Category Archives: Book Review

Lost and Found – Book Review

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Sometimes what we think is real, true, or right, isn’t close to what is really going on. Most of the time we consider only our past experiences to determine the reasons for the situations we face on a daily basis. That can, and usually does get us into problems with our decision-making process.

New beginnings, even when necessary, are difficult and require a lot of planning. It’s when we don’t think things through, try to find the truth behind what’s happening, and come up with a usable plan that things begin to fall apart and life takes turns we aren’t ready for.

Suzanne Woods Fisher does a great job of putting together a great story in Lost and Found that gives much understanding to the necessity of thinking things through, finding the truth, and moving forward when the time is right. Using characters that are avid birders, the religious beliefs and life practises of the Pennsylvania Amish, and just the right amount of characters, Ms. Fisher creates a delightful story that kept me totally engaged from beginning to end.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free directly from Revel/Baker Publishing Group I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR requirements, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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The Path To Wholeness – Book Review

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The opportunity to read and review this book came at just the right moment. I had just had a total knee replacement and the physical pain was nearly indescribable. The long period of healing was wearing me down physically and emotionally. The pain medicine was causing an inability to focus. I was experiencing dark depression and anxiety and no Christian counselors were available anywhere in my area. The support system I had thought was very strong was inadequate.

A massive change of thought and attitude was necessary. Let me say here that my faith was stronger than ever and God and I were close companions through all of this but I was having great difficulty expressing what I really needed. The Path To Wholeness by Dr. Mark Mayfield arrived in the mail and reminded me of something I hadn’t done in a long time – writing in a journal all that I was thinking, imagining, and questioning. Throughout this engaging and easily understandable book, I was led through insightful and relatable discussions and writing prompts that started the mental healing process. I was able to define what was really happening and what I really needed.

Here is just one of the many ways this book guided me. I was, and still am, an expert at avoiding pain. I had developed, from childhood, the ability to close doors on any kind of pain, physical, emotional, contrived in my mind, and the real thing. I had thought I would be able to use that means in this situation. It didn’t work! I was becoming increasingly angry and knew something had to change. Working through the questions in this book helped me realize I was trying to control the pain by hiding from it. Now, I could move on and begin the healing process.

If you or someone you know is experiencing anything like this, read this book. It will change you. It will strengthen you. It will help you grow into the person God determined from the beginning. You will be blessed!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free directly from the author, Dr. Mark Mayfield. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR requirements, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Pathways to Understanding – Thompson Chain Reference Bible Review

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Sometimes, when I’m teaching God’s Words, I tell the class we are going to chase a bunny trail. In other words, we are going to dig deeper into the underlying meaning and application of a Bible verse or concept. Rabbit trails have a destination. They don’t just go off into unknown places. The rabbits are looking for sustenance or they are heading home.

So, how does that apply to the newest revision of the Thompson Chain Reference Bible? Let’s suppose you’re reading a section of the Bible and come across a topic that is new or interesting to you. All you have to do is go to that verse in Thompson’s and ‘chase’ the references (other places in the Word that refer to that verse or concept).

You might think with thousands of references and topics the process is complicated. It’s actually quite easy to choose how deep you want to get into the issue you are pursuing. There are several study helps in this revision including individual book synopsis, studies of individual Biblical characters, an extensive concordance, maps, and much, much more.

I’m delighted to have been given the opportunity to review and experience this new resource. I’ll be using it for many years to come as I write blog posts, prepare to teach, and just want to learn all I can about a concept I’ve come across in my daily Bible reading.

If you’d like a copy for yourself, which I highly recommend, you can click on the blue highlights. They will take you to the Faith Gateway Store and Amazon. (They are not connected to my affiliate stores and I receive no compensation for your purchase.)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free as a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR requirements, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” #BibleGatewayPartner

Wisdom for Life – Book Review

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Are you like me? We buy a book of devotionals that looks like it is exactly what we need and four or five days in we give up and find something new to read because it wasn’t what we thought it was. I found Wisdom for Life by Gail Purath to be exactly what I needed and wanted.

If you want to gain a deeper understanding of the Psalms and Proverbs this collection of 100, 1-Minute readings, gives direction on how to use Biblical principles to direct daily life.

If you’re dealing with discouragement, depression, or discontent you will find how the psalmist dealt with these tough issues. Are you wanting a more joy-filled, positive outlook? You’ll find some answers here. Have you wondered how to praise our God more effectively? She gives some excellent suggestions on how to give thanks in the mundane activities of daily life.

I love her style! When an issue is important to understand how the Holy Words apply to our life she wastes no time in explaining the errors in our thinking. Many of these very short, daily writings spoke to me about the people and this crazy world around me. Each devotion ends with a short section that helps us dig into the subject more deeply and use it more effectively in our own life situations.

This book will be available for you to read on February 21, 2023. You can pre-purchase it here (Wisdom for Life). It is definitely worth your time!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from B&H Publishing Group/Net Galley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR requirements, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Whole Woman – Book Review

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Knowing how to coordinate body, soul, mind, and spirit, can be very challanging. Maintaining a good balance between them is sometimes difficult. However, Kristin Kellen and Julia Higgins have compiled a guide for just that. Using several women’s writings there are many suggestions to live a total life that both nourish and encourage women in stabilizing their busy lives and making them more focused and productive.

Divided into the four sections mentioned above, The Whole Woman, gives many excellent suggestions for living the life God intended as well as reaching out and discipling the women around us. The book discusses the importance of knowing and living God’s Word, keeping our minds healthy and focused, taking care of our bodies, and discipling others.

I am giving this book a score of 5 out of 5. It’s we’ll written and full of usable information. I hope you will learn as much as I have.

Blessings and success to you and yours!

Marie

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Net Galley group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR requirements, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”