Uncomfortably Challenging

Radical
David Platt

Radical is definitely a book that challenges the heart of modern American Christianity. While this is uncomfortable, it brings out truths that need to be recognized. As Americans, we often become so caught up in the American dream that we forget about the rest of the world that is out there. We forget how many people have no knowledge of the love of Jesus Christ because we are too busy figuring out how and when we will get that big screen television, new car, (insert expensive item) here. This book challenges believers to something different. It asserts that we so often claim we don’t know what God’s will for us is, and while that may be true to an extent, we often use it as a cop out excuse to avoid what we know he is calling us to. We are called to GO. Go and make disciples of ALL nations. Platt makes this incredibly clear and by the end of the book sets up a one year challenge for those who want to truly begin a lifestyle that is indeed radical.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review, however all opinions within the review are my own.

Under the Overpass...INCREDIBLE BOOK!

This book was the story of two college guys who decided to completely step outside their comfortable lives and chose to live homeless on the streets of 5 major U.S. cities. Their story was incredible and inspiring. Homelessness is such a difficult issue to relate to or understand. It is so easy to ignore someone on the street and blame them for their situation without ever taking the time to hear their story or care about their circumstances. Reading this book made me seriously contemplate how I relate to those who are homeless and what I should be doing to reflect the love of Jesus to everyone I meet. Reading the stories of so many homeless people and the problems they face really made me realize that they are a population that is often so ignored and we often see them as being 'beneath' the rest of society. I loved this first-hand account of what it is like to be homeless and if you are looking for a book to really challenge you to live all that you say you believe (or even if you aren't looking), this book is an incredible read.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review, but all opinions within the review are my own

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The Butterfly Effect was a short yet inspirational book. The goal of it is to point out that everything each of us does matters. We may never know the impact of a single action, but each does have an impact. Based on that idea, the author encourages each person that they have the power to make a difference—essentially to change the world. He uses great examples of events we are familiar with and traces them back to single actions of people most people have more than likely never heard of. This book is a short, gift-type book. It was definitely an easy read, but has a great inspirational message and an interesting format for the reader.

A Time to Embrace

A Time To Embrace by Karen Kingsbury

Karen Kingsbury is one of my favorite authors, and this book only reinforced that opinion. It is the sequel to her book “A Time to Dance.” John Reynolds is a high school football coach. He and his wife Abby have recently repaired a marriage that is falling apart and are more in love than ever. However, just as things become great for the Reynolds family, John begins receiving letters questioning his coaching ability and threatening his job. Before long an even bigger tragedy strikes testing the faith of all involved. This is an incredible story of forgiveness, hope, and the incredible faithfulness of God.
I absolutely loved this book. You fall in love with all of the characters right from the beginning. They just seem so genuine and real and you want the best for them. This book made me cry on a series of occasions because Karen Kingsbury creates characters that are easy to relate to and feel for. I also loved that this book, though a fictional story, held so many deep spiritual truths that could be taken away. I completely recommend this and also suggest that you read the first book in the series as well.

Thomas Nelson Publishers provided me with a free copy of this book for review but all opinions within the review are my own.

You Can Be Everything God Wants You to Be

You Can Be Everything God Wants You to Be
By Max Lucado

This book was aimed at helping each person realize that God made them uniquely and has a special plan for them. Each section contained a topic that focused on either finding your strengths, understanding where those fit in the big picture, and actually acting on becoming all God wants you to be. This book was a quick read, made up of excerpts from Lucado’s “Cure for the Common Life.” Having not read “Cure for the Common Life” I was able to enjoy the concisely put insights of this book without feeling jipped. This book takes a look at living up to ones potential, particularly looking at what motivates and inspires people and how we can take the things we love and use them for Gods glory and our fulfillment. This book is particularly relevant because in contemporary America it is so easy to get caught up in materialism—that promotion or pay increase without regards to our gifts and talents—our place in God’s plan. So, though just skimming the surface, if you are ready to begin embracing the person God wants you to be and the tools he has given you to begin the journey, “You Can Be Everything God Wants You to Be” is a great place to start.

Thomas Nelson publishers provided me with a free copy of this book in exchange for a review, however all opinions within the review are mine.

Love on a Dime

So I joined a great program called booksneeze. I am provided with a book in exchange for my review of it. I am thoroughly enjoying it so far. Below is my review of the first book I read, "Love on a Dime."

Love on a Dime by Cara Lynn James
Lilly is a young socialite growing up in New England taken with penning dime novels using a pen name, an activity that is very looked down upon by those in the wealthy society in which she loves. As this conflict is occurring, her former love appears in her life once again, only to find her courting a rich young man who doesn’t seem right for her. This story tells Lilly’s journey as she learns to trust God with her career, and her love life in her materialistic, appearance-consumed culture.

Though a bit predictable, this book caught my attention from the beginning and held it all the way through. The characters were easy to connect with and I felt for Lilly as she struggled with trusting God and letting go of her fears of what others think. The love story was a great part of the plot because it was sweet, yet conflict-filled, which added suspense to the novel. I would highly recommend this book for some light, enjoyable reading.

Thomas Nelson Publishing provided me with a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for my review, however all opinions within the review are mine.