Letters to My Daughters: The Art of Being a Wife

This is by far the best relationship book I've read since I picked up Praying For Your Future Husband by Tricia Goyer & Robin Gunn way back in 2011. Rainey set up the book as a series of answers to a series of letters from and to her daughters, and framed them in a way that applies to all women and relationships across the board. While the advice which Rainey gives is directed toward married women, I found tons of application for myself in my close-and-serious-but-not-yet-engaged relationship.

What I liked most about this book, outside of the awesome, godly advice regarding marital relationships, was that Rainey compared marriage to many different visual/physical concepts. For example, she compared it to a masterpiece of art, to a dance, and to a garden. In each of these chapters themed around one concept, she drew out truths from things like dancing and showed how it applied to marriage. For me, a very visual and hands on learner, it was very helpful to have these tangible examples to understand more conceptual ideas in marriage. 

This is a book I will definitely read more than once, and will keep for my own collection of helpful books. I would definitely recommend it to both married women and women in serious relationships. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.

Book Review: The One

The One is a great book for those who are in a relationship, or single and preparing for a future relationship. The book begins by enlightening the reader to the love story of Ryan and Amanda Leak, who got engaged and married in the same day. After their super big day, they posted a documentary on youtube about their surprise wedding, and the video went viral.

After the initial introduction to the authors' story, the book moves on to talk about singleness and how to prepare during that time period of life, relationship obstacles, leading and submitting, expectations, culture, creatively loving, and much more. One of the chapters that I particularly appreciated was one on sexuality, particularly relating to ones who have had premarital sex or who struggle with sexual temptations in some way or another. With so many people struggle with this issue, I thought the Leak's take on it was great, and a much needed address both to those who have failed in this area and to those who look down on those who have.

Overall I thought this book was a great resource for those looking to lead a Godly, fulfilling, intentional relationship with their significant other, future or present. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.

Real

Title: Real
Author: Jamie Snyder
Labels: CLGN | Christian Living
Publisher: Bethany House
Publication Date: October 1, 2013
Recommended To: YA, Adults
Contains: N/A

Buy It: Amazon | Book Depository | Kindle
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Blurb From Goodreads: Does your Christianity "show"? Pastor Jamie Snyder shares how to have a deeper, more satisfying walk with Jesus that goes beyond church on Sunday.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Even though this was a rather short book, and easy read, I found Real to be very thought provoking and at times, convicting. Snyder takes on the task of posing the question we should all be asking ourselves: if it weren't for Sunday, would anyone know we were Christians?

Snyder proceeds to step by step evaluate seven aspects that define a life dedicated to Jesus, including unbridled generosity, daring courage, rebellious joy, and others. Despite its short length, this book touches on so many aspects of being a following of Jesus. Probably my favorite quote of the whole book was at the end, literally one of the last pages where Snyder says, "Political and religious leaders of the day even accused the church of turning the world upside down in the name of Jesus. [...] I would love to be accused of turning the world upside down in the name of Jesus."

I liked that each chapter ended with questions, which makes this a great book to use for a youth group, Sunday school, or other small group study. It's an easy read--I made it through it in only a few days despite work, school, homework, and being sick. But at the same time, I found it challenging in a lot of ways. Definitely worth the read!

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.

7 Steps to Knowing, Doing, and Experiencing the Will of God

Title: 7 Steps to Knowing, Doing, and Experiencing the Will of God
Author: Tom, Mike, and Daniel Blackaby
Labels: Juvenile Nonfiction | Religion | Christianity | Christian Life
Publisher: B&H Books
Publication Date: May 1, 2013
Recommended To: Teens, Young Adults
Contains: N/A

Buy It: Amazon | Book Depository | Kindle
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Blurb From Goodreads: "Seven Steps to Knowing, Doing, and Experiencing the Will of God for Teens" goes deeper than just knowing about God, it guides you to partner with God in what He is doing all around you to make an eternal difference in this world.
          Based on the world-renowned Experiencing God teachings, Tom, Mike, and Daniel Blackaby (Henry Blackaby’s son and grandsons) utilize cartoon illustrations, true-life stories, and fresh graphics as they take an earnest, yet humorous, look at what it means for teenagers to have a vibrate personal relationship with God in their often random and challenging settings.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7 Steps is by no means a perfect, seven step wonder that will bring you closer to God no matter what. In the conclusion, Blackaby makes it clear that there are no exact, easy, one-size-fits-all set of steps in which to enhance your relationship with God. However, this books is a great tool for pointing teens and young adults in the right direction as they seek to draw nearer to God.

This book was an easy, understandable read aimed at a teenaged audience. Teens won't get lost in all the technical terms and high theology, but these three authors keep the readers attention as they draw them further into this quest to experience God. Throughout the book are personal stories and examples, as well as short clips about well known Christians who went through the same sort of things that particular chapter is talking about.

Overall, I thought this was an excellent book and resource for anyone working with teens. I'll be honest, I got a lot out of it myself even as a college student. As I look into youth ministry, this is a book I'll be keeping close by to reference and loan out to both teens and those working with them. Definitely a keeper!

I received a free copy of this book from a publicity agent (Shelton Interactive) for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.

By Grace Alone

Title: By Grace Alone
Author: Derek Prince
Labels: Christian Living
Publisher: Chosen Books (division of Baker Publishing)
Publication Date: June 1, 2013
Recommended To: Not recommended.
Contains: Unscriptural statements.

Buy It: Amazon | Book Depository | Kindle
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Blurb From Goodreads: Do you sometimes feel trapped by a set of religious rules? Does your walk with God feel more like a checklist than a relationship? Do you feel as though you don't really measure up? This book is for you.
          Trusted Bible teacher Derek Prince shows you that being a Christian is not about being perfect. In fact, he says, we can never live up to the letter of the law. It is only when we let go of our constant striving for perfection that we encounter true perfection. How can that be? This one book will help you discover what really matters and embrace the grace of a loving, compassionate God. It's time to stop striving, to walk away from the lies of legalism and to experience the freeing power of His all-encompassing grace.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Grace Alone is a book that, from the very first page, seeks to show us how to live in grace alone, set aside from any kind of works. "The ultimate purpose of this book is for you to discover what does and does not matter in your Christian walk. I believe for each of us, this is a matter of critical importance." While some parts of this book were decently thought provoking, I was not impressed by it. I'll be the first to admit, however, that this was due to the fact that I did not agree with quite a bit of Prince's theology.

Throughout this book I found tidbits and statements that clearly showed that Prince either was not basing his theology 100% of the Scriptures, or he was failing miserably to adequately explain what he meant by such statements. The front of the book states that four different translations have been used and marked accordingly so that you know which translation is being used, and yet not once were any of the verses marked. As far as I know, NKJV is the only translation he used. Ironic really, because early on in the book he makes the statement, "This is the New King James translation, but it is not a literal translation of the Greek." The KJV and NKJV are literal translations.

In other areas he makes other statements only to contradict himself or negate his own statement later on in the book. Overall, I didn't agree with a lot of what he said, which is why I am unable to recommend this book.  I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.

Stress Point: Thriving Through Your Twenties in a Decade of Drama

Title: Stress Point: Thriving Through Your Twenties in a Decade of Drama
Author: Sarah Francis Martin
Labels: Religion | Christian Life | Women's Issues |
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: June 5, 2012
Recommended To: Women, +20yrs
Contains: N/A

Buy It: Amazon | Book Depository | Kindle
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Blurb From Amazon: Want to ditch the drama and thrive through your twenties?

Body image. Friendships. Career. Money. Dating. All these issues and more serve as points of stress for the 20-something woman, and combined they can make for a decade of drama in a girl's life. Sarah Francis Martin is the slightly older girlfriend who's been there, done that, and got the not-so-cute t-shirt. Through this interactive Bible study, Sarah helps young adult women address each stress point by encouraging them to wait on the Lord, worship Him, and make Him the focus of their lives.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Stress Point is an interactive Bible study covering key stress point of women in their twenties, including careers, self-image, body image, dating, friends and family, money, stepping out on your own, making a difference, and spiritual maturity. Each chapter/stress point features case studies with three different women regarding the issue, plus several journal pages for your own  personal insights.

          Probably what I liked the most about this book was the journal pages. Each chapter has several, with each journal containing interactive, prodding questions that get you thinking on your own. I also liked that the book has both scripture printed out inside the book, as well as references for you to look up. I don't like when books have it all printed out for you, because it stops you from actually studying the actual passage and verses surrounding it; on the other hand, it's a pain to have to go look up one single verse that was mentioned, so in that case it's nice to just have it printed in the book. So in that regard, I thought Stress Point had a good balance of both.

          Overall I thought this was a good study covering a lot of really good, important topics. Overall, a great study. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.

Miracles Are For Real

Title: Miracles Are For Real
Author: James L. Garlow & Keith Wall
Labels: Christian Living
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Publication Date: November 1, 2011
Recommended To: People who like examples.
Contains: N/A

Buy It: Amazon | Book Depository | Kindle
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Blurb From Goodreads: Readers are fascinated with miraculous and unexplained events. In their signature style, trusted pastor Jim Garlow and writer Keith Wall tap into that fascination with biblical insights on miracles and accounts of God's work throughout history. The book clearly separates truth from fiction, fortifying readers' faith in God's power in their lives. The encouraging and inspiring stories make this a great impulse buy and gift.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
          I guess maybe I've been reading too much fiction lately, but this book took me forever to read (quite literally) because, well, it bored me to death. I guess this book would be good for someone who doesn't really know a whole lot about miracles or needs a lot of convincing.

          Every chapter had example after example after example--I felt like the majority of the chapters were examples. Don't get me wrong, examples are important. It just felt like this book went a little overkill on the examples.

          Bottom line, I wasn't thrilled with this book. It took me a long time to get through it because it kept losing my interest. This is probably a good read for someone who likes tons of examples and cases, or someone who is seriously unsure of the reality of miracles. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.

Going Deep by Gordon MacDonald [Review]

Title: Going Deep
Author: Gordon MacDonald
Labels: Christian Living | Spiritual Growth
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: October 18, 2011
Contains: Zippo. Clean as a whistle.
Buy It: Amazon | Book Depository | The Publisher

My Rating: ★★★☆☆

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Blurb: What is a deep person?If you'd like to become one, would you know how? Would you like to help others become deep? If so, you have come to the right place. In this fascinating book, best-selling author Gordon MacDonald discovers that his small New England church could be headed for trouble. Why? Because of the serious shortage. There are plenty of good people, well-meaning people, sincere people -- but not enough deep people.
          In his celebrated and engaging style, Gordon transports you back to the fictional setting from his critically acclaimed book, WHO STOLE MY CHURCH? He identifies the crucial missing component in his community: people of true depth, people of real influence. And he offers unforgettable insights on how to cultivate spiritual maturity and exhibit life-altering faith. As it turns out in Gordon's town--and probably yours-- what's needed is people who are willing to seek Christ passionately with a hunger to go deep. This may be exactly what you've been looking for.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          The first and most impressionable thing that really stuck out to me was the length. Going Deep is long. And I'm not just talking about the number of pages (although it's long that way as well, at 400 pages). The pages would have been no problem for me if it had been engaging and maintained my attention span.

          Don't get me wrong. MacDonald had some interesting thoughts and points, and I found a number of nuggets of wisdom. However, it was just a bit too drawn out for me. For one, the book is fictional -- except for the two main characters, Gordon and Gail -- and follows this "cultivating deep people" experience over the course of two fictional years. MacDonald starts at square one when the idea just that -- an idea -- to when it begins to bear fruit, with all the ups and downs between. With that in mind I didn't really become interested in it at all till I was more than halfway through, at the point where the fictional group actually starts meeting and growing deeper.

          Another thing lacking was emotion and description -- the glue to the plot. Any feelings concerning what the main characters where going through during this venture were flat out told, but rarely carried over to the reader. There was little description -- I'm really not even sure what many of the characters look like. Without anything to be able to relate to as a reader, I didn't feel engaged or connected in any way that would have made a better, lasting impression on me.

          The one other thing that bothered me was the fact that this entire "idea" and experience is fictional. It only has two real characters, and everything else right down to the church and congregation is fictional. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I didn't see anywhere that it has actually been lived out as it is in the book. No evidence that this actually works, that this would actually help a person to deepen in their spiritual growth/leadership. In my non-professional opinion, I think this book would have been better written in a better format, such as a devotional, for example. The entire thought that this is just fictional makes me wonder if it would even be worth a try.

           "Perhaps we need to remind ourselves that just because a person drops out doesn't mean that a mistake was made...Unless you think that Jesus made a mistake with Judas." - Going Deep

           I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze program for this review, in exchange for my honest review.

Praying For Your Future Husband [Review]

Title: Praying for Your Future Husband
Author: Robin J. Gunn & Tricia Goyer
Labels: Christian Living / Relationships / Single Living
Publisher: WaterBrook Multnomah
Publication Date: May 3, 2011
Contains: Mature personal stories, recommended readers 13+ of age
Buy It: Amazon | Book Depository | The Publisher

My Rating: ★★★★★
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Blurb: From when we were small girls, most of us dream of "The One," our future husband. We think about what it would be like to be a bride. We wonder who that special guy is and when we'll find him. The great news it that what you do now can make a difference in your life and the life of your future husband!
          Authors and good friends Robin Jones Gunn and Tricia Goyer believe God answers women's prayers for husbands--even husbands they may not meet for years. They invite young women to pray boldly for their future mate...while also asking God to prepare their own hearts.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Before I say anything else, I just need to say that I loved this book. Immensely. In fact, I plan on rereading it...several times.

          Praying for your future husband is a concept a lot of people have thought of and done, but I think a lot of us don't even think about praying for specifics -- realistic and spiritual specifics, not height, weight, and eye color. Praying For Your Future Husband points out specifics that every one of us want in a guy (even if we don't really realize it) and that are spiritually beneficial to both you and him. These things include praying for patience, understanding, trust, faithfulness, protection, commitment -- to name a few. In the process of praying for your husband, your own heart ends up being changed and being brawn nearer to God.

          In each chapter Robin and Tricia, as well as other women, share their personal stories of how God worked in their lives and the lives of their future husbands as they prayed for them. It's awesome to see first hand accounts of how prayer changes lives.

          I recommend this book to every young women -- even those that have already found Mr. Right. In fact, I already have plans to get this book for some of my girl friends. :-) I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review, in exchange for my honest review.