Book Review - He Holds My Hand by Carol Kent

AqBOUT THE BOOK:

When Carol Kent’s son was sentenced to life in prison without parole, Carol was consumed with grief, sadness, and despair. She was distraught wondering why God permitted this to happen. She had prayed for her son since he was a small child. He had been raised with biblical principles and daily prayer. As Carol tried to make sense of everything, she couldn’t help asking, Where’s God when it hurts so much?

In the middle of her sorrow, Carol turned to the place where she had always gone for comfort—the Bible. She was desperate to hear God’s voice. She soon discovered that the best way for her to “listen” to His voice was to meditate on…

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Carol Kent is a bestselling author and a popular public speaker best known for being dynamic, humorous, encouraging, and biblical. She is a former radio show cohost whose messages have been featured on Focus on the Family. She has been a keynote speaker at Women of Faith, Time Out for Women, and Heritage Keepers arena events, as well as a presenter at The Praise Gathering for Believers and Vision New England's Congress. In addition, she has also been featured at many of the Extraordinary Women and Women of Joy arena events.

Connect with Carol on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/authorcarolkent and on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/CarolKentSpeaks

www.CarolKent.org

www.SpeakUpConference.com

www.SpeakUpSpeakerServices.com

MY REVIEW:

Each and every devotion in this beautiful book speaks to my heart! I have always loved the writing and speaking of Carol Kent and this devotional is extraordinary.

She writes from the point of view of God speaking to us. Each devotional is Biblical and encouraging. There is a theme for each day, an encouraging quote, the devotional and finally the Scripture the devotional is based on. 

October 30th’s devotion really spoke to my heart. It’s on Tenderness and she shares how when others hurt us we put a wall up so we don’t get hurt. However, sometimes we can extend that wall against God and not allow Him to get close either. He understands our hurts though and wants us to hold His hand through our road together. This is based on James 5:11. Isn’t this just so reassuring and comforting?

The whole book is like this. I have highlighted and made notes throughout this devotion and I very rarely do that with my other devotionals. This one is just that special.

I highly recommend this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by Tyndale Publishers

Blessing - Julie

Bible Review & Giveaway - KJV Know the Word Study Bible

ABOUT THE BIBLE:

The study of God's Word can be easy and rewarding if you break down the Bible into easy-to-understand segments. The KJV Know the Word Study Bible offers three easy ways to begin studying Scripture and helps individuals transition from being a casual reader of theBible to becoming a regular student of the Bible. You can choose to study the Bible book-by-book, verse-by-verse, or topic-by-topic; each path offers powerful insights that will help you develop a daily routine of Bible study.

The book-by-book series of notes leads you through the main points of each book of the Bible. The verse-by-verse notes help you to dig deeper into God's Word. The topic-by-topic articles, which cover 21 theological topics, guide you through a series of insightful notes and give you a thorough biblical understanding of each topic. With thebeautiful and timeless text of the KJV translation, the KJV Know the Word Study Bible offers you choices of how to study Scripture and grow in your relationship with Christ.

Features include:

-King James Version Bible text
-Three easy approaches to study the Bible: 1. Book by Book; 2. Verse by Verse; 3. Topic by Topic
-Insightful introductions for each book of Scripture
-Words of Jesus in red
-Beautiful two-color interior page design
-Comprehensive list of theological notes
-Concordance
-Full-color maps
-8-point type size

ABOUT THE PUBLISHER:

In business since 1798, Thomas Nelson is one of the oldest Bible publishers in theworld and the largest publisher of the King James Version. Their mission is to inspire the world by using our talents, assets, opportunities, and influence to engage and equip people with Scripture and draw people to a deeper study and understanding of God's Word.

Find out more about Thomas at https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com.

TO ENTER GIVEAWAY CLICK ON GRAPHIC:

MY REVIEW:

I’ve really enjoyed this Bible! It’s packed with so much information and I’ve learned things I didn’t know about before. 

This Bible is easy to read because the font is large enough for most of us to read easily. The wonderful study notes at the bottom of each page are so great for helping us to understand what we are reading in the Scriptures. 

My favorite thing is the “Study The Book” sections throughout the Bible. These blocks of information are so wonderful because they give you a greater understanding of the times and people you’re reading about. This information is written in a story-like fashion so it’s easily understood and interesting to read. 

This is a wonderful Bible for reading and for using with your Bible studies. It will help you understand the Bible in a deeper way. I give this Bible 5 out of 5 stars.

*This Bible was provided to me for my honest review by LitFuse Publicity Group

Blessings - Julie

Update on Me...

It has been a struggle, dear friends. I have been through the most embarrassing situations with this ileostomy. It has humbled me and brought me lower than even my leg surgery did three years ago.

To be frank, I am dealing with poo. I had a post across my ostomy that should have been removed before I left the hospital, but wasn't, because of a lack of communication. This caused such a problem because the ostomy bag couldn't be put on properly. This in turn, damaged my skin to the point of blisters. You can't get anything to stick to blisters. The post was finally taken off and we all thought it would get better but we were wrong. The skin was too damaged.

So the last month has been spent at the ER, getting the bag replaced or waiting for my home nurses to come. I can't see the stoma because the doctor placed it too low. I have to have help and will need to until this ordeal is over. I have had some of my skin get better and I've actually had a couple of the bags stay on for 24 hours. However, they are supposed to stay on for 3 days so you can see that I'm still not where I need to be.

I do not want this post to be about all the negative. I have had quite a few pity parties and shed so many tears. However, I have never been alone. God has shown Himself to me in so many ways. In the kindness of the nurses at the ER and there were two doctors that were especially kind and understanding. I have a wonderful home care nurse that comes to help me when the bag falls off at night and that has been a true blessing.

My husband has been a loving caregiver, despite the fact that we are dealing with poo. Our washer is going constantly, it seems, and he has taken matters into his hands as far as my care. He has gone without sleep (which worries me) and always been kind. My son has been the same. He has helped on the days his dad just can't take another step and helped in ways that we are unable to do. He is very busy himself working nights, but he makes time out of his schedule to come and check on me and see how he's needed. I am blessed.

This surgery will be reversed (thank you, Jesus!) and for that I am thankful, too. When it's all over, I'm praying I am healthier and that things work perfectly for me.

I don't have any news really. I spend my days in my recliner hoping the bag doesn't leak or fall off. I am hoping soon I can get up and go about my days again without worrying about it, but for now, this is where I'm at. I'm not feeling especially well because I'm afraid to eat for fear the bag will come off. It's a hard road I'm on, however, this isn't forever and God has never left my side.

I apologize for talking about such a gross subject. I just wanted you to know what's happening with me and to ask you to pray for me. I would especially love prayer for strength and peace... and of course, for the bag to stay on a full three days would be a huge blessing. Also, please pray for my husband who is exhausted. It's not easy being a caregiver and it can just wear you out. Thank you!

Blessings to you all - Julie

Book Review - The Pretender - A Blackguard in Disguise

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Set in South Dakota in 1975, where eighteen-year-olds could order 3.2 beer in a bar, and loaded guns were kept under the counter.

Frankie Valli sang "My Eyes Adored You," and American soldiers returning from Vietnam struggled with their new reality.

It's within this tumultuous season of American history that Tillie Caselli meets Noah Hansen, and they are never the same again. Their lives were mysteriously intertwined-and had been for many years-yet they had no idea.

From the moment they met, Tillie and Noah wanted to spend the rest of their lives together, but a deliberate omission will keep them apart---and that same omission will be responsible for the escape of a murderer, and a bride's deception.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born and raised in South Dakota, Ta`Mara loves to write about the Great Plains and the beauty and people of Italia. While her husband and children manage their two pizza ristoranti, Ta`Mara works full time on The Caselli Family Series, and ministers to women. It is Ta`Mara s prayer that as the readers explore the truths in these volumes, they will come away with a new perspective on love, forgiveness, obedience, and God's plan for marriage

Find out more about Ta'Mara at https://www.tamarahanscombooks.com.

MY REVIEW:

This was a very interesting book - unlike anything I have ever read. I pulled me in right away and I felt very invested in the lives of Tillie and Noah.

As the book begins, we find Noah off track in his life. He's drinking and wasting his life, much to the regret of his older brother who has been responsible for him since he was a small boy. He's a "bad boy" who does what he wants despite the pleas of those in his life.

Tillie is a young artist who has plans for her life. She meets Noah under very strange circumstances and it's almost instant love for both of them. There is a deep connection between the two of them - so much so - that Noah decides to turn his life around. Things get very confusing after this.

There are a lot of story lines in this book - some of which I wasn't sure how they really related to Tillie and Noah, however, since this is book one of the series, I'm sure this will become clearer in the other books. I felt sad at how they were so convinced of what others told them about each other after them falling so hard for each other. I hated to see the turns their lives took because of these untruths.

This is a really fascinating story and, while there were some slow parts for me, I would definitely read it again and am looking forward to the next book in the series.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by LitFuse Publicity Group


Blessings - Julie

Book Review - The Gift of Heaven

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Dr. Charles Stanley is one of the most recognizable teachers and pastors in the world, having sold more than 11 million books through HarperCollins Christian Publishing. The Gift of Heaven, his first book on heaven, answers a strong felt need among consumers who have questions about God and what happens after we die. Drawn from a popular sermon series that Dr. Charles Stanley delivered at First Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, this teaching has never before been available in book form. The Gift of Heaven will appeal broadly to existing fans of Dr. Stanley as well as believers and nonbelievers alike who have questions about heaven.

Messages on Heaven, one of Dr. Stanley’s most-loved sermon series, has touched thousands of churchgoers with its encouraging, instructive teaching. Newly adapted for print for the first time, The Gift of Heaven will include topics such as:

 Heaven Is a Gift and a Relationship
 A Place Prepared for You
 What Will Be in Heaven (and What Will Not)
 Those You Love in Heaven
 The Door to Heaven Is Open
 The Best Is Yet to Come

This beautifully designed, four-color gift book will be a source of encouragement and inspiration for the weary traveler on earth who seeks his heavenly home. With similar design elements to those that made Christmas: A Gift for Every Heart so successful with a wide audience, The Gift of Heaven will be both visually appealing and theologically compelling.
Dr. Stanley’s proven history of sales, combined with a compelling topic and excellent design, will carry this book through evergreen sales for years to come.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Charles F. Stanley is the founder of In Touch Ministries and a New York Times  best-selling author. While his teaching is transmitted throughout the world to millions of people, Dr. Stanley has been said to demonstrate a practical, keen awareness of people's needs and provide Christ-centered, biblically-based principles for everyday life.

Dr. Stanley’s motivation is best represented by the truth found in Acts 20:24, “Life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and love.” This is because, as he says, “It is the Word of God and the work of God that changes people’s lives.”

MY REVIEW:

This is one of the most beautiful books I've ever seen! It is such a beautiful book visually but most of all in it's message.

The book is filled on each and every page with Dr. Stanley's gorgeous photographs. He is a true artist in his photography and I loved looking at each and every page. The message, though, is the most beautiful part.

I love how the Gospel is shared and how Dr. Stanley shares what we know about heaven from the Word of God. This would be an excellent book to share with someone that has questions about the saving grace of Jesus. It shows so beautifully what it means to have eternal life and answers so many questions. As someone who believes, I loved the promises that we know to be true shared in such an amazing way.

I love this book and have gone through it and read it and looked at the photos so many times. I'm keeping it on my coffee table so I can look through it but also for others to look through. It's a wonderful way to share the truths about heaven with others.

I highly recommend this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by BookLook Bloggers program



Blessings - Julie

Book Review - Counseling Under the Cross

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Martin Luther not only reformed theology, but his understanding of the gospel revolutionized soul care.

In Counseling Under the Cross, biblical counselor and noted author Bob Kellemen explains how Martin Luther's gospel-centered and cross-focused pastoral care transformed his own approach to soul care.

As Kellemen mines Luther's own writings and other first hand accounts, readers will gain a new understanding of how Luther richly, relevantly, robustly, and relationally applied the gospel to suffering, sin, sanctification, and our search for peace with God. Counseling Under the Crosswill guide pastors, counselors, lay leaders, and friends toward a rich understanding of the gospel that will directly impact their personal ministry to others.

Through lively vignettes, real-life stories, and direct quotes from Luther, readers will be equipped to apply the gospel to themselves and others so together they find their hope and help in Christ alone.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robert W. Kellemen, PhD, is the Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Chair of the Biblical Counseling Department at Crossroads Bible College and the founder and CEO of RPM Ministries. He is also the author of many books, including "Gospel-Centered Counseling" and "Gospel Conversations." Bob and his wife Shirley have two children and two grandchildren.

Find out more about Bob at http://www.rpmministries.org.

MY REVIEW:

This is a wonderful book that shares the truth of the Gospel and what it means to have eternal life through Jesus Christ.

I really liked how this book points us to the basic yet vital importance of the Gospel in our counseling of others. I have had the opportunity to counsel others and this book is most helpful in really emphasizing the compassion and love of God for us.

My very favorite thing was the letter that Martin Luther sent to his mother when she was not feeling well. It was such a beautiful loving letter and puts in a nutshell the very thing that Luther is sharing about the Word of God as he counsels his own mother.

This is a very deep book but such an enjoyable book! It is definitely going to be something I refer to again and again as I share with others what the Gospel means in their lives. There is so many wonderful things to be gleaned from this book and I highly recommend it to everyone but especially to those in pastoral care. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by LitFuse Publicity Group



Blessings - Julie

Book Review - These Healing Hills

ABOUT THE BOOK;

Francine Howard has her life all mapped out--until the man she loves announces his plans to bring home an English bride from war-torn Europe in 1945. Devastated, Francine seeks a fresh start in the Appalachian Mountains, training to be a nurse midwife for the Frontier Nursing Service.

Deeply affected by the horrors he witnessed at war, Ben Locke has never thought further ahead than making it home to Kentucky. His future shrouded in as much mist as his beloved mountains, he's at a loss when it comes to envisioning what's next for his life.

When Francine's and Ben's paths intersect, it's immediately clear that they are from different worlds and value different things. But love has a way of healing old wounds . . . and revealing tantalizing new possibilities.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several Shaker novels--The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted--as well as Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, Love Comes Home, Words Spoken True, and The Heart of Hollyhill series. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Learn more at www.annhgabhart.com

MY REVIEW:

I have really enjoyed Ann Gabhart's mystery novels and had never read her other writings. I am so glad I got to read this book! I enjoyed it so much!

Fran is a nurse that is part of the Frontier Nursing Service in the hills of Kentucky. I had never heard of this before and was excited to learn that it was actually something that had been started in 1925 to help the families that lived in these remote areas. I found all this so interesting and we follow along as Fran takes care of the people in her district.

She has chosen to do this after her fiance writes her that he has fallen in love with someone else he met while in the service and located in England. She is devastated and wants a new start. Add in her over-bearing, martyr mother and she is anxious to get away from Cincinnati and make a new life.

I love how Fran opens her heart to the people in the mountains. She sees the good in everyone and accepts them who they are. There are other nurses that tell her to keep her distance but she is too kind and loving and this definitely helps her in her nursing skills. I like that she always sees the good in others.

When she meets Ben, he is rescuing her after she gets lost on the winding mountain paths. She has a bad sense of direction and he finds her when she gets on the wrong path. There is instant attraction but they are both afraid of showing their feelings for different reasons.

I really loved this story! It is a definite page turner and I loved each and every character. I felt really invested in their lives and was sad to get to the last page. I highly recommend this book and I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by Revell Publishing



Blessings - Julie

Grace and Perseverance

Sometimes, life gives you a little more difficulty than you expected. This is one of those times for me.    

I had surgery for my diverticulitis on September 26th. What I had expected (and told) would be a very simple operation, wasn't. My colon was so diseased and horrid, she had to do an ileostomy that I will have for three months. My hospital stay was longer than expected and I've been to the ER three times since coming home. I've been quite sick (although improving each day) and haven't been able to take care of business here on the blog.

I have two giveaways to choose winners from and some books reviews. I haven't forgotten! I am asking for some grace to feel a little better before getting back to business.

Thank you so much and I would really appreciate your prayers.

Blessings - Julie

Bible Review - CSB Readers Bible

ABOUT THIS BIBLE:

The CSB Reader's Bible provides the perfect opportunity to read the Bible in its original and simplified form, uninterrupted by verse and chapter references. This unique Bible reading experience invites the reader to encounter God's Word as a grand narrative and have a fresh experience with the Bible. 

Features include: Single-column reader's text, Simplified page design, 10-point type, Ribbon marker, Smyth-sewn binding, and more.

The CSB Reader's Bible features the highly reliable, highly readable text of the Christian Standard Bible (CSB), which stays as literal as possible to the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity. The CSB’s optimal blend of accuracy and readability makes Scripture more moving, more memorable, and more motivating to read and share with others. 

MY REVIEW:

I really like this Bible so much. From it's beautiful cover to the easy to read font, it's a real pleasure to sit down and read this Bible.

There are no chapter or verse numbers in this Bible so it's really less distracting when you want to sit down and just read the Bible. At first, I thought this would be something I wouldn't enjoy as much but I was wrong. With out the distraction of the chapter and verse numbers or notations, you're reading the Bible as you would any book and I actually found myself noticing things in books I've read countless times.

I found the Christian Standard version very easy to understand so it was easy to read through without trouble. The pages have a nice sturdy feel to them so if you do want to highlight or take notes, you'll be able to do so without worry of damaging the page.

I have greatly enjoyed sitting down with this Bible and just reading it for the pure pleasure of reading. It has opened up new eyes for me as I read and I love that I don't feel the pressure to study, per se, but to just enjoy the beautiful Word of God.

I highly recommend this Bible and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

*This Bible was provided to me for my honest review by B&H Bloggers 

Blessings - Julie

Bible Study Review - Worthy of the Calling

MY REVIEW:

This is such a unique but full of blessings Bible study! I am fortunate enough to be on the launch team for this Bible study and it has been such a great experience digging deep in this study and also getting to know it's sweet author, Sarah Koontz. She has such a heart for God!

The great thing about this study is that it really is just 15 minutes a day to grow deeper in love with God and truly appreciate more about His Word.

Each day starts with a Scripture reading and then there is so much information for you to really chew on. This is not a "milk" study - it's a definite "meat" study. I learned so much even though I have read and studied Ephesians before. That said, this study is great for new Christians as it's not over the head yet it's also great for more seasoned Christians as it's not too simplistic.

The exciting thing is Sarah is going to have a free 31 online Bible study! It starts October 16th and it will totally bless your life! You can find more about this study and how to sign up HERE.

I highly recommend this study. In just 15 minutes, you'll grow in your walk with the Lord, be inspired and be blessed.

*This study was provided to me for my honest review by Sarah Koontz

Blessings - Julie