Blogging For Books Review: humble ORTHODOXY

I received a complimentary copy of the book "humble ORTHODOXY" from the Blogging for Books program, and I in turn promised to write this review.

 I have come to really enjoy the writings of Joshua Harris.  He is the pastor of a church in MD, as well as an author of several books.  I loved his book, "Dug Down Deep" so was I delighted to find that this book (feels more like a booklet with 79 pages), humble ORTHODOXY was written because people that read "Dug Down Deep" wanted him to expand more on his chapter, "humble Orthodoxy" and so he wrote this little book.

   The book stresses that is so vitally important that we have a commitment to biblical sound doctrine.  We must know the truth of Scripture, but as we share that truth with others we must be humble.  Boy is that hard to do!  I realize in my own life that way too many times I knew the truth of God's Word, but I did not share it in love and humility.  There is a balance and Joshua Harris unpacks how we can go about this approach.  Actually, Harris explains what it means, but as Christians we need the help of the Holy Spirit to accomplish this goal.

 I really did enjoy the book and the very last chapter (number 4) was wonderful.  I wanted to quote the whole chapter on my blog.  Harris paints a vision of what it might be like in Heaven when the body of Christ realizes that we got it wrong about so many things (not the core belief of our Salvation).  Of course this is Harris' idea about what might be, but just the way he told the story made me want to live with a spirit of humility now.  The book also challenged me to make sure that I know the truth of Scripture, and that it is my responsibility to study the Bible and seek God for His truth.  I definitely recommend this book!

BookSneeze Review: Love No Matter What

   BookSneeze gave me the book, "Love No Matter What (When Your Kids Make Decisions You Don't Agree With) complimentary and I in turn am writing this review.  

  I remember hearing Brenda Garrison, the author of the book, "Love No Matter What" on a Christian radio program.  That day she was talking about this book and she was sharing details about her journey with her daughter, Katie.  The basic premise of this books deals with how to love and support your children when they make decisions that you strongly disagree with. Those decisions can range from personal ones all the way up to illegal decisions, but Brenda reminds the reader to keep love at the center of the relationship with your children.

  The book was very informative and had a lot of helpful parental advice, especially for those parents that are walking a tough road with their children.  Brenda Garrison shares openly with vulnerability about her struggles with her daughter, Katie and in turn Katie has written several sections throughout the book titled, "What Was Katie Thinking?"  I think having Katie share what she was thinking adds an element to the book that makes it more authentic.   With permission, Brenda has also included the stories of 12 other families walking through difficult situations with their children.  At the end of the book, Brenda gives an update on how all the families are fairing, including her own.  

  I did like this book and I think it would be helpful for any parent to read, especially those going through difficult circumstances.  I too love that Brenda shared stories from the Bible and she also guides the readers to turn to God to help them in their time of struggle.  Thank you BookSneeze!