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.