Great for multiple ages!!! Life, In Spite of Me

Kristen's story in Life, In Spite of Me:  Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice is one of hope, inspiration, faith, and everlasting love.  It's a great read for teens and adults, as well.

Kristen Anderson had a good childhood but  began to experience depression and sorrow as a teen.  The pain in her life led her to what "should" have been a fatal decision to lie down on railroad tracks as a train approached and end her life.   The result of that decision was the loss of her legs and so much more gained.  The story she shares following this event, a story of recovery, pain, hope, and the saving grace of her Creator (who not only miraculously saved her life when humanly, it should have ended, but also rescued her soul) is a story that should be shared with anyone struggling with depression or even "blues."  It's also valuable for anyone who loves a person with depression.  It's a great testimony for anyone questioning God's love for each person and a great inspiration for anyone in love with Jesus, as well. 

I appreciated the easy writing style of Tricia Goyer, who authored the book with Kristen Anderson.  Once I began reading the book, it read quickly and was tough to put down! 

One concern I do have about the book is the author's insistence on weaning herself from antidepressants so that she can fully rely on God.  While I rejoice with her in her healing from depression, I also strongly believe that some medically need antidepressants--and can trust that God has provided such for them in their well-being.  To deny this, or call it something other relying on God would also imply that a person should avoid medication for any medical condition if he is fully relying on God.  I believe that God provides medications for us as a means of healing us (it's only through God's grace that any of his creation might imagine/discover/create such medications!)

Overall--great, inspiring book and I'm grateful to WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for sending this book to me free for purpose of this review!

Great devotional book for teen girls!

Izzy's Pop Star Plan by Alex Marestaing is a great, creative devotional book for girls!  It is written as a daily blog and each day builds on those before it...so it reads a bit like a novel!  I've never seen a devotional book in this format, and it seems that it is a great tool for teen girls. 

The story follows a girl (Izzy) on her journey as a contestant on an international, pop-star singing competition (much like the television show American Idol.)  After each "blog" entry, Izzy (or a commentor) includes a verse related to the content of the blog content for the day.  Usually, a brief prayer is included, as well.  The entries are interesting and cover a number of topics relevant to girls today--such as:  God's unchanging love, sharing Christ's love, doing what's right when it's hard, obeying parents, and so much more.  The story addresses mistakes Izzy makes, dating issues, fame/popularity, and more...all of it pointing to Christ and loving Him and others.

One concern that I do have with the book is that it is perhaps a bit superficial for a girl with a strong relationship with Jesus.  While the book and its content are Bible based and inspiring, I would guess that a strong Christian will need more than just this short daily reading to keep her walk with Jesus strong.  But that doesn't make the book any less interesting or encouraging for a strong Christian girl--she just will likely want to go deeper.  On the other hand, the lack of depth may be just right for a new Christian who is just beginning a daily devotional time or even a non-believer who perhaps has an interest in faith.

All in all, I, as an adult, found the book interesting and believe any 12-16 year old might, too!  Thanks to Thomas Nelson for sending me a complimentary copy to review!

God Gave Us So Much

God Gave Us So Much by Lisa Tawn Bergren is a beautiful children's book that combines three stories in one book.  All three focus on Biblical principles explained through the eyes of a talking, loving polar bear family in terms young children can understand.  An added bonus is the incredible art work provided by Laura J. Bryant throughout the book.

The first story is "God Gave Us the World."  This story describes the variety God has incorporated in our world in geography, personality, preferences, and appearances.  It encourages little hearers to appreciate our differences and to be thankful for what God gives to us.

"God gave us Love" follows.  I read this lovable story to my kids on Valentine's day...it is a great picture of how we love one another and even more importantly, how God loves us!

Finally, "God Gave Us Heaven" answers many questions kids (and adults, as well) might have about heaven.  While the story is mostly a back-and-forth dialogue between a bear cub and her papa, it is interesting and informative at the same time.

The book's target audience is children ages 2 to 5 years, but I believe it is well suited for somewhat older children, as well.  My six year old daughter actually enjoyed the stories more than my three year old did.  I think, perhaps, some of the subject matter is a bit difficult for a three year old to comprehend (but I still think it's valuable material to present to them--principles our children need to begin to learn at an early age!)   The artwork is beautiful and interesting for children of all ages!

Great book, thanks Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes!

The Next Christians by Gabe Lyons

I didn't want to like this book. I'd read parts of Gabe Lyons's first book and wasn't impressed. But this book, The Next Christians:  How a New Generation is Restoring the Faith,  really surprised me! I enjoyed most of it and found a lot to think about.

Lyons opens the book with an explanation of the death of Christian America as we know it. But he soon follows this with the hope of a “new” movement of the Christian faith among Americans (and the world!) Lyons describes a sort of Christian he labels “restorer”--one who seeks to restore a broken aspect of humanity, culture, earth, etc. to what it “ought” to be, what the Creator intended it to be, what it should be-but isn't because of sin. The six characteristics Lyons attributes to the restorer Christians are: provoked, not offended; creators, not critics; called, not employed; grounded, not distracted; in community, not alone; countercultural, not “relevant.” He explores each characteristic with its own chapter. There is much good here.

While I found much to apply to my own life and mission for Jesus, I also found parts of Lyons's book disturbing. Just as the “restorers” are a classification of Christians (and, as the title suggests, these are the NEXT Christians), two other groups are the “culturals”--those who attempt to blend-in with the culture and thus lose much of their Christian “flavor”-- and the “separatists” – those who associate only with other Christians, attempt to preserve Christian values in society, and are “intent solely on getting people 'saved.'” In an attempt to keep this review brief, I'll just say that I find Lyons's judgmental and narrow-minded attitude disturbing—and scary. Because he believes the methods, decisions, beliefs of the “separatist” segment of the church is out-dated and ineffective in today's society, he subtly scorns them and encourages others to avoid their pitfalls. Lyons leaves little room for the guiding of the Holy Spirit here—and rather deems their lifestyle “wrong.” He also leaves little room for any combination of peoples' classifications – one cannot, apparently, have “separatist” characteristics (such as sending your child to a Christian school or advocating for laws against same-sex marriage) AND be a “reformer” at the same time.

I also felt concern over some of the “acceptable” things for Lyons's reformers to do—in the name of reforming. For example, he condones one reformer's removal of words describing his loving actions as being the body of Christ because the seller didn't want anything associated with religion on the shirts. Lyons affirms that the best decision was to remove the wording and sell as many t-shirts as possible because buyers will still get the reformation information—basics of the story of Christ-like love—without knowing it was through Christ's love. I guess, if it was me, I would wonder about whether this was the “best” way to get the shirts manufactured and sold...or would God provide another avenue that didn't require a “watering-down” of His story?!

So, while I'd gladly recommend this book (which Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers provided to me, complimentarily, for the purpose of review) to a friend, I'd certainly add this disclaimer—I still believe it's ok to vote only for pro-life candidates! :)

Check out an excerpt from the book HERE !

Then Sings My Soul by Robert J. Morgan

Wonderfully worshipful!  This book, Then Sings My Soul, Special Edition by Robert J. Morgan contains the words and music to 150 Christian hymns, as well as a brief history of each hymn.  Most of the selected hymns are familiar to life-long church-goers (at least, to those over thirty years old....). 

As a member of a medium sized church, I fully enjoy the choruses we generally sing each week.  However, I've greatly missed the hymns of my childhood and after reading (and singing!) Morgan's book, I've realized why. Without telling me so, Morgan portrays the rich heritage and history we, as Christians, have in hymns!  As I read of the origins of some beloved songs of faith, I realized that my "fathers" have been singing some of these songs for hundreds of years before me!  The words of these very songs, that so encourage me and build my worship, did the same for the men and women  in generations before me!  I loved reading about how God impressed certain songs into the minds of their authors, so that the words flowed into a beautiful pattern without so much as an ounce of effort by the writer!  I enjoyed the testimonies written biographically by Morgan of some writers--their conversions and growth in Christ.  And, most of all, I love that I fell more and more in love with my Savior as I not only read the origins of each song, but spent hours singing and praising Him as I read through this wonderful worship book!  (However, it did take quite a bit longer for me to read this book since the four stanza hymns take a while to sing!) 

I am not a "music" person as far as talent goes, but I do love music.  This book made me long for the great songs of faith and heritage of my childhood.  I believe, now, that we've lost something in "giving up" these songs for the newer, more modern choruses.  I think I'll pass this book on to our worship leader at church and request page number 244 (Faith of our Fathers)!

Thanks, Thomas Nelson, for sending this book to me for free--it was a joy to read it!

The American Patriot's Almanac

The American Patriot's Almanac by William Bennett and John Cribb is a wonderful collection of historical moments, truly American inspirations, and slightly longer pieces of our history that every American should read.  It is an excellent book to read on a daily basis for the purpose of remembering the past and applying it to our present for our future.  It's a super resource for teaching kids important aspects of America and patriotism--to help them understand why they should love our nation.

It contains 365 brief, interesting selections--one for reading each day of the year.  These passages are short enough to share with older elementary aged kids through adults.  They are encouraging, inspiring, and cause the reader to be grateful to God and others!

Included in the book are important things every American should know or read--the Gettysburg address, the Emancipation Proclamation, The Constitution, etc.  There are poems by American poets, the lyrics to traditional, patriotic songs, and even America's top movies and quotes by Americans!  And a recurring theme throughout is the Christian heritage our forefathers established for us...something today's Americans too often forget!

I love this book and my kids do too.  I'm so excited to be able to share with them some of the unknown history that makes our nation great--and they love to hear it.  (My 6 year old often asks, "Can we read the America book now?"  ) 

Thanks, Thomas Nelson, for publishing this wonderful book and for sending to me to review!  One of my favorites!

Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids by Sarah Young

     This devotional book for kids is filled with a year's worth of devotions--one each day!  They are dated with the day of the year, but not the day of the week--so it can be used year after year (a great thing, in my opinion because God speaks to us in new ways from the same passage, many times!)
      The devotions contain a short scripture printed at the top and a one page message taken from the theme verse.  Scripture references follow for further study--a great thing for older children, especially!  I used the devotional book with my own four children and found the short verse and message appropriate for the kids aged five through ten (my three year old's attention span was much too short!)  I, as an adult, also really appreciated the messages and often found God speaking to my heart through them!
     The one thing I disliked about this book is that it is written from the first person--as if Jesus himself is speaking the words in the devotional thought.  This was really confusing for my kids, who kept asking if Jesus wrote this or said this.  It was difficult to explain that it was a woman who wrote it from the perspective of Jesus.  I ended up changing it to read from the third person point of view instead and this seemed to be much better understood (and I felt more comfortable with it, too, since they really are not the words of Jesus!)
     Overall, I enjoyed this book that Booksneeze sent to me to review!