Book Review: For the Love

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I was able to read this book quickly. Jen Hatmaker's essays were inspiring and easy-to-read. I feel like many people would be able to relate with what she has to say.

Book Review: American Omens

I received this book from Waterbrook Multnoman in exchange for my honest review.
This book caught my attention from the first page. Set in the future, 2038, we find the main character, Cheyenne Burne working for Acatour as a programmer. Her father has disappeared after becoming a Christian. Then Cheyenne is given a coded message, by a stranger, which leads her to a group of believers. She comes across a man known as the Reckoner. This man has a group of people following him and his beliefs in bringing back Christ to this land. He also has shown what is behind the disappearances of , not just Cheyenne's father but many others who openly practice Christianity.
This vision of the future leaves the reader thinking about our world where we could not openly serve Christ. Behind the story, Thrasher has done research on legislation concerning items that could lead to Christian speech being against the law.
The book was mainly focused on a visionary view of America while not including other countries and how they are looking upon Christianity. However, I feel this book was able to reinforce by faith and pushes me to make sure I am demonstrative about my Christianity.
Highly recommended to all.

Book Review: For the Love: Fighting for Grace in a World of Impossible Standards

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This book is humorous, honest, and captured my attention. Each essay also aims us toward God.
I had not read her books before but now she is on a list of authors that I would like to go back and read them all. The way that she shows love is, in my opinion, the way God would want all of us to.
I recommend this book .

Through witty and provocative essays, For The Love touches on all aspects of life: marriage, parenting, friendship, church, balance, womanhood, unworthiness--in a way that's irreverently reverent. I found myself on many pages and thought of a dozen friends that could relate as well. Jen’s words illuminated the recesses of my heart as she emboldens us to intentionally live the simple message: Love God, Love People.
Through witty and provocative essays, For The Love touches on all aspects of life: marriage, parenting, friendship, church, balance, womanhood, unworthiness--in a way that's irreverently reverent. I found myself on many pages and thought of a dozen friends that could relate as well. Jen’s words illuminated the recesses of my heart as she emboldens us to intentionally live the simple message: Love God, Love People.
Through witty and provocative essays, For The Love touches on all aspects of life: marriage, parenting, friendship, church, balance, womanhood, unworthiness--in a way that's irreverently reverent. I found myself on many pages and thought of a dozen friends that could relate as well. Jen’s words illuminated the recesses of my heart as she emboldens us to intentionally live the simple message: Love God, Love People.

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: After Acts

I was given this book by Moody Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
This is an interesting book. The author, Bryan Litfin used research found in ancient manuscripts, legends, geography and history to help show what may have happened to each of the apostles after the telling of Acts.
I do like they present possible and unsubstantiated beliefs along with the reasoning behind them. I feel that the way it is written it encourages the reader to look into these people more.
I also found the layout of the book to be logical and easy to read. It starts off with a chronological timeline with best possible dates and dates where the author feels they would fall.
The chapters include recorded events of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Mary, Thomas James, Peter and Paul and other apostles. There are familiar stories, explanations and a report card about different claims.
This short book is an easy and interesting one to pick up and explore

Book Review: Volunteering Leith Anderson

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I have been a volunteer in our church for many years, and it amazes me how many of the things that need done there is done by volunteers. This well-written book tells about building a volunteer system in the church. It talks about identifying and using individual spiritual gifts to help the church to thrive. It also shares ways to steer clear of some of the pitfalls, or burnouts of volunteers.
I feel like this would be a good book for any of the church staff.

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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.