The Rescue by Jim Cymbala

First off, I highly recommend The Rescue.  It is a very easy, quick read.   I started reading and couldn’t put it down.

When I got the book, I thought it was just going to be about people being rescued from life or death situations.  It is so much more than that.  It is such a reminder that God’s timing is perfect, and He knows exactly what is going on in our lives.  I have been in a funk.  I really needed this book.  I think God knew the timing of me picking it up to read it for review. 

The personal stories are so great to read.  Those also reminded me that I am not the only one going through a tough time.  We all go through them.  I was in tears by the end of the first story.  I will definitely pick up this book again when I feel like I am in the valleys of life. 

For full disclosure, I received a free copy of this book from Handlebar Marketing to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

Faithful Finance by Emily Stroud

Faithful Finance:  10 Secrets to Move from Fearful Insecurity to Confident Control is a good book to start building a financial foundation.  The Biblical principles throughout the book are great reminders of how God wants us to manage our money.  The book gives the reader advice on budgeting, savings, insurance, paying down debt, and retirement.  It is a fast and easy read.  Mrs. Stroud is very conversational in her writing style.   Her experiences from her career in financial planning are very insightful for real life applications. 

As someone who has read numerous personal finance books, Faithful Finance did not give any me new insights.  However, it was a great reminder of concepts I’ve learned.  I would recommend this book to someone who wants to get started on a budget, paying off debt, and getting their finances in order.

For full disclosure I did receive a copy of this book from Handlebar Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

The Sacred Slow by Alicia Britt Chole

I am truly enjoying The Sacred Slow so far.  I find myself rushing so much in life, even in my spiritual life.  This is the type of book I needed.  I really like how the book is broken up into 52 experiences.  Even though the sections are not long, I have found myself digging deep into each one and taking my time in it.  The exercises at the end of the sections are very thought provoking.  I plan on using this book as a devotional throughout next year doing one section a week.

I would highly recommend this book for anything that needs to step back, slow down, and really develop a deep intimate relationship with God. 

For full disclosure, I did receive a copy of the book from Handlebar Marketing in exchange for my honest review.  

Frederick Buechner's The Remarkable Ordinary and A Crazy, Holy Grace

A lot of time when reading a book, I think the author is conversational.  I have been completely wrong until now.  Frederick Buechner truly feels like he is talking directly to you.  I felt like a close friend was talking to me while reading the two books I received.  First The Remarkable Ordinary:  How to Stop, Look, and Listen to Life.  Being married to a music professor and a musician myself, I loved the focus of the arts in the first half of the book as a way to slow down and look at life.  It reminded me to pay attention to little things.  His personal stories later in the book will bring a tear to your eye. 

My only complaint is I felt like I had to go back and read some passages again to understand them.  Almost as if he were rambling.  But I did enjoy the book immensely. 

I also received A Crazy, Holy Grace:   The Healing Power of Pain and Memory for review.  I feel like I took a lot more away from this book than the first.  The writing does not seem to ramble as I felt it did in The Remarkable Ordinary.  What struck me most from this book is hearing how his mother dealt with pain and loss.  That was a slap in my face because I am the same way.  I tend to shut everything out and try to forget it happened.  This book helped me look at pain in a different light, and I hope to deal with it in a more healthy way.   

For full disclosure, I received both books from Handlebar Marketing in exchange for my honest review.  

The Master's Mind: The Art of Reshaping Your Thoughts by Lance Hahn

As someone who has suffered from anxiety and depression, I have read lots of books on thoughts and the mind.  But I have never read anything that put it into the perspective of aligning your mind with the mind of Christ.  This was a very interesting angle for me. 

I like how The Master’s Mind is heavily scripture based.   Certain verses have always been a comfort to me during anxious times, so I really like having more suggested to look to.  This book will give you a lot of think about and process.  It will challenge you to look at your thoughts. 

For full disclosure, I received a copy of this book from Handlebar in exchange for my review.  All opinions are my own.

Ordering Your Private World by Gordan MacDonald

I have never read any books by Gordan MacDonald until I was given the chance to review Ordering Your Private World.  I am embarrassed to say I kept putting off reading this book because I was so busy.  I am tired when I get home from work and want to shut my mind off.  When I did start reading the book, it definitely struck a chord with me.  I find myself getting so tied up in the busy-ness of life that I let things that should be priorities slip by. 

The book will make you look at yourself and your priorities.  I especially like the study guide included.  It will help you put things in focus and in practice.  This is really a great book for everyone.  I do not know anyone who does not wish they had more time or just plain busy. 

For full disclosure, I received a free copy of Ordering Your Private World from Handlebar Marketing in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are my own.  

The Awakening of HK Derryberry

The Awakening of HK Derryberry is one of the most heartwarming books I have ever read.  I found myself staying up way later than I should reading it to see what kind of adventures Jim and HK were going on next. 

HK is truly a remarkable person.  He never let his disabilities get him down.  That really challenged me when I am complaining.  I feel like I know him personally from the wonderful way Jim wrote the book.  It is very conversational and that made it very easy to read. 

I loved reading the evolution of Jim and HK’s unlikely friendship.  From the Saturday mornings at Mrs. Winner’s to going on trips together.   I imagine Jim had no idea of the direction his life would take after that coffee stop at Mrs. Winner’s. 

Definitely pick up this book if you want to be uplifted, and challenge yourself to see the world as HK does.

I received this book from Handlebar Publishing in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are my own.

Get Out of That Pit by Beth Moore

I worked for a church for twelve years and been involved in ministry many more than that.  Surprisingly, I have never read a Beth Moore book.  I have been exposed to her studies on numerous occasions, but again, never read anything.  I recently was given the opportunity to review Get Out of That Pit.  I regret not reading any of Beth's books sooner.

I really like Beth's writing style.  It feels so conversational and like you are talking to an honest friend.  What really stuck with me from the book was how often we keep ourselves in the pit.  We get comfortable there and change is hard.  It really made me examine myself on times when I have felt stuck but did not want to put forth the effort to get out of the pit.

The steps to get out of the pit are really valuable.  At this point in my life, I do not feel like I am stuck.  I have been there many times though and will always refer back to this book when I feel stuck.  The questions and reflection are a great tool also.  I recommend this book to anyone, whether they are in the pit now or not.  One day you'll be there and this book with give you great guidance.

For full disclosure, I received a copy of this book from Handlebar Publishing in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are my own.

My God and My All: The Life of Saint Francis of Assisi

I have always been interested in the life of St. Francis of Assisi.  I grew up in a Baptist household, so the only thing I really knew about him was that he was the Patron Saint of animals.  I later learned about the stigmata.  I had read another biography on Saint Francis.  But when I had the chance to review My God and My All by Elizabeth Goudge, I was glad to have another opportunity to learn more about him. 

First of all, the book is beautifully written. For a biography, it was easy to read. The author's background as a novelist definitely shines through. I enjoyed this as it made his story even more compelling. It was really amazing to me to learn so much more about St. Francis' life and just how much he did. You can really see the passion he had for Christ through Goudge's writings and how much of a humble man he was.

I would encourage anyone wanting to know more about Saint Francis of Assisi to pick up this book. As someone who did not know much, this book was an easy and engaging read for me.

I received a free copy of this book from Handlebar Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

The Surprising Imagination of C.S. Lewis

Everyone know C.S. Lewis, at least from The Chronicles of Narnia. That was me. I have read some of the Chronicles of Narnia and also The Screwtape Letters. I was only familiar with C.S. Lewis on that level. When I had the chance to read The Surprising Imagination of C.S. Lewis, I was very much enlightened to the creative and imaginary individual he was.

This book is by no means an easy read. It is very challenging, and I read just a little at a time. The authors really take you deep into the imagination of C.S. Lewis by looking at several of his works and the types of imagination used in creating the characters and worlds you enter. I found myself being challenged on what types of imagination I use in my everyday life.

I have to commend Jerry Root and Mark Neal for the amount of research done to write this book. It is very well written and detailed. I look forward to reading other C.S. Lewis books and seeing them through a different light.

Disclosure – I received a free copy of this book from Handlebar Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Dave Ramsey's The Total Money Makeover

Let me preface my review by saying I am a huge Dave Ramsey fan.  If you know me well, you know I’m all about numbers, budgeting, saving, etc.  I have listened to his radio show for years.  Love Dave Ramsey’s plan!  I have already read The Total Money Makeover, but when I saw it up for review, it was a good time for a refresher.  Dave’s plan is really idiot proof.  If you don’t know anything about budgeting and need a place to start, get this book.  Follow his plan.  You will see results.  It’s a slow process, but stick with it.  There have been times when I have tried to do things out of order of the baby steps, and boy, I have seen the repercussions.   I have an accounting degree, but Dave makes this so simple anyone can do it.  It is the book I probably recommend most to people.  I have given people copies of it.  I just cannot say enough good things about this book.  I think my favorite quote of his is “If you will live like no one else, later you can live like no one else.”  My husband questions me sometimes when I throw a big snowball at our debt, and we are not out enjoying something frivolous.  But I just reply, you’ll thank me later.  

I received a free copy of the ebook for review from Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze program.  The opinions expressed are my own.

Snow on the Tulips - A Must Read!

I have read very few historical novels.  When I saw Snow on the Tulips by Liz Tolsma, I was intrigued by the setting and time period.  The book takes place in WWII Netherlands.  The novel was so well written and developed.  I loved the strength of the main character Cornelia.  She risks everything to save Gerrit but never expects to develop such a special relationship with him.  The emotional battle she experiences throughout the book makes her so easy to love.  Her brother Johan is a young man eager to fight for what’s right. I loved Gerrit’s faith shown and tested time and time again.  Each character is developed so well, and you really feel like you know them on a deep level.

This book is such a great combination of history, suspense, and romance.   Liz Tolsma does such a great job of painting the scene of WWII Netherlands.  It really takes you to a different time and place.  She definitely put a lot of work into studying the time period.   It is such an easy read where you get caught up in “what’s going to happen next!”  This is one of the best books I have read in a long time and cannot wait to see what Ms. Tolsma has out next!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Second Chances

I have always loved Max Lucado's books.  Second Chances was no different.  This book is a collection from his previous writings.  I have to say his collections are my favorite.  This book has short chapters from other books.  There are little nuggets of truth you can easily apply to your life.  Second Chances talks about the many instances where people messed up.  God showe his grace through each story.

I especially liked the short chapter on Job.  I'm one who tends to ask why and question a lot, but this chapter rang so true in my life.  If you're feeling like you've messed up too much in life, this book is for you.  You'll see God's grace shown time after time through Max's writings.

I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze program in exchange for my unbiased review.

Freefall to Fly

I had to opportunity to review Freefall to Fly over the last month.  I have to say I really enjoyed this book.  Rebekah Lyons has definitely been given a talent to write.  The entire book feels like you are talking to your best friend.  She seems so easy going and easy to talk to.

What I really enjoyed about the book is how much it related to me.  Although I am not a mother yet, I feel like Rebekah knows what exactly I'm going through as a woman.  We often have times when we feel stuck and like we've given up on our dreams.  I have been battling that for several years.  It was so inspiring to read her journey of getting past that.  It was nice to feel like you're not alone in these times.  Other women have felt it and got through it.  I look forward to Rebekah's future books.

I received a free copy from Handlebar Publishing to review.  My opinions are completely my own.

an actual post....

since i reopened my blog, i read my last few posts again.   i feel i need to explain a little backstory.  only people who know us well, know what our situation is.  my sweet husband got a doctorate a couple years ago.  he felt this was what he was called to do.  we thought he would finish school and get a teaching job right away.   he was a graduate assistant all through his doctorate work, a favorite of all his teachers, good reviews on his work, great teaching reviews, etc.  all the things that you think would help get a job.  well, it hasn't been that easy.  with the economy the way it is, his field is always one of the first to be cut.  so, the last few years, all it's been is adjunct positions.  don't get me wrong, we are very grateful for those.  and for my job that has supported us all through this.  but, it's been a tough road.  he wants to start his "career".  i want to see him succeed.  we want to get somewhere and get our roots established.  maybe start our family.  we're both getting on up there in age.  so, the last two school years, he's had very serious interviews which looked like they would work out.  neither did.  it devastated me because i got my hopes up that it was finally our time.  it hurt him because he thought he finally found the right positions. thankfully, an adjunct position worked out for both school years.  now, we are once again at that point where we don't know if something will work out for us or not.  he's been happy teaching where he's at, and they have told him he could continue as an adjunct next year.  it's something, but we still hope for that full time position.  so, that's my heart out there. it's actually feels good to air it all out.  it's been such a long road.  i've been reading about the Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years, and i keep telling myself, 6 years is nowhere near 40.  look at what they went through.  but it's still hard.  i still have work to do on myself to be patient in God's timing.  and it's a struggle.  when i think i'm doing better, i sink back down into my pity hole.  i guess i just need to remember that song we sang in Sunday School when i was little, "He's still working on me".  i'm definitely a work in progress.

Unglued Devotional

I recently had the opportunity to review Lysa TerKeurst’s Unglued Devotional. I was familiar with Lysa already through Proverbs 31 Ministries. I’ve always enjoyed her devotionals but had never read any of her books. I was not disappointed. Lysa has such an easy going way of writing. It makes you feel like you’re talking to a best friend. It’s for any woman. The Unglued Devotion made me feel like I’m not the only woman experiences these things. I related to so much Lysa writes about. She truly has a gift for writing and empathizing with her audience. There is so much wisdom jammed into this little book. With the day by day devotionals, it’s easy to keep up with and apply to your life. I think any woman can relate to this book. It’s a definite keeper in my devotional collection.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
 

hello, again....

i stopped my blog for awhile because i was going through some issues. not to say i'm not still going through issues, but i missed doing book reviews. if you read my last blog post, you'll see i didn't feel too great about anything. d had interviewed for a job that we both thought he would get. if you know us personally, you know we've had a struggle with him finding a full time position for close to 6 years now. it wears on you. mentally, emotionally. i was so tired of it. i still am. he still doesn't have anything full-time, but hopefully, something will work out for us soon. i would love to be close to family again. you never realize how close you are to people until you live away from them. anyways, that's my ramblings on why i closed my blog and reopened it. i'll try to post some, but really, i just like reviewing books.

low....

i think i'm at the lowest point i've ever been. i have no hope. i've lost faith in everything. i just can't bear to go on anymore. it's hurts each minute of the day. i just give up on life. i can't do it anymore.

thank you....

to yet another job for not hiring david. i hope you stumble upon my blog and read how much you disappointed my husband. on a day i lose someone very important to me on top of it. i'm sick of this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

yeah, i know....

i just really need to make a whiny, poor, poor pitiful me post. sometimes it just makes me feel better. i thought we would know something about the fall by now. i guess this just really isn't going to be d's calling. i'm so tired of trying. i'm tired of seeing him get his hopes up for interviews, then nothing works out. i wish someone would just give him a chance. i really hate they didn't bring him on where we was. everybody likes him there. i guess school politics really mess things up. it's just been such a long struggle for both of us. i'm so tired of seeing my smart, talented husband feel like he's wasted years working for something that he can't even get a job doing. i don't even feel like education is worth it anymore. if you have a doctorate and can't get a job, what's the use. if you're reading this, pray for us. pray for him to not feel like he doesn't have a purpose, that he hasn't wasted his life. i'm so tired of this battle.