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~
 

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~

 

Countless Reasons To Saying Yes To Marriage And No To Cohabitation

Just last month there was an article in the Oprah Magazine entitled "Seven Reasons Not To Get Married" which more than perturbed me.  As a Christian Wife and Mother it's truly heartbreaking to see the sacred institute of Marriage vanish and lose it's importance.  Marriage is to be cherished and enjoyed.  Glenn T. Stanton confirms in his book "The Ring Makes All The Difference The Hidden Consequences of Cohabitation and The Strong Benefits of Marriage" that couples are not only happier but more healthy, more wise financially and more stable when they are married rather than just living together.  He points out that it is the attitude especially among males who don't find a significant reason to marry and the woman is the one who suffers most in the long run,  Ladies, God did not expect us to settle.  He truly wants the best for us. Stanton devotes a chapter on how women lose their power in a relationship by not being married and that their partner doesn't take them seriously as they would if they were married.  This flows out to neighbors, extended families and others who inwardly feel a lack of confidence in the female who has not made that step.  Possibly because it is the woman who influences the man on how he will treat her.  Through extended research within the past few decades, it has been proven that coupons who are unable to marry, never give their all to their partners.  They are holding back whether it be for fear or just because they don't want that total commitment.  Mr. Stanton does a superb job in confirming that Marriage is just not a piece of paper.  I was given the fine opportunity of reading this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for my thoughts.

Shaunti Feldhahn's '"The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages"' Includes EVERYTHING Wives Need to Know

Shaunti Feldhahn's newest book should be read by those who are engaged and/or thinking about entering such a sacred commitment.  What she offers is sound, easy to understand advice which proves that long term relationships can work and that true love still exists.  I was thrilled to see in print one of the major advice tips that I have told my daughters often during their dating years and that is,' ''you must be happy with yourself before you can truly love another."'  We live in an era when people want others to fulfill all of their needs which is impossible.  Love is about sharing not just taking.  Author Feldhahn reminds the reader that it's the little things that count; ie...not going to bed angry, not bossing our mates around and not keeping a scoreboard just to name a few from her superb advice. She offers suggestions on combating situations which may tear a couple apart such as not having enough together time.  It's never too late to change the direction from blah to bliss in your relationship,  Kudo's Shaunti for this awesome reference book for couples.  She is also the best-selling author of "For Women Only" and her website Shaunti  I was given this grand opportunity to review this book for Blogging for Books in exchange for my thoughts.  For a sneak peak of her book ,Surprising Secrets Happy Marriages.pdf

And The Two Shall Become One~ How Marriage Can Be Awesome

 

Being a Member of the Happy Wives Club website, it was only natural for me to volunteer for  BookLook to receive it's first book by the founder, Fawn Weaver.   I counted it a great blessing to find the website to be able to interact with other wives who cherish their marriages and adore their spouses.  Especially now-a-days when almost everything we hear from the media is negative in regards to the sacredness of God's Law.  Fawn had a mission, she decided to go on a worldwide search to find the secrets to a great marriage and what she found was hundreds of women who were happy to share their personal experiences.  There is a wealth of wisdom included in this true account.

For me, as a Christian wife who loves her lot in life, Fawn's movement brought me such joy in knowing there are others who feel like I do and that I am not alone.  Included in this book is the 12 secrets of a Great marriage, to name a few aspects...Respect; Trust; Belief in God; Laughter is the best medicine and keep outside interests.  This book confirms that true love still exists and that when we abide by God's expectations, we are truly content.  Not only do I recommend this fine book but also the website.

The Sentinels of Andersonville Engrosses It's Audiences Into A World Few Have Known

 

Tracy Groot reveals her exceptional penmanship in this rivoting historical novel.  Andersonville Prison inmates suffer unbearable conditions resulting in the deaths of 13,000 union soldiers.  So convincing is this Christy Award-Winning Author's characters that the reader actually experiences their emotional turmoil.  Rarely has a fiction book arose such response,  This masterpiece will surely be named among the classic's.  I was able to review this book for Tyndale Blogging Network in exchange for my honest review.  I would love to see this book made into a movie.  A definite must read,