Book Review: Afghanistan: Teachable Moments

I am reading Afghanistan: 179 Days of Teachable Moments, a journal of Florence Robyn Smith's deployment. Each day has a title, experience and Scripture, in short segments that you can read in a few minutes. 

The book inspires me for two big reasons...

1. Journaling - Most of us go through life, just trying to keep our head above water, but if we would discipline ourselves, like Ms. Smith, to write down and reflect, we would see how God is working through each day, through each experience. I already keep a journal, but this book makes me want to dig more into my everyday experiences and reflect.

2. Doing -- It is inspirational to see a woman of faith step out to do something challenging. She did not have to sign up to be deployed, but the mission field is wherever you are called, even working for the military in Afghanistan.  

Here is the book's trailer.

I give the book 4 out of 5 stars! Thank you Ms. Smith for your inspiration to do big things for God!

Book Review: The God Pocket

"The God Pocket" by Bruce Wilkinson will change your life, if you let God work through you!

Overview: What if you could take something out of your pocket today that would make God wonderfully personal and absolutely real to someone who, only minutes earlier, had been secretly calling out to God for help, for an answer, for any shred of evidence that He cares?

Discover the incredible resource that’s small enough to fit in your wallet or purse, yet big enough to change someone’s life – starting with yours. In The God Pocket, Bruce Wilkinson tells you what that little something is, explains how to deliver God’s provision to someone in need, and shares how God is ready to reveal Himself through you.

Dawn's Recommendation: 4.5 of 5 Stars

What I Liked: I firmly believe that God puts books in my path for a reason and this book's concept is what God is currently working on me.  I really liked that the book goes step by step on how to put money aside for God's use and how and when to give it to the people God places before you. This book is perfect for the person who wants to honor God, grow in generosity, and trust in the Lord (not only to provide the people to give the money to, but to provide the money, in which to give). It has great stories of people who have given money to others in this way. It is a short read, you can finish it in one evening. It will be a book I read again.  

On a side, personal note: giving money in this way will change your life. It has changed me! I had already started to give money to people and charities, but this book helps explain different aspects of giving in this way that I didn't think about before, like setting aside the money first, as an offering, instead of just reaching in your own wallet to give a homeless person your money. Neat things to think about and good instruction.

What I Didn't Like: The only thing that bothered me a little was that it felt a bit commercialized. The author likes to coin a lot of terms (ex. "The God Nudge" and "Delivery Agent"). Why give everything a title?  Also, you can buy pre-made God Pockets. Ummm...why, when a plain envelope will do?    

Do you set aside money in which to give to people you see in need?
 

Book Review: Unoffendable

Things in "Unoffendable" by Brant Hansen might offend you, but that can be a good thing! Learning to not be offended can bring "new dimensions of rest, grace, and simplicity".

Overview: It’s a radical, provocative idea: We’re not entitled to get offended or stay angry. The idea of our own “righteous anger” is a myth. It is the number one problem in our societies today and, as Dallas Willard says, Christians have not been taught out of it.

As it turns out, giving up our “right” to be offended can be one of the most freeing, healthy, simplifying, relaxing, refreshing, stress-relieving, encouraging things we can do.

In Unoffendable readers will find something of immeasurable value—a concrete, practical way to live life with less stress. They’ll adjust their expectations to fit human nature and replace perpetual anger with refreshing humility and gratitude. The book offers a unique viewpoint, challenging the idea that Christians can ever harbor “righteous anger” or that there even is such a thing for believers.

Few other books exist with such a radical, provocative proposal to consider. We have no right to anger. We are to get rid of it, period. Completely. And it is possible to choose to be “unoffendable.”
Through the author’s winsome, humorous, and conversational style, this book doesn’t add another thing to do on a stressed-out person’s ever-growing list. Better, it actually seeks to lift religious burdens from readers’ backs and allow them to experience the joy of gratitude, perhaps for the first time, every single day of their lives.

Dawn's Recommendation: 4.5 of 5 Stars

First, I like love Brant Hansen's humor. I love listening to his talk show on the radio (Christian radio WordFM). His book reads just like he talks. That might take a little getting used to, but you'll be glad to dig deep into this book! Here's why.

I wanted to read the book b/c I like Brant's show, not because I thought I had a problem with anger and being offended. Here's the kicker. While reading the book, I realized I DO have a problem! Not so much with anger, but with judging and not accepting people who are different than me. I have a problem loving all people. Wow. 

This book was fantastic for me, spiritually. It, like The Bible and like other books I've read like "Jesus Prom", teach me to love like Jesus did/does. This book tells me to stop being offended by people (what they do and say) and just love them. Don't condemn them. Don't throw rules at them. Just love them. (And, life becomes sweeter for you too.)  

You are going to enjoy the stories that Brant shares, his humor, and the message.

I have to share this God Sighting. I was 1/4 of the way through the book and I met an artist at a downtown craft show. She and her photography were raw, but beautiful. She captured the ugly, the unwanted, the broken, and discarded things in life...and made them into art. I connected with her and her work. That night I prayed for her. Hard. She may never know the impact she made on me, but it fit perfectly with "Unoffendable". God takes us, broken and sinful, and makes us beautiful and holy.  

Disclaimer: I got this book free from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest book review.

How would the world change if we stopped being offended and just loved?

Book Review: The Grave Robber

Nothing is impossible for God. The Grave Robber by Mark Batterson takes a look at Jesus' miracles. Do you need a miracle?

Overview: Do we believe that God still does miracles? Do we expect him to move in miraculous ways in our day-in, day-out lives? Maybe we'd like to see miracles, but it's hard to see past our problems. All that is about to change, like water into wine.

"There are miracles all around us all the time," says Mark Batterson, "but you won't see them if you don't know how to look for them."

Now the bestselling author of The Circle Maker reveals the incredible power of the seven miraculous signs of Jesus found in the Gospel of John. Batterson shows how they were not simply something Jesus did in the past, but something he wants to do now, in the present. He shares true stories of people today who are experiencing miracles in their lives. And he brings to light countless miracles, big and small, that we take for granted every day that point us toward the One who healed the sick, calmed the storm, and yes, even raised the dead.

But this is more than a book about miracles. It's a book about the only One who can perform them. Batterson cautions readers, "Don't just seek miracles. Seek Jesus. And if you seek Jesus, miracles will find you."

Dawn's Recommendation: 4.5 of 5 Stars 

What I Liked: I liked reading about Jesus' miracles and miracles that Mark Batterson shares from today. The book is encouraging, sharing testimonies of how God works. God can and will do miracles, but do we have faith? Are we seeking God? Miracles? Do we believe God will do them? How does obedience plays into miracles? This book answers all of these questions. It points people to God. Calls them to lean into the One who has all the power and strength and Who loves us so much, He wants to make impossible things possible.

Note: I had a harder time getting into this book than I did with Mark Batterson's previous books (it didn't have the same page-flipping intensity), but it was still great. We are doing this book & video study in Sunday School and I am enjoying it.

Which one of Jesus' miracles is your favorite? Why?

Book Review: The Invisible War

"The Invisible War" by Chip Ingram is a must read for Christians!

Overview: Some Christians believe strongly in the existence of demons and spiritual warfare. Others downplay or even ignore the idea. With such divergent views, how are Christians supposed to know the truth about demonic forces at work in this world? The Invisible War examines what every believer needs to know about Satan, demons, and spiritual warfare, offering a balanced look at this controversial subject. This provocative book will help Christians understand what the Bible says about these threats and will show them how they can safeguard themselves and their families through prayer. Now available in trade paper, The Invisible War offers a balanced look at what is going on in the spiritual realm and what believers can do to defend themselves.


Dawn's Review: 5 of 5 Stars

What I Liked: The whole book is chalk-full of practical "how to" ways to stay in the Lord and fight spiritual battles when they arise.  This book was mentioned in another book, "For the Joy Set Before Us" by Erica Fye and I am so glad I got it! Chip Ingram has extensive experience with spiritual warfare and is a wealth of knowledge.  It was eye-opening, giving real-life examples of spiritual warfare going on in the U.S. and overseas. It also gives reasons why most Western Christians don't seem to experience much in the way of spiritual warfare. 

It explains the urgency for prayer that is consistent, intense, and strategic and if we'd pray like that, more spiritual battles would be won.

The Bible says to put on your spiritual armor, but "The Invisible War" helps explain what each armor piece is, what it does, and it explains how to put it on. I underlined something on every page - that's how good it is! This book is a keeper! It will be a reference tool I will go back to over and over again!

What do you think about spiritual warfare?

Book Review: Displaced Person

From WWII refugee to Indentured Servant, you will enjoy reading about Ella's life in Displaced Person by Ella E. Schneider Hilton.

Overview: In her moving and deeply personal memoir, Ella E. Schneider Hilton chronicles her remarkable childhood—one that took her from the purges of Stalinist Russia to the refugee camps of Nazi and postwar Germany to the cotton fields of Jim Crow Mississippi before granting her access to the American dream. Despite her hard life as a refugee, Ella finds solace in others and retains her indomitably inquisitive spirit. Throughout her ordeals, she never relinquishes hope or sight of her goal of education. Poignantly and freshly rendered, this is a tale of determination. It is the story of a girl caught up first in the maelstrom of World War II and then in the complexities of American southern culture, adjusting to events beyond her control with resiliency as she searches for faith, knowledge, and a place in the world.

Dawn's Recommendation: 4.5 of 5 Stars

What I Liked: This was a really enjoyable memoir. The author shared every aspect of her growing up years in Russia, Germany, and the U.S. It reveals the family's challenging living conditions as a refugee and later as they worked for their sponsor in the U.S. to pay them back for their traveling fare. You read how hard their lives were, what they ate, how hard they worked, and the sacrifices for their children. Ella was a delight to read about. I love her constant questions and her drive for schooling. I especially appreciate her willingness to share intimate details of her life (from how they used the bathroom to how she was almost raped) -- this made for very real-life reading. You leave the book feeling like you know her well.

What I Didn't Like:  I loved the book, though I was saddened to read how Ella was disciplined, but I think many parents in that generation believed in "spare the rod, spoil the child" and believed in corporal punishment. 

Great read for the summer!

What is your favorite "memoir" or story from history?

Book Review: Moment By Moment

Oh My Goodness, girls will LOVE "Moment by Moment" devo journal by Jennifer Flanders! My daughter was ready to steal it the moment it arrived, but I managed to hold her off till I got the review finished.

Overview: This book is designed to get you thinking. There’s no right or wrong way to complete it. You may use these pages to record thoughts, compose poetry, set goals, write prayers, paste photographs, paint pictures, draw sketches, make lists, tape mementos—or a combination of any or all of the above. My goal in creating this little journal is to inspire you to think deeply about some of life’s biggest questions, such as: Who are you? Why are you here? How can you live with meaning and purpose? And as you think through your answers to these questions, I hope you’ll enjoy using the space provided to write down your thoughts.

Dawn's Recommendation: 5 of 5 Stars!

What I liked: The first thing I loved was its Victorian style, with its fonts like calligraphy and primer letters and the clip art silhouettes and scenes from mid-1800's, the book makes a girl want to dream. Even the shape of the book is lovely, being wider than other books.

After falling in love with the way the book looks, I sat down to read the content. It is a journal, so many pages have writing prompts, Victorian clip art, and lots of space to write (which as a writer, I love)! The opening Introduction is a letter from the author encouraging girls to think about the deeper things in life and focus on God as our comfort. (I think Ms. Flanders and I could be best friends.) 

This book is chalk full with Scripture, quotes, hymns/songs, prompts, space to capture all kinds of memories, goals, favorite things, even mini Bible study on worry and service, current events, prayer, an address and birthday records sections, and much more! There are even two pages that have bookmarks that can be photocopied.

Ms. Flanders has three more devo journals coming out soon (one for boys, moms, and wives). I can't wait to get the mom and wife ones!  As soon as I got this book, I wanted to buy 20 more to give to all the girls I know at church. It's that fantastic!

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from BookCrash in exchange for my honest review.

For fun, here is one writing prompt from the book. Please write your response in the Comment Section. "Books and stories I read and enjoyed as a child:"

Book Review: Flash

Ok, I love this donkey! Read "Flash: The Homeless Donkey Who Taught Me about Life, Faith, and Second Chances" by Rachel Anne Ridge!

Overview: Rachel Anne Ridge was at the end of her rope. The economy had crashed, taking her formerly thriving business along with it. She had been a successful artist, doing work she loved, but now she felt like a failure. How would her family pay their bills? What would the future hold? If only God would somehow let them know that everything was going to be all right . . . and then Flash the donkey showed up.

If there is ever a good time to discover a wounded, frightened, bedraggled donkey standing in your driveway, this wasn’t it. The local sheriff dismissed Flash as “worthless.” But Rachel didn’t believe that, and she couldn’t turn him away. She brought Flash into her struggling family during their darkest hour―and he turned out to be the very thing they needed most. Flash is the true story of their adventures together in learning to love and trust; breaking down whatever fences stood in their way; and finding the strength, confidence, and faith to carry on. Prepare to fall in love with Flash: a quirky, unlikely hero with gigantic ears, a deafening bray, a personality as big as Texas, and a story you’ll never forget.

Dawn's Recommendation: 5 of 5 Stars

I loved the beautiful stories about Flash, the donkey, and his family and the lessons that God taught Ms. Ridge through Flash. They are lessons for everyone (from friendship to fear to stepping out in faith). With each story, readers fall more and more in love with Flash. After reading this book, everyone will want their very own donkey!

The book is a fast read and is well-written. I enjoyed the author sharing personal stories of her art business, family, and dog, Beau too. I also loved that the life-lessons are listed in the back as a review. This a sweet memoir that will make your summer!

Disclaimer: I received this book free through Tyndale Blogging Network in exchange for my honest review.

What life lesson has one of your pets taught you?