There were many moments in this story that mirror real life situations that happen on college campuses every semester. I've watched coaches pray earneThere were many moments in this story that mirror real life situations that happen on college campuses every semester. I've watched coaches pray earnestly for athletes like Chris to understand how deeply loved they are and to understand to bigger purpose behind athletics as well. . All 15 lessons presented in this book are valuable and while they are packaged in an unassuming story, the life application of each lesson is where the understanding of each lesson will take root. . I love that there are action steps included in the back. These would be great for small group discussion....more
Authentically written from a coach who understands there is more to developing athletes than wins and losses. I loved the the conviction for characterAuthentically written from a coach who understands there is more to developing athletes than wins and losses. I loved the the conviction for character, integrity, and leadership that Coach Soderberg present with each chapter....more
Divided into 2 sections, Living Well and Spending Less, author Ruth Soukup takes the reader through her personal life journey in discovering satisfactDivided into 2 sections, Living Well and Spending Less, author Ruth Soukup takes the reader through her personal life journey in discovering satisfaction in life and then presents lessons learned along the way.
I really appreciated Soukup's honesty. Although a blogger I was unaware of since 2010, Soukup has allowed her spending habits and life stressors to read a whole new audience by putting it in book form. Soukup is a Christian, and she unashamedly shares how she re-directed her thoughts away from desires to buy material possessions and instead learned to find contentment in her life through focusing on Jesus. Each chapter finishes with a challenge. Depending on where you personally are in your own life, some challenges will be simple, while others will take time. Soukup takes the reader through the basics. Figure out your personal priorities creates a budget, etc.
The second section, "Spending Less", is a treasure of information. Couponing, cleaning, even socializing on a budget are all areas covered. All presented again with the same basic and honest tone that seems like a friend is chatting with you over coffee.
I think this would be a great book for a soon to be a college graduate or newly engaged person. Learning from Soukup's experiences could help anyone set themselves up for success in life....more
Tony Evans has written 3 outstanding books about marriage I will review all together. The first is Marriage Matters. This biblical perspective on maTony Evans has written 3 outstanding books about marriage I will review all together. The first is Marriage Matters. This biblical perspective on marriage is similar to those I've read before, but goes into such specific detail I found myself finally grasping ideas I've strived to put into words for years.
"It is important to point out that when God calls couples to oneness with each other, He is not calling them to lose their uniqueness."
Evans covers all the "hot topics" in what would be considered a Christ-centered marriage. Beginning with why God created marriage and men and women so differently, covering how sin has warped marriage and how God strives to restore us to Himself through marriage, I could not stop highlighting the pages.
"Marriage has been designed as a tool by God to bring about good in your life. Unfortunately, because we so often do not understand the true nature and purpose of marriage, we lose sight of that truth and end up living lives characterized by chaos."
There are 2 supplemental books written, For Married Men Only, and For Married Women Only. Each of these quick books is PACKED with truth. I read the women's book first and found myself feeling incredibly affirmed in my role as a wife. Evans covers the subjects of being "a helper" to our husbands, submission, and living a life that honors God in a way that did not leave me feeling like I second class in any way. Using scripture Evans unpacks all that marriage is supposed to be if we allow God in the center. It left me hungry for the picture that was written about.
I then read the book for men. I was SO thankful for the charge written to the men. Evans explanation of women's desires to be pursued were words I have long desired to be able to say myself. The responsibility of a man is clear in scripture and Evans has no concerns about laying it out exactly as it is written.
I think these 3 books are a great resource for any couple even considering if they should marry or not. The challenge to love a spouse the way God intended is not an easy one. With the right partner and Christ in the middle, it is certainly a much easier journey!...more
Donald Miller has finally published another book! It's been 5 years since Miller allowed his readers into the process of his growth, but after readinDonald Miller has finally published another book! It's been 5 years since Miller allowed his readers into the process of his growth, but after reading Scary Close I can say that it was completely worth the wait.
I've read several Miller books, and of all of them, I connected with A Million Miles in A Thousand Years most. If you are like me, then this book will be a new favorite for you. Miller writes with the same style familiar to his fans, and yet as the reader is brought in on the next part of Miller's life journey I can't help but see this book as a love letter to his wife, Betsy.
Miller explains what he learned through his time of healing after breaking off his engagement, looking inward and beginning to do the hard work to be his best self in the context of a relationship. Miller lets the reader on the journey of beginning to date Betsy, engagement and marriage and all that has been going on with his company in the last few years. As he presents these events, Miller explains all he has learned about living more intentionally, choosing love, and surrounding himself with people who encourage him to do the work to be the best version of himself.
Miller takes a good amount of time to help the reader gain perspective on how people manipulate each other, and signs to look for to know when to walk away. Overall, Miller continues to remind his readers that life is a journey, we are always learning and growing, and as our view of ourselves changes, so does our view of all around us we engage in....more
I'm really not sure what I was expecting from this book, but I knew that when it came to finding a rhythm for our family, it was in need of some HELP!I'm really not sure what I was expecting from this book, but I knew that when it came to finding a rhythm for our family, it was in need of some HELP!
Kerri Weems is a speaker and author who has a realistic handle of the craziness of life. Each area covered in this book had me nodding my head as I walked the treadmill and read. It may seem crazy to read a book on how to stop being so busy when you are so busy you need to read and exercise at the same time, but that is exactly why this book was needed.
Weems writes in a way the slowly draws the reader to crave peace and balance in their life and to realize how it can be found. Covering subjects such as work, relationships, your body, spiritual vitality, each area is discussed from personal experience, scripture and a group of questions designed to help the reader focus on the area in their own life. What I appreciated most was the practice of identifying pace setters and peace stealers in each area of my life. After laying a case for why each area needs to be examined. Tools are given to examine the area. THEN, the reader is not left hanging! Specific steps in how to create a calendar and life with margin are added at the end. There is not a one size fits all step by step, simple steps to be taken at the reader's pace to create peace and Shalom in one's life....more
Rarely does a book come around that I actually stop reading just so I don't have to finish it. Annie Downs has written a beautiful, funny, on point boRarely does a book come around that I actually stop reading just so I don't have to finish it. Annie Downs has written a beautiful, funny, on point book that left me wishing she and I were best friends, and this conversation could never end.
Let's All Be Brave is Downs first book written to a wide audience of women instead of targeting teens. Her transition is seamless. This book covers the subject of what happens in our lives and personal relationship with Jesus when we chose the road less traveled.
Throughout the individual essays, Downs writes of her life journey allowing you to learn from her deepest aches, life decisions and what I most appreciated, her leading by that small voice in her heart. I think the thing I loved most was that Annie Downs honesty and vulnerability left me feeling that my own struggles, doubts, and fears were not only common but manageable. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking to understand how brave choices create a life loved....more
The trilogy is complete! Joanna Weaver has written her 3rd book focusing on Martha, Mary and Lazarus from the New Testament of the Bible. Similarly The trilogy is complete! Joanna Weaver has written her 3rd book focusing on Martha, Mary and Lazarus from the New Testament of the Bible. Similarly to the other 2 books in this series Awakening Lazarus not only includes the book portion but has several deep study options. In the back of the paperback version of this book is a bonus chapter which Weaver states was added after the hardback book was released. If you have the hardback, you might want to look at the paperback version. There is also a section that includes discussion questions for personal or group reflection. For even deeper study Weaver has added 7 sessions of DVD study and a study guide. The videos are all between 17-20 minutes in length. The study guide has guided reading, questions for personal reflection and group discussion and an outline to fill out while viewing the video. The questions in the study guide repeat many that are in the back of the book, but there are additional ones. The study guide also has activity sections like "Make a Plan" designed to help the reader dig deeper and search heart and thoughts more.
Similarly to the previous 2 books, Weaver takes a small section of scripture and relays what God might be telling us through the story of the present day. She does this through sharing what God is teaching her, and life examples from others as well. There is also a lot of historical information and many many other verses and sections of Scripture to explore which help tie each point together. If you have enjoyed Having a Mary Heart in A Martha World or Having a Mary Spirit, you will find the writing familiar, challenging and enjoyable in Awakening Lazarus as well. If you haven't read any books by Joanna Weaver, you can certainly start with this book, but you might find reading them in the order of publication easier as there are a few references back to the other books.
I found this book to be an easy read, but at the same time, there is a lot to think about. I did find a few of the chapters felt a little drawn out to me, but as with any study, you will get what you put into this. If you spend time in the study guide and videos, you will get more out of each section then if you simply read the chapter and do not reflect.
I mentioned earlier there is an 11th "bonus chapter." I found this chapter to truly wrap up this study well. Entitled "What's Holding You Back" the questions and examples given are designed to do just that. Help each reader discover what personally is holding them back from having a deeply intimate relationship with God. Throughout the whole book Weaver points the reader back to the ultimate purpose for learning about ourselves at all; to pursue a relationship with God and live our fullest lives.
I think this book would be perfect for any women's group, it does not include a lot of homework and only a few chapters of reading each week. I also think it would be ideal for college or recently college graduates. After all those years of school, a structure can be hard to find in life, Awakening Lazarus will encourage students to think deeply and explore their hearts and thoughts while also creating the discipline of devotional focus every day....more
Over the past few years I've had my ear attuned to the word Wilderness. It's been an interesting journey I continue to process and promise to share mOver the past few years I've had my ear attuned to the word Wilderness. It's been an interesting journey I continue to process and promise to share more about. One of the things that has kept me moving in my hardest days has been the words of others. Reading how God has taught others to push through their own desert times has given me the strength to continue to but one foot in front of the other when it seemed doing so would do nothing but cause pain.
In The Road to Becoming Jenny Simmons shares her life story surrounding the band Addison Road, her marriage and first year of her daughter Annie's life. I've taken a picture of a page in this book to show you how drawn in by Jenny's words I was. I started reading a t 2:30pm on Sunday and finished at 10:15 that night. I COULD.NOT.STOP reading the honest and hilarious words of this woman. I found that as Jenny shared her emotions, frustrations, inner thoughts and fears I not only related but had said similar things in my own darkest days.
I had purposely not read much about Jenny's story prior to reading this book and I'm glad I didn't. As the story of a year of tragedy unfolded I was hanging on each word. As the group Addison Road had to choose to disband I understood why and ached right along with Jenny as she watched everyone else move on while she sat devastated as her dream slipped away.
For Jenny she has been able to break up her journey into categories. The Dreaming and Destruction, The Burying, The Lostness, The Waiting and The Becoming. As she writes of her journey, beautifully tying together her past and present I couldn't help but smile and nod along. Although our stories are very different, I could relate to Jenny's heart ache and desire to do life well while at the same time feeling lost as to what was next.
Jenny is so clear to show how others in her life carried her along in her journey, and she is also so honest in saying that things aren't perfect just because she has a deeper understanding of God. This raw honesty is what kept me engaged and wanting more.
I cannot tell you how comforting this book was for me. Not because there is a 10 steps to freedom plan (there isn't) but because Jenny does an amazing job showing how God carries us in our wilderness times and how our responses can look....more
Trip Lee's author bio says: "Trip Lee is an author, hip-hop artist, pastor, and thought leader. He regularly preaches and teaches at Christian confereTrip Lee's author bio says: "Trip Lee is an author, hip-hop artist, pastor, and thought leader. He regularly preaches and teaches at Christian conferences and events and has performed his music for thousands of listeners around the world. As a critically acclaimed hip-hop artist, Trip has won a Stellar Award and been nominated for several Dove Awards. His latest album is entitled Rise. He and Jessica, his wife of five years, have two young children."
All of those titles could lead one to believe that Lee is an older man, possibly even out of touch with the life challenges facing the Millennial Generation. That assumption would be completely inaccurate. Trip Lee has certainly accomplished much in his short life, and when I say short I mean, he's not yet 30 years old. It is not that specific reason alone that I loved this book but it certainly added weight.
Rise, in my opinion is written as a book that is part call to action, and part resource to equip the college-age student to move forward successfully in life. Lee covers many of the top controversial issues in current cultures such as pornography, sex before marriage, living a "fun" life before you grow up and pop culture music and videos. Throughout Lee points the reader to scripture, but also speaks from his personal experiences in life, and why he has made certain decisions.
Lee begins with telling a story from his life where even people in his church were not giving him advice that was inline with scripture. With each story told, or subject covered Lee is clear and concise in his writing. At the same time, Lee writes as if what he is saying is a conversation. Many times throughout the book Lee pauses to explain why he chose to include a certain subject in Rise, and why is should be something the reader does not ignore.
I think this is a great book for any person at any age, but specifically for a male in high school or older, the challenges in this book will impact a heart that is eager to learn....more
Tommy Tenney's book Finding Favor with the King is the story of Esther. Tenney writes to draw connections from how we should prepare for and engage wTommy Tenney's book Finding Favor with the King is the story of Esther. Tenney writes to draw connections from how we should prepare for and engage with God using Esther's own life choices as a model.
This book was divided into two fascinating parts. The details included in all the history and ritual surrounding Esther and the culture of the time is very informative. The other part is a Tenney's attempt to show examples through scripture of how as Christians we need to be preparing and pursuing relationship with God.
As a whole book, I found this to be a very frustrating to read. Tenney's ties of Esther to how we as current day Christians did not hold water. From the very beginning, Tenney writes of the book of Esther as a love story. He apparently holds her in high regard, praising Esther for her choices and wisdom, but his praise is all opinion. Tenney says "I'm convinced that Esther's commitment to love set up a transformation in the king's heart." Leap being made here is that Esther loved the King before becoming his wife. Another, more honest view of this, is that Esther knew the King had murdered or removed his wife and had likely disregarded many women before her, so as a survival skill Esther tried to show the King she respected him. Another stretch is when Tenney says that Esther had to prepare for her night with the king for a year because she wasn't good enough just how she was, and then ties this to how we as Christians need to prepare for our encounters with God. Frankly, this is just bad theology.
When not trying to make connections between Esther and our own relationships with Go this book actually makes some great points about how Christians need to be aware of their true intentions in choices they make when pursuing a relationship with God.
Barbra Brehon has written this book for a specific group of people. The program presented in Beyond Discipleship to Relationship is for churches lookBarbra Brehon has written this book for a specific group of people. The program presented in Beyond Discipleship to Relationship is for churches looking to help grow the congregation spiritually, and within their personal gifting. I really appreciated the layout and progression of this book in addition to the context. Brehon has created a thorough program that works to support and educate all involved.
The first part of Beyond Discipleship to Relationship helps the reader to focus internally. Using the principle of grafting and encouraging a little self-reflection, Brehon reminds the reader that they must always be in personal pursuit of relationship with Jesus in order to be able to encourage others forward as well.
From there Brehon presents the principle of discipleship in triads. Each section includes points to ponder and responses from previous participants. I found each section to be thorough and with a good amount of information. I did find a few of the biblical connections to be stretching in order to fit within the parameters of the program, but nothing that was out of context or misused in my opinion.
I would suggest this book as a resource for churches looking to branch out in how they develop people and programming. ...more
If you are at all familiar with Angie Smith from IF Gathering or one of her books you will be happy to know Angie's hilarious personality and sense ofIf you are at all familiar with Angie Smith from IF Gathering or one of her books you will be happy to know Angie's hilarious personality and sense of humor are present throughout each week via print and video. In addition to that, Angie does an amazing job of leading, even in written form. Her sensitivity to not only the subject matter being studied, but the reader perhaps attempting their first Bible study is outstanding. The daily homework is a combination of reading Angie's teachings and answering questions. I have found that for me it takes about 30 minutes a day if I truly take time to answer the questions. Each video is about 15 minutes.
A few things to keep in mind in my opinion are that there are going to be several things left out. There is not a lot of detail surrounding all questions. For example, Angie addresses that creation is questioned by many people. Many wonder if the world was created in a literal 7 days. Very tastefully and matter of factly done, Smith keeps the reader on target by addressing the question and addressing why it won't be something explored on these pages. Also, the majority of this study is focusing on the Old Testament. Personally I loved that as I have spent less time learning about the OT. The way Angie writes it truly helps to open the reader's eyes to the fact that the Bible is one book and should be read as such. Angie Smith also points out that this might be to much to do in 7 straight weeks. Each video is available for personal viewing online and can be easily purchased making this study one that could be done at a pace comfortable for each individual.
For me, I always try to look at studies like this through the eyes of a college student. Women's ministries on our college campus is my focus area currently. Because the videos are only 15 minutes I think this could easily be a tool to create discussion about the Bible and to encourage further study....more
In Cliff Graham's newest book he has written a fictional story about the Biblical figure Caleb. Caleb is introduced as an adult in the book of NumbersIn Cliff Graham's newest book he has written a fictional story about the Biblical figure Caleb. Caleb is introduced as an adult in the book of Numbers in the Bible, but Graham gives the readers a picture of Caleb's life as a young man. The story is told by an 85-year-old Caleb, and in part explains the Egyptians point of view as the Exodus that Moses lead occurred.
Caleb's character paints a beautiful picture of how poor leadership can (on the Egyptian side) can cause pain and suffering for many. Caleb is depicted as a foreigner, not an Israelite, yet he is shown to understand who Yahweh is. This story gives an explanation to some of the Egyptian gods and paints a beautiful picture of how strong and powerful Yahweh truly is. Through Caleb Graham has given deeper humanity to the characters of Pharoah and other rulers, and in so doing shows the contrast of what happens with a repentant heart vs. a hardened heart.
Themes throughout the book include humanity's need for an all-powerful God, and also the ultimately merciful God who even cares for the weakest humans. Another theme is that wisdom, strength, and experience carried Caleb through his whole life. In his old age, Caleb is not resting or living life for a life of luxury in retirement. He continues to desire to fulfill the calling God has placed on his life. This is a theme that Graham has presented which may carry on through the series. Shadow of the Mountain is the first book in an “Old Testament saga.”
Compared to the Lion of War series Graham is known for Shadow of the Mountain does not use as much scripture being quoted through the characters. This book reveals more of the nature of God as God revealed himself to the Israelites. Also, unlike the Lion of War series, this book does not take a story and expound on it, it creates a whole story that is not in scripture.
Themes in this book mirror cultural issues Christians wrestled with the present day including loving our enemies, everyone sins, and strong leadership is necessary for the healthy, safety and spiritual guidance of others.
As long as this book is read in the context of how Graham has presented it, a fiction book that tells a story not in scripture, but about history that is also written about in scripture, it's a great read. Looking forward to the rest of the series!...more
Having recently read Daring Greatly I was excited to see Brene Brown's newest publication come across my net galley feed. I have to admit, I was a biHaving recently read Daring Greatly I was excited to see Brene Brown's newest publication come across my net galley feed. I have to admit, I was a bit nervous about reading this book. Daring Greatly had hit me right where I was, I read the whole book (and watched the Ted Talk) nodding my head.
Brown states in the intro to Rising Strong that in the years since Daring Greatly she has received many letters asking "what now?" I understood where this was coming from and Brown acknowledges it herself, Daring Greatly is hard and involves failure. To summarize, Rising Strong is about learning the process of rising from falls, overcoming mistakes and moving towards wisdom which will bring wholehearted living.
I felt that Rising Strong was structured very similarly to Daring Greatly. The first few chapters unpack the Rising Strong principles, and then the last several give structure and boundaries to what Rising Strong might look like in our own lives. Brown is very transparent in her analogies and gives a lot of insight into not only different scenarios that Rising Strong principles can be practiced in but even gives a script to how conversations might begin.
I found this book to be not only inspiring but very encouraging. Brown writes about Rising Strong as a challenge that will make people live wholehearted. It is not far to see the connections in that if multiple people are striving to Rise Strongly, whole communities could begin to be grounded in healthy communication, mutual respect, and honesty. If you are attempting to find a more authentic way to live, this book should be added to your list!...more
At some point in everyone's life as they continue to walk the path of pursuing God's call on their life they will begin to wonder what are the right cAt some point in everyone's life as they continue to walk the path of pursuing God's call on their life they will begin to wonder what are the right choices to be made.
Your Sacred Yes by Susie Larson is a beautifully written guide to help encourage all Christians to pursue God's best and most sacred life. Larson does an excellent job if exploring all aspects of times in life when saying yes and no are important. Each chapter ends with a guided pray, questions to ponder and bible verses to reference.
I really appreciated how Larson encompassed a need for individuals to focus on their mental, spiritual, emotional and physical health throughout the pages of this book. I also loved the space Larson created for each individual to find their personal path with God. This isn't a cookie cutter book that will have everyone by the end volunteering to work in the church nursery. Your Sacred Yes helps the reader to explore God's personal call through life experience, hearing God's voice more clearly and living in God's peace.
Fair warning, if you are on the fence about a ministry or feeling unsettled because you know you are not living God's fullest life for you...this book will wake you up.
If you are interested in exploring the subject further Susie Larson is hosting a 6-week study called "Sacred Study". This study is being hosted later this summer and the link for signing up includes a free guide to be downloaded....more
Wandering the aisles of the library, I stumbled across this book, and the title grabbed me. At almost 500 pages I was feeling pretty good about the tWandering the aisles of the library, I stumbled across this book, and the title grabbed me. At almost 500 pages I was feeling pretty good about the title, and in truth, this is a quick, informative guide to life. I really appreciated how Melissa Kirsch broke out the chapters. Covering everything from home purchasing, renting, health, fashion, and money plus much, much more this book lives up to its title.
As I read, I kept thinking, this would be an excellent graduation gift for single women leaving college. The chapters address finding a good doctor, balancing a checkbook, questions to ask a roommate and stocking a kitchen. There is an explanation of mutual funds, 401K, getting along with co-workers, and tons and tons of money saving tips.
Kirsch writes very bluntly and honestly. I love that. Why beat around the bush concerning vital topics to life? Kirsch has definitely written this book for the secular population. Each chapter includes information from multiple experts, all of them different from each other. I appreciate that the book is not meant to steer women down a specific path, but to give them information so they can make informed decisions in life. That being said, I found the chapters on spiritual life and sex to be way to liberal. Covering things from being open minded to the drunken hookup, I would not give this book to any of the girls I mentor. If I could eliminate those chapters, I would buy it in bulk!...more
The Queen of Sheba is introduced to us in 1 Kings of the Bible. Although the story is short Liz Curtis Higgs brings the entire section to life chapteThe Queen of Sheba is introduced to us in 1 Kings of the Bible. Although the story is short Liz Curtis Higgs brings the entire section to life chapter after chapter while also reminding us of all we can learn about living a life of humility and grace.
I was really surprised at the amount of research put into each chapter. With each part of a sentence Higgs breaks down all that could have occurred in the interactions between King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. Whether explaining the journey taken by this Egyptian Queen, the riches of King Solomon or why exactly this exchange between the two rulers occurred, the desire to present an accurate scriptural account.
This book is short at 160 pages, but none are wasted. Each chapter presents a characteristic or action women are encouraged to strive for scripturally. Humble, bold, encouraging or a generous giver, each chapter focuses on a section of the interaction recorded in 1 Kings.
The chapters are all supported with discussion questions in the back of the book for further reflection. I think this would be great for high school aged or older book discussion groups. This might even be a great way to introduce someone to the Old Testament if they are intimidated by it.
Liz Curtis Higgs simple style of writing is engaging, yet clear enough for many to read. If you are looking for scripture to come alive and relate to common day life, this is an author to explore....more
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