Review: Abundant Life Book

"The Abundant Day Book" surprised me. I'm not normally a devotional sort of person, but this small, beautifully laid out and designed (and good smelling - I know, I'm weird) made me think with each of its daily devotions. The book included a year's worth of daily devotions. Each devotion includes a Scripture, the beginning of a prayer and a short note "from God"written by Nancy Guthrie and based on the Scripture of the day.

According to her bio, Guthrie teaches at her church. I'm not sure in what capacity that is, so I'm a bit uncomfortable with her as the author. I also do not like that she chooses to use the New Living Testament version of the Bible, which is more of an interpretation than a translation. Still, the translation does not appear to affect the effectiveness or accuracy of the devotions presented, and the devotions are very thought provoking. Despite my reservations, I enjoyed this devotional and would recommend it to anyone and everyone.

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale House in exchange for my honest review.

Review: Heaven is for Real... for Kids

Summary: You've probably heard of the full nonfiction book that has been a bestseller. This is the illustrated children's book version of that. "Heaven is for Real for Kids" tells the story of a young boy named Colton who was sick in the hospital when he almost died and got to go to Heaven. The book includes Scriptures on every page that correspond with the story. At the end, a Q&A is provided on what Colton is like today, if there's more to his story, if other people have similar stories, how we will know each other in heaven, and if you can fly in Heaven.

Review: Sometimes the simplified version of a story is all it takes to make you think. This children's book version of the bestseller does that, and it is bound to benefit the youngest to the oldest reader. The Bible constantly reminds Christians of the promise of the resurrection and of Heaven for those who follow Christ. For those doubters out there, or those who just need a reminder (we all doubt at some time), this simple child's true story will give comfort and peace. It might even elicit an "awww" out of those who like cute  children and cute stories. The book also serves as a great introduction to Heaven for kids. It will serve as a discussion starter, and I'm sure the beautiful illustrations will make the reader happy, as well.

Rating: 5/5 Stars

* Disclaimer: I received this book for free from BookSneeze.com in exchange for my honest review of it.

Review: The Christmas Note by Donna VanLiere

Summary: Gretchen is dealing with life without her husband, who is Germany after being injured as a soldier in Afghanistan. Her neighbor, a quiet, reclusive woman named Melissa, has troubles of her own. She mother recently died, and she feels freed because of it. With a negative childhood behind her, Melissa embarks on a journey to find two lost siblings, who she only finds out about after she finds an incomplete note from her mother in her mother's apartment. Gretchen offers to help, and she slowly becomes good friends with Melissa, giving Melissa someone to believe in her. With surprises around the corner, the two will learn that there are no coincidences — only God's hand at work.

Review: I love Donna VanLiere. I read her autobiography a few years ago and was deeply touched and inspired. "The Christmas Note" was my first Donna VanLiere novel, although she's written several other bestselling novels, including "The Christmas Shoes." Her story in "The Christmas Note" did not disappoint me. An endearing novel with relatable characters, "Christmas Note" will attach itself to your heart — that is if you can get past the first chapter, and the second, and the third... and so on.

Unfortunately for me, VanLiere chose to write in present tense, going back and forth between the two main characters narrating their stories. This reads as such: "I walked to the fridge. I got out some milk. I drank some milk." And so on. I HATE PRESENT TENSE NOVELS. I got used to the present tense narration as I read along, but each time I set the book down and then picked it up to read it again, I had to get used to the present tense again. Had it not been a review book, I would have stopped reading after the first chapter.

But maybe you don't mind present tense. It detracted from the story for me, but not everyone will be annoyed by it. If you're not annoyed by present tense novels, you'll enjoy "The Christmas Note" immensely.

Rating: 4/5 stars

Review: Dug Down Deep by Joshua Harris

I’ve been tempted to read books by Josh Harris ever since I went to high school with a guy by the same name. I had high expectations, and in many ways Harris’ book “Dug Down Deep” both lived up to and failed to live up to those expectation.

In “Dug Down Deep,” Harris admonishes readers to make theology a higher priority in their lives. “What we know about God shapes the way we think and live,” Harris writes. “What you believe about God’s nature — what he is like, what he wants from you, and whether or not you will answer to him — affects every part of your life. Theology matters, because if we get it wrong, then our whole life will be wrong.” 

With several references to Wayne Grudem’s “Systematic Theology” (bringing back many memories for those of us who had to read it over and over again in college), Harris’ book becomes a mini “Systematic Theology” written for Christians not normally interested in extensive research. Consequently, Harris uses more stories and less Scripture.

For many, Harris’ words will be sweet reminders of truths they already know. Others will be bored with the theology presented because they also already know the basic. And hopefully, many Christian young in their faith will learn many new truths. No matter how readers view the theology presented, Harris’ words should spur them on to a greater desire to know theology, to know the reason for their faith. Harris’ compelling argument for the need to have a solid knowledge of doctrine and theology makes his book work on so many levels. 

While not a textbook by Grudem, “Dug Down Deep” navigates the foundations of the Christian faith, among them being sin, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Church.

Harris’ discussion of the Holy Spirit may raise the hairs on the backs of some readers. Harris makes it clear that, while he does not adhere to some of the manipulative and false teaches of some Charismatic churches, he does believe in and practice the speaking of tongues. His belief may discredit him to some or at least disappoint certain fans. To his credit, though, Harris emphasizes the common denominator of both sides of the argument: opening your life to the Holy Spirit so that He can change you, use you, and bless you. Harris even references another writer who does not believe in the modern existence of tongues.

My feelings also clashed with the book when I got to Harris’ chapter on the church. I would have been encouraged by more on why its important to attend church and become a part of a community, but, instead, Harris focuses on the Great Commission and the missions side of church, which made me feel inadequate about the gifts that God has given me that glorify Him but don’t necessarily involve missions. There were a few other things I wasn’t sure what to think about, but I won’t mention them here.

Bottom line for me, personally: I got a lot out of the first few chapters encouraging the seeking out of solid theology, but the rest of the book was old news — been there, done that. But I’m sure there are plenty of others out there that need this book. As for me, Harris just made me want to skip his book to go read Grudem.


* Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review.

Life Lessons from The Help: Pain Happens in a Broken World

I recently saw the movie "The Help" and came away blessed by laughter, friendship, and confidence. Here is inspirational writer Poppy Smith's take on the film and on how the pain of the world should lead us to christ.

Life Lessons from The Help  Pain Happens in a Broken World By Poppy Smith   Have you read or seen the movie, THE HELP? If you have, you know it is a story about racism and the treatment of black maids who worked for white people in the South. People’s reactions range from outrage at the humiliation blacks have often received, to charges that it was biased and untrue.   I came out of the movie grieving. I not only felt wretched at the pain racism causes, but also at the hurt and suffering that comes when people mistreat others. Pain Happens in a Broken World. Being cruel to others, whether by actions or words, happens in every culture for many reasons: because individuals think they are superior for some reason due to their skin color, gender, position in society, wealth, or education. Whatever the reasons, they all flow from a sinful heart.   Have you been hurt? Have you known what it is like to be looked down on, dismissed as unimportant, or made to feel unwanted? Have you experienced cruelty of some kind? How did it make you feel? Have you wrestled with anger, wanting to get revenge, or feeling crushed and of no worth? In The Help, one of the poorly treated maids gets her revenge in a startling way. But revenge is God’s prerogative, and not ours to take (Romans 12:19). Your pain might have come from someone you work with, live next to, or go to school with. Its source could be a relative or close family. Even fellow believers hurt others when operating in the flesh and not the Spirit. But no matter where your pain originated, it is something God wants to heal. God Cares About You. Why should He care? Why does He call you to forgive those who have harmed you? Because He loves you and wants the appalling power of bitterness, hatred, and inner rage to stop poisoning your heart and your life. God’s Path to Healing. How can you and I, followers of the Lord Jesus, indwelt by His Mighty and All-powerful Spirit, find freedom from pain? Only by forgiving the one, or many, who caused our pain. Three necessary principles for dealing with pain: Reject blame and bitterness. It doesn’t move you forward. It chains you to the past. Pray for willingness to forgive. It is a process that often requires time to work through. Forgive the offender. Be willing to release that person from your desire for revenge, or even for an apology. Realize they most likely have moved on and forgotten the incident. Remembering is only hurting you. Let it go. Remember something else: the Lord is our Healer. He wants you to experience joy, no matter how much pain you have experienced. He wants you to THRIVE in every aspect of your life. And He has provided a way for this to happen! Will you walk in it?   Author Bio

Poppy Smith With her fun personality and passion for communicating life-changing truths, Poppy Smith inspires believers to thrive spiritually and personally. Poppy’s practical how-to messages (in print or in person) uses colorful examples from her own struggles to be more like Jesus. She encourages women (and men, at times) to grow in every kind of situation—whether joyful or painful! Poppy is British, married to an American, and has lived in many countries. She brings an international flair seasoned with humorous honesty as she illustrates Bible truths. A former Bible Study Fellowship Lecturer, Poppy’s teaching challenges women to look at their choices, attitudes and self-talk. As a result, God’s speaks, changing hearts, changing minds, and changing lives.

The above article comes from Poppy’s recent Thrive e-newsletter. Receive Poppy’s Ten Tips for Saying “No” by signing up for her newsletter at:http://www.poppysmith.com/newsletters.htm

Review: J.R.R. Tolkein by Mark Horne

Summary: Mark Horne takes readers from the beginnings to the end of the famous author J.R.R. Tolkein's life, giving particular emphasis to Tolkein's inspirations for Lord of the Rings and Tokein's interaction with other key authors including C.S. Lewis. Horne also emphasizes Tolkein's commitment to his Catholic faith.

Review: This is part of the "Christian Encounters" biography series, so, naturally, there are more references to faith than there might be in other biographies of Tolkein. But the religious elements are not prevalent, so non Christians could easily enjoy this book, especially Tolkein fans. And the book offers a lot of tid bits about where Lord of the Rings characters and locations came from, which followers of the books and movies are bound to enjoy. An easy read (aside from a few parts that are hard to follow, as is typical of a biography), and an enjoyable read, this biography is a good read even for the person who doesn't typically enjoy biographies.

On a Personal Note: I was sad to learn that Tolkein was a strong Catholic. The fact may be obvious to most, but I had no idea, and learning this fact made me lose some of my admiration for the author. In my opinion, Catholicism and Christianity are not the same, and if Tolkein believed in certain things like Purgatory, praying to Mary, and confession to the priest, I'm afraid... well... you can defer the rest.

* Disclaimer: I received this book from BookSneeze in return for my honest review of it.

Review: Stained Glass Hearts by Patsy Clairmont

Review: I don't even know how to summarize the point of this book — that's how bad it is in my mind. Unless you learn from stories, and stories, and lots more stories... in fact, nothing but stories, then maybe you'll get something out of Clairmont's cluttered, unorganized life stories. And maybe you enjoy the two (rather pointless) chapters on how great poetry and reading books are. But I don't see what any of these things have to do with stained glass hearts (aside from the end of chapter reflections and suggestions and maybe one chapter or two).

I expected a book on redemption and finding beauty in the broken pieces, but the majority of the book didn't really deal with that. I was left so bored that when I got to the chapter on books (where Clairmont gave the reader permission to stop reading a book that didn't catch the reader's attention in the first 50 pages), I stopped reading and started skimming... which quickly led to reading the first and last sentence of paragraphs... which led to skipping to the end of chapters... which led to being glad I was finally done with this book.

Maybe if you're a Patsy Clairmont fan or a Women of Faith attendee you'll enjoy this book. But I consider it shallow spiritual growth if this is all you can learn from. My advice: Read a book that gets deeper into Scripture, or read Scripture, and skip this book entirely.

Summary (from Book Sneeze): Much like stained glass, life's broken pieces become the prism through which God's grace shines most brightly and beautifully.

"Life is no doubt full of difficulties, but it is also filled with promise and possibility," says best-selling author and WOF speaker Patsy Clairmont. In Stained Glass Hearts Clairmont guides readers to view the  difficult experiences of life through the lens of God's grace. Using art as a theme, and likening people to stained glass windows, she shares that it's when we're surrounded by darkness that His healing light shines most brightly within us. Encouraging women to step back and see life from this new perspective, Patsy offers help and hope for the dark places of life.

Along with character studies of women in Scripture, and modern-day, relatable stories, each chapter includes:

Chalice—memorable quotes
Mosaic—recommended music
Spires—scriptures and readings
Litany—sample prayers