Dog lovers must have!

5 STARS

REVIEW: STAY: Lessons my dogs taught me about life, loss, and grace by Dave Burchett

This is a sweet book that reads like a Christian devotional (as the chapters are relatively short, usually less than 10 pages) and is a treat for dog lovers!

Throughout the book, author Dave Burchett lays out lessons he has learned over the years from his beloved canines like gratitude, living in the moment, and forgiveness. Burchett then relates those lessons from his dogs to biblical stories, turning the wisdom back to our relationship with the Lord.

I finished the book with many dog-eared pages (yes, I used that pun!) and tears. Some of the lessons Burchett learned along the way came through loss of his beloved pets—heart wrenching, but beautifully captured.

If you are a dog lover or know one, hand them this book. And if you know a dog lover who is not a Christian, this could be a great outreach tool to introduce them to Scripture and the Creator of all.

*Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of these books for my unbiased review.

An eye-opening look into spiritual warfare

4 stars

The Ishbane Conspiracy by Angela, Karina & Randy Alcorn

The Ishbane Conspiracy by Angela, Karina & Randy Alcorn is like an updated, contemporary version of C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters.

The fictional storyline follows along four teens in their day-to-day life. (And for those who don't know the struggles of today’s youth, the storyline alone is worth the read and very eye-opening.)

But what makes this book unique, and like Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters, is at the end of each chapter about the fictional youth, the reader becomes privy to private letters between demons who are trying to inflict wickedness upon the lives of the youth without them realizing it. Spiritual warfare is at work.

Ephesians 6:12 clearly says: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” If you have been one who has never believed in spiritual warfare, this book will make you a believer. It will make you realize that indeed spiritual forces are at work without us even realizing it.

This is a must-read for youth workers, and anyone wanting a look at spiritual warfare. 

*I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this unbiased review.

Good resource for those newly diagnosis with diabetes

4 stars

Diabetes Solution: How to control type two diabetes and reverse prediabetes using simple diet and lifestyle changes 

This new diabetes book in divided into two sections: 1. Know your enemy (diabetes), and 2. Managing your diabetes (which includes 100 recipes).

I found the book quick and easy to read, making what could be a complicated topic easier to understand, which is especially helpful for those just getting diagnosed.

Some of the most useful things in the books are the charts of foods you should eat, as well as foods not to eat. While I haven't tried any of the recipes yet, I especially have my eye on the peanut butter-sweet potato dip!

For more information, visit http://www.randomhouse.com/book/234426/the-diabetes-solution-by-dr-jorge-e-rodriguez-and-susan-wyler-mph-rdn-

*I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this unbiased review.

Jesus is indeed everywhere

4 Stars

REVIEW: Finding Jesus by Winston Rowntree

This book came to me at just the right time. I have literally been flat on my back due to recent back troubles. And during this struggle, I seek to find where Jesus is in the situation. In fact, as a pastor and preacher, this part of my calling: To look and find Jesus in every situation. And this book is a good reminder of that.

While it’s not meant to be a deep theological book by any means—it is a book of drawings done much in the same style of “Where’s Waldo?”—it actually does speak to a deeper spiritual truth. In Scripture, Jesus promises to always be with us, never leave us, never forsake us. And in these drawings of various scenes of life, like at a wedding, an outdoor party, or rock concert, Jesus is there. Just as He promised.  You just have to look.

I think this book is an imaginative (and whimsical) reminder that we are to always look for Jesus in every situation. Because, He is there!

For more information, visit http://www.randomhouse.com/book/239746/finding-jesus-by-winston-rowntree

*I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this unbiased review.

Cooking up photos in a new photo “recipe” book

4 Stars

REVIEW: Your Family in Pictures: The Parent’s Guide to Photographing Holidays, Family Portraits and Everyday life by Me Ra Koh

I have always loved taking pictures. In fact, at most family gatherings, I am deemed the official family photographer. I also have had the privilege to do professional photography as part of a past career. So, I was excited to see what I might learn in Me Ra Koh’s new book in order to make myself a better photographer.

First, don’t mind the title. Even though this book is titled The Parent’s Guide to Photographing, I think it can be generalized for most everyone. I mean I don’t even have kids. I do have a dog I adore, though!

The chapters are set up almost like “recipes” on how to take the perfect picture of things like pets, holidays, cousins, vacations, and even everyday life such as breakfast. Each “recipe” contains good, helpful ideas such as lightening, time of day, how to get kids settled down, etc.

My personal favorite tips were on the use of light.

Me Ra Koh says you can use any kind of camera, from the DSLR to the iPhone you have handy. Although, much of the talk centered around settings of the camera, and the iPhone doesn’t allow you too much of that.

If you are looking to learn some tips on how to create better photos, and have a better camera than an iPhone, this would be a great book for you in order to try each “recipe” from start to finish. No doubt you will improve along the way.

For more information about the author, visit http://www.randomhouse.com/author/113186/me-ra-koh

*I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this unbiased review.

Working with light using one of the photo "recipes"

A black and white photo I took using one of the photo "recipes"

Awake, Christians!

4 STARS

REVIEW: Awakening to God: Discovering His power and your purpose by Gerard Long

This is a call to awaken sleeping Christians.

Those who have hit the snooze button.

And especially for those who have turned off the alarm.

Those who have stopped believing in the urgent mission at hand—making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Author and evangelist Gerard Long reminds us that as Christians today, we tend to follow a “come” model that focuses on getting people to come to church to hear the Gospel. But Jesus told us to GO and make disciples out in the world where the people already are.

The book is a simple plea for Christians to do what we were called to do—save a drowning and lost world by introducing them to Jesus.

The book shares much of Long’s testimony and is a quick 140-page read but packed with hefty urgent reminders that are worth the time.

*Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of these books for my unbiased review.

Author Gerard Long

For more information on the book, visit http://www.awakeningtogod.net

You can find the intro and chapter 1 at http://alphausa.org/Publisher/File.aspx?id=1000042290

You can find the author’s bio at http://gerardlong.com/gerards-story/

For more info on Alpha visit http://guest.alphausa.org