GOD DISTORTED

John Bishop talks very openly about his own life in God Distorted. John lost his father at a very young age and goes on to explain how this affected him in his life. John not only lost his father, but he was subjected to a very abusive step-father.

Bishop urges his readers to understand that God is NOT a replica of our earthly Fathers. He explains how we all too often relate to God just like we did with our earthly Father. God is not some ruler waiting to pounce on you the second you make a mistake. God loves us. God IS love.

This book encouraged me to do better as a mother. It made me realize how I expect perfection out of my children at times.

I had a hard time connecting with john Bishop's style of writing, but yet, I would highly recommend this book to those who have come from homes where a father was absent, not available, unloving, etc.... John is very honest about his own personal life and struggles. I believe that those who came from such homes as mentioned previously would benefit and relate to John's own journey.

Click on this link to be able to read the first chapter of God Distorted.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Do What Jesus Did

Robby Dawkins gives personal testimony and instruction to his readers in his book "Do What Jesus Did." Robby Dawkins has been working in a mighty way for God. He has tapped into the true power that is available for us. He has become a vessel of God's love and healing to so many people.

I was hooked from the very first chapter when Robby shares of how men from a gang came into the church in a confrontational way. However, they left changed men! Not only did their lives change, but they were influential in sharing how this change was available to so many others.

I requested to review this book because it seemed to line up with a class that I was taking at church about operating in the gifts of the Spirit. I was amazed at how closely this book lined up with what I had learned at my class. It was not an accident that this book came across my path. I believe 100% that it was a God thing! He wanted me to read this book to continue to learn of how to live in His Spirit.

Robby Dawkins does a wonderful job of encouraging others to reach out to the lost. He mentions so many times that we do not have to be perfect to reach out to others; we just have to be a willing vessel. God will give Dawkins a word of knowledge about someone and Dawkins does a wonderful job of giving that word in a loving way.

I read this book while on vacation. It was so good that I started reading many parts out loud to my husband. My 12 year old daughter would see me reading and take her head phones off and listen. At one time she asked, "Mom, can you read some more from that book." It opened up a door to share with her about the love of Christ and how she can walk in the light of God's Word and be used by Him.

I cannot wait to recommend this book to others! As I was reading it, one person came to my mind over and over. I will be recommending this book to her first!

I received a complementary copy of this book from Chosen a division of Baker Publishing Group. I was not paid for this review. These views are strictly my own.

The Christian Mama's Guide To The Grade School Years

Wow! Wow! Wow!

Erin Machpherson has an outstanding writing style and a wonderful insight into parenting. I have read oodles and oodles of Parenting books; The Christian Mama's Guide To The Grade School Years is now at the top of my favorite's list.

When I first received this book, I'm not gonna lie. I was kind of aggravated at myself for requesting this book. Come on, my baby only has one more year in Elementary School. My kids are older than Erin's. What does she have to teach me? I am the mother of an ADHD son... I could be the one teaching her! I was hugely wrong! I was beyond wrong! Erin has such practical and Godly ideas and suggestions that blew me away. Once again, I left my pride get in the way. I am beyond happy that I read this book!

Erin writes with such humor that endeared her to my heart right away. She refers many times to "The Fifteen Factors". I won't spoil what they are for you, but they are awesome!

I received this book complementary from Booksneeze. This review is a reflection of my own thoughts and opinions. I was in no way paid for this review.

Angels By My Side

Angels By My Side is one of the most encouraging books that I have ever read about angelic experiences. I have always been very interested in hearing people's accounts of angelic visitations. I never cease to rejoice at the amazing ways that God uses angels to minister to us in our life.

Betty Malz does a superb job of sharing with her readers different ways that angels can visit us and help us. I have always wondered if we each have one guardian angel throughout our time on this earth. I still do not know the answer, but I definitely do believe that angels are as real as the sun.

The Scripture "be careful lest ye be entertaining angels unaware" has always stood out to me and proved true in our modern day. It was so encouraging to read about how two parents were visited by an angel during the darkest days of their lives. These parents brought their child home for what looked like could be the last weekend of her short life. When a man knocked on the door asking for something to eat, it would have been very easy for them to turn him away. However, they did not. They prepared him food. It's amazing how they were entertaining an angel, but were not aware of it until after. Their child was healed and the faith of these parents grew!

I would definitely recommend this book! I can't wait to pass it on to others to read! I received a complementary copy of "Angels By My Side" from Chosen (A Division of Baker Publishing Group). I was not paid for this review. These opinions are strictly mine.

A Place To Belong

I was blessed to read "A Place To Belong" authored by Lauraine Snelling. Cassie Lockwood is a young woman who has seemingly lost everything. She has found a home with the Engstrom's on their ranch. Lucas Engstrom pledges to make Cassie love him. Cassie looks upon Lucas like a brother, not romantically. Many events follow that in the end lead Cassie to God's perfect will for her life.

Mavis, Lucas' mother proves to be just like a mother to Cassie. I love the way that Mavis is always remembering to ask the Lord for His guidance in all she does. The part of the book that stood out to me was how Mavis begins to praise the Lord when she has a heavy heart. I appreciate the author conveying this important act to her readers.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and loved the Biblical references included between the covers. Snelling thoughtfully and purposefully brought Christ as a big focal point in this book.

I received this complementary book from Bethany House Publishers. I was not paid for this review. These opinions are strictly my own.

To Honor and Trust

To Honor And Trust authored by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller takes us back to Bridal Veil Island. The two main characters are Callie Deboyer and Wesley Townsend.

Callie has been the tutor for the Bridgeport Family for many years. She is more like family than employee with the Bridgeport family. Callie loves the children she tutors and has their very best interest first and foremost. Callie experienced a very hard broken engagement and broken trust so she has determined that she does not want to marry again.

Wesley's family is a very prominent family. Wesley is different than the rest of his family in that prestige and wealth does not impress him. He undergoes an impressive amount of pressure from his family to join the family business. Wesley stands up to his father which was no easy task.

In this book, you will find suspense, laughter and love. It was a very entertaining read. I would definitely recommend this book to someone who enjoys Christian fiction.

I received this book complimentary from Bethany House Publishers. The review above is strictly my own opinion.

Heaven's Lessons

Steve Sjogren is the author of the book "Heaven's Lessons". The preview I read prior to requesting this particular book led me to believe that Steve would be sharing a lot about what happened surrounding the day he died, heard from the Lord, but was revived. Don't get me wrong, Steve does talk about his experience. However, I feel that he concentrates on how you and I should live life after his experience. I'm all for self-help books and frequently read them. This came across more as a self-help book than his testimony.

I would have liked to hear more about Steve's testimony, than him directing me how I should live. I am a God-fearing woman and have much to learn. I do not feel that I'm above instruction. However, the way this book was presented, I was expecting an uplifting testimony of Christ's love. I hesitated to write such a frank review, but that is what this blog is about.

Usually when I read a book, I have someone in mind that I can lend the book to when I complete it. However, that did not occur with this particular read. It's not a book that I would highly recommend.

I received a complimentary copy of "Heaven's Lessons" from Thomas Nelson. This is my opinion alone and was not paid to write this review.