Showing posts with label Inspirational. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Inspirational. Show all posts

Thursday, July 30, 2020

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

The Scripture Memory Map For Women by Barbour Publishing



Here is the book summary:
What Does Scripture Memorization Look Like? . . .
Find out in The Scripture Memory Map for Women.

This unique scripture memory journal is an engaging and creative way for you to treasure the truths of God's Word in your heart. Each page features a lovely 2-color design that guides you to write out specific scripture memory goals, thoughts, and more. . .which then create a specific "map" for you to follow as you memorize God's Word. Each map includes a spot to record the date, so you can look back through your journal and see how God's Word has been ingrained into your daily life. The Scripture Memory Map for Women will not only encourage you to become more familiar with God's Word. . .it will also help you build a healthy spiritual habit of Bible memorization for life! 

And now, my review:
I just loved this little book for jotting down the verses that God brings to mind to memorize.  It prompts different things to write down such as what prompted the verse to come to mind and what it means to me and my walk in Him.  It’s really great for keeping all the verses together in one place.  My only down is the amount of space for the memory verses. I tend to memorize more than one verse in a given passage.  There’s only 5 lines in a square for the verse space. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.




Friday, June 7, 2019

Prayer: Forty Days of Practice by Justin McRoberts and Scott Erickson

Prayer: Forty Days of Practice by [McRoberts, Justin, Erickson, Scott]















Here is the book summary:

A simple yet profound guide to facilitate the instinctively human desire to pray.

We pray because we are human, not because we are religious. Something in our nature points beyond itself; something in us searches for and desires personal connection with God. Although communicating with our Creator through prayer is innate, the effective practice of it often feels just beyond our reach. 
     This unique book guides you to pray in deeper and more authentic ways. The short prayers and thought-provoking imagery, interspersed with contemplative reflections and suggested practices, will stir, inform, and encourage you. The simplicity of the prayers and the aesthetic appeal of the images will inspire people in every facet of life, including those with no real religious background at all.



And now, my review:

Prayer Forty Days of Practice was a book that was very simple.  I received a digital copy of this to review and the images didn’t come out very well.  Maybe with the physical book, it might be laid out well and would be a blessing but for me, with this digital copy, it was hard for me to enjoy the art.  The words at times, seemed very simply put and this made the book extremely simple and lacking to me.  The author did add in a few example stories that added to some practices and I found those to be a great addition.  Infact, I think more of that would have fixed the lacking I was feeling.

I received an ARC in digital format of this book in exchange for my honest review.
https://www.amazon.com/Prayer-Forty-Practice-Justin-McRoberts-ebook/dp/B07D22TC1T/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=prayer+40+days&qid=1559920222&s=gateway&sr=8-2

https://www.christianbook.com/prayer-forty-days-of-practice/justin-mcroberts/9780525653059/pd/653052?product_redirect=1&search_term=prayer%2040%20days&Ntt=653052&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/prayer-justin-mcroberts/1128688691?ean=9780525653059#/


Seven Sundays by Alec Penix

Seven Sundays: A Faith, Fitness, and Food Plan for Lasting Spiritual and Physical Change by [Penix, Alec, Murphy, Myatt]














Here is the book summary:

A Biblically grounded, six-week plan to lead you on the path toward losing weight and getting healthier by focusing on the connections between spiritual and physical health—“Seven Sundays is a powerful tool that will enlighten you to see wellness and spirituality with a fresh perspective” (Kathie Lee Gifford).

In Seven Sundays, celebrity trainer and devoted follower of Christ Alec Penix explains the connection between faith and fitness, and shares both his own and his clients’ success stories. When our spiritual and physical bodies are built up simultaneously, we find ourselves more likely to stick with healthier, life-changing habits, appreciate what we have, be thankful for what we’ve gained (and lost), and feel content with how far we’ve traveled.

Seven Sundays is a six-week program that shows you how easy it is to undergo your own total transformation. The book is organized as a day-by-day journey in the same manner as a daily devotional. Over the course of each week, you will work on the “6 Pillars of Purpose” that build up this strength. You will also enjoy “Faith-Full” foods and explore a new spiritual theme each week. Ultimately, you’ll undertake a meaningful journey that will finally connect your body and spirit.

Seven Sundays is sure to “inspire people to become the best version of themselves, through strengthening their body, mind, and spirit” (Roma Downey, actress, producer, and New York Times bestselling author of Box of Butterflies). You’ll learn to embrace the fact that you deserve to exercise, eat right, and be healthy, and recognize your body as a spiritual vessel.



And now, my review:

Upon the completion, I found Seven Sundays by Alec Penix to be such a fulfilling, amazing read that I’ve been so blessed by and plan to reference for years in my journey of lasting health. This is a great fitness resource that not only works on the outward but MORE importantly directs us to reflect in and up to the Savior for a lasting lifestyle approach.  That’s my favorite part of the book BY FAR though I benefitted greatly and personally by the exercise and nutrition as well.  The heart of the author comes through each day of the journey for the length of Seven Sundays (and Praise be to Jesus for His work in this man’s life and His ministry placed on him to share with others this way).  I love the use of CHOSEN which you’ll understand when you purchase your copy of this top fitness resource and start your Seven Sundays’ journey. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Sundays-Fitness-Spiritual-Physical-ebook/dp/B07CMMHCSP/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=seven+sundays&qid=1559917815&s=gateway&sr=8-2

https://www.christianbook.com/seven-sundays-alec-penix/9781501189852/pd/189852?product_redirect=1&search_term=seven%20sunday&Ntt=189852&item_code=WW&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/seven+sundays?_requestid=932054

Friday, April 26, 2019

God is in the Small Stuff and it all matters by Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz

God Is in the Small Stuff 20th Anniversary Edition by [Bickel, Bruce, Jantz, Stan]
















Here is the book summary:

Stop worrying, and invite God into the details of your life!

Bruce & Stan's bestselling God Is in the Small Stuff is back and better than ever in this special 20th-anniversary edition! And their message--God is in all of life's little details--is as timely today as it was two decades ago. While encouraging you not to disregard the minor, insignificant things in life, God Is in the Small Stuff invites a better understanding of God's infinite character, reminding you that He is a personal and intimate God, involved in every detail of your life. God Is In the Small Stuff. . .and it all matters features 40 chapters covering topics like "Remember that God Loves You," "Discipline Yourself (No One Else Will)," and "Contentment Won't Kill You." Each chapter includes commentary in the classic, tongue-in-cheek Bruce & Stan style, followed by pithy, often humorous, wisdom. 



And now, my review:

This book is full of little snippets based on different topics and at first I was thinking it was really TOO basic but the book grew on me as I went.  I really enjoyed the love description in one of them.  Sometimes I’m just going along and then bam I hit on something that really speaks to me.  So as you pick up this one, my advice is to not give up on the first one you read but try another one and it just might hit you up for some reflection time.  Enjoy J

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
https://www.amazon.com/God-Small-Stuff-20th-Anniversary-ebook/dp/B07HYKPSS1/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_2?crid=1V3LKODS7MUBY&keywords=god+is+in+the+small+stuff+20th&qid=1556310425&s=gateway&sprefix=god+is+in+the+small+%2Caps%2C149&sr=8-2-fkmrnull

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/god-is-in-the-small-stuff-20th-anniversary-edition-bruce-bickel/1129071640?ean=9781683228905#/

https://www.christianbook.com/the-small-stuff-20th-anniversary-edition/bruce-bickel/9781683228905/pd/228907?event=ESRCG


Friday, March 1, 2019

Pathways by Tony Evans

Pathways: From Providence to Purpose by [Evans, Tony]

Here is the book summary:
God has a purpose for your life, and every action or event that occurs within it has been used to make that purpose a reality.

The story of Esther appears to be a series of coincidences strung together to deliver the Jews from certain death. However, God selected Esther for a particular purpose at a particular time. Discover your own pathway to purpose through learning principles on providence as Tony Evans takes us on a journey of epic proportions.

And now, my review:
Sharing powerful Truths from the book of Esther is what this book is all about.  The author references God as the Puppet-Master and Providential God.  He states that God is the God of reversals.  That’s my favorite part of the book!  There’s great comfort in “resting in God to be led down the pathway to Providence.”  “He is the One who prepares the pathways, but He calls us to walk on them (action).”  “It is God who makes the intersections on the pathways to your purpose.”   An added bonus that I really delighted in, was the inclusion of 13 pages of verses on God’s Sovereignty in the appendix at the end of the book.

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





Thursday, February 7, 2019

Suffering is Never for Nothing by Elisabeth Elliot

Suffering Is Never for Nothing by [Elliot, Elisabeth]

Here is the book summary:
Hard times come for all in life, with no real explanation. When we walk through suffering, it has the potential to devastate and destroy, or to be the gateway to gratitude and joy.

Elisabeth Elliot was no stranger to suffering. Her first husband, Jim, was murdered by the Waoroni people in Ecuador moments after he arrived in hopes of sharing the gospel. Her second husband was lost to cancer. Yet, it was in her deepest suffering that she learned the deepest lessons about God.

Why doesn’t God do something about suffering? He has, He did, He is, and He will.

Suffering and love are inexplicably linked, as God’s love for His people is evidenced in His sending Jesus to carry our sins, griefs, and sufferings on the cross, sacrificially taking what was not His on Himself so that we would not be required to carry it. He has walked the ultimate path of suffering, and He has won victory on our behalf.

This truth led Elisabeth to say, “Whatever is in the cup that God is offering to me, whether it be pain and sorrow and suffering and grief along with the many more joys, I’m willing to take it because I trust Him.”

Because suffering is never for nothing.

And now, my review.
Relating much with this author in different ways, this book has been beyond words to me, an off the chart work.  Like Corrie Ten Boom and Ruth Myers, Elisabeth Elliot shows the power of our God displayed in His creation for His glory.  She has taught me, blessed me, and stretched me.  The Truth she shared was right on target.  She has given some amazing challenges that I kept pausing while reading with a “HUMPH!”  I will treasure this book and already have it on my calendar to read it again.  I HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

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




Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Big and Little Coloring Devotional by Rachel Swanson


Here is the book summary:
Kids crave constant activities and attention. Adults crave quiet moments of refreshment. How can we achieve both? Big and Little Coloring Devotional engages adults’ minds with appealing biblical devotionals while providing a creative outlet through coloring to diffuse stress.
Let’s have fun with our children through coloring and facilitate their spiritual growth with Scripture. Big and Little Coloring Devotional will incorporate physical, spiritual, and emotional refreshment by providing authentic faith-filled devotionals combined with therapeutic doodling for both the adult and child.

And now, my review:
This book is great!  It inspires the artist in me and encourages my soul with His Word along the way.  Also, it is a HUGE encouragement for my children to do this with me at the same time on their sides.  It’s all about sitting across from each other and creating masterpieces while we talk about His Truths and the Hope we have because of it.  This book encourages us to do it together instead of you do your thing and I’ll do my thing and we’ll meet up later.  I love things that encourage me to be intentional with my gifts (my children) and it’s coloring, who doesn’t love to color?!?!

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





Wednesday, September 19, 2018

The Daily Question for You and Your Child by Waterbrook


Here is the book summary:
A fun, thought-provoking 365-question guided journal and keepsake that sparks daily interaction with your child to create a memory book capturing your child's life, personality, and faith journey.

This interactive prompted journal allows a parent to create a keepsake of three years of their child's life. By answering each of the 365 questions together on the same date each year, readers will get a unique and precious picture into their child's feelings, development, and personality. Some of the questions focus on spirituality and the child's heart, while some are meant to capture their creativity, spirit, and sense of humor. All questions spark conversations and memories that span well beyond the pages of this book.

And now, my review:
What a fun way to connect with my child every day and doing it for 3 years in a row, which is how the book is broken down, gives me loads of memorabilia.  The questions are simple for every age and yet pointed to get the best picture of my child at every age I am using the book.  I think I could even do it one year, wait for one to 2 years and journal again their thoughts, and wait and then do it for the final look into their world of answering these simple questions.  One of the questions: Describe a sunset.  The answer for this would grow with their abilities to describe such scenes.  Another question is: What is something you would teach someone else.  This would also change with years and it would be precious to capture in one place the sweet answers of my little one.  While doing this with my littlest one, she asks me after I write her responses, “what do you think Mama?”  In other words, she wants to hear how I would answer the questions, too. J  I love the connection that this book brings to our times together.  This is a great way for me to be intentional with my child every day of the year.

I received a copy of this book from Waterbrook in exchange for my honest review.  #PRHpartner  @WaterBrookMultnomah





Thursday, October 26, 2017

Shaken by Tim Tebow

Shaken: Young Reader's Edition: Fighting to Stand Strong No Matter What Comes Your Way by [Tebow, Tim]













Here is the book summary:
Your identity is defined--not by changing circumstances--

but an unchanging God!

Whether you’re celebrating an incredible victory or facing life’s biggest disappointment, your response will reveal who you really are.
In this powerful book designed specifically for young Christians, Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow provides an intimate look into how he’s been able to face professional triumphs and defeats and still emerge with his faith and identity intact.
 
In Shaken: The Young Reader’s Edition, Tebow shares his insight for shaping an identity based not on your highs and lows, but on God. He examines the courageous lives of Biblical figures and the many inspirational people he’s met to show you how to:
 
Overcome your fears and accept God’s perfect, unconditional love
Transform your insecurities into opportunities for growth
Embrace your unique, God-given talents to make a difference in your world
 
With honesty that speaks directly to the heart, Tebow will inspire you to build a God-centered identity and begin today to live out your divine purpose!
And now, my review:
I really enjoyed this book.  I liked how it showed me that God will always love me and be there by my side.  That no matter what happens I’m never alone.  He also showed with his words that it doesn’t matter what other people think of you, only what God thinks of you.  Tim’s writing is very descriptive and pulls you in and impacts the way you think for the glory of God. 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
https://www.amazon.com/Shaken-Readers-Fighting-Strong-Matter-ebook/dp/B01MT73EWV/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1509027420&sr=8-2&keywords=tim+tebow+shaken

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shaken-tim-tebow/1126434733?ean=9780735289963#/

https://www.christianbook.com/shaken-readers-edition-fighting-strong-matter/tim-tebow/9780735289963/pd/289963?event=ESRCG

Awaken by Priscilla Shirer

Awaken: 90 Days with the God Who Speaks by [Shirer, Priscilla]













Here is the book summary:
The choice of a devotional book is more personal than most. This kind of reading is not merely for the purpose of leisure and enjoyment. No, with this kind of resource you’re expecting and praying for something more. You want to hear from God, receive His direction, and be refreshed in the depths of your soul. Only God’s Word can do that.

So you need to choose wisely.

With her first devotional book, Priscilla Shirer makes your choice easy. For even though she’s written multiple best-selling books and Bible studies, including the 2016 ECPA “Christian Book of the Year” (Fervent), even though she regularly speaks to thousands at conference venues and churches around the world, even though she was the lead actress in a #1 box-office feature film (War Room) . . . It all starts for Priscilla where it all starts for you.

Alone with God. Alone with His Word. Eager to hear His voice. Prepared to humbly and obediently respond. She hopes, more than anything else, that the daily insights you receive in these pages will challenge, encourage, and strengthen you in every way.

These ninety devotions from the heart of a mom, wife, encourager, and friend will Awaken you each day with fresh insights gleaned from the Spirit of God. Ready to help you mine the treasures of Scripture and fortify you for the day ahead.
This devotional is . . . a good choice.
And now, my review:
Wow, another amazing book by an amazing woman of God, in humility and grace that God uses to speak to us His truths.  This book is set up in 90 different days with different subjects that you will find yourself resonating with.  At least that’s what happened to me.  One day I had read the reading for that day and then was in a conversation with a friend who mentioned the struggle of that day and I just handed her my kindle to read that days reading and she was SO blessed!  Praise the Lord!  One of my favorites that hit home for me and was such a visual that I just loved was day 8.  It has to do with circus animals and the circles that train them and being set free only to find themselves struggling to break away from the circles of habits.  I highly recommend this book and this author to you.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
https://www.amazon.com/Awaken-Days-God-Who-Speaks-ebook/dp/B076MMRVXZ/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1509025535&sr=1-3&keywords=awaken+priscilla+shirer

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/awaken-priscilla-shirer/1126171086?ean=9781462776344#/

https://www.christianbook.com/awaken-days-with-who-speaks-ebook/priscilla-shirer/9781462776375/pd/93140EB?product_redirect=1&Ntt=93140EB&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

Thursday, September 7, 2017

Journey into Grace by Darlene Sala, Bonnie Sala, Luisa Reyes-Ampil

Journey into Grace: 150 Encouraging Devotions for Women by [Sala, Darlene, Sala, Bonnie, Reyes-Ampil, Luisa]

















Here is the book summary:
Life is a journey of joyful moments and painful moments, including twists and turns that threaten to undo us. But if we allow God to work through the joy and the pain, that journey can lead to the life-sustaining richness of His Grace and an intimate relationship with Him.  That truth is the core of international speaker and teacher Darlene Sala’s new women’s devotional, Journey into Grace. With Darlene’s heartfelt voice alongside two coauthors, including her daughter, Bonnie, the 150 readings explore themes such as fear, forgiveness, learning, loving, prayer, and relationships.  This book offers women quiet moments with God as they bring their real life challenges to His feet.

And now, my review:
What a great little devotional.  If you are looking for a thought provoking, easy to read devotional that draws you in quickly and make you think, this may just be the book for you.  I have really enjoyed reading through these.  One of them is about a trapeze artist and his need for 3 things that I need in my life as well.  They are Trust, Timing, and Holding my Position.  I just loved that one.  If I were to pick a favorite I would pick one called “Make a Left”.  This one challenged to not look to the right or left but look to Jesus!  If you’re looking for an encouraging, thought provoking, simply yet amazing devotional you’ll want to pick this one up. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
https://www.amazon.com/Journey-into-Grace-Encouraging-Devotions-ebook/dp/B071RNQC85/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1504825637&sr=8-2&keywords=Journey+into+Grace

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/journey-into-grace-darlene-sala/1125461105?ean=9781683222859#/

https://www.christianbook.com/journey-grace-encouraging-devotions-women-ebook/darlene-sala/9781683225119/pd/92337EB?event=ESRCG

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Door to Freedom by Jana Kelley

Door to Freedom: A Contemporary Novel by [Kelley, Jana]


















Here is the book summary:
"It's rough and it's smooth. It's dark and it's light. It's a masterpiece. It's us. Here in Sudan. We are scared of it and drawn to it. There is an open door, and there is much opposition."

In the dusty, Islamic country of Sudan, Mia, who is raising her family in a Muslim country, has learned to boldly share her faith. Rania, the daughter of a wealthy Sudanese Arab, seeks to find the reason for her sister’s sudden disappearance. Mia holds some of the answers, but both women quickly discover they must each walk through their own doors to freedom—the freedom that only comes when you trust God’s sovereignty more than man-made security.

Part of New Hope® Publishers’ line of contemporary missional fiction, Door to Freedom, the sequel to Side by Side, opens the reader’s eyes to modern-day persecution and the life of Muslims in Sudan. Based on real-life events, Door to Freedom also reveals some of the struggles that Christians face when living under Islamic law. The reader will be inspired to pray for those who are persecuted for their faith as well as for the salvation of the persecutors.

And now, my review:

What an amazing book.  Feet on the ground in a country apposed to the gospel of Jesus Christ.  What a great read to put you prayerfully in touch with life lived for the sole purpose to share the gospel in the situation you have been placed in.  I love the open door for the gospel parts!  This read kept me reading and reflecting on what was to come next.  It made me want to keep reading to know how it continues to work out for this family in this place.  I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.  I also look forward to reading more like this in the future.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51yprx5MaXL.jpg

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/door-to-freedom-jana-kelley/1124423440?ean=9781625915160

https://www.christianbook.com/door-to-freedom-jana-kelley/9781625915160/pd/915165?product_redirect=1&Ntt=915165&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP