Simple Secrets to a Happy Life

Simple Secrets to a Happy Life, by Luci Swindoll lived up to its title well. It is a collection of short essay type writings on various topics from "Honor Your Father and Mother" to "Write Down the Important Things." There isn't much that is weighty or very theological just simple, good living. I found the format to be great for a quick something to read because each chapter is independent. Luci Swindoll is full of life and has a fabulous outlook on life. She shares what has made her life fulfilling and "happy." Themes that seem to run throughout the book are being generous, gracious, and grateful. I guess the "secret" is out! I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a reminder that it is in the simple things we find most joy and what those simple things consist of.
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."

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.”