Kingdom Family Devotional

Kingdom Family Devotional by Tony Evans is a wonderful devotional for the family just as it says.

This great book is divided into 5 days of 52 weeks.  Each week is a new topic, like; love, respect, purity, worship, sin etc.  This book is definitely geared to the family. There is scripture to read and memorize and fun application points.  I love that it is not dated, so for a busy family like mine, we can come back to it even if we've missed some days in between. 

If you are searching for a devotional for your family, I would recommend this one.  Even 1 day a week spending time together as a family in God's word is beneficial.  My kids love it and keep on asking for more.  What a win!

Thank you to Tyndale House Publishing for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book.

Long Days of Small Things

Long Days of Small Things by Catherine McNiel is a wonderful book.  It is refreshing and reviving for a weary mom's soul. 

Are you a mom, who feels alone, under-valued, exhausted and weary?  Then this book is for you.  Catherine brings you through 9 chapters, of stories, encouragement, scripture and small but reviving practices.  These chapters help you to realize you are not alone and that the love and life of being a mom is really a "God" thing and that you are not alone. 

Read this all the way through, with whatever time you have, or read it little by little as a devotional and encouragement.  Either way you will walk away, knowing that as a mom you are serving our King and doing one of the most valuable tasks on the planet and in His Kingdom.

I highly recommend this book.

Thank you Tyndale House Publishers for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book.

365 Pocket Morning Prayers

This attractive little book is a great devotional.  You can use it as a day by day devotional or if you have something you want to pray through or about, you can turn to that instead.  Sometimes devotionals can feel overwhelming, but this was is not.

Each page has 1 or 2 days on it, with prayer and scripture that is written out for you.  Instead of going month by month, it just goes day by day.  For example Day 1, 2 etc.  That way if you start in the middle of the year, you don't feel like you are behind.  Each day is a new day.  If you miss a day, that is ok too.  I love this because sometimes devotionals can bring guilt because you feel like you are falling behind.  The format of this book, helps you not to feel this. The back has a topical index, so if you are going through something you can just turn to that page and pray and read scripture for that subject. 

This is great for yourself or as a gift.  Especially for someone who doesn't know where to start.

Thank you Tyndale House for letting me review 365 Pocket Morning Prayers.

Gratitude - A Prayer and Praise Coloring Journal

Gratitude- A Prayer and Praise Coloring Journal is a neat little journal that you can color, journal and pray with.  So many people are creative and love the new trend of "Adult Coloring".  This small journal is perfect for those who like to do this. The attractive cover draws you in and the creative pages keep you engaged.

If you like to doodle while you are doing your devotions this is a beautifully made book for you.  The little inspirational quotes, verses, beautiful pictures and prayers will help you connect with our God on all levels.  I would recommend this as a small gift, for someone creative in your life. 

Thank you to Tyndale House for providing me with this sample.

Girls Slimline Bible NLT

I was super excited to see that I could review this Bible.  My love for books extends to my love for the Bible.  With 4 kids, I want each of them to love reading, especially the Bible, as much as I do.  When I saw this Bible up for review, I knew it would be perfect for my 12 year old and I was right!

First, it was all packaged in a box and with plastic over it. I didn't want to even open it up, but I knew I had to, in order to review it.  The cover is bright and attractive for a young girl.  Proving that having and reading the Bible doesn't have to be boring.  I love the bold colors and the sparkles.  On the back there is a cross with the saying "Bold Faith", perfect!

The print is very small, which may be the only downside, but in order for it to all fit in such a small package, it works.  There is a concordance/dictionary, maps and a 365 day reading plan.  This Bible is a great resource. 

Although, The New Living Translation (NLT) is not my translation of choice I know this will be great for my young daughter to read as well as to share with her friends.  I know when they see it in her backpack at school, it will make such a statement that they will want to see what it is.

If you are looking for a great gift for a young teen girl, here it is!

Thank you Tyndale House Publishers for this complimentary copy of this book.

Snuggle Time Devotions that End with a Hug

Snuggle Time Devotions that End with a Hug is a sweet little book.  It has 52 devotions that go through the Old Testament and New Testament.  Each devotion has a verse, a short rhyming story, a takeaway or lesson, an activity, and a hug time. 

This is a great little devotional for little ones 3 and under.  If your little one doesn't have a long attention span but you long to teach them how spending a set aside time with God is important, this book is a great tool.  It is a beautiful book for yourself or to give as a gift. Plenty of colorful pictures, that are bright and cheery and just for children. 

If you are looking for a special gift for that little person in your life - this is a great One!

Thank you Tyndale House Publishers for this complimentary copy of this book.

The Life

"The Life" is a small Bible type book.  Bible type as in it is excerpts/passages from the Gospels, Acts, James and 1 John.  It is to help a person get acquainted with God's story through the life of Jesus. 

If you have a teen or a friend who is just getting to know Jesus or has an interest, this is the "Bible" for them.  It is not overwhelming and is small enough to give and not feel like you are overpowering them with a 1000 page book. 

"The Life"  is presented in magazine form.  It has great illustrations, not cheesy ones, that will capture the attention of anyone.  It is like reading articles and not chapter after chapter.  For those of us who have a hard time when there is no references, this is not the case.  "The Life" has chapters and verses, so if you want to have them look at a certain passage, it is easy for you to reference and for them to find it. 

Some of the passages have challenging statements like, "Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God's Son does not have life. The choice is yours."  "The Life" is a great addition to your resources when encountering people who need Jesus. 

All the excerpts are from the New Living Translation.  So it is very reader and new believer friendly.  I highly recommend it.

Thank you Tyndale Publishing for letting me review this item.

Raising Boys by Design

Raising Boys by Design by Gregory L. Jantz and Michael Gurian is an amazing book.  I am having such a tough time getting through it, not because it isn't a good read, but because it is packed with so much good stuff.

As a mom of 3 girls and 1 boy - I see the difference between boys and girls every day.  This book helps me to realize I am not alone in the unique craziness of my boy.  Not only is it helping me understand my son, but also my husband.  Realizing that they are not like us girls, is key to helping both little boys and men be who God created them to be.

Any one who has boys, anyone who is married, anyone who wants to teach a parenting class - this book is for you!  Seriously, I highly highly recommend this book.  It is an easy read, not to heady and an application at the end of each chapter.  You won't be disappointed.  Pick it up!

Here is a sneak peak of the first chapter:
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/sneak-peek-raising-boys-by-design-by-dr-gregory-l-jantz-and-michael-gurian/
I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.

101 Color and Sing Bible Stories

101 Color and Sing Bible Stories by Stephen Elkins is a great resource for parents and Sunday School Teachers.  It has great stories from the whole Bible.  Plus there are two CD's containing songs and a coloring page that goes along with that story.

If you don't have a lot of time or have little children then this is a great book for you.  I actually use it as a supplement and not as the main lesson, because I like to have a little more of the Bible Story in my lesson.  But if you have children under 2 this would be great, as it is basically an intro to the Bible.  It also would work as a devotional for little ones too.  A Bible Story, Coloring Page, and a song.  What a perfect small time with God.

If you are looking for something simple, yet packed with a lot of good stuff - this is the Book for you. The stories are simple, one paragraph, the coloring pages are nice and not cheesy and the songs are easy to learn and sing along with. I believe, you won't be disappointed. 

Thank you Tyndale House Publishing for letting me review this.

Bible Stories For His Beautiful Princess

Bible Stories For His Beautiful Princess by Sheri Rose Shepherd is a wonderful sweet book for the young girl in your life.  I have purchased other devotionals for my older daughters but hadn't found one I liked for my 5 year old.  She isn't a reader yet, so I wanted something with pictures and simple devotions.  I didn't want something that was "dumbed" down but a book that would help her develop the habit of reading her Bible, thinking about it and praying.  Bible Stories for His Beautiful Princess does just this.

Bible Stories for His Beautiful Princess has 37 great "stories", which is more than a lot of Bible story books do.  Each story has a key verse (either from that passage or one that pertains to it), the story, a Princess Prayer and Princess Jewel (a key take away point from that story).  It is simple, beautiful and such a great tool to help your young girl grow in God.

If you are looking for a wonderful devotional to get your 3 to 7 year old.  This is the one.  This would make a great gift for your daughter, granddaughter, niece or little friend. 

Plus there is a drawing for a huge pack of princess items - enter here  http://www.tyndale.com/blog/?p=6012

Thank you Tyndale Publishing for letting me review this book.

Knowing God by Name a Devotional

I previously posted a review on a Devotional I wasn't totally sold on, this one is so different.  I love it.  Knowing God by Name is a devotional that is packed full of scripture, spiritual insights and challenge. 

Knowing God by Name is written by A Girlfriends in God Faith Adventure.  Three ladies that love the Lord, study His Word and apply it to their lives.  You don't feel like they are preaching to you or talking down to you but bringing you along on a journey to discover who Jesus is.

There are 8 weeks divided into 6 sections or days.  I have been not worrying about the weeks or days, but just going through it day by day.  5 days of each week are Bible Study about a different name of God, where they are found and what can be applied to our lives.  The 6th day is called "Now it is your turn."  A chance to remember what was taught and study more and apply it more.

I am enjoying reading each of the 3 ladies, different perspectives as each day is written by someone else.  It is a well rounded book, doesn't lag and really was what I was looking for.  I believe they really sought the Lord on what to say.  It is a book that can be used once, put down for awhile and read it again.  It can be a devotional, like I am doing, or a Bible Study in a small group.  It would be a great Bible study and I might lead one, sometime.

I love learning about the Names of God, revealing His character.  If you have a chance to pick this up, don't hesitate it is well worth it.

Sweet and Simple Moments with God

The One Year - Sweet and Simple Moments with God Devotional by Kim Newlen is not really my style.  It is a little "fluffy" for my taste.  I think it is a good devotional, not theologically wrong - but I like to dive deeper into God's word.  I like to have scripture to read and deep insights to think on.  But despite my personal taste, I believe this would be a great gift for someone who needs some encouragement and simple pick me up each day.  In fact, I already have someone in mind to give it to.

This book is a daily devotional, with a scripture, some womanly insights on this scripture and a fun application.  For example on April 10th the theme is Do You Need Rest?  and the scripture is Matthew 11:28.  The fun application is "Treat yourself to a few restful moments today.  Curl up on the couch with a favorite warm beverage and read through the psalms." 

Even despite my negative personal review.  I do believe that it is a good simple devotional, that many women will truly enjoy.  If you want a simple, good devotional that will challenge and encourage you - this is the book for you.

Thank you to Tyndale for letting me review this book.

Firsthand

Firsthand by Ryan and Josh Shook is a must read.   If you are in ministry, lead a small group, a youth pastor or even a parent - this book is a great one to read.  Ryan and Josh, brothers, talk about how as Pastor's kids they grew up having a faith but when they went to college and crisis of their own happened, they realized that their faith wasn't firm.  How do you have firsthand faith?  Faith that is not your parents, teachers, or someone else's but your own.

"It doesn't matter how real your parents' faith is, or anyone else's for that matter, if you don't develop a faith of your own.  A handed-down faith that you've never owned for yourself doesn't give meaning to your life...Hand-me-down faith may work when things are going well, but when pressures and problems hit, what you thought you believed will crumble."   pg. 5

8 chapters, including:  Why Firsthand Matters, Sick of Secrets, Real Faith, Real Change, and First Hand Community, bring you through the process of having "hand-me-down" faith and turning it into "firsthand" faith.  Each chapter has some letters and responses from real people, a Think About It, and a Might Try This section to help you apply what has been taught to your own life and pass it on to others.

As a pastor and a mom, I want my children to have a strong belief in Jesus Christ but I don't want it just to be something they put on because of me.  I want them to have a firsthand faith, a faith that withstand the test of time, trials and anything that this world gives to them.

When God Intervenes

When God Intervenes by Dabney Hedegard is an amazing book.  This is a story filled with miracles, blessing and how God rescued Dabney from death not once but multiple times.  This true story will keep you reading and wondering what is coming next and how is God going to rescue her next.  If you don't believe in miracles, you will after you read this book.

I loved this book and highly recommend it.  Dabney believed in God, yet she didn't fully understood His power, grace and love.  She was 6 weeks pregnant and discovered an eight inch tumor in her chest.  After being diagnosed with cancer she waited for treatment in order to save the life of her baby.  This was only the start of her incredible journey through miracle after miracle.  Today she has 3 birth and 1 adopted child.  Proving again that God is the God of the miraculous and amazing.

Pick this book up, you won't be disappointed. Your faith will be challenged and you will come to understand God more.  He is amazing and He still does work miracles in our lives today.

The Blessed Woman by Debbie Morris

This book was great!  From page 1 to the end - I felt like I was growing closer to God with each page.  In fact I used it as part of my devotional each day.  When I finished the book, I was wishing there was more to read.  I love it when I get sad that a book is ending. 

Debbie Morris, the executive pastor of women's ministry at Gateway Church in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, writes this book with such insight into the Word of God and such wonderful application.  It is fun to hear her stories and feel like you are not alone.

She takes us through the lives of some well known women of the Bible, like: Eve, Mary, Esther and through some not so known women, like:  Jael and Zipporah.  She gives fresh new insight, without straying from the true Word of God.  After you read about each woman, you feel like you know them better, understand yourself better, and know the heart and nature of God better, too.

This book would make a great book club reading or women's Bible Study.  Each chapter had a Study Guide that is great!  It is meant to be studied one chapter at a time, with questions that recap, engage, talk, pray, explore, and a list of key messages. 

Pick this up, read it, study it, you won't be disappointed.
 "I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

Here is a sneak peak: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/pdf/SneakPeek_TheBlessedWoman.pdf

Hunt For the Devil's Dragon - Focus on the Family presents The Imagination Station

The Imagination Station - Hunt for the Devil's Dragon was a fun kids book.   Cousins Beth and Patrick encounter an adventure of a lifetime as they travel back in time to 13th century Libya.  Beth is having a problem at school and Mr. Whittaker in wonderful Adventures in Odyssey fashion has an amazing and creative way to help her learn how to handle this problem and how to trust in God.

I remember hearing about Adventures in Odyssey on the radio, growing up.  Now my kids and I have borrowed the CD's from the Library and are enjoying them so much.  It is a great and creative way to learn practical and biblical lessons.  I was excited to see they have books as well. 

This book is an easier read, yet it may be a little bit scary for a younger child.  I would recommend you read it first and then see if your child would be ok with it.  Because it deals with dragons and death - you may need to talk about it with them.  Other than that it is a great book and I would highly recommend the series.

Thank you Tyndale House Publishers for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book.

Sent - A must read.

Wow.  Have you ever read a book that was so amazing you had a hard time putting it down.  Sent by Hilary Alan was that kind of book for me.  Hilary and her husband were strong Christians who lived a comfortable life, yet they knew there was more to life than just earning money and trying to get ahead.  They wanted to hear from God and when they did the two words, "Follow Me" changed their lives forever.  Selling everything they had and moving their family to a war torn, Muslim province in Southeast Asia that had just been ravaged by the tsunami they found out the true joy and peace in obeying these words and finding joy that was unmatched.

I love how in Sent, Hilary Alan doesn't make you feel like you must go and be a missionary, yet she compels us to ask the Lord, "Am I doing everything You have called me to?"  A question every believer should be asking continually.  Hilary Alan contradicts the thought that "the safest place to be is the center of God's will."  She proves in her testimony that sometimes God ask us to go to war torn, tsunami effected areas so it is not necessarily safe, but "The center of God's will is absolutely the most peaceful place and the most obedient place to be." (pg 37)

Sent is not a book that is just about one person or a couples call to go be missionaries, but about how God called the whole family to be lights and to go across the world for Him.  I love how her whole family is included and involved not only in the decision process but also in the life they lived while in Southeast Asia.  Hilary Alan shares what it is to be a mom who is called to a life that not only is she unsure for herself but for her children as well.  She shows how God will call the whole family, as a group and individually and how what seemed could be a sacrifice became a blessing instead.

The Briar Patch Gospel

The Briarpatch Gospel by Shayne Wheeler which I received as a complimentary copy of the book for review purposes from Tyndale House is written by the pastor of All Souls Church in Decatur, Georgia.  He and his wife felt the call to plant a church but didn't know where and felt the Lord calling them to Decatur, a place that looked and acted different than their norm - what they were used to. 

The Author compels us as Christians to fearlessly follow Jesus into the "briarpatch", the sticky messy, sometimes painful and uncomfortable lives of those around us, those in our community and in our everyday lives.  "Is the briarpatch where Jesus makes his home for you?  If you are a Christian, the answer is yes...Jesus can, of course, be found in the sanctuary, but his presence is not limited to a scheduled hour between breakfast and lunch on Sunday morning." (pg 11)  Being a follower of Christ means living and being "Jesus"in the everyday lives of people, not just in the "church" events.

I was really excited to read this book hoping to get some insight and encouragement but I found it somewhat hard to read.  I liken it to being on a roller coaster.  You are excited about going on it but as you go up that first hill  - your heart races and your grip tightens and you wonder if this really was a smart thing to do.  There are ups and downs - excitement and fear.  I loved the premise and the stories and the heart behind it, but in the midst of it I felt attacked and weary.  As a conservative Christian I felt, at times, I was being accused of being self centered, uncaring and hostile.  I know there are those out there who are, but just like anyone else - I don't think we should be categorized.  I encourage you, that if you are to read this, read it with a friend - one who knows the Bible, one who is willing to talk things out with you - one who is willing to go through the Briarpatch.

Lord, I Give You This Day by Kay Arthur

Lord, I Give You This Day is a daily devotional by Kay Arthur.  She gives you 366 days of devotions,which is great for those leap years.  Thoughts, scriptures and prayer each day will bring you into the presence of God and help you focus on the Lord and not yourself.  If you only have a few minutes a day - this is the devotional for you.

Right off the bat, Kay Arthur pulls no punches.  She doesn't give you the cushy comfy gospel, but challenges you to look inside yourself and see where you might be skewed in your thinking. It is great!  Many times devotionals are just feel good, but this one challenges you to change, to become more like Jesus to be a person of integrity and grace and mercy.

My only complaint is that it doesn't go deep into scripture or studying scripture.  I would like more scripture to read and to investigate for myself.  I guess the way to remedy this, which I did, is to have this devotional accompany other devotionals or studies.  If you want a quick, challenging devotional this is the one for you.

Thank you Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing and bloggingforbooks for supplying me with this book.

I am going to be reading!

I have always loved to read.  I don't have as much time as I used to, being the mom of 4.  But I still do love to read.  I usually read 2 books at a time.  One to stimulate my mind and the other to just relax.  Mostly I read Christian books, because I find that I want an edifying ending.  One that won't leave me wanting, but one that will inspire me to have a better relationship with Jesus. 

I found some places that I can review books for free.  I say "Why not!"  I love to read and I definitely have an opinion.  Hopefully by the time I am done with a book I will actually remember what I read:)  What used to take me a day or two - can take me weeks - I guess that is what happens when you read 5 minutes at a time.

So here we go....