Breakfast with Bonhoeffer by Jon Walker

I had looked forward to reading this selection as I am attracted by anything Bonhoeffer. Bonhoeffer was quoted throughout the book, but no references annotated to prove I was indeed getting the real Bonhoeffer. Instead of the chosen title, his book should have been titled What Would Bonhoeffer Do?

There were Scripture references sprinkled in as well as challenges posed in parallel fashion to the trial or lessons learned. I appreciated the author's transparent sharing of his trials and struggles but I believe the book would have been better if it was presented in a more objective or general confession format (TMI). Some examples would be: premarital sex and getting pregnant, heeding advice from a pastor who advised getting an abortion, getting a divorce but not disclosing why, online dating, random mentions of pornography which were not in context, no common sense, and confusion (example page 169, last paragraph).

Another struggle I had was with the writing style. Sometimes a paragraph would be in present tense (reminded me of the beginning of a joke - a la "A guy walks in a bar and...) and then the very next chapter I would not understand the timing. I often wondered if I was thrown into a flashback or current situation with information missing. Because of this disjointed, fragmented style, I would not understand and be able to commiserate with the situation the author was facing.

I concluded the author did not have male accountability (p.131-132) but then cheered when Mark appeared for a sentence (p.141). I had a problem with the author's decision on page 195, "Naively I said, I want to pray for the money I need, and then walk to the mailbox the next day and find a check for exactly the amount I need." I realize the author admitted this was not wise (after the fact), but I witnessed so many of these types of decisions being made throughout the book. Yes, we must trust but God also tells us if we do not work we will not eat. Having been a pastor, the author should have known better 2 Thess 3.

There were beams of brilliance scattered throughout which I appreciated. The author had a way of sharing his thoughts in breakthrough moments of descriptions of emotional pain, watching nature and casual humor. I appreciated his health issues and struggle to live a healthy life emotionally as well as physically. He was a victim throughout and I am still wondering why his wife divorced him and would not disclose where she and the boys lived.

My favorite part of the book was knowing the author splurged on a new toaster. After all, nobody likes burnt toast.

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.

Working Women of the Bible by Susan DiMickele

 This Bible Study/devo style book was anointed! First of all, the intro explained that this was not going to be one of those trendy "feel good" Bible study books. The author explained that she was not claiming to be a theologian or "expert" or "God help" guru (my words) but would come alongside the working woman and encourage her to look to the women of the Bible for inspiration.

Author Susan DiMickele shared that yes, women are called to follow Jesus, but she also threw out a quite relatable question on page 13, "Could somebody just please show me how it's supposed to be done?" I related to her question. So often as Christians, we just point out something for someone to do. Our words are many and it would be so easy to just show someone the way! Lead by example. I appreciated her candid struggle with not being shown how to do something new. Her question inspired me to do more than just talking about how to do something.

Thus the central theme of the entire book. She pointed working women to the working women of the Bible as our mentors. Interesting to me was the explanation of the two types of prostitution back in the days of Rahab. Who knew one type was accepted more so (ritual) vs. commercial, which was not as preferable of a way to "make a living" as a ritual prostitute was back then.

There were so many interesting facts I learned from reading Working Women of the Bible. One of them was found on page 123 in which the author stated, "Esther is like a glow stick - you can't turn her off." I appreciate this visual and how Esther also seemed to me to be a bit of an Energizer Bunny with regard to the King. It was the way in which the author explained in context the life of each woman mentioned and the challenge which led to the underpinnings (faith and mission combined) of each working woman which allowed each story to stick in my brain cells. I have never looked at any of these women in the way in which the author shared  with such attention on history and context. For these reasons I announced at the beginning of this review that this book truly was anointed. It truly was life changing for me.

The author stepped aside and was the vessel not the star in each chapter. The working woman in each chapter (as well as Jesus in the last chapter!) was the star. Lastly, I appreciated on page 160 learning the difference between worry and ponder. Also, "We have much to gain from Lydia's style. Many of us expect Christian women to be culturally insulated- even dull and boring. We've bought into a lie that we lack spiritual depth if we like to shop or wear leopard-skin pants or paint our toenails bright red. Even worse, some career women think they have to give up their style first in order to follow Christ. I once heard a pastor refer to this myth as the "second conversion." Once new Christians come to faith, they think they have to conform to a set of "Christian" cultural norms. They have to dress a certain way, attend certain church functions, and abstain from certain activities. It's all rather exhausting. I'm not buying it. And neither is Lydia...." (page 191).

Applause!

My only one eensy beensy criticism is that I did come across several editing oversights throughout the book. I would not have mentioned this in my review but the last typo on page 191 could not be overlooked. The author mentioned a "shrinking violent." I bring this fact up because here in South Florida where there is a large Spanish speaking population in our Bible studies, this comment no doubt would have been confusing as the term "shrinking violet" (with the language barrier as slang statements often have to be explained) may have been questioned, but to not have the correct term to begin with, the entire point may be lost on the reader.

Every church serious about mentoring women according to the Bible's standards should buy this book for their Bible study. Women need women and this Bible study would be excellent in a group study situation as the author is so relatable to the working Christian woman. We all need Titus women in our lives and this book contains many!

Purchase: http://www.bible.acu.edu/leafwood/pg.asp?ID=196  and to learn more about the author please visit her blog http://www.susandimickele.com/

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.

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.

I Used To Be So Organized by Glynnis Whitwer

First impressions of I Used To Be So Organized clearly were that of a clever cover and very valuable Foreword! The cover depicted two mismatched, and may I add - stylish shoes. The shoes were worn by one person and indicated just a bit of confusion. Karen Ehman of Proverbs 31 Ministries wrote the Foreword. I found her explanation of this book and its purpose for every woman endearing. She clearly was a fan of Glynnis Whitwer's and I found myself an instant fan of the author upon finishing the Foreword.

The subtitle was Help for Reclaiming Order and Peace. Interestingly, the timing for my review could not have been better. We just sold our house, but our purchase of a short sale on the other side was delayed. As I cracked open Chapter Two, I found myself gleaning from this author's helpful hints, but more so I found fellowship as I related to Glynnis's honest accounts of her life and struggle to organize life within limits. I smiled amidst packing boxes and literally no order but held out hope that in a few weeks Lord willing, what I had learned from I Used To Be So Organized would be put into practice.

I appreciated the encouragement I received from this book. I did have a few criticisms of which clearly only had to do with technology. I felt that this book would have been better off without the author sharing technology tips. She mentioned how fast technology becomes obsolete, but then went on to try and help the reader with technology, of which I felt was clearly out of date. For the beginner computer user or computer user looking for direction in organizing, this may not have been an issue,  but for me, I found myself skimming quickly over the file cabinet purchase and the following pages. That's just me though.

The final chapter Keeping It Real felt like an entire cheer leading squad cheering me to victory! I loved it and wanted to learn more about this person behind the Proverbs 31 Ministry. This book was one of those rare reads that you can pick up for ten minute increments and get more than one nugget out of in each chapter. I really enjoyed it and hope to hear more from Glynnis Whitwer!

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.