Glory Days

The wilderness. Maybe you know it well.

The Israelites sure did. After all, they spent forty years wandering the desert. Victories were scarce. Progress was slow. They were free from Pharaoh but not free from fear. Saved but stuck.

Sounds a lot like midlife misery. Caught in a rut. Stalled out. Running on empty. Are you mired in the same?

You can name the day you became a Christian and escaped Egypt. But you can’t remember the last time you defeated a temptation or experienced an answered prayer. You’re fighting the same battles you fought the day you came to Christ. You’re out of Egypt, but Egypt’s not out of you.

Isn’t the Christian life supposed to be better than this?

Jesus offers abundant joy. Yet you live with oppressive grief. The epistles speak of grace. You shoulder guilt. You are more than a conqueror yet are commonly conquered by temptation or weaknesses.

But there’s good news. With God’s help you can close the gap between the person you are and the person you want to be. Like Joshua and the Israelites, you can move from a wilderness existence into a promised inheritance.

This is God’s vision for your life. You, at full throttle. You, as you were intended. You, as victor over the Jerichos and giants. You, minus the stumbles, hurts, and hate.

You and your Promised Land life.

My thoughts: In the most recent book by popular author Max Lucado, he parallels the life of Joshua and the Israelites to that of church members. Most importantly, you and me. I love how Max started out talking about the percentage of church goers who are like Joshua, on fire for the Lord. The number was shockingly low! From there, he goes on to weave the Scriptures together with stories from his life and the lives of others, all fitting together nicely with the time of Joshua.
This is an excellent book that is a great addition to a personal library,
church library, or as a gift. I loved that it challenges readers to be better Christians.
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

Learning to See Creatively

Product Description

Completely revised and updated throughout, Bryan Peterson's classic guide to creativity helps photographers visualize their work, and the world, in a whole new light by developing their photographic vision. 
     Fully revised with 100 percent new photography, this best-selling guide takes a radical approach to creativity by explaining how it is not just an inherent ability but a skill that can be learned and applied. Using inventive photos from his own stunning portfolio, author and veteran photographer Bryan Peterson deconstructs creativity for photographers. He details the basic techniques that go into not only taking a particular photo, but also provides insights on how to improve upon it--helping readers avoid the visual pitfalls and technical dead ends that can lead to dull, uninventive photographs. This revised edition features a complete section on color as a design element and all new photographs to illustrate Peterson's points.  Learning to See Creatively is the definitive reference for any photographer looking for a fresh perspective on their work.

About the author: BRYAN PETERSON is a professional photographer, internationally known instructor, and founder of The Bryan Peterson School of Photography at www.BPSOP.com. He is also the best-selling author of  Understanding Exposure, Understanding Shutter Speed, Understanding Close-Up Photography, Understanding Digital Photography, Beyond Portraiture, and, most recently,  Bryan Peterson's Understanding Photography Field Guide. His trademark use of color and strong, graphic composition have garnered him many photographic awards, including the Art Director Club's Gold Award and honors from  Communication Arts and Print magazines. When not teaching workshops around the world, Bryan makes his home in Seattle.

My thoughts: As a amateur photographer, I was thrilled to receive this book from Blogging for Books, since it looked like a great resource. It is an excellent guide to taking photographs to the next level by teaching the photographer to train their eyes to constrast, colors, and framing. I'm thrilled to have this book on my shelf!
I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Irish Meadows

Faced with an uncertain future, sometimes all you have left is the courage to dream.

Brianna and Colleen O’Leary know their Irish immigrant father expects them to marry well. Recently he’s put even more pressure on them, insinuating that the very future of their Long Island horse farm, Irish Meadows, rests in their ability to land prosperous husbands. Both girls, however, have different visions for their futures.

Brianna, a quiet girl with a quick mind, dreams of attending college. Vivacious Colleen, meanwhile, is happy to marry—as long as her father’s choice meets her exacting standards of the ideal groom. When former stable hand Gilbert Whelan returns from business school and distant relative Rylan Montgomery visits Long Island during his seminary training, the two men quickly complicate everyone’s plans.

As the farm slips ever closer to ruin, James O’Leary grows more desperate. It will take every ounce of courage for both sisters to avoid being pawns in their father’s machinations and instead follow their hearts. And even if they do, will they inevitably find their dreams too distant to reach?

My thoughts: I liked that this story is about two sisters in the early 1900's. There is a lot going on between the two of them, since the story goes back and forth between their journeys to discovering true love. I think the historical aspect, that of women trying to marry to elevate their family's social standing, was interesting and that the author did an excellent job of portraying the history side of the story.
That said, I would of liked for the story to be a bit more original. It is an interesting, nice read, but it isn't one that will stick with me.
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

Wild in the Hollow

Amber Haines is a woman haunted by God. Like Eve in the Garden, she craved the fruit that she thought would lead her to freedom. But the whispers of temptation led her instead down a path of isolation, dissatisfaction, and life-altering choices. In her most broken moment, Amber met God waiting for her in the fallout, freely offering her grace and life.

This is a story of the God who makes himself known in broken places.

I always knew there was more than what my eyes could see. Maybe that’s why it’s easy for me to imagine Eden. I have my own version, the place where I clearly remember my early childhood experience as beautiful, wild, and protected.

In prose that is at once lyrical and utterly honest, a brave new voice takes you on a windswept journey down the path of brokenness to healing, satisfaction, and true intimacy with God. Amber Haines calls us to dispense with the pretty bows we use to dress up our stories and instead trust God to take our untidy, unfinished lives and make them free, authentic, and whole.

If you struggle with doubt or hold secrets, if you have ever felt marginalized or like you are missing something, you will find in Amber a sister and a voice inviting you back home, to a place of acceptance, fulfillment, and identity—and into the heart of GodAmber Haines is a woman haunted by God. Like Eve in the Garden, she craved the fruit that she thought would lead her to freedom. But the whispers of temptation led her instead down a path of isolation, dissatisfaction, and life-altering choices. In her most broken moment, Amber met God waiting for her in the fallout, freely offering her grace and life.

This is a story of the God who makes himself known in broken places.

I always knew there was more than what my eyes could see. Maybe that’s why it’s easy for me to imagine Eden. I have my own version, the place where I clearly remember my early childhood experience as beautiful, wild, and protected.

In prose that is at once lyrical and utterly honest, a brave new voice takes you on a windswept journey down the path of brokenness to healing, satisfaction, and true intimacy with God. Amber Haines calls us to dispense with the pretty bows we use to dress up our stories and instead trust God to take our untidy, unfinished lives and make them free, authentic, and whole.

If you struggle with doubt or hold secrets, if you have ever felt marginalized or like you are missing something, you will find in Amber a sister and a voice inviting you back home, to a place of acceptance, fulfillment, and identity—and into the heart of God.

My thoughts: If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be poetic. Her writing is whimsical as she relates her own story, one that (at the core) we can all relate to.

I Can Pray Everyday

“Heavenly Father hears my prayers. I know He listens and He cares.” This adorable board book is the perfect way to teach your little ones when, where, and how to pray. With colorful illustrations, rhyming text, and simple reminders of eternal truths, it’s bound to become a family favorite in your home.

My thoughts: My daughter and I have enjoyed reading this sweet picture book together, as it has a wonderful message about praying over all the concerns you have. While it is from a child's perspective and is geared towards teaching children, it is also a great message for those of us who are adults.;) The illustrations are darling. I like that this book can be used one on one or in a Sunday school setting.
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review

Take Ten: Authors I have read the most books

This week, the subject over at Broke and Bookish is top ten authors I have read the most books. So, without further adiue, here is my list!

1. Lousia May Alcott

I read most of her novels when I was in high school and adored them! I really need to try to make time to read them again.

2. C.S. Lewis

I've read the bulk of his books, since Lewis is a thought provoking author. He wrote a variety of books and managed to make all of them interesting.;)

3. Lisa Wingate

I discovered her books in the last 4-5 years and have enjoyed most of them tremendously (there was one or two that I didn't care for). I appreciate that she usually brings a social issue to light in each of her stories.

4. Julie Klassen

While I didn't particularly care for Girl in the Gatehouse, I have enjoyed most of her other books. I think the one pictured above is my favorite to date.;)

5. Susan Meissner

Another author who writes a variety of stories, but seems to have found her niche writing stories split between the past and present day. I'm enjoying the above book right now.;)

6. Jane Austen

I've read all of her books at least once.;)

7. Herve Tullet

My daughter and I have read a lot of his books, but this one remains our most favorite.;)

8. Susan Boynton

Is it sad that this one should be #1?;) Between how many of her books we have read, and how many times we have read each one... I may have several of her books memorized now.;)

9. Keith Baker

Another children's author who we have read ridiculous amounts of his books.;)

10. BabyLit

My daughter and I both enjoy these books! They are a fun way to get children started on the classics at a young age.;)

Not by Sight

With Britain caught up in WWI, Jack Benningham, heir to the Earl of Stonebrooke, has declared himself a conscientious objector. Instead, he secretly works for the Crown by tracking down German spies on British soil, his wild reputation and society status serving as a foolproof cover.

Blinded by patriotism and concern for her brother on the front lines, wealthy suffragette Grace Mabry will do whatever it takes to assist her country's cause. When she sneaks into a posh London masquerade ball to hand out white feathers of cowardice, she never imagines the chain of events she'll set off when she hands a feather to Jack.

And neither of them could anticipate the extent of the danger and betrayal that follows them--or the faith they'll need to maintain hope.

My thoughts: This is the first book I have read by Kate Breslin. For the most part, I was impressed with her writing, since she made the characters come alive and did a wonderful job of making the secondary characters come alive as well. A lot of the fictional stories I read don't seem to develop the secondary characters very well, so I appreciated that Kate brought to life the characters surrounding Grace and Jack.
The historical aspect of this story is interesting too, showing how young women would shame men who weren't fighting in WWI by giving them a white feather. I also liked that this book is about espionage during the war.
The only thing I felt could of been better is that I felt like a few things were trivialized at the end, wrapping everything up to nicely (if that makes sense). Still, the story is well worth the read! I enjoyed it very much and look forward to reading more by this talented new author!
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.