Book #43: Surfing For God - Michael John Cusick

In a day and age when just about everything is sexualized it's no wonder men/women are struggling.

Instant gratification is just a click away, but are men/women really searching to satisfy their lustful longings or is there something deeper rooted in their hearts longing to heard?

Book Description

“Every time a man knocks on a brothel door, he is really searching for God.” -- G.K. Chesterton

Could the growing struggles with pornography and fantasy really be reminding us of our heart’s deepest desire, something greater and more fulfilling than sexual gratification?

According to counselor and ministry leader Michael John Cusick, the answer is a resounding “yes.” Through personal examples, lively illustrations from Scripture, and twenty years of counseling experience, Michael helps readers to understand how porn struggles begin, what to do to prevent them, and most importantly, how to overcome them once compulsive behavior presents itself.

Freedom is not an easy, how-to process:

* 25% of search engine requests are for pornography – 68 million per day

* 70% of the hits on Internet sex sites occur between 9-5 on business computers

* Over 50 percent of evangelical pastors report they viewed pornography last year

* Over 70% of Christian men report viewing pornography in the last year

Surfing for God leads readers down a clear path toward understanding how porn struggles develop, how to distinguish between sexual gratification and intimacy, and how to break free from the shackles of this pleasurable prison.

Having the opportunity to receive books for free in exchange for a review means I get to read books I may not have normally picked up.
I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to step inside Cusick's own story of struggle and learn his steps to overcoming.We live in a time when everything is at our fingertips, instantly and I know that it is only going to get worse, which means it will easily affect more and more of the people we know.
It's important that we as women understand the struggle.
Viewing pornography grants instant gratification which in turn rewires the brain much like that of a drug.
Over time the amount needed grows and much like any other addiction, intervention and detoxification are needed to recover.
In my opinion knowing this allows us to arm ourselves with the tools to protect our own homes from being attacked.
You never know when someone in your life may admit to this struggle, at that time how would you react?Will you push them away, will you put them down, or will you do your best to help build them up to be the man you know God wants them to be?

Cusick warns the following, "Where in your life do you say,'This is living'? If you don't have something in your life that regularly inspires adventure, risk, and passion, beware.  Because if you don't, you will seek the counterfeit. 

This book is not for the faint of heart, it deals with a real issue that our society is currently exploiting.

If someone you know is struggling with a sexual addiction I strongly suggest gifting them this book or reading it yourself so that you can better understand the struggle.
If you are a mother of boys, I suggest you read this book to help to learn to protect them and raise them into Godly men.
I hope you have a Blessed Friday!

I received this book free from the publishers through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." 

Book #42: BE THE MOM - Tracey Lanter Eyster

Everyone tries to tell you how much your life will change once you have children.

However, until you have children you can't fully comprehend how much your life will change.

be the mom: overcome attitude traps and enjoy your kids is a wonderful book to give any and all the Moms in your life.

From the moment they place your beautiful baby in your arms the race begins, or so it seems.

Everyone seems to have an opinion on how to raise your children.

How to and how not to do basically everything under the sun.

It can be overwhelming if you allow it to be.

With all that said it's easy to fall into 'traps' of what we thing a MOM is.

Tracey highlights 7 Mom Traps in her book.

She gives examples to assist us in identifying them and explains how we can best avoid or escape each trap.

The 7 Traps Include:

1. Just-a-Mom Trap: Is this it...really?

2. Me Mom Trap: It's my way or else, people!

3. Martyr Mom Trap: Another cold meal for me.

4. Busy Mom Trap: Supermom to the rescue!

5. Mirror Mom Trap: Who's the fairest?

6. Tomorrow Mom Trap: Tomorrow is another day.

7. They Say Mom Trap: You know what they say!

I know that I am at risk for falling into the 'Busy Mom Trap' someday, but knowing that NOW means that I can work hard to avoid it.

Eyster's book points out where we as Mom's can falter.

We are all humans, none of us perfect, none of us all knowing.

She reminds us that our main goal is to be the Mom to our children that God expects us to be.

So yes, everyone will tell you how to raise your children and my best advice for that is...

...listen to them.

Take notes and file them away in the back of your brain.

Someday when you are at your wits end you might remember something someone told you that worked for them and it might just work for your situation too.

OR...

It might be a colossal mistake and you'll be floundering to figure out something else.

Either way there is no guidebook that will tell you how to raise your children.

Being that every child is different, every family is different, and yes, every Mom is different, we all have to learn what is best for our families.

On that note, I encourage all Moms to grab a copy of this book and read it.

Find out if there are any traps your falling into and rebuke them!

Eyster's point in writing this book was to show us where we can get tripped up and to teach us that all we really need to do is check our attitudes at the door and learn to enjoy our roles as Moms.

Laugh, Learn, and Love who you are and who your children are. 

This is a season, as I've learned, and it will fly by in the blink of an eye.

So with the holidays right around the corner, I encourage everyone to grab a copy of be the mom and stick it in the stocking of a Mom you love.

I know I'll be re-reading my copy.

Possibly every year.

Just so I can be reminded that there is no perfect parent, just loving ones!

I hope you have a Blessed Saturday!

I received this book free from the publishers through the Tyndale House Publishers book review bloggers program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." 

Book #41: STRESS POINT - Sarah Francis Martin

Book Description

Want to ditch the drama and thrive through your twenties?

Body image. Friendships. Career. Money. Dating. All these issues and more serve as points of stress for the 20-something woman, and combined they can make for a decade of drama in a girl's life. Sarah Francis Martin is the slightly older girlfriend who’s been there, done that, and got the not-so-cute t-shirt. Through this interactive Bible study, Sarah helps young adult women address each stress point by encouraging them to wait on the Lord, worship Him, and make Him the focus of their lives.

In Stress Point you will:

• Find interactive chapters covering ten stress points for the 20-something woman
• Dig through Scripture to apply truth to each stress point
• Engage with real, raw, and relevant stories from girlfriends just like you
• Journal through each chapter to engage with God in a meaningful way
• Interact with Sarah through her video blogs for each chapter
• Connect with your girlfriends in a Stress Point Survival Group; leader guide included

Sarah Francis Martin has a passion to encourage and relate to women in their twenties, and is honored to do so through She Seeks, the 20-something ministry of Proverbs 31. Her relevant and conversational style will lead young adult readers to live out the Kingship of Christ in everyday life in order to find godly success, purpose, and well-being. Obsessed with pink lip gloss and all things artsy-crafty, Sarah lives with her husband and son in North Carolina. Her ministry, LIVE IT OUT!, is a space for 20-somethings to connect with one another and grow closer to Jesus (www.liveitoutblog.com).

I chose to read this book  simply because I am in my 20s and I have had my fair share of drama.

I only wish I had had a copy of this book during my early 20s, when more of this was relevant to me.

Sarah does an AMAZING job walking the readers through the battles they will face in their 20s with chapters such as these:

Career

Self Image

Body Image

Love/Dating

Friends and Family

Money

Stepping Out on Your Own

Making a Difference

Spiritual Maturity

Being a stay at home mom, whose been out of the dating world for over 10 years I found it hard to relate to some of the chapters.  

Other's hit home though and gave me new perspective.
Sarah's vlogs are the perfect end to each chapter and make her relevant and entertaining.
I love how she blends modern references with Bible backing to educate the readers and help them see how God is everywhere.
My other favorite aspect was that each chapter has multiple journal entries that the reader is encouraged to participate in.
The journal entries are a great way to take a moment and reflect on where you are at in your life, how you view situations, and what you can do to be more Christ centered in all your decisions.

Although, I didn't feel as though I benefitted 100% it's a book I would DEFINITELY give to a college graduate.

Someone who is new to their 20s, new to the career world, new to dating and managing their own financial decisions.

If you are in your early 20s or if you know someone getting ready to graduate college, this is the book for you/them.

I hope you have a Blessed Saturday!

I received this book free from the publishers through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." 

Book #40: Anything - Jennie Allen

First off let me say that I can't believe it's been a month since I've done a book review!

Where did that time go?

Either way, I'm back and I'm ready to get reading again.

I just finished this book

It's a powerful book by Jennie Allen about giving herself to God fully.

It's the kind of book that makes you look around your own world and rethink what is important and what is really necessary.

I think we all reach points in our lives, multiple times in our lives, when we wonder if we are doing enough for God.

When that happens we need to do what Jennie did...

It all started with a simple prayer asking God to do something with her and her family, not just something, but ANYTHING.

I learned a few things from this book that I would love to share with you:

1st: "A.W. Tozer wrote, 'What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us'.  NOTHING defines a soul more than what that soul believes about GOD.  And no outward observer can know what is in the soul of a person". (pg 7)

2nd: "To risk is to willingly place your life in the hand of an unseen God and an unknown future, then to watch him come through.  He tarts to get real when you live like that". (pg.9)

3rd: "His presence is the only place where invisible weight is lifted.  The only place where hidden, broken spaces are mended.  The only place where we are defined apart from our successes and failures". (pg 32)

4th: "There is no escaping it.  He is God, and if our suffering brings him the most glory, let it be.  Easy to preach, difficult to live". (pg 56)

5th: "Through our love, we display our God, especially to our spouses and those closest to us and through our radical submission to them, God moves". (pg 87)

6th: "There is always doubts.  We doubt because God, while he gets louder, is still invisible, because of the people questioning your sanity and he difficulty of just following a wild invisible God into uncomfortable spaces.  We doubt because of the risk, the cost, the abandonment of rights and comforts, the disapproval of people you really love, and then on top of it all, because you now officially picked a fight with the devil". (pg 155)

7th:  "So do your everyday and your ordinary, Godliness is found and formed in those places". (pg 165)

Don't those points make you stop and think?

They did for me.

Jennie Allen has a knack for writing it in such a way that I felt I was sitting across from her at the coffee table and just hashing out thoughts and feelings.

Are you looking for a book that will motivate you to view your life differently?

A book that will help you put in perspective how our time here is but a moment and we must live it for HIM?

This is that book.

Even if you aren't fully able to ask God to do ANYTHING with your life, this might be the motivation to ask him to do SOMETHING....baby steps.

Check out Jennie Allen here and find out more about this and other books she's done!

I hope you have a Blessed Saturday!

I received this book free.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Book #39: Harriet Beamer Takes The Bus - Joyce Magnin

Harriet Beemer is a widow who lives alone with her Bassett hound.

She is active in her church and community.

She is well liked.

Her life is somewhat predictable though.

One Christmas while waiting for her son and daughter-in-law to arrive from out of state, restless Harriet begins the task of decorating the Christmas tree on her own.

What happens next sets Harriet up to take the adventure of a lifetime.

Because of an injury her daughter-in-law coerces her to move across the country to live with them.

Instead of taking the easy route, Harriet 'rebels' and decides to travel cross country using as much public transportation as possible.

The adventures and people she encounter along the way give Harriet just the spark she needed to feel alive again.

I received this book to review and although it was one I probably would have grabbed off the bookshelf at the store, I was glad I had the opportunity to read it.

I found myself reading through chapters quickly, just to she was kind of shenanigans Harriet would face next.

I honestly wished that Harriet was my own grandmother.

I felt as though she was my grandmother while I was reading.

I was curious to see what other silly conversations she would start or what her next leg of her journey would unfold to her.

If you are looking for a nice summer read, grab a glass of lemonade, find a rocking chair and dive in.

Are you ready to start thinking outside of the box, here is your inspiration for how to get around the next time you take a trip!

I hope you get a chance to find this book.

Enjoy!

I hope you have a Blessed Saturday!

I received this book free.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Book #38: Subversive Kingdom - Ed Stetzer

"See Yourself, Your Church, Your World Differently".

Have you ever started a book and loved what you were reading, then about half way through felt like you'd fallen into a slump?

Did you stick with it to the end and find that the book redeemed itself somewhat?

That is how I felt about Subversive Kingdom.

The book is broken down into three sections:

A Subversive Way of Thinking

A Subversive Way of Life

and

A Subversive Plan of Action

The first part of the book had me turning pages as fast as I could.

Stetzer literally had me thinking about things that I hadn't considered before.

Let me share my favorite part of the entire book with you:

Weeds

So Jesus' first parable dealt with how the kingdom of God begins.  The second reveals how it develops.  Get ready.  It's not pretty.  It might discourage you, but it's important that it informs you.  These are important issues here about how we understand the kingdom.  Jesus said the kingdom of God is like a farmer who sows wheat (sows the "seed") in his field (Matt. 13:24-30).  But while he's sleeping, his enemy sneaks in and scatters weeds in the same field plot.  For a little while, no one can tell what's happened.  But when everything starts coming up, the workers look around and see unwanted growth in the seedbeds.  The field is a mix of wheat and weeds.  The first thing they do is go to the farmer.  Has he seen what's happened?  Who could have done this?  What does he want us to do about it now?  Go out and pull those weeds up?  The farmer, seemingly unrattled by the problem, tells his men just to let the weeds grow right alongside the good crops, fearing that in trying to extract the unwanted growth they might yank up some of the healthy young wheat by mistake.  But at harvest time, he says, when everything's ready for cutting, they'll separate everything on the threshing floor, storing the wheat away in the barn and bundling up the weeds for burning.  That'll take care of that.  But that's for later.  For now, Jesus was saying, even though the kingdom of God is definitely establishing a presence in enemy territory, ours are not the only footprints on the farm.  By no means have the opposing forces surrendered.  And believe it or not the Messiah didn't come to eradicate their presence from the earth right away.  Well, you can imagine this parable certainly didn't sit well with those who expected God's coming kingdom to be a sledgehammer of total domination in Israel.  Truth be told, it's not exactly what we like to hear either....

Let's fast forward to my FAVORITE part

Wheat grows with weeds.  That's just the way it is.  But there's one other secret we can learn from this parable of Jesus that ought to give us at least a little relief.  For even though our lives must be shared with people who don't like what we stand for and would prefer they had the whole place to themselves, we are not responsible for weeding.

Wow.

Ed Stetzer really hits the nail on the head here.

He is telling us that we are not responsible for weeding.

Let me get back to the book, though.

As I stated I read through the first part eagerly only to hit a road block in the middle of the book.

I think the book is written for a leadership position.
If you lead a small group or are a pastor this is a book for you.
If you feel your group, congregation has become comfortable, sedentary, or lackadacious this is the book for you.
If, however, you are just looking for a simple way to motivate your family on how to better share God's word, this book is not for you.
Stetzer's goal it seems was to show us that we have a misunderstanding of the kingdom of God, it is not a distant place, but rather it is the lives we are living each and every day.  He wants to push people to live outside of their comfort zone and be more radical in sharing and living their faith.
Unfortunately, I got the sense from that unless your family is willing to give up your current lifestyle, move to a rough neighborhood, and devote 100% of your activities into spreading God's word that then and only then will you be doing God's will.
I will say that Stetzer does a wonderful job relating Bible stories to how we should approach evangelism.  He is brilliant in his ability to educate.  I just don't think he had what it took to get me motivated as a suburban Mom.
Overall I will give the book a B- rating, it didn't fail miserably, and it did make me think outside the box, it just didn't appeal to the every day person.

I hope you have a Blessed Saturday!

I received this book free.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Book #37: Seal of God - Chad Williams

"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends". ~John 15:13

Book Synopsis:
Days before Chad Williams was to report to military duty in Great Lakes, Illinois, he turned on a television and was greeted with the horrifying images of his mentor, US Navy SEAL Scott Helvenston, being brutally murdered in a premeditated ambush on the roads of Fallujah, Iraq. Steeled in his resolve, Chad followed in Scott’s footsteps and completed the US military’s most difficult and grueling training to become a Navy SEAL. One of only 13 from a class of 173 to make it straight through to graduation, Chad served his country on SEAL Teams One and Seven for five years, completing tours of duty in the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Iraq.

Part memoir, part evangelism piece, SEAL of God follows Chad’s journey through the grueling Naval Ops training and onto the streets of Iraq, where he witnessed the horrors of war up close. Along the way, Chad shares his own radical conversion story and talks about how he draws on his own experiences as a SEAL to help others better understand the depths of Christ’s sacrifice and love.

Meet Chad Williams:
A former Navy SEAL, having served his country proudly from 2004-2010.
Now engaged in full-time ministry work, Chad uses the training and experience he gained as a SEAL to help communicate the Gospel to others.
Chad and his wife, Aubrey, live in Huntington Beach, California.

Hear his story

watch on tyndale.com

I think the fact that I grew up a military brat and that I am now a military spouse is what initially drew me to pick this book.

This book is an awesome story that reminds us that God can reach anyone, anywhere, even when we think we are immune.

Chad went to church with his parents one night thinking that what the pastor had to say would be a lot of hogwash only to emerge from that service transformed and transfixed on spreading God's word to everyone he encountered.  Through his story we learn how it is easy to be so on fire for the Lord that we push people away and that with practice we can learn to hone our story so that we can be real messengers for God.

I found this book to be an easy read.  Chad did a really good job explaining everything in laymen's terms so that non-military could grasp what he was trying to convey.  

I think this is a great book to give to a teenage boy, a military buff, or any Christian friend who enjoys hearing other's stories.

I hope you have a Blessed Saturday! 

I received this book free from the publishers through the Tyndale House Publishers book review bloggers program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." 

Book #36: Covenant Child - Terri Blackstock

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.  Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance". ~2 Peter 3:9

Book Description

Amanda’s heart broke as she watched them drive her beloved twins away. She resolved to hope . . . and to fight for them to her last breath.

Kara and Lizzie are heiresses to one of the largest fortunes in the country. But when their father dies suddenly, the toddlers are ripped from the arms of Amanda, their loving stepmother, and given to their maternal grandparents, who only want the children’s fortune for themselves.

While even the stipend their guardians get for supporting them is squandered, the children are left to raise themselves. Kara and Lizzie grow up believing they are worthless . . . until the day when they learn the truth.

Covenant Child can best be described as a modern day prodigal son story.

This book is an easy read and I found myself eagerly turning pages this week!

I liked Terri's writing as it was raw in some parts.  It wasn't always pretty and sweet like many Christian fiction books tend to be.  The life of the main characters was rough and hard and she portrayed that in an honest and real way.  

In reading this book you find out that one twin returns home upon her 18th birthday leaving to claim the fortune that was promised her.  The other is more stubborn and doesn't like the idea that if she goes 'home' she will need to finish school, live by the rules of someone else, etc.  Her stubbornness leads her to try to find a way to sue her step mother for what she believes is rightfully hers.  Despite knowing that all along she could have it if she would just come 'home'.  

This illustration reminds me of a toddler who constantly says "I can do it"!

Too often toddlers are learning how to be independent and don't realize that others hold knowledge and experience far greater than they can comprehend.

So we let the toddler try and try and try again until either they get it or they ask for help.  

In this situation the rebellious twin has a hard time learning that she won't get her way....that she must give up her pride.

It isn't until she is to her lowest point that she finally decides to ask for help.

The story is so much a reflection of God's love for us.  

He gave us free will and the ability to choose how we live our lives.

He will not interfere or force himself on us, but he loves us unconditionally and he hopes that we choose the route that leads to him.

Far too often we must be brought to our knees before we realize it's time to ask for his guidance and help.

I enjoyed reading this book and encourage everyone to read it.

Especially if you have ever doubted God's love or promises.

"For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ.  And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God". ~2 Corinthians 1:20.

Oh and if you didn't check back at my last book review I'd just like to announce that we have a winner of the MOMumental Giveaway!

**Drumroll**

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congratulations Bethany B.

I will be in contact with you to organize the shipment of your copy of MOMumental!

I hope you all have a Blessed Saturday!

I received this book free from the publishers through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." 

GIVEAWAY & Book #35: MOMumental - Jennifer Grant

MOMumental Book
Worthy Publishing

"Jennifer Grant's girlhood dream of being the perfect mom withered quickly once she got a real taste of the messy, creative, sometimes hilarious, and often taxing process of raising a family.  With MOMumental, she presents a warm, compassionate book filled with uncommon and amusing insights about being an intentional parent-and about realizing that family matters, no matter what yours is like".

When I was asked to review this book I jumped on the opportunity.

I mean seriously the subtitle phrase "Adventures in the Messy Art of Raising a Family"!

It screamed "THIS IS YOUR LIFE"!

I may only be in the beginning stages of motherhood (7-1/2 months in as a matter of fact), but I think more than anything I love reading other mother's stories.  I love hearing how other mother's tackle issues and what their view points are.  I might not always agree, but I like to have an arsenal of information should I ever need it!

Jennifer Grant's book MOMumental is the epitome of how we view motherhood vs. how motherhood actually is.

Being a Mom is not easy.

There is no user's manual.

And yes the grass always seems greener when your on the outside looking in.

Reading this book made me consider things I hadn't previously.

While Bud & I were going on our daily walks I was asking questions and probing him for how we would handle certain situations and decisions as our children grow.

We pondered "What is a good parent" and "How to be good parents".

I had never considered the concept of family meetings or the fact that they don't always have to be business as usual, they can be a time when traditions such occur.  

Traditions as simple as the children making their pitstop to the kitchen, en route to the meeting, to pick up their sprite with maraschino cherries...Mom & Dad having a glass of wine...and a platter of cheese and crackers on the coffee table to set the mood of each meeting.

I hadn't thought about the fact that Mom's don't get summer vacation, okay I had....but stick with me, I didn't think about the aspect that during the summer it's okay not to overbook your kids.

Overbooking your kids means overbooking yourself and it means driving more and hustling and bustling everywhere.

I didn't think about the fact that allowing kids to get bored is a good thing.

It helps them to develop their creativity, to learn to entertain themselves.

Jennifer Grant's depiction of sitting on her couch breastfeeding her infant while watching her neighbor come and go, dressed as though she came straight from a J. Crew catalog, and followed by children who appeared to be so well behaved they couldn't be real ONLY to find out that behind closed doors that mother dealt with the same motherhood debacles that we all do, opened my eyes to realize that IT'S NOT ALWAYS WHAT IT SEEMS!

I would like to say that if you are a mom, new or seasoned.

If you know a mom.

If you want to be a mom.

If you have a mom.

If you often ponder "How to be a great Mom".

Pick up a copy of this book.  

It's a light-hearted read that will make you think about how you want to raise your own family.

It'll help you learn not to put mom's on a pedestal.

After all we are only human!

Okay...did you stick around this long?

You didn't forget that I mentioned a giveaway did you?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I hope you had a Blessed Saturday

I hope you had a Blessed Saturday!

I received this book free from the publishers through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Book #34: A Heart Like His - Beth Moore

Summary:

We all go through times when we feel insignificant or times when we feel certain that we have experienced a degree of failure from which there is no return.  This is not a reality we experience alone, but is one that a man after God's heart experienced as well.

In "A Heart Like His," Beth Moore looks at this bond of mutual love and admiration between a man who was not unlike any of us and the one true God who is all good and all powerful.  The book is an exploration of David's incredible life, drawing spiritual insights from a man who boldly fulfilled his divine destiny not merely by what he did, but who he loved and served.

In the book "A Heart Like His," Beth prepares us to answer the following questions:

• How can a person be forgiven and restored after sin?
• How can a person continue to be faithful to God when nothing seems to be going his or her way?
• How can a person find God when he or she feels all alone?
• How important is God's influence on the family?

Beth also informs us that by reading this book we will 'accomplish a detailed study of the books of 1 and 2 Samuel.  Portions of Psalms, 1 & 2 Chronicles, and many other verses'.

At first glance the book appears to be formatted perfectly to help you study the Bible, whether alone or in a group setting.  Far too often I feel that studies can seem rushed and I walk away retaining little of what was covered.  Here is a book that has 52 chapters, which in my opinion allows for a year long study of David.  52 chapters = 52 weeks in a year = the ability to really study each chapter and commit it to memory.  Thank you Beth Moore for yet another wonderful Bible based study.  If you are looking to answer the questions listed above, if you are looking to start a Bible based study, or if you are just a Beth Moore enthusiast like I am....this is the book for you!  I encourage you to get your copy and start learning about David.  Shepherd.  Refugee.  King.  Proof that God can use any of us and proof that sometimes we are capable of more than we know.

I hope you have a Blessed Saturday!

I received this book free from the publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." 

Book #33: Simple Secrets to a Happy Life - Luci Swindoll

Are you searching for simple ways to be a happier person?

"Is it possible to stay full of life, laughter, love, and the Lord through eight decades in this crazy world?  Is that even realistic?  Yes!  There is hope, and Luci Swindoll is living proof.

With heart and humor, this best-selling author and beloved speaker lays out the truths that can help us all become a little more creative, organized, healthy, and happy.  This is not a complex prescription for how to become superwoman.  These are simple secrets, the wisdom produced by years of walking with God and living well.

We don't need more tips for "having it all,"  but we could all use insight on "having what matters," and there is no better guide than Luci Swindoll.  Slip into this collection of proverbs, stories, and friendly advice and come away inspired, equipped, and encouraged."

That is how the back cover of this book reads and it's that synopsis that drew me into this book.

I consider myself to live a fairly happy life day in and day out, but who doesn't wonder if there are ways to increase your happiness?

As I read Luci's experiences and advice I couldn't help but feel as though they were words written by a sweet Grandma, one I wouldn't mind to call my own if given the chance.  It's impossible not to believe everything she has written here.  

I walked away from reading this book with a new perspective on how to be happy using her simple secrets to success.

In fact, don't be surprised if in the future I take these 50 chapters and spread them out over a year to help challenge everyone I know to increase their happiness!

I will say there were many topics that I read and I thought to myself, "Well of course, who doesn't know that," but there were others I read and thought, "she's on to something here." 

No matter how happy you may be there is always room for improvement....whoever said there can't be too much of a good thing was obviously referring to this concept of happiness.

I encourage everyone to get a copy of this book and not only read it, but apply it to their daily lives.

I know I will be doing my best to follow through on being the happiest happy I can be!

I hope you have a Blessed Saturday!

I received this book free from the publishers through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." 

Book #32: My So-Called Life as a Proverbs 31 Wife - Sara Horn

Have you ever read Proverbs 31:10-31?

I have.

It's intimidating.

I can only imagine it's more intimidating when you are a working wife/mom.

I think the back of the book says it best:

"Sara Horn always admired the Proverbs 31 wife...from afar.  But when she became a busy writer and mom, that image began to look like an impossible ideal.

Or was it?

With humility and humor, Sara set out to immerse herself in all things domestic just to see if the Proverbs 31 woman could exist in the twenty-first century.  But when her family's situation changes and she must return to a full-time job, she's forced to look at the Proverbs 31 woman from a whole new viewpoint.  Through cooking experiments, Cub Scout campouts, failed attempts at knitting, and other household challenges, she discovers:

• a new way to define being godly woman, wife, and mom
• how investing in family and faith brings surprising (and happy!) results
• how mistakes are opportunities for growth...and laughter

Join Sara as she offers you full access into her one-year domestic experiment to see if this biblical model can be embraced by a modern woman--even one who can't sew."

As I read through the book I caught myself mentally checking off items that I knew I did well and items that I knew I needed to improve upon.

I don't know if it's possible to be all things Proverbs 31, but then again none of us can be certain that this woman even existed.

What I do know and what I felt was reinforced by Sara's book is that giving all you can to your family is one of the most rewarding jobs that God put us on this planet for.

Some women must work to help serve their families.

Some women want to work to serve their families.

Other women are blessed to stay home.

Yet no matter what your situation is, being a Proverbs 31 wife is a task that can only be achieved via God.

By putting everything we do in his hands and asking his blessing upon it we will notice a change in ourselves that will help us to be the wives and mothers that God intended us to be.

If you have ever had one of those days where you didn't feel you were living up to your role, this is a great book for you!

If you are the spouse to a military member, this is the book for you!

If you are a mom, a wife, a woman....this is the book for you!

I encourage everyone to get your hands on a copy of this book and soak up the life lesson that Sara is sharing!

To learn more visit Sara's blog and while you are there show her some love!

I hope you had a Blessed Saturday!

Book #32: Miracle for Jen - Linda Barrick

and a give away!

ONE MINUTE CAN CHANGE YOUR WHOLE LIFE

Fifteen-year-old Jennifer Barrick was the daughter parents dream about:  a varsity athlete and cheerleader; a healthy, happy girl with a loving heart.  And if the Barrick family had left church even one minute later that night, everything might have stayed the same.
But in a moment, less than a mile from the Barricks' home, a drunk driver careened into their van at eighty miles an hour.  The entire family was seriously hurt--but Jen's injuries were so devastating that the paramedics thought she had no chance to live.


The above is a tiny excerpt from the back cover of the book Miracle for Jen.
Watch below for more...

watch on tyndale.com

In this true story we learn that giving our lives to God doesn't mean we will have an easy life.

For Jennifer Barrick it was just the opposite.

In a time in her life when she was really wanting to become a voice for God she experienced a horrible car accident that left her dependent on everyone around her.

They thought there was no chance she would survive.

Then they thought there was no chance she would recover.

What they didn't realize was that God was using her as a vessel to share his word with everyone...

...including her own mother.

After 5 weeks in a coma Jen woke up.

Her first responses were praises to God.

There was a long road to recovery for her and she never will be the same Jen she was when she started that car ride, but if you ask her she'll tell you that she doesn't want to be the same.

A few things that her mother writes in this book that speak volumes to me were:

"A blessed life doesn't mean an easy life....."

"....I have always been a positive person, but now joy is a choice--I don't just have it automatically."

and one of my favorite quotes:

"I can become bitter, or I can become better."

If you have ever wondered why God let you go through something, I encourage you to read this book.
If you enjoyed reading Heaven is for Real, I encourage you to read this book.
Jennifer's attitude jumps off these pages full force and shakes the readers to the core.
You will be challenged.
You will be enlightened.
You will be filled with hope.

Are you interested in reading this book?
Well guess what.
I have a copy to give away!

All you need to do is leave a comment as to who in your life needs a copy of this book (maybe it's you)

Additional entries include:

- Like Busy Biz Blogs on Facebook

- Follow Busy Biz Blogs

***Remember to leave a separate comment for each entry

The winner will be announced Saturday 3/17 (St. Patrick's Day...are you feeling lucky?)!!

I received this book free from the publishers through the www.tyndale.com book review bloggers program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." 

Book #31: Mockingjay - Suzanne Collins

I know I said this about the second book Catching Fire, but seriously it can get worse!

Waking to find a path of destruction, now more than ever Katniss must learn to trust her gut even more so!

Rebellion.

Love.

Loss.

MORE loss.

Terrifying mutts and endless webs of deceit.

The book takes everything we though was bad before and amplifies it tenfold.

Katniss is officially the face of the rebellion and it's beginning to wear on her.

All the lives lost, she commits them to memory as though they are all her fault.

She is torn down as far as you can tear one down before dying, but through the effort and faith of those around her she perseveres.

Will she ever be able to let go of what's she's seen and done?

Probably not, but can you blame her?

Suzanne Collins ability to scare the pants off of you with her imagery is haunting.

I heard the hisses of the mutts.

My heart broke as characters were killed off one by one.

But I'm a glutton and I pushed through finishing this book.

I'm left with a feeling of bitter sadness.

I hate that the series is done, but I know there was no where else for it to go.

I hurt for those who were lost.

I am anxious for the movies!

Although, can I say that I don't know how they will make Mockingjay without it being rated R!?

It's scary and I'm almost afraid to see all the mutts because I can only imagine that they will live up to what I've created in my head!

Oh the Katniss-esque type nightmares that may ensue.

This series was riveting.

I loved it.

I hope that I haven't given too much away.

But, I do hope I've wet your appetite and you are anxious to read these yourself!

I hope you have a Blessed Saturday!

Book #31: Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins

...as if it couldn't get any worse for Katniss...

If you didn't think the Hunger Games were bad enough, just wait until you learn about he Quarter Quell.

Every 25 years the Hunger Games gets a special twist and this Quarter Quell is no different.

Katniss is back in the games only a year after she last entered.

Only this time it's different.

When she was taken from home things were changing.

Pressure from the capitol to keep everyone on their best behavior had increased, but the rumor of uprisings was hard to miss.

Oh and what about District 13?

The District that was blown to smithereens...what if it wasn't?

If you haven't read The Hunger Games...

Go back and read it.

This second book would not be the same if I hadn't read these in order.

The Hunger Games seems to tie up nicely at the end...you could stop there and never read this second book.

You could.

Notice I don't state that you should.

This second book is even more gripping than the first and let's just say that it does not end quite as nicely.

I'm hungry....

for book three!

I must know what becomes of everyone.

The uprisings.

The Capitol.

Evil President Snow.

HOW DOES IT ALL END!!!

Go read book one if you haven't, then continue on, I beg of you!

It's a wonderful series!

I hope you had a Blessed Saturday!

Book #30: The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins

Can you imagine a life where every year, starting at the age of 12 until your 18, there is a possibility that you will be voluntold to fight others to the death.

In Panem that is exactly what faces each boy and girl of the 12 districts during a time called the reaping.

Katniss Everdeen sacrifices herself to save her sister from battling this year.

What Katniss doesn't realize is that she's going to face more than just a life-threatening challenge.

Adventure, Fear, Love, Confusion, Heartbreak, and Relief are just a few of the emotions she and many of the other challengers will face in their days at the arena.

Oh, and did I mention that this all takes place while everyone watches from their televisions?

Have you read this book yet?

If not, I encourage you to.

Did you know that the author said her inspiration for this series came from watching television.

In the process of flipping through channels she went from a reality show to war footage and the concepts mixed together.

Disturbing?

Yes, but it's a concept that I was fascinated by.

The raw emotion of the characters as they fight each other, form alliances, and struggle against the elements and competitors is riveting.

I will say that the first part of this book felt a little slow, but as I continued to read my pace picked up as did the turning of the pages!

I have no doubt that if I didn't have household responsibilities or a baby girl to care for I could have read this in a single day.

This book is being released as a movie and I am so anxious to see it now.

Have you seen the previews?

You can watch it here.

(Sorry they aren't allowing me to embed it)

Again I can not urge you enough to pick up this book and read it!

I'm off to start book 2...I'll be back to review soon, I just know it!

I hope you had a Blessed Saturday!

Book #29: Promise Me This - Cathy Gohlke

Promise Me This is the tale of Michael Dunnagan's promise to a near stranger.

A stranger who saved him from a life of abuse, sacrificed for him during the sinking of the Titanic, and taught him how to have hope.

Promise Me This is also the story of this stranger's sister Annie, left behind to wait in England until the groundwork was set for her to make her own voyage to America.

Michael and Annie have one thing in common...Owen, the stranger/brother.

When Owen discovered Michael in an alley he did what he thought best and got the boy some work.

When Owen discovers Michael a second time as a stowaway on the great Titanic, he does what he thinks is best yet again by taking this boy under his wing and again promising him work.

Owen teaches Michael everything he knows about gardening and as the days pass he grows to call Michael brother.

Michael makes one promise to Owen and that is that he will help him work to save up enough money to get Annie to the states.

The Titanic, as we all know, goes down.

Michael survives.

Remembering that he made a sacred promise to Owen, Michael does all he can to hold up his end of the bargain.

Meanwhile, Annie, having lost everything and being tortured emotionally by an Aunt who hates the very thought of her, does everything she can to protect all she has left.

When all that she has left is suddenly threatened Annie must disappear.

Upon receiving news of Annie's disappearance, Michael ventures back across the seas and right into the middle of WWI to find Annie and make right on the promise he made to Owen.

Cathy Gohlke  author or Promise Me This

I am not one to pick up books riddled with romance.

Nor am I one who typically reads book about the Titanic.

However, receiving this book from Tyndale.com gave me an opportunity to read something that I normally wouldn't have looked twice at.

I'm so thankful for the opportunity, as I have now discovered an author whose writing style sucks me in!

Cathy's passion for her characters is exposed in each page of this book.

The depth of their emotions and the continual ebb and flow of this book pulled me in so deep that I could picture the sinking Titanic, the graphic war scenes, and the characters in a context all their own.

My heart felt each emotion as though it were personal.

The extreme hatred towards Eleanor Hargrave and her wicked ways.

The deep pain of having lost everything that Annie faced again and again.

The growing hope that Michael developed in his new life.

I highly encourage everyone to get a copy of this book!

If you like books about the Titanic, but wanted to know more about the people who voyaged with her, this is your book.

If you like books that touch on the war, this is a book for you.

If you like romance, this is a book for you.

If, however, you don't think any of these categories fit you...I still encourage you to read it.

I was skeptical and now I'm a believer!

My only comparison would be to Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers.

In my eyes this book far surpasses that love story.

Please find a reason to buy this book, your heart will thank you!

I received this book free from the publishers through the Tyndale House book review bloggers program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."