Coming soon!

In May this year our home was taken out by a tornado.  That pretty much put a stop to my blogging for a bit but I am glad to say I am back at reviewing again.  Currently I am reading "Enemies of the Heart" by Andy Stanley and "Close Enough to Hear God Breathe" by Greg Paul.  Love modern technology and both Booksneeze and Blogging for Books for providing electronic copies of these books.  My Kindle makes it so much easier to take the books with me.  Thanks to all my family and friends for your support during this time!!

Sun Stand Still - Audacious faith to move mountains

What would happen if believers started walking in complete faith and pray big, bold prayers that if answered would be tangible proof that God hears his people and grants them the desires of their hearts?  It's not a new idea, but in "Sun Stand Still" the author, Steven Furtick, challenges the reader to open their eyes and hearts and really take a look at what and how they are praying.  Is it in audacious expectation that those prayers will be answered?

This was a book that personally challenged me.  My mood changed from excited to frustrated to inspired and to convicted moment by moment and page by page.  Maybe not everyone likes that style of book but I do.  I like to be kept on my toes so that it grabs my attention.  I will say that the message is not one that I haven't heard before however it was finally spoken in a way that arrested my attention and has inspired me to believe that it might just be true.  God listens to my bold prayers and requests when I align them with his and then step forward in action, "audacious faith", with the expectation that he is going to move in a mighty way.

Mr. Furtick's writing style does not pull punches.  This book will not give you a "warm and fuzzy".  Instead it will likely challenge you to discover the "Page 23 Vision" that God placed in your heart.  It will invite you to be very specific as you present your dreams to the Father.  It will give you the courage to follow up your prayers with action.  He provides practical "Faith Confessions" to pray life into your faith especially when you aren't sure what your dreams are yet or if you haven't quite found the courage to believe that God's promises are true all the time.  It's a completely worthwhile read...it might just change your life!

*I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review.  No other compensation was received.*

Tales from Around the Globe

Voices of the Faithful - Book 2 is a second joint venture by Kim P. Davis and Beth Moore.  The book promises to take the reader on journeys into all areas of the world through short stories told by missionaries around the world and it delivers.  Each day reveals a different story complete with a scriptural reference and a brief prayer afterwards.

Try as I might, I could not really "love" the book as a personal daily devotional, as advertised, but I enjoyed it immensely as a tool of reference for plucking stories that could be used to enhance a sermon or small gathering discussion.  The stories are very short and easy to read.  They are well organized into monthly topics of focus.  All royalties for the series support the work of the International Mission Board so it's a worthwhile purchase and addition to a home's library.

*I received this book free from Thomas Nelson, Inc in exchange for an unbiased review.*

Sun Stand Still

Sun Stand Still is now on its way to me to review.  I've seen an interview with Steven Furtick by Lysa Terkeurst, Proverbs 31 Ministry, on her blog.  I'm excited to review the book after they briefly touched on excerpts and the content in the interview!

Here's what the author has to say:
"This book is not a Snuggie. The words on these pages will not go down like Ambien. I’m not writing to calm or coddle you. With God’s help, I intend to incite a riot in your mind. Trip your breakers and turn out the lights in your favorite hiding places of insecurity and fear. Then flip the switch back on so that God’s truth can illuminate the divine destiny that may have been lying dormant inside you for years.
   In short, I’m out to activate your audacious faith. To inspire you to ask God for the impossible. And in the process, to reconnect you with your God-sized purpose and potential."
                               —STEVEN FURTICK, from Sun Stand Still

Child-like Faith

My first review for Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group is God Loves Me More Than That by Dandi Daley Mackall (ill. by David Hohn).  In order to properly review a children's book I engaged the help of 3 of my sons - ages 7, 4 and 19 months.  The book was a hit!

Ms. Mackall's book is based on Ephesians 3:17-19 and discusses the measure of God's love for his children.  Her comparisons were easy to understand and very imaginative.  The book opens the door for exploration and discussion with children as they try to grasp how big God is and how much He loves us.

My 7 year old was delighted that he could read the book himself and to his younger brothers.  My 4 year old enjoyed the comparisons of love "more than the bumbles in a bumble bee" and he adores rhyming books.  The book's beautiful illustrations were loved most by my 19 month old.  He pointed at the pictures with great enthusiasm.  It now holds a place among our "favorites" on their library shelf.

God Loves Me More Than That would make an excellent gift to any family with younger children (under age 8).  It would make a lovely addition to a starting library for a newborn.  I look forward to reading and reviewing other titles by Ms. Mackall.

*I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.*