Lazarus Awakening

I am not a big fan of buying books just to sit on a bookshelf; I am definitely more of a library kind of gal. But this book is one you will want to buy, keep close, and reread many times. I first became aware of Joanna Weaver when my aunt gave me a copy of Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World. I loved that book and tagged pages, highlighted, and underlined several passages. Joanna’s newest book Lazarus Awakening is just as good, maybe better! She takes the story of Lazarus, the one Jesus loves (John 11:3) and shows us how a relationship with Jesus is the most important thing. Just like Martha was taught, only one thing is needed .

I have to admit my favorite chapter in this book is chapter 4, When Love Tarries. Joanaa talks about her need to take control over situations when they aren’t going as planned. She wants to plot, plan, and scheme when things aren’t going so well. Yet in these times, if she listens closely, God is saying That wasn’t my plan. If you want to walk with Me, you have to SURRENDER your itinerary and TRUST Mine. This is when we must make the choice to choose the ”one thing” and not “our own thing”.

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The Shelter of God's Promises

Sheila Walsh is an amazing speaker and writer. I have had the privilege of hearing her speak at Women of Faith events in the past. I love her storytelling and her passion for Christ.

So when I got the opportunity to review her latest book, I was very excited! Her words are precious and just what I needed to hear. In this book, Sheila talks about the many things God has promised to those who are faithful to Him. One of the chapters contains this quote, "God doesn't want us to pretend our faith or give lip service to His promises". Each chapter contains several insights like this for those on the journey to Heaven. God is faithful and we are responsible for acting out our faith.

As an added bonus, this book also includes a Bible Study with scripture and questions to ponder for each chapter. This would be a great women's group study to consider!

unPLANNED by Abby Johnson

In chapter 12 of this book, Abby says, "God is a great choreographer, isn't He? As I take a hard look now at that fateful day......I see how perfectly He had positioned me so that when my eyes were pried open by His fingers, I'd have the clearest possible view". This book is about Abby's eyes being opened to the reality of her occupation after spending years defending her life's work. Abby chose to walk away with dignity from her position at Planned Parenthood after He opened her eyes. She talks about how God is in the business of changing hearts and minds and opening eyes; He then uses these ordinary, everyday people to accomplish His extraordinary purpose! God used Abby's story to reach out to an untold amount of people who saw it on the news, read stories on the internet, and heard her radio interviews. I pray my eyes will be open to the calling of God just like Abby.

GOD GAVE US THE WORLD

My family has enjoyed all of Lisa Tawn Bergren's God Gave Us books. This is the 6th book in the series and it is another treasure to add to our family's library. The lessons we learned in this book are that God created the world and that there are lots of different creatures in the world. While we are all different, we learned how special we all are to God. What a great lesson to teach my five year old twins! It also teaches how important the earth is to its creator (God) and that we should enjoy taking care of it. This would make a great book to read on Earth Day (April 22nd) or any day to emphasize taking care of our planet.

This book was provided to me by the publisher. The views expressed are mine.

THE POWER-BASE LIFE by Mike Flynt

Mike Flynt has an amazing story to tell. At the age of fifty-nine he played football for Sul Ross State University becoming the oldest contributing member to a football team in NCAA history! By all accounts, he is a successful man. This book encourages us to realize the goals and dreams we were created for. Each of the twelve chapters are designed to help you find your strengths and then show you how to use them. My favorite chapter is the one about the body. This being a new year, I am taking a closer look at my health and overall wellness. The statistics he shares about our overall health today are very mind-opening. He encourages a healthy lifestyle in order to live a longer life and have better relationships (two things I want in my life). I am excited to put into practice his strategies!

I received a copy of this book for free, from the publisher, Thomas Nelson. I am not required to give a positive review

THE PIRATE QUEEN by Patricia Hickman

From the outside looking in, Saphora Warren appears to have it all. Beautiful homes, three grown children, and a good looking husband who happens to be a plastic surgeon. Little do people know that Saphora wants to walk away from her life. She has it all planned out. She is packed and ready to go. She is over her husband and her home and her life. Then her husband drops the bombshell.....cancer. surgery. chemotherapy. radiation. a low survival rate. Saphora has a choice to make. Will she walk away as planned or support her husband through this?Saphora remembers what it was like to be in love, but is far removed from that feeling.

"Does anyone fall in love anymore, Mrs. Warren? I'd like to know."

"It's easy falling in love, Mario. It's staying in love that boggles the mind", said Saphora.

This book is an excellent reminder of love and the path it can take and where the path leads.