Discovering God Through the Arts by Terry Glaspey

Here is the book summary:

What does art have to do with faith?

For many Christians, paintings, films, music, and other forms of art are simply used for wall decoration, entertaining distraction, or worshipful devotion. But what if the arts played a more prominent role in the Christian life?

In Discovering God through the Arts, discover how the arts can be tools for faith-building, life-changing spiritual formation for all Christians. Terry Glaspey, author of 75 Masterpieces Every Christian Should Know, examines:

·       How the arts assist us in prayer and contemplation

·       How the arts help us rediscover a sense of wonder

·       How the arts help us deal with emotions

·       How the arts aid theological reflection and so much more.

Let your faith be enriched, and discover how beauty and creativity can draw you nearer to the ultimate Creator.

And now, my review:

I was really excited about this book when I first saw it.  I love including art to my times with the Lord whether it is enjoying a painting or creating a piece myself.  One of my highlights from the book was that the author includes questions and exercises to try at the end of each chapter.  I found those to be helpful to sit with the paintings he chose to include in the book.  I did find some of his words at the beginning of the book to be quite telling of where he’s at with his walk with the Lord.  Everyone has a story that they are trying to tell.  For this author it was about not playing it safe but jumping into pools that dibble… well, I haven’t finished the book yet but let’s just say I’m not onboard with all of what he says.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Discovering-God-through-Arts-Appreciating/dp/0802419976/ref=sr_1_1?crid=V51J76239MUW&dchild=1&keywords=discovering+god+through+the+arts&qid=1629833621&sprefix=discovering+God+through%2Caps%2C207&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/discovering-through-christians-appreciating-beauty-creativity/terry-glaspey/9780802419972/pd/419976?event=ESRCN 

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/discovering-god-through-the-arts-terry-glaspey/1138772366?ean=9780802419972

No Journey too Far by Carrie Turansky

Here is the book summary:

A family long divided, a mysterious trunk, and a desperate journey across the ocean—all in the name of love. The epic saga of the McAlisters continues in this riveting sequel to No Ocean Too Wide.
 
In 1909, Grace McAlister set sail for Canada as one of the thousands of British Home Children taken from their families and their homeland. Though she is fortunate enough to be adopted by wealthy parents, the secrets of her past are kept hidden for ten years until someone from her long-buried childhood arrives on her doorstep. With this new connection to her birth family, will she be brave enough to leave her sheltered life in Toronto and uncover the truth?
 
After enduring hardship as an indentured British Home Child, Garth McAlister left Canada to serve in World War I. His sweetheart, Emma Lafferty, promised to wait for his return, but after three long years apart, her letters suddenly stopped. When Garth arrives home from the war to unexpected news, he is determined to return to Canada once more on a daunting mission to find the two women he refuses to abandon—his long-lost sister and his mysteriously missing sweetheart.

And now, my review:

This is a book of much adventure with a twist of a court-hearing and a reconnection with long lost relationships because of the setting of war.  This book continues the story of the results of a family shipped across the sea to be offered over to families to be raised.  There was a separation of the children and this is the story of one of the children.  It’s exciting to read about the development of the life of this young lady.  The excitement of growing up and connecting with her love.  I’m really enjoying all the books in this series. 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/No-Journey-Too-Far-McAlister-ebook/dp/B08GJZ4DCT/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=no+journey+too+far&qid=1628545164&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/no-journey-too-far-a-novel/carrie-turansky/9780525652953/pd/652954?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/no-journey-too-far-carrie-turansky/1137528590?ean=9780525652953

I Give Up by Laura Story

Here is the book summary:

Most of us long to be in control—of our schedule, our relationships, and our future.

Newlywed Laura Story thought she had control over the great life ahead of her. After all, she followed Jesus and had a promising new job as a worship leader. Why would God not want to fulfill her dreams?

But when Laura and her husband, Martin, faced a brain tumor, infertility, and a son’s birth defect, she realized she’d been looking for a happiness that comes from circumstances, rather than a deeper joy that comes from God. Again and again, Laura had to surrender her vision for her life so she could embrace God’s vision. And again, and again she learned that even in the midst of shattered dreams, God’s plan brought greater joy than she could have imagined.

Now the Grammy Award–winning singer-songwriter known for such hits as “Blessings,” “Indescribable,” and “Mighty to Save” shares her powerful story of finding blessing in her deepest pain. In, I Give Up, Laura explores:

·       How to delight in God’s gifts no matter your circumstances.

·       Why waiting on God is a daily decision, not a step-by-step process.

·       The strength we find from meditating on God’s Word.

·       Why surrendering to God leads to reconciliation with others.

·       How the things we consider to be losses are ways for God to display his glory.

As Laura writes, she no longer wants to be in control of her life. She wants to be rooted in the God who is in control. I Give Up will help you Discover a deeper life of worship, a fuller life of joy, and a freer life of true surrender as you open your hands to God. And give up.

And now, my review:

I found I Give Up by Laura Story to be a raw read of genuine transparency of one living what she is writing about.  I was blessed that this author shared the nitty gritty with her readers and I was thankful that I was one of them.  She shares of God’s faithfulness as she’s living the life that is laid before her.  What she thought life was going to look like and what it actually looks like for her.  Surrender is a main theme in all she shares. 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Give-Up-Secret-Surrendered-Life/dp/078522629X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=I+give+up&qid=1628544413&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/give-the-secret-joy-surrendered-life/laura-story/9780785226291/pd/226298?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/i-give-up-laura-story/1129856651?ean=9780785226291

Winning the Gentleman by Kristi Ann Hunter

Here is the book summary:

Aaron Whitworth hasn't had control over most aspects of his life, but he's always taken pride in being an honorable businessman and better-than-average horseman. When both of those claims are threatened, he makes the desperate decision to hire the horse trainer of a traveling circus as a temporary jockey for his racehorses.

Sophia Fitzroy knows that most horsemen don't take her seriously because she's a woman, but she can't pass up the opportunity to get away from the tumultuous world of travel and performing. As she fights for the right to do the work she was hired for, she learns the fight for Aaron's guarded heart might be an even more worthwhile challenge.

As secrets come to light and past vulnerabilities are confronted, will Aaron and Sophia sacrifice their former dreams and forge a new one together--against all odds?

And now, my review:

What a fun adventure I felt that I was on while reading this one.  To have a woman come on the scene to race this man’s horses was well played out.  I really enjoyed watching her devotion to her brother and concern for him.  She’s a woman of integrity that comes out of the background of working for the circus.  If she can hold onto her horse through the stunts she has to pull in the program for the circus, she can hold on through a race.  This is the second book in a series by this author.  I’ve read both of them and really enjoyed them.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Winning-Gentleman-Hearts-Kristi-Hunter-ebook/dp/B08CJPG9P5/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=winning+the+gentleman&qid=1628543453&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/winning-the-gentleman-kristi-hunter/9780764235269/pd/235269?event=ESRCN

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/winning-the-gentleman-kristi-ann-hunter/1137151803?ean=9780764235269

Learn to Carve Gnomes, Trolls, and Mythical Creatures by Sara Barraclough

 
Here is the book summary:

A delightful woodcarving book devoted solely to magical little creatures!

·       15 beginner-friendly projects with step-by-step instructions and coordinating photography

·       Full-size patterns with painting and finishing instructions for each project

·       Instructional guide for carvers of all skill levels to learn how to whittle and carve a variety of fantastical creatures

·       Progress your skills, from easy projects like a simple mushroom house to an intermediate elf and gnome to a more advanced dragon, wizard, and more

·       Author Sara Barraclough is a master carver, a regular contributor to Woodcarving Illustrated magazine, and the author of Weekend Whittling Projects

Carve a world of fantasy!

The perfect source of inspiration for whittlers and carvers alike, Learn to Carve Gnomes, Trolls, and Mythical Creatures boasts a menagerie of 15 woodcarving projects for any skill level! This woodcarving book is devoted to the booming popularity of gnomes and their charismatic features, from their floppy hats to their expressive eyes, as well as other magically charming creatures and objects. From a happy hedgehog and a darling dragon to a forgetful wizard and a whimsical unicorn, Learn to Carve Gnomes, Trolls, and Mythical Creatures is the perfect source of woodcarving inspiration!

Sure to conjure up your carving creativity, this exciting guide contains 15 step-by-step projects that carefully progress in difficulty from easy to more challenging, but can all be completed with just a few tools. With complete plans and step-by-step instructions and photography, you'll learn how to carve charismatic characters and objects full of magic, whimsy, and personality, including an owl, a sassy squirrel, a tiny woodsman, a sleepy fox, a troll with a will-o'-the-wisp, an elf, a cheeky toad, and much more! Along with the skill-building projects, you'll also find helpful overviews on materials and tools before getting started, detailed step-by-step photography, and guidance on painting and finishing each completed project.

Author Sara Barraclough is a master carver and a regular contributor to Woodcarving Illustrated magazine, as well as the author of the incredibly charming Weekend Whittling Projects. With a detailed introduction on materials and tools, as well as helpful tips on painting and finishing each piece, Sara will walk you through every stage of the carving process.

Beginners and pros alike will get a kick out of the super-simple, sweet designs rich with charismatic personality inside this book. Bring to life a magical array of gnomes, elves, animals, ogres, and more, with Learn to Carve Gnomes, Trolls and Mythical Creatures!

And now, my review:

I just really enjoyed looking through this Learning to Carve book.  My neighbor was a master carver and so we have greatly enjoyed carvings over the years with us not doing much carving ourselves.  This book makes me want to grab out some wood, supplies, and tools and get carving. This author makes it look so fun and she gives great ideas to get started.  She included measurements for the wood blocks along with painting ideas.

I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.   

https://www.amazon.com/Learn-Gnomes-Trolls-Mythical-Creatures/dp/1497101123/ref=sr_1_3?crid=TVCY7IL5HXBD&dchild=1&keywords=learn+to+carve+gnomes%2C+trolls+and+mythical+creatures&qid=1628513830&sprefix=learn+to+carve+gn%2Caps%2C329&sr=8-3

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learn-to-carve-gnomes-trolls-and-mythical-creatures-sara-barraclough/1136389586?ean=9781497101128

Prayer in the Night by Tish Harrison Warner

Here is the book summary:

How can we trust God in the dark? 

Framed around a nighttime prayer of Compline, Tish Harrison Warren, author of Liturgy of the Ordinary, explores themes of human vulnerability, suffering, and God's seeming absence. When she navigated a time of doubt and loss, the prayer was grounding for her. She writes that practices of prayer "gave words to my anxiety and grief and allowed me to reencounter the doctrines of the church not as tidy little antidotes for pain, but as a light in darkness, as good news."
Where do we find comfort when we lie awake worrying or weeping in the night? This book offers a prayerful and frank approach to the difficulties in our ordinary lives at work, at home, and in a world filled with uncertainty.

And now, my review:

This book has numerous authors pulled together with different prayers for those moments/times of darkness.  When you put together a book with many voices you are bound to love some and not others.  That was what I found with this one.  I loved what Tish had to share.  There are some really great insights and sharing in there.  It’s a type of book that you can skip around with.  When I started it, I just opened it and went to a random reading.  I was surprisingly disappointed.  I then read another and another and was not liking it at all.  So, I put the book down after reading quite a few.  A couple days later, I tried again.  That time I started at the beginning and loved what I read and kept going with it.  I was so thankful that I tried again!  Bottom-line is that I didn’t like some but for the ones I did like, it’s well worth the read!  Pick it up and see what you think. 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Prayer-Night-Those-Work-Watch-ebook/dp/B08C9JX4GR/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=prayer+in+the+night&qid=1628264982&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExR0kySlJBVFo4R0JLJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNjc5Mjg5MkZPSUg3RzkzMzQxNSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNzY0NTAyM1VPMFhOOFYwUkVDWiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

https://www.christianbook.com/prayer-night-those-work-watch-weep/tish-warren/9780830846795/pd/846795?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/prayer-in-the-night-tish-harrison-warren/1137285263?ean=9780830846795

From This Moment by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Here is the book summary:

A lost ring brings together two wounded souls—a youth minister haunted by the past and a spunky church custodian—in this heartwarming romance from the bestselling author of The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow.
 
“Kim Vogel Sawyer is an amazing storyteller who crafts each of her stories with page-turning excitement and rich character development.”—Tracie Peterson, bestselling author of the Golden Gate Secrets series

Growing up in the foster care system, Jase Edgar always dreamed of one day starting his own family. But his fiancée's untimely death shattered his plans. Moving to Kansas and serving as a youth minister should be a fresh start, but he can't seem to set aside his doubts about God's goodness long enough to embrace his new life.

Newly-appointed church custodian, Lori Fowler is battling her own challenges. Her strained relationship with her father and her struggles with overeating convince her she's not worthy enough for love. When an Amish weaver enlists their help locating the owner of a ring found among the donated clothing she uses as fabric, Jase and Lori find themselves drawn to each other. But will they be able to release the past and move forward from this moment into a joyful future?

And now, my review:

From This Moment by Kim Vogel Sawyer had my heart tugged toward it all the way through.  There is heartbreak, loss, change, new beginnings, restoration, and more.  The brownies had my mouth watering even though I’m not a brownie-type person.  This author has a way with words that I just love.  I love the phrases that she uses like “he must have lost his ever-lovin’ mind,” “flibbertigibbet,” and “we need your thinker for a problem.”  The characters were believable and I loved how they all interacted.  Yes, to this one!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/This-Moment-Kim-Vogel-Sawyer/dp/0525653686/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=from+this+moment&qid=1628195305&sr=8-5 

https://www.christianbook.com/from-this-moment-a-novel/kim-sawyer/9780525653684/pd/653684?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/from-this-moment-kim-vogel-sawyer/1137077499?ean=9780525653684

Opening to God by David Benner

 

Here is the book summary:

Most Christians want to experience spiritual transformation. But many are frustrated by the limited progress of our spiritual self-improvement efforts. We find our praying burdened by a sense of obligation and failure.
But prayer is not merely something we do; prayer is what God does in us. Prayer is not just communication with God―it is communion with God. As we open ourselves to him, God does the spiritual work of transformation in us.
Spiritual director and psychologist David Benner invites us to discover openness to God as the essence of prayer, spirituality, and the Christian life. Prayer is far more than saying words to God; all of life can be prayer when offered to God in faith and with openness. Using the four movements of lectio divina, Benner explores prayer as attending, pondering, responding, and being. Along the way he opens us to a world of possibilities for communion with God: praying with our senses, with imagination, with music and creativity, in contemplation, in service, and much more.
Learn how prayer can be a way of living. Move beyond words to become not merely someone who prays, but someone whose entire life is prayer in union with God.
This expanded edition includes a new afterword and an experiential guide with questions for individual reflection or group discussion.

And now, my review:

Despite our differences in some parts of what we believe, when I saw Opening to God by David G Benner come out, I was really looking forward to reading it because of the topic and how it might lend well into spiritual direction.  I love Lectio Divina and looked forward to seeing what he included in this read.  I enjoyed his invitations to take a moment to note… or take a pause to pray… things serve as a call to pause…  He also includes information on the examen, which he calls an exercise of God-spotting, and the labyrinth.  He includes quotes from other people in his books. 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Opening-God-Lectio-Divina-Prayer-ebook/dp/B08LMX4NM4/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=opening+to+God&qid=1628194021&sr=8-4

https://www.christianbook.com/opening-lectio-divina-and-life-prayer/david-benner/9780830846863/pd/846863?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/opening-to-god-david-g-benner/1111417266?ean=9780830835508

Let it be Me by Becky Wade

 

Here is the book summary:

Former foster kid Sebastian Grant has leveraged his intelligence and hard work to become a pediatric heart surgeon. But not even his career success can erase the void he's tried so hard to fill. Then he meets high school teacher Leah Montgomery and his fast-spinning world comes to a sudden stop. He falls hard, only to make a devastating discovery--Leah is the woman his best friend set his heart on months before.
Leah's a math prodigy who's only ever had one big dream--to earn her PhD. Raising her little brother put that dream on hold. Now that her brother will soon be college bound, she's not going to let anything stand in her way. Especially romance . . . which is far less dependable than algebra.
When Leah receives surprising results from the DNA test she submitted to a genealogy site, she solicits Sebastian's help. Together, they comb through hospital records to uncover the secrets of her history. The more powerfully they're drawn to each other, the more strongly Sebastian must resist, and the more Leah must admit that some things in life--like love--can't be explained with numbers.

And now, my review:

I really enjoy reading books by this author and this book didn’t disappoint.  I felt like the plot was believable and it was heart-wrenching to think that happens to some people.  The love storyline was tastefully romantic.  My heart went out to Ben.  On the downside, I also found myself frustrated with the main female.  There seemed to be a side of today’s agendas that I didn’t think was necessary to bring into an enjoyable read. 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Let-Be-Misty-River-Romance/dp/0764235613/ref=monarch_sidesheet

https://www.christianbook.com/let-it-be-me-2/becky-wade/9780764235610/pd/235611?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/let-it-be-me-becky-wade/1137897819?ean=9780764235610