Truth Unchanging

As moms know, even when there isn't noise around us, there is usually noise within us. The constant to-do lists that spin in our minds, the worry and wonder if we are doing a good job, and the need to stay two steps ahead of our families when we feel two steps behind keeps our minds routinely restless. So when quiet time with God isn't so quiet, and alone time is nearly nonexistent, how does a modern-day momma tune in the voice of the Lord?
With Truth Unchanging, you don't have to wait until you're alone to talk with Jesus. Designed to be read in five minutes or less, each powerful, hope-filled devotion will...
  *   refocus your heart on the Word of God
  *   refresh your mind with God's Truth for your life
  *   revive your spirit as you realize God is speaking to you  

      personally
Truth Unchanging is not just a devotional. It's an opportunity to begin daily conversations with Jesus, the One who has everything we need to take on the days ahead, the One who wants to speak to you right now. Tune in to His voice today. 

This book really packed a lot of wisdom and fresh perspectives that I needed as a mom.  The devotionals were shorter, but they delivered what was promised.  Becky Thompson gave me hope on days when I wasn't at my best.  I looked forward to picking this up every night before bed.  I had read a previous book by the author entitled Hope Unfolding: Grace-Filled Truth for the Momma's Heart which is the reason I originally requested this book.  I will say that I think I enjoyed the Hope Unfolding a little more than this one, but I can't really explain why.  It just may have been the place my mind was at the time.  I will be on the look out for future books from the author.

            * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

    

Whispers and Wildflowers

How many of us find ourselves constantly busy and, deep down, constantly soul-weary? By striving to keep up our busy pace, we can easily miss out on a deeper connection with God. So many of us are overwhelmed and underfed. But there is hope.

In this inspiring and practical book, Sarah Beth Marr helps women develop a regular practice of withdrawing from busyness to realign and refresh their hearts, minds, and souls. She helps them

- discover Scripture that will lead them to peace
- connect with God on a deeper level
- run to God rather than other things that do not satisfy
- experience less stress and more contentment
- be fully present in their lives

Any woman who feels distracted, burnt out, depleted, or overwhelmed will find in Marr a gentle and uplifting guide to greater personal peace and simplicity. 

This book was a great read for 30 days.  It wasn't watered down and I found it to challenge me in areas that I needed to make changes.  For instance, one chapter made me realize that I needed to give some things up to be more present in other areas.  I realized I was tired of giving some effort to lots of things instead of focusing my energy on my family and giving them my all.  I enjoyed that the chapters seemed a little longer than the average 30 day devotional.  I often find those shorter ones lack depth.  And just a side note, this cover is absolutely gorgeous!  

           * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

In His Image

 

After first teaching women to go deeper in their study of the Bible in Women of the Word, and then unpacking why our limits are a good thing in light of God’s limitlessness in None Like Him, best-selling author and Bible teacher Jen Wilkin helps readers see what human beings are to be like as they reflect the image of their Creator. In His Image explores 10 attributes of God that Christians are called to reflect—they are called to be holy, loving, just, good, merciful, gracious, faithful, patient, truthful, and wise. This book calls readers to discover the freedom and purpose in becoming all that God made them to be.

This is my third 5-star read by Jen Wilkin and once again she delivered!  I have now read all her books and had the opportunity to see her speak. She challenges and inspires me on so many levels.  One of her trademark teachings is the idea that so many inspirational and devotional books geared for women are intended to engage them on an emotional level.  She says we must be connect with God's Word on an intellectual level because he says we are to love Him with all our heart, soul and MIND.  And that is exactly what this book does.  It challenged my brain to think and dig deeper.  It didn't just pull out a few random verses and create a little devotional to fit them.  No, she uses his Word, to show us how we need to reflect His character everyday.  I would encourage everyone to pick up this book, as well as her 2 previous works.  You won't be disappointed!!    

 * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

Making Room

 

What is God doing in and through you? It's a question we should all ask ourselves. In Making Room, join a spiritual journey toward the discovery of the reasons behind stagnant faith. Be encouraged to dig deeper, and learn how to put the distractions of life into perspective as you allow God to do more in them and through you. It's time to embrace all the meaningful life moments God has for you to glorify Him.

Making Room was a book that took me by surprise.  I thought the synopsis sounded intriguing but I wasn't sure what to expect.  The author delivered.  I found the book engaging and very useful.  The author took real issues and gave practical advice for allowing God to work.  It really had me evaluating decisions I make in my own life and whether or not I needed to make a change.  I can see myself re-reading this book again.  I think it would be a helpful tool to reevaluate where I am in the future.  I will be on the lookout for more books by Billie Jauss in the future!

            * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

A Woman Overwhelmed

"A Woman Overwhelmed" is a phrase with which many women can relate. But what would happen if we could see the insanity in our pace and embrace our overwhelming God?

There is a reason they say that a woman's work is never done-- because it isn't! As women, we often are overwhelmed by the demands and circumstances of life, resulting in stress, fear, worry, impatience, fatigue, frustration, and even depression. The truth is that we were created to be overwhelmed . . . not by life but by God! When we learn to be overwhelmed by God, the fruit in our lives goes from rotten to fragrant--filling our days with peace, hope, love, and joy.

In A Woman Overwhelmed, best-selling author Hayley DiMarco shares biblical insights and personal stories to offer a glimpse at the comedy of an overwhelmed life while encouraging us to discover the depths and heights of God's love and power.

Be empowered to find freedom in becoming overwhelmed with who God is--by learning to focus on what we know about God so that we can hold onto faith even when it seems that all is lost. For it is when an overwhelmed woman gives up the mission of me and exchanges it for the mission of God that being overwhelmed becomes a good thing.

Choose to bask in the abundance of the Father instead of the abundance of life as his unfathomable depths can surely replace our fathomable messes.

As a woman, I am always on the search for a book that will bring encouragement and challenge me at the same time.  I enjoyed reading this book, but it didn't completely fulfill what I had hoped.  The author brought humor which I like, but I felt a disconnect while reading each section.  And even while I am writing this review, I have a hard time discussing anything specific because it just wasn't memorable.  I wouldn't discourage anyone from picking up this book, but it was just an average read for me.

         * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

 

Missional Motherhood

 

There's no such thing as "just" a mom.

Despite the routine tasks and mundane to-do lists, motherhood is anything but insignificant. God has designed motherhood as part of his greater plan to draw people to himself--instilling all women, whether called to traditional mothering or not, with an eternal purpose in nurturing others.

In this book, Gloria Furman searches the Scriptures for the mission of God in motherhood. She opens our eyes to God's life-giving promises--promises intended to empower each and every woman as she makes disciples in her home, in her neighborhood, and around the world.

I previously read Gloria Furman's book, "Treasuring Christ When Your Hands Are Full" and devoured it.  This book didn't quite make it to that level for me unfortunately.  I did enjoy it, I found it exhausting to read.  It felt very deep and theological to me.  And while I don't think that is a bad thing, it's often hard for me to find the time to focus on a book like that in the season of motherhood I am in.  While this wasn't my favorite read from the author, I will continue to pick up her books because she has great insight and I always take away something that I need. 

         * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *


 

Not Her Daughter

Emma Townsend. Five years old. Gray eyes, brown hair. Missing since June.  Emma is lonely. Living with her cruel mother and clueless father, Emma retreats into her own world of quiet and solitude.

Sarah Walker. Successful entrepreneur. Broken-hearted. Kidnapper.  Sarah has never seen a girl so precious as the gray-eyed child in a crowded airport terminal. When a second-chance encounter with Emma presents itself, Sarah takes her―far away from home. But if it’s to rescue a little girl from her damaging mother, is kidnapping wrong?

Amy Townsend. Unhappy wife. Unfit mother. Unsure whether she wants her daughter back.  Amy’s life is a string of disappointments, but her biggest issue is her inability to connect with her daughter. And now Emma is gone without a trace.

As Sarah and Emma avoid the nationwide hunt, they form an unshakeable bond. But what about Emma’s real mother, back at home?

The premise of this book instantly had me interested in reading it.  And once I began, I flew through it!  The pace was steady and never slowed down.  The book centers around 2 women, Sarah and Amy.  Sarah's character was strong and independent and I loved her for it.  It's so nice to see a successful woman portrayed in a thriller.  Amy, the mother, was frustrating, but I also had compassion for her.  I'm not making excuses for her, her actions were horrible, but motherhood was not for her.  That's part of the reason I enjoyed this book, the characters had complexities and I enjoyed watching them unfold, good or bad.  I rated this book a 3.5 stars, but rounded up to 4.  My problems were at times the story was just not believable.  I didn't think a person like Sarah would act or make the decisions that she did.  So while I enjoyed the book, I did have to suspend belief.  I was also not the biggest fan of the ending, but can't really say much more than that.  It definitely hooked me and kept me engaged the whole time.  I would definitely pick up another book written by Rea Frey.   

       * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *