Torn: Trusting God When Life Leaves You in Pieces by Jud Wilhite - Book Review

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it really spoke to me because recently my life has sort of flipped upside down. I'm not one to air my laundry - I'm a very private personal(hello discretion), but I will say my life took quite a severe dip in the personal relationship area about six months ago. Since then, I've clung to the Lord; asking, seeking, and pleading for Him to lead the way and show me his purpose and will for me and my life. He's been faithful to do so, and even more! Along this hard road I've been reading lots of Christian based inspiration and spiritual growth books that have encouraged and helped me tremendously. Torn is one of them.

This side of heaven, we will never be content or fulfilled(this isn't our home and we weren't made to be content here). Often times life throws us curve-balls, tragedy strikes, or things just fall apart, but this book helps to put things in perspective - an eternal perspective - which is where our focus should be, on Him. It doesn't lessen the pain or realness of our emotions and feelings, but it does point to the only One who can heal us and bring good out of a bad situation or circumstance. I read through this book fairly quickly and soaked it up. I needed to hear that God brings good out of every single bad thing that happens in my life. That he's got a master plan that surpasses anything I could think was best for myself. He doesn't always deliver us from our problems or circumstances, but He PROMISES to walk through it with us. I can't think of anything that comforts my heart more when I'm hurting or having a hard time.

This book is written with a pastor's heart and is full of encouraging, raw, and powerful words. I highly recommend it to anyone who could use some encouragement in their life.

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Nearing Home Life, Faith, and Finishing Well by Billy Graham

It's safe to say Billy Graham is a Christian evangelist icon. He's spent his life sharing the "good news" and leading people to Christ. What an amazing life. Seriously. AMAZING, and I'm envious. If I thought I had enough wit and social/relational savyness to make it my life's work I would in a heartbeat. Because let's face it, "this life is a drop in the bucket" - as my Mom loves to say, but our souls are eternal. That's what really matters. Where we will spend eternity.

Wow, there's my first evangelist bit! Hey, I might just have a little knack for this, no? :)

Now about the book. Following suit with his other fabulous books, this one is just as great. It's definitely geared more for the more advanced(fancy for older) in age readers, but there's something to be gleaned from it for everyone. I personally enjoyed the essence of the book, which is, it really doesn't matter how you start or what you came from, it's about FINISHING WELL. Such a spot on concept because it's truth.

It also speaks to me personally because I'm a great starter. I get inspired by something and run with it! Research, purchase supplies, talk about it to people. Then a little ways into it I lose my steam, or motivation. Then there I am again looking around saying to myself. Seriously? How did this happen again? But I usually always push myself to finish.

This book is full of inspiration and firsthand knowledge of finishing well and how to do it. How to keep your focus on Him.

That's how it is with our Christian walk. New believers are hungry and fired up for the Word, learning and more of Jesus. Then life happens, complacency happens. We get in ruts, routines, or just make ourselves "busy". We neglect prayer and time with Jesus, being in his presence and time in the Word. It's ok though, we're human, we fall short, and it happens to all of us. The most important piece is to recognize it when it happens, shake it off(don't let condemnation phase you for a second), repent, and talk to the Lord about it. He's always right there ready to love on you and help in his merciful grace. He wants to equip you with everything you need for today and help you finish well.

It's all in surrender and constant communication with Him. He'll help you finish well. Promise. Just ask Him.

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The [expanded] Bible Book Review

Bibles are treasures to me. Bibles that are the TRUE word of God that is. Not bibles where things have been added, subtracted, or belong to particular groups of people that have their own "interpretations" of the bible, I'm talking the honest-to-goodness, raw, real deal, TRUE word of God. With that said, I was cautious and really curious to receive and pour over the new The Expanded Bible by Thomas Nelson Publishers. It claims to help the reader understand and comprehend the bible in a deeper more meaningful way, by providing a more modern language translation to the scriptures. To my delight it has passed the test! I am always wanting to dig deeper and learn more from God's word and this helps that! I read it slower than I do my Max Lucado NIV bible, since there are multiple expanded translations next to the traditional(original wording) text and I want to make sure I'm understanding what I'm reading. Something else I really enjoyed were the comments next to some of the words explaining what they were, and the wide margins for note taking. This would be a great bible for a new born-again believer, or someone who wants to learn more about God's word on a deeper level!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher 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.

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Living Beyond Your Feelings By Joyce Meyer Book Review

Joyce Meyer. Where do I even begin? I am a huge fan and sister in Christ to sister Joyce! I watch her show every morning while drinking my cup of jo and thoroughly enjoy every minute of it. I would LOVE to attend one of her conferences someday! She's always so encouraging and real, so it's easy to relate to her and what she's teaching. She also doesn't mince words, which I love - because really, we all need truth, so why skirt the issue, candy coat it, or dilute it? Why not just deliver the truth in a loving direct way? Enter Joyce Meyer! I own many of her books, some which I have read multiple times, and really love them all. Her new book Living Beyond Your Feelings is no exception. I didn't want put it down, but when I had to, I found my mind wandering and thinking of what I was going to read next! To me, that's confirmation of a good book - when you catch yourself wanting to pick it up when you have a free moment. So much of this book spoke to me. I think we all could learn, benefit from, and work on, managing our emotions. Her voice in this book is uplifting, and encouraging, and she gives lots of insight into self examination, which I think is something else I know I'm guilty of not doing or giving too much thought too. Slowing down, and reflecting on where we're at in our season of life we're in, and how we're doing in our daily walk is such a healthy thing to do! This is a book I will most definitely read a few times, and would encourage you to buy or borrow it and experience the positive message it brings!

I would like to kindly thank Faithwords for my copy of this book! 

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Abundant Life Day Book Review

If you enjoy daily devotionals, like I do, you will go crazy for this new 365-day devotional from Nancy Guthrie!  It is geared towards women, but I think even men would benefit from it as well.  The book is small and sturdy, and the design is so beautiful! Black, white, and lovely bright green accents inside with a hot green ribbon marker too!  Ha!  I notice things like that. I know it's silly, but I adore beautifully designed goodies.  Maybe it's because my dad is in marketing that I notice how well designed things are.  Regardless, besides being a dynamite devotional book, it's well and beautifully made.

What sets this devotional apart is each day has it's title with a scripture below it, then Nancy writes an excerpt expounding on the scripture as if it's God speaking directly to you, to your heart.  It's hard to explain exactly how she's written them, but I'm telling you, you will not be disappointed with this book, you may even want to order an extra to give as a gift to your mom, girlfriend, or sister!

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you so much!