I am Second by Doug Bender and Dave Sterrett

                                             

 

First, let me say, that all this post shows December, I actually did not post this blog until January 22.



Across North America and around the world, millions of people are proclaiming a new anthem: "I Am Second." No longer are they number one. These people have come alive to the truth that God has a plan for this world...a plan that specifically includes them. In this book you will discover their stories--some from notable people and some not so well known-- who have had a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ and are walking in radical obedience by putting Him first in their lives.

These stories are raw and real, dealing with the darkest moments of the human experience. Addictions, depression, infidelity, abortion, cancer, pornography, loneliness, jealousy, divorce, war...each story shows the redemptive power of Jesus...bringing purpose and true joy to every secret place of life. Along with each story, there are also helpful insights from the Bible and authentic life application for you or a group of your friends to discuss.

I have enjoyed reading the book.  I can glean something from God in each testimony.  I realized everyone has a story to tell and this book would encourage other believers to share theirs.  If someone is uncertain about following Christ, I think this book can help them with their decision.

Should you buy the book? Hearing how God steps in and changes a life is worth every penny!

In all fairness, I must say, I did go online and found the personal videos much more engaging.

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."

A Year with Jesus by R. P. Nettelhorst

The back of the book states, " A Year with Jesus is an unforgettable 365-day revelation of Jesus' love through his words, plus reflections and insights to encourage and inspire you. Let his words comfort you and fill your heart and life. As you connect more deeply with the greatest person who ever lived - this person who knows you ad cares about every detail of your life - you'll find yourself living and loving with greater peace, promise and purpose."

The format is broken down into categories, such as Love and Hate, Truth and Lies. Each daily devotional is laid out by scripture first then how that scripture can apply to our lives.

The title and synopsis drew me into ordering this book to review. I just came off a one year sabbatical from devotionals and thought this might be the ideal book to once again begin doing them.

As a seasoned Christian, I found this to be more of a review/reminder of the basics, which is sometimes needed. I do believe, however, this is a great devotional for new believers.

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."

Lost December by Richard Paul Evans

I am a Richard Paul Evans fan, big time.  I ordered this book, not only because of the author, but because of the subject.  Lost December is a modern day telling of the prodigal son.

At the beginning of Chapter One, it says, " Some mistakenly believe that "prodigal" means lost or wayward.  It doesn't.  It means "wastefully extravagant."  No matter, both definitions are true of me.  ~Luke Crisp's Diary~ "

Although this book is a quick read, slow down and really hear the heart of the story.  It is a story of love and forgiveness, a story of reconciliation and healing, a story of trusting and accepting.

This book, along with all his others, is definitely a keeper.

The Grace Effect by Larry Taunton

“Simply defined, the ‘grace effect’ is an observable phenomenon—that life is demonstrably better where authentic Christianity flourishes.”

What does Christianity give us beyond televangelists, potlucks, and bad basketball leagues? Not much, according to the secular Left. The world, they say, would be a better place without it.

Historian and Christian apologist Larry Taunton has spent much of his career refuting just this sort of thinking, but when he encounters Sasha, a golden-haired Ukranian orphan girl whose life has been shaped by atheistic theorists, he discovers an unlikely champion for the transforming power of grace.

Larry Taunton gives a firsthand account of life in a world without Christianity. Using his experience with the adoption process of Sasha, Mr. Taunton helps us comprehend what we have been blessed not to endure. In a society that ignores God, where are the morals, the values, the joy?  How can a world without God be best for us?  Mr. Taunton sets out to show how just one life touched by grace can start a domino effect of changed lives.

I have been a foster parent and have had the opportunity to love on children who had been abused and neglected.  The conditions in the orphanage brought tremendous pain to my heart.  Anger swelled as I read of the children being more of a commodity than a human life.

Sasha's ability to blossom into a precious young lady, having experienced deplorable living conditions and a lack of love and human kindness can be summed up in one word, GRACE!!! 

Whether you are a Christian or a non-Christian, this book will touch your heart.  The Grace Effect made me get on my knees and thank God for His lovingkindness.

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.”

The Love & Respect Experience by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

Dr. Eggerichs has crafted a fifty-two week devotional that will appeal to both wives and husbands as they to listen to what God has to say to them. The Love & Respect Experience is an effective tool to help you and your spouse invigorate your experience with God and rejuvenate your marriage with love and respect.

I must preface my review with the fact that I am not married.  I am, however, involved with ministering to women and am constantly on the lookout for material to assist with the ministry.

I see this book more as ways to start a conversation with your spouse as opposed to a devotional.  The 52 weeks of material contain very basic subject matter for having non-threatening conversations with your spouse, while learning to understand and accept their point of view. The topics covered can allow for shallow to indepth communication between spouses and when unsure, there are discussion questions to assist.

This is a good starter book for engaged and newly wed couples to explore communicating either before marriage or in the early stages.

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.”

Ascent from Darkness by Michael Leehan

Michael Leehan lived and worked for satan for 20 years of his life.  His book relates his encounters and enslavement to the powers of the darkness.  Michael shares his struggles with spiritual warfare, addiction, depression and hopelessness.  Michael Leehan also shares his ventures into ritualistic cuttings, blood sacfifices, jail time, job loss, isolation from friends and family and his assignments from satan.

WOW! This book drew me in yet I found I could only read it in small doses.  Michael's willingness to be honest about what is kept in the dark is to be applauded.  To God be the Glory!

Ascent from Darkness showed how easily satan works and some of his methods.  This book reinforced my need to be praying for lost souls, my need to be in the WORD, in fellowship and to be held accountable. 

I hope there will be a sequel that shares more about his journey since becoming a Christian.  I highly recommend this book but I also encourage you to pray before and during and after your time of reading it.

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.”

Sunrise on the Battery

Mary Lynn and Jackson Scoville are former small town people. Having arrived, they are now living the life they've always wanted while continuing to climb the social ladder.  Ultimately, they desire to give their three daughters a life far better than they had growing up, at least materialistically speaking.

A surprise encounter leads Mary Lynn back to the God of her youth and yet, she is unable to share her newfound faith with Jackson. On the precipice of getting into the highest of social circles, Jackson experiences a Damascus Road experience, which causes him to commit social suicide.

Can their marriage survive the new Jackson and his change of priorities for his family?

I found the beginning of this book to be slow, picking up momentum in the middle and racing at the end.  While the book did tie up the various parts of the story, I feel it ended too soon, that there was more to explore.

This book provided me with self-exploring questions, such as, what if one of my family members became totally sold out to God?  How would I react?  Would it test my comfort levels? 

What if I totally sold myself out to God?  Could I sell my home and give away all that I owned to follow Jesus?

While I enjoyed the concept, I did not enjoy, what I consider, an abrupt ending.

Would I recommend this book?  Yes but not highly.

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.”

One Call Away by Brenda Warner

Brenda Warner shares her life of faith in her book "One Call Away".  Brenda found herself living through any woman's nightmare: a healthy baby tragically injured, an end to a career she loved, betrayal by her spouse, divorce, poverty, death of her parents, all as the result of one shattering phone call at a time.

Not really knowing anything about Brenda Warner, I figured this would be a fairy tale romance, after all, she married Kurt Warner, but I was quite surprised.  I was captivated by her love story and I am not talking about her love for Kurt.  I am talking about her love for God.  Even when she was not living as God would have liked, she had no doubt that God would take care of her and her family.

Brenda's story evoked questions as I read, such as why, with such a strong faith, she made choices that went against God's Word, i.e., sex before marriage. It is those questions about her choices and her faith that kept me reading.  Brenda allows herself to be real in her story.  There were times I wanted to shake her, when I thought she was being too self-centered and then there were times, like the death of her parents, when I wanted to reach through the pages and hug her.

Can this book encourage you in your faith? Yes.  Can it help you get off the fence if you are undecided about accepting Jesus as your savior? Yes.  Can it make you laugh?  Yes.  Can it make you cry?  Yes. 


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.”

Stained Glass Hearts by Patsy Clairmont

In her book, Stained Glass Hearts, Patsy Clairmont compares people to stained glass windows.  She offers insights into how God restores and redeems what seems broken beyond repair.  Through the use of personal experience, art and music, she show beauty created through pain and brokenness.

I have always loved Patsy Clairmont, her wit and wisdom, her transparency and tranquility.  Her stories rock of God's desire and ability to restore and redeem.  While this book differed from others of hers, I liked it. At the end of each chapter is "The Art Gallery" which provides things to research at the library or online. I enjoyed that she took me out of the book and caused me to explore the worlds of art and music in order to bring a complete understanding of the point she was making. 

As I am one of many broken people in the process of being restored, I was able to connect with most of the insights she provides in this book.  While some of this is not new insight, it is presented in a way that I believe will connect to broken people, especially women.

This book is an easy read, which most times, broken people need.  I recommend it for those who are in the process of being restored as well as for those who need a starting place.  I am glad I have a Stained Glass Heart.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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

Sweet Sanctuary by Sheila Walsh & Cindy Martinusen Coloma

Single mom Wren is living in a cottage on her mom's property with her son Charlie.  Charlie is gifted and Wren fights hard to give Charlie stability and security while wrestling with getting him into a prestigious music academy which has expressed an interest in his talent. Throw into the mix, a visit from Grandma Ruth, who wants a birthday party, a handsome man who would like to be Wren's suitor and 2 estranged siblings and you have the makings of a story dealing with forgiveness and healing.

While I enjoyed the foundation of the story, I found the storyline a little meandering, which made the book a slow read. The suspenseful part was more predictable than suspenseful.

I did connect with the main character, Wren and could fully understand the relationship with her sister Barb.  Some of the characters seemed to be thrown into the book without just cause.  It is like they are in this chapter and gone the next so did they need to be in it at all?

The overall message was of forgiveness and healing and the book did accomplish addressing those issues.  Was I challenged in my faith or was I entertained?  Not really.

Should you buy the book?  Perhaps at a thrift store or garage sale.

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.”

Rumors of God

Rumors of God, Experience the Kind of Faith You've Only Heard About by Darren Whitehead & Jon Tyson. I was expecting the same old advice that seems to be in a lot of spiritual growth books today.  I was surprised.

I appreciated that they used "non-christian" jargon to get their points across.  The simplicity of their examples along with easy to understand explanations made for an easy and enjoyable read while the words wormed their way into my heart.

Understanding how something came to be, such as today's marketing strategies, enabled me to see how today's lifestyle slowly transitioned into being.  I realize not only how blind I have been but also how gullible.

I recommend this book.  It has the ability to help get us back on track.  The Reading Group Guide was a bonus as it motivates you to think and encourages you to take action.

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.”

Where the River Ends

I am a huge Charles Martin fan.  I believe his books should be turned into movies and this one is no exception. 

The cover of Where the River Ends comes with a warning: This book will break your heart.  And it will, even though the reader knows a good portion of the ending from the start.

Charles Martin has captured the essence of a true man in how Doss exhibits passion and compassion for his wife Abbie, who is dying of cancer.  Abbie, a supermodel finds that Doss loves her for her heart, not her looks.  In return for that love, she offers him the world through her eyes, which serves to enhance his artistic talents. 

Abbie and Doss surrender to each other which enables them to bring out the best in each other and promote each one's growth.  They are true soul mates, true partners.

This book explores a deep, abiding love, the kind we all desire to have in our lives.

While the book will break your heart, it can also instill love and hope in your heart.

Good reading!

She Makes It Look so Easy

Funny how things work out.  I read a review of the book, She Makes it Look Easy by Marybeth Whalen and added it to my wish list.  A day or two later, I was staying at a friends house and noticed she had the book.  I read it in 2 days.  It was hard to come to work as I really wanted to be home reading this book.

Marybeth Whalen captured my thoughts and set them in ink.  How many times have I wanted someone else's life simply based on the facade I was seeing?  How many times have I slighted someone because I was quick to judge or because someone I truly wanted as my friend did not like her. 

I enjoyed the fact that Marybeth Whalen used a mom as her main character, someone most women could relate to, however, almost any age female could relate to this book.  By the time I finished this book, my mind was racing to who all, besides me, could benefit from the message of this book. 

I say, hurry, hurry, hurry and buy this book.  You won't regret it!  And don't forget to pass it on!

Should I Buy the Book?

I hope to fill this blog with many book reviews!