Book Review: The Struggle is Real

I was excited to read and review my latest book, "The Struggle is Real" by Nicole Unice.  I was blessed to discover bible teacher and author Nicole Unice a few years ago.  I was a part of a book review program, and I saw a book titled, "She's Got Issues", and immediately requested to review it. That book is one of the best books I have ever read!  So, when I had the chance to help Nicole promote and get the word out about her latest book, I jumped at the opportunity.

 I love Nicole's style of writing, and the fact that she has a background of counseling elevates her books/teachings.  I feel as if Nicole gives her readers practical things they can do in real life...things that bring true change.  "The Struggle is Real" also has a companion bible study (with DVD teachings) that goes with it.   Her first book, "She's Got Issues" had a bible study, and it was one of the best studies I have ever done. 

    I was engaged totally as I started reading,"The Struggle is Real".  I felt like Nicole was writing my story.  I believe God was encouraging me through her book.  In the early part of the book, Nicole shares a personal story from her past.  A story that she had not shared very openly, until this book. A story of great pain.  Nicole is authentic and vulnerable, and those qualities allow a reader to develop a strong connection with an author.

  I love that this book tells it like it is...the struggles we face in life are REAL.  Real hard, real painful, real long, real _____ (blank).  This is not a book that gives you 5 ways to eliminate all your struggles, but Nicole encourages her readers that we can learn from our struggles.  We can bring Jesus into our struggles and grow more than we ever imagined.

 After reading this book, you will feel hopeful!  As stated above, one of my favorite things about Nicole is that she will leave you with practical things you can do to find freedom... freedom in Jesus. 

Thanks Nicole for writing another book that will help so many women (and men, if they read it)!  Thanks to for the delicious ice-cream cone on the cover, that make me so hungry :)

  Go get a copy of this book and the companion bible study...you will be so glad you did!

 

B& H Blogger Review: Absolute Surrender

My latest review from B&H Blogger is of the book, "Absolute Surrender" by Andrew Murray. B&H gave me a complimentary copy and I in turn agreed to write this unbiased review. Absolute Surrender is one of the great Christian Classics written in the early 1900's. I absolutely love the Classics as they are rich with theological truth and based on sound doctrine. Absolute Surrender was written by Andrew Murray, and this edition has been updated to include bible study questions, personal reflection questions, and prayers based on each chapter. I highly recommend this book, and would say that it can be life changing. I have seen many 5 star reviews on this book, as well as people calling this book life-altering. I totally agree. The book in and of itself is not life changing, but the Scriptures the author based his writings on are life changing. I have been a Christian for 30 plus years, and as I read this book, I felt like I had a better understanding of some of the Scriptures I have read a hundred times over. The book is easy to read, but yet one could spend a lifetime applying the Biblical truths from this book. I was amazed how a book originally written in the early 1900's could be applied to the situations of today. AMAZED! I felt challenged and convicted as I read this book. I cannot wait to study the Scriptures from this book more, and learn how to truly surrender all to God, so I can live a different way. Add this book to your Christian library.

Book Review: Do Your Children Believe?

      I love the question from the title of Terence Chatmon's book, "Do Your Children Believe?".   I actually picked up the book in my local bookstore, and put it back because I figured it was for parents of young children.  I was wrong.  It wasn't until I heard Terence Chatmon being interviewed on FamilyLife Radio that I decided I wanted this book.  I was so excited that BookLook Bloggers made it available to me (complimentary) in exchange for this review.

   Basically, the book's main purpose is to challenge all parents, single or married, to become intentional about developing their family's spiritual legacy.  I don't think most parents even think this way, not so much because they don't care, but because they don't feel they know how to accomplish such a task.  As stated before, this book is for parents of young children, as well as, parents of teenagers and even young adults.

  I was hooked from the first chapter of the book, as the author explains the story about how he and his wife came to the conclusion that their children were not equipped to defend their faith in an ever increasing world that can be hostile to those that call themselves Christians.  Mr. Chatmon goes on to tell the story about how his wife challenged him to be the spiritual leader of his house and come up with a plan to lead his children.  Together, they came up with a plan to build a spiritual legacy that would continue with their children long after their children would leave home.

  I think what I love most about this book is that it gives you ideas about how to come up with a plan to strengthen your family's faith, and build a legacy that will last a lifetime. At the same time,  Mr. Chatmon realizes that all families are different and not "cookie cutter".  He encourages parents to come up with their own plans that will work for their families.  I love that!

 My husband and I are reading this book together, and will be utilizing some of the suggestions from Mr. Chatmon's book.  I have been so encouraged by reading this book.  I highly recommend this book for anyone who is responsible for developing and encouraging the faith of someone else.

Book Review: This Is Our Time

  My latest review is of a book from Trevin Wax, titled "This Is Our Time (Everyday Myths in Light of the Gospel)".  I received a complimentary copy of this book from B&H Publishing Group, and in turn agreed to write this non-biased review.

   Trevin Wax is the Bible and Reference Publisher for Lifeway Christian Resources.  He hosts a blog at the Gospel Coalition and has been a regular contributor to The Washington Post and Christianity Today.  In this book, Trevin analyzes our current "American Life" in order to help Christians recognize the myths of society that we may be believing.  His main goal is for us to see the world through the lens of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

  Trevin discusses topics, such as, our smartphone habits, entertainment intake, shopping, sex, marriage, politics and life's purpose.  These are some hot button topics, and I was a little nervous to read them as I was sure I would find myself convicted about my own practices and habits.
  Why did he have to start with the smartphone? Ouch!

 I think one thing I learned from reading this book is that as a Christian I too fall prey to the world's ideology, and see things through what society says is OK, and not through what Jesus says about the world.  Yes, as Christians we live in the world, but we don't have to accept and go along with what society says is OK.  There is a better way, and that is to know the Bible, and live the way Jesus called us to live.

 I especially was challenged and loved the chapter about  marriage.  This is not an easy topic to discuss, and I felt like Trevin did a wonderful job reminding us of what marriage is from God's perspective.

  I do feel like this book is more targeted to those whom identify themselves are Christians. This book is definitely a wake-up call to the Church (Christians) to see the world through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

 

Book Review: The Prince Warriors

    I was so excited to receive my latest book to review, "The Prince Warriors",  written by one of my favorite bible study speakers, Priscilla Shirer.  Priscilla is a gifted author, and I loved that she was branching out to write a fiction book.  "The Prince Warriors" is the first book in a epic new trilogy written for a Juvenile audience, but can be enjoyed any age group.

   The book centers around four children that take a trip to another realm known as Ahoratos. 
Ahoratos is the spiritual realm that parallels the children's lives on earth.  As quoted from the story, "Earth is but a shadow of the unseen realm. This is the real world where the battles rage, where your true enemy lies."  It is a place of adventure, but also one of great danger.   There are twists and turns around every corner, and nothing is at is seems.

   The children are guided by a mysterious creature named, Ruwach.  He will help to equip and challenge them to always follow the way of Truth.  Following their hearts and desires will get them into a lot of danger in the land of Ahoratos.  Ruwach will help to show them that they were created and equipped to be Warriors.

   One of the reasons I love this book is that it parallels the Bible.  In the book of Ephesians there is a chapter that talks about the "Armor of God", and how as Jesus followers we battle an enemy. He is an enemy we cannot see, but is real and evil nonetheless.  This is a book of fiction, but many of the principles about our unseen battle hold true.

 I think children and youth will like this action-packed book...they will not be bored!  This book will give parents an opportunity to open discussions about the truth of the Bible as it pertains to our battle with our unseen enemy.  Obviously, I am writing from a Christian viewpoint, but I think this book can be enjoyed by all.

 I received this complimentary book from B&H Publishing, and in turn am writing this review.  Thank you B&H Publishing.