Book Review | Eternity: Understanding Life After Death by Tony Evans

eternity

We’ve all heard the saying, “You only live once”, but I believe what the Bible implies, “You only die once.” The unsettling truth is that we’re all going to die a physical death at some point, but our souls live forever. The question is will it be in Heaven or in Hell?

This was a great book on the afterlife from a biblical perspective. It was also a short read (took me two days in the sunshine to finish) and answered many of my questions. In today’s world, we seem to have so many different interpretations of what Heaven will be like, but God gave us clues and insight to our eternal home in His Word. Tony Evans put together a concise book filled with answers from the Bible to our most asked questions, such as: Will we recognize each other in Heaven? What will we do there? And how can I get there?

A relationship with Jesus Christ is essential to our eventual outcome. Knowing God’s Word but not knowing His Son is not enough to be with our Heavenly Father forever. And Tony Evans shares how to know the Lord and accept His Son into your heart so you can be with God for all of eternity. If you’ve read “Tony Evans Speaks Out on Heaven and Hell” from 2000, then this book would be repetitive, as most of the material comes from that book, but there’s enough here to glean the truth of life after death and the urgency in making a decision that affects everything.

If you think we’ll be strumming harps and floating on clouds, I’m sorry to disappoint you. Dr. Evans pulls back the curtains and shares about our roles, our gifts and how we will spend time with God. It gives me hope and encourages me to stay the course. Life on earth is fleeting, and time is temporary here. Longing for our Home needs to stay forefront as we journey here. And from what Dr. Evans shares from the Bible, it’s worth it!

Thank you to Moody Publishers for their advanced reader copy and the opportunity to provide an honest, unbiased review.

Book Review | No More Perfect Marriages by Mark and Jill Savage

no more perfect marriages

Wanting a perfect marriage is typical of newlyweds and romantic hopefuls. And for a while after the wedding bells are rung, things seem to be just that. But then dust settles and life takes over, and the real “US”es start to show. Could it mean that a perfect marriage is unattainable?

Instead of answering that question, I think the question should be, “Are we focusing on what marriage is really supposed to be?” Because the truth is that, if we are, we will realize the truth of what Mark and Jill have written about in their new book, “No More Perfect Marriages”- there is no perfect marriage. They give very real and candid examples from their own lives and long-standing marriage, which I found to be incredibly admirable, and they discuss many changes that many of our marriages may face.

Understanding that each marriage is unique (remember two of us are becoming one), we have to also understand that both people are bringing their pasts, experiences, understandings, expectations, and realities to the center. And trying to blend those things doesn’t always work out without understanding, grace and forgiveness at the ready. So needless to say, we need help for our marriages, picture-perfect or not.

One section of the book that I loved was right in the beginning. They addressed the masks that we wear. In any marriage, it’s easy to resort to old habits or hide when we don’t get our way, but the problem lies in what those actions do to our spouses. We need to be realistic and admit when we let selfishness creep in where God wants us to put the other first. It’s hard, but can be done with Christ’s help. And Mark and Jill show us how.

I also love how they laid out some God-tools- relevant for all of us, and practical items that we need on a daily basis to consistently put our spouses first, and recognize how our behavior affects each other. This book has some additional links for support, a link to Jill’s page (http://www.jillsavage.org/) and many fun, practical ideas for how to get over trying to pretend our marriages are perfect. You’ll love their honesty, raw emotional stories and uplifting outcomes.

This book is (dare I say, PERFECT) for marriages of any length of time, those who are thriving and those who are struggling. There is help, and these two, along with Gary Chapman are some great Christian resources!

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I received this book, free from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. I am very thankful to Moody Publishers for giving me this advanced reader copy, and providing me an opportunity to post about it with all of you. Pick up your copy today!

Book Review | The God’s Eye View by Barry Eisler

Barry Eisler captured my attention within the first few pages by citing names stripped from today’s NSA headlines. I was interested in the book simply because I love a good mystery, but I’m even more drawn to a conspiracy driven mystery that seems to give a glimpse to hidden networks and clearances mere civilians will never see. I work for our nation’s government, and also am prone to wondering if there is more than meets the eye.

This story follows an NSA employee who knows too much and sees things she’s not supposed to. Of course, she must be dealt with, and the person in charge of ordering that, appears to be someone who would not normally be suspected-unless of course, he has something to hide. I didn’t find the plot to be unbelievable. Interlaced in the story are code names for projects and programs that the NSA has in place, and the possibility for these to be a reality, made me question whether this book was fiction or non-fiction.

I loved the suspense, the romance, and the outcome. Worth the time to read, and I would be interested in reading more of Eisler’s work.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 (http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html): “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review and Update :)| Come With Me by Suzanne Eller

come-with-me come with me devo

Update: Suzanne Eller has just released a yearlong devotional that is available at Amazon. Click the book below to get your copy!! ❤

I love Proverbs 31 Ministries, and I love their authors as well. Suzanne Eller writes with such fervency that you begin the Introduction with a faith challenge, and one very deserving of attention: “What would you say if Jesus walked up to you today and said these words, ‘Come with me. Wherever I lead. Whatever the price’?”

She lays out her chapters by beginning with Simon Peter and going through an intimate account of his genuine encounter with Jesus. Interwoven into each chapter are personal accounts of her own encounters with trusting Jesus and the outcomes of some of her life lessons. They are deep and moving, but real and transparent. In the last chapter, she invites us to be the 13th disciple, and begs us to examine our hearts and motives for following Him.

The devotion questions are quite deep, but so is the level that the Lord wants to take our personal relationship with Him. Comfort is not one afforded to those who follow Jesus, and to be challenged in faith is something the Holy Spirit desires for growth. I loved reading this, and the way she made my faith deepen and my longing to hear Jesus more clearly. I invite you to read the invitation firsthand, and then determine your next step.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 (http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html): “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review | Your Sacred Yes by Susie Larson

your-sacred-yes This book was a strengthening journey of confirmation for me on the benefits of saying yes and no. Choosing whether to say yes or no to something can be hard, especially if you are a people-pleaser and want to make everyone happy (hopefully by now, you know that’s an impossible, futile task).

This is the first book I’ve read by Susie Larson, although I’m sure I’ve heard her radio program over the years (http://myfaithradio.com/programs/live-the-promise/).

What a phenomenal writer! I enjoyed her perspective, her insight, and her godly wisdom. She shared personal stories, lessons learned and ways to say no without feeling guilty. We can honor God by using our time the way He means for us to use it, and it doesn’t mean every obligation is ours. This theme of listening to God for time management is paramount in the lives of Christian women today. We have duties to our relationship with Jesus primarily, spouses, families and then wherever God needs us. When we let that slip, we become overwhelmed and drained. That is not the way the Lord wants for us to live.

Her chapters are organized very intelligently: Sloppy Yeses, Shackled Yeses and finally Sacred Yeses. Sadly, we all fit somewhere on the spectrum.

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My prayer is that you will take some much needed time to read this book, as time allows 😉 and tuck away the Scriptures she gives, so you can give yourselves permission to steal away time for rest and regeneration with your Lord. It’s an essential reward.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review | Delighting in God by A.W. Tozer

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“Delighting in God” is a follow-up to “Knowledge of the Holy”, and is published posthumously from Tozer’s sermons. Aiden Wilson Tozer used his words to speak TO the church about finding peace and contentment with God. He had a conversational style approach to his words, reminiscent to me of how Dr. Charles Stanley speaks when he preaches. He really gets your attention, and states his case as if he’s processing Scripture with you and then comes to an important conclusion.

A. W. Tozer writes as a man determined to point the church back to the Word of God, so as a church family, we can be content in the Christian life and realize the peace Jesus brings. His words are timeless, and any one of his sermons are still relevant today. I’ll share with you one point he made about Apostle Paul in speaking on Paul’s passion:

“To know God was Paul’s passion, and nothing else really mattered to Him. Three things helped Paul focus on God (from the Scripture quoted [Philippians 3:10-11]).

The first was ‘the power of his resurrection.’ Becoming a Christian is not just nodding to a few truths and then saying, “I accept Jesus.” It is infusing into your life the divine power, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. This is the tremendous work of the Holy Spirit to bring you into the divine world of redemption.

The second was ‘the fellowship of his sufferings’. This was Paul’s identification with the Christ who died on the cross and rose the third day. What Paul meant by this was that his Christianity was a result of his relationship with God. And Paul was willing to follow Him at all costs. This passion of Paul got him into a lot of trouble. I think I can safely say that Paul’s attitude was that Christ’s enemies were going to be his enemies and Christ’s friends were going to be his friends. Paul did not expect the world to treat him any better than people treated Christ. They crucified Christ, and they finally killed the apostle Paul. All of this was the result of his love for God that could not be satisfied with anything but God himself.

Paul’s third focus was ‘being made conformable unto his death’. This was the key to the apostle Paul’s ministry and the passion he had for God. When Jesus died on the cross, it was for our sin. It was his desire to bring his life into conformity with the death of Jesus Christ so that the resurrection power of Christ could usher him into worship and praise.”

Grab this book for spiritual, Scriptural truths from a man steeped in godly wisdom. It will benefit your spiritual life and challenge your faith. And once you’re done, pick up some of his other titles.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Baker Publishing House (Bethany) 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review | Kill the Silence: A Survivor’s Life Reclaimed by Monika Korra

Kill the Silence cover

Wow, just wow! This book is an intense journey through a painful experience. It walked me down a path that led to shock, heartache, fear, and eventually hope. Monika Korra writes from her own perspective as a young woman who had grown up in Norway and moved to Texas for college, training and life in America. One night after leaving a party with friends, she is abducted right off of the road and taken into a big black SUV by three men who repeatedly sexually assault her and then toss her from the vehicle when they are done with her. Leaving behind a cell phone and other items that allowed her captors to be found, she embarks on a journey to find herself again, the strength she is so used to depending on for her sport, and builds stronger relationships with those friends and family members who were there for her post-trauma. Her story evolves to the point where she refuses to stay a victim.

Caution: The details of her rape are raw and descriptive, but I feel it is necessary due to her processing the event and gaining strength from it. If you are a sensitive reader, be advised. The story moves past the event rather quickly to the part of her addressing the situation with family, the school, and law enforcement.

This was a great read, rather long with incredible detail, but filled with hope and insights on how to seek the Lord for strength and move past something that could victimize you for the rest of your life.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Blogging for Books 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review | Rest Assured by Vicki Courtney

Rest Assured cover

Where are my weary women? Are any of you reading this review while you’re hidden in the bathroom, trying to get just five minutes of peace? Did you see the cover and are intrigued, but the thought of reading a book right now, just isn’t feasible? I know I’ve got some marathon sprinting moms who can relate. Looking for some quiet, peace and rest, but are unsure how in the world to get it??

ATTENTION:Carve out some time and grab this book. Seriously…use a black Sharpie marker and put it on the calendar. Then, DO NOT LET ANYTHING TAKE YOU AWAY FROM THE KNOWLEDGE YOU WILL GAIN FROM READING THIS BOOK.

Schedules can make us feel overbooked and exhausted. There’s nothing wrong with having one, but as women, when we follow one, sometimes we just keep going. We stretch ourselves to the limit and even after the point of no return, we still press harder through. For what? In managing our businesses, careers, jobs, families, social events and volunteering, we have zero down time for ourselves and have no clue how to rest. The big question is WHY?

This author, Vicki Courtney delves into what it is inside of us that makes us feel we have to be so busy, why we push ourselves when we have no fuel left, and dares us to question where our motives are coming from. The best part? She doesn’t leave us there. She then gives practical advice on how to squash the desire to push to impress and gives biblical wisdom that counters our American mindsets. I loved at the end of the chapters, her “rest stop” which is a series of questions to read and pray over, and then her “intervention” where a nugget of truth is uncovered for application. I am pleading with you to take some time to read this book, and follow what she offers. Take it from someone who used to move moment to moment by a calendar alert, to someone who now silences the notification tab. You can do this. You need to do this.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review | Falling Like Snowflakes by Denise Hunter

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This book garners five stars from me!! I loved each delicate moment.

Eden Davis is on the run. She and her son Micah have witnessed the murder of Eden’s husband and Eden knows they are not safe anywhere, as the marshals left to protect them have been murdered as well.

The story begins in a restaurant off of the freeway, where Eden and Micah are having a quick breakfast. After she and her son return to their booth from a bathroom run, they realize a book bag that had all of their cash inside has been stolen! And to make matters worse, the car she’s driving is unreliable and in desperate need of repairs. She is able to make it to a shop to get the work started on it, but has to create new names and identities for herself and Micah.

In need of a job to pay back the shop for the work on her car, and to get back on the road to get to a cabin she’s planned to get to, she stops at a ranch where she meets the Callahans and is able to begin work. Through months of secrecy and trying to maintain her cover while she plans her journey to the cabin, Eden finds herself enjoying the hospitality of everyone at the farm. She is guarded and trying to protect her son, but also begins to feel love like she’s never felt. While Eden determines whether to trust and love again, Beau Callahan is falling for her and Micah.

This story was so well written, and very easy to follow. I loved the characters, the Callahan family, the way you could feel the urgency for Eden’s safety, the intensity of her protection over Micah, and the love that bled through Beau’s interactions with her and her son. It’s a wonderful love story, and one that takes time to build up, but is done with grace and ease. There are no boring lulls, or ends left untied. I highly recommend for a story that reassures your hope in lovable Christian fiction!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher’s BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 (http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html): “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review | Death on Hold: A Prisoner’s Desperate Prayer and the Unlikely Family Who Became God’s Answer by Burton Folsom Jr and Anita Folsom

Death on Hold was the first book I’d ever read that was based on the life of an inmate. Very intense at times, somber and sad at others, but told from the perspective of the one who lived the moments. It’s an amazing story of growth, love, forgiveness and God’s redemption.

Mitch Rutledge made some bad choices after his mother passed and his dad abandoned him and his siblings. He took to the streets and followed the path of drugs, alcohol and gangs. Finding his “family” in the gang worked for a length of time, but eventually landed him in trouble. He made a decision to take a life, and as a result, was found out by the law, and prosecuted.

Mitch’s story is told primarily by Mitch, however he begins to develop relationships with some families outside of prison; people who want to show him hope, the Gospel and love. These families that wrote to him shared their perspectives through this book as well. It’s beautiful to see their hearts and viewpoints during court sessions, meeting Mitch in the “yard” and during their prayers as he had to wait to see if he could get off of death row.

To Mitch, a young man who couldn’t read or write, it took a while to find out what the letter writers were saying, but he began to study English and believe that he had value. Fellow inmates would read him the letters of those who wanted to teach him about Jesus, and as a result, he learned to read and write, and took what he was learning from his friends and the Bible to heart. He ended up becoming repentant, and became a person known in prison for staying neutral and defusing tough situations.

Read this book to learn the story of a man who is rehabilitated, learn about Jesus in a new way, and/or see the work of the Lord behind bars. No one is out of His reach!