Angels Are For Real - Review

by Judith MacNUTT

I've always loved hearing heavenly miracles. You know the kind where you know God's hand or the hand of an angel has been involved in someones life. I believe we still experience miracles today and that angels do exist. That's why I wanted to review Judith MacNUTT's book 'Angels are for real'.

First, a little about the author:

Judith MacNutt worked as a psychotherapist in private practice and at several hospitals in Boston. She has since started, with her husband, a unique and cutting-edge healing ministry, Christian Healing Ministries.

 

Judith starts the book off with her own story of experiencing her own divine encounter. Her book is written to share more with us than just the re-telling of others experiences. Judith tries to help the reader understand the role of Angels with chapters like:

 

• What Is an Angel?
• How Angels Appear
• Angels in the Kingdom of God
• The Classification of Angels
• Guardian Angels
• Angels and Healing
• Unholy Fallen Angels
• The Veil Is Thin

The writer talks about the jobs of angels and their primary responsibilities. She uses scriptural references to provide examples of angel's primary responsibilities. Throughout the book Judith quotes Bible scripture to help the reader better understand where her opinions come from. She has obviously put much effort into research about Angels.

 

Whether you believe or come to the same understanding as the writer the book serves as encouragement and a jumping off platform for you to do your own research. As with any book, it's meant to be thought provoking, allowing you to make your own final decision.

A final thought:
I was looking for a book with feel good stories. This book does have that but it's more in depth than that. It's not a 'Chicken Soup for the Soul' kind of book. The book requires you to think a little more and is to help you better understand Angels and there purposes. Just so you know.

Here, Home, Hope - A Book Review

I love  having the opportunity to review new things and then sharing them here with you.  As a member of One2One Network, I was recently given the chance to review Here, Home, Hope a novel by Kaira Rouda.  It was just the read I was hoping to have for summer.  I like to read something that's light and easy but that I can also relate to.  This was the book for me.

The book begins with the main character, Kelly Johnson.  Kelly is someone I certainly could relate too.  Dirty little secret......I liked the thought that I'm not the only one battling these issues.  Obviously the writter, Kaira Rouda has thought about them.


Kelly Johnson is turning 40, okay so I'm a little past that but I can totally relate.  She worries, a lot.  Been there, done that.  Just like most women, Kelly's mind is a whirl with thoughts about her marriage, kids, family, frienships, looks and keeping it all together.  In Kelly we can see ourselves a bit.  Trying with all we've got, to make everything look like our life is perfect to the outside world, while secretly struggling with the feelings of insecurity, knowing something is missing.

Kelly comes up with the great  idea of making a list of things to change in her life, as she calls it, her T2C.  I've actually thought of the same thing, well not the name necessarily but this book gives me the desire to implement it.

Kelly and the other characters of the book are so easy to relate to and so funny that you'll find yourself laughing out loud a time or two.  This is a perfect beach read for summer.


Disclosure:  I was provide a free copy of  “Here, Home, Hope,” by One2One Network in exchange for my completely honest review.  Thank you One2One Network.

Max On Life by Max Lucado ~ Book Review

Max Lucado is one of the America's multi bestselling authors  He is America's leading inspiration author.  That's just the second reason I was eager to accept Thomas Nelson Publishings offer to review his newest book.  The first reason was the title.

Max has combined questions that pastors are continually asked, with answers to come up with a book that I had thought about in my mind for years.  Max Lucado has  chosen to share with us these real life questions he has received as a pastor and a writer.  There are seven sections in this book and each section is then looked at in an question and answer format.  

•  Hope ~ God, Grace, and Why am I here?
• Hurt ~ Conflicts, Calamities, and Why me?
• Help ~ Prayer, Scripture, and Why church?
• Him/Her ~ Sex Romance, and Any chance of a second chance?
• Home ~ Diapers, Disagreements and Any hope for prodigals?
• Have/Have-Nots ~ Work, Money, and Where's the lifeline?
• Hereafter ~ Cemeteries, Heaven, Hell and Who goes where?

So how can this pastor answer these questions?  How can we know for sure he knows what he's talking about.  We can trust these answers because Max gives us the the information and references to specific verses in the bible to provide to read for ourselves.  So Max gives you his insight but lets the Word of God answer these questions directly from the bible.  He answers  the questions and backs them up with scripture for a winning combination.

I really found this book engaging.  Some questions I'd never thought of but it was interesting to ponder.  Other questions are ones I'd asked myself so many times and I was really happy to find some guidence.  Reading Max's words makes it a little easier to understand than just matching up bible verses.  I would whole-heartily recommend reading this book. 


Disclosure:  I was not paid to review this book but was given a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.  Thanks to Max Lucado and Thomas Nelson Publishers for providing this book.

Gods Wisdom For Mothers Review

 
God's Wisdom for Mothers is a book that every Mom should have. I'm not just talking about Mommy's with children at home either.  Don't we continue to love, care and worry about our children no matter what age they are?  We continue to see the word of God to give them the best guidance we can.  I love that this book is small enough to go in your purse or the console of the car.  It would be just right for having on your desk at work, near the kitchen for a quick passage or on your bedside table.  

 

I really enjoy devotional books because they provide an opportunity for you to read a quick passage with a touching message of hope or comfort when  you need it in most in your cram-packed day.

 

Jack Countryman did a wonderful job keeping it simple and organized when he compiled this into a tidy little book.  You find it first broken down into chapters which are then subdivided into smaller categories.  Whether you're in need of  wisdom and guidance or encouragement and comfort, this little book has something to share during all those times.  Like the sample below:

God's Wisdom with Children

• Requires Daily Instruction
• Begins in the Home
• Includes Proper Training and Correction
• Reaps Lasting Rewards

God Walks with Mothers

• Through Heartache
• Through Adversity
• Through Worry
• Through Impatience
• Through Disappointment

 I  can't help but think how perfect this would be for an Easter gift or a Mother's day gift.  A perfect size to tuck into an Easter basket or a gift bag with a teacup and some tea and chocolates.  In today's fast pasted world this book is an absolutely perfect way to find a moment to spend with God.  Just as our bodies need an afternoon pick-me-up so do our souls.

"Let your heart retain my words;

Keep my commands, and live. 

Get wisdom! Get understanding! 

Do not forget, nor turn away

from the words of my mouth.

Do not forsake her,

and she will preserve you;

Love her, and she will keep you."

~Proverbs 4:4-6~

The publisher provided me with a complimentary copy of this book to review through BookSneeze.  I was not paid for my review and all expressions are my own honest opinions.

365 Days of Adventure Bible: Book of Devotions Review

I love this book.  I really do! The NIV Adventure Bible Book of Devotions is another book from Zonderkidz publications.  With my grandchildren being 8 and 10 years old, I was quick to say yes when asked to review this book.  It's designed for 9 to 12 year old kids. 

The author Robin Schmitt has a passion for inspiring readers of all ages toward spiritual maturity and childlike faith. The Adventure Bible Book of Devotions is the companion to the #1 bestselling NIV Adventure Bible that I reviewed earlier this week.  If you missed it, you can read it here.


This is the first devotional book I've ever read for children.  This is 365 Days of Adventure.  That's a whole year of daily devotions to read.  What a wonderful way to get your children into the habit of starting each day spending time with the word, in prayer.  Those few minutes during breakfast can make a lifetime of difference.


From the back of the book:
Grab your spyglass and compass, and set sail for adventure!

Like a map that leads to great treasure, The NIV Adventure Bible: Book of Devotions takes kids on a thrilling, enriching quest.  This yearlong devotional is filled with exciting fictional stories about kids finding adventure in the real world.  Boys and girls will learn more about God and the Bible, and be inspired to live a life of faith - the greatest adventure of all. 

In the picture above you'll see 3 generations of  Bibles or Bible stories.  The bottom one is not my first bible but probably the 2nd.  I was 7 years old when I received it.  The Book for Children was a gift to my son Ty for his 6th birthday.  Now I will be able to give my grandkids this book of devotions.  It makes me so happy to think they will read it each morning over breakfast and talk to their parents about the stories and the message.


As much as I love the Bible  and respect the King James Version,  I really appreciate the NIV's.  I mean really, if you were a kid which do you think you'd pick up first from the ones I've shown above?  I wish I would have had these options as a kid.  I highly recommend the Devotional by itself and even better, to go along with the NIV Adventure Bible.  


I would highly recommend this book.

Zonderkidz - Inspiring young lives. 
Disclosure:  I was not paid for my endorsement of this Bible. Zondervan / Zonderkidz sent me this Bible to review in exchange for my honest opinion.  Transparency is everything.

31 Days of Drawing Near To God - My Review

From the cover:
Resting Securely in His Delight

Isn't that something each of us desires?  What could possibly compare to know that God has control of our lives.  This year I've had such a deep burning to feel a stronger connect with the Lord and that's just why I chose this book.

From the back coverDraw Near . . . He'll answer your deepest longings.  

With chapters like, Everything About Him Says Something About Me and He Is Always In Control, I couldn't resist wanting to read this book.  I wanted to know more and I thought Ruth Myers might just have the insight to help me grow in my search.  

Do you enjoy the soul-satisfying intimacy with God you were created for? 
In this heartfelt devotional, beloved author Ruth Myers invites you to a personal, daily encounter with your first, last and best love.

In her book Ruth encourages the reader to not just read her words but to study her references with her.  She quotes others as well.  I like that the whole book is devoted to 31 days.  That in itself tells me that there is a start and an expected finish time.  When you have trouble focusing on one thing, like I do, this is a plus, it's not a daunting task that may go unfinished.  Each days reading is short but is very thoughtfully written and contains powerful message.  What Ruth does, is provide food for thought and direction for your search. Each day Ruth shares her touches, Bible scriptures and a prayer.  It's a place to start each day and then go further with your Bible in hand.  She reminds us just how much God longs to have us draw near to him.




About the Author:
Ruth Myers is the author and coauthor of numerous books and Bible studies, including the best-selling 31 Days of Praise. Alongside her late husband Warren, she served with the Navigators in Asia for many years, teaching others how to gain a deeper, richer exerpience of God and His Word. Ruth now lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Title: 31 Days of Drawing Near to God: Resting Securely in His Delight
Author: Ruth Myers
Publisher: Multnomah Books
ISBN: 9780307729446
ISBN: 9780307508904 (electronic)
SRP: $12.99 US / $14.99 CAN
Format: Trade Paperback
Devotional Christian Living

I received this book from from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group at no charge so that I could review it and provide my honest opinion. 

Lazarus Awakening Confirms That I'm Not So Different

I've just finished reading Joanna Weavers new book Lazarus Awakening.  I use the word finished loosely because even though I've read it, I am by no means finished with it.  This is not fantasy or a fairytale.  It's a chance to do some personal reflection and to uncover some truths about my own life with insights rooted in scripture. So I'm giving this book a 5 star rating.  Below you can read my review.
This was the first book that I've ever read by Joanna Weaver and without question I plan to read another book written by her.

This book pulled me in from the first chapter.  How very wise of Joanna to start with our own insecurities.  I often look at other people and think they have it all together, while I question my own relationship with God.  I can meet a stranger and with all sincerity tell them that God loves them no matter what, that there is every reason to have hope and expect great things.  But I don't, in my heart always feel that same assurance in my own relationship with God.  My mind and my heart are on two different wavelengths at times.

So for me it was nice to hear this was an issue that other women address as well.

This book helped me to see the story of Lazarus beyond the few words in the bible.  It help me to understand how much more there is to be uncovered in the words of the bible.  Which brings me to another important aspect of Joanna's book.  She has included a 10 week study guide, which I love because it gives me questions to reflect on so that I might gain even more understanding.

This book may be a faster read for others than it was for me.  I found myself reading various paragraphs over again.  I wanted to understand and gain a better perspective.  I don't think I'm done with this book yet.  Even though it's written in a very straightforward fashion, I feel like it's a book I can pick up and read again and gain new insight each time.

I really enjoy the style of Joanna's writing and think most women will find answers that speak to their lives.

I would rate this book a strong 5 stars.
Disclosure:  I received a free advance copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for my review.  This is my honest review after reading the book.  Transparency is everything.

In Constant Prayer Book Review

I recently joined Sneezebook's Blogger review team.  I'm excited to have the opportunity to review new books and share them with you, my friends, my readers.

For my very first book review, I chose to read "In Constant Prayer" by Robert Bensen.  I chose the title because I've been on a journey of discovery with God lately.  Over the past 5 months prayer has been growing increasingly important in our house.  I've always prayed but never as much I have lately.  Sometimes it takes unfortunate events to bring us back to the most important basics.  Things like stress in our home and the illness of my MIL.  I've had so many prayers for our family from so many people, well, I just wanted to know more about how to pray.  Sounds silly.  How to pray, but it's not.

 I was raised Methodist and though I do have some experiences with praying as a group in church, I didn't really understand what Daily Office meant.  I was thinking more like devotionals and prayer at the "office".

To be quite honest I was disappointed.  The book was difficult for me to stay interested in.  Mr. Benson writes as though he's talking to you, telling a story but it seems to be somewhat repetitive. From what I understand from reading about the daily office is that having a set time and prayer is a way to get into the practice of drawing nearer to the Lord.  Though I enjoy reading creeds during church services, such as The Apostles Creed, as a group with my congregation,  I prefer to spend more intimate time with the Lord throughout the week.  I still want to study prayer more but "In Constant Prayer" not influence me to want to practice the daily office.  Maybe, because of my more Protestant background rather than Catholic this was not a book that I would recommend.  

And because of that  I've chosen to give "In Constant Prayer" 3 out of 5 stars.

I recieved this book from the BookSneeze.com blogger program in exchange for my honest review.