Thursday, May 22, 2014

Book Review: The Waiting

Oh, Minka...what a story you have! And what a testament to your faith in God and love for your daughter.
 
Overview: An unforgettable true story that will touch your heart and make you believe in love’s enduring legacy, and in the power of prayer.
 
In 1928, 16-year-old Minka was on a picnic in the woods when she was assaulted and raped. And suddenly this innocent farm girl—who still thought the stork brought babies—was pregnant. The baby was secretly born, named Betty Jane, and given up for adoption. For decades, Minka wrote letters trying to get news of her daughter; she kept loving and praying for her, even though she never dared believe they would meet again. Until nearly eighty years later, when Minka whispered her secret, impossible prayer for the first time: Lord, I’d like to see Betty Jane before I die. I promise I won’t bother her or interrupt her life. I just want to lay eyes on her. Unbeknownst to Minka, that very same day, a judge was releasing the sealed adoption records to her 77-year-old daughter. And soon, Minka’s phone would ring. Written by Cathy LaGrow (Minka’s granddaughter), The Waiting brings three generations of this most unusual family together over the course of a century to tell a story of faith that triumphs, forgiveness that sets us free, and love that never forgets.


Dawn's Recommendation: 5 of 5 stars!

What I liked: Great story. Tragic, but with a very happy ending. You fall in love with Minka and her family and you love hearing about her life, even the little details. I didn't want to put it down. Mothers will love reading this...the bond between mother and child is powerful and this story celebrates it better than any other I've ever read!

I am amazed at how nicely the story flows and all the life details that are in there. What an undertaking for the authors, Cathy LaGrow (Minka's granddaughter) and Cindy Coloma. I was also very pleased to read how Minka's faith grew as she got older and how God answered her prayers. This story can encourage so many!


What I didn't like: Nothing. Very nicely told story.

Disclaimer: I received this book from Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my honest review.

An unforgettable true story that will touch your heart and make you believe in love’s enduring legacy, and in the power of prayer.
In 1928, 16-year-old Minka was on a picnic in the woods when she was assaulted and raped. And suddenly this innocent farm girl—who still thought the stork brought babies—was pregnant. The baby was secretly born, named Betty Jane, and given up for adoption. For decades, Minka wrote letters trying to get news of her daughter; she kept loving and praying for her, even though she never dared believe they would meet again. Until nearly eighty years later, when Minka whispered her secret, impossible prayer for the first time: Lord, I’d like to see Betty Jane before I die. I promise I won’t bother her or interrupt her life. I just want to lay eyes on her. Unbeknownst to Minka, that very same day, a judge was releasing the sealed adoption records to her 77-year-old daughter. And soon, Minka’s phone would ring. Written by Cathy LaGrow (Minka’s granddaughter), The Waiting brings three generations of this most unusual family together over the course of a century to tell a story of faith that triumphs, forgiveness that sets us free, and love that never forgets. - See more at: http://www.tyndale.com/The-Waiting/9781414391908#.U35hbCj6HYs
An unforgettable true story that will touch your heart and make you believe in love’s enduring legacy, and in the power of prayer.
In 1928, 16-year-old Minka was on a picnic in the woods when she was assaulted and raped. And suddenly this innocent farm girl—who still thought the stork brought babies—was pregnant. The baby was secretly born, named Betty Jane, and given up for adoption. For decades, Minka wrote letters trying to get news of her daughter; she kept loving and praying for her, even though she never dared believe they would meet again. Until nearly eighty years later, when Minka whispered her secret, impossible prayer for the first time: Lord, I’d like to see Betty Jane before I die. I promise I won’t bother her or interrupt her life. I just want to lay eyes on her. Unbeknownst to Minka, that very same day, a judge was releasing the sealed adoption records to her 77-year-old daughter. And soon, Minka’s phone would ring. Written by Cathy LaGrow (Minka’s granddaughter), The Waiting brings three generations of this most unusual family together over the course of a century to tell a story of faith that triumphs, forgiveness that sets us free, and love that never forgets. - See more at: http://www.tyndale.com/The-Waiting/9781414391908#.U35hbCj6HYs
An unforgettable true story that will touch your heart and make you believe in love’s enduring legacy, and in the power of prayer.
In 1928, 16-year-old Minka was on a picnic in the woods when she was assaulted and raped. And suddenly this innocent farm girl—who still thought the stork brought babies—was pregnant. The baby was secretly born, named Betty Jane, and given up for adoption. For decades, Minka wrote letters trying to get news of her daughter; she kept loving and praying for her, even though she never dared believe they would meet again. Until nearly eighty years later, when Minka whispered her secret, impossible prayer for the first time: Lord, I’d like to see Betty Jane before I die. I promise I won’t bother her or interrupt her life. I just want to lay eyes on her. Unbeknownst to Minka, that very same day, a judge was releasing the sealed adoption records to her 77-year-old daughter. And soon, Minka’s phone would ring. Written by Cathy LaGrow (Minka’s granddaughter), The Waiting brings three generations of this most unusual family together over the course of a century to tell a story of faith that triumphs, forgiveness that sets us free, and love that never forgets. - See more at: http://www.tyndale.com/The-Waiting/9781414391908#.U35hbCj6HYs
An unforgettable true story that will touch your heart and make you believe in love’s enduring legacy, and in the power of prayer.
In 1928, 16-year-old Minka was on a picnic in the woods when she was assaulted and raped. And suddenly this innocent farm girl—who still thought the stork brought babies—was pregnant. The baby was secretly born, named Betty Jane, and given up for adoption. For decades, Minka wrote letters trying to get news of her daughter; she kept loving and praying for her, even though she never dared believe they would meet again. Until nearly eighty years later, when Minka whispered her secret, impossible prayer for the first time: Lord, I’d like to see Betty Jane before I die. I promise I won’t bother her or interrupt her life. I just want to lay eyes on her. Unbeknownst to Minka, that very same day, a judge was releasing the sealed adoption records to her 77-year-old daughter. And soon, Minka’s phone would ring. Written by Cathy LaGrow (Minka’s granddaughter), The Waiting brings three generations of this most unusual family together over the course of a century to tell a story of faith that triumphs, forgiveness that sets us free, and love that never forgets. - See more at: http://www.tyndale.com/The-Waiting/9781414391908#.U35hbCj6HYs

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Friday, May 9, 2014

Book Review: War in Heaven



War in Heaven (Book 2 in the Tears of Heaven Series) By Kenneth Zeigler

Overview: Satan and his minions have declared war on the most beautiful planet in the universe his purpose is to depose Michael the archangel and become second only to God in command of all creation. Standing in Satan's way are a scattered and disorganized host of angels, a group of inexperienced saints, a small band of humans, and some angelic rebels in Hell. Armed with faith full power, Abaddon the Destroyer creates a formidable army to challenge the evil targeting Earth. Author of best selling Heaven and Hell, Kenneth Zeigler again draws from his research to create a realistic tale where science, the supernatural, and life and death teeter on the edge of eternal joy or damnation.

Dawn's Recommendation: 5 of 5 Stars!
 
What I liked: I loved the 3rd and 1st books in this series (I know I’m out of order!), so I was so excited to continue the story. This story tells two stories: battles in Heaven and rebels in Hell. I enjoy the science aspect of how things work in Heaven (travel, making items, etc.). Great action, gadgets, and pacing. I enjoyed the fight of angels and humans with the demons. I love Abaddon’s Children (insect-like creatures) and the side story of Tim and Goliath. The main focus of this story is on David Bonner, one of the saints and his perseverance. 

The series has helped me understand certain aspects from the Bible better. For example, why does God condemn people to hell and eternal torment?  Well, God condemns non-believers to separation from him, not to eternal torment. Because Satan also lives in hell, separated from God, he rules Hell and torments the people, not God.  I may not agree with every way heaven and hell is presented by Mr. Zeigler, but it has made me contemplate it more and it take on a more “real” aspect for me.

What I didn’t like: Nothing!

Friday, May 2, 2014

Book Review: Amazed and Confused



Amazed and Confused: When God’s Actions Collide With Our Expectations by Heather Zempel, one of the books from the InScribed Collection of Women Studies

Overview: Most people have prayed for something or someone in earnest, seeking God’s will, only to be left confused by God’s response. Sometimes we ask, “Why would a good God allow bad things to happen to good people?” In Amazed and Confused, Heather Zempel tackles this question head-on by exploring the book of Habakkuk.

When the prophet Habakkuk prayed that God would bring change to the backsliding nation of Israel, this issue came to the forefront. Habakkuk begged God for revival and that He would turn the hearts of faithless people back to Him.

God’s answer to Habakkuk was, “Take a look at the nations and watch what happens! You will be shocked and amazed” (1:5, The Voice). The vision God gave Habakkuk was one of warfare and exile. How do you respond when God answers your prayers in a way that seems out of line with his character and promises?


Dawn's Recommendation: 4 of 5 Stars

What I liked:
1. The book focuses on Habakkuk’s crying out to God with his hard questions (that also apply to us) like:
*Why are we faced with injustice in the world?
*Why does God put up with wrong in the world?
*How long till God fixes things?
This book is good at helping readers focus on the characteristics of God, even when things don’t we want them too.

2. I loved the personal stories and their lessons.
*My favorite story (and hook for the book) was about the time that the author fell into a hole. That’s all I’ll say, so as not to spoil it for you.
* Another story I liked was about the author’s no-nonsense willingness to speak the truth to a friend. She told her that things might not turn out okay, but that God was in charge. It was truth told in love.
* An story that really impacted me was the story of the author’s church at Union Station, where God did amazing things. Our own church is going through a lot of transition right now and this story reminds me that God has a new plan for us, one that will be amazing if we trust and believe!

3. “Amazed and Confused”, like the other books in the Inscribed Collection, has great questions after each chapter to help readers go deeper and internalize what they’ve read. This book includes even more Scripture and study in these questions, which is fantastic. Ms. Zempel is a very good study teacher.

What I didn’t like: There were a couple of small parts that were too theological for the general reader. I felt like I was getting a seminary lesson that went over my head, so I found myself skipping ahead. Luckily, it was in the latter part of the book and it didn’t last long. The author’s Bio helped explain it a bit. She likes “nerding out on church history”, but authors need to be careful of this, since the general reading audience for this book is me, average Jesus-loving-seeking woman.