7: an experimental mutiny against excess by Jen Hatmaker

I just finished reading 7.  Wow!  This book is full of non-conventional thoughts (even for most Christians), but it held my attention and got my thought-wheels turning.  I highly recommend this book to everyone!  You will be challenged to rethink many things in your life.  You will open places that have been collecting dust and haven't "bothered" you for years.  You will find that the truth is not what you thought.  "Those" places have been bothering you, but you have found yourself sweeping them under the rug without realizing it.  Spending has caught you in its clutches, food has taunted you into eating more and more, possessions have filled and overflowed your closets and drawers.  You can't seem to understand why you are constantly spent, feeling as though you've been chasing your tail for weeks, months, or maybe years, yet you know that your stress level is through the roof from busyness.  Your kids play two sports each, you are involved in a Bible study on Tuesdays, an exercise class on Thursdays, and host a dinner party twice a month, your husband goes bowling every Friday night, and all of you have one to two activities every Saturday.  Why?  What's the reason?  The point?  Is there something you're running from or to?  Maybe you need a breather, a quiet space to rethink your life and all its many trappings.  If you're feeling like too much is really just too much, then you need to read 7.  In Jen Hatmaker's book, you will find a real person who really did an "experiment" sharing her real life with you.  She is upfront, honest, and open with her follies, mistakes, and victories.  If you don't want your current life situation challenged, your views questioned, your ideals stretched, then DO NOT read 7.  I don't believe you'd enjoy any part of Jen's story if you're happy with the status quo of your life.  If, however, you're curious about what all the fuss is about, then read this book with an open mind.  You never know how God may use the words within 7 to get you thinking, pondering, and considering the normal everyday of your life.  For more on how this book has impacted me and what I plan to do because of it, please visit lifeasapeculiartreasure.blogspot.com.  Sometimes we all need to be stretched, molded, and remade with God's best for us in mind.  Enjoy, friends!

Praying for Boys: Asking God for the Things They Need Most

I have two boys - a three-year-old and a six-month-old.  They are a delight to me!  My three-year-old has been changing lately, becoming more boy if that's possible.  He is still sweet, but now I hear growling and roaring noises more often.  Occasionally, I will find him jumping off the arm of the couch onto a nice stack of pillows built up on the cushions.  Then there are the times I hear him mention putting someone in a dungeon or using the word kill and pointing a child-size broom at someone.  Oh my!  When did he cross that line from ever-sweet boy to boy-boy with a side of sweet?  I have been struggling a bit with the changes in him.  They certainly are not bad changes, but they have me questioning God and wondering how to tame the boy without taking the "man" out of him. 

A difficult thing for a mom to puzzle out with her oldest son.

When the opportunity to review Praying for Boys came along, it was a great choice for me with my growing questions concerning how to parent my boy.  What I didn't realize, when I clicked that decisive button saying I wanted to review Praying for Boys, was that the book wasn't quite what I thought it was.  Praying for Boys by Brooke McGlothlin is a great book for those moms (like me) that just aren't sure what to do but know that praying is really the best place to start.  Brooke encourages moms of boys to get down on their knees and pray for their sons.  It's not just about praying but about what to pray - God's word.  With twenty-one chapters covering twenty-one things that boys need in their lives to help them be men of God, this book should have a place on every mom's shelf (prayer warrior or not).  Brooke talks about not wanting to take the things away from her sons that make them boys but to pray for the things that will make them men of God (men with character).  What mom doesn't want her son to have good character?  This is not a parenting book, although some of Brooke's parenting strategies do pop up in her stories.  I found her strategies intriguing and thought-provoking.  The crucial concept to be found within the pages of Praying for Boys is getting down on your knees every day (if possible) to pray for our sons' hearts.  Asking God to turn them to hearts of flesh.  Boys will be boys may be an excuse for bad behavior, but God has a plan for each of our sons and a blueprint for them to follow.  Instead of standing in the path of our sons trying to take away the parts of them that make them boys, we should thank God for those things and pray for His honing hand in their lives, their character, their beliefs.

Another neat feature of Brooke's book is the 21-day prayer guide for small groups in the back.  If you feel compelled to do so, you can use the provided guide to lead a small group in praying for their sons using the prayers in Praying for Boys.  A great and quick read!  The scriptures featured in Brooke's book also make a great jumping off point for finding other verses to pray over your sons (or daughters).  Moms, get on your knees for your children (I know I need to more than I do)!

Some helpful links:
Praying for Boys
Brooke McGlothlin
MOB Society
The Seed Company

Note: I received this book free for review from Bethany House.

Desperate Households: How to restore order and harmony to your life and home By Kathy Peel

Kathy Peel is the Family Manager extraordinaire.  In Desperate Households, she covers 10 areas that can cause stress to Family Managers.  These areas include: dinnertime, clutter, finances, priorities, self-development, and others.  With real-life examples and great tips/ideas that can be easily implemented, this book is a must read for any Family Manager in need of some de-stress tactics.  Is your morning routine causing issues within your family, or do school days send you into a whirlwind of lost shoes?  Then I highly recommend this easy read!  You can even skip right to the chapter that really speaks to your current need!  I suggest tackling one area at a time rather than trying to hit all 10 at once.  That would cause you more stress!  Great hints from her own experience and that of other women will set you on the road to order and easy-breathing.  Don't be "desperate" anymore - read Desperate Households!

Friendship for Grown-Ups by Lisa Whelchel

I moved back to my home state over a year ago and have since struggled to develop friendships.  The struggle has taken a toll on me, but I know that God has a plan for me and for my friends.  God is good!
I was in the library looking for books and found Friendship for Grown-Ups by Lisa Whelchel on the shelf and decided to check it out.  What a great book!  As I was reading, I kept thinking "I've been there; I know what she's saying."  Books where I connect with the author that way are so powerful to me.  I want to internalize her words, follow her suggestions, learn from her mistakes/fumbles.  Lisa goes through her journey on the road to friendship in this book.  She tells the reader the low points, the high points, and the in-between.  I am both hopeful and a little scared about stepping into the real world of friendship.  The road to deep, meaningful friendship is not always going to be easy or free from potholes.  Why?  We're human!  This book is ideal for a discussion group or just some self-evaluation.  In the back of the book, Lisa includes useful helps in growing your friendship and great starter questions to ask your friends or your friends-to-be.
I wish I could tell you the emotions I went through as I read her words about women who may only have a thimbleful to give and those who have even more.  Or the feelings I had when I read about addressing bricks before a wall is built.  So many helpful tools!  If you want to learn more about friendship, real, deep, abiding friendship, check this powerful book out.  And, if anyone wants to do a study of it with me, let me know!!!

Love At Last Sight by Kerry & Chris Shook

Awesome!  That's the first word that comes to mind about this great book.  I haven't read any other books by the Shooks, so this was my first experience with them.  I found the book to be just what I needed right now in my life.  I have dear relationships that are in all stages, and I want to do what I can to take them to the "Love At Last Sight" stage.  Over the course of reading through this book and answering the journaling questions and following through on their suggestions, you see that the Shooks deeply care for you and your relationships.  They sincerely want to help you grow in your relationships and strive to be the best kind of friend you can be.  I know that several of the points they mentioned struck a chord within me regarding my dearest relationships.  They are very insightful and honest about all aspects of relationships in this book.  What would it really be like to have a "Love At Last Sight" kind of relationship?  I truly believe that it would be the kind of relationship that Jesus had with his disciples.  I know that's what I would love to have with my husband, my children, my dearest friend, etc.  Relationships are so very crucial to our life, especially our life as a Christian.  This is a powerful, useful, genuine resource that I highly recommend for those who desire to take their relationships to a new level.  Whether you have a wonderful relationship already or you want to restore a relationship that is on its last legs, this book will guide you through steps to get you to the kind of relationships we all wish we had.  I think this is a resource that we all need to utilize at some point in our life.  Check it out!  It's worth the 30 days!!

Disclaimer:
This book was provided free for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

Links to check out:
Love At Last Sight Book
Love At Last Sight Chapter One
Last Sight Challenge Website

Love is a Verb: Stories of What Happens When Love Comes Alive by Gary Chapman

This book was not what I first expected, but as I read I really found it enjoyable.  Love is a Verb is a compilation of several short stories written by several different people about their encounters with love.  The stories range from uplifting to bittersweet and all touch on different kinds and aspects of love.  Stories include love for a spouse, child, parent, neighbor, stranger, etc.  They are powerful stories with eye-opening insights and thought-provoking concepts.  I cried and maybe even laughed a little while reading this collection of tidbits right from people's real lives.  Love is something so precious, a true gift we can give to others and receive from others.  God is the ultimate example of what love is and can be and that also shines through in this heartfelt book.  I recommend this treasure of a book for those who are interested in gaining new insights into love through the true-to-life words of people who have come face-to-face with the many facets of what love can be.

Disclaimer:
This book was provided for review by Bethany House Publishers.

A Journey to New Books – Develop stronger relationships… - From March 5, 2010

Mother Daughter Duet
by Cheri Fuller and Ali Plum

Book Description:
When a daughter is born, her mother has a thousand hopes and dreams for her, especially that they will be best friends one day.
Unfortunately, even the best of intentions can go awry. There are so many challenges on the journey to adult friendship that the reality is fraught with friction and frustration. But a harmonious relationship is possible.
Award-winning author Cheri Fuller and her daughter, Ali Plum, have been there and have discovered the keys to a healthy relationship. In Mother-Daughter Duet they share their story—each from her own perspective—in which they have experienced distance and tension, growth and challenge, and, ultimately, acceptance and harmony. Filled with personal anecdotes and based on several basic principles (letting go; listening; respect; setting boundaries; and more), Mother-Daughter Duet helps moms repair the breach so that daughters want to draw close.
The mother-daughter dynamic is intense, personal, complex, and unique. But mothers and daughters can achieve mutual respect and learn to celebrate their differences when they learn the two-part harmony of the mother-daughter duet.

Author Bio:
Cheri Fuller is a best-selling, award-winning author whose books have sold more than one million copies. She speaks to a wide range of women at women’s conferences and is a frequent guest on national radio and television programs.
Ali Plum is Cheri’s daughter, a writer and songwriter, a wife, and a mother to Noah and Luke. She and her mom have weathered the ups and downs of their relationship to find one of the most treasured, honest relationships of their lives. Ali has recorded background vocals for popular musicians, and Mother-Daughter Duet marks her debut into book publishing.

Dancing with My Father
by Sally Clarkson

Book Description:
The reality of living in a broken, fallen world can leave women feeling overcome by fear, guilt, and weariness. Many develop “sawdust souls,” numb to any sense of joy.
In this warm and wise book, author Sally Clarkson invites readers to take God’s hand and let Him lead them into a life of anticipation, passion, and purpose. With the voice of a trusted mentor, she reveals how, by getting in tune with the rhythm of God’s presence, women can nurture an inner attitude of anticipation and celebration even in the stressful seasons of life.
Through rich biblical insights woven with real-life stories, women will be inspired to recapture a spirit of joy as they follow God’s lead on the dance floor of life.

Author Bio:
Sally Clarkson is a popular speaker, known across the nation and internationally for her work with women. She is the author of several books, including The Mission of Motherhood, The Ministry of Motherhood, and Seasons of a Mother’s Heart. She has worked in various ministries, including Campus Crusade for Christ. With her husband, Clay, she is cofounder of Whole Heart Ministries, which encourages and equips Christian parents. The Clarksons, parents of four, live near Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Disclaimer:
These books were provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

A Journey to New Books – Love & War - From February 12, 2010

I have to admit that I haven’t finished reading this book yet either. That seems to be my current reading status – I can’t finish as many books as I’d like to. Part of that comes from chasing around my 15 1/2 month old daughter. Anyway, Love & War is very insightful and interesting so far, and I haven’t even made it to page 20 (I don’t believe). Let me tell you below what I know about it from the publisher.

Book Summary:
What the Eldredge bestsellers Wild at Heart did for men, and Captivating did for women, LOVE & WAR will do for married couples everywhere. John and Stasi Eldredge have contributed the quintessential works on Christian spirituality through the experience of men and the experience of women and now they turn their focus to the incredible dynamic between those two forces.
With refreshing openness that will grab readers from the first page, the Eldredges candidly discuss their own marriage and the insights they’ve gained from the challenges they faced. Each talks independently to the reader about what they’ve learned, giving their guidance personal immediacy and a balance between the male and female perspectives that has been absent from all previous books on this topic. They begin LOVE & WAR with an obvious but necessary acknowledgement: Marriage is fabulously hard. They advise that the sooner we get the shame and confusion off our backs, the sooner we’ll find our way through.
LOVE & WAR shows couples how to fight for their love and happiness, calling men and women to step into the great adventure God has waiting for them together. Walking alongside John and Stasi Eldredge, every couple can discover how their individual journeys are growing into a story of meaning much greater than anything they could do or be on their own.

Disclaimer:
This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

A Journey to New Books – Dug Down Deep - From January 22, 2010

I have always enjoyed reading books by Joshua Harris. I was one of those teens who had to get my hands on a copy of I Kissed Dating Goodbye. I devoured the book with the full hope and belief that I would one day follow in the footsteps of God-honoring courtship. When Boy Meets Girl came out, I had to know how the story “ended.” What person who read his first book wouldn’t want to know what happened to this great man of God on his journey to marital bliss? And I continued on in the Joshua Harris “club” to join the many who read the book formerly titled Not Even a Hint. Once I got hooked on his stories and insights, I must admit I had to read more. I missed out on his fourth book, but when the opportunity came along to read and review his most recent book, I, of course, jumped at the chance to read his latest “installment” in deep wisdom and insight.
Dug Down Deep has all the elements of a great Joshua Harris book. I can’t tell you all about it because I have failed to finish reading it. I can only say that what I’ve read so far has been thought-provoking, eye-opening, and, might I even say, compelling. Whether you’ve ever read a Joshua Harris book before or not, I would say that this book is worth the reading. Please look below for more info on this new title from Joshua Harris.

Book Summary:
What will you build your life on?

With startling transparency, Joshua Harris shares how we can rediscover the relevance and power of Christian truth. This is book shows a young man who rose quickly to success in the Christian evangelical world before he realized his spirituality lacked a foundation—it rested more on tradition and morality than on an informed knowledge of God.

For the indifferent or spiritually numb, Harris’s humorous and engaging reflections on Christian beliefs show that orthodoxy isn’t just for scholars—it is for anyone who longs to know the living Jesus Christ. As Harris writes, “I’ve come to learn that theology matters. It matters not because we want to impress people, but because what we know about God shapes the way we think and live. Theology matters because if we get it wrong then our whole life will be wrong.”

Whether you are just exploring Christianity or you are a veteran believer finding yourself overly familiar and cold-hearted, Dug Down Deep will help you rediscover the timeless truths of Scripture. As Harris challenges you to root your faith and feelings about God in the person, work, and words of Jesus, he answers questions such as:
What is God like and how does he speak to me?What difference does it make that Jesus was both human and divine?How does Jesus’s death on the cross pay for my sins?Who is the Holy Spirit and how does he work in my life?

With grace and wisdom, Harris will inspire you to revel in the truth that has captured his own mind and heart. He will ask you to dig deep into a faith so solid you can build your life on it. He will point you to something to believe in again.

Author Bio:
Joshua Harris is senior pastor of Covenant Life in Gaithersburg, Maryland, which belongs to the Sovereign Grace network of local churches. A passionate speaker with a gift for making theological truth easy to understand, Joshua is perhaps best known for his runaway bestseller, I Kissed Dating Goodbye, which he wrote at the age of twenty-one. His later books include Boy Meets Girl, Sex Is Not the Problem (Lust Is), and Stop Dating the Church. The founder of the NEXT conferences for young adults, Joshua is committed to seeing the gospel transferred to a new generation of Christians. He and his wife, Shannon, have three children.

Disclaimer:
This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

A Journey to New Books – The One-Day Way - From January 7, 2010

I’d like to tell you about a new book. I’m sorry to say that I haven’t had a chance to finish reading it yet, but I think it will be a good one.

Book Summary:
The One-Day Way produces lasting results by taking you back to basics. No more complicated weight-loss strategies. No more expensive diet plans that achieve only temporary results. Instead, you will lose weight and get fit with Chantel Hobbs’s simple, high-energy meal plans and her at-home program for cardio exercise and strength training. She will teach you how to change the way you think, which leads to new actions. Before you know it you will be strong, fit, and healthy. All it takes is doing things differently for twenty-four hours—and then repeating it.

The One-Day Way gives you everything you need to lose weight and get fit in body, mind, and spirit:
Break free from past dieting defeats
Learn a realistic, life-changing way to measure success
Change the way you think so you can change your life
Translate your dreams into goals, and your goals into lasting achievements
Get strong with thirty-one simple exercises, no fancy equipment required
Take advantage of ten ways to eat better while you lose weight

By focusing on food, faith, and fitness, Chantel shows you not only how to lose weight, but how to build the new life you were designed to live. You don’t have to wait any longer. The One-Day Way gives you all the tools for success, starting right now.


Author Bio:
The author of Never Say Diet and The Never Say Diet Personal Fitness Trainer, Chantel Hobbs is a motivational speaker, life coach, personal trainer, marathon runner, wife, and mother of four whose story has been featured on Oprah, The Today Show, Good Morning America, Fox & Friends, the 700 Club, and the covers of People and First magazines. She appears weekly on two fitness-themed radio programs and promotes her One-Day Way Learning System on television.


Disclaimer:  This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

A Journey to New Books - From December 4, 2009

I thought that God Gave Us Christmas answered some great questions for children in ways that make for more in-depth discussion. The story is enjoyable and beautifully illustrated by David Hohn. I would suggest that this book is for children over the age of 3 or for those who have started asking questions about Christmas, Santa, Jesus’ birth, etc.

Book Summary:
As Little Cub and her family prepare to celebrate the most special day of the year, the curious young polar bear begins to wonder… “Who invented Christmas?” Mama’s answer only leads to more questions like “Is God more important than Santa?” So she and Little Cub head off on a polar expedition to find God and to see how he gave them Christmas. Along the way, they find signs that God is at work all around them. Through Mama’s gentle guidance, Little Cub learns about the very first Christmas and discovers that… Jesus is the best present of all. This enchanting tale provides the perfect opportunity to help young children celebrate the true meaning of Christmas and to discover how very much God loves them.

I enjoyed God Gave Us Love a great deal because it really speaks to the different thoughts children have when it comes to love, especially different kinds of love. What’s different about the way I love Mommy and Daddy and the way they love each other? Grampa Bear explains love in a way that Little Cub can understand and relate to. The illustrations by Laura J. Bryant are well worth a second glance, just to make sure you saw everything!
Book Summary:
As Little Cub and Grampa Bear’s fishing adventure is interrupted by mischievous otters, the young polar bear begins to question why we must love others… even the seemingly unlovable. In answering her questions, Grampa Bear gives tender explanations that teach Little Cub about the different kinds of love that is shared between families, friends, and mamas and papas. Grampa explains that all these kinds of love come from God and that it is important to love others because… “Any time we show love, Little Cub, we’re sharing a bit of his love.” This sweet tale will warm the hearts of young children as they learn about all the different sorts of love, while the gentle explanations of each provide a valuable opportunity to encourage children to share with others a “God-sized love.”

I have not yet finished reading Treasured by Leigh McLeroy, but I have really enjoyed the few pages I’ve read so far. She is a great storyteller and really brings a depth to what she’s writing about. I know that I will enjoy finishing this book.
Book Summary:
Cigar boxes. Refrigerator doors. Scrapbooks and sock drawers and top shelves. These are the places we store our treasures–the keepsakes that tell the story of whom and what we’ve loved, how we’ve lived, and what matters most to us. God is a collector, too, whose treasures are tucked securely into the pages of his book: a golden bell here, an olive leaf there, a scarlet thread, a blood-stained cloth, a few grains of barley. Each of these saved artifacts reveals a facet of his heart and tells the story of a Father whose most precious possession is…us. In Treasured, Leigh McLeroy considers tangible reminders of God’s active presence and guides us in discovering evidence in our own lives of his attentive love.


Disclaimer: These books were provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

A Journey to New Books – Extraordinary - From October 9, 2009

I have started reading this book, but due to so much busyness in my life right now, I have not yet finished reading Extraordinary by John Bevere. Below I have included a summary of the book from the publisher, an author bio, and a link to the publisher’s website. I will say that what I have read of the book is really interesting and definitely very thought-provoking. I hope you’ll take some time to read this title.


Book Summary:
There’s a question that troubles many believers: “Why am I not experiencing more joy, more hope, more satisfaction, more intimacy, more power, more everything in my Christian life–didn’t Jesus promise that?” He did promise an abundant life, but too many people are trapped by the curse of “the ordinary.” They have accepted the wrong idea that following God means losing individuality, creativity, and a passion for achieving lofty goals. Nothing could be further from the truth! John Bevere builds a convincing case, straight from Scripture, for a way of living marked by extraordinary experiences and accomplishments—the life God always intended for his children. Here is a guide to understanding God’s incredible plans, and how to enjoy a life where he adds the “extra” to “ordinary.”


Author Bio:
John Bevere is an internationally popular conference speaker, teacher, and author of bestsellers, including The Bait of Satan, Drawing Near, and Driven by Eternity. His award-winning curriculum and books have been translated in over sixty languages and his weekly television program, The Messenger, is broadcast around the world. John and his wife, Lisa—also a bestselling author and speaker—reside with their family in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

A Journey to New Books – The Friends We Keep: A Woman’s Quest for the Soul of Friendship and 40 Minute Bible Studies - From August 13, 2009

The title The Friends We Keep intrigued me. I thought something like, “I wonder if this will give answers, insights, and peace about my friendships.” I have had many friendships in my life, some are gone now due to many factors. The loss of friendship always saddens me, especially if I somehow played a part in the loss. I think the hardest thing for me is when the level of intimacy in a friendship changes, and you wander into the land of acquaintances once again.
Now that I’ve given you an overview of my thought process before reading this book, I’ll tell about the book. I read this book fairly quickly, even though it wasn’t quite what I expected. Sarah Zacharias Davis takes her reader on a journey through the different kinds of friendship, the different roles in friendship, the seasons of friendship, and so much more. She reveals stories from her own life and the lives of other women about aspects of their friendships. Chapter titles include: The Lesson of Lucy Van Pelt, Betrayal by Burger, and The Age of Friendship, just to name a few. The book is well-written, insightful, down-to-earth, and incredibly thought-provoking (especially if the subject of friendships is near and dear to your heart). You may come away from the book with more questions than answers, but you will also gain new understanding along the way as well. I would say that this would be a good book to read with a ladies’ group and then go over the discussion questions together. This would make a great read for your book club, your Bible study group, or your moms’ group.
The Friends We Keep is Sarah’s thoughtful account of her own story and the stories of other women about navigating friendship. With heartfelt, intelligent writing, Sarah explores the questions every woman asks about friendship and more with personal stories, cultural references and history, faith, and grace. In the process, she delivers wisdom for navigating the challenges, mysteries, and delights of friendship: why we need friendships with other women, what it means to be safe in relationship, and how to embrace what a friend has to offer, whether meager or generous. For more info on the book, head on over to WaterBrook Press.

I’d also like to tell you about a series of Bible study books called 40 Minute Bible Studies. The 40 Minute Bible Study series from beloved Bible teacher Kay Arthur and the teaching staff of Precept Ministries tackles important issues in brief, easy-to-grasp lessons you can use personally or for small-group discussion. Each book in the series includes six 40-minute studies designed to draw you into God’s Word through basic inductive Bible study. There are 16 titles in the series, with topics ranging from fasting and forgiveness to prayer and worship. With no homework required, everyone in the group can work through the lesson together at the same time. Let these respected Bible teachers lead you in a study that will transform your thinking—and your life.
I haven’t had a chance yet to do one of these studies, but they look like they’re easy to follow along with and have the Bible verses printed in them that go with the lessons. What a great idea! These books would be wonderful to use in your circle of friends for your next Bible study.

A Perfect Mess: Why You Don’t Have to Worry About Being Good Enough for God by Lisa Harper

I found this book to be very insightful. Lisa Harper uses illustrations from her own life to draw her reader in to each Psalm she discusses. She uses her knowledge of God’s Word and her study of biblical languages to give deeper understanding to each Psalm she writes about. The Psalms that are highlighted in this book really give you the feeling and belief that God loves His people in every way at all times. This isn’t to say that we can be reckless, but we can be a bit “messy” and He still cares for us. A Perfect Mess would make a great group study book for your women’s book club or prayer group. It is easy to follow and comprehend and it holds your attention. It certainly is not dry! I think that Harper does a wonderful job of giving us a little more light to shine on our reading of the Psalms.

She’s Gonna Blow!: Real Help for Moms Dealing with Anger by Julie Ann Barnhill

Julie Ann Barnhill has given moms everywhere a great book in She’s Gonna Blow!. I found this book both informative and real. There are several strategies and suggestions for mothers to use to help diffuse anger and some questions for you to think about as well. The thing that I liked most about Ms. Barnhill’s book was her real-life stories. She shared many of her experiences – good and bad – over her years of motherhood. With real insight and honesty she gives her reader hope and help all at once. This book was really an eye opener for me in so many ways. If you struggle with any kind of anger issues in your mothering, then this would be a great resource book to start you off on the road to answers and solutions. She also has a list of recommendations in the back of the book for more help in several different categories. This really was a wonderfully insightful book. I highly recommend it for every mother who has had an off-day and questioned her sanity and her actions. God is gracious! Find this book and find some time to read it!

A Journey to New Books — A Perfect Mess - From July 21, 2009

I’d like to tell you today about a book titled A Perfect Mess: Why You Don’t Have to Worry About Being Good Enough for God by Lisa Harper. I have begun reading it, but I have not had a chance to finish it yet. The book is a unique study of some of the Psalms. So far, I’m enjoying it and finding it enlightening and thought-provoking. This book could be a great resource for your women’s prayer group or book club.
Take a look at the summary and author bio below. For more info about the book, please check out the link I’ve included.

A Perfect Mess Summary:
Caught up in the self-imposed pressure to do and be all the things they think a Christian woman ought to do and be, countless women are working desperately to convince everyone, including God, that they have it all together. Few have any idea that the Creator of the universe looks at them with delight even when they yell at the dog, drive a minivan littered with French fries, or think bad words about that rude clerk at the store.
A Perfect Mess offers hope to every woman who yearns for a vibrant relationship with God but worries she isn’t good enough or doesn’t do enough to merit His affection. With characteristic authenticity, speaker and author Lisa Harper shares poignant stories from her own imperfect life to showcase the real-life relevancy of the Bible in the lives of modern women. As she guides readers on a story-driven journey through selected Psalms, they will be inspired to experience for themselves how God’s incomparable love transforms the messiness of life into a gorgeous work of grace.

Lisa Harper Bio:
Lisa Harper is a master storyteller whose lively approach connects the dots between the Bible era and modern life. She is a sought-after Bible teacher and speaker whose upcoming appearances include the national Women of Faith Conferences. A veteran of numerous radio and television programs and the author of several books, she also is a regular columnist for Today’s Christian Woman magazine. Lisa recently completed a master’s of theological studies from Covenant Theological Seminary. She makes her home outside Nashville.

More info:
http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780307457882&ref=externallink_wbp_aperfectmess_sec_0526_01

Rattled: Surviving Your Baby’s First Year Without Losing Your Cool by Trish Berg

New to motherhood? If so, you might enjoy reading this little book. Each chapter covers a different topic and includes scriptures and a prayer. Berg covers all those things that you may or may not have thought about – with humor and tenderness. You will find that her real-life stories aren’t so different from your own. Sleeping? Outings? Those forgetful moments? It’s all about the first year – full of insights and encouragement. Look for the purple book with the baby on the cover, and you’ll be ready to find out the truth about aliens and your children. If that statement doesn’t intrigue you, I’m not sure what will. Hopefully, this book will help you not be Rattled.

In My Stack - From March 30, 2009

No, I have not fallen off of the planet. I need to be much more regular in my offerings to all of you. I am currently reading a book by one of my all-time-favorite authors – Robin Jones Gunn. I think she was one of the first Christian fiction authors that I “cut my teeth on.” What a wonderful series of young adult books she wrote for us to enjoy in the the Christy Miller books. Then she followed with more wonderful series and titles. I am currently reading the second book in the Katie Weldon Series – On a Whim. It is a great read so far. Robin Jones Gunn has a tendency to do things in her series books that I, as a reader, don’t expect. They aren’t necessarily bad things but things that, if I had written the book, I might not have done. I always enjoy her stories. They continue to draw me in, whether meant for adults or young adults. I also have the following titles “in my stack:” Too Small to Ignore: Why Children are the Next Big Thing by Dr. Wess Stafford, Pathway to Purpose for Women by Katie Brazelton, Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman’s Soul by John & Stasi Eldredge, and Organizing Magic:40 Days to a Well-Ordered Home and Life by Sandra Felton. There are other titles in my stack, but I didn’t want to bore you with the details. As you can see from my list, I have rather diverse tastes. I am reading On a Whim for pleasure and some of the others to help me in various ministries that I’m involved in at my church and in my life. I hope that you find yourself surrounded with books that are not only enjoyable but also stretch you in new directions. “Stretching” books are some of my favorites because I come to a new understanding of myself or of who I am in Christ. What a wonderful thing! I hope this post finds you all very blessed!

The Power of Praying Together by Stormie Omartian with Jack Hayford

This book is full of great ideas and details for your prayer life. There are chapters covering praying as an individual, praying with a partner, praying as a group, and more. Since I recently started a small prayer group, I wanted to read this book for new insight and that is what I received. Stormie’s books are easy to read and follow. She gives a sample prayer at the end of each chapter and also includes key verses to help you out. A marvelous, helpful tool for anyone needing a little more encouragement. I also recommend her other books, although I’ve only ever read through The Power of a Praying Wife. Need more understanding behind why and how to pray? Then grab some power and start reading.

Today’s Stack Includes…From January 29, 2009

So today when I look at the stack of books waiting for me, I see a variety of titles lined up. At the top of the stack is The Power of Praying Together by Stormie Omartian with Jack Hayford. I am actually almost done with this book. It has been a very handy read, especially since I recently started a small ladies prayer group. I also enjoyed reading The Power of a Praying Wife (which I must reread – I’m not sure if I ever finished it). My stack also contains Now and Always by Lori Copeland (for February’s Book Delights meeting), Love as a Way of Life by Gary Chapman (author of The Five Love Languages), several books on writing and getting published, at least two books on baby sign language, and a book by none other than Dave Ramsey (I can thank my friend, Kimberly, for that). As you can see, I have a lot of good reading ahead of me. This stack doesn’t even include my own books that I’ve been wanting to read. I have owned several books for several years that I have yet to read. I’m sure there is a word for that, but it escapes me at the moment. I guess you will have to be content with the fact that I easily own over 200 books, and I have only read a fraction of them. It really is a sad thing, but I continue to find new books to add to my collection anyway. New or used, that is. Can anyone relate to this need to buy books that intrigue you, even if they remain untouched and unopened for many years to follow? I suppose some may say that this is some sort of problem I have, but I would tend to disagree with those people. How can owning a lot of books ever be considered a problem? Just remember that if I didn’t read all of the books that I do this blog wouldn’t be full of great reviews. You see what I’m saying? That’s it for today’s stack. I’ll give you an update one day, and then you’ll see how different my stacks can be.