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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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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On Loan

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Plan B - This is why....

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A Year With Jesus by R.P. Nettelhorst Book Review

 

I've said it before, and I'm going to say it again; devotionals are one of my favorite types of books in the whole wide world!  So when I got the chance to receive and review this new devotional by R.P. Nettelhorst titled, "A Year With Jesus", I was stoked!  It's a 365-day devotional which I also love since that way I get a bite sized surge of encouragement every single day! 

Here's an excerpt from Amazon about the book - 

"A 365-day devotional featuring the actual spoken words of Jesus as presented in the Bible.
Too many times the impact and grandness of the actual words Jesus spoke, as recorded in the Bible, are lost in the telling of the story. In A Year with Jesus, the primary focus is to allow the scriptures that contain Jesus' dialogue to uniquely speak to the reader. The author follows each reading with insights and applications to help explain the context and nuances of the text. The unique titling of each meditation and the nontraditional themes and organization help bring Jesus to our daily lives. Topics include:

• Love and Hate
• Truths and Lies
• Arrogance and Humility
• Friends and Enemies
• Belief and Disbelief
• Patience and Impatience
• Deserved and Undeserved
• Good and Evil
• Fidelity and Treachery
• Life and Death"

The back cover reads, "The Greatest Person Who Ever Lived Wants to Spend Time With You.  There's no one like Jesus in all of history.  He touched hearts and changed lives everywhere he went in his thirty-three years on earth.  Each person who spent time with him was never the same.

Jesus' words and actions, which have spanned the centuries, are just as relevant and important for you today.  When you spend time with Jesus, you'll soon discover that what matters to him most of all is you.

A Year With Jesus is an unforgettable 365-day revelation of Jesus' love through his actual words, plus reflections and insights to encourage and inspire you.  Let his words comfort you and fill your heart and life.  As you connect more deeply with the Greatest Person Who ever lived - this Person Who knows you and cares about every detail of your life - you'll find yourself living and loving with greater peace, promise, and purpose."

WOW.  Just WOW.  Jesus' words are where it's at, and what it's all about so naturally I'm drawn to books that center on His words, and this book nails it!  

I la la LOVE this devotional, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking to grow in their relationship and daily walk with Jesus.  A very powerful and resourceful 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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