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.