Book Review: The Insanity of Sacrifice

My latest review is of the book, "The Insanity of Sacrifice" written by Nik Ripken.  Nik Ripken is a mission veteran of 30 years.  He is a leading expert on the persecuted church (in Muslim contexts), and is a bestselling author.  I became familiar with Nik when I watched his documentary, "The Insanity of God".  It was about the persecuted Church.  It was an eye-opening film, and I was very convicted by the way I live my life as a Christian in the United States. 

 When I saw this 90 day Devotional by Nik Ripken, I requested it right away.  In my opinion, this devotional is not meant to be an uplifting, encouraging one, although you may be uplifted and encouraged. "The Insanity of Sacrifice" is meant to be read in hopes that it will cause one to devote himself to a life of sacrifice...a deep call to obedience and sacrifice for our God and Savior, Jesus Christ.  It is not an easy read, but a needed one for all that call themselves followers of Jesus.

Nik will share many stories from around the world of men and women that are persecuted for their faith in Jesus. I love that he shares stories of other believers that are living in a state of persecution, because it is something that I am not familiar with as a Christian living in America.  These stories remind me to pray for my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ around the world.  Not only to pray, but to be challenged by their example, and live my faith out boldly in my own sphere.

As stated before, this is not an easy read, but one I think all followers of Jesus should read. Thank you B&H Publishing for this complimentary copy. 

Book Review: He Numbered the Pores on my Face

My latest review is of the book, "He Numbered the Pores on my Face" written by Scarlet Hiltibidal.  I had never heard of Scarlet until I saw her book release for "Afraid of All the Things".  Afraid of All the Things is Scarlet's book written about her struggle with Fear.  Once I saw what the book was about, I had to read it.  I loved Afraid of All the Things, so I wanted to read Scarlet's new book too.

He Numbered the Pores on my Face is about Scarlet's teen years (middle school).  She wrote this book for middle school girls (parents too) to point them to God and the Gospel.  Scarlet shares very personal stories in this book.  She talks about beauty, dating, insecurities, eating disorders, and much more.  Scarlet's ability to remember the small details of her middle school years is amazing.  It made me think of my own middle school years and how insecure I was.

The best thing about this book is that Scarlet makes sure to share the truth of the Bible and how girls/women can apply it.  Yes, it is easier said than done, but it is what girls will need to do if they want to experience true freedom from the things that plague them in their younger years.  Girls/women are adored and given value, not because of their popularity, beauty, clothes, boyfriends, etc., but because Jesus values them. 

I highly recommend this book for middle school girls and their moms.  Actually any woman can read this book and find it meaningful and helpful.  I have become a fan of Scarlet.  I love the way she always points her readers back to God and the Gospel.

I was given this book from B&H Publishing, and I in turn agreed to write this review.

Review

My latest review for B&H Publishers is of the Teen To Teen Academic Planner (2019-2020).  I received the planner for free, and in turn agreed to write this review.  This review will be short and sweet.

 I really liked this planner, as it had everything you would want in it.  It includes monthly calendars with room enough to write in each day's space. In addition to the monthly calendar, it comes with space to write down checklists for each day.  I feel like this is a perfect planner for those that want to keep up with their busy schedules (including teens with busy school schedules).

 As a person of faith, I like that each page has either a bible verse on it, or an encouraging quote.  Teens or adults could use this planner and be very happy with it.  I would recommend this planner for those that like to use planners.

Book Review: Who Will Play with Me?

My latest review is of the book, "Who Will Play with Me? (A Slugs & Bugs Story)", written by Randall Goodgame.  This book is based on the Scripture, Philippians 2:3, with an emphasis on how we should put others first.  B&H Publishing gave me a complimentary copy of this book, and in turn agreed to write this review.

 I am a Preschool teacher, so I wanted to review this book to see if it would be a good one to read to my class.  I work at a private Christian school, so we can talk about the Bible.  This book is geared to helping children see that they should not think only of themselves, but how we can think about others first. 

The book is beautifully illustrated with fun pictures of the slug and bug (the main characters).  The text is big, so it is very easy to read when reading aloud. The story flows smoothly with some rhyming words.  It is a little on the long side for younger children, but it is just fine for children ages 4 and above. 

This story is a good one to teach your children a valuable lesson about humility and valuing others. I would read this story to my Pre-K class, and definitely would recommend it to parents with younger children.  Overall, it is a solid story with  colorful and fun illustrations.

Book Review: Why God?

My latest review is of the book, "Why God? (Big Answers About God and Why We Believe in Him)", written by Dan Dewitt.  "Why God?" is a children's book, and it deals with the basic question of why believe in God.

  Why God? was illustrated by Christine Grove, and the pictures are really well done. The book is very colorful, and the pictures are cutesy (my word).  There is a picture of the earth drawn as a smiling face...you can't get more cute than that!

The story is about a brother and sister who ask their mother, why they believe in God, after one of the brother's friends says he doesn't believe in God.  The last part of the story is dedicated to the mom answering the children's question.  The author uses a simple form of "apologetics" to answer the question of why believe in God.  The mother in the story introduces God as creator, and also goes into a little bit of detail about how sin entered the world.

 I think this book is a good way to introduce young children to the "Why God" question.  I would read this book to my own children, and to my preschool class.  B&H Publishing gave me a complimentary copy of this book, and I in turn agreed to write this review.

Book Review: What Am I Feeling?

My latest review is of the book, "What Am I Feeling?" written by Dr. Josh and Christi Straub.  I am a Preschool teacher, so I was very interested in a book about emotions, written by a couple, with a Christian viewpoint.  This review will be short and sweet.

 I really like this book because it was very simplistic and easy for a child to understand.  The book is about a little boy named, Sam, who is feeling nervous about his upcoming "Show and Tell" turn at school.  At first, Sam doesn't know why he feels so funny, and he talks to his parents about how he is feeling. I love that his Dad explains to him that "a feeling is just a feeling, and it doesn't have to be in charge of you (Sam)".  What a great thing to explain to a child when he/she is experiencing all kinds of powerful emotions.

 The story continues with Sam going to school and interacting with all of his friends, whom are experiencing their own "feelings".  All the basic emotions are mentioned in this book.  I love that the authors mention that kids can pray to God to help them with their feelings.  The Straubs included a "feelings" poster that can be detached and used, as well.

 I would definitely recommend this book for small children (3-6).  B&H Publishers gave me this complimentary copy of this book, and I in turn wrote this review.

Book Review: Open-Door Living

My latest review is of the book, Open-Door Living, written by Jen Schmidt.  Jen is a popular speaker, worship leader, and is passionate about helping people find ways to show God's love through hospitality.  She actually wrote her book, "Just Open the Door" about that very subject.  I received this book from B&H Publishing, and in turn agreed to write this review.

 First of all, this book looks like one that you would leave on a coffee table.  It has a beautiful hard back cover that would look very nice anywhere in a home.  This book is about 100 pages, and is not a book that you just read through.  It contains recipes, beautiful pictures, artwork, and a lot of ideas of the "how to" of hospitality.  You can read it in one setting if you would like to, but I think you should go slowly and try all Jen's ideas :)

Jen shares that we do not have to have a special gift to entertain, and be hospitable.  Hospitality is for anyone that is willing to just open her/his door.  She gives examples of how to entertain on a small and bigger budget. Simple or Grand. No time, or can plan for hours.  Jen covers all the possible scenarios.

 I like to entertain, and open up my home, and after reading this book, I am excited to try many of Jen's ideas. I think women in general would love this book.  Thank you B&H for giving me this book. 

Book Review: Afraid of all the things

My latest review is of the book, "Afraid of all the things (Tornadoes, Cancer, Adoption, and other stuff you need the Gospel for)" written by Scarlet Hiltibidal.  This is hands down the best book I have ever read about the subject of fear.  Outside of a few major life differences, I feel like I could have written this book.  I have had a lifelong struggle with fear and anxiety, and reading this book has literally helped me begin to see life, and my fear through a different lens.

   I love that Scarlet shares her own struggle with fear and anxiety, in great detail.  It was almost as if I could predict what she was going to say, or as if she could read my mind.  For people that deal with fear (and anxiety), it seems so irrational and even "crazy" to those that do not struggle with fear.  Reading Scarlet's life story made me not feel so "crazy" or alone.   However, if Scarlet only shared her life story and how she was "afraid of all the things", the book would have been incomplete.  I am so thankful that Scarlet shared her story, but also went into detail about how the Gospel of Jesus Christ can set us free from all fear.

    I could probably write a book about this book, but I shall end here.  This isn't a quick fix book, but one that will point you to the truth of how Jesus sets us free from fear.  This side of heaven, we will have things that will make us afraid.  We cannot escape this reality, but Jesus has already overcome death and the grave, and there is nothing that can touch the soul of those that are His.  Thank you Scarlet for sharing your story, and challenging your readers to believe Jesus and His Words. 

I received this book from B&H Publishing, and in turn agreed to write this review.



   

Book Review: Sacred Holidays

 My latest review is of the book, Sacred Holidays, written by Becky Kiser.  I think I have heard her name before, but I am unfamiliar with any of her work.  B&H Publishing generously gave me a complimentary copy of this book, and I am writing this review in response.

 The question of the back of Becky's book states, "Do you wish every holiday was full of less Chaos and more Jesus?"  OF COURSE I DO! As a follower of Jesus, I feel like I miss the mark when it comes to celebrating the holidays, especially the ones that celebrate Him.  So, that is why I chose to request this book and review it.

Sacred Holidays is not a book that you read and store in your bookshelf, or give away to a friend.  It is a book for you to keep and use all year long (for many years to come).  The book is divided into three parts.  The first part is the introduction explaining the concept of the book and how it is to be used.  The second part of the book is the Holiday section (New Year's, Valentine's, Lent/Easter, Summer, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Advent/Christmas, and Birthdays).  This is the section that you are to read 30 to 60 days before the actual holiday, so you can prepare for it.   Part three is dedicated to common struggles, and it is there to read as you need to (IE: budgets, drama, realistic expectations, grief, etc.)  The book is full of space to journal and take notes.  Becky asks readers many thought provoking questions, in hopes that it will help alleviate some of the unneeded stress that comes with the Holidays.

 My favorite part of this book is it helps me come up with ways that I can make each Holiday more "sacred",  holy and set apart to God.  Becky fills this book with all kinds of ideas and activities that you can do all year round.  I think this book is a must for everyone that celebrates Holidays :) !  A book that you need to keep out on your coffee table all year.