A New Perspective



Christmas Stories. We all know the traditional stories. Of santa of Jesus in a manger, the Savior of our world. But all too often, we live in these stories and we forget the extraordinary nature of them. The God of the universe come down in a manger, the Savior of creation who lived to die for us, though we do not deserve it. In Christmas Stories, we see a collection of short stories by Max Lucado. In Part 1 we look more at the lives of those impacted by Jesus, where Christ is Celebrated. In Part 2 we look at the story of Jesus through different eyes, from Gabriel to Mary to Joseph to a little bow who worked in a carpenter shop that crafted the manger in which Jesus lay.

I really enjoyed this collection of stories. Part 1 is my favorite however, I really enjoyed the Christmas Candle as it told a story of how God can use an ordinary situation to bless His followers, that sometimes hope is what is needed. Maybe He is the Messiah was another wonderful story, and if it does not cause someone to think of their actions, of how they would respond, I do not know what would. The Christmas Child was definitely a tearjerker, as was the Answer is Yes, both are stories I will be reading with my friends next time Christmas comes around. The North Pole or the Manger was a comparison between Jesus and santa, between Salvation and presents. Which would you choose?

Part 2, was interesting as well. We got to see perspectives from Gabriel, Joseph, and a carpenter named Jacob. We saw Christ from different perspectives and it all shows just how much He gave up for us, for people that would later crucify Him on a cross. How amazing is that love? How can one not want to praise it.

After reading this book, I would gladly give it 5/5 stars. It was phenomenal and caused me to look at things differently, I suggest for each of you to read it to your families at well around Christmas Time, it will make a good 'Advent Calendar' of sorts, perhaps reading a chapter or a few pages each evening until the book is complete. Either way, purchase this book, you will not regret it.

I received his book for free via BookSneeze's blogging for books program. I was in no way required to give a positive review, however due to the nature of this book chose to give a 5 star review on the merits of the author's work. I look forward to reading more of Max Lucado's books in the future.

Stressing Out? Check This Out!

In her book Stress Point, Sarah Martin introduces us to a book designed to address different points of contention that a female may encounter during their 20s. The target audience is 20-30 year old females. Martin takes a look at career, self image, body image, love and dating, serious romantic relationships, friends and family, money, independence, making a difference, and spiritual maturity in her book.

I enjoyed the cover to the book and thought it was creative, however, at times I found it hard to thoroughly engage with Martin's writing style, however she more than made up for that with the different questions and answers she had interspersed throughout the book. I enjoyed the fact that Martin constantly had us engaging with the material we'd read. As I received an e-book copy of this title, I found it a bit more difficult to completely interact as I did not like having to use a separate padd of paper. It'd be nice if the e-book format could have a website where you could enter information or something on the page by which you could interact, but I understand that technology is not yet there at this point in the book search for that. This is not a criticism of the author but more what I wish could be reality in general for any book that has a question/answer portion to it.

Each 'stress point' had a specific flow to it as Martin attempted to show a loving and caring God to her readers.

I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to individuals in my age group to read. I give this book 4/5 stars for being easy to read and engage.

I received this book for free via BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review.

Viral Revival

In Viral, Leonard Sweet takes the time to look at two prominent groups of individuals. He terms them Gutenbergers and Googlers and the difference between them is how they relate to one another.

While Gutenbergers primarily work with understanding words and their meaning via academic means, Googlers work with others to decipher meaning. Googlers are more in motion as opposed to static.

I found it a bit difficult at first to get into Sweet's writing, however as the book progressed, I found it easier as the flow picked up. Within the Christian church, as culture has evolved, we've often been left 'behind the times.' It's important to be with the times as culture evolves in order to reach out and touch others more.

I find it important to mention that while the Googler era can bring connection, it's not necessarily a great way to 'reach out' to others. It certainly has a time and a place, but it is not something that one should live their life by.

In today's age and society, living virtually can consume an individual, they can lose themselves to a second life, forgetting the big world outside and around them. While Sweet seemed inclined to lean towards the Googler group, I appreciated his willingness and attempt to engage both sides as opposed to heavily endorsing or loathing one. All too often we concern ourselves with whether or not Jesus would do a particular thing, perhaps instead of asking if Jesus would have a Facebook we should consider how Jesus would use His Facebook?

For a well thought out book, I give Viral by Leonard Sweet 4/5 stars. You should take time to read this book if you seek to better understand Gutenbergers or Googlers. I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review.

Ruth and Bo(az)

Ruth's Redemption. When I saw the name to the novel by Marlene Banks, I was instantly intrigued. Since the book was by Moody Press, I thought it might have some parallels to the story of Ruth and Boaz, especially after a quick glance at the back showed another main character in the story by the name of Bo.

Marlene Banks did well to craft her story. I found that the flow of the story for the majority of the book was appropriately paced. I further enjoyed her integration with the Nat Turner rebellion. I always enjoy a piece of historical fiction that is mindful of the mindset of the area in which it resides. There is good historical fiction and bad historical fiction. As long as the author researches properly, the story will be a success.

This for me is what drives the success of Marlene Bank's novel. If anything, my only critique was that it was not long enough. I found the end to be a bit rushed as we began to wrap up the story, however in a way there might not have been much to say.

The similarity to Ruth and Boaz was really the theme of the entire novel for me. I enjoyed the parallel story. It's for this reason that I give Ruth's Redemption 5/5 stars and suggest each of you take the time to read this story.

I received this book for free from Moody Publishers in return for my honest review.

A Bountiful Read

When I heard of a new impending release by Tessa Afshar, I was excited. Biblical Fiction is one of my favorite genres to read, and after reading her previous book, A Pearl in the Sand, I expected a great story. I was not disappointed as I saw the creation of a strong character in Sarah who provided a look at what could have been.   If you are familiar at all with the Biblical story of Esther, this is situated right after the death of Queen Esther, King Xerxes, and is during the time of King Artaxerxes and his Queen Damaspia. There is little mentioned on this time, so a lot of creative license can be taken.   Sarah is immediately someone a reader can relate to, a scared girl who wonders if she is valued, loved. We all deal with that inadequacy, wondering if we lack something. Afshar’s take on this character as well as her handling of the delicate issue of being a female scribe in a job that is commonly held by a man is refreshing.   I picked this book up at 6pm and did not place it down until I’d finished reading it, something around 10pm. It was not a short book, but it was one I found hard to place down. With engaging characters and dynamic storylines, Afshar immerses her readers in the world of which she writes, a world that leaves us wanting for more, even when the story ends.   If you enjoy Biblical Fiction, this is a book you will not want to miss. For that reason I am giving Afshar’s book 5 out of 5 stars for what I consider an excellent addition to the genre of Biblical Fiction.   I received this book for free from Moody Publishers in return for my honest review.

More than Enough

Psalm 23 is one of my all-time favorite Chapters of the Bible. It's also the first one I memorized all the way back in second grade. Seeing this book and the picture on the cover really made me interested in reading it.

All too often I get caught up in the day to day minutiae. In his book, Tony Evans reminds that God is more than enough. Whenever I read Psalm 23 before, I never really unpacked it to go into as much depth as Evans did. However it's true. David's God, that same God is with us now. He leads us better and more capably than we could lead ourselves.

Each chapter in God is more than enough is about one of the verses, looking at the words and their contextual meaning. This was an incredibly easy read, 70 pages in length.

Based on content and topic. I am happy to give this book 4/5 stars. I would definitely recommend it to individuals who find themselves getting overwhelmed. Remember that all we have in God is MORE than enough.

The title of this book reminded me of Enough, by Chris Tomlin. I hope you enjoy listening to the song as you read this book as much as I did. Remember, that God is always enough.

I received a complementary copy of this book from Multnomah Publishers for reviewing it.

The Jesus Mission - A Call to Action

 
If there was ever a book that kicked me in the gut just how far removed I was, it was this one. It's hard to be confronted with your own failings, or rather just how misguided you are. The Jesus Mission, was a wake-up call for me and it did so by taking a look into Jesus' life and what made it unique, what missions that were given to us during His time on Earth.

I must admit, when I sat down to this book I was skeptical, after all, just what could this 'Jesus Mission' be about. I knew that He came here to save us, to die on the cross, to show us His example. This book touches on these points but goes beyond. Providing a thought provoking and convincing argument for belief in Christ, as well as fulfilling and living out the missions.

It's not enough to believe. Your belief should spur you to action, should cause you to take up the missions that Christ has assigned to us.

The author was very repetitive in his attempt to convey his message. This is not a bad thing, however for some this style may be a bit annoying. I found it refreshing and appreciated being reminded of different points, especially the important ones.

For those of you who think you know Jesus' mission for us, I invite you to read this book, to explore the reasoning and logic used by Scott to refresh and renew your relationship with Christ.

For what does it prosper a man if he gains the world but loses his soul...

This genre is not one I read as much, however I've been trying to more often of late. On the basis of the writing, the scripture quoted, and the overall feel of the book I will give this book 4/5 stars. I found it engaging and thought provoking, a good book to read with friends and discuss.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."