Book Review: Mothering from Scratch by Melinda Means and Kathy Helgemo

Back Cover: Find Your Own Mothering Style

Trying to follow someone else's rules for mothering can take the joy out of being a parent. But Mothering From Scratch shows you how to develop your own style that helps you be the best mom for your kids.

Full of solid biblical truth, this book will help you

• explore your personality and examine your strengths and weaknesses in order to find what works for you
• tap into the resources surrounding you and get mentoring and support from other moms
• push past the fear of change or doing it wrong and allow room for grace in your mothering

Melinda Means and Kathy Helgemo provide a flexible, customizable approach to help you discover your optimal parenting style.

My Review: Being a mom is hard enough without trying to live up to everyone else's unspoken rules for parenting. When I got married, I wanted to be the ultimate homemaker but I soon discovered that I hate sewing and detest cooking. I had to find the style of homemaking that fit my strengths and my family. Almost seven years later, I'm still figuring out what that means. When I was first pregnant, I had images of how motherhood would work for me. I knew my strengths as a teacher and my love for toddler and older children. I was unprepared for the child God gave me. My son has the makings of a great leader. He is driven, stubborn, and almost too intelligent. He has stretched me in ways that I didn't know were possible. More often than not, I've wondered how I would ever survive this thing called motherhood without damaging the precious child I've been entrusted with.

Reading Mothering from Scratch gave me a glimpse into why I often feel over my head. When I try to run my home by following someone else's set of rules, I'm left completely defeated and all the joy gets sucked out of life. When I'm too busy, distracted, or overwhelemed to nourish my soul with the Word of God, I have nothing left to nourish the relationships my family. Mothering from Scratch isn't going to tell you how to raise your children or run your household, but it is going to show you how you can embrace your strengths and find the structure and "rules" that work for your family. Over and over I saw myself in the pages of this book. I've been through the struggles. I've felt the pressure to do more, preform better, and be what I perceive other mothers to be. The truth is, none of us are perfect. What we see on Facebook is often only the good times in other people's lives. Everyone struggles, but we don't have to be overcome with the struggles we are facing. There is hope that each one of us can be the best mom that we can be. But that will only happen when we stop trying to live our lives following another woman's blueprint. I'm learning to embrace my strengths and weaknesses. You can too.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I recommend this book to every Christian woman struggling silently with her role as a mother.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Book Review: Stolen - A True Story of a Sex Trafficking Survivor by Katariina Rosenblatt and Cecil Murphey

Back Cover: There is hope, even on the darkest of days

Katariina Rosenblatt was a lonely and abused young girl, yearning to be loved, wanting attention. That made her the perfect target. On an ordinary day, she met a confident young woman--someone Kat wished she could be like--who pretended to be a friend while slowly luring her into a child trafficking ring. A cycle of false friendships, threats, drugs, and violence kept her trapped.

As Kat shares her harrowing experiences, her ultimate escape, and her passionate efforts to now free other victims, you'll see that not only is sex trafficking happening frighteningly close to home--it's also something that can be stopped. Stolen is a warning, a celebration of survival, and a beacon of hope that will inspire you.

My Review: It is so easy to pretend we live in a world where horrible things can't happen to innocent children. Abuse is real and all around us. Stolen is a heart-breaking, yet hope-filled account of a sex trafficking survivor. While I think this book is an excellent read for church workers and parents, I would caution allowing children to read this book due to the sensitive nature of the subject matter. Reading this book opened my eyes to how easily children can be manipulated into a destructive lifestyle, especially those who have been abused. It strengthens my resolve to protect my son and pray for my nieces.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I recommend this book to parents and church workers.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Book Review: The Woman Code by Sophia A. Nelson

Back Cover: Your Key to Unlocking a More Fulfilling Life

Every woman lives by a Code, whether she realizes it or not. The Code is as old as time. It has been practiced for thousands of years, quietly, among the sisterhood of women. This Code is her road map to living, a guidepost residing deep within her spirit. It governs her romantic relationships, friendships, family ties, career choices, and personal sense of well-being and value. And when her Code is out of balance, her life is out of balance.

Drawing from her personal faith and from her experience in the business world, Sophia Nelson explores 20 keys to unlocking the life you want, such as:

· Knowing your innate value and worth
· Teaching people how to treat you
· Making peace with your past
· Learning to lead from within
· Lifting other women as you climb

The Woman Code helps women to honor themselves while navigating the demands of work, home, family, and friendship. It not only calls on women to practice purpose in their lives, it shows them how to do it with grace.

My Review: When I read the information about this book, I was excited to dive in. However, only a few pages in I realized this wasn't exactly what I had imagined. While the writing style is easy to read, I missed the scriptural backbone I enjoy in books like this. The Woman Code is excellent for those who are not interested in lots of God talk or being constantly confronted with scripture. There are a lot of great points made in the book and I can see it has great cross-over potential for the secular market.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I recommend this book to women who enjoy motivational books without too much Christian content.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Book Review: He Wins She Wins by Willard F. Harley, Jr.

Back Cover: Every conflict in your marriage is an opportunity to fall more deeply in love.

You've probably heard a lot of advice on how to resolve conflicts in your marriage. What you may not know is that if a resolution comes only in order to keep the peace, it's no resolution at all. Marriage expert Willard F. Harley, Jr., says there's a better way.

What's different about the He Wins, She Wins approach is the ultimate goal--for you and your spouse to grow in your love for each other. This win-win model for negotiation starts with a simple rule: Never do anything without an enthusiastic agreement between you and your spouse.

Think that sounds impossible? In this book, Dr. Harley will show you how it's been done in his marriage of over fifty years--and in the marriages of the thousands of couples he's counseled. He'll explain the art of marital negotiation, show you how to resolve common conflicts the right way, and help you overcome these common obstacles:

· emotional reactions are preventing calm discussion
· neither of you wants to talk about an issue
· one or both of you are indecisive
· one of you is happy with the status quo
· being enthusiastic about anything doesn't seem possible

And above all, he'll show you how every decision you make together will increase your love for each other.

My Review: I am a big believer in reading books on marriage. When I heard about He Wins, She Wins, I knew it was a book I had to read. I'm not a good negotiator. My husband won't even play Monopoly with me, because I can't negotiate the trade of play property. A whole book on marital negotiation seemed to be a good fit for me. I'm glad that I took the time to read it. Harley gives many good points about making marriage negotiations work. I'm competitive by nature, so often my negotiation strategy is a win-lose ordeal. No one likes to lose, and Harley points out that win-lose situations are really lose-lose situations in marriage. Some of the concepts that he gives in this book are not easy to live in the day to day, but I can see how, if they are effectively implemented, they can change the whole dynamic of a marriage from good to great. I don't know about you, but I want a great marriage.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to married or engaged couples.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Book Review: Parenting the Powerful Child by Kevin Leman

About the Book: Powerful kids don't just happen. They're created. Whether loud and temperamental, quiet and sensitive, or stubborn and manipulative, powerful children can make living with them a challenge. But it doesn't have to be that way. All children need to face the realities of life, and the best place for them to do so is in the safe place of their home. For all the parents out there at their wits' end, "New York Times "bestselling author Dr. Kevin Leman offers the fail-safe action plan to redirecting power surges into positive traits that will prepare the powerful child for a successful, happy, productive adult life. Parents will learn how powerful children are created, what makes them tick, what makes them explode, and what they can do to change the power plays . . . for the good of the entire family. All it takes is determination, persistence, willpower, and advice that works--guaranteed.

My Review: My son is only two, but I found this book helpful in noticing power-plays that he is starting to make, even at this young age. I appreciate Dr. Leman's approach to rearing children. While he doesn't spend much time quoting scripture, I can clearly see his biblical worldview shining from the advice he gives to parents. Not only does this book point out different kinds of powerful kids, but it also shows how the kids got that way and what we, as parents, can do about it. Too often, as I read, I saw myself as a child. No wonder there was so much fighting and tension in my home growing up. We had four powerful people all living under the same roof.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to all parents with children still in the home.



Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Book Review: What a Son Needs from his Mom by Cheri Fuller

Back Cover: Ever Feel Like Your Son Is From a Different Planet?

Don't worry, Mom. There's a good reason why your son perplexes you. He's the OPPOSITE sex! Boys really do think, communicate, and process the world differently than girls. But no matter your son's age, he needs you, and he needs you in not-so-apparent ways.

Drawing from her own experiences, as well as those from moms and sons from around the country, Cheri Fuller shares what makes boys and young men tick and how to become a more welcome influence at every stage in their lives. She answers all the top questions, including:

• "How can I help my son (and me!) deal with his emotions in a healthy way?"
• "School is such a struggle. How can I help him?" 
• "Our personalities are SO different. How can we get on the same page?"
• "My son hardly says a thing. What can I do?"
• "What are the best ways to instill good values?"
• "How can I encourage a lasting faith in God?"

With page after page of use-it-today advice and encouraging stories, this book will help you steer your son toward becoming a caring, confident young man.

Includes Reflection Questions for Personal or Group Use

Great for understanding grandsons, too!

My Review: As a mother of a small son, I am always interested in reading books on the topic, so when given the opportunity to review this book, I jumped on it. The title made me wonder what treasures the author had in store. After all, what mom doesn't want to know what her son needs. What I found inside were principles that could be applied to raising sons, no matter the age of the child. What I came away with was that I need to be raising my son with the end goal in sight. And what is that end goal? To raise a man. The author encourages mothers to be purposeful in the way that we handle our sons. It is easy for me to get caught up in the stresses of the day and lose track of the man my son will become. After reading What a Son Needs From His Mom, I am more determined than ever to be conscience of way I'm training my boy to become a man of God.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I recommend this book to Christian moms who have sons.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Book Review: Happily Ever After by Gary Chapman

Excerpt: Your marriage may be weeks, months, years, or decades old. It may be strong or struggling, stable or challenging. My prayer is that this book will encourage you, help you and your spouse better understand and communicate with each other, and provide practical takeaways for dealing with whatever conflicts you might face. You just may find that you have a new joy in each other and that you can indeed live and love...happily ever after. Happily Ever After, pg viii.

Back Cover: Let's face it - even the best marriages hit an occasional bump in the road now and then. The secret to marital bliss lies in how you and your spouse handle those bumps.

In Happily Ever After, Dr. Gary Chapman, the man who wrote the book on how husbands and wives can effectively love one another, shows couples how to successfully navigate the six most common problems they face: fighting fair, negotiating change, managing money, raising kids, maintaining a healthy sex life, and getting along with in-laws.

Drawing on more than 30 years of counseling experience, Dr. Chapman provides real-world examples and practical, battle-tested advice that will help you and your spouse better understand and communicate with each other...and grow as a couple for years to come.

My Review: I am blessed with a wonderful marriage, but I recognize that I have to work to keep it wonderful. That is why I enjoy reading books on marriage. I want to be the best wife that I can be, and I believe that Gary Chapman's book Happily Ever After can help me achieve that goal. Happily Ever After is filled with practical advice that can help any couple. I appreciated the questions at the end of the chapters, and the examples given in the book. I came away with several things that I can do that will improve my marriage, and I know that any one reading this book will be able to get something out of it. It has been a long time since I read Gary Chapman's The Five Love Languages, and I liked that he incorporated those ideas into this book. It was a nice refresher course. I encourage all married couples to take some time and read books that will help you with your marriage. It will be time well spent.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to couples who are looking to make their marriage even better.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers for the purpose of review.

Book Review: The Resolution for Men by Stephen and Alex Kendrick

Excerpt: Whether you are married or not, or have children or not, we invite you to take on the challenge. Apply the Resolution to your situation, and join us in embracing God's call to become godly men who are stepping up as spiritual leaders in this generation.

Signing this resolution will be easy and take seconds. But fully living it out and being true to its principles will be difficult and take the rest of our lives. We are aware of this. This is why it is good to do this with other men and to maintain accountability. In fact, we're added discussion questions at the end of the book, as well as a memory verse and specific challenge at the end of each chapter, to help you get the most out of this experience.

But be sure of this: whatever way you choose to go about it, every chapter in this book is a strategic investment in you to help you win. We are inviting you to be courageous - to learn what it means to become a man of firm resolution. We fully intend to give ourselves to this and are asking God to help us intentionally pursue the kind of lives that are found faithful to Him in the end. And we are asking you to join us on this incredible journey.

As men, we are called to this! We were made for this!

And by God's grace we can do this! It's time to man up! The Resolution for Men, pg 7.

Back Cover: While most men will die with deep regrets, others will resolve to live for what matters most.

From the New York Times best-selling authors of The Love Dare comes a strong resolution of faith, family, and fatherhood that sets men on a course toward long-term success - the kind that breaks the chains of your past, earns the loving trust of your wife, winds the hearts of your children, and prepares a legacy beyond what your father could leave for you. With a clear resolution, you'll be able to see exactly where you're going. Straight ahead into a life marked by renewed faithfulness.

My Review: If you're a man, you need to read this book! We all need this challenge to live our lives in a God-honoring way, each and every day. This book excites me and challenges me at the same time. I can't help but wonder how God is going to use this powerful tool. I want Him to use it in my family. My husband hasn't had a chance to read this book yet, but he wants to. Someday, when my son is older, I want him to read this as well. I want the men in my family to be ones who honor God in their daily lives. This book isn't just a bunch of nice stories that help us feel better about ourselves, but a challenge to higher living. This book isn't for the faint at heart. You really have to be courageous to dedicate yourself to the resolution presented in this book. I pray that many men in our generation will read this book and be changed. God can do anything with a man (or woman) who is resolved to live their lives for him. Are you courageous enough to sign the resolution?

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to men of all ages.

Book has been provided courtesy of David C Cook and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from B&H Publishing Group.

Book Review: The Resolution for Women by Priscilla Shirer

Excerpt: My hope is that you'll read this book slowly and purposefully - not with the intention of finishing but of engaging with each segment. So at the end of each little section or chapter, you'll find some questions or concepts to consider, perhaps a suggested, practical application for you to implement. I encourage you to take your time, maybe even a full day between segments so you can put into practice what you're reading within the rhythms of our own life. Again, resist the urge to "just finish." Choose instead to consider carefully where you stand with each suggestion and biblical principle, and then spend time practicing what you're resolving to implement into your life. These same questions could also be adapted for use in a small group or a regular gathering of friends, enabling you to work through these points with some sisters who can keep you accountable. That's how a resolution becomes revolutionary. Life changing. The Resolution for Women, pg 5.

Back Cover: With everything you have to do, have you taken the time to decide who you want to be?

From best-selling author Priscilla Shirer, in partnership with the creators of The Love Dare, comes a resolution that challenges you to realign your daily decisions in a way that glorifies God and fulfills who He created you to be. Layered with biblical truth and seasoned with encouragement, The Resolution for Women will inspire the woman you see in the mirror to trust God's perfect plan for her life, resolving to become "purposefully feminine, surprisingly satisfied, and faithfully His."

My Review: Prepare to be changed. I needed this book. I've not stopped to think about who I wanted to be in a long time. I like to make resolutions, but I have a hard time with the follow through most of the time. This book, changed the way I looked at the resolutions that I was making, and caused me to take a closer look at who I am and how I live my daily life. I really appreciated the illustrations and examples in the book, and the challenge that it presented to me as a woman who wants to honor God. I will be reading this book again!

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to women of all ages.

Book has been provided courtesy of David C Cook and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from B&H Publishing Group.

Book Review: Courageous Living by Michael Catt

Excerpt: We need men to match our mountains. In these pages I explore the examples of people in the Bible who displayed great courage when playing it safe would have been easier. They challenge us to keep moving forward. They cause us to examine our priorities and deal with anything that brings fear to our hearts. Courageous Living, pg 3.

Back Cover: Catch a fresh wind of bravery through the bold biblical accounts of Abraham, Joshua, Ruth, and many others in Courageous Living by Michael Catt, pastor and executive producer of the unforgettable film COURAGEOUS.

In the movie, four police officers are focused and confident when it comes to facing danger on the job. But leading their families at home in a God-honoring way? That takes courage.

Because we are called to take a faithful, fearless stand in all that matters, Catt sheds new light on the stories of people in the Bible who displayed great courage when it would have been easier to play it safe. They challenge and inspire us now to keep moving forward, to examine our priorities, and to deal with anything that brings fear to our heart.

My Review: I found Courageous Living a motivating and inspiring book. Michael Catt presents the familiar stories of the heroes of the faith in a practical and challenging way. After reading these pages, you can't help but want to be courageous in every aspect of your life. I was encouraged, challenged and changed as I read the pages of this book. I'm sure you will be too.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this book.

Book has been provided courtesy of David C Cook and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from B&H Publishing Group.

Book Review: The Book of Man by William J. Bennett

Excerpt: Every community, even Sodom and Gomorrah, has one individual in it who might be identified to students as worth admiring. This could be done even as students are taught to engage in the now honored practice of suspecting the motives of everyone else. I think the time taken for this exercise will be worth it. And it's possible that if we don't take the time, our children, taught as they have been to doubt, will live the consequences of not knowing what they may safely believe. The Book of Man, pg xxix.

Back Cover: What it means to be a man

Raising up men has never been easy, but today it seems particularly tough. The young and old need heroes to embody the eternal qualities of manhood: honor, duty, valor, and integrity. In The Book of Man, William J. Bennett points the way, offering a positive, encouraging, uplifting, realizable idea of manhood, redolent of history and human nature, and practical for contemporary life.

Using profiles, stories, letters, poems, essays, historical vignettes, and myths to bring his subject to life, The Book of Man defines what a man should be, how he should live, and to what he should aspire in several key areas of life: war, work, leisure, and more. "Whether we take up the sword, the plow, the ball, the gavel, our children, or our Bibles," says Bennett, "we must always do it like the men we were called to be." The Book of Man shows how.

My Review: It seems that our society is full of negative examples of what it is to be a man, or a woman. We've lost sight of the character traits and virtues that allow us to honor God in our lives. I am a new mother, and I long for my son to grow up to be a man of character. I want him to be a man after God's own heart like King David. It is the parent's responsibility to train their children in the way they should go. I believe that The Book of Man will help parents in this endeavor. Filled with examples of men, both contemporary and historical, The Book of Man gives clear meaning and a framework of what it means to be a man. My husband and I have enjoyed this book, and look forward to reading it with our son as he grows. It is a welcome addition to our library.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to parents of boys and young men.

(I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review.)

Book Review: My Life and Lesser Catastrophes by Christina Schofild

Excerpt: I'm convinced that at least once in life, every person finds himself or herself staring eyeball-to-eyeball with that one big question, "Am I right about God?" I was born and raised in church. I was Bible college-trained and had spent years in ministry. Yet here I was, back at the very foundation of it all, praying, "Please be real!" Even though I was utterly, desperately dependent on God more now than ever before, doubts still nagged at me as Allen began what would be a three-week stay in the ICU. My Life and Lesser Catastrophes, pg 21.

Back Cover: For Christina Schofield, the difference between life as she'd always known it and a life of fear and uncertainty was a matter of a few pebbles.

As the motorcycle she and her husband were riding hit a patch of loose gravel, the bubble around her smooth Christian life popped. The safety nets she thought she had - based on unquestioning obedience to God, unyielding faith, a ministry-focused life - broke as their bodies were hurled from the bike.

What began that very moment was an emotional search for the God she thought she knew. With warmth and transparency, Christina describes facing her deepest questions of faith - and God's painful silence - with honesty, sincerity and humor, showing that even in our darkest hours, God's goodness shines through.

My Review: I was drawn to this book because of the description on the back. I have lived in that safe Christian bubble, and I know what it is like to suddenly have it pop and wonder if God is still in control. I wanted to read about another woman's journey through tough times. I do appreciate the voice and tone of this book. Christina lays her heart bear as she tells about her struggles after the accident, especially in regard to her husband's physical condition. I loved the lessons that she learns about God through being a mother to her daughter. We are so like children in the way that we expect things from God. My only problem with this book is the huge focus on miraculous physical healing. I'm not saying that God can't heal in this day and age, I just wish that the book wasn't so focused on the quest for that physical healing. Christina isn't going to answer the big questions for you, but she will give you a look into how she dealt with the big question of suffering in her life, and came away stronger for it.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I recommend this book to those who wonder why Christians suffer.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Chosen, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Book Review: Money & Marriage by Matt Bell

Excerpt: If you are reading this book together, you are on the road to making your marriage different. You can learn to use money in a way that minimizes financial disputes, contributes greatly to your marital happiness, and gives you a sense of deep joy and satisfaction. Whether you are engaged or newly married, the book in your hands is a guide to that type of experience. Money & Marriage, pg 14.

Back Cover: Newlywed couples quickly discover that money is a big deal in their new lives together. Conversations about money can all too easily turn into arguments about spending habits, credit card debt, and when to make major purchases. Getting on the same financial page is essential because research has shown that the more frequently a couple fights about finances, the more likely they are to divorce. So how do you as an engaged or newly married couple work as a team when dealing with money?

Financial expert Matt Bell shows you the way. This book will help you make the most of each other's financial strengths, teaching you how to work together to build a solid financial future. Through a ten-step action plan, you'll learn how to prioritize goals, get out of debt, build savings, invest wisely, buy a house, and much more - all in a way that minimizes stress and maximizes unity. With this essential guide, you'll avoid the pitfalls and place yourselves on the path to financial success.

My Review: Growing up, financial discussions were taboo in our household. My mother and father rarely spoke about money - other than to argue about it - and so I learned to avoid all discussions on the matter. Thankfully, my husband was of a different mindset. Early in our marriage we sat down and talked about many of the issues found in this book. I have never been so glad that we did. Our marriage has had very few financial arguments in it, and I truly believe it is because we took care of things right at the beginning.

Matt Bell's book really hits on the key areas of financial struggles and arguments. My husband and I enjoyed reading this book and discussing again the many considerations found between the covers. I think this book should be required reading for any couple going into marriage.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to engaged and newly married couples!

(I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review)

Book Review: If God, Why Evil? by Norman L. Geisler

Excerpt: I vividly remember my first debate with an atheist, at Lake County Community College, north of Chicago. He claimed the untold evil in the world demonstrates that there cannot possibly be a God. When I asked by what moral standard he was making this judgement, he immediately realized he was on the horns of a dilemma. If he admitted there is an ultimate moral law by which he knew the world to be evil, then this would lead to an ultimate Moral Lawgiver. If he denied an objective moral law, then this would seem to wipe away any solid grounds for his complaint against God.

His answer was frank but shocking: "I don't have any ultimate moral law by which I am making my judgment that this world is evil. My conclusion is simply based on my own benign moral feeling." Of course, had I said my basis for believing in God was not based on any objective evidence - only my own benign moral feeling - I would have been laughed off the platform. If God, Why Evil? pg 11.

Back Cover: Where did evil come from? And why doesn't God do something about it?

The problem of evil is perhaps the most difficult question the Christian must face. If God is all-good and all-powerful, why is there suffering in the world? Can't God put an end to murder, rape, and starvation? What about earthquakes, hurricanes, and tsunamis? Why couldn't a perfect God have made a perfect world?

In this concise but thorough book, Dr. Norman Geisler carefully answers these tough questions, using step-by-step explanations and compelling examples. He walks the reader through time-tested answers but also provides a new approach to revolving around whether or not this world is the "best of all possible worlds." All this adds up to comforting news for believers: We can rest assured that God is both loving and all-powerful.

My Review: I requested this book for review, and promptly forgot all about it. One night, my husband and I were having a conversation over dinner about evil in the world. It was very interesting listening to his opinions on the subject and throwing ideas back and forth. I enjoyed the discussion immensely. The next day, Norman Geisler's book came in the mail. I immediately sat down, and became engrossed in his arguments and logical progressions. The book was an enjoyable, and informative read. I can't wait to share it with my husband. I know that he'll appreciate it as much as I did.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this book!

(I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review.)

Book Review: Bonhoeffer by Eric Metaxas

Excerpt: Death reveals that the world is not as it should be but that it stands in need of redemption. Christ alone is the conquering of Death. ~Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Bonhoeffer, pg 380.

Back Cover: Who better to face the greatest evil of the 20th century than a humble man of faith?

As Adolf Hitler and the Nazis seduced a nation, bullied a continent, and attempted to exterminate the Jews of Europe, a small number of dissidents and saboteurs worked to dismantle the Third Reich from the inside. One of these was Dietrich Bonhoeffer - a pastor and author, known as much for such spiritual classics as The Cost of Discipleship and Life Together, as for his 1945 execution in a concentration camp for his part in the plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler.

In the first major biography of Bonhoeffer in forty years, New York Times best-selling author Eric Metaxas takes both strands of Bohoeffer's life - the theologian and the spy - and draws them together to tell a searing story of incredible moral courage in the face of monstrous evil.

In Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet Spy - A Righteous Gentile vs. the Third Reich, Metaxas presents the fullest accounting of Bonhoeffer's heart-wrenching 1939 decision to leave the safe haven of America for Hitler's Germany, and using extended excerpts from love letters and coded messages written to and from Bonhoeffer's Cell 92, Metaxas tells for the first time the full story of Bonhoeffer's passionate and tragic romance. Metaxas also sheds new light on Bonhoeffer's reaction to Kristallnacht, his involvement in the famous Valkyrie plot and in "Operation 7," the effort to smuggle Jews into neutral Switzerland.

Bonhoeffer is the story of a life framed by a passion for truth and a commitment to justice on behalf of those who face implacable evil.

My Review: I've read a lot of history books in my day, having minored in the subject, but I was not aware of the amazing life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer till reading this book. This biography is very in depth, and at times difficult to wade through, but the hours spent between its covers gave me a new perspective. Bonhoeffer was not only a pastor, but he was a spy and to my mind, those two occupations did not go together. Reading the excerpts from Bonhoeffer's writings gave me a glimpse into the mind of a man who died willingly for a cause greater than himself. The story of Bonhoeffer's life may well inspire you, as it did me.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I would recommend this book to those who love history, especially the era of World War II.

Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller.

Book Review: The American Patriot's Almanac by William J. Bennett and John T.E. Cribb

Excerpt: People all over the world recognize Uncle Sam - the tall, white-haired gentleman dressed in red, white, and blue - as a symbol of the United States. Where did this old fellow with the top hat come from?

No one knows for sure, but tradition says he first showed up during the War of 1812. Business man Samuel Wilson of Troy, New York, who was known to friends as Uncle Sam, supplied the Army with beef in barrels. The barrels were labeled "U.S." to show they belonged to the United States government. Somewhere along the way, it is said, folks began to joke that the "U.S." stood for Uncle Sam, and a national symbol was born. The American Patriot's Almanac, pg 245.

Back Cover: Read Here the Storied History of these United States.

The stories in this book are part of what Abraham Lincoln called that "mystic chords of memory." They are the symbols that define the essence of the United States, that mark its historic course, and connect its people. The American Patriot's Almanac is a daily source of inspiration and information about the history, heroes, and achievements that sum up what this nation is all about.

My Review: I thoroughly enjoyed reading through this wonderful volume of United States history. The daily stories are uplifting, and bring out the best in what it means to be an American. Each day there is a American History Parade that gives you information about important events that happened on that day. Sandwiched between the months are pages of quotes, songs, and the text of important U.S. documents. The book itself is a wonderfully bound hardcover edition with a deckle edge. I enjoyed the style that the daily readings are written in, and I learned much from the chosen topics.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: This beautiful book would make a great gift for lovers of American history.

(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksneeze.com for the purpose of review.)

Book Review: The Strategically Small Church by Brandon J. O'Brien

Excerpt: My goal in writing this book has been to cast a vision for a new way of measuring success in our ministries. I have avoided offering systematic strategies and methodologies for making your church strategically small because the process will no doubt be different in every congregation. The Strategically Small Church, pg 155.

Back Cover: Our culture's infatuation with bigness - bigger cars, bigger houses, bigger businesses - has infiltrated the church. But smaller doesn't equal second-rate. Leadership Journal editor and former pastor Brandon O'Brien shows how small churches are uniquely equipped for success in today's culture.

O'Brien celebrates churches that are taking full advantage of their small size and analyzes how other churches can learn from their strategies. For example, strategically small churches:

facilitate a higher level of commitment from laypeople
focus attention on fewer programs, increasing effectiveness
nurture close relationships across age and life-experience barriers 

But perhaps most important, O'Brien asks churches to rethink what it means to be successful. Sometimes small is just right.

My Review: I attend a small church, and so when this book was presented for review, I snatched it up. I don't agree with everything that O'Brien says, or the philosophies that are presented in the book. However, I found a lot of gems to take away. Being a small church doesn't have to be a negative thing. The biggest lesson I took from this book is that it all comes down to our perception of what a church should be. Too often we buy into the mega-church thought process that says that we have to have all these programs and tons of people to be successful. That's not really the view that we get in scripture. There are many advantages to being a small church, and O'Brien does a great job of pointing them out.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I recommend this book to any believer who is struggling with accepting the size of their small church, and that church's potential impact on the community. I recommend this book to pastors and laypeople alike.

(I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review.)

Book Review: Out Live Your Life by Max Lucado

Excerpt: Jim Wallis took some scissors to his Bible. He was a seminary student at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School when he and some classmates decided to eliminate a few verses. They preformed surgery on all sixty-six books, beginning with Genesis and not stopping until Revelation. Each time a verse spoke to the topic of poverty, wealth, justice, or oppression, they cut it out. They wanted to see what a compassionless Bible looked like. But the time they finished, nearly two thousand verses lay on the floor, and a book of tattered pages remained. Out Live Your Life, pg 99.

Book Description: These are difficult days in our world's history. 1.75 billion people are desperately poor, natural disasters are gouging entire nations, and economic uncertainty still reigns across the globe. But you and I have been given an opportunity to make a big difference. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope? Infiltrated all corners with God's love and life? We are created by a great God to do great works. He invites us to outlive our lives, not just in heaven, but here on earth. Let's live our lives in such a way that the world will be glad we did.

My Review: You can't read this book without being challenged, and changed. Max Lucado's personable writing style, and pastor's heart shines through each page. This book hits on something that we all want - to make a difference. Max shows some real ways that we can make a difference in our world and leave a lasting impression for the cause of Christ.

As always, Max's style makes this book an enjoyable read. I enjoy his mix of humor, information, and application.While reading the book, I became aware of how many ways I could impact the world. I find that I'm too often comfortable in my protective shell. I don't always like to get my hands dirty doing the work of Christ. Shame on me! I'm seeking to change that.

I believe that Max made some extremely relevant points in this book. He showed how we are so busy fighting among ourselves, that we are not reaching those in need. He reminded me that 80% of the world's wealth is owned by 20% of the world's population. He gave examples how I, an average citizen, can impact the world, and spread the compassion of Christ.

If you read this book with an open mind, it will likely change you.

My Rating:


My Recommendation: I recommend this book to any Christian who wants to make a difference with their life. Warning: This book will break the shell that protects your sensitivities from the poor and needy of our world.

(I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review.)

DVD Review: Does God Exist? Building the Scientific Case

Excerpt from Booklet: Once upon a time, in a universe far, far away... Wait, this isn't a fairy tale; we're talking about reality. If you and I could go back far enough in time, we would come to a point when the universe did not exist. But if the universe truly had a distinct beginning, then what caused the cosmos to come into existence? Does God Exist? pg 21.


Product Description: In this first DVD set of the TrueU series, Dr. Stephen Meyer plays a “philosophical survival game,” pitting four worldviews against one another in the quest to decide which one gives the best answers. Dr. Meyer examines the evidence and provides the tools needed for students to defend their faith and make it their own. This is the perfect resource for students preparing to enter college and a culture that may be hostile to their faith.


My Review: This isn't your typical youth curriculum. Focus on the Family has done a great job helping teens think more clearly about what they believe and why. The arguments and apologetics used in the curriculum will help teens stand up in the real world, outside of the safe sphere of our homes and churches.


I was a Christian going to a public school. I can clearly see how a curriculum like this could help teens who are living in that environment. It would be specifically helpful to teens that are looking to attend a secular university. 


My husband, who is a scientist, and I enjoyed watching these ten lessons together. It was fuel for many conversations, and I found the experience enlightening. I wish that something like this had been presented in my teen years. 


My Rating: 


My Recommendation: I would highly recommend this TrueU curriculum to youth leaders and/or parents of teenagers.


(I received a complimentary copy of this kit from Tyndale for the purpose of review.)

Book Review: Let's Do Lunch by Roger Troy Wilson

"I want to say again that you must trust the plan. To begin with, you must eat until full whenever you are hungry, no matter how often that is and no matter how many calories you consume (even if you start by eating 10,000 calories a day). You must trust that by eating Let's Do Lunch foods, your blood sugar will stabilize, and your body will force you to become less hungry with each passing day." Let's Do Lunch, pg  8.

For the record, I don't do diets. However, when I read the description of this book, I was intrigued, and since the book was for review, I took a chance.

Roger Troy Wilson weighed 425 pounds when he discovered the Let's Do Lunch program. He's lost 230 pounds and has kept the weight off for 15 years. This is the part of the story that drew me to this book, but I have to admit that I was a little disappointed.

This book full of testimonials on how the program has worked for different people. There is no scientific or nutritional reasons why the diet worked for Roger, and why it should work for anyone else. Basically, we have to trust him that if we follow these guidelines, we will lose the weight that we want, without having the exercise and while eating all the calories and carbs that we want. Personally, even after reading the book, it seems far too good to be true.

The end of the book is filled with recipes that are allowed on the diet. In fairness, I've not tried them. Some of them look interesting, and I may experiment with them at a later date. This book did not convince me that I should diet, and I'm not sure that this diet would be the one for me. What the book did do was make me reexamine how I think about food.

(I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review).