The Practice of Godliness Small-Group Curriculum by Jerry Bridges

This Bible study book is for small groups or for personal Bible Study. The format allows for a 12-week schedule if you do one chapter per week.

The process:

1. Read the chapter

2. Look up the Scripture

3. Answer questions about the session topics

4. Dive into personal application = write down what God has revealed to you and prayerfully consider how to allow the Word to change you.

In the "Before You Begin" section, Mr. Bridges reminds the reader that the goal of any Bible Study is this, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." James 1:22 Wisdom as we can have head knowledge all day long but if the head knowledge does not make it's way to our heart and change us from the inside out - our studies will just be lessons done but not become life changing.

Here is just one example of Mr. Bridges' sharing of godliness from page 13, "It is sad that many Christians do not have this aura of godliness about them. They may be very talented and personable, or very busy in the Lord's work, or even apparently successful in some avenues of Christian service, and still not be godly. Why? Because they are not devoted to God. They may be devoted to a vision or to a ministry, or to their own reputation as a Christian, but not to God.

Godliness is more than Christian character; it is Christian character that springs from a devotion to God. But it is also true that devotion to God always results in godly character. As we study the three essential elements of devotion in the next chapter, we will see that all of them, individually and collectively, must express themselves in a life that is pleasing to God. So the definition of godliness we will use in this book is devotion to God that results in a life that is pleasing to Him."

My favorite chapter was Chapter Twelve. In the section titled "Love Reaches Out" this section particularly caught my attention, "Often in our teaching on love, we stress - and rightly so - that biblical love is not emotions or feelings but attitudes and actions that seek the best interests of the other person, regardless of how we feel toward him. W.E. Vine says, for example, "Christian love....is not an impulse from the feelings, it does not always run with the natural inclinations, nor does it spend itself only upon those for whom some affinity is discovered." The chapter goes on with the biblical explanation of 1 Corinthians 13 with the incorporation of emotions and how emotions come into play with love. Very interesting and helpful in understanding love from God's perspective!

Undoubtedly, this is a book that will be written in, reviewed, dog eared and brought out time and time again to review and receive wisdom and guidance. This study guide must be accompanied by a Bible as the Bible is the foundation upon which this book was written.

I enjoyed reviewing The Practice of Godliness and will refer to it often. For more information or to purchase please visit the NavPress website .

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress 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.

The Me Project Blog Tour

The Me Project

Blog Tour - February 21-25

Grand Prize Giveaway:

Enter to Win By Posting a Comment Regarding This Blog Tour.

On March 7, 2011 KCWC will draw and announce a winner!

 

Deluxe Starbucks Coffee Gift Basket

• Three 2.5-oz. bags of Starbucks coffee
• (Sumatra, House Blend, and French Roast)
• Tazo black tea
• Starbucks marshmallow cocoa
• Almond roca
• Almond roca buttercrunch toffee cookies
• White chocolate and raspberry cookies
• 2 Starbucks mugs
• Keepsake black bamboo basket  $62 value 

The Me Project - 21 Days to Living the Life You’ve Always Wanted

 

Publisher: Harvest House Publishers

ISBN-10: 0736929665, ISBN-13: 978-0736929660
Release Date: February 1, 2011
Paperback: 224 pages, Retail: $12.99

Book Summary
(San Jose, CA) Has that rush to make (and break) New Year’s resolutions already waned? According to Daniel Pink, author of Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, taking small steps every day will not only help you stay committed to your goal, but will also help you ultimately achieve that goal when obstacles come up. Author Kathi Lipp wants you and your friends to live out those dreams—and have some fun along the way.

As women, we forget the goals and dreams of our younger years. The busyness of everyday life gets in the way. To-do lists replace goals. The Me Project provides women with fun and creative ways to bring back the sense of purpose and vitality that comes with living out the plans and dreams God has planted in our hearts. Kathi Lipp’s warm tone and laugh-out-loud humor motivates women to take daily steps toward intentional goals. The end result? We get back our lives and enjoy living in the confidence of a purposeful life in spite of our chaotic schedules.

This handy guide coaches women to do one simple thing toward achieving our goals each day for three weeks. A woman experiencing the exhilaration of a rediscovered life offers more as a wife, mother, friend, volunteer, career woman.

Finding the balance between living day-to-day with purpose while pursuing the passions God has placed in our hearts is a delicate pursuit. In this refreshing, insightful book, Kathi lays out a doable plan that makes sense and helps make our God-given dreams a reality. Never stop dreaming, because women who dare to dream do make the world a better place. -Jean Blackmer, author of MomSense: A Common Sense Guide to Confident Mothering , Publishing Manager, MOPS International http://www.mops.org/
____________________________________________________________

Kathi Lipp is a busy conference and retreat speaker, currently speaking each year to thousands of women throughout the United States. She is the author of The Husband Project and The Marriage Project, serves as food writer for Nickelodeon, and has had articles published in several magazines, including Today’s Christian Woman and Discipleship Journal. Kathi and her husband, Roger, live in California and are the parents of four teenagers and young adults. For more information visit her website: http://www.kathilipp.com/

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Kathy Willis Communications 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/.

When The Hurt Runs Deep by Kay Arthur

Chapter One presented various situations in which people find themselves exclaiming, "It wasn't supposed to be this way!" Ms. Arthur shared an article she read in Vanity Fair which was about the family of Bernie Madoff. This story caused me pause and reminded me that we often never know the depths of despair many go through as a result of sin and the consequences of sin. Many generations may go through agonizing pain as a result of one person's decisions. A sobering reminder that we must never make choices without God!

Chapter Two ushered in hope with the title "You Don't Suffer Alone." The story of Joseph reminded me that God has a purpose for everything. Encouragement leaped off of each page and I ended the chapter wanting more and wanting to do more to thank God for my current adversities.

Each chapter thereafter was a soothing balm for the suffering soul. Chapter Three "Is There Purpose In Your Pain?" cemented the biblical truths of the previous chapter. I enjoyed the challenges the author presented.  Page 16, "Maybe you can relate to this portion of Joseph's story. Put the book down and think about it, maybe taking a minute to write out your thoughts in the margin. In the next chapter we'll get to the fundamental truth that unlocks the door to hurt, enabling you to (finally) heal."

Genesis 41-50 was discussed and the author reminded the reader often that God is in control and there is a reason for everything. God's omnipresence was discussed in depth, thus allowing a sensitive ministering to a hurting person who feels alone. Ms. Arthur does not minimize the pain on endures, but pointed the reader back to God in each and every example.

In the Appendix A "Few Practical Helps" was offered. In so many ways this book was relative to modern culture but came from a Christian worldview. The author came alongside her reader understanding but not enabling the reader to stay in a "pity party." The love and leading to God combined with her down-to-earth writing style was so effective in keeping me turning the pages. I did not want to put the book down and I came away from this book feeling hopeful, and more effectively able to help others who are hurting.

When the Hurt Runs Deep is for everyone who seeks healing and hope for those desperate moments in life - - that we all face. Hopefully after reading this book, the reader will realize they do not need to face those moments alone. God is there for them to walk them through the fire, into the rain and to remind others that they do not have to face adversity alone.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group 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 www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

God Gave Us The World By Lisa Tawn Bergren art by Laura J. Bryant

Oh my! The beautiful artwork with it's pastels and beautiful purple skies was a blessed sight to behold. I enjoyed reading the story which was about how we are all different. Mama Bear was teaching her cubs that though there are many bears these bears live in different places and enjoy different things - though they are all bears. The story does give God credit for the world - as Mama Bear shares that God created the world.

My absolute favorite pages were halfway through the book (the book is not paginated). A cub asks, "Why not make us all the same?""We're not all the same on the inside, are we? The answer with beautiful illustrations and fonts typified in the adjective perfectly exude joy and childlike fun. The explanation is this: Some of us are quiet, others LOUD! Some of us like to move fast, and others take their t-i-m-e. I think it's fun that God made us all bears, but all special too." Super cute drawings.

On a less positive note, I did have a few questions regarding storyline. There was mention of Grandpa, Grandma and Mama Bear. However, there was not a single mention of a Papa Bear though there was a bear wearing a pink striped scarf that seemed to straggle behind the lead bear who was clearly Mama Bear.

Since this book was marketed for the Christian market, I was disappointed by the fact that there was no Scripture references to be found as well as no reference to Christianity - just to God, which many religions and cultures worship a god of some sort. It would have been refreshing to hear Scripture from Genesis, telling of Creation. Some may feel this is nit picking at a beautifully illustrated child's book. However, this book could very well have been marketed in the secular market and do very well if the author left the word God in. Not that I am advocating that, however, as a reviewer of Christian books, I was disappointed that there was no mention of Jesus or Scripture.

Lastly, the back of the book caught my eye. I quote, "This adorable story offers young children who are discovering their place in God's big world an opportunity to learn about the wonder of diversity, the gift of creativity, the importance of caring for His gifts, and how each child - each creation- is special to God."

Sounds quite admirable. However, the word 'diversity' is what caught my eye. The word diversity as defined below is not the correct word in my opinion in a book about nature, animals and plant species. Diversity solely applies to humans. Biodiversity would have been the correct choice.

Human diversity: The biological, psychological, social, and cultural differences among people that affect the way their needs are expressed and satisfied.

Biodiversity: –noun, diversity among and within plant and animal species in an environment.

As Christians, we seek unity. Why would we celebrate our difference as we all know we are made in God's image. Yes, we are all parts of one Body but we are all seeking the same God of the Bible and living according to His Word. And yes, we are all God's creation, but we are not all His children. And so to encourage diversity among God's people really is not biblical.

I did not look up the author's other books so it may be wise before a parent purchases one of Ms. Bergren's books to review her other books. If the traditional family is upheld and celebrated among the bear family then I would suggest reading with your children as a launching pad for deeper Scripture study on Creation, how special and unique and truly loved by God each child is, as well as how wonderfully amazing God's Creation is. 

This book did give me the adult reader a blessing with the beautiful artwork. It did attempt to create a framework for dialogue about God. It just fell far short for me as a born again Christian who saw a teaching opportunity fail because the author didn't go full bore into Christianity with her audience. There may have been a mixed message. Buyer beware.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group 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/.

The Shelter of God's Promises By Sheila Walsh

Another inspirational book by Sheila Walsh!! This book targets ten 'bedrock promises of God.'  The Chapters Titles are: Promises, Provision, Peace, Confidence, Love, Grace, Hope, Strength, More (this is knowing God has blessings in store for His children) and Home. Not only is this book timely considering all the peril this world is plundering into deeper and deeper each day, but this book is biblical.

I enjoyed reading the Introduction. Most people probably skip the intro, but don't this time! The story of Sheila losing her tent to a sheep! Exodus 33:21-22 was so perfect in this intro as Sheila slept in a cave to get out of the cold one night while on a girl's camping outing. Her friends were confused when they woke up the next morning and she was not in her tent but instead a sheep took her spot on her tent. That story stuck with me.

Ms. Walsh's sharing of personal accounts is not only enjoyable but relatable. On page 27 I read about John The Baptist. The biblical account was given from Herod's perspective Luke 9:7. Amazing account and just one example in this book in which the author provokes the reader to ask the hard questions and to ponder the Truths of God's Word.

I quote, "The disciples must have been distraught too. John had given his life to prepare the way for Jesus - and his life ended in a barbaric way for a drunken crowd. Where was God? What about His promise to provide protection and care? The chapter continues with Jesus' response to John The Baptist's death Mark 6:32. Ms. Walsh writes, "Mark 6:32 tells us simply: "so they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place." Do you see how Jesus meets us in our need? How He met the disciples? There are times when words don't  help, when friends can't touch our grief. Our deepest need is to pull away with Christ - "Far from the Madding Crowd," as Thomas Hardy titled his book."

One resource included in this book is a chapter-by-chapter Bible Study. Questions are listed along with Scripture references to read, questions to challenge, and a Scripture memory verse. Quite useful for a group study guide!

So much to take away from The Shelter of God's Promises! I will never bless food the same way again (page 34). You too will not be the same person who started in the intro as the person who completed the Bible Study at the end. And for this we rejoice!

"When we come to the end of ourselves, Jesus, our Cleft in the Rock, calls. Come away with Me."

- Sheila Walsh

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com 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/.

The Goodness of God by Randy Alcorn

This petite book began on a wonderfully comforting note with this quote by Paul Scherer which I found just after the Contents Section. I quote, "I know the things that happen: the loss and the loneliness and the pain...But there's a mark on it now: as if Someone who knew that way Himself, because He had travelled it, had gone on before and left His sign; and all of it begins to make a little sense at last-gathered up, laughter and tears, into the life of God, with His arms around it!"

Yes! I deeply breathed in the sweet perfume of Jesus in the very first pages of Mr. Alcorn's book. But the lovefest does not end there. On page five I enjoyed the section entitled, "When Losing Faith is Good." Here's a taste, "Evil and suffering have a way of exposing our inadequate theology. When affliction comes, a weak or nominal Christian often discovers that his faith doesn't account for it or prepare him for it. His faith has been in his church, denomination, or family tradition, or in his own religious ideas - but not in Christ. As he faces evil and suffering, he may, in fact, lose his faith."

Ouch. Preach it brother!! On page 31 Mr. Alcorn again nails the Truth with his discussion of secondary doctrinal issues. He states, "I don't believe in picking fights about secondary doctrinal issues. But I'm convinced there's a great deal at stake in this issue of open theism, as it attempts to redefine the very nature of God. Fortunately, God will always remain who he is. The question is, as we try to modify him to resolve our intellectual struggles, what will become of us?"

Chapter Five entitled The Great Drama was my favorite chapter. This chapter focused on "Reviewing the Roles of Evil and Suffering in Christ's Redemptive Work." Page 45 quotes 2 Chronicles 36:15-16 (NIV) which states, "But they mocked God's messengers, despised his words and scoffed at his prophets until the wrath of the LORD was aroused against his people and there was no remedy."

I loved hearing Mr. Alcorn speak of Jesus as well as his childhood. I appreciated Mr. Alcorn's weaving of Aslan from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe into this chapter. This example was used to remind the reader that though Jesus leaving earth was sad, as Aslan depicted also in the The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, there was hope and victory because this was not the end of the story!!

Chapter Five helps us to understand what we are going through right now. As this world becomes more evil and we become persecuted for our faith we learn to stand firm on God's Word. Page 47 entitled "Last Word" was a shot in the arm for all Christians who understand what Jesus did on the Cross for them. Everyone should read this story about the baby who almost got burned and the mother who did get burned saving her. We see not only goodness but gratitude in this account. Amazing writing!

There is so much I could share about this petite book by Mr. Alcorn. I know it would be perfect for anyone suffering or knowing of someone else suffering. This book was a great reminder how God does not change and is always perfect and good and loving toward all of us (John 3:16).

Yes, this may be a petite book but it is a powerfully packed book which can be given as a gift or kept to remind the reader of just how truly Good God is...

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group as part of their Blogging For Books 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.

iShine NLT Bible For Tweens

Before I opened the mailer from Tyndale House, this leather like pink silver metallic NLT Bible greeted me with it's leathery smell. If I did not know, I would believe this Bible was indeed real leather. However, more importantly, this beautifully organized Bible is perfect for a tween on the go. The TOC included an intro section which included "What is the Bible?", "Finding Your Identity in Jesus", "Growing in Faith", and "The Bible Talks About".

Perfect for your tween daughter's friend who has never attended a Bible preaching church! There are really cool dividers with durable cardboard (pink of course!) that meet the demands of our techno tweens. A "follow this link!" challenge directs the reader to a bar coded box that she can actually use her smartphone to scan and get a message about the Bible. There is a help and info website in case Mom or Dad need more info regarding the scanner box (http://www.tyndale.com/qr)

Also included is an iShine index which addresses issues or questions unique to the tween girl. This is all biblically based and points the reader to the chapter and verse in which the Bible addresses the question. This dialogue is thoughtfully planned and undoubtedly will direct the tween to the Word - again and again!

Hip hip hooray! for the statement on one of the Identity sections and I quote, "...it is not just about who we are, but whose we are." Amen!

This beautiful Bible resplendent in pink faux leather (lip sync pink specifically) and darker binding pleather (rockin' ruby specifically ) white stitching (with stamens in silver metallic glitter in the flowers on the cover- how could I forget to mention the bling??)  is a wonderful gift for any tween girl. I believe it would be a Bible she would save forever and pass along to her own children.

I was blessed to review it. God's Word never goes out of style - - and girls - pink never does either! Buy your tween one today.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House 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.

Unto The Hills by Billy Graham

In perfect timing, I received this book just in time to review it on January 1!!! This devotional is the type of paperback you can display on your coffee table and read each and every day! The cover greets you with the orginal artwork from the first devotional Mr. Graham put into print 25 years ago.

The book is divided into months, and each month artistically labeled on it's own page mirroring the cover (to the right). Then each day has a title with a Scripture verse and discussion below followed by a heartfelt prayer in the author's own words below. Mr. Graham's prayer is written in first person but I related easily to his pleas to God which line up with God's Word.

Within the pages of this book was a common thread which was the author relating to the reader, not using psychology or man's advice but pointing the reader to God through Scripture and Biblical accounts.

Mr. Graham's wisdom is evidenced in the Foreword in which he shares the mountaintop experiences of life in contrast to the valley experiences. I quote, "Some of you will read this book as you search for answers to the problems in the valley of life. You have tried everything else and have not found satisfaction. It is you that I am particularly interested in reaching. Others of you who are already believers still need assurance that, as you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, God has not forgotten you and is, in fact, still with you. I hope this book will be a help to you as well."

Undoubtedly this book will inspire, encourage and challenge any reader seeking God to live a better life - one day at a time. Unto the Hills is based on Psalm 121.

I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.He will not let your foot slip-- he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you-- the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm-- he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Thank you Mr. Graham for reminding us of these facts not just one day but 365 a year or 24/7/365 as we hide the Word in our hearts and memorize the verses in Unto the Hills...

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com 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.

Blind Hope By Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher

For a sneak peek click here.

I couldn't wait to receive Blind Hope so I could slip into the world of animal rescue and those who were blessed by the experience. I was not disappointed by the rescue story. I cringed at the conditions in which this dog was living, as well as the initial outcome of the vet consultation.

I cheered as this precious dog began to trust its owner and I enjoyed hearing about her learning curve in responding to her master's voice. I was educated on a dog needing insulin vaccines (I had never heard of that before).

My favorite chapter was The Closet starting on page 157. I very much relate to a dying dog and the grief associated with your beloved dog's suffering as I have laid to rest my own precious 19-year + seven-month-old Karamel a few years back. That chapter was written so well and I felt like I was right there with Laurie. I cheered after as that story was the culmination of hope for the entire book.

Being a Bible-quoting Christian I appreciated the use of Scripture laced throughout the book. I would however, have liked to see the Scripture references placed right alongside the Scripture instead of being footnoted in a notes section in the back. Just my preference, but it did seem odd that the references would be separately annotated. Kudos, however, to Ms. Meeder for including Scripture throughout as well as including the Salvation Message in the Epilogue.

After reading the Epilogue I realized the relationship between Kim and Laurie was friends above all other connections. I would have liked to have read that before reading the book, as I was reading that 'Mama K' was not just a mentor or mother figure, but a sounding board, a boss, a work-out partner and a sister in Christ. Above all, I read at the end that Kim was a friend. That made sense after reading the Epilogue.

Knowing Kim Meeder is the author and established writer, I understood the story being told in Kim's voice. However, at times I would have liked to hear more about particular situations in Laurie's voice or point of view not just merely told from Kim's perspective of what Laurie is experiencing. For example, many instances of learning how Laurie struggled and how she related her struggles to Mia's (her dog's) perspective allowed me as the reader to relate and to allow God in to address my own issues whether pride, fear, materialism, fake living, etc. I related.

Many examples of particular situations in which Laurie struggled were given but if there were less broad examples were given and more personal detail-oriented situations were given, I believe more situations may have "stuck" with me  (i.e., like the closet situation, where Laurie actually curled up in the closet next to Mia in a physical act of love and how she cried and grieved that night and was exhausted the next day). I would have better been able to connect with Laurie's struggles though still told through Kim's "voice."

Blind Hope was a wonderfully inspiring story of hope, love of God and love of His creatures as well as a story of true friendship and sisterhood. I wish I had a friend like Kim or Laurie! Having a friend to walk through life's struggles is a true blessing. And having a dog like Mia is a blessing only God could provide!

Thank you Kim Meeder for giving this reader Blind Hope - a story about an unwanted dog & the woman she rescued and so much more....

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. 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.

Book Sneeze Review: A Time To Embrace By Karen Kingsbury

As usual, Karen Kingsbury blessed me with this amazingly surprising story of forgiveness, laughter tears and human frailty all rolled into one.

Without being a spoiler, I was surprised by one topic discussed in particular. I do not recall this particular sin being mentioned as included in the story line. However, the discussion of this struggle was introduced in a subtle way as if the author had woven it into the story without making it the book's focus. I will not soon forget the discussion and the subtle way this sin creeps into many lives and stays. I cheered as this character overcame it and sought to help others with the help he had been given.

Basically, as in all of the novels I have read by Ms. Kingsbury I was welcomed into the family. I enjoyed a front row seat in witnessing the character's ups and downs, their successes and failures as well as their quirky personalities playing games and being silly as well as being quirky being serious!

Midway through this adventure, I put the book face down and asked the question Why would this book need an independent review? Obviously, A Time To Embrace like all Ms. Kingsbury's books would no doubt be a huge success. The author beloved by many - - so why a review? Why not? Thomas Nelson provided. I'll review! I picked up the book and disappeared once more into the story.

I consider this book a blessing to receive and review - not more of a blessing than other titles I have reviewed but this title being sent for review is a gift from the author. I will pass this book on to another enthusiastic Kingsbury fan and pray he/she will also be touched by the love, joy and Holy Spirit-inspired writing that resides in each page of this work.

The families in the storyline love God, love each other and exemplify the Americans in this country that love sports, family and forgiveness. It is an inspiring book with a message that all need to hear. Kudos to Ms. Kingsbury - - even though she never did need to hear this 5-star review from me!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com 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 an

d 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.