Book Review

Here we are again, anther great book to share about! As the mailman graced the door just before our trip this past weekend, God's timing could not have been more perfect. You see, my little girl just turned seven on Saturday - 7!!! I always heard about time flying in reference to children, but now I totally get it! As we had some time to spare in the family van, we had a chance to read parts together. What a simply precious read! This makes a great gift for any "girls" in your life!

Authors Jack Countryman and Amy Parker have compiled a wonderful hard-back book that can be read over and over. This can be used as a devotional read, a reference book as situations and/or needs arise, and even serves as a great reminder of the characteristics of our Heavenly Father. It's set-up with short two-page categorizes with a brief rhyming commentary (4-lines), and the rest of the page is filled with scripture.

Content categorizes include "God's Promises When..." (You are Worried, You Need Help, You Feel Lonely) "God's Promises About..." (The Woman You'll Grow up to Be, His Love, His Grace) "God Wants You To...", and several others. The pictures included are simply adorable, and just add to the special-ness of the words the Lord leaves for us in His Word. These verses are such a source of comfort and encouragement as we need reassurance of God's protection, love, and forgiveness. I believe, as children see again and again that Scripture has answers to our questions and feelings, they will learn to rely on God and his promises.

Have a wonderful day in Him!

Is it okay to be needy?

Ahhhh, the neediness factor. In my humble experience, we run the gamut with this one. Just as my pendulum clock swings back and forth several times a minute, perhaps we find ourselves somewhere between fierce independence and protection, and a sheer thrown down in exhaustion of our desire to be filled back up. The Lord has simply placed a very timely book, literally in my mailbox, and then onto my lap. I'm so grateful for the time of reflection and a glance down the road towards some understanding and healing in the area of friendships. I'm wondering if perhaps the Lord wants to share that same message with you today, or even someone you love? Will you risk the pain that can accompany transparency and vulnerability for the hope of freedom, stronger bonds, and even the thought of knowing love in the truest of forms?

Author and actor, Lisa Whelchel, has written a book born out of experience and a simple desire to share her heart. Friendships for Grown-ups, guides the reader in delving into this topic of neediness and in recognizing safe people. She shares about her notion of striving for perfection as a way to connect with people, only to realize that this very 'shininess' acted like Teflon and prevented any kind of lasting bond. Lisa shares openly her successes, and her failures, and along the way, the people in her stories start taking on the faces of ones you know. Perhaps the Lord has something he wants to show you in 'these faces' as well? She doesn't proclaim this to be a self-help book, a book with all the answers to all your questions, a direct set of rules to follow, she only ask you to open your heart to taking a glance at how you view yourselves and the friendships you've developed or not developed along this journey of life.

Funny thing is, as her heart became vulnerable to others, so was her heart more open and able to receive more of the love Christ has to offer. In her final chapter, Lisa describes the gift of Immanuel,

I am learning that an easy place to exercise my presence-practicing muscles in within friendships. When I am with a friend, I want to be fully engaged with her. Eyes connected, ears attuned, opinions on hold, mouth in neutral, heart wide open. The more in-the-moment encounters I have on the human level, the easier it is for me to be with Immanuel, in an incarnational way. Not worrying about the future or regretting the past. Not trying to think the right thoughts or say words that will cause him to act. Just being with him.

Are you afraid? Do you have reservations? Have you built walls of protection around your heart and stand guard very diligently? Though it may appear to be safe, what else could you be possibly missing out on? From one wall-builder to anther, I implore you to pray for God to help you to go there. Ask him to help you take one brick at a time. He promises us that he hears us. If you can trust in His timing, He knows your heart (after all He created it!), and he is gentle to show you all He has in store for you, but only if you give Him permission. I will be praying...

Have a wonderful day in Him! And get your hands on this book!

Disclosure of Material Connection: Thomas Nelson Publishers sent me a free copy of this book as part of their bloggers book review 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.”

Book Report

There is that saying - don't judge a book by it's cover - however, this cover couldn't display a better visual concept for this delightful book, or beautifully depict the "flavor" of this author any better. Known for her involvement as a Women of Faith speaker, Pasty Clairmont gives us a whimsical look at the directness of the book of Proverbs.

The book is comprised of 33 chapters, short in length (4-5 pages), that delve into a variety of topics from 'Stretch Marks' to 'It's the Nomad Life for Me'. Each chapter concludes which a few questions to ponder and list of several scriptures to "Hold to the Light".

This book serves a purpose for the reader to 'grab' when he or she has a few minutes to spare. In grabbing a handful of 'good cereal' this gives the reader some food for thought and a boost for their day. I can also see it working well for group gatherings, or even a great way to unwind at the end of the day.

Patsy has done a fabulous job of taking the bottom-line, barest-form truths to help us fashion them into life. She utilizes her insightful humor to sift through Scripture's most diverse book, holds scripture up to the light, and finds inspirational reflections that bring clarity. I recommend this book, makes a great gift as well! Happy reading!

My thanks to the amazing crew at Thomas Nelson publishers for providing books both for readers and authors alike through their booksneeze website. God creates beautiful partnerships as His truth speaks loudly. Read on...

Love Your Heart

Thanks to the kind and gracious hard-working-hearts at Thomas Nelson Publishers, I was able to curl up with my daughter - a warm welcome after playing hard in the snow for over 2 hours - and delight together reading this precious new storybook (lovingly delivered by our faithful mail carrier Pam today.)

Country music singers and song writers, Tim McGraw and Tom Douglass have teamed together, alongside illustrator Abigail Marble, to bring to their readers a heartwarming father/daughter relationship as told through a precious character named Katie.

Throughout the pages, Katie's boisterous spirit sparkles and bounces as we read of Dad's proud responses to his little girl's selfless act of kindness. This story reminds us that the very best of you lies lies not in what you can do, but in who you are.

I also enjoyed reading the forward written by Faith Hill and their three uniquely gifted daughters, Gracie, Maggie, and Audrey. I highly recommend this book, again, great gift idea to add to your family library.

To those of you enjoying/enduring the snow, I'm praying for you. May the Lord grant you safety, and may we be able to pause from the "work" of shoveling to enjoy making snow angels once again. Have a wonderful week!

Mom's Bible

It's that time again...

Book report, I mean book "review".

Let me just tell you how humbling it is to put forth a few words, an opinion, in regards to not only the inspiration of God through an author, but to pitifully offer my view on the living word of God himself. So instead of thinking on the later, I'll choose the former.

In my opinion, this is a great compilation. Throughout this New Century Version Bible, there are some remarkable insights, notes, and history that greatly enhance the readers reflection with corresponding passages. Woven throughout the scriptures, you'll also find excerpts on God's character, ways of "passing it on", and topics entitled, 'walking in...'

The contributors include, Bobbie Wolegemuth, Missy Wolgemuth Schrader, Regina Sentell, Jennifer Case Cortez, and Robert Wolgemuth. Bobbie is an author, artist, and musician who loves being a wife, mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother. She has a background in elementary education and music, and loves to bring spiritual truths to life in creative ways. Her daughter, Missy, has also taught elementary and middle school and is currently the Family Life Director for the Christan school where her children attend. Regina is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, wife, mother, grandmother, speaker, teacher, and mentor. Jennifer is a wife, mother and editor for Wolgemith & Associates, Inc. Dr. Robert Wolgemuth, husband and father, is a speaker and best-selling author of over 20 books.

In addition to the insights woven throughout the scriptures, the topic index towards the back are very helpful. One such index features the moms in the bible. I enjoyed reading about beloved figures as the authors wrote about aspects of their life stories in such a relateable way. There is also a section entitled 'Answers to Questions Kids Ask"' - very valuable. After each question, verses are sited as well as commentary to address each question - great to use with adults and kids alike!

The version I have is hard back, very durable. This could be a great gift idea for any mother, or parent for that matter. I highly recommend it!

Thanks for indulging my quick 2 cents. From one wanna-be-book-worm, sometimes half the battle is simply knowing what's available and how to get your hands on it. Lots to digest, may the Lord create a connection for you today. May you find yourself with the desire to follow through. Have a great day in Him!

Book Report

Don't know about you, but do these two words, placed side-by-side, send shivers down your spine and dredge up grade-school memories that leave you with an urgent desire to run from the room? Okay, so maybe I'm a bit squeamish when it comes to hearing the words - book report - so instead I'll use a more grown up word - book review. Ah, much better.

All kidding aside, my husband handed me a book not too long ago with a request - to read it and write a review. Okay. What's the book? "Not sure, " he says, "something girly." Well, as the saying goes, one can't always judge a book from it's cover. In my opinion, this story is both girls and man-ly. Multi-platinum recording artist Sara Evans writes a beautiful and captivating fictional story, along with Rachel Hauck, in her debut novel, The Sweet By and By.

This is the life story of a character named Jade. Jade is a girl who is living her life forward in anticipation of her upcoming wedding. As she and her fiance pledge over and over to leave their past in the past, Jade's past comes face to face with her present. How does she react when the pain of long ago, when the skeletons locked away are screaming to be let out? How would you react? I do believe that many readers will become caught up in reflecting on their own wounds and scars of the past. What do we do when pain, disappointment, hurt, rejection, and even abandonment have entered our lives? Do we lick our wounds and move on? Do we lash out in anger and harbor bitterness? Do we build a wall and camp out in the land of that-will-never-happen-to-me again? Do we cry out in desperation, longing for someone to rescue us? What if I told you the rescuer has been there all along?

This story is simply captivating. I somehow felt transported into the story as if the scenes were playing out with me as a part of them. In reading Jade's thoughts and "watching" her bravely rise in the the midst of life-altering circumstances, the reader somehow rises along with her. Though one's own life may involve different variables, the same feelings and thoughts ring true. How do you not only survive life, but endure hardship to a point where you realize nothing you've been given is deserved? Evans' displays a magnificent ability to bring the reader into the story as Jade's view of God emerges from one of borrowed faith to one of saving grace. Evans doesn't end the story on a happily-ever-after-note, yet one filled with hope, redemption, and restoration as a new chapter in Jade's life is being written. A chapter that includes the freedom of forgiveness.

I highly recommend this book, it's definitely a fast read. Thanks to the wonderful people at Thomas Nelson, I would gladly lend this to you if you so feel inclined. Happy New Year! May you continue to have thoughts of renewal and a sense of urgency to use each day for Him.