Book Review: Sex, Purity, And the Longings Of A Girls Heart

From the Back:

"This message of God-defined sexuality is one every woman needs."--Dannah Gresh, author of And the Bride Wore White

For the modern Christian woman, embracing God's design for sexuality can often feel like an impossible pursuit. As the culture around us seeks to normalize things such as lust, pornography, erotica, and casual sex, you may be feeling immense pressure to conform. In this relatable and encouraging book, Kristen Clark and Bethany Beal share honestly about their own struggles and victories and dig into topics such as

· how your longings for intimacy point to a deeper need
· why God's original design for love, passion, and sex is good
· how to deal with secret sexual struggles
· and much more

Kristen and Bethany invite you on a personal journey to discover and reclaim a biblical vision for your sexuality--one that is good and relevant and will lead you toward true hope and lasting freedom.

My Reflections:
This is a must read for any woman, teens, middle-aged, and beyond. We all struggle with some aspect of our sexuality. This world is a fallen world and the temptations to indulge in lustful images, twist our perception of sex from a very young age. Does the church come out and really answer the questions that need to be spoken... it's not feel good stuff it's not family friendly, we may offend someone the lists of excuses goes on. Sex sells, and it tarnishes God's beautiful design. We have God's grace and love.

These are heavy topics friends, this is a weighty read, but oh so needed. I absolutely applaud these authours and Girl Defined for producing relevant material for women to read. It reminded me that the struggle is real and my teens are faced with an uphill battle. We all are in the same battle just in different life stages. This book is the real deal, filled with the author's stories and readers excerpts sharing very real and close subject matter. 

In the end, we find a story of love, redemption and Grace. God is good all the time. He alone is able to restore us into a right and true relationship with him.

If you are looking for an honest open girlfriend type read look no further. This book is filled with relevant honest and deep conversations but always ends with Grace and God's love. 

I did wish there was more closure to some of the topics, sometimes a person would require more than a personal story and scripture, but an actual game plan. I'm thinking about young women and teens here, I think it would be wise to have a set-out plan included in the book designed especially with this age group in mind, perhaps an online support group, where teens and unmarried women can be accountable and get wise biblical counsel. It's such a confusing time in one's life, especially with the availability of porn on the internet. 
All in all this book was very good, and I will be sharing it with the church library, with the disclaimer that it is an honest and open book. 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Kristen Clark

1. Kristen Clark is married to her best friend, Zack, and is the cofounder of GirlDefined Ministries. She is passionate about promoting the message of biblical womanhood through blogging, speaking, mentoring young women, and hosting Bible studies in her living...

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2. Bethany Beal

   Bethany Beal is head-over-heels in love with her best friend and husband, David, and is the cofounder of GirlDefined Ministries. She is passionate about spreading the truth of biblical womanhood through blogging, speaking, and mentoring young women. To her...

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Book Review: The Intimate Connection Secrets To A Lifelong Romance

From The Back:

Get the marriage you dream of
Creating a happy, lifelong marriage is about much more than physical compatibility. It's about a lifestyle of 24-7 intimacy that bonds couples in a mutually satisfying relationship. In The Intimate Connection, New York Times bestselling marriage expert Dr. Kevin Leman explores key secrets to the love life couples crave. He helps you

· understand each other's needs, backgrounds, and personalities (and how those factors influence every marital interaction)
· talk so your spouse really listens
· turn negative game-playing into positive behaviors that help you grow closer
· create deep, long-lasting intimacy that's divorce-proof

Whether you are new to marriage or have been married a long time, Dr. Leman's time-tested strategies will create the kind of exciting intimacy, mutual respect, and fulfilling communication that will keep you in each other's arms for a lifetime.

My Reflections:

Kevin Leman is the go-to person for relationship-based training. I have been reading his works since his "The Birth Order Book" written years ago. His no-nonsense style and easy to read books are top sellers for a reason. His newest title, "The Intimate Connection" is the perfect gift for pastors, newly married couples or couples struggling with their relationship. 

I will be celebrating my 25th anniversary in a week and found that I could use some much-needed reminders in a few areas. This book could be the book that revitalizes your marriage! Filled with practical advice, interesting stories and bonus sections to dig a little deeper. You can't go wrong with this book. I found my favourite section to be page 97-106 "Secret #6", You will have to read it to find out why! If you know me you will guess pretty easily :-) 

So in closing, if you are looking to deepen your relationship, or are looking for that perfect gift this is your book. Biblically sound, practical applications and interesting stories will keep your passion and love strong throughout the years. Yes, even those years where you think you hate each other because let's face facts relationships all go through times like these. It's not over, just being refined. Enough said this is a fantastic resource for all marriages! 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Dr. Kevin Leman

Dr. Kevin Leman is an internationally known psychologist, radio and television personality, and speaker. He has made house calls through hundreds of radio and television programs, such as FOX & Friends, The View, FOX's The Morning...

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Book Review: God's Answers For The Graduate Class of 2019

From the Back:

This bestselling graduation gift addresses questions grads will encounter as they move into the next phases of life and is a wonderful keepsake full of answers straight from God's Word. Beautifully packaged in a stylish teal Leathersoft with foil stamping and a ribbon marker, this book is a perfect fit for today's graduates.

God's Answers® for the Graduate is a fantastic graduation gift that addresses questions grads will encounter throughout life. It's a wonderful keepsake full of answers straight from God's Word.

To commemorate your favorite student's high school or college graduation, give the gift of God's answers to the many questions they're sure to face as they take their next steps in life. God's Answers® for the Graduate addresses carefully chosen topics, such as character, relationships, time management, and decision-making, that are vital to successful living for a lifetime. Available in Leathersoft with foil stamping, rounded corners, and a ribbon marker, this book is a perfect fit for today's graduates. The design lends itself to personalization by imprinting the graduate’s name.

My Reflections:
Graduation is an exciting and pivotal time in a persons life. Big changes are often on the horizon, whether it is moving out on one's own, enrolling in post-secondary education or seeking out gainful employment. These changes bring big emotions for everyone involved. As a parent of a recent graduate, I can attest to this. I had to shift my thinking on my now young adult.
Letting go is so hard to do, hower I think my biggest desire was for my child to continue following the path I had so carefully laid out. Would they still attend church? Would they deepen that relationship with their saviour? These are big questions. So when I saw this Beautifully appointed devotional I knew I had to check it out.

My first impression was the quality. It feels quite nice in your hands, made from a leather-like material it is soft and just the right size to carry around or put in a book bag.
I also loved the colour, the teal adds that punch of colour that makes you want to pick it up and take a peek inside!
The devotional itself is well laid out with an easy to manuver index that lists questions a young adult may be pondering. (some of my favorite) What does God say about substance abuse?, What is inappropriate sexual behaviour?, how can I live a life of excellence?, when I am tempted...

The devotionals are short to the point and filled with scripture relevant to the pondering of the reader. I wish I had had something like this when I was younger and had those big questions rolling around my head.
If you are looking for that perfect gift look no further this one my friends this is the gift that can keep on giving. God's word is life!

I received this book free of charge from Book Look Bloggers, all opinions are my own. Thank you, Book Look!

Book Review: Coffee Shop Devos

From the Back:

Daily Pick-Me-Ups for Teen GirlsThere's something special about spending time at a coffee shop with a friend--engaging in a meaningful conversation, then leaving refueled and ready to tackle the rest of the day. What if your quiet times with God energized you the same way?

Coffee Shop Devos offers a warm atmosphere that will inspire you to discover your God-given purpose and live to your greatest potential. Choose your devo flavor in the Menu of Contents based on your current need. Then lean into deeper intimacy with Christ through reflection and prayer. Along the way, you'll pick up tips and recipes for making your own coffee-shop beverage--regular or decaf--to enjoy while you read. And don't forget to share your journey with your friends!

#CoffeeShopDevos

Every challenging and motivational devotional will leave you feeling refreshed and reinvigorated--like you've just shared a steaming pot of brew at a coffee shop with your Creator.

For ages 12-18!

Tessa Emily Hall writes inspirational, authentic books for teens to show others they're not alone--and because she remembers the teen life like it was yesterday (or a few years ago). In addition to being a frequent contributor to both online and print publications, including Devozine, MoreToBe.com, and Guide magazine, she published her first novel while still in her teens. She's the founder and editor-in-chief of PursueMagazine.net and enjoys mentoring other young writers. Connect with her online through social media (@tessaemilyhall) and her website at www.tessaemilyhall.com.

My Reflections:

Loved this hip devotional, it was a great gift to my 16-year-old daughter.
The layout is easy to navigate and has very relevant content for the younger generation.
I enjoyed how Tessa Emily Hall the authour infuses her own personal stories throughout this devotional. Her narratives are both deep and encouraging, helping guide youth through tough times and also the carefree days. She encourages girl's to include God in it all, through a personal and deep relationship fostered through Bible reading and sharing your life with our creator.

Some of the themes include:
Mocha- inspiration for the soul
Latte- Comfort in Trials
Coffee- Motivation for the journey
Frappe- Encouragement to be yourself
Macchiato- Healing for heartbreak
Cappuccino- All about relationships
Americano- Everyday Issues
Decaf- Finding rest
Flat white- Strength to carry on

Isn't that neat that they used a coffee theme, now my girl is so not into coffee but lots are and I thought this was a fun way to intro a subject!
If you are looking for a devotional that is steeped (haha couldn't help it, I'm a tea girl myself) in depth this is a fantastic devotional. It is not meant to be read front to back but by the leading of the reader. This would be a perfect devotional for any teen in your life. Much to be gleaned from this one!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

 

1. Tessa Emily Hall writes inspirational, authentic books for teens to show others they're not alone--and because she remembers the teen life like it was yesterday (or a few years ago). In addition to being a frequent contributor to both online and print...

   Continue reading about Tessa Emily Hall

Book Review: Unexpected Blessings, The Joys and Possibilities if a life in a Special-Needs Family

From the Back:

When someone in your family is diagnosed with a special need, it can be difficult to move past the pain and confusion. Why did this happen? What will our lives look like now? But living in a special-needs family can be a special blessing! Are you ready to face the future with hope? Speaking honestly about the challenges that accompany a variety of disabilities, author Sandra Peoples shows you how to
· let go of false beliefs that hold you back,
· work through the cycles of grief,
· focus on self-care and healthy routines,
· rebuild a strong faith foundation, and
· create support systems for yourself and others.

Filled with real-life stories and hard-earned wisdom, this book shines a light on the possibilities and blessings that come when you see your new purpose in life--which was God's purpose for you all along.

My Reflections:
Can I just start by saying "AMEN" Sandra Peoples addresses so many issues I face on a daily basis! This book was a breath of fresh air to read. I didn't tackle it like I normally do- focused sit down get er done kind of approach. I savoured each and every healing encouraging page. 

Peoples comes alongside parents with gentle encouragement and a shining light of hope. A diagnosis is just that, a label, a way of organizing help so desperately need as parents with blessed kids.
I have two children with such labels, so I know a little about this walk. It's tiring, and some days even discouraging but it is also one of my biggest blessings. My loves are perfect. They are God-given miracles. God does not make mistakes, he makes us perfect and unique in our own right.

Another aspect of this book that I found helpful is how Peoples addresses the issues of well-meaning people who try to say the right things, "God won't give you more than you can handle", or "How do you do it every day?" To quote another book I recently reviewed, its Okay not to be Okay!  God gives us peace and sincere hope coupled with love to get us through all circumstances in our lives.

Peoples encouragement is sure to uplift and motivate all parents facing a new (or old) diagnosis.
If you are looking for that last minute gift idea, or are a parent with a special child of your own this is definitely a must read.

Thank you Sandra Peoples for putting a voice to so many of those questions and issues we all face as parents. Your God-centered book was just what I needed to read in this season of my life! 

Sandra Peoples

Sandra Peoples, MDiv, (www.sandrapeoples.com) is a leading voice in the disability community as an encourager to special-needs parents. She has been a member of a special-needs family since the day she was born. Her older sister has Down syndrome, and in 2010...

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Book Review: The Art of Parenting, Aiming Your Child's Heart Toward God

From the Back:

Embrace God's Purpose and Plan for Your family parenting is an exciting adventure, full of twists and turns. But sometimes it feels like you don't know where you're headed, or you're just making it up as you go along. How can you get where you want to be without having a plan in place?

Dennis and Barbara Rainey have spent decades teaching on the foundations necessary for building godly families. Now they share the insights and expertise gleaned from those years of ministry, as well as stories and teaching from their own children about the challenges of parenting today. The Art of Parenting focuses your attention on four crucial elements in your children's lives:

1. Relationships--fostering godly connections with others
2. Character--learning to live wisely and honorably
3. Identity--understanding who they are in Christ
4. Mission--understanding why they are here

When you apply biblical truth to these four areas, you can feel confident your children will have a foundation they can build upon for the rest of their lives.

My Reflections:

This book. Wow. in my years as a parent I have read more parenting books than I care to admit. In the attempt to be the parent I didn't have I strive to know the answers to the questions that elude me as a mom. 
No matter if you had the perfect parents growing up, or none at all, Dennis and Barbara Rainey share wisdom paired with practical applications on how to grow your child's heart for God. This book feels like you have two caring, wise and loving mentors cheering you on in the journey you find your self on.

Some days feel like I am just barely hanging on as a parent, the pressures of work, homeschooling, driving the kids everywhere, making nutritious food and keeping the house clean..ish all seem like too much some days. However, it is my life, my joy, and as my children grow and develop into the people God is leading them to be I see his hand in it all. He has this, I don't need to stress. These are his children too, he has a plan, I just need to listen and follow his lead.

Reading books that are so well written like "The Art of Parenting" help make God's plan that more clear. This book breaks down the fundamental elements to steering your child's life in the right direction. This all starts with you really. How is your prayer life? Do you turn to God when the road gets bumpy? Do you read the Bible? (Yep, I've still got lots to work on too, no judgment here) We are all on the same path bumbling along trying to make the right choices for our families. Reading good solid scripture based parenting books has made me feel more confident and ready for that sometimes bumpy but always joyful journey!

So if you are looking to read a fantastic book on Parenting this one may be just what you're looking for!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Dennis Rainey

Dennis Rainey is the president and cofounder of FamilyLife, a Cru ministry. He is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and hosts conferences on marriage, men's ministry, and parenting. Dennis is the daily host of the nationally syndicated radio program...

Continue reading about Dennis Rainey

Barbara Rainey

Barbara Rainey (www.familylifetoday.com) is a wife, mother of six adult children (plus three sons-in-law and two daughters-in-law), and "Mimi" to twenty-one grandchildren. After graduating from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Arts...

Continue reading about Barbara Rainey

Dave Boehi

                                        Continue reading about Dave Boehi

Book Review: It's Okay Not to Be Okay

From The Back:

When Sheila Walsh discovered "I'm not good enough and I'm good with that," everything started to change.We've all experienced that moment when we wish we could start all over again. Failed marriages, lost friends, addictions, lost jobs. This is not the life we imagined. Yesterday can leave us stuck, sad, shamed, scared, and searching. Sheila wants you to face the pain head-on and then start again, from right where you are.

In It's Okay Not to Be Okay, she helps you overcome the same old rut of struggles and pain by changing the way you think about God, yourself, and your everyday life. She shares practical, doable, daily strategies that will help you move forward one step at a time, knowing God will never let you down.

It's never too late to start again . . . and there is healing and freedom in just taking the first step.


Not self-help. God help.

My Reflections: I have been in love with Sheila Walsh's stories and humour since I was a young mom and attending the "Women of Faith" Conferences in Vancouver. Her honest, heartfelt way draws people in making them privy to her heart, leading them to God in the process. 

Her newest book It's "Okay Not to Be Okay" delves in deeper, Walsh leads her readers to the truth, not merely fluffy feel-good platitudes. Hope and encouragement ring loud in this book making this a fantastic read for all women in all stages of life. 
Be prepared to laugh, cry and evaluate your life and the lens you view it through. I so love how God works in our lives, he always pairs something he is trying to convey with an affirmation. Our sermon this Sunday was about the measuring stick we use to judge our expectations and life through. This sermon hit some of the same themes of this book, love how God hit's his mark!

I enjoyed that Walsh peppers her chapters with real-life stories, practical applications to her teaching and lots of scripture to soak in. I usually can get through a book in one or two days, I'm a fast reader who digs in and absorbs the pages, however, this one took me much longer as I re-read and jotted key facts down. I will most certainly be returning to this book again and again, as it is too packed to leave for just one sitting. 

If you are looking to grow in your faith, challenge your views and expectations this book gives you the roadmap to break free from the pressures of the world's expectations. Be ready to be shaken and encouraged. 
The title of this book has become a "thing" in our house, my kids often say, "mom, it's okay not to be Okay"! 
I hope to read more books by Walsh in the future. I pray it has the same effect on you as it has had on me, one book, one sermon at a time God uses everything to get our attention and grow us to the person we will one day become.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Sheila Walsh

Sheila Walsh is a powerful communicator, Bible teacher, and bestselling author with more than 5 million books sold. She is the author of the award-winning Gigi, God's Little Princess and In the Middle of the Mess. She is cohost of LIFE...

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Book Review: Battle Ready Train Your Mind to Conquer Challenges, Defeat Doubt, And Live Victoriously

From The Back:

"The best time to be strengthened against the Enemy's tactics of doubt, disappointment, and devastation is before he makes his first move toward us. We all desperately need the biblical guidance and preparation found in Battle Ready!"--Lysa TerKeurst, New York Times bestselling author and president of Proverbs 31 Ministries


Too often we fail to prepare for our battles. So when challenges, troubles, or opportunities arise, we rapidly become burdened with limiting thoughts of self-doubt, fear, impossibility, and lack. But it doesn't have to be this way. We can train our minds to conquer uncertainty, beat insecurity, and step past the tragedies of yesterday.

Battle Ready is a hands-on scriptural plan that teaches you twelve easy-to-implement, confidence-building mind-sets designed to transform your thoughts and, therefore, your life. You'll gain practical wisdom, like how to

· make new habits stick in just five steps
· disarm the seven most common attacks that plague women
· exchange self-limiting thoughts for purpose-driven, love-releasing thoughts
· implement thirty-second mind-lifters that deliver peace
· create boundaries so you live life full of what matters

You can live victoriously.

My Reflections:

This book is brilliant! I was not quite sure what I was expecting going into this one, but it was probably along the lines of getting a few good points then moving on. Not this book. This book is a slow, savoury filling of the mind, heart and soul. This book has so much depth you just need to soak it in and let the word bath you in truth and ready you for the next battle. 

Kelly Balarie's book encourages us to look at scriptures we all know and love in a whole new light. She points out that our feelings are not reality, that God's word is the only stability we need. 

Balarie lays out twelve warrior mindsets, and an action plan to utilize them. I absolutely love how encouraging and down to earth this authour is. Her writing is well laid out, with plenty of resources to support the journey along the way. It is exciting to really delve into a book that has a systematic and well thought out plan to change the way we chatter to ourselves in our own mind. We may not be aware of the lies, judging and comparisons we are playing over and over in our own thoughts on a daily basis, but these lies are shaping who we are and how we act. I for one am done with this useless limiting behaviour, I'm ready for God's truth and love to replace the tarnished bits. Bring it on!

Battle Ready is much more than a mear Bible Study or another self-help book, it is a powerful weapon that will enable you to become more aware and apply God's truth to your life!

This book is a life changer, and I have read a lot of these books, it won't happen overnight, there is no perfect sequence, it will take God's spirit in us, encouraging us one step at a time, are you ready for change?

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

1. Kelly Balarie

   Kelly Balarie is a passionate national speaker who has spent nearly ten years leading groups of women in spiritual growth, marriage building, and general Bible studies across the nation. She has lived her subject matter. Her faith was built as she battled...

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Book Review: How Joyful People Think

From The Back:

The secret to getting the most out of life is within your reach

Two people can face the same type of adversity and have two vastly different reactions, even when they have the same background and worldview. What makes the difference? Perspective--the way they think about things. Right thinking matters, and thankfully it's something we all can learn to do.

In this insightful unpacking of Philippians 4:8, pastor Jamie Rasmussen shows you how to focus your thoughts and attention on the things in life God has declared will make a meaningful impact on both your outlook and experience. It's the kind of thinking that has the power to change us, pointing us away from self-pity, anger, and resentment toward contentment and personal peace.

My Reflections: 

Funny how a book comes along just when you need it. Is this coincidence or is this God? You guessed it, his love surpasses all understanding, and I will never understand just how he can love me enough to peak into my life in the seemingly smallest of areas! This week has been hard. Nothing earth-shattering, just mundane hard days, kids fighting, booking errors, homeschool angst. You know the run of the mill joy sucking kind of week.

How Joyful People think is a remarkable deep book considering it is focusing on a teeny tiny passage in the Bible, Philippians 4:8.

If you are anything like me and have read so many self-help books you basically are a self-help encyclopedia. I am amazed that a book can tell me anything I have not already heard. This book by Jamie Rasmussen is truly unique. It shows how real change is accomplished through God's design. 8 way of thinking. Could it really be that simple? 
Seems like God thinks so, so it must be. We have all heard you are what you think, but it is so much deeper than this. If you have ever found yourself running on that Ferris wheel of negative self talk, unhelpful nerritives, this book was written for you (and me.) 

I so enjoyed this authours deep, yet easy to read book, the unpacking of Philippians 4:8 was done in such an understandable and readable fashion. 
A must read!
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

Jamie Rasmussen

Jamie Rasmussen (MDiv, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is the senior pastor of Scottsdale Bible Church, which is regularly listed on Outreach magazine's Top 100 list in both size and speed of growth for the past ten years. He has been an ordained...

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Book Review: Walk it Out

Women often pack their lives with family, friends, and faithful service, yet still end up feeling empty and unfulfilled. In Walk It Out, Tricia Goyer demonstrates to women that walking out the mandates of Scripture allows God to spark passion and mission within them.

Whether believers realize it or not, God intended for them to do what the Bible says: adop
move outside of what feels safe or secure. When women stop focusing on their own dreams and purposes, and instead focus on God’s dreams and purposes, everything changes

My Reflections:
Tricia Goyer challenges readers to walk away from the status quo, and live fully right where you are even if you are right dab in the mess and heartache, live fully today.
If you have heard this authors testimony, you will see she clearly is speaking from the heart. Her life is such a beacon of hope, grace, and perseverance! 

If you are a Christ follower living out God's word is what we do, yet just reading his word does not translate into "living" out his word. I want to be a God follower and have my life reflect that, even just a little. 
This book put feet on that principle. Let's walk it out people!

With Tricia's candor and humour, we learn how one person did just that, took her faith and trusted her God to make her dedication and love shine! 
True joy can be achieved when we follow God's still small voice, today I'm trusting that and living boldly. 

This is an incredibly uplifting read, you will most certainly feel the need to share it around with your friends!

I received this book from the author. Thank you so much for sharing your gift of knowledge through the journey God has placed you on Tricia Goyer!

Book Review: Friends, Partners and Lovers

From the Back:

Great marriages don't just happen--they're made, intentionally, day by day.

The number one cause of divorce isn't adultery or finances or disagreements. It's apathy--a lack of intentional emotional, physical, and mental investment in the relationship. It's forgetting that as a husband or wife you have three distinct roles: friend, partner, and lover.

With engaging stories and clear, simple language, pastor Kevin A. Thompson shows how to live out those roles. Using solid biblical principles, he helps you and your spouse grow your friendship, be supportive partners through the good times and the bad, and develop a healthy and satisfying sex life.

Whether you are starry-eyed in love or struggling to make it work, this book will show you how to keep your marriage healthy, strong, and fulfilling.

My Reflections:
With divorce rates ever increasing, I think it essential to continue to work on your marriage no matter if you are engaged or married for 50 years. Marriage is a continuum that is ever changing and quite frankly a full-time job! Don't get me wrong I love being married, have been since 1994, but Love is and always will be a choice. It is not automatic and second nature. At least it isn't for me, perhaps I am an oddity!  I am still happily married, and on the day of our wedding (me at 19), I heard all kinds of bets about how long they thought the union would last. I'm happy to say I married the man of my dreams! It's a choice, folks!

About Kevin Thompson's book Friends, Partners, and Lovers, Thompson offers up a buffet of guidance and practical, no-nonsense approach to making marriage successful.
I found this book easy to read, as it is well laid out and written in an inspiring manner. It is not overly preachy and very gender balanced. Of course, every book like this needs to start in the Lovers section, wink, wink. (it is the last section in the index.)
This book is well-written, and although I didn't find new information, I think it would be a good read for couples who are in need of counsel or in new relationships. Other topics include Part 1: Friend, Part 2 Partner and lastly part 3 Lover.

Overall this is a fantastic book to give to newlyweds or to have in the church library. A great reminder to us long wed folks and a great tool to open up conversations between husband and wife.

This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

Kevin A. Thompson (MDiv, Beeson Divinity School) is lead pastor at Community Bible Church, a growing multi-site church with four locations in western Arkansas. Every year he meets with nearly one hundred couples with a range of needs, from pre-marital...

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Book Review: Doing Busy Better

From the Back:

"I know what it means to have Jesus set me free from stress and striving. If that's what you long for too, Glynnis is here to help. Her words are a lifeline for the worn-out and weary."--Holley Gerth, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of You're Already Amazing


Does this sound familiar? When you're busy, you feel guilty you aren't spending time with family or God. Then, when you try to rest, you feel guilty because there's so much left to do. It's an endless cycle of overwork and exhaustion.

Enough is enough! In this burden-lifting book, Glynnis Whitwer helps you examine your heart and your schedule in order to seek a healthy, holy, and enjoyable balance between work and rest. She shows you how to prioritize your goals and your time, how to be present in the moment as Jesus was, and how to find the freedom of true soul rest. Most importantly, she shows you that your worth is found not in your accomplishments but in the love of the One who made you for work and for rest.

My Reflections:
Glynnis Whitwer offers sound advice on our often overwhelmed and busy lives. This author delves into who we are in Christ and helps us remember that what we do is not "who we are." I really resonated with how she described that God sees us as his children. What we think we should be doing or what others perceive us to be, is not of consequence. God's identity for us is already set, he already know's who we are and doing more and being more will not change who he knows us to be. 

 I love that I can give my day to God and just follow his lead. Is helping with GEMS, running my own small business and constantly running kids to the next activity what he wants me to be doing with my precious time? Possibly, but when we take the time to really evaluate our lives and look at it from an eternity perspective, things tend to take on a slightly adjusted priority level. We are given rest, we don't have to madly dash from one thing to another without...rest... Oh, how my heart needed to hear this simple concept. I always feel guilty when I rest, like I am supposed to always be on. That is so unhealthy!

This book helped me realize the destructive path of doing more and accomplishing little. Glynnis shares her heart and struggles with business and taking the time to rest, I loved how she backed up her statements with biblical evidence and wisdom. 
This book touches on an area every woman can relate to, a must read for all of us!
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

Glynnis Whitwer

Glynnis Whitwer, executive director of communications for Proverbs 31 Ministries, is a regular contributor to Encouragement for Today, the Proverbs 31 email devotional, reaching over a million women each day. She is the author of Taming the To-Do...

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Book Review: Praying for Girls

From the Back:

What Are Your Biggest Concerns for Your Daughter?

Do you feel uncertain about what or how to pray for your daughter? You're not alone! Praying for our daughters can seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. This easy-to-use book features 200 Scripture-based prayers that cover key areas of every girl's life:

Her identity--finding her security and strength in God's love and acceptance
Her heart--pursuing a life of purity and devotion to the Lord
Her mind--committing to growing in wisdom and discernment regardless of her circumstances
Her relationships--developing skills and attitudes to foster healthy relationships
Her purpose--trusting God with her life, gifts, and passions

With simple ideas to nurture your daughter's faith from toddler through teen, this encouraging book will equip you to pray with more confidence and power.

My Reflections:

Teri Underwood has hit the mark with her newest book, "Praying for Girls."

We all want to pray for those special girls in our lives, you could be a mother, aunt, grandmother, friend or church leader. This book is for you. 

Often times we have good intentions about prayer, but may become stuck in the same old day to day prayers. Underwood shakes things up a bit.

This book shares 5 main areas we may want to pray over our girls (and boys). Each of these has little sub areas where we can dig a little deeper. (see above)

I love praying scripture over my children, husband, and home. There is comfort and peace in the process, God always hears us even when our prayers are less than inspiring or just one word. Our hearts reveal more than words can ever uncover, and I know God hears all my prayers spoken aloud and in private. 

This book is a wonderful tool to deepen our prayer life and give us ideas that we may not have thought about before.

Tenderly written, Teri Underwood invites her readers to journey along side her as she covers every aspect of your girl's life and heart. I would recommend this book not only to parents of girls but parents in general as it can be applied to both boys and girls equally. Well done!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

Teri Lynne Underwood

Teri Lynne Underwood leads Prayers for Girls, a popular online community for mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and anyone else who wants to invest in praying for the girls in their lives. A frequent contributor to parenting blogs, Teri Lynne lives in northern...

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