"My Own Worst Enemy"
Janet Davis shares her story and her experiences to challenge the reader to examine the areas of their life that keep them from reaching their full potential. Almost every one of us knows the song, "This Little Light of Mine" and this is the author's challenge to us, to "shine." She is convinced that shining is more than a goal, but a calling based on Matthew 5:14-16 where we are required to be the "Light of the World".
The author not only uses real life events from her life and others, but also uses woman of scripture who demonstrate their opportunities to shine. Most all women will relate to many of the struggles the author shares in the book, especially her struggles with self-doubt and self- sabotage and learning to say no to the negative influences in our life.
The most meaningful statement in the book for me was included in the chapter "Shining" as the author realizes she can experience two opposing emotions at the same time. She states, "I had redefined shining as something that was not idyllic theory or a fantasy of perfection, but instead moments large or small, happy and sad, rooted in deep awareness of my human experience of life and an equally profound sense of connection to God's Divine Presence."
I did feel that the book used an excessive amount of examples from both her own life and others, including the Biblical characters. The retelling of the Biblical stories seems to weigh down the flow of the chapter and the point she was making.
This book is would easily adapt to be used in a woman's Bible Study. The questions at the end of the chapter are thought provoking and insightful. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The Exceptional Life- 8 Powerful Steps to Experiencing God’s Best for You
It’s not often that the subtitle of a book lives up to content. The Exceptional Life delivers these Powerful Steps in a simplistic, instructive way and conversational way.
Stephen Arterburn is a well known speaker and author and his latest book is one that anyone can relate to. Who of us hasn’t struggled with Guilt, Resentment or Fear. But the book deals with more than giving up the obstacles of freedom in our lives, Stephen inspires us by telling us what we will receive when we relinquish these strongholds in our life.
Each chapter identifies what, why and how to go about giving it up and what you’ll gain from God in giving it up. The discussion questions at the end of each chapter challenge the reader to dig deeper and could also be used for group discussion. I believe that all Christian would benefit from reading this book and find at least one of the Steps, if applied, life changing.
My only criticism is the Stephen sometimes interjects humorous antidotes that actually distract from the content. These interjections would be entertaining if he was speaking to an audience, but when you are reading they seem like an unnecessary interruption.
I received this free book from the Publishers in order to provide a review. I'm happy that this book will be part of my personal library so that I can share it with friends.
This review is from: My Life and Lesser Catastrophes: An Unflinchingly Honest Journey of Faith (Paperback)
Over the past six years, I have been reading several books to help overcome my struggles with losing my beloved mother and youngest brother within 15 days of each other. While they were both dying at the same time, I was doing a lot of frantic praying and pleading for their "healing" which was not to be a part of God's plan. I also lost a granddaughter four months later which devastated me to the core and made me question my prayer efforts.
As I began reading "My Life and Lesser Catastrophes", I found myself getting nervously anxious as Christina's tragedy unfolded with their motorcycle accident. I was struggling with "unpleasant" flashbacks when she was describing the hospital scenes but as I continued to read, she would be praying relentlessly for her husband's "healing" and asking very direct questions to God that I would not have had the courage to do so. Never have I read a book displaying so much genuine honesty, undying faith and deep love for the Lord even when Christina felt he was silent. Although our tragedies were very different, the thoughts and feelings were very much the same. This book really spoke volumes to me. Christina is so inspiring and her writing is filled with such deep emotions and extremely witty humor in the midst of their chaotic, real-life tragedy. Careers take a back seat while God, continuous prayers for healing and the love of family takes priority.
I not only related to her story but I truly felt comforted especially at the end when Christina's young daughter, Lilly, expressed a simple, profound statement that made me finally "get it".....It helped me break through a barrier that I had been stuck on.
I highly recommend this book to anyone but especially to those who have suffered a tragedy.
A very special thanks to Bethany House Publishing for providing me with a copy to review.
As I began reading "My Life and Lesser Catastrophes", I found myself getting nervously anxious as Christina's tragedy unfolded with their motorcycle accident. I was struggling with "unpleasant" flashbacks when she was describing the hospital scenes but as I continued to read, she would be praying relentlessly for her husband's "healing" and asking very direct questions to God that I would not have had the courage to do so. Never have I read a book displaying so much genuine honesty, undying faith and deep love for the Lord even when Christina felt he was silent. Although our tragedies were very different, the thoughts and feelings were very much the same. This book really spoke volumes to me. Christina is so inspiring and her writing is filled with such deep emotions and extremely witty humor in the midst of their chaotic, real-life tragedy. Careers take a back seat while God, continuous prayers for healing and the love of family takes priority.
I not only related to her story but I truly felt comforted especially at the end when Christina's young daughter, Lilly, expressed a simple, profound statement that made me finally "get it".....It helped me break through a barrier that I had been stuck on.
I highly recommend this book to anyone but especially to those who have suffered a tragedy.
A very special thanks to Bethany House Publishing for providing me with a copy to review.
Amazon.com
This review is from: Whisper of Peace, A (Paperback)
Clay Selby and his step-sister, Vivian travel from Oklahoma to Alaska as missionaries with a vision of opening a mission and converting the "Athabascan" tribe to Christianity. The story took an interesting twist when Lizzie, Vivian and Clay met and bonded so closely putting the mission along with their goals in jeopardy because the tribe would not accept Lizzie back into the village. The storyline was a shining example of how God has a unique plan for all of us, if we allow HIM to do HIS will. It also dealt with forgiveness, reconciliation, love and compassion.
Thank you Bethany House Publishing for allowing me the opportunity to review this book. I highly recommend this enjoyable, "easy read" fiction novel and look forward to reading more of Kim Vogel Sawyer's work in the near future.
You can find this book at:
Amazon.com
or visit the author's website: http://www.kimvogelsawyer.com/
I received this free book from Bethany House as I volunteer reviewer. The title "Earthen Vessels" and the sub-title "Why are Bodies Matter to Our Faith" intrigued me. This is the first book I've come across that examined this subject and for this I thank the author. This intellectual book challenged me with new ideas and also confirmed beliefs that I value. Some of the verbiage of book sent me to my dictionary for clarification, although I didn't object to being stretched intellectually, I thought some simplification of his writing would have been made his thoughts clearer. Matthew Anderson's stated purpose for his book is to "provide a rough outline of a scriptural understanding of the human body so that we can begin to see how this might shape our lives." In presenting this outline, he revealed many subjects pertaining to the body that are considered controversial. Matthew Anderson is careful to share various positions of the controversies by quoting others and including his viewpoint. I especially enjoyed Chapter 5 "The Body Shaped by the World" as he presented insights regarding how the world has a profound effect on our inner lives.
Throughout the book he imparts some outstanding summary statements that I highlighted while reading, such as: "we are perpetually in danger of making Jesus our brand and the cross our logo", "our bodies do not just happen to die--they are mortal, incapable of avoiding the reality of decay and degeneration", and "presenting our members to God is at the heart of what it means to practice resurrection", just to name a few. These gems also helped by bringing clarification to the point of the chapter.
I would recommend this book for I think Matthew explores the topic with wisdom and honesty. It may take some perseverance to get through some of the chapters, but I consider it a worthwhile journey
This fictional story of Christine Sterling, a lonely middle-aged woman, the queen of people watching, whose keen sense of investigation takes her from observation to involvement. Christine finds an ally in her investigation, but her pursuit sets her at odds with her husband. Her involvement begins with curiousity but soon compassion becomes her driving force.
Go on this mysterious journey with Christine and you may find yourself sharpening your people-watching skills, and gaining new insights about yourself along the way.
You can find this book at:
Amazon.com
OR
Barnes and Noble
Catherine's Website
