Great Day Every Day By: Max Lucado

Great Day Every Day is a book about navigating through the ups and downs in life.  Max Lucado challenges his readers to weave Psalm 118:24 into each day.  This scripture states “This is the day the Lord has made.  We will rejoice and be glad in it.”  The scripture does not state that we must only rejoice in the good days.  Yes, life can certainly throw some curve balls but the key is how we respond.  Max encourages his readers to trust the Lord in all things and believe He is in control of each day.  Max also points out that just because something bad happens during the day does not mean that the entire day should be viewed as “bad”.  For example, someone may receive a speeding ticket but, who knows, that speeding ticket may have saved him/her from being involved in an accident up ahead. 

 Max Lucado is truly a gifted writer who can say so much in so few words.  I really enjoyed this book and found it encouraging.  It was a short book (only 112 pages) and very easy to read.  There is a Daily Compass at the end of each chapter which provides some scripture(s) and some thoughts to reflect upon.  At the end of the book there is a discussion guide and a thirty-day devotional.  I would definitely recommend reading this book.

 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Miracle for Jen By: Linda Barrick

*FREE BOOK GIVE-AWAY* 

Would you like one free copy of “Miracle for Jen”?  Please leave a comment below along with your name and e-mail address.  Entries will be accepted until March 4, 2012.  On March 5th one winner will be randomly selected.  The winner will be contacted and will be mailed a certificate for a free copy of this book.  The winner must respond within 24 hours to the winner’s notification e-mail or another winner will be randomly chosen. 

Miracle for Jen is an amazing story about a family who has had to learn to trust God in the most difficult of circumstances.  The Barrick family attended church one evening and  made plans to have some family and friends over after the service.  As they were on their way home they were tragically struck by a drunk driver.  The entire family was injured but their fifteen year old daughter, Jen, sustained the most injuries.  The injuries were so bad that she was not expected to survive.  Once family and friends learned of the accident they started to pray.  The Lord heard their cries as Jen miraculously opened her eyes after lingering in a coma for five weeks.  Although her mind had sustained severe brain injuries, she woke up praying and praising the Lord.  This wonderful news still brought about many challenges as Jen was still not back to the way that she was before.  However, the Lord showed, in time, how He was answering this young girl’s prayer to serve Him more fully.   

This book chronicles the difficult, yet hopeful, journey that this family has had to endure and still endures to this day.  As I read this book, I was reminded of Proverbs 16:9 that talks about how man plans his ways but the Lord determines his steps (paraphrase).  This family was planning on returning home from church to spend time with their family and friends.  They certainly did not expect their evening to turn out the way it did, yet the Lord was there in spite of it all.  I was also reminded of why the Lord tells us to take one day at a time and not to worry about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34).  None of us know what tomorrow will bring but we can find comfort in the fact that the Lord will be there will us.    

“Miracle for Jen” is such an incredible and inspiring story.  I would recommend this book to others as it gives insight into the amazing things that the Lord can do with a willing heart.  I have also included some links below that are worth checking out.  Lastly, I do not normally comment on book covers but thought this one was extremely well done.  As I learned more about the accident scene the picture from the cover really stood out in my mind.

Disclaimer:  Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Click to see the Book Trailer

Click to learn more about the Barrick Family Hope Out Loud

Constantly Craving

In her book “Constantly Craving”, Marilyn Meberg explores cravings such as romance, more from marriage, contentment, happiness, friendship and more meaning in life.   Marilyn writes, “My goal in writing this book is to help you learn to live in the balance of a life that does not always meet your expectations – and a life that may sometimes exceed your expectations.”  I believe that “learning to live” in the balance is so key.  All of us have cravings but ultimately our time on this earth will prove that we will never be truly satisfied.  Our relationship with the Lord is where we will find true contentment.

For those of you who are not familiar with Marilyn, she is a seventy-two year old Women of Faith speaker and an author of several books.  Her career includes a professional counseling practice.  I have never heard her speak but parts of the book made me laugh especially when she talked about her desire to go zip-lining.

I think the author made some interesting points throughout the book and that it was a good read.  It does make you think about some things in life and what is truly important. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Then Sings My Soul Book 3 By: Robert J. Morgan

Then Sings My Soul Book 3 by Robert J. Morgan is the last in a trilogy.  This book is broken down into the following four parts:

Part I: The History of Hymnody

Part II: Do You Know These Hymns?

Part III: Six Hymn Stories I Love to Tell

Part IV: Hymning in Private and in Public

This book is very interesting as it tells the stories behind many hymns from ancient to modern times.   While I was not familiar with many of the hymns in this book, I still enjoyed learning about how they came into existence.  I especially enjoyed Part III of the book where the author provides further information about the hymn “It is Well with My Soul”.  Previously I had only heard part of how this song came into existence.  It was very interesting to learn the rest of the story. 

I would definitely recommend this book.  A few years ago I had given a copy of the first in the trilogy series away as a gift.  The gift recipient expressed how much she loved the book.  She told me that she enjoyed reading the stories behind her favorite hymns and then played the hymns on her piano.  The author brilliantly included the music in the book and to this day that book is still sitting on her piano.  I know Book 3 will make another great gift!  Enjoy!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The One Year Uncommon LIfe Daily Challenge - FREE BOOK GIVE-AWAY!

The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge

By: Tony Dungy and Nathan Whitaker

*FREE BOOK GIVE-AWAY* 

Would you like one free copy of “The One Year Uncommon Daily Challenge”?  Please leave a comment below along with your name and e-mail address.  Entries will be accepted until January 6, 2012.  On January 7^th one winner will be randomly selected.  The winner will be contacted and will be mailed a certificate for a free copy of this book.  The winner must respond within 24 hours to the winner’s notification e-mail or another winner will be randomly chosen. 

Summary: This is a daily devotional that focuses on seven themes: Core, Family, Friends, Potential, Mission, Influence and Faith.  Each theme repeats every seven days.  For example, on January 1^st you will read about the Core theme and then again on January 8^th, etc.  Each page is laid out with the theme at the top, the date, the devotional title, a scripture, a story and ends with an “Uncommon Key” which is a daily challenge/reflection.  At the end of the book there is a Scripture Index.  The index begins with Genesis 1:31-2:3 and has the date June 19^th next to it.  The index is not in date order but is in the same order as the books of the Bible.

Review:  Once you start reading this devotional it is difficult to put it down until the next day!  This book is well organized and easy to read.  It can be enjoyed by both men and women.  You do not have to be a football fan to receive from this book.  While football examples are used through-out this devotional there are many devotions that do not mention football at all.  Each devotion stands on its own so you can begin whenever you want.  This is a great devotional and I will be recommending it to family and friends.      

Will you decide to take the challenge?

Learn more at: http://www.coachdungy.com/index.php/the-one-year-uncommon-life-daily-challenge/take-the-uncommon-life-challenge/

Disclaimer:  Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  

Additional Information

About the Author: http://www.coachdungy.com/index.php/bio/

Author Video: http://www.coachdungy.com/index.php/the-one-year-uncommon-life-daily-challenge/

About the Author: http://www.coachdungy.com/index.php/nathan-whitaker-bio/

Smitten

By: Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt & Denise Hunter

Summary: Smitten is a wonderful romantic book about a small town in Vermont.  The proposed closing of the lumber mill has left the residents of the town in shambles as the mill is the main source of employment.  Desperate to keep their town alive, four women come up with the idea to turn Smitten into a romantic tourist destination like the Poconos.  As these women fight to keep their town alive they face battling with the men who want to keep their “manly” town.  Will these ladies be able to get the men to see their vision? 

Review: I really enjoyed reading this book and would highly recommend it.  Initially, I was a little hesitant to read this book as it was written by four romance authors.  I was unsure how the book would flow; however, I was pleasantly surprised.  The book flowed really well and was so enjoyable to read.  The book is a collection of novellas written about the main four characters: Natalie, Julia, Shelby and Reese.  Each woman has her own interesting story.  Be sure to check out the back of the book as there are some extras including an interview with the authors, recipes, and exercise tips.  If you like this book you may be happy to learn that “Secretly Smitten” will be available in December 2012.  Enjoy!   

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Healing is a Choice by Stephen Arterburn

I recently read Healing is a Choice by Stephen Arterburn: Ten Decisions That Will Transform Your Life & Ten Lies That Can Prevent You from Making Them.  This book has been revised and updated and now includes a full workbook.  In this book Steve discusses how it is up to God to heal us but ultimately we need to make the choice to be healed.  Before reading this book I did not know much about Steve Arterburn.  If you are not familiar with the name, he is the founder of Women of Faith®, as well as, author of several books including “Every Man’s Battle”. 

This book covers a lot of material including Steve’s divorce.  Steve’s divorce is not the main focus of the book but he does talk about the healing process he had to go through and the changes he needed to make.  I appreciate him sharing the details of one of his most painful times in life but I felt that he put most of the blame on his ex-wife, Sandy, for the divorce.  While this may be true, I felt it was wrong to portray her in the light that he did.  I believe that there are two sides to every story.  I am not judging him for getting divorced as I understand that he truly may have wanted to work things out with Sandy.  However, only Steve and Sandy truly know what transpired in their marriage.  It could be interpreted by others that the book was used as a platform to elevate Steve.

I cannot say that the points made in this book are for everyone.  The first big lie that Steve addresses is “All I need to heal is just God and me”.  While he makes some valid points, I don’t think it is a lie that all someone needs is God.  Counselors and other people can certainly impact our lives but they are still people who are prone to sin.  For me, this is not a book that I will be recommending but I do see where it could be helpful to others.  You will have to decide if this book is for you or not.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”