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Step back into Rock Harbor with Bree, Davy, Samson, Kade, and all the characters you have grown fond of … another tale of murder, deception, love, forgiveness, family and faith. A wonderful read… 4 ½ Stars.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Into the Deep
Into the Deep (Book 3 in the Rock Harbor Series) by Colleen Coble
Step back into Rock Harbor with Bree, Davy, Samson, Kade, and all the characters you have grown fond of … another tale of murder, deception, love, forgiveness, family and faith. A wonderful read… 4 ½ Stars.
Step back into Rock Harbor with Bree, Davy, Samson, Kade, and all the characters you have grown fond of … another tale of murder, deception, love, forgiveness, family and faith. A wonderful read… 4 ½ Stars.
The Christmas Secret
The Christmas Secret (Book 5) by Donna VanLiere
This is the most recent book in the Christmas series by VanLiere and it is absolutely wonderful! VanLiere has the ability to write characters that are real and draw you in. This book reflects life with all the trials and triumphs that come our way. We are given insight and fresh eyes to look at circumstances through faith, hope and love. We are encouraged to believe, to dream, to hope, to love others and to give of ourselves… That our bad choices of the past do not mean we cannot make good choices in our present and future… 5 Stars.
This is the most recent book in the Christmas series by VanLiere and it is absolutely wonderful! VanLiere has the ability to write characters that are real and draw you in. This book reflects life with all the trials and triumphs that come our way. We are given insight and fresh eyes to look at circumstances through faith, hope and love. We are encouraged to believe, to dream, to hope, to love others and to give of ourselves… That our bad choices of the past do not mean we cannot make good choices in our present and future… 5 Stars.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Sweetwater Gap
Sweetwater Gap by Denise Hunter
This is a wonderful, touching story about grace, love and family. A coming home story, that shows you that as much as you run from truth, love & ultimately from God, He is always there waiting with open arms for you to come running to Him. No matter the circumstances God purposes things for our good… He loves us and wants us to draw near to Him. 4 ½ Stars
This is a wonderful, touching story about grace, love and family. A coming home story, that shows you that as much as you run from truth, love & ultimately from God, He is always there waiting with open arms for you to come running to Him. No matter the circumstances God purposes things for our good… He loves us and wants us to draw near to Him. 4 ½ Stars
Beyond a Doubt
Beyond a Doubt (Book 2 in the Rock Harbor Series) by Colleen Coble
This story has it all… mystery involving arson, theft and murder… not to mention love. It will leave you with your hands itching to get a hold of book 3 in the series! 4 stars
This story has it all… mystery involving arson, theft and murder… not to mention love. It will leave you with your hands itching to get a hold of book 3 in the series! 4 stars
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Without A Trace
Without a Trace (Book 1 in the Rock Harbor series) by Colleen Coble
I have previously read Coble’s book Abomination and even though it isn’t part of this series it is linked to it. This series is a precursor for that book. Without a Trace is about Bree Nicholls’ and her search for her missing husband and son, while solving a murder mystery that is linked to their disappearance. She also learns to have faith along the way. An enjoyable mystery read. 4 Stars
I have previously read Coble’s book Abomination and even though it isn’t part of this series it is linked to it. This series is a precursor for that book. Without a Trace is about Bree Nicholls’ and her search for her missing husband and son, while solving a murder mystery that is linked to their disappearance. She also learns to have faith along the way. An enjoyable mystery read. 4 Stars
Saturday, December 19, 2009
The Christmas Promise
The Christmas Promise (Book 4) by Donna VanLiere
It took me longer to get into this book … The first 3 books hooked me in pretty quickly. However, I did enjoy reading it. A wonderful reminder of the Prodigal story and of God’s love for us.
I thought it ranked some where between "it's ok" (3 stars) and "I liked it" (4 stars)... closer to four stars.
It took me longer to get into this book … The first 3 books hooked me in pretty quickly. However, I did enjoy reading it. A wonderful reminder of the Prodigal story and of God’s love for us.
I thought it ranked some where between "it's ok" (3 stars) and "I liked it" (4 stars)... closer to four stars.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
The Christmas Blessing (Book 2)
The Christmas Blessing (Book 2) by Donna VanLiere
Another wonderful story filled with engaging characters, hope, faith and love. I am thoroughly enjoying this series! Be prepared to open the book and get sucked in until the last page.
(For review on book 3 see previous post)
Another wonderful story filled with engaging characters, hope, faith and love. I am thoroughly enjoying this series! Be prepared to open the book and get sucked in until the last page.
(For review on book 3 see previous post)
Sunday, December 13, 2009
The Christmas Hope
The Christmas Hope (Book 3 in the Series) by Donna VanLiere
Wow, another heart tugging and engaging story. With characters that draw you in and a little girl you fall in love with … Be prepared to pick it up and not be able to put it down. I read it in maybe just over 2 hours. A story that shows how even amid tragedy the Lord works all things for good… Wonderful, rich and another one you will need to have tissues handy for. 5 stars
You may have noticed I skipped book 2 ... I am on the wait list for it at the library. Review to come... FYI, I think Lifetime or a similar channel is showing movies of the first three books in the series. I recorded them but I am waiting to watch them after I have read the books first!
Wow, another heart tugging and engaging story. With characters that draw you in and a little girl you fall in love with … Be prepared to pick it up and not be able to put it down. I read it in maybe just over 2 hours. A story that shows how even amid tragedy the Lord works all things for good… Wonderful, rich and another one you will need to have tissues handy for. 5 stars
You may have noticed I skipped book 2 ... I am on the wait list for it at the library. Review to come... FYI, I think Lifetime or a similar channel is showing movies of the first three books in the series. I recorded them but I am waiting to watch them after I have read the books first!
Friday, December 11, 2009
The Christmas Shoes
The Christmas Shoes by Donna VanLiere
What a wonderful, touching, heartfelt story…based off of the song "The Christmas Shoes" by Eddie Carswell and Leonard Ahlstrom (sung by Newsong).
The Christmas Shoes lyrics:
It was almost Christmas time, there I stood in another line
Tryin' to buy that last gift or two, not really in the Christmas mood
Standing right in front of me was a little boy waiting anxiously
Pacing 'round like little boys do
And in his hands he held a pair of shoes
His clothes were worn and old, he was dirty from head to toe
And when it came his time to payI couldn't believe what I heard him say
Chorus:
Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time
You see she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight
He counted pennies for what seemed like years
Then the cashier said, "Son, there's not enough here"
He searched his pockets frantically
Then he turned and he looked at me
He said Mama made Christmas good at our house
Though most years she just did without
Tell me Sir, what am I going to do,
Somehow I've got to buy her these Christmas shoes
So I laid the money down,
I just had to help him out
I'll never forget the look on his face when he said
Mama's gonna look so great
Repeat Chorus
I knew I'd caught a glimpse of heaven's love
As he thanked me and ran out
I knew that God had sent that little boy
To remind me just what Christmas is all about
Repeat Chorus
Warning - make sure and have some tissues handy!
What a wonderful, touching, heartfelt story…based off of the song "The Christmas Shoes" by Eddie Carswell and Leonard Ahlstrom (sung by Newsong).
The Christmas Shoes lyrics:
It was almost Christmas time, there I stood in another line
Tryin' to buy that last gift or two, not really in the Christmas mood
Standing right in front of me was a little boy waiting anxiously
Pacing 'round like little boys do
And in his hands he held a pair of shoes
His clothes were worn and old, he was dirty from head to toe
And when it came his time to payI couldn't believe what I heard him say
Chorus:
Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time
You see she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight
He counted pennies for what seemed like years
Then the cashier said, "Son, there's not enough here"
He searched his pockets frantically
Then he turned and he looked at me
He said Mama made Christmas good at our house
Though most years she just did without
Tell me Sir, what am I going to do,
Somehow I've got to buy her these Christmas shoes
So I laid the money down,
I just had to help him out
I'll never forget the look on his face when he said
Mama's gonna look so great
Repeat Chorus
I knew I'd caught a glimpse of heaven's love
As he thanked me and ran out
I knew that God had sent that little boy
To remind me just what Christmas is all about
Repeat Chorus
Warning - make sure and have some tissues handy!
The Convenient Groom
The Convenient Groom by Denise Hunter
This is the second book of Hunter’s I have read and it was a beautiful allegory of Christ’s love for us. (Again this book has no overt Christianity in it but is an allegory … there are Reading Questions at the end that help you reflect.) The story portrays Christ’s unfailing love… His far reaching love for us. Her character Kate shows us how often times we try to control our lives… we want to have our ducks in a row and are trusting more in our ability to (try to) control people and situations than we are trusting God. Pride and all that it brings with it can be our downfall. It teaches the lesson of learning to trust in God, to wait upon Him, to hope in Him and to rest secure in His unfailing love. Another wonderful and reflective read! 4 ½ Stars
This is the second book of Hunter’s I have read and it was a beautiful allegory of Christ’s love for us. (Again this book has no overt Christianity in it but is an allegory … there are Reading Questions at the end that help you reflect.) The story portrays Christ’s unfailing love… His far reaching love for us. Her character Kate shows us how often times we try to control our lives… we want to have our ducks in a row and are trusting more in our ability to (try to) control people and situations than we are trusting God. Pride and all that it brings with it can be our downfall. It teaches the lesson of learning to trust in God, to wait upon Him, to hope in Him and to rest secure in His unfailing love. Another wonderful and reflective read! 4 ½ Stars
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Sacred Marriage ~ Part 2
Sacred Marriage: What if God Designed Marriage to Make us Holy more than to make us Happy? By Gary Thomas
I just finished reading the book and it is so worth the read! However, you have to do more than read it, you have to apply it. Isn’t that what we are supposed to do with Scripture any way!?! So as I said read it but then start living it out! I am by no means perfect but I aim to do exactly that…
Sadly, I did not remember to take good notes early on in my reading of the book but I finally remembered to start doing that around pg. 109. So although these thoughts may seem totally random they are things that stood out to me or spoke to me, that I want to share with you from the book.
Chapter 7 had some wonderful truths in it … (Ch. 7 ~ Sacred History, Building The Spiritual Discipline of Perseverance) There was discussion on the difficulties during childrearing upon a marriage and of course discussion on divorce. In particular there was a true story – Leslie’s story that is heartbreaking and beautiful… This is a must read chapter.
From pg. 129 “The desire for ease, comfort, and stress-free living is an indirect desire to remain an “unseasoned,” immature Christian. Struggle makes us stronger; it builds up and deepens our faith.” Same page a quote from Gary & Betsy Ricucci, “God doesn’t protect Christians from their problems – He helps them walk victoriously through their problems.”
Ch 10 make me a servant specifically pgs.183-185 brought tears to my eyes… Servant heart and love…
Pg. 187 “…is that the vast majority of people do not enter marriage with a view to becoming a servant.”
The “Worthy” pg. 188 “I reach out to people because God has loved me and has asked me to love others in return, not because the people I am loving are “worthy” of love or because they’ll thank me for it in the end. It’s not for me to make judgments about their “worthiness”. I don’t know how I could do that anyway. It’s for me to love God by loving others. (It has nothing to do with others or myself but everything to do with God – my thoughts on this, so forget self, die to self and live for Christ and His glory).
Look at Jesus’ example (pg. 189) …Washing the disciples feet who would all abandon him within a few hours… even washing the feet of Judas who was just hours away from betraying him. He knew what was coming still He washed their feet… He honored and obeyed God and showed love to those who did not deserve it … God doesn’t call us to serve those who deserve it or will serve us back… He calls us to love (even our enemies, not that our spouse is our enemy but in some marriages, this is my thoughts, it can seem that way at times and be so one-sided).
See also the Spirit of Service…within this section on pg. 191 “To become a servant is to become radically strong spiritually. It means you are free from the petty demands and grievances that ruin so many lives and turn so many hearts into bitter cauldrons of disappointment, self-absorption, and self-pity. There is true joy when true service is offered up with a true heart.”
Quote from page 236. “Christianity does not direct us to focus on finding the right person; it calls us to become the right person.” … He then quotes Augustine’s famous line “Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in thee.”
“One caution here: While our hearts will find their rest only when God is part of the equation, it is a stunning scriptural fact that soon after creating Adam God declared, “It is not good for the man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18) – even though God delighted in his relationship with the man. Clearly God created us with a need to enjoy other relationships besides himself exclusively, but God must be at the center of our hearts, to which all our other relationships are then added.” Pages 236-7
Enough quotes ... Read the book!
I just finished reading the book and it is so worth the read! However, you have to do more than read it, you have to apply it. Isn’t that what we are supposed to do with Scripture any way!?! So as I said read it but then start living it out! I am by no means perfect but I aim to do exactly that…
Sadly, I did not remember to take good notes early on in my reading of the book but I finally remembered to start doing that around pg. 109. So although these thoughts may seem totally random they are things that stood out to me or spoke to me, that I want to share with you from the book.
Chapter 7 had some wonderful truths in it … (Ch. 7 ~ Sacred History, Building The Spiritual Discipline of Perseverance) There was discussion on the difficulties during childrearing upon a marriage and of course discussion on divorce. In particular there was a true story – Leslie’s story that is heartbreaking and beautiful… This is a must read chapter.
From pg. 129 “The desire for ease, comfort, and stress-free living is an indirect desire to remain an “unseasoned,” immature Christian. Struggle makes us stronger; it builds up and deepens our faith.” Same page a quote from Gary & Betsy Ricucci, “God doesn’t protect Christians from their problems – He helps them walk victoriously through their problems.”
Ch 10 make me a servant specifically pgs.183-185 brought tears to my eyes… Servant heart and love…
Pg. 187 “…is that the vast majority of people do not enter marriage with a view to becoming a servant.”
The “Worthy” pg. 188 “I reach out to people because God has loved me and has asked me to love others in return, not because the people I am loving are “worthy” of love or because they’ll thank me for it in the end. It’s not for me to make judgments about their “worthiness”. I don’t know how I could do that anyway. It’s for me to love God by loving others. (It has nothing to do with others or myself but everything to do with God – my thoughts on this, so forget self, die to self and live for Christ and His glory).
Look at Jesus’ example (pg. 189) …Washing the disciples feet who would all abandon him within a few hours… even washing the feet of Judas who was just hours away from betraying him. He knew what was coming still He washed their feet… He honored and obeyed God and showed love to those who did not deserve it … God doesn’t call us to serve those who deserve it or will serve us back… He calls us to love (even our enemies, not that our spouse is our enemy but in some marriages, this is my thoughts, it can seem that way at times and be so one-sided).
See also the Spirit of Service…within this section on pg. 191 “To become a servant is to become radically strong spiritually. It means you are free from the petty demands and grievances that ruin so many lives and turn so many hearts into bitter cauldrons of disappointment, self-absorption, and self-pity. There is true joy when true service is offered up with a true heart.”
Quote from page 236. “Christianity does not direct us to focus on finding the right person; it calls us to become the right person.” … He then quotes Augustine’s famous line “Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in thee.”
“One caution here: While our hearts will find their rest only when God is part of the equation, it is a stunning scriptural fact that soon after creating Adam God declared, “It is not good for the man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18) – even though God delighted in his relationship with the man. Clearly God created us with a need to enjoy other relationships besides himself exclusively, but God must be at the center of our hearts, to which all our other relationships are then added.” Pages 236-7
Enough quotes ... Read the book!
Surrender Bay
This is the first book I have read by Denise Hunter and I thought it was wonderfully written. Showing the complexity of our human nature and sin verses the unwavering love and forgiveness of God. The story reflects how we are but prodigals running from true love and the love of God to us, His children. The story itself has no overt Christianity in it but is written as an allegory. You will however find wonderful reflection/study guide questions in the back that point to things like:
How we, like Samantha in the story push God away; God’s pursuit of us; looking at possible cycles in our life that we need to break free of; do we settle or are we settling for less than God wants to give us; do we feel not good enough; have we realized as Landon in the story says that love is a gift, not to be earned?
I highly recommend the read…it is a story that reflects the amazing love and grace of God who loved us while we were still in our sin… Who fought for us (died for us), and saved us… it is a gift that we did not earn or deserve.
How we, like Samantha in the story push God away; God’s pursuit of us; looking at possible cycles in our life that we need to break free of; do we settle or are we settling for less than God wants to give us; do we feel not good enough; have we realized as Landon in the story says that love is a gift, not to be earned?
I highly recommend the read…it is a story that reflects the amazing love and grace of God who loved us while we were still in our sin… Who fought for us (died for us), and saved us… it is a gift that we did not earn or deserve.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Sacred Marriage
I have been reading Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas... This book is a must read, not only for your marriage but for your spiritual walk… The way you look at your relationship with Christ, the way you look at trials and making sure your focus is eternally set… Persevering, growing, bearing fruit and knowing true love and lasting joy that is found not in your mate but in your Maker. Not that you can't have love and joy with your mate... But your mate isn't perfect and neither are you - only God is. Only God can be your all ... Any way read the book!
More to come on this book once I am done...
More to come on this book once I am done...
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