Tuesday, March 24, 2020

When God Says Go Journal by Elizabeth Laing Thompson

This journal is the companion to the book of the same name by Elizabeth Laing Thompson. It is divided up into short devotionals with Scripture, reflection questions, and ample space for journaling your thoughts. The devotionals focus on listening to God speak and embracing what He has in store for you.

This beautifully bound book is the perfect inspirational gift idea. It offers hope and peace for all those who read it. It is especially relevant in today's world and is very beneficial at this time. I have not read the book that goes along with this journal, but I know that I would really enjoy it and gain a lot from it. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Sunday, March 22, 2020

Stitches in Time by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Stitches in Time is the follow up to one of my favorite reads last year, Mending Fences. A lot of favorite characters' stories continue and we also get introduced to some new characters as well. In this book, Luke is embracing and learning his new role as a deacon while his new bride, Izzy, is struggling to accept his new position. When the Amish community joins forces and takes in several foster children from a group home, everyone's lives -especially Luke's and Izzy's - are changed in the most remarkable ways.

I have really enjoyed this series by Suzanne Woods Fisher. I will always pick up her books and I look forward to reading the next book in this series. My favorite part of this book is when Izzy begins to search for stories in the Bible about the Shepherd and the sheep. It is so enlightening and comforting to think of our Christian faith in that manner.

Thanks so much to the publisher, author, and netgalley for the chance to read and review this book!

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Marriage that Works

Marriage that Works is a great marriage guidebook that focuses on God-centered marriages...because God-centered marriages are the only ones that work. Marriage books are ones that I always want to read because I feel like I can always find ways to improve in my marriage. I enjoyed this book and really appreciated the viewpoint from both men and women. It's always interesting to see things from the opposite partner's point of view. I would definitely recommend this book to couples interested in improving their marriage. Thanks so much to Chip Ingram and BakerBooks for the chance to read and review this book!

Winning the Battle for the Night by Faith Blatchford

This book is all about sleep and God's plan for it. Many people don't get enough sleep. God's plan for sleep is essential for rest and rejuvenation. A good sleep schedule causes improvements in all parts of life and makes it easier to focus on God and all He has in store for us

The author of this book covers many topics including sleep problems, sleep solutions, and even Biblical stories of messages from God. Each chapter of this book ends with an inspiring prayer to encourage your own life.

People who have insomnia or have an interest in God's plan for sleep and dreams will be interested in reading this. Thank you so much to the author and publisher for the chance to read and review this book!

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

When You Need to Move a Mountain by Linda Evans Shepherd

Having a great prayer life is sometimes difficult. What do I say? Does God really hear me? These questions and more are ones that often cross my mind. In this beautiful book on prayer, Shepherd shares her thoughts on intercessory prayer and how to pray powerful prayers. She begins by giving a descriptive of intercessory prayer before moving on to the different kinds of prayer giftings. It's very interesting to read through her list and decide what kind of prayer gifts you may have. She then moves on to talk about different prayers for families, healing, other people, and much more. Each chapter ends with an actual prayer that can be personalized for each reader.

I always welcome a book on prayer. While I fully believe in the power of prayer, I am not always the most efficient. I always enjoy learning how to strengthen my prayer life. I think the author did a good job of sharing her thoughts on prayer without being too strict on detail. At the end of the day, what really matters is that we are praying whatever prayers we feel in our heart in order to have a relationship with our Savior. Thank you so much to the author and Revell for the chance to read and review this book!

Singing the Scriptures by Julie Meyer

In Singing the Scriptures, multi-talented Julie Meyer shares her method of learning God's Word. Her method is somewhat unconventional, but simple and effective. As a worship leader, singer, and songwriter, Julie's music is a constant in her life. She wrote this book to share with others how singing verses can be life-changing. This helps provide peace in difficult situations and also is the best form of memorization. Singing is a wonderful way to praise the Lord. Throughout this book, Julie teaches her readers how to make singing the Scriptures work in their lives.

This is such a special book. I fully agree with Julie's singing methods and can definitely see how this can be the best way to memorize and meditate on Scriptures. Most of the verses I remember from childhood are the ones I learned in songs and they have stuck with me on into adulthood. The stories and testimonies in this book gave me chills and really inspired me. I also really like the videos that Julie provides at the end of each chapter and I would encourage readers to definitely check those out. This is a book that everyone should read. It's an eye-opening read that will strengthen your spiritual life. Thank you so much to Julie and the publisher for the chance to read and review this book!

Sunday, March 8, 2020

The Return by Lacey Sturm

The Return is a collection of "Reflections on Loving God Back" written by Lacey Sturm. This book is a look into the deepest parts of Lacey's life. This is basically a printing of writings from her journal so it is very personal and poetic. She has a unique way of journaling every day and she shares her outline in this book. Each journal entry includes Scriptures, prayers, song ideas, recipes, and to-do lists. Lacey shares specific details about her day to day life and struggles and the ways God is working on her heart.

While I admire Lacey's heart and artistic abilities, I felt like this book was so deeply personal that it would be better to keep private. I almost felt like I was intruding on her life by reading her journal. The journal entries didn't really seem to fit together as a whole, so the thoughts were random and disconnected. I just wasn't able to really connect to the style of this book. However, I do think that readers who enjoy a more poetic style will probably enjoy this book. Nevertheless, Lacey is very talented and has a wonderful heart for Jesus. Thank you so much to Lacey and the publisher for the chance to read and review this book!

Wednesday, March 4, 2020

A Different Kind of Love Story by Landra Young Hughes

Landra grew up in the spotlight as the daughter of well-known pastor, Ed Young Jr. When the Young family's values and intentions were questioned, Landra felt like her life was crumbling beneath her. Landra's struggles in life led her to an eating disorder. While she is still not fully healed, she has learned how to cope by finding love within herself, with her treasured husband, with her blessing of a daughter, and most of all, with her Savior, Jesus.

Landra had me at page one when she said, "I love The Bachelor." As a reality television addict, I can relate. I knew right away that Landra's story would be one I could relate to and learn from, and I was right. Landra is open and honest with the things she has dealt with in her life. By being obedient to God and sharing her story, she is allowing God to take a terrible situation and turn it into something good. Landra's story is touching and real and will help more people than she even realizes. Thank you, Landra for telling your story. I really appreciate being able to read and review this book from Baker Publishing.