The Yes Effect

From the missions strategist behind ‘The 10/40 Window’

In 1990, Luis Bush helped change modern missions by introducing the concept of the 10/40 window, a geographic region where large, dense populations of people suffered severe poverty and limited access to the gospel—essentially shining a light on the world’s greatest need.

Now, after decades spent serving in global missions mobilization, Luis has a unique perspective on what God is doing around the world. Though statistics and maps can be a great place to start, The Yes Effect reveals that true transformation begins when we restart our hearts—getting in sync with God’s tenderness toward the oppressed and regaining compassion for the lost.

In The Yes Effect, Dr. Bush shares his own story as well as inspiring stories of individuals and organizations around the world whose acts of love and justice are bringing hope and transformation in places of misery and immobility.

From the orphans weeping in Bihar, India, to garbage collectors in Cairo, Egypt—from the single mom trying to find a way to feed her family as a Syrian refugee, to the Church cowering under government control—God is at work in surprising places. And this transformation is sparked when ordinary people say yes to God, igniting an ongoing global chain reaction that sees glimpses God’s kingdom springing up all over the world.

Ultimately, The Yes Effect will give you an encouraging window into worldwide efforts to spread the gospel, and it will inspire you to give God your “yes”—and like so many others before you, become part of God’s global story of transformation.

My thoughts: This book is a powerful book full of stories of those who have said "yes" to God and His call to get out of their comfort zone. Based on the Luis' own experiences in global missions, this book is an encouraging one. I love the thoughts on establishing your group of people and standing your ground when the going gets tough. If you are looking for more information on global missions or feeling the call yourself, this is an excellent book to pick up.
I received this book from Moody in exchange for my honest review.

The most Important Women of the Bible

Powerful Stories of Women in the Bible that Reveal God's Mercy and Love

From well-known women like Eve and Esther to those lesser known like Jochebed and Zipporah, women of the Bible play a vital role in God's timeless story of redemption.

This book traces the stories of three dozen of the most important women in Scripture, each handpicked by God to play a crucial part in his gracious plan for all humanity. Every chapter begins with a short biography followed by an explanation of how each woman fits into the overall narrative of the Gospel message, pointing to God's love for the individual as well as his larger plan to redeem sinners through the sending of his son. The Bible is the story of God's relationship with his people--men, women, Jews, Gentiles, saints, and sinners. But this book reveals that it's also the story of his relationship with you

My thoughts: This book is a fun one, since it is like a synopsis of many of the women in the Bible and their lives. I like that each chapter sums up the story of that woman a bit and then has some thoughts that we ponder about each of the women. Some of the numbers were a bit of a stretch, but I still enjoyed this book and brushing up on my knowledge of the women in the Bible.
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Christy

The train taking nineteen-year-old teacher Christy Huddleston from her home in Asheville, North Carolina, might as well be transporting her to another world. The Smoky Mountain community of Cutter Gap feels suspended in time, trapped by poverty, superstitions, and century-old traditions.

But as Christy struggles to find acceptance in her new home, some see her — and her one-room school — as a threat to their way of life. Her faith is challenged and her heart is torn between two strong men with conflicting views about how to care for the families of the Cove.

Yearning to make a difference, will Christy’s determination and devotion be enough?

My thoughts: This is a wonderful, hardbound edition of an excellent classic. I loved the story of Christy, a young, idealistic woman who taught school in the Smoky Mountains in the early 1900's. This book reminded me of my childhood, watching the show before I was old enough to read the book, and then later, when I was able to enjoy the book for the first time. Whether you have read this book before or not, I highly recommend it.
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

Choosing a Life that Matters

We live in a culture that permits everything, surrounded by people skimming the surface of life, trying to piece together meaning from ever-shifting truths and fleeting fads. But in a world that stands for nothing, you can choose to stand for Something.

With warmth and wisdom that only comes from weathering the storms of life, Dennis Rainey shares seven ways to not only build a strong foundation, but to choose to live the life of purpose and potential you were created for. When the winds of culture blow, you will be able to stand firm on the Truth. You will be able to choose a life that matters. A life that makes a difference in the here and now--a life that echoes into eternity.

You are at crossroads of culture and Christianity. Which way will you choose to live?

My thoughts: This little book started out as a commencement speech for a graduating class at a divinity school and turned into a nifty little book that reminds the reader of seven decisions they will never regret:
Seek God, not sin
Fear God, not man
Love God, not the world
Believe God, not the deceiver
Obey God, not your feelings
Worship God, not comfort
Serve God, not self.
While this is a splendid book to give to a graduate, it is also an excellent one for people of all walks of life. I enjoyed how easy it was to read through and that it was thought provoking and to the point.
I especially appreciated the chapter about obeying God and not your feelings.
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Spiritual Wisdom for a Happier Life

There are eight basic human emotions that all people experience--hurt, guilt/shame, anger, anxiety, sorrow, fear, happiness, and love. We might believe we make sense of our lives by thinking through our experiences, but neuroscience shows that the part of our brains that processes emotions is many times faster than the part where logic and reason hold sway. It's the way God created us, but if we do not develop wisdom for handling our feelings, we may find that our emotions continue to get the best of us.

Thankfully, the Bible is full of guidance about our emotions. With keen insight into human psychology and a gift for drawing wisdom for life from Scripture, Dr. Mark Baker shows readers how they can find comfort and promote emotional health in their lives. Anyone experiencing distress in their relationships or struggling with overwhelming emotions or even traumatic events will find clear biblical help and healing, leading them to a happier, more fulfilled life.

My thoughts: I wasn't sure what to expect when I received this book, but I found that it was a wonderful, informative read on how one can take 8 key emotions and better understand them. I thought that the book was easy to read through and I love all the real life stories that are found with each emotion. I highly recommend this one! It is a great book to let one know they are not alone in feeling a wide variety of feelings, but how to better channel those feelings and see them for what they really are.
I received this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

A is for Adam

Help your children discover the amazing heroes of the Bible while learning their ABCs!
For even MORE FUN, search each page for hidden objects that start with that letter of the alphabet!

My thoughts: This book is such a fun way to teach young children more about the Bible while working on the alphabet. I didn't realize that there where things having to do with the letter on each page for kids to find, some of them are pretty random, but a lot of fun for kids to find! My children are enjoying this book. I love that it is teaching them more about the Bible in the process of being fun.
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

Hinds Feet on High Places

Journey with Much-Afraid to new heights of love, joy, and victory!
For the first time, this beloved Christian allegory is a mixed-media special edition complete with charming watercolor paintings, antique tinted photography, meditative hand-lettered Scripture, journaling and doodling space, and designs to color. As you read and connect with the story of Much-Afraid and her trials, the pages of this book become a canvas on which to chronicle your own story, struggles, and personal triumphs.

Hinds’ Feet on High Places, with more than 2,000,000 copies sold, is a story of endurance, persistence, and reliance on God. This book has inspired millions of people to become sure-footed in their faith even when facing the rockiest of life’s terrain. The story of Much-Afraid is based on Psalm 18:33: “He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights.”

The complete Hinds’ Feet story is accented by 80 full-color paintings, photography, and hand-lettered Scripture.

My thoughts: It has been a long time since I last read this book, so I was thrilled to received this copy in the mail! The gorgeous watercolor illustrations add a whole new element to the classic story of Much-Afraid. I love that the illustrations help it appeal to my daughter, who has now enjoyed the story as well. Whether or not you have read this story before or not, I highly recommend this copy of the beloved classic Hinds Feet on High Places.
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.