKeurst, didn't interest me, but the devotional I wanted. I was going to order when I finished the devotional/prayer book I started before it was released but I was very happy to see it come up.

I'm very glad I got it. And I want to read it again when I have the time to do one each day. We have a deadline to do these reviews so I didn't get a chance to do it for the 60 days. I did it more in two days. I definitely want to spend the time reflecting on each day.

"For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you,

 Do not fear, I will help you."

Isaiah 41:13

In the midst of chaos, out of control emotions, and prayers being cried out for relief, God is there, ready to help. TerKeurst reminds us that it doesn't matter what's going on in your life, what you're feeling, what you're struggling with, God is always bigger. With His unending grace, He can reign in your life, everything, and glue it back together. 

For 60 days TerKeurst addresses areas of "imperfect progress". Imperfect progress meaning that you will slip again, you will fall back, but with God, you can keep progressing, keep going forward. 

The author provides a scripture verse to claim each day and a simple idea how to put it into practice in your life. A quick prayer and love poured out from being in the same situation. Sometimes, when you're completely unglued, that's all you need. Someone to show you that God's love is all you need.

Disclaimer:  I received this book from booksneeze.com for this review. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Book Review:: At the Feet of Jesus

"Jesus simply didn't want Martha to be so caught up in the Kitchen Service for Him that she missed out on the joy of Living Room Intimacy with Him" 

How often do we find ourselves working on "something" for God? Get so wrapped up in the calling that you miss the Caller? In At the Feet of Jesus Joanna Weaver takes a whole year to get your heart back to being with Jesus. In this devotional, Weaver takes excerpts from a few of her best selling books (Having A Mary's Heart in a Martha World for example)  and turns them into a devotional to challenge the heart and mind, bring us back into a relationship with God that we all deep down desire. 

We don't have to do anything to get there: "The only requirement for a deeper relationship with God is showing up with an open heart and ready to receive." Weaver also includes a few Going Deeper areas as well as questions at the end of each day to really hone in on getting our hearts back into the God we are serving. 

"The cross did more than pay for my sins; it set me free from the bondage of the 'shoulds' and 'if onlys' and 'what might have beens.' And Jesus's words to Martha are the words He wants to speak to your heart and mine: 'you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed (Luke 10:41-42)

The 'one thing' is not found in doing more.

It's found by sitting at His feet." (pg 4)

I didn't get to take the time to do this as intended and maybe if I did it would have been more for me. This wasn't at all what I was expecting. It's just a reworking of her other books into a devotional. She pulled apart some good books to make a years worth of separate daily readings. I feel, in doing that, she took away from the the power of her other books, especially Having a Mary's Heart in a Martha World. It seemed choppy and the flow was lacking. Don't get me wrong, her message is an important lesson we all need to learn. But you can get it with more passion and power in her other books.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah for this review. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Book Review:: Dirty God

"The Bible teaches us that God 'demonstrates his own love for us' (Romans 5:8) in how he came to us in Jesus. He didn't expect us to climb up to him. He climbed down to us. He got his hands dirty so we could have our hearts cleaned."

In Dirty God, Johnnie Moore gives us a human, humble Jesus who came to give us grace that really can be experienced, felt, and freely given. Jesus wasn't and isn't a well showered, clean shaven, spotless man with nothing to offer but  God who took on man to reach us, to live and eat with the dirtiest of dirty, to love and care for the sickest of the sick, to touch a hardest of hearts, to save the worst of us: "Jesus inaugurated a kind of faith the spirit of which is encapsulated in the words of the great missionary C.T. Studd: 'Some wish to live within the sound/ Of church or chapel bell,/ I want to run a rescue shop/ Within a yard of hell.'"

In part one, Moore gives us a Jesus who we can actually see and touch. A Jesus who we can relate to, accept and know that he was really on earth instead of a god who was aloof, absent and uncaring. He was real. Like you and me. He dressed like us, ate like us, lived like us. He became us for us: "We think of God as far away- like a famous person we admire but don't really know. We kind of keep track of what's happening in his story, but surely he doesn't know much about ours, and if he does, he doesn't care enough to know." He came to bring us grace.

And it can be received, it can be 'gotten'. Moore closes part one with grace. The given grace of God. Grace for us to really grasp and understand. A grace in which God "knows us fully , and he loves us just the same." If we can really, fully comprehend this kind of grace, then we need to share it, spread it, and get our hands dirty.

In part two, Moore extends the grace past you and me. He challenges us to give it.

"God expects us to get our own hands dirty, just as he dirtied his own. He wants to meet us- not in the sanctuary but in the slums. Where hopelessness resides is where the rivers of grace are meant to flow more freely...God's not waiting for us at the alter. He is waiting for us to take the alter to the streets."

If our Dirty God roams the trenches, we need to be willing to live out the love God has shown us. 

"He didn't want his followers to stand out as walking billboards, their t-shirts painted with cliches and bible verses...He imagined our difference as having more substance, a more subversive quality, and greater effectiveness...we should seem different because we are living out what we believe in a way that causes others to wonder what curious belief undergirds our lifestyles."

Are your hands dirty?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This book is a life changer, or a life challenger I should say. It'll challenge your ideas of Jesus, grace and paying grace forward. It'll challenge your actions and thoughts. Moore writes in a way that really brings Jesus and grace from the pedestal to your level, no matter how far down the ladder you think you are. His humor and style are perfect for the committed Christian and one who is seeking this grace and love. 

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from booksneeze.com for this review. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Book Review:: Grieving God's Way

This book had been an option for me for a while to review and I had just scanned over it to get to the other books. But due to recent events in our lives I thought now was a good time to finally pick the book that had been staring me in the face.

I'm glad I did.

Margaret Brownley had suffered her own loss three years before penning Grieving God's Way. This is not only a helpful book for people deep in loss but it is also a personal journey for her.

Brownley takes you through 90 days of grief. 90 days to allow God to bring you out of the darkness into His light. 90 days to see the promises of healing and hope from God through the tears of searing loss.

Right from day one she acknowledges the pain and the grief as physical. Not many people will do that. Then she addressed the soul, heart and spirit. She takes the whole person and works toward healing with God.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"

Phil 4:13

I can't say how helpful this book will be for you. If you're hurting from a present loss or one from years ago, it would be a good book to get ahold of. Just try it, you may be surprised how much it could help. I really like how Brownley addressees the entire person not just the emotional side of loss and I think that's what helps the most. She recognizes this. 

This could be a healing journey for you.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from booksneeze.com for this review. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Book Review:: You Can't Make Me

Everyone thinks they have a strong willed child. You know, the one who won't do anything you ask them to do or blatantly does something wrong and you think they're doing it just to annoy you.

In my opinion you just have a child.

I do think there are strong willed children (my education has shown me so) but I also think the term is thrown around way to much. It's easier for a parent to say "She's strong willed" than to step up and discipline.

That being said I chose this book because I was interested to explore various parenting strategies. I don't think I have a strong willed child but she does toss food over the side of her high chair no matter what we do...that is a strong willed moment, not a strong willed child, I don't like labels.

Cynthia Ulrish Tobias is an Applied Learning specialist (if you don't know what that means check out her website). She has a series of books designed to help you parent a strong willed child, or just a child in general. In this book, You Can't Make Me [But I can be persuaded], she gives strategies for raising a strong willed child to be the best they can be. In the beginning she describes what a strong willed child is and that it is not a bad thing to have a child who purposely drives you crazy.

"Many parents automatically assume that having a strong willed child is a bad thing...it is a great gift to have a child with firm convictions, a high spirit, and a sense of adventure." Pg. 19.

Tobias also gives ways to help turn conflict around, deal with school and find the perfect career. As well as surviving a meltdown, and what to do when it gets out of control. She also address whether or not strong willed behavior is sin and how to help your child stay on track with right and wrong while still learning to be independent and nurturing their will.

"Your SWC may be God's instrument for making the world a better place"

Pg. 19-20

This book was a struggle for me to read. As I said before I do not like labels, I feel they sometimes (such as this) give an excuse to do whatever it is your think you have. Tobias talks about things she has done, such as not following the rules because she views them as guidelines, and what others have done in their manner. Say what!? No way. Not in my house and not anywhere in the world is it ok not to follow the rules because you don't think they apply to you. If you're raising your child that way...wait, that's not what this review is about. Back to the book. 

Tobias does give great parenting strategies for any child. Some of her suggestions will help you raise an independent child who can take responsibility for their own actions. 

In all, I feel you can find a better book for parenting a strong willed child that doesn't allow them to bend the rules just because you feel their strong willed...

Disclaimer: I received this book from WaterBrook Multnomah for free for this review. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Book Review:: The Girl's Still Got It

Oh the joys of summer vacation...relaxing in the sun, reading a book, feet up...yeah right....not with an almost 1 year old. So please forgive the gap in the blog...

Now onto the latest book I finally finished. I've had it for a while.

Ruth has always been a favorite Bible story of mine. Who doesn't enjoy a nice love story full of redemption and 'fate'? Liz Curtis Higgins tells this beautiful story as if you, the reader, are standing with Ruth and Naomi, taking the road back home, coming upon the man she is to marry waiting for her (I mean, really, how much more sweet can the be?) and beginning her life with her new God. The Girl's Still Got It takes you step by step through their journey. Right from the very start Curtis makes the characters come to life, makes you feel present in history, and, above all, makes God come alive on the pages of a book written thousands of years later.  Even after all these years, Ruth and her story still have it. Ruth is still worth something.

If you haven't met Ruth yet I'll give you a little background: She comes from a very pagan nation, marries into Naomi's God-fearing family. Her husband dies, as well as her father in law and brother in law, leaving Naomi and two daughters in law. History will tell you this isn't a good situation. Due to a famine lifting in the Promised Land, Naomi heads home bringing with her Ruth (her other daughter in law did most of us would do and high tailed it home). I can't tell you much more because the hand of God works wonders in Ruth's life. Just know she was not only redeemed in love and family but with God as well.

Even though I wasn't real fond of Curtis' writing style, I still loved the book! As I said previously, Ruth is a favorite (Should I have favorites? Eh, why not!). I did enjoy her taking the characters and making them more real, more touchable, more like me. I felt more involved in the story than just being told again. Curtis took the characters and made them more available, made their feelings and thoughts more real.

But that's not the important part of the book.

Curtis made God silent hand in the story more real. God never speaks in the book of Ruth, in fact He's hardly mentioned. But you know He's there. Because of the way her characters came to life, God comes to life also. You can see Him, now, behind the scenes.

"Our desire as believes isn't to be more like Ruth; it's to be more like Jesus. With each admirable thing Ruth does, we will see the Lord's handiwork...when we read the final page, I hope instead of saying 'wow, what a woman' we'll be saying, 'wow, what a Redeemer!'"

 

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Book Review:: Running for My LIfe

With the Olympics in full swing, it was the perfect time to receive this book. I knew nothing of this runner even though I faithfully watched the 2008 summer Olympics, especially the opening ceremonies, when Lopez Lomong carried the American Flag with pride. I don't remember his story, which I'm sure they talked about at some point during the games. I wish I did. It is a story worth reading. A story of hope and dreams, determination and survival.

In Running For My Life, Lopez Lomong (born Lopepe Lomong in war stricken South Sundan) tells an inspiring story of a six year old boy, ripped from his mothers arms by rebel solders, who grow up in a refugee camp in Kenya and, years later and a dream come true, became an American Olympian. He tells of escaping a rebel camp that turned children into soldiers with three 'angels', being taken to a refugee camp to live off UN scraps on Tuesday and a chicken on holidays. While at the camp, Lomong fell in love with soccer. In order to play he had to run 18 miles everyday. Yes, you read that right: 18 miles. Through God's blessing and mighty hand, Lomong was chosen to come to America through a program for the Lost Boys. He was placed with a family in Syracuse, New York (close to where I grew up!)

"Ten years after the rebel soldiers ripped me out of my mother's arms, I finally had a place to call home." 

He struggled with understanding that someone would actually want him. Who would want a boy with no country, a boy with really no past.

"They were so nice but apparently so clueless. Why would they ever think a lot boy like me belonged in their home."

Though he wanted to play soccer, the cross country coach bribed him with a jacket (yes, a jacket with his name on the back). Many years later, after stating to everyone who would listen since the time he saw Michael Johnson run in the Olympics on a black and white TV in Kenya, he did make it to the Olympics.

We live in American not knowing how blessed we really are, how children long to come here because it is the land of dreams and opportunity. This story proves America is still where dreams can come true. A heart wrenching, inspiring, eye opening read. Definitely one you need to get your hands on, especially during these exciting summer Olympics. And cheer on Lomong as he runs for the USA!

Lomong didn't write this book to show how good he became at running because he, in all seriousness, ran for his life many times but he is also running for the lives of other Lost Boys in Sudan. He travels and back forth, using his athletic standing and status as a platform to share the terror still going on. Visit his website to find out more of what he is doing for the Lost Boys and the Sudan.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from BookSneeze.com for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Book Review:: Monday's with My Old Pastor

This is what you'd call a highlighter book (I struggled against it because I love to pass these books along and I'd rather have the next reader decide what they feel is 'highlighter' worthy). The quotes from this Pastor could cover a wall. If you write them all down, you'd be violating copyright laws! I wish I could give you more quotes but I can't decide which ones to write. The wisdom in this book is beyond comprehension. It's one you'll need to take your time reading, mediating and praying for it to seep into your own life and soul.

Monday's with My Old Pastor chronicles the journey of Jose Luis Navajo through the struggles we all face at some point in our lives. Navajo is a pastor who suffered from the medically diagnosed disease of 'burn out'. He was at a point in his ministry and life where he felt he just couldn't finish, just couldn't go on. He was ready to give up, ready to say this was not what God had called him to do even after many fruitful years. Through the urging of his wife, Navajo schedules a meeting with his aging Pastor. The man who first led him to the ministry. Every Monday, for about 12-13 weeks, the men met. Through stories of personal growth, age old stories fables, and, most of all, a life the bleeds the cross, Navajo comes away with a renewed love for God and His calling. Even in the face of death, the "old Pastor" held the cross in front of him:

"I was born in the shade of the cross. I want to live anchored to it, and may it be the ladder that lifts me up to His presence when my time comes."

I cannot say enough about this book. There is no way I could put into words the wisdom this man held and passed to future generations. There is convictions, hope, tears and pure honesty. I cannot write the thoughts and feels I had while reading this book. They swirl about daily in my mind. They convict. Even if you're not at the point of giving up your faith, you feel like you've lost it already, this book is for you. It doesn't matter how much you know. It doesn't matter if you have the Bible memorized front to back. It doesn't matter how long you've been a Christian, how long you've preached the Word. This book will scream that you can never know enough. 

Soak up this wisdom. True, pure wisdom is hard to find these days. 

How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver.

Proverbs 16:16

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from booksneeze.com for this review. Opinions expressed are my own.

Book Review:: Fearless

FEARLESS

oblivious of dangers or perils or calmly resolute in facing them

bold

unafraid

brave

COURAGEOUS



I cannot remember that last book that made me literally laugh out loud then cry a few pages later. I cannot remember a book that has tested my faith quite like this one. The faith and strength of every person in this book amazes me. How God can weave the lives of the broken into a beautiful love story shouldn't surprise me but it's just wonderful. How God can take a man who hit rock bottom and make him an example of perfect love shouldn't baffle me but it's truly amazing. This is a book you don't want to miss. A story of a man who gave everything. Fearless by Eric Blehm.

It's the legacy of one of our most elite military personnel. It's the faith his family carried through hell and back many times over. It's the peace and healing God brings in the darkest times in our lives. It's a story worth reading.

Adam Brown had a can do attitude since he was little. He never backed down, cared deeply, defended the helpless, and loved like no other. From standing up for a boy with Downs Syndrome to providing shoes to Afghan children, Adam Brown was a hero when he was just doing what he felt in his heart was right. Fearless traces his rise to stardom in high school to his darkest days with drug addiction to redemption through his ultimate sacrifice. Adam became one of the greatest SEALs our nation has ever seen or had the honor of calling one of our own. All through this story his drive is evident. His determination to break free of his addiction. His push to enter the Navy despite his record. He blew through training to reach the top of his class. He would give up himself to protect his teammates during raids. And eventually gave his life for his friends, who he called family, during one of the most difficult and important terrorist raids. And he understood his sacrifice, his ultimate calling.Through all of this his friends and family who are telling his story define him with one word: FEARLESS.

"I'm not afraid of anything that might happen to me on this earth because I know no matter what, nothing can take my spirit away from me..."

Adam Brown wrote these words in a letter to his children that was to be read only if the worst happened. These are the words of faith from a truly fearless man.

Book Review:: One Month to Live

This book isn't one that you have to read only if you have one month left to live, read it now. Don't wait. Although, you never know. You may only have one month left. Or maybe one day, one year, 100 years. You just don't know. So why are you sitting here? Why are you reading through my blog? (Just kidding! Please do check it out). But seriously, what are you doing with your life right now? Is it what you would do with it if you only have one month left to live?

If you say yes, good for you!! Keep at it.

Did you say no? (Guess what, I did!). Then please check out this book.

Kerry and Chris Shook that you through thirty days to get your life into a place where you'll live with no regrets. Each day focuses on a part of your life that you'd like to change, enhance, relive so you can really live out your days. They challenge the reader with things like the "someday syndrome" when you keep saying 'someday I will...' They ask how are you loving: "Today, though most of us are so busy, constantly in motion...we work long hours to provide for the people we love...but we miss spending quality time with them....we can give them expensive gifts and luxury vacations but we struggle to give them out time and undivided attention...so why don't we live as if our relationships matter most?" They remind us where we came from, Whom our identity should be in, that our struggles are not only for our refinement but to help others. They are thought provoking questions such as "If you knew you only had one month to live, what 'cargo' would you throw overboard?" and "Take a sheet of paper and draw a large circle in the center of it. Divide the circle into a pie with eight pieces. Then label each section with an area of your life. Are you living out your values in each of those areas?" 

This book with challenge you beyond your little life right now to really truly live your life. I also thought I was doing a good job living my life. I am staying at home raising my daughter, taking care of the house, etc. What more could I want? In the first chapter I realized I was doing all those things but as I was I wasn't really. I read as my daughter was napping. Good for me!! I only work when she's not around. When she was around what was I doing? Oh yeah, watching TV, texting, playing on my numerous items of media. If I had one month left with her (yes, one month of tears!!!) would I want to be doing those things? NO!!! This book can convict in the first chapter. After that it's just ways to keep working on your life. How to live without regrets. Without thinking that someday... So don't say someday I'll check out this book. DO IT NOW!!

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from waterbrookmultnomah.com from this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

"Fearless" Book Trailer by Eric Blehm // Story of SEAL Team SIX Operator...

I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy of this book!

Having a few members of my family in the military, including a brother in law and a cousin who just returned from Afghanistan, this video was hard. Knowing that he didn't come home to the family in the pictures could have been a reality for me.

But please. Take the time to watch this. And grab a copy of the book when it comes out.

The Resolution in Our Home

Res-o-lu-tion

Noun

A firm decision to do or not do something

I debated blogging about this book because it was such a personal journey. Hubby and I did it together and were truly blessed by it. We're now just waiting on our plaques to sign and hang up in our dining room. I have decided to share this with you because we were so incredibly blessed and I highly encourage you (married or single) to do this with your family. Don't take it light hearted though. This is serious stuff. Life altering stuff. Not just to be dabbled in but truly coming before God and allowing Him transform you. 

If you've seen the movie Courageous  you know what I'm talking about when I say Resolution. The men in this movie decide to make a covenant with each other and God to be the best fathers they can, to provide their families with love, and lead their families as God has ordained. They sign it in front of each other, their families and their Pastor. The movie is a call to all men to step up and be men of God. To turning around the failings of society. To become a godly beacon of Light for others to see. It truly is a powerful movie. If you haven't seen, please do. Married or not it will bless you.

Along with the movie there are resources for men and women. The Resolution is just one of them and is the exact one they use in the movie. The devotional takes you through the things that challenge a family the most; being content in whatever circumstances, truly loving your spouse and children, leaving a legacy to point future generations to God are just a few. There is so much to meditate on, talk to God about and allow God to work with. I can't even begin to explain what goes on in your heart while you do this. 

It takes time but worth it. Hubby and I started our journey at the end of February and we're just getting to the end and ready to sign our resolutions. 

Book Review: "Stand By Me"

I have never heard of the Yada Yada prayer group series but after reading this book I'd be really interested in reading the others in this series. This is a great book!

It's a story of two women divided by age, race, lifestyle...just about everything expect their love for Jesus and attending the same church in suburban Chicago; SouledOut. Kathryn Davies, Kat, is a graduation student at a local Christian college and Avis Douglass is a 50 some year old elementary principal who leads worship at SouledOut. Kat and her friends happen upon this church during a cultural expeience class and feel at home (I use 'happen upon' loosely, we all know nothing is 'happened upon'). They decide to stay in the city for the summer, work and attend SouledOut on a weekly basis. Here they meet Avis and her husband Peter. Avis finds herself in the middle of a hard decision. One that requires giving up everything she's used to and depends upon. The two women start off on the wrong foot. Avis thinks Kat is too outspoken yet Kat thinks Avis is a woman of faith who hardly falters. These two personalities weave a story, and intwine their lives in ways they could never imagine.

I don't even know where to start with this book. It's just a cute book. It shows you a woman of faith and her strength through devastation. It shows you how, beneath the surface, everyone is hurting. There is so much going on in this book that I had to reread certain pages to make sure I got everything. The weaving of God in this story is unbelievable. It's proof that nothing happens haphazardly. It shows you how God can test your faith and how, if you are faithful, everything works together for good! It shows the power of prayer. It was just a wonderful book!! Quick, great read.

You can get this book here.
Or here.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free through Booksneese.com for this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Book Review: Everything Romance

With Valentine's Day just around the corner I was very excited to receive this book. And it didn't fail! It was probably the cutest book I have read (besides children's books). It is jam packed with little facts about love, history of traditions and ideas on how to revamp your relationship with your spouse.

 This little book, Everything Romance by David Bordon and Tom Winters is a fun, quick read. Inside they have chosen numerous quotes about love to get your mind thinking. One of my favorites is found on page 91: "Love isn't like a reservoir. You'll never drain it dry. It's much more like a natural spring. The longer and farther it flows, the stronger and deeper and clearer it becomes" by Eddie Cantor. How thought provoking and true!!

The authors also include little known facts, 'did you know', and love busters and boosters. Did you know that Thomas Edison and his wife Mina used Morse-code at parties and he even proposed to her using Morse-code? Recipes and stories are littered throughout. Some stories are Bible stories retold in language that reads like a story. Others are about historical figures or every day people.One story I loved. It was the story of Annie Oakley and Frank Bulter (pg 104). Did you know Butler let Annie Oakley shoot a cigarette out of his mouth!? Talk about trust! Other fun facts include conversation starts for couples on page 127 and the top 100 love songs of all time. I would tell you what the top song is but I'd rather have you read the book.

 As I said before this is a small book. One you can stick in your purse or backpack and read at the bus stop, lunch break or while rocking your sleepless, teething child to sleep (guilty!). It will have you smiling, and crying. You'll recognize yourself in some of the stories. Or you'll pick up an idea for dessert tonight for your husband. You'll be convicted and encouraged. Amazed and stunned. It's just a great little book!

More Info
Read Chapter One
About the Author

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multomah Publishing for this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Book Review: "Proverbs Reconstructed"

I started this book because I love the book of Proverbs. It holds so much wisdom and knowledge that I only can wish I'd fully understand. Bits and pieces, a few at a time.

Proverbs Reconstructed by Gus Dallas was written to simplify the Proverbs into one easy book that even a person who never opened the Bible could learn. In a way that's true. Dallas goes through the book of Proverbs and gleans every bit of wisdom he can find about a number of subjects. He takes the verses and separates them into the subjects. The book is lists of verses for just about any subject you can think of. Anything from abomination to feet, yes feet, and folly to, my favorite part, being a Godly wife.


While this book is a handy resource for someone looking for a quick Scripture reference, it's not anymore helpful than just reading the Word yourself. I was expecting more discussion, more practical explanations, ways to apply the verses to my life. As I said before, I enjoy the book of Proverbs. Breaking it up for no other reason than to list verses per subject was a bit disappointing to me. It took away the beauty of the prose and rhythm of the Proverbs. But if you're looking for references to the Proverbs this is your book! I plan on keeping it for that reason. It will be helpful as I raise my family in the Truth and as I return to Biblical counseling in the near future.

You can get his book here.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free through Booksneeze.com for this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

The Shack

Have you ever read a book that made you go "huh"? I just finished one. It's calledThe Shack by William Young. If you haven't read it, I suggest you don't read any farther. 

Have you ever tried to personify God? Jesus? Or the Holy Spirit? Young did. God is an African American woman. Jesus is, well, a carpenter. And the Holy Spirit is an Asian woman who is somewhat see-through. I told you, it made me go "huh". For some people this is a turn off. They disown the book and say it's blasphemy. In a way, I guess it is. It makes the Trinity human yet it shows their incredible power and love. It's probably not how we pictured God, and the main character admits that. But our human minds are so limited and none of us have ever seen God face to face. So how do we know what God looks like? We make Him how we feel comfortable, how we best can relate. Each culture and each person has a different image of God. Honestly, when I read that God was a woman and has skin that is a different color than me, I laughed. How can God possibly look like that!? He's a Man. Or is He? What is God? Jesus was the human person of God. Is God a human? Does God look like us? Whoa. Back up. Someone tried to personify God? Yeah. He did. And it made me think about what I wanted God to be instead of what and whom God really is. I try to make God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit instead of letting Them be Them. 

Even though The Trinity was made human and it appears that could be a problem, I feel that this allows us to feel comfortable with God. In the book, Young tries to relay the message that God wants a relationship with us. A Father/daughter, father/son relationship. One where this is open communication. A relationship where we can run to Him with our hurt, rejoice with Him, and always be in communion with Him. I have always prayed before I went to bed, prayed before meals, prayed when I'm hurt, prayed when I have something to praise Him for, prayed when I wanted something. I knew He was always with me, within me. But I had never full understood what it meant to fully live with God. Not when I wanted Him but when He wanted me, ALL THE TIME. The book reminded me that instead of having God on top of my priorities (i.e. God, family, friends...etc), God should be within my priorities. I cannot give God more of what I have. I can only give Him all of what I have and let Him be in it all. I cannot set aside most of my day for God, and He knows that it would be impossible for us. God should be in my ENTIRE day, with every move I make, every step I take. 

Lastly, this book is about loss and hurt. The main character lost his daughter in a brutal murder. I cannot put into words how much this book emphasizes that God does not cause hurt, He allows and uses it for His glory. Our human minds cannot comprehend why a loving God would do something like this. Why would He allow bad things to happen to His people? I cannot answer that question nor could this book. But the book brings forth Light that can touch your soul and ease understanding that is unexplainable in words. God is good. All the time.

The Help

Most of the books I'll be reviewing will be shipped to me specifically for that reason but this one is just too good not to review and tell you all about!!!

I couldn't put this book down. The Help by Kathryn Stockett is a must read. I know I'm a little behind the times and probably most of you have read this (hey, I have a 5 month old baby!) but I'll tell you anyway it's just that good.

It's set in Jackson, Mississippi (yes I sang the song while typing) during the 1960s. The book focuses on the experiences of two black maids and a white woman as they go through life on a regular basis.

Aibileen and Minnie are maids, or the help, to middle and upper class white families. Skeeter is the daughter of a cotton "plantation" owner and was raised by her mothers help.

The story knitted between these women starts as a casual nod or glance between races. It ends in a beautiful friendship full of love and secrets. They overcome. Overcome differences in skin color. Overcome the disgrace of being friends. Overcome the hurt of healing wounds from years past. Together. In a world that would kill them for doing just that. Literally kill them for talking to each other. But they take the chance so their children and their white children can live in a better world. They defied culture.

I could just keep going. On and on but I don't want to give away much if you haven't read it or seen the movie. Go do it!!!! Go get it!!!!