Book Review: Writing to Wake the Soul

Writing to Wake the Soul
Karen Hering
(C) 2013

Writing to Wake the Soul gets into the spiritual side of writing.

As a Christian Author, I often use my writing to get deeper spiritually.  I often find myself writing down my prayers, and I incorporate my faith into what I write, and what I refuse to writing.  

Whether I am writing prose or poetry I find that if I write from my heart and soul.  

Writing to Wake The Soul is a good edition to add to your library if you are a writer, or dream about becoming a writer.

Book Review AHA Awakening Honesty Acton

AHA
Awakening Honesty Action
Kyle Idleman
2014

In the beginning of this book Idleman points out that it is not a self help book, it is a Jesus help book. 

I love that the book reminds us of that moment we found God.  The moment Christ came into our lives and changed it forever.

Idleman asks if we had that moment when the Holy Spirit opens our eyes to something that we are missing.  Perhaps it could be that closeness we desired, or a truth we had not yet realized until that moment.
  
We are also reminded the importance of having a friend that can "Flip that switch" when needed, can tell us the truth, can encourage us the way we need. AHA also reminds us that we need to have a closer look at ourselves, we need to make sure that we are being a good witness to those who may be looking to us for a Christian example. 

Aha reminds us to have a deeper look at ourselves, at our faith, and to be a better example to those around us.

This is definitely a great addition to your library...

Book Review: Jesus Now

Jesus Now
Frank Viola
2014

This is a great book, a wonderful reminder for us that no matter what valley we are in the Lord is with us.

Viola reminds us that our Salvation is not earned by our works, but earned through Christ.

We are also reminded that a Christian being raised on un-biblical principles will only lead to disaster, a distorted view of what it i to be a Christian.

Though brief Jesus Now is a great book full of biblical insights and principles, a great book to study for new Christians or those looking to grow closer in Christ. 
I would recommend Jesus Now to anyone searching for a book that could be used as a tool to help you grow in Christ.

Book Review: The War Within These Walls

The War Within These Walls

Aline Sax Caryl Strzelecki

During the Holocaust a Young boy is forced in to the Warsaw Ghetto, where they are forced to deal with sickness, disease, death and starvation simply because they are Jewish.

Misha does not just sit idly by doing nothing though.  He is determined to fight the evil Nazi Monsters.  He does not want to sit round and do nothing, and die in vein.  He see's so many giving up and dying because the conditions are so bad, starvation, death, run rampant.  He is a fighter though, but at the end only he and one other get away from them. 

This is a fictionalized story of a young boy, fighting a very real fight.  Though Misha is fictional, the hell of the Warsaw Ghetto were very real.  The Holocaust was very real.

I would recomend this book for children no younger than ten, because of the subject matter, but this book is very well written.  And it tells a very real story.  

Book Review: Beautiful In God's Eyes For Young Women

Beautiful In God's Eyes For Young Women
Elizabeth George
(C)2014

This book is a great encouragement for young girls.  It reminds them that they can let the lives of those around them light up when thy let Christ shine through them.  The book also reminds young woman/girls that skills like homemaking are important because one day they may have a house or family of their own.  The practical tips as well as Biblical principles will provide young women with important tools as they grow up and start to build a life of their on.

The study question at the end of each chapter would provide a great tool for a Mother and daughter to open up a discussion on what it means to be a young Christian woman...

Elizabeth George reminds girls that physical beauty is fleeting and inner beauty is so much more important, and even gives tips on how a young Christian woman should dress and act...

Book Review: God In The Whirlwind

Book Review
God In the Whirlwind
How The Love Of God Reorients Our World

David F Wells

There are some books that I think we as Christians should read, and I believe this is one of those books.  This book will resonate within you a wonderful book to add to a Christian library.

God in the Whirlwind reminds us the importance of getting back to the heart of God, the heart of our faith.  

David F Wells brings up a very valid point in this book...He tells us that instead of using Creation as God's gift to us we use it as a substitute.  

Wells brings another valid point across that in this fast paced modern day and age we tend to get a narrow minded view of who God is, we simplify him more than we should.  He also points out that the Church for the most part has become so tolerant so politically correct we loose the meaning of what it is to be a Christian. 

I love it when Wells reminds us in God in the Whirlwind that wherever God is, Holiness is...

We are reminded too that wherever Love is holiness in action and in word.

Once we are in Christ our excistence changes. Wells.  What a powerful truth that brief but to the point statement is,  We should change, the way we live should change when we are in Christ..

If you are looking to grow deeper in your faith God in the Whirlwind added to your Bible study, and prayer time will be a great addition...

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Book Review: World War 11 The Right Fight

World War 11
The Right Fight
Chris Lynch
(C)2014

Geared towards 5th-9th graders this book would be a great addition to any child who is interested in history, especially World War 2 history. 

The Right Fight is full of adventure and will transport you into the lives of one young soldier Roman and his girlfriend back in the states Hannah.  This would also be a great book to open a discussion on what happened during word war 2 and on why we got involved in the war...

Book Review: Travels with Gannon and Wyatt Egypt

Travels with Gannon and Wyatt Egypt
Patti Wheeler, Keith Hemstreet
(C) 2014

Gannon and Wyatt when a trip to Egypt with the youth alliance.   Soon they discover that things in Egypt were not exactly what they expected it to be.  The brothers end up going on an expedition to find Cleopatra's tomb.  They are even more sure of that when thy are threatened by men with guns...

Travels with Gannon and Wyatt Egypt is a great book for a middle grade reader who likes to read adventures or books on foreign countries.  Your child will enjoy this book full of adventure...

Book Review: Who You Callin Silly?

Who You Callin Silly?
How A Silly Woman Becomes Victorious
Kimberly Lock
(C) 2013

This is a great book for Christian woman, who want to become Victorious.  The book is filled with good advise for both single and married women, and reminders of the importance of teaching your children to live for the love, and honoring your husband if you are married.  This would be a great book for a young Mother to be to read...

If you are a Christian woman who is looking for a good book that will help you in your walk with Christ, look no farther than Who You Callin Silly?  

Book Review: In Love And Life

In Love And Life
Esha Young

(C) 2013

If you love poetry if it stirs at your soul, you will love In Love and Life.  A wonderful collection of poetry dealing with love, life, hope, hurt and a variety of other subjects.  The poetry flows like the lyrics of a good song.

Happy Reading...

Book Review: A Simple Hope A Lancaster Crossroads Novel

A Simple Hope
A Lancaster Crossroads Novel
Rosalind Lauer 2014

An accident changes James Life forever, being dependent for a hardworking Amish Man is not an easy thing to take.  He does not like to sit around the house while there is work to be done, and he is determined to walk again.

James Father does not want his son going through the experimental therapy though, because it may involve riding in a car, or having Englishers brought into their home and he wants no part of that.

Gary is an Englisher who is only sticking around Amish Country, so he can rob the Amish.  He see's them as easy target and feels like they have more than they need.

Shandell is growing scared of Gary, she came with him to Amish country, thinking they were going sight seeing, but when she sees that he is robbing the Amish she grows scared, and when he threatens her, she decides to hide in an Amish Store wearhouse.

Shandell finds something she does not expect to find in Lancaster though, she finds Hope and Forgiveness.

Rachel wants nothing more to Marry James, wheelchair or no.  It does not matter to her, she loves him just as he is, but he just cannot seem to accept that.  He is working so hard on his therapy, and pushing himself farther and farther away from Rachel.  But she is willing to do anything to help him, so James Mother asks her to drive him to therapy in the buggy six days a week.  Rachel is grateful for the chance to be able to explain to James how she feels about him.  How she does not want to put off the wedding any longer.

James meets Shandell hiding out in there shack, and Shandell is surprised just how generous the Amish are.

Will James finally accept Rachel's Unconditonal Love?

Will Shandell finally get away from Gary for good?

Will James Father Jimmy not learn all "Englischers" are the same?

Find out, in this wonderful book!!!

Happy Reading

Book Review: Be Confident In Your Calling

Be Confident In Your Calling
Nathan B Thomas
2013

Be Confident In Your Calling is a wonderful book that will be great for those who want to work in Ministry, and for those who just simply question their calling in life.

This book will be a great addition to any Christian Library, illustrated with bible verses, that speak of growing closer to God, and with Chapters dealing with both how beautiful and how hard prayer can be, the book helps you to grow in Christ in a very real way if you allow it too.  Added to your Bible devotions this book would be an excellent addition to that as well.

Nathan B Thomas reminds us in this book that if we base our calling on anyone or anything else but Christ it will most certainly fail.  We are also reminded that God's second most pressing concern is our relationship with other human beings.

Be Confident In Your Calling, reminds us to look to Christ for our callings, and of course it reminds us to be confident in our calling. 

For anyone wanting to grow closer to Christ this book will be a great addition.

Book Review: Susan Marcus Bends the Rules

Susan Marcus Bends the Rules
(C) Jane Cutler
2014

During World War Two Susan Marcus moves from New York to St Louis Missouri, where she learns that segregation is the law in that state.  White's and Coloreds can't live together in the same building. 

Susan Marcus and her friends decide that it is time to Integrate St Louis, starting with a Chinese Restaurant, so they bring there Colored Friend Loretta over for a lunch.  It's a small step but something that they feel needs to be done.

This is a great book for children to read, after the book you could discuss Integration and Prejudice, and discuss why they felt Susan Marcus and her friends felt the need to make a change?  I would definitely by this books for the kids in my life.

Happy Reading

Book Review: The Art of Story Telling

The Art Of Story Telling
(C) John Walsh
Moody Publishers
2014

The Art Of Storytelling will help you if you need to be able to tell a better story, or give a speech.  Whether you are asked to tell a Story at Church, or teach a class.  The Art of Story Telling could benefit you.

John Walsh breaks this book up into short easy to read chapters, giving you techniques for Storytelling, in your Bible Class, Sunday School or anywhere els you may need to tell a story.  I wish I had this book when I worked with Children, because as short as it is, it is full with wonderful gyms, that can help you for years to come.

If you want to be able to tell a better story when you are asked to speak, or if you are a Sunday School Teacher who wants to better illustrate a lesson I would definitely reccommend The Art of Story Telling...

Readers Corner: Fifteen Minutes

Fifteen Minutes
Karen Kingsbury
(C) 2013

Zack Dylan has a gift for singing, and decides to take a chance by going onto a talent show called Fifteen Minutes.  He is trying to save his families farm and will do anything he can to do it.  But his grandfather reminds him not to let the talent show test his faith not to forget to put Jesus at the center.

Zack Dylan is determined not to let the spotlight change him though, he is determined to be a light on that stage.  He wants to let Christ's love shine through him.

Zack quickly learns that fame does change people though, fifteen minutes changed  Chandra Olson as well, the day she tried out for Fifteen Minutes, and now she is falling for him, despite the fact that he has a girlfriend, and he tells her that.  She even sends a tweet out in his name.

Fifteen Minutes Changed Kelly Morgan too and perhaps not for the best.  Her marriage is hanging on my a thread, and she has two young children to raise, but worse she has lost her faith.  When she get words her Father is dying of Cancer her entire world is turned upside down.

Zack Dylan soon discovers that fame can change you, in ways you cannot even imagine.  And in ways that are not always for the best, his faith will be tested, he bond between his family, and the relationship with his girlfriend back home, when he starts to grow closer to Costar Chandra Olson.

Fifteen Minutes is a tale of what can happen if you let fame get to you, if you let it change, you, but it is also a story of Redemption,  Forgiveness and Second Chances, so this is one novel I would highly recommend. 

Happy Reading
Michelle~

Reader's Corner: It's Just You And Me Lord

It's Just You and Me Lord
Marion Stroud
Copyright 2012

This little devotional is full of encouraging gem a perfect read for a Woman's Bible Study.

The devotional is broken up into easy to read sections, that would make a great addition to your daily Bible devotions. 

It's Just You and Me Lord, is a collection of inspirational Poetry, sayings and verses, that help in our walk with the Lord.  It delves into subjects such as forgiving others, when they perhaps don't even want to admit the way they hurt us.

It's Just You And Me Lord is a book that would be great for women who are new to the Christian faith or for those who have been Christians for years...

Readers Corner: Children's Historical Fiction: Prairie Anna

Prairie Anna
Peggy House
(C) 2012

If you have a young chapter book reader who loves to read about History, they will love Prairie Anna.
Anna is the daughter of Russian Immigrants who settle in South Dakota.  The prairie life is a difficult one for Anna and her family. And when her Mother dies after givin birth to her youngest sister things become even more difficult.

Her entire life Anna has to listen to those around her telling her what to do, but she grows tired of that.  She wants to do the things she wants to do, but she soon comes to the realization that sometimes being grown up is hard.

Readers Corner Craving Grace

Craving Grace
(C) 2014 Ruthie Delk
Moody Publishers...

Craving Grace speaks of about what Grace is, as well as what sin is, and the dangers we put ourselves in when we allow idols to come into our lives.

The book is broken up into short easy to read chapters with questions at the ends of those questions to help you grow in your walk with Christ.  A segment of questions aptly titled Digging Deeper.

Craving Grace speaks to us about not feeding our idols.  Getting away from those things that lead us to that kind of destruction.

This book is good for either an individual wanting to grow deeper in God's grace, or for a group study...

Reader's Corner: Discovering Joye

Discovering Joye

Uncovering the Treasure Inside Ordinary People, Places, Things and Ourselves.

(C) 2013 Jim Stovall

In Discovering Joye Jim Stovall shows us how to uncover the treasure in the Ordinary everyday people in our lives and in ourselves.

We do not have to be extraordinary to be treasured to be used of God...

This book spoke to me in a very real way simply written and easy to read it contains to me a very important message.  No matter where you are in life don't give up.  Don't let yourself doubt your own self-worth.

Discovering Joye also speaks to me of not living in regrets as well.  We can not live our life wondering what could have been and expect to be fulfilled.  We need to look at our blessings and we need to reach out, and move on yes.  We need to reach for our dreams yes, but sometimes the good Lord changes those dreams.

Jim Stovall very aptly describes friends in tis book not as those we just knew, very often we tend to call anyone we know even a casual acquaintance as a friend, and in a world of digital social media, like Facebook and twitter the defintion even becomes loser, but as Jim Stovall points out in Discovering Joye true friends are those that complete us.

In Chapter Nine a chapter on problems.  Jim Stovall points out that problems that do not serve us, pray a role in helping define us.  In no way does that have to be a bad thing.  We can learn to let go and move on, not merely become a victim of our problems.

In Discovering Joye we are also reminded that learning is a lifelong process, and that no family is perfect...Giving is one of the most significant acts we can perform, but though money is part of that it is one of the least important parts.  We should in fact give a portion of ourselves in servigs others and doing what we can.

We are reminded  too in Jim Stovall books that being grateful, being full of gratitude needs to be a lifelong pursuit.  We need to count our blessings everyday...

If you are looking forward to a book that is full of inspiration, motivation, and encouragement look no farther than Discovering Joye 

Reader's Corner: True Stories Of The Miracles of Azusa Street and Beyond Tommy Welchel

Go back to the days of the Azusa Street Revival and the miracles that happened there starting in 1906.  A revival that would last several years...

Learn interesting facts like Azusa Street was the first fully integrated church. 

You will learn that the Azusa Street Revival would lead two the birth of two new denomination.  Aseemblies of God  and Church Of God In Christ.

The stories of the miracles that occured at Azusa street, the people saved there will touch your heart.

This book is broke up into chapters breaking down just a few of the miracles at Azusa street just a few of the miracolous healings.

It also speaks of miracles that came about today miracles that may not have occured without Azusa street revival.  And Revivals brought about because of this...

Readers Corner: Children's Poetry Words With Wings Nikki Grimes

This wonderful little collection of poetry, speaks of a young girl who day dreams, day dreams that end up leading her to a career as a well loved author and poet.

Words with Wings would make a great addition to a child's library and could be used in lessons that teach children poetry.

I would definitely by copies of this book for the children in my life.

Happy Reading!!!

Readers Corner Children's Fiction, The Rock Harbor Search and Rescue, Collen Coble and Robin Carroll

A great book for middle readers who love Mysteries:

What if you are falsely accused of being overheard saying you were going to steal a necklace when you didn't say anything?

What if they believe you are the thief?

In trying to clear her name it seems that Emily and her friend stumble upon deeper mysteries.  Much deeper than just a missing necklace, a necklace Emily was accused of stealing.

When Emily's Father realize he had been wrong not to believe his daughter, he gives her the puppy she had been wanting.  

But in the midst of all of this Emily has another worry.  Her Mother is being paroled.  She does not want to have to face her.  She has a happy life, with her Father, her siblings and her stepmother.

Finally the truth about what happened to the necklace comes to light, and Emily is freed of the suspicion!

I would recomend this book to middle readers and those who are just young at heart.  This is a great little mystery for the young ones in your life.

Happy Reading!!!

Readers Corner Non Fiction Finding God In A Bag of Groceries

Finding God in A Bag of Groceries
By Laura Lapins Willis
Copyright 2013

As Christians sometimes we need help, and sometimes we need to help those around us.  We need to reach out, reaching out to those in need is something Jesus did from the earliest days of his ministry.  Sometimes our desire to reach out and change lives ends up changes us, makes us realize that we need to reach out too, that from time to time we need the help of those around us.

In the midst of real poverty, in the midst of real sorrow sometimes reaching out can seem hard, and sometimes we want to fix things that either those in the midst of the struggle don't want to have fixed or true proud to have fixed.  We see problems perhaps in areas that they do not.  And sadly sometimes those who need help end up taking advantage of the very people who are trying to help them.  Perhaps they are testing the person reaching out, perhaps they are just seeing how far they can push them, but it hurts when that happens.

Laura Lapins Willis, writes about what it means to reach other to others in Finding God In A Bag of Groceries, sometimes it is the small things that matter the
most to those in needs.  A bag of groceries when the cabinets are bare.