Showing posts with label Christian Non-Fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christian Non-Fiction. Show all posts

Friday, January 18, 2019

The Sacrament of Happy

The Sacrament of Happy: What a Smiling God Brings to a Wounded WorldThe Sacrament of Happy: What a Smiling God Brings to a Wounded World by Lisa Harper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you love Lisa Harper, you'll love this book.
A simple read that will touch your heart, make you smile, tug at your heart & make you see that Happiness is so much bigger than we first think.

View all my reviews

Imagine hearing your physician tell you that chips and queso contain more nutritional benefits than kale and quinoa. 

In her new book, The Sacrament of Happy: What a Smiling God Brings to a Wounded World, Lisa Harper unveils a similarly extravagant, unexpected surprise, declaring that happiness is a gift from God that we can unashamedly enjoy. 

Wearing the twin hats of both seminarian and belly-laughing adoptive mom, Harper builds upon solid theological scaffolding for happiness in a warm, vignette style. She dismantles the old-school idea that joy, not happiness, is the truly spiritual emotion of the Christian family and asserts that Christ-followers are actually called to happiness . . . to such a deep conviction in the unmitigated goodness of our Creator-Redeemer that we are free to feel and express genuine joy, fulfillment and contentment, regardless of personal and global tumult. 

Harper’s personal story includes such happiness killers as sexual abuse, the death of loved ones, and heartbreaking failed adoptions. Yet she writes on themes like: 

“The lost sacrament of laughter” 
“Happiness is not the absence of sadness” 
“Tuning out the Pharisees who try to mute your happiness in the context of spiritual maturity” 


This book goes well beneath most people’s surface understanding of happiness, gently guiding readers closer to the heart of God . . . with naturally a few genuine guffaws to enjoy along the way.

Friday, August 24, 2018

Audacious

AudaciousAudacious by Beth Moore
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A really fast read - short enough to enjoy but long enough to inspire you.
I always love Beth's insight on the Bible & the adjectives she uses to describe them all.. a southern girl with a great use of wording.
It really did leave me with a WANT to find a bigger & BOLDER passion for God.
Glad to stumble on this book.

View all my reviews

Thirty years in the making, Audacious is a deep dive into the message that has compelled Beth Moore to serve women around the globe. Glancing over the years of ministry behind her and strengthening her resolve to the call before her, she came to the realization that her vision for women was incomplete. It lacked something they were aching for. Something Jesus was longing for. Beth identifies that missing link by digging through Scripture, unearthing life experiences, and spotlighting a turning point with the capacity to infuse any life with holy passion and purpose. What was missing? Well, let's just say, it's audacious and it's for all of us. And it's the path to the life you were born to live.

Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Girl, Wash Your Face

Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies about Who You Are So You Can Become Who You Were Meant to BeGirl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies about Who You Are So You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be by Rachel Hollis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I would have given it 3.5 stars if half star ratings were a thing here...

& I could have potentially given it 4 stars if I didnt do the audiobook on this one.
I typically dont do audiobooks but I'm now in love with the Hoopla app from the library where I can listen to audiobooks on my phone & this was the first one that popped up.
This is why audiobooks make or break for me - the reading & the voice.
I struggled with the book because mainly of Rachel reading the book herself. Her voice just came across as very young & almost whiny at points & it just irked me, feeling like some 'kid' was giving all this life advice. It also irked me with how much she talked about raising her business & all her accomplishments - just came across as braggart more than anything. Again, I think if it was read, & not listened too, I may have had a different outlook on it.

Same with the info in the book. I did get so much out of it & loved her inspirational thoughts, but some of it was just so simple & repeated that it just left me rolling my eyes. I get it - write things down. Focus on positive. You're a runner. You've made this incredible company. Fingers crossed for your Hawaiian dream home on your dream board.

Saying all that, I did laugh at points of the book & I did take away some meaningful thoughts & did feel inspired at points. So that's why I'm keeping it middle of the road.
I totally do think its a good read to pick up - but I know I would have had a total different experience reading it in my own infliction & mind. & I may just do that down the road.

View all my reviews

ounder of the lifestyle website TheChicSite.com and CEO of her own media company, Chic Media, Rachel Hollis has created an online fan base of hundreds of thousands of fans by sharing tips for living a better life while fearlessly revealing the messiness of her own. Now comes her highly anticipated first book featuring her signature combination of honesty, humor, and direct, no-nonsense advice.

Each chapter of Girl, Wash Your Face begins with a specific lie Hollis once believed that left her feeling overwhelmed, unworthy, or ready to give up. As a working mother, a former foster parent, and a woman who has dealt with insecurities about her body and relationships, she speaks with the insight and kindness of a BFF, helping women unpack the limiting mind-sets that destroy their self-confidence and keep them from moving forward.

From her temporary obsession with marrying Matt Damon to a daydream involving hypnotic iguanas to her son's request that she buy a necklace to "be like the other moms," Hollis holds nothing back. With unflinching faith and tenacity, Hollis spurs other women to live with passion and hustle and to awaken their slumbering goals.
 

Monday, July 30, 2018

Church of the Small Things

Church of the Small Things: The Million Little Pieces That Make Up a LifeChurch of the Small Things: The Million Little Pieces That Make Up a Life by Melanie Shankle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this book. Someone who has stories that involve Xanadu & roller skating, & hair & style from the 80's & references of TV shoes & music from the same time I grew up? Yep... I love Melanie. One of those people that I know I'd be best friends with.
The book is just filled with each chapter being little stories of her life & they have subtle little life lessons in all of them. I'm all about books like this. They are easy to read - touch the heart, make me cry & totally make me laugh. Another book I'd buy all my girlfriends!

View all my reviews

Is my ordinary, everyday life actually significant? Is it okay to be fulfilled by the simple acts of raising kids, working in an office, and cooking chicken for dinner?

It’s been said, “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away.” The pressure of that can be staggering as we spend our days looking for that big thing that promises to take our breath away. Meanwhile, we lose sight of the small significance of fully living with every breath we take.

Melanie Shankle, New York Times bestselling author and writer at The Big Mama Blog tackles these questions head on in her fourth book, Church of the Small Things. Easygoing and relatable, she speaks directly to the heart of women of all ages who are longing to find significance and meaning in the normal, sometimes mundane world of driving carpool to soccer practice, attending class on their college campus, cooking meals for their family, or taking care of a sick loved one.

The million little pieces that make a life aren’t necessarily glamorous or far-reaching. But God uses some of the smallest, most ordinary acts of faithfulness—and sometimes they look a whole lot like packing lunch. 

Through humorous stories told in her signature style, full of Frito pie, best friends, the love of her Me-Ma and Pa-Pa, the unexpected grace that comes when we quit trying to measure up, and a little of the best TV has to offer, Melanie helps women embrace what it means to live a simple, yet incredibly meaningful life and how to find all the beauty and laughter that lies right beneath the surface of every moment.

Monday, July 9, 2018

Love Does

Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary WorldLove Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World by Bob Goff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I know I am so late to the game on reading this - but so glad I finally picked it up - & devoured it. Read it in less than 2 days. Would have been 1 if I didnt have to go out Saturday night.
It's just full of encouragement & motivation to start looking at the world through different eyes. I told a friend that each chapter in itself could be a lesson to just sit & ponder over - but I just had to keep reading because it was just so good. Not too heavy where you can't understand the point of each chapter, but enough to hit you in your spirit where you end each chapter with a big sigh of content. I totally can't wait long now before I get his new book.

View all my reviews

As a college student he spent 16 days in the Pacific Ocean with five guys and a crate of canned meat. As a father he took his kids on a world tour to eat ice cream with heads of state. He made friends in Uganda, and they liked him so much he became the Ugandan consul. He pursued his wife for three years before she agreed to date him. His grades weren't good enough to get into law school, so he sat on a bench outside the Dean's office for seven days until they finally let him enroll.

Bob Goff has become something of a legend, and his friends consider him the world's best-kept secret. Those same friends have long insisted he write a book. What follows are paradigm shifts, musings, and stories from one of the world's most delightfully engaging and winsome people. What fuels his impact? Love. But it's not the kind of love that stops at thoughts and feelings. Bob's love takes action. Bob believes Love Does.

When Love Does, life gets interesting. Each day turns into a hilarious, whimsical, meaningful chance that makes faith simple and real. Each chapter is a story that forms a book, a life. And this is one life you don't want to miss.

Light and fun, unique and profound, the lessons drawn from Bob's life and attitude just might inspire you to be secretly incredible, too.
 

Friday, March 16, 2018

In Bloom

In Bloom: Trading Restless Insecurity for Abiding ConfidenceIn Bloom: Trading Restless Insecurity for Abiding Confidence by Kayla Aimee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just want to add Kayla Aimee to my list of people that I think I'd be best friends with... which includes Angie Smith, Kelly Ripa & Neil Patrick Harris. What a combo.
I loved Kayla's first book & this one to me was even better. Full of humor & insight into real life & always a point that directs you back to scripture & how God's words can apply to our lives.
I love this even has small group questions included with chapter break up & thinking about using this for my own small group. Totally a book for any lady to pick up just making it through life, dealing with comparisons, struggling on friendships, dealing with day to day issues.


View all my reviews

Every woman is intimately acquainted with feelings of insecurity and inadequacy. Whether fueled by a culture of makeover shows, by the lingering memories of mean girls, or by events much more wounding to the soul, we can become so conditioned by self-doubt that it becomes our inner monologue.
What we want is to be free of shame and comparison, to turn our uncertainty into a bold confidence. But to flourish in our own skin, we first have to rewrite the narrative.
In this fearless, funny, and refreshingly relatable chronicle of her own metamorphosis from the insecurity that once held her captive, author Kayla Aimee unfolds the blueprint for women to:
 
• Identify the deep-seated sources of our assumed inadequacy and replace them with steadfast truths of scriptural affirmation
• Replace our need for approval with the enduring promise of acceptance
• Uncover our purpose, unlock our potential, and celebrate the God-given gifts in our unique personality
 
To every woman who longs for belonging, this journey through Kayla’s inviting prose, biblical promises, and journaling prompts will help guide her from restless insecurity to a beautiful becoming.

Monday, September 11, 2017

Of Mess & Moxie

Of Mess and Moxie: Wrangling Delight Out of This Wild and Glorious LifeOf Mess and Moxie: Wrangling Delight Out of This Wild and Glorious Life by Jen Hatmaker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Simply adored this book.... & I wish I were rich or won the lottery because I would buy this book for every one of my Christian Sisters in my life. I want every woman to read it & laugh, & ponder & weep & find joy & to know you're not alone in your mess... & to show how much moxie they have as well.
I wasn't out of the intro before I had all the feels going. & they just went through the whole book. From laughing, to reflecting, to feeling heart ache of life, to laughing again.
Each chapter has its own little touch of moxie itself... & I would especially love the "HOW TO" chapters... be ready to cackle out loud.
If you want a book to just take your weekend & make you feel like you're surrounded with friends, get this book & settle in.

View all my reviews

Jen Hatmaker believes backbone is the birthright of every woman. Women have been demonstrating resiliency and resolve since forever. They have incredibly strong shoulders to bear loss, hope, grief, and vision. She laughs at the days to come is how the ancient wisdom writings put it.

But somehow women have gotten the message that pain and failure mean they must be doing things wrong, that they messed up the rules or tricks for a seamless life. As it turns out, every last woman faces confusion and loss, missteps and catastrophic malfunctions, no matter how much she is doing "right." Struggle doesn't mean they're weak; it means they're alive.

Jen Hatmaker, beloved author, Big Sister Emeritus, and Chief BFF, offers another round of hilarious tales, frank honesty, and hope for the woman who has forgotten her moxie. Whether discussing the grapple with change ("Everyone, be into this thing I'm into! Except when I'm not. Then everyone be cool.") or the time she drove to the wrong city for a fourth-grade field trip ("Why are we in San Antonio?"), Jen parlays her own triumphs and tragedies into a sigh of relief for all normal, fierce women everywhere who, like her, sometimes hide in the car eating crackers but also want to get back up and get back out, to live undaunted "in the moment" no matter what the moments hold

Sunday, May 7, 2017

Fight Back with Joy

Fight Back With Joy: Celebrate More. Regret Less. Stare Down Your Greatest FearsFight Back With Joy: Celebrate More. Regret Less. Stare Down Your Greatest Fears by Margaret Feinberg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a book that puts attitude in perspective.
We did this book for our Bible Study along with the workbook & it was just a wake up call how much our attitudes & the way we look at our lives, our every days, can make such a difference.
This book talks about Margaret's journey when she found out she has cancer & had to go through the treatments to save her life. It's a hard read sometimes to see what she had to go through & had to face... but you come out seeing what real life joy can look like. It's not always perfect & the struggle is real in finding it, but its possible.
I love the book has extra sections at the end on things to say to someone who is facing a crisis, & one of my favorite lists, a playlist of songs that are encouragement for joy. I am currently going through all of them & focusing on the words of each of them.
I heard Margaret in person at a conference & just loved her little spunky self & her book totally represents that same side of her. I totally recommend this book - & the study if you get a chance.

View all my reviews

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Between Heaven & the Real World

Between Heaven and the Real World: My StoryBetween Heaven and the Real World: My Story by Steven Curtis Chapman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wasn't sure how this was going to go. When you are a fan of someone/something, expectations are high. & coming out of the Beauty & the Beast book & being a little disappointed, I was hoping this book written by favorite artist wasnt going to let me down.
Oh mercy - it didn't for one second.
The story of Steven Curtis Chapman's life growing up with his brother & his family & meeting Mary Beth, working in Opryland (I now wonder if he was working there when I was there with my family when I was little!!) & how he started in Christian music. All the way through his amazing story of becoming a husband & a father & then the adoption of his 3 girls... & then the tragic story of loosing sweet Maria. & how the family has endured since. The Lord gives & takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Being a fan of his since way back in the day, & seeing him in concert so many times, I actually felt really familiar with a lot of these stories, but they didnt seen old to me. I loved reading them again & seeing little extra inside information in the stories. But there were plenty of new stories I've not heard or wasnt aware of. All of it making me just love the Chapman gang even more.
I just appreciated the honesty in this book about his marriage & sharing about the loss of his daughter. It tore me up all over again reading it & hearing about the days afterwards. But it's just so cool that they share to show how God works in it all. There's one picture & story they talk about after deciding to tear their house down that gave me total chills. I've not heard that story before & the picture... just wow.
I thought I was going to be overwhelmed when I saw how thick this book was (over 400 pages)... I zoomed through this book. Couldnt put it down.
Again, I may be biased because I have been such a Chapman family fan since I was a teenager so this to me was just like the cherry on the ice cream sundae to me. Couldnt get enough & wanted more.

View all my reviews

Monday, January 30, 2017

Not a Fan

Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of JesusNot a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus by Kyle Idleman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This one may have taken a long time to get through, but it was worth every page of reading.
We read this in our Bible Study group & it couldnt have been a better book to read together. It was challenging, & real. Showing truth in perfect wording - reflective of scripture & also of real life emotions.
I may be a little biased because Kyle Idleman is the pastor of my church, but its also why I love my church. It's just the best teaching of God's word. This book had that same sort of impact on me.
So many ideas in this book having us question, are we REALLY following God. Are we really giving all we can? Are we just a fan, or a follower? There's a big difference. Like Kyle says - a fan will sit in the crowd & paint their face & hold signs & buy all the merchandise. But will you give up everything you own & have & all that is in you for the team? Or at the end of every game, do you pack up & go back to your own life? ... following Jesus isn't about going back to your own life. It's trying to reflect more of His life.
I honestly can not say enough about this book & really recommend it for anyone who is searching for a heart that follow Jesus.

View all my reviews

Are you a follower of Jesus? Don't answer too quickly. In fact, you may want to read this book before you answer at all. Consider it a 'Define the Relationship' conversation to determine exactly where you stand. You may indeed be a passionate, fully devoted follower of Jesus. Or, you may be just a fan who admires Jesus but isn't ready to let him cramp your style. Then again, maybe you're not into Jesus, period.In any case, don't take the question---Are you a follower of Jesus?---lightly.Some people don't know what they've said yes to and other people don't realize what they've said no to, says Pastor Kyle Idleman. But Jesus is ready to clearly define the relationship he wants with his followers.Not a Fan calls you to consider the demands and rewards of being a true disciple. With frankness sprinkled with humor, Idleman invites you to live the way Jesus lived, love the way he loved, pray the way he prayed, and never give up living for the One who gave his all for you.

Monday, December 12, 2016

Shaken by Tim Tebow

Shaken: Discovering Your True Identity in the Midst of Life's StormsShaken: Discovering Your True Identity in the Midst of Life's Storms by Tim Tebow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm not a football person or a fan at all, but I do know Tim Tebow.
Who doesn't know about Tebowing - right?
I've not read any of his other books, but when he had a spare weekend & stopped into our church & spoke & talked about his future book, I wanted to grab it, just to support someone who is giving a good message to the world on faith & reminding us WHOSE we are - not who we are.
I really did enjoy the book - even the parts of Tim telling his football story. I thought that part may bore me a bit, but it was interesting to see how he handled being let go of the organizations he was a part of.
The book is full of Tim's experiences in life as a teenager on mission trips, to playing in the big leagues, to everything in between. & it all holds great reminders of God's truth.
Some of the stories, I've heard before... some of the points he makes on scripture, I've heard most of them in other places, but there were a few little snippets of truths that were new to me that really gripped me. I have to say, for me reading a book on a football player, I really did enjoy it.

View all my reviews

Friday, December 2, 2016

The Magnolia Story

The Magnolia StoryThe Magnolia Story by Chip Gaines
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I cant even begin to say how much I loved this book. I want to buy it for every one. For every woman, for every mom, for every person with a dream.
I love Chip & Joanna Gaines anyways but to read their life story makes me love them even more.
I honestly swooned so many times in this book. Just to hear the story of these two individually, & together & how their show came to be & their success. The stories of their childhood, to how they met & the wisdom they have learned through the years is just so heart warming. & I love how they balance each other out through so many of lifes ups & downs. How they clearly saw God working in their lives & feeling His presence.
Y'all, I can't say enough about this book. If you like their show, if you like them, you are going to ADORE this book. If you have no idea who they are, I'd still think you'd like this book. It's just a good true life story that is filled with heart, wisdom & love.
I'm sad to see it end.... it gave me the warm fuzzes the whole time.

View all my reviews

______________________


These famous words are now synonymous with the dynamic husband-and-wife team Chip and Joanna Gaines, stars of HGTV’s Fixer Upper. As this question fills the airwaves with anticipation, their legions of fans continue to multiply and ask a different series of questions, like—Who are these people?What’s the secret to their success? And is Chip actually that funny in real life? By renovating homes in Waco, Texas, and changing lives in such a winsome and engaging way, Chip and Joanna have become more than just the stars of Fixer Upper, they have become America’s new best friends.

The Magnolia Story is the first book from Chip and Joanna, offering their fans a detailed look at their life together. From the very first renovation project they ever tackled together, to the project that nearly cost them everything; from the childhood memories that shaped them, to the twists and turns that led them to the life they share on the farm today.

They both attended Baylor University in Waco. However, their paths did not cross until Chip checked his car into the local Firestone tire shop where Joanna worked behind the counter. Even back then Chip was a serial entrepreneur who, among other things, ran a lawn care company, sold fireworks, and flipped houses. Soon they were married and living in their first fixer upper. Four children and countless renovations later, Joanna garners the attention of a television producer who notices her work on a blog one day.

In The Magnolia Story fans will finally get to join the Gaines behind the scenes and discover:

The time Chip ran to the grocery store and forgot to take their new, sleeping baby

Joanna’s agonizing decision to close her dream business to focus on raising their children

When Chip buys a houseboat, sight-unseen, and it turns out to be a leaky wreck

Joanna’s breakthrough moment of discovering the secret to creating a beautiful home

Harrowing stories of the financial ups and downs as an entrepreneurial couple

Memories and photos from Chip and Jo’s wedding

The significance of the word magnolia and why it permeates everything they do

The way the couple pays the popularity of Fixer Upper forward, sharing the success with others, and bolstering the city of Waco along the way

And yet there is still one lingering question for fans of the show: Is Chip really that funny? “Oh yeah,” says Joanna. “He was, and still is, my first fixer upper.”

Friday, November 18, 2016

Listen, Love, Repeat

Listen, Love, Repeat: Other-Centered Living in a Self-Centered WorldListen, Love, Repeat: Other-Centered Living in a Self-Centered World by Karen Ehman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Other-Centered Living in a Self-Centered World"... man, if that doesnt describe today's world, I dont know what does.

I absolutely loved this book.

It's full of things we already know - putting people first, loving the unlovable, giving of yourself in your time & your gifts - but its just good to be reminded of these things. Its full of great ideas too & tips to learn how to hear people's "heart drops" - the things that matter to them. They're there if we just notice.

I really loved the reminder on how everything we have here is not ours, but God's... & we need to use it to glorify & honor him.
& of course, I loved that in this book, there's a Beauty & the Beast shout out! HOLLA!! I had to laugh when she asks if anyone know thats movie & I'm sitting there with a Belle bookmark holding the page ;)

Probably the best take away I got from this book though is how Jesus always served the person in front of him... even if he was traveling to help someone else. It was really eye opening to me to notice every one in my path every minute of the day. How can I serve that one person, that group of people. This was really moving to me... a kick in the butt by Jesus himself.

This really is a nice easy read - full of tips & ideas. I love how there the tips are scattered throughout, as well as little snippets. I especially loved the one with about "sandpaper spouses" - the opposite that can rub you the wrong way - or to make one another better, stronger. (Was Karen watching Ricky & I when she wrote that snippet?)

I wasn't sure if this was going to bore me - which some of these self aware books do - but this one was really enjoyable to me.

View all my reviews

Monday, November 7, 2016

31 Verses to Write on Your Heart

31 Verses to Write on Your Heart31 Verses to Write on Your Heart by Liz Curtis Higgs
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have always been a fan of Liz Curtis Higgs... Shout out for a Louisville gal!!!!
But I love her writing & her personality which shines through her books.

This one is a little different than some of her others as this can be used as a devotional, which I've been doing.

She had asked for some of women's favorite scriptures & she took the top 31 that people sent & this is what the book is - a break down of the scriptures for every day.

& I love the way she breaks it down. It's not 'teachy' in the over-your-head way teaching scripture can be - but a way of breaking it down like you're sitting with your girlfriend & she's explaining to you in the simpliest of terms.

Liz urges you to memorize these scriptures too so you know they deeply & more personally as well.

I really do love this book & am glad to have it & learn from it.

View all my reviews

Friday, August 19, 2016

Uninvited

Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and LonelyUninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely by Lysa TerKeurst
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There's just a handful of Christian authors that really speak to my soul with realness & words of REAL life that I can relate to. Lysa TerKeurst is one of those people.
I was excited for this book when I heard it was coming out & actually pre-ordered it. I hardly ever pre-order anything. So excited for this book, the topic it was on & it did not disappoint at all.
I have to say, it sort of really wasn't what I was expecting - some of the topics & some of the main points that she really focused on - but it was lessons I never knew I needed to learn.
This book is probably at least 60% highlighted right now with things I want to remember & quotes & scriptures I need to remind myself of.
I am leaving this book fully convicted in some areas & feel a pull to make some changes in my life - all in drawing closer to a God that will never reject me.

View all my reviews


The enemy wants us to feel rejected . . . left out, lonely, and less than. When we allow him to speak lies through our rejection, he pickpockets our purpose. Cripples our courage. Dismantles our dreams. And blinds us to the beauty of Christ’s powerful love.

In Uninvited, Lysa shares her own deeply personal experiences with rejection—from the incredibly painful childhood abandonment by her father to the perceived judgment of the perfectly toned woman one elliptical over.

With biblical depth, gut-honest vulnerability, and refreshing wit, Lysa helps readers:
Release the desire to fall apart or control the actions of others by embracing God-honoring ways to process their hurt.
Know exactly what to pray for the next ten days to steady their soul and restore their confidence.
Overcome the two core fears that feed our insecurities by understanding the secret of belonging.
Stop feeling left out and start believing that "set apart" does not mean "set aside."
End the cycle of perceived rejection by refusing to turn a small incident into a full blown issue.
 

Thursday, August 11, 2016

When Jesus was a Green-Eyed Brunette

When Jesus Was a Green-Eyed Brunette: Loving People Like God DoesWhen Jesus Was a Green-Eyed Brunette: Loving People Like God Does by Max Davis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. For some reason, i was thinking it was a story, but quickly found out otherwise.
The beginning of the book is Max Davis's life experiences & how God lead him to become a writer. A LOT of talk about this "Green-eyed Brunette" - which sort of got on my nerves a bit. It's why I gave it 3 stars instead of 4. I think the first few chapters just didn't hold my attention. It was just like reading someone's biography & it just didn't flow easily for me. Example - this talk about the green-eyed brunette was so much of the story, but then it was like in a hot second, we found out her name &that they married. WHAM! BAM! It was just odd how after referring to his wife like that for so long, the deliverance of her name & that they were married was just short ended. Hard to explain. Again, to me, it the was flow. Off putting.
I almost gave up on the book - but somewhere about half way through, I really really started loving it.
There were stories from other people & their experiences with God & they were so powerful. Some of the stories of people dealing with problems, health issues & even impending death - so moving. I loved the stories of how powerful the Word of God is. & the illustrations between a bonsai tree & a red oak? I'll never forget those example & will never look at those trees again the same.
Some of the book is repetitive in the things that most people that have been in church for awhile have heard - like how each disciple has died & how they could have easily said they didn't believe in Jesus. ... but I'm sure if a new believer was picking up this book, it may be a first time they saw this, so I respect its there.
In the end, I really had a change of heart about the book & glad I kept pushing on reading it.

View all my reviews
______________________

Book Description
When Jesus Was a Green-Eyed Brunette weaves heartwarming and miraculous stories of Jesus showing up in ordinary people, revealing that He knows us and is fully present in our everyday circumstances, especially in our difficulties. As best-selling author Max Davis puts it, "When we are born again, Jesus lives inside each of us. He is very much alive today and still does incredible things -- sometimes supernatural things -- through us!"
Davis's own life was dramatically altered when he first came face-to-face with Jesus living inside a green-eyed brunette. That encounter started a forty-plus-year journey where Jesus became his best friend. When we see others as God sees us we will love them as God loves us.
Those hurting and weary from worn-out religion are longing for a fresh touch from the living Jesus. By letting Jesus live through us we become a conduit of His love. Authentic Christianity is not about religion but a relationship with Jesus. Davis challenges us to do more than simply receive His grace -- we need to allow grace to soften, change, and shape us. As you read this book, you will laugh, cry, and come face-to-face with the living Jesus


Thursday, March 31, 2016

Looking for Lovely

Looking for Lovely: Collecting the Moments that MatterLooking for Lovely: Collecting the Moments that Matter by Annie F. Downs
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really like Annie Downs & her writing - loved Let's all be brave.
So when I heard she had another book coming out, I was excited about it.
After all, I always feel connected to these Nashville girls that I follow on Twitter or Instagram - its like, they go to places I visit when I'm there - we must be best friends :)
But I just love Annie mainly because of her honesty & the real way she looks at life.
This book is the exact same Annie I see everywhere in social media world.
How life is full of hard times, struggles, in all honesty - ugly.
But I love how she has found things that are 'lovely' - finding a different view of the world. Finding beauty in all things.
I so was connected to this book because I even did a blog post at the beginning of the year talking about how the word PERSEVERANCE was on my heart so deeply... well, I can't tell you how many times Annie used this word throughout the book. Probably in every chapter. & it was exactly what I felt like God has been trying to tell me. Life is all about NOT GIVING UP... sticking it out... PRESSING ON!
& Annie wraps this all up so beautifully with this book. Reminding us there are lovely things to see - that through the hard of life, not giving up & making it through.
Annie summed up her chapters with ideas on what to find lovely in life... I kept a post card in my book &wrote down each one ... & I'm excited to use it as a check list for the rest of the year... taking the time to purposely see some of the lovely things God gives to us.

View all my reviews

Thursday, March 3, 2016

The Gift for All People

The Gift for All People: Thoughts on God's Great GraceThe Gift for All People: Thoughts on God's Great Grace by Max Lucado
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I dont think I have ever given Max Lucado's books any thing less than 5 stars.
This one - such a quick little read. & full of such inspiring stories & words.
I think this would be perfect for a devotional. I think there are around 33 little stories in it so it would be perfect to do in a month.
Each one going through the life of Jesus & the gifts he gives us... short, fast, but all powerful & moving.
As always, Lucado has just a simple way of putting things, but still beautiful & to the heart.

View all my reviews

Sunday, February 14, 2016

Jesus > Religion

Jesus > Religion: Why He Is So Much Better Than Trying Harder, Doing More, and Being Good EnoughJesus > Religion: Why He Is So Much Better Than Trying Harder, Doing More, and Being Good Enough by Jefferson Bethke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I always love Jefferson Bethke's videos & how real he says everything. This book goes with exactly the same person he is in the videos.
This book looks at the difference between "religion" & Jesus.
I so appreciate this book because I just have a hard time when people use the word "Religious" ... like if someone were to say, "are you religious?"... I am a follower of Jesus. A big difference to me.
& this book, Jefferson digs a little deeper into that thinking. With today's things that are hot topic issues & Jefferson's honesty in his own life & short comings & all the way to simple mercy & grace. I really love that the last chapter is called "Why Jesus loves the church (& you should too)" ... because again, people have the idea of "church" & use it as Jesus.
Its just a great reminder that Jesus is over it all! GREATER THAN it all.
A really good & fast read.

View all my reviews

Monday, February 1, 2016

The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless DemandsThe Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands by Lysa TerKeurst
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It only took me a year to read this.
How dumb is that when the point of the book is putting things in priority - giving it your best yes in life.
That's what you call ironic & a wake up call.
Started the book all over again & was intentional about it & zoomed right through it.
It was so encouraging & full if insight on what is important in a life & how to go to God on decisions that need to be made.
I think half my book is highlighted... I always need more help in not feeling guilty about doing it all, about saying no & about feeling like every decision has to be the one way perfect answer. Not going to happen.
I'm just really glad I opened this book back up.

View all my reviews