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~
 

Recipe for Happyness~ Live Second

Author Doug Bender gives us the recipe for happyness in his recent daily reader "Live Second 365 ways to Make Jesus First".  His book describes this movement and the reader is also given tools online at http://www.iamsecond.com/join-the-movement/  to put these lessons into practice. 

This book is for anyone who is looking to enhance their relationship with God along with those who have reached the end of their rope and are tired of this world's misgivings.  If you are ready to give God control and be the type of character he intended us to be...Live Second is the answer.  Learning to lean on Jesus and fully submit our wills is difficult because it goes against our human nature but with God's Spirit we can overcome all obstacles.  There is no greater joy than living in the service of our King and our brothers and sisters.  Step by step and day by day Doug Bender gives us inspiration to continue on this sacred journey.   The writer supplies the student with plenty of support through online resources and websites.  We all can be the light that this dark world so badly needs, can you think of a higher calling?  This marvelous book is easy to read and understand and will be an uplift to the spirits of those who read it.  I am grateful to Booksneeze for the opportunity to review this book which is life-changing in exchange for my honest review.

 

 

It's ok to cry in "Grieving God's Way" by Margaret Brownley

Long overdue, Margaret Brownley's book "Grieving God's Way"  supports those who suffer the tragic losses of loved ones by inspiring them to weep if they need to weep and not to try and rush the healing process.  Many times, well-meaning friends may expect the individual going through deep heartache to just 'get it over with'!  Unless you've experienced the loss of a loved one there is no way that you can give advice on this subject.  There are many stages of grief as outlined in this marvelous book and it is imperative that each person take all the time they need to cope with their situation.  The author approaches the matter by writing daily biblical verses and teaches the reader to apply what they are learning.  The book is structured in such a manner that it is easy to comprehend and follow.  One of my best girlfriends just faced another anniversary of  her son's death and I knew that this book would prove to be beneficial to her.  I mailed it off to her and prayed that it would bless her.  She could totally relate to many of the instances which seem to be present among those who endure personal loss.  Cheryl was comforted by the compassion and understanding made known by this writer.   The book is also highly recommended to the friends of  the person suffering in order to better understand their difficulties.  I was honored to read this book  from Book Sneeze in exchange for my  review. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Completely Submerged Underwater; A Spiritual Awaking

Most individuals must hit rock bottom before looking up and asking for God's help. Author Mary Neal literally is totally submerged underwater due to a kayak accident when she first cries out to the Lord and feels his amazing love and grace. She is comforted that all will be all right even if she dies. She experiences death and this is her story in "To Heaven & Back A Doctor's Extraordinary Account of Her Death, Heaven, Angels, and Life Again: A True Story". For believers, this book will reaffirm their faith, for non-believer's it will broaden their perspective and hopefully encourage them to seek out more on the afterlife. The book is exciting and inspiring. Learning that there is no fear in death and that the author is full of sadness when she finds out that it isn't her time...makes Heaven seem that much more grand. I am must honored to have read this book for Walterbrook Multomah in exchange for my honest review.

50 Days of Hope Encourages those facing Cancer

Lynn Eib, colon cancer survivor, shares her messages of encouragement to others facing cancer. Ironically, one day before I received my copy of 50 DAYS OF HOPE to review for the Tyndale Blog Network my mother called to relate to me that the doctors discovered another lump in her breast. Our family was looking forward to her reaching her five year cancer free diagnosis which was right around the corner. Our faith is in God as we await the results of the biospy. This book is the perfect gift to give your loved ones if only to share the awareness that they are not alone. Lynn Eib is able to relate on a more intimate level having experienced the ups and downs of treatment that others must face. She is able to share how her illness brought her closer to God thus finding the positive during difficult times. Yes, I highly recommend!

Conquering Inner Demons

Kasey Van Norman focuses on a real problem that a lot of Christians suffer with, low self-esteem in her book NAMED BY GOD (Overcoming your past, transforming your present and embracing your future). Like many, she couldn't understand how God could love her. Tormented by her inner demons, she finds herself tossing back a bottle of Xanax to end it all. Her book shares how she learned to let the past go and to embrace the redemption that God has for us. For so many Christians, it is easy to speak about hope and forgiveness yet inwardly they struggle with self-acceptance. This book will make an impression on many others facing the same and I am thankful Kasey had the courage to relate her struggle. I can completely relate to this book as I went through similar struggles in my twenties and you can not know the true peace of God until you make peace with yourself. This book should be on every Christain counselors bookshelf. I highly recommend. It was my deep pleasure to review this book for Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

How I Was Raised For The Very Best New Year's~

Coming from humble beginnings in a family with a strong Faith in God, I didn't realize how different we did things until I ventured out in this world. While college peers were making plans on which party to attend and what to wear, we were baking desserts to bring to our church's potluck supper for our New Year's Celebration. I didn't realize what a blessing it was to come from a spiritually rich upbringing. New Year's Eve our members and friends gather at our Branch around 9 pm to listen to our brother Elder's speak followed by a season of thanksgiving testimonials from the members on how the Good Lord saw us through another year. About 15 minutes to midnight, we kneel and pray in the New Year that God would bless us and strengthen us for whatever is ahead. I always loved those services and still do. What better way to begin the New Year than asking God to please be with us every step of the way. I wouldn't trade my background for anything in this world. I can do without the glitz and glamor; the partying; the horrible hang-overs and the sound of guns but one thing I cannot do without is the Lord. I pray that he opens the windows of Heaven and blesses each and everyone of you in 2012.

The Perfect Gift for Baby Jesus~

As a young child, more times than nought, I felt a kin to the Little Drummer Boy wondering 'Who am I to know the King and what have I to give him?' It took many years before I would come to realize that none of us are worthy enough and that Jesus was our gift from God. Last night, my spouse and I exchanged gifts since we would be traveling tonight (Christmas Eve). Tears literally rolled down my cheeks when I opened Harold's gift to me...my very own Sony Internet TV with Google Android HD built in. To make a long story short, my prized laptop died a few months back and I certainly did not want to spend the family's money on this sort of luxury. However, with my disability my sweet husband realized this is my prime contact with the outside world. He wanted to make my dream come true and what meant more than this to me was the warm sentiment that comes with knowing he truly loves me. Yes, I have been blessed. Now I can continue to blog of God's goodness to my hearts content.
Ironically, this is not my birthday nor your birthday but it is the Day that Christ was borne. In many ways, I am still like that young girl I was many moons ago...inadequate and unsure of what I could give to Jesus. The glorious truth is that all he wants is our hearts, our sincere desire to follow him and place Him first in our lives. I can't imagine my life without him and the tender guidance he has given or the loving support and encouragement. As the world has sought many other avenues to walk down, my sincere prayer is to remain faithful to the little baby in the Manger. The greatest gift we can give to him is ourselves~

Wishing you all a Safe & Joyful Holiday!
Soon to come...A special New Years Giveaway for my followers. Spread the word to have your friends sign up~