You're Made for a God-Sized Dream - Holley Gerth - Book Review

 

 

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Your Beautiful Purpose by Susie Larson - Book Review

This book is subtitled "Discovering and Enjoying What God Can Do Through You."

From back cover copy: "Let God Breathe a Fresh Purpose Into Your Soul." We so want each day to matter-to serve God in big and small ways. But how, especially when everyday responsibilities, work, fears, and other obstacles get in the way? Like a trusted friend, Susie Larson shares practical, scriptural ways to overcome whatever keeps us from living fully in God's will. Susie will help you learn to:

• Discern the best use of your time and gifts
• Confidently pursue God's unique desires for you
• Stretch your faith and deepen your impact

Respond today to that nudge in your spirit-that desire to use your gifts and passions more fully in God's work. Lay down lesser commitments and lay hold of God's beautiful purpose for your life.

My review: This is what I would call a 'pondering' book. It is a book to be read slowly and thoughtfully. Full of Scripture and scriptural principles, this book takes us straight to the heart of God. Susie also shares her personal experiences openly and honestly.

The book is divided into six sections:

• Embrace Your Purpose
• Trust God's Timing
• Hear God's Voice
• Believe God's Word
• Walk by Faith
• Take New Territory

Each section includes questions for study and discussion. A DVD study companion is also available.
I found this book confirmed things that I have been pondering. It is a book which I will turn to again and again, and pass around for friends to read. Beautifully written, I can't recommend this book highly enough.


Susie Larson is a popular radio show host, national speaker, and author. She has a passion to see women everywhere strengthened in their faith and mobilized to live out their high calling in Jesus Christ.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

Musings on snow

PLACEBO by Steven James - Book Review

From back cover copy:

While covertly investigating a controversial neurological research program, exposé filmmaker Jevin Banks is drawn into a far-reaching conspiracy involving one of the world's largest pharmaceutical firms. After giving up his career as an escape artist and illusionist in the wake of his wife and sons' tragic death, Jevin is seeking not only answers about the questionable mind-to-mind communication program, but also answers to why his family suffered as they did. Rooted in ground-breaking science and inspired by actual research, Placebo explores the far reaches of science, consciousness, and faith. Readers will love this taut, intelligent, and emotionally gripping new thriller from master storyteller Steven James.

This book, first in the Jevin Banks series, is gripping from first page right till the end. The story is well told, and the characters well defined. It is suspensful, and will keep you on the edge of your seat. It was hard to put it down.

Placebo is a real page-turner, which I define as a book with short chapters and a story which keeps you wondering what is coming next.
It is masterfully told by a master storyteller (Steven has a master's degree in storytelling!)

If you are a fan of suspense thrillers, this is the book for you. Those who are already familiar with Steven's Patrick Bowers series will be sure to enjoy Placebo, which is written in the same style.

Now we have to wait until Fall 2013 for the next Jevin Banks novel.

Steven James has written more than 30 books. He is a contributing editor to Writers' Digest, and has taught writing and storytelling on three continents.

Meet Steven at www.stevenjames.net, and on facebook and twitter at sjamesauthor.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

 


Are You Ready For Christmas?

Ready for Christmas? How often do we hear that question asked. I think the one asking is wondering if we have our tree up, gifts bought and wrapped, baking done, house cleaned, and so on. I think of something else.

Is my heart prepared to worship Jesus - Immanuel, God with us?

I love the story of the shepherds in the fields, who were the first to hear the message from the angel that the long-awaited Messiah had been born. And they were told where to find Him, and how He would be recognized.

Imagine witnessing that great heavenly host of angels as they gave glory to God! After the angels left, they hurried to Bethlehem to see the baby.

I remember teaching a class of two and three year olds at our church. Small as they were, they recited a poem. "The shepherds were excited to see God's only Son. The Bible says they came with haste; I know I would have run!"

The shepherds were the first people to see the Lamb of God. How appropriate! They worshiped Him.
"O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord."

After they had seen Jesus and worshiped Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this Child. They could have told how the angel came and announced the Saviour's birth, or how the glory of the Lord was shining all around them, or how the angels were giving glory to God. But instead of speaking of their personal experiences, they focused on Jesus. What a witness that was. All who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told  them.

The story of the shepherds challenges me to focus on the One who became flesh and dwelt with us, who paid a debt He didn't owe because we have a debt we cannot pay. The spotless, sinless Lamb of God came to take away the sins of the world.

I am reminded of the song, O Come, All Ye Faithful. And so we come, as did the shepherds, to bow down and worship. But then we must share the good news with others. "Go Tell It On The Mountain," Jesus Christ is born!

May those with whom we come in contact over the Christmas season see that Jesus is at the centre of all we say and do. And may this celebration be a blessing to you and your family. Have an amazing Christmas!

The Christmas Pony by Melody Carlson - Book Review

The Christmas Pony is a Christmas novella set in 1937 Arizona. It is just before Christmas, and all eight year old Lucy wants is a pony, which she saw for sale at a nearby farm. But her mother and grandmother run a boarding house with no paying guests at the moment, and barely enough money to care for themselves. They needed paying boarders.

When in town doing errands, Lucy meets two strangers on their way to California. The car breaks down, and they are in need of a place to stay. Lucy tells them about her mother's boarding house, and convinces them to stay. Lucy learns about the couple, and wonders if they will still be there for Christmas.

Lucy's world is about to change forever. It will be a Christmas to remember.

I love Christmas novellas, and this one does not disappoint. It is well-written and gripping, lifting one out of the 21st century and back to simpler times. I found myself turning the pages, and putting it aside with difficulty. It is a quick read. The story is heart-warming, and will not only prepare you for Christmas, but will remain in your heart long afterward. I highly recommend this delightful book.



Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred, including several Christmas novella.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller, from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".