Christina Will Review It

Monday, February 14, 2011

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/.

Monday, February 07, 2011

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.”

Thursday, December 23, 2010

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...

Saturday, December 11, 2010

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.