Eat Your Peas-Faithfully

Eat Your Peas Faithfully by Cherly Karpen is definately a gift type book. It is cute and simple with whimsicle sayings tied with scripture. The book is filled with simple affirmation and uplifting encouragement. Although this is a cute little cook, don't expect it to be very deep. This is one of those little "add on" gifts that will bring a smile to someones face. This book was given to me for the purposes of review by Thomas Nelson. The opinion expressed is soley mine.

Devotional Journal

"God's Promises, Devotional Journal -365 Days of Experiencing the Lord's Blessing," is a simple, uplifting devotional. Included authors are: Max Lucado, David Jeremiah, Billy Graham, Anne Graham Lotz, Sheila Walsh, and others. Each page is set up with a paragraph style mini devotion with a scripture and a question for journaling. Such questions included are-"Is it difficult for you to trust God and give control of your future to Him?" and "Do you believe that the supernatural power of God presented in the Bible is still available today?" These are short, straight forward, and a nice addition to daily Bible reading. This book would also be a great lesson starter with the attached questions to supplement in sunday school or small group study. Overall, "God's Promises," is a nice addition to any devotional library. I received this book through book sneeze blogger review program and the opinions expressed are my own.

Principle of the Path

The Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley was a great read. It didn't have anything profound-only one of those books where you went, "I need to really think about that more." It had a subtitle that states "How to get from where you are to where you want to be," my opinion is that it could have just as well said, "the choices you make can detour you or keep you straight." This book was predominately about how simple choices affect the course of your life. For example-one may say, "I want to marry a christian man," but the reality is that she may date a non-christian, end up married, and regret those choices, simply due to a "date with the wrong person". Or take the example of, "I want to grow in my christian walk," however, I make time for the newspaper in the morning but not the Bible. This book is details how a simple idea of "principle of the path," can explain disappointment in our lives and how we can empower ourselves to make the choices that keep us in Gods will and on "the path." This book was given to me for the purpose of the blogger review program through Thomas Nelson-I was not required to write a positive review

Becoming a Woman of Influence

Becoming a Woman of Influence, by Carol Kent was a worthwhile read. In the book she outlines 6 principles of how we, as women, can better influence others. Principles such as, time alone with God, storytelling, asking questions, having compassing, and a few others. Time alone with God features prayer and influencing others to pray. Storytelling features making the truth relevent through stories. The principle of asking questions helps to draw people into conversation to share the truth. She discusses the idea that we influence others all of the time and we can make intentional choices of influencing rather than not thinking about how we influence others. Although, I did enjoy this book and feel that it has classic and timeless information, I also feel that it is geared a bit toward those who are mentors or who are starting to mentor others. Having said that, it is still relevent to women who just want to make intentional choices on their group of peers and coworkers.
I was given this book through Navpress blogger program and was not asked to write a positive review.

Chasing Elephants

I had the opportunity to read "Chasing Elephants, Wrestling With The Gray Areas Of Life," by Brent Crowe courtesy of Navpress Publishers as part of their blogger review program. The opinions express are my own in accordance with the FTC guidlines. This book pleasantly suprised me overall, however, the first 4 chapters of the book were a bit slow. The first several chapters were to help one better understand how and why the "questions to deal with the gray areas" came about. I personally think that these could have been omitted and the book would have had the same relevance as with them. Chapter 5 included the "list of questions" that would later help form your own opinion about the "gray areas". This is a comprehensive list with questions like:"will this decision addict or enslave," "is this decision made in the attitude of Christ," and "will this decision have a positive spiritual impact on self." The next chapters were the addressed areas-such as 1. Homosexuality 2.The Cyber World 3. Social Drinking 4. Entertainment and 5. Humanitarian Efforts.
Brent Crowe addressed each of theses touchy subjects with grace and knowledge that made me "like him." I didn't agree with all of his ideas but I did find that my views were a bit changed on ideas once previously thought, due to asking myself the listed questions and how they relate to these areas. This book is great for someone who wants to formulate their own opinions from a biblical basis rather than believe stricly based on what their church or parents may believe.
Great book Mr. Crowe-I look forward to your gracious and humble writing in the future!

Out Live Your Life

Out Live by Max Lucado is a great read! This book is filled with wonderful and meaningful short stories that one can relate to or understand that help demonstrate ways we can make a difference. Chapters such as "Open Your Door, Open Your Heart," "See the Need; Touch the Heart," and "Persecution: Prepare for It; Resist It" are just a glimpse of the contents that will challenge one to go for it and make a difference. This book give alarming statistics that can't be overlooked and forgotten. As well as great reading content-Max Lucado begins each chapter by quoting scripture on a blank page that is a nice and refreshing look at the word. He concludes the chapters with another relevent scripture verse and a meaninful prayer.
After reading this book, I found a discussion and action guide in the back that would be beneficial for a small group or sunday school class. The study guide correlates nicely with each chapter.
I recieved this book free for the purposes of a book review online.

Home to Holly Springs by Jan Karon

Home to Holly Springs is a quaint little book where all turns out nice and cozy-like most of her other books. Having said this, it is a sweet read and I will continue to read books by Jan Karon because she is positive and uplifting in her message as well as entertaining. Home to Holly Springs is about a return to Father Tim's childhood hometown and people that were of importance in his memories. He encounters a few unexpected visitors and happenings that fill the book with its charm and character. Overall, Home to Holly Springs is an easy read with good characters and sweet story line. Happy readings!-this book was not a free book for the purpose of writing a review.