Best Friends with God uses stories from the Bible to help illustrate principles that will help you in your relationship with the Savior.
Each of the chapters in this book highlight a story found in Bible. The first uses the text of Luke 24. This is the story of Jesus walking with two men and answering questions for them. They don’t realize He is the risen Lord until the end. The author, Christy Bower, does an excellent job of making this read like a story. The extra information given is very enlightening. Each chapter ends with questions to further your study on the topic discussed.
I enjoyed each chapter and felt they were all informative and had lessons Christians could learn from. My favorite chapter was the one about the prodigal son. This chapter discusses different bad attitudes that can affect our relationship with the Lord. You will learn ways to help keep those attitudes in check. I actually read this chapter twice as there was so many great principles taught there.
The book as a whole was informative and easy to read. The only negative I had was the author’s use of a lot of personal experiences throughout the book. I would have enjoyed hearing about others who have experienced the difficulties discussed not just the authors every time. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to understand how to have a better personal relationship with the Savior.
I gave this book 4/5 stars.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based solely on my opinion of what I read.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Monday, January 16, 2012
Review for Oh! What God Can Do!
I read this book earlier this year and wanted to share it with you. It was very uplifting!
Touching Stories of Faith and Encouragement, the sub title to the book, explains exactly what the book contains. The 10 stories told are filled with positive examples of the Lord's guidance and faithfulness. You will be encouraged after reading each story that the Lord listens to your prayers and is really leading in your life.
Each story is short and written in an easy to read format. They are personal experiences of the author, Gertie Max. She tells them with an openness that make you feel like she wrote them just for you.
The stories are mostly about when she was a teacher and her experience with answered prayer. Her interaction with her students and their families is very moving and encouraging.
The longest story, and most personal, is about a family vacation to Florida that includes a family crisis. In the retelling of the trip you will see how the Lord takes care of his own! The Lord uses strangers and prayer to make her family's crisis into a witnessing opportunity. You will praise the Lord with her as she retells how the Lord worked everything out for His glory!
Each story is worth the read. The only negative I have, I thought the book was too short! I am hoping she writes another one so I can hear more of her wonderfully told stories.
I gave this book 5/5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy of OH! What God Can Do! as a member of the
Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team. Visit dorrancebookstore.com
to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team.
Touching Stories of Faith and Encouragement, the sub title to the book, explains exactly what the book contains. The 10 stories told are filled with positive examples of the Lord's guidance and faithfulness. You will be encouraged after reading each story that the Lord listens to your prayers and is really leading in your life.
Each story is short and written in an easy to read format. They are personal experiences of the author, Gertie Max. She tells them with an openness that make you feel like she wrote them just for you.
The stories are mostly about when she was a teacher and her experience with answered prayer. Her interaction with her students and their families is very moving and encouraging.
The longest story, and most personal, is about a family vacation to Florida that includes a family crisis. In the retelling of the trip you will see how the Lord takes care of his own! The Lord uses strangers and prayer to make her family's crisis into a witnessing opportunity. You will praise the Lord with her as she retells how the Lord worked everything out for His glory!
Each story is worth the read. The only negative I have, I thought the book was too short! I am hoping she writes another one so I can hear more of her wonderfully told stories.
I gave this book 5/5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy of OH! What God Can Do! as a member of the
Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team. Visit dorrancebookstore.com
to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team.
Friday, January 13, 2012
My favorite book by one of my favorite authors!
Elizabeth George is an excellent writer. Her devotionals and study books are ALL a must read. This book, Beautiful in God's Eyes: The Treasures of the Proverbs 31 Woman, is my favorite book and I have been reading it every January since it was first published. Thank you Elizabeth George for your insightful words of encouragement in every book your write!
This book is a must read for all woman! Author Elizabeth George has written an enlightening interpretation of the Proverbs 31 woman. Reading this book will encourage you in your every day life as a Christian woman.
Beginning with verse 10 of Proverbs 31 the author takes each verse and applies it to your life today. Some of the chapter titles include, A Spring of Goodness--Her Mission, An Eager Attitude—Her Work, and The Law of Kindness—Her Words. There are a total of twenty-four uplifting chapters that correlate with the verses found in Proverbs 31.
In the chapter titled A Spring of Goodness—Her Mission, she gives a helpful list called the ABC’s of Goodness. This particular list is great for brides to be or any married woman. Some of the list includes, C-control your spending, E-encourage his dreams, and L-look not at what others have. You will learn how to be an encouragement to your husband and family.
In the chapter titled An Eager Attitude—Her Work she shares some reasons why we put off housework and ways to look at the work in a more positive way. She lists four main reasons for failing to do the work: poor use of time, lack of motivation, failure to plan, and procrastination. Each of these reasons is discussed and helpful information is given on how to overcome them. You may even start enjoying some of those tedious tasks!
In the chapter titled The Law of Kindness—Her Words you will be reminded how much what you say influences those around you. Just your words in the morning can start your family’s day in a positive or negative way. She reiterates your need to think before you speak.
Those were just three examples of the many great chapters in this book. You will find the book easy to read with excellent illustrations for today’s woman. All women will enjoy and learn from this book whether married or single. You will feel like Elizabeth George is sitting next to you offering these great words of wisdom. Her words encourage you to live up to this Godly Proverbs 31 woman without discouraging you from all the hard work it takes.
I would recommend this book for every woman and teenage girl! This is a 5/5 star book!
This book is a must read for all woman! Author Elizabeth George has written an enlightening interpretation of the Proverbs 31 woman. Reading this book will encourage you in your every day life as a Christian woman.
Beginning with verse 10 of Proverbs 31 the author takes each verse and applies it to your life today. Some of the chapter titles include, A Spring of Goodness--Her Mission, An Eager Attitude—Her Work, and The Law of Kindness—Her Words. There are a total of twenty-four uplifting chapters that correlate with the verses found in Proverbs 31.
In the chapter titled A Spring of Goodness—Her Mission, she gives a helpful list called the ABC’s of Goodness. This particular list is great for brides to be or any married woman. Some of the list includes, C-control your spending, E-encourage his dreams, and L-look not at what others have. You will learn how to be an encouragement to your husband and family.
In the chapter titled An Eager Attitude—Her Work she shares some reasons why we put off housework and ways to look at the work in a more positive way. She lists four main reasons for failing to do the work: poor use of time, lack of motivation, failure to plan, and procrastination. Each of these reasons is discussed and helpful information is given on how to overcome them. You may even start enjoying some of those tedious tasks!
In the chapter titled The Law of Kindness—Her Words you will be reminded how much what you say influences those around you. Just your words in the morning can start your family’s day in a positive or negative way. She reiterates your need to think before you speak.
Those were just three examples of the many great chapters in this book. You will find the book easy to read with excellent illustrations for today’s woman. All women will enjoy and learn from this book whether married or single. You will feel like Elizabeth George is sitting next to you offering these great words of wisdom. Her words encourage you to live up to this Godly Proverbs 31 woman without discouraging you from all the hard work it takes.
I would recommend this book for every woman and teenage girl! This is a 5/5 star book!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Review for Six Ways to Keep the Good in Your Boy
Six Ways to Keep the Good in Your Boy is more then just a book about parenting boys. This book is filled with ways to be a better parent as well as how to help your son grow up well adjusted.
The author, Dannah Gresh and her husband, Bob Gresh, write this book to help parents understand their sons better. As boys grow older their needs change and parents have to learn how to meet those changing needs.
The first part of the book is the informative part. It is about what makes a male a male. It helps explain why they react the way they do. It is helpful to understand this information before moving on to the real meat of the book that the title mentions, the six ways to help your son as he grows up.
The first and easiest way is to make sure they get outside playtime. You may think that only little ones need this. The Gresh’s do a great job of explaining how this physical play helps boys grow emotionally, physically and mentally. The other five ways are easy to understand and easy to follow through with.
I liked how the husband had his parts that he spoke up on to give the reader a man’s point of view. I enjoyed reading it but wish there had been more then the six areas. If they had filled the book with less beginning information they could have had more specific points to help guide your sons into adulthood. Overall it was a good book to learn about helping your sons grow up into good men.
I gave this book 3/5 stars.
The author, Dannah Gresh and her husband, Bob Gresh, write this book to help parents understand their sons better. As boys grow older their needs change and parents have to learn how to meet those changing needs.
The first part of the book is the informative part. It is about what makes a male a male. It helps explain why they react the way they do. It is helpful to understand this information before moving on to the real meat of the book that the title mentions, the six ways to help your son as he grows up.
The first and easiest way is to make sure they get outside playtime. You may think that only little ones need this. The Gresh’s do a great job of explaining how this physical play helps boys grow emotionally, physically and mentally. The other five ways are easy to understand and easy to follow through with.
I liked how the husband had his parts that he spoke up on to give the reader a man’s point of view. I enjoyed reading it but wish there had been more then the six areas. If they had filled the book with less beginning information they could have had more specific points to help guide your sons into adulthood. Overall it was a good book to learn about helping your sons grow up into good men.
I gave this book 3/5 stars.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge Book Review
The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge was the best book I have read so far this year. I loved this book so much I will be buying it for my friends and family throughout the year. The best way to describe the book is to say it is a positive look at Biblical principles.
The book, written by Tony Dungy, would be a perfect gift for any young person looking for guidance. It is easy to follow and divided into daily readings that will not take much time to complete. I think it is perfect for family devotions, especially those with teenagers.
Mr. Dungy may be known for coaching football but you are not overwhelmed by football examples in this book. Yes he uses analogies that contain football but even a non-football fan can enjoy reading this book.
Each day starts with a Bible verse and a principle that is going to be talked about. The actual devotion is only a page or two long. The insights of the author are incredible. Each day is filled with very practical advice on numerous subjects.
Two of my favorite pieces of advice from this book were, don’t pat yourself on the back after doing well at something, let someone else do it and you can have influence on others whether you are a champion or a retail clerk. This book was packed with so many great Biblical principles that I will be reading it again!
I gave this book 5/5 stars.
I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based solely on my opinion of what I read.
The book, written by Tony Dungy, would be a perfect gift for any young person looking for guidance. It is easy to follow and divided into daily readings that will not take much time to complete. I think it is perfect for family devotions, especially those with teenagers.
Mr. Dungy may be known for coaching football but you are not overwhelmed by football examples in this book. Yes he uses analogies that contain football but even a non-football fan can enjoy reading this book.
Each day starts with a Bible verse and a principle that is going to be talked about. The actual devotion is only a page or two long. The insights of the author are incredible. Each day is filled with very practical advice on numerous subjects.
Two of my favorite pieces of advice from this book were, don’t pat yourself on the back after doing well at something, let someone else do it and you can have influence on others whether you are a champion or a retail clerk. This book was packed with so many great Biblical principles that I will be reading it again!
I gave this book 5/5 stars.
I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based solely on my opinion of what I read.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Review for 1/10/2012
This is not a book I will read again. It would be helpful for someone who needs a better understanding of moods and how they can change your outlook on life.
Be Happy For God’s Sake by Mona Khan is a very detailed book about understanding your mental health. You can tell there was a lot of research done by the author before she wrote this book. You can feel the love and understanding behind the words she has written.
The format of this book does not follow an outline. Meaning the chapters can be read in any order. I wish there had been better organization of the material presented. There is a lot to read and understand and the layout made it hard to follow. I did enjoy the charts and illustrations. Without those there would have been times I would never have understood what the author was trying to say.
The biggest lesson I took away from this book was to smile more. You may not always feel like it but you always have something to be happy about. The book shows ways to help your mood pick up. It lists things to be thankful for or ways to look at the bright side of your day.
I have to say I won’t read this book again but I did learn from reading it. I learned that letting your emotions pick your mood everyday is not going to lead to a happy life. You have to train your brain to think positive and rely on the Lord to help keep those thoughts in line.
I gave this book 3/5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy of Be Happy For God’s Sake as a member of the
Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team. Visit dorrancebookstore.com
to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Teamhttp://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?dorrance+7XZRvv+index.html
Be Happy For God’s Sake by Mona Khan is a very detailed book about understanding your mental health. You can tell there was a lot of research done by the author before she wrote this book. You can feel the love and understanding behind the words she has written.
The format of this book does not follow an outline. Meaning the chapters can be read in any order. I wish there had been better organization of the material presented. There is a lot to read and understand and the layout made it hard to follow. I did enjoy the charts and illustrations. Without those there would have been times I would never have understood what the author was trying to say.
The biggest lesson I took away from this book was to smile more. You may not always feel like it but you always have something to be happy about. The book shows ways to help your mood pick up. It lists things to be thankful for or ways to look at the bright side of your day.
I have to say I won’t read this book again but I did learn from reading it. I learned that letting your emotions pick your mood everyday is not going to lead to a happy life. You have to train your brain to think positive and rely on the Lord to help keep those thoughts in line.
I gave this book 3/5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy of Be Happy For God’s Sake as a member of the
Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team. Visit dorrancebookstore.com
to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Teamhttp://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?dorrance+7XZRvv+index.html
Monday, January 9, 2012
Review for Today
I just finished reading this book and enjoyed every page!
Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones is a book about how much words can influence our day to day living. As you read this book you will begin to understand that what you say can really affect another persons view of themselves.
Author Joyce Schneider is a very open writer. The candid examples of her personal struggles make this book a must read. On page 108 she gives the theme for her book, "This is my objective in sharing, that you understand the lies messing with your emotions, you seek help and you receive healing; that your chains will be broken and your heart set free through Jesus!"
From the first chapter you will learn ways to stop repeating the hurtful phrases you say to yourself. Some of the hurtful phrases are ones you create and some are ones you have had spoken to you your whole life. From "you are not worthy to receive love" to "your hair will never look good," these hurtful phrases need to stop. Is there a way to make them stop? The author says the solution is found in Christ. Find out who you are in Him and how He views you. Once you take these wonderful promises to heart you can use them to replace the hurtful views that have taken over your thoughts.
I found this book to be very helpful. I think all of us can benefit from concentrating on how much God loves us and not on all those negative thoughts in our head!
I gave this book 4/5 stars.
I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based solely on my opinion of what I read.
Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones is a book about how much words can influence our day to day living. As you read this book you will begin to understand that what you say can really affect another persons view of themselves.
Author Joyce Schneider is a very open writer. The candid examples of her personal struggles make this book a must read. On page 108 she gives the theme for her book, "This is my objective in sharing, that you understand the lies messing with your emotions, you seek help and you receive healing; that your chains will be broken and your heart set free through Jesus!"
From the first chapter you will learn ways to stop repeating the hurtful phrases you say to yourself. Some of the hurtful phrases are ones you create and some are ones you have had spoken to you your whole life. From "you are not worthy to receive love" to "your hair will never look good," these hurtful phrases need to stop. Is there a way to make them stop? The author says the solution is found in Christ. Find out who you are in Him and how He views you. Once you take these wonderful promises to heart you can use them to replace the hurtful views that have taken over your thoughts.
I found this book to be very helpful. I think all of us can benefit from concentrating on how much God loves us and not on all those negative thoughts in our head!
I gave this book 4/5 stars.
I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based solely on my opinion of what I read.
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