The Grace of God by Andy Stanley Book Review

From the Publisher:
“Grace. It’s what we crave most when our guilt is exposed. It’s the very thing we are hesitant to extend when we are confronted with the guilt of others—especially when their guilt has robbed us of something we consider valuable.
Therein is the struggle, the struggle for grace. It’s this struggle that makes grace more story than doctrine. It’s the struggle that reminds us that grace is bigger than compassion or forgiveness. That struggle is the context for both. When we are on the receiving end, grace is refreshing. When it is required of us, it is often disturbing. But when correctly applied, it seems to solve just about everything. This struggle is not new; it has been going on since the beginning.”
—Andy Stanley


We find in the pages of Scripture that the stories found there often mirror our own stories, and that we too need the very thing we do not deserve: the grace of God.
From the beginning, the church has had an uneasy relationship with grace. The gravitational pull is always toward graceless religion. The odd thing is that when you read the New Testament, the only thing Jesus stood against consistently was graceless religion. The only group he attacked relentlessly was graceless religious leaders.
Even now as you think about grace, there might be a little voice in your head whispering, “It can’t be that easy!”
“What about obedience?”
“What about disobedience?”
“What about repeated misbehavior?”
“What about bad habits?”
“What about justice?”
“What about repentance?”

It’s this tension that makes grace so slippery. But that’s the beauty and the truth of grace. We don’t deserve it. We can’t earn it. It can’t be qualified. But God gives it to us anyway because he loves us unconditionally.

The story of grace is your story. And as you are about to discover grace plays a larger role than you imagine.

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this book. It is one of those books I plan to keep on my bookshelf and re-read my times. I appreciated the use of Bold throughout the book to highlight a few of the key points. It was a challenging read as we often need to be reminded that it is because of God's Grace and not our own efforts. With many references to the Bible, it gives you an opportunity to further into the characters discussed in each chapters.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn more about God's Grace.

"Grace is the vehicle God uses on occasion to ensure that we get precisely what we don't deserve."

"Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available October 2010 at your favourite bookseller. 

Have a New You by Friday Review

Have a New You by Friday: How to Accept Yourself, Boost Your Confidence & Change Your Life in 5 Days

By: Dr. Kevin Leman

Publishers Synopsis: 

You can change your life--in just 5 days!
How many times have you tried to change your own habits, only to find that changing yourself is even harder than trying to change someone else?
Now, what the bestselling Have a New Kid by Friday has done for families and Have a New Husband by Friday has done for couples, Have a New You by Friday will do for you. With his signature wit and commonsense psychology, Dr. Kevin Leman walks you through your own personal five-day action plan. You will come to

• Accept the truth about yourself
• Boost your confidence by identifying the lies you're telling yourself . . . and putting them to rest for good
• Change your life by concentrating on becoming who you really want to be

My Thoughts:
Feeling a bit down? Feeling a bit stuck? Feeling like you need to change? Check out Kevin Leman's newest book. While most of the book had sentiments similar to "you can do it, make the most of what you have, work in your strengths" type thoughts. I did find it an easy to read, well laid out book. Each day (chapter) has a summary of what you should "do" or apply as well as a following section on going deeper into the specified content ("for the curious").

So it was an enjoyable read, "give yourself a break and lighten up", pick up Have a New You by Friday today.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

City on Our Knees Review

City on Our Knees

By: TobyMac

Publishers Synopsis:

When we step across the line we can sail across the sea

Amazing, beautiful things happen when people have the courage to live, work, and pray in the spirit of unity and peace. Often, though, to make these amazing things happen, we have to step out of our comfort zone and into a world we find uncomfortable or intimidating. Sometimes that world is physical; other times it can be emotional, relational, or spiritual.

City on Our Knees shows this, encouraging you to take the first step. It offers stories of people who have stepped across lines. Lines of discrimination, persecution, doubt, prejudice, pride, bitterness, self-isolation, and despair. I pray and hope that you will be inspired to see how just one person, or one small group, can be a mechanism for change. 

God can use us right here. Right now. All we need is faith that He has our best in mind. And believe me—He does.

—TobyMac



My Thoughts:

At first glance, this book would be a perfect for Christmas present for your favourite high school student in your life. Picking up the book, flipping through the pages you see it is filled with short stories of past and present people who have stood up and made a difference, photos, and inspirational quotes.

Based on his song "City on our Knees", Toby Mac's book draws you in and challenges you to take a step out of your comfort zone and allow God to use you where you are at.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Permission to Speak Freely Review

Permission to Speak Freely: Essays and Art on Fear, Confession, and Grace
By Anne Jackson

Publishers Synopsis:
In May 2008, Anne Jackson asked a question on her blog, “What is one thing you feel you can’t say in church?”


Hundreds responded. Everyone had a story.

Permission to Speak Freely is the unique new project and movement of author Anne Jackson, who is finished with keeping brokenness in the dark. Bringing to light the original intent of God’s sanctuary as a place of help and healing, Anne reveals that through confession, both to God and to others, we can live lives that are whole and healed.

Told with disarming transparency, Anne shares what led to her own addictions and the ensuing lifestyle that left her wounded and withdrawn, but ultimately rescued and redeemed. She includes dramatic stories of others who also learned to abandon their fear, pride, and masks; to identify their hurts; and to find the courage to speak freely.

Their confessions, submitted as mixed media pieces, photography, and sketches, were collected from people across the world, and are included throughout the book. Readers will share in the opportunity to find their own path to redemption and freedom.
 
My Thoughts:
First picking up this book, I instantly flipped thru it and was drawn to read the confessions/art work post cards sent in by readers of her blog. I quickly found a couple that I identified with. I knew this was a book I ought to read. After flipping thru the book I was instantly reminded of Frank Warren's "Post Secret" Project which I loved. I enjoyed Anne Jackson's book as sort of a Christian Answer to "Post Secret."  The church talks about being "real" but some of the topics of the postcards or parts of Anne's story were ones I'd never heard of in the church much less much outside of the church. The author's raw honesty drew me into her story.

Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas-Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller. 

The Boy Who Changed the World Review

The Boy Who Changed the World
Written by: Andy Andrews
Illustrated by: Philip Hurst


Book Description:
Did you know that what you do today can change the world forever?

The Boy Who Changed the World opens with a young Norman Borlaug playing in his family’s cornfields with his sisters. One day, Norman would grow up and use his knowledge of agriculture to save the lives of two billion people. Two billion! Norman changed the world! Or was it Henry Wallace who changed the world? Or maybe it was George Washington Carver?

This engaging story reveals the incredible truth that everything we do matters! Based on The Butterfly Effect, Andy’s timeless tale shows children that even the smallest of our actions can affect all of humanity. The book is beautifully illustrated and shares the stories of Nobel Laureate Norman Borlaug, Vice President Henry Wallace, Inventor George Washington Carver, and Farmer Moses Carver. Through the stories of each, a different butterfly will appear. The book will end with a flourish of butterflies and a charge to the child that they, too, can be the boy or girl who changes the world.

My Thoughts:
This book is an instant kid favourite. From the life-like artistic drawings to the simple story that is told. The bright colourful pages draw children in and the story will help keep you there. I feel this is a story every child (adult too) needs to hear at least once in their life. So go ahead and check out this new Children's book from Andy Andrews about a little boy who may have changed more of the world than he ever intended too. (I know my life has had a positive effect from reading this book.)
A thought for all, Remember God made you to make a difference. And I believe you will!

Booksneeze has provided me with a complimentary advanced reading copy of this book. Now available at your favourite booksetller.

Reluctant Entertainer Review

Reluctant Entertainer, The: Every Woman's Guide to Simple and Gracious Hospitality Author: Sandy Coughlin

Publisher's Synopsis: 
Real Entertaining for Real People

True hospitality is not about being perfect, cooking a fancy meal, or spending a lot of money. Rather, it's about an open door and an open heart. Popular blogger Sandy Coughlin offers a simple but savvy approach to help women break free of the anxieties that keep them from opening their homes. Emphasizing the forgotten goal of entertaining--connecting deeply with others--she shows how women can use the gifts and talents God gave them to reach out in love.

My Thoughts: 
The Reluctant Entertainer. That was me until I bought my first house. Then I chose to invite friends over almost weekly, well the reasons were primarily selfish. I'd rather have people at my house than go to a house where there may be a potential allergy problem with their cats or dogs and it was cheaper than going to a restaurant. I'd always warn this group of people I called friends, my house isn't "clean" sure it was "tidy" but not clean. I usually had people over the day before I planned to clean that week. When they arrived, they asked me really? "This is what you call dirty?" I still felt the need to express a reason for the condition of the house upon their arrival. I suppose I didn't want them to see "how I really lived" though it was nothing to be ashamed of. The Reluctant Entertainer reminded me that "true hospitality is not about being perfect" but rather about "an open door and an open heart." The people, the relationships, the conversations, the times shared were far more important than perfectionism. Included in The Reluctant Entertainer, are some recipes that I can't wait to try (as soon as I gain the courage to cook for others - it may just be this weekend I give it a try). The Strawberry Bread sounds like a yummy summer treat. Need some entertaining inspiration or courage, check out The Reluctant Entertainer full of ideas, thrifty tips, heartwarming encouragement and some great recipes.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communication Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Outlive Your Life Review - Book by Max Lucado

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

Publisher's Synopsis:

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.

My Thoughts:
I love the fact that for the past two years, I've taken the opportunity to read one of Max Lucado's books. Last year he released "Fearless" a great read. This year it was his upcoming release "Outlive Your Life"



As you read this book, Max Lucado walks you through the first 12 Chapters of the Book of Acts.  Each chapter begins with a scripture verse and ends with a prayer. A prayer which I'm sure is an attempt to motivate each of us to action to apply what we just read about. Having finished the book, I'm still reminded of the person introduced to us who's story was featured in chapter 10, Dadhi. The statement Max made regarding how it takes "Dadhi an entire year to earn what he may spend on a sports coat," stayed with me through the entire book. I figured out my weekday coffee is most likely more than many in developing nations earn annually, a little scary. The Discussion and Action Guide included at the end of this book make it a great candidate for a small group study. Overall I really enjoyed this book.


Still not sure if this book if for you? Consider that 100% of all author royalties from the sale of all the Outlive Your Life products will be donated to two charities: World Vision & the James 1:27 Foundation - to benefit children and single mothers. Go ahead help pick up a copy the proceeds are going to good causes and you'll get to read a great book.



Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available September 2010 at your favourite bookseller.


My Outlive Your Life Story
After reading Max Lucado's book, "Outlive Your Life", it challenged me to think about what my story would be. What's my contribution that would outlive my life? It reminded me of many stories of how other people have impacted my life, but it felt hard to determine of what my story would be. Although I knew my story didn't have to be that big event or huge thing, but that something little could be of great impact. Well, my story began with reading about Dadhi in Chapter 10. I've mentioned this person in my review as his story really made me think. It prompted me to write my outlive your life story. Since reading about his story I'd committed to taking the money I'd spend on a morning cup of coffee and contributing it to a local charity. So each day, my $1.52 goes into a little piggy bank soon to be given away. I know it sounds silly, I know many have done something like this before, but it is something that I can do each day that will make an unknown difference in someones life.  I'm sure there are many more stories I could write here, but I was wondering, what's your story?