Book review: Choosing Gratitude Your Journey to Joy, by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Book: Choosing Gratitude Your Journey to Joy by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
ISBN#978 0 8024 3255 1

Book Description:

Gratitude is a choice. If we fail to choose it, by default we choose ingratitude.

And once allowed into the heart, ingratitude does not come by itself but with a lot of other seedy companions that only succeed in stealing joy.

To not choose gratitude - daily and deliberately - is more costly than we usually realize. And when we do choose a lifestyle of heartfelt, humble gratitude, we are mindful of the benefits received from our gracious Savior and those He has placed around us.

By intentionally thanking God and others, bitterness and entitlement are replaced with joy and the humble realization of just how undeserving we really are.

  

Derived from a popular Revive Our Hearts radio series, Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy challenges and equips the reader to live a life of intention. A life based on thankfulness - for the freedom Christ has provided and for the blessings of others. As a bonus, a 30-day plan of journaling, prayer and activities to help the reader on her path to joy is included.

My reflections:

This book is one of those books that really can change your life.

It is funny God has brought me on a journey toward this very book. I have had the blessing of reading three books, and attend a bible study on this very subject. This book is the last in the procession of “Gratitude” type books.

 Here is an excerpt from the book:

 "Life is full of occasions that can be transformed from mere parties and pleasantries into deliberate moments of united gratitude." (Just an example of the beautiful way the book is written)

And

"Is the gratitude that flows out of your life as abundant as the grace that flows into your life?"

But my favorite:

“I can choose to respond in one of two ways: I can whine or I can worship!”

I have had the privilege of testing these words of wisdom out this week and the result is just beautiful, when you smile, life just seems better somehow.

The author DeMoss states that gratitude is not merely a second-tier virtue in the Christian life--it is vital, and I must agree!

This “Christian gratitude” recognizes what we’ve received first and foremost from God including the blessings we receive from others. Sometimes these “blessings” come disguised as trials and tribulations. This gratitude also acknowledges that God is the Giver of every good gift. And finally, this gratitude expresses appreciation to Him and others for those gifts.

The quote on the back of this book is what lead me straight to this book:

Is the gratitude that flows out of your life as abundant as the grace that flows into your life?

I am striving to change the way I show and express my gratitude. 

This book is a vibrant, and rich read it is thoughtful, and I plan on re reading it many times to glean all the tidbits of wisdom out of it. I found this book biblically based and chock full of great life quotes, and to solidify the teachings it includes a 30 day action plan at the end.

This little gem would make a great small group study, especially for women.

Thank you DeMoss for writing this wonderful book, I am on my way to becoming a more joy filled me!

I received this book free of charge in exchange for my honest review form Moody Publishers. Thank you so much Moody!

About the author: Nancy Leigh DeMoss

NANCY LEIGH DEMOSS is the author of ten books, including the bestselling Lies Women Believe and the Truth That Sets Them Free and Choosing Forgiveness: Your Journey to Freedom. She is the host and teacher for Revive Our Hearts and Seeking Him, two nationally-syndicated programs heard each weekday on over 1,000 radio stations. Through her teaching ministry and books (which have sold more than 1,600,000 copies), God is using her as a mentor and spiritual mother to thousands of woman and as a leader of the True Woman movement.
Nancy's burden is to call women to freedom, fullness, and fruitfulness in Christ and to see God ignite true revival in the hearts of His people. For more information on her radio programs, conference ministry, and books, visit www.ReviveOurHearts.com.

You Can Do It Too!

 
I have met some pretty amazing women this week!
Oh yes friends you guys too.

This one gal I met was so inspiring to me I had to share the story and what lead up to the meeting.

Picture me sitting in my truck curls flying in the breeze, clothes neatly pressed...and chicken poo poo on my face, feathers sticking out of those perfectly scrunched curls, the moose I used that morning cementing them in. My natural deodorant failing me (yet again).

I think to my self  "I wish I was a princess" You know the kind straight out of all those insanely unrealistic story books we read to our girls.

I think again, in my old life I would not have chicken dung stuck to my sneakers I would be wearing city shoes, nice ones..OK fine.. I never wore pumps, you got me!
But I certainly would not make peoples nose crinkle when I walked by them, that I can tell you!

So pity party was in full bloom when I drove up to this sweet person's home with her chickens. She meets me a beautiful woman who looks no more than 40, curly hair in braids. As I am unloading her poultry, she tells me a bit about herself.

She has built her farm and business herself, with no help from a husband, in fact she lets me know she has been on her own since her 30's and has raised her three children, by herself. The reason she was so inspiring to me is because she had this "I can do it" attitude. It made me feel like... well I can also do it.. Why can't I build a egg box for the kids chickens, why can't I run  a power tool. She even talked to me about goats, and friends you know that I am in a goat phase.
So when I got home I got out power tools and put up those lights that have been sitting in the box. Yay I still have all my fingers!

So today my friends, I encourage you to do something you thought you could not do. Stretch your self. Get out of your comfort zone! You can do it!
I believe God brought these women into my life to let me know that, yes my friends I am NOT a princess.

Q and A from the Lysa TerKeurst and Glynnis Whitwer : The NIV Real-Life Devotional Bible for Women

The NIV Real-Life Devotional Bible for Women

Every woman faces challenges that only another woman can understand. In a culture that is oftentimes antagonistic to biblical values, Christian women are desperate for a daily dose of spiritual reality and a focused time for critical thinking and reflection. The NIV Real-Life Devotional Bible for Women is the consummate aid to help a woman gain divine perspective in her quiet moments alone with God. Mature Christians will applaud the depth and character of the devotional content while novices may use the new Bible to institute a fresh start or mark a new beginning in their lives.

Q & A with Lysa TerKeurst and Glynnis Whitwer What was the motivation for the Real Life Devotional Bible for Women and how did it come about? While our devotions subscriptions have steadily grown since we started them in 2003, in the past few years we’ve seen phenomenal growth. We believe this is because we’ve identified and focused on what makes our writing unique – which is our commitment to being transparent with our struggles while introducing the hope and power of God’s Word to make a difference in our lives. Although our devotions are based on specific verses in the Bible, we believe their impact will be exponentially increased when nestled in the books of the Bible. Readers will immerse themselves in the context of the devotional verse and grasp a greater vision for God’s heart and purpose for them. What makes this bible distinctive from other devotional bibles? We know what it’s like to struggle in our marriages, as mothers and in the workplace. And rather than give advice on the right way to solve problems, or set ourselves up as experts, we’d rather pull up a kitchen chair, grab a cup of coffee and enter into our readers’ lives as a friend. That’s the feel of the devotions you’ll find in this Bible. It’s one mom sharing with another how she overcame her feelings of inadequacy. It’s one wife confessing to another how she overcame resentment of her husband. It’s one friend telling another how God helped her stop gossiping. This devotional Bible is filled with real women writing about everyday issues – but always pointing to the extraordinary God who brings hope, comfort and healing in the midst of our struggles. How do you see the bible best being used? Women will enjoy using this Bible as part of their personal devotion time and we hope it encourages women to read more of the Bible for themselves. It can also be used as a launching pad for small group discussions. Also, women who are teachers can use the devotions as examples in their own ministry. Are the devotions geared more to the mature believer or the new Christian? We eliminate insider language so a woman who has never set foot in a church will understand the message of our devotions. And yet, the themes and biblical truths are deep enough that a mature believer will be challenged. Both new and mature believers will enjoy this devotional Bible because we deal with issues specific to women - and churches don’t always address those types of issues. For example, how often do churches talk about a wife losing her sexual desire for her husband? What are some of the particular issues or challenges for women that are addressed? How to not be offended by a friend, how to have greater intimacy with your husband, how to weather the storms of life, how to stop gossiping, how to pray for your children, how to control your words, dealing with hormones, discovering who we are in the midst of parenting, overcoming the shame of our pasts Are all of the devotions related to the Proverbs 31 passage? No. The devotions are based on verses from Genesis to Revelation. How much of what is shared in the devotions come from your own personal experiences “in the trenches of life”? Our greatest lessons come from what God is doing in our own lives. We are just ordinary women who share the vulnerable spots in our lives and invite another to walk along side us. We’re willing to share our mistakes, our regrets, and our pain so we can point others to our Source of our help and hope. In doing so, we find purpose in the hard things we’ve experienced. 2 Corinthians 2:3-4 says it well: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” (2 Corinthians 2:3-4 NIV) www.proverbs31.org Glynnis Whitwer is on staff with Proverbs 31 Ministries as Executive Director of Communications. She is one of the writers of Encouragement for Today, the Proverbs 31 e-mail devotions, with over 600,000 daily readers, and served as the general editor for the new NIV Real-Life Devotional Bible featuring 366 Proverbs 31 Ministries’ devotions. She is the author of I Used to be So Organized, When Your Child Hurts, and work@home: A Practical Guide for Women Who Want to Work from Home. She is also co-author of a Bible studies series entitled Kingdom Living. Glynnis has a degree in Journalism and Public Relations from Arizona State University and worked as a PR writer before joining the staff of Proverbs 31 Ministries 14 years ago. Glynnis and her husband Tod live in Glendale, Arizona. They have five children, ranging from mid-teens to early 20s. She blogs regularly at www.GlynnisWhitwer.com. NIV Real-Life Devotional Bible for Women: Insights for Everyday Life by Lysa TerKeurst Zondervan Release Date: 03/19/2013 Price: $34.99 ISBN 13: 9780310439363 UPC: 025986439361

Book Review: Moms Raising Sons to be Men. By Rhonda Stoppe

 

Moms Raising Sons to be Men

By: Rhonda Stoppe

ISBN# 9780736949774

From the publisher:

Mothers of boys have the special calling to shape future men of God. Popular speaker Rhonda Stoppe, mom to two sons, knows this opportunity is a challenge, a joy, and probably the most important work of a woman’s life. Drawing from years of ministering to youth and to women and from her own parenting experience, Rhonda provides refreshingly relevant guidance, biblical and contemporary examples, and humorous insights to help each reader discover

    how to guide a son without hovering and smothering

    how every action and choice can serve a godly goal

    ways to communicate so a boy will listen and be heard

    God’s power and grace to become—and give—her best

Packed with practical help from parenting experts and other moms, this inspirational resource will revive the faithfulness and fortitude a woman needs to partner with God as they shape the character and heart of a future godly man.

My reflections:

This is Stoppe’s first book, and she has left the gate running!

I quite enjoyed the writing style of this parenting treasure. It is filled with godly advice from a mom who has been thorough the adventure of raising her boys.

One of the main themes of this book that struck me was the fact that my relationship with Jesus is an important part of parenting. I mean being a Christian I knew this fundamentally, but to really ponder this and let it soak into my soul, put a whole new light on my goals as a parent.

Our role in parenting our children is not to raise perfect adults, but adults who learn to love our Savior with all they have heart, soul, mind and strength! Parenting is fraught with error, because we are human. I loved the fact that this parenting book didn’t leave me feeling guilty, but empowered through God who gives me strength, I am well equipped. I am not on this journey alone but with God on my side.

One challenge for me while reading this book was the transparency the author shared with her children. I was not raised in the kind of family where my mom came to me and actually told me she was sorry for the little mistakes she made. It made me more aware of the actions I take and that my son is watching us very closely. So in being transparent and “real” with our children shows them that we are not perfect, asking forgiveness to them will hopefully draw them closer to a “real” relationship with God.

Another aspect of this book I appreciated was the various mothers from the Bible that she uses as examples in her writing.  I found this to be a great study to delve deeper into the subject of parenting from the bible itself. 

In closing I think this is a wonderful resource to any mother of sons. If you want to read an uplifting book imparted with the wisdom of one mother’s love for her sons.

  

Get ready to start a journey which may affect generations to come; with the Lord at the Helm anything is possible!

I received this book free of charge in return for my honest review from Harvest House Publishers. Thank you so much Harvest house!

About the author:

Rhonda Stoppe

Rhonda Stoppe is a popular speaker who fervently imparts the truth of God’s Word to her audience. She is an enthusiastic communicator who unfolds Scripture with a contagious passion for truth as she teaches women to connect with God in an intimate “love walk” of obedience and to live deliberately in their purpose. She and her pastor husband, Steve, are the grateful parents of four grown kids.

Book Review: Love at any Cost, by Julie Lessman

Book: Love at any Cost
ISBN# 978-0-8007-2167-1

Every once in a while I am surprised that I just can’t seem to get into a story. 

I expect most stories to grab and keep my attention but every once in a while I get a book and wonder why I am unable to really dive into the story line and enjoy it.

While Historical Christian Romance books are my favorite books to read and I rarely dislike a good love story. This one just did not do it for me.

Love at any Cost, by Julie Lessman, is a story about a young woman in Texas, whose fiancé calls off the wedding a week before the big day.  His reasons seem to have to do with her father losing money in the oil business. 

Cassidy travels to California to stay with her aunt and cousins. Not long after arriving there, a lawyer local to the area, known as Jamie McKenna becomes attracted to Cassidy and eagerly pursues her. He, just like some of the other good-for-nothing men in her life, has his sights set on her father’s money and all that it could bring for his career and his ailing mother and disabled sister.

Cassidy McClare, a spunky, energetic character who had her mind set on never letting her heart be broken again is determined to protect her heart, if it is the last thing she does.

I must say, I would wear cowgirl boots too if I were her, in that place in time, and I don’t think I would do very well with a girdle squashing my insides!

There are many things in this book that were very good. First, one of the main subjects addressed numerous times was the importance of marrying a man who loves The Lord. 

I appreciated that Cassidy’s Aunt told her why this was significant, from her own experiences, and why it is always God’s design.

I also appreciated the fact that the family cherished time together, and placed value on relationships and family staying together through good times and bad.

So I guess what I feel was lacking with this book, was that Cassidy’s character for me did not fit with the era of the story. I thought it was written somewhat present day. I just can’t see a woman of that day and age saying “pretty men” or “pretty boy” that much. Her quote: “Fooled by a pretty boy once, shame on him. Fooled by a pretty boy twice, shame on me” \

could have been a popular saying back then, but for me it just seemed out of place, for the time period. 

I did love this quote however: “Always remember,” Nana would say, “Life is an adventure and every day a fresh start . . . especially with God by your side.”

I could very well be off my rocker as I know lots of people LOVE this book, so just because I was not “into it” It may very well be your cuppa tea!

 "Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

About the author:

Julie Lessman

Julie Lessman is an award-winning author whose tagline of "Passion with a Purpose" underscores her intense passion for both God and romance. Winner of the 2009 ACFW Debut Author of the Year and Holt Medallion Awards of Merit for Best First Book and Long Inspirational, Julie is also the recipient of 14 Romance Writers of America awards and was voted by readers as "Borders Best of 2009 So Far: Your Favorite Fiction." Chosen as the #1 Romance Fiction Author of the Year in the Family Fiction magazine 2011 Readers' Choice Awards, Julie was also awarded #1 Series of the Year in that same poll and #3 Author of the Year, #5 Novel of the Year, and #4 Historical Fiction Author of the year. She resides in Missouri with her family and is the author of The Daughters of Boston series and the Winds of Change series whose first book, A Hope Undaunted, ranked #5 on Booklist's Top 10 Inspirational Fiction for 2010. You can contact Julie through her website at www.julielessman.com.
 

Book Review: What a Son needs from his MOM

 From the Back:

Ever Feel Like Your Son Is From a Different Planet?

Don't worry, Mom. There's a good reason why your son perplexes you. He's the OPPOSITE sex! Boys really do think, communicate, and process the world differently than girls. But no matter your son's age, he needs you, and he needs you in not-so-apparent ways.
Drawing from her own experiences, as well as those from moms and sons from around the country, Cheri Fuller shares what makes boys and young men tick and how to become a more welcome influence at every stage in their lives. She answers all the top questions, including:

"How can I help my son (and me!) deal with his emotions in a healthy way?"
"School is such a struggle. How can I help him?"
"Our personalities are SO different. How can we get on the same page?"
"My son hardly says a thing. What can I do?"
"What are the best ways to instill good values?"
"How can I encourage a lasting faith in God?"

With page after page of use-it-today advice and encouraging stories, this book will help you steer your son toward becoming a caring, confident young man.

Includes Reflection Questions for Personal or Group Use

Great for understanding grandsons, too!

My Reflections:

This book is filled with tidbits of wisdom and truth about our sons and how to be their cheerleaders in life. It is not only encouraging but also practical in its application. I often find parenting books to have great ideas but when put into practise they become weak and tired very quickly.

Cheri Fuller draws on her own experiences as a mom of three children throughout the book, but also uses reliable and professional sources to back up her stories and thoughts. I experienced a few “a, ha!” moments throughout this book and am excited to challenge my parenting style because of it. 

I especially enjoyed chapter 8 “a mom who understands her son’s unique personality” This chapter was insightful and uplifting.

Although my son's temperament is nothing like the authors child, her illustrations gave me insight into the behaviours of other boys in our lives. 

I would recommend this book to moms who desire to become more intentional in how they raise their children.

 "Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

About the author:

Cheri Fuller

Cheri Fuller is a gifted speaker and award-winning author of more than forty books, including the bestselling When Mothers Pray. A former Oklahoma Mother of the Year, Cheri has worked with kids of all ages and is the executive director of the nonprofit organization Redeeming the Family. She and her husband, Holmes, live in Oklahoma and have three grown children (two boys and a girl) and six wonderful grandchildren.