Tyndale Book Review- "Whole"

Tyndale provided me with a complimentary copy of Lisa Whittle's newest book release,
"{W}hole", and in turn I agreed to write a review for the book. Up until this point I had never really heard of Lisa Whittle and her ministry, but the title of the book intrigued me. Basically the premise of the book is that we all have "holes" in our lives, but Jesus can make our holes "whole".

Overall, I really liked Lisa's book and I would definitely read other books of Lisa's in the future. I think my favorite part of the book is Lisa's writing style and how she writes with such authenticity. I was engaged from the very beginning of the book and for me that is when I make my decision of whether or not I can actually finish a book. Well, I finished the book.

Another thing I appreciated about Lisa was that she was very vulnerable with what she chose to share in the book. She shared personal stories about her life, including a very painful story about what happened to her father. One of the beautiful parts of the book is that you get to see how Jesus worked through those painful situations to bring healing and wholeness to Lisa and her family.

The book is broken up into 8 chapters including an introduction and conclusion chapter. The 6 chapters inbetween deal with 3 areas (religion, roles, and experiences) we can develop "holes" in
and how Jesus can make each of those areas whole. An excerpt from the back of the book reads, "In Whole, Lisa calls you to take an honest look at your holes, discover how to fill them with God's presence, and get to a real and vibrant place of wholeness instead." I could not have said it better myself.

In closing, "Whole" is a refreshing book that is full of scripture and pratical, biblical steps that readers can take in order to grow in their relationships with Jesus. You will feel encouraged and challenged to seek the "wholeness" and healing that Jesus provides. Most importantly Lisa reminds us that the most important thing in our lives, outside of our religion, roles, and experiences is that we have a solid relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus.

"Little Angels"

I had the opportunity to get a sneak peek at one of Roma Downey's new ventures. I loved watching Roma for years on "Touched by an Angel" so when offered the opportunity to take a sneak peek at her newest project, "Little Angels", I jumped at the chance. I cannot say it better than the makers of "Little Angels", so below I copied and pasted the information about this new project.

Discover the joy of learning and friendship with a heavenly new collection! From Executive Producer Roma Downey ("Touched by an Angel") and Writer Phil Lollar ("Adventures in Odyssey") comes the much-anticipated faith-based educational series, LITTLE ANGELS, soaring onto DVD from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

LITTLE ANGELS is an animated DVD series created exclusively for preschool-aged children to teach not only practical learning skills, like ABCs and 1,2,3s, but also to introduce them to the spiritual, moral and ethical principles of the Bible. Of course, we think it's terrific! (We might be biased...) But don't just take our word for it - for the first time in their organization's history, MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) has awarded a Seal-of-Approval to LITTLE ANGELS.

Pre-school twins Alex and Zoe are blessed to have eight Little Angels watching over them - literally! These Little Angels "live" on the ceiling of their bedroom, painted there so they are the first things the kids see when they wake up in the morning and the last thing they see before they fall asleep at night. The angels come to life when the children need them most, helping guide them through the challenges of their young lives.

You can visit the website by visiting www.littleangels.com

Blessings to all as you take of your own "little angels" :)

"Stuck" Bible Study

Here is the link to the trailer about the DVD bible study "Stuck" that I wrote a review for in an earlier post. Check it out...

Book Sneeze Book Review: "Stuck" Bible Study

Since I began my experience as a book/resource reviewer for "Book Sneeze" (Thomas Nelson), I have not been as excited to receive a resource as the "Stuck" DVD based bible study. I was intrigued by the title, and I also lead Women's bible studies in my home so I knew I would request this resource as soon as it became available. I am so glad I did. "Stuck" gets my highest recommendation of any of the resources I have reviewed so far.

"Stuck's" author is Jennie Allen, and up to this point I had never even heard of her in the world of Women's Ministry. Well, I can tell you after reviewing "Stuck" I am sure Jennie Allen will be a new and upcoming leader/teacher in Women's Ministry. As I watched Jennie's teaching DVDs I fell in love with her teaching style. She is passionate, authentic and biblically sound. What more could you ask for in a teacher? (Well, I am sure there is more, but Jennie Allen will not disappoint you).

"Stuck" is set up as an 8 week DVD session study. The Bible study kit includes the 8 session DVD, a copy of the study guide (used for personal study), a leader's guide, and a set of conversation cards that coincide with the 8 weeks. The study guide is a bit different from some of the other studies I have done in the past, and that is a good thing. Jennie challenges her participants to dig deep into God's Word each week. After the "study" portion of the guide Jennie has included "projects" that are very interactive for each individual to complete. Each week's study maybe completed in one sitting, or one can break the study up and complete it in multiple settings.

The leader's guide is set up in a way that basically takes all the "work", or shall I say "fear" out of leading. Jennie walks her leaders right through the entire study so they can feel confident when they lead their own group of women through "Stuck".

My favorite part of this whole study are the "Conversation Cards" that Jennie has included in her study. Jennie has come up with multiple questions on each week's theme (IE: broken, mad, discontent, etc) and a weekly scripture to support each week's theme. She always wants to make sure that the final word on any subject comes from God, as it should be. In my experience, women love getting together and asking each other questions about life and their spiritual journeys. This study lends itself to going deep with your group if you choose that path. I think that is where true growth happens.

I think I should end my review here because honestly I could go on and on about how great this study is. I give it a 5 out of 5 stars. I will actually be beginning this study with a small group of women in my home very soon. Thank you Book Sneeze for providing this resource to me. I am ever so thankful.

(Book Sneeze provided "Stuck" to me complimentary and I in turn had to write a review).

Who is Out There?

Hey Blogville,

If you have never commented and you are a regular (or somewhat regular) visitor of this blog, I would love to meet you. I know I have a very small number of people that visit from time to time but I would love to know who is out there.... I am so social :) So leave me a comment and I will stop by your blog to say hello as well.

I am planning on writing more on the blog in the coming months so hopefully we can keep in contact through the bloggy...

Blessings,
Kim

Thankful Thursday

Well today I am going to start back up with my "Thankful Thursday" meme. I sure have missed Thankful Thursdays and the fellowship of other "Thankful Thursday-ers" :) This year I wanted to write more at my blog as I feel like I have a lot to say, but not a lot of time. So "TT" will help me keep up with my goal.

I will keep it simple with a top ten list of things I am thankful for this week.

1. On a sad note, my husband lost his best friend to cancer this past week... one tiny thankful in this difficult situation was that my husband found an airline ticket for 127 dollars last minute. Originally the tickets were costing anywhere from 800 to 1300 dollars. We are thanking God that he provided a way financially for my husband to be with his best friend's family.

2. To continue on number 1 a bit. My hubby's friend was a believer, and even though many are grieving for him, we do not grieve as those with no hope... We are so sad to be without him, but we know he is with his Jesus. Our Jesus...

3. I realized today that the Lord has been so good to me when it has come to my physical health... I have not been really sick (doctor's care) for over 2 years. I am blessed to have my health.

4. I belong to a Gym and I like to actually workout at that gym :)

5. I have a job I love with coworkers I adore :)

6. I am thankful to be a part of 3 blogging for books programs in which I get to keep all the books and resources I review.

7. I am thankful that I finally purchased Ann Voskamp's book "one thousand gifts"...I just began it and already I know I am going to love it.

8. I am thankful that my boys are getting to attend AWANAS at a local church. I was involved in AWANAS when I was a child and the program is wonderful.

9. My youngest child is coming out of his shell... he is surprising me.

10. My middle child conquered a fear by completing a task that he wanted to quit on.

Ok, that is all for now. Feel free to tell me something you are thankful for this week. I would love to hear it. Blessings all...

I am over at the "A Martha Heart" site today

I am over at the "A Martha Heart" website today... Stop by for a visit if you can. Click HERE to link up.

Blog Book Review for "Dug Down Deep"

Recently I signed up to review books for WaterBrook Multnomah and I am so glad I did. My first selection for my complimentary copy was the book "Dug Down Deep" (Building Your Life on Truths That Last) by Joshua Harris. Before I read this book, all I knew about Joshua Harris was that he was the guy "that kissed dating goodbye" :) I didn't realize that he is currently serving as the senior pastor of a church in Maryland, and that he is an amazing author with a gift for writing.

If I had to rate this book I would give it a 5 star rating out of a possible 5 stars. It was that good. Actually I was a little nervous to read this book because it is a book about theology. Words like orthodoxy and doctrine are discussed and better yet explained in this book. I always felt that only theologians could understand doctrine, but Joshua Harris helped me to understand what doctrine is and how I could actually live out the truths that are in God's Word.

Harris breaks down the basics of faith-God, scripture, Jesus, the Cross, salvation, sanctification, the Holy Spirit, and the church (taken from back cover of book). I have been a Christian for over 25 years and I still did not have a knowledge or understanding about some of the things that Joshua Harris explained to me in his book. After reading this book, I actually feel that my faith in God has been strengthened because I now understand key verses in scripture that I had not really understood before. As the title of the book states Joshua Harris wants his readers to "dig deep".

"Dug Down Deep" will be a book that I keep and refer to in the future as I study my Bible. This book is also a great book for Small Group studies because there is a discussion guide with probing questions in the back of the book for every chapter. I would actually love to go through this book as a study with a group of my peers. This book also contains a heavy amount of scripture in it which I think is a must if you were going to use it as a Bible study book in a Small Group.

In closing I think this book will appeal to all readers, not just professing Christians. I say this because Joshua Harris gives his personal testimony about how he began his spiritual journey as an "apathetic church kid" but as a young student developed a burning passion to truly know God. Joshua Harris also is very candid and shares some of his own personal struggles which helps him relate to his readers in an authentic way. I think those people who do not have a faith would find Joshua Harris refreshing. If not refreshing, at least honest and real.

Thank you WaterBrook Multonomah for this wonderful book.

(In exchange for the complimentary copy of this book, I had to write and post a review)