Body Mind & Health: Discovering God's Solutions for Total Health by Monte Kline, PH.D.

This anointed work by author Monte Kline PH.D was an interesting, helpful and eye-opening read from beginning to end. I appreciated Scripture throughout. I respect an author who does not merely state something as true, but refers to the Bible for Truth. Well done!

As I seem to always be on some kind of cleanse, naturally (no pun intended!) my favorite chapter was Chapter 3 Cleansing That Purifies. At a church we used to attend, every January would be Daniel Fast month. Like clockwork, the saints followed the 21-day Daniel Fast but did not take probiotics during the cleanse. Oh my goodness! I am so grateful that a friend pointed out to me why everyone was sick in bed the following month.

Yes, everyone looked quite holy and lost a few lbs. but it was a very brief mountaintop experience. Actually, 4 members under the age of 45, had to have their gallbladders removed after the 3rd diet. Toxins are now a reality as well as a decrease in digestive enzymes. Dr. Kline wisely points out so many necessities for our good health in this chapter.

My all-time favorite tip for natural sunscreen is in Chapter 5. Broccoli and Green Tea? Who knew?! D3 is so important and after reading this book, I can tell you that D3 proudly sits on my kitchen counter now.

Chapter 12 is basically an altar call. I could read this chapter every day! This chapter is so inspiring. For this reason, this book could be presented to groups of all denominations. I would pass this book along to a health conscious un-churched person. I may never get him/her to meet me at church, but I can bring church to them in Body Mind & Health!

You can find so many products and resources for healthy living in the Footnotes section. For this reason alone, this is an invaluable book for any library.

The author is all about the question. I really appreciate his provoking me to research, to dig and want to know more. I feel Christians (from my experience) tend to put western doctors on a pedestal. A doctor says to take a pill and they take a pill. A doctor says to get an operation so an operation is performed. Where is God in this decision making? More questions need to be asked. Some women in my small circle know now that I do not take drugs unless I am on life support or in extreme pain. Sometimes information is shared about an antibiotic being taken, etc. and I actually witness a hush as I begin listening. I am not judging, but I pray that Christians can take the blinders off when it comes to taking care of our temple! I know my mere presence during these chats can be slightly irritating. Oh well!

I cannot say enough about this amazing book. Please visit the author's website www.pacifichealth.com. You need this book! I will not even loan mine out. It is that good and so much more!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Pacific Health Center. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Face To Face: Meeting God in the Quiet Places by Monte Kline

I enjoyed the forthright style of writing throughout the book. Page 18 provided an excellent list.This list gave Scripture to support our unrealized identity in Christ. This is a list I will refer to often. Author Monty Kline threaded nuggets of gold such as this list throughout. There were sections at the end of each chapter for further discussion and thought, which would be invaluable for a small group environment. The Notes section also a nice touch and an excellent point of reference.

The second paragraph of the Introduction in Face To Face in my understanding was the mission statement for the entire book. So important for the reader to read the Introduction, as the Introduction was clearly an exhortation to become more personal with God.

Face To Face provided quotes from famous Christians. I enjoyed Larry Crabb's quote (page 36) as well as the author's journal entries from previous Personal Retreats. I enjoyed the journal entries and very much related to what Mr. Kline shared. The writer clearly had a way of allowing me to feel that I was his friend, and his encouragement and gentle prodding to for me to pursue a personal retreat was quite endearing. His soft humor did not escape me and I appreciated his interesting comments throughout the book.

One criticism was I would rather not have to read Rick Warren's quotes (see Church of Tares). 

My biggest takeaway were "Track 5 Moments". I quote, "Track 5 Moments are noiseless moments, moments when God's voice shouts from his creation. They are intense, almost Edenic moments when  your connection with God is unhindered-when you are "face to face". Personal Retreats invite you to Track 5 Moments." Sign me up!!! 

More about Monty Kline

I received Christ as my Savior while in college in the late 60's -- about 45 years ago.  I have been connected with Christian ministry, more or less, since then, beginning with six years as a staff member with Campus Crusade for Christ, serving as an elder in my church, serving as a guest preacher, teaching men's Bible studies for many years, doing biblically based seminars on health and nutrition, etc.  I currently attend Grace Bible Church in Bend, Oregon.  I'm more doctrinally orthodox than about 99% of the professed Christians around!

My health practice, Pacific Health Center, is oriented around biblical principles of health, as reflected in my various books including BODY, MIND & HEALTH.  I also write the Historic Faith Blog on theological issues at historicfaith.wordpress.com.

Purchase Face To Face http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M1ZBIU8

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Intermedia Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Walking In Trust: Lessons Learned with my Blind Dog by Gayle M. Irwin

I confess, I procrastinated posting this review long after reading this book because I did not want to say goodbye to the author and her special blind dog Sage!! Walking In Trust was all about the journey of accepting and overcoming not just a dog's physical limitations, but for those who struggle physically, emotionally, or spiritually (that'd be me + you =everyone!!).
                                                                                  
Ms. Irwin had a way of telling a tale and then wove Scripture in a lessons learned type formula. Each chapter included annointed conversation which stimulated each of my senses. I heard the leaves crunch under Sage's feet as her nose sniffed the damp earth in search of a squirrel. I heard the birds chirp outside the window just as Sage did. I smiled knowing Sage enjoyed many years in the warmth of her owner's snuggly buggly sweater. She may not have been able to see - but she knew she was loved. Only an animal lover would understand the special bond that developed between Sage and the author. Therefore, I do recommend this book to any animal lover whether in search of Scripture or not - this book blessed me and reminded me not to complain about the little things in life that often seem to be so big at the time.

Sage was an overcomer! She was an inspiration and so filled with life. I loved hearing her adventures and how she taught others about learning to overcome challenges. The author's style was warming and personal. The setting was enjoyable as it was clear the author loved not only animals, but her husband and the great outdoors.

Possible spoiler alert: I cried with Ms. Irwin as she said goodbye to her best forever friend and I teared up long after reading the last chapter. I thought of my own dear 19 year, 7 months young dog Karamel, whose heart fought to beat on Valentine's Day five years ago xoxo. 

Purchase Walking in Trust today www.cladach.com! After laughing, crying, smiling and then some more tears - -  pass this gift to someone you love. I was blessed and continue to be blessed by Sage's journey. I pray we all come to love and be loved by a "Sage" - at least once in a lifetime. That is my prayer.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Cladach Publishing as part of their  book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Stressed-Less Living by Tracie Miles

Quite quickly after diving into this artistically covered (the lime green Adirondack chair located half on sand and half on surf made me smile as well as the conchshell next to the author's name was a nice touch along with the texture of the cover and the matching black and white photos in each new chapter) work by Tracie Miles, the theme was clear. We all have stress. We all will have stress. But there is a solution. Jesus Christ. With more focus on Jesus and less on us and our situations, we can have less stress and more victorious living!

I enjoyed the beginning of the book, but beginning on page 146 was when I rolled up my sleeves and started taking notes.The subtitle Running by Faith was an an Aha! moment for me. The author's account of running with her eyes closed was intriguing, inspiring and to me a wonderful challenge for all of us. Close my eyes and take a jog on the beach? An addition to my bucket list for sure!

Another poignant tale was of a woman in a wheelchair (don't want to be a spoiler) and though I guessed the ending for some reason (most likely I saw myself more as the woman who looked the part of someone who "had it all together but didn't" oops I may have been a spoiler after all) I was touched. This was just one example of the many unexpected endings in this book. I considered these "takeaway" stories a sort of parable which I will not soon forget. Priceless.

Chapter 8 offered up Kaitlyn in the attic - oh my goodness! Although I am not a Mom, I held my breath and nothing existed in my world until I finished that story. Also in that chapter, I so very much appreciated the description of the four types of adrenaline junkies. I saw someone I knew in one of those categories but am still trying to figure out where I fit in those categories. I have concluded I have a little bit of each of those traits in me and possibly need to have a fifth category created just for moi ;)!

Loved the Biblical discussion of Martha and Maty as well as Scripture throughout. Also everyyone everywhere would lead a stressed-less life by heeding the six action items which were supported by Scripture. They were: realign your life, recognize your need, adjust your focus, be filled with the Spirit, be faithful in your prayer life and believe God is who He says.

Tie for my favorite quote was (page 229), " We just need to bear in mind that, no matter how good those things feel in the moment, they will always bring temporary peace, while real peace, the serenity that changes the course of our lives, will come from Jesus alone", and (page 230) "Friends, your life is not going to change because you read a book about stress. Your life is going to change when you realize that the absence of God in your life is intensifying the presence of stress in your heart." Amen!

The theme of the book was reiterated int the last chapter with Isaiah 26:3 which says, "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!"

I heard her heart beating on many occasions, especially when she sat in her car and wondered what was she supposed to do. She felt stuck on so many levels! So many of us can relate to feeling lost and trying to fill that hole in our heart with all kinds of stuff. Nothing worked for me, except when I sat in the lap of my Jesus and poured out my soul to the author and finisher of my life (who knew me before the foundation of the earth might I add!). Tracie Miles got the coming-to-the-end of her "doing and being rope" and decided to bless her readers by sharing her story. Her lessons learned rang loud and clear in Stressed-Less Living.

My only negative comment was the mention of Dr. Dharma Singh Khalsa and promotion of Yoga Journal. I reviewed his website www.drdharma.com and surfed around and stumbled upon a concerning statement by Dr. Dharma as purported to be quoted in his book The End of Karma, "Rather than a debt owed from a past life, karma is what's happening right here, right now. Karma is both action and the consequence of that action; it is cause and effect all in one go." The reviewer of his book goes on to say, "Moreover, according to Dr. Dharma, your best self is to live your dharma, which means that your ultimate destiny is to always remember that God and you, you and God are one. Doing this will help you end your karma and experience peace and oneness." http://www.drdharma.com/Public/Books/TheEndofKarma/index.cfm

If I were offered the opportunity to review the above book by Dr. Dharma, being the Berean that I am, I would provide the evidence to support or dispute my concerns above. However, this inclusion of the author above was unfortunate as well as unnecessary in my opinion. I still enjoyed the book and will recommend it. No doubt this man has done great things, but God reminds us in His Word that "apart from Me you can do nothing." And this Truth was the thread woven throughout Stressed-Less Living so I could not leave this negative comment out of my review.

Having gotten my one negative point off my proverbial chest, I have to say that this book was a dayspa for my soul. Everything from the feel of the cover, the image on the cover and throughout allowed me to glean from the authors experiences and also to dig into the Word. I felt loved reading this book because the tone was caring and not preachy or condescending. I truly felt Tracie Miles bared her soul on many levels throughout the book.

Stressed-less Living would be great for a Woman's Bible study as it included discussion questions at the end of each chapter as well as Scripture verses which would be great to challenge participants to memorize. Check out her website www.stressedlessliving.com. So many free devo's and a chance to sign up for her 10 Day Stress Detox. So many choices to suffer less stress and experience more of Jesus!! Now that's better than any day at the spa, isn't it?!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Leafwood Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.