Grace by Max Lucado Book Review

I know I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Max Lucado is such a gifted writer. I had the pleasure of reading his newest book Grace recently and was thrilled since it's a wonderful read! His gift of crafting words and storytelling captures the readers attention and doesn't let go. It's easy to get lost in his words. He leads his readers through a journey of learning what true, all-consuming, drenched-to-the-bone grace is through our savior Jesus Christ. It's revelation and insightful. Once you begin reading this book, you'll find it hard to put it down; at least I did. I read it in three days and will definitely read it again, and again.

Only Max could write a whole book on the subject of Grace. His God given, inspired words flow flawlessly across the pages without glitches, breaks, or hiccups.

Grace by Max Lucado really is a book I highly recommend to any book lover. It's a winner!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishing through the Booksneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am enclosing this in accordance with the FTC’s 16CFR, Part 255“Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

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Spread the word on Novel Crossing and Win! New Christian Fiction Site!

A new website dedicated to Christian Fiction, called NovelCrossing.com!

Novel Crossing is dedicated to bringing Christian fiction readers the latest news, book releases, author commentary and reviews from a range of writers including authors, professional reviewers, fiction book editors and fans of Christian fiction.

I can't wait to read The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury! A perfect holiday read.

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God Loves Broken People by Sheila Walsh Book Review

 

 This was such an encouraging book for anyone who's gone through a difficult time that leaves you broken. And let's be honest here, that's most of us. Most of us have experienced at some time or another in our lives a time that left us wounded and unable to heal and move forward as a whole and restored human being. This book steps in the gently walk you through the process of leaning on the Lord for that healing and reinforcing to the reader that God deeply, madly, loves us all, even the broken ones, with an all consuming love that doesn't end, quit, lessen, or run out. And often that's just what we need to be reminded of. 

The book  is written well and Sheila's voice carries the reader through with her kind and effective approach. I'm blessed with the gift of encouragement, so this book really spoke to me. I loved it. I could relate in what she was sharing, both having been repeatedly broken myself, but also from the encouragement side of things as well. This book couldn't have come at a better time, as I a sister and close family friend that are going through very trying times and are feeling broken and helpless. This book has helped give me insight and tools to pass on to them, to help them through their difficult times. I would recommend this read to anyone who is or was broken or knows or is close to someone who is currently hurting, it will truly give you hope.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishing through the Booksneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am enclosing this in accordance with the FTC’s 16CFR, Part 255“Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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New books to review

Catchy blog title right? I know (insert big grin). Ha ha. To be honest, I am currently in the business of finishing posts, and actually posting them in a timely manner, than I am in formulating creative, catchy titles, worthy of a marketing nod (sorry Pop). For the past few weeks my mailbox has seen lots of action; book action that is, and I have a big pile of wonderful books that I'm doing my best to read, again, in a timely manner. The newest two are ones I'm especially excited about because I love anything written by Beth Moore and the other, well, it just looks really good!

HE is more

Sometimes when my mind begins to reel and I find myself worrying about things, I turn on worship music, hit repeat and worship, sing and pray the lyrics until I feel I feel His 'peace that passes all understanding'(Phil 4:7) in every fiber of me. 

He gently reminds me He has my life mapped out and that I don't have to have answers for everything and I don't have to know how things will play out because He knows.....and that's ALL I need to know. He is more and He is able. 

I guess this is the part where He grows my trust and faith in Him, His ways, and His timing. I seem to be re-learning these same lessons over and over again. Obviously He knows I haven't quite fully grasped them yet. Ha Ha.

I have the above photo on a little card and I keep it out where I can read it. I read it again. And again, and again as needed. 

For me, it's often. :)

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Love Out Loud by Joyce Meyer Book Review

LOVE this devotional. You really can't go wrong with Joyce Meyer. She nails it every single time and she gives it to you straight. Sometimes it's the hard stuff that makes you squirm a little inside, other times it's an uplifting 'shot-in-the-arm' inspirational message that make your heart sing and puts a spring in your step. This is one her inspirational bests. Loving God, others, and yourself is one of the biggest tasks we are called to do and Joyce explains and helps readers WANT to delve more into making loving a permanent part of who they are.

I look forward to opening this book everyday and soaking up the scriptures and the practical life application Joyce infuses along with it. It helps me keep an eternal perspective and  remember that "the JOY of the Lord is my strength"(Nehemiah 8:10)! Such a great book to add to your daily reading pile. I read my devotionals in the morning while I sip my coffee and it totally sets the tone for my day. Spending time in the Word and with the Lord is the only way I like to start my day.

You can purchase this fabulous devotional here.

FaithWords kindly gifted me this book to review. Thank you!

Love,

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The way to trouble God is...

via Pinterest

Come.

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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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Plan B - This is why....

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Come At Me Bro

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Healing is a Choice by Stephen Arterburn Book Review

     
      I'm currently going through a difficult and hurtful time in my life and have been searching for books, specifically Christian based books to help guide me and help me through what I'm currently walking through.  Even as Christians, we have bumps in our path sometimes.  Jesus never said we'd have a problem free life.  Quite the contrary actually, but we can take heart knowing He's with us every step of the way during that hard time, and that nothing can separate us from Him or His love and care!  AMEN!

      I had high expectations of "Healing is a Choice" by Stephen Arterburn, and I can say that I wasn't let down.  Although what I'm experiencing is emotional pain, this book covers it all from physical, to mental, emotional, and spiritually pain and hurt.  This book is also really substantial - it's super thick and includes lots of places in the chapters for the reader to answer questions and work through lots of workbook sections which I found to be really helpful!  

      This book particularly spoke to me because of the authors beginning paragraph in the preface, "This book was originally published in 2005, and there have been many changes, developments, and new insights since its publication.  Before I wrote Healing Is a Choice I was a strong advocate for marriage, and I believed that no matter what, the first response to marital problems and even betrayal needs to be steps toward reconciliation and saving the marriage.  I am more convinced than ever that even in the case of betrayal, reconciliation needs to be the first focus when a marriage is broken apart."  I burst into tears after reading that.  This is what I'm currently facing(not my choice), and it's traumatically painful when the other person chooses to not go the reconciliation route. It's the most painful experience of my life.  

      If any of my readers are also facing divorce, I feel for you.  I more than feel for you, and I would highly recommend buying, reading and doing the workbook in this book, or if you know someone who would benefit from this book, give it as a gift.

      Visit Amazon to purchase and/or read more reviews and more about the book.


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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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!

LISTEN. And listen good. - God

 via Pinterest

God's been working on this with me big time. I'm naturally a driven, confident, I-can-do-it-myself person, so fully surrendering the steering wheel to God has been quite the learning curve for me.  Thankfully God's patient.  I mean patient.  I mean really really patient with me.  I'm also thankful he loves me so much as to not bop me on the head when I grab and take the wheel again which causes my life to swerve.  He just smiles, shakes his head, and reaches for the wheel again.  I'm finding the more I include him in every single little detail in my life, the more I'm hearing from him, and feeling total trust and freedom to fully let go of everything in my life.  Because really, I know he knows best and his way and timing is always the best. 

Also, I LOVE the photo above - isn't it amazing?  I found it browsing Pinterest,one of my favorite sites ever.  I would blow it up and have it framed if possible!


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