Dear Annie

No, I'm not going to get all weird and write a letter to Annie Downs, but I will say this...

Annie, I don't know you, but I do know you, and I thank you for being brave. Girl, we have got be long lost sisters.

I mean really.

Moments, yes, just moments ago, I finished the last words in Annie's book Let's All Be Brave.  And just so you know, I am adding it to my list of 52 Book in 52 Weeks under the category a book that scares me.

Because you know what.....being brave scares me.

I am the least brave person I know. Well, until I read Annie's book.

Seriously though.

In so many ways, she touched my heart.  I laughed. I cried. I had to explain to my five year old why Mama was writing in her book when his school librarian has just taught him not to.

And I did. I underlined and circled and put brackets and cute clouds around Annie's words.

And as I read Annie's words, I felt braver.

I felt God tugging at my heart.

And I was reminded that I am brave.

I married my high school (ahem middle school) sweet heart and have supported his desire to serve God and country. We've been married for 16 years, together for 26.

I am the mama of 3 boys. 'Nuf said.

I am a teacher to these elementary school kids who look to me for hope and direction.

I connect with these women each week in a choir room at church (no, I don't sing) and we laugh and cry together about being moms and wives and women of God.

I went to a retreat where I knew NOT one person there, yet we all knew each other's hearts and wishes and dreams. I found my people.

I come here in this space in hopes of sharing words of experience and encouragement to hopefully add something to your life.

And in me, deep inside me, I have this desire to do something more with these words. That's led me to begin my first book. Whether or not it actually publishes or sells is out of my control, but taking that step in actually following my dream...

Well, all of that is brave.

And in all of this reading and laughing and crying....

I was slapped in the face with this.....

I struggle people.  I like to eat. I like to drink. I like food and beverages. I know my habits aren't healthy. No one needs to tell me that.  But Annie reminded me that it takes courage to stop thinking and start doing. So I will embark on a new journey.  A journey to get a healthier, braver me.  Something I've always known I've needed to do, but never said yes to doing.

God works like that. He uses these complete strangers and their words to get our attention. It's found in their books, on their blogs, in their songs.

God speaks. We just have to listen.

Annie, thank you for listening. Thank you for being a tool to reach people like me. Women (or fellas) that feel like they are the least brave people in the world.  Thank you for reminding me that it takes courage to be me, the me that God created.  And to be me.....that's brave.

*****

I have to also say thank you to Zondervan for giving me Annie's book as part of the Five Minute Friday Retreat.  What a wonderful gift!

Book Review: How Can I Possibly Forgive?

I have had the opportunity to join Sara Horn's launch team for her new book How Can I Possibly Forgive? Rescuing Your Heart from Resentment and Regret.  I was excited about this opportunity because I have read other books written by Sara such as My So-Called Life as a Submissive Wife and GodStrong. In those books, I appreciated Sara's use of humor and honesty in her writing.  I felt a connection with her through her personal stories. Therefore, I looked forward to reading her newest book which is available on October 1.

After reading How Can I Possibly Forgive?, I have to say that Sara did not disappointment me.  She used wit and honesty to tell her personal experience with forgiveness.  In her book, Sara did not sugar coat things that she isn't so proud of.  Instead, she told what she did that she wasn't proud of and what a better choice in offering forgiveness should have been.

Throughout the book, Sara Horn also connected her life's experiences with the Bible.  She gave examples from Joseph and Naomi to Jonah. In each example, we can see a correlation to that experience with things that have happened in our own lives. Sara always has a way of showing her readers they are not alone in valleys of life.  This book, like her others, offers hope and shows how we can make better choices to become the people God wants us to be.

One of the things I like about this book is the mini sections I like to call "Five Ways." In each section, Sara offers some suggestions for working through forgiveness.  Such topics include forgiving yourself, letting go of your anger with God, and asking for forgiveness.  Another thing I like about the book is the discussion questions found in the back. These could be used for small groups or for independent reflection and journaling.

We have all had to deal with the issue of forgiveness in our lives and will continue to do so.  This book is a great tool in helping us deal with the hurts that can cause resentment and regret.  I have already begun to talk to others about things I have read in this book to help them with the healing process that comes through forgiveness. This book is also a good tool for helping us have a stronger relationship with Christ and live more like Him, the ultimate example of offering forgiveness.

I highly recommend this book for those looking to learn more about healing through forgiveness.  Sara Horn's books are always insightful and thought provoking.


*****

I received a free copy of this book as part of Sara Horn's launch team for the purpose of an honest review.  I was not required to write a positive review, only to give my honest opinion of the book.

For more information about Sara Horn and her books, visit www.sarahorn.com.

Book Review: Faith, Hope, Love, & Deployment

As a military spouse, I am always searching for something to grow closer to God, strengthen my marriage, and support my Soldier. 

Faith, Hope, Love, & Deployment: 40 Devotions for Military Couples is written by Heather Gray.  She uses her experience as a military spouse to help military couples grow strong in the Lord and in their relationships with one another.

The 40 devotions included in this book covers topics ranging from separation to communication and from children to naysayers.  Each devotion is divided up into sections related to the title: Faith (which includes scripture for both spouses), Hope (a been there, done that personal story from Heather’s experience), Love (an opportunity to reflect on the devotion and write a love letter, so to speak), and Deployment (a challenge for the couple to become closer during separation). Included within these are discussion/reflection questions for the couple.

This is an amazing book for military couples, and I don’t think I have the words to do it justice.  I am thankful for Heather Gray and women like her that use their experience to minister to others. 

If you are a military spouse, I highly suggest you get a copy of this book. If you know a military couple, this would be a great gift to give them.

Please note that the author's husband was KIA in Afghanistan. This book was actually being written before he was killed, and Heather finished the book after debating about it.  For some couples, it may seem awkward to read a devotional written by a military widow. However, for me, I found comfort in Heather's words.  Not everything in the book relates to her husband's death, although certain devotions focus on it.  I see this as an opportunity to use the experiences of another military spouse to help strengthen my own military marriage.

 I received a free copy of this book from Leafwood Publishers for the purpose of review.  I was not required to write a positive review of this book.  

Surprised by Motherhood

I just finished Lisa-Jo Baker's book Surprised by Motherhood.  I was really excited about the release of this book, so excited that I preordered and received it in the mail before it was officially released.

Well, let me just say that I was not disappointed. I don't want to give away anything, but let me just say.....

My heart was touched.

Why is it that moms always feel they are lone? We feel that we are messing things up. We are terrible because we lose our temper or hide out in the bathroom just for five seconds of alone time.

But we aren't alone.

As moms, we are all different, but we are all the same.

Like Lisa-Jo, you may have not  first desired to be a mother.  Me on the other hand....I had it planned out.  Get married. Have 3 kids.....two boys and a girl.

But like every other plan, God had a different, better plan.

I have my 3 children, just not that girl.  Being the mom of three boys....I wouldn't trade it for anything. When I got pregnant back last summer, the main question was, "Are you hoping for a girl?"   My answer was always no.  If I were to become pregnant again, just so you know, my answer is still no.  Like Lisa-Jo, I wouldn't know what to do with a girl.  I think I am doing pretty good with these boys right now.  Honestly, I would love to have a daughter, however, I would not get pregnant just to have a daughter.  But even more than that, I would just want a healthy baby.  That's true more than ever since experiencing a miscarriage.

Motherhood.

It is so much more than I expected.  I always thought I would love being a mother.  But the love I have for my children is so much more than what I could have imagined.

I think being a mom and being in love with your children gives us a glimpse of how much God is in love with us.  I have held my sleeping sons and cried because God whispered to me, "You see this?  You know how much you love this baby?  Well, I love you more."  HE loves me more.

We all get so burnt out on the routines of life.  Wake up. Get kids up. Get them to school. Work. Get kids after school. Take part in after school activities. Cook. Clean. Bathe. Do homework. Go to bed. Get up. Go to bed again.  Wake up. Do it all over again.

The laundry piles up.

The dishes get dirty and pile up.

The toys make for an obstacle course.

There are tears.

There is yelling.

There are more tears.

There are kids fighting.

There is poop, puke, and pee to clean up.

Well, being a mom....you can never get bored.  There is always something to do.  A kid to hold, a toy to put away, a nose to wipe, a glass of milk to pour, a butt to wipe.  But being a mom is so much more.

It's letting the kids giggle in bed instead of shushing them to sleep because the sound is breathtaking.

It's scooting over in bed because some little person had a bad dream and cuddling with mom and sticking a foot in dad's back is safe and secure.

It's the honest truth that those pants really do make your butt look big and your toddler is the only one to tell you what you've always suspected.

It's the lines and dates on the door facing that show the growth of your wee ones as they soon become as big as you.

It's cheering them on during a game.

It's giving a much needed hug when they fail.

It's hearing, "Mama, I love you," the most precious words in the world.

It's getting sticky kisses.

It's your toddler belting out Clark Griswold's " I LOVE A PARADE!" has he hops into bed at night and then begins singing The B-I-B-L-E.

It's the funny little sayings.....Mama, smell my feet.  Mama, your breath stinks. Mama, I tooted. Eeew! Mama, you tooted.  Mama, I am NOT going to school today. Mama, your butt looks big.  No, Daddy. I want Mama.

Mama.

Being a mama is so breathtaking, awesome, inspiring, tiring, frustrating, scary, wonderful gift.

Like Lisa-Jo, I am raising Kingdom Kids.  My children are a gift from God.  I have stood with each of them in front of the church and dedicated them back to the Lord.  All too often, I realize that they are only mine for a little while.  I must do everything I can to guide them to Jesus, to help them to become the God-fearing men that are warriors for Christ.

I wanted to be a mama more than anything else in the world, and on July, 26, 2002, I was given that gift. Colin is almost 12.  His first twelve years have flown by, and I know that in the blink of an eye, Colin will be driving, then off to college, and then creating a life of his own.  It seems like only yesterday I lied to the nurses on the phone and told them my contractions were consistently 5 minutes apart.  They were anywhere from 5-8 minutes apart, but when you can't even stand up.....well, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.  This first boy of mine gave me one heck of a delivery.  After 12 hours of labor, no epidural, and 3 hours of pushing, my almost 10 pound baby stole my heart.  I feared for him when he rolled off the couch as an infant.  When he began walking, Colin was as clumsy as his mama. We spent many nights rushing to the ER because his fever would spike.  He is so tenderhearted, this boy who opened his heart to Jesus during revival.  He helps kids up on the soccer field if they fall even though they are on the opposing team.  God has provided him with some amazing opportunities.  Space Camp, Academic Team, Robotics Team, STLP.  He loves church.  He loves God.  He loves others.  He is a little old man in a kid's body.  Sometimes I forget that he is a kid.  I probably lose my temper with him the most.  Maybe I expect more from him.  He is so grown up most of the time, that when he does some crazy kid thing, I totally can't believe he did it.  I forget to let him be

little. He teaches me about myself.  I see his insecurities and they are the same as mine.  He gets his temper from me. But he loves....Man that kid loves. He's built like his daddy, stocky, thick.  He procrastinates like his daddy too, but we won't talk about that!  As my first born, he continues to teach me so much. Right now, I often wonder if I am going to survive his puberty!  I realize that at this age, Colin doesn't understand his body, his emotions, the changes he is going through.  He's not a little kid any more, but he isn't a teenager either.  He's at that awkward stage where he is trying to find where he fits in.  Honestly, he fits perfectly in my heart.

In 2006, we opened our arms to Carson. My Iley.  He had a rocky start on this stormy spring birth day, having to be rushed to NICU after birth.  His poor lungs were filled with fluid, and he had so much trouble breathing.  At 8 years old, he hasn't fully recovered from that.  This kid, my Iley C., he struggles so much with his health.  When he gets sick, he is sick. He's missed out on fieldtrips, parties, and family holiday celebrations. Tonight, he is missing out on his baseball game. Severe leg cramps prompted us to have tests run.  Food allergies keep an EpiPen nearby, along with a bottle of Benedryl. He is my milk loving boy. My hotdog bun eater. My child with a very sweet tooth!  He wants what he likes and expects us to know what it is without asking.  Stubborn. Stubborn as a mule that boy of mine.  Named after my grandfather, he is so much like him.  The eyes, the ears, the way he crosses his legs, the little things he does that shows he loves you.  His love for banana popsicles takes me back to my childhood summers on Cherry Street. Pa Tootsie always had our favorite banana popsicles on hand. This second boy child of mine became my shadow at the age of three when he became a big brother.  If I was up at 2 a.m. feeding the baby, he was up with me.  Every time I turned around, he was there.  He was so much on my schedule that we pulled him out of daycare, thus creating this bond with his baby brother.  Still, I always expect him in my bed sometime during the night.

Carson is this artistic creature.  I think he gets that from Jeff's grandmother.  Nanny loved to draw and so does Carson.  He's going to be our scientist. A strong, silent man.  There's no need in talking about things we all know....if he doesn't want to talk, he doesn't.  He's not being rude, he just doesn't see how nonsense is necessary.  My soul prays each day for his salvation.  I know he thinks about God. I know he loves God.  I just want to make sure that he understands what Christ has done for him and be able to recognize God's still small voice. My Iley Carson.

After a family trip to Chicago in 2009, we found out that our third little one would be joining our family.  This child, a wild man, came into the world after we found out I had been losing amniotic fluid. Since his arrival, he has let the world know that he is here! Carter is non stop. He is Mister Personality.  He is my baby in every way.  He's four years old, and I still call him the baby.  The third baby. Carter doesn't know how little he really is.  He has never know little. He's know his big brothers, and anything they can do, Carter can do....and better.  Colin's friends are Carter's friends.  He knows no different.  Carter likes things just so.  Sippy cup empty? Throw it across the room.  Need something? Yell for it.  Mad at your brothers? Hit them.  He's not always wild.  Not always.  He loves to cuddle at bed time.  And only Mama will do.  When I had my miscarriage, it hurt Carter and me both that I couldn't get out of bed to care for him. Jeff would let him cuddle with me and then make him go to the other room so I could rest. One night, Jeff was trying to get Carter in bed, and I hear him on the baby monitor telling him that he doesn't like him and he wants Mama to put him to bed.  He's definitely Mama's Boy.  We have our routines, and he likes them. He needs them.  We have to sing Rock-a-bye Baby right after I dry him off after his bath. At bedtime, we have to watch Caillou.

And my "choceemilk" kid knows at bed time, it's only white milk! This boy, my Carter, he is my hero in so many ways.  I pray that in his daring endeavors, his escapades, that he will be a lover of Jesus.  He is loving church. My heart melts when he sings his favorite songs of Jesus.I can't wait to see what this boy of mine will do.

These boys of mine. My gifts from heaven.  They have changed me and taught me. They've taught be about myself, about the world, about life, about love. Being their mama has brought many surprises.  Many things I didn't know about myself.   I have loved deeper than I have imagined.  I have learned to negotiate. I have sacrificed.  I have laughed.....and cried. I continue to face my fears. I become stronger each day. 

This whole motherhood thing is more than I ever thought it would be.  It is better.  It is worth it.

Book Review: Miracles and Moments of Grace: Inspiring Stories from Moms

Miracles and Moments of Grace: Inspiring Stories from Moms is the third book in Nancy B. Kennedy's Miracles and Moments of Grace Series, all of which I have had the pleasure to read. 

This book is compiled of stories that will move a mother's heart.  Each story is unique as is each of our mothering experiences.  Some stories are told from a mother's relationship or experience with her own child, while others are told from a woman's relationship with her own mother.  Either way, each story is heartwarming.  Women share their experiences on seeking God's guidance while parenting. Still, other women share funny stories that many moms can relate too. 

In one particular story, a mother is reminded of the love and compassion her mother had shown her as she was growing up.  At the time the story was written, the woman was taking care of her mother and become frustrated with something her mom had done.  She extended grace to her mother and remembered that she had once done the same for her.

This is a wonderful book for mothers.  The stories remind us of the importance of motherhood, the special bond between women and their children, and the grace that we should extend to others because of the grace God has extended to us. 

I received a free copy of this book from Leafwood Publishers for the purpose of review.  The review is my own opinion of the book. 

Book Review: My So-Called Life as a Submissive Wife

Submissive is probably not a word that most women would want to have describe them; after all, we come from the generation of Girls Can Do Anything Boys Can Do Only Better.  We've been told to dream big, become independent, and successful. Not that there is necessarily anything wrong with having goals and dreams, but maybe we need to take a long look at what being submissive really means when it comes to marriage.

That's exactly what author Sara Horn did.

After her Proverbs 31 experiment, Sara felt that God was leading her on another journey, what it means to be a submissive wife. Many people, including her husband, questioned why she would want to do this new experiment.  For Sara, it was finding out what God's will was for her as a wife and mom.  Her journey is documented in her book My So-Called Life as a Submissive Wife.

Sara writes honestly about her journey through the submission experiment.  She discusses her highs and lows as she struggles to change her thinking, behavior, and attitude. I was able to relate to many of the things that Sara wrote about: the feeling/need to do it all, micromanaging a marriage whether you mean to or not, wanting more out of life/following your dreams, but not wanting that to interfere with your family responsibilities, and letting go so your husband can lead.  

Like most women, Sara didn't feel the call to be a domestic goddess, although the experiment did help her look at the responsibilities of marriage and family a bit differently.  Sometimes we can become resentful in having to cook and clean, in having to take care of children, and fulfilling other duties when it seems no one notices or helps. But in trying to live according to biblical submission, a new perspective is formed.

By the end of the book, I no longer viewed submission as a bad thing. Sara's story showed me that biblical submission can strengthen a marriage, yet, that submission and the process is different for each marriage. 

I loved reading this book. I laughed. I cried. I felt convicted. Most of all, I feel motivated to work on being more submissive in my own marriage. I highly recommend this book to any woman who has a desire to become the wife that God has planned for her.

I received a free copy of this book from Sara Horn and Harvest House Publishers as part of The My Wife Team. I was asked to read and post an honest review of this book. 

Book Review: Upside-Down Prayers for Parents

Parents want their children to live godly lives. They want their children to be happy and to make a difference in the world.   They can't do it alone.  As parents, we need to pray for our children. 

In her book, Upside-Down Prayers for Parents, Lisa T. Bergren offers 31 devotions that parents can use to lift up their children to God.

Each day is consistent in its format with the previous day.  It begins with an "I pray...." statement and related scripture.   The next part of each day is a short personal story that relates to the topic and then a specific prayer.  The daily devotions end with a section called Making it Personal where parents can gain or reflect on their personal experience and then a Making it Relevant section which helps children relate to an experience as well.  There are questions for both older children and younger children.

I like the fact that the devotions are short and consistent.  I also like that there is both a place where the parent and children can become active in the devotion and reflect.  The blank writing space is also convenient.  I think this would be an excellent devotion for parents who have a desire to pray for their children and help them to strengthen their children's relationship with God and to help the parent be more intentional on praying for their children.

I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Press for the purpose of an honest review as part of their blogger book review program. 

Book Review: My So-Called Life as a Proverbs 31 Wife

Like many women who read about The Virtuous Wife from Proverbs 31:10-31, Sara Horn felt intimidated and didn't like her. At the same time, though, she felt that there could be something there. Something that she needed to experiment with.  So, that set wife, mom, author Sara Horn on an experiment, a journey to study the Proverbs 31 wife and try to become more like her. She wrote about this experiment in her book My So-Called Life as a Proverbs 31 Wife.

Throughout the journey, Sara saw success and failures.  She is a driven woman who has a strong desire to minister and work.  She has a husband who likes to help out.  During this experiment, the family was in a difficult season, unemployment for her husband and her quest to become domesticated. 

Sara found out that the most important part of the process would be her relationship with God.  If she feared him and strengthened her relationship with God, then her other relationships would fall into place.  She would be the woman God had planned for her.

I really enjoyed this book. Sara writes with honesty and humor.  It is easy to relate with her experience. 

I received a free copy of this book from Sara Horn and Harvest House Publishers as part of the My Wife Life Team.  I was not required to write a review.

Military Wives' New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs

Today, I have something  for you. Three things actually....a review, a giveaway, and a really good offer!

I love a good devotion/study Bible.  As a military wife, I was looking for something that applied to me and my season of life.  I found that when I came across Military Wives' New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs (NIV).  I looked it over via the internet and considered the pre-order. For whatever reason, I didn't proceed with purchasing this Bible.  Then a couple of weeks later, I was contacted by Zondervan for the amazing opportunity to review this Bible for you.

This Bible contains a forward by Jocelyn Green, who reminds us that The Bible is your protection and your weapon. An amazing group of contributors have helped include sections called Reinforcements, Home Front Heroes, Hymns, and Basic Training. 

Reinforcements are 60 devotions that focus on a specific passage that are meant to challenge and encourage you.  Home Front Heroes are 30 devotions that illustrate a key Bible principal demonstrated by  those on the American home front.  Hymns are included to help strengthen your faith, as well as 10 Bible studies in the Basic Training section. 

I absolutely LOVE this Bible. I think it is a staple for all military wives. 

Are you a military wife interested in this Bible?  Well, you have the chance to win your own copy.  All you have to do is leave me a comment below telling me how long you have been a military wife. I will select the winner on Sunday. Your Bible will be sent directly to you by the publisher. 

If you don't win, can't wait, or want to get a Bible as a gift, I have a special offer for you too!

Buy 1 Give 1 Free!

With every purchase of the NIV Military Wives’ New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs, you will receive an additional copy to share with a friend for free!

To get your free copy:

Visit www.churchsource.com and create an account

Add 2 copies of NIV Military Wives’ New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs (9780310421078) to your cart

Enter promo code BD5W11 at checkout

Offer Valid 5/1/2013 through 5/31/2013

I would love to hear from you too if you took advantage of the special offer. 

I received a free copy of this Bible from Zondervan for the purpose of review and giveaway. 

Wife to Wife Wednesdays (on Sunday): Books

I love to read. LOVE LOVE LOVE to read. I guess it is a good thing I am a reading teacher!  One of my favorite books right now is titled Something to Sing About.  It is a youth novel.  Our school librarian introduced me to the book, and I was hooked. I am currently reading it to my two reading classes.

In this story, Jamie Jo Morgan is having some issues with God.  Because of how her mama has been treated, she has some questions for the Lord like how He can love the mean girls as much as He loves her.  Oh, and bees. Don't get Jamie Jo started on bees. She is scared to death of them because she watched My Girl. However, it is her brother Pate that has a near death experience with bees.  When Jamie Jo's mama is "fired" from the church choir and decides to give church a rest, she prays that God will make everything the way it used to be.  Sometimes, the way it used to be isn't that great, and God's plans are so much better.

Are you interested?  Although this is a children's book, adults should read it as well. Author C.C. Payne (from my home state, oh and the story's setting is my hometown!) does an excellent job in showing how God works through what we might call the end of the world.  She shows how families can be broken and grow back together even stronger as long as they remain faithful to God.

If you read this book, please let me know what you think.  A couple of years ago, I did a book club with it with the kids at church. They loved it.

So what about you? Do you have a favorite book?  You can join in here or over at Wives of Faith.  We'd love to hear from you.

Book Review: God is My Refuge

We all go through difficult times. For many of us, scripture helps us get through those times. 

God is My Refuge is a 12 week devotional for those going through troubled times. 

Each week is dedicated to a specific topic such as Grief, Broken Relationships, Illness, and Fear and includes a scripture verse for the reader to memorize.  Each day's devotion ends with sections called Reflect and Apply, Prayer Prompt, and Memory Minute.  One thing I love is that in the introduction, author Kathy Howard gives a list of materials needed to complete the devotional in the way she intended it to be used.

I really like this devotional. It will definitely be one that I turn to again. Each daily devotion is short, but effective. 

I received a free copy of this book from Leafwood Publishers for the purpose of an honest review.

Book Review: Lord, I Give You This Day

For those wishing to grow closer to the Lord, it is important to spend time in His Word each day. One way to do that is by using a daily devotional.

Kay Arthur has written an excellent daily devotional entitled Lord, I Give You This Day.

This 366 appointment book with God (let's not forget leap year), is set up in consistent devotions. Each day has devotional reading that includes bolded scripture that is the focus scripture for that day.  It also includes other bible references so you can further your study.  At the the end of each day, a suggested prayer is given. 

Each day's devotion is just one page. This makes it convenient to those who have other devotional reading to complete or studying the Bible further. Not to mention the short devotions help those of us who may be in a hurry!The attached ribbon book mark makes it easy to keep your place as well. 

If you are looking for a new daily devotional, I think you would enjoy this one.  The devotions were heartfelt and moving.

I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Press for the purpose of an honest review.

Book Review: At the Feet of Jesus

I am always looking for a good daily devotional, one that presents scripture with real life and makes it easier for me to connect.

That is what I like about Joanna Weaver's At the Feet of Jesus: Daily Devotions to Nurture a Mary Heart. 

I have read Weaver's book Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World and have seen myself as a Martha, with my inner Mary trying to get out.  It seems that this devotional is a good way to get on the right track.

Each day's devotion begins with scripture followed by a real life application. The daily read ends with extended scripture reading and a personal reflection. This devotional also includes a one year bible reading plan.

This is a wonderful addition to a woman's devotional reading. 

I received a free copy of this book for the purpose of an honest review from WaterBrook Press.

Book Review: Heaven Changes Everything

I have read Heaven is for Real and Heaven is for Real for Kids.  Now I have completed the third book by Todd and Sonja Burpo called Heaven Changes Everything: Living Everyday with Eternity in Mind.

In their third book, the Burpo's apply what they have learned from their son Colton's experience in heaven.  Each chapter takes a look at part of Colton's original story and then shows how the family has changed because of it. Hence the name of the book!  The chapters begin with a quote from Heaven is for Real and then a narration of the effect of Colton's visit to heaven.  At the end of each chapter, the reader is presented with a question or statement to consider and then scripture that goes along with the chapter's purpose. 





This book was a quick and easy read. I enjoyed it, but not as much as the original story.  I did appreciate the honesty of the authors and the revelation of how their son's trip to heaven changed them and how it can change us too.

I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson for the purpose of an honest review.

Book Review: Rudy: My Story

After being a fan of the movie Rudy, I was really excited to review Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger's book Rudy: My Story.

Be forewarned. The book is not like the movie. 

This is not the sole story of how Ruettiger became a Notre Dame football story.  Ruettiger takes an honest look at his life, the perseverance, the failures, the successes , the events that made him into what he is today.  He discusses what brought forth his movie. 

Ruettiger's story is motivational and eye opening.  He shows us how to make our dreams come true.

I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson for the purpose of review.

Book Review: God Gave Us Christmas

God Gave Us Christmas is yet another book by Lisa Tawn Bergren in the God Gave Us Series. I was so excited to read this book, and I was not disappointed in it!

Little Cub is so excited about Christmas and Santa.  However, Mama explains that Christmas isn't about Santa. It is about Jesus.  Mama takes Little Cub on an adventure to show her God.  They find God everywhere. 

I love that in the story, Bergren stresses the importance of the celebration of Christmas, the birth of Christ and adds that Santa just reminds us of giving.  Mama points out in the story that Jesus was sent for all people.

For parents who want to help their children understand the true meaning of Christmas, this is the book!

I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Press for the purpose of an honest review.

Book Review: The Girl's Still Got It

Are you looking for a new Bible study?  Here is one I think you will love.

It is Liz Curtis Higgs' The Girl's Still Got It.  This study covers the book of Ruth.

Higgs goes through the book verse by verse, using a narrative form along with commentary to supplement the scripture's message.  I have read Ruth before, but never like this.  Higgs makes the story come alive by placing the reader in the midst of Ruth's journey with her mother-in-law Naomi. 

As I read the book, I experienced the story of Ruth like never before.  Each chapter contains wit and humor. Higgs uses her own personal stories along with stories of other women in a section called Ruth in Real Life.  In the back of the book, you will find discussion questions and a study guide. This book would serve as an awesome personal Bible study as well as a group study.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review.



Book Review: Stressed-Less Living

Stress.

It is something we all have in our lives. Some is good and some is bad.  Some is short lived and some lives with us for a long time. 

In her new book, Stressed-Less Living: Finding God's Peace in Your Chaotic World, Tracie Miles takes an honest look at stressors we encounter and how we become so numb to stress, we don't even realize we are stressed. 

Tracie discusses the impact that stress has on our lives, physical and emotional.  I appreciated the fact that she opened up and talked honestly about experiences in her life that caused stress. 

Throughout the book, Tracie focuses on scripture that we should lean on. She discusses people in the Bible that dealt with stress. 

I liked that each chapter ends with reflection questions and Stress Busting Scriptures. 

Even if you are like me and think that you've got everything under control, you will still enjoy this book. It will open your eyes in many ways. I like to think of myself as one that doesn't stress out. But when I read Tracie's chapter about parental stress, it really hit home. 

I received a free copy of this book for the purpose of review from Leafwood Publishers.

Book Review: A Woman's Right to Rest

We all know it.  We need to rest.  We need to say no.  We need to let go.  But we don't.  Sometimes we feel guilty. We don't want to seem selfish. We don't want to let others down. 

But we have the right to rest.

Denise George's book, A Woman's Right to Rest: 14 Types of Biblical Rest That Will Transform Your Life, is a practical, Biblical  guide on why women need rest and how women should rest.  She uses Scripture to support her claims on rest needed by women. George discusses physical and mental rest, resting in prayer, and rest given by forgiveness among other topics.  I liked that she used personal stories as well has historical figures in her discussions. 

Each chapter is set up in the same format: discussion on the type of rest, practical suggestions, personal study, group Bible Study.  This would be an excellent book to read alone or with a group, something I would even consider doing.

I received a free copy of this book from Leafwood Publishers for the purpose of an honest review. 

Book Review: A Woman Called

As women, we have many questions about our roles. We are told as little girls that we can be anything we want to be.  But what happens when the people you are closest to, your church, says otherwise?

That is the beginning of Sara Gaston Barton's story.  In her book, A Woman Called: Piecing Together the Ministry Puzzle, she describes her journey in finding her place in ministry.  As a member of the Churches of Christ, Barton was taught that women should not be leaders within the church. However, she felt has if God was calling her to be a ministry leader.  She was faced with a dilemma and thus began her search for the truth.  In this book, she discusses how she uses scripture to help guide her in her true calling.

This book is well written, and Barton uses scripture to support her belief on her calling.  I do appreciate the fact that she stresses the importance of finding our answers in God's word.

I received a free copy of this book from Leafwood Publishers for the purpose of an honest review.