Finding God in the Hard Times by Matt and Beth Redman

We have all either just come out of the desert or are being prepped to head into the desert. Hard times are not far away in this life. Having been through hard times for an entire year, I remember well the desperation and how I made it to the last trial and felt like all I could do was utter the Lord's name. I had nothing left in me to give and I didn't even know what to pray for anymore. I had to stand on who I knew God was. With that said, this book would have been so perfect for that time...for many reasons.

The first reason is the length. In the midst of pain and suffering, attention span tends to be nonexistent. The daily choices and responsibilities and decisions drain you to the point of wanting to stare at a wall. The length and the intentionality of the chapters was perfect.

Of course the topic would be the second reason. I'm currently walking through a dark time with a friend whose son has cancer. It's not easy. Having walked the cancer journey before, I remember well the struggles to know does God care and why does it seem like my prayers aren't being answered. It's a dark road where it seems to be no light. I immediately told her about this book and am giving it to her because it is encouraging for those in that season. It's encouraging for everyone, but I knew it would speak to her heart. I appreciated that Matt and Beth Redman were real. In fact, I wouldn't say that they shared anything particularly mind blowing or something most don't already know. However, how easy it is for us to be thankful in the good times. How easy it is for us to gloss over the small things and think He's failed us when we only focus on the big things.

If you know anyone going through a trial or suffering right now, this would be a very encouraging book for them to read. It reads really fast, but is full of lots of hope and reminders about who God is.

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

Growing Up Ziglar by Julie Ziglar Norman

I've heard of Zig Ziglar but have never really read anything by him.  I know he's a motivational speaker but that's about the extent of my knowledge about him.  I like reading about people and learning about others, so I figured who better to learn about Zig than from his daughter. 

I enjoyed his perspective from his daughter.  She was honest and risked everything to tell the truth to others about her past.  She admits her failures and her shortcomings.  But that's not all she talks about.  There is a redemptive side, as well.  She shares how she came back to Christ and realized that her guilt was gone, her chains were broken, and she was set free. 

It wasn't the most well-written book I've read, but it was interesting to read and I gained some insight into their lives as a family.  If you like Zig Ziglar, then you'd like this book.  She mentions him a lot and shares many of her memories of her family with the reader.

For more reviews about this book, you can go to: http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13500888/growingupziglar

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