Seven-mile Miracle

I have kept up with Pastor/Author Steven Furtick's books since I got his book "Crash the Chatterbox" from the blogging for books program. Each one has had something insightful, and very helpful, I started to read seven-mile Miracle, and I began to think it was for the new believer or someone who hasn't yet received God's grace. It took a few more pages for me to realize I was wrong; it is for the newly saved, the unsaved, and for those of us who are still receiving His grace day by day. 

Summery

"It’s Good Friday. The Son of God is giving up his life. What does he want to say to us in His final hours? What does He tell the people standing at the foot of the cross, to pass down to the ages? He speaks only seven short statements. Words of forgiveness, salvation, relationship, abandonment, distress, triumph, and reunion. Seven statements that mean everything."

Each chapter, or in this case each mile, brought deep truth into what I thought I already knew. This book is insightful, funny, and gets to the heart of these seven final statements of Jesus. On chapters I thought would have no impact on me, after all I already accepted Christ as my savior what could I have to learn about the subject of Salvation?, showed me that we sometimes need to return to the roots. 

The most important part to me in the first mile marker or so was that grace isn't a one time thing, it is renewed every day, because we need it. I loved how Steven put it in the way of it's like being saved again and again and again. I was getting to a point where I thought God wouldn't listen to my pleas anymore, that I had finally done enough to get him to ignore me, but I was oh so very wrong. Boy, I was never so glad to be wrong.

I think this a perfect book for anyone. It is a good introduction into what we christians believe, and gives a solid foundation in The Truth. For those of us that think we have nothing left to learn, pick up this book and see if it has the same effect on you that it had on me. 

that's all for now everyone. I hope y'all have a blessed day.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

Jesus Always

I have been a fan of Sarah Young's inspiring devotional's since my best friend's mother gave me a copy of Jesus Today as a gift when she saw me going through a rough time. I have fallen for each book, but I thought none could surpass my all time favorite Jesus Today.

I just might have been wrong.

     

Finding joy in the midst of trouble has been a major problem for me this past year, and the day this book came to me in the mail I was nearly pulling my hair out over some minor problem.

So when the theme of joy, peace, and love came flowing out of this book just within the small page of the first day I was nearing tears and each day it has been close to the same reaction. I didn't know I could cry this much! Still, the book is a great encouragement and one I think Sarah Young has done some of her best work on.  

A 365 day devotional I am for sure going to be reading every day. If you are having a rough time finding joy in the every day struggles of life, or you know someone who is, then get them this book.

That's all I have for today folks, until next time. I hope you have a blessed day!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

Land of silence

This fictionalized book is the biblical account of "the woman with the issue of blood" found in the gospels.In the usual Tessa Afshar fashion.

This is the story of Elianna, who is better known as the woman who simply touched Jesus garment and was healed of a 12 year issue of blood. I am never really sure what to make of Biblical fiction that tries to tell the story of people who were actually mentioned in the bible, like with Karen Kingsbury's book Family of Jesus.

The writing in this book is superb. Just within the first chapter I was enthralled by the detail shown, without the book suffering from a lag in moving the plot forward.

The story goes along the lines of this

"Elianna is a young girl crushed by guilt.

After her only brother is killed while in her care, Elianna tries to earn forgiveness by working for her father’s textile trade and caring for her family. When another tragedy places Elianna in sole charge of the business, her talent for design brings enormous success, but never the absolution she longs for. As her world unravels, she breaks off her betrothal to the only man she will ever love. Then illness strikes, isolating Elianna from everyone, stripping everything she has left."

You will be in tears reading the sorrow and guilt in Elianna's life, I know I was. Still we are left with the hope Christ gave us in this story. It's a good story and very well written.

If you are interested in Biblical fiction you would surely enjoy this book.

I will probably now search the library or bookstore for more of this author's work. If you chose to read this one I think you'll do the same.

That's all for today folks. Until next time, hope you have a blessed day!

Find your Brave

I became a fan of Holly Wagner’s work when I read her book Warrior Chicks, but Find your Brave completely blows her previous book out of the water in my standards.

I came into this book expecting Holly’s sense of humor, and you get that for sure, but you get a slightly more serious side to this author as you delve into the verses found in Acts 27.  In Find Your Brave she examines the dramatic shipwreck faced by the apostle Paul in Acts 27. There she uncovers profound truths that will guide you safely through life’s most difficult moments.

I felt like I was having a personal bible study with a dear friend as I continued to read this book. It’s length and lack of day by day required reading (though I tell you now you will have a hard time putting it down) give readers freedom to read this book at their own pace. Holly offers sound advice backed up by The Word of God. I laughed, I cried, and learned a lot from this book. It is one I will for sure be buying for my friends this year.

I suggest getting this book. It will help you weather the storms of life the why Christ would want you to.

That’s all for now folks. I hope y’all have a great day!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given

Saving my Assasin

This is the true story of one woman’s journey to find the truth. Be warned you will need a box of tissues and a lot of “Amens” will be leaving your lips throughout this book, so be prepared!

Virgina Prodan had by no means an easy childhood. Her mother seemed to hate her, and her father wasn’t really around much, and in her childhood in Romania it was very common for children to work long hours. Not in factories or stores, but out in the common square trying to get the attention of tourists and offer them a room for the night.

With a family void of real love and in a country where lies and secrecy was the only means of survival for many people, but Vigina wanted more, she wanted the truth.

Reading about Virgina Prodan’s life in romania, how she became an attorney, how she was saved was amazing, but her life after she accepted Jesus as her savior was more than amazing; it was inspiring.

I’m usually not one to underline things in my books, but I couldn’t stop myself from doing it in this book. Vigina has me looking not only at my relationship with Christ, but my prayer life, and how we as christians don’t put enough importance on loving our enemies.

During the time I was reading this I was having some, okay a lot of trouble, with loving my enemies and just even praying blessing for them. It hurt to do for so long because they had hurt me so deeply. Reading Virgina’s testimony of loving her enemies, even as they were harming her and threating her family boldly, she still chose to show love openly to them and to pray for each and every one of them. And trust me Virgina made a lot of enemies in Romania because of her faith.

I can’t really put into full words the impact this book will make on you if you decide to read this book, I know God has seriously touched my life through the words of Vigina Prodan and I hope it will help so many others out there too.

Until next time folks I hope you have a blessed day.

NKJV Chronological study Bible

I have been looking for a Chronological study bible, and when I saw this one I couldn’t wait!

I truly enjoyed this bible and to see each book of the bible in the order, and the NKJV is a good translation to go with this type of study bible, in my opinion. The print size was also a good size, though I think it would help to have it a little bigger.

If study Bibles were in large or giant print it would help when I am in the middle of a Bible study class and I am trying to read a verse aloud.

Either way this is a good NKJV study bible if you’re looking for one. The full color images, maps, and all the little tid bits of information are interesting as you read through scripture. The binding is well done, the brown color eye appealing, and the soft leather like material makes it a good gift.

Not much more I can say on this other than if you’re interested in a chronological study bible this is a good one.

Until next time folks I hope you have a blessed day!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review which I have given.

(Un)Qualified

I became a fan of Steven Furtick when I read his book “Crash the Chatterbox” but with this small book he has blown his other three books out of the water!

I never expected Steven to write anything better then Crash the Chatterbox, it was so good and at the time nothing else compared to it in my mind. Now we have (Un)Qualified. A book that gets you to look not at how the world sees you, not how the person in the mirror sees you, but on who God says you are.

Being overweight makes it hard to feel pretty or loved, I should know, but Steven Furtick’s book makes you look at scripture and truly ask yourself the hard questions we all need to face. Steven opens up on his own trials with self image and self doubt as a pastor and book writer in the same way we have come to expect of him. Steven Furtick bring humor (and a few tears) into his book, but more than anything he brought a new sense of purpose to his book.

It’s hard to explain, but in the past years authors are putting more into their books. If you look at books done by Colleen Coble, Denise Hunter, and a few others out there you will notice a change. You have to read their previous works to understand, but this change has seemed to come about Steven as well. His words are more...confident and powerful. I had a hard time putting this book down after chapter 1.

I am sure there are plenty of reviews out there that rave on about (Un)Qualified, and I guess it is now time to add mine to the pile. I hope all who are reading this review right now will take a moment to pick up this book. It will change and challenge you.

Until next time folks I hope you have a blessed day!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

Room for Hope

Kim Vogel Sawyer does not do the tales that are old as time. She finds new topics, ones that are usually hard to swallow, and puts them into a story that can show the love and mercy of Christ.

When I saw that one of my favorite authors was coming out with a new book I was excited. I was even more interested when I read what the book would be about!

Set in the time of the Great Depression, Neva Shilling, along with her two children, look forward to the return of her husband. But on the night of his return instead of his normal wagon she is met with a stranger from another town, claiming that her brother has died and left her all his earthly things and his three children. The only problem? Neva has no siblings. The truth is the man who died was her husband, and the three children before her are the offspring of another woman whom he had married. Shocked by her husband’s betrayal Neva is unsure what to do. Can any light be found through the darkness?

I really could not put this book down from the moment I got it in the mail. Kim Sawyer made a host of characters, and switching from three points of view, this book gives you plenty to think about. And I think what hit me most was the slow change in one of the characters that I thought was a scum bag to begin with. It reminds me of the song “Slow Fade” by Casting Crowns. One little choice here or there can slowly turn your world from black and white to gray. It’s a slow fade to change, but it happens for better or for worst.

I really cannot say enough good things about this book, and I would say more, but I would end up giving away too many spoilers. But trust me when I say you won’t regret picking up this book.

That’s all for now everyone. I hope y’all have a blessed day!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review which I have given.

Light of the Last

The first two books to this series were like the beginning to a classic song. It starts out a little slow, then it starts to build a little tempo around the middle, by the crescendo you have your breath taken away from you! Light of the Last builds up on where the other two left off, giving us a great action packed novel with twist and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

After an accident left him temporarily blind, Drew Carter didn’t just regain his sight. He now sees what others can’t imagine–an entire spiritual realm of mighty beings at war.

Forget the gift, Drew just wants his life back. Part of that involves Sydney Carlyle, a woman he is inexplicably drawn to. When he’s offered the chance to become a CIA agent, it seems the way to redeem his past. The only problem–his visions of the supernatural realm are increasing in frequency. Surrounded by spiritual warriors and targeted by demons, Drew’s faced with an impossible decision that will forever alter the destiny of America...and his own soul.

Okay, after Rise of the Fallen (that’s book two of this series) I really couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one. A lot goes on in 335 pages, a few time jumps, some flash backs, all of it building up the character Drew Carter is and needs to be. I seriously impressed with Chuck Black on this one.

I also enjoyed looking to the back of the book after each chapter and reading the chapter guide. Each one gives a sort of theme to that chapter, and the Biblical message in it. If you plan to read this book for a book club or with some friends I suggest doing what I did and after each chapter you finish going to the back of the book to read the chapter guide for it. Doing this helped me look forward to reading the next chapter. Each book should have a chapter guide, so give it a look!

I will be giving way only one spoiler here people, and this is it: There are more books to come. If you thought this would be the last we see of Drew Carter and the gang then you are happily mistaken! We will be seeing our hero and perhaps some new characters in the next book.

The plot thickens!

The first two books of this series were a little much to get through, but you’ll be eating up book three. So I encourage you to go to your local bookstore or Library and pick up this series.

Until next time folks I hope you have a blessed day!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given

Always Watching

Suspense doesn’t begin to cover this book. You will be sitting on the edge of your seat throughout the entire book, wondering, waiting, always watching for the next turn of events.

I am new to Lynette Eason’s novels, but I can say I am a fan now. I usually read books with more romance or that are in a historical setting, it took some getting use to a modern fiction book with so much action and so few answers. Lynette doesn’t make her bad guys identity easy to guess, at least not in this book. The Elite Guardians are a group of well trained bodyguards, each one of its founding members were once a some type of law enforcement before creating the business, and they aren’t afraid to go out into the field. Oliva is one of the three founding members and our main character.

Ice doesn’t begin to describe her cool personality, and the control she has over her emotions is something only pain from the past can accomplish. Then there is Wade, her new client. He’s a radio talkshow host, a psychiatrist, and works for a charity. Hard not to like this guy, right? Well someone has set her eye on him, and not in the most attractive way. His stalker has become ruthless, taking out anyone who might be a threat. So what happens when Oliva steps onto the scene as his new bodyguard?

This well written novel is just the first in the new Elite Guardians series, and I honestly cannot wait for august to get here so I can read book two. This will become a new favorite series to new and old fans alike. The characters are complex, and well developed, and it’s not focused so much on just the two main characters. It brings a whole host of characters to life, and each are special in their own way.

There is also the theme of surrender in this book, surrendering control, the guilt, and fear. I found it interesting how the author showed how to deal with fear in a Christ like way, something have been trying to deal with myself

I cannot say more about this book without REALLY spoiling it, and that isn’t fair to you readers, but please get this book! it is amazing.

Until next time folks I hope you have a blessed day!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

The story of Highland Hall comes to a close

The Final book has come, I am happy and sad at the same time to see this book series ending. The Governess at Highland Hall was my second review book ever! It’s hard to believe I have been following the author all this time. I look forward to drinking in any novel Carrie Turansky will come up with next.

World War 1 has come knocking at the doors of our beloved family of characters, and while the men go to war the women are encouraged to stay within the safety of highland hall. It’s hard to imagine what all these women must have gone through, their loved ones fighting a battle, reports of death and bombings, I don’t think I could have withstood the mental torture of it all. But in this novel amid the war this family leans on God for understanding, something we need to do more often in our own time.

And even with all the worry there is still hope for love. The final daughter Penny is our focus in this book, and I will say no more! This book is too good to spoil much more then what I am giving you right now. If you are waiting to get the last book, or just looking for a good book series, then hurry to the nearest bookstore or Library and get the Edwardian Brides series!

Laughter, tears, romances and God’s unfailing love and sovereignty all in a Downton Abby setting are ready to show themselves to you in these three amazing books.

And even though all the Edwardian brides books are a splendor to read Governess at Highland Hall will always be my favorite. I will probably be reading it again some time soon.

I cannot praise these books enough, but I will stop my ramblings so y’all can get to reading them yourselves!

Until next times folks, I hope you have a blessed day!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

5 minutes of Precious Moments

Precious Moments has been fading from the modern world. What a sad state of affairs we’re in to not see these beloved little characters more in our present time. Finding anything Precious Moments related I cannot resist, and this book is no exception!

  

This book will surely become a beloved classic within any family home. With beautiful illustrations done in familiar Precious Moments art style kids will be looking forward to bedtime (Or anytime you choose to read this book) It uses the Kids NKJV of the bible, and has stories from Adam and Eve, to Christ miracles. I won’t spoil all the bible stories it contains, but let’s just say I enjoyed it, and I don’t have kids yet.

It also has a place to put down your child’s handprint, their name, birthday, and even a family tree! If you miss these adorable little boys and girls, and the lessons they teach, then I highly suggest picking up a copy of this book as soon as possible!

Until next time folks, I hope you have a blessed day!

I received this book from the publisher an exchange for an honest review, which I have given

Courage to Dream

In this series we find it's hard to follow one's heart when family expectations gets in the middle. Would you have the courage to dream or would you follow the road paved for you?

The story of Irish Meadows focuses on two sisters Brianna and Colleen O'Leary. It's hard being in a place where you feel so loved, but then you don't fit in (Trust me I know) and that appears to be the case with these girls. Each sister has their own secret longing to hide from their father, and with his strict code of conduct for how ladies should behave makes things only harder on them.

I have to wonder how many times we put our hopes, our dreams, and our future happiness onto other people? It is a scary thing to think about in a ways. Imagine all that pressure on one, or even two, set of shoulder! Trying to carry all of that around on their own when their heart cries out for rest.

I am thankful for the many bible verses that say we can give it all to God and rest in His embrace, like this one.

"Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." 1 Peter 5:7 NLT 

I am sorry this won't be a longer review, but I don't want to spoil much for you folks this time. I suggest taking a look at the book to see if it can help you in ways it helped me.

That's all for now. I hope y'all have a blessed day and a Marry Christmas!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.