Real-Life Romance: Inspiring Stories to Help You Believe in True Love by Rhonda Stoppe

Real-Life Romance: Inspiring Stories to Help You Believe in True Love

by Rhonda Stoppe

  I was intrigued from the first moment I heard of this newly-published book by Rhonda Stoppe. An entire book of not only true, real-life but also faith-filled romance stories? Definitely yes! Like I just said, the quality of this book doesn't just lie in the stories but in the reoccurring theme of God's grace and purpose weaving each story together. The author of this book has skillfully told each couple's love story with the point of pointing it  back to God. As I read each account, I was encouraged in many ways. Every story is different, and not all are tidy and perfect. As a matter of fact, just as in real life, many of the stories were messy and unexpected. But it is fascinating to read how God made things work together for His glory. There is something in this book for everyone in every season of life, whether married or single. The writing style is not phenomenal however I was grateful for the content and am glad I read this book!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do You Believe in True Love?

In a world of broken relationships and hurting people, it can seem like all we ever see is heartache—that marriages are doomed from the start and romance isn't worth the risk. 

But heart-fluttering, long-lasting love is all around us...we just have to look for it! 

This collection of beautiful, real-life accounts will bring laughter and tears as you enjoy each story of ordinary people who found extraordinary love. Page after page, you will find inspiration to:

rekindle the romance in your love storytrust in God's providence and timingfaithfully hope for your own happily-ever-aftercelebrate true romancebelieve in life-long love

Don't let the world define romance for you! See how God is at work in the hearts of His people—knitting together hearts in a love that forever endures.

Jesus, I Need You: Honest Prayers from a Trusting Heart

Jesus, I Need You: Honest Prayers from a Trusting Heart
The first thing one will notice about this book is it's lovely cover and beautiful interior design.
With its perfect design, this small hardcover book will make an especially nice gift to give to a friend. Of course the exterior of a book is not the most important part. This book contains wisdom in the forms of prayers to help with every day. This book is organized perfectly with enough text for daily devotional times.

Personally, I am not a fan of books with written prayers but I liked the devotional aspect of each chapter. Each chapter also ends with half a page for the reader's own thoughts and prayers. This book is especially pretty to give as a gift.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Good times. Bad times. In-between times. When your daily ordeals threaten to overwhelm you, the simple prayer “Jesus, I need You”offers peace and rest.

Whether you’re experiencing a season of heartache or a season of joy, a time of questioning or a time of deep gratitude, the vulnerable prayers featured throughout will meet you where you are. With space for journaling, Jesus, I Need You will quiet your mind and heart as you discover the Lord’s faithfulness and lovingkindness.

Find the comfort, hope, and celebration you seek as you ground your faith in the Savior who can be trusted in all circumstances.

A Woman Overwhelmed: Finding God in the Messes of Life by Hayley DiMarco

A Woman Overwhelmed: Finding God in the Messes of Life

by Hayley DiMarco

I just finished reading this book and really benefited from it. The author's honesty and openness definitely helped me to face my own mind and heart concerning life. I was surprised by how similar I am to this author. This book was easy to read, not too long yet full of truths and worthy of thinking over. I liked how each chapter ended with ''thoughts to ponder'' and I look forward to re-reading it as a daily or weekly book study. The author, Hayley DiMarco is a best-selling writer and I certainly will read more of her books from now on! Not only does she speak from experience and with sound Biblical truth, she writes with a great sense of humour which I enjoyed. I highly recommend this book for any woman who consistently feels overwhelmed and/or out of control of life! 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

"A Woman Overwhelmed" is a phrase with which many women can relate. But what would happen if we could see the insanity in our pace and embrace our overwhelming God?

There is a reason they say that a woman's work is never done-- because it isn't! As women, we often are overwhelmed by the demands and circumstances of life, resulting in stress, fear, worry, impatience, fatigue, frustration, and even depression. The truth is that we were created to be overwhelmed . . . not by life but by God! When we learn to be overwhelmed by God, the fruit in our lives goes from rotten to fragrant--filling our days with peace, hope, love, and joy.

In A Woman Overwhelmed, best-selling author Hayley DiMarco shares biblical insights and personal stories to offer a glimpse at the comedy of an overwhelmed life while encouraging us to discover the depths and heights of God's love and power

Be empowered to find freedom in becoming overwhelmed with who God is--by learning to focus on what we know about God so that we can hold onto faith even when it seems that all is lost. For it is when an overwhelmed woman gives up the mission of me and exchanges it for the mission of God that being overwhelmed becomes a good thing.

Choose to bask in the abundance of the Father instead of the abundance of life as his unfathomable depths can surely replace our fathomable messes.

The Mission Walker: I was given three months to live... by Edie Littlefield Sundby

The Mission Walker: I was given three months to live...

by Edie Littlefield Sundby

What a story this is! I love reading autobiographies- they are one of my absolute favorite genres of books. I have been blown away by several books written about and by people who, through God's grace have conquered death. In this particular one, the author documents her life battling cancer which threatened to take her life within three months. I was amazed by her desire to live and her strength to fight through each day of pain and the daily rigour of treatments and doctor's visits and bad news. 

Personally, I was a little confused by the faith held by the author, Edie Sundby. The beliefs expressed in this book would not offend anyone of Christian, Catholic, Orthodox (the author thought highly of a blessing given to her by an Orthodox priest) and maybe even Buddhist? I just found the author didn't attribute her healing to Jesus as much as she ought to have. However, this was an inspiring read and I would hope to have as much strength and will to fight cancer as she did. 

  Of course, that is not all there is to this book. As the title suggests, this book focuses on the author's miraculous walking journey  across southwestern America. Edie's goal was to live the last days of her life to the fullest and she truly enjoyed herself and continues to find zest in life. Personally, I don't know how necessary it is to walk across difficult terrain when you could die any day. I would rather invest in different relationships while staying active if possible as well as sharing the love of Jesus during my last days. However, as I'm sure is the case already, Edie's tenacity is an example and encouragemt to other cancer victimes to fight to live.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

When Edie Sundby was diagnosed with metastatic cancer and given only three months to live, she vowed to fight. She sought out the best care that the medical community could offer, and she relied on the faith she had inherited from her cotton-farmer parents. But Edie also found healing through movement. Edie knew that if she was still walking, she was still alive.

"The Mission Walker" is both an adventure story and a reflection on the universal experience of confronting our own mortality. A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.

Edie’s story shows that the sum of a million steps is a life forever changed.

Humble Roots: How Humility Grounds and Nourishes Your Soul by Hannah Anderson

Humble Roots: How Humility Grounds and Nourishes Your Soul

by Hannah Anderson 

   What an excellent book this was! The author uses examples from nature to explain biblical truths. Personally, as one who has always loved nature and cultivating the earth, the thoughts and word pictures in this book really interested me. Even if you don't consider yourself an outdoors person this book had a fresh perspective on humility that I think every woman should experience. In fact, I did not expect this book to be one of the best I'd ever read but was happily surprised. I was convicted and taught throughout the chapters of this easy-to-read book. The author uses simple examples from nature paired with life-changing truths from the Bible which will really change your perspective on life. This book is a must-read, especially for women! 

Find abundance in a humble life.

A lot of books these days are trying to diagnose our discontentment—too busy, too distracted, too hard on ourselves, too (fill-in-the-blank).

While many of us could do to simplify, peace is not about productivity, saying no, or any other external. It’s about saying yes to our dependence on God. This is what Humble Roots: How Humility Grounds and Nourishes Your Soul is all about.

Exploring Jesus’ “Come unto me” invitation, Philippians 2, and various texts from the Gospels, Hannah Anderson reveals:

The cause, nature, and dangers of busyness and self-dependence 
The myriad benefits of humility
What humility is (and isn’t), and why it’s essential to our identity
How Christ modeled humility through His incarnation
How humility plays out in our salvation and sanctification
How to learn humility and walk in dependence on God
The reason many of us feel so unsettled is that we are attempting to be something we were never intended to be—it’s an internal issue. We need to recover a theology of creaturehood that leads to true abundance, and Humble Roots is the perfect place to start.

Hiding From The Kids in My Prayer Closet by Jessica Kastner

Hiding From The Kids in My Prayer Closet by Jessica Kastner

 This is one of the most humorous and real books on motherhood I have ever read! Throughout the whole book, I laughed aloud. Yet I also was impressed that each chapter finishes with deeper thoughts and applications. The author seems to have a balanced perspective on life and motherhood! She knows (for the most part- none of us are perfect!) when to laugh and when to ponder what God is teaching her.

Personally, I could never relate to Jessica's personality motherhood-wise. Sound confusing? Simply: Jessica never dreamed of getting married and having babies and wasn't really attracted by infants or children. I am quite the opposite. My 7th birthday party was a cute ''baby shower'' theme, with things for my baby doll. Somehow, I've always felt the need to marry and have children. Nevertheless, I was able to chuckle over Jessica's unusual character. I loved how she allowed God to change her and make her a fun and loving mom. In this book, she is honest and humble and gives mothers a new perspective on what parenting is all about.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Finding grace and laughter when motherhood gets real

Soon after Jessica Kastner became a mother, she wondered if she was the only mom who found pretend play more boring than watching playdough harden and who dreaded yet another friend's Instagram post of homemade deliciousness.

In Hiding from My Kids in the Prayer Closet, Kastner shares her experience as an "unmom"-a mom who loves her kids more than she loves the daily experience of mothering. She helps readers laugh at the ridiculous, delight in the unpredictable, and enjoy being the mothers God made them to be.

Jessica Kastner is an award-winning journalist and a contributor for the Christian Broadcasting Network's CBN.com, Beliefnet.com, and the Huffington Post's Christianity blog. As Connecticut's coordinator for Straight Ahead Ministries, she shares God's message of hope by leading Bible studies in juvenile detention centers. When she's not on the trampoline with her three boys in Connecticut, Jessica shares her unapologetically "real" commentary on the Christian life at www.JessicaKastner.com.

I'll Push You: A Journey of 500 Miles, Two Best Friends, and One Wheelchair by Patrick Gray/Justin Skeesuck

I'll Push You: A Journey of 500 Miles, Two Best Friends, and One Wheelchair

by Patrick Gray, Justin Skeesuck

   From the moment I read the subtitle of this book, I knew it would be a rare and interesting read. This is an account written by both Justin and Patrick of their unusual and incredible trip together on the 500-mile trek called the Camino de Santiago. The incredible factor? Justin is wheel-chair bound yet was able to traverse the total 500-miles with the help of his childhood best friend Patrick as well as many other volunteers met along the journey. This is an extremely interesting and oftentimes humorous account. I appreciated how Patrick included his own spiritual growth which occurred along the trail. What Patrick learned about himself and the way he treated his wife and children back home was life-changing and I'm so glad it was described in the pages of this book.

Personally, I didn't care for a lot of the humour in this book. But what can you say when it's two guys writing such an account? Apart from that, it was a very good book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Two best friends, 500 miles, one wheelchair, and the challenge of a lifetime.
Friendship takes on new meaning in this true story of Justin and Patrick, born less than two days apart in the same hospital. Best friends their whole lives, they grew up together, went to school together, and were best man in each other's weddings. When Justin was diagnosed with a neuromuscular disease that robbed him of the use of his arms and legs, Patrick was there, helping to feed and care for him in ways he'd never imagined. Determined to live life to the fullest, the friends refused to give into despair or let physical limitations control what was possible for Justin.

So when Justin heard about the Camino de Santiago, a 500-mile trek through Spain, he wondered aloud to Patrick whether the two of them could ever do it. Patrick's immediate response was: "I'll push you."

I'll Push You is the real-life story of this incredible journey. A travel adventure full of love, humor, and spiritual truth, it exemplifies what every friendship is meant to be and shows what it means to never find yourself alone. You'll discover how love and faith can push past all limits--and make us the best versions of ourselves.

How to Overcome Worry by Winfred Neely

How to Overcome Worry: Experiencing the Peace of God in Every Situation

by Winfred Neely

    This is a slim paperback book which will invite even the most timid of readers to peruse its contents. I personally found it the perfect size to slip into my purse for reading on the go.

The chapters are clear, well-organized and purposeful. Men and women alike will benefit from this book by Winfred Neely. At first I did not expect much from such a short book. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and quality within. This may be a short book, but it packs an important message.

   Dr. Winfred Neely writes with understanding and wisdom. This is a book which will definitely help the worried Christian learn to place his trust in Jesus' plan. It will also unravel confusion as to where worry begins and why we worry. The author writes each chapter in a kind way, not condemning but desiring to help the reader.

I was very pleased with this book and was struck by the Biblical wisdom pertaining to trusting God instead of worrying. Sometimes you know something but don't really ponder it until reading a book about it....this is such a book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do you struggle with worry or anxious thoughts on a regular basis? Does your mind get fixated on the same concern over and over? Do you know you should stop worrying but repeatedly fail to do so?

How to Overcome Worry presents a biblical and practical strategy for this exact problem. Dr. Winfred Neely, who has experienced his fair share of anxiety-inducing circumstances, walks you through Philippians 4:6–7 to help you:

Understand the difference between concern and worry
Use prayer as a means of grace to overcome worry
Cultivate gratitude and thanksgiving as an antidote to worry
Navigate changing seasons and circumstances without falling into worry
Employ practical strategies for experiencing the peace of God
Worry is one of the top issues in our world today, even among Christians, and this concise and biblical approach will offer real solutions. In His Word, God tells us to stop worrying, pray about everything, and expect His peace. This is a true promise of Scripture, and this book will help you to lay hold of it.

This Life I Live by Rory Feek

This Life I Live: One Man's Extraordinary, Ordinary Life and the Woman Who Changed It Forever

by Rory Feek

The love story that captured the heart of the nation

Joey and Rory Feek were enjoying a steadily growing fan base in country music when Joey was diagnosed unexpectedly with a rapidly spreading cancer. This vibrant and beautiful young woman would soon be on a unique journey for which no one is ever fully prepared. Her husband, Rory, and children, Heidi, Hopie, and Indiana, were beside her each step of the way. Rory, a prolific songwriter, entrepreneur, farmer, and overall tender man, has seen God bless his life in countless unexpected ways and had started a blog, thislifeilive.com, not really knowing its purpose other than he needed to write. That purpose soon became clearer when Joey’s cancer battle hit.

By inviting so many into the final months of Joey’s life, this astounding couple captured the hearts of millions with their powerful love story, the manner in which they were handling the diagnosis, and the inspiring simple way they had chosen to live their lives.

In this vulnerable book, Rory takes us into his own challenging life story and shows what can happen when God brings both his presence and the right companion into our lives. He also gives never-before-revealed details on what he calls “the long goodbye,” the blessing of being able to know that life is going to end and taking advantage of it. Feek shows how we all are actually there already and how we can learn to live that way every day. He then goes into detail toward the end of the book on what it’s like to try to move on with your life once you’ve “had it all.”  

 I had never heard of Rory and Joey Feek (having only become interested in country-style music recently) so I began this autobiography/memoir excited to get to know this couple. From the first few chapters, I was deeply interested. As I continued in the book, I couldn't wait to listen to their music and watch their videos. This book is a remarkable and touching story. But it is more than that. It is a wonderful testimony to God's work of salvation in Rory's life and the strength and faith which resulted. I love how this book shows a distinct Before and After. And it is obvious that the Rory in the Before was a totally different man than the Rory in the After. His testimony of salvation is bold and victorious. And he has so much joy and hope even after the loss of his beautiful and loving wife Joey. This book is a must-read. Men and women alike will love and learn from the story in this new book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Brave Is the New Beautiful by Lee Wolfe Blum

Brave Is the New Beautiful: Finding the Courage to Be the Real You
by Lee Wolfe Blum

 Women of all ages need to read books such as this one. Brave is the new beautiful is eye-opening, inspiring, and encouraging. With all the stories of women who have fought through trials and tragedy, it is also convicting. It puts our personal disappointments in perspective when compared to women's stories of losing a child, health, etc. I love how the author, Lee Wolfe Blum masterfully blended all her thoughts and convictions into a sensible and rock-solid book for women. I appreciated how the author was open with her own story and thoughts. I was humbled and encouraged as I read this book! Basically, it gently tells women to look beyond the surface and the image the media tries so hard to ingrain in us as ''the right image''. We need to realize there is more to ourselves than our outward appearance. Because truly, brave is the new beautiful!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Our culture bombards women with "thinspiration" messages and pressure to "do it all" while wearing the mask of perfection. 

Women are left feeling alone and overwhelmed. How can they stop comparing themselves to others? How can they live out who they really are?

Lee Wolfe Blum offers stories from everyday women who have answered these questions with their lives-and found true beauty in the process. In Brave Is the New Beautiful, Blum weaves reflections from her own journey with inspirational stories from everyday women who chose to take off their masks and live authentically. Through call-to-action questions and ideas, she encourages readers to be brave enough to be who

He Will Be the Preacher: The Story of God's Providence in My Life by Erwin W. Lutzer

He Will Be the Preacher: The Story of God's Providence in My Life

by Erwin W. Lutzer

The title comes from a sentence uttered by an elderly woman who was a friend of Erwin Lutzer's parents when Erwin was only a baby. Whether that statement was a momentary inspiration or an actual prompting of the Holy Spirit, either way it proved to be prophetically true. This is the story of Erwin Lutzer's life and how he became a preacher and the pastor of Moody church. This autobiography is detailed without becoming tedious and interesting to any readers whether your are already aware of who Erwin Lutzer is or not. I personally love and learn so much from Mr. Lutzer's books and sermons so was excited to read all about his life. I am so glad this book focuses on God's hand of providence in Erwin Lutzer's life. It is made very clear throughout this book that although man makes his plans, God directs his ways. This was both an interesting and informative read as well as a testimony to God's leading and Lutzer's listening in life.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Beauty Begins: Making Peace with Your Reflection by Chris Shook, Megan Shook Alpha

Beauty Begins: Making Peace with Your Reflection

by Chris Shook, Megan Shook Alpha

This book was important to me because I have struggled with self-image for years. This book from mother-daughter team Chris and Megan Shook had such a balanced and Biblical perspective on the subject of beauty. At first I thought it would be just another book on the topic, and I have previously read (and reviewed) excellent and sufficient publications focused on the subject. However, as I read further into the book I realized I could really glean from the words of wisdom within. The only thing I would have liked to have seen more of would be personal accounts/lessons experienced by the authors. On the other hand, this book is wonderful and will definitely help a variety of women of all ages. I loved how the authors pointed back to the Creator, and put our opinions of ourselves in perspective. (this may not make sense here, so read the book). They do a marvelous job explaining the difference between a joyful believer satisfied in Christ and knowing it is the beauty of the heart that matters, and someone who places their hope in this world and the unsatisfactory and temporary pleasures it offers.

I hope to add more to this review later.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

You are, and always have been, beautiful.

“Beauty begins. That’s the point of this book. Our understanding of beauty got started somewhere and somehow, and probably due to someone. Now that may have been a good start, but then again it may not have. But regardless of what your past looks like, we want to offer up this word of hope: it’s never too late to make peace with your reflection.”

We live in a culture that’s obsessed with beauty. Walk by any magazine stand, turn on a television, or visit the local shopping mall, and you’ll be bombarded with the images and ideals that our culture believes are the epitome of what it means to be beautiful. And if you’re like most women, you’ve probably spent countless hours trying to measure up to this standard of beauty whether you realize it or not.

But if you don’t make peace with your reflection, you’ll end up declaring war on yourself.

That’s where mother-daughter team, Chris and Megan Shook, want to help. In Beauty Begins, they explore the origins of beauty (hint, it didn’t start with a fashion magazine) and challenge each of us to trade the pressure of perfection for God's perfect love.

Poignant, relevant, and relatable, Beauty Begins is for every woman who wants to reclaim what it means to be truly beautiful.

Do you feel beautiful?
 
When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Others may tell you that you’re beautiful, but do you believe them? Why not? Don’t let another day go by without believing and knowing that you are fearfully and wonderfully made.
It’s time for you to exchange society’s cookie-cutter suggestions for what is beautiful and instead discover and reclaim what true beauty looks like – and the One who created it.
In Beauty Begins, Chris and Megan Shook share with you their own experiences and struggles with appearance and body image, as well as equip you with the wisdom to distinguish what’s artificial beauty and what’s real. Filled with heartfelt encouragement, insightful challenges, and undeniable truth, after reading Beauty Begins, you’ll never look in the mirror the same way again.

KJV, Thinline Bible, Compact, Cloth over Board, Navy/Gray, Red Letter Edition by Thomas Nelson

KJV, Thinline Bible, Compact, Cloth over Board, Navy/Gray, Red Letter Edition

by Thomas Nelson

   Another new printing of God's Holy Word, from Thomas Nelson Publishing! I love the new ideas for printing and binding the Bible- over the years, this company has managed to think of a variety of useful and beautiful ways of presenting God's Word. This copy is the classic King James version with the words of Christ in red. The size is perfect for fitting in your purse, bag, glove compartment, backpack- most places, actually! And that is the best aspect of this book, apart from the fact that it is the Bible! In case you couldn't tell, this Bible is perfect for guys or girls. The binding is a pleasing gray cloth over board. The spine is navy blue. Fathers would think this a great Father's day gift. Whether you add it to your daily routine or give it as a gift, this Bible is a must! The font is a little small, but what I expected from a compact version of the Bible.

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Designed to be a convenient Bible for reading and travel, the KJV Compact Thinline Bible features the timeless beauty of the trustworthy King James translation. The KJV Compact Thinline Bible easily fits in purses, backpacks, or glove compartments. This easy-to-carry Bible comes with features that will enhance your reading experience, including an all-new typesetting in the elegant and readable Thomas Nelson KJV Font, double ribbon markers, full-color maps, and the words of Christ in red.

review of book Chasing Famous by Lisa Lloyd

Chasing Famous: Living the Life You've Always Auditioned for

by Lisa Lloyd

I was very interested in reading this book as a woman who has struggled with self-esteem and purpose in life. The subtitle of this book is ''Living the Life You've Always Auditioned For'' and is sure to capture the curiosity of most people. The author is Lisa Lloyd, an actress who can speak from experience. I love the point she makes through all the chapters of the book: turn the spotlight on GOD! And then you will discover what it means to truly live. It sounds simple enough, but in reality we know that is hard to do. Thus, the author carefully explains throughout her book how we can do that. I found her book interesting. It wasn't the most life-changing book I've read but it was good.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Have you ever considered your life as an audition? Regardless of who or where we are, we are constantly--often unconsciously--auditioning for a part. Loving wife. Amazing employee. Crafting queen. Socialite. All we really want is to be loved, affirmed, and accepted. What if we could learn to live the life we have always been auditioning for without all the stress? Chasing Famous is a redemptive book that teaches us how to take the focus off ourselves and shift it back on to the glory of God. Written by a professional actress who readily admits that she is the most self-centered person she knows, Chasing Famous provides practical and sometimes humorous examples of scriptural truth that will help you master the natural self-centered tendencies of life. Once you've mastered these issues--and you can--your story will turn the spotlight on God where, you'll soon discover, what it means to truly live.

my favourite reads 2016

Extremely random....but extremely important: the best of all the books I read in 2016!!!

It was a wonderful reading year.

I got in a LOT of reading the first half while we were driving from our old home to our new with a van packed full of belongings and siblings...my reading definitely dropped the second half of the year because of my job and the amazing outdoors which does actually trump books (shocking, I know!).

so here they are...

I found some pretty life-changing books in 2016...

Colors of Goodbye

I Don't Wait Anymore

Hunting Hope

Hope Heals

It Was Beautiful

....as well as some other great ones....

Strong and Kind

20 Things We'd Tell our Twenty-Something Selves

If My Husband Would Change, I'd be Happy

Tying the Knot

One Minute After You Die

...and some autobiographies...

Unbroken (again)

Swimming with Faith

Young and Beardless

The Good, The Bad and the Grace of God

not to forget some awesome fiction...

The Perilous Gard

The Sherwood Ring

The Last Ride

Shades of Gray

The Book Thief (again)

From Anna

The House on the Hill

A couple lovely editions of the Bible

an impressive photography book

and because it's adorable:

I Love You Just Because (get this book. you will cry. the illustrations are that sweet)

             

Help sponsor me as I raise money for Joni and Friends this Saturday!!!

    I am so grateful God created me able to move and run and dance and work hard. My goal is to glorify Him with my mobility and to help others who don't have as much strength or ability to move!

Thus, I was so excited when I heard about an event which will help Joni and Friends- an organization which supports disabled children and adults! This Saturday I will be walking for hours in order to help raise money for Joni and Friends! But I need sponsors, in order to make my walking actually raise money for this organization! PLEASE consider sponsoring me (even a little bit helps!) as I participate in this event THIS SATURDAY April 8th! Thank you so much!

My fundraising page

And Still She Laughs: Defiant Joy in the Depths of Suffering by Kate Merrick

And Still She Laughs: Defiant Joy in the Depths of Suffering

by Kate Merrick

    From a mother who lost her eight-year old daughter after a three-year battle with cancer, this book is a testimony to God's faithfulness. The author writes with strength and meaning and fulfills the purpose of the book; to show that through Christ, a person can survive the greatest tragedies and still live a life of joy. It goes without saying that I felt deeply for this mother, for this family and I learned from their strength in the Lord. I hope to someday be as unshakable as this mother learned to be. It wasn't always easy for her, but here in her own words is her journey. It is such a testimony to see how this bereaved mother still has joy and laughter. I recommend this book! I don't agree with all doctrinal statements expressed by the author but there is still much to be gained through reading such a book. I also don't always like the choice of words or humour in this book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Kate Merrick faced the crippling grief that life can bring when her five-year-old daughter was diagnosed with cancer. Three and a half years of suffering followed, accompanied by fervent prayer, hospital stays, emotional agony, and teeth-grinding fear. And in the end, her baby girl was gone.


How was Kate to believe again, to hope again? To find out, she turned to stories in the Bible of real women who dealt with pain and survived. How did Sarah, after twenty-five years of achingly empty arms, learn in the end to laugh without bitterness? How did Bathsheba, defiled by the king who then had her husband killed, come to walk in strength and dignity, to smile without fear of the future?


In And Still She Laughs, Merrick writes poignantly and transparently about finding joy in sorrow and shows how we—just like the ordinary women seen in the Bible—can rise above unbearable circumstances and live fully. In the middle of whatever hardships we face, we can smile, cry, and come away full—laughing without fear and eagerly looking for what is to come.

Open When: Letters to Lift Your Spirits by Karen Salmansohn

Open When: Letters to Lift Your Spirits

by Karen Salmansohn

This is a darling book sure to please any woman or girl. I was an avid letter-writer when I was a girl and the sight of an envelope still thrills me. The addition of something to read within an envelope is even more wonderful. This little book captures all the delight of handwritten, personalized letters and pairs it with inspirational topics to boost the spirit. The illustrations are unique and charming. The words are generally witty and uplifting. However, I was disappointed by the lack of depth in this book. One cannot be truly encouraged with a mere phrase or mantra. I know many, many people won't agree with me but I think Bible verses are what was lacking in this book. Scripture really gives hope and joy and comfort and future. At the same time, don't get me wrong. I also appreciate a variety of inspirational quotes and witty sayings that aren't Scripture. I simply found these ''letters to lift your spirits'' lacking in depth and quality.

I do know that many women will find this a fun and thoughtful gift however, and be happy to receive it in a gift basket or any form of gift.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my review.

Happiness expert Karen Salmansohn presents a unique interactive book that invites readers to literally open letters of encouragement, wit, and wisdom whenever they need a boost.
Inspired by the trend of "open when" letters sweeping the nation, Instant Happy author Karen Salmansohn has created a bound collection of 12 notes for readers to flip open whenever they need a pep talk. With categories like "Open when you need a laugh," "Open when you're feeling stressed out," and "Open when you need courage," these little happiness-boosters are based on Salmansohn's viral posters that combine witty sayings with colorful graphics

My review of book Life in Community by Dustin Willis

Life in Community: Joining Together to Display the Gospel

by Dustin Willis

The excellent cover design, coupled with the title and purpose of this book drew my attention initially. Who doesn't long for better community? As the subtitle- joining together to display the gospel- suggests, this paperback offers Biblical advice on how to grow closer for the glory of God. I really enjoyed and benefited from reading this book. I know there are many out there and although this may not be the absolute best of the books on community, it is definitely worth reading. I am grateful that I got the chance to read it and review it. I think it would be even more beneficial to follow through with the included 6-week discussion questions. In this ''instant'' age full of distant  and ofttimes unsocial social media, people need to learn and implement a real sense of love , friendship and community.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

WHAT MAKES A COMMUNITY EXTRAORDINARY?

When people live in community moved by the gospel and marked by the Spirit, great things happen.

They commit to one another. They grieve together, sing together, eat, pray, and play together. They love, serve, honor, encourage, and provide for each other gladly. And they live on mission together.

Hearts are healed, walls come down, and outsiders come in. No competition. No pretense. No vain conceit. Just full hearts breaking bread and giving freely.

It is nothing short of amazing.

Most of us live in a shadow of what God intended for us. Life in Community calls us into the light. Reclaiming Scripture’s stunning vision of gospel-centered community, it inspires us to live in love unbounded. Read it, live it, and join the movement: Help unleash the power of extraordinary community.



6-Week group study included.

Tightropes and Teeter-Totters by Lisa Pennington my book review

Tightropes and Teeter-Totters: Finding Balance in the Ups and Downs of Life

by Lisa Pennington

   If the cover and title of this book doesn't interest you, the first chapter is sure to! This book is written in such an engaging and entertaining style you will not want to put it down. I found myself interested throughout every chapter of this paperback book. It is easy to learn from an author who is humble and honest about her own failures and weaknesses. Mothers will appreciate Lisa Pennington's insight and experience from raising  and homeschooling nine children. All readers will love the author's humor which will cause them (if they are anything like me) to laugh aloud! This is just a well-balanced reminder to view life through an eternal perspective and to glorify God with every day!

I recommend this book for mothers and even girls interested in learning more about the heart of wifehood/motherhood.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Lisa Pennington knows how to get up after losing her balance, even with a full house, a not-so-full bank account, and never enough energy. In her latest book, she offers readers:

Strategies for finding balance in marriage, motherhood, and bad moods
Playful yet biblically based tips for turning hard days around
Inspiration for shaping obstacles into opportunities
Ways to respond to irritations with gratitude
Enthusiastic encouragement for living out God’s purpose.

For every woman who wonders if her satisfaction in life will ever match her dreams, Pennington has real-life answers full of hope and humor.