Unglued Devotional

Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Raw Emotions-Devotional
Based on the bestselling Unglued, this companion book provides 60 devotions to encourage readers in making wise choices in the midst of raw emotions.

God gave us emotions to experience life, not destroy it!
 

Lysa TerKeurst admits that she, like most women, have experiences where others bump into her happy and she comes emotionally unglued. We stuff, we explode, or react somewhere in between.
What do we do with these raw emotions? Is it really possible to make emotions work for us instead of against us?
Yes, and in her usual inspiring and practical way, Lysa will show you how. Filled with gut- honest personal examples and biblical teaching, Unglued will equip you to:

• Know with confidence how to resolve conflict in your important relationships.
• Find peace in your most difficult relationships as you learn to be honest but kind when offended.
• Identify what type of reactor you are and how to significantly improve your communication.
• Respond with no regrets by managing your tendencies to stuff, explode, or react somewhere in between.
• Gain a deep sense of calm by responding to situations out of your control without acting out of control.

I like to start my day with a quiet time that includes cup of something warm along with a reading of a daily devotional.  In Unglued the author gives plenty of personal experience and turns it into practical advice that is thought provoking and relatable. Easy to read, enjoy and learn from without being preachy.  This is a devotional that I will reach for again.

Lysa TerKeurst is a New York Times bestselling author and national speaker who helps everyday women live an adventure of faith. She is the president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, author of 15 books, and encourages nearly 500,000 women worldwide through a daily online devotional. Her remarkable life story has captured audiences across America, including appearances on Oprah and Good Morning America. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and five children.



This complimentary review copy was received thankfully from BookSneeze and in no way influenced my review of this book. These are my personal thoughts and reactions to the reading of the book.

The End of Your Life Book Club

“What are you reading?”

That’s the question Will Schwalbe asks his mother, Mary Anne, as they sit in the waiting room of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. In 2007, Mary Anne returned from a humanitarian trip to Pakistan and Afghanistan suffering from what her doctors believed was a rare type of hepatitis. Months later she was diagnosed with a form of advanced pancreatic cancer, which is almost always fatal, often in six months or less.

This is the inspiring true story of a son and his mother, who start a “book club” that brings them together as her life comes to a close. Over the next two years, Will and Mary Anne carry on conversations that are both wide-ranging and deeply personal, prompted by an eclectic array of books and a shared passion for reading. Their list jumps from classic to popular, from poetry to mysteries, from fantastic to spiritual. The issues they discuss include questions of faith and courage as well as everyday topics such as expressing gratitude and learning to listen. Throughout, they are constantly reminded of the power of books to comfort us, astonish us, teach us, and tell us what we need to do with our lives and in the world. Reading isn’t the opposite of doing; it’s the opposite of dying.

Will and Mary Anne share their hopes and concerns with each other—and rediscover their lives—through their favorite books. When they read, they aren’t a sick person and a well person, but a mother and a son taking a journey together. The result is a profoundly moving tale of loss that is also a joyful, and often humorous, celebration of life: Will’s love letter to his mother, and theirs to the printed page.

Memoirs are not something I usually reach for when choosing a book. The title grabbed my attention and since it was about books, I reached for it. It was wonderful, moving, funny, thought-provoking, and so very emotional. It is about so many things, that I can't touch on them all, but it came at such a pivotal time  as my father-in-law is in Hospice care. I learned that we are doing the "right" things through the voice of Mary Anne (which is a comfort) and I discovered other things to do and not to do as well. Their discoveries and discussions about books turned out to be a side benefit, which was nothing like I expected or imagined,  but that was okay.  It encourages us to ask the question, "What are you reading?"

Author: Will Schwalbe
Published:  October 2012
Pages: 336
Genre:  Memoir
Source:  Library
Finished:  1/12/12
3 Bears

The Great Grammer Book

The Great Grammar Book, an unusually entertaining grammar text, enables readers to not only master their grammar problems, but also to write clearer, more concise, and more readable sentences.The well organized book uses step-by-step instructions along with crystal-clear examples to ensure that readers fully understand each topic. The book uses fun facts, amazing trivia, and odd news events to make learning grammar fun. Over 2,000 practice sentences-more than any other text-make it possible for readers to master even long-standing grammar problems.

Focusing on the commonly encountered bulk of real-world writing, the book uses and explains only those grammatical terms which are necessary to avoid mistakes or to improve writing skills. (Good-bye indirect and direct objects.)

The book opens with a 100-question, diagnostic grammar text (with answer key) to help readers discover their grammar weaknesses.The comprehensive text then covers using correct pronouns, verbs, capital letters, apostrophes and all punctuation as well as essential sentence structure including sentence fragments and run-on sentences.There is even a word usage chapter to sort out confusing words such as imply and infer and figuratively and literally.

If you don't know how or when to use a colon, or if you mistakenly think a long sentence is the same as a run-on sentence, or if you aren't sure when to use a capital letter, then you will find this book an essential addition to your bookshelf.

All through my school years I received A's in grammar.  I was sure that I had forgotten everything I learned and I definitely needed this book!  I was surprised at how much I did remember taking the opening diagnostic grammar text, but definitely have weak areas!  It is easy to read, entertaining, and will be a great reference to use in the future.

About the author:

Marsha Sramek began teaching English over 30 years ago. Until her recent career shift to textbook writing and publishing, she taught in public and private schools, as well as tutoring high school seniors in the college application process.. She was the Faculty Sponsor/Editor of the school newsletter and spent four years classroom-testing this book. Ms. Sramek never enjoyed studying grammar as a student and was determined to write a grammar book that was fun to read as well as a book that was comprehensive.



This complimentary review copy was received thankfully from Bostick Communications and Marsha Sramek and in no way influenced my review of this book. These are my personal thoughts and reactions to the reading of the book.

Devotional Mornings With Jesus

Experience a closer relationship with your Savior in the pages of Mornings with Jesus 2012. Each page of this all-new devotional begins with a Scripture quote, followed by an uplifting devotion that demonstrates how Jesus’ life and teachings apply today. With humor, humility and grace, the seven writers share insights and reflections that you can relate to. You’ll also find “faith steps” that you can practice throughout your day, to help you carry the words of Jesus with you and make them real in your life.

When you read Jesus’ words and think about His lessons and miracles, you’ll feel your relationship to your Savior grown richer and deeper. You’ll find more strength, courage, joy and peace to meet the challenges of each day.

I like to use devotionals to kick off my morning quiet time. This one feels like you are sitting down with friends sharing your lives together. It is warm and friendly with words that inspire and challenge.  One of the devotions that spoke to me was the thought that we don't have to do "big, amazing, or noticeable" things to be a blessing to someone else.  Sometimes it can be the smallest of things we do that touches someone else.  This book is great tool to use in your walk with God.

The warm and friendly voices of seven women reflect on the character and teachings of Jesus, and encourage you to draw near to Him and invite His presence, truth and relevance into your life. Each devotion includes a Scripture verse, an insightful reflection on Jesus' words, wisdom, compassion and comfort, and faith step that will and inspire and challenge you.

Blog Tour

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This complimentary review copy was received thankfully from LitFuse Publicity Group and Guidepost Books and in no way influenced my review of this book. These are my personal thoughts and reactions to the reading of the book.

Your Pathway to Miracles

Guest Reviewer

In her latest book worldwide Bible teacher Marilyn Hickey offers a “how to” for those in need of a miracle. Dr. Hickey teaches readers how to learn to build trust in God, creatively interweaving faith-building Scriptures with her considerable personal experience, such as giving birth to her daughter after being told it was medically impossible. Christian leaders are applauding the results, recommending Your Pathway to Miracles to their congregations and audiences, with Joyce Meyer saying, “it will fuel your faith and give you a new passion to believe God for the miraculous,” and from Richard Roberts: “allow her new book to set you on your own journey for miracles in the mighty name of Jesus."

This book is about more than miracles. Do you long to know God's plan for your life? The author guides you into figuring out that plan, and gives concrete instruction on how to work out that plan in your life. This is an important book for anyone who is seriously looking for more direction from God.

Reviewed by Michele

At age 80, Dr. Marilyn Hickey, founder and president of Marilyn Hickey Ministries, is still going strong. Known and loved worldwide for her clear, down-to-earth Bible teaching, she’s brought Scripture to life for countless thousands through her radio and TV broadcasts, books, and speaking ministry. In recent years she’s ministered across the U.S. as well as in the Sudan, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, India, China and Pakistan. The author of dozens of books and pamphlets, Marilyn Hickey’s recent Whitaker House releases include: Spiritual Warfare, The Names of God, Total Healing, and Your Pathway to Miracles. She and her daughter co-host the weekly worldwide television show, Marilyn and Sarah.

Visit the author's website.
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This complimentary review copy was received thankfully from Cathy Hickling of Whitaker House and in no way influenced my review of this book. These are my personal thoughts and reactions to the reading of the book.

Letting Go Of Worry

Dr. Linda Mintle confesses that for years she believed worry was an inevitable byproduct of our modern, busy lives. But as she explored God’s Word for guidance, she discovered that worry isn’t supposed to be managed. It’s supposed to be released completely.

Through personal and biblical examples, Mintle reveals reasons and ways for readers to rethink their core beliefs as they surrender worry to God and discover:

· the spiritual roots of worry
· what to do when anxious thoughts arise
· how to have peace about their health, job, money, and relationships
· practical ways to cultivate a truly worry-free life
· the biblical secret to lasting contentment

With godly instruction, Scriptures for meditation, and the hope of a renewed perspective, readers can let go of worry and embrace a transformed life of peace, forgiveness, and faith

Everyone is susceptible to worry. We are spoon fed countless reasons to worry by the media. This is a fairly comprehensible antidote to questions we all may have about issues that worry us.  Linda leads you through your thought processes and how to overcome negativity, anxiety using exercises, examples and Scriptures to "send worry packing".  A faith based, helpful book.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dr. Linda Mintle is a national speaker and bestselling author of more than 15 books, including I Love My Mother, But…and I Married You, Not Your Family. She appears regularly on several national television and radio shows and is a network news contributor. She also hosts her own website. In her general clinical practice, she specializes in marriage and family therapy, eating disorders, and infertility. A licensed clinical social worker, she holds a PhD in urban health and clinical psychology. She and her family live in Virginia.

Visit the author's website
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***Special thanks to Karri James, Marketing Assistant, Harvest House Publishers for sending me a review copy.

Anne Frank - Two Resources

Anne Frank - Graphic Biography

Drawing on the unique historical sites, archives, expertise, and unquestioned authority of the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, New York Times bestselling authors Sid Jacobson and Ernie Colón have created the first authorized and exhaustive graphic biography of Anne Frank. Their account is complete, covering the lives of Anne’s parents, Edith and Otto; Anne's first years in Frankfurt; the rise of Nazism; the Franks' immigration to Amsterdam; war and occupation; Anne's years in the Secret Annex; betrayal and arrest; her deportation and tragic death in Bergen-Belsen; the survival of Anne's father; and his recovery and publication of her astounding diary.

Anne Frank - Her life in words and pictures

On a summer in 1942, Anne Frank and her family went into hiding from the Nazis. Until the day they arrested her, more than two years later, she kept a diary. ANNE FRANK is the indispensable visual guide to her tragic, but inspiring story. Produced in association with The Anne Frank House and filled with never-before-published snapshots, school pictures, and photos of the diary and the Secret Annex, this elegantly designed album is both a stand-alone introduction to Anne's life and a photographic companion to a classic of Holocaust literature.

Both books are great resources to tell the story of Anne Frank and her family. Easy to read and understand the graphic novel goes into more detail about their time at the concentration camp. 

Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk

Featuring David Sedaris's unique blend of hilarity and heart, this new collection of keen-eyed animal-themed tales is an utter delight. Though the characters may not be human, the situations in these stories bear an uncanny resemblance to the insanity of everyday life.

I choose this audio book as part of my summer reading requirements at the local library. This is my first experience with the author and I was pleasantly surprised. I honestly believe the readers made this book and it should be listened to instead of read. Elaine is a absolutely fabulous! Some stories were a bit more dark and vulgar than I like.  A couple of them were hilarious. 

Author: David Sedaris
Published: September 2010
Narrated by: David Sedaris, Elaine Stritch, Dylan Baker and Sian Phillips
Genre: Humorous
Source: Library
Finished: 6-23-11

100 Days of Favor - Guest Reviewer

Today's book is reviewed by Michele.

Embark on a powerful journey to experience the unmerited favor of God.
You don’t need to depend on your own strength to succeed. Immerse yourself in God’s unmerited favor and change your life forever! 100 Days of Favor shows you how to develop a favor-consciousness in everything you do. Each daily topic includes:

Today’s Scripture—a biblical foundation for the topic

Today’s Inspirational Excerpt From Unmerited Favor—a key truth about God’s unmerited favor

Today’s Prayer—a way to express your heart to our heavenly Father

Today’s Thought—a liberating, favor-inspired idea for the day

Today’s Reflection on Favor—a place to journal what the Holy Spirit brings to your mind

With daily inspirational scriptures, prayers, and readings from Unmerited Favor, you can begin your day with a focus on God’s grace and love.

Is your life a struggle right now? Do you sometimes find it difficult to find the joy in everyday living? Having trouble seeing how the Bible fits into your present circumstances? I have great news for you! There is hope and help and it only takes 15 minutes a day. In only 15 minutes you get more benefit than an hour of exercise, more energy than a sucrose laden can of caffeine, and more lasting joy than losing 10 #.

Start your day with a shot of confidence and optimism for 100 days and learn how to find it for yourself for the rest of your life. This daily meditation book will have you searching Amazon. com for more inspiration from Joseph Prince. I have been into Joseph Princes' message for more than a year, and pretty will know his philosophy, yet I was amazed at what a jolt of joy I receive each morning from reading his meditations. I think that you will receive that same experience if you give this book a try. You do not have to have read any of his previous books or even the book this is based on to receive the benefit.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Joseph Prince is a leading voice in proclaiming the gospel of grace around the world through his teaching resources and television ministry. With more than two decades of full-time ministry behind him, Joseph Prince is known for teaching God's Word in a fresh, practical, and revelatory way that always unveils Jesus. He is the senior pastor of New Creation Church (www.newcreation.org.sg) in Singapore, which has a congregation of more than 19,000 members, and heads Joseph Prince Ministries, Inc.


Visit the author's website.


***Special thanks to Anna Coelho Silva Publicity Coordinator, Charisma House Charisma Media for sending this review copy.***

Speaking In Tongues - Guest Review by Michele

Today my mom, Michele reviews the following book:

What does it mean to speak in tongues? What does the Bible say about it? ·

How can I experience it for myself?

Many people have questions about how the Holy Spirit can work in their lives—especially when it comes to speaking in tongues. In An Essential Guide to Speaking in Tongues, Ron Phillips explains the gift of tongues and unfolds fresh revelation and comprehensive biblical support for the practice along with powerful illustrations from his own life.

As a Spirit-filled Southern Baptist pastor, Phillips brings a welcome balance to the topic, helping you to understand that speaking in tongues is a blessing of God that gives you the ability to boldly approach God’s throne with the Holy Spirit’s power and language

If you ever wondered what the big deal is about speaking in tongues, or not, this book gives the point of view of each side of this debate.

Ron Phillips is on the yes and Amen side of the controversy. I found the book easy to read, easy to understand, and very interesting as he goes into the Biblical history of the practice as well as it's use in the New Testament church of today.

He feels that the Holy Spirit is the "missing person" in the typical church experience today. "He is seldom worshiped and often ignored". That statement resonated within me as I have visited many churches while searching for the "right fit" for me as the result of many geographical moves; and I have found the Holy Spirit mentioned only in the Apostles Creed in many of them. I was very interested in reading this book to find out the pros and cons of experiencing this gift of the Holy Spirit.

So if you are interested in figuring out for yourself what this practice is all about, I recommend this book to you as informative, and instructive, if not altogether unbiased..

Ron Phillips is senior pastor of Abba’s House in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Under his ministry, this church has experienced tremendous growth and has exploded into new realms of renewal and spiritual awakening. His weekly television and daily radio programs are broadcast worldwide and are available on the Internet. He is a sought-after speaker and the author of numerous books, including Our Invisible Allies and Everyone’s Guide to Demons and Spiritual Warfare.

Visit the author's website.




Reviewed by Michele

***Special thanks to Anna Coelho Silva | Publicity Coordinator, Charisma House | Charisma Media for sending me a review copy.***

I Love My Mother....But

For any woman who would complete this title with “she drives me crazy!” this book is a goldmine of guidance from nationally recognized author, speaker, and family life expert Dr. Linda Mintle.

Many grown daughters struggle to find balance and perspective with their mothers, and they don’t realize that this emotionally charged relationship greatly impacts the health of all others in their lives. With expertise, great examples, and biblical insight, Dr. Mintle reveals how women can reinvent their connection with their mothers by

•practicing the spiritual acts of prayer, empathy, and forgiveness
•making new connections to break old patterns
•letting go of guilt and shame and finding peace
•applying anger management techniques
•discovering ways to honor their mothers and themselves

This resource offers practical and spiritually powerful ways for women to find wholeness as they seek healing and renewal in their relationships with their mothers.

When this book was offered for review, my first thoughts were that my mom and I, as well as my daughter and I, are blessed to have good relationships at this point in our lives. As I thought more about it, I decided that I want to read this book to learn ways in which I can continue to keep those relationships strong and healthy. The book talks about the profound connection between mothers and daughters. It helps you to identify the styles that you, your mother and your daughter have in dealing with conflicts. It offers practical advice on how to resolve the conflicts taking into consideration all the styles of dealing with them.

This complimentary review copy was received thankfully from Harvest House Publishers and in no way influenced my review of this book.  These are my personal thoughts and reactions to the reading of the book.”

Made To Crave Tour

Just because a woman finally fits into her skinny jeans doesn't mean she's won her battle with food. Too often, women overlook the spiritual component to their physical struggle with healthy eating. Made to Crave taps into the desires God gave you to consume food without letting food consume you!

Made to Crave is the missing link between a woman's desire to be healthy and the spiritual empowerment necessary to make that happen. The reality is we were made to crave. Craving isn't a bad thing. But we must realize God created us to crave more of him. Many of us have misplaced that craving by overindulging in physical pleasures instead of lasting spiritual satisfaction. If you are struggling with unhealthy eating habits, you can break the "I'll start again Monday" cycle, and start feeling good about yourself today. Learn to stop beating yourself up over the numbers on the scale. Discover that your weight loss struggle isn't a curse but rather a blessing in the making, and replace justifications that lead to diet failure with empowering go-to scripts that lead to victory. You can reach your healthy weight goal - and grow closer to God in the process. This is not a how-to book. This is not the latest and greatest dieting plan. This book is the necessary companion for you to use alongside whatever healthy lifestyle plan you choose.

The last 3 years on the road to 50 have been hard on this body, and I needed new motivation to make some changes and get back to health. What really caught my attention and had me wanting to read this book, is the idea of the "Want To" vs the "How To".  I know the how to and as Lisa says, "it's the really wanting to make changes and deciding that the results of those changes are worth the sacrifice.".  As a person of faith, I totally understand her thoughts about spiritual malnutrition and needing to be physically, mentally and spiritually healthy. It is more than a 1 prong approach. This is not a diet book, as I believe is made clear in the book summary, and will not tell you what to eat.  She shares her eating plan in the book, which for me would be way too restrictive, but it works for her and challenges us to find our own plan that works for us.

If you want to maximize your experience and bring these teachings to life in a way you’ll never forget, you’ll want to order the full set of resources. Adding the DVD teaching series and the workbook will motivate you to get healthy without feeling deprived, lose the weight in a permanent way, and find the peace your body, mind and soul desires. This DVD study can be done in a group or by yourself.

The DVD and Companion/Study book arrived last week so I have only viewed and worked through the first week. I do like the idea of doing this with a group for the added benefits of encouragement, accountability and gleaning from the experience of others.  I like the format, a short (20 min.) video and then guided discussion questions.  The work book section is split into easy to accomplish daily tasks, questions and ideas to incorporate in your plan.

Lysa TerKeurst is an author and speaker who helps everyday women live an adventure of faith through following Jesus Christ. As president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, Lysa has led thousands to make their walk with God an invigorating journey.

Lysa wrote the book Made to Crave from the perspective of a woman who has never craved a carrot stick in her whole life. Having struggled with her weight her whole adult life, Lysa knows what it feels like to be in the vicious cycle of gaining and losing, but never feeling at peace in her struggle. Everything changed when Lysa decided to have her deepest desire met by God not food. Now, armed with the spiritual motivation she gained in her own journey, she is inspiring others to find lasting victory.

As a nationally known speaker, Lysa has been passionately teaching women God’s truths for years. Lysa’s personal adventures of following God led to appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, The 700 Club, USA Today newspaper, Woman’s Day magazine, and Focus on the Family radio.

Visit Lysa's website for more info and to visit her blog! 
Made to Crave website
Book Details Here

Blog Tour Schedule

Thank you to LitFuse and Amy Lathrop for these review copies.

Lift

Written as a letter to her children, Kelly Corrigan’s Lift is a tender, intimate, and robust portrait of risk and love; a touchstone for anyone who wants to live more fully. In Lift, Corrigan weaves together three true and unforgettable stories of adults willing to experience emotional hazards in exchange for the gratifications of raising children.

Lift takes its name from hang gliding, a pursuit that requires flying directly into rough air, because turbulence saves a glider from “sinking out.” For Corrigan, this wisdom becomes a metaphor for all of life’s most meaningful endeavors, particularly the great flight that is parenting.

Corrigan serves it up straight—how mundanely and fiercely her children have been loved, how close most lives occasionally come to disaster, and how often we fall short as mothers and fathers. Lift is for everyone who has been caught off guard by the pace and vulnerability of raising children, to remind us that our work is important and our time limited.

This 84 page letter was a delight to read and has me wanting to go back to writing yearly letters to my kids even though they are young adults now.  I quit writing after their first year of college.  The letters are in their baby books and I do believe my daughter has read some of them.

Scout, Atticus, and Boo:

A Celebration of Fifty Years of To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird may well be our national novel. It is the first adult novel that many of us remember reading, one book that millions of us have in common. It sells nearly a million copies a year, more than any other twentieth-century American classic. Harper Lee's first and only novel, published in July 1960, is a beloved classic and touchstone in American literary and social history.

To mark the fiftieth anniversary of To Kill a Mockingbird, Mary McDonagh Murphy reviews its history and examines how the novel has left its mark on a broad range of novelists, historians, journalists, and artists.

In compelling interviews, Anna Quindlen, Tom Brokaw, Oprah Winfrey, James Patterson, James McBride, Scott Turow, Wally Lamb, Andrew Young, Richard Russo, Adriana Trigiani, Rick Bragg, Jon Meacham, Allan Gurganus, Diane McWhorter, Lee Smith, Rosanne Cash, and others reflect on when they first read the novel, what it means to them -then and now - and how it has affected their lives and careers. Scout, Atticus, and Boo: A Celebration of Fifty Years of "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a lively appreciation of the many ways in which the novel has made - and continues to make - a difference to generations of readers.

Harper Lee has not given an interview since 1964, but Murphy's reporting, research, and rare interviews with the author's sister and friends stitch together a brief history of how the novel, as well as the acclaimed 1962 movie, came to be.

I liked reading those interviewed reactions to reading To Kill A Mockingbird for the first time. I did not like it that in the beginning the author summarizes what those interviewed said and when you get to their thoughts, what they say is wrecked.  Do yourself a favor skip Part 1 and go to the essays and then go back and read the author's thoughts.  I loved the novel as a high school student, loved reading it along with my kids when they were in high school and look forward to sharing it with my future grand kids.