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.”