25 June, 2011

A Place Called Blessing, by John Trent













A Place Called Blessing: Where Hurting Ends and Love Begins is a novel that takes the concepts taught within the bestselling book “The Blessing,” and weaves them into a story of tragedy, redemption, and hope. I cried as I was introduced to the main characters: Josh, a little boy with a troubled and difficult life as he grows and becomes a man; Mike, a coworker who befriends Josh and becomes like a brother; Anna, who is Mike’s mother and Josh’s landlord, opening her home and her heart to Josh. 

After losing his parents in a drunk driving accident, Josh faced a series of difficult foster homes until tragedy struck and his life became hopeless in his little eyes (at age six). Feeling unloved, worthless, and responsible for the terrible accident that occurred, he grew bitter and angry. But after he was out of the children’s home and on his own at age eighteen, God intervened and Josh received craved for unconditional love.

This book clearly illustrates the power of forgiveness and in giving another hope for their future and a belief in themselves (that is proper and life-giving). Although not a very lengthy book (I read it easily in an evening), it is weighty in sharing through the lives of the characters and its twisting plot  how even when lives are intertwined by pain – God writes the final chapter and can bring hope and even joy at the close. This book was written in hopes of the message grasping today’s generation, and I truly hope that others will take the time to read it. Whereas information (however good) can bring much change and desire to benefit another’s life, there is something about a story that leaves you unable to forget. My prayer is that God will always keep in my mind and heart the need to build up not only my children, but all who He brings into my path as I realize that I may have no idea the pain they have endured or currently face.

Overall I feel this is an excellent way to reach another generation with the message of the blessing which Dr. Trent along with Focus on the Family is trying to accomplish. I do wish however, that the author would have taken the liberty to present a clearer message of the gospel and was also disappointed that the Lord's name was used inappropriately once in this book.

*This book was gratefully received from Thomas Nelson at no cost in exchange for my agreement to post this review.

17 June, 2011

Freedom From Performing, by Becky Harling

Freedom From Performing: Grace in an Applause-Driven World, is a Bible study for women based upon the parables of Jesus and is graciously written by Becky Harling. In this book, she has chosen to share candidly of how she discovered joy and freedom as she learned to live for the the approval of One, not the approval of everyone. She desires that each of us women might learn to be content to be us, not some picture of perfection we've drummed up  and placed as an idol of our hearts over being who God has made us to be. She encouraged me to realize that there are times in my life when service to God will simply mean loving my husband and cherishing my children. I don't have to (and ought not to!) run myself ragged leading studies and doing church work, espeically if the reason I am doing it is because I don't want to let others down, or will feel badly about not doing it, or someone thinks that I should be doing it... and so forth. The excuses to be out of God's will while doing God's work are endless! And when you add the "keeping up with the Jones'" mentality of having to have a nice car, gorgeous home in a nice neighborhood, fancy meals, etc. it is a wonder we haven't lost our minds! Sadly though... what we don't realize is how much we DO lose when we get caught up in the spiral of a theatrical life of performance and our family, our health, and our joy suffers.

I believe this ought to be required reading for every one of us wives whose husbands are involved in ministry as a vocation (whether your husband is a pastor or a CPA, like mine!). And I believe every woman who desires to be involved with the local church read it too. And those who wag their fingers and criticize us mamas for not going and going 24/7.... well, why don't I loan you my copy. ;-)

 
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Navpress Publishers. 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.”

Billy Graham in Quotes, by Franklin Graham


There is so much that I appreciate about the life and ministry of Billy Graham that I was eager to review this compilation of quotes gathered by his son and arranged topically in this anthology work suitable for ones personal library or for a gift. The softcover binding is simple yet attractive and the chapters or topics are easily perused or searched through. In reading this volume which I received as a review copy, I found many of the quotes to be engaging and true, liking this one in particular: 

No situation is beyond God's control. 
Over my wife's desk are these words: 
"Fear not the future; God is already there."

In his work as an evangelist and preacher, Dr. Billy Graham sough to bring the wisdom of God's word to daily life. He believed that Christianity wasn't simply about being relevant, but about having a heart for the Word of God and striving to obey Him in all things. This compilation is an honoring look as the words which he spoke for the glory of God.

*This book was gratefully received from Thomas Nelson at no cost in exchange for my agreement to post this review.

Connecting in Communities, by Eddie Mosley









 Connected in Communities: Understanding the Dynamics of Small Groups is intended for pastors, church leadership, and small-group point people (hosts/ leaders) but the lessons can be integrated into anyone’s ministry perspective or mindset. The writer sought out to learn (and then engage us in that learning as well!) by procuring wisdom from several well-known church leaders specializing in small group ministry. They each struggles and triumphs, bringing the reader to understand the heart being small group interaction and allow them to not just view small group ministry as “another program” or “Christian thing to do.”

I found an overarching emphasis to be on the need for the church to be in the community, and the belief that this is best procured through the utilization of small groups within the church. Core groups that will strengthen and shape each other, not just come Sunday morning, but as daily life goes on in each family and group member. Each core group is then “assigned” their surrounding neighborhood or community and encouraged to let life happen – hosting block party barbecues, gardening in their front yards and talking with neighbors as they walk by, inviting children over to play (with their own kids), conversing at little league games –intentionally letting their own neighbors know that they care about them and opening relationships so that true Christianity can be lived out and the saving grace of Jesus shared. 

I appreciated the understanding that there is no one-size-fits-all program. The emphasis is simply on seeing the need for small group community within a church and how to go about proactively and intentionally bringing the reality of a small group ministry about in your local congregation. I loved being a part of our small group in Colorado Springs and can only wholeheartedly agree with how important they are! I also appreciated the practical tips and advice on starting a small group if there isn’t one already – with help on childcare, hosting, food, timing, curriculum, etc.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers. 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.”

The Blessing, by John Trent and Gary Smalley














We are each made for and thrive within a healthy relationship. After all, we are made foremost for a relationship with the Lord and to bring Him glory! But there are times when tragically earthly relationships tear down rather than build up; they breed destruction rather than life. They cause one to wilt and to feel downtrodden.

We each long to be unconditionally loved and approved – and we long for that approval and love to come from our parents from the time we are conceived! But how is that practically given? Does it come natural or do we, as parents, need to mold that into our parenting and life? What if we didn’t experience unconditional love as a child ourselves, or as we grew had our self-worth and value stripped away through painful experiences or situations? The authors, John Trent and Gary Smalley, share how we can give and receive the gift of unconditional love and approval coming from healthy relationship – the blessing - in our own lives, in the lives of our children, and in the lives of others God allows to intercept with our own through what they call five essential elements.

Honestly, I cringe when I read anything having to do with a particular amount of “steps” or “elements,” as they have in this particular book. But the reader (as I have) can easily grasp the heart of the message and wholeheartedly agree with the essential need for it in one’s life. It is crucial. And this book offers much practical help for its implementation. I was able to hear John Trent when he spoke to the staff at Focus on the Family and was happy to see this book The Blessing: Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance (which was first published twenty-five years ago!), become available for review so that I could obtain a copy for our family.

*This book was gratefully received from Thomas Nelson at no cost in exchange for my agreement to post this review.

07 June, 2011

Love & War, by John and Stasi Eldridge






Love & War: Finding Your Way to Something Beautiful in Your Marriage is written by John and Stasi Eldridge, who continue the candid and deep vulnerability readers discovered in their earlier best-selling books Wild at Heart and Captivating. Through personal stories of heartache and humble triumph in their marriage as well as in those willing to share with them, they encourage couples to view each other not as enemies, but as lovers worth fighting for, showing how to win “by fighting for each other, instead of against each other.”

As a woman, I dream of our marriage being like a fairy tale. Yet I am a sinner saved by grace, married to a sinner saved by grace. Furthermore, I am a woman married to a man. We can often be as different as night and day! J In our daily life, however, I am able to glimpse with the Eldridges’ the incredible mercy of God, who loves Dwight and I more than we even love each other. Far more. And he is working a tale for His glory and even our delight!

Although I have many other marriage books that I prefer over this one, I greatly appreciate their emphasis on prayer and on life being a battleground in an unseen spiritual war. Satan truly does want our marriages and families to fail, and we need the cleansing and freeing power of God in the midst. We need to ask for it, to crave it, and to live in it. Hopefully the reader will grasp the heart of the Eldridges’ in this and be further spurred to engulf their own marital relationship in prayer as a lover-team for God’s glory.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Publishers. 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.”

Love Written in Stone, by Dr. Philip Carson









Love Written in Stone: Finding God’s Grace in the Boundaries He Sets, is written by Dr. Philip Carson who is a practicing family Physician in addition to serving as Senior Pastor at his home church in Sierra Madre, California,

Sadly, it can sometimes seem within the Christian community that serving the Lord actively means living outside of our natural ability in a way that tears us down and fails to bring Him glory. What others expect of us and what we view as “ministry” leaves us feeling overwhelmed, tired, and physically ill, and wondering how we will actually be able to accomplish everything on our to-do list while still being a sweet and supportive helpmeet to our husbands, patient mother to our children, encouraging sister to our church “family,” and creative keeper of our spotless home. We feel discouraged (and sometimes are chided) when we are unable to attend (or better yet, host or lead!) that women’s Bible study. We are told that it is far better to leave our babies in the nursery so that we “are free to serve the Lord” in the choir or youth classroom, even though it screams against our natural inclinations. We stay up late (yet again!) working on making the décor for the ladies’ tea or the food for the meal you have invited another family over for “just right,” We push our limits while dropping cliché’s like “all for the glory of God” or “God gives strength to the weary” from our bottomless bag of appropriate Christian statements. But who are we really kidding? Is this “good life” any better than our neighbors down the street who are honest about living life for their own esteem?

With candor and wisdom from his duel-responsibilities in the church and practice, as well as from family life as husband and father to four, Dr. Carson gives biblical perspective on areas such as commitments, health, relationships, finances, and time.  I found this book to be a primer of sorts in setting boundaries and feel that it is more for the new believer or for just the community at large. I wish that it faced head-on the expectations faced within the church. But overall, this book does offer guidelines derived from scripture which when followed, will allow the reader to experience more joy and contentment in their daily life. Trials do come, and temptations and persecutions arise, but often (at least here in America), our stress is often due to issues we brought upon ourselves due to greed or pride. This book will offer some guidance and it is worth reading.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany Publishers. 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.”

Making the Best of a Bad Decision, by Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer












The first thing that caught my eye about Making the Best of a Bad Decision: How to put your regrets behind you, embrace grace, and move toward a better future, written by Dr, Erwin W. Lutzer, is the cover illustration portraying two vividly yellow lemons and a glass half-full (or perhaps some might say half-empty) of their tart juices. We probably have all at one time or another experiences in some small way what this simple piece of artwork intends to portray – a decision or experience that later realize we have learned from and grown through, but really kind of wish could have gone differently or perhaps never occurred. Sad when dealing with minor situations and tragic when dealing with life altering decisions that profoundly shape our lives and the lives of those around us. When decisions like this have been made, however, do you despair or do you cling to the cross of Christ for grace in our time of need and wisdom to pursue God’s best?

Dr. Lutzer is the senior pastor of The Moody Church in downtown Chicago and is well-respected for his wisdom and spiritual guidance to those whom he serves in pastorate as well as to the listeners who tune in to via radio or online to hear his broadcasted teaching.  In this book, he offers hope to those who currently are struggling with regrets large or small, and shares biblically ways to live a restored future. He highlights the following possible decisions that may have brought regrets: choosing what you feel is “second best”, marrying the wrong person (note: his belief and definitely my own is that once married… you are married to the right person for you!), financial decisions gone awry, choosing to cross a moral boundary, choosing a vocation you want out of, realizing something you have done has caused another pain, and then ultimately the worst scenario of a decision gone wrong- failing to prepare for eternity. There is also a chapter on how to make wise decisions biblically.

This book closes with a practical discussion guide.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale Press. 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.”

Money Secrets of the Amish, by Lorilee Craker













Money Secrets of the Amish: Finding True Abundance in Simplicity, Sharing, and Saving, a fun and different look at finances and is written by Lorilee Craker. In this book, Lorilee invited us along with her as she visits Amish Country and speaks with several families about ways that have been helpful to them when it comes to living well in a budget while setting aside for the unknown.

I appreciate how this book assumes that anyone can save. Perhaps, your finances may only allow for you to save $5 a week, but are you doing that? With quirky fun (and good natured references to the Plain lifestyle), her book covers a wide range of helpful tips ranging from shopping styles (where you shop and how), habits of thought (are you willing to be content with what God has already provided?), eating styles (eating locally and simply as well as looking for deals), saving choices (why there is really no good reason to not save something!).

As a young wife and mother I am busy looking for ways to lower our budget for necessities during a current time of unemployment for our family. With no money coming in, we certainly don’t want it to be a free-for-all going out! :-) I found this book to be encouraging and helpful. We are grateful for how God provides daily for us, as well as for the wisdom he blessed us with prior to this time, so I can heartily agree with her points regarding the importance of saving! We have never made much, but by being intentional about saving and making do with less, we are able to experience peace during this time, and hope to someday be able to put a substantial down-payment on our first home. We are learning that much of financial worries can be dissolved when we are willing to differentiate between needs and wants and fearlessly clear our muddy heads of the dangerous concept of entitlement. You wouldn’t regret finding a copy of this enjoyable book and reading it! J

*This book was gratefully received from Thomas Nelson at no cost in exchange for my agreement to post this review.