Flooded by Nicki Koziarz

 This post was begun and then the book was in my mailbox. The timing of its arrival was not lost on me. The day had been emotionally overwhelming, the one year anniversary of the pandemic was duly noted, and I was tired of waiting.

God's timing is awesome. Life has been difficult at this time and then this book came on my radar to help me out. Flooded: The Best Decisions to Make When Life is Hard and Doubt is Rising aids us when we face these hard times doubt about our faith is rising. 

Flooded is a book filled with encouragement which helps to fortify my faith as I found the five decisions to make in these times. 

I felt like God encompassed me with each page of this book I read. I most highly recommend this book to have on hand during those difficult times. 

Flooded was given to me by Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest review. All opinions stated are my own. 

One Small Step: The Life Changing Adventure of Following God's Nudges

 

I have been blessed by God's nudges many times in my life. Some of the time I want to ignore them but when I realize they are coming from God I try to follow knowing my path will be blessed. 

This book speaks to those times when God nudges (or tells)us to go a certain way. Do we follow or do we struggle and, possible, get lost. By following God's voice the way is a blessed way.

I was given this book by Chosen Publishing in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Fight Your Fears: Trusting God's Character and Promises When you are Afraid

 

I have been fighting fear quite a bit for the last few months. Generally, they are health related, so when I saw this book available for review I decided to read it. 

This book, Fight Your Fears, shows ways to help overcome fear by using Scripture as the foundation. With Scripture as the base dealing with fear has less chance of making me crumble. The author, Kristen Wetherell, gave wonderful examples from her own life to bring these methods to life. 

I especially liked how she placed a scripture to memorize, along with questions and additional reading, if needed, at the end of each chapter, as well as a prayer. 

I do feel stronger through the use of this book. 

I received this book from Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest review. All opinions given are my own. 

Searching for Certainty by Shelly Miller

 

Shelly Miller, the author of Searching for Certainty is an encourager. She is someone that can take the written word and reach the reader's heart. The rest of the title of this book, Finding God in the Disruptions of Life, is what attracted me to this work as I have felt many disruptions about the time of this book's release. 

The titles of each chapter are:

Reframing Uncertainty

Where Is God?

Shhh! Be Still

Breaking Habits

Help Me Decide

Practice Presence

Winning or Whining?

Beholding Beauty for the Big Picture

Rest When Shadowed by Worry

Named and Known

Gratitude Brings Focus to the Blur of Uncertainty

Remembering Restores Certainty.

The length of each chapter made it doable to read one a day, however, it would be possible to read more. By reading at this tempo I was able to reflect on what I had read throughout the day.

This book should remain on my bookshelf for a while, as I return to it to refresh the teachings that I have learned.

I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. 

The Inner Live by Eberhard Arnold

The Inner Life: Inner Land: A Guide into the Heart of the Gospel by Eberhard Arnold is a small book that helps the reader to find some of the teachings of the author. In spite of being told to follow one leader or another, Arnold sets forth the challenge to follow Jesus.

A pastor during the 20s and 30s, Arnold became an influential man to Karl Barth and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. His message is clear, the church, through Jesus Christ, should always be faithful to God. This is such a good message to send out to the world

I was given this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Hearing God by Nathan Finochio

This book spoke to my heart from the first page. The author, Nathan Finochio, approaches different myths then shows us how to confront them and to look at things differently. He also tells why God speaks to us. It is not to fulfill our inconsequential needs but to help us be transformed into Jesus' image, without the barriers that keep us from hearing him.
I liked this book because it tell us to take our own responsibility for hearing God. He includes stories, humor and suggestions to help us to understand his teaching.
I was given this ARC by the publisher. All comments are my own words and thoughts. This is my honest review.

Book Review: Fish Sandwiches: The Delight of Receiving God's Promises

I was given this book by the publisher. The following review is my honest opinion.
One of the first stories I learned in Sunday School was the Feeding of the Five Thousand. I loved how it showed how God cares about all of his people. This miracle can be found in all for Gospels.
I don't know how many times I have turned to this miracle when I was feeling unsure if God was loving me at that moment. It has always had a place in my heart.
This book, Fish Sandwiches: The Delight of Receiving god's Promises by Troy Schmidt, examines this miracle about feeding his followers from a boy's five loaves and two fish from different angles. It draws the reader's attention to how this miracle shows God's heart and how he will provide, not just physical needs but spiritual needs also. I was able to read this book quickly while taking in the different aspects. I also liked how at the end he includes a version of the Feeding of the Five Thousand, The Feeding of the Four Thousand and a list of God's promises for us.
I highly recommend this book.

Justice, Mercy, Humility

Justice, Mercy, Humility is based on Micah 6:8: 8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.(NIV). Using this verse George was able to build s book on spiritual growth. In the book he helps the reader to see that following God is not overwhelming, it is simple. God wants a relationship with us.
Through stories from his own life, Rusty George is able to express this simplicity of following our heavenly Father.
I enjoy books that help me see how to have a relationship with my Lord, and which reminds me what God truly wants with us....a relationship.
I think this book should be found on each believer's bookshelf or ebook.
I was given this book by the publisher, Bethany House, through NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review. 

Book Review: The Way of the Warrior

I was given this book by Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review.
This book spoke to my soul more than I was expecting. I wasn't sure what to expect when I saw the word Warrior in the title but I was not disappointed in receiving this book to review. I often look at my calling and wonder if I am doing what God calls me to do with it. I also want to grow towards God as I minister to it. This book showed me how important the person inside of me is, how powerful it is.
In order to understand peace we must recognize the warrior within. We need to train and then fight for those around us. We may face pain, but this pain does make us stronger so we can be more powerful for God.
I believe one of the reasons that this book reached me what that the author wrote with such authority and knowledge. He wrote that words that help me see how to train, how to become a warrior for God.
I recommend this book with my strongest voice.

Book Review: The Year without a Purchase

This book caught my attention with t he title. I opened it with doubt that the title could be true. Then the author, Scott Dannemiller offered and "Introduction to the Worst Book Ever". I like the way he approached the concept of this book with humor and insight.
To begin he decided to stop any reckless spending for a year. So he and his wife, Gabby, came up with specific rules, so they would be allowed to by the things that are necessary to live. Whenever they could they would re-use or repair their items. In fact the author gave an example where these rules were hard to follow when he forgot to pack socks on a business trip.
This couple put their faith in God that he would show them how to make alternatives when needed. However, Dannemiller never came down holier-than-thou. When their child had a birthday party to go to they had to find a fun gift that would not break the rules. It took ingenuity in places but they stuck to it.
This is a very inspiring book which challenged me to take stock and realize how little you need and how to let go of the things that you don't.

Book Review: You Are

I was given this book by Tyndale Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
This book is a great way to share love with your child, grandchild or other. It begins with a letter to the parents about the mission of this book and how to use it. Then each page speaks words of love to the child. Some examples: "Precious child you are the start of something new" followed by the verse from Isaiah 43:18-19. I do not believe there is a more powerful book on the market to share with a child.
I most highly recommend it.

Book Review: The Made-from-Scratch Life

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book, The Made From Scratch Life, takes the reader to their roots to help create new traditions. Inspired by her life with her family and their cattle and other activities. She teaches how to take a garden from planning to preserving and eating, how to use natural solutions for common garden problems and she teaches how to use natural cooking and cleaning to improve the health of your family.
This book is less than 200 pages in length but it is filled with pioneer goodness, filled with faith throughout the book. I felt like she was sharing her wisdom with me in person.
This book would be great for anyone that would like to learn how to cook from scratch, garden, raise animals, preserve food, clean naturally and more.

Book Review: This is the Day

I received this book from WaterBrook and Multnomah, as part of their launch team, in exchange for my honest review.
Tim Tebow is such an inspirational writer. In this book he shares how he is able to apply his faith to his life and then he gives challenges to show ways that we can do this too.
He shares how he feels the same we do at times. He can feel categorized, or put-down, just like us, but by staying true to God and the faith He has given us we can overcome and tackle these feelings and show how a Christian can excel with God. "This is the day" to begin.
I like the way he writes so it is easy to read yet challenging enough to make me think. The biblical references are now highlighted in my Bible and I have a feeling I will be referring to this book quite a bit in the future.
I highly recommend this book.

Book Review: Finding the Love of Jesus

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I was given this book by Bethany Books in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoy reading the Bible and this book helped to increase that joy by looking for God's Love throughout it. The author, Elyse Fitzpatrick was able to reveal God's plan through his love in the Scripture. There are chapters with questions at the end of each to help the reader open their eyes, and hearts, even more.
I recommend this book to anyone who desires to feel even more joy and love of God. It is a wonderful book

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Book Review: Mornings with Tozer

This book of devotions is an inspirational way to begin your day. Each entry begins with a topic heading to allow the reader to focus on what is to be presented. Next is the verse, the reading and a short prayer.
Each of the entries are excerpts from sermons given by A.W. Tozer. They also allow for a closeness to God that will stay with the reader throughout the day. I love beginning my day with these readings. So often they speak to my heart or they will provide guidance as I face things throughout the day.
I highly recommend this book
I was given this book by Moody Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Bible Promises to Live By For Women

This little book is filled with promises from God for almost any time in your life. I began by looking at each of the entries where I found a short reading with a wealth of Bible verses to reinforce the entry. Some of the topics that inspired me were Belonging, Comparison, Conflict, Family, and Peace.

Each topic is arranged in alphabetical order so they are easy to find. This helps them to aid the reader faster so they can savor each word or the promise.

I plan on keeping this little book by my bed so that I can turn to it whenever I find a need.

I was given this book by Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

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Water My Soul Ninety Meditations from an Old Order Mennonite by Darla Weaver

I love this Christian Devotional. I grew up in a town with Old Orders around us and I love the lifestyle and the faith of these people. Each of these entries show Darla Weavers love for the Lord and all of his creations. There are also entries about her life in general including her children, friends and family. Each devotions has a reading, prayer and journal prompts. There are even ways to actively respond do the devotions.

I will keep this devotion and look upon it time and again.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Herald Press in exchange for my honest review.

This book may be purchased from Amazon HERE!
or from Barnes and Nobel HERE!

Book Review: Last Call

Jerry Herships has had a calling on his heart for many years. He serves bag lunches and communion to those in need. This is his story where he shows each step along the way to here. He first left home for Los Angeles to become a stand-up comic and is now a minister. I loved the way that he brings some of his humor into the writing of this book. It made it a book that is open to all. Whether a comedian, working in a pub or serving those in need, his voice comes through in this book. He shows that we may not always see what God has planned for us and there may be some discomfort when the plan is laid before us, but when we listen the rewards are plentiful. They may not be earthly but you still know they are there.

This is a wonderful book, but don't be surprised if, during the book, you begin to think about God's plan for your life and be prepared to follow.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Westminster Knox Press in exchange for my honest review.

This book may be found HERE!

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Book Review: The Essential Guide to Prayer

I agree with the author of the book when he mentions that we must try to think of prayer as a bridge with our relationship with God. We should use this time to build our ties with God. It should also be considered a two-way street, this is a time for Him to know us better, too.

This book is primarily about intercessory prayer, including the priority, plan, person, purpose and so much more.

For those, like me, who find the power of prayer to be beyond words, this is the exact book for you.

I was given this book by Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Philippians

I have used Word Writers for my individual Bible Study before and I enjoyed this one while studying the book of Philippians. The writer offers excellent insight into the Word. I was able to find new things as I worked my way through.

This would make an excellent study as a group or as an individual.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Harvest House Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

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