As Silver Refined, by Kay Arthur

As Silver Refined: Answers to Life’s Disappointments captures some of Kay Arthur’s teaching and brings it to us in written form. To me, it seemed to be a compilation of an encouraging book for women to see God amidst life, a Bible study which brings truth to each day’s circumstances in raw relevance, and a sisterly chat over a cup of tea from a mentor with a heart for God. Not a bad deal!

The truth she shares is true… and often hard to live out. Life is full of happiness, but it also brings much waiting, hurt, and disappointments. When things turn unsure or even sour, do I relish my standing in Christ and lean on Him for strength? Or do I feel alone and angry, despairing in the seeming lack of hope? In this study – designed for thirteen weeks – she embarks the reader on a journey towards habitual cycles of freedom and the realization that God wants to make us as silver refined – a living reflection of His goodness and grace.

This book would make an excellent choice for either personal reading or to be studied as a women’s group. Although I have mixed thoughts on other studies by this author (and need to review and pray about them more before stating anything further!), I found this book to be excellent, thought provoking, and eye opening. I am grateful to have received it for review.

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.”

When God Whispers Your Name, by Max Lucado

When God Whispers Your Name, is another compilation of encouragement to a weary soul through the avenue of storytelling by a master storyteller. Well known for his ability to weave truths into words, Max Lucado seeks to share hope to the reader and knowledge that amidst the weariness and uncertainty of life here on earth, we have a Savior who cares deeply for us – and knows us by name.

This book is a collection of many stories. In some the character are old. In others, they are young. Some are Bible stories, others possibly derived from the neighbor next door.  Maybe on one of the pages you’ll find a story that reflects perhaps a bit of you.

Although I enjoy the stories Pastor Lucado shares, I can’t help but feel that the hope he shares is somewhat shallow. Yes, it is encouraging to know that God knows our name when we are feeling down… but the mailman knows it, too. For lasting hope we need an introduction to our Savior and a good look at the cross – knowing that He suffered and rose to bring us victory in the daily life. Then, we can really appreciate that such a great God knows our name, in fact, He knew it well before we were even born. 

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

The Generals: Pershing, by John Perry

As another addition to the series entitled The Generals, Pershing: Commander of the Great War is a look at the triumphs, legacy, and even love of one whom led our nation’s men amidst the first Great War. General John J. Pershing fought with honor and order and led courageously, yet also maintained a deep love for his family- and was heartbroken when a tragic fire at home claimed the life of his sweetheart and their daughters while he was gone. His son survived, and he strove to maintain a fatherly relationship with him even when separated by distance and war.

I appreciate how each book in this series seeks to offer a reflective and truthful look into the personal lives of each General it presents, while maintaining an attitude of honor. These men gave a great service to our country, and I am very grateful. It saddens me however, how often the reoccurring theme of mistress’s reappears. (Even though in this case it wasn’t until after the death of his wife.) I have seen this more often in the Generals serving in the two World Wars. It serves as a good reminder to pray for those currently serving our country, that God would give them victory on the field, and that throughout their life they would reflect purity and honor in their moral lives. I cannot imagine the horrors they witness and resulting emotional comfort they seek– they need our prayers. 

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

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3: My babies LOVE them. That makes for a happy mum and daddy!

Here is the outdated text to illustrate how fun this company can be. (Isn't a "poll" a great idea? I love the word spoof!)

Melissa & Doug want you to tell them which of their educational toys is the best! Just click on the image to place your vote in the north "poll!" You'll get a Melissa & Doug 25% off coupon** to use at MelissaAndDoug.com just for voting!

The Final Hour, by Andrew Klavan

The Final Hour is the fourth book in a series of crime and adventure entitled The Homelanders. It is written by Andrew Klavan, a renowned author of suspense!

Reader o' mine, I must confess that it is Dwight who read this book. I saw enough death and action to realize that it was not for me at a quick initial glance as I flipped through it. :-) So I passed it on to my courageous husband and he shared with me what he thought. Whew. Because quite honestly, Adventures in Odyssey is a bit too much for me at times... ! Give me Miss Potter any day.

He thought that this book was well written even though the plot was easily anticipated. He appreciated that it was a quick easy read and also that it did not contain the foul language so often found in books of similar content and intrigue. He expressed interest in reading the other titles in the series. He practically read this book in one sitting, so that must tell you something! He said that storyline is basically a continuation of the book's hero, Charlie West. as he seeks to confirm his innocence while stopping a vicious terrorist attack from coming to fruition (just in the nick of time!). Once again, wrong is avenged and the right is victorious... The end.

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

Every Single Woman's Battle, by Shannon Ethridge

I received Every Single Woman's Battle: Guarding Your Heart and Mind Against Sexual and Emotional Compromise as a review from Waterbrook Press' Blogging for Books program. What I received for review wasn't the actual book (of that title) but rather the accompanying workbook. With that in mind, here is what I thought:

- Kudus to the author for writing on such a sensitive subject with clarity and grace, while at the same time managing to be straightforward and pointed. Since this book is simply the workbook and intended for personal or group study, I didn't have the opportunity to read the actual chapters, but found the questions and discussion ideas to be very practical. This as an area that the church is not to be niave about and we are to seek to be pure and glorify God through our sexuality, pleasing Him in all areas of our thought and life.

- I believe that rather than having the actual book and workbook be separate, they ought to have been printed as one volume. This is confusing and ends up costing the reader more in the long run. They need both anyways, so why not give them both to begin with?

- There is space for the reader to write in as they go through this study, but I don't feel that the publisher allowed for enough space. Make the book wider, bigger, etc. to allow for this to be usable. For a Bible study one would need to have the book, this companion workbook, their Bible, and then a notebook? Yikes... just too much.

I would like to see this improved upon by the publisher, and I am eager to read the actual book. (And then take another look at this workbook! ;-) ) I can see this being particularly life-changing and edifying for a youth group to go through together (guys doing the guys version and girls doing this one of course!!!!).

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.”

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.