A Wonderful Bible for Kids (Guest Review by Hayley)

airship-genesis-bible-imageHave you been looking for a Study Bible that will actually look interesting to a tween-aged child – particularly a boy? If so, then look no further than the “Kids Study Bible: Airship Genesis Legendary Bible Adventure”! The back cover says it best: “‘The Airship Genesis Kids Study Bible’ brings Bible stories to life and helps kids discover vital truths from Scripture, finding real-life applications for children living in today’s world.” Some of the features included in this fun, appealing edition of the NKJV Bible are: Continue reading

A Special Advent Devotional (Guest Review by Hayley)

from-heaven-imageWe all know the Christmas story. Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, the long-awaited Messiah, the Savior, the Great I AM in the flesh comes to earth as a humble infant, born of the virgin in a lowly Bethlehem stable. Truly, the story of Christmas, is one of the two greatest stories ever told (Easter being the other). But to many, the story is one that has become so familiar, that it has, perhaps, lost its feeling of wonderment. Sometimes it would seem as though we have lost our ability to truly be awed by the fact that the Creator of the universe came not only to us, but as one of us… yet so much more! Continue reading

Understand Scripture in a Whole New Way! (Guest Review by H.B.E.)

cultural-study-bibleI was thrilled to be able to review the “Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible”. After having my interest piqued several months ago to learn more of the historical and cultural context surrounding Biblical events, I was eager to learn more, and the “Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible” provided me with a way to do just that. For, as the subtitle says, it truly does bring the ancient world of scripture to life. Continue reading

Beautiful Uncertainty by Mandy Hale, “The Single Woman”

Beautiful Uncertainty Image“If life doesn’t look like you thought it might… If you’re walking through a season of uncertainty, of waiting, of idling in ‘the meantime’, this book if for you.”  Mandy Hale, New York Times bestselling author, shares these words on the back cover of her sweet new volume entitled “Beautiful Uncertainty: Singleness, Surrender, and Stepping Out on Faith”. Published by Thomas Nelson in the first part of 2016, Mandy’s heartfelt words are certain to touch the hearts of many women who are experiencing uncertainty in their own lives. They certainly touched mine. Continue reading

Heartfelt and Humorous – A Book to Share

untitledTitle: Tricks My Dog Taught Me: About Life, Love, and God

Author: Phil Callaway

Publishing House/Publication Date: Harvest House/2015

Genres: Christian Living; Humor; Inspirational Non-Fiction; Animal Anecdotes

Number of Pages: 208

You should read this book if… You love to discover new ways of finding messages from God in ordinary, everyday occurrences. Although a dog in your life is not necessary to finding truth and insight from this book, your enjoyment while reading it will be multiplied tenfold if a dog of any size, breed, or color has ever been a part of your life! Continue reading

Showcasing the Power of Forgiveness (but for mature readers)

SampleTitle: The Heart of the Amish: Life Lessons on Peacemaking and the Power of Forgiveness

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Publishing House/Publication Date: Revell/2015

Genres: Christian Living; Amish Non-Fiction; Inspirational Non-Fiction; Devotional

Number of Pages: 192

You should read this book if… You enjoy learning about the lifestyles and value systems of the Amish and Mennonite communities – what they believe and how they portray their faith in everyday situations. In addition, Continue reading

Bright, Sparkling, and Uplifting!

PrintTitle: Immeasurable: A Memoir

Author: Diana Anderson-Tyler

Publishing House/Publication Date: eLecto Publishing, LLC/2015

Genres: Memoir; Devotional; Inspirational Non-Fiction

Number of Pages: 107 Continue reading

The Best Yes review

The Best Yes image“A Best Yes is you playing your part. If you know it and believe it, you’ll live it.”

With these words, best-selling author and president of Proverbs 31 Ministries Lysa TerKeurst invites readers to join her on a journey of seeking wisdom in everyday choices. Using humor to enhance her warm and witty writing style, readers will feel as though they are sharing a cup of latte while chatting with Lysa, listening as she shares gentle gems of wisdom. Published by Thomas Nelson in the summer of 2014, The Best Yes is destined for a place of honor on the bookshelves of women around the world – women of all ages, circumstances, and walks of life.

The foundational concepts of The Best Yes focus on the power of two small words – ‘yes’ and ‘no’. As godly women, we often seem to believe that God wants us to say yes to everything that is asked of us… But Lysa reveals this simply isn’t true. Continue reading

What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days review

What Your Heart Needs image“We all have hard days. The kind that make us want to pull the covers back over our heads, move to Hawaii, or eat a dozen cupcakes. Deep inside we know those aren’t the best options for our lives or our thighs. So what’s a girl to do?”

With these words that so many women can relate to, Holley Gerth invites readers into the tea-with-a-friend atmosphere of her newest book, What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days, published by Revell in the summer of 2014.   Written as a daily (or weekly) devotional, this mini-sized book can easily be read by itself, or as a companion to Ms. Gerth’s previously released title, You’re Going to Be Okay.

Opening the cover for the first time, readers will be delighted with one of the best features of the book Continue reading

The Pleasure of His Company review

The Pleasure of His CompanyAre you ready to take a journey towards exponential joy, deeply ingrained peace, and a relationship more rewarding than anything you could ever imagine?  Do you long for a friendship with someone who listens, comforts, and loves you unconditionally for who you are, and who you were meant to be?  Although many people don’t realize it, a true relationship with our Heavenly Father can become the most vital part of life if we just take the time and effort to nourish it, by communing with Him.  A brand new book published by Bethany House, entitled The Pleasure of His Company, shares powerful insights about stepping into the Lord’s peaceful presence simply to enjoy fellowship with him.  Author Dutch Sheets shares personal stories and biblical insights in this powerful but easy-to-read book, which is sure to be enjoyed for many reasons…

– Because this book is divided into 30 short chapters, it is perfect for use as a daily devotional.  Each chapter introduces readers to a new concept, practice, or insight, and ends with a heartfelt prayer footnoted with scriptural references.

– Dutch Sheets is a talented writer, infusing his work with emotion and personal stories.  You will undoubtedly laugh, possibly cry, and maybe even laugh until you cry!

– Taking an in-depth look at scripture, Mr. Sheets reveals the root and origin of various words found in sometimes-confusing passages of scripture.  Many times this basic study brings to light a greater understanding of God’s Word.

– The content of this delightful book is fresh, unique, and definitely not typical of many Christian books and ideas popular today.  A personal relationship with God is a foreign concept to many people, yet this is the basis of The Pleasure of His Company.

Although the excellent qualities far outweigh the negative aspects, I personally felt slightly put off by a few of the analogies presented in a couple of the chapters.  Overall, however, this book was a delightful, powerful reading journey to take, and most importantly it nourished my relationship with the Lord along the way.  I hope – and pray – that this book will bless you in many ways, inspire you to build a personal relationship with our Creator, and simply enjoy The Pleasure of His Company!

“Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group”