anything

anything..... Sounds interesting, doesn't it? What if you were given the opportunity to receive anything, be anything, or do anything? Would you hesitate to sign up? On the other hand, what if you gave someone the permission to take anything you have, use anything you own, or mess with anything you hold dear? That is the premise of anything: the prayer that unlocked my God and my Soul, by Jennie Allen. In this book, Jennie Allen opens her prayer life up to us to see how the prayer of offering anything to God changed her life in both small and big ways. She encourages readers to lay aside "everything keeping us from anything" in order to "pray anything" and go on to "live anything."

Jennie was moved by the story of another woman who offered God anything. Through the blog of Katie Davis, Jennie saw the effects of truly offering one's entire self to a God who will use those wholly surrendered to Him. With her husband, Zac, Jennie began to pray "anything." The events that followed that surrender are both inspiring and slightly scary. I encourage, no I dare you to read anything see if your heart is ready to pray "anything" to a God who desires to change the world through your life.

Update & A Heart Like His by Beth Moore

Well, it has been a day or two, or maybe that was month or two, since I last wrote anything for the blog. Wow, time really does fly when you are living life and having fun at it! My family has been very busy lately. Basketball, baseball and dance, oh my! Not only that, I have managed to stay quite busy with work for the Jesse Brooks Foundation. If you haven't checked them out, or even if you have, I hope you will click to see the new website. It is awesome and so is the work being done to help the area of Alfao, Ghana in West Africa and to bring Glory to Jesus in the process. That is my personal update, now on to Beth Moore....

My Sunday School class has been studying the kings for the last several months. We had just started our study of the portion of scripture about the man David, who becomes the second king of Israel after much trial, when I was given the opportunity to review the re-release of A Heart Like His: Intimate Reflections on the Life of David, by Beth Moore. I jumped at the opportunity. I was sure this book would add another layer of depth to my Sunday School study. I was not disappointed! I have gained a deeper perspective about the life and thoughts of David as we read them in the Old Testament.

The book is formatted to be read along with scripture passages. Chapter by chapter Moore rehearses the life of David beginning with "David's Back Story." From the people of Israel's insistence on having a king and the naming of King Saul all the way to King David's last breath and hope of resurrection, Moore helps the reader look past the surface events to the heart and motives of all the characters. She highlights the Psalms that David wrote during the events that take place and relates where David reflects the heart of God and where he painfully falls short of his description of having a heart after God's own heart. In the process of telling David's story, Moore leads readers to search their own story with God to gain a greater depth in their walk with Him. The end of the book has discussion questions for each chapter to help you think more deeply about the subjects broached.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone seeking to learn more about the life of David. The sneak peek at the end of the book of the Bible Study workbook that correlates to this book made me eager to go even deeper with Moore into the study of this fascinating man who has so much to teach us in our walk with God.

I received this book free from the publisher. 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.”

Going Deep, Gordon MacDonald

A quick book review for a not so quick book. This is a hefty book, but at the end I wasn't ready to be finished. I love the way Gordon MacDonald uses a fiction format to give us a plan to take our churches and selves to a deeper faith. Instead of a boring how to book about planning meetings and what material to cover, MacDonald builds a story around a fictional pastor (himself) and church. Through the characters he succinctly lays out a plan of action to lead a group, most likely a church, into a deeper relationship with each other and with God. Using the "discipleship" method of Christ, the fictional pastor and his wife choose participants for a program to grow "deep people." The group studies people and portions of the Bible as well as more contemporary Christians' lives. Each member of the group is stretched beyond what they thought possible in their walk with Jesus.

I love the challenge this book presents. Are we satisfied with the level of our depth in Christ or is there room to go deeper? Could we be the catalyst in the life of another to encourage them to a deeper walk? I would LOVE to be part of a group like this! Reading the book, I felt like part of the group written about but, also, felt a great desire to have this kind of accountability and encouragement. I hope if you have any leadership role in an organization you will read this book for inspiration to lead your group Deeper!

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.”

What Women Fear by Angie Smith

If there is a book title that could catch my eye from across the room, it is this one. I have always had a struggle with fear. Several years ago, God miraculously freed me from the bulk of my greatest fears, but if I am not careful to guard my heart, they attempt to take over my thoughts again. As I read this book, I realized that I am not alone. I could relate on so many levels with the topics Angie Smith covers in her book, What Women Fear.

Angie covers the basics of death, abandonment, rejection, and failure. But she doesn't stop there. She digs deeper into the realms of the "What ifs" and the fear of being found out (that we aren't perfect...gasp!) One that I often still struggle with is the fear of not being significant. Angie describes tit like this:

I don’t think I have ever met a single person who could honestly say that they never cared about anyone else’s opinion of them. There may have been situations where they were able to dismiss feedback, but it seems that no one is immune. We may be talking, working, parenting, advising, teaching, or any other number of things, but as we go through the motions we don’t know how to silence the fear:

"Am I important?"

Each chapter is devoted to a fear that I am betting most people have struggled with at some point or another in their lives. She approaches each topic with much grace as she tells stories from her life interwoven with stories from the Bible. There are moments of laughter to go along with the seriousness of this topic. She also includes a prayer from the heart at the end of each chapter. I highly recommend this book to you even if you are "fearless" maybe it will help you understand the rest of us! :0) 

Chris Tomlin

Exciting news everyone!!! Chris Tomlin has a new release. It is a collection of my (and I am guessing your) favorite Chris Tomlin songs. Most of them are the same as the first recording but he has new recordings of : "Forever", "We Fall Down", and "How Great Is Our God". Including a new "World Version" of "How Great Is Our God". About that song Chris says,

"I’ve been thinking for awhile if I ever did a ‘Best Of’ I’d want it to be called ‘How Great Is Our God’ just because of what that song has done and what that song has become globally. It’s such a privilege to be a part of a song like that. We’ve traveled around the world and done these world tours with Passion and have connected with different international leaders and sung this song in 20 languages. It just seems to translate universally, as people have picked it up in their own countries and own languages. I thought I’d love to bring in some of my friends, worship leader friends from around the world, and do a world edition of this song [to] hear it in all of these languages. So we created a track and sent it to our friends in several different countries [asking] ‘Would you just sing this in your language, sing some harmonies, whatever you want to sing. We put it together and I can’t wait for people to hear it. It’s the most special thing I’ve ever recorded. I don’t think I’ll ever record anything like it again in my life. It gives you a sense that this is the whole world worshipping God."

It is totally awesome too! Even though parts of the song are sung in a different language you can sense the worship and the adoration of Our Great God!

I have always loved Chris Tomlin and his music. He is such a talented worshipper. But it became much more precious to me when my son gave his life to Christ at an event while Chris sang "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)." I have been singing that song at church for some time and it will always be one of my favorites.  It is included on this album as well.

I highly recommend picking up this collection of the best of Chris Tomlin's worship songs! And a big thanks to Media Collective for giving me a sneak peak at the album!

God's Love Letters to You

God's Love Letters to You, by Dr. Larry Crabb, is designed to be a 40 day devotional. It has a verse for each day from 40 of the 66 books of the bible, a writing by Dr. Crabb that summarizes the book of the bible chosen for that day, a few questions to help you think through the material and a summary prayer for God's help in recognizing Him in our everyday life. The daily passages are short and can be read in a few minutes each day. This a condensed version of the book 66 Love Letters: A Conversation with God That Invites You into His Story, also by Dr. Crabb.

This book would be best understood by someone who is already fluent in the themes of each book of the Bible or as an accompaniment to reading through the Bible. To understand the passages written by Dr. Crabb one must possess a knowledge of the book it is referring to. It would be hard to pick up this book as someone with little or no Biblical background. Even with years of teaching, I found some of it confusing. It does provide the reader with a challenge to see the overall theme of each book individually. I did not really enjoy 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.”

Help Wanted: Moms Raising Daughters

I have finally finished another book! It is so much harder to find the time to read while the kids are home for the summer! We have had a great time these past few months playing in the pool and just hanging out. I can't believe it is almost time for school to start back. Like my Ems says, "I'm not ready!" It is also time for another blog giveaway, so stay tuned, over the next couple of days I'll be telling you how to enter. You won't want to miss this one! On to the book review....

Help Wanted: Moms Raising Daughters is a manual of sorts for the mother who finds herself at a loss raising daughters. It is full of helpful advice and instructions to navigate many areas of rearing those precious girls God has blessed you with. As the mother of a girl and a boy, I found that many of the lessons are applicable to both daughters and sons. This wasn't a "quick read" by any means. The author, Darlene Brock, has packed a boat load of information in the 215 pages of this book. 

Each chapter covers a topic that you are sure to face as a mother. She sets them up as job descriptions and describes in detail the qualities a mom must posses as she tries to fill each role. The topics include:

• Coach
• Creative Counselor
• Time Manager
• Media Director
• Academic Advocate
• Professor of Gender Studies
• Relationship Counselor
• Sex Ed Teacher
• Financial Consultant
• Bodyguard
• Communications Specialist
• In-Home Demonstrator
• Military Strategist

Mrs. Brock doesn't take a light view of the role of mother and encourages you to take it seriously too. I think this quote is a good summary:

So, as mothers, why should we work so hard in this unrelenting battle? Why should we look for the enemies and create a strategy? Because the result is ultimately important. You are helping to shape a human life-your daughter's. It is not the book we write, the car we help manufacture,the store we run,the letter we type,nor the house we clean that will truly affect the generations that follow.It is the daughters we bring into this world and help to mold. They are our treasures, and they will be this world's treasure as well. Your parenting has a profound effect on your daughter's life.

I highly recommend this book as a help for raising daughters (and sons as well.) I will be holding on to my copy as a source of encouragement to fight the good fight for my daughter and as a reminder of what that fight entails.

 

Voices of the Faithful - Book 2

 

Voices of the Faithful - Book 2 is a compilation of devotions written by missionaries stationed around the world. The devotions are very inspiring and give a insightful peek into the lives of those valiantly spending their lives to spread the gospel in foreign lands. It gives a new focus to your prayers for those missionaries. As you read each day's entry, you receive a dose of scripture, a story from one serving in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas, and a prayer written from the heart. The goal of the book as stated by Beth Moore in the introduction is to make you "motivated to pray."  There is a section in the back of the book to help you further your support of missions individually and as a church.

I found the stories inspiring and convicting at the same time. It is great to be able to see into the lives and hearts of those giving their all for the Kingdom. I am inspired to pray more faithfully for them and their work of faith. I hope you enjoy this book as I have!
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.”

What If We Were Real

Those of you who know me well know that I am not very athletic. I exercise in fits and spurts. I am having one of those fits now. My goal is to run a 5k by October. Did I just really type that?!? I am really committed now! I have a much better chance of reaching this goal than ones I have made in the past. I have a secret weapon, Hope in the Lord. I am literally claiming the promise of

Isaiah 40:31- 

but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

My encourager in all this has come from an unlikely place, my ipod. I was given a review copy of Mandisa's new CD What If We Were Real. I really liked the sound and put it on my ipod. I decided the upbeat tempo would be great to run- OK walk/run- to. Little did I know what inspiration the lyrics would provide. Here's a sample of the most inspiring lines:

"Good Morning"- Good Morning, You give me strength, You give me just what I need, I can feel the hope that's rising in me!

"Stronger"- The pain ain't gonna last forever, Things can only get better. He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger.

Every song on the album has lines that make me want to run or at least not give up. Mandisa herself has lost 100 lbs recently. I am sure that she has poured out the motivation for her victory into this project. I am thankful to benefit from it!

So I ask that you all hold me accountable to my goal.

Max on Life by Max Lucado

I just finished with Max on Life by Max Lucado. This is actually my first Max Lucado book. This is not a book to just sit down and devour because it is written in a question-answer format. The questions are ones that have been posed to Lucado throughout his years as a writer, pastor and evangelist.

I found the questions very real. They are definitely some that are voiced by those outside of the Christian faith and those that have been lifelong Christians as well. I found Lucado’s answers to be open, honest, and biblically sound.

This would be a great book for those seeking answers to some of life’s toughest questions. As I was reading it, I was thankful for the way he puts into words some very difficult to explain foundations of Christian faith. Even if you have a good grasp of what you believe, this book would be a good tool in preparing to share your Christian faith with others.

Disclosure of Material Connection: 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Rick & Bubba's Big Honkin' Book of Grub

This is not a cookbook. That fact turned me off from the beginning. This is, in fact, a book about food. More accurately, a book about what Rick and Bubba think about food. There are about 20 recipes in the book and many funny quips about everything from barbecue to peanut butter.

Although I LOVE Rick and Bubba on the radio, reading their funny lines just doesn't have the same effect to me. It was funny but not my cup of "sweet tea." That said, I think some of the recipes included look YUMMY! I also love that they included a rundown of their favorite restaurants. Overall, if you like Rick and Bubba you will find this book at least amusing and maybe hilarious. Just don't buy it thinking it is a recipe book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: 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

Review of Do You Know Who I Am?

I just finished Angela Thomas’s new book, Do You Know Who I Am? : And Other Brave Questions Women Ask. It, like the other books I have read by Angela, was life changing. The premise of the book is to state up front the questions that most women struggle with at some point in their walk with God. For each question asked, we are given “God’s response.” Taking God’s naming of Himself to Moses as I AM, Angela lays out God’s I AM response to each of our questions to Him. The answer to our question of “Do You Know Who I Am?” lies in whether or not we know who God is.

This book is well written and easy to read. Angela’s storytelling abilities make the stories of her life and the scripture references come alive to the reader. Her line of reasoning comes through clearly, as each question is asked and then answered. Each chapter could stand alone separately so the reader could pick up the book and begin at any question that is tugging at their heart.

I would highly recommend this book to any woman seeking a deeper relationship the God of Heaven. As we long to know Him and be known by Him, this book is a very useful tool to see that process and understand both our and God’s position. He most definitely knows who we are. Let us learn through studies such as this who He is.

I was provided with a complementary copy of the book for review.

Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God by Sheila Walsh

Do the twists and turns of life often leave you doubting that God’s hand is still on you or His presence is still near?
If so, this somewhat autobiographical book might reassure you that God is always there, even when He seems very distant. Sheila Walsh tells about her life going forward from her stay in a psychiatric hospital., and how God used the lives of ten people to help her along in her journey to trust Him more with the circumstances that she found herself in. Mary and Martha, Paul, Joseph, Abraham and others became her traveling companions. Through her rich story telling ability, they also become yours. Sheila has the wonderful gift of inviting you into the story as if you are present with her through the twist and turns of her life and the lives of these biblical heroes.

This book moved me to look at my level of trusting God with the circumstances of my own life. The chapter entitled “Trusting God with Your Fear” was one of the most moving. I could really relate to Sheila’s retelling of the story of Gideon and her take on how it reflects our struggle with doing what God has laid before us. All of Sheila’s retellings were very Biblically accurate with a few of her own ideas about the details not spelled out in scripture. I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to deepen their trust and walk with God.