Editor: Ann Spangler

Published: 2011

My Review:  5 out of 5 stars

Overview

The Names of God Bible is intended to invite the reader to “know God on a deeper level” by studying and using his names and titles throughout Scripture.  Spangler, the author of Praying the Names of God, goes into detail about the meaning and use of each name or title, and the bible is highlighted so that one can study a name as it is used throughout Scripture.

Using God’s Word Translation, The Names of God Bible

restores more than 10,000 occurrences of specific names of God – like Yahweh, El Shadday, El Elyon, and Adonay – to help readers connect with the Hebrew roots of their Christian faith…

Seeing God’s names – as used by Abraham, Moses, and David – and understanding the meaning of the names and titles used brings excitement to the text.

Name Pages feature information associated with the most important names and titles of God, as well as devotional readings and Bible promises associated with the featured name.

Sidebars reference the relationship between the person in the bible and the specific name they called God.

Reading and exploring God’s Names as they were originally used and intended brings a level of intimacy and understanding that brings the Word of God to life.

My Review

I was so excited to see this Bible advertised, and I jumped on my chance to buy it for my personal use.  Beginning January 1, I’ve been reading this Bible for my new 2012 reading plan – and it has really added a new perspective to my Bible study.

I’ve read the Bible through several times, but this rendering – in easy to understand English – really makes me consider how I pray to God and how I speak to Him.  I’ve given more deliberate thought to the way I address God and how I view Him and His character.

Names like Yahweh and Elohim are profoundly more moving, and to read them in Scripture makes Him more present and tangible.  Understanding what the names mean, and imagining the likes of Noah and Abram answering “Yes” in their walk with God is honestly overwhelming.

If you want to add some richness to your Bible reading, this may well be a version for you.  Looking at Him as more than “God” – that name that is so often used by anyone – and knowing Him personally by one or many of His names is exquisitely beautiful.

[I purchased this Bible for my own personal use.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.]

Disclosure: Some affiliate links have been used within this post.

Author: Diana Wallis Taylor
Published: 2011
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Overview

Pulling characters from the pages of Scripture, this book takes a look at the life of Martha of Bethany.

Martha’s entire life is marked by her responsibilities to her family.

This well describes the Martha of the New Testament.  Known for her hospitality and concern over domestic affairs, Martha was a woman who knew the Lord and his disciples.   What this novel does, is take what we know and build it into a woman that we can see more fully with human eyes.

The responsible sister of a sick brother and daydreaming sister, Martha often steps up to the challenge of household responsibilities and the author suggests that maybe she had to sacrifice much more than we read in Scripture.

My Review

What I love most about novels based on Biblical characters, is an author who gives new perspective on the person I think I know.

Martha is mentioned several times throughout Jesus’ ministry – and it is known that she opened their family home to him and his itinerant disciples.  We know she had a brother Lazarus and a sister, Mary.

We also know that she grumbled at the amount of work which she was doing.

But since reading this book, I’m convinced Martha had a bad rap!  It is not that we should neglect to learn from the lessons displayed in Scripture mentioning Martha.  I do think, though, that it is REALLY easy to categorize her and criticize her for an attitude that I often find in myself.  If I’m grumbling at my responsibilities, then I can also imagine that Martha  might have been left to do all the work most often by a brother who was sick and a sister who maybe didn’t think about the necessary things.

The story of Martha is about serving Christ.  About knowing that our roles and calling are about serving Him and bringing glory to Him.  Ultimately, this novel is an enjoyable read that makes Martha seem a little more realistic, a little less bad-girl, and a whole lot more relatable in a bigger way.

While the author has to take some liberty since we don’t have great details about Martha’s life, I do enjoy the fact that romance was not the ONLY aspect covered.

I received this book for free in order to provide a review.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.

Disclosure: Some affiliate links have been used within this post.

Author:  Kay Arthur

Published: 2011

Stars:  5 out of 5

Overview

“What can you do when life doesn’t turn out like you planned?”

You can be defeated by life’s unavoidable disappointments, or you can become stronger because of them.

Life’s disappointments can send you on a dangerous downward spiral into discouragement, depression, or even despair. But in this eye-opening book, Kay Arthur guides you to biblical truths that will help you break that cycle and instead embrace disappointment as the cleansing fire God uses to make you—as silver refined—a reflection of His goodness.

Known for her inductive Bible-study resources, Kay Arthur writes a brilliant book about responding to the ups and downs of life.  She builds upon Dr. Joseph Carroll’s  “5 Deadly D’s” – disappointment, discouragement, dejection, despair, and demoralization by adding “distraction” and “deception.”  Acknowledging the difficulties of life and the realities of the spiritual war, the reader is advised to KNOW the enemy who battles not only for your soul, but your spirit of life.  She touches on principles of warfare, and reminds us that God has the power to train us through life’s battles, and does not leave us simply to suffer defeat at the hands of our enemy.

Not shying away from past mistakes and regrets, the reality of stress and pressure we all face, or the pain of life, Arthur reminds us that GOD can transform us despite our circumstances, that He is with us and offers the strength and courage we need to walk in victory in this life.

My Review

Honestly, if you only buy ONE book this year – I recommend THIS ONE!!!  Anyone who has ever dealt with disappointment or discouragement in life can benefit from the truth that is consistently highlighted in this book.  Kay Arthur’s passion for the Word of God provides the foundation for her call to action of any believer who is just beat down by life.   She consistently references Scripture as the means to address the battles you face!

The Introduction alone began speaking to my heart – and I began to devour this book.  Sometimes, it was painful to sit back and contemplate the message and apply it to my own life.  But then it was also SO encouraging and uplifting and I highly recommend it.

[I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.]

Disclosure: Some affiliate links have been used within this post.

Author:  Tony Townsley with Mark St. Germain

Published: 2011

My Rating:  5 out of 5 stars

Overview

Three Cups is more than just a child’s story.  It is a beautiful illustration for teaching children about handling money responsibly, along with giving to others.  It shares the story of a family’s “unique and effective method of teaching personal financial management” to a young child by using three cups to separate money into “saving”, “spending”, and “giving” categories.

Short.  Sweet.  Beautifully Illustrated.

It’s the kind of book that packs a huge message in a very simple story.  Teaching basic principles of money management, Three Cups is the kind of book you will want to read to your children and then put its principles into action.

My Review

I’d heard a few things about this book, and when I was offered the opportunity to read it, I was actually surprised and impressed with the depth of purpose in this easy-to-comprehend story.  It is not only purposeful, but gorgeous to look at.  It is absolutely the kind of book you would want to cuddle up to with the little ones in your life.

It’s made me rethink the idea of simply purchasing a “piggy bank” for my children to have.  I just read the book this week and haven’t been able to share it with my husband yet, but want to look at it with him and discuss how we can implement the “Three Cups” idea into our home.

Honestly – this would make a great Christmas present for children or grandchildren, and could become a real part of the way they use, and think about, the money (and other resources) they are given throughout their lives.

I recommend this book – absolutely – and can’t wait to share it with my own family.

[I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson publishers through the Booksneeze for bloggers program. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.]

About the Book

“Seven-year-old Olivia has just moved to a new house – the same house where a lonely monster named Burrufu lives hidden in a secret attic. One night, unable to resist the smell of delicious cookies, Burrufu sneaks out and is discovered by Olivia. The two soon learn that you can find friendship in the most unexpected places.

My Monster Burrufu is a story of overcoming fear, a curse, and a most unusual monster who learns from a little girl how to trust his heart.”

My Thoughts

I have to say I really enjoyed reading this book. Even though it is geared towards kids, it was something I actually looked forward to reading. The illustrations were beautiful and the message of the book is timeless. Although I think some of the bigger words would make this book a little more difficult for the younger children to read (ages 6-8) I think it is a great book that can be read by the parents to the children. Actually I would recommend this simply because a lot of the storyline can be used for some great family discussion between mom and the kiddos!

This book would certainly make a great stocking stuffer for the whole family!

You can purchase My Monster Burrufu here on Amazon. Be sure to friend them on Facebook too!

Giveaway

NOTE: YOU MUST CLICK ON “I DID THIS!” IN ORDER FOR YOUR ENTRY TO COUNT! Thank you!

Disclosure: This review is a paid sponsored post. I did receive compensation for letting you know my personal thoughts on the book and to also host a giveaway on this blog. The author who sponsored this post also provided a free copy of the book for me to review and for our giveaway!

This is a review and giveaway post. Please scroll down to learn more about you can enter to win an audio version of this eBook on CD!

Book Title:  Launch Out Into the Deep

Author:  Acacia Slaton Beumer

Published: 2011

Where to Buy: Kindle | nook | Smashwords

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Overview

“No one ever said life was easy,” begins the introduction of this book.  Rather than simply focusing on what is WRONG with life, the author relates personal stories of tragedy and triumph from the perspective of how GOD is present with us in the midst of life’s journey.

Personal stories of healing and evangelism highlight specific instances of God’s personal interaction and work in someone’s life.  Sharing poetry and examples of how people have struggled with addiction, hopelessness, loss, and shame – as well as Biblical stories of God’s love and grace – this book points the reader to the Light at the end of our tunnel:  God.

Each chapter ends with a series of Discussion Questions which provoke serious consideration and thoughtfulness about how the stories of God’s faithfulness can be applied to the reader’s own life journey.

My Review

I really enjoyed the personal stories shared in this book.  Some of them were sad – but reflected REAL life – and how God intervenes in the everyday affairs of humanity.  I appreciated the author’s perspective and experience trusting God.

The poetry adds to the stories in a poignant way.  Some were written by the author herself, and some by a relative – and they added to the purpose of the chapter.

I also really appreciated the discussion questions.  They are not simply – “so what did you think?” kind of questions.  They ask the reader to dig deeper into the subject of the chapter and add relevant meaning and purpose to the whole book.

Personally, I also enjoyed the illustrations within the book.  There aren’t too many books for adults that include pictures, and it added a personal touch that I particularly enjoyed.

While I couldn’t relate to each and every chapter, there were several that spoke to me.  I enjoyed the author’s contemplation of the story of Naomi and Ruth – which I’ve heard dozens of times – and still found a new way to look at it in light of God’s Word.  I love it when a book does that!

Giveaway

Enter for your chance to win an audio copy of Launch Out Into the Deep on CD!

You can enter our giveaway below. Please be sure to mark “I Did This!” in order for your entry to count.

[I received a copy of this book from the author for the purpose of this book review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.]

This post is a sponsored post and some affiliate links have been used within the post.

Author:  Stephen Arterburn

Published: 2011

My Rating:  3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Overview

A wealthy entrepreneur, Jonathan Rush, returns to Fairbanks, Alaska, in search of more information about his birth parents.  Abandoned by his parents at the age of 4, Jonathan was adopted and raised by a loving family.  As an adult, however, he is unable to come to terms with his feelings of rejection.  Spurred on by his Christian counselor, Rush reluctantly embarks on a journey to explore the roots of the deep resentment and anger which are spilling over into his life.

Upon his arrival, he teams up with a local journalist, and discovers far more about himself and his beginnings than he ever imagined.  Set int he wintry beauty of central Alaska, the mystery of Jonathan’s parents is uncovered, and he not only finds release from anger, but redemption as well.

My Review

Okay – so I was completely attracted to this book for three reasons: 1)  I’m a birth mom and gave up a son for adoption when I was 17 years old,  2) I grew up in Anchorage, Alaska and am in love with the state, and  3) I’ve been a fan of Stephen Arterburn’s for several years now.

November is National Adoption Month – and this book is totally appropriate for this review!

The story was immediately interesting – on many levels, and I enjoyed digging into it.  My only (slight) complaint was that it was somewhat predictable.  Whether that is because I’m a birth mom or for some other reason – I don’t know for sure – but I could figure out several of the twists and turns before they happened.

That being said – it is a great story and I thoroughly enjoyed the plot.  It is definitely a good book for reading.  The additional pages that follow the end of the story are especially interesting as they go a little bit behind the story, into real life stories that the author shares.

I read this book in just a few hours.  It is only 140 pages long.  Followed by 20+ pages of  “The Truth Behind the Fiction” which is really good food for thought…

[I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson publishers through the Booksneeze for bloggers program. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.]

Disclosure: Some affiliate links have been used within this post.

Kids love superheroes like Superman, Batman, and Spiderman. But throughout this classic superhero story your kids will discover eight lessons connecting the theme of each chapter back to God’s word. The hope is that lessons like “The Greatest Rescue”, “The Bad Guys”, and “The Super-est Power” will change the way kids think about, not only Captain Sun (the hero of this story), but any and every superhero. “Rescue Me!” is great for kids ages 6-12, but kids of every age will enjoy and benefit from this unique resource. The book is currently available at Amazon. To learn more, visit Captain Sun on the web at www.itscaptainsun.com.

Check Out the Book Trailer Below

Disclosure: Some affiliate links have been used in this post. This is also a sponsored post.

Author: Elyse M. Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson

Published:  2011

My Review:  4 out of 5 stars

Overview

A book written by a mother-daughter team, Give Them Grace, “is a revolutionary perspective on parenting that shows us how to receive the gospel afresh and give grace in abundance, helping our children know the dazzling love of Jesus and respond with heartfelt obedience.”

Neither completely eliminating nor fully relying upon rules and regulations, the authors suggest a style of parenting that is both Scriptural and practical.  Although it is different from many parenting-style books, the authors relate to parents using personal everyday examples all built on a foundation of the love and grace God has shown His children.

On a quest to go beyond “being good,” this book suggests reaching deeper into the hearts of our children and allowing God to pour His grace into their lives.

My Review

This book challenged me.  Unlike the typical authoritarian, permissive, and authoritative parenting style books I’ve read before, the authors discuss the social, cultural, civic and even religious rules that shape and define the world around us.  Not bucking the rules, but calling them what they are – the authors invite a world of grace into parenting – and living – that has been (sadly) missing from my own life.

This is not a book that I could read in just a few hours or days.  Although it is only 167 pages of text, after reading just a few pages it was necessary for me to put it down and chew on what I’d read.  I had to look at myself in the mirror as a parent and consider what I believe about God’s grace and how to live it out in my life and breathe it onto my children…

Encouraging, thought-provoking, challenging.  Beautifully written and easy to understand, if you are a mom looking to improve your relationship with your child(ren) and show them the grace of God with your life, this book may offer you some practical suggestions and new direction for doing so.

[I purchased a copy of this book for my personal library. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.]

Some affiliate links have been used within this post.

Author: Mesu Andrews

Published: 2011

My Rating 5+ out of 5 stars!

Overview

Following the story of Jacob’s daughter, Dinah, and the man we all know as “Job, the Patient,” Mesu Andrews has crafted an “epic story of love and forgiveness, suffering and restoration.”

Based on real Biblical characters, and personal historical research, Mrs. Andrews blends both fact and fiction in an “emotional and stirring account of Job and Dinah.  Love Amid the Ashes breathes life, romance, and passion into the classic biblical story of suffering and steadfast faith.”

My Review

A longtime fan of historical Christian fiction, it has been several years since I’ve read a book that I could NOT. PUT. DOWN.   Rather than trying to prove that these are factual events, Mesu Andrews put together a believable story that could have easily taken place.

Along with Job’s suffering, you will read the story of Jacob’s daughter, Dinah, who also suffered great loss.  The way the two characters are brought together in this book goes beyond a mere Christian romance.  While there are romantic elements to the story, El Shaddai is the main character, and that’s what made this book one of my all-time favorite reads EVER!

I also appreciated the author’s note at the end of the book, recounting her research and inspiration for writing this story.  She is currently at work on her next novel, and I look forward to reading it, too.

[I received a copy of this book as a gift from my mother. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.]

Some affiliate links have been used within this post.