Billy Graham in Quotes

The first time I ever heard of an evangelist was when the Billy Graham crusade came to town. Nine years old, I attended a Baptist church at the time and joined the team of volunteers to go door to door and invite people to come. In the years since, I’ve listened to many Billy Graham sermons and even sung in the choir as an adult at one of the last crusades held.

So, I was thoroughly delighted when I received a copy of the book “Billy Graham in Quotes.” If there ever was a man who speaks truthfully and succinctly, it’s the Reverend Billy Graham.  His son, Franklin Graham (who along with Donna Lee Toney compiled the quotes) says the material spans seven decades. What a legacy to have preached for so long! It’s a wonderful tribute to have a son who has amassed his father’s simple statements of Biblical truth on a vast array of subjects. With the book divided alphabetically according to subject, the many topics cover everything from anger and angels to worry and worship.  
 
I highly recommend this book as resource for preachers and teachers or for anyone who wants to read a quote to ponder and meditate on throughout the day.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.  

Runaway Emotions by Jeff Schreve

The smoke alarm on the cover of “Runaway Emotions” by Jeff Schreve is symbolic of negative emotions like anger and frustration. They alert us to danger. Just as we wouldn’t hide a fire, the alarms set off by these runaway, negative emotions alert us to the need to manage them, and find out what God is trying to say to us. Schreve uses scriptures liberally in his explanation of how the Bible can help make sense when life seems out of control because we have become overly emotional.

The material in the book has been researched well, explained in depth, and backed up with Biblical insights. I would call reading this book an excellent first step in acknowledging and managing runaway emotions. With the addition of pertinent questions after each chapter to encourage discussion, I could see this being a good study for a teen’s or women’s class.

The author has a wonderful sense of humor while sharing deep spiritual truths using practical examples. The chapter on loneliness was very well explained and helped me better understand the emotion and want to reach out to those who are lonely. Pastor Schreve’s vulnerability while sharing personal accounts was engaging, encouraging me to take this journey past negative emotions to healing and freedom.

* I received this book free from the publisher through the http://BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Secretly Smitten [Kindle Edition]

Are you too busy to dive into a good novel, but still want to get your fiction fix? Having long periods of time to read is rare for me. That's why I like novellas. And what better book for me than Secretly Smitten - four novellas in one?  

Secretly Smitten is written by Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Denise Hunter, and Diann Hunt.  Each author is successful on her own, and what fun to find their writing all in one book! I liked this collection that tells the story three young women solving a mystery and finding romance along the way. Each author builds on the story and characters and develops the plot line in her own style while staying true to the story as a whole. The small town setting was refreshing as was the sweet romance and light mystery woven through each novella. 

This is actually the second book in the Smitten Series but this could easily be read on its own. I have to say I am looking forward to the next offering by these four talented authors, and reading these shorter stories encourages me to read each author’s books. If you’re looking for a sweet, lighthearted romance with a Christian worldview, then I suggest you check out Secretly Smitten.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Women of Faith - "Imagine"

I've been chosen as a blogger for the 'Imagine" Women of Faith event. Watch this blog for updates, pics, and a review of the event.



Here's the link to the Women of Faith website so you can make reservations for an event near you.

http://www.womenoffaith.com/events/2011-events/#imagine

UPDATE: 8-21-11: What a fun event! Love the humor of Dr. Henry Cloud the most, but all the speakers were great. I especially like the Q & A with the speakers. Wonderful singing, too! If the event is coming to a location near you, I would recommend going. Better yet - get a big group of you to go. Even more fun!

Eat Your Peas...for Mom by Cheryl Karpen, Illustrated by Sandy Fougner

"Eat Your Peas…for Mom" is labeled a '3-minute forever book' and that is a good estimate of how long it takes to read it. It's short on words, but long on message. In so few pages, the author has managed to convey in 'simple truths and happy insights' how much a mother means. The illustrations are simple but lively and complement the text. I am looking forward to giving this sweet book as a perfect keepsake to my own mom for Mother's Day. The book might be short and sweet, but I believe any mom would cherish this book forever.



Product Details:
Hardcover: 80 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson; Gift edition (April 5, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 140418984X
ISBN-13: 978-1404189843
Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 7.2 x 0.5 inches

The Lucado Life Lessons Study Bible - NKJV

Between its covers, The Lucado Life Lessons Study Bible, NKJV: Inspirational Applications for Living Your Faith holds not only the New King James Version of the scriptures, but numerous study guides, helps, devotions, and more.

Life Lessons explain the scriptures and about the time in which they were written along with information about the culture and customs setting the stage for a better understanding of the context. Observations give a short summary of the situation. Inspiration asks, "What is this Word saying to you? How is the Holy Spirit speaking? The Application helps the reader to apply the Word to life and explore changes made in the reader's life after study of the verses. Exploration lists relevant scripture references for further study.

Topical devotions from Max Lucado are throughout. The story of God's plan starts in Genesis and continues through the entire Bible to Revelation. Look for "Christ Through the Bible" sections in both the Old and New Testaments to illuminate God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.

With plentiful subheadings and a Bible study and Reading Plan, this study Bible makes a wonderful addition to a new believer's or a mature Christian's library.

Product Details:
Hardcover: 1680 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson; 3rd edition (September 7, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1418543969
ISBN-13: 978-1418543969

What In The World Is Going On? by Dr. David Jeremiah

Trying to figure out what is going on this world is difficult. Trying to understand biblical prophecy is difficult. In What in the World Is Going On?, Dr. David Jeremiah has brought the two topics together in a more easily understandable fashion. Dr. Jeremiah gives the reader a well-researched perspective of bible prophecy as it is being fulfilled and maps out what will happen in the future with relevant scriptures.

With well-organized chapters, this book explains the end-times so that the reader can see a clearer picture of how current events are related to prophecy. The author also quotes many other authors, biblical scholars and scientists. As a Bible teacher, I so enjoyed the book that I tackled teaching its contents. I have been blessed as I read and then taught from this book, bringing hope in Jesus Christ and the reminder that God is on control. I recommend this book to anyone seeking a better understanding of current events in light of biblical eschatology.

Product Details:
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (August 10, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 078523117X
ISBN-13: 978-0785231172