BookLook Bloggers Review: UnQuenchable

  My latest review is of the book, Unquenchable (Grow a Wildlife Faith that Will Endure Anything) by Carol Kent.  I think Carol Kent is an amazing woman with a powerful testimony of God's love, grace and forgiveness.   Carol is a bestselling author and she also has a ministry of public speaking.  Her messages encourage others to hold onto hope in Jesus when life's circumstances are out of control.  I received her latest book complimentary from BookLook Bloggers and I in turn agreed to write this review.

    If you are familiar with Carol Kent's story you would know about her only son, Jason being in prison for the murder of his wife's first husband.  I will not spend time in this review recounting that story, but you can read more about the story in Carol's previous book, "When I Lay My Issac Down".   Even though this book is not specifically about her son's ordeal, it has surely marked Carol's life in every way and she references the pain of her son's incarceration often.

    I love when authors share personal stories from their lives, and Carol doesn't disappoint in this book.  Carol is open, honest and raw in her writing.  Carol also shares the heartaches and stories of many people in her life that she has encountered along the way.  I think one reason she shares such painful stories is to give her readers hope that they too can find healing in Jesus.  

  Carol's main theme throughout the book is the analogy of our faith being like a wildfire.  At times our faith in Jesus burns out of control and we cannot contain the love we have for Him.  At other times, it is like our faith has completely burned out and only a tiny ember may still be burning beneath the surface.   Whatever season you find yourself in, Carol's book will encourage you that there is always hope, no matter how dead you feel inside, or how bad things are in your life.  The "fire" (our faith) never completely burns out.  

  I highly recommend this book and you will be so encouraged by reading it.  I am sure of it!!!

"Restless (DVD STUDY)" Review/ BookSneeze

  I received the "Restless DVD Bible Study" by Jennie Allen, complimentary from the gracious team at BookSneeze.  I in turn agreed to write this review.  Well, I can tell you that it is my joy to write this review as I was anticipating receiving this study since I found out Jennie completed it.  I was introduced to Jennie Allen a few years ago when she released her first bible study, "Stuck" (AMAZING STUDY), and I have been able to read and complete her following books and bible studies.

    Jennie's "Restless" study is based on the life of Joseph from the Bible, and she leads participants through a practical plan to identify the "threads" of their lives.  Jennie hopes that through the study women (and men) will find out how to weave those "threads" together for God and His glory and purposes.

  Some of the topics that are covered during the 8 week study are; God's story,  gifts, suffering, people and passions.  The format of this study is different from Jennie's last two studies as she is teaching before a live audience, and some of her friends share their stories on the DVD.  I have loved her last two studies so it is hard for me to say that this one is better, but I can say it is just as good and the messages Jennie teach are powerful and life changing.  I really truly believe that if a person lets God lead her through this study her life could be changed forevermore.

  I believe Jennie has been gifted by God, and she is one of the voices of our generation that is calling people back to God.  She is passionate for people to know Jesus and experience a relationship with Him that is life changing.  She is true to the "Gospel" message and she will tell you the truth even when it is hard.   Jennie has stated that her heart is to equip and unleash the followers of Jesus to live and love Him and others.

  I understand that there are those that may read this review that don't have a relationship with God and maybe curious as to what all of this "talk" is about.  Although this study is geared toward the follower of Jesus, I believe it could be used to introduce someone  to what God's Story is all about.

 I am sure it is clear from my review, but I highly recommend this study by Jennie Allen and I cannot wait to read the paperback book when it releases.

BookSneeze Review: Overextended ...and loving most of it!

  My latest review is of the book, "Overextended... and loving most of it!" by Lisa Harper.  Lisa is a featured speaker with the Women of Faith organization, as well as an author of ten books.  Lisa has a masters of theological studies from Covenant Seminary and is a gifted communicator.  Personally, I think Lisa has the gift of making people laugh, you cannot help but love her.  I had recently attended a Women of Faith conference and heard Lisa speak, so I wanted to review her latest book.

   This review is going to be short because I don't have a lot to say about Lisa's book except that it was wonderful.  I absolutely love the way Lisa writes, and I felt so connected to all of her stories.  She invites her readers to enter her joy and pain, and she isn't afraid to let you see that she is a real person with real emotions, struggles and sins.

  Lisa shares personal stories about her adoption journey, relationships with family and about how it is to live a very busy life on the road.  My favorite story is about an older lady named Agnes that Lisa met on a flight.  If the story of Agnes was the only story in the book, it would have been worth it for me to buy the book.

     I would definitely recommend this book to all of my friends.  Lisa is down to earth and I have a feeling that many women reading this book will relate to one of more of her stories.   I think I need to go back and read Lisa's other books now.

 I received this book complimentary from BookSneeze, and I in turn agreed to write this review.

Book Sneeze Review (God in my Everything)

 I was very curious to read Ken Shigematsu's new book, God in my Everything (How an Ancient Rhythm Helps Busy People Enjoy God).  I love that title and honestly that is my heart cry.   I want to learn how to live in a way that God is in every part of my life.  I received this book from Book Sneeze and I in turn agreed to write this review.

  Ken Shigematsu is the Senior Pastor of Tenth Church in Vancouver, BC.  Ken's main purpose of this book is to show the reader that the time-tested spiritual practice of the "rule of life" can enrich their relationship with God.  Ken writes about how as Christians we long to have a deeper relationship with God, but the busyness of life makes is difficult.  I totally agree with him.

  For this review I am not going to try to explain the "rule of life" practice, but encourage you to read the book and find out the full meaning of this practice.  However, in the book Ken writes this about the rule of life, "It serves as a pattern for life that enables us to experience the presence of Jesus in each moment of our lives, empowering us to become people who embody his love to others".  I like that statement.  Ken talks about how the "rule of life" can be applied in all areas of life from your personal time with God, your own health, finances, and to your relationship with your family and friends.

 I recommend this book to anyone who is feeling like life is getting too busy and your time with God is suffering as a result. There are several great takeaways from this book that I will try to implement in my own life.  It is an easy read and you will probably be finished reading the book in a few days.
Thank you Book Sneeze for another great read, and of course a thanks to Ken Shigematsu.  

BookSneeze Review: Resurrection Year

   My most recent review is "Resurrection Year" by Sheridan Voysey.  I received a complimentary copy of the book from BookSneeze and in return I am writing this review.  I had never heard of Sheridan Voysey,  although he is a popular author and radio personality from Australia.  He now resides in the UK with his wife.  

  I probably would not have picked this book to review, but I had just heard an interview with Sheridan on the Chris Fabry Live radio show.   Chris Fabry was sent Sheridan's book to review and he must have liked it because he was interviewing Sheridan about his book :)

  (Taken from back cover) "Resurrection Year is a hope filled story about starting again after a dream has died-an emotive, poetic, and at times humorous discovery of the healing qualities of beauty, play, friendship, and love."

   I really enjoyed reading this book, and I had read it completely in just a few days.  Sheridan opens up candidly, and shares the journey he and his wife have been on...a painfully long journey of 15 years of infertility.  Sheridan shares many of his own personal journal entries during the struggle with infertility.  The reader gets a glimpse of Sheridan's (and his wife) wrestling with God through questions, pain and rejoicing.

   I think I had expected that at the end of the book Sheridan and his wife would have children, but this book is actually about how a Christ follower lives in spite of an unfulfilled dream...this is real life for so many of us.  Living in a broken world, we all will live with some unfulfilled dream.  This book is about how Sheridan and his wife chose to focus in on the beauty of the life that God has given them without children of their own.

    I would recommend this book to anyone, not just those who share the same story as Sheridan and his wife.  As stated before, everyone will face some unfulfilled longing, and this book shows how one couple chose to find life after a "death" of a dream.

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!

Book Sneeze Review: Tough Guys and Drama Queens

   My latest book to review was Mark Gregston's, "Tough Guys and Drama Queens (How Not To Get Blindsided by Your Child's Teen Years)".   Well I have 3 children ages, 14, 12, and 10 so you can probably guess why I wanted to review this book :).  Plus, the fact I hear the author of this book on Talk Radio on Saturday mornings on my drive to the Grocery Store.  Mark Gregston is the founder and executive director of Heartlight, a residential counseling center for troubled teens.  The center houses up to 60 teens, so I would say that Mark Gregston probably knows a thing or two about raising and disciplining children, teens in particular.

  I think this book was wonderful as it had so much helpful information.  Actually, I am really glad I read it because the author is used to working with teens that are in crisis, so he definitely has experience and has seen what has worked in parenting and what has not (to put it nicely).  I on the other hand am just beginning my experience with parenting teens, and when I read this book I realized that I may have some wrong thinking when it comes to parenting and disciplining my teens to be.

 I am glad that Mark Gregston opened my eyes by sharing  from his experience of how teens actually do think.  Plus, the fact that today's teens are experiencing things that generations past have never even dreamed about (or had nightmares about).  Styles of parenting that worked in the past have to be tweaked to reach the generation of teens today.

     So my review for the book is one hundred percent positive, and I think every parent that has a child that is 10 years or over would benefit from the information in this book. I know every child is different and this book won't solve all of your parenting issues, but you will be really glad that you took the time to read it.  I am now passing it onto my husband to read :)

  BookSneeze gave me this complimentary copy of this book, and in return I wrote this review.  Thanks BookSneeze!!!

Twelve Unlikely Heroes Book Review: BookSneeze

  I love John MacArthur's teachings so when I saw his newest book, Twelve Unlikely Heroes I had to request it to review.  I have not been able to read his other "12" books (Ordinary Men and Extraordinary Women) so I wanted to make sure to read this one.  BookSneeze provided me a complimentary copy of Twelve Unlikely Heroes, and I in turn agreed to write this review.

 First of all, I will say that this is not a book that you will breeze through in a weekend setting, nor do you really want to.  John MacArthur knows his theology and has taken time to do a lot of background research in order to enrich the reader's experience with the book. (Taken from back cover) "John MacArthur uses his deep knowledge of the Bible and history to take us back to see these three-dimensional men and women in their own times and cultures. In doing so, it becomes clear how their dramatic stories apply to us today."

   MacArthur goes into great detail about the lives of Enoch, Joseph, Miriam, Gideon, Samson, Jonathan, Jonah, Esther, John the Baptist, James, Mark and Onesimus.  In this book John MacArthur labels them as heroes, but maybe not in the super hero kind of way that we would think.  These men and women of the Bible were real people with real flaws.  They were weak and succumbed to temptation at times.  They struggled, but they also believed God and trusted in Him.  God used them to accomplish His Will in spite of their weaknesses.  When you look at their lives, you get a glimpse of your own life as well. 

  The thing I liked best about the book was the research and background that MacArthur provides on each of these men and women.  I have been a Christian for over 30 years and know quite a bit of information about most of these persons from the Bible, but through reading this book I came away with information I never knew before.  Reading this book helped me to make connections in the Bible that helped me to understand it better.  I so appreciate John MacArthur's style of writing that really ends up teaching me more about God.

   I definitely recommend this book to all readers.  I believe that everyone can learn something new and come away from reading this book with a bigger view of what the Lord can do with a "unlikely" person that is fully surrendered to Him.  Thanks John MacArthur. 

Book Sneeze Book Review: "God Loves Broken People..."

Things have been quiet here on my blog, but I am happy to start things up again by posting this book review for Book Sneeze. I have read several of Shelia Walsh's books, but this book is my favorite book of the ones she has written. The book is titled "God Loves Broken People (And Those Who Pretend They're Not) and Shelia said that if she could only write one book in her lifetime this book would be it. I think in so many ways it is because this book represents her life story the best.

The book is broken up into thirteen chapters and includes a bible study for each chapter. I love that because this book is not one that you simply read, but one that you can actually work through, and one that encourages you to read Scriptures from the Bible. As with many of the books I have read this one would be a wonderful one to do with a small group of women (men too, although I think women would relate to this book a bit better).

One quote from the book cover states, "Shelia Walsh shows how personal brokenness can open doors of intimacy with Jesus Christ that might never open in any other way." In my opinion that pretty much sums up the whole book. Shelia shares much of her own personal journey with brokenness in this book, but she also share the stories of many others who have walked the lonely painful road of brokenness as well. However, Shelia doesn't end with just the broken stories of their lives, but with how God has used the brokenness of their lives to draw them into a deeper relationship with Himself. Suffering and utter brokenness if one allows it to will usher him/her into an intimacy with Jesus that is not experienced in the happy and joyful times of life.

I feel of all the books that I have read of Shelia's that in this one she really challenges Christians to let go of ideas about how the Christian life should be one of no trials and pure happiness, but that we should instead embrace suffering and brokenness because that is what Jesus did for us. Purely because of that fact I think this book is wonderful.

This book will definitely be an encouragement to those who have lived through immense suffering or are currently in a season of suffering and brokenness. For those who are currently in a "happy" time of their lives I believe this book can be a reminder that brokenness and suffering will come to us all one day and this book may help to prepare us to have a correct response and view of suffering. This book is definitely a five star book and I would recommend it to others.

I received this book complimentary from Book Sneeze (Thomas Nelson) and in turn I am writing this review. Thanks Book Sneeze.

Book Sneeze Book Review: I AM SECOND (Real stories. Changing Lives.)

Today's BookSneeze book review is about the new book "I Am Second" by Doug Bender and Dave Sterrett. A couple of years ago I remember hearing about a movement (group) called "I Am Second". (This quote was taken directly from the I am Second website)"I am Second is a movement meant to inspire people of all kinds to live for God and for others. Actors. Athletes. Musicians. Business leaders. Drug addicts. Your next-door neighbor. People like you." Since that time the movement has grown with all kinds of people taking the pledge to put God and others first in their lives, and for them to be "second".

I was very happy to get to review this book. I absolutely love reading books about the lives of "real" people in "real" life situations. The good, bad and ugly. Well, I can tell you that is exactly what I got to read about in the new book "I Am Second". Basically, "I Am Second" is a book of personal testimonies of how real life people like you and me, and even a few "famous" people finally came to a place in their lives where they decided to put God first. The stories in this book are inspiring and encouraging. When I read them my faith is strengthened and I am reminded that my God is amazing and faithful and He can do anything!

This book is an easy read and probably can be finished in a few settings. You may find it hard to put this book down. One of the things I like about this book is that after each personal story the author lists and gives the link to other's stories that are similar to the one you would have just read. Actually, you can go the website and "watch" short video testimonies of others that are not featured in the book.

Some of the featured people in this book are Brian "Head" Welch, Josh Hamilton, Michelle Aguilar (Biggest Loser), Michael W. Smith, and Bethany Hamilton (Soul Surfer). Those are some of the "famous" people that you might know from this book, but I will tell you it was also the stories of the everyday people that got to me the most. These people share amazing stories of God's grace and His healing, transforming power. As I said before this book will definitely leave you feeling encouraged and challenged to make sure you put God first in your life.

So if you are looking for a great book to read I highly recommend "I Am Second". You will not be disappointed after reading this book. Thank you so much BookSneeze for allowing me to review this book.

(I received this book from BookSneeze complimentary and in return I must post a review)

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).

Book Sneeze Book Review: "One Call Away"

I don't know much about football, but I do know who Kurt Warner is. Over the past few years I have heard some stories about his wife, Brenda as well. I know that the Warners are professing Christians and I am always encouraged when people who are well known and in the public eye stand up for Jesus.

In August, Book Sneeze (Thomas Nelson) featured Brenda Warner's new book, "One Call Away" as a choice for bloggers to read and review. Book Sneeze gave me a complimentary copy of Brenda's new book and I in turn had to read and post a review of the book. I am so glad I chose this book for review.

"One Call Away (Answering Life's Challenges with Unshakable Faith)" is a memoir. I always enjoy when I get to read some one's life story from beginning to end (or up to present time)especially when it is a good story. Well, I can tell you Brenda's life is a good story! This book is a page turner, but when I say her life is a good story it is not always because everything in her life was good. Actually it is quite the opposite. Many good things did happen to Brenda Warner, but most of the book and most of her life story is filled with very tragic circumstances.

Just in case you are not familiar with Brenda's story I will not give out too many details in this review as it is better to let the story unfold as you read the book. As I stated above, Brenda's life was filled with many tragic situations, but the best part of this book is that the reader gets to see Brenda's faith in God played out. Her faith was tested many times throughout her life, and even though it wasn't easy, Brenda eventually (sometimes quickly) put her faith in God and her relationship with Jesus Christ. I am not sure she would have survived everything that happened to her (at least mentally) if Jesus had not been the center of her world.

Another thing that I found refreshing about this book was that Brenda really put everything out there for her readers to discover. The good, the bad and the ugly. She was real about her sins and shortcomings (as well as her husband) and she wasn't afraid to admit where she got some things wrong. It felt as if I was invading the Warner's privacy as she shared many of her stories, but I found myself relating to her in many ways. Her authenticity was refreshing in a world that can be "fake" at times.

I could go on about this book and share more of the things that I thought were really great about it , but I will end here and give my full recommendation of Brenda's new book, "One Call Away". It is a must read.

Blessings and thanks again Book Sneeze!!!

"Women of Faith" Recap

NATALIE GRANT... LOVE HER!!!

ANGIE SMITH-LOVE HER TOO!!!

NICOLE JOHNSON

SHELIA WALSH

MY TRAVELING BUDDY!!!

If someone offered you free tickets to go to a "Women of Faith" conference what would you say? Well I hope that your answer would be a resounding "YES". Book Sneeze (Thomas Nelson Publishing) offered me 2 free tickets to a "WOF" event anywhere in the United States, and I gladly accepted. In return for the complimentary tickets I agreed to write a review of the conference.

I invited one of my good friends to go to the conference with me, and we headed to Indianapolis a couple weekends ago. Before this event, the last time I went to a "Women of Faith" conference was probably about 8 or 9 years ago. I had heard that the original team of speakers (or at least the team I had seen last) had divided up so they could cover more of the United States. Honestly I was a little sad because I wanted to see all the original "WOF" speakers together. However, it didn't take me too long to fall in love with the new "WOF" speakers and realize that nothing was lacking from the conference... NOTHING :)

The theme of this year's conference that I attended was "Imagine". Throughout the entire event that little word "imagine" popped up here and there as the speakers gave their talks. I forgot how much I really enjoyed the "WOF" events, and it didn't take me long to immerse myself in the atmosphere of love and encouragement amongst thousands of women. I laughed out loud and cried more times that I wanted to...Actually that is not true, I LOVE TO CRY :)

I totally love the "WOF" conferences and I highly recommend this event to any woman or man, although a man might feel real out of place :) But before I close I just want to give a little informal shout out to the "Women of Faith" event team.

-Shelia Walsh- Love her, and her rendition of "How Great Thou Art" brought the whole arena to a place of worship.

-Lisa Harper- This was the first time I saw Lisa. She is a wonderful story teller and she is funny (in a good way :)

-Luci Swindoll- Luci is fearless and her whole life has been an adventure. She is honest and she is a hoot. I laughed many times as she spoke.

-Nicole Johnson-I have always enjoyed Nicole as the dramatist of the "WOF" conferences. She is so talented, but I especially loved that at this conference she shared her personal testimony. Nicole Johnson as Nicole Johnson :)

-Angie Smith- This was the first time that I had seen Angie Smith and she was a new speaker to the "WOF" team. Oh my goodness, Angie was delightful and her personal testimony was heart breaking, but through her sorrow God's light shined through. She was witty and it was just a joy to listen to her.

I could go on and on about the conference, but I will stop here. I am already thinking of planning another trip to a "WOF" event in 2012. I need to start saving my dollars and may I suggest that if you are reading this blog entry you should save your money too.

Thanks again Book Sneeze. I had the most wonderful time :)

Headed to Indy to see Women of Faith

Hey Blogville,

I am beyond excited that I will be heading to Indy in less than two weeks to see the Women of Faith speakers. Book Sneeze/WOF have graciously supplied me with 2 free tickets and I am beyond thrilled. I will be blogging about my experience at Women of Faith and also will be using Facebook to upload pictures (maybe video snippets) of the event live.

I have been to the WOF conferences several times in the past, but it has probably been about 7 years or more since I have attended a conference. This year the Women of Faith speakers have split up (not the bad split up :) so they can cover more of the United States. What a wonderful idea!!!

There are 2 conferences this year: "Over the Top" and "Imagine". If you are interested in attending a "WOF" event, click on the video link above and you will be directed to their website. Or if you have never attended an event, but are interested in finding out what "Women of Faith" is all about click the video too.

Stay tuned for my recap of the event. Thanks again, Book Sneeze and to the "Women of Faith" organization...

Book Sneeze Book Review- "Max on Life"

I just received Max Lucado's newest release from the Thomas Nelson publishing company (Book Sneeze). Thomas Nelson has given me a complimentary copy of the book, and in exchange I have to write a review of the book. Well, I have reviewed several Max Lucado books, and when his newest book "Max on Life" came out I knew I wanted to review this book as well.

Max's newest book is a compilation of questions that he has received from people throughout his years as a pastor and author. Max tackles 172 of those questions and the questions are divided up into 7 different categories (Hope, Hurt, Help, Him/Her, Home, Haves/Have-Nots, Hereafter). Lucado has truly been given a gift from God when it comes to his writing. He paints pictures with his words and is a master storyteller. Even though this book feels more like a question and answer session, you still get to see Max at his best as he answers questions from people just like you and me.

Lucado fans will really enjoy this book, and those that are not familiar with Max's books will probably like this one because of the variety of topics covered in the book. Lucado does his best to answer the questions that are asked of him according to the Bible. Some of the questions that are in the book are those "tough" life questions that are hard to answer, but Max does answer them. However, Max's answers are short and to the point. They are encouraging, but for those tough questions one should seek God's Word for the answers.

I thank Book Sneeze and Thomas Nelson once again for allowing me to review this new book, and I would definitely recommend you buy it if you are looking for a good book to read. We all have questions in life and I am sure that you will find at least one question you have been wanting to ask someone in Max's newest release.

Book Sneeze Review (In Constant Prayer)

The latest book that I chose to review for Book Sneeze (Thomas Nelson) was "In Constant Prayer" by Robert Benson. This book is one in a series of books called "The Ancient Practices Series". Book Sneeze provides the book to me at no charge if I will write a review and post it on my blog and another consumer site. Thank you Thomas Nelson publishers.

I was drawn to this book at first because of the title. In the Bible we are told to "pray without ceasing", so when I saw the title I figured that this book would help me discover what praying without ceasing really means. The book does address this subject, but actually focuses in on a pattern for worship called the "daily office" (aka: daily prayer, divine office, canonical hours, etc). I had never heard of the daily office before as it is not commonly (or at all) practiced in my particular church denomination. In the book, it states the daily office "roots" are from the early Church, and many people that did not grow up with such a practice are very interested in it today.

Again most of the information in this book was foreign to me as I did not come from a church background with such traditions like the daily office, but I tell you after reading this book I see that a practice such as the daily office is not limited to a certain church background. After reading Benson's book I am very interested in learning more about this early church practice. There is too much information for me to share in a book review, but I would encourage all Christians to at least read through this book to see if the practice of the daily office would be something they would want to add to their spiritual practices and prayer life.

Benson's writing is very easy to read, and his transparency and honesty add to the appeal of the book. He writes just enough for you to understand the about the "daily office", but this book is a first step if one wants the daily office to become part of their daily disciplines. Benson doesn't make big promises that if one practices the daily office that there will be all these supernatural answers to prayers, although there might be. That is up to God. But he does mention how it will change us because we are taking time to honor God and give Him the praise He is due. In my opinion, Benson implies that the daily office is not another spiritual practice that is about us, but it really is about God. He becomes our focus. I don't know if that what Benson was trying to say, but that is what I took from his book.

I am planning on reading and finding out more information about the "daily office" and I could see that this practice may become a part of my daily routine and quiet time. I recommend this book to anyone searching for a deeper relationship with God. Read it and see what the Lord may speak to you about this practice.