It's Just You and Me Lord

This book, It’s Just You and Me, Lord, takes you through a myriad of situations that could occur in anyone’s life. It is a great book for staying emotionally and personally connected with our Father; the prayers inside show you how to talk to God with a new perspective and see how He is waiting there to help you.

Marion offers heartfelt prayers to inspire and encourage us as women, no matter where we are in life’s journey.  As you can see from those eight areas of our lives, she addresses common issues through her practical prayers;  the scriptures and quotes she uses. 

I am confident that this book will strengthen you in your faith,  and your connection with God.

 I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”

Spiritual Simplicity

The central theme of the book is God’s love and how this translates into living a focused and simple life.  He writes “whatever you’re doing with your time and your life, you’re wasting it if you are not loving people.” Then he explains how God’s love moves through us into others.

The book is based on scripture and uses many examples of how God reveals His love to us. God interacts in love, and God is love. When we identify and focus on this using the methods detailed in the book, we find a life fixed in simplicity.

"Spiritual simplicity will be achieved by doing less because we love more." Over the next eight chapters --- all bearing titles of popular love songs --- he expands on that one idea in innumerable ways by explaining what it means to truly love others and showing the power that loving others can have on your own life.

Ingram treats the word "love" as a verb, and an active verb at that. Early on, he makes it clear that throughout the book, his use of the word "love" is identical with "God's love" and bears little similarity to the way the word is used in casual conversation or a romantic situation. The kind of love Ingram describes is a gutsy, courageous and insistent act based on a decision of the will. Ingram wraps it all up with a chapter titled "Love Train (Get on Board)” Here, Ingram transforms the image into a picture of God's "love train," which has moved throughout history to bring life and love to the people of the world. He extends the symbol to illustrate how getting on board this train can't help but simplify your life.

Spiritual Simplicity is a must read for everyone.  It will help us rethink why we do things, and to think more of others.   I also recommend the Small Group study, with the DVD.  This will make a great Bible Study and Small group series.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”

The Great House of God

The back cover reads, “God’s greatest desire is to be your dwelling place – The Home For Your Heart. He doesn't want to be merely a weekend getaway. He has no interest in being a Sunday bungalow or even a summer cottage. He wants to be your mailing address, your point of reference, your home…always. He wants you to live in the Great House of God.” Mr. Lucado starts with the fact that we are adopted by God, he is our adoptive father, and will not abandon us whatsoever. Then in Chapter 3 we move on to faith, and how we can trust God. Max breaks down the Lord’s Prayer into detail, using it as a guide to God's House. We are not talking about an earthly house but His house, living within Him! It really is amazing how Max Lucado takes you right through the front door to explore the whole house and even up to the roof, to see how God has built it specifically for you. I really enjoyed this book, especially the chapter “The Hallway” where he once again takes us on that walk of grace and forgiveness. Also included is a study guide in the back of the book.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”

The 5 Love Languages of Children

This outstanding book addresses how each child expresses and receives love  through one of five main "languages" - quality time, words of affirmation, gifts, acts of service, or physical touch. Although children need to be spoken to in each of these love languages, there's one love language that meets their deepest emotional needs and should be used often with them. Once we figure out what our children's primary love language is, we will be able to better understand their personal communication methods. Even though children need to feel love through all five of the love languages, their primary love "tank" must be filled in order for the other languages to be effective.

They also offer excellent suggestions with disciplinary methods that won't affect your child's perceptions of the way they feel loved by their parents.

Bottom line - Even if you've read tons of parenting books, you will truly learn something new from this one - something to increase your relationship with your child.

http://www.moodypublishers.com/

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”

What the Amish Can Teach Us About the Simple Life

This book contained some solid advice on how we can learn from the Amish lifestyle.   Although the author is not living this lifestyle,   you can glean some interesting information.    I did have some concerns with the author bringing up the rumspringa, as most Amish communities now don’t allow the rumspringa.   

I enjoyed the thoughtful insights as to how to “make do”, something that most people just don’t do anymore; along with the other interesting ideas of homemade cleaners.   I don’t think that the husbandry section was necessary in this book, as most readers won’t be living in that sort of lifestyle.  I would recommend that the author write a second book on this subject alone.

 I have personally used the resources in the back and find that they are helpful to those that are serious about living the plain and simple lifestyle.

All in all this is a good book that will teach you how to live without the world’s influence in your life, and we have a lot to learn from these people.

When Love and Submission Ignite

This was a great little book,  it  comes straight to the point on an issue that most will not discuss in today’s culture.

Blending timely advice with relevant bible passages, the author makes you want to read more. 

The contents describe what submission truly means.  You will be left with no doubt in your mind as to how to behave within a marriage relationship.    The author walks you through bible passages that instruct you as to what is the correct balance, within a partnership.  It is not about one person having full power and control over another weaker person.  It is about compromising, at times, and respecting one another, while you determine the parameters you are both comfortable with, while growing the love that God desires for you.

This is a book that I would recommend to couples who are thinking about marriage, or need advice with their marriage.  We live in a “selfish” society today and this book helps us think about letting go about our selfishness and thinking more about others, which is the key to submission.

I found myself expecting more and wishing the book were longer.  However, it is worth reading; even if only to discover what you could do to improve your own relationship, if needed.

 I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and 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.”

The Church Planting Wife

Being the wife of a pastor of a church "replant" I truly enjoyed this book.  It was full of great information for those who may be thinking of starting out and planting a church.  It was full of encouragement, and also gave lots of information on what to do and what not to do.  

I liked how the author dealt with issues of "church envy",  how to deal with criticism, and how not to let the root of bitterness to take a hold of you.

This is a must have resource for any pastor's wife.