Book Review // Redemption by Bryan Clay

This book is the autobiography of Bryan Clay, a decathlete from Hawaii who has won silver and gold medals in the Olympics. I picked this book hoping to see him compete in the London 2012 Olympics. Unfortunately, he didn't make it through trials. Nevertheless, his story is fascinating and inspiring. He shares how he was a troubled kid with a rough family life. He struggled in school and in relationships. But his mother always prayed, believing the best for him, and God provided a series of open doors to help Bryan overcome his past and discover his calling.

I enjoyed reading this book and was very much encouraged by his perspective as an athlete. It was interesting to read about how similar faith and athleticism are. Diligence, determination and trust are all essential to success in every area of life. Bryan's story reveals the rewards of doing it right as well as the contrasting consequences of doing it wrong. He is an Olympic athlete, but he is a real person. He has hurts, fears and weaknesses to overcome. But in humility Bryan invites readers to take a glimpse of his reality. The book is an easy read and I would recommend it for anyone with an interest in sports and faith. If you read it, get ready to be inspired!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review // Heaven in Her Arms by Catherine Hickem

This is a sweet book based on the lessons we can learn from Mary, mother of Jesus, about living as a faith-filled woman. The chapters are short and focus on one trait at a time that Mary demonstrates in Scripture. The author also draws from her experience as a mother and counselor to relate Mary’s wisdom to modern day experiences.

I think this book would be an encouraging read for any woman, but especially for soon-to-be or young mothers. The author did a good job addressing various fears a mother may have and using Scripture-based truths to offer relief from those fears. Some of my favorite topics included trusting God to be parent, taking time to reflect each day, learning to live a selfless life, and learning when to rely on others for support. I also appreciated that the book did not glorify Mary, but simply used her as an example of our human struggles and how she overcame them through faith. I liked how the chapters were concise but rich in content. There is also a study guide in the back of the book for those who want to do a Bible study with others, or just dig deeper in their personal time with God. 

I would definitely recommend this book to any woman needing encouragement for motherhood. It is an easy read and offers an opportunity to re-focus and be refreshed. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review // One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

I loved this book! In the midst of schedules, conflicts, clutter and chaos…this book was refreshing. Ann Voskamp uses her own personal exploration for the “why” in life’s circumstances to demonstrate the Biblical truth that Thanksgiving leads to Joy. It was touching to read of her painful experiences and the way God touched her heart, revealing glimpses of Himself little by little to draw her into fullness of joy. I enjoyed how the narrative followed her thoughts, ponderings, searchings, interjected with anecdotes from her life. I wouldn't always agree with her conclusions (if there were any conclusive ends to her searching) but that's not the point of the book....

This is the story of God desiring to delight in us and us in Him. Ann’s journey helped me see my life in a new way…identifying God in the big and the small; the happy and the painful. He is always with me, all around me, do I take the time to notice? And then to praise Him? Doing so leads to joy. And so now I am counting my One Thousand Gifts in a small notebook that goes everywhere with me, just in case I see something, feel something and am reminded in that moment of God’s love for me. To have fullness of Joy!

If you are curious to learn more, you can visit www.OneThousandGifts.com or Ann Voskamp’s personal blog: www.AHolyExperience.com

Book Review // Garden of Madness by Tracy L. Higley

I loved this book! Stories about bold, adventurous princesses always grip my attention. Garden of Madness is a fiction novel about King Nebuchadnezzar’s daughter Tiamat. At the height of a turning point for her nation and her life, she is drawn to seeking the truth. The truth about recent deaths within the palace, the truth about those she loves and the truth about her faith. The only person she can trust is the king, who was driven by madness to live as a beast wandering the palace gardens – a secret only a few know. At the risk of giving up everything she ever knew Tia clings to her independence and courage…and to the hope that her father will be restored from his madness.

I thought this book was very well written. The author held my attention with numerous plot twists and intricate character development. While I expected it to be a romance novel padded with a weak message, it turned out to be much more. This book not only tells the story of a character; it celebrates the power of faith and relationship which bring healing to hurting souls. It is an easy read and something I think young adults as well older readers would enjoy.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review // Dawn Comes Early by Margaret Brownley

Dawn Comes Early was a fun historical fiction novel about Kate Tenney who left her disgraced life in Boston for dreams of rebuilding a name for herself as an Arizona ranch heiress. It is a redemptive love story filled with action and adventure. Kate arrives thinking she knows a lot about working a ranch based on all the stories she hear back in the city – she learns quickly she didn’t know much at all! Even more, she realizes the life she tried to leave behind is only haunting her present and keeping her from embracing the life she is meant to live.

Overall, this book was entertaining and I recommend it for anyone who enjoys romantic, adventures from another time. However I felt there was a little depth lacking from some character development and especially the relationship that develops between Kate and the local blacksmith, Luke Adams. The reality of Kate’s hurt, her past and the hold it had on her, were all simplified to fit the purpose of the story. Although I was glad to read a tale in which love and faith were the strongest forces.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

DP

Book Review // As a Man Thinketh by James Allen

This book is based on the verse:

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. 

Proverbs 23:7a

While the author never directly quotes this scripture, or any other, one who is familiar with the Bible will be able to pick up on several paraphrased truths throughout the book. James Allen wrote this book in the early 1900’s and it is now labeled a “self-help classic.” I believe it is a good one to keep on the bookshelf. 

This book explores the practical application of scriptural truth that whatever you think - - whatever your mind, thoughts, emotions dwell on -- that is the substance on which you build your life. Your thoughts become your basis for faith; they become your words; they become your actions. The author explains how thoughts can specifically affect our circumstances, our health & physical body, our achievements, our character and purpose. The language he uses is certainly a “classical” language, but I was still able to read the entire book in less than 40 minutes. However, I believe the truths presented deserve more meditation time than that.

It is quite amazing how much power our thoughts and words have on our lives. I’ve always been careful not to swear or slander others. But I haven’t always guarded my thoughts and tongue when it came to phrases like: “This is driving me crazy” … “I’m so stupid/tired/clumsy/ugly”… “I’m sick/scared to death” … “I’m anxious to…”… “I’m afraid” … “I’m not good enough” and so on. Once I caught on that none of these phrases are actually things I WANT in my life and therefore shouldn’t claim them, my quality of life got substantially better. Those words are road blocks in my path to success and blessings. On the other hand, thinking and saying words that empower, encourage, strengthen and focus on joy will actually do just that (especially when they are rooted in the Truth of God's Word).

It is good to be reminded of this topic often. I definitely recommend this book as a tool for exploring the various ways in which thoughts impact our lives. But always remember, God gave us this bit of wisdom first:

Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 18:21

(Thanks to our Pastor for giving this book to all us church leaders!)

Book Review // Heart of Ice by Lis Wiehl with April Henry

Heart of Ice is a thriller fiction novel that follows the dealings of lethal manipulator Elizabeth Avery. Using her beauty, charm and cunning, she sets up players in her “game” so that life plays out exactly as she desires it. Her crimes include theft, arson, fraud and murder. All remain undetectable until three friends (a news reporter, FBI agent and federal prosecutor) figure out the game she has been playing.

This novel was an easy and entertaining read. It is one of those that feel like a movie is playing in your head. It is fast-paced with detailed character development and back-story. I would recommend the book for adults who enjoy crime stories. There is an element of faith carried by one of the main characters that serves as an example of a light in a dark place. However, there are other border-line graphic moments in the novel that (I think) would make it inappropriate for younger audiences.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review // So Long Insecurity by Beth Moore

I loved this book! My husband got it for me for Christmas…I wondered why at the time…haha. But I am thankful he got it. The topic of the book is one of those lessons I thought I had down and God showed me yet again I need some more work. I am so glad God doesn’t give up on me. He keeps teaching the same lessons so I can completely overcome my weaknesses. So much grace!

I have never read a Beth Moore book before, but I have completed many of her Bible studies. This book was less polished than her other teachings and that’s not a bad thing! She even admitted the book was messy. It was as though we were sitting next to each other discussing our latest spiritual trials. She is open and honest; her words stem from passion to see women (including herself) set free from insecurity – of any type. I loved her personal stories, rants and insight from present experiences. And all of it reflected God’s desire for us to find security in HIM ALONE.

The book started by identifying symptoms of insecurity (the foolish things it makes us do) and root causes of our insecurity. Beth used her own testimony as well as snippets that others shared with her on her blog about how destructive insecurity can be. She then leads the readers to an understanding that God does provide freedom and healing from the roots of our insecurity. By the end of the book, the reader should be able to notice her own insecurity triggers, root causes and how to renew her mind according to God’s Word so that insecurity no longer has a deathly grip on her life.

As for me, I am reminded of two things: 1) I am clothed with strength & dignity (Prov. 31:25) and 2) my security comes from trusting God to take care of me no matter what….even if life doesn’t go the way I want it. These are empowering truths! So long insecurity!

(You can find out more information about this book by clicking HERE.)

DP

Book Review // Move: What 1000 Churches Reveal about Spiritual Growth

I decided to read MOVE because of my place in leadership at our church and I thought it could provide some helpful insight about a church’s role in the congregation’s spiritual growth. It did!

This book is based on the results of the REVEAL study conducted by Willow Creek Association, in which they surveyed congregation members from more than 1000 churches across the United States of all denominations. From the results, Willow Creek was able to identify a clear spiritual growth continuum that a believer follows as they mature in faith, as well as specific catalysts that initiate movements forward along that continuum. The survey results also provided insight as to what people expect from their churches and leaders as people move through the various phases of spiritual growth. This book explained each of the phases, catalysts and the “best practices” of the churches that most successfully create an environment of active spiritual growth among the majority of their members. 

The only glaring negative aspect of this book is probably more of a personal preference: it was hard for me to read survey results in book form. The results were listed as statistics, graphs, charts, diagrams and explained in narrative -- so I think whatever format you are comfortable with, you will get the gist. For me, reading through the explanations was a little confusing. I had to focus a lot more to digest what it was saying. But the content was wonderful!

I think this book can be a very helpful tool for pastors and leaders wanting to learn more about the spiritual dynamics of their churches and how they can be more effective in how they influence spiritual growth. However, I found that the book not only intrigued me as a church leader, but also as an individual follower of Christ. I thought it was most interesting to read about the phases of growth and the catalysts that move believers from one level of spiritual maturity to another. I could identify where I think I am on the continuum and see the catalysts I struggle with…and that perhaps I should challenge myself to do so I can continue to grow.

I’ll try to summarize the concept of the continuum and the catalysts: The survey results helped identify four phases of the spiritual growth continuum. These are Exploring Christ, Growing in Christ, Close to Christ and Christ Centered. Catalysts are things the believer will do on a consistent basis (not just one time acts) that will initiate and promote growth. These can be reading the Bible, serving at church, evangelism, giving and so on. 

For each movement from one phase to the next, the study was able to identify the top five catalysts that move the believer to the next level. Some of the phases share catalysts, many were unique to that phase of growth. However, I found it interesting (though not surprising) that the one catalyst that appeared in the top five of each phase was “Reflecting on Scripture.” How very true that no matter where you are spiritually, it is essential to be in God’s Word for substantial growth to take place!

And even more personally challenging, I discovered those catalysts that I have yet to take hold of…but I so desire to do. The attributes of a believer that this Christ-centered are so sacrificial, so rooted in love for God and people. It is not an impossible life to live, but one I have not yet fully achieved. After reading this book I was challenged to open my heart to God’s leading so I can discover the self-sacrificing acts (catalysts) He has for me, that I may know Him more, love Him more and fulfill His commandment to love others as He did. What a challenge!