Book Review: The Life Giver

This book is about a  Spiritual Journey.   Its main help is to change your perspective; learning  to be "of" the Heavenly Land  while still having to live "in" the world.  One of the main themes is to Live life more abundantly and to give out the life you have been given by God.  Not just to sit on it and protect what you have but to pour it back out generously; to love more generously.  No longer praying from earth to Heaven hoping for a download of answers but to pray as sons and daughters of the Family of the King.   Personal stories are generously shared of the author's beginnings and his family and ministry.  That could make it sound dull or the usual fare but it is not.

I really liked this book and I believe other people will as well.   I know that there are people who do not believe that God still speaks to his people or do any works of the Bible and they MIGHT have a problem with some of the material (could doubt it) but I was not one of them.  There is still plenty of good material in this book for all.   I could also hear the heart of the writer as he desired  more of God and his ways in his life.  He said, " I don't just want to know the word; I want to live it in every way possible".   He also gave me a new favorite scripture: " But truly I am full of power by the Spirit of the Lord”  Micah 3:8.This is just part of that scripture.   An enlightening chapter was the one on Offense vs Defense.  One last comment: the story about the child originally named Sidamo brought tears to my eyes.

I was given this e-book Free- from Destiny Image  for an honest review; which I have now given.

Book Review: Serpent of Moses

Book Two in the Jack Hawthorne Series.  

Archaeologist Jack Hawthorne is on the hunt again, this time for the Biblical relic, the brass serpent reputed to  have healed the afflicted Israelite of snakebites.  It was long believed to have been destroyed but now information comes together  that points to the fact that it still exists, hidden, buried.  The Race is on to find it before others, like the Mossad and other countries agents can catch up with them, kill them and take it from them.  Its a priceless piece of history also known as "snake of brass upon a pole"  And everyone wants to have it, no matter what it how many lives it costs.   The "them" in the story  being chased along with Jack  are of course,  Jack's long time friends. .  Added in there with all the danger is also, the on and off again romance between Jack and his long-suffering girlfriend, Esperanza.  
Over all, I liked the book; although at times it kind of went a bit too long for my tastes in some of the location descriptions.  Still, I found it pretty well written when it came to the story line, the people and the different countries they traveled in their searches.  I was unaware when I got the book that it was Book 2 in a series ; I didn't realize  it until I began to put this review together.   It threw me off a little when I first started reading the book and it went into several different people in the first few chapters.  The attention to separate people in their own chapter and then moving onto another in the next isn't anything I'm used to.  I hope this doesn't sound "smug" but once I realized what was happening; I didn't find it that hard to keep up.  I believe that had to do with the writer's ability more than mine.  Probably several people will say this, but if you liked Indiana Jones, I think you will like this book. 

I received a free copy of this novel from Bethany House Publishers as part of their book review program, and I am under no obligation to write a positive review. 

GRAHAM-wisdoms: FULLNESS

"Don't think yourself towards fullness; 
think from fullness.
 Don't move towards abundance;
swim it it, 
live in it, 
think from it, 
pray from it, 
plan from it, 
talk yourself into that place now 
because you are full now!"

Graham-isms: Holy Spirit

‎"The role of the Holy Spirit 
is to teach you who you are in Christ and who you can be. 
You're more beautiful than you realize and you're stronger than you know!"

Book Review: You're Stronger Than You Think

This is a study of the many things that go into using your strengths and weaknesses and how to identify them both.  There are different studies that are shared in this book that prove once and again a lot of what we do or don't do has to do with perspective.  A interesting point that was made is that Inertia is our enemy;the main enemy of Boldness.  It causes us to wait for someday. Also shown were different examples of the "Placebo Effect" in peoples lives.

I gained the most from the part of the book that talked about we need to quiet our over thinking so that the Intuitive part of our nature can connect with the wisdom of God. I also enjoyed many of the quotes offered in different parts of each chapter.  There were different parts that I found interesting but I also found it was also a bit boring in parts too.  Was it worth the read?  I think so, because if all I got was one or two things that can change my life- then that's a treasure I didn't have before reading it.  There is also a workbook that is available for purchase to go along with this book.
I received this book FREE, from Tyndale House Publisher for an honest review.

Book Review: Almost Amish

A novel of 2 women and their children as the main characters in a reality T.V. setting; going back to an easier, plainer lifestyle.  What could possibly go wrong, right?  Julie Charlton is exhausted from her frantic over-committed life and is finding little satisfaction in it and then her sister in-law Susan who is a true up-tight A++ personality, offers up this opportunity.  Susan has a lot on the line and becomes even more driven as Julie although desiring peace has to begin standing up for slowing things down lifestyle.  The reality show comes up with many different challenges they must perform all on camera  but  most challenging things come just from their different personalities and goals.
I found this novel to be really enjoyable, not your usual story of the Amish or even reality T.V.  The people in the story managed to stir some emotions as you read about them and begin to care where their story was going.  So well written that I actually began to hate the woman, Kendra who was directing their daily life for the T.V. show.    That's pretty good writing to be able to involve you to that point!  One of the main benefits that came from the story is that God has given everyone a gift; something they were made to do and even if you don't know what it is yet, keep looking; really pay attention and you'll find it.  Probably sooner if you quit comparing yourself to everyone else.  If you're reading this and go " Oh no, she mentioned God; its probably a preachy story!"   Its not but if you're looking for a different type of story this is it!

I received this book FREE from Bethany House in return for this honest review.

Book Review: Mondays WITH My Old Pastor *****5 stars

This is a story of not only a younger man being mentored by  his old pastor during a time of deep discouragement but also a story of the passing of the torch from one generation to another.
Personal, gentle and sometimes not so gentle sharing of stories and wisdom's from someone who has walked before us.  Just like the subtitle says.  The passion and humor, and honesty that the old pastor shares and the relationship between the 2 pastors is beautiful to read; it just flows with life.

When I was thinking of choosing this book, I had read something about it being a book written  "In lyrical prose," and I almost didn't order it.  To be honest, I was afraid I would hate a book written in a "poetry" style.   I'm so glad that I went ahead and ordered it,  because I absolutely loved the book.    When the phrase was used "lyrical prose" it was meant in a which more liberal way than I thought.   I learned so much from what was shared; things to add to my walk in life too!
I also am friends with many different ministers who could use the encouragement and wisdom that this book has to offer.  In fact, I plan on passing this book to one of them as soon as I can.  Another "group" of people who could benefit from this book (and enjoy) is those that think being a minister is all sunshine and roses.  It would give them a very true insight into the sacrifices that they make and the hurts they endure; that others don't always get to see.  Its sad to say that some totally forget that they are human beings just like us and we can hurt and damage them instead of joining together with them as brothers and sisters and praying for them and their families.  As you can see I am passionate about this.  It was a beautiful, beautiful story no matter what else can be said about it and I hope it energizes people for years to come.
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.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