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.

Saturate by Jeff Vanderstelt

I have been very excited to read this book ever since I saw the title of this book. I knew it would be one that was challenging and would help challenge me to be intentional in my every day life. It's so easy to go into the mundane tasks of the day as a checklist and to forget the intentional relationships I need to continue to pursue that are all around me.

Jeff does a great job at starting with the basics and explaining how being a disciple of Jesus is as simple as investing in the lives of others. The story Jeff shares about his mom and dad and how they used their home has stuck with me. I had just been in that situation in thinking that maybe I needed to do more, when in fact, I had been doing it all along. I appreciated that personal story because it was easy to relate to and a good picture of what it means to be intentional.

Growing up in the Bible belt (although it's becoming less and less that), many people say they love Jesus and they go to church, but then they act anything but Christ-like on the other 6-1/2 days of the week. Jesus gets put into a box in the lives of many people, and it's quite easy to do if we're not intentional. Jeff reminds us that Jesus needs to be in everything. We are to saturate our lives with Jesus. It doesn't mean we jam Him down the throats of people or anything, but that our own lives are so saturate with Jesus that His characteristics flow out of us.

Throughout the book, Jeff gives some wonderful examples of things to consider in our own lives. I was challenged to really meditate and be honest with myself about what areas I've boxed in and what areas I need to be more intentional about in being sure Jesus is seen in even the mundane tasks I perform.

When I first got this book, I decided I would read it at night. Then I learned that would be impossible because it is definitely one that I needed to read alert and really soak in all that he was sharing in these pages. I love books that challenge me and encourage me and this one did it.

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

The Things of Earth by Joe Rigney

When I read the back of this book, I couldn't wait to open it up and start reading it. I have long felt the conflict of loving the things God has provided because He is God and using it to bring glory to Him, to feeling guilty because I didn't want to make anything He gave me into an idol. It's was a toss up as to how I felt on different days and different times of my life. I wasn't certain that I quite understood it.

Joe Rigney does start out saying that he's a professor, so some of his wording can be a harder to read when you are tired. I felt like I needed to devote my full attention to what he was saying as I read, which is a good thing. I definitely understood it more than if he had used words that I didn't have to consider.

He starts the book by laying the foundation of who God is and what He has provided. If we don't understand that, we won't understand the main question of how to treasure God by enjoying His gifts. I appreciated that Rigney debated back and forth as to the flipside of the equation was when considering this question. It helped me to realize that I wasn't alone in my thought process and that it is okay to wrestle it out in my mind, even when it's hard to explain it.

Rigney constantly points the reader back to God. We enjoy God's gifts because we love Him and can use those gifts to bring Him glory. It's not necessarily bad to own a house or to have things. It's their use that makes it good or bad. Let me just say, reading this book has made shopping more interesting. I find myself pausing and actually thinking about the use of what I want, instead of whether it's a purchase for just me. It has helped in regards to my spending, too, because I'm checking my heart before I purchase.

If people are honest, I imagine many others wrestle with this topic of loving God and loving what He has given us. I learned a lot through this book and am thankful that it helped clarify some things for.me in Scripture.

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

Taking God at His Word by Kevin DeYoung

I have long enjoyed the books that Kevin DeYoung has written. He has such a passion for the Lord and His Word and doesn't sugarcoat anything to make it easier to hear. I appreciate that about His writing. It's easy to do in today's culture where many want to hear things that make them feel better about themselves.

I appreciate the topic of this book because I know many who feel that the Bible is irrelevant to today. This whole book centers around what the Bible is, why it can be trusted, and it is relevant to us and our lives.

The other thing I greatly appreciated about this book was that Kevin DeYoung didn't spend time telling you why, in his opinion, we should take God at His Word. He uses God's Word to show you the importance of reading, knowing, loving, understanding, and applying His Word in our life.

I also liked how I didn't feel as if I was reading a theological book. It flowed easily and I found myself anxious to get back into reading the book. It also had me thinking about His Word constantly within the pages and I love anything that can take me back to the Bible.

Can't wait to see what topic is written about next!

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

Give Them Grace by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson

I've learned that when it comes to parenting books and good Christian gospel-oriented nonfiction books, I can trust Crossway books. I have yet to be disappointed by any parenting book I've read from them yet!

I really liked this book.  It is gospel-oriented and really hits a part of parenting that I know I am weak at most times.  Grace.  It's a word that many church people and religious people throw around, but may or may not really know what it means.  I always want to, and pray to show more grace, but in the moment I fail more often than I like.  I was thankful for the encouragement that filled the pages.  Not only that, but I loved that I was constantly being pointed to the Gospel.

I did struggle a little bit with a few opinions in the book.  I do have my children seek forgiveness, whether it's truly heartfelt or not.  However, we do discuss it and my prayer is for a repentant heart.  I understand their reasoning, but I'm not so certain that I believe the same thing. 

There were a few other of their opinions that I didn't really agree with, but overall I liked the book.  I find that grace is one of those things that can be a bit difficult to balance.  Discipline is still needed, obedience is still expected, but grace must be given. Their take on obeying the first time struck me, too. I disagreed a bit on that, as well.

Amongst my disagreeing of certain things, I found this book to be encouraging and thought-provoking. 

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

Treasuring Christ When Your Hands are Full by Gloria Furman

Gloria Furman is probably in the top 2 of my favorite authors on motherhood.  I'm drawn to the authors who don't look at motherhood as a chore, but looks to the Scriptures as a blessing.  Everyone knows motherhood is hard.  However, keeping the eternal focus is a lot harder and is where I'd say most moms need encouragement.  I know I do!

I had my journal beside me while I was reading this book.  There were so many things in it that I wanted to be sure to write down, so when I was discouraged, I could find it quickly.  I saw that Crossway is offering a free study guide along with this book. I downloaded it, but haven't done it, yet.  I really want to, though.

I think this would be a perfect women's group book.  What mother doesn't need to be reminded of the Gospel and how it relates to parenting and the Gospel?!  With summer coming up and the kids around more than normal, I'd dare say this release is perfect timing.

The book itself is very short and the chapters are short. I got to the end and wanted more!  I love how everything points to Christ.  When I finished reading a chapter, all I wanted to do was dive into God's Word even more. 

If you're looking for a step-by-step checklist parenting book, this isn't what you're looking for.  However, I think once you are reminded of the Gospel in parenting, you'll find you don't need a checklist.  Without your heart centered on Christ, you can't expect the same from your child's.  Letting God change you and remind you of your focus helps in those mundane, everyday tasks that are quite often challenging and overwhelming.

I can't wait for another book by Gloria.  Until then, I guess I'll just have to read her blog!

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

Crazy Busy by Kevin DeYoung

This is one book that was perfectly timed for me.  I had already recognized the problem in my life, confessed it, and have been seeking Biblical wisdom as to how to handle some of these issues in my own life.  I respect Kevin DeYoung and am so thankful that God had prepped me to hear from him.

Crazy Busy doesn't give you a 5-point plan on  how to get out of the business of life.  It doesn't tell you how to manage your time better.  It does tell you 7 pitfalls to watch for as you go about your busy life.  It reminds you of the things that really aren't important but that we think are important.  It reminds us that if we are too busy to sit at the feet of Jesus every day, then we're never going to get through the craziness of life.  It reminds us how important rest and sleep are, both of which we seem to diminish the importance of at different times of our lives. 

I personally found the part about the parent report card among kids very convicting, because I have recognized for a while that when I am tired and stressed I tend to take out my anger and frustration on my children.  I loved how he reminded me that my kids will remember my character more than anything else about me. 

I appreciated the honesty in this book.  It's written from a personal perspective and I loved the section with Mary and Martha. I have struggled with the same thoughts over Martha because I am wired more like her.  It made me feel so much better to know that I'm not alone in my thoughts over how I would have responded if I were Martha.  But I loved the reminder about Mary.  That has stuck with me.

This book is going on my shelf and will be pulled out many times.  It's already been recommended to many that I know who are struggling with busyness. I appreciate how the focus is on Christ and not our abilities, because we will never have the ability to control the busyness.  I love how he always pointed to Jesus as the example and not some man.  The biblical examples were perfect and not taken out of context.  I'll ever be grateful that this book was written and came at a time where God had prepped me to action and has since given me the peace I had been searching for after wrestling with Him over decisions.  Thank you, Kevin DeYoung!

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

Good News to the Poor by Tim Chester

To be honest, I was drawn to this book for several reasons, but one of the big reasons was the cover of this book.  I've never seen one like it and it looks amazing.  The other reasons I wanted to read this book was because the title seemed like something I was interested in reading, and I wanted to know how to mix social involvement with the Gospel.  I know there are lots of ideas based on cultural and political beliefs, but I truly wanted to step outside the political realm and read something that was based on the Biblical principles.  I was curious to see if it help up to what the Bible taught.  

I was pleasantly surprised that this book contained so much information.  It went far beyond my imagination and opened my eyes to some things.  I began to see the rut that we fall in (and I've caught myself falling into at times) where we share the gospel with a certain group in mind.  We don't necessarily mean to, but we don't normally think of taking it to those who are so desperately crying out for hope and someone to believe in.  

Since Tim Chester is a U.K. pastor, his perspective was very enlightening.  It was also interesting to see how things were similar both there and in the United States.  I also appreciate how Chester doesn't water down his words.  He writes what he means and isn't afraid to make his readers think and perhaps, hopefully, become a little uncomfortable as they think on the different thoughts he has raised.  I'm looking forward to reading more by Tim Chester.

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

Glimpses of Grace by Gloria Furman

This book came at the perfect time for me.  It was hard for me to wait to read this book because the cover is absolutely beautiful.  I love the cover and it was relaxing and inspiring to just look at the cover!

Glimpses of Grace helped put my homemaking into perspective.  I struggle at times with seeing God as part of my full day in midst of the mundane chores.  I know He's there and active, but I loose sight of Him when I'm doing things like dishes and the laundry.  I focus on myself and forget to focus on other and have been guilty of wondering "when's my turn."

This book is very biblical and encouraging, yet doesn't water down the gospel and say that it's okay to continue on the path that we are on, whether it's getting angry over the little things or making idols out of our houses.  I really like John Piper and Tim Keller, so I was won over when their quotes were used in this book, too!

I have already recommended this book to several mothers that I know who are really struggling through the mundane with little children.  It was such an encouragement to me and I knew it would be for them, as well.  This would be the perfect gift to give a young mom who feels like she's struggling.

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I received this book free from Crossway 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.

Rhythms of Grace by Mike Cosper

I love this book!  That sums up my thoughts on this book, but I'll expand my thoughts for review purposes!  

Since I have read this book, I have approached worship differently.  Not that I didn't focus on God or anything, but I looked for ways in the worship that pointed the congregation to the gospel.  Many times you miss that in worship and I was glad to see that our church regularly did that.  I also liked how he addressed the differences in the music we sing to.  So many times we focus on the music as "worship" and forget that worship is the whole deal.  I also like how he talked about liturgy.  That for me was very interesting because I had been torn on that some.  Not because I didn't think it was meaningful, but I guess I thought you could easily say the words and not mean it.  But then I started to think that the same is true with singing and with church in general...you could be there, but not really paying attention to God and the stirrings in your heart.  

I really liked how Mike Cosper took a big concept and made it easy to understand, enjoyable to read, and challenging to the readers.  He didn't use a bunch of technical terms that would sound impressive, but you could really feel his heart in this book and know that he meant all he was saying and believed strongly in the power of worship, as we all should.

I wanted to read this book for 2 reasons.  The first was because I love any book dealing with worship, but I am very picky because I don't want it to be a book that focuses on "me."  Worship and our lives are about God.  Second, I wanted to read it because of the people he had review his book, like Albert Mohler and Matt Chandler.  Those are definitely 2 men that I respect their opinions and know that they put their focus on God in their books and not on prosperity gospel.  I also like the Gospel Coalition site, so that was another plus.  All of that to say that who you get to review your books can pull a lot of weight in a person's choice of a book.

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

Risk is Right by John Piper

I admire John Piper and love his sermons.  He is challenging, counter-cultural, and very biblical.  He doesn't tell you what you want to hear and isn't a teacher who teaches prosperity is promised to every believer.  I appreciate his knowledge on the Bible and how he challenges believers to risk everything the sake of Christ. 

Culture says we should hoard and be comfortable.  The Bible says we will have what we need and if we don't have it, perhaps we don't need it.  I liked how he talked about the passage in Matthew 6:25, 31-33 and compared it to Romans 8:35.  I hear that passage in Matthew used a lot and out of context.  Many think that God will give them clothes and food galore, but that's not what it says.  I was glad Piper pointed out that He will give us "enough so that you can trust him and do his will." 

Another point I liked had to do with affliction.  Paul made affliction his slave and conquered it.  I had never quite heard it explained like this, but the whole section about affliction was beautiful.  You can't help but see the mercy of God even in affliction when you know that the enemy wants you to die in pity and denouncing Christ.  I found that section so encouraging and hope that I will always think of affliction in this manner and can even share it with others. 

Above all, Piper reminds us that we face risks everyday.  None of us know when our time will come to perish, but what we choose to do with our lives is up to us.  Will we take the risk for Christ and make our lives count or will we choose to waste our life--living for our fleshly desires.

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