Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Book review Discipleship by A.W. Tozer

Discipleship is a wonderful book that will help guide what it is to be more like Christ. It presents the Christian life and practice, describes a beautiful journey to become more like Christ, also to help others do the same. One of our most important purpose on life is to be a disciple and to make disciples. A. W. Tozer knew well what it meant to disciple and to be discipled. Discipleship: What It Truly Means to Be a Christian is a great collection of Tozer’s powerful and passionate writings on discipleship. Tozer’s book encourages and inspires us to love Jesus and others more. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for this review.

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

101 Questions you need to ask in your twenties

Nowadays we have a lot of information available, we’re busier than ever but still need guidance in finding out answers to our questions. This book is a good resource to help you discover the answers to many of these. Author, speaker, and blogger Paul Angone has dedicated over 12 years to helping people in their twenties finding out answers. In this book he presents a lot of wisdom for his readers through major life questions that he answers. Some of these questions are: What is the best way to know if you’re actually ready to get married? Where’s the future of work headed and what does having a successful career look like today? How do I make a choice when I don’t know what to choose? How do I stop networking and start "relationshipping"? Why do some people have great marriages while others have complete wrecks before they even make it to the highway? Am I seeing the other side of people’s Instagram photos? What are the Pivotal Plot Points of my story? Do I have anyone on my "Dream Team"? 
The 101 Secrets for your Twenties helped connecting with millions of twentysomethings around the world through speaking engagements and his blog. Author Paul Angone made and accurate assessment of life as a modern-day twentysomething and thirtysomething facing real Millennial problems. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for this review.

Sunday, April 29, 2018

Book review: Parents rising by Arlene Pelicane

Parents Rising it’s a wonderful book that teaches you how to raise godly children that are dedicated and follow God. A lot of people feel like their fighting a battle and they’re about to lose. Many times it seems like everything is against the parent and life can feel far from being filled with joy and purpose. Parents Rising describes eight cultural trends that parents are up against nowadays and what we can do to claim victory. The book is about growth, it offers real help for real problems that parents face. It’s an opportunity to focus your efforts so that they’ll be more effective and the parent be less exhausted and frustrated. It can be emotionally draining but if you follow this strategies, you will feel encouraged and empowered. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for this review.

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Book review: A. W. Tozer Three Spiritual Classics

A.W. Tozer is a well know pastor and author that presented through his books a lot of wisdom that he experienced throughout the years, especially on how to encounter God and worship Him more.  Tozer was a man who really knew God, he showed it. People came from all over to hear his sermons. As a result of his teachings and dedication, people would go home more in awe of God, having a deeper desire to know Him. So many of the people would keep coming back to his writings and especially to these three books. Some of Tozer’s greatest works include: Knowledge of the Holy, The Pursuit of God, and God’s Pursuit of Manare, made available in a single volume.  In this wonderful volume: 3 Spiritual Classics, you will see a God of breathtaking majesty and overwhelming love. You will find yourself worshipping the true God. In this unique study on the attributes of God, Tozer describes His majesty, reminding us what it truly means to encounter God and be in awe of Him and of His power. If we want to experience God’s closeness, we must first learn to be still and to listen. God’s Pursuit of Man presents what it means to be truly saved, to be dedicated and surrendered to the Almighty God and invaded by His Holy Spirit. To be saved requires being transformed and overcoming evil, being saved. As we obey God, we become who we were always meant to be and we become shaped in the image of God. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for this review.

Tuesday, April 3, 2018

Book review: Cries from the cross by Erwin W. Lutzer

Pastor and author Erwin W. Lutzer examines in this wonderful book the meaning of the cross, the purpose for the suffering of Jesus. He believes we have to understand what the cross meant to Christ in order to get what it should mean to us. Pastor Lutzer examines Jesus' cries from the cross. His heart cried for the sins of the entire world, he took upon Him the guilt and the sins of humanity so that we can all get freedom, be forgiven and have everlasting life. God's love and justice meet on the cross, He shows us the biggest sacrifice because of His love, mercy and justice. We have to meditate on the weight of sin and the power of redemption. Our eyes have to be glazed upon Jesus in His weakness, obedience, sorrow, compassion and love. The cross deserves our attention because it points to the heart of Jesus. We can surrender to Him so that or hearts can be shaped to His heart. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for this review.

Monday, April 2, 2018

Book review: The five love languages singles edition by Gary Chapman

Every human has the need of feeling loved, regardless of being single or getting a family. Everyone is born with a desire given by God for complete, unconditional love in all relationships. Reading the bestselling The Five Love Languages you get a nice view of relationships.The Five Love Languages Singles Edition, Dr. Gary Chapman is the version of the message personalized to the needs of single adults. It can help you understand the five love languages in order to improve  all relationships. Some of the relationships that can always be beneficial are the ones with parents, coworkers, classmates, roommates, siblings, dating partners, friends, etc. The Five Love Languages Singles Edition gives you the tools to give and receive love in a most effective way. 
There is a study guide included and overall if you’ve read the book for the couples, this one is tweaked around the same principles and ideas. Regardless of being single or getting committed it is useful to read a book like this one to prepare you for the languages of love. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for this review.

Sunday, March 18, 2018

Book review: Life in community

This wonderful books presents the impact people living in community, being moved by the gospel and marked by the Spirit have. Truly great things happen. The people commit to one another. They grieve together, sing together, eat, pray, and play together. They love, serve, honor, encourage, provide for each other with a joyful heart. Also they live on mission together. As a result hearts are healed, walls come down. The people from outside come in, they feel invited, comfortable and accepted. There is no competition, no pretense, really amazing to be in community, pray for each other and help each other. A lot of people live in a shadow of what God intended for us, not fullfilling the full call and living completely surrendered. Life in Community calls us into the light, inspires us to live in love unbounded. You will totally be called to unleash the power of extraordinary community. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for this review .

Thursday, March 15, 2018

Book review: Master your money by Ron Blue

This books opens up the discussion for some good questions. For starters make you think if you know if you have enough. Also if you actually know how much is enough. If it’s hard figuring out these things, Master Your Money is the book for you. Ron Blue takes out principles from God's Word and applies them to your financial portfolio. He teaches you how to avoid the most common financial mistakes. Another key thing is applying biblical principles for money management. He gives tips on how to save, invest and give wisely. You will learn how to create a long-term financial plan that works. You will find out how to succeed in planning for your taxes and estate needs. And most importantly you will learn how to get out of debt. Ron’s professional experience in financial planning will help your anxieties over money. You can now learn the tools and techniques you need to move forward toward true financial freedom. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for this review. 

Book review: The last arrow by Erwin McManus

By the time we get to the end of our days, we will not measure our life based on success and failures. These things will eventually fade away together into a single memory called “life.” The thing that will give us solace is a life with nothing left undone. A life that has been lived with relentless ambition, a heart on fire, and important also, with no regrets. On the other hand, what will haunt us until our final breath is who we could have been but never became and what we could have done but never did. The Last Arrow is a very powerful book that is a roadmap to a life that defies odds and alters destinies. Erwin McManus examines the characteristics of individuals who risked everything for a life they could only imagine. Just the thought of living the life we were convinced was only a dream. We begin this life with a quiver full of arrows. The choice we have to do is : will we cling to our arrows or risk them all, opting to live until we have nothing left to give? I received a copy of the book from Blogging for books for this review.

Saturday, March 10, 2018

Book review: Loving your spouse when you feel like walking away by Gary Chapman

In today’s society marriage is presenting a lot of difficulties because of the fact that so many couples are struggling and it is estimated that one out of two marriages end up in divorce at some point. The story can be changed. The author, Dr. Gary Chapman writes, “I believe that in every troubled marriage, one or both partners can take positive steps that have the potential for changing the emotional climate in their marriage.” The book: Loving Your Spouse When You Feel Like Walking Away, is a revised and updated edition of the award-winning Desparate Marriages. It will teach you how to recognize and reject the myths that hold you captive. Also gives you a better understand of your spouse’s behavior. It encourages you to take responsibility for your own thoughts, feelings, and actions. As a result you can make choices that can have a lasting, positive impact on you and your partner. Gary Chapman is an experienced counselor, his focus is to help those whose spouse deal with any of the traits of being: irresponsible, workaholic, controlling, uncommunicative, verbally abusive, physically abusive, sexually abusive, unfaithful, addictive to alcohol, drugs or depressed. You will definitely learn what to do when you feel like giving up, struggling. I received a copy of the Loving Your Spouse When You Feel Like Walking Away from the publisher for this review.

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Book review: Losing the cape advanced reader copy by Dan Stanford

Nowadays the problems and pain in our world are bigger and more intense than ever, it feels they persist and distress us. It’s like the threats just keep coming and amplify by the day. Despite all of this, the good news is that God has placed us all here for such a time as this. We don’t have to get rid of our anxiety, debt, extra weight, health issues, disability, etc to be used by God. What is actually necessary is less-than-super people making small but significant differences in their own areas of the world. There are lots of inspiring stories from the Bible and his own life in this wonderful book. The author Dan Stanford demonstrates that with God availability is more important than ability. Losing the Cape is an invitation to start making the world a better place through our ordinary, everyday presence. We all have a calling and even through the little things that we do, we can make an impact. When we dedicate to be faithful and do our part, things we didn’t imagined can be accomplished. To be achievers we need a winner mentality and desire to succeed. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for this review.

Friday, February 23, 2018

Book review: Growing up social by Gary Chapman and Arlene Pellicane

The problem we are faced nowadays is that children are spending more and more time interacting with a screen and less time doing more educational or beneficial activities. Things like playing outside, reading a book or interacting with a parent are detrimental and a priority. It is true that technology can benefit us, but it can also affect a child’s emotional and social development. The book Growing Up Social is written by Gary Chapman and Arlene Pellicane with the purpose of providing you with the tools needed to make positive changes right now in your family life. There are so many funny stories, knowledge and wisdom make your family less dependent on electronics. The book explains the skills every child needs to master: affection, appreciation, anger management, apology and attention. Firstly you learn how to replace mindless screen time with meaningful family time. Secondly you can establish simple boundaries that make a huge difference. Thirdly you discover what's working for families that have become screen dependent. You can armor your child to be relationally rich in a digital world. Also you learn healthy ways to occupy your child while you can get things done. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for this review.

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Book review: 31 Proverbs to light your path by Lizz Curtis Higgs

This wonderful proverbs book offers you wisdom you need for taking decisions and moving forward. Anyone who may feel anxious, insecure about the future, not knowing what to do next can benefit reading his. to know what’s next. It gives a reminder that God holds your future in His loving hands and will guide you through it all. These beautiful verses from the Proverbs offer thirty-one nuggets of truth and present how faithfully God honors His promise, “I will instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths” (Proverbs 4:11). It’s author Liz Curtis Higgs studies each word with care and presents it positively and with a little sense of humor through her honest stories and personal life examples. You will find included in the book also: “One Minute, One Step” challenge, which are: a do-it-now task that requires very little time. This book will help you find how practical and meaningful the book of Proverbs is as you apply its wisdom to your modern life. I received a copy of the book from Blogging for books for this review. 

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Book review: Lies women believe Study Guide by Nancy DeMoss Volgemuth

This Study Guide on Lies women believe is a good follow up for the book:  Lies Women believe. Is shows how Satan is the master deceiver, his lies are endless and can deceive easily. The lies Christian women believe are at the root of most of the struggles they face. One passage states that: "Many women live under a cloud of personal guilt and condemnation." Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth says: “Many are in bondage to their past. Others are gripped by fear of rejection and a longing for approval. Still others are emotional prisoners." In the bestseller: Lies Women Believe, Nancy exposes some of the areas of deception most frequently believed by Christian women: lies about God, sin, priorities, marriage, family, emotions, everyday life. She puts into perspective how we can be delivered from bondage and be set free to walk in God's grace, forgiveness and victory. Every woman can live an abundant life. The author offers the most effective weapon to counterattack and overcome Satan's deceptions: God's truth! that stays the same and has the power to break any deceit. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for this review.

Friday, February 16, 2018

Book review: Lies young women believe and the truth that sets them free Study Guide

 This study guide is for everyone who read the book:  Lies Young Women Believe, because its a way to go deeper into the study of the book. It helps focusing more into the truths presented in the book and applying them to your life. This companion guide contains questions and activities to help do that. Every session is made up of the some of these topics: First an overview of the chapter to be studied from Lies Young Women Believe and reminders of the lies discussed in that chapter. Secondly: a daily personal study for the readers to complete during the course of the week and between youth group meetings. Then every day's study includes a reading from Lies Young Women Believe and reflection questions. Lastly there are questions to be discussed in youth group small group environment. Would recommend this study. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for this review.

Monday, February 12, 2018

Book review: Lies young women believe by Nancy Demoss

The authors of this book, Nancy and Dannah did a survey on what are some of the lies that young women believe. Some of the responses they got include: 
“I know God should be the only thing that satisfies, but if it could be Him and my friends, then I could be happy.” "It seems like I have been struggling with depression forever. I always feel like I am not good enough.” “I tell myself that I don’t really listen to the song lyrics, but once I hear a song a few times and start thinking about what they’re saying I realize that it's too late.  It's already stuck in my head." "For me, the whole wife and mom thing is overrated. It isn’t cool to want a husband and a family.” These are some of the common scenarios that play into lots of women's thoughts. Its hard sometimes to listen to the right voices. This book has been written by friends who will help you find the Truth. The heart can tell you that some things in your life are way off course. Some habits and relationships can leave people confused and lonely, when in reality you shouldn't encounter these emotions. In this womderful book, Nancy and Dannah expose 25 of the lies most commonly believed by your generation. There are stories about how the women overcome lies they themselves believed. The purpose of this book is to set you free by the Truth. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for this review.

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

Book review: Lies women believe by Nancy Demoss Wolgemuth

The wonderful book that illustrates lots of the lies that women believe and are not through it’s a great help to realize that our thoughts are not always realistic. These negative thinking has at its root the deception of Satan, who is the master deceiver and his lies are really endless. The reality is that the lies Christian women believe are at the root of most of their struggles. Discovering the truth about some of the lies is made known in this book and recognized because they are found in the Bible and are a helping tool on different occasions. One passage described is: "Many women live under a cloud of personal guilt and condemnation." Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth continues saying that: "Many are in bondage to their past. Others are gripped by fear of rejection and a longing for approval. Still others are emotional prisoners." The wonderful work: Lies Women Believe, Nancy underlines the areas of deception most commonly accepted to be true by Christian women, starting from lies about God, sin, priorities, marriage and family, emotions, future. She reveals how we can be delivered from bondage and be set free to walk in God's grace. We can find acceptance, forgiveness and abundant life through God, in the light of what is true and real. Nancy offers the most effective weapon to overcome Satan's deceptions: God's truth that never changes, stays the same and has power no matter what. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for this review.

Book review: The way to brave by Andy McQuitty


Tuesday, February 6, 2018

Book review: Who do you say that I am? by Becky Harling

The wonderful study on the book underlines the “I AM” statements of Jesus which are mean to support women move from knowing about Him to knowing Him personally. There are a lot of meaningful questions Jesus asks in the New Testaments: Mark, Matthew, Luke, John and the answers He himself provides are powerful. Through the answers you can discove the truth of who Jesus really is. You can definitely grow in your ability to trust God and rely on Him fully and definitely discover the calm and peace promised in Scripture despite life’s difficult circumstances. The author Becky Harling has a good experience as a Bible teacher and women's ministry leader. She empowers women to know God closely, walk with Him and knows how to make Scripture come alive. Who Do You Say that I AM? will definitely help women dive deep into the Word for a real relationship with Christ. It’s a good tool to help women become more confident, calm, courageous in the faith and fulfill the call they have for their life. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for this review.

Monday, February 5, 2018

Book: Grace for the unexpected journey by Debbie Barr

This wonderful book is a great help for any caregiver to anyone that has Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia. It is hard to watch someone you love suffer, there’s a lack of sleep there, growing tired, frustrated, struggling with loneliness or depression. The book will definitely help diminish the stress that one carries around in this situation. Grace for the Unexpected Journey: A 60-Day Devotional for Alzheimer’s and Other Dementia Caregivers provides the extra support needed. Each daily devotion is short, ideal for busy schedule, it gives reflection on a relevant Scripture passage, features a relatable caregiving story and offers a key Scripture for meditation. Debbie Barr is a good health educator, compassionate for dementia caregivers and loves to offer encouragement. Scriptures are used to address their practical hardships and spiritual concerns, this devotional offers strength. This devotional gives peace, hope and grace for their journey. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for this review.

Monday, January 29, 2018

Book review: Humble roots by Hannah Anderson

This book presents the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway and the surroundings of Virginia mountains. The well known route of natural beauty is part of the setting of Hannah Anderson beginning her exploration to pursue peace and humility. She started when feeling restless and anxious, she immersed herself in the world outside. Hannah loved discovering lots of wonderful plants like: forsythia, milkweed and a herb garden. While learning about soil preparation, sour mulch, grapevine blights she understood the truth about our dependence on God, finding rest, and fighting discontentment. Humble Roots is presenting some theology and some stroll through the fields and forest. Anderson explores how cultivating humility leads to peace. The mistake is when we focus too much on strict boundaries, increased productivity and strict schedule. The Bible message supporting this teaching is: “Come unto me, all who labor and are heavy laden and you will find rest for your souls.” Jesus is humility Himself, we learn it from Him. We have to think who we are and Who we are not, also rediscovering everything else that comes from belonging to Him. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for this review.

Saturday, January 20, 2018

Book review: Where I end by Katherine Clark

In this wonderful book you can learn how Katherine Clark was just a good wife and mother with two young children when a tragic playground accident happened. A little boy playing on the jungle gym jumped and fell on Kate’s head, knocking her over and snapping her neck. Kate was paralyzed from the neck down. The doctors said she would never walk again. This horrible prognosis could have been the end of her story. On the contrary God chose to work a profound miracle in Kate’s life and in the life of her family. Where I End tells the incredible story of all that followed in their life. Kate describes how God’s presence carried her through the hard journey of having to learn again to walk, physically and also spiritually. She discovered some deep truths that kept her strong as she and her family traveled through this difficult time. Where I End offers hope, encouragement and help us reinforce who Jesus is: God with us. It teaches us to see pain and suffering inside the context of God’s loving, tender and powerful care and find hope. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for this review.

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Book review: This I know by Laura Dingman

One of the things this wonderful book help you navigate through is getting rid of worry of what the future might hold. Another answer to your quest might be figuring out whether you have peace when don’t know how to have it. The biggest solution is to actually know that God is trustworthy and practically live this way. This I Know is a Bible study that walks you upon the water, helps women discover biblical truths about the character of God, giving them courage to step faithfully into the unknown. Their attitude will be one of confidence in the God they do know. The author Laura Dingman walks you through Acts 17, James 1, Habakkuk 3, Psalm 46, 2 Chronicles 20,  and Joshua 3. Some of the topics of the study include: abundance in Jesus, the goodness of God in trial and the value of remembering God’s past faithfulness. Every week Study gives you a chance of prayer, interaction with the biblical text, journaling, group discussion, etc. If you want to get to know more of the unchanging character of God, want to surrender your live to Him and give Him all your trust, this is the book you will love to read. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for this review.

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Book review: Team Us by Ashleigh Slater

A married couple share their last name, a joint bank account, responsabilities among other things. Besides this the husband and wife form a new team and they share life together with all the beautiful and difficult times that come with it. They become one, stronger together and in theory they don’t let nothing come between them. It’s not easy dealing with real life that sometimes brings disappointments, frustrations, sadness and hurt. One are where the couple has to be intentional is  in their day-to-day activities, things they share and do. While in the dating period it was all enthusiastic, things tend to get a bit more complicated, routine comes in and interacting becomes even contradictory. Not too long after the couple’s left wondering what happened to their team spirit, because everyone is on their own, it’s not so much a matter of “we” but “me” and “you” while dealing with decision making, negotiations can have different motives. Team Us offers couples practical ways to cultivate and strengthen unity in their marriages so that they become a success. Author Ashleigh Slater shares from her own marriage experience as she presents couples with realistic ideas on how to improve cooperation, deeper commitment, practicing grace on a daily basis. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for this review.