Something Needs to Change by David Platt

Here is the book summary:

The New York Times best-selling author of Radical takes readers on a soul-searching journey through impoverished villages in the Himalayan mountains, daring them to make a difference in a world of urgent need, starting right where they live.

“Grippingly vulnerable and unforgettable. I could not put this book down.”—Ann Voskamp, author of One Thousand Gifts

While leading a team on a week-long trek of the Himalayas, bestselling author and pastor David Platt was stunned by the human needs he encountered, an experience so dramatic that it "changed the trajectory of my life." Meeting a man who'd lost his eye from a simple infection and seeing the faces of girls stolen from their families and trafficked in the cities, along with other unforgettable encounters, opened his eyes to the people behind the statistics and compelled him to wrestle with his assumptions about faith. In Something Needs to Change, Platt invites readers to come along on both the adventure of the trek, as well as the adventure of seeking answers to tough questions like, "Where is God in the middle of suffering?" "What makes my religion any better than someone else's religion?" and "What do I believe about eternal suffering?" Platt has crafted an irresistible message about what it means to give your life for the gospel--to finally stop talking about faith and truly start living it.

And now, my review:

I found Something Needs to Change by David Platt to be a book that was an easy flowing read that brought with it challenges.  As I read through, I was really blessed that he went through the book of Luke on his journey in the mountains.  I enjoyed reading Luke through with him and also reading his journal entries.  He describes his interactions with the men he journeyed with and with the mountain people he came in contact with and heard about.  One time he got to share at a church service on the top of a mountain where people had to walk for hours to gather as a body of believers.  And then after the gathering they had to journey back down the mountain to their homes in the dark.  I felt that the author didn’t hold much back but he shared some raw challenges that he faced and how he feels God is leading him forward.  If you choose to read this book, which I highly recommend, be aware that you will be challenged right along with the author in the pursuit of following closely with the Savior in the needs of the world.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Something-Needs-Change-Count-Urgent/dp/0735291411/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Something+needs+to+change&qid=1568760256&s=gateway&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/something-needs-change-count-world-urgent/david-platt/9780735291416/pd/291417?product_redirect=1&search_term=something%20needs%20to%20&Ntt=291417&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/something-needs-to-change-david-platt/1130946629?ean=9780735291416#/

Raising Successful Teens by Jeffrey Dean

Here is the book summary:

This revised and updated edition of The Fight of Your Life features a new title, refreshed design, and 70% new content.

From every side--the Internet, social media, interactions with friends, in both their public and private lives--teens are persuaded to follow the world's way over God's every day. Culture's mantra "live for today" has become the slogan of this generation! But, one thing remains true--mom and dad are still the greatest influence in the life of their child. 

Based on timeless biblical truths, Raising Successful Teens equips parents with positive, encouraging, and practical advice. A family and teen culture expert with more than 25 years of ministry experience, Jeffrey Dean gives parents the street-level approach they need to help their teens wisely and safely navigate technology, friendships, dating relationships, social media, and more. Parents will learn how to keep the lines of communication open and stay involved in their teens' lives.

And now, my review:

Raising Successful Teens by Jeffrey Dean is a well-flowing book of encouragement for parents.  I felt that this book helps parents to see the difference between Truth and the lies we buy into.  What I mean by this is he points out that God has placed us as the parents to our teens and He (God) has a purpose in it.  He is equipping us to parent them all the way through.  Our teens need us in their lives and He (God) will give us all that we need when we need it.  The enemy on the other hand is relentless to deceive our teens.  This author points out plans to help us parent and for me personally with 3 teens in my house, this was a Godsend of a book.  Very timely.  If you’re a parent or involved with teens, I recommend you pick up this book.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Raising-Successful-Teens-Child-Wisely/dp/0525653244/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=raising+successful+teens&qid=1567730690&s=gateway&sr=8-2

https://www.christianbook.com/raising-successful-teens-child-honor-wisely/jeffrey-dean/9780525653240/pd/653240?product_redirect=1&search_term=raising%20successful&Ntt=653240&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/raising-successful-teens-jeffrey-dean/1129999281?ean=9780525653240#/

Obedience Over Hustle by Malinda Fuller

Here is the book summary:

The world promises recognition and promotion if we "hustle harder," but at what cost?

Join the counter-cultural movement of choosing surrender over striving.

Throughout scripture, we encounter individuals who had to face the hard reality that their dreams and time lines weren't God's best plan. By exploring these biblical narratives alongside her own personal stories of radical obedience, author Malinda Fuller encourages readers to respond to the questions God asks each of us: "Will you trust Me? . . . Will you do what I'm asking you to do?”

Fuller's challenge to all of us is to yield to God's voice—no matter where He leads or what He asks, whether it's complicated or straightforward, accepted by others or challenging to understand, and regardless of how it makes us feel (even if it appears foolish). May we have the courage to surrender to His plan and His timing—to choose obedience over hustle.

And now, my review:

I enjoyed this non-fiction read.  This author talks about stopping the striving and focusing on what God is calling you to do.  As you do this, walking it out in obedience.  The importance of having a life defined by obedience.  So true!  She talks about her experience with what to say no to and what to say yes to.  She talks about walking in what God has called us to, choosing contentment, and listening for His voice. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Obedience-Over-Hustle-Surrender-Striving-ebook/dp/B07Q7958GW/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1922F29GQ1K6I&keywords=obedience+over+hustle&qid=1567728292&s=gateway&sprefix=obedience+over%2Caps%2C183&sr=8-2


https://www.christianbook.com/obedience-over-hustle-surrender-striving-heart/malinda-fuller/9781643520759/pd/520759?event=ESRCN

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/obedience-over-hustle-malinda-fuller/1130020344?ean=9781643520759#/

Practicing the Present by John Koessler

Here is the book summary:

The present is more than a place where the past comes to rest.

It is more than a staging ground for the future.

The present is where God shows up.

We live our lives in the present, but often our minds are racing toward the future or overwhelmed by the past. We want to change the past and control the future, but usually all we really do is exhaust ourselves in the here and now. Writing especially with church leaders in mind, Dr. John Koessler, a former pastor and professor, teaches you how to evade the tyranny of past regrets and future plans and meet God right where you are, in the present.

And now, my review:
I am so thankful that I read Practicing the Presence by John Koessler.  I found quite a few helpful things in the book and found myself nodding “yes” as I read through it.  My ultimate favorite chapters were nine and ten.  As a person who enjoys time alone in His presence on a very regular basis, I found great connection to the author on this.  I’m always on the lookout for books in this area and I was not disappointed.  I’m about to embark on leading another 4-day silent retreat and I’m excited that I got to read this beforehand.  I did find the middle to be a bit dry or non-catching for me.  It might have been distractions at the time of reading. 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
https://www.amazon.com/Practicing-Present-Neglected-Art-Living/dp/0802418686/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3CZBBY2TO16NA&keywords=practicing+the+present+john+koessler&qid=1564693453&s=gateway&sprefix=Practicng+the+present%2Caps%2C176&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/practicing-present-neglected-art-living-now/john-koessler/9780802418685/pd/418682?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/practicing-the-present-john-m-koessler/1129757358?ean=9780802418685#/

A Reluctant Bride by Jody Hudlund

Here is the book summary:

Living in London's poorest slum, Mercy Wilkins has little hope of a better life. When she's offered an opportunity to join a bride ship sailing to British Columbia, she agrees. After witnessing so much painful heartache and loss in the slums, the bride ship is her only prospect to escape a bleak future, not only for herself but, she hopes, someday for her sister.

Wealthy and titled Joseph Colville leaves home and takes to the sea in order to escape the pain of losing his family. As ship's surgeon, he's in charge of the passengers' welfare aboard the Tynemouth, including sixty brides-to-be. He has no immediate intention of settling down, but when Mercy becomes his assistant, the two must fight against a forbidden love.

With hundreds of single men congregating on the shore eager to claim a bride from the Tynemouth, will Mercy and Joseph lose their chance at true love, or will they be able to overcome the obstacles that threaten to keep them apart?


And now, my review:
I found A Reluctant Bride by Jody Hedlund to be a story that kept me reading.  It had twists and turns and wasn’t your typical story.  The premise of the women traveling west and the reason to travel was to become brides to the men of Canada.  The main lady, Mercy, travels at the last minute not knowing the criteria to marry, and having had a past of not being so much in favor of marriage, finds herself in quite a predicament.  There’s a doctor, Joseph, who is of high class station aboard and love soars.  I just loved it.  Another great one by Jody Hedlund!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
https://www.amazon.com/Reluctant-Bride-Ships/dp/0764232959/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=39DTWIKA1MPU2&keywords=a+reluctant+bride+jody+hedlund&qid=1564692637&s=gateway&sprefix=a+reluctant+%2Caps%2C152&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

https://www.christianbook.com/a-reluctant-bride-1/jody-hedlund/9780764232954/pd/232957?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-reluctant-bride-jody-hedlund/1129716516?ean=9780764232954#/

The Express Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse

Here is the book summary:

The Wilderness Is a Great Place to Hide
Jacqueline Rivers manages a Pony Express station in 1860 Utah territory after her father’s death. There are daily stresses placed on her in this unconventional role—and now a government official is asking her to sniff out counterfeiters. When Elijah Johnson passes through on the stage while on an exhausting quest to find his boss’s heir, he doesn’t want to leave the beguiling station manager. In fact, he may never leave when caught in the crossfire of the territory’s criminal activities. Jackie can’t decide if Elijah is friend or foe. Can she remain strong when secrets of the past and present are finally unearthed?  


And now, my review:
I found The Express Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse to be a very enjoyable read.  I’ve been reading each story in this series and loving each one.  This one has a greatness all of itself.  The plot was well thought out and I just loved it.  Not so typical and I found that to be refreshing.  The mystery and suspense was really gripping.  Love was in the air and just seeing what would come of the discovery of truth.  I would recommend you get this one and all the others in this series.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Express-Bride-Daughters-Mayflower-Book-ebook/dp/B07Q5WD2NP/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=the+express+bride&qid=1564681078&s=gateway&sr=8-2

https://www.christianbook.com/express-bride-kimberley-woodhouse/9781643520636/pd/520636?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-express-bride-kimberley-woodhouse/1129798582?ean=9781643520636

Core 52 by Mark E Moore

Here is the book summary:

Build your Bible IQ and Christian worldview in just fifteen minutes a day! Over the course of a year, Core 52 will help you master the 52 most important passages in the Bible. 
 
“You will gain the tools you need for living the life God has called you to.”—Kyle Idleman, pastor and author of Not a Fan 
 
“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”—1 Timothy 4:8 
 
Most of us want to know the Bible better, but few reach our goal, often because we’re too busy or we don’t know where to start. Core 52 removes both barriers, offering a common-sense solution that fits into our busy lives. Respected Bible professor and teaching pastor Mark E. Moore developed this proven process from thirty-five years of helping people grow deeper in God’s Word.
 
Each week features a brief essay, memory verse, Bible story, trajectory verses, and practical ways to put what you’ve learned into practice. An optional “Overachiever Challenge” offers the chance to memorize the top 100 Bible verses by year’s end. 
 
This simple approach allows you to become familiar with the big ideas of the Bible in less time and with less effort than other reading plans. In one year, you can master the core of the Bible—focusing on topics from God’s will to worry, happiness to holiness, and leadership to love. These fifty-two core passages are lenses through which you can read the rest of the Bible with clarity and confidence.


And now, my review:
Core 52 by Mark E. Moore is a great devotional.  Core 52 stands for 52 verses in the Bible that are powerful, influential verses.  Mark calls them the most important verses in the Bible.  I would have to agree that the verses he brings to each section show to have an impact throughout the Bible.  Mark is so thorough in showing the cross references as well as great in-depth explanations of the impact of each verse.  Here is the sign of a wise man.  Mark shows you where every thought came from by taking you to a verse.  These are not new ideas.  They are simply truths that are already present just brought out by a good teacher (Mark).  In other words, it's Bible based and no fluff.  

You better be ready to think and ponder a bit in this book.  It digs into things and reveals cultural and deeper theological truths.  There was a chapter called finding happiness that I read to my 17 year old son.  At the beginning he was barely listening while looking at another book.  By the end he was looking intently at me and his book was in his lap.  This has the power to engage people of all ages because it really speaks plainly to our soul’s needs and wants.

I can see this book generating incredible conversations in a small group as well.  At the end of each chapter are bullet points that could be further discussed in a group setting.

All in all I've really enjoyed this book and think others will too.  One of Mark's challenges at the end of each chapter is to memorize the verse from that chapter.  That's my plan now.  There has also been a website developed, core52.org, to go deeper.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
https://www.amazon.com/Core-52-Fifteen-Minute-Daily-Guide-ebook/dp/B07JL4B6ZY/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=core+52&qid=1564676170&s=gateway&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/fifteen-minute-daily-guide-build-bible/mark-moore/9780525653257/pd/653257?product_redirect=1&search_term=core&Ntt=653257&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/core-52-mark-e-moore/1129767635?ean=9780525653257#/