Before Amen By:Max Lucado

Overview: 

We all pray . . . some.

We pray to stay sober, centered, or solvent. When the lump is deemed malignant. When the money runs out before the month does. When the marriage is falling apart. We pray.

But wouldn’t we like to pray more? Better? Stronger? With more fire, faith, and fervency?
Yet we have kids to feed, bills to pay, deadlines to meet. The calendar pounces on our good intentions like a tiger on a rabbit. And what about our checkered history with prayer? Uncertain words. Unmet expectations. Unanswered requests.

We aren’t the first to struggle with prayer. The first followers of Jesus needed prayer guidance too. In fact, prayer is the only tutorial they ever requested.

And Jesus gave them a prayer. Not a lecture on prayer. Not the doctrine of prayer. He gave them a quotable, repeatable, portable prayer. Couldn’t we use the same?

In Before Amen best-selling author Max Lucado joins readers on a journey to the very heart of biblical prayer, offering hope for doubts and confidence even for prayer wimps. Distilling prayers in the Bible down to one pocket-sized prayer, Max reminds readers that prayer is not a privilege for the pious nor the art of a chosen few. Prayer is simply a heartfelt conversation between God and his child. Let the conversation begin.

My Thoughts:

 I have always been a fan of Max Lucado books.  This one is no different.  We all pray in our own way.  I love how Max makes it so simple and easy to understand.  So easy, anyone can understand.   Prayer is about talking to God.  Plain and simple.  No need for some formal prayers or recited out of repetition but prayers that are heartfelt and simple are what God desires.  He wants to hear out hearts. He already knows them but desires our heart to communicate with His.  I recommend this book as a simple read.  It is simple and not deep at all.  Plain and simple.

Turnaround God By Charlotte Gambill

Synopsis:

Don’t settle for less than what God can do.We often face situations in life that are hard. Whether it be a job loss, a difficult marriage, or problems with the kids—harsh storms come, and we can quickly feel overwhelmed, even desperate.

In the beginning of creation, God entered the darkness and void and displayed his turnaround nature. He spoke words that turned darkness into light and filled the emptiness with fruitfulness. His turnaround power brought order into the chaos. In the same way, God enters our lives with the power of his turnaround ability and offers not just a slight improvement but a complete turn around.

Turnarounds by their nature are radical. They bypass nice and sensible, they freak out the orderly, and they do not line up with agendas. But turnarounds reveal our miraculous Savior to a messed-up world.

Using examples from her own life and those of biblical characters, international speaker and teacher Charlotte Gambill offers that God is more than just a little bit of help, he’s all the help; we need. It’s time for us to fully understand that there is nothing that God can’t turn around!

Review:

Turnaround God opened my eyes to the many ways I stand in the way of the turnaround.  I start the process and attempt to do it all myself.  Charlotte tells stories from her life, the life of others and the Bible.  God always allows a turnaround, no one has gone to far and no one is out of reach. The problem for me is I want to be in control, maybe I'm alone in that but God allows me to turnaround time and time again. No questions asked. Arms open wide.

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. 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.”

All In: You Are One Decision Away From a Totally Different Life By -- Mark Batterson

Synopsis: The Gospel costs nothing. You can't earn it or buy it. It can only be received as a free gift compliments of God's grace. It doesn't cost anything, but it demands everything. It demands that we go 'all in,' a term that simply means placing all that you have into God's hands. Pushing it all in. And that's where we get stuck---spiritual no man's land. We're afraid that if we go all in that we might miss out on what this life has to offer. It's not true. The only thing you'll miss out on is everything God has to offer. And the good news is this: if you don't hold out on God, God won't hold out on you. Readers will find Batterson's writing filled with his customary vivid, contemporary illustrations as well as biblical characters like Shamgar and Elisha and Jonathan and . . . Judas. No one has ever sacrificed anything for God. If you always get back more than you gave up, have you sacrificed anything at all? The eternal reward always outweighs the temporal sacrifice. At the end of the day, our greatest regret will be whatever we didn't give back to God. What we didn't push back across the table to Him. Eternity will reveal that holding out is losing out. The message of All In is simple: if Jesus is not Lord of all then Jesus is not Lord at all. It's all or nothing. It's now or never. Kneeling at the foot of cross of Christ and surrendering to His Lordship is a radical act of dethroning yourself and enthroning Christ as King. It's also an act of disowning yourself. Nothing belongs to you. Not even you. Batterson writes, for many years, I thought I was following Jesus. I wasn't. I had invited Jesus to follow me. I call it inverted Christianity. And it's a subtle form of selfishness that masquerades as spirituality. That's when I sold out and bought in. When did we start believing that the gospel is an insurance plan? It's a daring plan. Jesus did not die just to keep us safe. He died to make us dangerous.'

Review:  This book will rock your world and really get you thinking about life, what you are doing or not doing in it and where you are headed.   Mark Batterson challenged ,me to step up and play the game and stop sitting on the sidelines.  There were times when as Mark says it, I asked Jesus to follow me rather than me follow Him.  How many times have I done that.  Well, no more, it is time for me be 'All in' .

 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® <http://BookSneeze.com> 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Joni & Ken: An Untold Love Story

Synopsis:
This is the true love story of Joni and her husband of 30 years, Ken Tada. A love story showing what it truly means for a man and a woman to live in love ... in sickness and in health. Even the honeymoon wasn't easy. Did Ken realize what he was getting into when he proposed to Joni, a quadriplegic woman? As their marriage years moved on, Ken became increasingly overwhelmed by the never-ceasing demands of caring for Joni, who begins to experience chronic, extreme, nightmarish pain. Ken sinks into depression, and the couple finds themselves on parallel tracks in life, married and living under the same roof but drifting apart emotionally. But as they fight for their marriage and find their way through the mazes of depression and pain, they wrap their two lives around their rock---Jesus. During Ken's denial of Joni's diagnosis, and Joni's thoughts of how wonderful a quick exit to heaven would be, they experience a personal visitation with the savior you will never forget.

Review:  I loved reading this book.  I am disabled myself and thru the years have asked some of the same questions.   Life is not always easy but God is always faithful.  I found the book a bit hard to keep up with at times but by the end - I was there and reading to see how it all unfolded.  I recommend this book to anyone - disabled or not - it asks questions and seeks answers we all do.

 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. 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.”

Draw the Circle: The Forty Day Prayer Challenge Bye: Mark Batterson

  Synopsis: Do you pray as often and as boldly as you want to? There is a way to experience a deeper, more passionate, persistent, and intimate prayer life.
Drawing from forty days of true stories, Mark Batterson applies the principles of his New York Times bestselling book The Circle Maker to teach us a new way to pray. As thousands of readers quickly became many tens of thousands, true stories of miraculous and inspiring answers to prayer began to pour in, and as those stories were shared, others were bolstered in their faith to pray with even more boldness.
In Draw the Circle, through forty true, faith-building stories of God's answers to prayer, daily scriptures and prayer prompts, Batterson inspires you to pray and keep praying like never before. Begin a lifetime of watching God work. Believe in the God who can do all things. Experience the power of bold prayer and even bolder faith in Draw the Circle.

  Review:  This book really made me want to put to practice all I know about prayer and grow and stretch myself beyond anything I have before.  Each chapter was very short and easy to read daily. 

Prayer is not just prayers before bed or before we set down to dinner.  Prayer is a way of life.  Pray circles around the things in your life that are rough - pray circles around your marriage, pray circles around your kids, pray circles around your neighborhood, pray circles around your illnesses - a circle entrusted to God to work and not me.

I highly recommend this book.  It truly changed how I view prayer!

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. 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.”

Come to the table by: Neta Jackson

Synopsis:

 Kat Davies is suddenly wondering if her good deed was a bad idea.

Kat may be new in her faith, but she’s embraced the more radical implications of Christianity with reckless abandon. She invited Rochelle—a homeless mother—and her son to move in the apartment she shares with two other housemates. And she’s finally found a practical way to channel her passion for healthy eating by starting a food pantry at the church.  

Her feelings for Nick are getting harder to ignore. The fact that he’s the interning pastor at SouledOut Community Church and one of her housemates makes it complicated enough. But with Rochelle showing interest in Nick as a father-figure for her son, their apartment is feeling way too small.  

But not everyone thinks the food pantry is a good idea. When the woman she thought would be her biggest supporter just wants to “pray about it,” Kat is forced to look deeper at her own motives. Only when she begins to look past the surface does she see people who are hungry and thirsty for more than just food and drink and realizes the deeper significance of inviting them to “come to the table.”

Review:

I loved the Yada Yada series and was very excited to learn of the Souled Out Sisters Series.   I always finish reading these books feeling encouraged and motivated.  This one is no different.   The characters are so realistic and relatable.  I feel like I know them personally and look forward to their adventures everytime I pick up this book.  They motivate me and point me toward Jesus and His love.   I highly recomend this book to anyone looking for a good book and a encuragement along they way.

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. 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.”

Bold as Love: What Can Happen When We See People the Way God Does

As Christians, we’re called to love our neighbors—all our neighbors. But is that even possible? And can we truly love them well?
People often think of their neighbors as those already belonging to their “tribe” or community. It’s safe, it’s easy, and it doesn’t often cause conflict—politically or religiously. But in today’s world, everyone and everything is interconnected globally in an ever-changing cultural landscape, while religious strife runs rampant. Is it feasible for Christians to live their faith boldly and lovingly while entering into a true relationship with “neighbors” of other faiths, both locally and globally?
In Bold as Love, Pastor Bob Roberts shows you what it looks like to live out your faith daily in the global public square among people of other faiths—Jews, Muslims, atheists, Hindus, Buddhists. While he admits that it can be challenging to engage people of other faiths whose beliefs are as strong as yours, he demonstrates how to enter into this critical dialogue in a radical yet loving way. “We have to learn to speak with one conversation and give the same message everywhere to everyone,” he says. “We are commanded to love God and love others. And sometimes that requires risky boldness.”
Roberts invites you to respond to this call to live a life of fearless and loving engagement with the world. So take the risk! Your faith wasn’t made to live in isolation. It’s something you do face-to-face, heart-to-heart, hand-to-hand. Whether you are in a suburb of Houston or a village in India, put away the fear and suspicion and, instead, answer the call to radically love others the way God loves. And get ready to see your life and the lives of those you touch—your family, your community, even your enemies—transformed!

Review:  I loved this book!   Texas megachurch pastor Bob Roberts, Jr. writes about diversity of religions and the possibility of seeing our neighbors in the same light God does.  If we can see people as Jesus,  It can and will change the world.   Read this book! Then go and Love as Jesus!  There is not a more noble calling!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Handlebar Publishers as part of their Blogger Review 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."

Radical Together By: David Platt

Take the next step. From radical followers of Christ to radical communities of faith.

In Radical, David Platt’s plea for Christians to take back their faith from the American Dream resonated with readers everywhere, and the book quickly became a New York Times bestseller. Now in Radical Together, the author broadens his call, challenging us to unite around a gospel-centered vision.

How, he asks, might such a vision reshape our priorities as the body of Christ? How might well-intentioned Christians actually prevent God’s people from accomplishing God’s purpose? And, how can we best unleash the people of God in the church to carry out the purpose of God in the world?

Writing to everyone who desires to make an impact for God’s glory—whether you are an involved member, a leader, or a pastor—Dr. Platt shares six foundational ideas that fuel radical obedience among Christians in the church. With compelling Bible teaching and inspiring stories from around the world, he will help you apply the revolutionary claims and commands of Christ to your community of faith in fresh, practical ways.

Review:
I Loved Radical Together!  It challenges you to the very core of who you are in Christ.  It is a motivating, often painful book that gets to the heart of serving of others.   It is Life changing and keeps you growing as we seek to know Jesus Christ more intimately. The Christian life is not about sitting back and watching things happen as we seek Jesus - it about tightening up those bootstraps and saying Hang on, it's gonna be a bumpy ride but in the end o so worth it!  Seeking to know Jesus more deeply and intimately each step of the way.

The Purpose Driven Life - What on Earth Am I Here For? By Rick Warren

Synopsis:

 10 years ago, Rick Warren wrote The Purpose Driven Life, which became the bestselling hardback non-fiction book in history, and is the second most-translated book in the world, after the Bible. PDL has inspired and changed tens of millions of lives ... more than any modern book. NOW, Rick has updated and expanded the book with new chapters on the greatest barriers to living your purpose, plus 42 video introductions to each chapter theme, and 42 additional audio messages that go deeper into each chapter. He has also created a new small group curriculum and new sermon series for pastors, and new follow-up events to conserve the evangelistic and discipleship results you will experience. In the original 40 Days of Purpose campaign, churches averaged 28% growth in attendance, and over 100% growth in small group Bible study! People WANT to know their purpose in life! The Purpose Driven Life will enable a new generation in your church to discover God's purposes for their lives and empower your church with a fresh new wind of hope, joy, and vitality!

Review:
This book is just as good as the first one.  It really gets to the heart of the matter and pushes you to take a hard look at what God has put you on this earth for.  There are a few new chapters to enjoy in this new revised edition.  I love the fact that the chapters (40 days) are short and easy to do and keep up with on  a daily basis.   Overall, I highly recommend this book.  There is something in it for everyone.  :)

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. 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.”

Grace by Max Lucado

Grace.
We talk as though we understand the term. The bank gives us a grace period. The seedy politician falls from grace. Musicians speak of a grace note. We describe an actress as gracious, a dancer as graceful. We use the word for hospitals, baby girls, kings, and premeal prayers. We talk as though we know what grace means.

But do we really understand it? Have we settled for wimpy grace? It politely occupies a phrase in a hymn, fits nicely on a church sign. Never causes trouble or demands a response. When asked, “Do you believe in grace?” who could say no?

Max Lucado asks a deeper question: Have you been changed by grace? Shaped by grace? Strengthened by grace? Emboldened by grace? Softened by grace? Snatched by the nape of your neck and shaken to your senses by grace?

God’s grace has a drenching about it. A wildness about it. A white-water, riptide, turn-you-upside-downness about it. Grace comes after you. It rewires you. From insecure to God secure. From regret riddled to better-because-of-it. From afraid to die to ready to fly.

Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off.
Let’s make certain grace gets you.

Review:

I love the idea of this book.   Grace is needed by all of us.  This book came at just the right time.   I fail on my own, all the time.  Grace frees me to make mistakes and pick myself up and try again.  Learning with each step I take.

I love Max's style of writing.  It is easy to follow and an easy read.  While I did not find it challenging, it was encouraging.  I would recommend this book.  It is something we all need on a daily basis - Grace.  The well is full and Jesus freely offers...

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Liar Liar: Is Your Life Based on the Lies You Believe?

Wow, Sundi jo grasps something that all women and girls need to take a hold of.  If we could love in the reality of His love for us - It can and does change the world.  Satan is a liar and a thief and doesn't care who gets hurt along the way. 

Sundi Jo shares out of the depths of her heart.  She has known heartache and pain yet chooses to live in freedom and joy. 

Love Lifted Me - A Songbird Novel, By Sara Evans with Rachel Hauck

 Synopsis: A fresh start is a gift. So is having a hand to hold.

Jade and Max share a deep love, though revelations from his past have recently shaken their marriage. And Jade is completely smitten with Max’s little son, Asa, whom she is now raising as her own. Their blended family brings her a joy she’s never known. But there is one more secret to be uncovered. One that will impact them all.

Max is doing his best to “man-up” and prove himself worthy of Jade’s devotion. As well as that of his young son. It seems like life in Whisper Hollow, Tennessee, will pick up where it left off until Max is faced with an unusual opportunity—leave his family’s law firm to coach high-school football in Texas.

Realizing a fresh start will bring healing to their marriage, Jade takes the leap of faith and moves with him and baby Asa, bidding good-bye to her beloved Blue Umbrella shop.
The new beginning in quaint Colby, Texas, is soon sullied when Max discovers the high-school program isn’t all it seemed. While Max struggles to rebuild a once glorious football team, Jade wrestles with news that could break Max’s heart . . . and change their lives forever.

Review: Jade and Max are a couple that are loved by all.  They are real people with real problems.  There is so much that goes on that they still find their strength in God and each other.  This is a book about life, people and relationships - real situations for real people.  They find strength to trust God and let Him lead them. It is a good reminder - one that is needed from time to time.  :)

I personally loved this book and the whole series.  I highly recommend this book.  It reminds you to trust him - in all things, at all times, thru all things.

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. 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.”

Redeemed!!!

Redeemed - when I think about that word - I am reminded that I am free and cleansed of my sins. Jesus redeemed me. I do not deserve it and I did nothing to receive it. It is a gift freely given. I am to live life redeemed. Oh what a difference that would make if I could always remember that and keep it at the front of my brain. That is one of the reasons I love Daysprings redeemed line of items. I received a vase, that is pictured to the right, that I am using as a candy jar. On one side it says redeemed and on the other side it says 'He has made everything beautiful in His time. It is beautiful and a reminder every time I see it - that I am redeemed! I also received a set of coasters, picture below.

I love the coasters they are another reminder that I am redeemed, loved, needed and there is purpose in it all. There are 6 coasters and each one has a different quote, saying or song on it. I love them!

 *Disclaimer: These products were sent to me free in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. Also, I am an affiliate for Dayspring and links within this post are affiliate links.

Why sending cards is important to me....

Can a card really make that big a difference in one's life? The answer is unequivocally - YES! I sent these cards to dear friends who, over time have not had the encouragement from me they need and deserve. We all get so busy, running from here to there and think people know how we feel about them. Sometimes (most of the time - for me anyway) people need reminders. I know I sure do. I was having a really hard week a few weeks ago and at just the right time. I went to get the mail and there was a card from a friend. It didn't say much but it was a reminder that I was loved and thought about today. What a way to turn the day around. Those simple words - yet so very powerful words. To know you are thought of and valued. It really doesn't matter how many times we are told.

I love having a variety of cards to send - friendship, birthday, get well. Who cares the reason - cards can and do matter. People need to know there is a God who loves them and people who love them too and will help them along this journey we are on. It is not easy but with a friend - it sure helps lighten the load. DaySpring gave me these free cards to review and all opinions stated are mine.

Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make A Difference -- by: Max Lucado

These are difficult days in our world's history. 1.75 billion people are desperately poor, natural disasters are gouging entire nations, and economic uncertainty still reigns across the globe. But you and I have been given an opportunity to make a big difference. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope? Infiltrated all corners with God's love and life? We are created by a great God to do great works. He invites us to outlive our lives, not just in heaven, but here on earth. Let's live our lives in such a way that the world will be glad we did.

Review: I loved this book! It is not only a book but it is one that calls us to action. The very heart of Jesus. It is written in typical Lucado style - easy to read and right where you are. If you feed someone, you have fed Jesus. If you clothe someone, you have clothed Jesus. Practical and motivating!

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. 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.”

'Max on Life' by Max Lucado

We have questions. Child-like inquiries. And deep, heavy ones.

In more than twenty-five years of writing and ministry, Max Lucado has been the receiving line for thousands of such questions. The questions come in letters, e-mails, even on Dunkin Donuts napkins. In Max on Life he offers thoughtful answers to more than 150 of the most pressing questions on topics ranging from hope to hurt, from home to the hereafter.

Max writes about the role of prayer, the purpose of pain, and the reason for our ultimate hope. He responds to the day-to-day questions-parenting quandaries, financial challenges, difficult relationships-as well as to the profound: Is God really listening?

A special addendum includes Max's advice on writing and publishing.

Including topical and scriptural indexes and filled with classic Lucado encouragement and insight, Max on Life will quickly become a favorite resource for pastors and ministry leaders as well as new and mature believers.

Review: I really enjoyed this book. It is an easy read and one that I will return to. Max really gets you thinking in this book - asking questions we all have, but no one either wants to or knows how to answer it. It really opened my eyes to a new way of thinking about certain aspects of my life. I highly recommend this book. It is a quick and easy read.

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. 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.”

The Final Summit - Andy Andrews

David Ponder is back. This time the fate of mankind is in his hands.

This is mankind's last chance. Centuries of greed, pride, and hate have sent humanity hurtling toward disaster, and far from its original purpose. There is only one solution that can reset the compass and right the ship, and it consists of only two words.

With time running out, it is up to David Ponder and a cast of history's best and brightest minds to uncover this solution before it is too late. The catch? They are allowed only five tries to discover the answer.

Readers first encountered David Ponder in The Traveler's Gift. Now, in The Final Summit, Andrews combines a riveting narrative with astounding history in order to show us the one thing we must do when we don't know what to do.

Many years have passed since David Ponder discovered the Seven Decisions during a divine journey through time. Now 74 years old, Ponder has lost the one thing that mattered to him most: his wife, Ellen. Despite his personal and professional success, he now sits alone at the top of his 55-story high-rise contemplating the unthinkable, just as he did 28 years ago.

However, just as things are looking their darkest, Ponder is informed through divine channels that he is needed now more than ever. Together, with the help of hundreds of his fellow Travelers, from Winston Churchill to George Washington Carver to Joan of Arc, he must work to discover the one solution that will save humanity. Time is running out, and the final summit of Travelers must work quickly to avoid dire consequences.

The Final Summit explores the historically proven principles that have guided our greatest leaders for centuries, and how we might restore these principles in our own lives...before it's too late.

Review: I loved this book. It was a fun, easy read that I finished quickly. It gives you principles to apply in your own life that really make you stop and think about what matters and what you can do. It does matter and it does make a difference. The choices we make daily - impact the world around us. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick, easy, fun read.

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. 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.”

The Way Home (DVD)

'The Way Home' (DVD) is a great family movie. It is the story of a little boy that goes missing. It is in the search for him that it changes those involved. It is a heartfelt, up lifting story. I highly recommend this to everyone. My 5 year old girls loved this movie. So, it is a good watch for the whole family.

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. 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.”

The Summit

The Sweet By and By -- By Sara Evans

A redemptive story from multi-platinum recording artist Sara Evans.

Jade Fitzgerald left the pain of her past in the dust when she headed out for college a decade ago. Now she's thriving in her career and glowing in the light of Max Benson's love.

But then Jade's hippie mother, Beryl Hill, arrives in Whisper Hollow, Tennessee, for Jade's wedding along with Willow, her wild younger sister. Their arrival forces Jade to throw open the dark closets of her past--the insecurity of living with a restless, wandering mother, the silence of her absent father, and the heart-ripping pain of first-love's rejection.

Turns out Beryl has a secret of her own. She needs reconciliation with her oldest daughter before illness takes her life. In the final days leading to the wedding, Jade meets the One who shows her that the past has no hold on her future. With a little grace, they'll meet in the middle, maybe even before that sweet by and by.

Review: The Sweet By and By is a story about Jade and her upcoming wedding. She has wounds from the past, deep family hurts that need to be worked through.

I loved this story. It kept my attention and the characters are so down to earth. I felt like I knew them personally. I didn't want to put it down and do anything else. I looked forward to getting to sit down and read this book.

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. 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.”