The Journey of Desire

The Journey of Desire by John Eldredge

Another wonderful book by Eldredge that will stir your heart, awaken you to truth about desire and our journey we are on. Reminds us to live the abundant life and to realize what all God has in store for us in the Kingdom – blessing, joy, LIFE! This book was so in tune with all that God is currently teaching me through Scripture and in my quiet time with Him… I definitely recommend it!

Beguiled

Beguiled by Deeanne Gist and J. Mark Bertrand

I hated for this book to end I really liked the characters and the story! Beguiled is a first time collaborative writing of Gist and Bertrand and I applaud them… Great job! I have read Gist’s (Christian) Romance books in the past and found her to have wonderful wit, characters and humor. Bertrand has added the mystery in to the mix and I can only hope they may collaborate on another book.

Beguiled takes place in Charleston’s historic area where Rylee is a dog walker to the wealthy that live there. There is a thief terrorizing the area and much more going on than meets the eye especially where Rylee is concerned. In comes reporter Logan Woods who is covering the break-ins and also hoping to write a book on the crime past and present in Charleston. Danger starts closing in and both Rylee and Logan will have to figure out who they can trust.

A book you should pick up. 4 ½ stars.

A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23

A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller

I had a dear friend recommend this book to me… and I found it delightful. Keller’s look at Psalm 23 is full of insights and analogies sure to inspire you to a deeper walk and devotion to our good Shepherd. It is a small book so it could be a quick read however I decided to break it up and do it more as a devotional reading. Wonderful!

The Apothecary’s Daughter

The Apothecary’s Daughter by Julie Klassen

Another wonderful story from Klassen, who I have come to appreciate how she weaves wonderful characters, historical information, some mystery, some romance, and the journey of faith. In this story we follow Lilly through her time at home as the Apothecary’s daughter and then as she is taken under her Aunt and Uncle’s wing for the Season in London… She discovers the ups and downs of society and meets several interesting people along the way to discovering truth about her family, friends, love, life and faith. I kept turning the pages to see how it would all work out! A delightful read and very enlightening on the subject of Apothecaries and early medicine. 4 Stars.

Three Cups of Tea

Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin

(Book Club book #2) Three Cups of Tea is the true story of mountaineer Greg Mortenson and his impact in Pakistan (and later Afghanistan) by going into remote villages and building schools to educate boys and girls. There is so much more to this story … It is an amazing and inspiring story. I admire the courage of Mortenson and the men and women who work alongside him to accomplish these feats. You will see that Mortenson and others with him know what it means to be selflessness, to sacrifice. Beyond that it is also a story of honor, courage, hope, joy, sorrow, love and commitment.

The story begins in 1993 when Mortenson fails on his attempt to climb K2 and stumbles into an impoverished Pakistan village. The people there care for him and embrace him. While he is there he sees a need and he makes a promise… to come back and build a school for these people. However, this is not an easy feat as he is not a man with the means to do this. He does not let that stop him from trying and succeeding in his effort. Upon his return however he sees the greater need of the area far and wide … and so continues the story of the years after that first school was built, through the 9/11 era and after… Hardship, trials, perseverance and success are all part of the journey. This is a story of bringing about change through love and service, overcoming ignorance and hates to minister to those in need.

This was not a story about purposely having an eternal impact but definitely one on having a positive, earthly impact for potentially generations to come ... However, one hopes that what is being done will open a door or plant a seed that will blossom into something of lasting eternal value... Only God knows that but I am sure He has His Soverign hand in this. I applaud Mortenson and the others for what they are doing and for being an example of what commitment, sacrifice, humbleness, love and a servant heart look like. In that regard it was an example of following what Jesus has taught, commanded and by his life shown us to do. As followers of Christ this story should spurn us on to live and love as Christ did and to be as dedicated, selfless, courageous and loving for the eternal good of those we meet. This life is fleeting and will all pass away the only thing that remains is what is of eternal value... May this story of hope spurn you on to living beyond yourself.

If you are interested in purchasing this book or helping this cause go to their website (click here) and check it out.  If you purchase the book from their site 7% of the profits from the book sale will go to the cause.

Walking with God

Walking with God by John Eldredge

In this book you journey with Eldredge through a year… It is broken up into Seasons not into chapters. There are some wonderful things this book points you to look at and meditate upon as it pushes you to a deeper intimacy with God. You will find an ongoing discussion on Joy – and not letting the enemy stealing your joy. Constant prayer, asking God’s direction and listening… asking deeper questions for more clarification and direction – Prayer, prayer, prayer. Watching out for agreements/strongholds and fighting spiritual warfare. Discerning what is an attack of the enemy and what is of God. “You shall know them by their fruit”, is it good or bad… Is it from God or the Enemy? “Genuine conviction brings repentance – not judgment or contempt. Genuine conviction brings us back to God it does not say You’ve blown it so badly he has removed himself from you” (p. 194). This is just a sampling … there is much that is applicable and helpful in your walk. Recommended!

The Silent Governess

The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen

Join a nineteenth-century governess as she makes her way in an English manor where nothing is as it seems… mystery, romance and learning trust God are all part of the mix. Olivia seems to find herself in one mix-up after another, in what can be deemed wrong choices. However, we are to find that the unseen hand of God has been at work all along. Another good read by Klassen!