Learning to Hear God

Learning to Hear God by Jan Johnson is a personal retreat guide. This book is divided into multiple sections for finding quietness, God's tone of voice, His unusual speech,and Hearing God in the word. The introduction gives a basic guideline of a personal or small group retreat, what to expect, what to do and not to do, and a timeline.
This book has valuable insight into biblical study for the "everyday person wanting to get more out of scripture" as well as ideas and thoughts on "how to hear God." It asks pointed questions such as, "are we a listener or someone who acts on what he hears?" to better help us gain insight in our christian walk. I enjoyed the book after muddling through the first chapter-would recommend to those wanting to hear what God's is saying for their life. This book was given through a blog review program by Navpress.

The Take Action Bible

The New King James Version, The Take Action Bible, published by Thomas Nelson, is refreshing. This Bible has a nice preface that explains subject headings, the new and old testament text, and some of the footnotes. It has a special introduction section for 1. The Pentateuch, 2. The Historical books, 3. Poetical and Wisdom books, 4. The Prophets, 5. The Gospels, 6. The Acts of the Apostles, 7. The Letters of Paul, and 8. The General Epistles and Revelation. It includes a reaing plan for the Bible in 1 year as well as the words of Jesus in red. Throughout the Bible are interspersed short stories or devotions with scripture reading and a thought provoking question to take the devotion a step into action. At the conclusion of scripture the "Take Action Bible" includes a section entitled "52 Action Ideas." This section puts feet to the scriptures with ideas to help jumpstart action in faith. Each idea is atttached to a scripture verse. For example, idea #13. Find out how to start a Bible study at the local jail or prison. (Mathhew 25:36) Overall, this is a great addition to one's Bible collection. It adds a bit of new insight and would make a great gift for the action minded. I recieved this Bible for the purpose of blogger review, however, these opinions are my own.

Easy Read-nothing spiritual!

The Final Summit, by Andy Andrews was an easy read. Saying that, however, it was nothing profound, wonderful, or anything to recommend to an avid reader. This book, focused on a summit meeting of historical and biblical figures that included a troubled millionaire of modern day times. This summit was a quest to find the one principle that would save humanity. The Final Summit does entertain readers with historical stories and tidbits of biblical ones, but is certainly not anything to be considered "christian" except for the mention of the arch angels and the exclusion of bad language. Overall, this book was worth the read-if you read many, many books, and get enjoyment out of a large selection of book types.

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.