Disciplines of a Godly Woman by Barbara Hughes

I have really been challenged lately in my lack of discipline in my spiritual life. I have also been surprised at my lack of knowledge in certain parts of this area. I'm not certain why it isn't taught on a regular basis in our churches or ministries, but I really wish it was. Since I knew I needed some extra guidance and study in this area, I was thrilled to see a book specifically on this topic and just for women. It was exactly what I needed to read.

This book wasn't a "make me feel good" book. It was challenging and there were parts of it that I wasn't really looking forward to doing. Like a good exercise program, it's sometimes hard to actually lace up those tennis shoes. If found that same problem was true when it came to spiritual disciplines. It requires time and for those of us who are busy (really...who isn't these days...), we have lost the respect for silence and mediation and contemplation that we need to have to help further deepen our relationship with God. The book really required me to be honest with myself.

I have the ebook version of this book, but I plan on buying the physical copy because I really want to highlight it and study it. I think it would be a great women's ministry tool. Barbara is constantly pointing her readers back to Scripture and what God says. This is also a book I'd love to use to mentor other women. So much changes when our eyes are focused on godliness and growing in holiness.

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I received this book free from Crossway in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

5 Habits of a Woman Who Doesn't Quit by Nicki Koziarz

5 Habits of a Woman Who Doesn't Quit is a book that left me encouraged and challenged. I walked away really appreciating the honesty and transparency that Nicki Koziarz shared within the pages of the book. She didn't hesitate to share the good and the bad. I look for authors who are transparent and honest because I know they aren't afraid to share their struggles. That encourages me so much.

Nicki Knoziarz takes the book of Ruth and brings out something in it that I've never seen: Ruth was not a quitter. She could have been, but she did not. I never really noticed that aspect of Ruth. She has 5 habits that she has found through Ruth:
Habit One: She accepts the assignment of refinement.
Habit Two: She follows through with her commitments despite how she feels.
Habit Three: She stays open to the movement of God.
Habit Four: She gives others what she needs.
Habit Five: She moves forward in faith.

There so many nuggets of wisdom throughout this book. I loved the part on comparison because I am easily intimidated when I compare myself to others. Then I shy away from what I know God has called me to do because I begin to compare myself to others who are doing something similar.

Another thing I loved was when she talked about giving people what you need. That has stuck with me in the heat of my frustrations... and it even works with my children, too!

This book would make a great book for women to use as a study. It offers many opportunities to be real, honest, and transparent: something I know that so many women are looking for today.

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I received this book free from B & H Publishers and Lifeway in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Intersect: Where your story and God's story converge-Small Group DVD

I had no trouble seeing how I would love to use this DVD as a small group study or even as conversation starters with people I meet daily. Although this DVD focuses on the UK, it is very applicable to life in the United States. I was hooked on the first story of the father discussing how life has changed from his expectations when his son was diagnosed with autism. I also could easily relate to the mom trying to balance life and work.

Part of the Awaken movement, this DVD is an excellent resource that will help to equip members of your church to live out their faith. The study is simple You watch the videos, which are actually short stories. There are 5 stories in the DVD. Inside the booklet in the case, there is a study guide for both facilitators and participants.

The great thing about this DVD is that it isn't necessarily geared just toward Christians in church. This is also for the unchurched, for those who are searching, or those who just like to have spiritual conversations. The topics that the study hits on are: expectations, rest, disappointment, trust, and control.

I did have my toes stepped on a little and had some great reminders in each of these sections. The control section and expectations, though, have stayed with me.

The video is beautifully done, with beautiful pictures of the U.K. It is not a video that is done halfway. You can tell they put their best into this resource for the church. I will definitely be holding on to this video and using it for a small group study. I can even see a group of teens using this study easily.

Read other reviews on this DVD at http://litfusegroup.com/author/peabodyrogers.

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About the Book

                       Intersect DVD (Awaken Movement, July 2015)
Follow the journey of five individuals as they tell authentic stories of circumstances that have forced them to examine how God might fit into their lives.
This five-week small group resource helps spark spiritual conversations. Starting spiritual conversations with those outside of the church is a worthy, yet often difficult and intimidating task. Intersect was designed to help overcome those barriers. It is an easy-to-use resource, perfect for sharing with co-workers, friends, neighbors, and family to enter into meaningful conversations.
Each film is accompanied by thought-provoking questions designed to encourage participants to examine the world in which they live and the life they are pursuing, always ending with a conversation on how Jesus intersects the current topic. Allow this powerful new film resource to engage those you are in relationship with and then propel them forward in their next step with Jesus.
Learn more and purchase a copy.

Rob Peabody and Cris Rogers

Rob Peabody is the cofounder and international director of Awaken, a nonprofit that exists to resource the church for action. Awaken creates resources that inspire, educate, and equip local churches to live as Kingdom-bringers in their communities. In 2011, Rob and his wife, Medea, along with their two boys left his position as a lead campus pastor at a megachurch in Texas to pioneer and lead a church seeking to engage unreached 20s and 30s in northeast London. He is the author of "Citizen: Your Role in the Alternative Kingdom." Cris Rogers is a writer, pastor, speaker, and church visionary. In 2010, he planted a church in the poorest area of London with a dream for it to be an explosion of joy within the tower block estate in which he works.

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I received this DVD resource free from Litfuse Publicity Group and Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest opinion of this resource.

Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin

My passion is for women and children to know the word deeply and to love it.  I have long been frustrated that so many times we aren't taught to study our Bibles, but to take our pastor's word or our Bible study leader's word for what the Bible teaches.  I'm very picky when it comes to Bible studies and books about Bible studies because so many times the books talk about how the Bible is about us.  It's not.  It's about God.

Thank you, Jen Wilkin, for a wonderful book on how to be a woman of the Word.  She was clear, concise, and spoke in everyday language.  She challenged me and affirmed me at the same time. I like how she reminded readers that the Bible is not about us.  It's about God.  We have to know who God is so we know who we are. 

While I was reading this book, all I wanted to do was to go back and study the Bible! She tells her readers how to study the Bible with: purpose, perspective, patience, process, and prayer.  I have taken those into my own quiet times and have been purposeful about adding all of these to my quiet time. It's so easy to rush through and I appreciate her reminders not to do so.

I also like the section for Teacher Help.  It was very informative on leading a group of women and things you could do and things to watch out for so as not to do.

I would love to use this study in discipleship, either with a group of women or one-on-one.  It's a good book for personal use, too.

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I received this book free from Crossway Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Family of Jesus by Karen Kingsbury

Wow!  After having spent this whole year in the book of Matthew for my personal study, I'm so glad this book came at the time of my final few chapters of study.  This was a beautiful way to end my Matthew study.  I came to love Joseph, Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, James, and John the Baptist in a new way.

I think it's easy to de-personalize the characters in the Bible since information about many of them is limited.  Then there's some who were so close to God or so close to Jesus that we forget that they could possibly be scared or have normal feelings like we do. 

One person I always did that to was John the Baptist.  I never stopped to think about his lonely time in prison and how he was left with his own thoughts. I'm sure he battled fears and disappointment.  I loved stopping to really ponder who these people were and remind myself they were, in fact, humans too. 

There is a Bible study at the end that you could easily do as a small group study, Women's study, or personal study.  It has personal questions for personal study and then group discussion questions.

It's hard to beat the Baxter series, but I think this book is my favorite so far.  I hope she does more with the people in the Bible, such as others in the line of Jesus.  There's a hint of that happening with this being part of the Life-Changing Bible Study Series.

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I received this book free from Howard Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Finding Spiritual Whitespace by Bonnie Gray

Bonnie Gray writes this book with such honesty.  The pages are filled with her own personal journey with PTSD and anxiety. Not only that, but the book takes her on a journey to rest. I want to go back through this book at a slower pace and spend some time journaling and reflecting on the things mentioned in this book.

I was challenged by the idea of rest. We all know we need it and hear that we are to rest in God. However, how many are truly doing that? Rest is a word that I really want to study and meditate on. I think this book jumpstarted my study! 

There was so much reflection that each chapter in this book offers. There are both practical, physical things to consider and spiritual things that we need to look at.

The thing that I thought a lot about as I was reading is that if I'm honest with myself, idols interfere a lot with me resting in God. I don't think that we realize just how much "stuff" we cram into our lives and how little "Jesus" we give time for. We fill it up with good things, but not necessarily with Jesus. We do and forget that in order to do, we have to know Him. Knowing Him comes with those quiet times.

This would be a wonderful study with a women's group or with a small group of women. There would be a lot of time for reflection and discussion.

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The God Puzzle by Valerie Ackermann

I am always on the lookout for Bible studies that would be great for me to use with my children, whether in school or for the summer.  I am very cautious about what I use because I want it to be biblical and not just fluff. I don't want it watered down or basic.  I want deep truths because even a child can understand these.

I was pleased to find out that this workbook was just perfect for our use in school in a few years.  I think my 5-year-old could answer some of the questions now, but I want to save it for when he can fill the answers out himself.  It's geared or ages 7-12.  The biblical truths are geared for all ages!

The pages are bright and colorful.  I even like the child-like font they chose to write in.  The first section of each topic is "Get the facts...Observation."  It's all about what the Bible says about the certain topics.  Then it moves to Interpretation and what does it mean. I've always feared this section, because I firmly believe the Bible ill interpret itself through other scriptures, etc.  Many books use this to speak their own opinion.  I appreciated that there are Bible verses to help answer the interpretation part and that Valerie Ackerman doesn't use it to express her thoughts.

Some sections have a "tool" section or an "application" section or a "What does God think about it" section.  Each lesson varies in what section it has.  Each section does have a "read it" section that has extra verses already written out for the child to read.  Then it's followed by a "talk about it" section that allows the child and parent to go into further discussion.  It also allows the parent to gauge how much the child understands on the topic.  The last section is a "talk to God about it" section.  The child can either pray about what they have learned or write their prayers out on a following page.

The topics are so good in here for children.  There are 36 lessons.  Just a few topics discussed are: Who is God, What is sin, What is the Trinity, How do I Accept Jesus as My Savior, How is the Christian Life like a Battle, What is Communion, What is Worship, How do I Study the Bible, and so much more.  Each lesson is wonderful, in my opinion.

I hope she writes more of these books in the near future so that we can use these in our schooling!

You can read more reviews on this book by going to http://litfusegroup.com/author/VAckermann.
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About the Book                     

The God Puzzle is a colorful, easy to use tool to help you communicate to your child the rich truths about God, His ways, His will and His love. The God Puzzle will help you address doctrinal themes of the Christian faith in a kid friendly way, present Bible lessons in an interactive way that will hold the child’s attention and deliver quality teaching with no preparation needed. 75% of children leave the church when they leave home. Something isn’t working. Sunday School isn’t doing it all. Kids need answers, good ones. And they need them from you, the parent. This book enables you to give them simple, clear answers.
What makes The God Puzzle unique?
- ready made discussion questions for parent to ask their child in each lesson
- can be done at any pace that works with your family…every night, once a week, 10 minutes here, 30 minutes there…it fits into realistic family life
- puts the pieces together for a child to understand God, the Bible, and the Christian faith
- in each lesson the responds to the truth so they understand their relationship to God is personal and life transforming
- any parent, whether they know nothing, or a lot about God can start teaching their child today with no prep
- deep theology put into language a child can understand
- deeply Biblical, each lesson points to Christ
- put in an order that starts with creation, and teaches the Bible as one story that all points to Christ
- child stays engaged by filling in blanks, crosswords, drawing, matching and using their Bibles as they learn

About the Author
 

Valerie Ackermann has a BA in Theology and has been a full time Children's Ministry Director at Parkwood Community Church in California for over 10 years. She is also a weekly Sunday school teacher, wife, and busy mom of two boys ages 9 and 11. She has hands-on experience as a children's ministry professional, teaching and leading children of all ages. Growing up in a Christian family in the small town of Saskatchewan Canada, she has wonderful memories of knowing God from an early age. She has a passion for kids to know the deep truths of God. Find out more at LeadMeToGod.com.
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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Bible Savvy series by James L. Nicodem

This new series by James L. Nicodem is one that I know I will go back and use many times.  These short and concise books make them easy to carry along and they are also easy to read.  I like how they are written for the everyday reader to understand.  The books market themselves as good for those who are new believers to believers who like to study the Word.  I'm impressed with all the topics covered within these 4 books.

 

 

The first book, Epic: The Storyline of the Bible, goes from Genesis to Revelation and tells a quick and very brief summary of what happens throughout the different chapters of the Bible.  I like that these books lend themselves to Bible Study use or small group use.  At the end of each chapter, there are study questions that take you into the Word and the sections of the Bible that you are reading about.

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The second book, Foundation: the Reliability of the Bible, is just as the title of the book states.  It's a book that questions whether or not the Bible can be trusted and if everything on the pages of the Bible are true.  It also is a great resource for group studies and I think it would lend itself to some very deep discussions.  The study guide is well laid out and easy to use.

 

The third book, Context: How to Understand the Bible, is probably my favorite.  So much in today's Scripture quoting is taken out of context.  It's great to memorize it, but context needs to be understood to understand what God's promise is for His people.  It covers the historical setting, the literary setting, theological setting, and the immediate setting.  It also gives many examples to help show the reader what he is trying to say.  The study questions in this book are also great and would lend itself to great discussions.

 

The last book, Walk: How to Apply the Bible, gives feet to what has been discussed already.  It shows you how to take Scripture and be able to apply it to your life.  It gives you things to pray about and really think about.  After all, living it out is the hardest but most necessary part of our Christian lives!  As you can imagine, the study discussions to this book alone would bring some very intense discussions.  I think many churches need to do some classes with these books!

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I received these books free from Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Tough Topics by Sam Storms

First off, because I'm a girl who always comments on the covers of the books because that's what draws me to the books usually, I like this cover.  There's no picture, but I think that's why I like it.  It's different.  It clearly states what the book is about without me flipping it to the back to read a synopsis, although there is one found on the back cover.

The book itself is one that I highly recommend.  Many times we all ask these tough questions, but not usually out in the open  It seems like the churches deal with the basics of Christianity, which is good and necessary, but there are other questions addressed in Scripture. You have to dig for the answers and know the character of God to form your opinion on certain topics, but many don't know how to study scripture for themselves.  That leads to the fact that many of these questions are seen as unanswerable to many.  I like that Sam Storms takes the hard questions, leads you to scripture to back his opinions, shows you other points of view, and then leaves you to form your own opinion.  I find it helpful that he states his own opinion in the book, too.  It was very biblical and after doing my own studies, I tended to have the same opinions as him.

I think this is a book that would be great for a small group study in church. It would give a chance for people to ask those other questions they are curious about but afraid to ask.  This is a book that should be on all bookshelves!

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I received this book free from Crossway in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Ephesians by Sue Edwards

I have done several Bible studies by Sue Edwards now and I have enjoyed each one of them.  I personally love the book of Ephesians and found this study to be very interesting and such a great reminder that my identity is in Christ and that alone should be enough.  At this stage in my life, many things are pressing on me and sometimes I struggle with my identity, which sometimes seems non-existent as a stay-at-home mom!  

I know I've mentioned it in my reviews for her other studies, but I truly like that you are expected to do the work.  Sometimes she throws in helpful thoughts or commentary after you've done the work, which I like.  I like being pressed to find answers for myself and not to have it relayed to me through someone else.  I am thankful that she doesn't fill her study pages with words.  When she does write something, it's intentional and it's meaningful because it's so rare in her studies.

It doesn't take too long to do the studies, but you can pick which route you would like to take.  You can spend as much time in this study as you want.  She has some work for those who can't spend an hour in the Word and then there is some for those who long to pour themselves over the pages of Scripture for an hour or more.  I like this option.  Sometimes it takes me 2 days to finish 1 days work, but it's totally worth it to learn so much more!

To read more opinions about this Bible study, go to http://litfusegroup.com/author/sedwards.

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Book Info

About Ephesians: Women need Bible study to keep balanced, focused and Christ-centered in their busy worlds. However, many find it difficult to set aside the time and discipline needed for an in-depth study. The Discover Together studies offer tiered questions to allow readers to choose a depth of study that fits with their individual lifestyles or schedules, even if they vary by the week, month or season This insightful Bible study uses the example of Paul's church in Ephesus to show readers how they can be victorious Christians, living in God's Word, and free from sin. Part of the discovery series, the Ephesians edition includes tips for either individual or group use, inspirational sidebars and short, 3-5 minute teaching videos. Scan the video QR code in the book with a smart phone or visit the series website to watch Sue provide historical and cultural background, teach important truths found in each week's lesson, or ask thoughtful questions to encourage deeper discussion.

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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Gospel Centered Woman by Wendy Alsup

As a mom and wife, I have had many moments of where I felt like I wasn't good enough to accomplish all that God wants me to accomplish.  I know it's a lie that Satan wants me to believe and one that I think he knows women struggle with.  I liked this view of the Gospel centered woman.  She's not one who cares what people say or think about her other than God and His Word.  By His power, we can accomplish the many things that are on our plates each day.  We're not "good enough" to do it, but His power helps us do it.

The part that really stuck out to me was the Proverbs 31 wife.  We hear about her a lot and I know there are a lot of differing opinions about her as far as what we should be in comparison to her.  I personally liked how she said that we are to be good managers of our home, even if that means we need to hire someone to help us clean when we are financially capable to do so.  I have struggled so much with feeling like I need to do it all when it comes to the house, since it is my domain.  However, when she talked about managing it, that was so encouraging to me and was brought into a new light for me to think about.

I liked the Reflections page after each chapter.  I felt like there was so much in there that I needed that time to really think about what all I had just read.  

All women need to read this book and strive to be the Gospel Centered Woman.

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For more opinions on this book, go to http://litfusegroup.com/author/walsup .

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About The Gospel-Center Woman: 

Understanding Biblical Womanhood through the Lens of the Gospel

Many Christian books written to women claim to present God's good instructions for their lives. Some expound on the value of marriage and children. Many extol the virtues of the Proverbs 31 wife. A good number teach the value of love, submission, and respect in Christian marriages. Though this book deals with these topics, The Gospel-Centered Womanaddresses women from an entirely different perspective. The most important part of the Bible's instructions to women center around the gospel. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection brought about a seismic shift in our understanding of Scripture. After His resurrection, His disciples understood words written thousands of years before with a clarity they never had previously. The good news of Christ illuminates all other Scripture, including instructions to women. 

Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/jgKJd           

Meet Wendy:  

  

Wendy Alsup is a wife, mom, and math teacher. She is the author of "Practical Theology for Women: How Knowing God Makes a Difference in Our Daily Lives" and "By His Wounds You are Healed: How the Message of Ephesians Transforms a Woman's Identity". 

Find out more about Wendy at 

www.theologyforwomen.org.

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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Deeply Loved by Keri Wyatt Kent

The timing of this book is absolutely perfect because we are coming upon Easter and are already in Lent.  Although Lent means has sometimes lost its meaning with some (like "I'm just giving something up because everyone else is doing it and I want to see if I have the discipline to do it...plus, it's good to do."), for many Lent is truly a time where they spend more time in the Word and more time contemplating what Christ did on the cross.  This is a time to grow deeper to God and to see Him for who He truly is and for God to reveal more of Himself to us.

I'm very picky about my devotionals I use.  I don't tend to review a lot of them because I like them to be scripturally sound and make me spend more time in the Word than a book that gives me someone else's opinion of the homework they did while they were pouring over the passage.  I like studying it for myself and giving God the opportunity to open my eyes and reveal things to me.  That said, when I heard about this book and read the info about it, I was intrigued enough to want to review it and actually anticipated getting it in the mail.

I'm happy to report that this book has met my criteria and is one that I plan to use over and over again.  I love how the focus is on God and not on us.  I like that Keri wants you to spend time praying about specific things and meditation on those promises of God.  I like that she kept going back to being quiet and still, something that is so counter-cultural and probably the thing that everyone struggles with the most.  I also like how she reminds us to look for Christ in the day-to-day things we do and to anticipate Him working..  I'm thankful that she did not just focus on how Jesus loves us.  That's true, but she kept pointing you back to Scripture and finding out who God is.  Without knowing who God is, what His promises are, and what His character is like, your love for God won't grow.

I know Lent is almost over and Easter is almost here, but this is a great book to put in Easter baskets to do after Easter.  What a great gift to give someone....a guide that helps you understand more of who God is without you reading her opinions.  She does give a little devotional at the beginning of each day, but I think the "meat" of the day is the "Presence Practice" that ends the day.  That's where the work comes into play and the focusing on the spiritual disciplines.

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I received this book free from Abingdon Press in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Revelation by Sue Edwards

I have done another Bible Study by Sue Edwards and knew that I definitely wanted to do her Revelation study.  I love Bible Studies that make me dig in the Word and that have me figure out for myself what the text is saying. 

Revelation is a difficult book of the Bible to read and understand.  Her notes really helped and were very specifically placed so that you dug deeper yourself before consulting any other commentary notes.  I appreciate that in a study.  I feel like sometimes we get so used to being taught by people that we don't allow time for the Holy Spirit to stir our spirits and speak to us and help us see things the Lord wants to reveal to us.

Another thing that I like about this study is that it's perfect for those who are both beginner Bible study students or those who are more advanced and want to dig a bit deeper than just the basics.  I like to dig deeper, so I really enjoyed that section of the Bible Study.  I felt like it shined an even better light on the chapters.

Something I've never seen before in a Bible Study was a QR code.  You can scan the code and see little videos to get extra information on each chapter.  I think that is such a smart idea!  I've always had to purchase the videos if I wanted them, but I'm so glad that it was easily available for me to watch.  I also liked that it posted the time so I knew if I had time at that moment to watch it or if I needed to go back later to watch it.  I hope more Bible Studies add this to theirs.
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If you would like to purchase his book, go to http://ow.ly/hpLmf.

Join the online Bible study here.

Meet Sue:

Sue Edwards (MA, Dallas Theological Seminary; D.Min., Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) teaches full-time in the Christian Education Department at Dallas Theological Seminary. She has more than twenty-five years of experience teaching, pastoring, and directing women's ministries. In addition, Sue speaks at retreats, conferences, and seminars across the country. She is the coauthor of Women's Retreats and New Doors in Ministry to Women, and the author of the new Sue Edwards Inductive Bible Study series.

For more reviews on this study, go to http://litfusegroup.com/author/SEdwards .

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I received this book free from Kregel Publications and Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Passages by Brian Hardin

This was a book that I debated signing up for because I wasn't for sure what the contents held.  I expected it to be one of those that talked about how we should read our Bible, how good it is to do so, and what a difference it can make.  You know, pretty much like many of the other books on Bible reading can sound like.  I was very glad that that's not exactly what this book talked about.

Brian shares with his readers that yes, we are to read the Bible, but it's supposed to be a passion.  With Christianity today being so much of "let's take this verse and make it mean this," Brian spends a whole chapter talking about "How the Bible is Meant to Be Read."  It's supposed to be read in context.  It's not about us, but about God. 

I really enjoyed how he talked about "Living the Bible in Community."  It is so vital that we read our Bibles together with others, not just inside of church.  It also needs to be read and lived in our families, as he spends an entire chapter talking about that as well.

Overall, I think this is a book that I definitely want to recommend, especially to those who are new to learning about Jesus, but also to those that don't really get why the Bible should mean much to Christians.  I think Brian does a good job breaking down the main components of where the breakdowns are happening with Christianity today. 

For more reviews on this book, go to:  http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13507671/brianhardin .

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I received this book free from Zondervan through Litfuse Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Praying God's Word for Your Husband by Kathi Lipp

We, as wives, often forget to pray for our husbands.  We tend to say our quick prayers for their safety, for guidance over the family, and for their stress relief.  However, I can't honestly say that I've interceded on behalf of my husband for an entire time of prayer.  I get excited when I think about just the difference it would make in our marriage and in our lives if I just spent a lot of time praying over the head of our household, my husband.

This book showed me some areas that I need to really concentrate my prayers in for my husband.  The chapters of the prayers for specific purposes are: When he feels overwhelmed, employment, work issues, when he feels inadequate, his finances, his health and safety, his relationship with God, when he is overcome with worry, his past mistakes, understanding God's plan for his life and dreams, his relationships with others, his relationship with you, his parenting, and his mind.  That's a lot of things to pray for and it seems overwhelming at first.  However, I love that she broke it down into several different ways that you can approach this.  You can use this book if you need certain things at a certain time, if you're in an emergency and need something quick to guide you, or if you just simply want to incorporate this book into your prayer time each day.

For me, I am doing the 2 week part.  I am simply taking a chapter prayer each day and am praying for my husband over the issue brought up for that day.  I feel like he needs prayer, focused prayer, from me and I don't want to skip out on being a blessing to him by not praying for all aspects of his life.  It's always hard to know how to pray for guys because they don't always want to share things.  This book is a great help to guide women in the ways to pray for the man they love most.  I honestly think this would be a great book for a struggling marriage, a marriage just starting out, or even a marriage that is a few years in.  We all can begin to take our husband for granted and this book reminds you that we can't do that.  Not only that, but the more you pray for them, the more you end up loving them.  What kind of marriage can't stand just a little more love?!

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Choose Joy by Kay Warren

Joy and happiness are two different things.  Happiness usually depends on circumstances, while joy isn't swayed by circumstances.  I tend to link joy with peace.  No matter what is happening, you can still have joy because of what Christ has done for us on the cross.  I think this book is quite timely because our society is focused more on happiness and doing things that will make us momentarily happy.  

Kay focuses her reader on the fact that joy is not an emotion, is not based on circumstance, and Jesus was a joyful person.  I really hadn't stopped to think about Jesus being joyful before.  I guess I always knew it, but never used that word to describe Him for some reason.  I'm so thankful for her pointing that out to me!

I was a little nervous about this book when she talked about how we control how much joy we have.  I really believe that we surrender it all and as we surrender, the Holy Spirit fills us with more joy.  Ultimately joy is a soul issue and not something we can physically attain on our own.  I'm not for sure if that's how she meant it or not, but the rest of the book tends to lean towards that belief, which made me think that perhaps I interpreted her statement wrong.

Overall, this book is great for someone who is trying to grasp the difference between joy and happiness.  She writes very clearly and is able to distinctly differentiate between the two so that the reader experiences clarity on the two words.

This book can be used as a study for women.  It comes with a leader's guide and the book for the participants.

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.

Raising Your Kids to Love the Lord by Dave Stone

I absolutely love books that deal with parenting. I think that's partly due to the fact that I'm right there just starting out in this parenting thing with a 3 year old and a 1 year old. I'm a studier and like to be prepared and have as many ideas as possible. The title of this book attracted me to it over the other choices to review. I desperately want my children to grow to love the Lord above all. I know that I can't make them believe in Him or follow in His ways, but I do shape their opinion of who He is and if my life isn't lived in submission to Him, then theirs won't be either. Filled within these pages, Dave doesn't soften the blow of the truth at all. He shouldn't have to. He reminds us to be intentional as parents. How can we have kids who love the Lord if we spend our days full of wasting time in front of a television or doing things that we enjoy instead of shaping the hearts of our children? Not only that, but boundaries come into play in parenthood. Not all things are beneficial for you, your child, or your family. "No" is an okay word to use and must be used. Dave encourages you in this and it was nice to know that I wasn't, in fact, a mean mom that I sometimes guilt myself into thinking. This book is full of advice, encouragement and warnings, but all written out of both love and experience. All parents needs to read this book....if not for a reminder of how important our job as a parent is and how it shouldn't be taken lightly. This book was a great reminder to me as I read it in the start of summer, where I tend to be less intentional and more relaxed. Thanks for the insight, Dave.           

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I received this book free from Booksneeze (Thomas Nelson Publishers) in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Parenting with Scripture by Kara Durbin

I love books that help me learn to better bring my children up to know and love God and to obey and love His Word.  This book is a great tool to help you guide your child through those teachable moments where you can show your child the application of God's Word.  The book is laid out in a user-friendly manner so you can find the topic that your child is struggling with and then choose a verse out of the list of scriptures that applies to those certain behaviors.  There are at least 15 for each behavior, ranging from the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, all the way to the Fruit of the Spirit.  I think that what will best work for me and my children (3 years and 1 year) is to have them memorize a verse with me and then look for applications to that verse throughout the week or weeks that we focus specifically on that verse. 

This book is going to be a wonderful tool for me over the years.  I know I'm just now hitting some of those milestones but even the choice to throw a fit or to choose a cheerful heart is one that we can most certainly relate to, among others.  This would be a great Mother's Day gift for a young mom.  There have been so many times that I've needed just a little bit of guidance in order to frame my heart to address the big issue of a situation and this book is it.  I love how Kara says that it's okay to use her book for the Scripture (and that she doesn't take it out of context and lets you know if it's part of a bigger story than just a Proverbs), but she says to make sure that your children see you reading the Bible so when you are discussing it, use your Bible or theirs.  I also liked her idea of giving your child a Bible and underlining the verses in it that they have memorized.  She said she did it when she was younger and it has become a priceless treasure for her.  I know my oldest son would love that.  Plus it gets him familiar with the Bible passages.  So  if you're looking for a Mother's Day gift, grab this book!

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I received this ebook free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinon.



1 Peter-Lesson 7 (A Sue Edwards Inductive Study)

When I think about Christ and all that He suffered, it's quite humbling.  But even more, when I think of His ATTITUDE during His suffering, it's even more humbling.  Christ wasn't revengeful or irate.  Instead, He was gentle and respectful.  He never once slung words or dirty looks.  He never balled his fists ready to fight.  He simply took what was thrown at Him. 

So when I think about the times I suffer (which is mild in comparison to those persecuted around the world), I wonder about my attitude.  I must say, when I'm going through trials or periods of testing, usually my attitude is less than stellar.  In fact, sometimes I remind myself of my 3-year-old...impatient and wanting results YESTERDAY.  I'm not saying that I'm like that in every trial, but when it goes on a lot longer than I expected or I'm to the point of sheer exhaustion then I lose it.  Christ never lost it.  I know people would say that it's okay to lose it or to be snippy or to be frustrated or more.  However, if my life is to resemble that of Christ's and I'm to take on His characteristics then it's clearly not okay.  Not only does my life need to resemble His but my attitude needs to resemble His in the good times AND the tough times where I don't see a way to carry all of the pain or burdens being piled on.  Gentleness and respectfulness need to be demonstrated in all aspects of my life.

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I received this Bible Study free from Kregel Publications in exhcange for my honest opinion.

1 Peter-Lesson 6 (A Sue Edwards Inductive Study)

When I think of the church family and fellow believers, I think the thing that is missing most in them these days is unity.  It's so much easier to hold grudges or to gossip than it is to fix what needs fixing and continue on with the Lord's work.  But when it think about what causes the disunity within the church, I can sum it up with pride.  Most of the reason that churches split is because of pride: no one wants to give in and forget traditions or "ways we've always done it" but the heavenly focus is lost and is put on the earthly things that will pass.

So how do we express sibling love in our faith family?  After exploring a few verses, here's how.

Romans 12:10-Love with genuine affection and delight in honoring others--hospitality, taking food to someone

Romans 15:7-Accept others--quirks and all!

Romans 16:16-Greet in Christian love.

Galatians 5:13-Serve one another in love.

Ephesians 4:2-Be humble, gentle, patient, and make allowance for each other's faults.

1 Thessalonians 5:11-Encourage each other and build each other up.

Does this mean we are not to judge?  No!  In 1 Corinthians, the Bible clearly states that we ARE to judge those within the church when they are not representing Christ, but we are not to judge those outside of the church (those who don't believe) because God will judge them.  But it also means that we need to remember that we will all fall and no one is perfect.  However, if they have a heart for God then encourage them, accept them, hold them accountable.  This heart may just need a little maturing to understand what unity is all about.  When there is unity, God's message spreads like a wildfire because everyone is working together. 

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I received this Bible Study from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.