The Women of Christmas by Liz Curtis Higgs

What a wonderful book to begin the Christmas season.  In our busyness at this time of year it brings a peaceful reading of things past. It also takes the stories that we are familiar with and expands on them. 

It takes the lives of Elizabeth, Mary and Anna to a broader understanding. The author digs through each sentence and each word in scripture.

Each of these women's story brings us to a new level and new promise in our own lives.  Liz Curtis Higgs writes like these women are more than a story. More than words in the Bible.

It is these women involvement in the most awesome story told, that brings everything alive to us.  The book explains how important each of these women were during the birth of Jesus.  They were an important part of history.

If you want to refresh your passion for the Christmas story I recommend this book.  You will come away with a new appreciation for these women. It will reinforce that women today are just as important to God.

God used these women in a mighty way, just as He can do in us today.

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing group for this review."

Knowing God By Name

These three women authors give you stories and examples to expose not only the names of God, but God Himself. They reveal many personal things to draw you to Him.

Their main purpose is to get you to experience God in fresh ways and with a deeper intimacy.

 Each Woman writes a chapter of her life and lessons.  At the end of each section there are questions to you or your group to reflect deeply and personally from the six proceeding chapters for that week.

This would be a great book to share with other woman who are longing to know more about God.

While reading this book I cried, laughed, and reflected.  It has it all.

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

Clear Winter Nights by Trevin Wax

I don't usually read fiction very often, but this book was worth reading.  It takes the reader on a tumbling journey following the struggles of a man who made a commitment to Christ as a child, but now has doubts about his faith. 

Chris doesn't want to be judgemental.  He has trouble answering questions from his classmates of other religions.  He doesn't like the way some Christians handle the hot topics.  He has questions and concerns that plague many of us today, no matter what age group.

Fortunately Chris has a godly grandfather that he goes to visit. He prepares himself not to let on to his grandfather about his doubts.  But it doesn't take this godly man long to figure out there is something not settled with his grandson. 

The conversation between the two gets deep, but still continues to be light.  Deep because there is no pat answer to the question and light that the grandfather's answers are non-judgemental and clear.

Throughout the book I wanted this kind of grandfather to talk to.  One you can ask the hard questions and be content with the answer whether it was clearly answered or not.

The book ends not knowing what Chris ends up doing with his life.  But with the conversations with his grandfather, you take away that only good can come of it. 

There are many one-liners in this book.  Things you would expect to hear from a godly grandfather. "Christianity isn't about giving up, but giving in."  "Salvation doesn't come from our willpower, it's God's will & power."

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

A Sisterchicks Devotional, Take Flight

This devotional is a must read for women of all ages.  It takes you on a journey as a bird in flight.  There are stories of highs and lows, but they all keep God's word at the forefront.

This book inspires and lifts up the soul.  There is humor along with passions, advice and truth.  This formula makes for a good read.  After reading this book I wanted to meet the authors.  They write about having fun along with honest friendships.

Don't be scared off by the word devotional being in the title. This isn't your normal devotional book. It has stories, wit and charm all throughout.  Read it soon.

" I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

Godonomics by Chad Hovind

Godonomics is an eye-opener on God's wisdom on government, economics and finances. It addresses things for a personal to a political application. The book is one that takes a person away from thinking of  the Bible as a history lesson and stories to events that can be applied today.

We have enough recorded history to know what has worked and what has not.  Chad Hovind brings up the point that the further we go from the advice of the Bible and God, the more we will see how it fails.

The author does bring up many government issues. But always has examples from God's word to compare them to.

Even if you don't follow politics this is a good book to read.  It brings out some political comparison with a Biblical story. I guess we are to live our lives in direct contact with God's word, why not in the government also.  Hey! can someone get this book to Washington DC?

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

Plastic Donuts by Jeff Anderson

This is a small book that packs a big punch.  It gives a different perspective to our tithing.  This author addresses it as from a child. He explains a child offers someone a plastic donut.  The child gets excited as the receiver acts overjoyed at receiving this plastic toy. 

Jeff Anderson brings up the questions,  "Do we think about if God cares what we give?" and "Do we ponder God's reaction or our own feelings?"

This book challenges us to grow more generous.  It will help us all focus on our Father's reaction to our giving. The top four tips are:
1. The amount matters
2. We determine the amount 
3. We give according to ability
4. The heart makes the gift count.

We give because of what God wants for us, not from us.  This book spotlights a new way to enjoy God forever.

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

Unfinished by Steven K Scott

This is my second book that I have read from Steven Scott.  The first one was Jesus Mission, which I thoroughly enjoyed.  This book makes Jesus' mission come alive and explains how we are included.

As you read you will come to understand the four callings from Jesus that empower and complete our purpose on earth. The author explains we are to passionately pursue and accomplish the callings He has set before us.

It is powerful to read that we have a purpose and calling since we live in such a troubled world. It is not natural to obey God. There is more to this life than mere chance.

This book can spark a fire of emotion and passion. It tells of the intimacy with God that we so desire.

The author brings up many points to motivate our faith, but he includes action suggestions along with it. Without the action, the main point remains just words on a page.

I recommend this book as a filler to our Bible reading. It can stir our hungry spirit.

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

Limitless Nick Vujicic

I

This is the second book that I have read of Nick Vujicic. This one being a devotional touched on some of the stories from the previous book.

The author writings are upbeat and it feels like he is writing just to help you out.  He doesn't try to make you think his life is all joy.  He is real and honest. That is what makes him so likable.

It feels as if Nick is "walking" right beside you as you are reading.  He does a lot of encouraging instead of pushing or leading.

I recommend this book for anyone who has or is going through a storm.  Nick boasts that he has a ridiculously good life and he shares it in this book.

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

Humble Orthodoxy by Joshua Harris

This book talks about phariseeism of our day. Just when I thought I was going to read about how to not be so legalistic, it changed course. Joshua Harris says the message of Christian orthodoxy isn't that we are right and someone else is wrong. It's that we are wrong and yet God is filled with grace.

There were many times when my pharisee edge got toppled over. One that I wasn't even aware of.  This book is short in pages but long in reminding people of what their position should be according to God's word.

Some examples are: God will not endorse my position, but we need to live for God's fame. We should not  pursue knowledge to inflate self rather than to glorify God. We need to focus on being mastered by Christ rather than mastering theology. And finally live for God's approval.

For me, the best line in this book was "In my pursuit of humble orthodoxy it helps to remember that one day in heaven there will be only one right person and it won't be you or me."

Humble orthodoxy can be a good book if it draws people to God.  But may not be a good read for someonewho  is trying to gain acceptance, respect and admiration from this world.

"I received this  book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

Sent by Hilary Alan

This book brings out how selfish and ungodly the American dream really is. I commend how this wealthy "normal" family took off their blinders and went beyond our protecting borders.

I hear others reminisce of simpler times in the past and how they miss them.  But this family went into a country of just that, a simple life and habits.  Nothing to be in a hurry for.  Instead of looking in the past, all we have to do is look across our oceans for a simple life. 

I appreciate this families determination to be obedient to God even though things were not easy.  They made a challenging mission trip in our eyes, into a wonderful vacation.  The author did not enjoy every aspect of the three years they were there, but she came away with a joy of being blessed.

I recommend this book to anyone thinking about going on a mission trip.  It will reveal what things could happen that may seem unpleasant. But, it can also show what things can lead to an exciting, God inspired passion that you never knew you had.

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

You Don't Need a Title to be a Leader by Mark Sanborn

This was one of those books that I wasn't sure I would enjoy.  It began slow, but the further along I got the better it became. 

It talked about how to make yourself motivated and focused. A trait everyone can benefit from. Throughout it makes the point to eliminate activities that don't add value. 

There is the power of giving where we need to ask others what motivates them.  Who wouldn't be encouraged if you kept all the conversation focused on them?

The main point of the book was dream big, plan small, team up, keep striving and act boldly.These statements may sound obvious, but it is an action that today is not seen enough.

I recommend this book to anyone who interacts directly with others.

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

Everything Christmas

You may be wondering why I picked a Christmas book to read in January.  I knew January would be a less hectic month and I could slowly read and enjoy the stories. It worked!  I was able to keep the warm Christmas feeling continue in January while the cold weather was unbearable outside.  In the middle of the busy holidays is not the time to read this book.

What makes this Christmas book unique is that it includes Christmas traditions, food items, and history from different countries.  It also has short stories, poems, carols, recipes, memories and gift giving ideas. 

This would be a great gift for a couple just starting out that doesn't have the holiday traditions set up yet.   It would also be a great read for anyone who wants more of the spirit of Christmas and loves this time of year.

"I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."