Forgiveness By Matthew West

Whether giving or receiving, forgiveness is the key toward true healing and blessing.

God says there are no limits to forgiveness toward others or ourselves. And when Matthew West set out on a journey asking people to share their true life stories, Renée shared about how she chose to forgive the drunk driver who hit and killed her daughter.

This remarkable story and others like it bring peace and healing to the one needing and the ones giving forgiveness. Fifty powerful stories share forgiveness through divorce, betrayal, addiction, abandonment, death, and more. Each story ties into the promises of God’s faithfulness and healing, and ends with the story of God’s ultimate forgiveness through the message of salvation.

I think forgiveness is something we all struggle with. How do we forgive and forget when someone hurts us so bad? How can we put it all behind? This book is broken up into 4 sections and backed with scriptural references. This book shows us how it's important that we forgive others if we want our Heavenly Father to show the same compassion to us. Sometimes we think we're the only ones going through certain situations or no one has to endure what we do, but after reading some of the stories in this book, made me realize someone else always got it worse, our situation isn't so bad afterall!

One Light Still Shines By Marie Monville

“My story is not about my past, but about your future,” says Marie Roberts Monville.
In the startling tragedy of the Amish schoolhouse shooting at Nickel Mines, one story has never been told; Marie Roberts Monville, the wife of the man who created such horror, tells her story for the very first time. It is a story of sorrow and destruction, but also one of majestic deliverance, unending compassion, breathtaking forgiveness, and grace-filled redemption.
Within a solitary moment, Marie Monville realized that life, as she knew it, was over. What she never anticipated was a tangible encounter with God reaching into her circumstances, through them rewriting all she believed about herself, her faith, and the God she thought she knew. One Light Still Shines reveals three love stories: the innocent love of a devoted wife for a husband in pain, the incomprehensible love of God in the aftermath of massacre and destruction, and the redemptive love of Christ, waiting to unfold in the life of every person who reads this book.
Marie's journey since that darkest of days has been invaded with light which shines through these pages into the darkest questions we all face--questions about our past, our value, our identity, and own powerlessness in this fallen world. Come face to face with the Power behind every answer---a love that begs to be received.

 

When I read the description for this book I remembered how my heart broke the day I saw the news and the tragedy. I remember how my heart ached for so many people I never knew but just the ordeal they had to endure. This story is not a wealth of sadness, but instead one of faith. Faith and trust in our Heavenly Father even during one of the most horrible things that could ever happen. It was so nice to hear the story from Marie's point of view and the heartache she also had to endure and the strength that could only come from God. This book will forever remain in my collection. She is truly an inspiration.

 

I received this book in exchange for an honest review



Jesus, My Father, The CIA & Me By Ian Cron

An entertaining, touching memoir of life with an alcoholic father who secretly works with the CIA, a dark pilgrimage through the valley of depression and addiction, and finding a faith to redeem and a strength to forgive.
At the age of sixteen, Ian Morgan Cron was told that his stockbroker father actually worked with the CIA. The story of this world-rocking discovery is the stepping-off point into a fascinating exploration of one man's alternately heartbreaking and humorous journey to faith and spiritual growth.
Born into a family of privilege and power, Ian's life is populated with colorful people and stories, including the account of an alcoholic father who takes his family on a wild roller-coaster ride through wealth and poverty and back again. Includes tales of a nearly blind English nanny who teaches him what love means, a famous New York radio personality who saves his life, a simple carpenter who leads him to faith in Jesus, and his own personal journey from addiction to twenty-three years of sobriety.
Believers and seekers alike will be moved by how Ian uncovers and honors what is sacred in his story, how he discovers God in the struggle to find redemption, and how the mysterious movement and presence of God is woven throughout the adventure of his life.

 

Great true story of a boy who grew up with am alcoholic father who harboured many secrets and a Mother who tried her best to shelter him from it all. I'm not sure it's one of the best books I've read but I enjoy reading about real people and real struggles. I'm not sure I understand the authors attitude toward God or where he stands spiritually. All in all, it was a good read!

I received this book free from Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.

The Christian Parenting Handbook By Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller

With advice on parenting coming from several angles, what do you listen to and what do you ignore? Develop your own biblical philosophy of parenting and use it to filter the many ideas that come your way.
In this book you’ll learn how to:
Identify character qualities to address problems
Build internal motivation
Transfer responsibility for change to the child
Teach kids to be solvers instead of whiners
Use creativity to teach your kids spiritual truths
Avoid the “boxing ring”
Envision a positive future
And much more!
With these strategies you’ll be able to move from behavior modification to a heart-based approach to parenting. Instead of relying on rewards, incentives, threats, and punishment, you’ll learn how to identify heart lessons to teach your child and implement them in practical ways.
The Christian Parenting Handbook by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, founders of the National Center for Biblical Parenting, compiles fifty parenting principles that use heart-based strategies to teach you how to face daily challenges. When parents focus on the heart, kids learn to ask different questions about life. Instead of asking, “What’s in it for me?” they learn to ask, “What’s the right thing to do?” You’ll soon see how a heart-based approach to parenting looks deeper and brings about greater, lasting change.

As a Father of a toddler I'm sure I'll reference back to this book from years to come. It has some great morals and values in how to raise your children according to scripture and it has some wise words from decades of parenting.
I don;t think this is a book you would want to read all at once, it is spit up in to 50 chapters that help you draw on and focus on one particular thing at a time.
I would consider this more of a handbook that you could reference back to in your time of need to find out what to do in a particular situation, to find out what works!
Great read, great advice, great for years to come!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Second Chances By Max Lucado

We humans are prone to failure. We’re experts at muddying, mixing, and messing up our lives. Who among us hasn’t looked up from the bottom of a pit and realized he dug it himself? Who hasn’t fallen so far, messed up so badly that she thought there was no hope? And it’s at these low points that we crave reminders that there’s hope for the broken.No reminder is quite as poignant as a story of second chances. A story of grace in action. Who couldn’t use more stories of grace like this?

 Such a great read, but then again, isn't all Lucado's books? This book is about times when you've hit rock bottom and you have nowhere to go but up, that's what God's grace does for us. We are lifted from the lowest valley to the highest mountain. Lucado again uses scripture to retell stories in modern day along with stories from others and finally his own personal experiences.
I like how this book is short stories as it left me time to read an exerpt in the bathroom, while waiting for supper to cook or at the end of a long day. It gives us reminders that no matter how low we go, no matter how much shame we feel, no matter what we have done, God's grace is there to redeem us.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

When God Makes Lemonade By Don Jacobsen

In When God Makes Lemonade, author Don Jacobson has collected real-life stories from around the world that show everyday folks discovering unexpected sweetness in the midst of sour circumstances. Some are funny, others are sobering, and more than a few will bring tears of amazement. But these true stories all have one thing in common: hope. There's no question that life gives us "lemons," like issues with health, employment, and relationships. But when those lemons become lemonade, it's as refreshing as a cold drink on a hot summer day. It's true that in life "stuff" happens, but as you'll see in these stories, lemonade happens too!

This book is like a refreshing glass of lemonade! We all have issues, we all have problems, but it's how we deal with these things that are thrown at us that matters, our reaction to those things. I loved how I could read a few stories then put it down to go do something or come back to it when I was feeling a little down. A great pick me up! I would definitely recommend this book as it's true real life stories by people like you & me!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Days Like These By Rachel & Kristian Anderson

There are love stories and then there's the story of Kristian and Rachel Anderson. When Kristian wanted to show his wife Rachel how much he loved her after learning he was terminally ill, he ended up winning millions of hearts around the world, thanks to the now famous YouTube video he made for her 35th birthday. Social media is often seen as trivial and self-absorbed, but this heartfelt and moving tribute by a young Australian father of two in the midst of a battle with cancer, drew attention to a much larger story we all wanted to know more about and an ordeal so many families face alone. Like Oprah, who invited Kristian and Rachel on her show, and Hugh Jackman, who helped make one of Kristian's dreams come true by appearing on the tribute, many of us didn't know him but we were so inspired by him that we felt like we did. He touched lives, gave hope and left behind a precious legacy that will mean a longer and better quality of life for thousands of cancer sufferers. Kristian’s faith was foundational to him and he openly shared his prayers, his struggles, and the hope he found in his relationship with God. His story, told in his own words from his blog entries, with additions from his beloved Rachel, will inspire others to know that even in the darkest moments, the light can shine through.

This is a very powerful book. I started reading it when I had a few free minutes and just totally shut out the rest of the day, I had to finish. I cannot fathom struggling through such a debilitating illness, especially putting my family through it as well. Kristian was a very strong man and a fighter, as well as his wife Rachel. This book tells the story of Kristians battle with cancer and his raw emotions and what he faced, it's all in your face, no holds barred. It left me with a very heavy heart to see him struggle and for one man to be in so much pain, I guess I never really did understand what one goes through during these times. It talks about where he drew strength from many song lyrics and how it spoke to him time and time again. I'm not sure this book is for everyone as it is all put out there. But I do reccomend! Provided by Booksneeze

Unglued Devotional By Lysa TerKeurst

This companion devotional to the bestselling book Unglued provides encouragement to help readers handle emotional struggles. Including a daily opening Scripture, Thought for the Day, devotion, and closing prayer, this book helps readers begin a 60-day journey in learning to positively process raw emotions, such as fear, anger, and regret.

I just want to say, I have not quite finished the devotional yet, I'm about part way through because I want to take time and reflect on the pasages and how I can apply them to my own life. This is a 60 day devotional which I want to slow down and just focus on one chapter a day. I have not ready TerKeurst's bestseller (prequel to this devotional) Unglued. But when I saw the devotional I knew I just had to check it out. As a husband, father to a toddler, and main breadwinner I've had plenty moments where it felt like it was all coming undone, or in this case "unglued". But this devotional helps us to realize that even in the not so great moments, God is always there if we call on him to help us through.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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.”

Just Like Jesus (Devotional) By Max Lucado

God wants to give you a heart just like Jesus. Jesus felt no guilt; God wants you to feel no guilt. Jesus had no bad habits; God wants to do away with yours. Jesus had no fears; God wants the same for you. Jesus had no anxiety about death; you needn't either. God's desire, his plan, his ultimate goal is to make you into the image of Christ. This is your invitation to spend thirty intimate days with the Savior learning how to become more like Jesus. Can you think of a better offer?

What a rich and rewarding experience and another chance to go deeper with God. Max Lucado has yet to disappoint. His words are always backed up by scriptural references and he gets you thinking about your life and being everything God planned for you to be. There are 30 chapters meant to be read one a day to get you thinking as well as reflecting on God's word. I think it is a devotional I can refer back to over and over again

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Purpose Drive Life By Rick Warren

Licensed in over 85 languages, The Purpose Driven Life is far more than just a book; it is a guide to a spiritual journey... Once you take this journey, you’ll never be the same again. On your journey you’ll find the answers to 3 of life’s most important questions: * The Question of Existence: Why am I alive? •The Question of Significance: Does my life matter? •The Question of Purpose: What on earth am I here for? Living out the purpose you were created for moves you beyond mere survival and success to a life of significance—the life you were meant to live. Five benefits of knowing your purpose: 1.It will explain the meaning of your life. 2.It will simplify your life. 3.It will focus your life. 4.It will increase your motivation. 5.It will prepare you for eternity. This new, expanded edition has been created for a new generation of reader. A New Edition for a New Generation! 4 NEW FEATURES •Video introductions by Rick Warren to chapters 1-40 •An audio Bible study at the end of each chapter, with over 30 additional hours of teaching by Rick Warren. •Two new bonus chapters on the most common barriers to living a purpose driven life. •Access to an online community where you can discuss your journey to purpose, get feedback, and receive support.

Well I've had this book in my collection for quite some time, but the new updated version is very eye catching. A new cover design and access to online content is great. The purpose driven life makes you wonder and think why God has put you here in the first place. He has a purpose for everyone and everything. There is a reason why some prayers seem answered in an instant and others we must wait longer for. It makes you ponder life and your purpose and increases your faith in God and trust in his guidance and timing. It's a big refresher to the soul and get's you deeper with God.

The Fantasy Fallacy By Shannon Etheridge

Erotica has invaded more than our minds – it has exploded onto our bestseller lists and into our bedrooms. Many are looking to sexual and emotional fantasies as avenues to fulfillment. Our fantasies, however, are not reliable guides into the future—they are actually rocky road maps from our past. Best-selling author Shannon Ethridge theorizes, “Fantasies are simply the brain’s way of trying to heal itself from unresolved tragedies and traumas. We mentally compartmentalize our pain to make room for pleasure.” Fantasies have deep psychological roots, and if acted on many of them can do deep psychological damage. Rather than let fantasies rule us, let’s take out the sting and bring them under God’s rule, allowing the Lord to heal us from the brokenness and insecurities that cause inappropriate fantasies to haunt us. Without being judgmental or condemning, Shannon helps us dissect several common and often-disturbing topics, such as: •a distorted fascination with pornography •the mental pursuit of multiple partners •the lure of gay and lesbian desires •bondage, domination, and sadomasochism (BDSM) With tips for controlling unwanted fantasies and resources for providing a safe haven for recovery, The Fantasy Fallacy helps us recognize and heal our emotional pain and equips us to help others do the same.

Porn and sex is so wide spread in the world today, it's almost as if we're saying, "here, go ahead, be promiscuous". But in the book, Etheridge shows us how God meant for sex to be a bond between Man & woman under the confines of marriage. It's all about the selling. Sex sells, porn sells. It gives men and women a false hope and false pretense of how sex "should" be between two people, or three, heck! even four!. Also, it tells men that it's ok to have relations with another man or woman with woman, although the Bible tells us different. The whole sexual concept is stemmed from movies/books/magazines and it poisons the mind and makes a peversion of what God meant to be a holy union. The author goes on to talk about fantasies and what is ok and what is not. There's also sections regarding addictions people face with pornography and polygamy and how it's not what God meant for us. Definitely a great read and reminded me of Lot's days in Sodom & Gomorrah. Would definitely reccomend.