Dr. Reggie Anderson Offers Hope During Life's Most Trying Times

Dr. Reggie Anderson won readers over with His best-seller "Appointments With Heaven: The True Story of a Country Doctor's Healing Encounters With The Hereafter".  He has had over twenty five years of emergency room experience witnessing diverse deaths often at the patient's bedside.  Now he gifts us with his newest publication "The One Year Book of Healing."  After witnessing suffering first-hand, he lends thoughts on overcoming these tribulations with Faith.

Presented as a devotional, the reader will be soothed and uplifted each day with a story, experience and/or scripture.  He reminds us that all of us experience heartache and that we are not alone.  This book targets physical, spiritual and emotional wellness.  The hope that he offers is priceless.  No doubt this much needed resource will rank high among best sellers as Dr. Anderson's books have achieved in the past. Tyndale Bloggers gave me the opportunity to read this stellar book in exchange for my thoughts.

Our Lives Had Once Been Beautiful and Our Lives Are Beautiful Still

   
           September Vaudrey's, Colors of Goodbye has moved me more than any other book I have ever read on loss.  Her loss is a parent's worse nightmare, that of losing a child.  Katie, her amazing daughter (a daughter that any parent would be proud to have) dies suddenly of an aneurysm at the young age of 19. Any doubt of the Vaudrey's faith in God is relinquished when reading this true account.  September shares her raw struggles which match what many Christians face when facing tragedy yet I have never seen in publication.  Mom Vaudrey questions whether the loss of her daughter is somehow because of something she did in the past.  Read along as genuine friends reassure her that it is not her fault.  From the point of impact of the accident on God makes himself known with visions and miracles to aide the Vaudrey family through their heartbreak.  Real evidence that God is there and that God is Good (Author's words) even when we think He is not.  Ms. Vaudrey's growth through her pain offers Hope to all that the sun will shine again and that they don't have to give in to bitterness and anger.  This stellar publication offers tools to help all those facing horrendous loss.  Special Kudos to Katie Vaudrey for leaving a life of ripples and to September Vaudrey for having the courage to share their story.  I am more than honored to have been able to review this book for the Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my thoughts.  Think upon these wise words from the writer,
'"God never promised me a lifetime with my daughter.  He never promised me any of the blessings I get to treasure everyday. He promises us comfort in sorrow, strength when our faith fails, inexplicable peace, His presence in storms and life in all its fulness for those who follow him---but not a pain free life.  And the things he promises, He delivers."'

Forgiveness Is Not An Event, It Is a Lifestyle ~Kate Grosmaire

Heart wrenching and compelling, I would rather miss a night of sleep than to put this book down.  It is imperative that the reader read Forgiving My Daughter's Killer in it's entirety to fully appreciate how Kate Grosmaire was able to forgive her sweet daughter's killer.  Something that would seem so unnatural to most parents.  Her faith began as a child when she witnesses a young person die from a gun shot wound in her house.  Her Grandparents and parents lived a Godly lifestyle, instilling a love for God in their children.  Kate grew up turning to the Lord for everything.  This true story is a testament of how those things which are impossible to man; are possible with God.  Her daughter's killer is her daughter's boyfriend.  The family formed a love for him prior to this incident insomuch that they allowed him to live with them when he had a fallout with his parents.  Both Kate (the author) and her husband, Andy share this thought...they could not define Conor (the killer) by one single moment of His life.  Their hearts were truly full of God's Spirit.  I am so grateful Kate Grosmaire despite her loss, wrote this moving book.  So that unbeliever's can see the beauty of God.  The family keeps in contact with Conor after he is incarcerated.  There is an entire chapter devoted to questions and answers with Conor.  Here he elaborates on how the Grosmaire's forgiveness develops his faith in God.  I cannot say enough about this book, it's incredible.  BookLook Bloggers gave me the opportunity to review in exchange for my thoughts.  

The 13th Gift Will Renew Your Belief That There Is Still Good in the World

Joanne Huist Smith's The 13th Gift proves that there are still good Samaritan's in the world and that Charity conquers all.  This true account of a Christmas Miracle can be read at any time in the year.  Anytime you need a lift for your spirit.  The writer retell's of her first Christmas after the death of her spouse when she feels overwhelmed and totally alone.  She wants to make the Holiday's special for her children but funds are strained.  When word spreads among friends and neighbors, they get together to make Christmas special for her and the children.  A very touching book with a powerful message.  One that I can read over and over again.  I was fortunate to review this book for Blogging for Books.  To read more about the author .

A Stellar Tool For Those Struggling With Infertility & Miscarriage

BARREN AMONG THE FRUITFUL~Navigating Infertility with Hope, Wisdom and Patience by Amanda Hope Haley is a must read for all those facing the struggles and heartbreak of infertility and miscarriage.  This awesome book can also bring encouragement and inspiration to all others facing lifes difficulties and how to learn to cope when your desire does not become a reality.  Another great tool in the Inscribed Series which I was given the honor to review for BookLook Bloggers.  I personally wish that this asset was available during my child baring years in which I suffered eleven miscarriages.  The emotional roller coaster parents face can be devastating; especially when they feel they are alone.  I am thankful that my prayers were answered in that I was able to deliver two healthy daughters through high risk pregnancies.  Amanda Hope Haley develops an immediate bond with her readers.  Addressing the many concerns and conflicts families face in like situations allows her to reach out in compassion and understanding and give them the hope and encouragement to continue on.  Her Faith is contagious and welcomed.

You Have to Feel The Pain In Order to Heal

On February 16th, 2013 at 5:55 am my mother-in-law took her last breathe after struggling with stage four lung cancer. My mother-in-law and I had a bizarre relationship, she was a dear friend of mine. The family found out about her cancer during the Thanksgiving holiday so for us her passing came quite quickly. For years I daydreamed about the time my husband would retire and we could spend more time with his mom, my mom and our families but life doesn't always happen the way we plan. I awake now with this overwhelming sense of sadness and emptyness. The tears come because she won't be back. I don't like the pain nor the sadness, I don't like that she has died and is gone but in order to heal one must feel the grief. I've lost my father, my best girlfriend to pancreatic cancer, my grandparents, some cousins, two brother-in-laws and aunts and uncles and it never gets any easier. Even for Christians. For some people they think that because of our faith, we don't feel the pain. Nothing could be further from the truth. Jesus who had first-hand knowledge of how grand Heaven is, cried for Mary and Martha when Lazarus died. He wept because he felt their pain. However comforting it is to know we will see our loved ones again in the afterlife we still feel a real loss here. Life will not be the same without our beloved departed. Shirley was a real gem, a rare find and I was blest to be a part of her family. I will ever be grateful for that and noone can take her place. In the meantime I feel like I am on an emotional roller coaster, sometimes sad and than angry that this occurred and than content that she is no longer in chronic pain. You can't stifle your pain or pretend it is not there. Some people turn to drinking and/or drugs which only will mask your feelings for awhile. I know that in time I will be stronger to deal and healed to a point where grief doesn't take up most of my day because death is part of the seasons. In order to heal you must feel the pain and go through being uncomfortable for awhile. Miss you Mom~ <

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. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                             

God Loves Broken People By Sheila Walsh

Sheila Walsh reinterates that noone that walks the face of the this Earth, does so unscathed. A concept that I have tried to share with my daughters while they were growing up. The glory of it all lies between the pages of her new book GOD LOVES BROKEN PEOPLE because the Lord offers us an alternative way to dealing with pain. Oft times, human beings our deaf to God's words because they are too busy with their fulfilled lives. It's unfortunate that most of us have to reach bottom before we look up to him. It is at our lowest times that, when our hearts are broken we seek out his solace and in so doing learn the greatest secrets to Faith, Hope and His Love. Sheila Walsh makes herself vulnerable by sharing her private struggles and ultimate intimacy with God in this amazing book. If most Christians are honest, they too, have similar experiences. I know that I, also, drew my closest to God when tragedy and loss struck my family. Many things we experience in life are really blessings in disguise and with God, we can make something positive out of the negative. All humans experience pain although different times and seasons than our own what is important is how we deal with these circumstances. GOD LOVES BROKEN PEOPLE will be an inspirational source for many and offers everyone a hope to hold on during their most difficult hours. I highly recommend this splendid resource and feel priviledged that I was able to obtain a copy of this book from Book Sneeze in exchange for my honest review.