Sunday, March 30, 2014

Arnold's "Rich In Years" Guarantee's We Have Much to Look Forward To


  "Rich in Years" by Johann Christoph Arnold came to me at the perfect time.  It would be my father's 84th birthday which I was grieving over because he had been gone for sixteen years.  My tears perpetuated waves of memories of all my loved ones that I have lost while growing older.  These 'golden years' have taken much for me to adjust to.  The spiritual insight and sensitive writings of this stellar book have helped me take a more positive, productive look on aging.  "Rich In Years" addresses the many changes senior citizen's face such as the empty nest syndrome; retirement; unforeseen sickness and how to cope with these difficulties and still find joy and purpose.  I am thrilled that I had the wonderful opportunity to review this book for Handlebar in exchange for my thoughts.  It was a great blessing~
 

Friday, March 7, 2014

The Inscribed Collection Featuring Leaving Ordinary (Donna Gaines); Living So That (Wendy Blight); Dive Deeper (Jennifer Jernigan) & Amazed and Confused (Heather Zempel)


The Inscribed Collection is a wonderful series of Thomas Nelson books which teach us to have a stronger relationship with God through prayer and personal experience.  There is a wealth of information provided by these outstanding authors Heather Zempel; Jenifer Jernigan; Wendy Blight and Donna Gaines and I would recommend reading all the books as not to miss out on greater understanding.  I was given the wonderful opportunity to review these books for BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest opinions.
Leaving Ordinary, Encounter God Through Extraordinary Prayer  by Donna Gaines reminds us through scriptural reference what we can do to draw closer to God.  In one example she recites Luke 9:23 "We must die to ourselves daily and take up our cross and follow Jesus".  The author shares what her cross is and relates how all Christians struggle but overcome their adversities with faith.  Her messages are very clear and make us take a look at us.  She does not hesitate to say that we don't know the od of the Bible because we don't study God's Word in it's entirety.  Donna Gaines book is about change and causes us to question whether we are truly doing all we can do to be our best.  I'm very fond of the truthfulness and simplicity in her writing.
Dive Deeper, Finding Deep Faith Beyond Shallow Religion by Jenifer Jernigan is a bible study helper with dive meaning (to define, investigate, visualize and embrace) the scripture.  Jenifer begins with the book of Ephesians.  Ms Jernigan is a preacher's daughter but it took time for her to apply biblical principles to her own life.  She shares with the readers how to make the Bible come alive for them.  This is an important read for those needing bible study tips.  It is an excellent choice for the Inscribed Collection.
Living so That, Making Faith-Filled Choices in the Midst of a Messy Life by Wendy Blight offers a book which shows its readers how to take what they learn in the Bible and apply it to everyday situations.  She answers imperative questions such as "why does God allow trials?" with providing scriptural answers and experiences she has gone through.  This book will show that God is still alive today and concerned over what we are going through.
Amazed and Confused, When God's Actions Collide With Our Expectations by Heather Zempel offers answers to why things don't always go our way.  The author uses the Book of Habakkuk from the Bible to prove that God's way is always the best.  There is a place for notes included and lots of references.  I love the easy way of learning her books provide. 
I truly enjoyed all of the books included in the Inscribed Collection.  Each book, in their own way make God real to us and show us how to befriend him on a daily basis. 


Brad Formsma reminds Us What Truly Makes Us Joyous


 Brad Formsma is a brilliant author after my own heart.  Since receiving the opportunity to review his new book, '"I Like Giving; the transforming power of a generous life, practical ideas and inspiring stories"' from Blogging for Books I could not wait to read my copy.  I, personally, try to do something special each day for someone else and wanted any and all ideas on making this goal more possible.  You see, I learnt first hand and very young that a person can only be truly happy by making others happy.  Brad's book centers on using Jesus as our example and you don't have to be rich to make a difference.  He offers practical advice on how we can give to others every single day of our life.  He mentions how we should raise our children to be generous also.  The rewards are plenty in ways money could not afford.  Although a quick read it has a mountain of excellent information.  Mr. Formsma also has his own website related to giving I Like Giving
It's time we join the selfless movement~